I’m back with the second instalment of my APM2017 series. Apologies for making you wait this long for this entry as I was juggling editing the rest of the photographs I took that night and revising with the kids for their final-year exams which will end this coming midweek. Even though I have finished editing the photographs, the proper review entry is still in the pipeline and will not be up till probably next weekend or slightly later. So I hope you can wait a bit more. I’ll try to do it as soon as possible as it has been three years since I last did one. Anyway, I have come to observe that people usually come to this domain of mine to view photographs of recent event happenings, or to look out for photographs of local personalities they would like to get to know, especially the new faces. You might also have stumbled upon my page cos you were Googling for some personalities and this page happens to be one of the top search hits.
For the regional readers, they might not know who is who in the Singapore Malay entertainment scene, so in a way I am providing that yeoman service of assisting your queries. I’ve even had feedback from production companies that my blog has been of great help for them to scout for talents. Just glad I am able to help in any way I can, that too without hoping for any rewards or payments. This is also another reason that gave me that wee bit of drive to continue blogging when I recently felt I wanted to pack it all in. I’ll stop blabbering for now and just share with you some selected shots I took during the Red Carpet segment and Post-Event Reception at Anugerah Planet Muzik 2017. Didn’t take that many shots but I guess they will do for now before I come up with my last instalment entry.
Sofia Arissa seen here with Arus Band and Nu Kingdvm Music Group’s CEO, Art Ilham (right)…
Fiza O
Anugerah 2017 finalist Nor Shafiq Ridzwan came with his new beau, actress / host Farhana M Noor…
Huda Ali & Den Sabari
Aiman Tino
Local band Adnalie with their front man, Anugerah 2004 winner Aqmal N…
Nurul Aini & Izyan Mellyna
Best New Female award nominee Nurul Isnina (2nd from left) with her entourage which included her producer Fakir J Mario (second from right)…
The Paranormal entourage led by their big boss Prashan Chitty a.k.a. Melakaboy (left) and also includes Indonesian singer, Mytha Lestari (second from left)…
Local singer Yanti came with her mum, Madam Salawati. An interesting trivia I found out sometime back was Madam Salawati was the inspiration behind the hit Dikir Barat song “Salawati”. It became a radio hit last two years when now-defunct band Audionauts recorded it as a single…
Norfasarie attended the show with her son, Mika Bazil…
The stunning Wany Hasrita…
Best Collaboration (Artiste) nominees Daiyan Trisha from Malaysia and Calvin Jeremy from Indonesia…
Wany Hasrita being interviewed by one of the Malaysian’s news outlets…
Isyana Sarasvati looked a little pale as she was not feeling well that night…
Best Band nominees Jivva from Indonesia…
Goofy Ayda Jebat’s personality shone on the night…
Winner of the inaugural The Owesome Voice, Yushini Qistina (right), seen here with her friend, Asmira Haryati…
Former Miss Universe Singapore, Nuraliza Osman came with the newly-anointed winner, Manuela Bruntraeger…
Hael Husaini
Dato’ Adi Putra was accompanied by actress / host Deanna Manto. During the time of event, he was not yet conferred a Dato’…
Sufi Rashid
The world finally knew they are together – Fakkah Fuzz and Aisyah Aziz…
Songwriter and entrepreneur, Jai Wahab and missus, Rozza Ramli…
Iyaad Salleh (middle) with The Lion Story members, Judah Lyne and Haramain Osman…
Aku DJ RIA winner, Kyrul Ashrie and his morning show partner-in-crime, Nity Baizura…
Farid Kamil and Sofia Dendroff…
Kilafairy
