I realise this blog has become increasingly impersonal. Perhaps subconsciously, I had been trying to be more businesslike, and limit myself from sharing personal things. It probably also doesn’t help that I don’t update as often as I should. So before 2016 ends, I’d like to talk about things that I’m grateful for. This is Part 1, and I’ll make this as food unrelated as possible.

First of all, work stuff.

Shows and Perfomances: 

I’ve been given some really great opportunities this year and I’ll have to say the biggest gig I’ve had the privilege to be a part of would be the Fatty Boom Boom contract. It wasn’t just about going out of my comfort zone and doing something entirely different from just performing with a band, it’s also about the bond and friendship formed from this group. So mama Joanne Kam and Llew Marsh, thank you so much for having me. Sachie, Prema, Ashley, Alesia, Bibi, Izen, and all the Divas whom I’ve worked with: Thank you for the fun memories and I hope to see everyone more next year!

Prema, Sachie and I at our recently corporate gig together

Group pic after performing our comedy and music showcase at LOL Livehouse

This year I’ve also done a hotel contract (RP Club, Saujana Hotel) for the first time with Mad Sally. Even though for me it was kinda half-committed (I couldn’t do the full 6 nights a week due to concurrent contract), it was a good experience nonetheless.

Another significant job for me would be the Bangsar Shopping Centre gig and for this I’d like to thank Adam Lobo for trusting me with this gig. I love how friendly and supportive the BSC crowd is, especially the kids. The recent Christmas show was so much fun!

Corporate show wise: The most significant show I’ve done this year would have to be for Samsung Annual Dinner where our band performed “Phantom of the Opera”. Of course, without Kevin this show wouldn’t have been possible (but I’ll get to you later).

Of course, I want to thank all the corporate clients and newlyweds who have engaged myself and Mad Sally for your events.

This year has been slow in terms of my own production, and this will be something we will focus on for 2017, bringing out more original music or even cover videos for you.

Teaching

I’ve been teaching at Epsom College in Malaysia (ECiM) for more than a year now and I’m most grateful for Dan who introduced me. And of course, all the teachers who’ve helped me along the way and all the parents who sent their kids to me. I have a bunch of really great students and all of them are really talented. It’s a privilege to be molding and shaping you all into great artists and I can’t wait for them to show the world what they’ve got.

Epsom Edge, the first performing art festival held at our school and pretty much everyone got to perform on stage, this was the prep school band. Super proud of them!

Apart from teaching at the school, I also have some private students and it’s always really heartening to see how much they enjoy performing and making music. Of course, not everyone aspires to become full-time singer/musician. But it’s always important to nurture your talent, and channel your passion.

Dan and I in the process of grooming the best girl band in KL.

Leisure

It’s been such a hectic year that almost all of our little trips were part of our outstation gigs as well. The only proper vacation we took this year was Koh Lipe, and boy was it a well-deserved trip. Total beach bum for 3 days, I also snorkeled for the first time and finally developed a decent tan. Hopefully we’ll get to see the world a little more next year.

Kevin: 

He has to be the whole title for a reason. Our relationship started because we worked together (he was the event organiser, I was the singer). Though of course some of you know that we reconnected through Tinder (a dating app). Since then we have also worked together for a few events. And from this year on he has decided to offer his service to me as a manager. If you ask me, this is probably the best thing that’s happened to me (and I’m totally not biased). Of course, we discovered our differences through working together; and had our ups and downs. But fundamentally, we are working together a better future. Thank you for standing up for me when I don’t have enough courage, and always be supportive of what I do, I know the term pillar of strength is cliche, but you truly are that, for me. 2016 has been a year of change for you; and maybe has not been exceptionally kind, so for 2017 let’s be that power couple and conquer the world together (in our respective fields, and crossing over).

Nerd Couple at Legoland, Johor Bahru.

Singapore Oct 9th. Birthday dinner.

McDonald’s gig: Working together first time after he’s offered to be my manager, though he was also event organisor for the show.

At The Social’s Grand Launch Great Gatsby party.

As with all the good things, I guess I should also mention that my social life has kinda taken a toll this year with my schedule. Though there have been many good memories made, there were also friends I might have neglected along the way. If you feel that way, I do apologise; and promise to put in more effort to check out gigs, hang out, have coffee etc etc with you in the new year. Til then, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Next post, I’ll talk about all the yummy stuff we’ve eaten this year!