NiGHT OF CELEBRATiON

NOC IV

2005-12-29T09:44:00.000-08:00

NOC IV is on its way!

Be a part of this momentous event by giving a substantial donation!

Just call 1800-NOC FUND, press 1 for a donation of RM5, press 2 for a donation of RM10, and press 3 for a donation of RM1,000,000.

We're waiting for you!

This is what you really can do if you want to be part of NOC IV.

Message Grace (Y! jollygal_84) on Yahoo! Messenger, and just let her know what you're good at.

Singing, acting, dancing, dabbing makeup on people's face, carrying really heavy stuff. No one's a small fry in NOC.

In the words of Uncle Sam, "I want you to join the NOC IV team!"

Teaser Pics

2005-01-20T22:50:00.000-08:00

Sorry to keep you all waiting for the updates people. Here are some teaser pictures of the night's performance. Click on the pictures to see a bigger version. All photos courtesy of Then Yee Tak. More pictures coming soon.

The bar fight scene (L - R: Liew Tze Wei, Lucius Chou, Liew Tze Seong)

A remorseful younget Maxwell (played by Lucius Chou)

Joshua sings of his late father as a sympathetic Anna listens (Joshua played by Solomon Teo, Anna played by Chee Su Be)

The violent confrontation (L - R: Solomon Teo, George Lee)

The dramatic 'death' scene (Played by Chee Su Be and Solomon Teo

A very drunk Maxwell at the Christmas party (Played by Samuel Yau)

The gloved one. (Played by Joash Yap)

miss sparc.

2005-01-13T15:36:00.000-08:00

date : 14 jan 2005
venue : equatorial hotel, malacca
time : 7p.m

get your tickets at only rm15 at the SPARC booth at clc concourse. see you there!

Interview with NOC III's band

2005-01-12T23:27:00.000-08:00

L-R: Lucius Chou (conductor), Jason Teoh (electric guitar, vocals), Deric Tan (keyboard), Khoo Ju Lee (piano), Justin Lee (accoustics guitar, vocals), Vijay Raj (music director, drums), Ng Zhen-Xin (bass)

Since the first NOC in January 2003, a live band has played for the special night. This year PG165 - they won 2nd place in the recent Melaka 'Battle of the Bands' along with several other awards - with a few additional musicians played for NOC III.

Throughout the interview with the NOC III band, they were visibly excited and eager to chat. Keyboardist Deric Tan explained that it was the band's first interview and exposure to the public. When asked to share their feelings on the whole experience, all agreed that it was awesome even though there was a lot of preassure on them. As band director Vijay Raj explained, it was an exciting time for all of them despite high expectations.

For some like Zhen-Xin the bassist of the band, it was his first time being able to serve on the musician side as he was previously involved on the stage and appreciated the opportunity. Guitarist Jason Teoh stated that it was extremely challenging for him and they often had to push themselves to the limits.

As it is with all bands, unity was an essential component. Guitarist Justin Lee commented that they had to accomodate each other's styles as everyone came from different musical backgrounds. In the beginning, problems occurred but they persevered and learned to understand each other a little better. In fact Deric added, he would jump at a chance to come together and do it again as they have formed a close bond with each other. More than a mere musical bond, they understood more about each other's characters and personality. It became their priority to bond with each other and to make their relationship work together, Jason shared.

Time proved to be the NOC III band's worst enemy. With fifteen songs and several more musical numbers assigned, the band was forced to practise and perfect all within a mere 4-5 months. Juggling studies and practices along with their personal lives, the band somehow managed to pull it off successfully. Besides that, Justin noted that they often struggled with their focus. Often they found themselves reassessing their priorities to just concentrate on the music or to play for the glory of God. Agreeing with him, Deric stated that they had to keep reminding themselves that the music they played was to touch other people not to glorify themselves. In the end, it wasn't about talent but about passion for NOC and God.

When questioned about being the only girl in the 7 member band, Ju Lee merely laughed and smiled shyly, declining to give much comment save that the rest of the guys were rather 'naughty'. The rest were all praises for her however and stoutly claimed that she was like the rose among the thorns. Vijay informed us that she often set them a silent example by practising her numbers while they were goofing off. The rest nodded and agreed that she was an important asset to the band. Ju Lee told us that enjoyed playing with them and especially wanted to thank Janet Ling who had played in the previous two NOCs.

