22nd February 2009

I was at ASWARA this morning 'perjumpaan dengan Menteri' was the reason given. It was indeed that, YB Dato' Seri Rais was addressing the teaching and admin staff of ASWARA after his meeting with the latest board, the chairman and the new Rector. I must say I have never been disappointed with Rais' speeches, this one included. Words come easy with him, both in English and Malay - if only it's so with all our leaders. What he said this morning was important for the group to understand, digest and pass on to the students. But it's not easy. The worry is always the words become just a faint memory and by the time the month is up we would be back to our old ways. On the way out after greeting Dato' Norliza, Pengarah of JKKN, I managed to shake his hand and praised him for yet another inspirational speech, and also asked for a copy so I can share with my students who maybe interested in their Minister's words of wisdom. I also congratulated Dr. Hatta, Tan Sri Ahmad Merican and the new Rector Dr. Najib.

One piece of news I got only today, due to my own negligence was that Dr Nor Araai had passed on 2 weeks or a month earlier. What a loss to the Malaysian film industry. May he rest in peace.

Last week end - 19-21 a number of ASWARA Dance students led by Fairuz, Akmal, Arif Nazri, Ezdianie and Lex staged KIV at The Actors Studio@LOT10. I was in the audience on the first night and went away quite impressed with most of their work. But this morning I bumped into Marion and Joseph, who are two very important teachers with the ASWARA Dance Dept, and both did not like KIV at all. Ah well, we can't please everyone can we? At least the students had an opportunity to organise and produce their own show outside ASWARA - not always under the wings of ASWARA, as one other teacher said! :)

FEBRUARY 18 - Goodbye Caecar

Today we got the news that our young and very talented friend of the arts - Caecar Chong has passed on, due to cancer. It was shocking news as we knew nothing of his illness. His close friends Gan and Kok Man said he did not want to tell everyone, so that they worry. It all happened quickly - from November - stage 4 cancer was detected. It seems he decided he shall be strong. He helped arrange his brother's wedding in December, and then planned for his passing. Gan kept on saying he was strong. I believe her and that could have pleased him so that he did not have to trouble too many people.

Caecar and Swee Keong had worked with Joe & I since the early days of The Actors Studio, as performers mainly, but Caecar also designed - one of them was LIFE SDN. BHD., the other is RASHOMON, and the last in 2008 was TUNKU, with Kok Man. Thank you Caecar for your time with us. Rest in peace my friend. I know Swee Keong and all your friends in the Malaysian Arts scene will miss you very much.

Happy Year of the TIGER everyone!

Today is Chinese New Eve so the office is very quiet. Only Sesha, Shalu and Michelle still around - and Ming Jin who came with Xinnie. He brought Joe's Apple too - another Valentine's present and he's on skype too! and the latest magic mouses are awesome!

coming soon......

For anyone interested in any of the above shows, please log in to www.theactorsstudio.com.my or www.klpac.org where more detailed info is available. There are also promotions where you can purchase tickets at reduced price.

Thank you for supporting Malaysian Theatre!

SKYPE anyone?

Well, after almost 5 years with the Acer, chances of it crashing and so on, I gave myself a valentine's day present of the Apple Note Book - elder, sleeker sister to my apple at home. Truly the apple is almost a lifelong investment. And what comes with this sleek beauty is Skype! I remember my old days in advertising when we scour the waves for a video conference for urgent approvals of commercials, and now - 20 years later to discover it's as easy as this and it does not cost a cent! So tells my friend Mark in Oz.

It's 2 days before Valentine and just 24 hours before eve of Year of the Tiger! So again we have a long weekend to lepak! That's why I love Malaysia.