Da’ KRUsader’s Manor™

My blog stats jumped today and it is not surprising what was the common name or search term that was used to stumble upon my domain. No prizes for guessing what or who it is. Seems to me, there are a lot of curious people out there. I hope nobody passes baseless judgements based on what they viewed or read in the papers today. It is already traumatising for the person involved and I don’t think she would be so stupid as to upload it herself. It is a screwjob, full stop. We all make mistakes in life. Please do not victimise her further nor ostracise her from society. No matter what cynics would say, we should all protect her from being made an example of what home-made videos of that nature could do to one’s career, life and well-being in the long run.

On to more positive news. I attended the Suria Elektra Media Session just now at Royal Plaza On Scotts. Before I upload my entry on it, I would just like to give you a bit of teaser, and I know all you ladies out there will be drooling over it… Click on it, and enjoy!!!

P.S. Thank you once again Mr. Taufik Batisah for singing my favourite song and recording your greetings for my blog. All the best for tomorrow night’s performance!!!

I’ve been very busy these past few days at work and at home with my little tykes. As such, I simply have no time to update this blog on the events I attended of late like the birth of my nephew Mohammed Emraan, Fiesta Suria @ East Coast Park and the first Misteri Jam 12 outing of 2010. Plus this weekend promises to be a packed affair with the Suria Elektra Media session tomorrow afternoon at Royal Plaza On Scotts, the Suria Elektra event on Friday night at Mediacorp TV Theatre (unconfirmed going as yet as I’m still without a ticket), Fiesta Famili @ Hougang Central Court on Saturday afternoon and Glenn Fredly’s Lovevolution Concert in the evening at the Esplanade Theatre.

I’m gonna update all these events I attended and would be attending at my own sweet time, so I hope you guys will be patient and bear with me. I’m afterall doing all these on a leisurely basis. Work, family, football and social time are still my priorities in that order. But of course I will try to update at least twice a week. Note the keyword “TRY”. Hahahah… In the meantime, here’s the promotional poster for this Saturday afternoon’s event at Hougang Central Court. A good thing that it’s just two MRT station stops away from home. At least I will not be rushing like a mad man…

Details of Fiesta Suria

Programme Line-up

P. S. Apologies for publicising this a bit late as I was caught up with work…

 

Purchase “CTKD” album at the CD booth this Saturday, 30th Jan 2010 @ Suria Fiesta 2010 at East Coast Park B2 near Big Splash from 10am - 9pm. 

I had the opportunity to watch a live S-League match in ages last Thursday night (21st January 2010), albeit the opponent was not from these parts. I think the last S-League match I watched live at the stadium was when Sengkang-Punggol FC was still known as Marine Castle FC. Yes it was that long ago. Back then my uncle, Syed Ismail, was its head coach and as I was staying at Hougang where the team is still currently based at, I had the opportunity to watch my uncle’s team in action, even though their performances left much to be desired, due to a tight budget and lack of quality players in their ranks.

National player, Shaiful Esah scoring with a trademark free-kick that took a slight deflection as early as the tenth minute…

Anyway, at last Thursday night’s match at the Choa Chu Kang Stadium, home of last year’s and eight-time S-League champions, Singapore Armed Forces Football Club (SAFFC), the new season began with the traditional Charity Shield curtain-raiser, with the home team playing against the current Swedish Allsvenskan champions AIK Solna. It was a good opportunity to see our local team pit their wits against a team which is considered a few notches higher in standard and fitness than them.

Ezaad chatting with Mr Zainudin Nordin, President of the Football Association of Singapore and the Swedish Ambassador, Mr Par Ahlberger during the half-time break.

And if you had watched the news bulletin on television or read the newspaper reports for the past week leading up to the game, you would have also noted that the match was a special occasion, as proceeds from ticket sales to the game and 2010 calendars being sold during the match itself, would be donated to Uncle Dollah’s medical fund. On top of that, the Football Association of Singapore as well as kind sponsors and donors alike had pledged more than $70,000 to the cause. Certainly an occasion like this was a heartwarming one for my uncle’s family, in that we did not expect people to still remember his exploits as well as the joy he used to give football fans back in his heydays. We were certainly heartened by the turnout which newspaper reports had estimated at around 2300 people.

