It’s been more than 3 months since the tragic loss of a legendary pop icon, Michael Jackson. As I mentioned before, his legacy always remains. Here’s a MJ Medley that I came across from Kelvin’s blog and I thought it’s something really well produced and sung. It’s such a great video that I thought it would be such a waste if I don’t share it with the rest of you. Here’s a MJ Medley sung by Sam Tsui together with the production of Kurt Schneider. Enjoy!!

It was a love affair on a cool Saturday in KL Baptist Church in Jalan Alor. By the time the heng dais and ji muis reached the church, the clouds have already given way to the sun and it was a perfect weather for the wedding ceremony. After all the ding dong games and tea ceremony in the bride’s house, we finally came to church to witness the marriage vows, exchanging of rings and also lighting of the candles and finally the signing of the wedding certificate. All the guests arrived with excitement and joy fully expressed from their faces and the hengdais and jimuis were all set to usher them in.

*arriving in kl baptist church with a joyful heart*

*doing some final touch up after a long session back at home*

*shin lu wants to steal the lime light too*

It was a rather hectic week for me the last few days as I was preparing for the Live Recording in church and the same weekend was my buddy’s big, big wedding day!! A buddy that I have known since Standard 1 back in SRK La Salle (1) Brickfields. It’s always joyous and exciting to see your close friends tie knot and you’ll be thinking when will be yours and who’s the next one. Well, I’m certainly glad to be able to share the happiness of the newly wed couple who had been in courtship for the last 10 years, since their highschool days back in Form 2.

*kenneth wong with his special home made hanging board*

On Friday night, we put up a Bachelor’s Night party for him up in Skybar, at the second highest level of Trader’s Hotel. After weeks of planning and preparation it turned out to be a great night for Kenneth as the crowd in Skybar was quite sporting and responsive to our random games to make fun of the groom-to-be then. I didn’t quite have the insights of that night as I was having my full dress rehearsal for the live recording in church. Missed that guys night out but I’m sure the rest of them had plenty of fun judging from the stories the guys told me the next day.

*list of things that he needs to accomplish on that night*

*walking around and getting crowd’s attention*

On Saturday morning, all the “heng dais” gathered in Kenneth’s house at about 7.00am for our final briefing and preparation to pick up the bride or better known as “cip sun leong”. It was a cool drizzling morning but the rain did not deter the excitement that all of us had!! In fact, we battled out the rain to tie the ribbon on our cars and get ready to roll!! After preparing all the red packets for the bridesmaid’s games, we headed off over to Corinna’s house at about 8.00am.

*touching up here and there looking the best we can*

*the groom and best man preparing the red packets*

*this is alot of money!! LOL*

*the groom all set and ready to pick up the bride*

*Jackson’s family witnessing the burial of their most famous brother and son*

Michael’s body together with the gold  plated coffin was buried within Forest Lawn Memorial Park’s Great Mausoleum on Thursday where according to the papers his sons’ and daughter’s message was placed together at the coffin as well. His songs will continue to live on. I’m definite about that.

*MJ’s gold plated coffin, one final look*

Here’s one of my favourite song of his…

Man In The Mirror

I’m gonna make a change,
For once in my life,
It’s gonna feel real good,
Gonna make a difference,
Gonna make it right….

(You get the point…)

Cheerios!

June 25th, 2009 marked one of the most emotional date in the history of music and entertainment industry when the one we so greatly referred as the greatest entertainer of all times or rather the King of Pop passed on. That day itself I knew I am gonna blog about it or rather share my thoughts and feelings.

*MJ’s daughter Paris Katherine could not hold back her tears as she bids her daddy goodbye for the last time during the memorial service in Staples Centre*

It’s 4.30am (Malaysian time), and words could not express my mourning over MJ’s death still, especially after witness his memorial service LIVE on CNN channel. The last words of Paris Katherine, “He is the best father you could ever imagine”, were probably the most moving moment in that memorial that left thousands of wet eyes in Staples Centre and probably millions of fans weeping out there.

