What do you do? What would you assume a celebrity would do?
Yeah, figures. But last Thursday was different. I was the follower that went 'OHMYGOD, I wish I could be there!'. Raja Putri Atilia was the celebrity.
[I'm just gonna zone out and go, OHMYGOSH she is one of the nicest people I know, only second to my aunt Wahti Mahidin. But Wanti has had a lot more time to build her title, so....]
Can any of you guess what she (Ms. Atilia) said?
"Yeah, sure! I'll just put your name in the guest list!"
*blink, re-read the tweet, blink once more*
Oh yeah. One of the best nights of my life. But more on that later.
So here I am, with Atilia inviting me to an exclusive event. I have TWO HOURS to get ready, find someone to go with, and get my ass to Pavilion for the launch of AJMAL (one of the worlds' most successful perfumeries).
I sent out BBM's to everyone I knew. I frantically called & texted anyone I figured would be free (hello, it was a Thursday night after all). Finally got someone.
Immerse yourself in me when I looked at my watch to see it at 7:15pm. Event starts at 8pm. I don't have a car.
MOTHERFATHER, sister brother, the whole bleeding family.
I grab a cab. Pick up the date. And we were on our way.
I walked into Pavilion at 9:04pm. The cab ride cost a whopping RM50 (on the dot). But we got there just in time to watch our hostess' first number.
I'm no big follower of Malaysian music. Mum is, as she was (and still is) involved with the Recording Industry of Malaysia (RIM), and regularly does event management (she's done so many AIMs, and she did the opening of KLIA, Sepang International Circuit, and so much more). So anyway, I knew Atilia was good.
But I, nor my date, knew she was that good. Her amazing voice guided us up to the private lounge where the event itself was held. Instantly, we were captivated by the hypnotising scent of AJMAL's 'Shadow', heightened by the smooth crooning of our hostess in the background.
I will not lie. I have been given VIP treatment multiple times before. The CELCOM BlackBerry® Storm™ 9500 launch at the SiC, the Saturday at the F1 Paddock (also at the SiC), the AIM a couple of years ago, and many others. But for some reason, the AJMAL launch seemed so much better. I don't know, possibly because of the fact it was a completely halal event, or because I felt humbled by the graciousness that is Raja Atilia Harun.
After a few awkward minutes spent blending in to the crowd, my date and I spent our night schmoozing with the invitees. It was like we were on cloud 9.
Ah, a surprise! Atilia's mother, legendary Malaysian crooner Salamiah Hassan, in an impromptu move, sang a short number (the title of which I cannot remember. I blame the rather dizzying mix of smells. Do forgive me).
More minutes spent schmoozing with the crowd. Made many a contact that night. After bidding a quick goodnight to our gracious hostess, we made our way home (which was an adventure within itself), bringing an end to an amazing event, and an amazing adventure.
My dears, its easy to stereotype the people we place on pedestals. Like my Godfather, the visionary Afdlin Shauki. People perceive him as so many things, to the point that people fail to see the fact that he is such a sweet & lovable guy, a doting husband, and a loving father.
I guess the same goes for Ms. Atilia Harun. We think this and that, when in actuality, she's a person who is merrily inclusive within a world of exclusivity.
Never forget the little guy, ya'know?
[Again, I shall zone out for a moment. Raja Atilia, semoga Allah memberkati hidupmu selama-lamanya. May He grant you His love, affection & guidance in whatever you involve yourself with, and may every matter you delve into turn out successful & productive. Amiin]
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone
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