Monday, February 28, 2011
And baby makes three
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
Designer Alvin Tay posed for the camera with Amber and her new baby while in hospital after the safe delivery. The baby has no name yet ;)
Baby boy for Amber
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
Just two days ago Amber was all glam and happily exchanging jokes with her guests at the launch of AX Public Relations and today she has given birth to her bouncing baby boy.Such is life. One minute you’re all heavy and preggers the next thing you know you are cradling your bundle of joy.
Let me see...what will be my son's name?
I wonder if Amber was surprised with the baby’s arrival. She did mention that the baby was due this coming Sunday. It’s pretty normal actually for babies to arrive a week before or a week after the expected due date.
According to a reliable source, Amber felt some discomfort after returning home from the launch of AXPR. At about 10.30am the next day (Tuesday) she left home for the hospital said to be somewhere in PJ. At 5.30pm she gave birth to a bouncing baby boy.
This person, who got news of the birth has been at the hospital since 10.30pm last night. Amber had her husband and close family and business members around lending support.
"The baby is so cute! He looks like his “daddy”. Healthy, fair, long and cute," he said.
"Amber is in good health," he added. "She's very fit and even said the delivery wasn't that tough and that it was very quick!"
Well, I guess the media will be clamouring for some exclusive interviews soon and the photographers will again have a field day capturing the family on camera. It seems Amber is already planning a party of sorts for friends of the media.
Whatever’s the plan, Amber sure need the one month long confinement period to rejuvenate. One baby is all it needs to change a peaceful life to utter havoc.
Congrats Amber!
Brain and beauty team
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
THE wind was a little unkind to Amber Chia and some of the women who were in their short dresses at the launch of AX Public Relations, the new consultancy company in town.The strong evening wind had Amber and the female guests clutching on to the hemlines of their dresses, scared out of their wits that they would be reavealing a little too much. One reporter was struggling to sign-in as she had to multi task – grab the pen and write her details and at the same time hang on to her short skirt.
A new partnership - Amber and Xavier.
Yesterdy was the official launch of AX, which belongs to Malaysia’s supermodel Amber Chia and her long time friend, Xavier Mah. While there is no real need to mention who Amber is due to her already wide popularity, many might be wondering who is this guy called Xavier.
Xavier has been doing public relations work for several years now. His previous job position before opening AXPR was with A Cut Above where he helped organised several impressive events that attracted considerable coverage in the Press.
This talented lad is also an experienced Programme Producer at one time. He dabbles in make-up artistry as well as write for several Chinese publications on a freelance basis.
Everyone giving the thumns-up after the signing ceremony.
The event was officiated by Y.B. Senator Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon, Minister in the Prime mInister’s Deapartment. Held at Skewers Subang Avenue the event attracted a lot of media attention and celebrities as well as friends showing support to Amber and Xavier’s challenging venture.
There is no question that AXPR is all ready to become a main player in the industry, securing several deals just hours before its launch for events targetted towards the last quarter of the year. It is also now the official publicist for Daphne Iking, Amber’s closest of friend.
A heavily pregnant Amber left much of the talking to Xavier on launch day as she played a more passive role, laughing at Tan Sri’s jokes amidst such a casual ambience. Tan Sri also asked the baby’s gender to which Amber said: “A boy.”
Together, Amber and Xavier plan to captivate their clients with quality event organising with reassurances of serving the best for their customers.
“We both have strong qualities,” said Amber. “By combinning our skills, talents and experience we are sure we will suceed in this new venture.”
The launch was held at Skewers, Subang Avenue.
After the welcome notes and Minister’s speech, the floor was opened for a Q&A session before the signing ceremony and photo-taking session. The rest of the evenings were spent enjoying the good food and drinks served, not to forget the good company.
Y.B. Senator Tan Sri Dr. Koh Tsu Koon, Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
Awesome Paris day out
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
Paris Hilton didn’t make it to KL but her video clips did. The launch of her Fall/Winter10 handbags collection held at the Centre Court of Pavilion KL went without a hitch. Although some invitees who confirmed attendance did not turn up the venue was still packed with guests. Some were tourists who got wind of the launch, never mind that the star wasn’t present.Although not a fan of Paris Hilton or her merchandise I do like the new fragrance Tease, which is a combination of fruity and floral essence. The perfume costs about RM209 if I’m not mistaken. Strangely there was no mention of Tease in the Press Release albeit mentioned by the MC after the fashion showcase of the new collection was over.
