In Your Face Gala Night & Christmas Tree Lighting Cocktail at Westin KL


In Your Face Gala Night
[Event]
   
Regina and I headed over to Nexus Bangsar South on 3 December 2015 for the gala night of IN YOUR FACE starring Joanne Kam and Tony Eusoff together with a talented cast is a musical variety show with musical medleys ranging from cabaret to 80’s Pop, Bollywood to EDM. This full on show brings together the glamour of Hollywood and Broadway with an amazing display of talent in glamorous costumes, fun mash-ups and heart-pounding production numbers. Inspired by Saturday Night Live with fall-off-your-seat spoofs and hilarious comedy skits poking fun at popular social issues from Sensitive Men, to what happens The Morning After.
IN YOUR FACE featured Malaysia’s very own Queen of Comedy, Joanne Kam Poh Poh and her leading man, the multi-talented star of Stage & Screen Tony Eusoff. Lining up the rest of the cast are comic, actor and writer, Kuah Jenhan, stand-up comic, writer & director Shamaine Othman, comedian & photographer Prakash Daniel, the beauty with a law degree, Lalitha Monisha (1st Runner-Up of Miss Malaysia Universe 2014), radio DJ and singer Ashley Chan and Sean Chong, the youngest up and coming member of the Chong family (Vince, Vanessa & Pamela). 
IN YOUR FACE was conceived by Joanne Kam and directed by the multiple award-winning Llew Marsh, written by Shamaine Othman, with music production by Daniel Veerapen, and choreography by the internationally acclaimed dancer/choreographer extraordinare, Michael Tan. The show ran for 2 hours including a 20 min intermission, and also featured the talents of six amazing handpicked dancers.
This year’s version features a more fine tuned and updated comedy script with spanking new jokes and a whole new cast of male performers who have joining Joanne Kam on stage – Tony Eusoff, Kuah Jenhan, Prakash Daniel and newcomer Sean Chong who astounded the audience with their vocals, comedy skills and stage presence. The beautiful costumes were from last year Styled by the gifted Yasmin Rasoel.
The show contains adult language, and is recommended for mature audiences only.
 
The show was performed in conjunction with World AIDS Day on December 1st and ALL proceeds will be going to charity. There were also 3 paintings auctioned off whereby all proceeds went to charity as well.

Joanne Kam has this to say about her show, “I feel so blessed and thankful to be bringing this show back for one more hurrah. I can’t contain the excitement and enthusiasm when we unleash IN YOUR FACE, a truly special show with incredible talents. And yes, boys and girls, I will definitely be in your face for the second time and you will love it!”
                                                                                                                     
The Cast
Joanne Kam – Female Lead / Concept / Producer: Reprising her lead female role in the sequel production is none other than the renowned Joanne Kam. With an extensive portfolio of 25 years of experience in the entertainment industry under her belt, Joanne Kam continues to reign as the number 1 female stand-up comedian and remains unchallenged, sealing her DIVA status in Malaysia.
Tony Eusoff – Male Lead: This gentleman is one of the most sought after actors who has starred in numerous TV, film and theatre productions, and most recently P.RAMLEE – The Musical in the title role. Tony is reunited with Joanne after 3 years when they brought the house down in the sell-out American Comedy Play Romantic Fools, that ran for 3 weeks in KL and Penang.
Kuah Jenhan – Performer/Comedian: A columnist with the Esquire magazine, a radio and voice-over talent, a script-writer for TV, feature films and in the performing arts and most of all, he’s the master in multitasking. Jenhan’s brand of humour and edge has found the respect and accolades of some of the most experienced comics in the country and within the South East Asian region.
Shamaine Othman – Performer / Comedian / Writer: A child actress at the young at the tender age of 7, Shaimane began her career in acting in popular TV sitcoms. Growing up, her new found passion in writing for comedic productions and TV shows have lead her directing two short films.
Prakash Daniel – Performer / Comedian: Photographer by day and comedian by night, Prakash is a well known YouTube star who has been featured in numerous videos by other local YouTubers. A regular performer in the comedy scene, he never fails to leave his audience laughing out loud with his witty jokes.
Ashley Chan – Performer / Vocalist: With a burning passion for performing arts since the age of 4, Ashley has been bitten by the musical theatre bug and has not stopped sashaying across the stage whenever the opportunity arises, this rising young starlet is to be watched out for.
Lalitha Monisha – Performer / Vocalist: A runway model, TV Host and performer, this fun-loving sassy young lady is equipped with an Australian law degree under the belt. Albeit her interest in the entertainment industry, Lalitha looks forward to paving her way into the boardroom in the next chapter of her life.
Sean Chong – Performer / Vocalist: A trained baker with a diploma from London, a singer and model, Sean has been a popular face of various commercials and print advertisements. Sean made his first musical debut a couple of years ago in KLPAC. Apart from singing and baking, Sean is currently working on developing a F&B business with his brother, Ian.
Llew Marsh – Producer / Director: A multiple award-winning Creative Director,
Producer, Music & Casting Director and Vocal Arranger who started his career at the tender age of 10 and as a veteran Director and Producer has worked with Universal Studios Singapore and directed special concerts and events for some major corporate clients including DIGI, CELCOM, HENNESSY, PORCHE & VOLKSWAGEN. Llew is set to work on the Tony Eusoff & Nadia Aquilah Concert, Aladdin – A Musical Comedy and Christmas In the City with Llew Marsh & Friends in the very near future.
Daniel Veerapen – Music Producer: Following his father, Michael’s footsteps, this charming young man has produced and directed some of the most influential names in the Malaysian music and entertainment industry. Having earned his AIM nomination for best producer at the age of 19, Daniel has continued to pursue newer sounds and always pushing his style to meet the demands of the ever-changing music scene.
Michael Tan – Choreographer: Having started his dance training in 1988, Michael’s training was conducted in various illustrious dance schools in Sydney for five years and later another two years in Melbourne. Michael’s work began to be noticed and was courted to relocate to Malaysia, whereby he was commissioned to conceptualise dance productions for many leading dance clubs in Kuala Lumpur. His credits included choreography work for television commercials and product launches. Michael’s dance routines have always been regarded as unconventional, fresh and highly entertaining as he places greater emphasis on creativity and originality.
 
