Square Pegs, Round Holes….

“Nothing great in the world has been accomplished without passion.”

When talking to friends I always hear complaints about people they work with that do not complete work properly, do not go the distance, do not care. It got me thinking that I am lucky to be doing something that I AM passionate about, I BELIEVE in. I am also passionate about my photography and diving. I back a football team that I support with a passion.

Because I am passionate about what I do therefore I will probably ACHIEVE more than a person who doesn’t care.

I’m not saying that I didn’t have to try something to find out if I liked it or not. I tried marketing but found out that music was my passion. I tried sky diving but figured out that scuba diving was my passion. Passion and purpose go hand in hand. When you discover your PURPOSE, you will normally find it’s something you’re tremendously passionate about.

Recognizing what you love is NOT enough. It isn’t passion without commitment, without intimacy, without self-giving… that is why passion is that one step further.

In Malaysia we grow a culture of square pegs in round holes and inevitably the “tidak apa la / chin chai lor“ attitude. People doing things they really don’t WANT to be doing but rather NEED to be doing. Sometimes pushed by the necessity to survive, sometimes pushed by others, sometimes just being unfocused. But they live with complacency and have a tendency to accept things…no reaction, no questions asked, no reasons given… I find a strong lack of passion missing in Malaysians in general…. the want to do more, the need to make a difference, the pride of place.

We should constantly need to..... want to strive for better, reach higher, achieve more but this is impossible without passion. We need that fire that comes from inside to propel us to accomplish things that we only dream about.

I'm not talking about just work I'm talking about everything we do in our lives.... work, love, life should be passionate...

“If there is no passion in your life, then have you really lived? Find your passion, whatever it may be. Become it, and let it become you and you will find great things happen FOR you, TO you and BECAUSE of you.”

For everyone my wish for you is that you find your passion…..

Peace, Love and Respect,
Jenn

Of Flashing Lights and Sirens...

This is a subject close to my heart. My office is near Hospital Besar Kuala Lumpur so seeing ambulances with sirens blaring is a normal occurrence. Also because it is near the Mahameru highway and the Tun Razak flyover traffic jams are also a normal thing.

Now if you see an ambulance hurriedly coming down the road, sirens blaring what should you do :

a) Step on the accelerator. The ambulance will NEVER catch up with you;

b) Wait for the ambulance to pass and then step on the accelerator and follow it down the road it’ll help you get to your destination faster;

c) Just drive normally it’ll avoid you and after all, even if it passes you, it can’t go anywhere it's already jam;

d) “Aiya! Bet the ambulance driver is rushing to eat lunch!! Who cares you think you’re the only one that hasn’t eaten ah?”

ALL OF THE ABOVE is what most Malaysian drivers do.

Now put yourself in the ambulance. You have a family member that’s dying and in need of immediate hospital care, then you understand why you need to yield and get out of the way. In situations like this time is of the essence. I’ve been there with my father who had suffered a stroke, his heart had stopped and he was turning blue. The sense of helplessness is alarming. You can only but pray and hope that traffic moves faster.

My father survived the ordeal but I learnt and invaluable lesson which I hope to pass on to anyone reading this. PLEASE when you see an ambulance approaching get out of the way move over, let the ambulance through…. Someone’s life may depend on it.

Thank you. Peace, Love and Respect,

Jenn

There goes the last of the good men. Tiger Woods has had an affair *gasp* and *shock horror*. What has the world come too. Is life full of escape, backspace and undo buttons?

I don’t want to go on a rant but I find guys stop maturing at fifteen and they always think with their d*@ks. Emotionally guys are the weaker sex. Never satisfied with what they have. When the girlfriend/wife tries to communicate you either get -
a) The Silent treatment;
b) Code Red : All systems shut down (sleep); or
c) I’m going to turn to another woman who understands me.
And if they have had enough time to think about it the whole issue becomes your fault or problem, “You drove me to do it!”. …ESCAPE button….

Don’t get me wrong. I LOVE men. They are adorable, helpless, charming (when they want to be) but sometimes they can be downright self absorbing, selfish, pompous. Sometimes I think the woman is at fault. In the beginning of relationships they bend over backwards to please, give up part of their life, pamper the man…. then when the focus turns over to the kids (who need attention 25 hours a day) or work, the man feels he’s lost the attention of the woman. You can’t win…. BACKSPACE key…

The problem with relationships is that you are NEVER sure of the other person. You’re always questioning, “Do they love me!”. You can only be sure of how YOU feel. Women ask this 200 times of their men. Not because they don’t trust you but it’s because they want to hear you say it, stoopid!! But then again 200 times is a biiiiiit much. Moral of the story - Everyone needs to remember people aren’t mind readers, sometimes you need to show how you feel. There is NO harm in once in a while showing affection, showing appreciation… people constantly crave response…

We are always tested in life. When you have a relationship/marry someone they are not perfect and neither are you. Then comes along someone who has that missing component that you miss and the more you see it the more you miss it…. Then if your relationship is not strong you begin to find fault in the person you’re with and you find every possible excuse to call it quits. Yes, unfortunately, that has become the ‘name of the game’…. UNDO button

Before people worked harder at their relationships perhaps because they were not under so much pressure to perform at work AND constant communication (mobile phone, internet, etc.). Priorities in life have changed so much. Sad but true…

Love is simple and uncomplicated. We expect too much from each other. The support should be equal, the responsibility should be equal and the respect should be equal. No one is lesser than the other…. No one loves the other more….

Yeah… one day my prince will come…..

Peace, love and respect,
Jenn

YOU-nique

It’s been a hard month so we took a break to Bangkok (13-15th. November, 2009) … and it was a great trip. Good company, Good shopping (not enough money :)) all in all a hilarious time. Life should be like this… work hard, play hard. Then you get a balance.

Then straight into the Islamic Fashion Festival (23 – 25th. November, 2009). This show is interesting, different and should be given international recognition as it is truly away for people to see that you can be fully covered yet chic, dress elegantly or even have style with panache. And although it’s grueling, sometimes you just feel like dying but enjoy working like this. I got to work with Dato’ Mahadzir Lokman and Dato’ Yasmin Yussoff after a long time, both professionals at what they do and we have yet to find emcees that can take their place for protocol events such as these.

(Picture courtesy of : Nadiah Ramli my talented photographer daughter)

Nadiah came by to get more shooting experience which is good for her but unfortunately felt rather sick on the morning of the second day so she went to see our trusty family doctor (Dr. Shanta Oomen) and went home to sleep it off. Nowadays you just can’t take risks when you don’t feel well… GO TO THE DOCTOR!!

After the last show Jay and Jue tried to get me to go to dinner before waiting for the post mortem meeting but I decided not too and whilst waiting for two hours kept on getting sms’es asking me about food. Yes, I was hungry… but NO I was not going back before the meeting. Only to find that in the hotel room were Koi, Itcha, Jue and Jay… food and a present (for my birthday). Hahaha.. so that’s why they tried to get me to eat sooner... Sorry guys trying to con a Saggitarian is like, impossible… they either read you and con you back or are completely oblivious to reading between the lines because they’re busy concentrating on something else!! But my heartfelt thanks and love to all of you.

(Picture was taken with my new Tamron 10-24 lens... ilike)

Yeah it’s been one hell of a November.. busy, fun, reflective and thankful.

After OD’ing over fashion and mixing with the beautiful people the whole month of November, it got me thinking. Everyone always wonders why they aren’t as good looking, why they aren’t as rich, why they aren’t so lucky… don’t wonder. Each and everyone of us is unique, each of us has a ability or combination of abilities, each of us has a weakness, each of us is beautiful in some way or another, each of us is ugly in some way or another…. Just like our fingerprints are unique so are we as individuals…… God IS Great!

