Boehringer Ingleheim - Rockers Nite : Hard Rock Hotel Penang 15 Jan 2010

Following my performance in December 2009 for Federal Express at Hard Rock Hotel Penang, we plan to take the kids there on our own for a holiday, as they would love the huge water slides and splash park.

It was indeed a true blessing for us to have another performance request on 15 Jan 2010 for Boehringer Ingleheim, a German-based pharmaceutical company, that ranks among the top 20 in the world. What's more, the air-tickets for me & my family were sponsored, along with a food & accomodation at the esteemed Hard Rock Hotel Penang. Arriving at the airport, I met my correspondent, holding up a notice with my name, and was subsequently ushered to a Toyota Estima, heading towards the hotel. What a superstar treatment...I could get used to this kind of lifestyle :)

Collaborating with me as the Emcee for the evening was none other than the local TV/Radio personality, Serena C. Serena started as a radio announcer in Hitz.fm and her popularity over the years made her a regular local celebrity seen in many high class functions for the rich & famous.



The setting at the Hall of Fame with the 'Rockers Nite' theme had banners of Icons such as Marilyn Manson, Lady Gaga & Adam Lambert.



Props outside the hall included 3 Harley Davidson bikes, which were later used as the opening act where the bikers convoy rode into the hall with the MD for Malaysia & Singapore, Mr. Mark Langston.







With the crowd already in a rockin' mood, my Elvis performance turned them even wilder as I started with a bang, rendering 'Hound Dog'. I had to be careful singing 'Wooden Heart' as the song was partly in German, since the Corporation is after all, German-based :)

There was tremendous response from the crowd as I crooned 'Can't Help Falling In Love', much to their delight, that they started to sing along with me for the entire song.


My finale act was 'Burning Love', which was after I had invited the crowd to join me on the dance floor. Many of them gladly filled up the dance floor, and with that, my performance ended with another bang...



Me posing with Mr. Mark Langston, dressed perfectly to the Rockers Nite' theme.








Meanwhile, back in our room, Bradley & Brandel were fast asleep, as they were probably exhausted from all the slide rides & water fun in the afternoon.



The next day, we had a nice lunch at Hard Rock Cafe, before flying back to Kuala Lumpur.
All in all, it was a very enjoyable sponsored trip for us. Hope to be back in Hard Rock Hotel again soon...






















Filming of a TV reality dance show - 9 Jan 2010

9 Jan 2010 - It was an exciting day for me, as I had the honour to be the dance instructor for a TV reality dance show. The concept of the TV show is simply unique...each episode features a specific dance which the 2 lovely energetic hosts will be taught its choreography. This particular episode zooms in on Elvis' dance moves...cool.

It started with me meeting up with the hosts and the production crew at Beyoga studio in Damansara Perdana.

This is the modern & lavishly designed Beyoga studio. We occupied the studio at the ground floor. To make the reality show even more 'real', we left the window blinds up, and passer-bys from outside could see all the action.


Our dance studio for the learning sessions.



I decided to use my choreography of 'Hound Dog' for the TV show. A little background of the song...in 1956, Elvis appeared on the Milton Berle show, and did his superb rendition of 'Hound Dog'. The song ended but didn't quite end just yet...Elvis resumed the song to a slower tempo with a 'Blues' feel, while gyrating his hips in slow motion, much to the delight of the screaming ladies. However, his performance was criticized by the press, giving birth to the nickname 'Elvis the Pelvis', citing him as untalented with offensive dance moves. Understandably, this occurred in the era where people in general were more conservative, and have had no exposure to such 'out-of-this-world' gyrating dance moves. Using this 'controversial' Hound Dog choreography would be an interesting concept for the episode, as it showcases several trademark Elvis moves.

Meet my 'students'...fellow hosts for the TV show, Qi Qushairi (Qi is pronounced as 'Chee') and Julie Woon, both from the famous local TV series 'Blogger Boy'. We started from scratch, and after 4 hours of intense practice (and sweat), they were ready to showcase their newly acquired talent.

I put on a T-shirt that says 'Nobody Knows I'm Elvis' for the studio shooting part. My father-in-law bought this shirt for me, and I think it's kinda cool and really suits the occasion. :)
Meet Ninie Ahmad, the celebrity Yoga instructor, and also the owner of Beyoga studio.


The final segment of the episode was filmed in Ol' Skool pub in Jalan Gasing. This is where the hosts would showcase their dance moves to the public, entirely on their own. They were all geared up for it, dressed in Elvis costumes.




As the day before (8 Jan 2010) was the 75th birthday of Elvis, we decided to throw a mini Elvis performance that night. I started my performance with 'It's now or never', followed by other popular favourites like 'Wooden Heart' and 'Can't help falling in love'. The crowd was very pleased, and among them was Mr. & Mrs. Lim, who just celebrated their 30th wedding anniversary.



