The Big Heart Design-A-Shoe Competition by Mediacorp

Am back so soon after my recent entry, something that I am quite unaccustomed to in my soon-to-be fourteenth year of entertainment blogging. I was recently approached by a Mediacorp representative to help promote the following charity initiative. For the uninitiated, The Big Heart Design-A-Shoe competition is part of the SG Care national movement to promote volunteerism and civic culture. It was launched back in November 2016 by the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth (MCCY). Mediacorp being a strong partner for the cause, roped in seventeen artistes and personalities from different backgrounds to design their very own pair of shoes, sponsored by international brand Timberland, which are currently up for bidding. All proceeds from the bidding of the shoes will go to the Community Chest and are now currently on display at Raffles City Atrium from 15th-28th January 2018.

Amongst those from our very own Malay community, we have RIA 89.7FM deejays KC and Dzar Ismail, singer Aisyah Aziz and also Natasha Faisal from 987FM. In-depth details of their respective designs as well as the different thought processes that they put into them are shared via the following link (please click on the link). I was initially asked to help promote specifically KC, Dzar and Aisyah, but I felt it won’t do me much harm helping Natasha as well, as personally my family regards her like a little sister already. Even before I was approached to help promote their designs, I had heard how some of them had painstakingly stayed up all night to do them. In the case of KC, he had to make changes to his originally planned design, as the paint dried up too quickly before he could even add on additional touches to it.

Kindness; This year’s theme brings back memories as we walk along kindergartens and childcare schools where the mural walls are filled with colours and the love of nature. It brings out a certain feel of innocence & positivity towards people & our surroundings. It explains the variety of colours that our children today love. Educating our children to be kind from a very young age is essential. The technique I chose was pop art and abstract art to indicate flow, flexibility & fun! Being kind can be fun too especially if it involves kids and nature!

6 different colours were used for this design, to represent people from different communities, here in Singapore. They were blended in using my fingers. It would have been easier to use the brush, but the technique was done with purpose, to signify physical acts of kindness that help mold a harmonious society. Working with acrylic paint was a real challenge on an organic canvas, the paint dries fast, leaving little to blend in, signifying the tremendous amount of work that was done to foster a sense of community spirit, kindness, and hence, we should never take what we have for granted.

Life is like doodle art. There is always space and room for LOVE and CARE.

Caring means to express interest and provide what is essential and necessary for the good of a person or a subject in concern. The different colours used in the painting signifies diversity in which the care we put out to this world shouldn’t be exclusive. The earliest memory I have of witnessing the act of caring is by my grandmother who has an abundance of love and care for cats all around. Back then, my grandmother lived humbly having just enough to live by the day. It was that morning when I accompanied her to get groceries from the market that we met with a cat who looked motionless with blood gushing from a wound around its neck. Since bringing it to the vet isn’t an option as the bills might be too hefty, my grandmother took the cat home and nursed it with whatever she had until it was healthy and running again. Her passion towards cats rubbed off on me and I now live with 2 of my own at home. This explains the two I’ve painted on the left side of the shoe – one is extra active and the other is always sleeping. My cats express care in their own unique ways and whenever I’m feeling down, I’d head home to spend time with them. The simple act of petting cats can reduce stress – by the way, this is can be proven by science – I promise!

Looking at all their designs, I didn’t expect all four of them to really have that inner artistic talent in them. I personally do not have any personal favourites amongst them as each had their own reasonings behind their respective designs. You should definitely see what they had come up with and if you like and would like to own these shoes, just do your part in bidding for them for a good cause!!! Details are provided in the link provided and bidding for each shoe starts at S$299!!!

Monday, 22 January 2018 | Categories: Charity Drive / Initiative | Tags: 987FM, Aisyah Aziz, DJ KC, Dzar Ismail, Natasha Faisal, RIA 89.7FM | Leave a comment

Anugerah Planet Muzik 2017 Media Conference

(Graphics poster courtesy of Mediacorp Suria)

I usually start off my entries after a long hiatus with an apology to my readers for making them wait so long for my return. Seeing how in the past I’ve been doing it, only to repeat the cycle again and again like a bad record, I have decided that I will not be doing any at all this time. Some of you will be extremely surprised to read this, but this entry almost became my final entry announcing my retirement from the scene. Yup you read that right!!! I was heavily toying at the idea of retiring as I had lost interest in doing write-ups and reviews, not to mention my time-consuming photo-editing process. In addition, this is a job that is not being paid but out of my passion for the local / regional Malay entertainment scene. There is only so much time and effort I can afford to put in at the expense of quality time with family. Why I decided to put the idea on the back-burner is because there is still that wee bit ounce of passion which I managed to coax out of me. For how long more??? That itself is a question to be answered. I feel jaded really to be honest.

Local artistes and representatives of the local Malay music scene who turned out in force for the media conference at Orchard Hotel…

I wish there were more like me out there, the ones who write / type with sense and rationale, not too emotional when critical, who will give benefit of doubt as much as they can. I just feel that it is time for a new generation of writers to take over but sadly also, blogging seems to be passe these days. I will not promise anything, but I guess from now, any entries on this domain should be regarded as “Heaven-sent”. I will pick and choose what events I attend henceforth and will not be bogged down by having to put entries or photos up as soon as the events end. Well it has always been that way, hasn’t it??? Just that I cannot commit to attending events (mostly at Mediacorp) on a regular basis henceforth, with its current location a bit far for my liking being the North-Easterner that I am. It is also to be fair to those who have kindly invited me to cover their respective events. With that out of the way, let’s begin this entry in earnest.