The final score… Note the houses in the background. They certainly have the best and free views during match days at the stadium…

The match too was an enjoyable one to watch with both teams testing each other at both ends of the goal. Our S-League champions themselves looked as though they could retain their championship again come the end of this season. They might have lost a few stalwarts in Therdsak Chaiman & Alexander Duric amongst others, but they have also beefed up their squad with ten new additions, notably national players Mohd Noh Rahman, Hyrulnizam Juma’at and Indra Sahdan. Along with their new foreign imports and the spine of their championship-winning team intact, they would be difficult to dislodge and the gritty performance against the Swedish champions said a lot about this team’s potential.

SAFFC posing for the cameras after receiving their respective medals…

The one that caught my eye was the forgotten man, Ahmad Latiff Kamaruddin. I personally would take him back to the national team if I was coach of the team and replace Ridhuan Mohd on the right flank. At least he is willing to take his men on and direct potshots at goal which the latter simply has no self-belief in doing so, as pointed out by Raddy Avramovic himself. So please do yourself a favour Raddy, and pick Ahmad Latiff in your next squad. I believe in life we all make mistakes. If the guy is overlooked time and time again for his past misdemeanours, I think for the past two seasons I’ve yet to hear something bad or negative about him. Anyway Ridhuan has had one too many chances without much success and should not be made the golden boy who could not be dropped.

Ezaad receiving the donation cheque from our guests of honour…

Before I end this entry, I would like to take this opportunity to once again thank the Football Association of Singapore, sponsors, well-wishers, donors and the fans who came to watch the match the other night. The $82,000 received in total would definitely go a long way in helping Uncle Dollah’s family in footing his medical expenses which is about $2000 in average per month. May you be rewarded for your kind efforts and sincerity for this noble cause. Also to the players of SAFFC who kept their promise to play for Uncle Dollah. You guys were great and did yourselves proud by playing above your potential and not letting the Swedish champions walked all over you. Good luck for the coming season ahead lads!!!

Last Sunday 17 January 2010, at the Singapore Expo Hall 4, in conjunction with the Mega Wedding & Lifestyle and Exotica Indonesia exhibition, Persatuan Karyawan Melayu Singapura or widely known as PERKAMUS (Association of Malay Singers, Composers & Professional Musicians), in collaboration with MegaXpress Communications Pte Ltd and Life Records (S) Pte. Ltd. initiated the above-titled event to collect funds for former national footballer and my very own uncle, Dollah Kassim.

Khairudin Samsudin was the host of the event…

Mr. Yusnor Ef, President of PERKAMUS giving his speech…

For the record, Uncle Dollah has been in a coma since 4 October 2009, after suffering a massive heart attack whilst turning out for the Singapore Veterans’ team who were playing a friendly match against their Malaysian counterparts as a prelude to the Sultan of Selangor’s Cup match at Jalan Besar Stadium. It has been more than 100 days he has been in this condition. However he can react to senses of touch and sound, especially from those who are dear to him.

Guest-of-honour Dr Maliki Osman addressing the audience…

Actor Roslan Kemat provided comic relief with his rendition of Jinbara’s “Kasihnya Laila“…

The above-mentioned event was the third of its kind which PERKAMUS have organised. However, it is the first time that they have reached out to someone who is not from the local entertainment fraternity. Of note, Uncle Dollah used to coach the PERKAMUS football team. In the words of Mr Yusnor Ef, the President of PERKAMUS, Uncle Dollah had not only helped in the progression of the organisation’s football team, but also in lifting the standards of local football during his heydays and now is the time for us to recognise it by helping him and his family in this time of need.