*fans from around the globe remembering and celebrating the life of MJ*

*MJ’s casket was carried in by his brothers into the centre stage in Staples Centre*

The closing PRAYER from a pastor at the end of the service (after receiving permission from the Jackson’s family) was simply indescribable. I held my dad’s hand to join in the prayer as a tribute to one of the most inspiring music icon I had ever seen so far, or maybe in our lifetime. I believe God has turned our mournings into sheer joy that He can spread His love to billions of people who are watching it LIVE around the globe. According CNN newscaster, it was reported that there were about 8billion people watching the memorial LIVE worldwide. It was such a testimony how MJ has touched people lives not only through his music but also his actions and love for the nation of this earth.

*Usher bidding his last goodbye with his song “gone too soon” and touching MJ’s casket emotionally*

There were many well said quotes and final wishes during the memorial that was so inspiring and one of the lines that I love most was when one of the congress representative Sarah Jackson Lee mentioned “We all know the law and that is one is guilty ONLY IF there are evidence that proves it so”. We all knew the conspiracy and rumours about MJ’s “not so nice” alledgations, but he isn’t guilty of it and I strongly believe he is innocent. Therefore I was moved with that statement that was well said!!

The memorial lasted about almost 2 hours with a few of of MJ’s close friends singing some of his most inspiring songs and also testify his beautiful life stories. Almost all of us grew up listening to MJ and his music has definitely influenced us in one way or another. I was a great fan of MJ since I was young and I am glad that I did went for his concert once when he came to Malaysia back in 1995. It was phenomenal.

*remembering MJ’s concert in Malaysia when I was still a little kid*

*his legacy will definitely remains in the hearts of many that grew up listening to his music*

Well my last words are, “Though Michael Jackson has left us to a better place (heaven) much more earlier than many would have not expected, but his legacy remains forever till Jesus comes again!! His music and dance revolution will always make an impact to many that has, is and will listen to his songs. RIP MJ”

For more information and updates:

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/07/jackson.memorial.videos/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/07/jackson.memorial.videos/index.html

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/07/michael.jackson.wrap/index.html

http://inthefield.blogs.cnn.com/category/michael-jackson/

http://watching-tv.ew.com/2009/07/michael-jacksons-memorial-a-review.html

http://edition.cnn.com/2009/SHOWBIZ/Music/07/07/michael.jackson.international.reaction/index.html?iref=mpstoryview

Thank you so much for all the wonderful moments in blogsphere.

Thank you for supporting drewnity.com thus far..

Thank you for everything…

Will be away from blogging scene until further notice…..

It was just a year ago when a bunch of  random bloggers decided to do a random movie gathering which then, somehow, someway formed a real strong bond within the group which is now known as DGMB. From a third party point of view, I thought that each individual in this group made DGMB as unique as it is, and a great friendship that they would hope, could last forever.

I am glad to know a bunch great friends. In some way, they are special to me personally. Though I may not know them long enough just yet, but having fun together in gatherings, “makans” and “mains” was definitely a moment to cherish upon. The most recent FUN apart from the movie meet has to be Nuffnang Music Bash, where we popped out from the 80’s as holograms to perform a few songs for the eventful night. If it wasn’t for Nigel, I wouldn’t have such a FUNTASTIC experience. Anyway, it was good.

*montage of  DGMB BMM 3rd edition – photos by Nigel*

Now 1 year later, DGMB is still the way they were ago except for the fact that they grew 1 year older. Thomas, Pamsong and Joshua got together in planning the movie meet 3rd edition and I thought it was a great one!! We watched “He’s Just Not That Into You” in Cineleisure with 36 of us turned up. However, it was a lovely couple in the cinema that practically STOLE THE SHOW at the end of the movie with the guy proposing to his girlfriend in the cinema after going out for 10 years.

*congrats to this lovely couple – photos by jeffro*

It was during the movie credits when the screen suddenly show some random photos. All of us scratched our head for a moment before we found out that “something SPECIAL” was about to happen. I roughly knew what was it when I saw a few of the groom-to-be’s friends carried a guitar and a few chairs at the front while another girl passed a bouquet of flowers to the couple. It was really touching especially when the movie’s ending was also about some proposal. It was surely a lovely scene and all of us applaud when the girl said “YES, I DO”.

