Saturday, June 27, 2009

Forever, Michael

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Michael Joseph Jackson (1959-2009)
The way I like to remember him.

Today, if you tune into the radio stations or flip through the TV channels, you will hear and see a myriad of news, condolences, tributes on Michael Jackson's passing.

I grew up from the mid 70s right through the 80s and yes, I couldn't think of a better era of music to grow up in. Michael Jackson, like it or not, was a breakthrough artiste and performer of his time. He defined the pop and urban music scene of the 80s and was one of the most influential talents of our time. Till today, people across the world are still mimicking his signature dance moves and singing style.

How could anyone forget the 'lock-and-pop' dance steps, or the screeching 'hee-hee' in most of his songs, or even the sequinned glove and white sock look? More importantly, how could anyone forget the impressive repertoire of memorable songs he shared with the world?

But having said that, I wouldn't consider myself a real big MJ fan. I do enjoy his music but I never idolized him. I appreciate his musical talents, and even more so today as a musician myself. His sudden departure is certainly a real sad loss to the music industry.

His music production was one of the finest, his beats were poppin' and his grooves were tight. His redefined MTV with his revolutionary music videoclips. He was definitely on top of his game and his craft.

The irony of it is this: Despite the controversies, MJ remained one of the most respected, loved and idolized artistes in the music industry and I always believe his talents would give him the comeback that he needed. But he always seemed to be overshadowed by his troubled past and I think sadly in the end he became his own victim.

There will always be other Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake or Beyonce. But there can only be one Michael Jackson.

To the world's King of Pop: We shall always remember the wonderful memories you gave us.

R.I.P.

***Photo courtesy of the internet***

Sunday, March 01, 2009

Cinta

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I know I haven't blogged in a while.

Four months to be exact.

Oh well, life goes on.

But having lunch with this couple last week has inspired me once again to start penning entries on life's little journeys and adventures.

My friends Audi and Nikki are having their wedding reception in June this year. What was interesting was that nobody knew about them dating for almost 2 years. They've got to be one of the most understated couples I know.

The seemingly unlikely couple seemed really happy together. I mean, honestly happy. There was no over-the-top display of affection, no huge diamond ring to flaunt, no fancy reports or coverage on the news front. They're just two happy people in love with each other.

I always found wedding proposal videos to be somewhat cheesy and tacky but after watching the little clip he made of his 'surprise proposal' for her, I found myself strangely moved and getting a little misty at the end of it. Love, like it or not, is a truly powerful emotion.



"There are six BILLION people in the world
more or less
and it makes me feel quite small
But you're the one I love the most of all."
Nine Million Bicycles - Katie Melua


***©All photographs and rights reserved by K:Rew's photography. Please do NOT post, print or distribute without permission.***

Monday, October 13, 2008

Talentime

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"Words say too much. Love comes in silence."


There was laughter, there were tears but above all, there was a kindred spirit in the cosy auditorium that was filled with people from all walks of life, all age groups bound together by some form of involvement in a common project.

And that project is Yasmin Ahmad's latest film titled "Talentime".

This prolific film maker needs no introduction and her films, apart from winning some of the most prestigious awards in the film industry, always seem to touch the hearts of the people through her sensitive observation and lyrical storytelling.

I've only watched "Sepet" but that was enough to make me want to work with her at some point in my life.

The opportunity came a few months ago and Yasmin asked if we (my boss and I) could contribute a song to her latest film. Of course we jumped at the opportunity.

And tonight, after watching the first private screening at the screening room in her office, I felt really privileged and proud to be involved in such a wonderful project.

From the script, to the actors, to the soundtrack, "Talentime" is perhaps Yasmin Ahmad's most moving piece yet.

The young actors, all barely 20 years of age, brought forth such powerful performances that you wonder if they really went through life the way the story had told.

As the credit rolled and the lights came on, some of the actors were still moved to tears and others gave a heartfelt applause for having spent 2 hours of their life being inspired and enriched by this wonderful storyteller.

Yasmin Ahmad, a true talent of our time.

***Photo courtesy of Yasmin Ahmad. To find out more about "Talentime" the movie, visit "The Storyteller" ***

Saturday, September 27, 2008

Baju Melayu Boys

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What initially started as a fun pet project to photograph my friends in their baju Melayu has turned out into something a lot more meaningful than just pretty pictures.

