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.