30-Hour Amazing Race to Kuala Lumpur

Photo taken by Badeedadee. Post-processed by Jay Ismail.

It all happened too sudden and too soon. I got an SMS last week from my lady boss, Cherina Chacko, asking me if I can fly in to Kuala Lumpur for their big event on Sunday, June 26, 2011. It will be sponsored by DiGi and the Philippine Embassy. Wow! But I couldn't say 'yes' then as we were still processing our visa and papers for our next booking to China. Friday came and I got another SMS from Ate Cherie that Philippine Embassy has already confirmed and sent us an invitation letter and that they already have bought our tickets... yes, they also bought ticket for Hubby Marl. :-) But eeeeek! Panic attack!!! I was really all excited feeling the adrenalin rush but I was cramming with what to wear and what to sing along. I had nooooo idea what to do as it was all done on a short notice. LOL

Saturday, June 25 - Manila to Kuala Lumpur

Photo by Jay Ismail

In the midst of the typhoon Falcon, I wasn't even sure if it will push through as there were lots of flights delayed and being cancelled. Good thing was they bought us AirAsia tickets so it was easier to fly out from Clark where the weather was better than Manila. Along with DJ Marlon of Wave Radio 89.1, DJ Bien, and sound technician Shak, we left Manila by Friday noontime and reached KL at around 4:30PM. Transportation and accommodations were all arranged by Ate Cherie... we stayed in their posh condo at KL Sentral called The Loft.

Marl and I just dropped our bags and headed out to meet our friend, Malaysian fashion & billboard photographer Jay Ismail. We just hung out in his studio for a couple of hours and made a quick shoot. After that, we met up with our friend Reen who took us to the venue where we'd be rehearsing at 10PM. But when we got there, we were told that our rehearsal was rescheduled. So we just made a short visit to Shangri-La Hotel KL and see the newly renovated pub, now called Arthur's Bar & Grill. Azrul, the assistant manager, was kind enough to have made us stay for a round of food and drinks. We were feeling the exhaustion but we made it a point to cross the street to Concorde Hotel to visit Crossroads. Saw some of our old friends and the bands playing there, Power J and Breakthru. We just said hi and headed back to the condo.

Sunday, June 26 - The BIG Day
Woke up at 9AM, had breakfast, and prepared for the big event of the day. I actually had my stuff packed as I don't have any intentions of going back to the condo after the show. So with my pink trolley bag and my backpack, we went to the venue for soundcheck at around 11AM. Luckily for me, there's a hair salon on the ground floor of the building where the event would be taking place. I had my hair set to curl while I did my own makeup.

Event started at around 2PM. The performers were all from our agency, Seagulls Promotions. As for me, I performed as a solo artist. I didn't have a white top or a groovy blazer for my MJ spot but one of the girls from the Soundstream band had a perfect blazer which completed my outfit (salamat kaayo day!). There was a raffle draw and I did my Michael Jackson medley (Black or White-Beat It-Billie Jean) and Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" for my first set. As for my second set, I changed into a shiny tube dress and sang one of my favorites "Take A Bow" by Rihanna and a danceable tune by Shakira "Loca". Performing for the Filipino crowd has been one of the most fun performance because they can relate very well. They were dancing and singing along. The other bands,  Peach Apple Tree, Soundstream, Main Avenue, and Power J., gave their best to wow the crowd, too. The invited DJs from the Philippines also did a tremendous job in providing the music in between performances. The raffle draw by DiGi made everyone excited... I didn't win but it's okay. The whole event was so successful and was well-supported by the Filipino community. I even saw some familiar faces in the crowd. Some of our friend were there including my former co-singer Marthy. It was such an overwhelming expeience and if I'd be asked to do it again, I'd gladly oblige because it's always a great honor and privilege to be invited by the Philippine Embassy to perform. Salamat po! And to Ate Cherie, our lady boss, thanks again for the opportunity!

After the show, Marl and I had a quick mee goreng at a mamak stall in Central Market with our friends Melinda and Reen. Afterwards, we went to Bangsar Village to meet our 'adopted' parents Mama Siah and Papa Jamal. It was great to see them especially Mama Siah who just went for a surgery to remove her cancerous lump. They sent us to LCCT airport at 10PM for our Cebu Pacific midnight flight. =)

Monday, June 27 - Back in Manila
As of this writing, I haven't unpacked from the trip yet. I have managed to uncomfortably sleep on the flight. I will make a quick nap after blogging this before facing a couple of hectic days in Manila before flying out to Beijing on Wednesday.

PERFORMANCE PHOTOS AND VIDEOS COMING SOON!!!!!!!

