Especially for fans for Kris Allen

It's not often I get an artiste that I will go ga-ga about, and honestly I am rarely starstruck by. And being in the line of work where it is my job to interview celebs, seriously... I am not awestruck most times and it really is a job.

Check out the list of people I've interviewed in the About Me section on my sidebar and you'll see I've met more than a few in my years working as an entertainment journalist.

I think the only people I felt like fainting were Jewel, Pink, Kelly Clarkson, Ricky Martin and Slipknot. And the Black Eyed Peas too.

REAL people who have an abundance of talent in the sound of their choice.

And now I add one more name to that list. Kris Allen.

Semalam ketika interview he was so laid back. And plus, despite some people who had gone in before told me he was monosyllabic in his answers, especially when it had anything to do with Adam Lambert - it the furthest thing from the truth.

In fact, most times benda camni mesti kena salah anggap bila orang malas nak cakap pasal something they've talked about thousands of times.

But one question I asked about Adam - he responded funnily (saving it for the article I'm writing).

I hope at the end of the day, he goes the way of Kelly Clarkson and Carrie Underwood, and not Ruben Studdard, Fantasia Barrino (what a waste!), Taylor Hicks (another big waste), Jordin Sparks and even David Cook who seems to be losing momentum.

Got home so tired, I crashed into bed terus. Memang tak larat dah nak update ke haper. But hope you guys like these pics. These were from the press conference at the beginning of it all. And dig that picture of Adrian from Sony Music presenting Kris - with a keris. Heh! Rich!

For friends abroad, the 'keris' is a dagger in this region, which has a wavy blade.

Anyhoo, enjoy the pics, guys. And for those of you in Singapore, enjoy what we did next up cause Kris is heading your way! Except you have to pay S$99 for it.

Before I forget, thanks to friends from Fox/Star World in Shamel especially and Nini for being such gracious hosts, and also the lovely people from Sony Music Malaysia for their hospitality. You guys rock.

Ok.. now here are some pics from the showcase. I have to say, Kris has improved a lot since Idol where he seems so much more confident and able on stage.

My favourite performance of the night was Come Together which was his final encore number.

Also the mash-up of Heartless and Gangsta's Paradise at the start, though I have to say that was rather an odd choice though.

Note that I didn't want to squish myself among some Ah Lians who just looked blur at what Kris was singing (so obvious got passes from someone who knew someone). I was nearer to the back of the VIP area near the REAL fans who basically caused permanent damage to my ear drums.

But I did move forward to try and get a few good pics with my dinky digital camera.

For those who follow me on Twitter, you would have gotten quite a few updates throughout the night, also with pics - so remember for those of you who haven't, follow me on Twitter at @klubbkiddkl.

Ah... despite the dramas for the day, Kris gave a good end to the stupid episodes which made me want to bitch slap someone yesterday.

Since I got enough sleep, am in a happy mood today.

Got press conference for Akademi Fantasia hari ni where they will announce hos, pengetua dan tenaga pengajar.

Aku bakal dikejutkan ke?

Bab tenaga pengajar tak penting sangat la sebab too random, but bab hos aku da pon before this katakan - Sarimah Ibrahim and Jimmy Shanley will team up. As for pengetua, Norman KRU. So ada ke kejutan tuk aku malam ni when they announce?

I doubt.

Ok... now to do some work before I run some errands and do some shopping (before the malls get choked up for the pre-Chinese New Year last minute rush).

Have a good day all!

Live like we're dying!

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Kris Allen!

Ok just chilling at Starbucks kat Gardens in MidValley. Tadik sampai ngan sumpah seranah seribu sebab traffic walaopon clear, nak parking nak 20 minit (elak Zon A lain kali!) - lom start.. seb baik.

Banyak pics aku snap masa press conference, but I won't upload them now. Too many to share. Will post them in the next entry

So anyway after several questions for the press conference, we all got our passes and waited about for our interviews.

And when it was our turn, had about 20 minutes (or lesser) with Kris. Adorable! He really is a super sweet guy.

And when we were done, mintak camwhore sat. Amik ko! First pic blur, second pic buruk! Sentap!

Went for dinner pastuh. After we were done, went through MidValley menangis cause a HUGE crowd was gathered for the meet and greet with Kris.

Only the first 200 were supposed to get a chance to meet Kris, but apparently people had been in line from as early as 10am onwards. Damn! And the meet and greet was scheduled at 6pm!!! Rajin gila bebudak nih!

Check out the crowd.

After that ended, there was a stampede as he was led out to a waiting vehicle. Padahal dok sebelah je kat Gardens. Merasalah!

