The first trip went perfectly well. Everything went according to plan. We only had a little problem finding the place for rehearsal on Fortress Hill and that our hotel was a little of too much walking from Causeway Bay MTR station.
On the day of competition, we were being interviewed as we were the only foreigner group. We made a small video for Hacken's viewing and being Hacken's fan, I was the spokesperson of the group. So I spoke in my half-bucket Cantonese.
Shortly after, we played our two pieces without warming up! It went very well! We were all satisfied with our playing. We were very disappointed that Hacken wasn't there. I thought he was one of the judges. However, his PA was there and we were tweeted onto Weibo.
Right after we finished and exited the studio, the personnel told us there was a change in the date for Finals. That will mean three of our player being unable to make it!!! We were angry and exasperated! Since the beginning of preparations for this, nothing has been exactly smooth!!
Upon returning to Singapore, we quickly sourced for players. One of which is unwilling to pay for air ticket. So it means we have to share the cost! Luckily some players volunteered to share the cost and I managed to get some kind donations from Singapore's Hacken Fanclub.
Two days before we flew for the Finals, they emailed us saying we had gotten second place in the open category. WHAT IS THIS!? We were only going there to perform and not compete! Exasperation raised to 100%!!
So on the day of Finals, it started punctually but Hacken wasn't there!! We were the fourth item, and if he couldn't arrive on time, it would have defeated the purpose of us flying there! Firstly, not for competition, secondly not even him watching us?! I was mad.
We started with the introduction of our piece and the next moment I knew, Hacken was sitting there watching us already!! He actually made it in time for our item. Plus there were SO MANY cameras and video cameras on us!! It was freaking me out! Right after our item, he had to do an interview. So he left for another room, and almost ALL the reporters followed him. The hall was left so empty and I really pity those players who had to play without Hacken listening.
He came back for the last few items and did the prize presentation. There were only certificates and cash vouchers. So we had all the handshakes and photo-taking. But we didn't have any individual shots as Hacken had to go for another interview.
I was disappointed with the organisation that there were no trophies given out which was written in the competition brochure. Till today, the organisers have not gotten back to me regarding official photos and videos. I think this whole thing was just a promotion stint and no sincerity was given to the musicians involved. This is because Hacken can't even promise a performance opportunity to the overall winner.
It was an experience for me - the preparations, the people and the performances.