A night out at Rootz…
Advertlets, Celebrities, Parties & Events July 9th, 2010
Last weekend was awesome, this particular night being one of them. After viewing the Argentina vs Germany match at Ecoba, a couple of us headed down to Rootz. That’s Sabrina, my date for the night who got a rare night off. You’ll notice that these photos look slightly different from the ones usually - that’s because I was test driving the new Sony NEX, on loan from Sony.
Regarding the photos, the aspect ratio in particular is interesting, I think it’s 16:9 (widescreen, like movies) instead of the usual 4:3 ratio. This photo was taken on the way to Rootz. Colors turned out quite nice - this is near Maison btw. Generally the cam performs quite well under low lighting, but I’m still learning the settings to get everything in focus (you’ll notice that some pics are blurry).
So then after we arrived at Rootz…That’s Sabrina, Donovan (a new addition to Advertlets, and a Facebook newbie too) and his friend Yenny.
Yenny seemed quite shy, but she seemed to be very well prepared to pose in the background even while I took a pic of Sabrina.
Met Darynne there as well.
The lovely Cay Kuijpers was there too!
Josiah (who you may remember from here) was there too.
And to end off this post, some eye candy for the girls, courtesy of Josiah:
More clubbing pics soon! 
It seems my clubbing nights are just getting better and better…practice makes perfect perhaps
At the SKYY Vodka Sex In The City 2 Movie party @ Sultan Lounge, Mandarin Oriental
Celebrities, Parties & Events May 31st, 2010
On Thursday night, 27th of May, I headed down to Sultan Lounge at Mandarin Oriental for the SKYY Vodka Sex And The City 2 party. I had just remembered about about the party earlier that day, and I was glad I came! Here’s some of us that night at the event photoboard:
From left: Tim Chew from FHM, Christie from FJ Benjamin, Erica Ting (blogger), Crystal Hew (blogger), Laura Yong (Miss World Malaysia 2009 finalist), Josh Lim.
Celebrity Advertlets Blogger Belinda Chee was there! On the left is Rebecca Saw from Advertlets.
With bloggers Crystal Hew & Erica Ting.
Another version of ‘Carrie Bradshaw’ and the girls…
Hi I’m Josh Lim and this is what I do all day.
Advertlets, Celebrities, Parties & Events, Personal Experiences, Sharing March 12th, 2010
If you read this blog sometimes you will think all I do is party. Actually, that’s only half true. Because it’s pointless for me to put pictures of me working at my desk. And, well, my work is pretty damn fun, despite the long hours. Here’s a few of the pictures I’ve taken in the course of “work” with Advertlets, the blog advertising company I founded. All these were in the past few days actually. Past few days have been pretty busy, but as the quote on one of my friends on Facebook says…“I’m too blessed to be stressed”.
This was at the Alice In Wonderland Tea Party at KLCC, we were invited by Disney to bring our bloggers cover the event. During the interview, I was asked “What is your version of Wonderland?”. I said “It’s probably like what I’m doing now, except with more money and cars”. As life is fun, but it would be more fun with an Audi TT. Hehe.
Earlier today, I met some actual Googlers including Stephanie Hsu, John Stona & Dinesh Jain. They are based in the Google Singapore and India offices. This was at the Google Analytics Masterclass. A lot of people attended, including the familiar faces you’ll see at SMCKL or Digital Wednesday. A mix of advertising agency people, bloggers, social media enthusiasts, programmers, and web & marketing people.
Trivia: Did you know that Google’s only fulltime employee in Malaysia, Hanson Toh (not pictured here) has a son named Josh? Yup just Josh, not Joshua. He was named after film stars Josh Harnett & Josh Duhamel. Josh is a good name for your son, btw. I’m just saying.
Advertlets also threw sponsored a night for industry friends (yes, the people that give Advertlets ad campaigns, and earn money for bloggers). It was called Digital Wednesday, it’s held every first Wednesday of the month for members of the Digital Media scene including agencies, clients and media planners. it was in conjunction with Advertlets 3rd Anniversary.
If you’re wondering why some of the people look familiar, here’s a breakdown: Josh (me), Jacy from Biotherm (one of our newest clients), Yvonne Sim (yes, FHM Girl Next Door 2010 came by t help us out with the event too!), James Chong, head honcho of Ruumz, Rebecca Saw (Advertlets), Hanie Hidayah (Advertlets).
You can read more about it here at ADOI Magazine:
Digital Wednesday is now the hottest party in town!
Advertlets Celebrates 3rd Anniversary, rocks Digital Wednesday!
Here’s another photo of what else happened that night. Together with our staff, we also invited Advertlets bloggers as well as blogger celebrities Andrea Fonseka and Belinda Chee to host the event.
And…Hello Kitty time!
