Saturday, September 30, 2006

EVERYTHING'S CHANGING......

(20TH SEPTEMBER 2006)
(BAR NONE)

Hey ya' all, peeps!!!!!
Posted up a new blogskin for everyone to enjoy.... Courtesy of blogskins.com (linked) and of course, my sweet and smart sis, Diena... I love the motifs to this skin... I find the elf fairy so suitable to describe me, hehehe.... (well, I am short, for God's sake!)

Anyways, let me tell you a story about what happened on the 20th Sept 2006....

Bar None celebrated its 7th anniversary on that date. And as per normal every anniversary, all the proceeds of the night will be matched by our boss, Mr Jason Choo, dollar for dollar, and donated to charity. For this year, the lucky beneficiary is MILK (Mainly I Love Kids) foundation. We raised the second best amount for charity that night in Bar None's history, of about $60K plus!!!!! Like to post up a shout out to everyone involved and congratulate ya' all on a job well done!!

We've got loads of talented people performing that night... for example, all the way from Malaysia, Paul Ponnudurai (pictured), one of the best guitarist and singer Singapore has ever seen, who never disappoints with his impromptu musical musings... The beautiful Shirlyn with her band The Unexpected (pictured)... and a good friend of mine, our local rock Dj, Super Mario of Power98fm (pictured)... the band Raw Energy from Devils Bar (the band Emilee(SI2) and Hady (SI2) was from, not pictured).... and lots of others as well....

Guess who dropped by to say hi to me.... Hahaha, yeah, it's the man himself, Taufik, our very first Singapore Idol.... It's really nice of him to drop by... Thanks for the favour, sweets...
He said I looked better now that I've put on some weight, in all the right places, hehehe, and my assets are bigger now woohoo!!! Hahaha, he meant my voice lah.... And to think he requested for me to sing Kelly Clarkson's "Since You Been Gone".... You should see his expression when I hit that high note... Original key babe! Hahaha.... He remains sweet as ever with me, even after his newfound fame with Singapore Idol.... Friendships are meant to stay connected and on the ground... It's not easy being friends with someone as famous as him. A lot of understanding is required, especially about his career.... But I'm very glad that he remembers his true friends.... Taufik is a real life story about a boy done good, and he's an inspiration to everyone who really knows him....

To Taufik, in my heart, you will always be The Singapore Idol!!!! You have a huge heart to suit your fame.... You know you'll always have my support in whatever you do, as long as your heart's in the right place... Remember Fik, put your mom above anybody else.... It's her blessings that got you where you are... Along with your hard work, I'm sure greater things are in store for you.... I owe you loads, sweets.... You'll always be in my heart...

To the Bar None Family, congatulations for staying strong for seven whole years (not an easy feat for a nightspot)!!!!! May you guys prosper and continue to persevere in the industry as one of the best live music venue in Singapore!!!! Happy belated 7th brithday, Bar None!!!!!

Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket

@ 12:37 PM

Tuesday, September 26, 2006

2ND SINGAPORE IDOL..... HADY MIRZA!!!!!!!!!!!

Just a quick one to note and applaud our 2nd Singapore Idol..... the talented HADY MIRZA!!!!!

Well done, babe! We, in the circle always knew that you could sing well.... It's about time someone from the club industry create a new image on the biz.... Whoever thought a club singer could make it good and popular? I always did. I tried in 2004, only to fail but not without leaving an impression (whether it's good or bad, is subjected to individuals, hehehe).

I always have faith in club singers who's trying to make it big. It's never easy. Lots of sacrifice and hard work. And we have to live with the stigma of singing in a club, like name-branding and cat-calls.... That is why I've always encouraged Emilee to do it and never think twice... And it's also the reason why I can understand Hady and Emilee's reasons for wanting to break through the market.... Opportunities will only be available if you're willing to sacrifice certain things... Whether it pays off or not, in the end, you always learn some new things.... I applaud young talents out there who has the courage to take a step and propel yourself... Those who just sits back and criticise, I think it's time for you to do some soul-searching....