Paris Hilton's new fragrance and bags collection.
It was a well planned event with registration kicking off at 2.30pm and the showcase started at about 3pm. There were several video clips of Paris’ video messages, played in between the speeches and the showcases as well as at the closing of the event. And it was worth the two hours of sitting in our seats as the showcase featured about 50 or more of different styles, patterns and colours from the new handbag collection.
In her video message, Paris said she has every intention on coming to Malaysia especially since she has ha 10 years of business in Asia. The new collection aims to create fun and glam and made for easy carrying.
“The 2010 collection is more sophisticated than ever, spot-on and glam,” said Paris.
It is, she said, a mix of 30s and 40s and that retro is the keyword – very Marilyn Monroe. Paris particularly like the pink collection that she said is “for everybody – great size and very fashionable”.
“…I wanted bags that were going to look great and last a long time,” she added. To which the MC for the day stressed to guests present at the event that the Paris Hilton bags are not only stylish they are also scientifically made. The bags can take the weight of 12 Chihuahuas can not break! There goes…
Chloe (left) and Meisha giving it their best.
A great event, nice products and I made two new friends – 7-year-old Chloe Liu from Melbourne and 10-year-old Meisha Paris Raynes from Perth – who are die-hard fans of Paris Hilton. Chloe and Meisha were thrilled to be at the event with their mothers, Sue Sharp and Wendy De Lecq Le Montais (respectively).
Miwaki's girls May (left) and Shirley.
Then there were also Miwaki Sdn Bhd (the sole distributor of Paris Hilton Handbags)’s staffs Shirley Chong and May Yap who took the trouble to dress up for the occasion, accentuating their outfits with accessories in pink.
Will remember to drop these girls a copy of their photos. Paris Raynes especially will be thrilled.
No go in KL for Paris
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
It’s been confirmed. Paris Hilton will not be at the scheduled event in Kuala Lumpur for the launch of her Fall Winter 2010 Handbags Collection and her new fragrance Tease.Just 18 minutes after confirming my name in the invited media, the PR for Miwaki Sdn Bhd dropped me mail containing a press statement made by Miwaki Sdn Bhd & Prestige Products (M) Sdn Bhd that reads: “We have just received the disappointing news that Paris Hilton will not be joining us for the event scheduled for Friday, 24th September. Unfortunately, Paris was denied entry into Japan and advised to return to the US. She is truly disappointed and sad that she will miss her fans in Kuala Lumpur. Paris had wanted very much to visit Asia, to launch her Fall Winter 2010 Handbags collection and her new fragrance, Tease. We will keep you informed of Paris’ future plans to re-schedule her trip at a later date.”
Sorry folk. It's no go for Paris.
That quickly ended all the speculations among the Malaysian media and bloggers as to whether Paris Hilton would even reach KLIA. Well with all the “exciting” happenings and outcome at Japan’s Narita International Airport, chances are of course a “no go” in KL.
Anyway, I know a lot of haters are smiling and many more die-hard fans are walking around Pavilion feeling like their world just ended. Don’t fret. Paris Hilton’s products continue to grow strong in the market. The launch of her latest collection and fragrance will be as scheduled, albeit without the star. Some media people might turn up but I can easily assume many won’t and that the PRs will be busy just sending out releases and images to those still interested to run a thing or two on their product and fashion pages.
Simply the best
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
I have in the past attended several fashion related events around the Klang Valley but nothing touched me as much as the launch of Charles & Keith’s seventh outlet at Fahrenheit 88 (formerly KL Plaza mall) in the city centre.Instead of lanky models with pouting lips and dove eyes walking the runaway the store launch was graced by breast cancer patients who have battled the illness and survived. These women may not have the grace of trained models but their beauty shone through their vibrant and positive characters.
