Ben and Ethel's Wedding (17/10/15)

  I attended my cousin's wedding. It was indeed a magical one! This morning, my parents and I came from KL all the way to my hometown, Malacca to attend the red letter occasion. This is my first wedding dinner in two years, the last one was Amanda's, she is too my cousin. I guess you must be why I have so many cousins. My maternal grandmother came from a big family. We have a long chain of connection  When it comes to special occasions like weddings, Chinese New Year, the fun will never stop!

  Speaking of dresses, I can't decide which one to put on. Even though it was hours before the wedding, I have to make my mind up somehow. Luckily, my mum brought a few dresses to try on. One was a sleeveless red dress which was not my sense of style, "There's a mini jacket you can put on," mum said. After putting on the red knee-length dress, the mini jacket is a perfect match. As they always say "mums know everything". 

   At 6.30 pm, we left for the wedding. I was in high spirits because I like big occasions which are lively. As we reached Ramada Hotel, dad dropped us first then he went to find a parking spot. At the entrance of the lobby, we bumped into my cousins, aunts, nephew and nieces. We went in together as a family. We took the lift to the seventh floor- that's where the wedding was held at the Grand Ballroom. Oh and I did mention that my school's senior prom was held at this very place as well? 

The room was packed with guests as they mingled around greeting each other. I held on to my grandma's hand as we mingled because there are a lot of people. I was almost knocked down by one of the guests (I mean, how rude they were?). 

  At 7.30pm, all the guests went in to take their places. The emcees introduced themselves as Dennis and Mary. When I heard Dennis' name,  I was star struck because he appeared a few times on JinnyBoy TV. He is one of Malaysia's famous top YouTuber! I can't believe he was the host of the night. 

  As the moment we were waiting for, the bride who is Ethel strolled down the aisle with her proud dad. This was the heartwarming scence ever! The couple went to the stage to cut the cake. Ethel gave her lucky bouquet of roses to her big sister. 

  Ethel hopes her sister will find her "Mr. Right". The dinner presentation was led by two singers, one by one waiters served dinner to our table. The Malaysian band entertained us with love songs. A magic performance by Zelvin- Malaysia's youngest magician. 

  My favourite trick was two cards were combined as one. How did he do that? I was so amazed! Ethel was even more amazed because she loves magic tricks since young. Every wedding dinner will have a toasting session. In the Malaysian way, we called it as "yum seng" which means "cheers". They showed the footage of the morning reception. There was a lion dance to welcome the couple

  As everyone was leaving, I saw Dennis, the YouTuber, who was leaving with Mary. As a big fan, I quickly went over to take a photo with him. "I'm a big fan of yours. My younger sister and I always watch the videos on Youtube with JinnyBoy," 

"Oh wow! I didn't know I have fans tonight! Which college you're in?" Dennis asked. "I'm in Sunway College," I said. He wished all the best in my studies. I was so star struck! 

  During the after-dinner party, everyone took photos because all the Tan family member are here. Not forgetting to take a photo with the stars of the day-Ben and Ethel. I had a time of my life and welcome to the family Ethel! 

 

MUFY Talent Quest 2015 (2/10/15)

  I haven't been on stage for a year since I last performed back in secondary school when I was completing my senior year. Today MUFY held its very own annual talent quest. We called it MUFY Talent Quest. Before you entered the competition, you have to go through an audition just like any singing competition which we watch on television. The audition was 10 days ago and the results was announced a week before the competition.

 Little did I know, I got in! I was so happy! I didn't expect to be in the competition, my aim is just to have fun and be in the spotlight once again. Well there was another surprise. My senior, Marverne got in as well! He didn't get through at first but he was told at the last minute, I was happy for him too. Our first performance as senior-junior, what's more, we were both singing solo! Well I picked If Someday by Malaysia's Queen of Love Songs- Fish Leong. While Marverne on the other hand sang Feeling Good and I've Got the World On a String by Michael Buble. 

  Before the show started, we had a rehearsal just to make sure everything was in tip-top shape. All performers were getting a run through. At 2 pm, everyone started to fill the hall in while performers were seated in front. The emcees introduced the first performer who is a boy band called the SPLURS. They sang a song by Dani California. The second performer sang a Mandarin song. Well, I guess I wasn't the only one who is singing Mandarin song. We even had a silent comedy which was performed by Aaron and Jason Lum (AJ) 

  Before it was my turn, I asked Marverne to record a video of my performance so I can show it to my mum. "Yeah, okay! I can do that," he said. After Marverne's and Ah Ri's turn, it was my turn to perform but I went to the washroom at that time which left the audience in a awkward situation. 

  Quickly, I headed back to the stage. To make it up to the audience, I sang a short verse of Fish Leong's latest single. Then came the main part of the performance. After I sang If Someday, I sang short verse of J'adore. After my performance, the audience wanted more but the emcee said "Sorry, we're running out of time! Thank you Kar Marn for that amazing performance. Let's give her around of applause!" 

  The crowd cheered and clapped as I left the stage. I went over to hug my seniors and they were proud. "You did great Kar Marn!" my seniors said as I headed back to my seat. "Hey Marv, did you record the performance?" I asked. "Sorry Kar Marn, I forgot to record because I was too starstruck and amazed by your performance. Anyway, I'm so proud of you!" Marverne said. Tori chimed in "Yeah girl, you did a job well done! You made us proud!" She gave me a squeeze on the shoulder.  

 
  After the last performance which Darren and Tori performed Toxic by Britney Spears, a special performance was arranged. A lecturer showed her hidden talent! Well, even lecturers have their specialties besides teaching. After that, Mr. Prakesh- Malaysia's famous photographer, Youtuber and comedian came up to the stage to receive a token of appreciation from Ms. Helen James. He praised all performers for a job well done. "I would like to give a shout out to Kar Marn. The crowd cheered as they heard my name. "You really inspired all of us today. I sent a video of your performance to my girlfriend," Mr. Prakesh said. 

  The crowd cheered even louder while Tori gave me a proud squeeze on the shoulder as Darren and Marverne as well as Amber proudly look on their junior. Mr. Prakesh made a joke on the three language songs. It was time for the prize giving ceremony. One by one, the finalists went up to the stage. As the emcee announced my name, I proudly walk over to the stage and stood next to Marverne. He leaned over and whispered "Great job Kar Marn. I'm so proud of you!" I whispered back "You did a great job too!" 

  It's time to announce the top three winners of this year's MUFY Talent Quest. Third prize went to Allyson and her dance group while the second prize went to Darren and Tori- the power couple singers! First prize went to AJ- the champion of this year's Talent Quest. We took a group photo with Mr. Prakesh. Performers hugged and praised each other for a job well done. We even take selfies too!  "fans" came up to the stage to take photos with the performers. Even a young girl asked me to take a photo with her.

  Food and refreshments were served after that. The official photographer of the event took a photo of me. I had fun at the Talent Quest. I had the golden opportunity to make comeback to centre stage after a year. Thank you to parents, seniors, juniors as well as friends who came to support all of us at MUFY Talent Quest. See you guys next year!