Veteran singer Junainah M. Amin lending her voice to the event…

What is an event in tribute to Uncle Dollah without Kamaliah Latiff singing her hit song entitled ”Dollah Kassim“???

It is quite a trying period for my aunt who has lost a lot of weight as a result. This charity event was a noble effort in raising funds to foot his medical bills and as a family, we are forever thankful to all the artistes and ex-international players who had come to support the event and performed on stage. There are too many names to mention and thank from the bottom of our hearts, but I hope you know who you are, each and every one of you. Also to the kind donors amongst the audience who had contributed when the artistes were walking around with donation bags in hand.

Guest singer Nassier Wahab’s physical features continues to defy age…

Uncle Dollah’s son, Ezaad, being interviewed by Channelnewsasia for the Malay news on Suria which was televised on last Monday 18 January 2010…

This Thursday 21 January 2010, in conjunction with the opening of the new S-League season, via the Charity Shield match between last season’s champions SAFFC and Swedish club AIK Solna, the proceeds from the match will hopefully help in easing the hefty bills incurred since Uncle Dollah was hospitalised on 4 October 2010. On behalf of Uncle Dollah’s family, I would like to appeal to you to come to Choa Chu Kang Stadium this Thursday to support the event. The match kicks off at 7:30pm.

(Graphics courtesy of Mediacorp Suria)

MediaCorp Suria has been a strong supporter of charitable causes such as “Ikhlas“, “Azam“, and recently, “Project Hope“. This is the fourth year that Suria and Tabung Amal Aidilfitri Trust Fund (TAA) collaborated in producing a mega charity show to raise funds for the less fortunate. The 2-hour charity show called Sinaran Hati Gemilang, was televised live on Suria last night at MediaCorp TV Theatre.

Huda Ali & Khairudin Saharom given the honours to host the event… 

Anchored by Khairudin Saharom and Huda Ali, who is now making waves across the Causeway as a protege of renowned movie director / producer Datuk Yusuf Haslam, the charity show was themed “Gemilang“ which signified luminescence and resplendence. It was also a night where the event featured four multi-talented and outstanding individuals who were main contributors to the show’s segments namely: Mr Iskandar Mirza Ismail (recipient of Anugerah Jauhari 2003 and Cultural Medallion 2008 – Music), Madam Som Said (recipient of Cultural Medallion 1987 and Anugerah Jauhari 2009 – Dance), Mr Isa Kamari (recipient of Cultural Medallion 2007 – Literature) and Mr Almahdi Al-Haj also known as Nadiputra (recipient of Cultural Medallion 1986 – Theatre).

Didicazli, the TAA Ambassador for 2009 / 2010 performing his current hit single “Takkan Kembali“… 

Sinaran Hati was graced by performances by Asian Idol Hady Mirza, Sarah Aqilah, Kunjung Whitaker, Ahli Fiqir, Shahril Wahid and Didicazli. Indonesian songbird, Rossa, also made a special appearance singing “Hey Ladies“, “Hati Yang Kau Sakiti” & “Ayat-Ayat Cinta“. A segment of the show that showcased Madam Som Said’s contribution was performed by dancers from Sri Warisan and narrated by her daughter-in-law, television personality Marina Yusoff.

Shahril Wahid exuded so much class and emotions during his poetry recital act…

Last year, TAA had hoped in raising $1 million in its 1-year campaign with MediaCorp Suria and MediaCorp Warna 94.2FM. Judging by the donations received last night through the phone-ins and contributions by private organisations, I believe they had surpassed that target. Sinaran Hati tickets that were priced at $19 and $49 respectively and all proceeds from ticket sales were channeled towards the TAA Trust Fund.  

Donations can also be made through TAA telepoll lines:

• 1900 112 9010 for a $10 donation
• 1900 112 9050 for a $50 donation

 The telepoll lines are now open till 28 February 2010.

