.: i.gemz :.

New Blog Address

2009-02-11T01:35:00.000-08:00

Hi fans! From now onwards, please use the new link to our new blog:

http://igemzonline.blogspot.com

Older archives will still be stored here, but new updates will be over at the new blog.

Remember to bookmark the new blog at http://igemzonline.blogspot.com.

Cheers from all of us @ i.gemz!

i.gemz 2 is on the way!

2009-02-02T23:58:00.000-08:00

Yes fans, our 2nd album is now in recording progress, and we hope it will be ready by Wesak 2009. Keep your eyes and ears peeled!

More info coming your way soon :)

i.gemz performs @ INCOVAR Dinner & Dance

2008-09-08T05:01:00.001-07:00

Photo by Peter Tan :)

Somebody's on the web :)

2008-09-03T18:45:00.000-07:00

i.gemz recently supported the launch of Dharma Tunes Volume 1, a Buddhist song book which features musical notations, guitar chords, and an audio CD.

Try to spot the i.gemz members in this photo :)

Friday Night with Tan Siew Chan

2008-07-05T22:42:00.000-07:00

Practicing in the open air.

Tha baby is asleep in side, so let's be as quiet as we can.

Rehearsal before the Demo recording with Bro Seng Tat Pin and BOT for "The Bodhi Tree"

The Much Awaited 2nd Album

2008-06-22T10:15:00.000-07:00

GJP and LSF having a romantic listen to the clarity and quality of the
demo recording

On 19th June 2008, i.gemz gathered at sue&dan's and recorded our second Demo. This second draft is a "snapshot" of our development into producing our second album, targetted to be out somewhere in 2009. The new album may include these songs:
1) Thankful
2) Let's Change Your Destiny
3) You Showed Me The Way (A tribute to the Late Chief Rev)
4) Blessings
5) Good Action
6) I'll Be There For You
7) Warmth
8) Making Friends
9) Rainbow

Additional songs have yet to be confirmed, but at the moment, the above is confirmed as the selection so far.

i.gemz promises only the best for the Buddhist community and fans, so rest assured that we will keep writing and selecting the best melodies, the most meaningful Buddhist lyrics and messages for all to enjoy and get inspired to continue walking the way.
Pictures by Daniel Kwok at sue&dan's

Karaoke Session at Neway, 1Utama

2008-06-22T10:00:00.000-07:00

"Uh Uh Uh Uhhh..."

"Mmmm..."

"...so I say thank you for the music, the song I'm singing..."

"That's What Friends Are For!"

We enjoyed a 3 hour non-stop karaoke session right after the Wesak International Film Festival 2008 in Kuala Lumpur,15 June 2008 (Sunday). It was a quick lunch, and the 5 i.gemmerz marched off to 1Utama's Neway Karaoke for a fun session of wailing, tonsil stretching and side-splitting contest on who could best sing "off-pitch".
Amongst the songs chosen were from (group / artist): ABBA, Jacky Cheung, Tommy Page, The Eagles, Peter Pan, Kenny Rogers, Craig David, Huberstank, Gareth Gates, Sting, Karyn White (of Superwoman), Baby Face, Phil Collins, Eric Clapton and Mandy Moore!

Pictures by Daniel Kwok

Thankful

2008-06-18T18:10:00.000-07:00

We performed this during the recent Wesak International Film Festival. Good response from the audience :) This is gonna be one of the hits in the upcoming new album.

i.gemz will be performing in WIFF 2008

2008-06-09T19:58:00.000-07:00

i.gemz will be performing during the Wesak International Film Festival 2008 in Kuala Lumpur. Details as follows:

Date: 15 June 2008 (Sunday)
Time: 10am to 10.30am
Venue: Malaysia Tourism Center Auditorium

Visit the WIFF website for more details and also the schedule.

Nalanda Choir performs Ray Of Dharma

2008-06-03T01:30:00.001-07:00

I don't know when was this performed. But anyway, here's the youtube, thanks to BuddhistSound :)

i.gemz will be performing in 29th INCOVAR Dharma Camp

2008-05-19T21:39:00.001-07:00

Our next performance will be for the 29IDC; you can view the trailer here.

