Hollywood Calling...

Someone asked me sometime ago, why do I have a picture of the Hollywood sign on my main blog banner up there? Take a look; you see it as well, right?

Well, the honest answer is that it was done more out of convenience. I wanted to have a custom banner sometime back, and I did try out a couple of other images (including one of me in front of Hard Rock Café Bangkok), but somehow I couldn’t get the size right.

Then I tried this image, and it turned out OK.

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But now, I’d like to think that it’s become a clear sign of ambition. Of what, you ask? Well, for me to make it there. Yes, “there” meaning Hollywood.

OK, have your laugh. NOW, can I explain further?

Like I’ve mentioned a couple of times here, screenwriting is a passion I have found this past one year. I’ve been writing other stuff all my life, but only recently did I take the time to fully learn and understand the finer points of the art of screenwriting.

In late 2007, I conceptualized the story of ‘Kerana Karina’, Malaysia’s first-ever online drama on gua.com.my. KK also had 2 other sequels, but all three scripts were written by someone else.

But when an idea of mine was considered good enough to be made into a movie last year, it started the screenwriting ball rolling for me and my partner in crime for this particular project, Izham.

That particular screenplay is already done, and earlier this year, I wrote solo and came up with ‘Mingguan Lelaki’, which can be viewed here.

And currently, I’ve got a couple more projects on the plate that should be completed by the end of the year.

So, back to the Hollywood thingy… Well, that’s what I’m aiming for, to put it simply. Maybe I’ll sell a full screenplay or just a story idea, but the goal is quite straightforward really.

Aiming too high? Maybe. But so far in life I’ve achieved quite a number of things I never thought I would; like being in the Juara Lagu finals (twice), editing a national newspaper and having a book published.

Hollywood might be a tad loftier, but why the hell not? I’ve written lyrics to music by this composer Zuraini, and the girl has actually won a Grammy. A Grammy!

At this point of my life, what good is it to aim local and be contented with that? So folks, do watch this space. It might take a while, but I sure as hell will give it my best shot…

Selamat Hari Raya!

GUA Dah 2 Tahun TVC

Yeah, I'll Wear This...

After some 17 years, I will finally get to wear a Liverpool jersey again! Oh yes, the announcement has been made that the Reds will be getting a new jersey sponsor, Standard Chartered, who will be paying GBP20m for the next four years for the privilage of having its logo on the chests of Gerarrd and co.

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Which is excellent news for fans such as myself who wouldn't wear the Carlsberg-logoed kit all these years. I've bought plenty of team t-shirts, but not the actual jersey. Hey, I've got principles ok?

But all that is gonna change come the 2010/11 with Standard Chartered in the fray. And because I've missed out for so long, I might just buy 11 pieces with different names on the back. Just don't expect to see VORONIN though...

GUA Turns 2 In Style!

Oh what a night it was last Friday! Gua.com.my turned two and we celebrated it in style. Held at the Dewan Tun Rahah, Menara Yayasan Tun Razak, the buka puasa do saw a good turn out by partners, artists, gua members and especially the media.

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Cheryl Samad was the host and guests were treated to performances by Shila, Tomok and the two Aliffs, Aliff Satar and Aliff Aziz (the dude currently mired in a kissing controversy). But even more special were the sketches and musicals that the Alt Media staff put together. It was my idea to get the guys on stage and boy did they deliver.

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Feedback from most guests was that our guys really rocked! And it was evident to everyone as well what a great and talented team we have.

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The evening though started off rather slow. Traffic outside was a nightmare, and that caused most of the guests to be barely on time or slightly late. But once everyone tucked into the excellent food and the chatter began, the atmosphere was festive and simply electric.

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Oh yeah, we even had a lucky draw and gave away some nice goodies including MP3 players, a camera, DVD players, a Canon printer and Cosmopolitan goodie bags.

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We gave away tokens of appreciation to members of the media as well who turned out in force including those from Utusan, Melodi, Kosmo!, MHI, Remaja, Breakfast Show, Media Hiburan, Cosmopolitan, EH!, In Trend and banyak lagi lah!

Apart from the abovementioned, other celebs who turned up included Fazren Rafey, Maya Karin, Imran Ajmain, Amylea, the Jelma cast, GUA hosts Ben Ibrahim and Adrea etc.

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And finally we had the obligatory cake-cutting ceremony and loads of cam-whoring afterwards.

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Thanks to everyone who made the event a success! And be sure to continue to support Malaysia’s No1 entertainment and lifestyle portal, gua.com.my!

GUA Turns 2 Today!

Yes, it's been two years of blood (some, really!), sweat (loads) and tears (a couple, maybe). But most importantly, it's been one fun and damn satisfying ride.

And I'm happy to report that gua.com.my has firmly established iself as the leading Malaysian online entertainment and lifestyle brand. Says who? Well, says Comscore, the Nielsen of online.

For most months this year, gua.com.my has led the rankings, leaving the rest (they know who they are), eating cyber dust. Oh yes, I have no qualms telling the rest to, you know, Suck It.

The success of course has to be attributed to our fantastic and talented team. Thanks also to the bunch of scandalous artistes who constantly help to keep our gossip pages flaming hot. So, hurrah for the scandalous lot!

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Having said all that, there's still a lot of work to be done. For one, competition is getting stiffer by the day. More and more entertainment "portals" are popping up, most of which shamelessly steal our content while breaking a host of other laws. But hey, we know how things roll these days and we're down with that (for now)...

And then there's the constant need to improve our own stuff, which our guys are totally committed to. So while it's been an incredible two years, look out for major changes coming in these next few months that will move our bar from great to awesome.

So thanks for all the support peeps! There's gonna be a cool buka puasa do tonight and I'll be sure to post up the photos later. Cheers!

You’re Not Really A Football Fan, If…

… you call football “soccer”.

… your reply to the question, “what is your favourite team?”, is: “I QUITE like Spurs”.

… you support “Brazil” – even in the EPL.

… you go to a mamak on a Saturday night, and ask them to switch the channel to HBO.

… you only check the weekend matches results on TUESDAY.

… you need to ask what the default jersey colour of Liverpool is.

… you watch it if there’s nothing else on TV.

… you have enough sleep during World Cup month.

… you get your footie info from HOT and GALAXIE magazines.

… you support TEAMS, and not any team in particular.

… you support the LEAGUE, and not the teams.

… you describe a football player (any football player), as “cute”.

… you ask if Steve Archibald is still playing.

… you subscribe to the Mustika package, but not the sports package.

… you don’t go crazy during bloody International Week.

… you put up stickers of BOTH Man U and Liverpool on your car.
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