Local singer Adriana, whose hit Cakar Hati with Ryan Sufiyan, was in the running for the Most Popular Singapore song award…
Another solo shot of the beautiful Sofia Dendroff…
Mohammad Shahfiq and Liwani flanking Ms. Sabariah Hirma of S.Ria Productions…
A new face in the local television industry, Zachary Ibrahim…
A combined shot of the two newbies in the scene, Zachary and Sofia…
Anugerah 2017 winner, Mohammad Shahfiq and 2nd runner-up Liwani Izzati…
Madam Rusedah Tawahid from PERKAMUS came with legendary singer Sanisah Huri…
Another shot of Jai Wahab and Rozza Ramli…
Reunion of The Faculty series actresses, Hannah Delisha and Sofia Dendroff…
Virgoun
Singer / songwriter Didicazli came with his wife, Eliyana…
Winner of APM2017’s Best New Female Artiste, Gloria Jessica…
Local band Klutz featuring actor Rafaat Hamzah…
The newly-wedded couple, local singer, Kai Nizam and wife Nabillah…
The relative newbies of the Malaysian music industry – Ismail Izzani, Wany Hasrita and Hael Husaini…
Aura Shai (middle) seen here with former colleague Ms. Isadhora Mohamed and one of their former interns…
Izzue Islam seen here with representatives of Impact Music Group…
Actor & Poet, Rafaat Hamzah…
A beaming Mr. Darren Choy (left) from Warner Music Malaysia with his compatriots Raja Muhammad Nazreen and prolific lyricist Shah Shamshiri…
Cheryl Tan posed with Manja host Fadhli Abdullah and Sofia Dendroff…
Izzue Islam…
Ms. Zakiah Halim (middle) and Mr. Hassan Salleh (right) with distinguished guests which included Dr. Maliki Osman (second from right) and missus, and former Mediacorp Board of Director, Mr. Ahmad Nizam Abbas (third from left) and missus…
Ms. Zakiah Halim and Sufi Rashid…
Din Ilango (middle) and his mentors cum managers, Jufri Salim and Surayah Akbar of Kraton fame…
A happy Hannah Delisha about to leave the event venue accompanied by her team…
That satisfied look on Sufi’s face revealed all the hard work had paid off…
Dalina Jaapar, host of Mediacorp Suria’s interstitial video for APM2017…
This photograph summed up the essence of APM2017, which is the friendship forged between the three countries. Seen here are members of Jivva, Mytha Lestari, Daiyan Trisha, Calvin Jeremy, Mohammad Shahfiq and Liwani Izzati. In the middle is Ms. Cecille Christophia Sihombing, who manages the Indonesian and Malaysian artistes seen in this photograph…
Fiza O and award-winning designer Raffiey Nasir…
Haikal and Iyaad Salleh with Piscesca Pristifani (left) and Asmira Haryati…
Fiza and Raffiey were joined by (from left): Hafizuddin Abraham, founder of Doux Skincare, Riz Sunawan and Fizi Azmi…
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 SGwas 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…
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… 🙂
Dyn Norahim and A. B. Shaik…
From left: Alias Kadir, Jasmi Ahmad, J.A. Halim, Abdullah Ahmad, Azman Shariff, Faisal Ishak, Helmindra J.A. Halim and Azhar Nor Lesta…
Nurijah Sahat (second from right) flanked by the daughters of Madam Hajjah Ponisah Bachik, Mars (right) and Mahyonis (centre). On Mahyonis’ left is her sister-in-law Roslina Abdul Talip and an unidentified guest…
Azman Shariff and Ahmad Yusof
Nurijah Sahat and Ahmad Yusof being flanked by the good people from Flipside Stories. On the right is director and executive producer Razi Salam…
The trophy girls of the night, former RATU finalists, Wan Anisah and Shillah Marlysha…
From left: Tukangkata, his son Ilyas, Reyza Hamizan and lyricist Hidayat Nordin…
From left: Ahmad Sirhan, Hariz Nasir, Danish Qayyum, Gee Aziz and Shahrin Azhar…
Shahrin Azhar and his lovely family…
From right: Jeff Catz, Sofia Arissa Arman (singer of Belah Hati theme song), Abdullah Ahmad, A. Mahadi and Nasir from Mediacorp Eaglevision…
Newlyweds Faizal Rahman and Dawn Prima Ria…
Fiza O being flanked by Raffiey Nasir and Fizi Azmi…
Farhana M Noor and beau Shannon Berkett…
