Back to work.

After a good long holiday, my girls are all finally back at work again. And what a way to start the New Year; Ning had two shows back to back on the same night last Saturday, Nikki went on the ABP Road Tour up north over the weekend and Yanie is in full swing promoting her duet with Diddy and finishing up the recording of her debut album. Yes, contrary to popular belief, artistes WORK.

And as for me, I am busy figuring out how to use the new phone I received for Christmas that has a 3.2 megapixel camera. The pictures are pretty sharp, but as with all things technologically advanced, there are just far too many modes and features that I have to learn and get used to. All the pics in this post are taken from the new camera. I am still experimenting with the camera to get the best results. Let me know what you think so far.

On with my girls...

Our resident DIVA had her first show of the year last Saturday night at Sunway Convention, for a tupperware company. It was a chinese owned company, and so she wore a red cheong sam with kimono sleeves designed by Michael Ong, one of the top designers in the country.

As always, Ning, the seasoned pro that she is, worked the room.

And the room came up to her! Our DIVA obliged and knelt by the edge of the stage to give fans a good close-up.

Vince was the other artiste performing and he graciously agreed to pose with the DIVA.

Vince: Hey Vern! You didn't reply my sms.

Me: What sms?

Vince: The one inviting you to my Christmas party!

Me: Oh! That was you?

Vince: Yes, that was me! Same number what.

Me: Oh dear. I haven't added you to my new phone's contact list. Sorry!

Vince: You owe me one!

Vince was the first ever champion of the fabulously popular Malaysian reality talent search show, Akademi Fantasia. It's now into its 5th season. Vince is part Chinese and part English. Vince is a very nice boy :-)

Once we had finished the show, DIVA and the team made a mad dash for the car. This time, I didn't want to risk arriving late at the next venue. It was a Saturday night, and the quickest route from Sunway Convention to Titiwangsa would be choc-a-block. So I hired a chaffeur and a police outrider to escort us to our next venue.

It was quite an experience. Siren blazing, the outrider led the way, weaving in and out of traffic very precariously and I was certain our Merc would have crashed into a few of the vehicles on either sides of us.

We finally arrived Lake Titiwangsa Park for the launch of Visit Malaysia Year 2007, just in time for the finale which was scheduled to go live on Radio Televisyen Malaysia.

But a very self-important and over-zealous police officer posted at the main entrance refused us entry! I showed him our official passes and explained very slowly and clearly why he had to allow us through.

I pleaded, I begged and I even considered bribing, to no avail. He was adamant. So I called the organisers on the phone, who came rushing over. They pleaded too but this police officer seemed bent on not allowing our Mercedes through. So much for hiring an escort outrider to arrive the venue on time but to be stopped in your tracks by someone who wanted to show his authority.

Left with little choice, we braved the sweltering throng, like Moses braved the Red Sea. Street filled with noisy, sweaty, smelly bodies + screaming fans + harrassed DIVA = Very Bad Situation.

We persevered. And after wading through the masses for about 15 minutes, we arrived backstage. The finale had come and gone, and we had missed it, through no fault of ours. (Thank you Mr. All Powerful Police Officer)

DIVA made a bee-line for the toilet. I made a bee-line for the stage manager and explained the 'major production' we had suffered at the main entrance. He totally sympathised with our predicament, offered his profused apologies on behalf of everyone, and duly offered me a bottle of mineral water. I was placated.

Then we cooled off in the air-conditioned holding tent. Thank God our DIVA took it all in her stride, and laughed it off. Matt got to work re-blow drying DIVA's hair. Farah Fauzana, the host of the show, came over to join the fun.

Then DIVA went on stage and did her thing with the spotlight, literally, shining on her. Notice, same dress! I swear, there must have been at least 50,000 people cramped into the park. And it was heart-warming to hear them all sing along to the chorus of Awan Yang Terpilu, Ning's biggest hit ballad.

Then we had fireworks to close the night. What a fabulous start to the year!