I did say in my promo entry a week ago that I am uncomfortable to review theatre plays and productions for the fact that I do not have a theatre background nor understand most of the technicalities to dispense my thoughts. But as I was typing my thank yous and gratitude to the main people at Sri Warisan Som Said Performing Arts Ltd, notably Madam Som Said and Marina Yusoff, for an extremely enjoyable experience last night, it dawned on me that not only should the main people be reading my thoughts, but the whole production team as well as the performers who numbered more than 117 should also be reading this on a more public platform, since I am not connected to everyone on Facebook due to my personal policy of being connected to only people I have met before in person. Hence this entry.

This rather short entry is also to share my personal experience as a watching audience, rather than as an astute observer or critic. Also for the fact that I want to surprise Marina and the production team, since they surprised me last night with a heartwarming gesture (more on that in a bit). Last night was one of the rare occasions that I did not bring my trusty DSLR nor video camera to catch the moments, but I think it is perfectly alright not to include photographs nor video clips in this entry, as I do not want to act as the proverbial spoiler for those who will be watching the final two shows later today. Anyway for those who are wondering, tickets are still available and can be purchased at the Kallang Theatre entrance. Just note that the two shows today are at 3pm and 8pm.

From a watching audience’s perspective, the missus and I enjoyed the whole production very much, and this is not because of what happened towards the end (again more on that in a bit). For me personally, I was blown away by the digital backdrop and various stage props which made the kampung and beach setting come alive. Each character was responsible in bringing out their respective roles and played with our emotions, in a good way literally so to speak. We felt tickled by the actions of Amza (Hamzah Adon), we felt anger by the dastardly acts of Memanda Menteri (Fauzie Laily), we felt the sadness and anxiety of the kampung folk towards the end. While the tears welled in my eyes towards the end, I noticed many others in the audience as well as my other half sniffing and dabbing their eyes, thanks to the excellent combination of the script, the actions as well as the soundtrack and its meaningful lyrics.

Like what I told Marina via Facebook, everything that was promised during the media conference three weeks ago was delivered and executed, even going beyond my wildest imaginations of what the surprises would be. But during the media conference itself, something in me detected that Bollywood elements would be injected into this production, even though it was not mentioned by Music Director, Zubir Abdullah. I was pleasantly surprised that my gut feelings came true last night. What astounded me in that particular segment was Marina herself. Put her in any costume and she will bring the character to life. She can be a kampung girl, a princess, a palace maid and you can be sure that she will look the part. Likewise during the short Bollywood segment, I saw a Hindi actress on stage.

There were also other twists in store like the injection of rap and hip-hop into the mix. Traditionalists might frown upon that particular segment since it was done with the performers wearing traditional royal costumes. But I thought it was a nice twist, a fresh element breathing life into royal subjects who are normally known as uptight and serious people at the mercy of the King or Sultan‘s commands. Though I have been waxing lyrical towards the production, I did detect a minor shortcoming. At times the characters’ voices were inaudible or drowned by the background music. I think that can be taken aboard and improved upon for the final two shows. Still, the minor problem was not enough to make me detract from saying it was an excellent show. If you ask me, given the injection of support and sponsors, it would be good if this production is staged abroad and adding more colourful elements. I’m hoping Malaysia‘s Istana Budaya would invite the production over for starters.

And finally to that pleasant surprise at the end of the show. As a small-time blogger, not paid for what I do as a hobby and mere passion to report and promote stuff on our local Malay entertainment scene, a mere mention of my moniker on the public address system at the end, made the heart flutter in excitement, to go along with the list of social and mainstream media mentioned for their respective coverage and promotional works. To be thanked in print on the programme book, made it even more worthwhile of the work l’ve done all these years. This is a definite first for me and one that I am very much thankful and feel honoured for. It gives me the impetus and inspiration to continue, as doing what I do on my own does not reward me in monetary terms. There were times too that I felt it wasn’t worth it, no thanks to several bad experiences. It has however given me satisfaction in making others smile and feel encouraged. Above all, it has introduced me to talented and inspirational individuals as well as groups. Thank you Sri Warisan!!! This means so much to me…

P.S. I said this was a short entry but knowing long-winded me, six paragraphs is kinda long, don’t you think???

