Friday, June 15, 2007
Jon's Bday Bash Write-up: AgathaDear Jonatics,
No doubt at all, the birthday bash with Jonathan Leong was a blast on last Sunday ,10 June 2007. Even though the party is over, I am sure that it was a day to remember for everyone of us and that it has become one of the best moments in life, hasn't it? :)
Here goes, a very nice write-up written by Agatha about the event. I believe this will bring back the sweet memories of last Sunday.
And if you would like to give comments, kindly visit the forum
http://z6.invisionfree.com/iheartjonforum/index.php?showtopic=501
Enjoy,
Eveline
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Hi Jonatics and all readers
If you are a true Jonathan Leong fan, this is one birthday bash you will not want to miss. After all birthdays only come by once a year and what makes it more memorable if your supporters have planned the celebration in honour of you. Well, it did happen to Jon.
Before you get all excited and are planning to go, the birthday bash is over and I am providing a belated "narrative and reflective write-up" of the event which took place on Sunday 10 June @ The Pines. It did not matter that it was also a belated birthday celebration for the Singapore Idol 2 first runner-up whose supporters from the JL Fan Club put in great efforts to make this a truly unforgettable birthday for him.
Upon entering the ballroom, one could see tables labelled with names like Love, Communication, Patience etc. The room was decked in an array of red, black and white balloons. Fans and invited guests were dressed in colours of red, black and white, in keeping with the colour theme.
Strains of JL's songs which were extracted from his performances during the Idol spectaculars were being played. The committee members were busy finishing up the final touches, while others were catching up with one another like old times. Some immersed themselves in scribbling messages for the birthday guy. Presents and cards for him were laid on the table. The committee took care of the logistics and made sure there were no hiccups to mar the event. There were door gifts and even personalised badges for guests to wear.
Ice-breakers in the form of table games set the mood during the early part of the afternoon whilst waiting for the bewitching hour of three to strike - the time that the guest of honour was due to arrive. There was a sense of anticipation building up in the room as fans and guests awaited eagerly for the hour to approach.
Jon made an appearance at about 3.10 pm and walked down the red carpet under an arch of balloons which were formed to be a replica of the display of fencing swords (fencing is one of Jon's loves and forte).
For a moment I thought Singapore Idol fever had struck again. Fans-turned- paparazzi for the afternoon as cameras clicked away and video cams were whisked out to capture this one moment in time - his arrival. He was ushered to take his seat together with his chaperone, May (his artiste manager).
This was one private closed door event sans media or press. Except for a handful of males who were supposedly relatives and friends of these fans, it was a predominantly female crowd who had turned up. After all this was one rare chance to get up close with Jon - to see how suave he looked in the flesh and indeed he was truly eye candy. He looked every inch the tres charmant dude in his white, black and light brown attired ensemble.
Challenges were in store for him. He played table games with two groups and there was a Q & A session which consisted of questions which were written by his fans. Personally handpicked by Jon, they proved to be no sweat for him as he gamely answered them with a matter-of-factly demeanour and one could not help but feel there was a tinge of nonchalance in his replies.
Coming across as evasive, he revealed that there were still no confirmed plans when his album would be ready whilst adopting a "some things cannot be rushed" stance (yeah he's taking his own sweet time), but it was most likely intended for a regional release.
Surprises were lined up for him that afternoon as well. Two of his former band "Reverie" mates made an appearance and his other little surprise was an adoption plaque presented to him of a langur (Asian monkey) from the Zoo - the adoption was made on his behalf by his supporters.
Standing in front of his Bart cake, he made his birthday wishes in the silence of his heart and in the presence of his supporters. They even took to the stage to sing a "birthday song" specially dedicated to him and there was mass singing of "If We Hold On Together". Champagne-popping added to the mood of the celebration.
His ever charmant persona which beguiled his private and quiet nature was given full display that afternoon. Playing the role of an obliging dude, he went from table to table to have group photographs taken with his supporters. Then fans made a beeline for their coveted individual photo-taking moments with him and to have him autographed their bookmarks. There was never an "enough is enough" moment when Jon was around. Some fans were a little disappointed that they did not manage to have individual photos taken with him (take heed, "if it was meant to be, it would be").
Alas Jon had to take his leave after having been around for some 90 minutes as he has a Mandarin class to attend at 5.00 pm.
With the departure of Jon and the fans having feasted their eyes on him, it was now time to fill their stomachs. As the afternoon drew to a close, streams of fans made their way out of the exit door ending the celebration for the day.
Ending off this write-up with some personal thoughts of mine - exactly one year ago, I could still remember that Jon had just made it into the Singapore Idol Top 12 with his rendition of Matchbox Twenty's "If You Are Gone". I am coming across as retrospective, you may say. If I may add, the past year of SI exposure has given him an introspective perspective on life and the music entertainment industry. So how will next June be?
All I can say is "C'est la vie".
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Written by Agatha.
@ 4:57 PM