Being the youngest and the most inexperienced in the band, choir conductor Lucius Chou explained that it was a little hard for him to fit in at first. However he was proud of his chance to listen to some of the best musicians and get to know them. He credited Janet Ling and Pang Hsulynn who gave him help in conducting the NOC choir as he said that he wasn't used to giving commands to other people. It had been a wonderful first NOC for him and was grateful to all for making it happen.

Zhen-Xin commented that the experience had helped built his character and he has learnt to trust his colleagues as no one plays as an individual in a band. Deric called it a priceless experience that he would not trade for anything else and credited it all to God and His grace. Having played in last year's NOC, Justin stated that he had formed new relationships and was grateful for the chance to serve together. He disagreed that they were good but instead insisted that it was all because of God that they were at that standard. Jason thanked all who supported PG165 and advised them to live life to the fullest in God. Don't let trials get to you but believe in yourself, he said.

Vijay concluded the interview with the hope that people would include God in whatever they do. "No matter how hard you try alone, it won't work. But with God, anything is possible." He said to the agreement of the rest of the musicians.

Solomon Teo who acted as Joshua on stage echoes the sentiments of the whole NOC crew and cast, "Thank you to the whole music team for everything. We couldn't have done it without you."

NOC III on Nexus

2005-01-10T01:25:00.000-08:00

Hey guys, check out Nexus! They've got a whole article about us! Some minor spelling mistakes, mixups and misquotes though. Still its worth a read.

casts picture.

2005-01-09T14:54:00.000-08:00

a perfect ending of a wonderful night.

Song Lyrics

2005-01-08T23:59:00.000-08:00

We Were The Reason
Avalon

As little children
We would dream of Christmas morn
Of all the gifts and toys
We knew we'd find
But we never realized
A baby born one blessed night
Gave us the greatest gift of our lives

Chorus:
We were the reason
That He gave His life
We were the reason
That He suffered and died
To a world that was lost
He gave all He could give
To show us the reason to live

As the years went by
We learned more about gifts
The giving of ourselves
And what that means
On a dark and cloudy day
A man hung crying in the rain
All because of love, all because of love

(repeat chorus)

I've finally found the reason for living
It's in giving every part of my heart to Him
In all that I do every word that I say
I'll be giving my all just for Him,
for Him

(repeat chorus)

Don't you know
Living on a reason
That He came, Oh He came to save us
When He gave His life for us
He suffered and died
To a world that was lost He came
Everything that He had He gave
To show us the reason to live

--------

Who Am I
Casting Crowns

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours

Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me

Not because of who I am
But because of what You've done
Not because of what I've done
But because of who You are

I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
A vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I'm calling
Lord, You catch me when I'm falling
And You've told me who I am
I am Yours

Musical Numbers

2005-01-08T23:51:00.000-08:00

Here are the list of songs played on that night itself for those of you who are interested:

1. Let It Be Christmas – Alan Jackson
Instrumental
Music arranged by Vijay Raj & NOC3 Music Team

2. MJ Medley
a. Billie Jean – Michael Jackson
Instrumental
b. Smooth Criminal – Michael Jackson
Instrumental with additional vocals from Justin Lee
Music arranged by Vijay Raj & NOC3 Music Team with the help of Joash Yap

3. What Have I Done? (Valjean’s Soliloquy) – Les Miserables OST
Sung by the Young Maxwell Brooke (Played by Lucius Chou)
Lyrics adapted by Mark Choo, Music arranged by NOC3 Music Team with the help of Raj Kumar

4. Dock Medley
a. Oh What a Beautiful Morning! – Oklahoma! OST
Sung by Samuel Ng, Lyrics adapted by Mark Choo
b. Home for the Holidays – Perry Como
Sung by Aaron Liu & Renee Tiun
c. Interlude
Instrumental
d. White Christmas – Irving Berlin
Sung by the Sailors & their Sweethearts with additional vocals from Justin Lee and Stefanie Chong
Music arranged by Vijay Raj & NOC3 Music Team

5. All I Ever Wanted – Prince of Egypt OST
Sung by Joshua Brooke (Played by Solomon Teo)
Lyrics adapted by Mark Choo, Music arranged by Justin Lee

6. Pick a Pocket or Two – Oliver! OST
Sung by Fagin (Played by See Kok Wei) & the Pickpockets
Music arranged by Vijay Raj & NOC3 Music Team

7. More to this Life – Steven Curtis Chapman
Sung by Maxwell Brooke (Played by Samuel Yau)
Lyrics adapted by Mark Choo, Music arranged by Vijay Raj & NOC3 Music Team