Anyway.. dropped by Starbucks for a coffee and had really evil look from some fans. Then I noticed that I had this on.

Oops! Forgot Kris had autographed my tag!

Heh.. showoff! Nak wat camna. Da ada...

Just about to go in for the showcase. Will update pics from the press conference later from my camera. These pics were taken and emailed from my Blackberry, so expect better pics after this.

And also of the show of course.

Until then... for those of you at the ballroom see you in a while and let's party on.

By the way... anyone seen The Star today?

Monday February 8, 2010

Creating awareness on cervical cancer

THE National Cancer Society of Malaysia (NCSM), supported by GlaxoSmithKline Pharma-ceutical (GSK) launched Power Over Cervical Cancer (POCC) campaign in July last year, aimed at educating and creating awareness about cervical cancer.

According to the World Health Organisation, more than 500,000 women globally will be diagnosed with cervical cancer and 280,000 will die from it each year.

Here you go: Choong presenting the mock cheque to medical director of NCSM Dr Saunthari Somasundaram.

Therefore, the POCC campaign aims to highlight these escalating incidences of cervical cancer and to urge women to protect themselves against the disease.

Five popular bloggers have come forward to join NCSM and GSK to support the campaign. They are Serena C (twitter.com/serenachoong oralivenotdead.com/serenac), Niki Cheong (nikicheong.com/blog), Joyce (kinkybluefairy.net), Joe Lee (klubkidd.com) and Yvonne Foong (yvonnefoong.com).

These “Digital Ambassadors” will educate and create awareness on cervical cancer and encourage their readers to participate in the Cervical Cancer Risk Questionnaire on the website, www.pocc.com.myor www.cancer.org.my

Serena, Niki, Joyce, Joe and Yvonne were formally introduced during a POCC Pink Mobile appreciation event held at Twentyone Kitchen+Bar, one of the POCC campaign’s official partners. Other official partners include Pureology, Redken, and Stage Cosmetics.

The campaign had an initial target of 10,000 people to complete the Cervical Cancer Risk Questionnaire. NCSM surpassed the target and at the end December 2009, 14,526 people took the Cervical Cancer Risk Questionnaire. GSK presented RM14,526 to NCSM at the appreciation event.

Bloggers against cervical cancer: (from left) Cheong, Serena C, Wong and Lee at the event.

“Owing to the overwhelming response to the POCC Pink Mobile, we will continue to engage the public in 2010 by going nationwide, making stops in Ipoh, Penang, Malacca and Johor,” said GSK Pharmaceutical Malaysia Vaccines Business unit director Choong Kit Son.

“For 2010, we will continue to support NCSM with the RM1 donation for each Cervical Cancer Risk Questionnaire taken.

“We urge everyone in this room to help us spread the risks on cervical cancer and encourage your family members and friends to learn more about the disease at www.pocc.com.my or www.cancer.org.my,” added Choong.

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FAIL!

How's this for a major fail? Jangan tanya kenapa aku edit entry nih pada sapa yang da baca yang sebelom nih. Ada je yang meroyan. Aku tak heran.. tapi kesian kengkawan kat Facebook stakat letak pic pon kena... heh. Bodoh!

Anyway... ni pic aku snap masa kat Legend Hotel.

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Lucky lucky

Oops... forgot nak post something from smalam kat Sri Pentas. Ada a little cheque handing ceremony over to winner of Anugerah Juara Lagu. Aku tak snappy sebab layan ramai kengkawan kat sana.

Until I saw this cute little thing walking my way. Stop! Snap!

Kebetulan Rossa ada cause ada signing MOU ngan Media Prima tuk konsert dia kang kat sini.

Called the Konsert Melodi Cinta, Rossa akan sekali perform ngan Pasha (Ungu), ST12 and Aizat.

For tickets which will go on sale on 14 February, CLICK HERE!

Anyway hari ni aku takde la entry apa sangat pon. Bak orang tua kuar gi makan, then gi shopping barang Raya sikit-sikit tuk persiapan.

Most interesting thing picked up? This bamboo plant yang twisted in the shape of a pineapple. Nenas ni kira 'ong' la.

Tapi yang penting... aku perasan kat tanda harga tuh ada silver panel. Ala ala benda alah gores dan menang yang bersepah. Aku tanya jurujual masa nak beli, apakah itu.

Apparently... pas beli benda nih, ko leh gores benda tuh - ada nombor bertuah!

Tapi bukan tuk cabutan bertuah yer. Nombor ekor katanya... tengok ko kalao 'ong' ko kena la. Heh... tak reti aku.

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Snooze time

Oh have mercy. Ngantuk gila nih...

