How to be the best front player in Singapore?

Ask Francis otherwise known as "Kiko". Our friend from the Philippines will be back in Singapore by November this year. Kiko was part of the champion team that won the PALS Division 2 in 2007. Back then he was playing for Global Gutz as a front player but he has since joined the Real Pinoy and will be participating in this year's Asia World Cup. The last time when he was in town, he imparted his skills to the paintball community. Those who were there will most probably remember "Kiko" for his charismatic smile and how fast he is on the field. He will be in Red Dynasty when he visits Singapore again. So keep a look out for him. The best in Asia? You will know what I mean when you see him on the field. Btw, he was coaching Carnage when they first started...

Marker for Assigned Registered Keeper (MARK) policy

Marker for Assigned Registered Keeper (MARK), otherwise known as MARK policy is not rocket science. What is this all about? What will this evolve to? Is it worthwhile doing this? Today, I will share my thoughts about the MARK policy which will be the first door to opening speedball to Singaporeans.

As Malaysia is far more established in the area of paintball as compared to us, we will have to watch and learn. I was once told by a very senior paintball person that paintball was first introduced to Singapore first. But let's look at how far we have gone? Our neighbours have gone a step earlier than us, Nation's Cup in 2004 was an eye opener, the Asia World Cup will be in its 3rd year, the Asia Pacific Paintball Federation (APPBF) was established with an Asian Series known as the Paintball Asia League (PALS). A recent introduction to the paintball scene is the new Asia Paintball Registry, a database to capture all records of paintball players in Asia.

So, yes we are definitely behind...Can we catch up to them? well...possible. Any time soon? No.

How then can we go about developing paintball in Singapore? Play it like the real thing.

This is where MARK comes in. In simple terms, MARK is simply marker tagging. Marker is tagged to a player who will have exclusive use of the marker whenever he plays paintball. This is not rocket science but something that has been implemented for years in Singapore, especially in gun clubs in Singapore. Except that it will be extremely expensive to become a member of the gun club thus the take up rate is low.

MARK will open up a whole new era to paintball in Singapore. With the introduction of e-markers in Singapore, many will be aware about the game and eventually create room for the sport to grow in Singapore. Yes, no doubt there is a cost to be in MARK but surely we have to start somewhere.

When Singapore first decided to leave the Malaysia Cup in 1995 and start the S-League, many people find it unwelcoming. But surely, we have to start somewhere. What are the potential for MARK?

- More people playing paintball? Hopefully...we should now that speedball is more interesting.

- Awareness of the game? Surely...look at that machine gun!

- E-marker division? Possible...just need to get enough people in MARK to start one.

- Singaporeans playing in Malaysia and PALS? Confirmed! Already we will have 5 teams playing in the upcoming MPOC and possibly up to 3 teams playing in the Divison 3 for PALS using e-markers. Fingers crossed.

- Recognition from Singapore Sports Council? hmmm...no comments but perhaps.

But its really up to the community. We are just opening up the opportunitites, whether it will work is still dependent on everyone. We are just trying to make paintball more fun and possibly play it the way we deem best fit the development in Singapore.

Sports Education Programme - SEP disappointed

Extracted from SEP website:

"The Sports Education Programme (SEP) is a collaborative partnership between Singapore Sports Council (SSC) and the Ministry of Education (MOE). Under SEP, each school is provided with a $10,000 dollar-to-dollar matching grant for them to take up sports programmes from an endorsed list. The SEP aims to advocate the importance of sports education, encourage sports participation in schools and increase sporting opportunities for the young. It also serves as an integrated and structured approach to link sports service providers with schools to ensure that innovative and quality sports programmes are delivered. "

I always get this question. "Have you tried going into schools?"

After applying for paintball introduction and speedball to be included into SEP since 6 months ago. I have received a reply from the SEP administrator. And here it goes:

"Lacking relevant coaching certification- NCAP theory level 1. Lacking coaching certification. Lacking First Aid certification"

This reply shows how much people know about paintball. Its jungle, its war, its uniform, its shooting one another, its blood, its expensive... no doubt. But there is more to it...so open your eyes guys...make it right.

Yes, there is no such thing as a coaching certificate for paintball. But no worries, PBAS is working on this. NCAP Level 1 Practical Paintball...interested?

But what amazes me most was the reply. I am saying this out of my own opinion and in no way should it be related to PBAS, Red Sevens, or the paintball community in Singapore. This is personal as the application was submitted using my name and the credientials of my certification was in questioned.

I went for NCAP Level 1 Theory in 2004 organised by SSC, got Level 1 Basketball Practical in 2005. Registered with Basketball Association Singapore for 2 years as a registered coach. Assistant to coaching staff for tertiary basketball team. Completed netball orientation to coaching in 2005 organised by Netball Singapore. Completed coaching certification level 1 with Basketball Australia. Completed a part time diploma in Sports and Exercise Sciences with Blackburn College. And still I am not good enough. The point I am trying to make is...the reason that was given is NCAP Level 1 theory...I am very sure if not 100% sure that I have supercede the requirment. So I wrote back to them.

