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…
This highly anticipated event, which will be the final time the awards show is held at the current Caldecott Broadcast Centre‘s Andrew Road premises before shifting to One North later this year, also offers Suria viewers the opportunity to become judges as they vote for the Most Popular Male Personality and Most Popular Female Personality categories respectively. Voting for Popular categories have started since yesterday, 14 March 2015, and will run till 28 March 2015 at 9.30pm. The results will be based entirely on public voting and will be announced on the night of PP13. Votes can be submitted through these platforms:
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 Yusofand 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.
The Ballroom @ East Coast’s interior design is beautiful to say the least…
Madam Zakiah Halim, with Mediacorp Suria’s Farlina Mohd, Diana Halil, Mediacorp Eaglevision’s Zulina Karim and Wan Mohd Haiz Salleh…
From left: Hyrul Anuar, Mediacorp Suria’s Radhiah Zulkifli, Reyza Hamizan and Azura Goh…
Prolific actresses and actor – Rosita Hussin, Ariati Tyeb Papar, Wahyu Rahman and Nick Mikhail…
Firdaus Abdul Rahman with his support strength, Jannah Ismaeil…
Hosts Fauzie Laily and Fiza O…
Hyrul Anuar
Reyza Hamizan
Azura Goh
Madam Zakiah Halim
Fiza O interviewing Ateeqah Mazlan…
Keith Foo being interviewed…
Fauzie Laily interviewing Ahmad Sirhan…
From left: Fadhlur Rahman, Hasif Nasir, Siti Hajar Gani, Mediamorphosis’ Nusaiba Rahim and Fauziah Hamid, Syirah Jusni, Ashmi Roslan and Nurijah Sahat…
From left: Ariati Tyeb Papar, Sani Hussin, Ashmi Roslan, Hashimah Hamidon and A. Mahadi…
Farhana M Noor, Nurijah Sahat and Ateeqah Mazlan…
Keith Foo…
Keith Foo and Md Najib Soiman…
Siti Hajar Gani and Rosita Hussin…
Junaidi Sali, Sani Hussin and Hasif Nasir…
Atyy A. Malek and Farhana M. Noor
Ahmad Sirhan…
Syirah Jusni and Nurul Aini…
Fadhlur Rahman, Nick Mikhail, A. Mahadi and Taufiq Salleh…
Nurul Aini, Farhana M. Noor, Wahyu Rahman, Imam Shah and Firdaus Abdul Rahman…
Najib Soiman, Hyrul Anuar, Reyza Hamizan and Azura Goh…
With the good people of Mediacorp Eaglevision…
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)
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…
The poster that greeted the guests at the entrance along with the names of the wedding event sponsors…
It has been exactly three months since I last updated my blog. I remember I promised my next entry after Syah Ibrahim and Ana Wahyuni‘s wedding event would be photographs I snapped of Syarif SleeQ and Malaque Mahdaly‘s wedding, but events and circumstances happening in my own personal capacity made it impossible for me to update my blog. For that I apologise for not keeping to promise, but blogging was the last thing on my list of agendas as family took precedence. I was also partly hesitant to share the photographs, especially during the wedding and dinner events, because since the wedding, Malaque has taken the decision to cover up and don the Hijab and I personally don’t feel comfortable sharing the photos without first seeking the couple’s permission. Thankfully I met them at an event this past week, and they have kindly given their blessings to share and so here I am with this entry, my first for 2015.
The customary sign of respect shown by a wife to her newly-wedded husband…
I believe I do not have to relate so much on what happened during the solemnisation event, as you can still view this beautiful ceremony in its full glory via its official YouTube channel “the_Syarifs“. I was and still am impressed by the whole event and how fairy-tale like it turned out from morning till night. What’s more significant was the fact that this was the first time a live streaming of a wedding event by a local Malay personality was done for a worldwide audience. Correct me please if I am wrong or misinformed, but this was probably the first personality in Singapore who had his wedding event streamed live to the world. Even though Syarif & Malaque‘s wedding was equally grand alongside Syah Ibrahim & Ana Wahyuni‘s, the former wins hands down for the global outreach their event made, even making it trend on social media that day. All these was made possible by the brilliant CST Productions team.
Syarif placing the wedding ring on Malaque‘s fingers…
The solemnisation event which carried an Arabic-theme, was attended by close family members and friends at the event venue, Alkaff Mansion. The event was hosted by none other than Warna 94.2FM‘s AB Shaik. Local actresses Nurfarhana M Noor and Syirah Jusni were the roving hosts for the live webstream of the event. The marriage was solemnised by Ustaz Syed Ahmad Syed Mohamed. It was quite an emotional ceremony, with the groom getting all sentimental and emotional during the recitation of the Taklik, in turn making the guests, including his trusted groomsmen shed tears. But those emotions were only temporary as they were replaced by smiles, grins and cheerful looks on everyone’s faces throughout the day. I believe you might have viewed those solemnisation photos online already from some of the media portals across the Causeway, but I guess no harm in me sharing more of them again in this entry and my upcoming two entries, as all of them were personally taken by me… 🙂
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…
M. Raihan Halim, Executive co-producer and director of Banting…
Izzat Yusoff and wife Esliza Razar enjoyed the movie given the thumbs up and smiles…
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!!!
Fauzie Laily
Fadhlur Rahman
Danial Ashriq
Nurul Aini
Azlin Ali
Nurfarhana M Noor
With Dalina Jaapar and A. B. Shaik
The hosts with Mastura Ahmad, Huda Ali, Seriwahyuni Jaes and Izyan Mellyna…
Era Farida joined Rilla Melati and Mr. Hassan Salleh on the judging panel…