Faber-Castell 250th anniversary mega event : 11 Nov 2011

With the 11.11.11 being an auspicious date for the year, Faber-Castell Group of Companies decided to celebrate its 250^th anniversary on that day. Held as a Chinese course dinner event at the grand ballroom of Dorsett Regency Subang, its stage was fitted with extra wide projector screen from corner to corner, giving a spectacular visual experience.

Special exhibits at the reception.

Guests at the packed grand ballroom.

VVIPs who officiated the event were Count Anton von Faber-Castell, the current CEO of the Faber-Castell Group of Companies (a successful family-run worldwide business),and Dr. Toh, Managing Director for Malaysia and joint MD for Asia Pacific. It was an honour for me to able to meet them in person.

There was a unique video presentation on the origins of Faber-Castell and its evolution through its 250 years. At certain scenes, it had a combination of 3 different video screens projected on the extra wide screen, making the story-line visually entertaining.

Dinner followed suit and not long after that, it was show-time! As usual, I started with “Hound Dog”, a catchy Rock N Roll song whom everyone is familiar with, greeted with warm applause from guests at the 70 tables across the super huge ‘pillar-less’ ballroom. Other songs in the repertoire include “Can’t help falling in love”, “Devil in disguise”, “Blue suede shoes” and a gospel number with a heart-warming message, “Crying in the chapel”.

Rendering a song with the VVIP guests looking on.

At the video monitor in the AV control section.

The video displays projected from the AV control section.

I ended with “Burning Love”, which made the crowd grew wilder. Even Dr. Toh from the VVIP table near the stage found it so irresistible, that he had to grab a partner to the dance-floor. What an awesome finale with partying hosts!

Thank God for another high-profile event added to my series of performances. It was indeed an honour to be part of an event celebrating a quarter of a millennium. Here’s wishing Faber-Castell a Happy 250^th Anniversary and many more golden years to come with sustainable growth and advancement. Cheers!

Posing with the intricate ice sculpture after another successful event.

Special article featured in Guang Ming Daily : 6 Oct 2011

Following my performance at the Elvis event at Ol' Skool pub in August 2011, I was invited for a personal interview by Chau Yueh Shyang, the renowned professional reporter from Guang Ming Daily.

Chau is a friendly & down-to-earth person, and made me feel very comfortable during the interview, which seemed more like a casual chat with a long lost friend.

Among topics covered were how I became an Elvis Tribute Artiste; and people who inspired & supported me to realize my dream.

I also shared about my wedding day which falls on 1 May (some years back), which was coincidentally the actual wedding day of Elvis & Priscilla in 1967. I chose the day because I would get a day off for my anniversary, not knowing about its related significance until I became an Elvis Tribute Artiste a year into my marriage.

Another special incident occurred at the birth of my second son, Brandel. At the operation theater, the doctor had a CD of evergreen songs on the player. Right at the moment of delivery, along came the song "It's now or never",on the dot precisely.... My wife & I looked at each other and smiled with a 'hidden connection' - that song was the opening song for my performances back then. Hmm....another Elvis in the making...?

For the photo session after the interview, I took out my Elvis props - framed giant poster, postcards & memorabilia items I bought from Graceland, Elvis vinyl records, T-shirts, my prized Elvis trophy etc.

It was a great experience for me, and a truly enjoyable meeting with Chau. A big thanks to Chau, for the impressive article with center-page glamour pic.

The photographer at work, with Chau looking on.

Me & my Elvis collection

Me with Chau & photographer from Guang Ming Daily.

The published article with excellent write-up.

Online version :

Elvis clones at Ol' Skool pub : 21 Aug 2012

On 21 Aug 2012, Ol’ Skool pub in Petaling Jaya had a mega Elvis event, with over 10 local impersonators taking the stage for a continuous marathon performance from 4 pm to midnight. This was to commemorate the 33^rd anniversary of Elvis Presley’s passing. To spice up the atmosphere, pub owner Calvin even managed to rope in a pink Cadillac.

Passers-by were caught by surprise with the entourage of Elvis clones in various outfits standing next to the retro Elvis vehicle. Some took time off to take some shots with us.

Customers quickly filled up the seats when the doors were opened. It was already full-house when show-time commenced.

It was another successful event at Ol’ Skool, being a reputable Elvis event venue in Klang Valley, that is capable to draw the crowd, even on a Sunday afternoon. Well done, Calvin.

Me in the gold suit. It was a good choice since everyone else would be in a jumpsuit.

The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Show - 16 Aug 2011

Many years ago, while I was at the Genting Indoor Themepark in the First World Resort, I noticed a distinctive pub with live band packed with a full crowd. The music would fill the surrounding area, with curious onlookers passing by, catching a glimpse of the action. I thought to myself, "Wouldn't it be awesome if I could sing there one fine day."

Fast forward to 16 Aug 2011 as that one fine day. In commemoration of the 34th anniversary of the passing of Elvis Presley, yours truly had the honour to perform The Ultimate Elvis Tribute Show at The Patio, First World Resort. This mega event was organized by Resorts World Genting , with a solid 1-hour tribute show featuring songs from 50s to 70s.

I even had a small contingent of police officers as my bodyguards to escort me from the hotel lobby to the stage and back. That was so cool & hyped up all the suspense with fans requesting for photo shots with me.

With the cops, ready to be escorted to the stage.