For those of you who missed out on buying the “Demi Adriana” novel written by RIA 897FM deejay, Hafeez Glamour, or getting his signature on the book last Sunday at Joo Chiat Complex, fret not, as this is your chance to catch hold of him (literally) and get them signed. Hafeez will be making an appearance at the showroom of Darwin Interior Design this Saturday, 31st March 2012, between 2-4pm, for a book-signing session. Details are written on the promotional poster above…

28th March 2012 is a very special day in the life and music career of local songbird, Siti Zahidah, or Zahidah as she is affectionately known. She has officially launched her first solo Malay single, titled “Malam Ini“, today. For those of you who wonder where you might have heard of her, well she is none other than the co-recipient for “Best Singapore Song” award at last year’s Anugerah Planet Muzik, for her duet, “Lagu Teman“, with The Lion Story. For those more inclined with local English songs, she is the singer of the saccharine sweet “The Make Up Song“, and snagged the title of “The Next Big Thing” at last year’s competition of the same headline, organised by Mediacorp Radio‘s 987FM. Things are surely looking up for this NTU undergraduate as she attempts to make her mark on our local Malay music industry.

“Malam Ini” was written and composed by none other than Zahidah herself. The upbeat number was produced by Haramain Osman and Judah Lyne, both of The Lion Story fame. This latest single from Zahidah is taken off her upcoming Extended Play (EP) album titled “Ethereal“, which is scheduled to be out in June 2012. The single has also been receiving heavy airplay, a guaranteed five times a day, on RIA 897FM since the start of the week. It will be available as a free digital download from today at http://soundcloud.com/iamzahidah/zahidah-malam-ini/s-49Mvo.

I have had the opportunity to listen to the song as early as last Sunday when I was listening to the repeat of the radio programme “SG“, which showcases songs by our local acts on RIA 897FM. My first impression when I listened to the first verse was, it reminded me of “The Make-Up Song“. But as the song goes on, what is different from the earlier single is the fact that the tempo is slightly more upbeat. The lyrics are supposedly sad if you were to listen intently, but the melody projects a positive attitude being adopted by the person telling the story of the song. Though I’m not well-versed at reviewing songs, as a listener, the song made me bopped my head to its beats. It’s like a perk-me-up or what one might classify as a “feel-good” song. Why I say it, is because of the positive vibes it resonates. The melody and beats also reminded me of those country blues numbers that our old folks would have loved when they were much younger. I can’t help but feel this song is targeted for all age-groups to enjoy.

Congratulations Zahidah on the launch of “Malam Ini“…!!!

Hopefully this latest offering will open more avenues for you to succeed in our local Malay entertainment industry and also abroad…

From hearing budding and up-and-coming talents introducing themselves on national radio in the “Opening Act” segment on Hafeez Glamour‘s daily radio show “Go Glam“, you can now watch them present their talents live!!! The stage that gives them the opportunity to realise and take baby steps to spread their wings in our local Malay entertainment industry is the brainchild of two music activists, Olly Ismail and Alif Nuramin and organised by CMX International, Ilham Kosmik, Anchorvale CC MAEC and People’s Association Youth Movement (PAYM). The event brings together over fifteen of the talents who have been featured on the daily popular radio segment on 31st March 2012, which is this coming Saturday. What is unique about this unplugged concert is that it is free, given the number of talents involved!!!

Not only will the budding acts be the performers on that day, they will be joined by already established local solo artistes and bands like Fuad Rahman, Ikhsan Ace (former vocalist of Aryan Band), Kraton, Virus Cinta, B8, Revalina, Shahridzuan Selamat, Rudy Djoharnaen, Rifa’ah Ridzuwanulhakim and Dinodi, amongst others. The show will be hosted by recently-anointed “Best Tukang Karut” at the recent “Terjah! Chingay 2012” event and part-time deejay at RIA 897FM, Dzar Ismail. He will be joined by his fellow Anugerah Skrin 2010 alumnus, Raja Razie, and part-time model / actress / host Deanna Manto. Seeing the huge line-up and with the weather being very fickle of late, I really hope what happened at last month’s “Muzik Festival Melayu” at Marina Barrage, will not be replicated. Moreso since this concert will be held at the Floating Atrium of the Anchorvale Community Club, an outdoor facade. The concert is slated to begin at 6pm and end at 10pm. If you support local talents, this is the place to be this Saturday!!!