The officiating of the store launch.
Their presence at the event was not mentioned in the press release because it was intended to surprise guests. There were six of these special beauties and one acted as a spokesperson on behalf of the rest to speak about their life changing experience as a cancer patient.
Each of them worked the pink runaway with confidence, showcasing Charles & Keith’s latest collection of footwear, handbags, belts and sunglasses. One of the models even appeared with a classy black floppy ladies hat complete with sunglasses making her look like she just popped out from a fashion magazine.
Every time these women approached the runway, strut their stuff, posed for the cameras and then returned to the changing room for another round of change, they received massive applause repeatedly. Clearly, the appreciation was not just on the clothes they wore or the collections they showcased but it was also intended for their bravery and steadfastness.
The special models for the day gave extra meaning to the event.
PRIDE Foundation (Pink Ribbon Deeds) Communications Manager Priscillia Seelan talked about these women's excitement at being asked to turn themselves into runaway models for the day.
"They were so thrilled when we told them the news," Priscillia said.
"The first thing they wanted to know is if they'be be give a makeover and nice clothes to parade in," she said, obviously happy to have made these women's day.
Priscillia also said that this was the first time that the organisation had involved the participation of the patients themselves. Well, I'm hoping there will be more similar events in the future as I believe it helps boost these women's confidence.
The finale.
This particular store launch is especially meaningful for everyone involved as Charles & Keith had introduced its limited edition pink collection in support of PRIDE Foundation (Pink Ribbon Deeds) for breast cancer awareness.
The Pink Collection will be available in all Charles & Keith stores from Sept 24. Part of the proceeds from the sale of the Pink Collection will be donated to the Foundation. This is the first corporate social campaign for Charles & Keith West Malaysia.
Have you a colour theme?
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
Call me blur if you like but I never knew people actually take the trouble to dress to a colour theme for Hari Raya. Is this a norm among Malays during the season or does everyone does it – Chinese New Year, Deepavali, Christmas…what else?I came to know of this when I was on Facebook (self-confession – I’m a newbie!) reading a friend’s postings. Throughout Ramadan I’ve been reading her many posts to colleagues, friends, family members and her two wonderful children about having a real celebration this year.
“Come play fireworks” she would say.
“Come go to the Ramadan Bazaar” she invited.
“Come listen to Raya songs” she’d say and shared all kinds of Hari Raya songs with everyone who cared to listen. And they did.
I mean, she’s one hyper mom! Every day is full of life for her. Every day is a new beginning – new hopes, new dreams, new plans. And I adore her positive energy and enthusiasm and “game for anything” attitude.
Then suddenly I read one of her posts to her children: “Jangan lupa tema baju tahun ni warna oren… (Don’t forget this year’s colour theme is orange).
ORANGE??!!??! I asked myself.
THEME???!!! I asked myself.
Is she serious? I thought people only do this for weddings? Two of my family members were rolling on the floor when they saw me so wide-eyed.
They said: Hello, normal la. People do this all the time.
And there was I, wanting to be different from the rest of the world every time.
“Last year was green” this friend added on her wall.
“Pink pink” someone wrote and I almost collapse.
Dila and her orange family. Zue (left) and Abang.
And on the first day of Hari Raya I saw her plastered her family photos on FB, her son, her daughter and herself looking stunning in their orange traditional outfits.
As the day progressed I saw many more postings. One family wore all white, another all blue, another all red, and purple and all kinds of everything, every colour, every shade. Good God! I thought. I’ve been missing something all these years!
I browsed through the photos and some caught my attention so I asked permission to use them in my blog.
Sai's family chose purple and how stunning each one of them look.
While Dila and her children Zue and Abang looked like freshly squeezed orange juices (fresh and totally daringly different), Sai, hubby and her three daughters look stunning in their cleverly coordinated ribena Raya clothes. The women in this family sure have great fashion sense and I love the designs and different purple hues in each of their Raya dresses.
Hmm…I thought, not bad. My family members looked at me with half-raised eyebrows. One said: Thinking of next year’s colour theme?