We are performing on the final day (Sunday, 1st June 2008) around 10.30am. The venue is Shah Alam Buddhist Society.

Click for a larger version

Do come and support us. Also, since it's INCOVAR, you can be sure that there will be lots of fun, and of course there will be CD sales, autograph and photograph sessions :)

i.gemz showcased "You Showed Me The Way"

2008-05-19T19:59:00.001-07:00

Firstly, Happy Wesak everyone! May all beings live in peace and harmony :)

In conjunction with Wesak eve, i.gemz performed 6 songs in BGF center, including the following:
- You Showed Me The Way - a heartfelt and moving song written by Anson in remembrance of the ex-Chief K Sri Dhammananda, and as a tribute to the members of the Maha Sangha
- The Dharma Shines in Me - a souled-up rendition of the timeless classic written by Daniel
- Thankful - a reminder that we should be thankful for what we have

Overall, the response from the crowd was encouraging. We hope that we've managed to inspire those who were there on that night.

i.gemz on Facebook

2008-05-15T20:25:00.001-07:00

Hello i.gemz fans! We've created a fan club page on Facebook. Click here for the link to the page.

So what should we use this page for? Well, we can:
- Share photos and videos of i.gemz performances or other performances singing i.gemz songs
- Discuss about i.gemz music and upcoming performance schedule
- Connect with all i.gemz fans worldwide
- Because Facebook is inevitable...

Do let us know if you would like to see anything interesting, we'll try to post it up on the page :)

Cheers!

i.gemz performing in BGF for Wesak Eve 2008

2008-05-14T02:57:00.001-07:00

Our next upcoming performance will be inspirational songs sharing in BGF for the Wesak Even program. The program starts around 8pm, and the hymns session is expected to begin around 930pm perhaps. i.gemz will be sharing our songs and perhaps some well known hymns from the ubiquitous "pink book".

The full program is listed here for your reference. Hope to see you there!

Wesak Eve, 18th May 2008 (Sunday)
8.00 pm
Buddha Puja
Welcome Speech
Speeches by Graduates of the 22nd Effective Speaking Course 2008
Dhamma talk by Bro. Dhammasukha Wee on Wesak Dawn
Hymns Performance

Wesak Day, 19th May 2008 (Monday)
10.00 am
Buddha Puja
Dhamma talk by Venerable Lama Karma Samten
Performance by the Gem Kids
Children Activities (3rd Floor)
Hymns Performance
Launching of Buddha Puja Book by Datuk Dr. Victor Wee
Fellowship & Potluck lunch (Vegetarian)

Note: There will be offering of light at RM10.00. For further information please contact Sis. Dolly at 019-356 8879

~ Inspiring The Future ~
Buddhist Gem Fellowship
Add: 60A, JALAN 19/3, 46300 PETALING JAYA [Click For Map]

On Stage

2008-05-13T02:14:00.000-07:00

L-R: Wee Fah, Swee Feng, Sue Lynn, Jing Pei, Sue Ann, Siew Chan
Hidden: Nee Sern, Anson

Here are the i.gemz on stage performing in Malacca :)

Wow we look good :P

2008-05-12T01:26:00.001-07:00

This was taken in SKE in Malacca when we were there to perform for the Echoes of Buddhism 4. The attire we chose was "black top, blue jeans bottom, with a dash of colour". Looking at the photo, it is clear that the most outstanding individuals are Wee Fah (with the smashing bright yellow necktie) and Sue Lynn (with the bright red uber cool belt :P) Sue Ann also showed up after a gruelling 6 hour bus ride from Singapore earlier in the morning :)

L-R: Nee Sern, Anson, Wee Fah, Swee Feng, Sue Lynn, Jing Pei, Sue Ann

The name is i.gemz

2008-05-12T00:59:00.001-07:00

Perhaps it's a case of wrong naming strategy for our band.

