Issues with Hope Concert

However, i do want to raise concerns about the concert. I understand the dilemma faced to make it into a M18 event. It is dealing with a sensitive issue basing on HIV/AIDS and homosexuality. However, i do believe that it would have been better if it was a holistic concert incorporating everyone in the society. I understand that it is held by SafeHaven ( a Christian Gay men group).

However, instead of focusing entirely on the Gay community and awards for respected Gay personalities. They should have incorporated other Government help groups to focus the true epidemic of Aids. Aids is not only spread among Gay men. It affects women, children, drug users and hetrosexual men. It is a disease that can be stopped following proper measures and prevention. I would have liked the concert to delve more into the problems faced by HIV/AIDS patients. This would have allowed the concert to reach a bigger target audience and certainly achieve it’s main aim which is to STEM THE TIDE OF AIDS.

Malaysia has a far more positive response to the epidemic of Aids. Marina Mahatir is a strong activist for the Aids issue. Recently, only last month, RTM1 had a religious forum stating the plight of Aids sufferers. It states how Islam tells us to help them and not to burden their plight. It is not we to judge but Allah. It then goes on to explain and teach people what Aids is, how does it spread, breaking the myths of Aids and how to overcome this epidemic.

Singapore should adopt such a stand which will be beneficial not only to the society but to the eradication of this deadly disease.

Fai @ ilovelookinggood

This is long overdue, so sorry about this one guys!

HOPE CONCERT 2007 (organised by Safehaven and Action for Aids)

Well the event took place at Kreta Ayer People’s Theater at 7.30 pm. We got free tickets thanks to Nurul’s office colleague, Ben. Thanks Ben! Unfortunately, he was unable to attend. Nurul was utterly disappointed but I was there to keep her company (or rather she protected me. hehehe.)

Well we met up with Faan and Khai at Al Abrar Mosque (along Telok Ayer Street, its an old indian mosque.) Indeed, the journey to the place was a comedy of errors. We were late (initially we had trouble finding the place and later had difficulty finding a car park lot; we parked near the ktv place which was an interesting sight. Haha!) Secondly, we had a slight accident with a Mercedes Benz (got too close; lucky it was a slight touch and the driver was okay.) Lastly, after the event, we lost our new digital camera (our new Nikon S200) which was fortunately outside the car and luckily we didn’t drive off.

However, even with all these events, I have to say I was truly entertained with the show. Also, it’s the only concert that i know which has an M18 rating. Haha.

First and foremost, Hope Concert is a concert to bring awareness about the plight of HIV/AIDS patients. It’s aims is to change society’s view on the ailment and to cause better social involvement among the people. I really find it to be an important concert.

The concert was interesting and certainly controversial with having a Gay singing duo as it’s main act. Performances by Hossan Leong and Selena Tan indeed gave a Singaporean touch and flair. Certainly, Hossan Leong was at his best knocking the socks of our feet with his jokes and his timely performance of Barry Manilow’s Mandy (or was it Andy, Candy, Brandy or Sandy? Hehe.) Selena Tan was at ease having the flair that makes her adorable to the crowd. BUT, the stars of the show were indeed the hosts, Chua En Lai and his ever glamorous and sexy co-host Drag Queen Miss Stevious. Ever playful and delightful, the duo clicked immediately and was increasingly playful with each other as the show went on. Miss Stevious was amazing with her puns and teasing En Lai every step of the way.

The hall came alive when the Hope dancers consists of 5 men dancing erotic moves in nothing but boy short briefs. Nurul was laughing hysterically as i look away certainly unease by the sight. She also was amazed by how far more flexible and sensual their dance were compared with women.

Jason and deMarco, the US Billboard hit duo was surprisingly like any other couple. Jason was complaining about how deMarco always does things last minute whereas deMarco was angry as to how Jason takes a long time to change and choose his outfit.

The show ended around 10pm with Jason and deMarco singing a few hit songs which includes Moulin Rouge’s Come What May and We are Family (not too sure about the title for this one though.) Followed by a short autograph signing session at the theatre’s corridor. Nurul was being her usual hyper “groupie” self when she dashed towards Jason ignoring all of us men behind her for a picture with him. Being a tudung girl and all, she didn’t even bat an eyelid knowing that she’s at a Gay concert surrounded by Gay men and potential HIV/AIDS carrier.

It is amazing how the concert has indeed taught us valuable lessons in life and how all of us should be careful and always be loyal to our loved ones.

Fai @ ilovelookinggood