Tadik siang gi lepak ngan group Celepets.

Who are the Celepets? Bukan group pop pompuan yang baru ok.

These are the Celepets. Part of the group anyway, short of two members masa memula lepak. Takde Dynas Mokhtar and Serena C saja.

So we have, from left, Atilia Haron, Sazzy Falak, Aishah Sinclair, Daphne Iking and Yasmin Hani.

The Celepets are kind of like a sorority kinda thing. All these beautiful actresses and singer (Atilia sorang) and model/emcee/numerous other talents are a bunch of real friends in a very fake industry.

Suka sangat tengok meka bersama, and kaki layan aku gak on Twitter and Blackberry Messenger (but Daphne jerk pakai Onyx while Sazzy tak kisah sebab obsessed ngan iPad)

They into causes, from environmental to kids to everything you can think of, and salute aku kat meka nih.

Anyway hajat jumpa meka tadik ada la... tapi takleh cita skang. Dynas joined us later after Aishah left sebab ada hal. By the way, all the best to Dynas on her coming baby - two months to go, and we're sure it's a girl!

Prayers for a safe and healthy baby coming your way, babe.

Baru nak wrap session ada lak familiar faces masuk Alexis where we chilled for like over five hours! Abih la makan minum je keja bloated (tapi still lapar and nak melantak some more at the end of it).

Hah ni menarik sikit. Kiri skali sapa tak kenal Ramli MS. The dude in blue is Fadzli from TV3 and the lady sapa lagik kalao bukan Rozina the head honcho of Astro Awani.

Aiks... weird combo kan. Sampai berbisik benda. Ni leh wat gosip. Kelas... wakil Media Prima dan wakil Astro dok semeja. Er... korek!

So dari nak balik dok le layan agik.

Pastuh move lak ke Rasta layan minum borak jap ada informal meeting. The last of an early day that started out at the bank (yang best time nak Raya nih, utang semua orang da bayar, so sapa ada utang with anyone celebrating Chinese New Year, mesti bayar kalao tak suwey!)

Bumped into Alyah and friends. Layan lagik borak ...

Aku da ngantuk tahap gaban da at this point. But had one more meeting to go. Big, big plans for 2010.

But for now, I have a packed few days ahead. Later today, ada dua event kat TV3, one being signing of MOU between TV3 and promoters for Rossa's concert here coming up and the other being a cheque presentation for winners of Anugerah Juara Lagu.

Sabtu nak bawak orang tua lak gi beli belah sikit nak prepare for Chinese New Year.

Sunday I have Anugerah Industri Muzik punya judging session round one. Dua minggu kemudian lak aku masuk round two. Tahun ni all the way aku judging... praying for quality stuff to judge kalao tak... berdarah la telinga.

Monday there's Kris Allen (yeay!) and Tuesday ada press conference pengumuman pengetua, tenaga pengajar and hos Akademi Fantasia 8. Bab tuh nanti aku speku, but for those of you following my column in The Malay Mail pretty much can guess the names involved dah kan... tapi tatau la ada perubahan ke tak sebab biasa la Astro semua akan sign contract last minute (walaopon sesi fotografi rahsia semua for publicity shots, Aksi, and interview Astro Awani da wat sana).

So... me swamped! Aku kena abihkan stok story by Saturday gak... so pening gila nih. Right now.. I just seriously need SLEEP!

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Twitdress

Just woke up for no reason. Entah kenapa. So came online saja nak surfing.

Was looking at some of the Grammy fashions. More misses than hits. Mostly horrendous frocks. Buruk gila! Even Jennifer Lopez hazab nak mampos baju dia.

Tapi kan, dari bebanyak baju yang aku rasa hazab, yang ni bila baca pasal baju nih, I changed my mind.

It may not be the hottest number in fashion - but it's creative, unique - media savvy - and ONLINE!

Cue, Imogen Heap and her Twitdress.

Bwfoew you say the dress is fugly - red about it first.

Apparently, to keep in touch with her fans online during the Grammys, she designed this weird dress.

And it has the most in vogue elements in it. Twitter.

Baju dia tuh - with the oversized neck piece of what looks like a metal grille apparently was actually a digital sign displaying messages that her fans were sending on Twitter with mentions to her profile.

The jewellery was some sort of LED contraption which flashed the messages.

She was actually reported saying, "I just thought it’d be nice for them to come with me so I’ve got a live Twitter feed from them."

And how did she get online?

It's in the bag. Her Fendi clutch bag contained an iPhone sewn in displaying pictures people sent with their Tweets, while channeling the messages to the neckpiece.