And the reply was: "We did indicated clearly that we will need all the necessary supporting document" Fair enough...I am sure I did not submit all the documents needed. Sorry for that.

But could there be a form of review system to make up for it? E.g. what if my SEP application was before the time when I undergo coaching certification, what happens then? Isnt there a database that you can check? Which means, if I submit a bogus certification...do you take that for real?

Again...we are all short sighted... rejection is easy but picking up is never easy.

Paintball in schools? Never that easy...Paintball in schools for 2009? Just got booted.

Bye 2008...Hello 2009!

We have concluded the Singapore Paintball Novice Series 2008. It was all fun.

The Overall Champion went to PSG Warfreakz, having participated in all 3 legs, 2 podium finish and accumulating enough points to pit everyone else, see them sitting comfortably at the top. Congratulation guys! You have made history. First champion of the SPNS!

Also, it was good to see the rise of another paintball team, Team Carnage which is led by Thomas Lee, the nominated MVP for Leg 2. Carnage has always been a formiable team, good in paintball fundamentals and obviously young and fast enough to make the dives and get into bunkers quickly. They have recruited a guest player, Sean from Death Maverick for this leg. I must say this is a good decision. Sean was playing paintball way before anyone else, before Thomas, before White Death was even formed, before there was Red Dynasty. I remember him wanting to play almost every weekend when he first hooked to the game. Young, humble, skillful... I would like to see how this young man can spur on the development of paintball in Singapore.

Little mentioned was this Leg's MVP, Faris who plays for Team R.A.G. Fine young body builder who just picked up paintball 3 weeks ago and there he was, recognized by the paintball community as the most valuable player for Leg 3. Fair enough... the other day, I was training Contract Killer on snapshooting and asked him to join us. This kid was amazingly accurate. While he still need some improvements on his stance. This guy is a natural...good on you mate! I could see the disappointment on his eyes when his team didnt make the cut to the 2nd round but there are so much potential.

We didnt get much media coverage for leg 3.

Kudos to redsports.sg for seeing the potential in paintball. I was actually quite disappointed that we only have a listing on TNP and nothing else. I was thinking maybe this time there are more things that could be newsworthy...but it doesnt seem like it. Never mind, we will continue to work hard to dispel your misconception about paintball.

I have heard this so many times, "Oh....paintball is not a sport" yah right! Next year, it will be in the World Games. If its not a sport, what about cup stacking? ballroom dancing? Anything can be a sport. Walking can be a sport. Just come and look at the intensity of how the game is being played. It is DEFINITELY, 100% NO DOUBT a sport. We have marshals, rules, fixtures, wins and losses...so how is it not a sport? I am confuse...all we need is a chance. So let us have it! A fair one please! So will it be a sport if we have a PALS Singapore next year? maybe, perhaps...

Anyway...here's to the paintball community in Singapore! We look forward to seeing all of you again for "SPNS 2009: Close to Heart"

When East meets West

This article was written by me after Ollie's clinic in Taiwan. I sent it to Dye hopping to get a column in some paintball magazines...but after a couple of months, I thought its good to share with even more people.

Venue: Taipei County Yingge Paintball Theme Park
Duration: 9 – 10 August 2008
Number of participants: 40

The Beijing Olympics 2008, an international sporting event participated by 205 countries from around the world is one of the highlights in the 2008 calendar. This mulit-sport event is watch by millions from across the globe and participated by more than 10000 athletes from around the world. While paintball is not an official event in the Summer Olympics, this adrenaline rushing sport has indeed a potential into make in BIG in the near future. Despite the fact that thousands of athletes and spectators travelled half way across the globe to witness the Olympics, a professional paintball player from the United States did the same to impart his knowledge of paintball to a group of paintball enthusiasts in Asia, Taiwan. An illustration of East meets West.
Attended by more than 40 Taiwanese and 2 Singaporeans, the “Oliver Lang Paintball Clinic in Taiwan” was conducted in Taipei County Yingge Paintball Theme Park that has facilities for both recreational and competitive group. Sponsored by DYE Asia, Team Shocker and Achilles Paintball, this clinic hopes to meet the objective of learning from the best in the world. Although paintball clinics by professional players are frequent in the United States and many European countries, clinics as such are hard to come by in Asia, especially when this clinic is conducted by the most iconic paintball player in the world, Oliver Lang from the Ironmen. The last paintball clinic that was held in Asia was in 2007 where another member of the Ironmen, Nicky Cuba was in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with Todd Martinez and Gary Shows to show pointers to Asia players.

After a brief introduction of his mission to Taiwan, Ollie emphasized on the day’s objective, which was working towards an improved individual shooting postures. 2 rounds of slow jog around the field kick start the clinic. This was followed by stretching all related working muscles, and so the training begun for Day 1.