Asraf Amin looking spiffy in his suit…
From left: Norman Ishak, Fizah Nizam, Ateeqah Mazlan and her hubby Effen…
Sofyan Daud, nominee for Best Videography, with Hasif Nasir…
Good friends – Md. Najib Soiman and Shahril Wahid…
The cast of upcoming drama series, Rempuh, from Papahan Films – Farhanny Salim, Farhana M. Noor and Atyy A. Malek…
Haryani Othman with hubby Khairul Famy Kassim…
Mastura Ahmad and hubby Arshad Ismail…
Mediacorp Eaglevision’s Wan Firzaleenazrah and hubby Keatar H M…
Here’s Atyy A. Malek and partner Syahmi Kadir…
Veteran actress Mariana Yati and son, Imam Shah…
A solo shot of Imam Shah…
Hashimah Hamidon and A. Mahadi…
From right: Ahmad Yusof, Nurijah Sahat, Imam Shah, Rozita Abu, Julia Tari, Mariana Yati, Zaidi Ibrahim and wife…
Anti-ageing entrepreneur Suhaida Rasmad and violinist Azura Goh…
Mediacorp Suria’s Siti Zalinah Adam being flanked by Shahida Sarhid and Nurmaya Alias…
Here’s Najib Soiman and Shahril Wahid being joined by Den Sabari and Faizal Ramli…
Ariati Tyeb Papar and son Aqeel…
Fadhlur Rahman was seated next to Nick Mikhail and wife Nora…
Siti Aishah Ahmad was seated next to Siti Hajar Gani and hubby Muhd Hashir
Malaysia’s Zul Ariffin was in attendance and seated next to former newscaster Riz Sunawan…
Sharon Ismail and hubby Jumari Osman…
Fir Rahman and wifey Jannah Ismaeil…
Wahyu Rahman and hubby Adi Yadoni…
Habriyah Nasir was seated with Gee Aziz, Den Sabari and Nurul Nabila…
The casts of Interns – Aaron Khaled and Sheiryn Aisiqa…
Fauzie Laily and wifey Nurul Huda…
A. B. Shaik was seated next to Jason Chong…
Nadiah M. Din and her mother Madam Hamidah Jalil…
Before Zul Ariffin got mobbed post-event, I managed to get him for this solo shot…
Izyan Mellyna who is four months pregnant, with hubby Saifulnazri…
They were joined here by Ashmi Roslan…
And subsequently Adlina Adil and Roland Tong…
Another pair of newlyweds – Syarif SleeQ and Malaque Mahdaly…
Syirah Jusni and Ashmi Roslan…
Stylist Intan and hubby Salim…
Norfasarie brought her son Mika Bazil to the awards show…
Winners in their own rights – Fadila Abdul Wahid and Rilla Melati…
Seri Wahyuni Jaes, with Mr. Mohideen Abdul Khader from ThinkPlate and his wife…
Isadhora Mohamed was joined by hubby Mohammad Sawifi, Johan Jaafar, former radio producer-presenter Madam Asmah Sulaiman and her hubby Mr. Said…
Shahril Wahid and Shenthy Feliziana…
Here’s Shenthy having a goofy time with her good friend and fellow Cinta Ixora alumnus Nadiah M. Din…
Nadiah and her customary solo shot whenever we meet…
Madam Zakiah Halim seen here with the Mat Yoyo / Bengkel Kanak-Kanak TV SBC alumnus Shahrin Azhar, Rilla Melati, Faisal Ishak, Mohammad & Ibrahim Sawifi, Wan Haiz and Hartini Ismail…
Newscaster Hazlina Halim and her dashing husband Amran Mat Dali…
Another one who loves a customary solo shot from my camera – Huda Ali…
Iqram Dinzly seen here with Shahril Wahid and Mediacorp Eaglevision’s Samri Badi…
New and good-looking faces on TV – Aaron Khaled, Sheiryn Aisiqa and Ikhwan Risydah…
The Sayang Mona ladies – Siti Aishah Ahmad, Seriwahyuni Jaes, Siti Hajar Gani and Ariati Tyeb Papar…
Flipside Stories’ Razi Salam with Nurul Aini and hubby Sofian Roslan…
The beautiful Sheiryn Aisiqa looking splendour in Lulu Alhadad’s creation…
From left: Ibrahim Sawifi, Sharon Ismail, Jumari Osman, Adi Yadoni, Wahyu Rahman and Faisal Ishak…
Brainy beauties – Sharon Ismail and Rilla Melati…
Here they are with Sharon’s hubby, Jumari Osman, and Best Host winner Khairudin Saharom…
From left: Ashmi Roslan, Faizal Ramli, Fadhlur Rahman, Junaidi Sali and Ikhwan Risydah…
Solo shot of Azura Goh…
The owners of Studio Cafe – Fadhlur Rahman, Nurul Aini and Ashmi Roslan and their partners, Syirah Jusni and Sofian Roslan…
This photo was fun to snap cos everyone just rushed in to be in the shot…
