It has been a fortnight since Pesta Perdana 13 was upon us. A lot of post-event thoughts and comments were made on the winners or what happened during the event itself, some of which have been downright vile and preposterous in my opinion, but that is something I will discuss on another day. I am still in the midst of editing the 3400-odd photographs I snapped that night but just to satiate your wait, I’ll be sharing selected photographs I took during the pre-event cocktail reception, during commercial breaks as well as during the post-event reception in this entry. Hope this will be a good filler before I share my after-thoughts… 🙂
Tag: Ashmi Roslan
Pesta Perdana 13 Media Conference
Graphics photo courtesy of Mediacorp Suria…
The bienniel Pesta Perdana event, will make its long-awaited return this 28 March 2015 at the Mediacorp TV Theatre. The prestigious awards, now into its thirteenth edition, aims to recognise, acknowledge and honour the best talents in the local Malay television industry. It will also take viewers down memory lane with this year’s 50’s theme, in line with the ongoing SG50 celebrations. Pesta Perdana 13 (PP13) attracted more than 145 entries from 13 local production houses who are vying for top honours in the fiercely contested programme and performance award categories. A total of 32 awards and a special Lifetime TV Achievement award are up for grabs this year.
The PP13 media conference event was held at The Ballroom @ East Coast…
- Mobile App: Toggle Now
- Website: xinmsn.com/pestaperdana
- Facebook: fb.com/mediacorpsuria
Code details are as follows:
MOST POPULAR MALE PERSONALITY
- Fir Rahman – Code: L1
- Hisyam Hamid – Code: L2
- Imam Shah – Code: L3
- Norman Ishak – Code: L4
- Syarif SleeQ – Code: L5
MOST POPULAR FEMALE PERSONALITY
- Farhana M Noor – Code: W1
- Mastura Ahmad – Code: W2
- Nadiah M Din – Code: W3
- Nurul Aini – Code: W4
- Wahyu Rahman – Code: W5
The media conference was hosted by Fiza O and Fauzie Laily…
I had the honour of being invited to attend the PP13 Media Conference held at The Ballroom @ East Coast on 4 March 2015, to announce all the award nominees. The event venue, as some of you might have known by now, is owned by Warna 94.2FM‘s A. B. Shaik. The media conference event saw the hosting chemistry of RIA 89.7FM‘s Fiza O and Fauzie Laily rekindled. Both of them had a field day tickling the guests with their witty and funny quips. They were also dressed according to the theme of the awards show this year, which is 50s Vintage. The event also saw Hyrul Anuar performing the theme song for Pesta Perdana, “Malam Gemilang“, accompanied by two of his good friends from AltoAura, Reyza Hamizan and Azura Goh.
Hyrul Anuar performing “Malam Gemilang“…
From the list of nominees announced this year, I note the wave of newer and younger generation of actors being nominated for their respective roles in the last two years. Which can only be good for the local entertainment industry, as they continue to hone their craft and complement the established and veterans in the scene. I’m also happy to see the likes of Farhana M Noor and Izyan Mellyna being nominated for Most Promising Actor / Actress. As I’ve said before in this blog, they have caught my eyes for their talent and potential, which can only get better. But do not discount the others nominated in their category. Asraf Amin, Atyy A. Malek (Nurhayati Abdul Malek) and Faizal Rahman will give them a run for their money.
Madam Zakiah Halim addressing the guests…
This year, there are also additions from Malaysia in the nominations list. The last Pesta Perdana event saw one nominee, Fauziah Nawi, whereas this year sees Iqram Dinzly, Keith Foo and Sharnaaz Ahmad being nominated. When asked by Berita Harian entertainment journalist Shahida Sarhid about the influx of Malaysian artistes into the nominations list, Mediacorp Malay Segment‘s head, Madam Zakiah Halim explained that they welcome the presence of the Malaysian actors over here, just like how our very own actors are welcomed over there and being nominated in several of their awards shows. This is good not only for bilateral exchange, but also the sharing of knowledge as well as good sparring in acting for both sets of countries’ actors. And I couldn’t agree more. I believe our actors can benefit from working with some of these actors, in turn even paving the way for them to work across the Causeway and hopefully, beyond.
Keith Foo certainly looked delighted with his nomination…
Pesta Perdana 13 will be telecast live on Mediacorp Suria on 28 March 2015 at 8:30pm. This year’s show will be hosted by Suhaimi Yusof and Huda Ali and the guest-of-honour will be Member of Parliament, Mr. Zaqy Mohamad. I end this entry with the full list of nominations as well as photographs taken during the media conference event.