KC and Dzar Ismail were the hosts of the media conference in Singapore…

Anugerah Planet Muzik has always been THE event that I most look forward to annually since its inception on 20th January 2001, so much so I am willing to forgo watching my beloved football club Manchester United, when they face our sworn enemies Liverpool on the day of the event (14th October 2017). Part of the reason I’ve decided to continue blogging was also because of this event. It is afterall the Grammys of the regional music scene, whereby the four countries, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Brunei come together to celebrate the best amongst them for the year. I know I have not been doing any reviews since the 2014 edition, but it also gave me some breathing space to observe changes that were made over the last two instalments. I noted a lot of improvements along the way which many at home do not have the benefit of knowing nor seeing, and there were also shortcomings, mostly because of a change in venue and having to adapt to new surroundings. I am hoping that with the event once again returning to the MES Theatre @ Mediacorp, the visual experience will improve, especially for those at home, because watching it live in the theatre and at home are two extremely stark contrasting experiences.

Nurul Isnina performed her debut hit single “Buaya“…

Just like the previous year, the media conference announcing the nominees for this year’s edition, was held at Orchard Hotel, albeit at the smaller Lavender Room a fortnight ago (22nd August 2017). Where A.B. Shaik, Aura Shai and Fiza O have always been the usual hosts at previous APM media conferences in Singapore, this year saw a somewhat refreshing change with Dzar Ismail and KC anchoring the proceedings. The media conference was also graced by the performances of eventual nominees Nurul Isnina, Iyaad Salleh, Arus Band & Sofia Arissa. Where previous media conferences were used to showcase upcoming young talents our local industry has to show for, there was a distinct upgrade of quality with those nominated being invited to perform and to show the audience why their names are up there along with the regional’s best. The event also saw the performance of Aidil Akmal and Dzar Ismail with their Malay rendition of the global hit “Despacito“, titled “Incognito“, which has since garnered their music video more than ten million views!!! I was telling Dzar afterwards, if only one view could be converted to a dollar, he could afford to retire by now. Such is the outreach of social media these days, that through creative works such as these, one can make it viral worldwide.

Arus Band, along with Sofia Arissa, were one of the few performers that day. Here, they’re seen singing their current hit song on the airwaves “Terlalu“…

A minor controversy emerged when I was viewing the live Facebook feed of the media conference at Hard Rock Cafe Kuala Lumpur on 24th August 2017. I noted that Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza who was initially nominated in the Best Female Artiste Category for her song “Menatap Dalam Mimpi” was missing as compared to the one announced in Singapore just two days before. I only got the answer after seeing reports that the organisers had indeed acknowledged and apologised for their error during the media conference in Kuala Lumpur itself and that all was fine between them as well as Dato’ Siti, and her management who were the ones who had alerted the organisers about it. I think this is a fine example of years of good working relationship between both sides as well as honesty and integrity being practised. The management could have kept quiet about it, but they did not. Thumbs up to Siti Nurhaliza Productions for the highlight and Mediacorp for acknowledging their error and apologising for it!!!

Ms. Zakiah Halim, Head of Mediacorp Malay Community addressing the floor along with CEO of COMPASS, Dr. Edmund Lam and Mr. Hassan Salleh, Senior Programming Director, Warna 94.2FM & RIA 89.7FM, Mediacorp…

A special first concert road tour for this year’s Anugerah Planet Muzik was announced by Mr. Hassan Salleh towards the end of the media conference. For the first time in the history of the prestigious regional awards show, Mediacorp is partnering with the organisers of the Formula 1 Petronas Grand Prix Malaysia for a concert road tour to close the race in Sepang, which will see it hosting for the 19th and final time. The concert will be the penultimate show on the final day of the race (1st October 2017) and will feature some of the regional award nominees of Anugerah Planet Muzik 2017. At the time of typing this entry, I still do not know details of the concert and who exactly will be performing till perhaps closer to the date. My guess is that we will have big names from Malaysia, Indonesia and also Singapore to grace the concert. Will I be covering the concert??? That depends if some kind soul or organisation will be kind enough to sponsor my trip up north. Anyway I’m sure there will be some live streaming or at the very least, some live Facebook feed of the concert for us to view the proceedings if we are unable to physically watch it live.

The APM trophies are up for grabs again…

A total of 19 awards will be presented at this year’s event, the same as the previous year, with no tweaks nor changes made to any of the categories. Viewers and listeners can catch the ‘LIVE’ simulcast on TV channel Mediacorp Suria, radio stations RIA 89.7FM and Warna 94.2FM as well as online streaming via Toggle LIVE. APM 2017 will feature a new generation of artistes discovered largely from social media platforms and is set to entertain and dazzle with a stellar line-up such as Ayda Jebat, Aisyah Aziz, Isyana Sarasvati, Virgoun, Gloria Jessica, Aiman Tino, Hael Husaini, and many more. Music fans and enthusiasts are also given the opportunity to vote for their favourite songs and artistes in fan-driven categories from 22nd August until 14th October, 10.00pm on Toggle at toggle.sg/apm. The categories are Most Popular Artiste (Singapore), Most Popular Song (Singapore), APM Most Popular Artiste, APM Most Popular Song and Social Media Icon. Tickets are priced at SGD $28 and SGD $48 (including GST and excluding SISTIC fee) and can be purchased at all authorised SISTIC outlets and online at www.sistic.com.sg from 22nd August 2017 onwards. At the time of typing this entry, the $68 seats are already sold out!!! APM 2017 is supported by Info-communications Media Development Authority of Singapore (IMDA) and Composers and Authors Society of Singapore (COMPASS).