The current duo of AhliFiqir, Mawar Berduri and Daly ending off the poetry recital segment…

I’ve had a few people asking me whether I would be doing a review on the night’s show when I was at the reception afterwards. I simply said “No, I don’t think so…“, as it was meant to be a mellow and toned-down affair, with the aim and intention to raise dollars for the less fortunate and needy as depicted by the various clips and acting segment during the show. I was also down with a bad case of flu last night, suppressing myself from coughing and sneezing till my eyes teared. A wonder how I held my ground the whole night staying till the end. All that added up to me not having the mood nor feeling the need to do a review but if views were to be shared then I’ll just give brief thoughts on the show.

Rossa, looking all-splendour performing “Ayat-Ayat Cinta“… Rumours have it certain sections of the media weren’t pleased with her for cancelling a scheduled interview but rumours are definitely meant to be taken with a pinch of salt and not to be taken wholesale cos there’s always two sides to the story. If it really happened, I’m sure she had her valid reasons…

As a show, overall I felt there was a distinct lack of punch and aura, a feel-good factor that was missing, the “X-factor“ you might call it. Cos it felt like watching a weekly variety show. However, it has to be stressed upon that this was to be expected and forgiven, as this wasn’t a glammed-up show filled with all the pomp and razzmatazz to honour the movers and shakers of the industry over the past year or a happy and fun occasion like “Pesta Pesta Pesta” or “Anugerah Grand Finale“. This show was meant to tug at the heartstrings, and some cynical ones might add “pockets”, but this was all definitely for a good cause, to give a reality check on the less fortunate living in our midst. Of course it did not have to be too sombre for one’s liking but I believe you catch my drift.

Hady Mirza giving his all singing “Angkasa“…

Which leads me to the conduct of certain sections of the audience during the show. Yes I appreciate and respect the fact that you were showing your love and appreciation to your beloved artiste / idol on stage. But you have to remember in what setting and atmosphere were you at. Add to the fact that you have distinguished guests-of-honour also in attendance. Screaming like mad women throughout your favourite artiste’s performances not only irritated the others in the auditorium, it was also a show of disrespect to the guests that you simply have little / no sense of decorum and dignity in an event of that magnitude. There is a time and place for such show of affections but definitely not at last night’s event and most definitely not throughout the whole song the artiste was singing, which in turn led him to momentarily lose focus. We still have a long way to go in realising when to do something and when not to do it or when we are overdoing it. It happened at last week’s Bagaikan Sakti concert and it happened again last night.

The finale…

I thought the artistes involved were excellent in their delivery and execution and they have to be lauded for putting up generally good performances on the night. I personally liked Shahril’s and Kunjung’s poetry recital of Isa Kamari’s “Tubuh Kurus” (hope I got the title right), but AhliFiqir’s presence towards the end of that was like a “What was that all about?” moment for me, as it was too brief and nothing more than just a few seconds on stage. But at least they came back to perform again, of which the title of the song they performed was lost on me, cos the flu was distracting me by then. I would have given Hady’s performance of his hit single “Angkasa“ a thumbs-up too, if not for some of his overzealous fans. But who can forget the little boo-boo written on the cheque that was given by Mediacorp to TAA??? I don’t think I need to elaborate more on that already.

The performing artistes taking photographs with our guest-of-honour…

The post-event reception was so-so in terms of star factor. Besides the likes of Shah Iskandar, Norfasarie, Lydia Izzati and Fadhlur Rahman, there were not many artistes who came to watch the event as I believe this was more to honour the donors, sponsors and dignitaries who have contributed to the TAA cause. The performing artistes themselves did not stay long at the reception, preferring to change back to their normal clothings once the guest-of-honour Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean left the vicinity. I did not take much photos myself as I could not get good shots due to where I sat in the auditorium and also the fact that the reception was devoid of star power. What I have included in this entry were what I considered the better ones. Kudos to Mediacorp and TAA for achieving their target!!!

TV personalities, Norfasarie, Fadhlur Rahman & Shah Iskandar enjoying the sumptuous spread…

(Some of the information included in this entry were courtesy of the joint press release by Mediacorp Suria and TAA Trust Fund.)