Under a humid weather of 35 Degrees Celsius, participants were taught the fundamentals of playing behind different bunkers using different snapshooting postures. To ensure that the drill was effective, a total of 10 bunkers were set up to ensure that every participant goes through 3 rounds of practices! Yes, 30 times of snapshooting for the first practice. For someone who has not gone through snapshooting drills for a long time, my quadriceps was calling for help, not forgetting my calves and of course my gluteus maximus too! To make the practices realistic as game play, the inclusion of an opposing player was introduced. Yes, 30 times of getting hit if not careful and playing loosely…

“The clinic was effective, fun and interesting. A lot of emphasis was placed on adopting the right shooting posture” exclaimed Jane Koh who was one of the 2 participants who flew into Taiwan from Singapore after knowing about the clinic. Jane plays for a Singapore team known as the Red Sevens who participates in the Paintball Asia League Series (PALS), a tournament series in the Asia region.

To add icing to the clinic was the free tryout of the different paintball markers available at the DYE Asia booth. Participants can request for trial usage on all the DYE and Proto series, from entry level marker such as the SLG to the DYE signature series such as the Ollie Lang DM8. Talk about getting hands on the different markers… DYE Asia representative Ellen indicated that “It is our gesture of support to all participants of the clinic and we hope to make use of this opportunity to bridge professional paintball closer to the paintball community in Asia”. All participants of the clinic also each received a gift which comprised of paintball accessories such as lanyard, cap, marker feedneck and postcards.

After lunch and a photography session with OIlie Lang, participants were treated with more professional advice on the “art of bunkering”. Players were lined up behind boxes which acted as shooting targets and were asked to perform run through as an act of bunkering opponent players while switching the paintball marker between hands depending on which side the boxes were placed. After a couple of switching from left to right and right to left, participants were instructed to pick up speed in the run through.
Day 1 ended with a raffles draw with participants walking away with DYE masks and the new ultra light frame SLG.

Day 2 started with a recapped of Day 1’s practice followed by the appreciation of “flight path”. Flight path in this sense refers to the route in which the paintballs are travelling after they left the barrel. The appreciation of flight path allows a player to be aware of their opponent’s firing position and allow him/her to counter his firing suppression. Participants were told to step up to be “shot” by Ollie while observing the paintball flight path and avoid being hit. This was the most exciting part of the clinic as players were all focused and attentive trying their best not to be hit by the world number most prolific paintballer. As the day continued, the participants were also introduced to the proper techniques of sliding as Ollie performs a detailed stage by stage breakdown demonstration of the side slide and the “Superman” slide. A paintball clinic would not be called a clinic if all that were taught were not put into good use. Thus to convert all knowledge into practical sessions, participants were grouped into teams to compete against one another in a similar format as the widely popular X-ball format. Each team was supposed to play 4 qualifying games with the winning team walking away with a brand new SLG marker.
Throughout the 2 days clinic, relationships were fostered and the Asia paintball grew stronger but most important of all is having the opportunity to learn and appreciate the game of paintball from one of the world bests. While Asia paintball is gaining in popularity, it is also vital for players from this part of the world continue to adopt, play and appreciate the game that we all loved in the proper way. As Ollie Lang said before the end of the clinic, “I am also an apprentice of the Asian culture and always learning…”

Taiwan Mafia...

This man here...many people call him the paintball mafia in Taiwan, he runs the biggest paintball park in Taiwan. Knew him way back before speedball was introduced in Singapore. Nice guy, no air and most important of all, like to share his passion about paintball with people. In Taiwan, not many people regard him nicely...but then again, who cares? For someone who runs the biggest paintball park in Taiwan, I have to give him the best respect...

Ollie is a staff of RD too...

Dean Apcar...our friend from UK

Dean Apcar who plays for Medway Halloween was in town and decided to pay us a visit at Red Dynasty. It was a special appearance considering that we are a week away from SPNS and his visit was nicely time. Dean captained the Medway Halloween team which currently sits on 4th position of the M5 Millenium Series. Personally, I have learnt a trick or two from him....but the most amazing thing was to play alongside him and seeing him in action simply means that I will have to hit the gym soon.

Paintball in Singapore, the past and the present

Paintball in Singapore, the Past and the Present

Paintball was first introduced to Singapore in the year 1999. The first paintball facility (TAG Paintball) was established in the most eastern part of the city located in a family oriented resort known as Downtown East. This teambuilding game was somewhat similar to what many call “war” where two parties armed with paintball guns (commonly known as paintball markers in the paintball industry) go into the woods to shoot and “gun down” one another. As the famous phrase “no pain, no gain”, participants who are shot often left the game with bruise marks on their body after being shot at during the course of the game. With strict rules and regulations in Singapore, paintball markers have since been classified as firearm equipment. With the essential elements of teambuilding activity such as communication, strategizing and teamwork, the game of paintball has commonly been adopted as the game for all ages to “settle their differences” on the field. This has led to the establishment of 2 other paintball facilities in Sentosa (Power Paintball Park) and Toa Payoh in the late 90’s. However, these 2 establishments had to call it quits early as the cost of operating a paintball field in a land scarce country such as Singapore, is almost not the most cost effective business plan.