Snapshots of APM2017 Media Conference

: Nurul Isnina performed her debut hit single “Buaya”, for which she was nominated for Best New Female Artiste…

: Iyaad Salleh proved why he was nominated in the Best New Male Artiste category with his song “Cahaya”…

: Sofia Arissa Arman, a very promising young starlet…

: Sofia and Arus Band seen here performing their current hit song on the airwaves, “Terlalu”…

: Dzar & KC interviewing Aidil Akmal…

: Dzar & Aidil Akmal performed their hit parody song on Youtube, “Incognito”, the Malay version to the worldwide hit “Despacito”…

: Singers who have topped the local charts (From right): Ryan Sufiyan, Kalysa Aziz, Hisyam Azmi and the latter’s friend, Fazle Rosle

: Reyza Hamizan (third from right), seen here with Iskandar Rawi, winner of Projek Rentak MJ12 in 2012 (right), former Singapore Idol contestant, Maia Lee (2nd from right), Tiesha (third from left), Julka Phoenix (second from left) and Tiesha’s mother (left)…

: Din Ilango (middle) with his mentors, Kraton members, Surayah Akbar and Jufri Salim…

: Bhumiband members Atiqah and Adha…

: Didicazli and Aidil Akmal…

: The latest addition to RIA 89.7FM, Kyrul Ashrie (right) with members of Nu Kingdvm Music Group…

: Anugerah Skrin 2016 winner Yaya Hamid, seen here with Yushini Qistina, winner of the first The Owesome Voice, organised by RIA 89.7FM last year and Yanti Lala…

: Sofia Arissa with Arus Band…

: Nurul Isnina seen here with her producer, Fakir J. Mario…

: Part-time RIA 89.7FM deejay and freelance journalist, Freda Hassan with Yaya Hamid, Yushini Qistina, Yanti Lala and members of The Lion Story, Judah Lyne and Haramain Osman…

: Pirah Shah of local band Klutz with representative of Roompie Records, Asnita Abdul Wahab…

: Atiqah of Bhumiband (right), with local singer Mai Dhaniyah (middle) and the latter’s father, Mr. Noorsham Ramdzan…

: KC, Dzar Ismail and Aura Shai need no further introduction…

: Haramain Osman, Iyaad Salleh and Haikal Ali…

Wednesday, 6 September 2017 | Categories: Anugerah Planet Muzik | Tags: Ade Govinda, Adira, Adnalie, Adriana, Afgan, Ahmad Fredy, Aidil Akmal, Aiman Tino, Aisyah Aziz, Akeem Jahat, Alif Abdullah, Alif Satar, Aliff Aziz, Anji, Anuar Zain, APM2017, Ara, Ari Renaldi, Armada, Arus Band, Ashidy Ridwan, Aura Shai, Awi Rafael, Ayai, Ayda Jebat, Aziz Harun, Bhumiband, Bunkface, Cakra Khan, Calvin Jeremy, Daiyan Trisha, Dato' Siti Nurhaliza, Dayang Nurfaizah, Didicazli, Din Ilango, DJ KC, Dr. Edmund Lam, Dzar Ismail, Edry Abdul Halim, Elizabeth Tan, Ezra Kong, Faizal Tahir, Fakir J Mario, Faridzuan Faris, Firman, Freda Hassan, Gloria Jessica, God Bless, Habsah Hassan, Hael Husaini, Haikal Ali, Hannah Delisha, Haramain Osman, Harris Baba, Hassan Salleh, Helen Yap, Hisyam Azmi, Hivi!, Iman Imran, Irwan Simanjuntak, Ishazee Ishak, Iskandar Rawi, Ismail Izzani, Isnina, Isyana Sarasvati, Iyaad Salleh, Jivva, Judah Lyne, Julka Phoenix, Kai Nizam, Kaka Azraff, Kalysa Aziz, Khai Bahar, Klutz, Kraton, Kyrul Ashrie, Lea Ismail, Mai Dhaniyah, Maia Lee, Man Toyak, Mike Chan, Natasyah, Norsatria, Nu Kingdvm Music Group, Omar K, Putri Cahaya, Raisa, Reyza Hamizan, Rick Karnadi, Ritchie Ismail, Rizky Febian, Roompie Records, Ryan Sufiyan, Shila Amzah, Sofia Arissa, SonaOne, Sufi Rashid, Tajul, Taufik Batisah, The Lion Story, Tiesha, Tulus, Virgoun, Wany Hasrita, Yanti Lala, Yuna, Yushini Qistina, Zakiah Halim, Zeenol Hossain | Leave a comment

RIA 89.7FM’s Silver Jubilee Celebrations…

It has definitely been a long while since I last posted something in this domain of mine. I know I had promised before this that my next entry would be a review of Anugerah Planet Muzik 2015. I have been quite tied up with my own commitments and still have to go through 3000-odd photographs from the 5000-odd that I had snapped that eventful night. I hope to post it up soon when I start to clear my annual leave. For now, I’ll share the event I attended about three weeks ago. At least this domain will not be dormant for too long.

Kaw Kaw SG was the official event venue of the birthday bash…

RIA 89.7FM celebrated its twenty-five years of existence this past 1st December 2015 with a birthday bash held at Kaw Kaw SG, a chic restaurant situated at Aliwal Arts Centre. What was special about the birthday bash was, twenty-five lucky listeners got a chance to join in the fun through a week-long quiz during the week leading up to the event. I was supposed to attend their mini bash when they celebrated their 24th year anniversary last year held at Penang Street Buffet at Causeway Point but family commitments meant I had to give it a miss, but not this time.