When you want to feel sorry for yourself, wonder why life is treating you badly or wondering why you aren’t given chances… pick-up the newspaper and read any page. When you read about people losing homes in floods or fires, losing love ones to a tragedy, have no food to eat, are innocent victims of war, human greed and inhuman conditions… counting your blessing and give praise, if you think your life is bad… think again there is ALWAYS someone worse off than you.

P/S : I rescued a Zebra from the shelf in Parkson this month... What have YOU done?

Meet Stripe.... he is an efficient communicator. He can work a blackberry and send out e-mails via computer. He likes eating at chilis!!

Peace, Love and Respect,

Jenn

Don’t Run Away, Baby, It’s Only Life….

The last two months have gone by in a blur, no time to blog….

Let’s see. Hari Raya came and went but rather than spending it staring at four walls I decided this year I would do something about it. Not that I didn’t wish to celebrate Adil Fitri but I always believe the kids should go back to Singapore (their real kampung) and spend time with the family there, where there is the spirit of Raya. So I packed my bags and celebrated by diving in Manado (September 19 - 24, 2009)

And what a celebration of life. Manado is a gorgeous divesite on the northern tip of Sulaiwesi, a 4 hour flight from Kuala Lumpur. In pristine condition I would rate this the best wall diving I have seen. As if the joy of diving were not enough we were bestowed the luck of seeing a pod of dolphins one morning, a pod of pilot whales the next and to top it off a mother and baby sperm whale (a rare sighting which even the divemasters there were excited to see). Although all of them were close surface sightings it is an exhilarating feeling to have the chance to see these majestic animals in the wild.

Next came the challenge of the century…Gen’s Wedding (October 10, 2009). Weddings are scary. They are a once in a lifetime event for the couple and their families. And of course they want perfection because the event means so much to them. What more it was a garden wedding in the middle of rainy season. So the wedding planner has sleepless nights, cold sweat, butterflies flitting around in the stomach. 20 AIMs would be easier than this. I guess a number of us prayed hard enough and the wedding was a success… Thank you GOD. So maybe it’s not as bad a 20 AIMs after all.

After that it was the final diving trip of the season (October 19-21, 2009) with Acis, Sheila, Shah, Intan and Siti. It was my first time leading a trip out but it was fun. Company was good, Daniel of Sealantis proved to be a great guide and storyteller; and Abbas is the best boatman ever. I’ve always enjoyed Tioman, it feels like home. Although this year the visibility has been dismal this trip was the best viz I had seen all year and although I have been countless times to these divesite they still provided excitement and wonder. Labas and all it’s swin throughs, Tiger Reef is gorgeous when the current isn’t ripping and Batu Malang is always a beautiful sight/site. Yes, diving is definitely my second calling!

Back to life, back to reality. Just when you think you’ve done it all, you really haven’t. The Malaysian International Fashion Week 2009 (November 4-8, 2009) provided non-stop action... first time doing 18 shows over 5 days, first time working a project with only Jay and Jue. At the beginning of the project it felt like a mountain to climb, with us standing at the foot and looking up at the summit. Tiring, testing, taxing but challenging and the euphoric feeling of achievement erases everything. I LOVE my work without a doubt.

(Picture courtesy of Nadiah Ramli, my extremely talented photographer daughter)

Life is ever changing, ever evolving. Over the last six months a road that I thought was going to end has proved that it has a continuation and a new journey. That has been given to me by the new team, a new breath of life; as much as they turn to me for guidance I have learnt that teaching people means teaching yourself. They push me to challenge my ability and myself once again.

Yes life is putting the pedal to the metal and living it to the maximum, passionately whether it be work or play, then only you can say you’ve lived.

Peace, Love and Respect,

Jenn

Emmanuel Adebayor..Serena Williams…Kanye West… Role Model Responsibility

Just because you’re under pressure it doesn’t give you the right to rant on other people when things don’t go your way neither do you rub it in someone’s face when it does! The weekend saw the ugly side of famous personalities who are supposed “role model” to the younger generation losing it in front of millions of people.

Scenario #1
English Premier League - Manchester City vs Arsenal….
Adebayor ex Arsenal player ran the length of the pitch to taunt and antagonize the Arsenal away supporters after scoring City's third goal. Are the Arsenal fans to blame for throwing things at him and in the process hurting a Man City steward… I think not. Adebayor had earlier appeared to kick his former team-mate Robin van Persie in the face.

So the Arsenal fans never showed their appreciation? Hey FYI respect is earned… the fans always loved and respected Bergkamp, Henry, Ljunberg, Reyes, Pires, Viera


Scenario #2
US Open Tennis – Serena Williams vs Kim Clijsters….
With Clijsters on the brink of victory, defending champion Williams was called for a foot-fault on a second serve to go match point down.
Astounded by the verdict, Williams immediately saw red and threateningly marched up to the official. She waved her racket ominously and thrust the ball into the lineswoman’s face as she launched into a tirade. “I swear to God I’m… going to take this (bleeping) ball'' and stuff "it down your (bleeping) throat, you hear that? I swear to God,” Williams told the line-judge.
Having already received a warning earlier in the match for smashing a racket, Williams was handed an automatic point penalty for “unsportsmanlike conduct,” giving Clijsters the match.


Scenario #3
Video Music Awards – Taylor Swift vs Kanye West….
The presenters announce Swift as winner of Best Female Video. She goes up to stage and begins her acceptance speech. Suddenely West rushes onstage, grabs her microphone and lets loose an outburst on behalf of singer Beyonce Knowles, who had lost out in that category. “Taylor, I'm really happy for you, and I'm gonna let you finish, but Beyonce had one of the best videos of all time,"


What in the world was going on in the minds of these role models. They are being watched by millions of people, they are respected personalities (earning insane amounts of money) in their professions and they go on an inexplicable, unforgivable rant and then apologize half-heartedly saying their emotions got the better of them but they still believed that they were right.

Disgraceful and inexcusable that’s all I can say. With the number of kids that watch these programs and look-up to these people as role models they should be severely punished. Show some responsibility!

They have no idea what the repercussions of their actions are. Inciting crowds, causing fights and worse, showing people that you can just DO what you want WHENEVER you feel. Yes having your own opinion is great but showing patience is greater…. After all things don’t go your way ALL of the time… LIVE with it!

One-Malaysian-ness

Yesterday I went to the Post Office to invest in Amanah Saham 1Malaysia.

With form filled, Mykad photostated and money in hand I waited patiently. As my number was called and the person behind the couner checked my form they looked intently at me and asked what my race was.... hahaha.... cruel joke.... Here we are trying to recognize every culture under the Malaysian sun and happily categorizing people... and here I am, poor un-categorizable persun I am, trying hard to explain that I beong in the "dan lain-lain" (others) column as I do not fit the criteria of the rest. Yes... Race : Others.

The best part there was NO "dan lain-lain" so I waited for them to find a recent letter they received to tell them what category code number I belong to. Finally the computer accepted me...

I belong to a minority race. Laughable at best. No I do not want to stir racial tension. No I do not want to fight for my Irish-Australian-Chinese-Malaysian rights. But yes I want to be a part of bangsa Malaysia where there is no racial segregation.

So "dan lain-lain" it is until the day we truly acheive one-Malaysian-ness.....

Peace, Love and Respect,
Jenn

1Malaysia... Brave New World?

52 years and another Prime Minister later we follow another dream called 1Malaysia.