Pesta Perdana 13 Nominations List
CATEGORY 1: PELAKON LELAKI TERBAIK DALAM WATAK UTAMA – DRAMA BERSIRI(BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE – DRAMA SERIES) | ||
Ashmi Roslan | Walimah Sr 2 | Oak 3 Films |
Iqram Dinzly | Kes 253 | Oak 3 Films |
Sani Hussin | Di Luar Garisan Sr 1 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Sharnaaz Ahmad | Danny | Flipside Stories |
Syarif SleeQ | Belah Hati | DV Studio |
CATEGORY 2:PELAKON WANITA TERBAIK DALAM WATAK UTAMA – DRAMA BERSIRI(BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE – DRAMA SERIES) | ||
Ariati Tyeb Papar | Kes 253 | Oak 3 Films |
Elfaeza Ul Haq | Danny | Flipside Stories |
Hashimah Hamidon | Mengejar Mentari | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Izyan Mellyna | Walimah Sr 2 | Oak 3 Films |
Nadiah M Din | Danny | Flipside Stories |
CATEGORY 3: PELAKON LELAKI TERBAIK DALAM WATAK PEMBANTU – DRAMA BERSIRI(BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE – DRAMA SERIES) | ||
A. Mahadi | Mengejar Mentari | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Abdullah Ahmad | Belah Hati | DV Studio |
Fadhlur Rahman | 9 Nyawa | Oak 3 Films |
Nick Mikhail | Kasih Berbisik | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Taufiq Salleh | Danny | Flipside Stories |
CATEGORY 4: PELAKON WANITA TERBAIK DALAM WATAK PEMBANTU – DRAMA BERSIRI(BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE – DRAMA SERIES) | ||
Adlina Adil | Di Luar Garisan Sr 1 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Ateeqah Mazlan | Belah Hati | DV Studio |
Farhana M Noor | Belah Hati | DV Studio |
Haryani Othman | R&D | Shortman Films |
Nurijah Sahat | Danny | Flipside Stories |
CATEGORY 5: PELAKON LELAKI TERBAIK DALAM WATAK UTAMA – DRAMA KHAS / ANTOLOGI(BEST ACTOR IN A LEADING ROLE – DRAMA SPECIAL / ANTHOLOGY) | ||
Keith Foo | Raya Sempurna | Flipside Stories |
Najib Soiman | Pesan Ayah | Blue River Pictures |
Nick Mikhail | Bingit Sr 2 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Sharnaaz Ahmad | Cinta Ramadan | Flipside Stories |
Zaidi Ibrahim | Raya Bersama | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
CATEGORY 6:PELAKON WANITA TERBAIK DALAM WATAK UTAMA – DRAMA KHAS / ANTOLOGI(BEST ACTRESS IN A LEADING ROLE – DRAMA SPECIAL / ANTHOLOGY) | ||
Aishah Ahmad | Ingat Tak Mak | DV Studio |
Halimah Ismail | Ingat Tak Mak | DV Studio |
Rosita Hussin | Kasih Ibu | DV Studio |
Seriwahyuni Jaes | Raya Bersama | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Siti Hajar | Bingit Sr 2 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
CATEGORY 7: PELAKON LELAKI TERBAIK DALAM WATAK PEMBANTU – DRAMA KHAS / ANTOLOGI(BEST ACTOR IN A SUPPORTING ROLE – DRAMA SPECIAL / ANTHOLOGY) | ||
Hasif Nasir | Papa Kool | Element Pictures |
Jeff Catz | Ingat Tak Mak | DV Studio |
Junaidi Sali | Ingat Tak Mak | DV Studio |
Sani Hussin | Pesan Ayah | Blue River Pictures |
Zaidi Ibrahim | Pesan Ayah | Blue River Pictures |
CATEGORY 8: PELAKON WANITA TERBAIK DALAM WATAK PEMBANTU – DRAMA KHAS / ANTOLOGI(BEST ACTRESS IN A SUPPORTING ROLE – DRAMA SPECIAL / ANTHOLOGY) | ||
Junaidah Ekhsan | Raya Bersama | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Maiya Rahman | Bingit Sr 1 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Mastura Ahmad | Bingit Sr 2 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Nurul Akhmar | Ingat Tak Mak | DV Studio |
Rahimah Rahim | Tetap Anak Papa | Thinkplate |
CATEGORY 9: PELAKON TERBAIK DALAM WATAK KOMEDI (BEST ACTOR / ACTRESS IN A COMEDY ROLE) | ||
Alias Kadir | Bubur Masjid Air Katira Sr 1 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Era Farida | Bubur Masjid Air Katira Sr 2 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Khairudin Samsudin | Sinar Lebaran 2014 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Suhaimi Yusof | R&D | Shortman Films |
Suhaimi Yusof | Sinar Lebaran 2014 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
CATEGORY 10: PELAKON HARAPAN TERBAIK (MOST PROMISING ACTOR / ACTRESS) | ||
Asraf Amin | Belah Hati | DV Studio |
Faizal Rahman | Rima Hatiku | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Farhana M Noor | Belah Hati | DV Studio |
Izyan Mellyna | Walimah Sr 2 | Oak 3 Films |
Norhayati Malik | Bingit Sr 2 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