Badeedadee by Jay Ismail

Taken by Jay Ismail

Landscape of Emotions - A Manny Librodo Workshop in Kuala Lumpur

FLASHBACK

I was very fortunate enough that my husband Marl attended Manny Librodo's workshop in Cebu. He wasn't supposed to go as he wasn't sure if we'd still be in Cebu during that 3rd week of January. But seems like the gravitational force of the universe really wanted him to attend the workshop, as of all the ones in the waiting list, he was the one who was called by the organizer when they knew that one slot was left open by another participant who backed out during the last minute. Marl was meant to be part of the workshop for sure. Before Marl left for the workshop that day, I told him to tell Manny that I would love to meet him personally. And I was so thankful that he did because Manny, who's been my contact in a modeling site, asked me to join them for dinner after their 1-day workshop. Boy, was I glad even though I was sick at that time. I was able to meet all the top photographers in Cebu who participated in the said workshop, and was fortunate enough to meet the very beautiful Kharunisia "Kharu" Jazmin and of course, the world renowned Filipino photographer, Mr. Manuel "Manny" Librodo.

A DREAM COME TRUE

Having known Manny Librodo's work for years now and having him regarded as one of Marl's inspiration in his photography, I have turned myself into a stalking fan of Librodo who would always check out his Pbase gallery and his Facebook page for his recently posted works. And there was this question in my mind, "When can I be photographed by this talented person?". And not long after that, we got a message from him few months ago that he would be having a workshop in KL. I was so excited and even suggested Marl to attend the workshop again. But it just got better. Manny asked me if I'd be willing to be one of the models for the workshop along with the Thai model cum actress Krystal Vee as the main model. And I said, "WHAAAAAAT?!?!?!?! OMG! That's insane!!! OMG! I'd definitely do it. OMG! I must do it. In this lifetime!!!". LOL.

I mean, who wouldn't want to pose for Manny Librodo? He's like the Filipino king of portraiture in ambient lighting! He's like... he's like... a dream photographer whom most models would want to shoot with. OH MY GAWWWWD! I kept staring at his message on our Facebook wall for hours in disbelief - most of my Twitter followers know that. LOL. And he asked for Marl's assistance to be his VA aka "reflectorer" which Marl was so glad to do because he'd be part of the photo session, too, and having some chance to steal some shots. :)

THE WORKSHOP

I've been looking forward to that day and was wishing nothing but for me to not fall sick when he came to KL for the workshop on June 5th. And my wish was granted as I was in my most top shape when I arrived in the workshop - except for the nasty mosquito bite under my eye right before the shoot.

There were 15 participants, a makeup artist, Manny's assistant Marl, Krystal Vee, a local model named Sofea and myself. The workshop was organized by Dr. Ban Hup Teh. They provided a costume for me which perfectly fit the Chinese Opera theme complete with the headdress. I was my own makeup artist so I matched my makeup with the costume. The photos came out outstanding!

I was supposed to only have a single set while Krystal was changing for her 2nd set, so I was so thrilled when Manny asked me if it's okay if they continue shooting me using some of the props that were available there (I also brought some). BUT OF COURSE!!! So instead of having just a set, I ended up having a scarfed look with a fake fringe for my 2nd set and a middle eastern look for the last set. It was all good and I had so much fun posing for the participants and of course, for Manny and Dr. Teh.

Marl, on the other hand, did a great job on being the VA or the 'reflectorer'. He had his chance to take some stolen shots, too. Clever guy. :) But towards the end of the workshop when I wasn't busy anymore, I replaced him as the 'reflectorer' for him to take better shots of Krystal's last set in sexy costume.

After the workshop, Dr. Teh, Krystal, Manny, Marl, and I enjoyed a delicious lunch at a Thai restaurant near Concorde Hotel Shah Alam, where they stayed during the weekend. It was great to get to know them well. They also went to the Pub to watch our show. We're soooo humbled. :)

Dr. Ban Hup Teh, Marl, Krystal Vee, Manny Librodo, and Sarita
at The Pub of the Shangri-La Hotel Kuala Lumpur

FUN INDEED

I really had fun throughout the workshop. It was a great experience and the participants were fun to work with. Dr. Teh, the organizer, was so helpful in most ways and made sure that I got everything that I needed. Sofea, the local model, was so sweet. The beautiful Krystal was unbelievably easy-going and down-to-earth. Manny, of course, is THE man. :)

CLICK ANY OF THE PICS BELOW TO BE FORWARDED TO MY PORTFOLIO!

Chinese Opera Theme

Veiled Temptress

Behind the scenes by Dr. Ban Hup Teh, Jonathan Khee, and BadeeDadee

The participants with the models and Manny Librodo

PS: Dr. Ban Hup Teh is organizing another workshop of Manny Librodo in July 31 and August 1. Visit his website for more details and to reserve a slot (if there's an available one).