I’m having trouble understanding the concept although in essence I love and support the idea. It is a call for acceptance, to recognized and take into consideration the needs of every ethnic group. We would be having to take a holiday every other day, speak 200 different languages and understand a myriad of cultures, which mind you also change with the times.

Tolerance… will never lead to true unity. The meaning of the word is enough to make you cringe… forbearance, endure, acceptance…. doesn’t all this point to a capacity, a limit. We need to get to a point where we don’t even think about race, break down all the barriers and take that step towards being true Malaysians, become one nation.

And what does 1Malaysia have to do with the tagline “Rakyat didahulukan, Pencapaian diutamakan”? (People first, Achievement Now) this NEEDS to be a maxim for the government not the people!! We don’t need to understand that the needs of the people go first and that meritocracy rules. This IS what WE the people have always wanted anyway (unless you are greedy, selfish or uneducated).

Before the National Anthem required an official function before it was sung. Why? Why can’t it be sung everywhere? Football game? Cinema? Before any event? Where there is alcohol served? In a church? In a mosque? WHY NOT? When we play the national anthem and we can moved people to feel proud to be Malaysia, shed a tear understanding the lyrics, … does it matter where they are, who they are, what their background is? Negaraku never fails to move me….

Like as in all things understanding comes with education. If we want our children to throw rubbish in a dustbin, cover their mouths when they yawn, get up and offer a seat to someone who needs, respect their elders it needs to be taught when they are born and continue right through their school life not at primary school level when they already have bad habits and preconceived ideas. They need positive role models from their parents to their teachers. The nationalistic spirit needs to be instilled to a point where it is runs on auto and comes without thought.

I never think of my friends as Indian, Chinese or Malay. This has been true since school until this very day. We are friends because we share the same aspirations, interests, uncanny sense of humor and enjoy each other’s company. Creed, colour and race bears no significance and only passion and the desire to do the best you can for yourself, your family, your country that allows you to work with others to achieve. I’m sure Nicol David, Tony Fernandes, Lee Chong Wei, Karamjit Singh and others who have achieved the Malaysian Dream never thought of themselves as anything but Malaysians wanting to succeed.

It is a brave new world… we take the step to become one... this all starts with you and me… we make the difference no matter how big or small the contribution there is no such thing as insignificance in effort….

I have a dream…
No oppression, No discrimination, No segregation

Negaraku

Tanah tumpahnya darahku,

Rakyat hidup

bersatu dan maju

Rahmat bahagia

Tuhan kurniakan,

Raja kita

selamat bertakhta

Rahmat bahagia

Tuhan kurniakan

Raja kita

selamat bertakhta

Peace, Love and Respect,

Jenn

Go Gunners!

It's been a good last week...

Back to the gym after a 3 week break. Feels good to be back.. tiring... but good!

Watched "Setem" and I would rate it as the best Malaysian movie I've watched to date. Great story line, great acting, great script. Not your typical Malay movie... overall enjoyable.

MTV World Stage was also a fun outing. Good bands, I loved the stage, lighting and having good company helps.

The cherry on top that all is Arsenal winning their opening match away to Goodison Park against Everton. Yup the Gunners wupped the Toffees 6-1. Amazing job.. they played like the Arsenal of old. I sure hope that they can keep it up, if they can they're unbeatable. Cesc Fabregas, Robin Van Persie, Andrei Arshavin and Almunia have a long season ahead but I'm looking forward to it.

And so another GOOD week passes...Peace, Love and respect,

Jenn

The weekend

Another weekend passes by...

Went down to Tioman with the Marine Monkees which is always good for a laugh. The Tioman ferry ride was like hell thanks to extremely choppy water and a bunch of foreignors who did not want the aircon on in an enclosed ferry! So therefore - Enclosed ferry + No Aircon = Stuffy = No Oxygen = Nausea. So four of us sat outside and nursed out nausea for the last 30 minutes of the ride. Lucily no one fed the fish...

If Malaysia wants to put themselves on the Tourist Map they damn well have to do something about they conservation. Firstly Tioman was so badly shrouded with haze we couldn't even see it from a distance. Then there is SO much construction going on that there hasn't been a day when the visability underwater has been good in three months!! Last year during early October I went diving and the visibility was gorgeous. Imagine being able to see underwater for 25-30 metres and yes the marine life is a sight to behold. The marine life is still (so far) abundant in Tioman but you can't see further than 5 - 7 metres which is sad.

But all said and done I had a good weekend diving... yes a BAD day diving is still better than a good day at work!

Congratulations Chelsea on a job well done for winning the season opening Charity Shield... looking forward to the new season.

Peace, Love and Respect,
Jenn

The moon represents my ...

It was an amazing sight a full moon during the light of the evening lighting up an expanses of ocean. Serene, beautiful, awe-inspiring… and as we sat and watched we suddenly realized that it was in the perfect position to have a bit of fun.

You leave the marine monkees top side (not underwater and with no diving gear) this is what you get a crazy, zany look at what the moon represents…. monkey see, monkey do. The girls did the posing the guys did the camera work. So here it is a different view of the moon… To celebrate 40 years of a manned lunar landing I decided that it would be the appropriate time to put out these pictures... Neil Armstrong eat your heart out!

The moon represents my ...

Ball @ Annie / Bunny Tail @ Ee Ming / Moon Goddss @ Nell / Dragon Ball @ Jenn

Pictures taken on Mabul Island, SABAH on Dec 12, 2008 at 05:45pm

Football Season is now OPEN!

Ah... football season is finally back.. and just in time too Saturdays and Sundays are never the same without the EPL (I'm sure all the mamaks feel the same way!).

There's something extremely bonding about a bunch of people that support the same club and the friendly (sometimes not) rivalry against opposition teams.

I'm one of those crazy people that believes you must experience things at least once (and I'm ONLY talking about the good stuff NO drugs, alcohol, cigarettes and other vices that shall remain nameless). So a couple of years ago I decided to, after AIM, pack my bags and make my pilgrimage to the Emirates, home of my team Arsenal, for the last home game of the season. As luck would have it, it was a Premier League A++ match, london derby, Chelsea vs Arsenal no less! It was a match where it would decide the outcome of the season. Chelsea win they win the champion-ship, Arsenal win Manchester United take the crown.

If you are a football fan you should save up and make the trip to see at least one match on home ground... it is magic.

The day before I did the Emirates Tour and did all the cheesy stuff, sat in the VIP stands, sat in the team box, experienced coming out of the tunnel, see the team dressing room and the outrageous hydro spa and then spent every cent I had in the Arsenal Shop.... but all in all an experience not to be missed.

On the day of the match as I watched as the stadium filled with 60,355 people 90% of these were home fans and there was an electrifying air of excitement. Fans were all dressed in their colour with scarves, cheering, singing and when you hear the English Premier League Song played and the announcement of your home team the roar of the stadium is unbelievable.. it is a feeling of euphoria.

So all you football fans dust off your scaves, buy your 2009/10 jerseys or wear your old ones and hang on to your hats... the English Premier League is back in action!

Still Searching...

I have the utmost respect for Search the 'otai' rock band that I have known ALL my entertainment life. From Hard Rock Cafe (ciplak at Taman Tun) to Kathy's Lounge to their amazing concerts to their many changes of band members from to Hiliary (John) to Man Kidal to Kid to back to Hiliary and from Nasir to Yan and back.

But last weekend I was helpless to do anything as I looked upon a show that was not befitting of a legendary act. There are no words that can express the disappointment that not only I felt, but everyone that was there felt. You can click the link below and literally feel the disappointment :
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=64016573884

Disappointment followed by disbelief that anyone would want to do a show like this and finally feeling sorry for Search .

