January 2008

I received an email from Mark one day and we arranged for a meet up. He was originally from Johor but grew up in Melbourne, Australia and is now an engineer with the Victorian State Government. He came with a huge notepad with heaps of questions apparently from, Zara who was then his fiance! The second time we met up, we confirmed the final details and once that’s done, we headed for some beers yay! - Aussie way to chill out.

Then came the BIG day, the wedding. It was a BEAUTIFUL beach wedding, and Mark got three rooms for us! - my Assistants and myself. Zara was really easy to shoot as she is very playful and expressive. She has all these vibes that make her outstanding and all her pictures shine!

The sun was very co-operative as well that day, and I must say, it’s a dream wedding! The set up, the bride and groom, the chemistry between everyone was just extraordinary! Everyone present flew in from overseas just for the very special occasion. I must say it was a great pleasure doing the shoot, and also a very rewarding experience.

To Mark and Zara, I wish you both eternal love and happiness, and a wonderful journey ahead!

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I remembered when I was young boy I read on the newspaper how a town called Simanggang has changed its name to Sri Aman. I remembered then, the man behind all these changes was Tun Abdul Rahman Ya’kub. ( ‘Tun’ is the highest title conferred by His Majesty the Yang Di Pertuan Agong) He was the The Chief Minister of Sarawak (1970-1981) and later he became the Tuan Yang Terutama Yang Di Pertua Negeri, the Governor of Sarawak from the year 1981 to 1985.

That afternoon a few days before his 80th Birthday, I was commissioned to shoot the portrait of Tun at his residence. When I was there, my 3 crews were setting up the portable studio and lightings at his living room, I went to Tun’s library to look for his daughter and discussed on how the shot was going to take place.

In his living room, there were also reporters from Bernama waiting to interview him in conjunction of his 80th Birthday on the 3rd Jan 08. After all the setting up has been done, Tun came out and I got him to change into some blue coloured shirt in order to match the backdrop.

After the shoot, we were invited to a short afternoon tea with the yummy ‘durian’ cake and tea. All my crews and I, enjoyed that afternoon, and we exchanged short conversations with Tun before we left his residence.

Will post more shots of the birthday event held at The Hilton Grand Ballroom.

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Hey everyone!!

Happy New Year to you all!!!

Wishing you all, PEACE in your HEART, Health in your BODY, Wealth in your CAREER, Joy in your HOME, Commitment and Love in your RELATIONSHIPS, Fulfilment in your ENDEAVOURS, a Rainbow after each STORM, and Contentment in LIFE.

May all always be blessed with these priceless intangible treasures. Blessed a Fruitful and Meaningful New Year in 2008!

Alvin Leong
Sent via BlackBerry® wireless device from Maxis Mobile.

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