The performance began at 11:30 pm, with the crowd building up since hours ago. As the emcee announced my arrival, the crowd went wild as the Space Odyssey (the classic Elvis concert intro music) plays. I burst into action with 'Hound Dog' after the blasts of confetti officiates the grand opening.

The opening act with a bang - blasts of confetti ushering the start of my performance.

It was a full-house crowd, an amazing feat for a weekday event. There were great cheers, while ardent Elvis fans sang along to my songs. You can tell they are real Elvis fans when they can even sing along to the 'spoken part' of 'Are you lonesome tonight' and the German lyrics of 'Wooden Heart'.

The enthusiastic crowd was a real 'morale booster' for me.

My second set commenced at 1 am, and yet the crowd was still there, patiently waiting for more of Elvis songs. It was a wonderful night for me. Simply unforgettable.

Escorted to the stage for my second appearance for the night.

The view from the bridge leading to The Patio.

The event coverage was recorded live by the Genting Media crew.

My performance ended with an encore from the crowd. I couldn't say no to such a wonderful crowd, so I threw in 'Jailhouse Rock' to the delight of the crowd.

Posing with the management of The Patio, that did a really good job serving the patrons all night long.

Before I returned to my room, an interview session was arranged by Oprah. Yes, her name is really Oprah and she is from the Genting Media team.

With another successful event added to my accolades, I have Jesus to thank for such a timely opportunity for a high profile mega event. Last but definitely not least, my appreciation goes to my wife-cum-manager, Natalie for her assistance and capturing the event on excellent photos & video.

Apr 2011 : Birthday bash party @ Royale Chulan Hotel Kuala Lumpur

A mega event was held at the Royale Chulan Hotel, the latest 5 star addition to the vicinity of the golden triangle area in the heart of Kuala Lumpur.
Featured performers include comedians Jit Murad and the Comedy Court duo.
The host for the evening was none other than the legendary Yasmin Yusof.

Royale Chulan Hotel, Kuala Lumpur

I felt like a VIP, pampered with a day use room and sumptous in-room dining.

Feeling relaxed and rejuvinated certainly gives a boost to the performance.

The theme for the night was Swinging 60s, complemented with giant sized banners and props.

The dinner event was held in conjunction with the birthday of a prominent Datuk, cum gathering for the alumni of former students of Victoria Institute Kuala Lumpur.

I was one of the 3 Elvis impersonators that night, and we shared the stage with solo and group performances. It was certainly a rocking good time for everyone. With the birthday-boy and guests being ardent Elvis fans, we garnered tremendous applause especially at the finale trio song of 'Can't Help Falling In Love'.

Another successful event, with the help of my talent manager Natalie.

April 2011 : ICO Polymers Conference Dinner @ Hard Rock Cafe Penang

Similar to my recent performance for foreign audience at the Sunway Surf Beach, I had the privilege to entertain a group of conference delegates from ICO Polymers Australia.

It was my 3rd Elvis performance at the esteemed Hard Rock Hotel Penang, tagged with a short holiday in the Pearl of the Orient.
This was a special occasion as the venue was not at the usual Hall of Fame ballroom, but rather at the Hard Rock Cafe restaurant itself, decorated with cool memorabilias on the Rock N Roll theme.

Chilling out with my wife, Natalie, at the upper floor before the performance

The entire restaurant was closed for our exclusive private function.
Needless to say, with great ambience, the sound system was excellent for the full house multi-national crowd of 300 pax.

With Hound Dog as my opening act, it literally brought down the house with thunderous applause from the audience.
Perhaps they least expect to find a Malaysian as an Elvis Tribute Artiste.

Notice the live recordings on mobile gadgets by the audience :)

There was fun and laughter in the air, with ardent Elvis fans singing along, and good response at my spontaneous funny lines.
Popular Elvis songs filled the night, such as 'Blue hawaii', 'Can't help falling in love', 'It's now or never' and 'Don't be cruel'.

It was an awesome night, ending with my finale song, 'Burning Love', which was my victory song that earned me the grand prize of a trip to Graceland.




My post-performance mingling session with the crowd was equally exciting, meeting guests from Thailand, Australia, America and Singapore.
A gentleman even suggested that I participate in their annual Elvis impersonation contest in Australia, citing that I'll surely win. I was really flattered with that statement.

Posing with the F&B Assistant Manager

All in all, it was a satisfying performance, being able to live up to international standards for live entertainment.
The audience was very warm and affectionate, and full of praises.

My evening ended with a bonus - the signature Hard Rock Cafe's brownie dessert on the house ... yummy.

Natalie with the brownie dessert, both looking very appetizing.

Looking forward to my next mega performance ... stay tuned to find out more.

AIIGMA Rocks! at Sunway Lagoon Surf Beach : Feb 2011

I had the honour to entertain a group of business partners & associates from AIIGMA , India (All India Industrial Gases Manufacturers Association).

The theme was 'AIIGMA Rocks!' and its venue was none other than the Surf Beach in Sunway Lagoon.

The floating stage was set apart from the beach area where dinner was served.
With superb 'concert-like' sound system, it was such a delight to sing.
Several Elvis fans from the crowd sang along to familiar tunes like 'Can't Help Falling In Love'. Elvis' songs are indeed evergreen & widely received globally.






As my premier event for 2011 to an 'international' audience, this was certainly a GREAT start to another year of exciting performances.

To my friends from India, hope you thoroughly enjoyed your stay in Malaysia & had an unforgettable evening with Yours Truly.