Before I go on I would like to make one thing clear CELCOM should be APPLAUDED for sponsoring events such as these and for showing support to the local music scene. Let me just say that sponsoring a big white or Chinese act is sometimes so much easier and almost always garners a bigger crowd. So people with their small minded attitudes who like to blame everyone because they are dissatisfied think again NO SPONSOR, NO SHOW!! Thank you CELCOM.

The sound left much to be desired (to be polite) with what looked like no thought put into the lighting, pyrotechnics and LED screen graphics. Everything appeared to be disjointed including the choice of songs and the band itself.

Firstly the band got stuck outside with traffic the parking was three rows deep on both sides of the road… who’s fault was this! Leaving only one lane for moving traffic and God help all those people that living in the Plaza Damansara area (near the science centre) cars were parked total blocking all entrances... totally no regard for anyone.

This is a case of someone who thinks that a show is easy to do and is about slapping a whole bunch of things and effects together. A show is everything from parking to security to hospitality to seating to production. One section fails and everyone gets it that’s why it is a balancing act which requires a master juggler.

That is every show. Conceptualized, planned and executed according to the plan, everything has a reason and even if something fails a Plan B has already been thought off.

- Due to a bunch of problems the band appeared to have NO mood to perform
- The audio mix was horrendous
- Amy was singing way off key (was this the monitors)
- Nice pyrotechnic effects in ALL the wrong places and absolutely NO meaning
- Repertoire that left most of the audience wondering
- LED screen playing back graphics that have not been thought of

Meanwhile I still haven’t found what I’m looking for…..

Shout! Shout! Let It All Out...

A new venture is always a breath of fresh air. That was what the Shout! Awards was all about. A new way of showing appreciation and recognizing new, exciting talent. Times are ever-changing and to stay on the cycle we must adapt and embrace the change too.

So many people have said so many things about the show. Some bad, some doubtful, mostly good.. but everything has a learning curve. I ONLY wish that more people would have the faith and join. Again THIS IS NOT ABOUT WINNING OR LOSING... this is about showcasing and recognizing talent that exists in all facets of the entertainment business. It is our wish that this recognition will drive people to do more, do better, do different, do daring, do fresh, do new, do exciting..... in this business we NEED this so badly but yet so many dare not leave the safety of what they think sells. EMBRACE the change.

The other thing is that everyone seems afraid of is to "compete" (or what they deem as competition)... I'm MORE afraid of competing with myself than other people. The pressure I put on myself to succeed is 10 million gazillion time greater than the pressure I feel from anywhere/one else. I like the friendly "competition" I get from my seniors, peers and juniors... this is what keeps me alive... keeps me on my toes. I'm not saying that this IS a competition but how DO you judge your work and progress without exams, competitons, comparisons. Come on guys embrace the CHANGE.

Again my inspiration comes from the people I work with and the people I work for... when camera and production crews work until 4am; Artiste patiently wait for their turn to perform; editors make changes long after everyone has gone to bed; when sound engineers have mixed enough to go deaf; coordinators bite their nails to worry about security, artistes, crowd, food... HOW can ANYONE believe this is done for the benefit of a select few. Everyone is not thinking about winning or losing everyone is thinking about GIVING THEIR BEST.. that is the spirit of the games. As I work with younger teams and old friends I look forward to the new challenge ... and I embrace THE change.

I hope that next year there will be more support to help us make the change and the difference. However slow a process it maybe we still need to embrace the change.

TO ALL THE TEAMS WORKING BEHIND THE SCENES ON THE SHOUT! AWARDS WE HAVE ALL MADE ONE SMALL STEP TOWARDS MAKING A DIFFERENCE.... THANKS!

FOR THOSE THE ARTISTE AND CELEBRITIES THAT CAME OUT PERFORMED, PRESENTED, DRESSED-UP TO CELEBRATED THE CHANGE... THANKS!

TO THOSE THAT DARE TO DO (AND JUST BECAUSE YOU DARE TO DO) WE SALUTE YOU... THANKS!

Quote : When you are through changing, you are through. ~Bruce Barton

Peace, Love and Respect,

Jenn

Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Thursday, July 23, 2009 at 1:13pm

So I say thank you for the music, for giving it to me.....

I'm lucky... I have a job I love and someone pays me to do it.... my only regret is that I never have time to thank every single person on all the shows that I work.

You would think that after doing this for 24 years one it would be a walk in the park but I never fail to have an anxiety attack before ALL my shows... to make sure you get the concept and performers right... then you have to execute it like no one has ever seen before... it is a task that no one can do alone.

I am blessed to be working with some of the best people in the business. I remember when I was 18 years old I saw a t-shirt that read, "How do you fly like an eagle when you're surrounded by turkeys"... and this is something that is so true. Organizers sometimes think that they pay one consultant or professional and, "Viola!!" all problems are solved. It doesn't work that way, we all have to be eagles to be able to fly high... it only takes one turkey to kill all the eagles. That's why I believe in NO compromise because we all want the best therefore all the bases are covered.... from stage to sound and light to performers to musicians to logistics to seating to promotions to toilet cleaner... all the jobs are just as important as each other... no one is more important or less important. Diligence...Patience... Understanding... Teamwork... Conscientiousness... Passion.....is needed in all areas.... going the extra mile is what makes the difference between normal and excellence.

Therefore I salute all the teams I work with... it makes my work a joy... and just like anyone else we crave the acceptance and approval of the audience of our creative work. If they approve or have enjoyment... that is what we strive for... that is enough to fulfill our self satisfaction.

The other part of this puzzle is the actual performer. We provide the platform for them to do things they would never dream of.... fly in the air...sing with a orchestra.... perform with someone else... when they understanding that we do our best to enhance their performance they in turn give their best. After all when the curtains go up the show is in their hands. So yes, I salute them too for providing magical performances.

And then we have to remember that we all have to pace ourselves to peak on the night of the show... not during soundcheck.... not during full dress rehearsals.... but ON THE NIGHT.

Think about it.... a gorgeous stage lit up by nice lighting, enhance by video screens with exquisite musical arrangements being played by wonderful musicians being mixed perfectly by a sound engineer and a talented singer comfortable with hearing themselves on stage monitors... yes it takes THAT much to entertain an audience. What are the odds that you can get so many things right without professionals in all those jobs and in more that those areas..

Stage designer, Stage Contractor, Video screens, Equipment and operators, Lighting designer and Operator, Music Arranger, Sound Engineer, Monitor Engineer, Stage Hands, Stage Managers, Musical Instrument Supplier, Artiste.... and the list goes on....

Even when I step back and look at the bigger picture it never fails to scare me .... at the recent AIM awards we had 100 Dikir Baraters, 70 National Service Trainees, 200 Hujan and Meet Uncle Hussain Fans, 25 Musicians, 35 Dancers... 50 Artistes... but all it takes is to for one to Artiste choke up when they are nominated, or win an award or have a chance to perform on a stage they never dreamed of ...that's how much the recognition means to them AND this is what drives me (personally) to continue to strive to do my best... this is what makes you want to do it all over and over again....

So I say thank you for the music.... for giving it to me.....

P/S : This is dedicated to my dream team : Ady, Akira Yamauchi, Alvin Koh, Atie, Faizal Zulkifli, Gerard Yeo, Itcha, Jay Jeffrey, Jim Teh, Ju, Koi, Mas Ayie, Mas Yeos, Nanee Surya, Nicole Poo, Ramli M.S., Rich Hamid, Sharina and Steve Ho...

Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Monday, May 4, 2009 at 3:41am

25 Things

25 Things (Random about me)

1 - My kids mean the world to me.
2 - I’d give my right hand to be able to play the guitar properly… wait a minute without my right hand I’d be unable to play the guitar!!
3 - I wanted to be a pilot… I HATE maths… I HATE physics… I guess NOT
4 - I am NEVER late… thanks to my military styled dad and mom
5 - I LOVE the sea.. the sight, sound and smell just turns me on.
6 - If I could change anything… I WOULDN’T!
7 - I REALLY do miss my mum and dad…
8 - If a psycho killer came to me and said, “Sing or die!!”… I’d say, “Kill me NOW!”… I CANNOT sing to save my life..
9 - I’ve had a good life and for that I count my blessings DAILY
10- I DON’T dance… I have 2 left feet.
11- Whilst on the subject of feet… mine are like a hobbit’s (minus the hair la)… helped by the fact that I HATE wearing shoes
12- DON'T invite me to a fine dining dinner… I am an Olympic speed drinker and eater.
13- I cry at ALL movies… happy, sad, animated, comedy…
14- I’m a creature of habit… I go to a restaurant.. I read the menu for the 500th time.. comment on how nice the dishes look… and proceed to order the same thing for the 500th time!
15- I DON’T drive… if I cannot afford a Mercedes Benz AMG why the hell should I need to!
16- I’ve fallen head over heels in LOVE with scuba diving.
17- I believe in standing up and MAKING a difference.
18- I LOVE to travel.
19- My family had no idea about my skydiving.. if they did I would NEVER have been able to do it.
20- There is NO such thing as reducing cigarettes or easing off smoking… it’s cold turkey or NOTHING!
21- I love tea… Black, Green, 2in1, Chinese, Ice Lemon, Lychee, Tarik… in a cup, mug, bottle, glass… hot, cold, frosted…. I LOVE tea.
22- I’m half Irish, a quarter Chinese and a quarter Australian, born bred and a true blue MALAYSIAN… how’s THAT for cosmopolitan.
23- I get my clothes ready the night before.. next day 10 mins in the bath… 5 mins picking up stuff.. out the door!
24- I LOVE talent and passion.. there is something very appealing about god-given talent and passion put to good use.
25- Music is my LIFE… has, is and will be forever…


Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Tuesday, February 3, 2009 at 9:06pm

If You Love Someone Set Them Free

When I read these words in my younger years I never really understood what they meant. Over time and upon reflection you understand that these words are powerful and mean so many things...

In a relationship when things go bad you don't hang on you have to let go.. And when you love someone and you've done all you can do, you set them free, and if that love was true it will all come back to you...If You Love Someone Set Them Free...

As a parent you 're always afraid of letting go of your kids. You nuture them, you teach them, you watch them grow and then one day they turn around and grow up. Sometimes t's hard for parents to understand this but if they love you in return they will ALWAYS come back to you... If You Love Someone Set Them Free...

And this rings true for all your relationships new or old, love or business... sometimes we have to learn to let go...letting go, even though it brings you pain, it is the ultimate sacrifice for both parties... therefore .. If You Love Someone Set Them Free...

and you will find life goes on....

If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they're yours; if they don't they never were. - Richard Bach

Butterfly - Mariah Carey
When you love someone so deeply
They become your life
It's easy to succumb to overwhelming fears inside
Blindly I imagined I could

Keep you under glass
Now I understand to hold you
I must open up my hands
And watch you rise

Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly
Fly abandoned into the sun
If you should return to me
We truly were meant to be
So spread your wings and fly
Butterfly

I have learned that beauty
Has to flourish in the light
Wild horses run unbridled
Or their spirit dies
You have given me the courage
To be all that I can
And truly feel your heart will
Lead you back to me when you're
Ready to land

Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly
Fly abandoned into the sun
If you should return to me
We truly were meant to be
So spread your wings and fly
Butterfly

I can't pretend these tears
Aren't over flowing steadily
I can't prevent this hurt from
Almost overtaking me
But I will stand and say goodbye
For you'll never be mine
Until you know the way it feels to fly

Spread your wings and prepare to fly
For you have become a butterfly
Fly abandoned into the sun
If you should return to me
We truly were meant to be
So spread your wings and fly
Butterfly


Originally posted by Facebook Notes on Monday, January 19, 2009 at 11:34pm

Blood on their hands......

I've had the ultimate diving year .... I've seen sharks, whale sharks, manta rays, pygmy seahorses and a whole host of other things.... it's been truly amazing, breathtaking, awesome, humbling!! I've also made some very good friends along the way.... What a great 2008!

At the same time I've also seen and heard things that have troubled me deeply....

Trouble #1 - The Mabul Oceanarium

I CANNOT, as hard as I try, see why this project is needed... "Malaysia Boleh"... As a result of this COMMERCIAL venture ocean and land life alike will be affected. The island already suffers from an inadequate waste management system.

We are talking about an area that is located near our World famous dive site, Sipadan, yet we want to screw it up. Sabah and our Federal Government should be thinking in the long term. The project will require tonnes of construction material that will be brought in by barges and this in turn will destroy the island's marine life and degrade the corals off nearby Sipadan.

Most of the tourist going to the island are divers who already experience the rich underwater life available in Mabul and other islands around it.... we DO NOT need an oceanarium, we just need to figure out how to preserve and conserve its' natural beauty.

NO! to Mabul's oceanarium and resort - http://apps.facebook.com/causes/152265?m=454a9415

Trouble #2 - Shark Finning

On our latest trip to Mabul I watched in horror as a boat brought in a number of sharks and as each one was winced up the kids were busy working at fining them (See attached pictures). I had watched a documentary before and hated it but watching it live was even more heart wrenching and upsetting. I felt nauseated...

In commercial outfits they fin the sharks and then throw them back into the sea. That is like taking a human being, cutting off their arms and legs and throwing them into the sea alive...NO chance of survival and a slow death. This place we saw has boats going back and forth throughout the day bringing in sharks for slaughter.

I want to see those sharks ALIVE in the water!!! Not DEAD and in soup...

An estimated 200 million sharks are killed worldwide a year – 500,000 every day – and most of these are killed in an indescribably cruel fashion. This is a dramatic overexploitation of shark populations and a form of tampering with the largest ecosystem of the world that can never be undone – with far-reaching and dramatic consequences for our children and our children’s children. - Sharkproject.orgStop Shark Finning in Malaysia - http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/group.php?gid=17023942317 http://www.stopsharkfinning.net/ http://www.sharkwater.com/education.htmhttp://www.seashepherd.org/

The Main Problem - The problem with our country is apathy towards issues, everything is nevermind (tidak apa)... we NEED to EDUCATE people on things that matter. It starts with you and me... not wait for someone else to do it!!

We need to educate the local people to protect the environment and reap the benefits of doing so. Starting with the rampant throwing of rubbish to making money from illegal fishing activities (dynamite fishing, etc.) and shark fining. I have seen first hand all of the above and it bothers me that no one is doing anything. Do I blame someone for doing what is making them a living NO... I blame authorities for NOT educating them. If they are taught some kind of skill or trade that is legal and puts food on the table we solve both problems...

What can we do....

* Be less apathetic and DO positive things towards conservation... together we CAN make a difference

* Support all petitions and movements to stop the Oceanarium.

* Stop eating shark fin anything and make sure you tell people why... When the buying stops the killing will too.

* Take pictures and report any incidents of shark fining to activist groups that can help towards legislation..

Message to the government - Don't wait until it's too late we need to do something NOW!! When we all don't do anything about important issues we ALL have BLOOD ON OUR HANDS!!