CATEGORY 11: PENGACARA TERBAIK – HIBURAN(BEST HOST – VARIETY) | ||
Khairudin Saharom | Sinaran Hati 2013 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Khairudin Samsudin | Maintain Sr 2 | Mediamorphosis |
Khairudin Samsudin | Te:Ra Seh 1.0 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Nurul Aini | Kita Gerek Sr 2 | Dua M |
Syirah Jusni | POP | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
CATEGORY 12: PENGACARA TERBAIK – RANCANGAN INFORMASI(BEST HOST – INFO-ED) | ||
Dalina Jaapar | Kembara Kasih | Filmat36 |
Hazlina Halim | Terbit | DV Studio |
Najip Ali | Kita Orang Singapura Sr 1 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Nurul Akhmar | Jus Sr 6 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Rilla Melati | Rudy & Rilla Sr 4 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
CATEGORY 13: BINTANG CILIK TERBAIK (BEST YOUNG STAR) | ||
Ahmad Sirhan | Cobaan Kassim Selamat | Dua M |
Ahmad Sirhan | SAM | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Danish Putra | Belah Hati | DV Studio |
Dayang Nur Balqis | Danny | Flipside Stories |
Nyla Esman | Ingat Tak Mak | DV Studio |
CATEGORY 14: DRAMA TERBAIK (BEST DRAMA SERIES) | |
Belah Hati | DV Studio |
Bingit Sr 2 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Danny | Flipside Stories |
Mengejar Mentari | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Walimah Sr 2 | Oak 3 Films |
CATEGORY 15: DRAMA KHAS TERBAIK (BEST DRAMA SPECIAL) | |
Ingat Tak Mak | DV Studio |
Kasih Ibu | DV Studio |
Pesan Ayah | Blue River Pictures |
Raya Sempurna | Flipside Stories |
Tetap Anak Papa | Thinkplate |
CATEGORY 16: RANCANGAN HIBURAN TERBAIK (BEST VARIETY SERIES) | |
King Juara Memasak | Mediamorphosis |
Kita Gerek Sr 2 | Dua M |
Maintain Sr 2 | Mediamorphosis |
SG Mania | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Te:Ra Seh 2.0 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
CATEGORY 17: RANCANGAN HIBURAN KHAS TERBAIK (BEST VARIETY SPECIAL) | |
Anugerah Planet Muzik 2014 | MediaCorp Warna, Ria & Eaglevision |
Projek Kasih 2013 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Projek Kasih 2014 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Sinar Lebaran 2014 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Viva Elektra | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
CATEGORY 18: RANCANGAN INFORMASI TERBAIK (BEST INFO-ED PROGRAMME) | |
Di Hujung Pelangi | Media Reel |
Kembara Kasih | Filmat36 |
Kita Orang Singapura Sr 1 | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Percaya Lagi | DV Studio |
Terbit | DV Studio |
CATEGORY 19: RANCANGAN KANAK-KANAK TERBAIK (BEST CHILDREN’S PROGRAMME) | |
Buli Baik | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Kisah Kita | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Mat Yoyo Berhari Raya | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
O.M.G | DV Studio |
SAM | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
CATEGORY 20: ARAHAN TERBAIK – DRAMA (BEST DIRECTING – DRAMA) | ||
Bingit Sr 2: Bayangan Sepi | Nasir & Team | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Bingit Sr 2: Fantasi Biru | Sanif Olek & Team | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Ingat Tak Mak | Zulanan Ahmad | DV Studio |
Raya Sempurna | Razi Salam | Flipside Stories |
Tetap Anak Papa | Seriwahyuni Jaes, Diana Salim | Thinkplate |
CATEGORY 21: ARAHAN TERBAIK – HIBURAN (BEST DIRECTING – VARIETY) | ||
Anugerah Planet Muzik 2014 | Fadila A. Wahid | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
SG Mania | Zaharian Osman, Samri Badi | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Sinar Lebaran 2014 | Zaharian Osman, Fadila A Wahid | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Te:Ra Seh 1.0 | Fadila A. Wahid, Zaharian Osman | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Viva Elektra | Fadila A Wahid, Zaharian Osman & Team | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
CATEGORY 22: SKRIP TERBAIK – DRAMA (BEST WRITING – DRAMA) | ||
Bingit Sr 1: Wajah-Wajah | Amanah Mustafi | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Bingit Sr 2: Aku dan Avatar | Wan Firzaleenazrah | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Ingat Tak Mak | Haryani Othman, Janet Liau | DV Studio |
Pesan Ayah | TT Dhavamanni,Manoj Prabhoda Chandran,Aidli Mosbit, Seriwahyuni Jaes | Blue River Pictures |