Our band is called i.gemz. It's spelled with all small letters. An "i" followed by a "dot" followed by "g e m z". Yes, it ends with "z", not "s".

It's not the following names:

i-gem
igem
i.gem
i.gems
i-gems
I-germ

Plainly, it's i.gemz

We'll be back soon :)

2008-05-12T00:32:00.001-07:00

Hey, just because we didn't update the blog, doesn't mean we have not been busy.

Why, just yesterday i.gemz performed in the Mother's Day Appreciation Dinner hosted by Sri Jayanti Temple. And just 2 weeks prior, i.gemz performed in Echoes of Buddhism 4 in Malacca.

Don't fret. i.gemz is still around, still alive. Just buzz us. You can contact the following:
Nee Sern -- nskhoo AT gmail DOT com
Daniel -- kwokdanielkwok AT yahoo DOT com
Wee Fah -- pohweefah AT hotmail DOT com

i.gemz performs @ Dinner with Ajahn Brahm

2007-01-13T19:00:00.000-08:00

i.gemz was invited to perform for the Dinner with Ajahn Brahm organized by BGF, held on 13th January 2007 in Holiday Villa Subang. We raised well over RM100,000 in pledges and donations alone. Sadhu! i.gemz is honoured to be part of this wonderful event in support of the upcoming Jhana Grove Meditation Retreat Center in Australia.

Here are some photos from that night for your enjoyment!

Welcome to the Vintage @ Holiday Villa Subang!

i.gemz ready to sing the opening welcome song...

...eagerly awaiting...

...microphones in hand...

...singing The Dharma Shines in Me

Ajahn Brahm looks pleased

Maestros on guitar

Our main man Daniel

The very talented i.gemz performers!

This is the morning after....

2006-10-02T22:34:00.000-07:00

The morning after the hit show, Echoes of Buddhism #2, i.gemz was invited for an appreciation brunch with the everyone involved in the show. Our appreciation to all who were there at the Old Frees' Association Penang, to celebrate our success with us. From left: Goh Sue San, Chia Sue Ann, Goh Jing Pei, Lee Swee Feng & Khoo Nee Sern and Toh Anson. Hidden behind Anson in the red t-shirt is Mooi Chee Onn - i.gemz critique and full time Bapak to all Incovarians.
i.gemz's Creative Director Daniel Kwok presenting an i.gemz Plaque of Appreciation to Brother Raymond Loh
Leader of the i.gemz Khoo Nee Sern (right) receiving a token of appreciation from the Organizers of Echoes of Buddhism #2

i,gemz "One Night Only" In Penang

2006-10-02T22:24:00.000-07:00

Alright Penang... you have heard i.gemz for one night only. As the group left the stage still in their colourful clothes from the performance, they took some pictures... Sue and Dan of i.gemz
Our colourful group of 10:
from left - Daniel Kwok, Tan Siew Chan, Chia Sue Ann, Khoo Nee Sern, Toh Anson, Poh Wee Fah, Chia Sue Lynn, Lee Swee Feng, Goh Jing Pei and Goh Sue San.
Five girls... and
Five guys...

Secrets :D

2006-09-23T23:59:00.000-07:00

Kapal Stim

2006-09-23T21:30:00.000-07:00

i.gemz had a celebration and appreciation steamboat dinner for all the performers who did well in Penang.

Here are some photos for your enjoyment!

This was the beautiful food

L-R: Toh Anson, Poh Wee Fah

Chia Sue Lynn dipping into the delicious steamboat

Chia Sue Ann receiving the cool hand print from Daniel Kwok

Tan Siew Chan explaining how big his... err... thing... is

Goh Jing Pei applying finishing touches to the hand print appreciation souvenir gift

Chia Sue Ann and Lee Swee Feng sharing smiles

Toh Anson feeling exceptionally proud of his achievements

i.gemz@redbox.karaoke.curve

2006-09-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

i.gemz went to sing in a non-stressful environment: Red Box Karaoke at The Curve! We sang a great variety of songs, from oldies to newbies, from English to Chinese, even Japanese songs!