Originally posted on FAcebook Notes on Thursday, January 1, 2009 at 9:53pm

Hop On Hop Off My City

This year (thanks to my dear friend Ella Basir and the Marine Monkees) I rekindled another love.. photography. Some see photography as an art... some as memories,,, others as weapons of mass destruction on Facebook... but for whatever their reasons I find itself satisfying and therapeutic!! It opens your eyes (and your mind) to seeing life with a totally different view... and it captures emotion like no other medium can... it's true the camera NEVER lies!!

So during bulan puasa people struggle with things to do to keep themselves occupied and their minds off food. After all one of our national pastimes is not possible (eating) leaving only one (shopping) provided you have money. So this weekend, instead of sitting at home and wondering what to eat for buka at 10am in the morning, I decided to take Nadiah and our cameras "jalan-jalan" around Kuala Lumpur with the KL Hop On Hop Off Tour!!


For those who don't know.... we also have a Double Decker Bus Tour for tourist but I would recommend this for anyone with kids or even if you haven't really experienced Kuala Lumpur (and over 40 major attractions) it is a marvelous way to do it within 24 hours and it's cheaper fare for Malaysians!! (http://www.myhoponhopoff.com/)

Now with all the nonsense our country is experiencing thanks to our politicians we forget what our country is all about. Thanks to my jalan-jalan it just reaffirmed my love for my country (apart from providing photographic subject matter). In one day I have visited a temple in Chinatown, the Sri Mahamariamman Temple, the National Mosque and St. Mary's Church apart for all the other sites some of which I did not get off but will another day!!

Ours is a warm, friendly multicultural country with people all wanting the same thing... security, respect and a place to call home. No matter what god we pray to.. no matter what our cultural differences... no matter where we come from... we are MALAYSIAN!! It was the first time Nadiah has seen all this and I was happy for her to experience and rejoice in our differences!!

Once again I am humbled by life. It was one of the most enjoyable Sundays in Kuala Lumpur I've had in a while.... MY Town.... MY Country!!


Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Sunday, September 14, 2008 at 10:05pm

The One Where You Learn About Diving, Education and Life

I'm running for Minister of Tourism... in the space of 2.5 months I have been to Perhentian, Tioman, Redang and Sipadan. Does Malaysia have a loyalty card where I can collect frequent visitor miles.... THEY SHOULD!

In my diving I have learnt something (ok ok so those who read my notes are slapping their forehead and going .... oh God... Jen learnt AGAIN!!!). Hey they're MY NOTES I WRITE WHAT I WANT!! :)

This is what I've learnt :
a) How to appreciate God, Nature and My Life
b) Patience (Good things come to those who wait)
c) The importance of friendship and watching out for them (the buddy system)

d) MALAYSIANS (I love them because I'm one) are lousy at conservation
e) MALAYSIANS (I still love them) have a tidak apa attitude
f) Our education system is CRAP!!
g) LIFE IS TOO SHORT

a) How to appreciate God, Nature and My Life.... When you dive you get to see some of the most beautiful things EVER... both above and underwater.. The best dive sites are beautiful Islands (located right in our backyard here in MALAYSIA). If you live here and you don't dive you're missing out BIG TIME. Foreigners come from far and wide just to dive here... It is here I give thanks that I am ALIVE.



b) Watching underwater photographers at work has shown me how patience pays off. They can wait motionless in one spot for minutes waiting for the subject to strike a pose but when you see their results you understand why they wait..... Good things come.

c) In diving you not only look out for yourself but for your buddy and others. That is a responsibility that all divers take. If you don't one day it could be you in trouble... And then out of water you have a special bond of friendship because you have experience things that some people may never do or see in their lifetime.... Friendship means looking out for each other!

d), e) f) Malaysian are badly educated in all things other than academic (and even that one wonders) we need to understand life is more than 13 A1s. It's about understanding, appreciation and conservation. We are taught nothing of this in school and we expect our future generation to care!!! Throwing rubbish outside, cigarette butts, plastic bags... adults and kids do it alike.... with not a second thought. Our government doesn't give a damn either... dustbins nowhere in sight in public places.... who cares that plastic bags kill, who cares that cigarette butts are non biodegradable.... I can't even begin to start the story and there is NO end in sight... but you know what I mean.....

But all of us can make a difference. Yes, unfortunately leadership IS by example... monkey see monkey do.... You throw tissue out the window, your kids throw tissue out the window..... you teach everyone that it's ok to touch and remove things from the sea, everyone says I saw someone else do it why can't I... When someone bought shells cheaply from a stall and in jest was told, "When The Buying Stops The Killing Will Stop Too"..... the truth hits home. It's true when there is demand there will forever be supply.... Sharks Fin, Tiger Bones, Bear's Paws, Ivory, Shells.....the list is endless.

Apathy is a Malaysian's standard reaction, "Aiya.. it's oklah, nevermind I can't do much anyway.."

Yeah diving made me think of all of this.... LIFE IS TOO SHORT.... we need to do what we can do in our lifetime. Understand, Appreciate and Conserve for others that come after us.... The future is in ALL out hands now it's just a matter of whether we CARE ENOUGH.

Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Friday, July 4, 2008 at 12:51am

F.R.I.E.N.D.S. - The One Where You Give Thanks!!

I wanted to write a piece on Friends but Koi Unlimited beat me to the title!!! My fellow Sagittarian... "Great minds think Alike" (then again Fools seldom Differ). He wrote a great note thanking his friends... we stoic Saggis are more emotional than we make out to be (Dark chocolate with caramel filling!!!).

In the past few months I've learnt where my indifference comes from. I am such an emotional person but you'd NEVER believe me. Only the closest people around me have ever seen me be emotional. This I realize has come from moving schools and changing friends a lot when I was young. I moved with my parents round KL/Selangor and went from Garden School to Good Sheppard to Assunta to CBN to Sri Inai and finally to Talyor's College. It was hard for me to keep on making friends and then having to leave them so after a while I blocked out feeling anything and just learned to walk away and NEVER look back. Friendships were never deep, yeah I had lots of friends but I never kept in touch, never went out, never share a real bond of friendship.

Being an only child you have an advantage of not sharing your parents love but you also have to learn to fend for yourself. So I've gone through life ensuring that nothing ever makes me truly excited, happy, sad, angry.... yes I feel those emotions deeply but I don't let them get to me because indifference doesn't hurt or disappoint.

So I've always held people at arm’s length.... my life always revolved around office, house, studio and back....but lately I have met people that I have let myself open up and be drawn to them and yes.... strange as it may be.... I feel the bond of friendship and I suddenly realize what an important part of life it is.... and I give thanks for that. We go to gym, we play badminton, we watch movies, we eat, we drink coffee, we dive, we talk and laugh... yeah it feels good...

so my deepest thanks to friends who have always been there especially in my office Atie, Ayie, Itcha, Jay, Ju, Koi, Nanee, Nicole, Sat, ..... although out relationship has not gone much out of the office but the friendship has meant so much.....we've pretty much been thru the fire together...

My new found friends....from the activities above will know who you are.....

To all the people have touched my life, and made me the person I am today...

I thank you ALL from the bottom of my HEART for being there for your presence has enriched MY life..... and hell yeah IT FEELS DAMN GOOD!!!

Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Monday, June 16, 2008 at 1:13am

Of Sundays, Jaclyn Victor and Live Music......