But no, the umbrella doesn't have anything to do with better coverage.

So while Lady Gaga tried her level best to appear nuts as usual and outdo her own weirdness, Imogen, the British singer songwriter outdid her, simply because I think her functional fashion was interesting.

Dubbed the queen of social media, the winner of Best Engineered Album, Non-Classica for her album Ellipse - Imogen has 1.5 million followers on Twitter, her songs have been played more than 44 million times on MySpace, fans were invited to contribute designs for her album artwork on Flickr and as she was working on the award-winning album, she informed her public about its progress through dozens of video blog posts.

And here - artis kita dah takut nak cakap apa pon kat Twitter because ada pihak-pihak yang nak take advantage by stalking for paid entertainment purposes.

Erm... jauh beza sangat...

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Updates on Kris Allen

So this is the info a lot of you have been waiting for on Kris Allen in Kuala Lumpur. Here is the media release by Star World.

KRIS ALLEN COMES TO KL!

Your American Idol Winner To Perform Live in KL

American Idol fans in Malaysia, brace yourselves! American Idol reigning winner and chartbuster, Kris Allen, arrives at our shores this coming Monday, 8 February, thanks to STAR WORLD, home of the of American Idol in Asia.

Kris Allen will be the first American Idol winner to visit Kuala Lumpur in association with ASTRO, Hitz.FM and The Gardens Mall & Mid Valley Megamall and during his ‘Kris Allen Live in KL’, showcase, fans will finally get to witness the touching performances and soulful hits of this huge talent, live!

Fans across the world first discovered Kris Allen on American Idol and have since followed him on an awesome journey leading to the release a self-titled album and hit song ‘Live Like We’re Dying’. The world has fallen in love with this piano-tinkling, guitar-rocking hero.

If your knees go weak at ‘Heartless’, imagine the sensation of being up close and personal with Kris, who will be available for an Autograph Session at 6pm at the Centre Court, Ground Floor, Mid Valley Megamall Kuala Lumpur.

What’s an event without a Kris Allen performance? Check him out at an exclusive, by-invitation-only showcase at 8pm held at The Gardens Ballroom of The Gardens Hotel. Then, knocking down the boundaries, lucky contest winners will get to meet our superstar in person in a meet and greet session at 10pm. Dying to be one of the lucky few? Hurry to win exclusive showcase and meet & greet passes by participating in the online contest atwww.astro.com.my/astrolife or radio contest by Hitz.FM, the Official Radio Partner, today!

Live like You’re Dying! Grab the chance to experience Kris Allen in KL!

To discover more talent, watch the latest installment of American Idol Season 9, aired first on STAR WORLD (Astro Channel 711) every Wednesday and Thursday at 6pm (Live via Satellite) and 8pm (Primetime Encore); Thursday & Friday at 12am (Late-Night Encore), 7am, 1pm; Saturday & Sunday at 12pm, 8pm, 12am.

Ok.. to all Kris Allen stalkers... I mean fans.. how do you get to see him live. Mark these details down.

Mark Monday 8 February down in your calendar.

3pm Press Conference at GSix Club, 6^th Floor, The Gardens Mall (Media Invitation Only)

6pm Kris Allen Autograph Session at Centre Court, Ground Floor, Mid Valley Megamall (First 200 fans with Kris Allen album stand a chance to get his autograph)

8pm Kris Allen LIVE in KL Showcase at The Gardens Ballroom, The Gardens Hotel (Exclusive Showcase, By Invitation Only) (STAR World ASTRO subscribers – log on www.astro.com.my/astrolife to win tickets or listen to Hitz.FM for radio contest)

So there you have it. Start getting MCs ready to ponteng for Monday and serbu Mid Valley. It is going to be awesome.

PS - Still trying to get confirmation Adam Lambert is coming to Kuala Lumpur. Apparently the rumours are real and he MAY come - but things are in talks as far as what I've heard.

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Wow

I am rarely inspired by performances onstage these days. Sebab tak banyak yang bring a difference to what has already been done.

And while I know it's a little late to blog about the Grammys, I have to say, the show this year was awesome - to have several performances that were so amazing, it reminded me why I love being in the entertainment business.

On top of that, it gave me ideas to do some things that will incorporate what I've seen.

That for me is most important. Bila tengok kreativiti orang lain, dan dari tuh, be inspired to bring it to the next level.

I have to say, the much awaited performances from Lady Gaga and Sir Elton John was ho-hum. Bosan bukan sebab apa. The choice of the mash-up was nice, and the performance from both was good, but I guess the novelty of Gaga's shock value has worn off for me. You expect her to be crazy, and she delivers, and maybe that's the problem. It's not surprising anymore. And not even a combination of Poker Face, Speechless and Your Song could make me interested.