Raya Sempurna | Razi Salam | Flipside Stories |
CATEGORY 23: SKRIP TERBAIK – HIBURAN (BEST WRITING – VARIETY) | ||
Anugerah Planet Muzik 2014 | Linilidia Abdul Hamid | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Kita Gerek Sr 2 | Ferlini Fandi, Aisyah Mohd Nooh | Dua M |
SG Mania | Netty Fiona Othman | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Sinar Lebaran 2014 | Netty Fiona Othman | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Viva Elektra | Wan Firzaleenazrah | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
CATEGORY 24: SKRIP TERBAIK – INFORMASI (BEST WRITING – INFO-ED) | ||
Di Hujung Pelangi | Julianawarti Jumali,Seriwahyuni Jaes | Media Reel |
Jus Sr 6 | Johari Aziz | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Percaya Lagi | Haryani Othman | DV Studio |
Rudy & Rilla Sr 4 | Linilidia Abdul Hamid | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Terbit | Haryani Othman | DV Studio |
CATEGORY 25: VIDEOGRAFI TERBAIK – DRAMA (BEST VIDEOGRAPHY – DRAMA) | ||
Bingit Sr 2 | Sofyan Daud | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Cinta Ramadan | Noor Azam Sheriff | Flipside Stories |
Ingat Tak Mak | Faizal Ramli | DV Studio |
Raya Sempurna | Noor Azam Sheriff | Flipside Stories |
Tetap Anak Papa | Harrywanto | Thinkplate |
CATEGORY 26: SUNTINGAN TERBAIK – DRAMA (BEST EDITING – DRAMA) | ||
Belah Hati | DV Studio Post | DV Studio |
Bingit Sr 2 | Flashforward | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Ingat Tak Mak | DV Studio Post | DV Studio |
Kasih Ibu | DV Studio Post | DV Studio |
Mengejar Mentari | Flashforward | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
CATEGORY 27: DESAIN PEMBUKAAN TERBAIK (BEST OPENING TITLE DESIGN) | ||
9 Nyawa | Oak 3 Films | Oak 3 Films |
Anugerah Planet Muzik 2014 | Post Office | MediaCorp Warna & Ria |
Bingit Sr 1 | Flashforward | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Kembara Kasih | Filmat36 | Filmat36 |
Maintain Sr 2 | Safiyuddin Razif | Mediamorphosis |
CATEGORY 28: REKAAN IMEJ TERBAIK (BEST IMAGE & STYLING) | ||
Bingit Sr 2 | Intan | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Maintain Sr 2 | Razinna Nuri | Mediamorphosis |
Sinar Lebaran 2014 | Fatimah Mohsin & Team | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Te:Ra Seh 1.0 | Fatimah Mohsin & Team | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Viva Elektra | Fatimah Mohsin & Team | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
CATEGORY 29: LAGU TEMA TERBAIK (BEST THEME SONG) | |||
Belah Hati | Belah Hati | Composer: Zulanan AhmadLyricist: Zulanan AhmadSinger: Sofia Arissa | DV Studio |
Bingit Sr 1 | Mental | Composer: Reyza HamizanLyricist: Reyza Hamizan / Tukang KataSinger: Eiss feat Tukang Kata | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Mengejar Mentari | Mengejar Mentari | Composer: Sulaiman WahabLyricist: Nizam RahmanSinger: Maiya Rahman | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Rima Hatiku | Rima Hatiku | Composer: Reyza HamizanLyricist: Reyza HamizanSinger: Rima Hatiku Cast feat Sezairie Sezali | MediaCorp Eaglevision |
Walimah Sr 2 | Kini dan Selamanya | Composer: Reyza HamizanLyricist: Reyza HamizanSinger: Ashmi Roslan and Izyan Mellyna | Oak3 Films |
CATEGORY 31: PERSONALITI LELAKI PALING POPULAR (MOST POPULAR MALE PERSONALITY) | |
Fir Rahman | Code: L1 |
Hisyam Hamid | Code: L2 |
Imam Shah | Code: L3 |
Norman Ishak | Code: L4 |
Syarif | Code: L5 |
CATEGORY 32: PERSONALITI WANITA PALING POPULAR (MOST POPULAR FEMALE PERSONALITY) | |
Farhana M Noor | Code: W1 |
Mastura Ahmad | Code: W2 |
Nadiah M Din | Code: W3 |
Nurul Aini | Code: W4 |
Wahyu Rahman | Code: W5 |
#theSyarifs’ Wedding Dinner Event…
Back with the third and final instalment of #theSyarifs‘ wedding. This entry will feature photographs of the wedding dinner event, which I felt resembled a mini Pesta Perdana event, with the local Malay entertainment scene’s personalities making their presence by gracing the occasion. It was a long day for the newly-weds as well as those who had worked hard to make the whole event tick, yet everyone was smiling throughout till the very end, happiness etched on their faces and sharing the joy of the newlyweds. The wedding dinner event was held at the same venue (Alkaff Mansion) as the earlier morning’s solemnisation ceremony and lunch reception.