Since their closure, paintball was never in the mind of many Singaporeans and it became one of the most unheard of teambuilding activities with lurking myths such as expensive, army-liked, promotion of violence and the most important of all, dangerous. While it took 7 days to create earth, paintball development was in dormant for 8 years, all waiting for the right time to shed its skin. As Singapore moves towards national education, another paintball facility (Cross Fire) was established in 2005 on the western part of Singapore to allow Singaporeans to understand the importance of working together and if it fails so will our city.

While paintball was not potentially developed in Singapore for 8 years, its popularity is growing in numbers in most countries. With a growing number of participants every year, paintball has over the years become an activity that is suitable for people of all ages and different gender. The first paintball game was played in the woods with players dressed in camouflage uniforms spending an entire day out in the woods looking for “kills”. To create awareness and general acceptance of the game by the public, paintball has evolved from woods game into a team sports where many people are passionate about. Today, many people still begin their first paintball experience in the woods but move on the another evolution of the game otherwise known as speedball if they are more passionate in achieving well in the sports.

The first group of people who introduces speedball to Singapore belongs to a group of paintball enthusiasts who call themselves the Red Sevens. Since their formation, they have conducted numerous paintball awareness games and the promotion of paintball as a sport to many Singaporeans. Due to the lack of speedball facility, the team has to travel to Malaysia to practice and learn the game. Red Sevens represented Singapore as the first speedball team by participating in the 2nd Leg of Malaysia Paintball Official Circuit in 2007. Singapore also received its first international representation when Red Sevens was invited as the only Singapore team to participate in the Asia World Cup 2007 and the NPPL Asia Championship 2008. During the National Day Parade 2008, Red Sevens was featured on the segment of “Red on Red” and was shown live telecast to spectators of the parade.

The first paintball tournament that saw the participation of international teams from across the world was held in Malaysia and known as the Nations Cup. This inaugural international paintball tournament which was held in 2004 twinkle the light to allow more people in Asia to become aware of paintball. In 2007, the Asia World Cup which was held in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia was recognized as one of the top 50 events for the “Visit Malaysia Year” to mark its 50th Anniversary of independence from the colonial occupation.

With the support of the Singapore Sports Council, Paintball Singapore Society was formed in 2007 as a paintball interest group; it was not long that the name was eventually changed to Paintball Association (Singapore) PBAS to allow a structural overseeing of the development of paintball in Singapore. The primary objective of the PBAS is to ensure progressive development of paintball as a sport in Singapore. To allow paintball to develop into a mainstream sport in Singapore, members from the PBAS devised a Basic Tournament Orientation (BTO) course to allow beginners who are interested in pursuing the sport to undergo a theory and practical orientation to ensure that participants are aware of the necessary safety precautions when handling a paintball markers and other safety aspects of the game. After its formation, the PBAS was included as a recognized paintball association under the Asia Pacific Paintball Federation (APPBF) which oversees the development of paintball in the Asia Pacific region. The APPBF which is recognized by the Millennium Series and the Paintball Sports Promotion (PSP) went on to organize the Paintball Asia League Series (PALS) and the Asia World Cup.

Singapore’s first speedball facility (Red Dynasty Paintball Park) was established in 2007 to facilitate the growth of speedball in Singapore. In less than 3 months of its establishment, Singapore’s inaugural paintball tournament, Singapore Paintball Novice Series (SPNS), a 3-legged paintball tournament was borne with 7 participating teams. A local team named Redlords was crowned the inaugural champion of the event. In its first, the competitive paintball in Singapore was first featured on Straits Times sports section and on television with Channel News Asia during Leg 2 of SPNS.

While there are cultural differences and disparity in the regulation of laws in all countries of the world, paintball in Singapore will continue to grow and progress with more people getting awareness of the sport. While it takes time to grow a sport with good foundational base, the way in which paintball develops in the world has a direct impact on how paintball can be perceived as a mainstream sport as compared to the rest. While there are upcoming developmental plans for paintball to grow in Singapore, it is everybody’s effort to see and support the continual growth of this sport in Singapore.

Will he be in Singapore?

Photo with Ollie...he might be in town later this year.

Anyone wants to show him around just like how we did for Dynasty and Infamous... Let me know.

Possible things that we can do when he is in town:

1) Meet the players session

2) Interview by the media

3) Tour around Singapore

4) Exhibition game with Singapore based teams

Possible...just need to plan for it.