Well, that’s about it. After the movie, the rest of them went for a quick bite at Laundry while I rush home to get some stuffs done. Nevertheless, it was definitely a great outing and catch up with the usuals. Till then, looking forward to the next movie meet.

Here’s a list of people that was there…

Linora (and 1 extra person) – http://aronil.com
Linora’s BF
Yat – http://jenkinyat.com
Pamsong – http://tinkitalks.blogspot.com
Pam’s Colleague Tim
Aaron – http://cincauhangus.com
Thomas – http://yapthomas.com
Kel Li – http://angelickelz.blogspot.com
Nigel – http://nigelais.blogspot.com
David – http://davidclicks.net
Joshua – http://joshuaongys.blogspot.com
Stanley – http://stanleywong.my
Dillon – http://dillonz.blogspot.com/
Jen – http://serpentinegal.blogspot.com
Chung Lern – http://chunglern.blogspot.com
Steph – http://cluelessdevil.blogspot.com
Andrew – http://drewnity.com
Jeff – http://josm.blogspot.com/
Sin Yee http://immamermaid.blogspot.com/
Jamie Chin – http://strawberryvodka.blogspot.com
Jan – http://janx1.blogspot.com
Tallen – http://craczalive.blogspot.com/
Yi Shan – http://eshanz.jenkinyat.com/
Jessica – http://benjicajess.com
Jess – http://flippingskirt.com
Chris – http://spinzer.us
Mike – http://mikeyip.com
Stephenie – http://mytoughtsstripped.blogspot.com
Jack – http://eloigne.blogspot.com
Ewin – http://www.ewinee.com
Nigel Tee – http://www.blog.flymenigel.com
Suresh – http://theredhalf.blogspot.com
Melvin – http://mel0dramatic.blogspot.com
Alvin – http://alvinrox.wordpress.com
Alex – http://wlwc.vista-crew.com/
Simon http://simonseow.blogspot.com

Recently, Celebrity Chef Emmanuel Stroobant or better known as Chef in Black for his TV Series in Asian Food Channel, was at the launch of a new exciting menu in 7atenine, Ascott Kuala Lumpur. I was the OP for the this wonderful event that showcased a whole new line up of yummilicious food only to be overshadowed later on by a mesmerizing cooking demo by Emmanuel himself before the media had a food tasting session.

For those who do not know who Chef Emmanuel Stroobant is, let me introduce him to you.

*chef in black and photographer in black too*

He started his career at a tender age of 16 – cleaning dishes in one of the best restaurants in Belgium. Hoping to save some money to pave his way through university, Stroobant’s first ambition was to be a lwayer. Whilst finishing high school and juggling between his night job, Stroobant took a liking to his working environment, and before long he was on his way to peeling, chopping vegetables and making salads.

At 18, he well and truly decided to take the culinary path and enrolled at a hospitality institute in Belgium. For four years he was seconded to various parts of the country to experience different management styles and cuisine genres. Fortunately for him, his training stages encompassed some of the very best restaurants in Belgium.

At only the age of 23, Stroobant opened his first restaurant in his hometown, Liege. It was an overnight success and after three summers, Stroobant wanted another adventure. He travelled to various places and finally settling in Australia for a period of five years before moving to Asia, a decision that changed his whole life, at least, till now.

Chef Emmanuel Stroobant was duly awarded with the recognition of ‘Best Expatriate Chef 1999′ by World Asia Media which in the same year he moved to Singapore to open a small cafe/restaurant with his wife after 2 years in Kuala Lumpur. Well, just to cut the long story short, we clinched several more awards – Wine and Dine ‘Best New Restaurant 2002′. ‘Most Innovative Menu 2002, 2004 and 2007′. World Gourmet Summit – Award of Excellence, ‘Best New Restaurant 2002 and 2003, ‘Chef of the Year 2002 and 2006 and his most recent achievement is ‘Restaurant of the Year 2007′.