A shot of the cafe’s interior before the birthday bash…

I was fortunate to have been invited to cover the event and soaked in the festivities, not to mention, walked down memory lane reminiscing all the good memories of all the roadshows I attended, competitions I had participated and won, and also involved in some of the productions when I was an intern with both local Malay radio stations. Long-time listeners would remember me as part of the trio who impersonated KRU and won the Impersonation Category when the station organised the talent competition kRIAtif 897 back in 1997. That was the start of my love affair with the local Malay entertainment scene.

The birthday bash was hosted by DJ KC and Dzar Ismail…

Anyway back to the birthday bash. Not only were twenty-five lucky listeners able to join in, some of our local acts in the Malay music scene, were also invited to grace the event. And a birthday bash of this magnitude for the radio station would not be complete without the very pioneers who had paved the way and charted the road to where they stand today as a progressive and trendy station, that supports local acts and strives to give off optimal entertainment to the loyal listeners tuning in.

The ones who have made RIA 89.7FM what it is today (from left): Hassan Salleh, Abdul Razak Rahim (RZ), Suriani Kassim (SK), Isadhora Mohamed, Raja Razie, Mohd Tahar Ghalib (TG), Morniyati Tukimin and Mariam Mas’od…

It was nice to see the likes of Morniyati Tukimin, who was the first voice heard when RIA 89.7FM went live at 5pm on 1st December 1990, Suriani Kassim (SK), Abdul Razak Rahim (RZ), Mohd Tahar Ghalib (TG), Mariam Mas’od, Hassan Salleh and Isadhora Mohamed be a part of the occasion. Though I felt it would have been grander still had the likes of Hafeez Glamour, A B Shaik, Azmi Sempoi, Azmi Oh Yeah, Zarina Safuan, Chairul Fahmy, Zan Sofiyan and a host of other part-timers attended as well, but I guess all of them had their respective commitments to attend to.

Art Fazil with an impromptu performance of “Relek Brader” with the two hosts…

We had special performances by the two current hotties in the local Malay entertainment scene, Sufie Rashid and Ryan Sufiyan, Farhan Shah who came all the way back from Perth, an impromptu performance by Art Fazil, Didicazli who introduced his new single “Izinkan Cinta“, as well as his protege, Hazirah Musfirah, a 14 year-old rising talent, and last but not least, former member of SleeQ, Syarif, who came with his expecting missus, Malaque Mahdaly. Initially, Dato’ Fazley Yaakob was slated and promoted to perform, but he was unable to make it due to last minute commitments. Nonetheless, those who had performed, more than made up for the non-appearance and everyone still felt contented and left the event feeling enjoyed.

The attendees and guests of the birthday bash cramming together for a group photograph…

Another special aspect of the birthday bash was, it was broadcasted live on air between 3-5pm, so those who were unable to make it or joined in the fun, were fortunate enough to tune in and imagine the goings-on at Kaw Kaw SG. To complete a celebratory occasion, RIA 89.7FM was also awarded the longest tuned station in Singapore in a recent survey by AC Neilsen. For the record, Kaw Kaw SG was the official event venue sponsor of the birthday bash. Other sponsors for the bash were One Drop Perfumes, Karva SG, Perfect Frames, Nongsa Resorts, Grey By Ortenhill, Heiraz Bakery & Academy, Lovera Singapore, Hello Adiva, Suka Sucre Bistro, Inglot Singapore, Alive Museum SG and “Sambal Belimbing” by Roslan Shah…

: The entrance to Kaw Kaw SG…

: One Drop Perfumes were the principal sponsors of the birthday bash…

: Hosts of the bash: Dzar Ismail and DJ KC…

: Hydiri Idris, Harry Muhd Adha of Perfect Frames and Ryan Sufiyan…

: Anhar Razali, Nuriman and Ishyam Lal of Iman’s League…

: Ryan Sufiyan came with his doting parents…

: The owners of Kaw Kaw SG giving a short speech…

: Ryan Sufiyan sang his first hit single “Aku Berlalu”…

: Farhan Shah with his current hit “Istimewa”…

: She might be small, but Hazirah Musfirah’s talent is huge!!!

: Didicazli introduced his new single to the audience and listeners at home “Izinkan Cinta”…

: Roslan Shah being interviewed by DJ KC…

: Likewise Art Fazil was being interviewed by Dzar Ismail…

: Ryan Sufiyan sang his latest hit, “Hilang”, which is also the official soundtrack to the latest MJ12 DVD…

: Farhan Shah and Fareez Shah of Northbound fame…

: Syarif SleeQ getting ready to perform Afgan’s “Terima Kasih Cinta”…

: Fiza O

: Nity Baizura

: Judah Lyne of The Lion Story…

: Irwan Azly, frontman of Tujuhband…

: Yaya Hamid was also in attendance. You will be seeing more of her in 2016 as she is in the Top 20 of the upcoming reality television competition, Anugerah Skrin…

: Azlin Ali

: Nana Karia

: Didicazli

: Sufie Rashid

: Hydir Idris

: Iman’s League sharing their thoughts on winning the Best Band category at APM2015…

: Roslan Shah

: A beaming Syarif SleeQ with his expecting missus, Malaque Mahdaly…

: Yaya Hamid and Judah Lyne…

: Pioneer deejays of RIA 89.7FM in attendance…

: Part-time deejays Mira Rahman and Aqilah…

: Sufie performed his chart-topper “Kisah Dua Muka”…

: Rozzalina Ramli and hubby Jai Wahab were one of the kind sponsors from Karva SG…

: The good people from Perfect Frames going through the shots they took of the event post-birthday bash…

: DJ KC discussing with the Perfect Frames staff…

: Aura Shai with Yaya Hamid and Judah Lyne…

: Fiza O seen here deep in conversation with Mediacorp Suria’s Budi Iskandar Sa’ad…

