Although the event was for a good cause (to raise funds for the needy and destitutes in Penang island), I couldn't help but feel that things were done in a shabby manner. The turnout was poor, considering the state govt and organizers spent 3 months (since late Sept) promoting the food carnival and charity banquet. Ron even flew to Penang to lend his support to this function back then. If the intent was to turn this into a yearly event, I'm not optimistic at all. The advertisement claimed that 100 food stalls featuring the best of Penang delicacies would be set-up but I beg to differ ! What met my eyes were worst than the food stalls you find in night markets. During the banquet, I was gobbling down clumps of shark fin soup (apparently way too much cornstarch)! Add to that, the whole ambience of the night felt like I was actually feasting in a down and out village, rather than a so-called international gourmet festival.
I was there for Ron, of course. I had expected banners and lighting boards but there wasn't any. I know he has a pretty strong following in KL and I thought many would make their way to Penang since this is a long weekend (X'mas) but.....none in sight. Poor Ron. All is not lost coz those in attendance gave rousing applause to Ron and I guess that kinda lifted up his spirit. The last I saw Ron in action was during "All About Men" concert and he looks a little too beefy then but ooh la la ! hottie Ron is back in shape ! In total, Ron performed 3 songs (grrr.....Thomas and Jack did 4 ! How can that be ??!!) and it was total chaos when Ron went down the stage during the final number - "Red Butterfly." It ended way toooooo soon !
Adrenaline rush, sweat and glory filled the air when local tenny bopper group - "Thomas and Jack"'s took to the stage. Young teenage fans went into a frenzy when the duo belted out their trademark bubblegum pop songs. No further comment - they are certainly not my cup of tea.
The last act for the night is Taiwan's very own Stevie Wonder - Ricky Hsiao (蕭煌奇). Many may not be familiar with his name but you may have heard of his song - "你是我的眼" (You are my eyes) which is popular in karaokes. He also happens to be the composer of Taiwanese pub queen, Tiger Huang (黃小琥)'s runaway hit - "沒那麼簡單". Not suprisingly, many Penangites knows the lyrics to his songs by heart, eventhough his albums were not officially released in Malaysia. Ah...the power and magic of on-line download.
I was all geared -up for the curtain call, hoping that all the artistes would appear once again but that wasn't to be ! I only saw a group of gals yelling out loud "吴卓羲" and Ron was already rushing out of the exit door. Darn !