This is the only photo you’ll see of me carrying a Hello Kitty bag, ever. Thanks so much to Elena Hong (she’s the girl in red with the nice hair) from Che Che New York for inviting me.
This was at the Mid Valley event for Alice in Wonderland. Heidi won a massive “Alice In Wonderland” book!
(The names in bold have blogged about the event too!)
Top Row: Heidi Tan, Dila Ariff, Rebecca Saw, Belinda Chee, Amanda Choe, Nasri Lian (UnseenTV), Hanie Hidayah
Bottom Row: Jeremy Choy, Justin Hee, Ridzuan Richie, Josh Lim, Thong Kai, Daniel Anthony
Part of my work also involves meeting beauty queens…
Advertlets is the online partner of Miss Universe Malaysia 2010, and this is basically one of a our various meetings with their glamorous team consisting of Mae, Jojo Lee, Andrea Fonseka (Miss Universe Malaysia 2004) & Eugenie. Go check out www.missuniversemalaysia.com.my
So that concludes it for now. Btw if you think this is fun, why not join us We’re currently looking for interns to help out in events, design & sales. Drop me a line (@joshlim) on Twitter if you’re interested.
English Translation of Utusan article on Rais Yatim’s statements on mixed marraige
Celebrities, Sharing February 26th, 2010
Based on this article on Utusan. Given that I frequently blog in BM and English, thought it’ll be good to translate this as this seems to be a new story with no versions in the English newspapers as of yet.
Original article here, translation below by Google Translate and refined/reworded by Josh Lim. And of course, see this post for more about the issue. And if anything, let me know if my translation is accurate.
Beware Of Mixed Marraiges
PUTRAJAYA 25 February - The young people, especially artistes/celebrities are reminded to think ‘thousands of times’ before having a mixed marraige because studies have shown that the success rate is only 3:10.
I Met Malaysia’s Biggest Twitter Celebrity, Rais Yatim! (#yorais, Maya Karin, mixed marraige and more)
Celebrities, Sharing February 26th, 2010
I recently went for a launch function where Communications, Culture and Arts Minister Datuk Seri Rais Yatim was the guest of “honor”. I use honor in quotes because er, well…why don’t you read Eu Veng’s blog for more details.
Okay, maybe I didn’t really meet him. No I didn’t get to talk to him. But as you can see I got close enough to take a picture. Hahaha.
Notice someone with male progressive baldness on the bottom right? Yes, it's him. Rais Yatim!
If you’ve been on Twitter and are following more than 10 Malaysians, chances are you’ve heard of the #yorais hashtag. Heck, the world has heard of it. It’s Malaysia’s second ever trending topic on Twitter. (Rais Yatim has Net users boiling, creates global sensation).
In short, Rais Yatim is “famous” on Twitter because of several things that he has said, and some unwise actions. As you can guess, these are unpopular opinions. These include:
- “Twitter and Facebook are tools of the west and can erode Malaysian culture”
- Making anti-communist statements just as PM Najib was visiting China. Not very smart for bi-lateral relations.
- Prying open a safe left by Tunku Abdul Rahman without informing the late Tunku’s children, or the person that discovered it.
- And most recently he mentioned “7 out of 10 mixed marraiges end in failure. Learn from that. Don’t marry white guys.” (Okay I am paraphrasing but that’s what he is clearly implying.)
To his credit, he has said some things that make sense. Check out the article, he talks about how religion has to be balanced in government schools, and how teachers in government schools need to be improved. And also, that local radio stations must play songs by local bands.
And well, possibily the most truthful one of all:
“Rais: Malaysians aware of online laws but just don’t obey them.”
Yeah, because you’re setting the rules right. How to obey stupid rules? Yo Rais, remember Samy Vellu increased the speed limit because Malaysians kept breaking them? Maybe you should take a cue from him.
But Rais Yatim saying things that make sense, is rare.
Anyway, the #yorais hashtag has recently become popular again, due to Rais’s recent comments on mixed marraiges. They can best be described as misinformed, which is ironic for a Minister of Information.
From Utusan Malaysia:
Menteri Penerangan, Komunikasi dan Kebudayaan, Datuk Seri Dr. Rais Yatim berkata, kajian ilmiah yang dilakukan oleh beberapa ahli sosiologi di negara ini antara 1995 hingga 1998 mendapati dalam setiap 10 perkahwinan campur, hanya tiga berjaya.
Malah, kata beliau, kegagalan perkahwinan campur amat ketara apabila melibatkan pasangan dari kalangan warga kulit putih atau mat saleh.
”Tetapi perkahwinan campur di Malaysia melibatkan si lelaki atau wanita dari kalangan bukan Islam yang kemudiannya memeluk Islam begitu berjaya berbanding kahwin campur dengan warga asing dari barat ini.