I kept the finale with the special dance performance by our new Elvises in town - Qi & Julie. They danced very well, and the encouraging crowd clapped along with smiling faces, ending with roaring applause. Well done, guys! The crowd wanted more, so I took the lead with the same song, while Qi & Julie backed me on stage. We were all synchronized in our choreography, and the crowd went even wilder. With that I sang 2 more fast numbers, dedicated to the wonderful audience.


Me with the cast & TV crew. Next to me in red is my wife, Natalie. The lady on the left of me, that is...




Another photo with some whacky pose.


It was a fun day for me. I really enjoyed myself working with the hosts and TV crew. This programme will be aired in mid year. More announcements to come once I have the exact airing date information.



A big thank you to the Director, Brian and your excellent crew members, along with the 2 hosts.

It was a pleasure working with your team.


And not forgetting, thank you to Ninie of Beyoga studio & Calvin of Ol' Skool pub for the use of your venues for the filming.








Personal write-up : The Star 22 Oct 2005

The personal write-up on my Elvis impersonation first appeared in The Star dated 22 Oct 2005. It describes about my background and the inspiration from my dad, an Elvis fan.
Another well written article by Ms. Grace Chen.








The Star 18 July 2001 - Winner for Boyz II Men singing competition

Here is an old article I've been keeping all these years. Back in 2001, I participated in the Boyz II Men singing competition organized by Universal Music & MIX FM, held at Red Box in Low Yat Plaza. This was one of the competitions I won during my early years of singing. I was the champion, sweeping the grand prize of RM2,000 cash & a holiday for 2 at Club Med Ria Bintan, Indonesia.


Caption says : Wong's acapella version of "It's So Hard To Say Goodbye to Yesterday' won him the first prize.

Sin Chew Jit Poh, 7 Jan 2010 - Metro page 13 : Coverage on AUTORR Unforgettable Evening Performance

Here's an article taken from Sin Chew Jit Poh on the AUTORR charity event. It covers the background of the foundation and more information on the fund raising event.



Translated caption for my pic:
"Outstanding performance by Elvis of Malaysia, much to the delight of the audience with great applause"

An Unforgettable Evening - AUTORR Charity event at KL PAC : 5 Jan 2010

The AUTORR (Aged Unite To Organize Rest & Recreation) Foundation held a fund raising charity performance at the Kuala Lumpur Performing Arts Centre on 5 Jan 2010. It was a 'sold-out' event with star-studded entertainers.

The 1st segment featured a musical of love songs, produced by Nell Ng, and latin dance by Zjen Fong & Evon Chong. The 2nd segment had me as Elvis, Tenor Master Lim Cheng Hock & Soprano Kong Sook Fan, and Reizo Zen as Michael Jackson.


It was a highly successful event, with the audience enjoying the entire show thoroughly.
I showcased a combination of Rock N Roll songs and evergreen hits from Elvis, with the crowd clapping and singing along. My performance ended with 'Unforgettable', with appreciation to the committee members for their commitment & hard work in organizing the event, and to all the audience, whose contribution goes a long way for a worthy cause for the senior citizens.


The finale song for the evening was 'We are the world', with the cast & committee members on stage bidding farewell to the audience. Many of them came to us and shoke our hands with words of praises & compliments.


Once again, many were pleased with my Elvis performance with all smiles. Brisk sales on my CDs ensued at the end of the show, thanks to the remarkable support from the audience. I had the honour in meeting Dato' Faridah Merican, the founder of KLPAC, and her spouse. She bought a copy of my CD too :)


The ascending colourful seats at the KL PAC hall.



The banner for the evening performance.












The Elvis tip-toe dance move.





With the AUTORR Committee members & Dato' Faridah Merican.
The elegant lady in black is the Ms. Lin Chua, grand-daughter of Kapitan Yap Kwan Seng.
She is the Founder and Chair-person of AUTORR Foundation.

To the AUTORR Foundation, congratulations on your successful event, and all the best to your future projects.

Wedding Dinner of Bryan & Carey - 1.1.2010

Bryan Wong & Carey Khor held their lavish wedding dinner at the Grand Imperial Restaurant in Hartamas Shopping Center, on a uniquely auspicious date - 1.1.2010. This new restaurant has a modern feel with decorative lightings hanging from the ceiling. The hall is also fitted with wall-mounted speakers all over the place, giving it an excellent audio coverage from any sitting position.

The dinner commenced with food presentation to the song 'Be Our Guest', accompanied by special lighting visual effects with the sections of ceiling lights flashing intermittently in sequence, giving it the 'Las Vegas cabaret' style.


The guests at the main hall, with full house attendance.


The signature wedding cake with figurines of the bride & groom. This customized cake was freshly assembled at the venue prior to the dinner, and is fully edible.


The lovely wedding couple at the toasting ceremony.

Entertainment by a 3-piece live band with a fusion of Western & Eastern musical instruments.


The wedding singer - a special Elvis presentation with Rock N Roll songs and sentimental love songs to suit the mood for the evening.

Wishing Bryan & Carey a blessed marriage, and a wonderful journey as you begin life together as one. To Mrs. Khor & family, best wishes & congratulations. Glad you all enjoyed my performance, thanks for everything.