In Your Face is presented by One! condoms which was the brain child of Davin Wedel, who founded the company known as Global Protection Corp(GPC) based in Boston, Massachusetts. GPC was incorporated back in 1987 during Davin’s final year of his Tertiary education. It was during that time because he wanted to promote intimacy healthcare as he noticed the lack of awareness and usage of protection. Over the years, Davin’s marketing vision and strategy was to innovate condoms from the traditional perception of condoms to a “cool” lifestyle product. Admitting that he stole his first condom because he was too embarrassed to go to the store to purchase one; that was one experience that has changed his life and many others.
One! was started in 2004 when Davin envisioned to create the next generation of condoms. To date, Davin remains as the CEO of GPC and has turned One! into a leading American brand and products are also available in Canada.
One! believes in innovation and breaking the barriers of communication between people and the products, through multiple projects working with various NGOs globally from donating condoms all the way to Africa and getting people, especially urban youths in its own communities in the United States screened for HIV / AIDS. One of the latest programmes initiated is the Lust for Life Campaign in the United States, where ! has worked with street artists spreading awareness of using protection during intimacy to prevent unwanted teen pregnancies and illnesses.
GPC has been a subsidiary of Karex Berhad in Malaysia since October 2014. Group CEO of Karex Berhad, Mr MK Goh (the grandson of the founder) has been in the condom industry over the past 15 years, and was instrumental in the listing of Karex Berhad in November 2013 in the main market of Bursa Malaysia and has successfully transformed the company to be the World’s Largest Condom Maker with the market capitalisation of RM2 Billion. Mr Goh serves as a trustee to the Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council (MREPC) and has represented Malaysia as an expert in the International Organisation of Standardisation (ISO) committee on the creation of global standard condoms.
Karex Berhad launched One! Condoms in Malaysia on 1 December 2015 in conjunction with World AIDS Day. One! will be contributing the ticket sales proceeds of the In Your Face 2015 show to a few selected local NGOs who are tackling the issue of HIV / AIDS. With every purchase of One! products, a portion of the sale proceeds will be to donated to assist local communities tackle their social issues, especially faced by youths today.
More info on One! Condoms at http://www.onecondoms.com/
For info on upcoming shows, head over to www.joannekam.my or Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/joannekamcomedy
Photo credits: In Your Face and author’s own
 

 
Christmas Tree Lighting Cocktail at Westin KL
[Hotel Happenings]

 
Malaysia’s Hottest Bloggers’ Sue Sien and Andy Kho together with Ai from Japan joined me for the Christmas tree lighting ceremony at Westin Kuala Lumpur on 4 December 2015. The elegantly decorated 15 feet Christmas Tree with dreamy Westin blue, gold and silver ornaments was set-up in the porte-cochere of The Westin Kuala Lumpur which was right beside the busy Jalan Bukit Bintang, allowing passersby and motorists to view the beautiful tree. Apart from the Christmas tree, the hotel also put up an elaborated spread of fairy lights around the entrance of the hotel as well as a 10 feet high Ginger Bread house in the middle of the main lobby. 
In keeping with the spirits of Christmas, The Westin Kuala Lumpur also invited 30 children from Rumah Shalom in Puchong to share the joy. “It is the season of warmth, joy and generous spirits, it is especially significant for The Westin Kuala Lumpur to share this moment with the lovely children as the celebration theme of Whimsical Wonderland is all about being a child again and celebrate.” said Mr. Ko Van Den Hil, General Manager of the hotel as he greeted the guests and media friends in his welcoming speech.
The lights in the hotel lobby and driveway were dimmed and Mr. Van Den Hil pressed the lighting button, lighting the Christmas tree lit up as carollers sang Christmas carols while Santa Claus went around spreading goodwill among guests. 
“It is our pleasure to be able to share these magical moments with our guests and partners who have supported and contributed towards the hotel’s success throughout the year.” added Ms. Susan Yap, the hotel’s Director of Sales and Marketing as she was thanking the guests at the ceremony.
The children from Rumah Shalom were then treated to a festive movie viewing and holiday refreshments, while we and the other guests headed over for a festive appreciation cocktail at Qba Bar & Grill.
 
Carollers serenading the guests with Christmas carols
While Santa went around hugging girls…err I mean spreading cheer and goodwill
                        
Andy Kho with Ai from Japan.
 
The Christmas tree is officially lit by Westin KL’s General Manager Mr. Van Den Hil
After which we headed down to Qba for a cocktail and a preview of the Christmas promotions at Westin KL’s eateries
                                                      
A pic with Yen from Westin KL as well as Ai and Andy Kho

 
For more info head over to http://www.thewestinkualalumpur.com/
Photo credits: Westin Kuala Lumpur and author’s own