Show off your talents

Filmmaker Yasmin Ahmad’s new film, Talentime, premieres on March 26.

The film boasts a host of new talents besides Yasmin’s usual team of actors and actresses.

The cast includes The Amazing Race Asia 2 runner-up Pamela Chong, Mahesh Jugal Kishore, Malaysian Idol winner Jaclyn Victor, vocal powerhouse Adibah Nor and funnyman Harith Iskander, who starred in Gubra and Sepet.

The movie is about high school students preparing for a talentime.

Gua (gua.com.my), with the support of Silkygirl, is organising a contest in conjunction with the film.

Participants may either sing, dance or play a musical instrument. They have to record a video of their performance and upload it on www.gua.com.my/talentime. All videos must be no longer than a minute.
Participants can submit multiple entries and compete in all three categories.

The weekly winners will win Silkygirl products worth RM300 each. Cash prizes of up to RM15,000 await the grand prize winners.

The contest runs until the end of the month. For more information log on to www.gua.com.my.

Weekend watch: Cities honoured with Heritage status

There will be a “live” telecast over RTM1 from Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur at 8.30pm of the official commemoration of Malacca and George Town as Unesco World Heritage sites.

The Badminton Super Series: China Open 2008 airs “live” over RTM1 this weekend. Catch the semi-finals tomorrow at 2pm and the finals on Sunday at 2pm.

The popular Konsert Jom Heboh is shown over TV3 this Sunday at 9pm). "Live" from Penang's Stadium Batu Kawan, the artistes performing include Krystal, Jaclyn Victor, Stacy (AF), Jeffridin, Datuk Siti Nurhaliza, Awie and Fazly Zainal.

New series Sonnria Pasta debuts over 8TV tomorrow at 4pm. It is about a girl whose short-lived relationships with men changes after an encounter with a celebrity.

This week's instalment of Music On 8 (8TV, tomorrow, 10.30am) features all-girl group The Pussycat Dolls.

Jaclyn Victor: In the camera’s eye

It’s a new career step as Jaclyn Victor delves into acting.

JACLYN Victor is definitely going places. It seemed only a while ago that she clinched the first Malaysian Idol title (in 2004) and now she is making her debut on the big screen.

Though her acting debut is in a supporting role, Jaclyn - or Jac as she’s known to her fans - is very excited about it. The movie, titled Talentime, has generated some early buzz and it is helmed by none other than award-winning director Yasmin Ahmad.

“I’m nervous and excited at the same time. This is my first attempt at acting,” said Jac recently during the filming of Talentime in Ipoh.

But Talentime was definitely not the first acting offer she has received. The 30-year-old was reported to have declined an offer from Mamat Khalid to act in his latest movie, Estet.

“People may think I’m choosy, but that’s not true,” she explained.

“I declined the role in Estet because I was busy with Asean Idol then.”

Jac added that Yasmin had offered her the role of Bavani in April, when she was not too occupied.

“In fact, Yasmin asked me a couple of times when we were shooting the Here In My home video clip at KLPac. She also asked whether I could speak Tamil and I said yes.”

While singing is second nature to this artiste, the idea of being in front of the camera was a daunting one.

Fortunately, she underwent three months’ training with the cast members. Also, she had on-screen chemistry with Mahesh Jugal Kishor (who plays Mahesh, Bavani’s younger brother).

On her role as 19-year-old Bavani, Jac said it was bit tough because the teenager was full of angst.

“Though Bavani loves her brother Mahesh to death, she is also jealous that her deaf and dumb brother is showered with all the love and attention by their family.”

How would Jac sum up her acting experience?

“Acting for the first time was really fun and working with Yasmin was a great experience. She knows what she wants from all of us. I was amazed to see how the other actors got into their characters so quickly. I guess that’s the difference between professionals and an amateur (like me),” she laughed.

“I learnt a lot about the relationship between the cast and the director. Yasmin gave us what we needed in order to play our roles convincingly. Acting is a different (challenge), compared with singing. It’s another level that you can feel all sorts of emotions.

“I’m still a singer, first and foremost,” said Jac, adding that she is currently busy selecting material for her latest and third studio album.

“My goal is to be involved 100% all the way to make sure that I’m happy with the result. My first album was just an introduction to who I am. My second album featured songs that are really beautiful and catchy. My third album will feature (songs with) more emotions on top of vocal techniques.

“Somehow, I’ve learnt to be patient and not rush things. I want to take my time in doing the album.”

Jac, who admits to being a perfectionist, takes great pride in the creative process and wants only the best from her recordings.

“I believe that the album is for keeps and I don’t want any mistakes. Your album will remind pople of who you are.”

Catch: A Heavenly King descends

The concert is in aid of China’s post-Sichuan earthquake efforts to rebuild schools, infrastructure and homes damaged by the natural disaster early this year.