And Beyonce? Another performance I looked forward to which disappointed. She looked like she tried so hard, and it was ok - but what the hell was with the mash-up of You Oughta Know with If I Was A Boy? It just was so contrived.

But surprisingly wow was Green Day, together with the cast of American Idiot which will debut on Broadway on 21 Guns. Like WOW! MAJOR WOW!

Kalao sini anugerah leh bagik sakit hati sebab backing vocals sumbang sampai mencacatkan persembahan actual act (sora sombang nak mampos berapa ekor yang wat keja BV ketika Anugerah Juara Lagu contoh terdekat), this was like berapa puluh blending so well.

If you haven't watched the performance, here it is. Do watch it. Like I said - this is a WOW!

But as amazing as that was, nothing could beat the best act of the night - and definitely one of Grammys greatest moments in the history of the show!

Performing Glitter In The Air - Pink has made this song one of my fave tunes of the moment. Siap standing ovation!

Tell me that wasn't awesome! I got the HD version downloaded (er... ) simply to watch it over and over and over again!

It was not only different, but jaw-dropping, mind-blowingly.. AWMIGAWD!!!!!!!!

Hebat gila.

I don't want to say much except watch the video. 360 degrees, upside down.. it didn't matter, her vocals maintained throughout dazzling the audience. Repeating the video over and over again... pasni ke Anugerah Bintang Popular Berita Harian ke Anugerah Juara Lagu (nak kata Anugerah Era da bungkus lak), I will expect SOOOOOOOOO much more.

The bar has been raised higher. I would never have thought what Pink did was possible. No safety harness, amazing performance, great vocals and totally unexpected performance to a beautiful song.

It didn't matter who hit the stage after that.

Except for David Foster leading Mary J. Blige and Andrea Bocelli who did Bride Over Troubled Water. Emotional performance of the night.

I love you Mary! One of the most soulful artistes alive. And Andrea - one of the few performes I pray to be able to see perform live.

Disappointed also in the Black Eyed Peas show. It was fun, but seen that dah sebelom ni. Same show like when they performed here. Nothing extra. Thought they would have attempted to bring it on for the Grammys.

For the other performances here's what I thought. Lady Antebellum (yawn - country music has never been same since Garth Brooks retired), Jamie Foxx (fun!), The Zac Brown Band and Leon Russell (interesting collaboration), Taylor Swift (puke! And I'm, not even trying to be Kanye here).

The Michael Jackson tribute was contrived. Usher and Smokey Robinson were horrible and Celine Dion and Jennifer Hudson were the only ones worth listening to. Carrie Underwood was erm.. there too but never bothered to take notice of her as she was drowned out by the real divas. I thought the Grammys would make a better effort - and the 3D was not worth it cause we couldn't partake in it. It was just lucky they had Prince and Paris came on behalf of Michael.

Bon Jovi - legends but so past tense. Hard rockin'.

Dave Matthews Band (was never a fan of their stuff - ni pasni ada member bunuh aku cakap camtuh) was one of the better performances one of the night. Maxwell was enjoyable too.

Jeff Beck? Not my cup of tea.

Drake? Eminem and Lil Wayne with Travis? Hip hop sucks today. What the fuck is that wigga still around for?

Saja nak wat entry share the videos. Mode malas. Spent time with friends, including Stacy gi tengok Fame again. This time with no expectations (sebab da tengok) and focused on the choreography je.

Getting more ideas. Love being inspired.

Ok.. nak out!

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Live in Kuala Lumpur

Just a quickie entry sebab hari mode malas nak pepanjang.

Ok fine so we know Kris Allen will be in Kuala Lumpur next week. Even though details are not confirmed yet - TENTATIVELY I heard that it will be held at the Gardens, Mid Valley. Organizers ar scrambling for confirmation that's why aku tanak bagitau so fast without any confirmation.

But I will update you guys the moment I get word, as a few people have been messaging me for more detailed info.

And yes, I am a fan of Kris Allen and I'm still hoping for an interview with him.

And no, guys, I cannot confirm the rumour that Adam Lambert will be coming to Kuala Lumpur soon too. But will let you guys know if I get word.

Anyway, it's a good start to 2010 with Ne-Yo having just performed here (walaopon hanya Ne-Yo) as well as Boys Like Girls (another walaopon case).

And here's two more concerts coming up soon.

Babyface I MUST go to - even though I know some of you out there are just too young for him (well, if you're in your early 20s and below and don't listen to much music anyway). Sadly though, apparently he is not granting any interviews so boo on that.