Paintball Formula in Singapore

No BTO = Centerline = No speedball = No tournament

Cheap paintballs = Paintball breaks in marker and loader = Frustration = Lousy experience

Talk bad about people behind their back = Got found out = No more good deals

Mech marker = Cheaper = Use lesser paintballs

Wait for things to happen = Dont complain = Do something to make it right

PALS in Singapore = Possible = Just need more people

E-markers = Nice to play with = Expensive? Maybe? = Cross borders No No

More players = more games = cheaper paintballs

Complain a lot = Go elsewhere = Cant be bothered with you = go make trouble with the rest

MPOC Leg 5 with Singapore representation..."Make this happen"

MPOC Leg 5 is a very special event for paintballers in Singapore. Firstly, it is the closest paintball event from Singapore. Secondly, most of the teams from Malaysia will flock down South to attend this event which means that you will get to see some of the best. Thirdly, we can also showcase our progression since we started introducing speedball to Singaporeans. Last year, there were 2 teams from Singapore, the Red Sevens of course...and the other is Team Climax, a group of cycling enthusiasts who wanted to try out paintball as part of their adventure in trying out all "extreme" sports. Team Climax got a rude shock....a rude shock....they came prepared having done one session with us. But it was too overwhelming for them...eventually, they decided to pack up and go home even before the day ended. 2008 will be different from last year....very different.

We have 5 Singapore based representatives...2 will be playing in Division 3, the rest will be playing in Division 4. Which is exactly what we promised....5 Singapore based teams playing in the MPOC. We did it!!! But did we....

No doubt, paintball has grown from zero to what it has become today...a regular weekend sport for your normal being. To date, there are more than 120 tournament registered players in Singapore. For the last 10 years, we have none... Players go through a Basic Tournament Orientation (BTO) course similar to a driving practical test for driving to determine if they are good enough to understand the basic safety and fundamental of playing speedball. Of course...its up to the player to determine how good he/she is by practicing and practicing and practicing...without practices, you can still be a lousy player even if you passed the BTO. What amazes me...was the fact that the BTO was made a laughing matter by the people who took the orientation. An overseas graduates went overseas to study in an unknown university for 3 years, come back to Singapore with an honours degree...and during a job interview, he was ridiculed by his employers about the credibility of his degree...but instead of standing up for himself to prove his worth. He joined in and laughed to admit that his degree certificate is indeed lousier than the rest. Hmmm...doesnt make sense to me. You know who you are...so period. In fact, when we showed the BTO test sheet to PALS, they were impressed...

In my years of experience working in a tertiary school and involvement in the sports industry in Singapore. I have met many people who want to "make things happen" for the sport that they love. They either succeed or they failed...some push through difficulties to make things work....some just resigned to their fate, knowing that no matter what they do...they will always be judged and that they will never be good.

2 years ago...I was scouting around Kallang area and came upon a floorball place known as Valhall. What surprised me was the fact that this place was unheard of....newly opened....and provides the first Singapore indoor floorball court. Floorball is a very popular sport in primary and secondary schools. Schools are picking up this sport as it introduces motor skills to kids and help them with their physiological development. In there, I saw a group of floorball lovers... they were undergoing some training with lectures and practical sessions. Coincidentally, I saw a friend from NUS, who was the Vice President for the Singapore Floorball Association. I asked him what were they doing...and he replied that they have just devised a syllabus for Coaching Level 1 and 2 for floorball in Singapore and that they are the first batch of coaches in the world to try out the coaching syllabus and if it works, they are going to introduce it to the rest of the world as there are none in the world to begin with. I was very impressed... If floorball ever makes it to the world stage...this is relatively equivalent to FIFA coaching certificate! and all the credits go to Singapore for "making this happen".

The current President of the Handball Federation (Singapore) HFS, is a friend of mine...a lady who is very passionate about her game and a very prominent figure in the world of handball. Recently, HFS received the NSA status due to upcoming plans in the YOG. Just before the NSA status was granted...I had the opportunity to witness the amount of work that she has done to "make this happen"...90% of these are paper work.

Having been involved in the Singapore basketball scene when I was still working in the school....I have "seen" many big plans for the basketball in Singapore, some never came true. In 2005...basketball was on the rise. The second most played sport in Singapore, only next to soccer. A friend of mine, Elaine was hired to oversee the development of basketball marketing in Singapore....well, she did amazing work, she got in sponsors to make possible the 7th Eleven Cup, 7th Eleven 3 on 3 Challenge, Cineleisure Streetbasketball Road Show, feature of Singapore players in roadshows and magazines, the basketball scene in Singapore has never been so exciting since the 70's. She did the right thing....she got sponsors, she got media, she got the support from the industry, she got the support from Singapore Sports Council....but she left the association eventually...due to unappreciative comments. Why? She did all the right things. She "make things happen"....she has a good salary...but she left. People who ate sour grapes splat on her...unappreciated.