Here's some photos for your viewing pleasure.

L-R: Tan Siew Chan, Chia Sue Lynn, Goh Jing Pei

L-R: Daniel Kwok, Poh Wee Fah

L-R: Khoo Nee Sern, Lee Swee Feng

Tuesday 25 July: A Night of Planning and Fun!

2006-07-26T23:58:00.000-07:00

Penang Fan and Friends can now hope to catch i.gemz in September
Catch us live at Bosch Hall, Caring Society Complex on
Saturday 16 September 2006, 7-10pm

A good jamming session for the gang after a good Discussion/Planning meet.
We sang some oldies, pop songs... everything else lah...
from left: Goh Jing Pei, Chia Sue Lynn, Goh Sue San, Toh Anson, Daniel Kwok, Poh Wee Fah, Tan Siew Chan and Chia Sue Ann

Chia Sue Ann & Goh Jing Pei

Chia Sue Lynn

Poh Wee Fah & Tan Siew Chan

Being Inspired by "The Melody of Truth & Beauty"

2006-07-13T01:30:00.000-07:00

We were invited by the YBAM's Melody Of Truth And Beauty Hymn Composition Contest on 8 July 2006 , not to compete as participants (since everyone had to compose and sing in Mandarin) but to entertain the audience with 2 i.gemz English hits while the judges deliberate the results. It was beautifully organized and we too were impressed! Wow...We were given in this orange envelope our Token of Appreciation from YBAM. Thanks!
from left to right: Poh Wee Fah, Daniel Kwok and Toh Anson
Daniel Kwok singing "The Dharma Shines In Me"
Poh Wee Fah singing "Reach Out"

photos by Goh Sue San

A visit to BGF, Petaling Jaya.

2006-05-21T17:32:00.000-07:00

From left: Bro Raymond Loh, Khoo Nee Sern, Russel, Natalie, Chia Sue Ann, Chia Sue Lynn and Daniel Kwok.
Brother Raymond Loh from Penang's BGX and Youth Leaders from SKEDS Melaka Russel and Natalie paid us a warm visit in i.gemz Headquarters in BGF, Petaling Jaya last Tuesday 16 May 2006. We discussed our future roadshows and events that will inspire all in Malaysia.

Singing at the Incovar Family Day.

2006-04-11T18:27:00.000-07:00

On 11th April 2006 (Tuesday)
from 12.30pm - 3.30pm at BGF Centre,
i.gemz (comprising of Tan Siew Chan and Daniel Kwok )
was invited to do a sing-a-long...
... and perhaps a little soft selling...
...some live instruments
with live mobile phone recording
(note Adrian Wong's handphone
on the bottom right)... ... and some of Beng Tatt's sweet bananas for health.
pictures courtesy of Goh Sue San.

See you soon Bandar Melaka!

2006-04-10T03:56:00.000-07:00

Taken during the MBCS Fundrising Dinner December 2005.
igemz's Daniel and Sue San is seen with Mr and Mrs Kenny Chan from SKH Temple, Melaka. We have been invited to go perform for:

29-Apr-06 (Saturday)
An Evening of Buddhist Music
Wisma SKH (Melaka)
7.30pm

i.gemz will be performing "live" with other great Malaysian Buddhist bands there... See you soon!

Fun Fund Raising Dinner with MBCS

2006-04-10T03:43:00.000-07:00

December 2005 - igemz singing for an awareness campaign and fundrising dinner for MBSC - "Saying Goodbye with a Smile"
on top: Tan Siew Chan, singing "The Brahma of my Heart".
below: Daniel Kwok singing the theme song "Love Will See You Home". The song was especially written for MBCS by Daniel Kwok
pictures courtesy of Goh Sue San.

With Music comes Love!

2006-04-10T03:15:00.000-07:00

Khoo Nee Sern of i.gemz fame proposing to his sweet heart of 6 years Lee Swee Feng at her office.
Can't you just hear the distant wedding bells... and the wedding singers?
Congratulations you two... We wish you love, joy and blessings... i.gemz loves you both!

i.gemz members are NOT Wedding Singers.