I purposely post this entry about a week before the musical play goes live at the Kallang Theatre so as to generate that hype even further, to go along with the ones some of you might have read in Berita Harian last week, or / and seen the short capsule on Mediacorp Suria. For the first time ever, I was invited to cover a media conference-cum-preview, involving one of our local Malay performing arts group’s latest offering “Bendahara – A Betrayal“. And this is not any group I’m talking about. It is the well-respected Sri Warisan Som Said Performing Arts group, no stranger to most of us and a brand name which is synonymous in upholding traditional Malay culture and heritage, in the form of dance and theatre.

It has to be said that I seldom post something pertaining to our local arts scene. It is not that I am not interested, but I seldom have the time and opportunity to watch and support such shows. At the same time, I feel at ease giving them the promo rather than reviewing their show. This is because, hand to heart, I am not a professional nor have any experience in the scene to understand the technicalities and background that some other known writers might have. Hence, this blog seldom features reviews or talk about the local performing arts scene. I do not want to come across as a know-all when my knowledge of the scene is practically zero to begin with. I wouldn’t mind watching if I have the opportunity, but I won’t feel comfortable having to review them afterwards. Like Fiza O‘s recent event which I reported in the last entry, I felt obliged to attend this media conference-cum-preview session of Sri Warisan‘s latest production, thanks to a personal invite I received from Marina Yusoff, the musical play’s Production Director.

Click to view slideshow.

“Bendahara – A Betrayal“, is staged based on events that happened on these shores, most notably when Singapore was “attacked” by swordfish or otherwise known in our Malay folklore as “Singapura Dilanggar Todak“. Till today, debates still rage on whether the incident did really happened or whether it is just a mythical folklore as a form of entertainment and storytelling for children alike. However, where the original story centred upon the character of Hang Nadim, the boy who was smart enough to outwit the swordfish but in the end, fell prey to the jealousy of those working in the royal palace, this play centres upon the character of Aman a.k.a. Bendahara (played by Hatta Said), the Chief Minister who was tasked to take away Hang Nadim, who also happens to be his step-brother. I will not play the spoiler by telling you how the story would end, as we were not told about it during the preview itself, so your guess is as good as mine.

From the preview, I was very much moved by the acting talents of Asnida Daud, who is making her theatre return in this production. She plays the character “Mak Limah“, the mother of both Aman and Hang Nadim. The scene where Tok Penghulu was to be arrested by Memanda Menteri and the royal guards was a particularly moving and compelling one, so much so that I had tears welling in my eyes when I watched it live, and again when I was compiling video highlights of the preview-cum-media conference. She is that good, cos she executed the right combinations in terms of physical movements, emotive facial and voice expressions at the exact moments. I felt her character come alive, moreso since she shed real tears too during that scene. Other characters to look out for are Memanda Menteri, the dual persona being played by Fauzie Laily, as well as Amza (Hamzah Adon), who provides the light-hearted moments in the play. And of course the main character himself.

This production is special for the fact that Sri Warisan reaches out to the younger generation by including students from Yuying Secondary School, Bedok Green Secondary School and Damai Secondary School. Also for the opportunity given to some of their performers, who have been with them for about five years, to come up with a choreography item for various scenes in the play. They have also invited Malaysia‘s Akademi Seni Budaya & Warisan Kebangsaan (ASWARA) Dancers to be a part of the play. Along with the fusion of silat choreography by Pesilat Pusaka Karuhun and Pesilat Tapak Suci Muhammadiyah, the play promises to be a spectacle for viewers, with elements of Disney and Hollywood incorporated into the mix, as was testified by Music Director, Zubir Abdullah, one of my favourite local singers.

Less than a week left to the show, I am very excited about this production as the preview promised a play that we can be proud of, if it is to be staged abroad as an advertisement on our culture and heritage, the marriage between dance and theatre. I strongly recommend that you get your tickets soon as they are selling fast at $28 each. The show will be staged at Kallang Theatre on 30th and 31st March 2012 at 8pm, with an added matinee show at 3pm on Saturday. There was a small birthday celebration afterwards for Marina and Huda Rahim, the head choreographer of the production, who share the same birthday (9th March) and those who attended got to sample “Pulut Kuning” and a variety of other traditional Malay food and kuehs. Thank you once again to Marina Yusoff and the good people at Sri Warisan Som Said Performing Arts Ltd. for the kind invitation, hospitality and good food served that night. I hope your upcoming production will be a resounding success!!!