The reason why I am saying these is because I think in all things that we do, we have to start somewhere...everything has a beginning. So....with 5 teams in the MPOC....are we there yet? Definitely not...there are so much more things that we can do...so much more. However, let this not be a single effort by any individual, by any paintball team, by any paintball field...let's rally all the support that we can get to "make this happen". Effort from one party will soon diminished the motivation...people lose focus as they go along...while players can push...we definitely need the bigger boys to give their support. Yes, I am looking at you...Singapore Sports Council. While we may be small...but we have the heart to "make this happen". Help us please.... Which sports allow you to let a 15 year old compete with a 35 years old man....? Which sports allow you to play a mix gender game between the male and female? And bare in mind...this is a team game...where strategizing, communication and teamwork is also fundementally important. Do something Singapore Sports Council. We have come a long way with you....you have seen us grow, you have heard us grow...you have asked us to show you our worth...and we have done that...now show us your support too. A naturing infant needs the guidance of a mother. No, I dont need milk....(mike = money) I just need the support. What support? Facilities, media, recognition, paintball events, etc.

I always tell people...never ask for anything when you havent even try....try first....then when I show you the light, you will then appreciate it even more. So now that we have tried....we need you to shine the light at us.

As for those who has been ranting about the BTO, whether it is good, whether it is bad....dont forget, you were part of it....so if you want to make a joke out of your own factory...do go ahead, you have your freedom of speech and everything...but dont forget you are one of the many product from the factory. We cant please everybody...

Good luck to all Singapore teams going for MPOC. I hope that we have done the right thing to introduce you to this sport, make new friends and of course, get you off the couch...so imagine life without paintball...no adrenaline rush right?

Worst outing ever...but best company!!!

Yes, you might have heard it, you might have witnessed the games...Red Sevens sucked at MPOC Leg 4. Fair enough...this is the first time since the team was set up in 2007 that we did not make it to Round 2. Lady luck was definitely not on our side...In fact, this MPOC is our most prepared event...we have all the players to rotate between games, we have all the equipment to go around...we even had Cyborgs as backup markers! Come on... Although the results were disappointing...I thought this tournament was the best in terms of attendance. We had a full roaster of 7 players and 1 crew member. Even Callio who was unable to attend the games turned up to give his moral support! Good company yah? While we were physically prepared... we might not be mentally prepared. For the rest of our games in the year...I will try my best to give a motivational speech to everyone and try my best to hype up our emotions before every game...get that fighting spirit into everyone!!!

I was damned determine to do well in MPOC 4 having played NPPL Asia 2 weeks ago and flew to Taiwan to learn from the best...and before all these, we also played almost every weekends at RD. So this is certainly not the results that I was looking for. But of course, no point crying over spilled milk. All that I can say is that we will play better next time...could be in the NPL, could be the next MPOC, it all depends.

And yes, we have the committment of 4 players for the World Cup...just need an extra player to make the trip.

Its official too, Red Sevens will be wearing DYE C8 from top to bottom in our next tourney...we are officially sponsored by DYE. Discussion is still in the process...but it should be more or less confirmed.

Which makes me wonder again... are Singaporean teams not working hard enough to get sponsors? Seems like it....Going that extra mile to make the game more affordable does not seems to be in everybody's mind. Sponsorship raises the profile of the team...which should be good for paintball development.

Next up for Red Sevens...RD5. Perhaps, we should set an objective for ourselves during the game. Concentrate, play hard and win games.

Ollie Lang Paintball Clinic

The photos speak for itself...and of course...my newly acquired, #52 Ollie Lang DM8 with virtue board and T1 barrel. Had dinner with him after day 1... this guy eats almost everything. Yes, even betel nuts. 6 pieces at one go.... nice friendly guy. He even gave us his elbow pads knowing that Elle doesnt have one. Very professional indeed... and almost willing to teach if you are willing to learn. Next Asia stop for him...Thailand in October. Yes, he is considering a trip to Singapore too...

Best Paintball Event Ever!!!!

The Asian Invitational Championship 2008 otherwise known as the NPPL Asia 2008 or the Florafest Paintball 2008 is by far the best paintball event I have ever attended. Free transportation, free accomodation, free meals, free paintballs!!! What more can you ask for in a paintball event? If there is one word to describe this event, it would be "Divine".

4 NPPL Pro teams attended this event, Team Dynasty, Team Infamous, OC Bushwackers and XSV, up close and personal? Definitely. Not only do we get to "groupie up" with the pros...we get to see them in action. Comparing this to NBA, it would be similar to getting up close to Le Bron James or Michael Owen from the EPL. Food is good, free flow malaysia cusine on day 1 and BBQ dinner on day 2... If only, if only...we get a similar support from our "garment". I have been telling people that we are about 5 years behind Malaysia in terms of developing the game but after attending this event, I guess I would have to add another 3 years to the number. Haiz...if only.

But anyway, it is defnitely a trip worthwhile. Playing with the Persians was a waste. They are good I must say....but we got "eliminated" early. Spoke to Chuck Hendsch from the NPPL....the first word he said..."Are you guys keen to have a SPYDER Cup in Singapore?".

We replied...."hmmm...Of course"....but 8 years later perhaps. Good old me...playing as a back player for a veteran team otherwise known as Red Sevens...HA!

Thanks for the invite, you guys from MPRB definitely made my day...MY CHRIS CORCINO MARKER!!!! DAMN!

Taiwan...here I come!

