After a quiet relaxing MayDay long weekend break, here I am back in the blog.
Its been awhile since my last posting but I have been preoccupied with the Muslim Model Show 2016 which ended on a high on 28th April 2016.
Yes, it has been one hell of an experience doing this programme. There were so many obstacles and challenges; some very unneccessary but nevertheless they were there.
However, I praise God that at every obstacle we faced, an angel appears to carry us through. At every challenging moment, we receive a boost of energy to overcome it.
Even now, there are still unsettled business to be concluded, a few more obstacles to cross but I remain optimistic we will overcome them.
In the 10 weeks of MMS2016, I am so impressed and satisfied with all the finalists. Looking back at Day 1, there were so many stones waiting to be polished. The professional jury, each with their own experties, saw the potentials in each of the finalist even than. I salute the jury!
In the following weeks, our bonding grew; from strangers we became a family. We shared pain and sorrow, heartaches and joy but above all, we shared love and understanding.
The stones were slowly being polished, week after week we could see a little more shine coming through. Yes, there were disappointment with some but most turned out much better than expected.
Individual characteristics were slowly manifesting itself making each contestant even better. We got to know not just the outward character but inner personality of each and every contestant, especially the Top12 finalists.
It was not just the Jury and organisers who were there guiding and polishing the finalists. Even the other behind the scene guys such as the Make Up Artists, photographers and sponsors were all out to guide and to assist, it was one big family.
My dear brother Raden, as founder and organiser outshone himself in everyway. His patience is examplary, puts me to shame. His unique way of handling problems and issues, both of the project and personal is very much admired. Areas where he knows he is weak, he is not afraid to admit and to seek help. Above all, his care and love for people around him makes me so proud to have him as my brother.
Despite all the running around, feeling tired, lack of sleep and headaches I am so proud to be a part of MMS2016. I thank God for each and every soul that I have had the honour to know through this programme. I pray that our friendship and family bonding will grow stronger. I pray for success for each and every of the contestants.
The GrandFinale was exceptional. The hardwork of the crew, the contestants and everyone else was amazing. Above all, I could truly feel the presence of God every step of the way!
We had prepared buntings for each of the finalist to be displayed along the Walk of Fame, at the entrance to the hall. The buntings came very late, just hours prior to show time delivered by an angel.
As the crew helped roll up the buntings, I placed them not as a walkway but a circle, semi circle, crescent, name it what you want. The end result turns out magnificent: I call it the
CIRCLE of STARS
Standing back and looking at it, I felt so proud admiring the faces of the finalists. Thinking back to Day1 and the unpolished stones, I was hit with pride, I smiled with joy.
I am sure each of the finalists and the families would have been so proud looking at their own faces on the buntings.
Than the show began.
As I watched the opening act, tears ran down my eyes; tears of joy, relief and most of all, pride.
Raden sent me a Whatsapp message, "sad - gonna miss them". I know he was feeling so proud of each and everyone on that stage and backstage too. When the words of my favourite song was sung, I felt the presence of GOD and was glad that throughout the weeks never once did we forget our prayers and time with God. The words of the song was a timely reminder and a perfect start to the evening.
There were minor hiccups here and there but the GrandFinale was GRAND. The results truly did not matter; everyone emerged as the winner.
Nevertheless, congratulations to Ejoi and Ogie: may both of you continue to shine and bring glory to God as Icons of the Muslim Model Show 2016.
I am reminded that Ogie was a "Keep In View" choice for Top40 on day one. In the end, because of commitment, hard work and determination, she outshone the rest. A well deserved winner.
And I also note that both winners are the oldest finalist: reminding us that in life, nothing is impossible. Everything is possible, if we believe....
I will truly cherish this MMS2016 experience even as preparations for MMS2017 is being planned. I will miss my brothers and sisters, my adopted sons and daughters: my MMS family.
Thank you all and I beg forgiveness for any shortcomings and offending words or deed that I have said or done.
May Allah's blessing be upon all of us.
Amen.