: The RIA 89.7FM staff together with staff from Kaw Kaw SG…

: A special gift by Suka Sucre Bistro…

Tuesday, 22 December 2015 | Categories: Birthday / Anniversary Celebrations | Tags: A B Shaik, Adi Rahman, Alive Museum SG, Art Fazil, Aura Shai, Azlin Ali, Budi Iskandar Sa'ad, Dato' Fazley Yaakob, Didicazli, DJ KC, Dzar Ismail, Fareez Shah, Farhan Shah, Fiza O, Grey By Ortenhill, Hafeez Glamour, Hassan Salleh, Hazirah Musfirah, Heiraz Bakery & Academy, Hello Adiva, Hydir Idris, Iman's League, Inglot Singapore, Irwan Azly, Isadhora Mohamed, Jai Wahab, Judah Lyne, Karva SG, Kaw Kaw SG, Lovera Singapore, Mariam Mas'od, Mira Rahman, Morniyati Tukimin, Nana Karia, Nity Baizura, Nongsa Resorts, Northbound, Nur Aqilah, One Drop Perfumes, Perfect Frames, Raja Razie, RIA 89.7FM, Roslan Shah, Rozzalina Ramli, Ryan Sufiyan, RZ, Sufie Rashid, Suka Sucre Bistro, Suriani Kassim, Syarif Sleeq, TG (Tahar Ghalib), The Lion Story, Trisno Ishak, Tujuhband, Yaya Hamid | Leave a comment

#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… 🙂

: Guests from radio and Berita Harian (from left): Ms. Isadhora Mohamed, Mr. Mohammad Sawifi, Mr. Azrin Rahim, Madam Hanim Mohd Saleh, RZ, TG and wife Haslinda Hamid…

: Shahril Wahid and wife Suherdlya Sabar…

: Imran Ajmain was seated along with his good friends, Ainon Talib (fourth from left) and hubby, Erwan Gunawan. To his left is his friend Suhaidah. The others on the same table (Suhaila – third from right, Rizman Kassim and Sulastri Yusof) were instrumental in making the event tick as they are part of Fatimah Mohsin’s team…

: The Jauhar siblings, Janz, Janna and Jihan, who was SleeQ’s former manager…

: The good people from Mediacorp Suria and yours truly’s spouse on the right…

: Anugerah Skrin 2010 alumnus Nissa Bahruddin with Mediacorp Suria’s Siti Zuraidah Taib…

: The creative minds behind Mediacorp Eaglevision…

: Former national football team captain, Aide Iskandar and wife Ezreen Taib Zohri…

: Didicazli and wife Nur Eliyana…

: Hisyam Hamid, Mastura Ahmad, Shahrin Azhar and Haryani Othman along with their respective spouses. Jeff Catz (third from right) was alone…

: Norfasarie came with her two beautiful children, Mika Bazil and Moza Alyka…

: Den Sabari, Huda Ali and daughter Leia Qaseh…

: Nurul Aini and hubby Sofian Roslan…

: Marina Yusoff with her daughter Noshin Putri

: Fauzie Laily and Nurul Huda, the ever loving couple…

: Cast of Belah Hati (standing from left): Asraf Amin, Ateeqah Mazlan, Effendie (Ateeqah’s hubby), Mariana Yatie, Ayura Kefle, Junaidah Eksan and Imam Shah. Seated are Nurfarhana M Noor and partner Shannon Berkett…

: (From left): Madam Aminah Ahmad, Faisal Ishak, Izyan Mellyna and hubby, Md Saifulnazri…

: Here they are joined by Mr. J.A. Halim, his son, Helmindra, daughter-in-law Fizah Nizam, and son-in-law Laurent Thevenet…

: Rozzalina Ramli and her daughter Hannah Adyna, Ainon Talib and Norfasarie and her lovely children…

: Mediacorp Suria interns Farhanny Salim, Deedee Durrani and the hardest working man of #theSyarifs’ wedding, Budi Iskandar Sa’ad…

: Clockwise from top: Mediacorp Suria’s Yusnita Yaacob, Hazlina Halim, Riz Sunawan, Wan Haiz Salleh, Diana Halil, Farlina and hubby

: Mr. Hassan Salleh and wife Madam Kamsiah Rahman…

: Mediacorp Suria’s trailer producer Radhiah Zulkifli and hubby Sufian Faisal…

: Nity Baizura and husband Mohd Hafiz…

: DJ KC and Fiza O…

: Aura Shai…

: Syirah Jusni and Ashmi Roslan…

: Mastura Ahmad and hubby Arshad Ismail…

: Hisyam Hamid and wife, Mel (Rosmawati Hussin)…

: Haryani Othman and hubby Fahmy…

: Shahrin Azhar, with wifey Gee Aziz, daughter Iman Qistina and Jeff Catz…

: Rozzalina Ramli, hubby Jai Wahab and daughter Hannah Adyna…

: Wedding dinner event host, Ben Muthusalam…

: Performance by the trio from Northbound…

: Ahmad Khalis…

: Fareez Shah…

: Fauzaan Sahrudin…

: Dina Nadzir…

: The newlyweds with Mr. Darren Choy, Managing Director and CEO of Warner Music Malaysia…

: The Trisno Trio…

: Syarif performing his newly composed song for his beloved wife, aptly called “Malaque”…

: The newlyweds with deejays from RIA 89.7FM and Warna 94.2FM and their partners…

: Amongst the guests here include Mr. Indra Shahrir, Madam Amanah Mustafi who are flanking the newlyweds and Mr. Hamed Ismail (standing top right)…