Found out whilst snapping this photograph that Najib Soiman used to teach Azura Goh when she was just in primary school…
Huda Ali and Wahyu Rahman goofing around…
Another customary photograph whenever this lovely couple attend an event…
Mediacorp Suria’s Budi Iskandar all smiles next to Ratu winner, Fatin Amira and Nurul Nabila…
Nurul Aini and Sofian Roslan…
Pesta Perdana 13 was a success thanks to Raffiey Nasir and Fizi Azmi. Here they are with their good friends Rafil Kamaruddin and Riz Sunawan…
Here’s Riz in his outfit styled by Rafil Kamaruddin…
Syirah Jusni and her beloved mum, Madam Hamidah Kassim, with Jason Chong…
Celebrity make-up artist, Madam Norehan Fong-Harun and Najib Soiman…
Here’s Najib Soiman with Syirah Jusni, Madam Hamidah Kassim, Mastura Ahmad, Ashmi Roslan and Arshad Ismail…
Rosita Hussin was busy chatting with Azhar Nor Lesta. Couldn’t resist interrupting them for a photograph…
The lovely staff and interns from Mediacorp Suria…
The cool cats from Mat Yoyo back in the 80s all grown up, Hartini Ismail and Wan Mohd Haiz…
Last shot of the Mediacorp Suria staff before calling it a night…
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 TheTrisno 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…
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…
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 Mellynaof 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 Fauziesince 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…
Beautiful ladies (from left): Amal (Ainon Talib’s cousin), Malaque Mahdaly, Ateeqah Mazlan, Syaza Qistina Tan and Ainon Talib…
Syaza Qistina Tan and Sezairi
Malaque Mahdaly and Syarif SleeQ
Nurul Aini and hubby Sofian Roslan
The wacky couple: Alyph SleeQ and Azzah Fariha
The mean students in “Step Puteri”: Maressa Zahirah and Syaza Qistina Tan…
Haizad Imran, Ashmi Roslan and Firdaus Rahman giving us their best wrestler impersonations…
Syirah Jusni and Ashmi Roslan
Firdaus Rahman and wife Jannah Ismaeil
Izyan Mellyna seen here with the film mascot…
Izyan Mellyna and husband Saifulnazri
Always game for a goofy photo: Nurfarhana M. Noor and Izyan Mellyna…
They are joined by SOS’s Imam Shah…
From left: Jeffrey Zauhari, Malay language ambassador, Cikgu Asnida Daud, Berita Harian’s entertainment correspondent, Madam Hanim Mohd Saleh, her husband, Mr. Azrin Rahim and Abdul Rashid Mustajab who had a cameo role in the movie…
Talented peeps in one photograph (from left): Seriwahyuni Jaes, Siti Aishah Ahmad, Faisal Ishak and wife Umie Isa, Rilla Melati, Khairudin Saharom and Mastura Ahmad…
Haizad Imran, theatre activist Hazriq Idrus, Giovanni Homme’s Rafil Kamaruddin and Firdaus Rahman…
Fauzie Laily looking so sharp in his suit together with his wife, Nurul Huda…
The film cast and crew with guest-of-honour, Minister for Communications & Information, Mr. Yaacob Ibrahim…
Suzairhe Sumari, Ariati Tyeb Papar, Syirah Jusni, Ashmi Roslan, Nizlan Sani (soundman), upcoming drama Demi Adriana’s lead, Fizah Nizam and hubby Helmindra J.A. Halim…
Syaza Qistina Tan seen here with Joanne-Marie Sim…
The lead cast of Banting…
Cikgu Asnida Daud with award-winning director Sanif Olek, Sani Hussin, Ashmi Roslan, Syirah Jusni, make-up artist Zool Mimi and Suzairhe Sumari…
Cikgu Asnida Daud, Suzairhe Sumari, Syirah Jusni, Sani Hussin and veteran comedian Osman Kong…
Nurijah Sahat, Ahmad Yusof, Azman Shariff and Osman Zailani…
Norman Ishak, CNA’s Nurul Atiqah and Wan Haddad Salleh…
Fauzie Laily, Izyan Mellyna, Faisal Ishak and Ibrahim Sawifi…
Ms. Isadhora Mohamed (centre) seen here with Ms. Noor Azmah (left) and Latiff, a staff of Mediacorp Suria…
Celebrity blogger Diah Mastura Roslan was also in attendance with hubby Hidayat Wahab…
Edmund D. Lim addressing the audience…
The main cast being introduced to the audience…
A representative of MM2 Entertainment also took time to give a short speech…