17/12/2006; 7.25
It was IRAS D&D last night at Meritus Mandarin. The theme was "TV Mania." Truly enjoyed myself for the whole evening. It is my 1st time to attend D&D and the feeling to attend such a function is great! Thanks to my sis and a friend who encouraged me to go. Haha!! =D
Gee.. I was the 1st one to reach - quite early though, when my friends and I agreed on 6.30pm. (I arrived at 6.10pm). My cousin's friend, Ben saw me. We greeted.. Keke.. :-)
My friends and I went for the registration at the 5th floor. Was a computerised registration - scanning our staff passes and invitation cards. Each of us received an IRAS thumbdrive. There were counters for "Make-up", "Glamour Shots", "Silhouette Cutting" and on "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" (Erm.. I didn't went upfront to see what it was). *Lol* As the theme was an entertaining one, we were able to dress up like retro-stars, traditional costumes, in any fashion, era etc, as long as we have fun. ^_^
6th floor - This was where the dinner/performances were held. Thanks to Farah for managing to draw a table so near to the stage, towards the right side of the stage. Quite a number of our friends did not attend and so our table only consisted of the six of us - Ya Qin, Farah, Jasmine (sitting on my left), Me, Sandy (sitting on my right), and Cindy. My friend Huifen was sick, so she did not attend.
Thereafter, we gave a warm welcome to our IRAS Chairman. The waiters and waitresses lined up neatly to serve dishes to us. Haha!! Since our table was not fully occupied, the sight when we could actually have two bowls of sharks' fin looked v funny.. but I guess I was too full for a 2nd bowl. Keke.. Enjoyed taking dishes for my friends. We ate whilst watching the "Just for Laughs" programme dedicated to us. Still remember the jokes on our staff's reaction on "The cleaner blocking the way instead of cleaning the floor" and "$1 "superglued" on the floor" etc. Everyone was laughing. Then there was a part on to identify which bosses acted as celebrities. Of course, our division recognised our Assistant Commissioner (AC) immediately. *Lol*.. and someone who acted as "Phua Chu Kang", our IRAS Superstars singing on stage... Very fun! =^.^=
Haha.. then it was the moment we are waiting for - Grant Lucky Draw! They actually had up to 90 prizes.. and it was not those whereby the Guess of Honour would draw from the big box. Instead, everything was done electronically and "audited". *Lol*.. So the 71st to 90th prize-winners' names, number and table were shown on the two screen on both sides. Surprisingly, before I know it, my name was there! I got the 74th prize.. =)
I was utterly surprised.. *Lol*.. My friends were telling me to go get my prize.. Kind of paiseh too when I walked to the front to get it. There were hundreds over or maybe even up to a thousand staff who attended. I really didn't expect that I would have won a little prize. It was $40 Carrefour vouchers. My support Staff, Rosmani won too, so did Jessica. Then the prize-winners from the 51st to 69th, all the way till the 11th prizes. Our Comptroller of Income Tax, Mr Moses Lee was invited on stage to draw on the 1st to 10th prizes. He clicked on a button and pinpointed to the stage, and the numbers flashed electronically. So advanced, so interesting.. Hehe.. :) Our CT-Gen's Manager (she is like a Head Manager) won the front prize; so was my senior Soh Bee, and Danny who brought me into IRAS and initiated in giving me his hp no. *Congrats!*
There were also prizes for "Most Sexist Legs", "Most Broadest Shoulders", "Most Sexist Hairstyle" and "Most Traditional Costumes." Danny got the "Most Sexist Hairstyle." Actually his hairstyle was still not that outstanding, but haha, he has got full support from our table behind. Alan (one of our staff and my senior in our division's IRIN Troubleshooter team and whom we click well), Wai San (my wonderful ex-buddy who gave me guidance previously) and Danny's colleagues used "drums", cheered and whistled for him. Even though it was loud 'cos I was sitting in front of them, it was v happening. I applauded v loudly for Danny too. *Lol* Danny ultimately won!
IRAS has actually made a reservation to book the whole ballroom till 1am. However, I left at 11pm without my friends and since the MC said those who like to leave may do so, 'cos it is quite late and they might have their family commitments. Haha!! For me, I already had the intention to go off before midnight. Thanks to the MC who announced it and so, I didn't have to sneak off like that. *Lol*.. Erm.. Telling my friends to enjoy before I headed for home.. I was having a bad cold and have previously thought if I should give this function a miss, but luckily I have went. Saw our Head Manager too, 'cos she has boarded the same train as me. *So coincident*. She was carrying her prize! (",)
When I told my friend Jiaxin that I am on my way to the D&D, he told me he hopes I enjoy myself and told me "D&D is usually fun." Must be listening to his words and it brought me good luck. *Lol*.. The "74th prize" - a special number to me, 'cos it marks the day I 1st stepped into IRAS and when my bachelor course started, and it is also my fav lecturer's birthday on the 4th of July. (US Independence Day). ;p
Stat boards' D&D like IRAS' is wonderful! I will always keep it in mind... and hope Jiaxin performs well on his competition. I have got 100% confidence in you!