: The newlyweds with Shenthy Feliziana and partner…

: The newlyweds with Trisno Trio and Ms. Renee Quek from Grey by Ortenhill…

: The newlyweds with Bloco SG’s founder Syed Ahmad and wife Hanie Nadia…

: The newlyweds with Nura Abdul Manaf, who was instrumental in directing the live webstream segments…

: Amongst the guests here include Madam Zakiah Halim, Mr Suhaimi Jais and family, Dr. Edmund Lam (CEO of COMPASS) and Mr. Darren Choy…

: The newlyweds and the ever creative Mediacorp Eaglevision team…

: Azzah Fariha and Malaque are officially cousins by virtue of marrying the SleeQ boys…

: Mediacorp Suria’s promo team and the newlyweds…

: With the bride’s family…

: The newlyweds with Fatimah Mohsin and Diyana Halik who are seated. Standing from left to right: Ezreen Taib Zohri, Aide Iskandar, Azlan M Shafie, Eriyana Amin, Suzairhe Sumari and Suhaillah Salam…

: With the groom’s mother and elders…

: With Northbound and their sessionists…

: With the groom’s mother and siblings…

: The newlyweds with Fauzie Laily, Nurul Huda and Dean Reziq, another hardworking personnel during the wedding event…

: With Berita Harian’s Nurmaya Alias and hubby Muhd Mahfuz…

: The newlyweds with Mr. J.A. Halim and his ever sporting family members…

: With Nick Mikhail and wife Nora…

: Without these amazing peeps from Fatimah Mohsin’s team, the wedding would not have been a success…

: With the Jauhar siblings and Mark Bonafide…

Sunday, 8 March 2015 | Categories: Celebrity Weddings | Tags: #theSyarifs, Adi Rahman, Ahmad Khalis, Aide Iskandar, Ainon Talib, Alfiah Abros Meah, Alyph Sleeq, Amanah Mustafi, Aminah Ahmad, Arshad Ismail, Ashmi Roslan, Asraf Amin, Ateeqah Mazlan, Aura Shai, Ayura Kefle, Azizah A. Malik, Azrin Rahim, Azzah Fariha, Ben Muthusalam, Benefit Cosmetics, Bloco Singapura, Budi Iskandar Sa'ad, Chef Siti Mastura, Dean Reziq, Deedee Durrani, Den Sabari, Diana Halil, Didicazli, Dina Nadzir, Diyana Halik, DJ Effen, DJ KC, Dr. Edmund Lam, Erwan Gunawan, Ezreen Taib Zohri, Fadillah Abdul Wahab, Faisal Ishak, Fareez Shah, Farhanny Salim, Farlina Mohd, Fatimah Mohsin, Fauzaan Sahrudin, Fauzie Laily, Fiza O, Fizah Nizam, Gee Aziz, Grey By Ortenhill, Hamed Ismail, Hanie Nadia, Hanim Mohd Saleh, Haryani Othman, Haslinda Hamid, Hassan Salleh, Hazlina Halim, Helmindra J.A. Halim, Hisyam Hamid, Huda Ali, Illyanis Hanafi, Imam Shah, Iman Qistina, Imran Ajmain, Indra Shahrir, Isadhora Mohamed, Ishak Jamid, Izyan Mellyna, J. A. Halim, Jai Wahab, Janna Jauhar, Janz Abdullah, Jeff Catz, Jihan Jauhar, Junaidah Eksan, Keatar H M, Laurent Thevenet, Leia Qaseh, Malaque Mahdaly, Mariana Yati, Marina Yusoff, Mark Bonafide, Mastura Ahmad, Md Saifulnazri, Mel (Rosmawati Hussin), Mika Bazil, Mohammad Sawifi, Moza Alyka, Mr. Darren Choy, Mufreha Maarof, Netty Fiona, Nick Mikhail, Nina Halim, Nissa Bahruddin, Nity Baizura, Norfasarie, Northbound, Noshin Putri, Nur Eliyana, Nura Abdul Manaf, Nurfarhana M Noor, Nurmaya Alias, Nurul Aini, Nurul Huda, Nurzawani Jamaluddin, Radhiah Zulkifli, Renee Quek, Riz Sunawan, Rizman Kassim, Rozzalina Ramli, RZ, Shahril Wahid, Shahrin Azhar, Shannon Berkett, Shenthy Feliziana, Siti Zalinah Adam, Sofian Roslan, Suhaila ZB, Suhaillah Salam, Suhaimi Jais, Suherdlya Sabar, Sulastri Yusof, Suzairhe Sumari, Syarif Sleeq, Syed Ahmad, Syirah Jusni, TG (Tahar Ghalib), The Trisno Trio, Trisno Ishak, Wan Firzaleenazrah, Wan Mohd Haiz, Yusnita Yaacob, Zaharian Osman, Zakiah Halim, Zulina Karim, Zuraidah Taib | Leave a comment

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… 🙂

: Hosts Nabil & Dyn Norahim goofing around after rehearsals were done…

: A. B. Shaik, DJ KC & Dyn Norahim…

: Dyn Norahim and A. B. Shaik

: DJ KC & Fiza O…

: Nova Media Baru nominee Syazani Rahim and partner…

: Tengku Adil, Diandra Arjunaidi and the latter’s cousin, Adylla…

: Malaysian actor Amar Baharin and celebrity make-up artist Khid Su…

: Erma Maulood, Idi Hakim and their daughter Ellis Aisha…

: Director and producer Adi Yadoni flanked by local singer Kaly Aziz and wife Wahyu Rahman…

: Ryan Sufiyan (left), Yazri Malik (centre) and his assistant director Dhino Hussain