”Ini sudah jadi lumrah, jadi, orang muda termasuk kalangan artis boleh mengambil iktibar ini dan sekiranya mahu menelaah kajian ini yang turut dilengkapi dengan panduan, anda boleh mendapatkannya daripada bahagian pendaftaran perkahwinan sivil dari rekod simpanan syariah di Johor dan Wilayah Persekutuan,” katanya kepada Utusan Malaysia hari ini.
Rais ditanya pandangan beliau berhubung keretakan rumah tangga aktres Maya Karin, 31, yang dilaporkan sudah tidak sebumbung dengan suaminya.
Summary in English: Rais Yatim says that according to some sociology study, only 3 in 10 mixed marriages work. The rest fail. He says that it becomes worse if it is an ORANG PUTEH! (white man) Here’s where the statement gets funny: He says that other marriages are okay (to other races, who then embrace Islam because they married a Muslim), but the with the ORANG PUTEH BARAT (white people from the white west world) it doesn’t work. He then goes on to summarize that young people should take it as an example.
As an appropriate visual aid, here’s a picture of Maya Karin, to give you some context.
MAYA KARIN: RAIS YATIM DOES NOT WANT YOU TO MARRY THIS WOMAN!
Er, okay, now I need your focus back. Let me continue…
Here’s his thought process:
1. Maya Karin’s marriage is on the rocks.
2. Maya Karin is in a mixed marraige. (an Italian, Steven David Shorthose)
3. Thereby all mixed marriages will end in failure.
This makes as about much sense as this:
Logic Fallacy
Let’s say one thing. Maya Karin herself is the product of a mixed marraige.
Her parents are still together.
And well, Rais Yatim’s son, Dino Rais (probably named after Rais’s prehistoric pet that he had back then) is currently being sued for not performing his duties as a husband. Also, perhaps the fact that he divorced his wife BY SMS of all things might have something to do with it.
Perhaps he should talk to his son first about the sanctity of marriage before telling Malaysians who to marry.
It’s funny that that Rais Yatim didn’t think of a variety of other reasons why celebrity mixed marraiges fail in Malaysia:
- Celebrities are subject to a higher amount of media scrutiny than most. Buying groceries is tough enough, let alone sustaining a marriage.
- Converting to a religion for someone you love may not always work out well in the long run.
- An increasing amount of marriages in general are failing.
- Beautiful people have more options.
- The younger generation in general do not feel the need to stay in unhappy marraiges as much as their parents before them.
- The possibilities are endless!
Good luck Maya Karin. I hope things pan out well in your favour. It’s unfortunate that Rais Yatim capitalized on your distress to make an unsavory statement that Malaysians don’t agree with.
Let’s summarize this.
It seem that Rais Yatim is just jealous he didn’t get to marry Maya Karin.
E! Asia News Audition Pics! (Part 3 - Finale!)
Celebrities, Parties & Events February 16th, 2010
With nothing much to do while waiting for Hanie to finish auditioning, I decided to go around to snap some more pictures…most of the auditioneers (if that is a word) were doing either one of these 3:
Don’t know whether I mentioned this earlier, but the place of the auditions was the rooftop of Lot 10 - best known for having Rootz, Teeq & The Actors Studio. You can also see Celebrity Fitness visible from the rooftop garden. Very picturesque place indeed with lots of greenery.
Not pictured here are also two Hitz.FM deejays (JJ and Rudy dropped by), as well as someone who requested I not post her picture because she took leave for the day, and doesn’t want her colleagues/boss to know, ahaha!
Here’s a collage of some of the many interesting people I met/snapped.
I also met this year’s Miss Malaysia, but no photos. The conversation went something like this.
Me: Hey, I know I’ve seen you before. FHM Girl Next Door? Some Pageant? Where ah?
Thanuja: Mm, probably not there…
Me: Oh, yes! Not I remember, at the Veuve Clicquot champagne party a couple of months ago! Hmm, but where do I know you from?
Thanuja: Well, I’m this year’s Miss Malaysia.
Me: Oh cool! Sorry about that. embarassed. Er, can I have a picture?
Thanuja: Pageant rules say no pictures, sorry. *
* Got such a thing mer? Not that I know of…
Anyway…that aside…
Lastly, the cutest outfit award goes to this petite lass, Sarah Hildebrand! She wasn’t auditioning, but she dropped by to support a friend. I couldn’t find my lighter, (because I smoke, duh) and got a light from her (because she was smoking…hot. Ahaha.) She’s Pan-Asian, and I think she has an interesting eyebrow pattern. You can follow her on Twitter here: @SarahHildebrand
Turns out she’s as talkative and bubbly as she looks…apparently she recently came back to Malaysia recently from the States, and this is one of her favourite hoodies (and presumably her favourite sports team). Nice to meet you, Sarah!
Here’s another pic of Sarah. Remember what I said about the eyebrows?