Just to capped his wonderful success, Stroobant also moved on to writting 2 cook books, ‘Cuisine Unplugged’ and ‘Fine Dining – White’ which has won the Gourmand World Media Award for “Best in the World Matching Food and Wine”. Plus, he has his own TV series titled, ‘Chef in Black’.

For more updated and food pix, you can find all of them in my food blog —> [http://food.drewnity.com]

It has been a great 481 days of blogging (including the days of break between posts) since the very first time I got in touch with the term ‘blogging’ back in December 2007 before I transformed in a musicon celebrity for one night in Maison Club. I must thank my bro, Nigel, for inviting me to be part of the band performance for that night, and Nuffnang together with Maxis for coming up with another fun-blast party.

*well done to all the nuffies that put this party together!!*

It feels like it was just yesterday that I attended the Silent Halloween in Borneo Baruk Club and here goes another one. I’m sure the next one is coming along quite soon!! *hints hints* =D

4^th of April 2009 was the day that I walked in a shopping mall with my face painted like a rock star. To be specific, it was supposed to be like KISS but with a blue-coloured star on my right eye. While Kel Li’s make up was almost exact with JEM from the Holograms and Hsu Jen’s make up made her look like a ‘Japanese chick’, I thought Stella (our makeup artist) is really, really good coz I think I didn’t look that terrible after all for a first timer in make up!! LOL I truly understand how tough is it to sit on the stool and let your face being patiently drawn/painted or whatever word you call that. My eyes teared when she drawed the eye shadow for me. I wasn’t used to it so, it was a bit tough for me.

*the absolute store for costume!!*

*this photo was taken during our first tryout costume fitting*

All in all, the makeup was good!! Another person that I want to thank has to be Gabriel and Edmund for helping us with the costume. Gabriel did crack his brain out trying to fit us with best outfit he can think of and Edmund for helping us out on that performance day itself =) Well, I’m happy  and satisfied with the outfit that the Holograms wore that day and all thanks to Absolut Pitch. I can assure you that they do offer a very wide range of costumes and it’s really flexible. Just tell them what you want and they’ll do their best in helping you to impersonate whoever or ‘whatever’ you want to be. LOL.

After much preparation with our costumes and makeup, we then headed on to Maison at about 4pm for our final practice. We may not be a professional music band group but for a random team up, I thought we did gave our best that night and I’m not sure, but I hope it did bring up the crowd a little bit. Hehe. For me, it was a great fun time up there singing and playing for a bunch of bloggers who’re also having fun that night.

*photo board for memory down the lane*

*we were celebs for about 10 minutes*

Nuffnang, well-known for their super ‘chun’ gifts, once again did not disappoint the much excited bloggers that night waiting to win fantastic prizes. A Sony PS3 was up for grab that night, so what else can you say if it’s not ‘chun’ enough for you? Well, I do not need to put in details of the winning list as I think most of you have already known. Else, check them out at some of the other hologram’s updates!! LOL

Behind the scene with Joshua [click here]
Holograms popping out at Kelz [click here]
Cam Moments from Anne [click here]
Also others in Nigel’s, HsuJen’s, David’s

Owh yes, did I not mentioned that I was also interviewed by NTV 7 who eventually aired up the events updates on their morning shows? Owh well, basically I answered the same thing that both Nigel and Kel Li said so I wasn’t aired (which I think it was good coz I was a little over excited when I gave my answer). LOL. Just to echo a little on what the interview was all about, they actually asked me “What do you think about this event? Why is it important?”

*my point of view*

My answer was “I thought that this event is really good as it gathers bloggers and even corporate people from different backgrounds into one big gathering. It’s a room of opportunity for young people like us to get in touch with new friends and who knows in the future, we could be business partners or good friends? Besides, it also gives great fun to bloggers as they come the party, impersonating celebrity that they always dream to be, or at least, admired all these while. It’s great fun and on top of that, there’re also great prizes to be won beside the free party and free food you get. What more could you ask from Nuffnang?”

*LOL didn’t see pam and thomas until the end!!*

That’s about it for Nuffnang Music Bash. The other person I want to thank is Aaron for helping me shooting for that night and all the photos here are credited to him!! Hehe.. Go CINCAUHANGUS.COM!!