The days and weeks have been moving a little too fast for my liking, that I did not realise that it has been three weeks since this event was held at Joo Chiat Complex on 25th February 2012. I felt extremely honoured to be invited to this event, moreso when Fiza O herself called me up personally to invite me over. When someone has made the effort to invite you over personally given the time constraints they were facing in the lead-up to the event, it is quite difficult to say “no”. You feel very much appreciated and obliged to return the support in kind. That was how I felt. On hindsight, even if Fiza did not make the call, I would have been amongst the crowd, perhaps watching from the upper levels of the shopping complex. It was the same day that Imran Ajmain was supposed to have his showcase at The Arts House, but was postponed due to technical reasons. Having him performing that day made up for the showcase miss, since I was due to go had it gone on as planned.

Other than Imran Ajmain, the other acts who graced the event were all from Singapore. They include Aryan Band, no slouches themselves and slowly gaining a positive reputation across the Causeway, dance powerhouse Styles From Beyond and two participants who have been featured on Hafeez Glamour‘s “Opening Act” segment in his daily radio show, Sufie Rashid and Siti Syakirah Noble. I thought the idea of inviting Aryan Band to perform was a good choice, given the fact that they have not made any notable live appearances on these shores since their Anugerah Planet Muzik 2011 debut, as they were busy touring in Malaysia promoting the soundtrack of the movie “Azura 2012” and making more good music. And good music was what we heard that day as the band introduced their new singles “Kasih Katakan Sesuatu” and “Tanpa Mu“, sandwiching “Azura 2012“.

Besides singing his hit song “Jika Engkau Pergi“, taken off his album “Punca Dan Tindakan“, Imran was also on hand to introduce his new single “Dikalung Kasihan“, a sappy ballad I have fallen in love with, which was composed by renowned composer Azlan Abu Hassan and lyrics written by Dato’ Dr. Fazley Yaakob, who needs no further introduction himself. I remember in one particular showcase I attended in the past, Imran said in jest that he was “sick of” singing “Seribu Tahun“, but one cannot deny that that is his signature song, especially when the audience clamoured for him to sing it again and Imran obliged by doing it twice, even if he had no accompanying music.  The strength of that song lies in its melody, the simplicity of its lyrics and the deep meanings attached to it, a potent combination which makes it one of the most beautiful love ballads and one I rank as one of my own personal favourites as well.

The two up-and-coming acts whose talents were first showcased on the “Opening Act” segment, Sufie Rashid and Siti Syakirah Noble gave good accounts of themselves. Of course there were jitters detected but that was natural to expect for newbies just starting out and having to perform to a large audience live. I was surprised to know that the latter, whose height and size belied her age, is only 12 years old!!! This particular radio segment is heaven sent for our budding local acts, as it gives them the platform for exposure and for event organisers and record producers to sit up and take notice of their potential. Since the segment was first introduced mid-2011, a number of these young upstarts who began their journey via uploading YouTube clips of themselves performing, have had the opportunity to perform at various events. This is one example whereby social and mainstream media work hand in hand to give them the opportunity to shine without having to rely on the next season of a reality show.

Forever Beauty Professionals Pte Ltd, which produces the Ritabella range of beauty, skincare and slimming products, launched the “Fiza O Collection“, belonging to the Illume Skin System set of skincare products, for those with sensitive, oily and dry skin amongst others. If I am not mistaken, a set costs about $80. I have seen the physical difference in Fiza since she became an ambassador of the Ritabella products. Normally she looks weary and tired after a hard day’s work, but since she started using them, she looks fresh and I do not see her eyebags. And what’s more, there is a certain glow about her skin, as well as Hafeez Glamour, the other ambassador of the products. Hafeez himself will be launching his own collection come 25th March 2012 at Joo Chiat Complex, as well as his second book, “Demi Adriana“, after “Diari DJ“, his first book which was produced in late 2005.

Till this day I am still struggling to find a particular product which is named after a local Malay personality in our entertainment industry. Back in the 90s when the Malaysia Cup was so popular, two of our national players, Hasnim Haron and Zulkifli Kartoyoho had boots named after them and produced by Umbro, the sports manufacturer which sponsored them. But that was in the arena of sports. Correct me please if I am wrong, but I believe Fiza O has made a history of sorts by being the first Malay personality in our local entertainment industry to have her name embedded to a particular product. And that itself is cause for joy and pride for the bubbly radio presenter and television host, whose daily radio show has one of the highest ratings. Congratulations to Fiza O once again on the launch of her own beauty and skincare product!!!