Like the solemnisation ceremony, those who had tuned in to the couple’s official Youtube channel, would have gotten a glimpse of what went on live via the webstream. Unfortunately I heard that the full clip has been taken down by Youtube due to copyright infringements of some of the songs featured. Though you will not be able to view the clip, I hope this entry would satiate your thirst to view some of the event’s happenings as well as see who’s who in the local Malay entertainment scene who had turned up. This was afterall THE “Wedding of the Year” for 2014, for me. It would be criminal not to feature this entry in my blog, especially when the groom took great pains to invite me and the wife to attend. For that I say “Thank You!!!” to Syarif and Malaque for having us, me in particular, for almost the whole day.
The wedding dinner event was hosted by Ben Muthusalam, Syarif‘s intern-mate when he did his internship with Mediacorp back in 2009. Please don’t ask me why the host’s name has an Indian surname. Maybe his good friends reading this can help to enlighten me cos I’m in the dark myself. Guests were treated to lovely performances by local groups The Trisno Trio and Northbound, as well as a guest performance by Malaysia‘s Dina Nadzir, whose rendition of Katy Perry‘s “Unconditionally“, had my hairs standing. She is such an under-rated vocal powerhouse. We also witnessed Syarif singing a song titled “Malaque“, which he had composed with Trisno Ishak just two weeks leading up to the wedding event.
The eleven-tier wedding cake was specially baked by Malaque herself, whom some of us know specialises in pastries, desserts and cakes. Also, the cheesecake recipe during the dinner event itself, was specially concocted by her, assisted and executed by Chef Siti Mastura and team. Female guests were fortunate to have received a make-up kit by Benefit Cosmetics, to go along with the main door gifts consisting of a Grey by Ortenhill bag, a lovely jar series, Sugee cake by Chef Siti Mastura and Calvin Klein parfum vials. The gifts oozed class in every sense, a reflection of the newlyweds. All in all, it was a wonderful and memorable wedding event and here’s wishing the newlyweds once again a blissful married life with filial kids in tow… 🙂
Banting Film Premiere
(Graphics poster courtesy of Papahan Films)
Ok I know I promised you in the last entry that my next one would be my review on Anugerah Planet Muzik 2014. However, after attending the film premiere of Banting (or Slam! in English) this past Friday 24th October 2014 at the The Grand Cathay Cineplex, I have decided to prolong your wait for quite a bit as this movie takes precedence. Editing photographs I took the other night, which were less than a hundred, is much easier than going through 3500-odd photographs to be included in my entry. Hence you can regard this as sort of a filler entry before I speak about APM2014 again. Anyway I would first and foremost like to thank Papahan Films, especially Ms. Nurazleena Ramli, the person in-charge of the film’s publicity, for the kind invitation. In my ten years of entertainment blogging, this was indeed my first film premiere invite and I was honoured to attend with the missus.