The Love From Malaysia Charity Concert is organised by non-profit foundation I-Trust. The foundation’s mission is to raise funds through concerts, showcases and charity dinners to assist the underprivileged and victims of natural disasters in Asia.

The stars who will be performing in the one-night-only event include Andy Hui, Dicky Cheung, Lee Heung Kam, Van Fan, Desiree, JJ Jen, Andrew Tan, Christy Tan, 0MJH, Athena Beh, Tao Ping, Datin Maylene Yong, Jaclyn Victor, Juwita Suwito, Ning Baizura and Deborah Henry.

Hui, one of Hong Kong’s most bankable pop stars was the first runner-up in the Fifth Annual New Talent Singing Awards in 1986. His musical mentor was none other than the late Hong Kong pop queen Anita Mui.

In 2004, he was named as one of the “New Four Heavenly Kings” of Hong Kong pop music alongside Hacken Lee, Leo Ku and Edmond Leung. The first “Four Heavenly Kings” were Jacky Cheung, Andy Lau, Aaron Kwok and Leon Lai.
In 2005, the Hong Kong government honoured Hui as one of 10 Outstanding Young Persons for his excellence in music and film as well as community service.

Hui has appeared in more than 25 films which include Girls Without Tomorrow, Future Cops, Feel 100% Once More, Love Amoeba Style, Six Strong Guys, To Grow With Love, Silence and Dressage to Win.

Jaclyn, of Kuala Lumpur, was the winner of popular reality talent show Malaysian Idol’s first season in 2004. She subsequently emerged champion of Ikon Malaysia in 2007, besides winning the Asian Music Festival in 2005.

She has also won Best Female Artiste in Anugerah Planet Muzik 2006 and her hit song Gemilang won the Anugerah Juara Lagu that year. She also won four awards at the 13th Anugerah Industri Muzik namely Best New Artiste, Best Musical Arrangement in a Song, Best Pop Album and Best Album.

Early this year, she won Best Vocals in Anugerah Juara Lagu for her hit song Ceritera Cinta. Three of her popular songs have been used as television theme songs namely Cepat-Cepat for sitcom Fara, Satu Harapan for mini-series Manjalara and Wajah for documentary Bersamamu.

Ning, from Kajang, is a major name in pop, soul and R&B music and her discography includes nine full studio albums (two of which are full English albums), as well as numerous compilations.

She has won various industry awards and prizes, and has performed in Britain, Italy, France, China, Indonesia, South Korea, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, Pakistan and Monaco.

Ning is best known for her live stage performances, an extensive repertoire and her versatility. She is also an actor and appeared in musicals, films and telemovies.

Among the awards she has won include Album of the Year in Anugerah Industri Muzik 1993 (Dekat Padamu), Best Song in Anugerah Juara Lagu 1993 (Curiga) and Best Pop Album in Anugerah Industri Muzik 2005 (Erti Pertemuan).

Her notable films include Gemilang, Maria Mariana 2, Bara, Mimpi Moon, Malaikat Di Jendela, Lady Boss and Diva.

She has been the brand ambassador for Time.com, Imedeen, the Singapore Tourism Board, Ssangyong and the Carat Club.

Juwita, the sister of acclaimed composer Aubrey Suwito of Gemilang fame, is a singer and songwriter best known as the vocal coach for Malaysian Idol and the voice behind national tourism theme song Malaysia Truly Asia.

Jacklyn Victor attended at QuestNet 10th Anniversary

QuestNet, a leading network marketing company facilitating almost four million entrepreneurs across the globe, celebrated its tenth anniversary in style recently.

QuestNet's tenth anniversary event, held at the Sunway Resort and Spa, Petaling Jaya was attended by 2,500 enthusiastic entrepreneurs from 160 countries who have reaped financial rewards through the company's innovative business opportunities and interactive e-commerce platform since its inception in 1998.

"In a short span of 10 years, http://www.quest.net[QuestNet has expanded its presence globally to create a family of successful entrepreneurs," said JR Mayer, Managing Director of QuestNet. "Their success is indeed our passion -- and we have fulfilled our role in creating a community of enterprising individuals who collectively have contributed to QuestNet's strong global presence. But we will not stop here. We have gone through a decade of success and we are committed to another promising decade."

QuestNet has earmarked 2008 as the year of service distinction and excellence in the network marketing industry. The company plans to continue motivating and inspiring those who believe in making a significant change in their lives.

QuestNet, in conjunction with its first decade anniversary, announced the launch of QShoppe, an online retail business concept that allows QuestNet entrepreneurs to tap into unexplored markets, build a wider customer base, and discover fresh business opportunities.

"QuestNet has planned a series of celebratory events in various locations worldwide from now till December 2008 as our tribute to those who have been with us all these years. We have chosen Malaysia as our first destination because the country is beautiful, the people are friendly and we want to contribute to Malaysian tourism. We will definitely come back to host future events in Malaysia", JR Mayer added.

