Invent a holiday! Explain how and why everyone should celebrate.

Every 23rd of February, we should celebrate the life and times of one Wellington Ong. On this day, we champion his awesomeness. Though a veteran, he isn’t as famous as his favourite authors. However, he has released a story collection, a thick biography, and has written many poems and essays. He has more unpublished material than those that he did furnish. He’s made over four hundred blog posts on his own website. He hopes not to follow Franz Kafka’s path and attain glory sooner rather than later.

Ideas

As an emerging voice, he is more relatable than Stephen King and Michael Connelly. So far, he hasn’t released a bestseller. His books haven’t been adapted into film. He’s got lots of ideas. As the saying goes, ‘Ideas make the world go around.’

On the 23rd, activities would include reading passages from Topher Wins. There’s a lot of material to cover. Take your pick. His legacy would be felt strongly in his high school. He’s probably the first alum to publish a 300-page book. In the memoir, he discusses SAA a great deal.

Musings and workshops

Of course no Wellington Day is complete in his alma mater without Musings…The long poem must figure every year. The revolving student body will draw something out of it every Feb. The poem will mean different things to various Agnesians.

The school would also offer Workshops by Well mates. They would focus on speaking and writing skills. The finest tips are those from Topher Wins. The aim is moulding future IELTS conquerors.

The day concludes with the whole high school in the gym. There’s a poetry slam where wannabe artists spontaneously invent verses on stage. There’s also an extemporaneous speaking tilt. Entrants address topics that are meaningful to Wellington. Earlier, high school students are to paint a portrait of Wellington using watercolours. The best five works are awarded that afternoon. They are each given a medal and a certificate.

Wellington FC

Meanwhile, the spotlight will shine on Wellington FC. His most ardent supporters comprise this exclusive Facebook fan club. The number one fan is M. Ann Gonzo.

‘Sabi ng kaibigan mo layo an daw kita.’ (Your friend told me to stay away from you.)

‘Which friend?’

‘I think it was Rhea.’

‘Rhea?’

These die hards will flaunt their Wellington badges, hoping to capture his attention. They crave to one day get signed puppies este copies. They’ve waited half their lives to shake his hand.

‘Happy Wellington’

Moreover, the day would feature cheap flights from Sydney to Wellington, New Zealand. Gotta serve the masses. Instead of Kia Ora, the Kiwis would greet you ‘Happy Wellington!’

There would be a free five pack of golden kiwis. As they say, ‘Run don’t walk.’

Meanwhile, a local burger store will add The Wellington to their menu. The burger features a grilled fish fillet, tartare sauce, onion rings, lettuce, tomato, and baby spinach. Too easy.

In my university, they rename the repository as Wellington Library every 23rd. I was a frequent patron during my uni stint. I penned many essays, did my readings, prepared presentations, and scoured for textbooks. Heaps of my free time was spent there. The yearly name change is well deserved. Like in NZ, lib visitors would be greeted with a ‘Happy Wellington’.

Recitals of ‘The Green Hills of North Ryde’ would draws a horde and legion. At 76 lines, the verses embody his uni’s resilience and splendour.

Festival

Meanwhile, in my area, they’ll have the annual Wellington Festival. The highlight is the hawking of my favourite treats. Among them are paella, empanadas, and beef pho. If some would fight over soft and hard tacos, the timid little one would say, ‘Por que no los dos?’ Why can’t we have both?

Smoothies include tropical, berry, and mango nana. Top book picks are the Harry Bosch and the Jack West series as well as Mitch Albom novels. Sports biographies and self-help reads are likewise popular.

The day would feature Wellington himself reading a couple of his finest poems. Since it’s annual, he would write two standout pieces each year.

The Cup

There’s also a hoops tourney called the Wellington Cup. Four teams from his uni play a single elimination format that concludes with two finalists vying for the Cup. Expect a lot of ringless shots. Bonus points for shooting jumpers left handed. The prize is a Myer shopping spree. Everyone’s a winner.

The local cinemas would also show Wellington’s favourite productions on his special day. These include Finding Forrester, He Got Game, Moonlight, District 9, Toy Story 3, Ralph Breaks the Internet, Eyes Wide Shut, Harold and Kumar Escape from Guantanamo, and Midsommar. He saw three of those with mates at the cinema. You could pick any two of those sessions for $23.

Wellington dog show

So we’ve got the poems, The Wellington, the greeting, and the workshops. We shouldn’t forget the pets. The annual Wellington Dog Show honours critters cute and cuddly. A whole range of options are available. There’s Pomeranians and chihuahuas. Labradoodles and Shih Tzus. Terriers and beagles. Jack Russell and Maltese. Wellington Day would not be the same without these pooches. The winner receives free dog food for 2.3 months.

Nostalgia

This list might be long but it doesn’t take away the day’s spirit. That is, waxing nostalgic for Wellington’s wide reaching influence. It’s like that movie, Pay It Forward. ‘Sharing is caring.’

Learning isn’t just about making progress. We owe it to our schools and brethren to pass on our knowledge and triumphs. Let’s give a little cheer on Wellington Day.

Bravo!