And as a special surprise, here’s a very different picture of Sarah (yes, it’s her in a rather Lady Gaga-esque photo shoot). Goes to show that you don’t have to be tall and lanky to be stunning:
And another:
Okay, that’s all! For more you can visit Hanie’s blog (I used her camera to take the pics here).
Tags: e!newsasia
E! Asia News Audition Pics! (Part 2 - Josiah Mizukami, Natacha Meunier, Juliana Evans & more…)
Celebrities, Parties & Events February 16th, 2010
Continuing the special report on the E! News Asia audition…here are some of the people I met there and had a chance to talk to.
Josiah & Natacha are people I somehow met on Facebook before I met in real life, and make for a ridiculously good looking couple. Josiah Mizukami is a rare breed. First off, he’s a male model who is straight. Ahaha. He’s half Caucasian, half Japanese, and was born in Hawaii. Natacha Meuneir is from Paris, France. I think she’s half Asian. I would guess Chinese/French, but I’ve gotta check with her.
So he’s from Hawaii. She from France. And they both met halfway around the world while on assignment in Thailand. Their kids are gonna be so good looking, ahahah. Here are some pics of Josiah (girls, don’t say I never think of you all as well…):
I am so jealous of his abs.
Where you’ve seen him: Hosting Miss Malaysia World, Dashing Cologne TVC, Female’s 50 Most Gorgeous People.
Yes, Josiah is a pimp daddy. Check out his Youtube channel here, and his ModelMayhem profile here.
Tiong Sue Lynn, Josiah Mizukami, Natacha Meunier
Special for Josh.my Readers: Josiah’s throwing a party with models at a secret location end of this month (he owns a modelling agency as well). If you’re reading this, tweet/DM/FB/e-mail me and I can arrange passes. Selected bloggers only. It helps if you have a DSLR and know how to party
And now…Natacha Meunier. Where you’ve seen her: Female Magazine cover, TVCs for American Express/Maybank, HSBC, Pizza Hut & more…
My head is huge! OMG!
and more…
Yup…
You can close your jaw now, or check out her reel:
And now for a local celeb…Juliana Evans! I really like how this shot turned out. It was achieved by partially blocking the camera flash with my hand.
Juliana Sophie Evans is a fast rising star in the Malay entertainment industry. You probably first saw her in KAMI:
Also, she was at the recent Revive Isotonic Rev Up Party at Euphoria, Ministry of Sound.
She was joined at the audition by her friends Bernice and Hanie:
Here are a few more shots of her:
She is currently dating a rockstar (Sam from Bunkface - yes, those guys who sang “Through My Window, the Everyone Connects / TM Streamyx thing”, so you guys have no chance la!
Okay that’s it for now! More in part 3!
Tags: e!newsasia
E! Asia News Audition Pics! (Part 1 - Yvonne Sim & more!)
Celebrities, Parties & Events February 15th, 2010
Recently went for the E! Asia News audition…no, not to try out but to support a friend. Spotted a familiar face there, among many others!
Yes, none other than Yvonne Sim, FHM Girl Next Door 2010 winner. And yes, you saw Yvonne here first.
Trivia: Did you know that Yvonne Sim was the last to audition for the FHM Girl Next Door search? And that I sent her to the audition? Congratulations girl, you made the petrol/trip worth it! Good luck with this round too.
Update: Here’s a picture of Yvonne on the cover of the latest issue of FHM. Thank me for sending her there if not you don’t get to see her here okay
Moving on…
This dimpled beauty is of mixed Filipino/Chinese heritage. She has an awesome tattoo and she told me the meaning, but I won’t tell you She’s looking into expanding her horizons in the entertainment field, currently she works as a personal assistant, but who knows, in time she’ll have her own PA.
I really like the way the colors and lighting turned out on this shot. It’s mostly unretouched except for contrast adjustment. And yes, the lens flare is real.
Aly is a radio DJ on Red FM and a food blogger with two blogs. Check out Aly’s blog here and here. It was nice to put a face to the voice. She’s tall with model-like proportions. You wonder why she’s hidden behind a DJ console, she should be out there.
Speaking of food bloggers, the Bangsar Babe, Tiong Sue Lynn was also there! Earlier on in the day, I actually went with her to check out a new place together with other bloggers (in where else, Bangsar of course) called El Meson. You can check out Rebecca’s review of El Meson. A little pricey, but worth it.
That’s Amelia Chen with an appropriately designed folder. We were from the same secondary school. She’s done quite a few short films and plays and is making a name for herself. Read more about her here on the Malay Mail Online. I envy her as she’s managed to pursue her acting ambition, something I hadn’t had the time to do. (I did two plays, and a couple of TVCs before I got too fat/busy. Oh well…)
Okay that’s it for now, more to come in this coming week!
Tags: e!newsasia
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