8. Love Medley
a. Love is a Many Splendored Thing – Frank Sinatra
Duet by Timon (Played by Joash Yap) & Pumbaa (Played by Justyne Ang)
b. Love Will Keep Us Together - The Captain and Tennille
Sung by Pumbaa (Played by Justyne Ang)
c. Who Wrote The Book of Love – The Monotones
Duet by Timon (Played by Joash Yap) & Pumbaa (Played by Justyne Ang)
Lyrics adapted by Samuel Yau, Music arranged by Vijay Raj & NOC3 Music Team

9. Mamma Mia – ABBA
Sung by the Gossip Crew
Lyrics adapted by Mark Choo & Deric Tan, Music arranged by Vijay Raj & NOC3 Music Team

10. Dance with My Father – Luther Vandross
Sung by Joshua Brooke (Played by Solomon Teo)
Music arranged by Vijay Raj & NOC3 Music Team

11. Do You Hear the People Sing? – Les Miserables OST
Sung by Jack (Played by Julian Leong) & the Brewery Workers
Lyrics adapted by Mark Choo, Music arranged by Vijay Raj & NO3C Music Team

12. Who Am I? – Casting Crowns
Sung by Joshua Brooke (Played by Solomon Teo)
Music arranged by Vijay Raj & NOC3 Music Team

13. We Were the Reason – Avalon
Sung by Maxwell Brooke (Played by Samuel Yau), Anna (Played by Chee Su Be), Joshua (Played by Solomon Teo) & the Choir
Music arranged by Vijay Raj & NOC3 Music Team

14. Angels We Have Heard on High
Sung by Anna (Played by Chee Su Be), Nancy (Played by Stefanie Chong) & the Choir
Music arranged by Vijay Raj & NOC3 Music Team

15. Your Love Is Beautiful – Darlene Zschech (Hillsongs, Australia)
Sung by the Choir
Music arranged by Vijay Raj & NOC3 Music Team

Interview with Timon and Pumbaa

2005-01-07T07:34:00.000-08:00

They're outrageous, they're hillarious, they're always up to new mischief, they are Timon and Pumbaa from The Lion King. Recently they made a few cameo appearances in NOC III: A Time to Love. We managed to catch up with them for an exclusive interview.