Starting afresh
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
It's the end of Ramadan. Tonight we celebrate the first day of Syawal. It's time to bring out the traditional pelita and lampu kelip-kelip and turn the house and the garden into fairyland. Well, not really actually. I was just imagining how Hari Raya would be (if I was still a kid), should be (if family reunions are still practised), or had been (when I was a chubby five-year-old and Dad was still alive).A lot of things have changed in my life, within my family circle. Family members have drifted apart either through our careers or change in lifestyles and priorities. We do not keep in touch on a regular basis and those who do, do so via e-mail, Facebook, Twitter, anything that's Internet-based. Sad but true.
I grew up understanding that Hari Raya meant getting new clothes, getting Duit Raya from my elders, stuffing myself with lots of Hari Raya biscuits and cakes and traditional dishes and lying in a heap on the floor when I was too stuffed to move. I understood too that I got all these because I had been a good girl and fasted throughout Ramadan.
The Eve of Hari Raya sees the last of the Ramadan spread for Buka Puasa.
But all these material things lose their significance as I grew older and having a career and making my own money. I buy new clothes every other week or month, has the liberty of enjoying Raya cookies at any time of the year because people practically sell them throughout the year and traditional dishes are sold in ready-to-cook sachets - instant ketupat minus the casing, instant lemang complete with santan and instant Kuah Kacang that you need to only heat in boiling water. Where IS the FUN?
We talk about lampu pelita and lampu kelip kelip but how do we remain fascinated when you've seen the malls during Christmas and iCity even? Suddenly your parents' 10-foot running lights aren't bright enough and it is too tedious refilling the lampu pelita with kerosene for at least two weeks into Hari Raya.
Do we still make the traditional ketupat in daun palas?
Visiting our neighbours and relatives used to be a much look-forward to event but these days everyone wants to sit in front of the idiot box and watch Astro or download the latest movie, reality and dance shows from the Internet. Having to talk to a live person has become tedious - smile (yawn), light banter (yawn), insincere praises (yawn), pretending to recognise a long lost cousin (yawn) whereas the idiot box, the computer, the Blackberry and iPhone don't really have faces or voices or talk back or recognise you as so-and-so's sons or daughters (clap, clap, clap).
What stays true of Ramadan and Raya for me?
That the word of God is always about being a good person. Someone who forgives and forgets. Someone who cares for the needy, the deprived, the lonely. That there is good in many things and that the bad only comes from the hate within us.
There's hope yet to a fresh start.
The end of Ramadan symbolises our triumph in staying away from temptations and the forbidden as taught in the Al-Quran throughout the holy month. Now that Syawal has arrived, it is time to start a new chapter in our life.
What remains unchanged for me is my wait for Malam Lailatul Qadar when it is said that the first ayat of the Al-Quran was sent down. I have some dreams, a lot of wishes, plenty of prayers. I'm hoping Allah is listening because I believe He listens.
Big miss with Mr Wright
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
My greedy appetite took the better of me last weekend and I finished two big packs of durian and a piece of Durian Cake after a light Buka Puasa. That wasn't a very smart thing to do especially when I am fully aware how sensitive my body system is to heaty food.After buka I met up with some friends at a cafe in SS2 thinking I'd have a proper meal. By that I mean at least a plate of rice instead of slice after slice of Chocolate Cake downed with a Flat White. When the cafe reached its closing hours we continued to lepak at Murni, a favourite Mamak joint in the area. That's when my friends broke the news.
Bibi Kay Poh (in red), cousin to Joanne Kam on stage with Wright.
We have been invited to attend an exclusive performance by Joanne Kam Po Po with Ian Wright. Yes, you heard me right. Ian Wright - the famous, funny,
whacky, hilarious travel show host for Globe Trekker.
I was almost jumping off my stool with joy. I wanted to get some photos of this guy on stage with our very own Ms Voluptuous with the Mouth. No one, said my friend, is allowed to write or highlight the event in neither way nor post photos of Ian's exclusive "do" with Joanne.
Who cares I thought. I mean being in the midst of the small crowd in The Ship in Jalan Bukit Bintang, home of many of KL's drag show is fun enough, what more watching Wright and Joanne in action. Forget the write ups. It's time to relax with two bests!