So what is Banting all about??? Well, I will be paraphrasing this paragraph and the next, since I’m taking them out from what has been typed in its official website (Credits to Papahan Films). The film tells a story of a twenty-four year old Yasmin Muhammad (played by the likeable Izyan Mellyna) who barely has the most exciting life, with a strict mother and religious upbringing. Yasmin is also sick when she’s being judged all the time for wearing a Hijab or sees discrimination upon women who don it. She wonders if a Hijab girl will ever be able to do what most normal girls can do. Things change when Yasmin chances upon a professional wrestling gym and does the unthinkable: she secretly signs up as a wrestler!!! Soon, Yasmin is trading her Hijab for a mask and her awkwardness with unbridled high-flying moves as she becomes her alter-ego, the fearsome Zarith Blade!!! (The name Zarith is I believe, a tribute to director M. Raihan Halim‘s wife, Zarith Sofia)
The film cast and director seen here being photographed with guest-of-honour, Minister for Communications & Information, Mr. Yaacob Ibrahim…
But “laying the smackdown” on people is not what Yasmin is meant to do in life. At least not according to her conservative and very strict mother, Halimah (played by the respected Mastura Ahmad). Yasmin hides her new passion from Halimah and for good reason. Halimah’s idea of having her good Muslim daughter clashes with the life of a professional wrestler clothes-lining and slamming people before a cheering crowd. Things take a precarious turn when Yasmin’s secret double life is threatened to be exposed. And Yasmin finds herself in her most important match ever: wrestling (a.k.a. convincing) her mother to give her the chance to keep her dream alive!!! Will she succeed??? Well, I will not divulge or give you any spoilers as the only way to find out is to watch the movie.
Honest-to-goodness, I am not good at reviewing movies. I’m also the kind who will pay scant respect to movie reviews unless I’m really sceptical of its storyline and need to read first before investing my money to watch it. So my views here might differ from those who watch movies looking at technical aspects and nitty-gritty details. As a watching audience, I want to be entertained, to have a feel-good factor even after the rolling credits are done and to smile just reminiscing about the movie. Banting ticked all three boxes in my list. I am also sure the rest who attended the film premiere, which was by the way, resembled a mini Pesta Perdana event with so many personalities in the local Malay entertainment scene in attendance, walked away with smiles on their faces and encouraging words being heard exchanged between them outside the theatre.
It’s a wrestling movie, so a bit of fierceness being shown here by the film cast, producer and director along with Minister Yaacob Ibrahim…
Banting in all honesty after watching it, is so close to my heart. I grew up watching wrestling, had great wrestling matches at the high jump mattress at Serangoon JC with my friends when we were in secondary school. I also used to wrestle my cousins on our respective beds and till now I still do practise some of the safer moves with my daughters and nephews. Up till this day, I religiously read the weekly World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) RAW reports just to keep up with what is happening in the WWE. We all know the storylines and moves in wrestling are fake, even Banting revealed a bit of that, but it keeps us entertained, like a soap opera, willing the good guys on and wishing the bad guys would just shut up and lose. Banting tried to create that and the wrestling fanboy in me was suitably impressed to an extent.
I take my hat off to the wrestling girls played by Gloria Tan, Abigail Chay, Syaza Qistina Tan, Ashley Erianah and Joanne-Marie Sim, besides Izyan Mellyna of course. Wrestling is not easy for ladies and I sometimes detect how difficult it is, even for the professional ones in WWE to execute some of their moves. They did try to create a convincing outlook in their matches and some of the moves did look great and believable. The person or persons who trained them can take heart that these girls did their utmost best and done well. Not easy to look pretty and having to suffer bumps, cuts and bruises in the process. I’m sure during the course of filming, the girls have taken slight knocks and injuries from botching their moves, but this is all part and parcel of filming, especially action scenes.
Another “garang” pose, this time with the film poster backdrop in the background…
Other than the wrestling aspect of the movie, the film resonates with me because of the life being led by the lead character herself and her sister Nissa (played by Adlina Adil). Like the movie, I have two young daughters myself and it has probably given me an advanced glimpse of what the future might be in for me when they eventually grow up and be young women with their own dreams and aspirations. They will have their own interests and likes which will differ to or contrast with what we want or expect from them. We are also living in a generation where everything needs to be explained with logic and rationale, without being too strict and hard-handed, lest the kids will turn rebellious and lie at the first available opportunity. During our parents’ time, a raised eyebrow, a wave of the cane, a slight raise in tone of voice, a wag of the finger and a simple “No!!!” usually would do the trick. Now no more. And what’s more, I see some of the character traits of Yasmin (the younger daughter in the movie) similar to that of my younger one – Steely, determined, fiesty, independent and strong-willed.