The audience taking in the talent competition in the evening…

I was not paid nor was I invited to attend this event, probably because entertainment bloggers in Singapore (if there are more of them like myself) are not known by concert promoters and organisers. We are also probably not seen and accepted as credible sources of information since we type our thoughts more from the heart, which sometimes can be detrimental when we get a wee too emotional. Personally I feel better to review something which I paid for and relate what I feel from the bottom of my heart, rather than feel obliged to write something positive when circumstances and events dictate otherwise. Giving my perspective as a paying consumer, maybe people would understand better from our point of view. Giving a different outlook from most of the articles written about this event also means the organisers would note of the shortcomings and strive to do better productions in future. No way am I shooting my mouth off for the sake of it, but to help dispense substantial feedback for our local scene to grow.

The original stage at the rooftop…

I was surprised to learn via my Twitter timeline that the concert had shifted from the Marina Barrage rooftop down to the lower level, all thanks to the earlier downpour, just as I was about to leave home. Two days before the event, the missus and I did our own reconnaissance of the place, and I was initially excited that the concert would be held at the rooftop where we could all enjoy the breeze and take in the scenic city skyline. But that was not to be. When they said “lower level”, I thought it would be on the first floor facing the fountains. I was half right. The “stage” or what looked like a five-foot-way outside the Pump House, did face the fountains below, but the estimated three-metre height was way too high for concert-goers to enjoy the performances. This was made worse when the huge railings covered the faces of the performers from the angle we were seated, which prevented photographers like myself getting good shots, unless we stood just below it.

The “replacement” stage…

I was wondering if there was a contingency plan in the first place, in the event there was a downpour. The rain began as early as 11:00am when the foreign acts were doing their respective soundchecks and it took them a few hours to decide that the show will go on at the lower level. By the time the competition for up-and-coming local acts began, it was close to 5:00pm. I have to say that this competition was an extremely noble idea to have, especially since it gave young upstarts the platform to shine. However, I am still left a little confused how the winners were chosen as there was no mention of any judges sitting in our midst that day. Still, I felt that the winners, Dan, Wazee & Azra Zulaika were rightfully chosen as their performances drew loud whoops and stunned looks by the watching audience, the latter raising the hairs of yours truly with her own personal tribute to Whitney Houston by belting her classic hits.

Azra Zulaika wowed us with her vocal prowess…

Speaking of the watching audience, my estimation of the total number was only about 400-500 maximum. I read conflicting reports from the media saying it was in the thousands. Maybe people had bought the tickets earlier, but chose not to come due to the downpour or last minute engagements prevented them from coming. However, I was surprised to learn that on the day itself, those who had not bought the tickets but came to purchase them, enjoyed a significant amount of reduced ticket price per person, as compared to those who bought it much earlier like myself. I took a walk at the rooftop to see the supposed area which the concert was supposed to be held. Only a certain portion was cordoned off for concert-goers, whereas the walkway by the sides still allowed visitors to move about and parts of the field allowed kite flyers to do their own thing. Had the concert gone on as planned, I wondered if these people could have had the opportunity to enjoy the concert for free???

From where I stood, one could watch the concert for free…

Even when the concert was shifted to the lower level, if one was savvy enough to know the way around the place, or do not mind watching it from a distance, they can actually watch it for free from the elevated path leading up to the rooftop. The entrance / exit cordon that separated the toilet and the concert area was also unmanned. Anyone could have just gone in via that entrance / exit without paying. The only thing I could console myself was that the money I spent would in some way, go into paying the artistes performing, no matter how big or small they are in terms of popularity or stature in our local / regional Malay music entertainment industry. There were murmurs of discontent afterwards from some of our local acts, but I will not delve into their cause of unhappiness. It would be best for any one of them to come out in the open and share their story to the mainstream media. That way we will get a fair view as all parties would be interviewed. I’m just a small-time blogger with little credence.