CONGRATULATIONS TO HADY AND OF COURSE, ALL THE REST OF THE IDOLS.....
YOUR JOURNEY IS NOT OVER YET....
'TIS ONLY THE BEGINNING OF A NEW CAREER PATH.....

@ 3:02 PM

Monday, September 25, 2006

Live Unplugged version of Can't Let Go.... Awesome!!!!!

One hell of a great singer.... What can I say?

When am I going to sing this live? Haisshh....

Ed, if you're reading this.... Let's jam this song, man!!!!!

Sigh.....

@ 9:51 AM

GOD BLESS THE INTERNET!!!!!!

You know, I just realise, that we should all be grateful for the easily available communication tools that we have at our disposal. Especially the internet....

You see, I am an independent girl who's been living on my own since I was 18 years old. Not that I don't want to live with my mak and abah, but it made me appreciate and love them a lot more if we're not under the same roof, where relationships are often taken for granted. My mak and abah understands this about me, and they respect my decision for as long as I know how to respect myself. I still try my very best to visit them at least one or twice every two weeks, while mak and me always send messages to and fro almost daily. I know some people might disagree with the way I live my life, but all I can say is, you live yours and I live mine, the way it's supposed to be. No one can truly understand what you're going through, so no one's actually allowed to be judgemental. Best to keep your opinions to yourselves and live life without hurting anybody.... Physically or emotionally.... It's been 8 years now and our family ties are tighter than most that I know of, Alhamdulillah....

Now, I've got two younger brothers and two younger sisters (yup, I'm the eldest).... Amin, who's married my sis in law, Imah, and blessed with a son, Alfie (coming up baby no.2), Diena(my closest, smartest and naughtiest sister), Amrien(my breakdancing, soccer-playing and crybaby 4th brother) and Afni(my most lovable and obedient youngest sister). So many siblings, you say? How to keep up with news of them? That's where the mobile phone and the internet comes in handy. I keep in touch with Amin, Amrien and Afni through the phone, while Diena will use both means of mobile phone and the internet...

I recently read her latest post on her blog, which is linked to me now, about what my abah said when my sis and abah was discussing our sick Tok Long in SGH. Of course, I wouldn't know about it word for word if not for the internet, hence the title above.... I find it wise, although sad but true..... And I wish to share it with all my friends out there... Please read it and hope to appreciate life but know when to let go..... An inspiration to me and my sis, my abah said...

"WHEN SOMEONE IS SICK, AND YOU CAN TELL THAT THEIR TIME IS NEAR IT'S BETTER, THAN THEY GO WITHOUT WARNING....
COS IF SO, THEY DON'T GET TO SEE YOU BEFORE THEY GO, COS YOU DON'T GET TO BE THE LAST ONES THEY SEE BEFORE THEY GO..... YES, IT'S TRUE THAT IT'S PAINFUL WHEN THEY ARE SICK, BUT NEVER THINK OF IT AS A SUFFERING, NEVER SIGH AND NEVER GIVE UP, KEEP TRYING TO FIND WAYS TO LIVE.... COZ BEING SICK IS ACTUALLY CLEANSING YOUR SINS... GOD GIVES YOU SICKNESS AS A REMINDER FOR YOU TO TURN TO HIM...... THERE'S ALWAYS SOMETHING GOOD BEHIND EVERYTHING'S BAD THAT HAPPENED...."

A tribute to my whole family....
Abah and Mak, I love you and respect you with my whole being....
Amin, Imah, Diena, Amrien, Afni and Alfie..... You all know I love you unconditionally and I will be there for you in times of love and need....
I love all of you with the greatest love I've ever learnt to appreciate... and I appreciate all of you with the greatest respect I've ever learnt to give....

Unconditionally yours, Nur Hasanah Zakaria....

P/S:
R.I.P, Ibu....
(Even though I don't know you that well, you'll always be remembered to me as one of the people that loved Diena unconditionally, therefore, you're family.... May Allah bless you with peace, Amiin)

@ 7:52 AM

Sunday, September 24, 2006

SUPER CUTE AND TALENTED!!!!!

Check out this vid I found in YouTube.com. This cute little girl is super talented, man!!!!! Check out her expressions while performing the song.... And she's only 3 years old!!!!

