Merdeka Musings 4

I am a great fan of local talent. I listen to Malaysian artistes on the radio often. If we don't support our own, who do we support then? When approaching how to write this post, I figured I'd list down my thoughts on the first 10 songs that came to mind.

In the 80s, I was crazy about Francisca Peter's songs. I bought cassette after cassette of her albums. Here's Sekadar Di Pinggiran which was the best song at the very first Juara Lagu.

The Alleycats is my all time favourite Malaysian band. They first caught my attention when singing Sampaikan Salam Cintaku during the first Juala Lagu. However, my favourite song of theirs is Andainya Aku Pergi Dulu.

This is a great song which is coincidentally written by a schoolmate of mine, Azlan Abu Hassan, Anuar Zain's Keabadian Cinta.

The late Sudirman needs no introduction. I love this ballad entitled Terasing.

Here's another version of Terasing by KRU, called Perpisahan Terasing. I like this take of the song as well.

I, in fact my entire family, joined in the Akademi Fantasia craze in 2003. We would religiously tune into Astro Ria every night for the entire run of the reality show. My mum must have voted AFUNDI VINCE about 200 times on the day of the final itself, I was not lagging far behind. I attended one of the weekly concerts at UPM and even camped out at KLCC Park for a concert just before Merdeka that year. The latter was where I mingled with total strangers, all fans of the show, and a family actually invited me to join them on the mat, share the food they brought and we all sang along to every song. Here's Vince, who recorded this duet, Di Persimpangan Delima with Nora, after his win.

What so great about Akademi Fantasia is the emotional roller coaster ride it brings its viewers on. Witness it here in a scene from the final concert, where Adi Fashla sings Aku Cinta Kau Dan Dia.

The first time I heard Bunga Bunga Cinta was when Liza performed the song at one of the weekly Akademi Fantasia concerts at UPM. The original is by Misha Omar.

Zaiton Sameon's story is one of overcoming adversity. The lyrics from her song Menaruh Harapan ... 'selagi hidup belum sudah, saya akan terus melangkah' ... rings true.

And finally, I believe originally sung by Carefree, I like this version of Belaian Jiwa by Innuendo.

Enjoy.

Photo of Alleycats.

Merdeka Musings 3

When a fellow Malaysian does well, we are all proud of his or her success. Many of our countrymen and women have done well, in the sporting arena, in humanitarian work, in the entertainment world, the list goes on.

We are proud as a nation when one of us is recognised internationally for a job well done. The entertainment industry gets tremendous press, and our very own Michelle Yeoh is a household name throughout the world. We admire her for all her achievements but above all, we admire her for always calling Malaysia home.

Here are some of her interviews and an ad for Tourism Malaysia :

Memoirs Of A Geisha

Crouching Tiger Hidden Dragon

Tomorrow Never Dies

Malaysia Truly Asia

Photo of Michelle Yeoh.

Merdeka Musings 2

I am happy that I am still in touch with my school mates from primary school. We may have grown apart somewhat but there are emotional attachments that remain. We share so many memories of our childhood that a certain bond exists.

Granted we don't see each other that often any more. Still some of us make the effort to do so when opportunities arise. Whilst life has taken us on different paths, circumstances have ingrained in us varying perspectives, our long established friendships will continue I hope to withstand the challenges of time and change.

The late Yasmin Ahmad's Merdeka commercials play on such relationships. Here's one of many.

Photo taken during Sekokah Rendah Sri Petaling's 40th anniversary celebrations.

Merdeka Musings 1

With a week to go before we celebrate Merdeka, I've been reflecting on occasions, encounters and events that have made a mark in making me proud to be Malaysian.

One such event was when the Malaysian contingent entered the stadium during the opening ceremony of the 1998 Commonwealth Games that Kuala Lumpur hosted. Although only watching on TV, I shared the immense outpouring of pride and emotion with the live audience who were at the stadium.

Here's a look at the event.

Photo of the Malaysian contingent.

Being Cruel To Be Kind

Sometimes one needs to be cruel to be kind. It is never easy taking a tough stand, particularly when it involves those who we love. But when circumstances demand it, then it needs to be done. One needs to be the guiding light when our loved ones are blinded by irrationality.

Now, I do not profess to be perfect in any way. Nevertheless, I am well aware that practicality and reason have a role to play in how we live our lives. When something isn't right, I never find a way to justify it to the contrary. I'd much rather address the problematic issue at hand, no matter how awkward doing so may be.

It is never pleasant having to deal with such situations. Who wouldn't rather bask in a happy and harmonious cocoon? But life throws us curveballs, and there is really no avoiding them. We just have to face them head on and hopefully, we'll emerge stronger and better.

Photo of a minaret of the Aya Sofya in Istanbul, Turkey.

TSO @ WPPM

The past week and a bit has been crazy. Apart from being deluged with orders for the upcoming peak wedding season, That Special Occasion also presented a fashion show at the opening night of the WPPM (Wedding And Portrait Photographers Malaysia) Conference last Friday. Other than That Special Occasion, Michelle Touche, Bella Rahim and Canon were also sponsors for that evening, with the latter hosting the event.

Whenever we have a choice, we very much prefer to have non-professional models to showcase our creations during a 'live' show. I feel it communicates a more realistic image, that of an everyday bride in a gown of ours. We do real gowns for real people so to speak, not just models who are in almost perfect proportions. Having said that, model Evon did a great job showing off 3 of our gowns during the various workshops at the conference proper. Workshops and seminars are where experienced models are necessary as facilitators for the presenters.

After the excitement of the weekend conference, it is now back to the grind of working towards delivery of a number of gowns for weddings from September onwards. I shan't complain though.

Photo courtesy of Mau Horng.

It Should Be Easier

It really should be easier than this. Sometimes there are hills that seem to go on forever and the thought of finally conquering a particular challenge in life seems rather daunting, impossible even perhaps.

I've had my share of disappointments in life. Don't get me wrong, for the most part, I live a pretty good existence. Still, there are challenges that present themselves along the way and what one can only do is to try one's best to face them head on.

I suppose it is fair to say that I am somewhat of an optimist. Sure I get down at times, but more often than not, I get back up again fairly quickly. I keep the faith, some divine intervention would be great! I guess this song by Danny Gokey sums it all up.

Photo of Buddha on Lantau Island, Hong Kong, courtesy of Wong Suk Harn.