Guests who attended the anniversary event enjoyed a night of fireworks and energetic live performances by Malaysian pop icons Ning Baizura, Reshmonu, and Jaclyn Victor.

Group raps Kedah’s restrictions on women artistes

Kuala Lumpur: The Joint-Action Group for Gender Equality (JAG) has strongly condemned the Kedah government’s recent ruling to impose restrictions on women artistes.

The new ruling violated Article 8 of the Federal Constitution which prohibits gender discrimination and Malaysia’s commitment to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, it said. Under the new ruling, women can perform in front of an all-woman audience but restrictions apply for performances in open spaces, a Malay newspaper reported.

JAG said the new ruling contradicted the Pakatan Rakyat manifesto which promised a more democratic and inclusive society.

JAG added it violated women’s right to work and express themselves, denied the significant contributions of women in the arts and entertainment spheres, and attempted to silence women’s voices in the public space.

“The involvement of women in the entertainment profession is not alien to Malaysian culture,” it said.

“Singers such as Saloma, Sharifah Aini, Anita Sarawak, Sheila Majid, Siti Nurhaliza, Ella, Fish Leong, Suki, Ning Baizura, Jaclyn Victor and many others have long been accepted by Malaysian society and are part of our Malaysian cultural landscape.

“Some of them have also made us proud in the international arena.

“The Sultan of Selangor recently defended the performances of Ella and Mas Idayu, contradicting PAS’ extreme demand for the banning of the concert.”

JAG expressed hoped that political parties would share the wisdom of Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah who saw the arts as a beneficial platform to foster unity.

It also expressed its concern that the restrictions would also remove women artistes from traditional performances, cultural activities and theatre performances.

“It is not clear whether the ruling would extend to women on radio, television and films in the state.

“Are we embarking on a journey headed towards a point in time where women will not only be told what to wear but when to be seen and when to be heard?”

JAG - which comprises the Women’s Centre for Change, Penang; Women’s Aid Organisation; Sisters in Islam; Empower and the All Women’s Action Society - strongly urged the state government to retract the restrictions with immediate effect.

“No one – male or female, should be deprived of their right to a livelihood and participation in any sphere of Malaysian life.”

Prestigious reward

Success, for some, would be crossing continents, or owning a big organisation, or building a skyscraper. Others would consider bringing up children while juggling jobs as more of an achievement. Whatever the case may be, success stories are always worth telling. With this in mind, society magazine Prestige Malaysia, and CIMB Bank, through its priority banking service CIMB Club, collaborated to honour those who have excelled in their respective fields in their Prestige Malaysia Top 40 Under 40 project.

Recently, 40 individuals aged 40 and below gathered at the Grand Milennium Hotel, hoping to win the project’s The Most Promising Individual title. This is the first time the title has been introduced since the project started in 2005. All 40 candidates were profiled in a special booklet of the magazine’s issue this month. The individuals work in sectors such as communications, home and property, fashion, retail, food and beverage, technology and entertainment.

Voted by 400 guests at the event (the Who’s Who in the chosen industries), five candidates were shortlisted: YTL Group director of Investment Ruth Yeoh, Priority Communications executive director Elaine Chuah, chief executive officer of the Delicious chain of restaurants Benjamin Yong, award-winning artist and founder of Kartel Records Joe Flizzow and executive director of Crave Capital, Gerard Teoh.

Yeoh won the title, receiving a trophy from CR Media, a leather valet from Gold Sponsor CIMB Club, a ring worth RM10,000 from luxury watch brand Roger Dubuis, a shopping voucher worth RM3,000 from Melium Groups’ M Store, a hamper of beauty products from Laura Mercier, a limited edition coffee table book and VIP Service by Express Rail Link Sdn Bhd.

“I feel blessed and my first reaction upon winning was to thank God, my family and loved ones, as well as my friends. I believe confidence has nothing to do with how many awards one receives. It should be based on one’s capacity to keep working hard,” she said.

The 25-year-old is an environmentalist, leading her company’s environmental division. She also co-authored a book entitled Cut Carbon, Grow Profits: Business Strategies for Managing Climate Change and Sustainability with Dr Kenny Tang.  Also present at the event was Catcha Group chief executive officer Patrick Grove. “Yeoh was picked by her peers present. As achievers themselves, they were able to evaluate candidates on the attributes needed to win the award,” said Grove.

Other nominees for the award included Malaysia’s first astronaut, Datuk Dr Sheikh Muszaphar Shukor, actress and Sinclair Falak Sdn Bhd managing director Sazzy Falak, Naza Group vice-president Sheikh Mohd Faisal, entrepreneur and extreme sports lover Maznah Zolkifly, singer Jaclyn Victor and Melissa Indot.