15 guys from all walks of life and different backgrounds, kindly volunteered their time to be under the scrutiny of flashing studio lights and camera snapshots, and to share with me what baju Melayu means to them.

The results? Well, take a look for yourself but I couldn't have asked for a better bunch of models.

To all my Muslim friends, thank you for being a part of this special project and Selamat Hari Raya Aidilfitri.

To see the complete collection, please visit my flickr™.

***©All photographs and rights reserved by K:Rew's photography. Please do NOT post, print or distribute without permission.***

Monday, September 01, 2008

Berbuka

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It's that time of the year again where Muslims all over the world would fast for 30 days in lieu of Ramadan.

Fasting month has always been a bit of an exciting affair for me. Apart from the wonderful kueh-kueh and ayam perciks, the sights and sounds during this period are always a welcome treat.

As usual, Esal extended his invitation for me to join him for the first berbuka at his mum's place. Umi, as always, cooked up a storm. And I never fail to scrap the last bit of rice from my plate. Her curry bubur is really really quite sensational.







Every year as I visit the household, Esal's nephews and nieces, 12 of them no less, all grow an inch taller. The younger ones are learning to walk. The older ones are starting to fast. The eldest one, well, he's already starting university.

I remember the time when we were growing up, my uncles and aunts would always be the ones saying how fast the kids are growing up. Now, it is us who take over that role. :)

Time certainly flies but it's comforting to know that traditions and family values will always stand the test of time.

***©
All photographs and rights reserved by K:Rew's photography. Please do NOT post, print or distribute without permission.***

Wednesday, August 20, 2008

Yogyakarta: Day Three: Pranbanam Temples

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After our eventful trip to Parangtritis beach, we went back to our hotel for a little siesta before heading off in the evening to see the Pranbanam temples.





Evening is probably the best time to see the Pranbanam temples simply because it's not too scorching hot and the skyline is beautiful during the evening. I love the silhouette shots of the temples because they look like giant leaves under the sun, with their stunning detailed edges.











There's quite a bit of restoration work going to rebuild some parts of the temples due to the earthquake in 2006 but as you walk along the compound, there is plenty of other areas to capture 'kodak moments' of the magnificent structure.

In fact I got so engrossed with my camera that I lost the guys for a good half an hour. It's so easy to be absorbed in an environment as such.























It's hard to decide which I like better: The amazing sunrise at Borobudur or the surreal sunset at Pranbanam, but one thing I know, I am thankful for the opportunity to witness God's fine creations in this lifetime.

***©All photographs and rights reserved by K:Rew's photography. Please do NOT post, print or distribute without permission.***

Monday, August 11, 2008

Yogyakarta: Day Three: Parangtritis Beach

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Day three marks our visit to the legendary Parangtritis Beach.







The moment we stepped onto its dark sandy shores, we see the vast blue sea in its full splendour. Our reaction? One of awe and reverence.

Unlike most resort beaches, Parangtritis Beach is one that is full of myths and tales. Legend has it that the feared Queen of the South Sea and her beautiful confidante reign over sea-nymphs and spirits, and on certain days in the Javanese calender, locals have a ceremonial procession presenting offerings on the beach in order to pray for their wishes to be fulfilled.

Our cab driver has revealed that the beach has 'taken' the lives of many unsuspecting swimmers who often underestimate the power of the Queen of the South Sea. Superstitions aside, the choppy waves were enough to deter us from jumping straight into the waters for a dip.

Still, we managed to enjoy the glorious day by the beach, strolling and snapping away.























The beach was rather empty except for a few locals selling drinks and souvenirs. We stopped by an es cendol stall for a refreshment break. Just then the drink seller pointed to the other side of the beach excitedly and told us a procession was about to start.



True to its legend, the local soothsayer or paranormal expert as you would call him today, was seen taking a black goat and walking towards the sea while chanting away.







We later found out that he had to sacrifice the goat in a ritualistic fashion to give thanks to the Queen of the South Sea for granting his wish. The locals have appointed him as the official 'spokesperson' to ask for wishes on their behalf, should they need to request anything from the Queen of the South Sea. He even has a business call card and carries a mobile phone with him.

It's interesting to know that culture is often not based on what is right or what is wrong but simply a 'what-is'.




It was the most fascinating episode of events we have been fortunate enough to have witnessed that morning.

***©All photographs and rights reserved by K:Rew's photography. Please do NOT post, print or distribute without permission.***