: Another Nova Media Baru nominee Miiko and Joenickev…

: Former child star turned YouTube star: Abdul Thaqif and partner…

: Anugerah Industri Muzik’s boss and Nova Music (M) Sdn Bhd’s Managing Director, Mr. Rosmin Hashim seated along with Sabhi Saddi, nominee for Artis Terbaik (Lelaki) / Best Male Artiste for his song Cinta Sesungguhnya…

: Fathin Amira Zubir came with her family…

: The Sallys looking smart in their outfits…

: Celebrity make-up artist Rozi Klaseboer and stylist Zabidi Abdul Samad from Zabd Couture…

: Local singer Chomel (second from right) and her entourage…

: Adi Yadoni & Wahyu Rahman…

: Local band Auraz Band…

: Metrowealth International Group’s CEO, Major. David Teo and wife Ms. Jane Lim…

: Tulus and Aisyah Aziz…

: Hafiz Suip and Dato’ Rossa…

: HyperAct was also in attendance…

: One of my favourite local bands, Tujuhband…

: Dato’ Fazley, suave as always…

: SleeQ and their respective other halves, Malaque Mahdaly (left) and Azzah Fariha (right)…

: Dua M boss Najip Ali and producer Nura Abdul Manaf…

: Photographer Anwar Randii Baba and Wolfpac SG’s Khairi Shah…

: Sufie Rashid and mother, who is the main reason behind his success…

: Here’s Sufie again with fellow Artis Baru Terbaik (Lelaki) / (Best New Male Artiste) nominee, Faizul Sany…

: Lyricist Hidayat Nordin, Reyza Hamizan, Ryan Sufiyan and Yazri Malik…

: A’Trez from local group X-Clusive, Mr. Darren Choy, Managing Director of Warner Music Malaysia and Singapore and Awi Rafael…

: Sixsta, the group that was conceived from Malaysia’s reality TV show, The Band…

: Marina Yusoff and hubby Adel Dzulkarnaen…

: Imran Ajmain all smiles with The Trisno Trio at the back…

: Fauzie Laily and his lovely wife Nurul Huda…

: Last year’s APM performers Jamiel Said and Art Fazil…

: Our SG Mania champion, Eiss and wifey Norazura Ismail…

: Rapper 2kangKata and partner…

: Dynda who are currently down to three members…

: Band Terbaik / (Best Band) winners NOAH…

: Maria Calista and Mafarikha Akhir. Loved their performance that night…

: Hosts Nabil Ahmad, Sarah Sechan and Dyn Norahim…

: WINGS and their entourage…

: Another one of my favourite local bands, Diorama…

: Siblings: Actor Kai Abu Bakar and singer Zaibaktian…

: Kraton, the group known for their showmanship…

: Post-show: Sufie Rashid posed with DJ KC, Fiza O and Nity Baizura…

: The night’s biggest winner, Taufik Batisah and award presenter Hanis Zalikha…

: Nabil Ahmad continued goofing around with Taufik Batisah, this time for his weekly entertainment show, MELETOP…

: Kraton, The Sallys and Tujuhband…

: J-Boy Iskandar and Fariq Tajree, the duo from Komrad…

: Awi Rafael flanking Diorama’s Erza Iskandar and Odi…

: From left: Surya Rahmanty, Wawan Husen (AurazBand), Reno Fendy (Aryan Band), Jamiel Said, Kaly Aziz, Alif Putra (AurazBand), Awi Rafael and A’trez (X-Clusive)…

: Alif Putra, Adi Yadoni, Farid Yusof (Aryan Band), Reno Fendy, Wahyu Rahman and Surya Rahmanty…

: Syah Ibrahim and Zubir Abdullah…

: Members of Dynda and Sixsta. Shenthy Feliziana (third from left) can claim to have an affiliation with both groups having been a part of Dynda and now, Sixsta…

: Sharon Ismail and hubby Jumari Osman…

: Composer, keyboardist for Hujan and former Bhumiband’s member, Hang Dimas, Tengku Adil, Najwa Mahiaddin, Fathin Amira Zubir and Mafarikha Akhir…

: Fathin Amira Zubir and family with Aisyah Aziz and two of the dancers during Taufik Batisah’s opening performance…

: SG’s celebrity couple: Actress Norfasarie and hubby Baihakki Khaizan…

: From left: Judah Lyne (The Lion Story), Nadiah Hamid (Yaya Hamid’s sister), Yaya Hamid, Haffiz Hussin (The Lion Story), Izwan Khuzair and Shafiq Iskandar (both from The Sallys)…

: Mafarikha being flanked by Komrad and the Jauhar siblings, composer Janz Abdullah and stylist Janna Jauhar…

: Former NTV7’s PR Executive and current Marketing Manager of BrandNewMedia, Dawn Jeremiah with local actress and host Nurul Aini…

: POP’s Syirah Jusni, X-Tion’s Ashmi Roslan, Dyn Norahim and wife Nur Sodiqin…

: Yaya Hamid and Hyrul Anuar…

: Dawn Jeremiah, prolific lyricist Shah Shamshiri, Mr. Darren Choy and Sabhi Saddi…

: Hyrul Anuar, Faizan Rais (Tujuhband), Reyza Hamizan, Ariffin Omar (Tujuhband) and Shamil Haniff (Tujuhband). They are also members of AltoAura, the talented music group that performs at wedding functions and corporate events…

: Screenbox’s head Mr. Sujimy Mohamad and wife Ms. Haslinda Ali with Awie…

: Mr. Hassan Salleh and Ms. Zakiah Halim with Joe WINGS and Awie…

: Talented designer Raffiey Nasir with Azlin Ali, Fiza O, Isadhora Mohamed and Nity Baizura…