Its confirmed. I will be going to Taiwan in August. Will be playing with Team Yushan or Team Falcon when I am there. Will be using Mini Invert during the games. This is really an honour to be invited to play with the Taiwanese but most important of all, to learn from them. The last time I was there, I visited the factory plant that manfacture the Mini Invert, spoke to the inventor about paintball in Singapore too. I wonder who I will meet this time... Will be going to Dye Asia as well, so if you guys want some Dye stuff, do let me know. Will be meeting a few of my Taiwan mates as well, people like Shan from Team Shocker, Zhong from Team Falcon...Prof and Qiu who gave me lots of pointers from the early days.

In fact, the one person that I am really looking forward to meet is Ollie Lang. He will be there giving pointers on how to play paintball the right way. I will be taking this opportunity to gain more knowledge about the game from him and hopefully to impart all that I have learnt to our fellow Singaporeans. Come to think of it...I might be the first Singaporean playing in the Taiwan League...talk about foreign talent.

Questions? Questions?

Recently, I have few queries from different people asking me about how to set up a paintball field. I thought this is a very tough question...at least when I first started. There was no one to ask, no one who was willing to share, no one to tell me what to do and no one gave me directions. Believe me, before all these...I have made trips to Taiwan, Australia, Malaysia, China to find out the different ingredients. Talk to people from the industry and got snub big time... All in all, it took me 2 years to plan, to learn, to play... many people think its easy, many people...

Just a few questions (simple ones):

When do you know how the tank is full?
What is a ball detent?
If the marker is in ramping mode, 2 shots in 1 squeeze. What is the problem?
What is the difference between HPA and CO2 and nitrogen?
Do you know how to chronograph a marker?

If you know all the answers with the click of the fingers...you are very very good. If you can answer 1, you are observant. If you can answer 2 or 3...you are not bad. But but but, if you cant answer any...then perhaps, its not so easy starting a field. So its not easy after all... most people see the surface of the business...but really dont know much about running a paintball field.

Besides, if you dont play, you will never learn.

In the states, most paintballers are field owners, so if you dont really play the game, you can forget about starting a field. Even if you play try to answer the 5 questions above.

But again, the door is not shut on you. You can save time by working with the right people. People who have experiences running a field, people who have the passion to make things work. Hey, my title says I am a paintball consultant. So if you want to hire me? I am a gun for hire with some terms and conditions, I want a share in this idea of yours. Anything...anything related to paintball, I am interested. I can supply cheap, good and high grade paintballs (which field uses Proto for rec games?), I can supply markers, I can give you training, I can give you ideas to make things work...and most important of all, I can give you a good lead time against the rest of the other competitors. In today's world, its better to work together and work fast than to take time to learn and become rivals. Already, we have some "industry driven" rivals...As the saying goes, you know who you are. I establish the industry...you just piggy back and do things and say things behind my back. Just remember this, when the time comes...you just queue up hor. Er...the line is over there.

Support? Yes? No? Maybe?

The other day after RD5, I was having this wild thought about the X-ball lite game. Maybe, we should let more people witness X-ball. Which is a totally new dimension to paintball...its faster, its more intense, its more fun, its more loud...and definitely more tiring. Imagine this...7 of the best SPNS players come together (called themselves the SPNS All-Star) and play against Singapore's First Speedball Team, the Red Sevens, in a 10 minutes game with a 30 second interval in between games. Play as many games as possible in 10 minutes...All plaints sponsored by Red Dynasty. Wonderful right? Sounds exciting to me...and what's best...players get to vote for who they want to see on the field 2 weeks before SPNS Leg 3. I will implement this...MUST!

Recently, we have intention to dish out sponsorship deals to teams. A real and very attractive sponsorship deal I must say...masks, jersey, pants, gloves...everything. We do have a few queries from local teams but there are no concrete proposals. NOTHING! I am very surprised. NOTHING! Good that I can save some money for this deal. Then this NOTHING! reply got me thinking...is the deal too lousy? or are teams just not worth sponsoring?

1) Lousy deal? I dont think so...this is actually a partial sponsorship that we are giving away and I am pretty sure that if I am a newbie in the sport and I want to get some recognition in the game and be serious about the sport, I will find ways and means to make my sport cheaper to play. E.g. subsidized equipment, sponsored paintballs, tagged markers (only exclusive used to my team), etc. But people are just so short sighted...they want to know what's the catch??? of course there are some catches....simple. Support the field! Give us the right support! Promote the field! Promote paintball! which then leads me to my second thought.

2) If you are one of those players who have asked newbies to play overseas...then sorry, you are not supporting the field and thus dont qualify for the sponsorship...Not only that, you are losing out on a lot more other things, e.g. no discounts, no "going by left" deal for you, no special offer, no "give face". To get the field going, we need local support, no support, no SPNS...no SPNS no paintball tournament in Singapore, no people training and practicing...no teams willing to participate in local leagues, no one playing tournament paintball in the field, no one to watch,..no one knows about paintball....its a cycle. Yes, I have played in overseas tournament...and still is...I am exposed to playing overseas...in fact, I have been invited to play for a Taiwan team in the Taiwan League this August...HELL AM I GOING! But one thing that I am very sure...I will come back with the knowledge, share the experiences with others and make things grow in Singapore. Dont support the field and expect the field to support you? Dream on! ...oh...just to let the cat out of the bag...I am going to meet Ollie Lang next month. Yes, the paintball divine, Oliver Lang himself...this is like meeting Michael Jordan or Tiger Woods...Lang it is...