A good movie needs to have a good balance in how the actors bounce off each other. I see a lot of that in this movie, from the leads right down to the supporting cast. I just find the Atok character played by legendary actor Osman Zailani, very endearing. It even made me miss my own late grandfather who defended me at the slightest opportunity when my father would flare up with me when I was younger. As for Fauzie Laily who plays Yasmin‘s BFF, Zaidy, words cannot describe how proud I am for my old friend at his achievement on becoming a film star. He brought his A-game in this movie and he has improved so much since his first stab at acting in “Teman Anugerahku” back in 2005. Watching him in the movie is just like knowing him in real life. The characters in reel and real life are just too similar, the jokes and teasings, as well as the sound advices, are what I have been accustomed to from knowing Fauzie since he was still the scrawny teen from Temasek Polytechnic. Oh by the way, I like that Fauzie looked a bit chubby in this movie. Hahaha…
The lead actors in Banting: Fauzie Laily, Adlina Adil, Izyan Mellyna and Mastura Ahmad…
While I do not need to wax lyrical on the likes of Mastura Ahmad and Adlina Adil, because we know what accomplished actresses they are both on television and theatre, I feel that as a relatively newbie in the scene, Izyan Mellyna has all the attributes to be Singapore‘s very own Sharifah Amani. I cannot describe in words why I feel this way, but if there is a reference point I can compare her to, then Sharifah Amani is the one. Ok I used the word “newbie”, but really Izyan is already an experienced hand in the scene having been a child star during the days of “Ya Alif” and also has theatre background. It’s just that television viewers have been warming up to her since the start of 2014 when Walimah, followed by TeRaSeh! 2.0, Di Luar Garisan 2 and Walimah 2 came along. Along with Nurfarhana M. Noor, Izyan Mellyna is the name and talent to watch in our local Malay entertainment scene. See them soar and progress over the years, they will only get better.
Banting, is not just your typical light-hearted comedy. It brings with it moments of anxiety, also tugs a bit on our emotions (yes some people I know cried at some of the scenes :P). Above all, it feels very Singaporean and relates so much to the average Malay family here, the challenges we face as a society, as individuals, having to chase our dreams and having to appease our older folks in matters sometimes beyond our comprehension or will. Then there are the conflicts of interests. Somehow, somewhere, for those of us who have watched this movie, we can relate to them and agree that at some point of time in our lives, we have been through those kind of situations before, whether to listen to our instincts and passion or stick to the tried-and-tested success formulas. Director M. Raihan Halim and his team at Papahan Films have done well to potray all that I have mentioned either directly or subtly in the movie.
Executive producer Edmund D. Lim addressing the audience along with fellow executive co-producer and director, M. Raihan Halim, before the film commenced…
The film, which is brought to you by the same people who produced award-winning television shows like “Yazid Pakai Lampin“, “Mr. Perfect“, “Papa Rock” and “Step Puteri” amongst others, will hopefully usher in a new era of film-making and revive the local Malay film industry which has long been decimated since the demise of the Jalan Ampas studio. I will not go as far as to put undue pressure on M. Raihan Halim and declare that he is now the messiah of the revolution, but in a way, he has taken steps to break down the walls of barrier and shown fellow local Malay film-makers that it is possible to take the plunge and tread where others do not dare. He stands tall with his team from Papahan Films that such a move can be done. I share their pride at seeing their dream materialise and realised and I was honoured to have witnessed the momentous and ground-breaking occasion. Please do support and watch Banting when it is out officially at the theatres this Friday 31st October 2014 onwards and you will understand the same pride that most, if not all of us who came for the film premiere feel and share till now…
Anugerah Planet Muzik 2014 Pre & Post-Event Snapshots
Thank God for the public holiday later today. Yes I’m typing this in the wee hours of Tuesday night. Done with the second batch of photo editing. This time I’ll be featuring snapshots I took before Anugerah Planet Muzik 2014, during the commercial breaks as well as the post-event reception afterwards. Hope this would satiate your thirst for more photos before I post even more with the “Walk of the Stars” event in my following entry, which I hope to put up as soon as possible and finish off with my APM2014 review, hopefully before the end of next week. Yes, am taking my time because I am only doing this on a passion and hobby basis. If I’m doing this as a paid career, I would definitely post everything before the week is out. So yes, please continue visiting this site soon. Enjoy the public holiday today and hope you like this entry as well… 🙂
Te:RaSeh! 2.0 Episode 9 Recap…
The contestants might have felt uncomfortable performing the Boria during the earlier weeks but they seem to enjoy it as the weeks progress…
It has been a week since Episode 9 of Te:RaSeh! 2.0 was aired, but the high entertainment and humour aspects of that particular episode are still fresh in my head. I think it just edged the seventh episode as the most entertaining of the series thus far. The theme for the night (Horror), ensured that whatever costumes or make-up the contestants put on, were sure to tickle our fancy and scared those with faint hearts. Put in each contestant and how they immersed themselves in their respective characters, it was a laugh-a-minute fest that had people like me and my kids watching the re-runs and still laughing at the jokes days after. I personally feel that Fauzie Laily deserved the Celebrity-of-the-Match award as he was in character (dead World War II Japanese soldier) throughout from start till the cameras stopped rolling, and all the way, even after the show had ended.