: Mr. Hassan Salleh’s missus, Madam Kamsiah Rahman with Warna 94.2FM’s Mariam Mas’od…

: Potrait of a happy family

Wednesday, 22 October 2014 | Categories: Anugerah Planet Muzik | Tags: 2kangkata, A B Shaik, A'Trez, Abdul Thaqif, Ade Govinda, Adel Dzu, Adi Yadoni, Aisyah Aziz, Alif Putra, AltoAura, Amar Baharin, Anugerah Planet Muzik 2014, Anwar Randii Baba, APM2014, Art Fazil, Aryan Band, Ashmi Roslan, Auraz Band, Awi Rafael, Awie, Azlin Ali, Azzah Fariha, Baihakki Khaizan, Chomel, Dato' Fazley Yaakob, Dawn Jeremiah, Dhino Hussain, Diandra Arjunaidi, Diorama, DJ KC, Dyn Norahim, Dynda, Eiss, Erma Maulood, Faizul Sany, Fathin Amira Zubir, Fauzie Laily, Fiza O, Haffiz Hussin, Hafiz Suip, Hang Dimas, Hanis Zalikha, Haslinda Ali, Hidayat Nordin, Hyper Act, Hyrul Anuar, Idi Hakim, Imran Ajmain, Isadhora Mohamed, Iskandar Ismail, Izwan Khuzair, Jamiel Said, Janna Jauhar, Janz Abdullah, Joe WINGS, Joenickev, Judah Lyne, Kai Abu Bakar, Kaly Aziz, Khairi Shah, Khid Su, Komrad, Kraton, Mafarikha Akhir, Major David Teo, Malaque Mahdaly, Maria Calista, Mariam Mas'od, Marina Yusoff, Miiko, Mr. Darren Choy, Mr. Hassan Salleh, Ms. Zakiah Halim, Nabil Ahmad, Najip Ali, Najwa Mahiaddin, Nity Baizura, NOAH, Norfasarie, Nura Abdul Manaf, Nurul Aini, Nurul Huda, Raffiey Nasir, Reyza Hamizan, Rosmin Hashim, Rozi Klaseboer, Ryan Sufiyan, Sarah Sechan, Screenbox, Shafiq Iskandar, Shah Shamshiri, Sharon Ismail, Shenthy Feliziana, Sixsta, Sleeq, Sufie Rashid, Sujimy Mohamad, Surya Rahmanty, Syazani Rahim, Syirah Jusni, Taufik Batisah, Tengku Adil, The Lion Story, The Sallys, The Trisno Trio, Tujuhband, Tulus, Wahyu Rahman, Wawan Husen, WINGS, Wolfpac SG, X-Clusive, Yaya Hamid, Yazri Malik, Zabidi Abdul Samad, Zaibaktian, Zubir Abdullah | Leave a comment

Te:RaSeh! 2.0 Episode 6 Recap…

The Minahs clinched the battle for supremacy on Episode 6 through the Final Face-Off (Te:Ra! Habis – Dikir Barat)…

Finally!!! After four weeks of male domination, the ladies closed the gap on the sixth episode of Te:RaSeh! 2.0 last Tuesday 13 May 2014. I did say in my previous entry on the programme that the ladies were due for a win and that they had to earn it, and earned they did. I had sensed at the start of the programme that even though the audience was willing the Mats on even more than showing their support for the Minahs, the confidence that the ladies would do well was felt backstage, down to the two female judges. Some might say, yeah maybe with two female judges, the swing votes would favour the ladies, but even Mr. Hassan Salleh was equally satisfied that the Final Face-Off was comfortably won by the ladies. I personally had confidence they would, thanks to the presence of Seriwahyuni Jaes, who is not only a mean script writer, but also married to a Dikir Barat expert (R. Azmann), who might have passed down useful tips with regards to the lyrics.

The judges (Nura J, Rilla Melati and Mr. Hassan Salleh) were unanimous with their votes…

Over the past six weeks of qualifying, several individuals have impressed me individually with their character portrayal, their strong will and determination to win for their respective teams or just by their personality shining through. For the Mats, Suzairhe Sumari, DJ KC, Danial Ashriq and Den Sabari were standout performers, whereas for the ladies, it was Nurul Aini, Nurfarhana M Noor, Sarah Aqilah, Izyan Mellyna and Azlin Ali for me. Sadly when the Top 9 for each teams was announced, Sarah Aqilah did not make it. Even someone with a strong following on social media like Norfasarie also did not make the cut, when I had personally predicted she would. DJ KC would have been one of the Top 9 but since his beloved wife, Fiza O, is due to deliver their firstborn any day from now, it would have been taxing to include him. Speaking of deliveries, my heartiest congratulations go out to Fadhlur Rahman, whose wife has just given birth a few days ago, their firstborn.

The semi-final participants… (Graphic poster courtesy of Mediacorp Suria)

For the semi-final rounds, which will last for three weeks beginning tonight, the themes for the weeks ahead will be Past Jobs (20 May 2014), World Cultures (27 May 2014) and Horror (3 June 2014). For tonight’s episode, the Mats will be represented by Hafeez Glamour, Suzairhe Sumari and Hyrul Anuar. The Minahs will have Mastura Ahmad, Syirah Jusni and Nity Baizura flying the flag for them. Based on last week’s showing, the Minahs might have regained their confidence and will be stepping onto the battlefield with renewed vigour. Will the Mats stand back and let the ladies close another gap or will they secure another win to extend their lead further. We will know the answer tonight, only on Mediacorp Suria, 8:30pm!!! Good luck gladiators!!!