So it was SUNDAY and me the reclusive who NEVER goes to gigs decides that I need to go see the new 8th "UNZIPPED" series at Ruums, Life Centre that debut with JACLYN VICTOR. I like shows that features LIVE MUSIC because that is what music and performance is all about.... I know minus one presents less hassle and you only need to travel the artiste and a CD player but it also lacks passion and heart!!

So yeah everyone's used to seeing Jac sing one song, appearing in every publicity program, award show, VIP function, corporate dinner but folks that really ain't Jac Victor. She can sing without a doubt, text book perfect but you never quite see the really Jac until you see her sing a full set at ease, no big hair, no ballgowns, no VIP just herself. Then you see the real Jac the singer with the heart and soul and energy that draws you in as audience.

I learnt something AGAIN today but its things we already know but sometimes forget.... Music needs to be performed live... there is NO substitute for live musicians.... and true singers thrive on this!! The feel, the vibe, the passion.... that's what live music is all about. LIVE = ALIVE!!

The other thing that I learnt is that live music moves people.... if we had a live music scene here more people would start buying music. You never get the same response from minus one shows. Even me as a seasoned viewer, I am never failed to be moved by a GOOD live performance. Malaysians are spoilt by passive minus one performances both live and on television!!! (Might as well just play the CD at home). LIVE MUSIC = IMPASSIONED PEOPLE

And last but not least if you're wondering how come our bands are never as tight as Indonesian bands don't... if our bands played 50 shows a month like them they'd be tight too!!! Our bands have no platform for performance most of the time it's one song on TV (sometimes even miming!!!!) or a three song set. PRACTISE = PERFECT. This brings me to my final observation is that people in Malaysia (and everywhere else) have to learn to appreciate and pay for music. Music powers everything advertising campaigns, radio, television entertainment, mobile phone content, OUR LIVES.... just to name a few.... people whether public or corporate need to realize this and GIVE MUSIC IT’S DUE....

Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Sunday, June 15, 2008 at 11:26pm

Face to Face....

I've often wondered why I like to do adventurous things since I was young...



Then it occurred to me that I'm an adrenalin junkie... even my job pumps adrenalin but apart from pumping adrenalin over time I have come to realize something more important that living life on the edge is also a humbling experience.



When you skydive every time you touch the ground after jumping you understand that there is someone greater than you....

When you see the beauty of the underwater world (which is not our natural environment) you understand that we have a maker that is all mighty....

When you sit on the beach and see a sunset or the stars in a cloudless night sky it takes your breath away and you give thanks for the gift of life......



These experiences teach me how small I am and I am humbled every time I am faced with the Greatness of God....




Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Wednesday, June 4, 2008 at 2:41am

We Live.... We Learn!

Watching AF6 (at home) has taught me a couple of things which I actually already know but it just cemented it in stone!!

As a person who is involved in production watching a show has sometimes lost its' magic as you become highly critical not only of the performance(s) but also the production values (and this is everything from singing to magic to musicals) and only views of local productions but foreign ones suffer the same fate in my eyes too. Even my own shows are not spared from my ever critical self!!As I watched AF6 finals, I try to learn from people's successes and mistakes; it taught me that if the production around the show is of a high standard it lifts everything.

First noticeably was the inclusion of an ORCHESTRA. A handpicked orchestra led by a capable conductor can make an amazing difference to even an orchestra with some exceptional players mixed with some "unexceptional" players... it's about teamwork. RAMLI M.S. never fails to deliver... if he arranges it is even more of a plus point (I suspect in this show he did not to show no favoritism to the contestants). But kudos to Ramli and GENERVIE KAM... the music was lifted to another level for this show.

Next to be noticed... you can have the best musicians in the world playing on top of stage but a BAD MIX can KILL!! Vocal too far in front can kill the singer who will constantly sound flat/sharp.... too much reverb they're singing in a toilet... music not mixed properly can make an amazing arrangement sound bad or a wonderful band sound incompetent. As I listened to the music and without even really noticing it because it was so good I admit the broadcast sound was outstanding!! GREG HENDERSON can obtain the best separation in the business (in layman terms this is when you can hear each instrument, including the vocal, clearly... individually yet one.. if that makes sense!!) It was so good I only realize this half way thru the show... when it's bad you notice... when it's good you don't!!!!

Nice uncluttered modern stage by FAIZAL ZULKIFLI....
Nice lighting and programming by AH KING (student of guru STEVE HO)...
and those that I did not hear but I know must have been good otherwise it would have affected the production .....
Front of house sound (for the people in the room) by ALVIN KOH....
Monitors (Sound for musicians on stage) by SIMON KHOO.

Good music.. good mix... good stage… good lighting....And finally put it together and what do you get SUPERCALIFRAGILISTISEXPEALIDOCIOUS!! A show worth watching! These people who work behind the scenes deserve a standing ovation!!

The performers were not famous artistes neither were they fantastic singers (yet!!) but thanks to the perfection and professionalism that surrounded them they lifted THEMSELVES to another level.

This happens all the time in our business even with the big Artistes. Give them the platform of good production values and they will in turn give you GREAT mind blowing PERFORMANCES.... every good turn deserves another...

Production is all about TEAMWORK.... we work together for only one goal the BEST SHOW YOU CAN DO... anyone who works this job without that passion in their hearts needs to find another job. Every show is different... an experience... so as a team sometimes you win, draw and even lose but whatever happens you tried your best and... WE LIVE... WE LEARN!!

Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 12:49pm

LIFE...Just DO It!

Many people go through life wondering if they maybe shoulda, woulda, oughta..... and when you're young and invincible it never occurs to you that life needs to be lived.

If there is something you want to do... and I mean REALLY want to do... just DO IT... anything is possible but like everything you have to work towards it.... so many people put things off because they have no time, no money, no motivation.

Where there is a will there is a way I always say. If you really want to climb Mount Everest DO IT!, If you want to travel the world DO IT!, if you want to Skydive DO IT!..... there's no one stopping you but yourself.... Life is TOO short.

Everyone has responsibilities, no time, no money but your will and your mind are power tools. That is why there are stories of human achievements that are sometimes mind boggling.I'm not asking you to be reckless but I'm asking you to allow yourself to experience life and live your dreams..... so many people let their dreams pass them by because they think that they're impossible....but dreams are fuel for the soul... When you dream you're alive... when you succeed the sense of achievement is the greatest adrenalin you can ever have.

Life is never easy... if it were it wouldn't be Life.... bumps in the road, u-turns, traffic lights, flat tyres are just part of experience in your journey, don't stop and park, solve the problem and continue....then you can say you lived with NO regrets!!

Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Sunday, April 27, 2008 at 9:43am

The Greatest Love of All

I LOVE this song by George Benson... besides being delivered with soooo much emotion.... the message it carries is a powerful one not only to oneself but to those who have children.

It teaches you the Greatest Love that anyone can have is the belief and self respect within yourself. But this can only be achieved when you have love, guidance support and trust from your parents. This is the greatest gift any parent can give their child... not money... not expensive gifts... all they want is LOVE.

As parents we always ask of ourselves have we done enough... are we good enough... do we give enough.... we can only but do the best we can.... educate them... feed them... teach them to be GOD fearing.... LOVE them and then trust them and let them go.... if you have done your job they will always come home... for they know this is the only place they can get unconditional love.

The Greatest Love of all it's easy to achieve....learning to love yourself is the Greatest Love of All...and if by chance that special place that you've been dreaming of..... leads you to a lonely place find your strength in LOVE.. ....

Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Friday, April 25, 2008 at 1:51am

Talent is a thing to respect

Working around musicians and artists is always a humbling experience because when they're good you just know that you are watching God given talent. But lest you think it's easy.. God gives you the talent but you have to hone it.... it doesn't come on a silver platter!

