"Sambal sama merah, pedasnya lain-lain"
- Chiselstone
I've got to admit that we may not have the coolest political scenario here but we can definitely pride ourselves in making sizzling hot advertisements - especially festive ones. I love this simple commercial for many reasons, but none more than how well it painted Malaysia as a nation. No matter how different we are as individuals, once you get us talking about food, you'll find that we are all same-same lah.
While it is true that nasi lemak, char kway teow and roti canai should not be the only reason to love this country, but at the end of the day, these are the very - little and insignificant - social bridges that connect the different racial communities together. And that is the fabric of our society. We are a nation built on the basis that we are all different yet one at the same time. Embrace it - for better or worst, happy or sad - and we should never take this country for granted. Ever.
Now, where's my plate of sambal fried rice?
Speaking of being proud Malaysians, a local group of young singers has recently embarked on a remarkable musical journey. Fresh from a hugely successful outing at the 6th World Choir Games, The Caipifruta Vocal Quartet with the assistance of The Actors Studio has recently put together a homecoming performance for the home audience. The quartet comprising singers Tracy Wong (soprano), Lai Suk Yin (mezzo-soprano), Aaron Teoh (tenor) and Joel Wong (baritone) has also recently released their debut EP, "Introducing... Caipifruta!", features their unique interpretations of jazz and pop numbers such as When I Fall In Love, Blackbird, Hush Little Baby and also a P.Ramlee classic called Menceceh Bujang Lapuk.
The 7-track EP also contains an original composition by Tracy entitled KAMI, which is Malaysian for "us". Its lyrics were penned by fellow food blogger and talented lass, Ryonn of Chaokar Smokes. I think the song is the perfect soundtrack to the country's inaugural celebration of Malaysia Day. Click on the audio player below to listen to the superb vocal harmony of this quartet. The future already seems a lot brighter for them and for us with bright talents and citizens like these shining the way.
"Dulu Malaya, kini Malaysia,
Melayu, Cina, India pun ada,
Sungguh harmoni, sungguh persona
Hidup sini, oh, bahagia!"
omigoodness, the capifruta or whatever are really good. but its not acapella wat. but the youtube clip not working leh.
ReplyDeleteGosh hats off to Digi!!! Such a lovely advert. YAY to Ryonn too, so talented!
ReplyDeleteWe have talent, for sure. We have the means (in terms of marketing and advertising, AD is miles behind despite having all the money and foreign expertise). But somehow, we are still not quite there.
ReplyDeleteThe talent in the Digi ad is really good, right down to the way he speaks! :D The way he says, 'lou por' is so spot on! The ad is simple but so effective.
Caipifruta sounds really good too! Reminds me of New York Voices, which darn it I forgot to bring back from KL.
Here's to our fantastic Msian talents! May their light shine on!!
DiGi always come up with interesting ads :) so interesting that my daughter loves to watch it everytime she saw the ad on air
ReplyDeleteheya !
ReplyDeleteHumbled to have your mention.
Malufying lyrics lah. It was a last minute work, that i decided it should have a copied 'malaysia truly asia' tune :P
Now I want my sambal.
p/s: thanks to denise & tracy in furnishing the lyrics too.
wah, caipifruta got publicity :)
ReplyDeleteeh..chaokar is a lass? :P
Thank you from Caipifruta! And my brother happens to be one of the guys behind the ad. Hahaha!
ReplyDeleteDid you just call Ryonn a lass? Ain't he rather masculine for a lady?
ReplyDeleteAnd it's my eternal regret that I didn't catch them in performance. Must persuade Shuku to round them up for another round soon! :)