Easy Sunday Morning With Nestor Torres

Earth shattering… That is perhaps the best word to describe the musical performance I watched in SGM Culture Centre last weekend. Adding to my excitement was the fact that I was not just an ordinary audience on the day. I was fortunate enough to be selected as the emcee to chair the event. Hence, being able to chair such event for a wonderful performer who hails all the way from New York, being able to speak face-to-face to him and take a personal photo with him was truly a memorable experience.

So, who was this guy anyway? What’s so special about him that sent such great excitement to all audience who came all around Johore and Singapore just to catch his performance for not more than 2 hours? Well, maybe not many people will know who he is, at least not among layman like me who is basically music-illiterate and know nothing much about classical and jazz music.

His name is Nestor Torres; A Latin Grammy Award winner and Grammy Nominees for jazz and classical music. He was one of the most renowned and accomplished jazz flutist in the world, performing in tour worldwide in sold-out concerts. Blessed with handsome features, a warm smile and a charismatic demeanor, this remarkable virtuoso has earned a devoted following. By transforming the flute’s role in the contemporary musical landscape, Torres has practically established a new genre of popular music. He is scheduled to perform with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra at KLCC on 6 September but he decided to stop by in Johore on SGM’s request.

The morning performance went on to be very tranquil, warm and interesting as Nestor shared his stories and experience besides playing some of his best hits, including tracks which earned him the coveted Latin Grammy Award, among others. He shared his emotion on the 9/11 event in New York and explained how he crafted an album which transcend his persona as a mere entertainer and transform himself in the role of artist as agent for change. Promoting world peace and advocating better human understanding, he came out with the album, “Prayer, Dances, and Meditation for Peace.” The track that I loved most was, “Tears forever” which create such a strong emotion and a strong message.

I talked to him for awhile after the show and found him to be very friendly and sporting. His humility inspired me because after all the accomplishment and what he went through in life, he still remains down-to-earth.

Oh, what a warm and inspiring morning it has been…

Building the Passion Again

It has been a long time since I last been an emcee for any event; I had promised myself to leave the chances to my juniors to take up emceeing role so that they can learn the trick and brush up the skills. Deep in my heart, I knew that I have become weary of being emcee. The feeling of being watched in awe while I speak eloquently in both Malay and English had not been working very well on me anymore. I am just not so interested in chairing the same kind of events and being in the attention of people.

The past few weeks have seen me taking up some emceeing job again. This time around, things have gotten much more interesting. The events which I undertake as emcee are events that I never did before. The first one was a press conference by SGM and Tan Sri Tan Chin Tuan Foundation, and second one was a cultural event in conjunction of our 50th Independence celebration in Pekan Nenas. The latter was expecting attendance of some YBs and Ministers to grace the events. The third event was truly a blast! A morning event with Latin Grammy Winner and Grammy Nominee performer who hails all the way from New York!

Ironically, though I have been weary of being emcee, but these events extraordinaire and the chance of meeting some extraordinary people and prominent figures were just too hard to resist. Thinking back, it was due to many emceeing jobs which I took up during my schooldays which propelled my self-confidence. Taking up the tasks by SGM have redefined my vow… There is no stop to learning; the more you feel that you have mastered the trade, the more you need to learn. It built my passion again for this trade.

Hope that the best is yet to come… Thanks to you, SGM!!

Sneek Preview to Malam Mesra Muhibah Pekan Nenas

I don't know why i can't upload more than 5 photos in the previous post. Maybe it has a limit. Anyway, here are more photos from the rehearsal for yours truly!!! Enjoy...

Preparing for A Great Show

It has been a busy week indeed, in many ways; tests, assignments, meetings and researches… Nevertheless, I am looking forward for a splendid showcase over the weekend. SGM Johor branch is organizing a special cultural showcase in Pekan Nenas in conjunction of the 50th anniversary of independence of our nation. Also will be attending to grace the event are assemblymen, parliament members, and Minister of Housing and Local Government, Dato Seri Ong Ka Ting.

I was selected as the emcee for the two night’s event. I was there for the rehearsal on last week and it was really touching to see some 600 performers, crews and organizers coming together to prepare for the event. The young and the old from SGM Johor branch have been coming together to ensure the success of the event.

Details of the event are as follow:

Venue: SRJK (C) Yu Ming 1, Pekan Nenas
Time: 8pm -10pm
Admission: FOC

Just to show a sneek preview of what’s happening on the nights, here are some pictures I took during the rehearsal. Let me assure you that the best is yet to be showcased… Come and see for yourself on this wonderful cultural enriching odyssey!!!