According to my friend Tan, Joanne has been travelling with Wright to certain destinations in Malaysia since he arrived. And he is here for about a week.
Two big stars - Wright and Joanne - a hilarious pair!
When they were in Kota Baru, Kelantan to judge the state's famous annual Bird Singing Competition Joanne and Wright were really fascinated with the
birds' singing. "There were sounds of birds everywhere" Joanne had remarked to Tan.
The shoot at The Ship is to be included in the star's new show to be aired somewhere end of this year or early 2011. And what would be a better choice for someone as fun as Wright then to team up with Malaysia's Queen of Burlesque?
I was all excited and even posted in FB how I looked forward to the coming
Tuesday. Tuesday did come, along with migraine and a seriously upset stomach for me! At 11am I sms Tan and Rich to say I cancelled. Rich phoned but I was just too weak to take the call and when I woke up again it was 2pm! So much for getting things right for Mr Wright!
Some friends chilling out Wright and Joanne.
So al I did throughout the evening was keep myself posted of the event on FB through friends who kept making me go green with envy. Today I read about the "do" in The Star's DailyChilli written my ex-colleague Noorsila Abd Majid. Tan told me the producer had a last minute change of heart and allowed the media coverage since there was a poster plastered at the entrance of The Ship announcing the event.
"So it was fair play for everyone," said Tan (I bet he heard me swore repeatedly in my head!).
Tan said Rich was pulled up on stage to pole dance alongside another friend Gav.
"Gav was way better and won," said Tan. Now that's one scene I wouldn't want to miss and hope Rich would do it again.
What was Wright like, I asked.
"Funny and down-to-earth," said Tan. "Very much like what you see on TV."
And Joanne, I asked some more.
"She was really good. Very funny," Tan added.
About 50 people packed The Ship that evening. I should have been one of them. Well, I wasn't and so here are some photos supplied by Tan's friend Eugenie Chan. Thanks Eugenie... and Mr Wright, will you visit again, please?
* The Ian Wright-Joanne Kam special episode will be aired on TLC, Astro Channel 712 at the end of December (Source - http://www.dailychilli)
Goodbye August
Posted by: Phat Mama Post(s) by this blogger
My family and I ended the month of August with a family Buka Puasa at Indonesian restaurant Sari Ratu in Kota Damansara.Knowing the restaurant is popular especially during the fasting month, one of us took the initiative to make advance booking and pre-order the dishes for the breaking of fast
The location of the restaurant is convenient to us since it is just down the road from where we live. And having been there several times in the past we are assured of good food, although the prices of the dishes are higher than what you'd have to pay elsewhere.
We had about six different dishes ordered in small portions so we don't waste. The drinks themselves were already very filling. We had Ais Teler (something like Air Batu Campur but is laden with strips of fruits instead of maize and beans), a Mango juice and a Watermelon drink.
We got our food on time, so there was no delay in breaking fast but there were some customers whose dishes trickled to their table.
The one thing I hate about breaking fast in restaurants is when you are sitting so close to the next table that you feel seriously guilty eating when the customers at the next table are just playing with their fork and spoon with no food in sight. And I hesitate to offer my food less they think I think they are so greedy.
This time round my family sat just next to a family of three. Their drinks and dishes arrived on time except for the rice. Where were the plates of rice for them to eat?
The waiters and waitresses kept passing by bringing food and rice and more rice but no one stopped at this family's table. The wife started eating the fried chicken and the father kept calling out to the waiters and waitresses to bring their rice.
Every waiter and waitress who passed by and heard him calling said: Ya Pak. But nothing came. I was so annoyed! For God's sake please serve them the rice. Everyone else is enjoying their food.
Then one of my family members called out to the waitress and asked for one "nasi tambah" and lo and behold it came in just a split second. As the waiter was about to put the rice on our table I snapped: Why don't you bring this family their rice? They've been waiting for ages!"
The next minute three plates of rice arrived at the family's table. So you see, I just don't know how to shut up, especially when I'm annoyed. And there goes my extra points, again.