While saying all these...there are also people who have been very supportive to local paintball! I salute you and thank you for that! Yes, we made some money out from you....you stupid bastard...but we return to the community with better paintballs!!! better markers!!! better rest areas!!! better bunkers!!! better ideas!!! But if you dont play and support us....HELL am I going to support you. You go and @#$%$cked yourself...hahaha...crude I know. but this is how it goes...and always remember the pasture is always greener on the other side.

And lastly, we will have good news by the end of the year...dont support local games...no worries. When its time...just stand in the line..."no by left" this time...members only!

Thanks hor...dont say I neber say leh...told you before and you dun believe.

Paintball Association (Singapore)

Paintball Association (Singapore), the driving force behind promoting paintball in Singapore. Its legitimacy was questioned today by a forum member. Good, at least someone bothers to ask about PBAS. Bad, when our stinky stench of integrity is being questioned, "merely Jane?" WOWOWO..."lack of info....hey I am the boss, need info...."Hahaha....can't blame him.

In fact, he has opened up a can of worms, which is good as information is being shared among forum members and also getting people to know about history of PBAS.

Yes, I do agree that a website is important, makes it look professional and well structured. But hell no am I going to jump in without some serious consideration. A mockery it will, if we are invited for Asia tournaments and we tell the organizers that our markers are not with us and they are all kept in our neighbouring country....!!!! What do you think their reply will be? What we need is time...not rushing into things. I don't see our Prime Minister getting instructions from me on how we should run a country??? I don't see a fighter plane pilot getting instructions from me on how to fly a plane??? Well....not that its impossible but it just take time. Time to learn, time to embrace the current situation, time to appreciate the things that have been done, time to learn how to walk, time to learn how to drink, time to learn HOW TO PLAY PAINTBALL, time to learn how to fix a marker, time to learn how to fill a gas tank, time to learn how to differentiate good and bad paintballs, time to learn how to change a firing bolt. All these in 1 day? SUPERMAN AH??? Come on...

Asian Invitational Championship 2008/ Flora Fest 2008

Its official! Red Sevens will be participating in the Asian Invitational Championship as a representative team from Singapore. We have gotten everyone's committment in this competition and we will be going out full force to play but most importantly to have a fun time. 10 teams from Asia will be representing their respective countries and we are proud to be able to "represent" Singapore. My guess for the 10 teams will be representatives from Taiwan, Japan, Philippines, Thailand, Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Singapore and Brunei...I could be wrong. But then again...its a time to get where Asia teams get together. This competition could well be the most difficult and most challenging since the Red Sevens formation, playing against the best in the region!!! But hell no are we giving up! We will play and put on a good show, if not a display of good sportsmanship and paintball ambassadors for Singapore.

Icing to the competition is the appearance of 4 NPPL teams, we were told that Dynasty, Bushwackers, Infamous and XSV will be there. Not too sure if this is going to happen...but going by the look of the Malaysia government staging such a competition and so close to Singapore, I hope this will tickle Singapore government to look at paintball from the sporting perspective.

We'll see...

Deja Vu!!!! Same shit again!!!!

Poor planning again...teams with poor planning...dont even think about playing paintball ever again, it just makes everyone frustrated and stranded. Playing paintball is all about proper planning, without good planning everything fail. From day one when a few players decided to come together and formed a team...planning starts! Team name? Training schedule? Team recruitment? Sponsors? Skirmishs? Competitions? and the list goes on and on... in all these planning comes team dynamics. Plans on where to eat? where to meet? what gears to buy? I have the honour to form a paintball team which travels up North for competition. Part of this planning process includes planning for the trip...which is actually 50% of the planning process. Planning where to stay? which transportation mode? how much money to bring? So so many plans. And most important of all, dissemination of these plans to everyone in the team. That's 50% of planning when a team commits to joining a competition.

But when there is a screw up in the planning process....everything becomes shitty!!!! Real shitty!!! Can you imagine this? A team not knowing when their next competition is, who's going...how much to prepare? When to take leave? How to go? Where to stay? No training?...see what I mean? Things become shitty!!!

So for teams out there...do proper planning before you !@#$@uck up your team mates! Cos right now. I am damn piss off!!!

And lastly...everyone is busy, everyone is tie down with their own committments, so you are not alone. Definitely not alone...remarks such as I am busy...is so naive and unfair! A shrunk of responsibility..."Ohhh...I am so busy...." Come on...Red ASS! Wake up your ideas.

Seems stupid...but I think its a deja vu...