One of Singapore‘s representatives of the night, Shahridzuan Selamat…

The icing on the cake had to be the so-called “technical problem” which occurred when Indonesian band, Kichi came on stage. Just as they were about to open their set, the sound system went off for about fifteen minutes or so, with no announcements made whatsoever, which resulted in grumblings and some angry voices being heard amongst the audience. By then it was already eleven plus and most of the people were fidgety and hungry. It was only through good common sense by the management of One Nation Emcees and Dayang Nurfaizah that the watching audience were appeased when the two sets of artistes came down to mingle with them, snapped photographs as well as distributed their latest singles. I was fortunate to receive One Nation Emcees‘ latest single album, ”Psiko“, from one of the group members, Jojo. The most popular in the group of course was none other than Mimi. Everyone clamoured to take a photograph with her.

The crowd favourite, Mimi of One Nation Emcees…

Looking at the event overall, it was a massive effort by the organisers bringing artistes from the three countries on one stage, working through several constraints, not helped by circumstances which could have been avoided with proper planning and perhaps with a bit more support from big sponsors. The problem with our local Malay entertainment scene in general is that, sponsors are difficult to come by, even if the product is good. The competition for the up-and-coming acts I personally felt should have been done away with, due to the massive delay caused by the earlier downpour, or at least limit the talents to just singing one song, rather than singing two or three songs or as a medley. Continuing with it only resulted in the extension of hours for the concert, which was unnecessary and resulted in several acts doing away with some songs. From what I heard, Kotak was slated to perform seven songs but ended up only doing four.

Dayang Nurfaizah posing with one of her fans…

Even during the earlier talent competition itself, there was no proper host and the one who took over the microphone duties, I believe, was a stagehand. The host of the show, Mahadi Mashuri, only appeared when Wiz Glare, the first act to appear during the local acts segment, were about to take centre stage. What made it even worse was (and regular readers of this blog would note that I’m such a stickler for it), there was no break at all to respect Maghrib. This would not have happened had the whole event started as planned. To be fair to the organisers, I heard there was supposed to be a five-minute break, but apparently the message did not get through to the host. Still I thought the supposed five-minute break was not enough and should have been at least fifteen minutes to half an hour. At least the audience could go and relieve or stretch themselves as the hard ground gave us sore bums and backs by the end of the night.

Aremeer of Sofazr endangering himself by climbing over the railings during the group’s performance…

The sound system as a whole, was patchy at best, good in half the performances and distorted at the rest. I dunno if it was due to the rain earlier, but it could have been much better given the line-up that night. The only positive thing I would note would be the professional performances by all acts, despite the replacement stage being a big stumbling block to their interaction with the audience, and respective showmanship. Aremeer, the lead vocalist of Sofazr did the unthinkable and climbed over the railings during the group’s performance, risking injury had he slipped and fall, truly an unorthodox way of performing. The artistes, like the audience, also had to wait and wait for their turns to perform. The Malaysian acts especially, were already so tired as they arrived in Singapore only in the morning. The other thing I could credit the organisers was the prayer room which they had set aside, a carpeted room which was air-conditioned and felt very cosy with cushioned seats. I had half the mind to just enjoy the concert from the comfort of that room.

Amanda Imani giving the fans a thumbs-up for their support and positive reactions towards her performance…

The audience should be applauded for staying throughout till Kotak‘s performance ended at about 12:45am. Some were there as early as 2:00pm, thinking that the talent competition would begin on the dot. I salute their patience level having to go through the long wait, the glitches, the hunger, the sore backs and bums felt by the end of the night. In terms of entertainment value, the concert was excellent, and I am very proud of our local acts for showing their worthy potential, some of them still raw, but displayed lots of promise. In this respect, the organisers have done an excellent job to provide them with a proper platform to show their worth, perhaps opening more avenues for them to succeed in future. However, all the other negative factors I mentioned above could have been prevented or / and scrapped and done another day, and not made me regret somewhat for not attending my good friend’s wedding dinner that same night…

Fresh from last night’s Bandstand Elektra event, I’ve decided to upload this entry as a filler for earlier events I attended the past month, namely the Muzik Festival Melayu concert at Marina Barrage on 18 February 2012 and the launch of Ritabella‘s Fiza O Collection event held at Joo Chiat Complex on 25 February 2012. Anyway this entry is filled with photographs I took last night during the post-event reception, so it’s a very short entry just to whet your appetite on what is to come in the days / weeks ahead. Hope the weekend has been good so far for all of you…