I wanted to play music all my life but I guess that wasn't one of the talents that God gave me but I am still lucky to be working amongst such creative people. When you hear an orchestra play, when you hear a singer sing, when you hear a rock band rock..... it is just such an amazing feeling. Yup you're watching a work of art.

Only those of us who work behind the scenes and watch talent at work do you really understand how difficult it is. They work 8 hours or more a day like any other respectable profession.... practice make perfect!! And then they have to get on a stage and entertain or impress an audience. Now if you think it's easy.... here's a microphone you try entertaining 10,000 people...

I thank god everyday that I was born in an era where live music was king. Sudirman was alive, there were live performance clubs galore and the entertainment scene was kicking. I learnt so much from those days and have invaluable experiences that help me understand and appreciate the entertainment business. My job on this earth is to enhance these talented people... if I have achieved this then I am satisfied that I had a small part to play.

If you see an artist or musician that you enjoy watching always remember that they give a piece of themselves to you.... they paint the music with their feelings.. with their personal experiences.. with their passion...which is like a fingerprint... no two people feel or approach things the same way. That is why talent is a thing to respect....

Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Sunday, March 30, 2008 at 1:49am

Life's signboards... keeping your eyes, ears and heart open

I did not come from a religious family. I was brought up with a belief that there was a God somewhere.....

When I was 15 my father died leaving my mother alone to look after me and everything else. It must have been a scary moment for my mother to think that she would have to see me through life alone. Some nights I would wake up in the middle of the night and find my mother crying alone in the kitchen and it scared me as I had always seen her as a strong woman. So I prayed to God (who I had never spoken to before) nightly for about 2 weeks to help my mother. A fortnight later my mother turned to me and said, "Jennifer (when she said my full name it was always serious!!) we're going to church... St. Andrews the one I was baptized at!". I looked at her like she had gone mad... church on Sunday when I like to sleep in!! Are you crazy!! She practically dragged me there and we got stuck every Sunday.... she became very involved in church work and eventually she became an elder... she grew from strength to strength with her faith... and even when she died she knew she was going "home".

One year later after following her "religiously" to church I reflected on my request to God and understood that this had been the answer to my prayers... church and the faith had helped my mother and gave her the strength to carry on right to the end of days and for that I thank God and truly believe in the power of prayer. So sometime the answer is not as straight forward as you think..... which brings me to the quote from the movie "Evan Knows" (God speaking to Evan's wife who has walked out, doubting her husband)...

"God: Let me ask you something. If someone prays for patience, you think God gives them patience? Or does he give them the opportunity to be patient? If he prayed for courage, does God give him courage, or does he give him opportunities to be courageous? If someone prayed for the family to be closer, do you think God zaps them with warm fuzzy feelings, or does he give them opportunities to love each other?"

Boy did that hit home.... life is like a highway you have to read the signs or forever be lost.... you MUST believe and have FAITH no matter what your religion!!

Originally posted on Facebook Notes on Friday, March 28, 2008 at 2:59am

Race is a FOUR letter word.....

I come from a multicultural family.

In standard four I argued with my teacher because I wrote Malaysian on my form where race was. She was adamant that Malaysian wasn't a race but I had different ideas!!.... Well it got my parents a one way ticket to the teacher!!

My father was Irish (he came out here to help fight the communists, got stuck here, fell in love with Malaysia and a Malaysian.... gave up his citizenship to be Malaysian and lived and died here happily ever after)... My mother was of mixed parentage half Chinese, half Australian born in Bentong, Pahang also lived and died a Malaysian citizen.

I am a crazy mixed up kid who has converted to Islam (which makes my kids an even crazier mixed up bunch) also a Malaysian citizen. Given the scenario above that qualifies me to be a........ (now let’s see what's available) a) Malay b) Chinese c) Indian d) Punjabi e) Dayak f) Iban g) Mindanao h)Eurasian .... z) Dan Lain.... I WANT TO BE MALAYSIAN!!!

I have a problem with people needing to know my race... what does it matter... I was born and bred here.... studied 100% in Bahasa Malaysia.. speak, read, write the language... love my country... so that makes me MALAYSIAN.

Next time I fill in a form -
RACE : 100 meters
SEX : Yes please

Original posted on Facebook Notes on Wednesday, March 26, 2008 at 10:35pm

The Magic of Song

Reading status lines of many people of all ages (which include the ones my kids write) and also people who write lyrics that remind them of something shows us the power of music. Be it to heal, remember, reflect a song can take you back in flash even before the verse is out of the gate..... nothing can send you back in time like a song can remember each and every detail of how you felt and what you were doing.... the melody zaps you makes you cry, puts a smile on your face!!And then there's the lyrics that reach out and relate to something that you've felt... it's like watching a movie and realizing you're watching your life in front of you... lyrics make you react the same way... they lift you up, make you sad, give you strength.... takes you in and wrap you in its arms!!How many times have you turned to the power of song....

Originally posted on Facebook - Sunday, March 23, 2008 at 11:00pm

There’s NO business like show business……….

It’s been 26 long years in the music business… but I have no complaints… you see like most people involved in it, it is a curse. The passion for the business consumes you, drags you in and holds you forever.

Music is magic…. You hear a tune and it triggers a flashback in your brain. Whether it was your schools days, you first boyfriend/girlfriend or the day you lost your job. We can help but turn to the soothing sounds (or the angst whatever your choice may be) of music. Music colors your life everywhere you turn.

I have only one grouse in that people nowadays take music for granted because it is so readily available. No one ever thinks what a movie would be without a soundtrack, what it would be like to be stuck in a traffic jam or driving long distance, and I wonder what those fashionable phones and mp3 players would be like without music.

The ironic thing is that in this day and age where music is everywhere, because it is so portable, and music can sell like no other medium can, we have forgotten about the creators for without them there is no music. Strangely enough music drives everyone’s advertising campaign telecommunication companies, mobile phone makers, television stations, movie soundtracks, but the creators still get the bad end of the deal.

People are in dire need of content to drive advertising dollar and vie for the consumer dollar. Most of the content is music or entertainment driven. PLEASE give music, it’s creators, it’s movers and it’s shakers what they are due.

We have lost two whole generations to piracy. First physical (cassettes and CDs) and now with downloads (internet). Kids today spend a lot of money on lifestyle otherwise people would not be spending millions advertising their newest deal on talktime, who makes the best ice blended, what the trendiest phone in town is, cars that can plug in mp3 players… but when it comes time to buy music to add value to the lifestyle everyone turns to downloads with absolutely no thought (and no conscience) to those who deserve the money.

In an affluent age, from which we are from, you would think people would purchase albums. “Album are expensive”, is the excuse… from people who drink RM10.00 coffee and change their mobile phone every 6 months.

An album does not only involve the artistes. Just read the album cover and it will tell you there were musicians, producers, composers, lyricist, arrangers, sound engineers, album cover designers and later on when the album is marketed it will involve video directors, sound and light companies, entertainment journalists, record company executives and countless other people that give their creative input and professional energy.


We cannot hope to change the mindset of a generation brought up with freebies and a total disregard of creative talent. But everything starts with you and me. When you feel you want to download a song, when your kid downloads and burns an illegal CD, when someone buys a pirate copy of a CD or cassette… think again…..turn off the radio, kill the sounds of the mp3 player you’re holding, turn the volume of the movie you’re watching down …. Life will NEVER be the same without MUSIC.

Meanwhile to the brave men and women that continue to work this industry with passion and hope, I salute you. They give their lives to entertain you and me …. There’s really is NO business like show business.