Julio Iglesias I wouldn't mind cause I do love some of his tunes even though tak minat sangat.

Heard more concerts are lined up for 2010. Will let you guys know after I get more concrete information. Looks like it will be an amazing year - though I wouldn't count on Beyonce making it here. Especially after the Grammy sweep. I'll bet some people are looking PRETTY STUPID now for making noise over one of the most prolific singer songwriters of our time coming here, but allow some really stupid acts to make it here.

Ok la.. nak keluar jap agik supper ngan Aril, Akim and Stacy. Be back with more tomorrow. Hopefully confirmation of Kris's event.

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Roket

Baru balik dari layan Konsert Roket. Bukan perhimpunan orang ramai DAP tau. Itu Konsert Roket... konsert Hafiz, Aril dan Akim tuh.

The place belongs to Tiara and had a nice ambience. Tapi konsep malam ni konsert stage atas air gituh.

Isma dan Yazid pon perform, wat opening, tapi aku tak sempat snappy sangat. Anyway ni some pics.

The lesson here is - lain kali kalao malas camna pon, bawak la beg - especially since da tau banyak benda nak bawak (wallet, keys to house and car, rokok, lighter, Nokia N95 8MB, Motorola Rokr E8 and Blackberry 9700 - tuh dia penuh senarai!)

Akibat malas tak bawak digital camera. So snappy je la ngan Onyx aku nih.

Kanak-kanak Ribena lepas show.

Ok lak pic ni - walaopon aku mintak pose gila tetap maintain Apiz nih

Tuh dia... rambut Aril matching baju Apiz. Sampai terkejut kot awok...

Pose manja katanya...

Tu je la sempat aku update ni. Aku nak sambung abih keja. Layan some 90s R&B grooves while looking through some articles I'm sending in as well as habihkan paperwork sikit. Nama jerk cuti... hado?

For those of you yang cuti, letih bawak kavadi ke, nak Hari Wilayah ke... have fun!

PS - This is a bit of new from Bernama. To Rocky - ko da Datuk skang, boss! Jangan kata aku carot ko tua kalao mulai skang aku panggey ko Latuk Locky. Matilah aku!

Six Media Practitioners Conferred Federal Territory Awards

KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 1 (Bernama) -- Six media practitioners are among the 240 people bestowed Federal Territory awards and medals in conjunction with Federal Territory Day Sunday.

Director-General of Broadcasting Datuk Ibrahim Yahaya has been conferred the Panglima Mahkota Wilayah (PMW) award which carries the title "Datuk".

Also conferred the PMW award are The Malay Mail Editor-in-Chief Ahirudin Attan, better known as "Rocky", and Harian Metro Group Editor Mustapa Omar.

Deputy Editor-in-Chief (General News Service) of the Malaysian National News Agency (Bernama) Zulkefli Salleh and Media Prime Group Managing Editor Shaharudin Abd Latif have been conferred the Johan Mangku Wilayah (JMW) award.

Sistem Televisyen Malaysia Berhad (TV3) Group Editor Mohd Ashraf Abdullah has been bestowed the Kesatria Mahkota Wilayah (KMW) award.

-- BERNAMA

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Fame 2009

I remember watching Fame when I was in primary school. The TV series that had Debbie Allen in it (one of the best choreographers for me), a certain Janet Jackson (masa tuh hado famous katanya) and Nia Peeples (who didn't make it that big but had a decent album or two).

Then backtracked and watched the movie.

Can't remember much but two very powerful songs from it - Out Here On My Own, and of course the theme song, Fame. Both done spectacularly by Miss Irene Cara who was also in the movie version - and shortly was to deliver another killer song from another soundtrack in Flashdance.. What A Feeling).

So anyways, Was Googling for some latest releases, and saw that the remake of Fame has been released here. Low-key gila. Takde publicity gituh kat sini. Hanjeng! Seb baik aku terperasan.

So ari nih, planning nak take some time out on my own (da lama tak wat nih - biasa gi movie sorang, then treat myself to buying something and a makan... almost a date without any complaints or heartache). Decided I would take in Fame.

What can I say about this version?

Well, the basic premise of the movie, outlining the Auditions, Freshman, Sophomore, Junior, Senior Years and Graduation remains the same as far as I remember.

And there's the theme song thrown in somewhere, and Out Here On My Own.

Apart from that, nothing much is the same.

Probably I'm just nostalgic for the original, but this version was presented in a stylized MTV flashy presentation, which was nice and provided some exciting scenes, but robbed Fame of the soul the original had.

