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   NPPL Asia 2008 - Asia Invitational Championship 2008/ Flora Fest 2008, Johor, Malaysia, 1 - 3 August 2008  
 


Best Asia 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!

Words by Ben King
 





See the professional players? From (top row, left to right): Red Sevens during the march pass, Calgar and Darlie with the Bushwackers, Jane with the Minister of Tourism, Jane with Alex Fraige, Red Sevens with Dynasty, Indoor Paintball Arena, Thomas Taylor with Jane, Prince from Bushwackers, Ryan Greenspan with Azlan, King with TT.
 


The NPPL Asian Invitationals was by far the best event that I've ever been to. It was an all-expense paid trip and teams as far as Iran and Japan were competing. Held in Desaru's stadium, housed in a resort and with four NPPL American teams flying in... it was THE EVENT of the year.

Friday was spent bidding on my NUS modules and half way through, I cut it short and hoped I managed to win the bids. Got onto a ferry to Desaru, after which we took a van from the terminal to the resort where we were greeted and met by our Liaison officer (all international teams had a liaison officer to attend to our needs) Dumped the gear and all before heading off to the opening ceremony/dinner. We were grouped with Persian Legends (the best players from the best Asian country - Iran), Demonz Reds (one of the top M'sian teams), Immortals (the forever div3 team even though they should've moved up long ago), Splat Zone and Legionnaires.

Nothing much happened that night for me except getting to know Jason from the Bushwackers at the bar.

Turned in early; relatively and as usual had to share a bed with Daryl. But not before mucking around with Bben's camera.

Saturday was insane - I lived on water and AMMO energy drink (AMMO UP BOYS AND GIRLS!) We got up; some went for breakfast, while some of us didn't bother because we wanted more sleep. The players area at the stadium was hot as hell - I spent most of my time at the booths outside which had fans. THANKS KCHL AND NOIR! Opening ceremony began with a march pass of all the teams. The organisers even had a Police band and people on parachute/glider things to release confetti after opening speeches by the MP of Desaru and Chuck Hensch of the NPPL. They want to "make it even bigger and better next year, god willing."

Took lots of pictures with the pros and had a great time in general. The best part of the day was winning both games I played. After the second game, I came out to Jason and Corey (OC Bushwackers) praising me. I didn't even know they were there watching my game!

Headed back to the resort where we rushed for the beach and pool before the bbq dinner at night. Had the chance to go over to Thomas Taylor's (XSV) room for a little chat with him about stuff in general. Spent Saturday night in the bar with the XSV guys before wandering around to the beach and the pool... before walking smack into Prince (OC Bushwackers) who was drinking Tiger alone - all the other guys were sleeping! Ended up talking to him for 2 hours about life in Singapore, Malaysia and the States before sleeping.

Sunday's game against the Persians wasn't that great - but at least I didn't die first. Spent the rest of the day hanging out at the stadium and having one of the most awesome days of my life watching the pros play.

Words by Ben Calgar