A. B. Shaik doing his best Michael Jackson – Thriller impersonation in front of his amused colleagues Khairudin Samsudin and Dalina Jaapar…
I will not begrudge Azlin Ali as she too was also a deserving winner in her role as Makcik Keropok, when she appeared onstage at the start of the show munching on the Papadam in her hand and sharing it with the rest. When Danial Ashriq (Chucky) did his somersault from the stage during the Final Face-Off (Te:Ra! Habis – Boria), Azlin responded in kind by jumping off the stage and treating the already-bewildered audience with her own dance moves. I thought there and then that she was to be anointed the Celebrity-of-the-Match for tickling our bones with her antics, and I was not wrong at the end of the show. For the record, Azlin joins Suzairhe Sumari as the only two celebrities who have won the award twice throughout this season’s competition. No mean feat, but it is also testimony to how good they were in their respective roles and characters given to them by the producers of the show.
The Mats, always game for a fun shot like this…
It was also a good show as it put everyone at the edge of their seats and willing each team on to win. It was nervy, not only for the contestants but to the watching audience in the Mediacorp TV Theatre, as well as those at home. I felt that the fight between both teams were so close, anyone could have won it. Going towards the Final Face-Off (Te:Ra! Habis – Boria), both teams were separated by just ten points, with the Mats leading by that slender margin. In terms of showmanship, prose and creativity in delivering their lyrics, I felt the Mats edged the Minahs slightly, but with a guest judge who openly showed her support to the Minahs right from the first quarter of the show, I felt it was a losing battle for the Mats no matter how hard they tried and how good they were. I would like to believe that the show of support was deliberately done to shake the confidence of the Mat and dealt them a psychological blow, but no matter how I look at it, it’s not good viewing even for a show of this fun nature.
The Minahs showing who was the number one last Tuesday…
No, I am not saying the guys deserved to edge that last segment just because I’m a guy, but I think if we were to throw aside the bias and be more rational, we’ll agree that the guys showed better creativity when delivering their lyrics. Even some of the Minahs I spoke to post-show, agreed that the guys did slightly better. This is where I hope the Grand Finals tomorrow will be a fair affair. We already have two resident judges who represent each gender and can get away with the bias, though to their credit they have not been showing it so blatantly these past nine weeks. It’s the guest judges who hold the wild and trump cards. We could do without a repeat of last year’s mini-controversy whereby some of the guest judges showed whose side they were on. A judge has to be impartial afterall, even if this is a fun competition to begin with. One can show their quiet / gleeful support for their favourite teams via their votes during the Face-Offs, but not through openly-blatant display for the whole world to know. It somehow kills the spirit of competition and demoralises the other team, resulting in quiet discontent.
Not surprised with the voting, with the Minahs clinching the overall win…
Though I am a bit disappointed with that particular aspect, I am still pleased to see the Minahs closing the gap as I had earlier predicted. Going into the Grand Finals tomorrow, from what I understand, the winner will win double the points, which means if the Minahs were to win, they would eventually leapfrog the Mats and end up being the dominant gender, not to mention the overall winner. As the score stands, the Mats are leading 5:4. With so much at stake for tomorrow’s Grand Finals, we’re going to see all the contestants giving their all in the special two-hour show. It’s gonna be another heart-stopping affair with the line-up ensuring there will be a good mix of contestants with differing abilities, capabilities and personalities. The Minahs will be represented by Nurul Aini, Huda Ali, Syirah Jusni, Azlin Ali and Nurfarhana M Noor. The Mats will have Suzairhe Sumari, Fauzie Laily, Fadhlur Rahman, Danial Ashriq and Hafeez Glamour fighting in their corner.
Post-show interview with the Malam 2 Mat hosts Hafeez Glamour and Dyn Norahim. Azlin Ali stayed for the first ten minutes before going off as she had her daily morning show and needed to rest for the night. Nurul Aini and Danial Ashriq stayed throughout…
Before I end my entry, I would just like to commend Wawan Husen from Auraz Band for being the best Celebrity DJ throughout the nine weeks, at least from my personal standpoint. He did so much better and was so fluent as compared to some others who looked a little lost and unfocused, which resulted in some of the contestants and audience wincing and lamenting afterwards about points lost during the Q&A segment. For his reward, I believe Wawan will be back for another round tomorrow. Another three that did well so far and caught my eyes were Ashmi Roslan, Ryan Sufiyan and Shikin Imran. Not too sure though how many will be allowed in the radio conty tomorrow. But what is more important is that, I am hoping for a clean, fun, entertaining and fair fight from all contestants as they not only entertain us with their antics, but also channelling all their efforts for a good cause, winning points and monetary proceeds for their respective charity beneficiaries. I wish all the contestants all the best and play safe!!!