The storyline was there, but underdeveloped, as were the characters.

Speaking of which, casting was horrible - with only Naturi Naughton standing out as Denise Dupree - which even that, she didn't do as good as she should have, probably due to the lame script.

Her version of Out Here On My Own on the piano like Irene Cara, was a reflection of the movie overall. Powerful, and yet soulless and lacking any real depth despite it's amazing visual presentation. More style than substance in other words.

But for those who never saw the original Fame, give it a try. Seriously... it perhaps might (and I say might knowing some people won't get it) offer you a perspective into the performing arts.

Dance, music, acting... I wish our artistes could realize that pride in their craft was important. If this was done locally, I don't know how many of our stars could have performed well enough. Maybe two or three names pop to mind, but that's it.

In other words, artis kita, ramai yang berbakat - tapi ada yang tong kosong jerk... cuba isi ngan ilmu dari feeling kuat lebih jerk. Heh... matilah.... but honestly, I wish more of our talents here realized just how much they have to equip themselves with instead of selling themselves into the slavery of commercialization with their cukup-makan abilities.

Now listening to the original soundtrack (I have the re-released version on CD) for inspiration. Nak abihkan keja sikit.

Everyday is a brand new start, and tomorrow, I have some things I have to begin. More projects need to be completed, so time for me to get my nose on the grindstone again. Been slacking off for the past couple of weeks. Time to whip my ass back into action.

PS - Loving the new cover I bought for my Blackberry.

PPS - Layan the original version and new version of Out Here On My Own and Fame.

PPPS - I loved the ending of Hold Your Dream in the new version, but the original I Sing The Body Electric (which was copied pretty much and enhanced in terms of visuals) was so much more awesome and inspiring. I think the 2009 version was made by some spectacular people - who lacked heart and soul.

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Hmm...

Tadik gi Finas jap ada event. Pegi pon lambat, balik pun cepat.

But since it wasn't really on duty, tak kisah sangat ler. The thing is I feel so out of place when you have this whole corporate-esque culture about.

Bukan per... aku da memang dari dulu camnih. I hate the whole formality of any situation, and I think when people stop being, anal, stuffed shirts, that's when creativity actually flows.

But then again, that's just me.

Sempat nak jumpa Vanidah and Rashidi before they went back masa kita baru sampai. Sempat la pot pet sikit, jer.

Sambil tuh - amik pic meka, test power dalam low lighting condition, pakai Blackberry and Nokia. 3.8MP versus 5MP.

The Blackberry 9700 - 3.8MP

Nokia N95 (8MB) - 5 MP

I don't know itf it's a fair fight since my Nokia's lens is pretty scratched.. but hey, it's just just a personal test for me to see which I rely more on when I don't bring my digital cam.

Thanks to Ahmad Syazli Shahe'izy (hamik ko nama penoh!) for playing host to us - katanya... walaopon! Heh.. kira bangga gak aku ada blog reader kat Finas ni. Cuma aku pon tak paham kekadang kenapa orang kata minat baca and all... but still, thanks la guys for following.

It's enough I get a chance nak meroyan seseorang kat blog. To record my thoughts and my crap is a pleasure enough in unleashing, but to have people actually read it? Erm.. interesting. Hah!

Ok la... aku malas post pepanjang. Esok je...

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Kris Allen and the iPad

So random.. takde kena mengena langsung bab Kris Allen and the iPad.

Anyway, forget any association between the two cause memang entry ni takde draw relation pe pon antara dua. Anyway, when I posted Kris Allen is coming to Malaysia - ramai sexcited abih!

You heard it here first!


Yeap.. so here's the confirmation and details I have been able to obtain so far.

Fans of Kris Allen will notice his schedule down in South East Asia includes Manila on 5 and 6 February, and Singapore on 10 February.

Well, I said this coming Monday right? I was wrong.

Kris Allen will be in Kuala Lumpur for a meet and greet with fans, and possible a showcase on Monday, alright. But on 8 February.

The location is being determined at the moment, and the stopover in Kuala Lumpur is to plug the ongoing American Idol season as well as to promote his self-titled album.

I will inform you guys of developments as they come in as soon as I get any information on actual location and time. So wait for it.

Until then, book 10hb akan datang nih.

Meanwhile, I've been noticing everyone's been blogging the new iPad. Which is basically an oversized iPhone that doesn't make calls. Blah! Though I wouldn't mind one.

The iPad is not a new idea. In fact, it's been out several years. Don't believe me? This is the ORIGINAL iPad which came out about five or six years ago. And it was targeted at women.



See what I mean?

