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.