Interviewer: So Timon, Pumbaa, or should I call you by other names?
Timon: Its fine.
Pumbaa: Pumbaa's good.
T: Its always good.
I: So Timon, were you always known as the love professor?
T: Oh yes, ever since I was a little kid.
I: Pumbaa, what's it like being pals with Timon? Is it always tough being known as his 'sidekick'?
P: Sidekick? I thought he was MY sidekick?!
T: Hey! You're MY sidekick!
P: This is scandalous! You all have something against me! [sulks]
T: Well, you're fat! There! I've said it!
P: But...but... I thought... Fine, this is how its gonna be huh? Fine. I'll BE your sidekick. Happy? [sulks some more while Timon grins in victory] Well, its okay I guess but I get bossed around a lot. But in the end, what matters is our friendship.
T: I'm so touched... [wipes tear away]
I: Aww... how long have you two known each other?
P: Timon, I guess you better answer this question. Warthogs don't have good memories.
T: You're a warthog? But I thought you were a pig!
P: How dare you! I am of a higher grade than a pig!
T: I'm sorry! I really thought you were a pig! Appearances don't lie you know! Never mind, next question!
I: [sighs] What do you boys think of Rafiki?
P: Rafiki eh? He's the man! He's a guy with great wisdom! But I think Timon has something against him.
T: Man, he's gotta stop hitting my head! I think he thinks he's smarter than me. Like a rival, you know?
P: You are?? But I thought I was the brains of this outfit! Anyway he comes when people are in need, like when Maxwell was lost.
T: I guess he was more like an angel or something. Guess God uses all sorts of people, even a monkey.
I: Do you think you two helped Maxwell out?
T: Of course we did! Like I said, they don't call me the love professor for nothing!
P: Yeah, he was touched by us. He cried like a baby!
T: If it wasn't for us, he would still be drunk!
I: Whose views do you think was right in the end? Yours or Rafiki's?
T: Hmm...that's a tough question.
P: But aren't you the smarter one, Timon? Wouldn't that make your views right?
T: Yeah but you know the monkey eats more bugs than us so he's got a point.
I: So true love is freely given and not earned? Agreed?
P: Yeah true love is freely given and that's what we should all have. Like I love Timon freely and he doesn't have to serve bugs to me. I still love him for the scrawny lizard that he is.
T: Yeah! And the God who loves us for free! Don't forget that!
I: Some people said that Maxwell had more dress sense than you two. What do you two have to say about that?
P: Hey! We should have won 'Best Dressed' that night!
T: Yeah! Everyone was like so old-fashioned! Like who can beat Pumbaa's pants man?
P: I got them specially tailor-made at the 'Jungle Mungle'!
I: What do you two think about Joshua?
P: He's one emotional guy! Joshua... he just likes to scream.
T: Man...he got the lady!
P: Yeah, Anna's hot! Super hot!
I: Sounds like Pumbaa has a crush on Anna!
T: Yes he does! He said he was going to move out of the jungle with her! Joshua's going to get angry at you! He's gonna shout and scream and scold you!
I: Considering that Timon is the 'love professor', why do you think Anna chose Joshua in the end?
T: I think she likes less romantic guys but I think Joshua won't be as emotional as he was before.
P: Yeah, he's learnt to slow down.
T: We gave him a lesson on that too but I guess you guys didn't notice that. He changed just like that after we told him that Anna won't like him getting all emo and all that. Ahh...the two of them look so nice together... [gets all mushy and romantic]
I: Pumbaa, would you sacrifice yourself for Timon like how Anna did for Joshua?
P: I guess I would because I heard a story once that a man called Jesus laid his life down for all of us that we may have eternal life. If that man can do it, so can I!
T: Yeah! That's why Pumbaa and I aren't afraid of dying!
I: So what exactly is true love then?
T: True love is when one would sacrifice for another just like what God did for us. But I don't think we can beat that. God's love for us, its like the ultimate love.
P: No, we can't beat it at all.
I: So what's next for Timon and Pumbaa?
T: Bugs!
P: Our very own show!
T: Yeah! That too!
P: I heard the bossman planned for us to have our own show. The Timon and Pumbaa show. Stay tuned to all our friends.
Bossman: [insincere voice] Of course you guys can have your own show!
P: See? The bossman said so!
I: Okay so do you two have any last words to all your fans out there?
T: What? Already? Aww okay. Seek love and you'll find it from the ultimate lover, God.
P: All I have to say is that we might not have the courage and strength to do what Anthony did but sometimes it just comes from our heart and we do it!

And on that final note, the duo ran off to find more bugs to eat. Keep checking back here for more updates, interviews and photos!

(Timon was played by Joash Yap while Justyne Ang was Pumbaa. Interview was conducted by Stefanie Chong.)

Post NOC III

2005-01-05T10:33:00.000-08:00

If you're reading this, you've just finished watching NOC III and are keen to know more about us. First of all, thank you for supporting us. We've enjoyed doing this as much as you have enjoyed watching it.

At the moment, there aren't many entries but we're working on adding more things including cast/crew interviews, photos and so on. So keep checking back for more updates!

If you have any questions, direct them to Mark Choo @ blitzdotcom@yahoo.com or Joash Yap @ joashyec@yahoo.com

From,
The NOC crew

The true message of Christmas

2005-01-05T10:27:00.000-08:00

What does the message of Christmas mean to you? Do thoughts of a baby asleep within His mother's arms come to mind? Or do you immediately rush to images of packages and presents being opened and family and friends joined together over Christmas dinner?

Christmas is a time for fellowship and demonstrating one's love for others. We long to know we are loved with an infinite love and that there is hope no matter what we face.

We need the message of Christmas and the reassurance it brings. The teenager who has run away from home needs to know he can find forgiveness in the arms of God. The man or the woman who has lost a spouse needs to know life is still worth living.

This is the message of Christmas, it is one of eternal love. It bears all, believes all, hopes all, and endures all. Most of all, the message of Christmas never fails. It is written personally to you: God loves you, and no one can take His love away from you.

When applied to a life, it can bring freedom from the strongest bondage, offer the greatest sense of peace, and forgive the deepest sin. For those who accept the message of Christmas there is an opportunity for a new beginning.

The lawyer or the doctor who thinks she or he has it all but realizes there is emptiness inside that money and prominence can't fill needs to know there is someone who can satisfy his greatest longing. Only God can satisfy the cries of your heart.

It is His love that draws you. You may seek to give elaborate gifts to those you love this Christmas, but the greatest gift has already been given. It came wrapped not in expensive garments but in swaddling clothes lying in a manger.