Enjoy, peeps!!!

@ 6:24 AM

Sunday, September 10, 2006

Folks everywhere out there......

Here's my all time favourite heartbreak love song of all time.... Sung by my favourite Idol of all time, my inspiration and someone that I look up to in terms of singing........ the Great and Talented Mariah Carey, Diva of All Time!!!!!
I've found this vid on YouTube and I LOVE IT SO MUCH!!!! The title of the song is "Can't Let Go" and it still makes me cry just by listening to it.... My ultimate dream is to perform this song live in front of thousands of people.... Sigh, I wish it will come true one day....

I LOVE YOU, MARIAH!!!!!!

@ 8:04 PM

MY TURN, MY TURN.........

Hehehe.... Finally, a segment dedicated to lil' ol' me, lol..... Hence the title lah....

I'm a terrible vainpot!!!! Hehehe.... What can I do and what can I say, ma frenz? Moi bebe just loves to take my pics..... I've got more where these came from, hah! Me, a self-confessed camwhore, hahahaha.....

All these pics were taken by moi bebe, cos he's got nothing better to do, bwahahaha.... I love you, bebe.....

Enjoy, peeps, and you can leave some comments on them if you want..... I'll definitely answer your enquiries, hehehe.....

Till then, cheers ;-)

@ 7:24 PM

MORE COMING UP.....

Up next.... Is a pic of the 3rd generation heroes in my family on my mother's side!!!! All the good looking boys and men whom I call brothers and cousins.... Funny thing is, my mom wanted moi bebe to be in this pic, hehehe... You can't imagine how awkward it is for moi bebe.... He's part of the family now, better get use to it ha.... And not forgetting a duet pic of me and my bestest cousin on my mother's side, Emelda, or affectionately called Emy.... Cute, isn't she? Smartest brains in the family, bundled with a biggest heart... I heart you, Emy!!!!!!

On Friday night the 8th of September, Jive Talkin' was graced by the presence of a very talented saxophonist all the way from Puerto Rico, Mr Edwin Sepulveda..... He was one hell of a blower, man!!!! Lots of soul and melody, without overpowering our music.... A true musician through and through..... I salute you, Edwin!!!! Hope to see you again soon in lovely ol' Singapore....

The band took a picture for memories with Edwin, but I can't help wishing Jefri Brown was there though.... It would make a complete pic then.... Sigh....

@ 6:35 PM

SEASON'S LATEST...... FROM THE BLOCK!!!!!!

Hey, everyone....

Got loads of pics posted up for your viewing pleasure right now....

For this segment, I've got some pics of my uncle's wedding to Ustazah Kalthum of Pergas. My uncle is sure one lucky man!! He's the one whom I look up to cos he's got a fantastic voice and pure talent on acoustic guitar.... If he had chose the music industry, I'm sure he would have made a name for himself.....
But as he chose to live a fulfilled life as a promising husband to a kind, good-hearted and religious woman, therefore, he has to be commended on my pages for being the MAN that he is....

To Cik Aai and Cik Kalthum, I pray for your well-being and may God bless your union everafter..... Love you loads

I've also put up some pics that I took at Mediacorp with Adeline (Emilee's younger sis), while we did a video shoot of Emilee's fan segment (too bad it didn't make the cut, haisshh)..... Along with one of our buddies, Faye and her cute family.... This is like a tribute to them for supporting Emilee wholeheartedly during her journey in Singapore Idol.... Especially to Sarah, Emilee's numero uno youngest fan......

@ 4:43 PM

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

OOOPSSSS...... (SI SEASON 2)

Haishh... forgot to inform all you peeps that my best fwen is back...

We've been spending loads of time together that I forgot to update y'all... So sowie....

Well, we rented an SUV a few days earlier (Hyundai Santa Fe 2.4litre Auto) and travelled to Johor for a day of leisure... Shiok man!!!! But I have to say driving in JB is an experience.... Seasoned drivers will know what I'm talking about, hehehe...

Anyway, I've never commented on Singapore Idol this year so far (only been promoting Emilee lah).... So I'd like to give my two cents' worth right now, as we're left with the top 4 Idols at the moment, and every single week, we're one step closer to find our next Singapore Idol....

