Sigordo

It was March 2009, I was in Jakarta and I was there for a conference. I wanted to attend that annual international event since 2005. However, due to last minutes plans and so on, I had to skip the Java Jazz Festival 2009.

However, learning from my mistake last year, I booked my tickets early; both flight and Java Jazz tickets, and I was all ready for my first ever Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta. I guess it was just my luck, this year the Java Jazz was held in Kemayoran which I think is a disaster. Unlike the previous years, it was held in Senayan and it was somewhat more convenient there.

I know the traffic jam was crazy in Jakarta but having an event in Kemayoran, the traffic jam is a different level. At least when it was in Senayan, it was in the city and getting there was a little less expensive. On the other hand, making your way to Kemayoran is depressing.

Having said that, I thought the festival could lift my mood and enjoy some good music. Unfortunately, since it was a festival, getting around is hectic. There were people everywhere and I only got snippets of the great lineup Java Jazz had for us. Therefore, with all the running, I wasn’t able to truly enjoy the music.

I also learn that the special shows’ sound system was dismal. Especially special shows of John Legend and Toni Braxton.

But I had my ticket for Manhattan Transfer’s special show on the last day and it was superb! I was absolutely awed and entertained by the four veteran vocalese singers. With all that has been endured, I think I wouldn’t have enjoyed Java Jazz as much if I had not attended Manhattan Transfer’s special show. With that, I thank you Alan Paul, Janis Siegel, Tim Hauser and Cheryl Bentyne of the Manhattan Transfer.

I’m not sure whether I’ll be going to Java Jazz again especially if it is held in Kemayoran. But then again, it’s Jakarta, I just might.

The ones who made it all worth it

I had the privilege of watching 4 international tennis players recently and I was thrilled that one of them was Elena Dementieva. Subsequently, having watched the match between Maria Kirilenko and Zheng Jie, I have grown fond of Maria Kirilenko, simply for her grace.

Hello to you too Elena

I have always favoured single back-handers like of Justine Henin, Amelie Mauresmo, Roger Federer of course, Gustavo ‘Guga’ Kuerten as opposed to double back-handers. Thus, obviously, I prefer Roger Federer anytime to Rafa Nadal.

As for female tennis players, I’m not quite sure why I like Elena Dementieva. Perhaps because Dementieva has this certain bubbly personality and her seemed very grounded and not arrogant, unlike Serena Williams.

In the Showdown of Champions 2009 in Kuala Lumpur recently, unfortunately, Dementieva was again struggling with her service, which to me personally has been haunting her. (I might be wrong but that’s just my observation). From the game against Sania Mirza, Dementieva was more of gifting points to Sania rather than Sania winning point, it was more of Dementieva’s unforced errors and double faults that prolonged the match, which she could have just finish it off way earlier.

Even with obvious and recurring flaw, Elena is still a top player in the world and has been a regular contender for the biggest titles in tennis. Thus, I really do hope that she would improve her game in that area as I will always be rooting for her to win one or two Grand slams next year.

On that note, I also wish the best to Maria Kirilenko as she has become my second favourite female tennis player to Elena Dementieva. With hope, more Showdown of Champions to and may it benefit Malaysia and Asia in the long run. Here are some photos of the Showdown of Champions 2009 in Kuala Lumpur. For more photos, go to:

http://harizoli.deviantart.com

1Malaysia? 1Russia?

Sham from Mix FM was also there