And after the iPad - what else can you expect? Well there's the iRack. Let's bet on Apple coming up with that as well as the iRan as well. Like below which also came out years ago.



Ok so maybe not. But I hope those videos made your day.


PS - Aku malas nak upload da video dari show Nidji. Masih belajar edit video lebih cantik ngan Mac ni makan masa. Lain kali je la aku rajinkan diri. Until then korang layan la clips dari dak forummer Cari ni ek. Kredit pada (matilah!!!) Ashna.

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Poetry in motion

Hari ni memang seronok gila! Walaopon start awal.. tapi got to catch up with friends sambil bekerja.

The day started early sebab sudahpu janji untuk photography and interview session bersama Dayang Nurfaizah dan Marcell. Dah lama gak tak jumpa Marcell ni so it was also a reintroduction to him. Ye la... lain la kalao band Indo aku memang more friendlier.

But once the photography got underway, it was fun all the way.

Celah sesi photography kat Alibi, ada lak kucing ni dok posing merata. Alahai.. comeinya! Nama dia Adam. Aku nak amik pic dia with the hood over his head, sebab baju dia tuh ada hoodie, tapi dia nih energetic gila tak leh dok diam.. so nih jer sempat snap.

Anyway, sat down pastuh abihkan interview. Tujuan sesi nih about Dayang and Marcell nya collaboration bertajuk Sayang - which most of you would have heard (kalao bukan dengar radio yang asik dok promosi Kau Dan Aku tapi susah nak main lagu artis lain).

I love the song! If you guys dengar bebetul, there's almost (but not quite) what sounds like a sample of Michael Jackson's Human Nature ala ala SWV's Right Here. Me likey... smooth 90s groove-esque tanpa actually being left back in time.

Yang pentingnya... borak borak semua, went on to Blackberry lak sebab Marcell nak email aku lagu terbaru dia nak bagi dengar. Terus menjadi antara orang pertama masuk Blackberry Messenger list aku.

Banyak gak dapat borak - tapi sebab immediately pastuh ada one more event, wrapped things up and headed to KL from Damansara where I was. Headed straight to Dragonfly - the old Orange club for Nidji nya pelancaran album, Let's Play. Kalao korang ingat last aku jumpa Nidji masa ke Bali for Soundrenaline where they performed an AWESOME set.

Ni some pics masa press conference.

Pas abih bebudak went through a quick sound check. Meka ni pro gila. Lajus je speed through everything and rectified what they had to.

Pas abih.. gerak gi makan. Sebab a few hours later baru meka akan perform bersama Aizat, 6ixth Sense dan beberapa artis Universal Music yang baru.

Memula ingat nak ke Pavilion melantak. Tapi atas invitation kengkawan Universal, ikut ler bebudak Nidji and their management nak gi makan.

Destination?

Atas pilihan bebudak Nidji sendiri - nasi ayam Hainan kat Jalan Bukit Bintang tuh. Merasalah meka datang KL kena merasa nasi ayam tuh sebab takde katanya yang camni kat Jakarta.

Tuh dia si Giring dalam letih sempat tuh makan banyak. Pas kita abih, we moved back to the venue to have a drink (ngan some friends and then terserempak ngan Nabila and friend - which kalao korang ada follow Twitter aku nampak la pic) while bebudak Nidji balik hotel jap berehat and freshen up.

A couple of hours later, it was showtime. A few artistes kicked off the line-up of the night. Finally the big names came out. Beginning with 6ixth Sense.. and then Aizat. I think they did three songs each kalao tak silap aku.

And then it was on to the main show. The boys performed six or seven songs in total. Maybe more. I lost count sebab aku dok sibuk headbanging. Suka suka suka!!!! Forget all the other songs (including all time fave Laskar Pelangi). Aku tunggu Sang Mantan je. Fell in love with it masa meka perform it kat Soundrenaline. Memang enjoy gila.

Ended the night, said goodnight to the boys. Sempat tambah contacts list aku kat Blackberry (matilah addict sungguh aku nih).

Pastuh gerak nak gi jumpa kawan-kawan. Banyak gak gosip dapat.

By the way, kalao korang interested to know, Kris Allen - the American Idol will be in town this coming Monday! Woohoo! Yeay yeay! I like him, so definitely will be there. This, I believe is the first announcement of his coming here (almost sure.. but I could be wrong), so whatever it is, nanti aku confirm dates and such ASAP when I get more info.

Now, I just need to call it a night. Esok banyak article nak wat. Work piling up... not a good thing.

Oh by the way, sapa peminat Nidji (sapa bukan kena give them a try), aku akan upload several videos of their performance. Must see!

Until then.. night all.

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