SINGAPORE..........

Can you all seriously imagine Jasmine Tye and Paul Twohill as the next Singapore Idol? Unleash them on the world stage? Honestly, I've met and communicated with Paul on a personal basis, and he's a VERY nice boy.... but that's it! He's A Boy!! He will go far if he works hard in this music industry but sincerely, now is not the time for him. He needs to polish his identity, and of course, his singing, before he can truly represent Singapore. Same goes to Jasmine.... Nice face, nice tone... but I think she's a bit deluded with her song choices so far.... I mean, pardon me, the songs that she has chosen are far too big for her, and far too difficult... It's not just about singing Christina Aguilera's songs, girl, it's about emulating Christina's SPIRIT and ESSENCE when you sing her songs.... It's about SOUL and ATTITUDE.... and Jasmine just don't have that yet... and of course, the singing techniques still has a long way to go... I'm sure Babes and Iskandar would agree with me on this, heheheh....

To all Jasmine's and Paul's fans, don't get angry hah... It's just my two cents worth... You can either or not agree with me... but after all, this is just my space for doodles, hehehe..... So pardon me for doodling away..... ;-)

I can only see either Hady or Jon as an Idol.... but either way...

ALL THE BEST TO ALL THE IDOLS, PAST AND PRESENT, AND REMEMBER, EVEN IF YOU DON'T MAKE IT IN THE COMPETITION, YOU SHOULD ALL BE APPLAUDED AS YOU HAVE TAKEN THE FIRST STEP TO PROPEL YOURSELF ON NATIONAL STAGE.....

IT'S JUST A MATTER OF TIME BEFORE DESTINY AND FATE REVEALS YOUR FUTURE IN MUSIC, SO BE PREPARED TO WORK HARD AND CONTINUE TO PERSEVERE.....

GOOD LUCK!!!!!!

@ 11:57 PM

Saturday, September 02, 2006

DOODLES.....

I'm feeling kinda bored...

Let me doodle a lil' something over here...

I was reading all my previous posts and I noticed that I started off sounding quite happy initially....

But in recent posts, I've been a bit sad.... And it shows in my writings....

Almost a year has gone by, with so many things happened and so many lessons learned...

But I wonder if the people around me learn as much as I do?

My wise abah said, "No one stops learning, even til the day we die".....

But sadly, there's too many people around who thinks that they know a lot, if not everything....

Take for instance, in regards of the Malaysian Wedding of The Year, between Siti Nurhaliza and Datuk K.... Some of her fans were angry at her choice for a husband... Saying that she should marry a young, eligible and good looking guy, instead of marrying a 40-something and divorcee with 4 teenage children...

To me, who better to judge, rather than the person who's going through with it? Who knows what's best for a person other than the person in question itself? Are we so materialistic now in modern times that a pretty woman has to be matched with a handsome man? Does that mean a plump woman with mediocre looks can't date with a gorgeous guy? Or a geeky looking guy can't pair up with a beautiful,sexy curvy woman? Seems to me that more and more people are judging books by their covers nowadays.....

I'm sure no one likes to be told.... and of course major decisions, like our choice of life partners should only be determined by ourselves, not anybody else.... Parents can give their opinions but at the end, it is still, as it should be, our choice....

I've heard people around me saying that... this girl 'should' go out with this guy lah, this guy 'should' go out with this girl lah.... Hey!!!! C,mon!!!!... Who are we to determine what makes others' lives happier?

After all, we're not God... Let Fate do its thing... and be sure that things will work out in the end....

Having a good and kind heart is above all greatness... Thus, live and learn.....

P/S : The pics attached are of my Mak, Abah and me when I was a baby... I thank Allah the Great, for blessing me with my Mak and Abah... The two key peple in my life, who's responsible for what I am today... Who made me think the way I do, speak the way I speak and love the way I love.... Mak, Abah, I love you both so much from the bottom of my heart... Thank you for standing by me, as you both always do... And thank you for having faith, as well as trust in me.... I'm lucky to be blessed and given both of you as my mom and dad.... Alhamdulillah...

@ 6:11 PM