2006-04-10T03:05:00.000-07:00

It is Sue&Dan's wedding! The group above comprising of (from left) Tan Siew Chan, Toh Anson, Khoo Nee Sern, Chia Sue Lynn and Poh Wee Fah are caught on camera singing the i.gemz hit "My Beautiful Friend". But kindly note that the i.gemz are NOT wedding singers.
From left: Khoo Nee Sern, Lee Swee Feng, Fred and Mooi Chee Onn. Big smiles everyone!
Poh Wee Fah, the polished and unshakable MC of the evening.

Sue & Dan 26 February 2006

2006-04-10T02:58:00.000-07:00

Anson Toh, playing Jazz Piano at the Shangri-La Grand Ballroom foyer.
The other lovely couple, Khoo Nee Sern and Lee Swee Feng.
The evening's most loving couple, both i.gemz members: Bride Goh Sue San & Groom Daniel Kwok.
All photos courtesy of Quek Mei Joon.

Going Pink with Sue&Dan

2006-04-10T02:39:00.000-07:00

SueSan and Daniel at Setenang, Taman Mayang for the "Reach In to Reach Out" Buddha @Home Wesak Celebration on Saturday 7 April. Notice the pink and white ribbons symbolising a heart shape pinned on our shirts.

Buddha@Home, Setenang, Taman Mayang

2006-04-10T02:29:00.000-07:00

Daniel Kwok performing at the Launch of Buddha @Home Wesak Celebration for honoured guests. DK wrote and sang the theme song, "Reach In to Reach Out" to a very receptive crowd whom later joined in and sang along. For more information on the 3 month long Wesak celebration, please visit http://www.buddhaathome.org/ and join in our 100 Days of Good Heart activity.

| charity concert @ pgrm |

2005-12-23T19:52:00.000-08:00

some pictures taken during the charity musical offerings for earthquake victims held on 2212005...

i.gemz Album Post-Launch Celebration

2005-12-18T19:10:00.000-08:00

Here we are, celebrating our Album Launch with a dinner party at USJ 9. What a loving family of friends!
Pic by Pizza vs Satay employee

Together in Celebration!

2005-12-18T18:30:00.000-08:00

i.gemz members celebrating our successful Album Launch with a private dinner at USJ's Pizza vs Satay! The food was delicious and the atmosphere filled with laughter.

From left: Toh Anson, Tan Siew Chan, Khoo Nee Wern, Poh Wee Fah, Daniel Kwok, Goh Sue San, Mooi Chee Onn, Chia Kok Wai, Lee Swee Feng, Khoo Nee Sern and Lam Siew Fong.
Pic by Pizza vs Satay employee

A Cosy Celebration Dinner

2005-12-18T18:09:00.000-08:00

From left: Goh Sue San and Daniel Kwok
pic by Mooi Chee Onn

Celebration Time!

2005-12-18T17:48:00.000-08:00

from left: Lee Swee Feng and Khoo Nee Sern
pic by Daniel... look out for that Bodhicitta on Sern's head... djeng djeng djeng!

i.gemz CD Available At More Outlets!

2005-12-15T19:08:00.000-08:00

Make your way to these participating outlets while stocks last!

Sukhihotu - Petaling Jaya branch
6 03-7806 2833
6 03 7806 2733
11A, 1st Floor,
Jalan SS24/8, Tmn Megah,
47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
Mon - Sun 10am-7pm
Except major public holidays.

Sukhihotu - Main Office
6 04-8277 118
6 04-8277 228
1-T, Jalan Gottlieb
10350 Penang, Malaysia
Tue - Sat 10am - 7pm
Sun 10am - 5pm
Closed on monday and major public holidays

Bodhi Book Centre
Box No. 38, Bangunan Pak Peng,
Lot 3.05, 3rd Floor,
75, Jalan Petaling,
50000 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Mon - Fri : 10am to 7.30pm
Sat & Sun : 10am to 6pm
Closed on Tuesdays

Subang Jaya Buddhist Association (SJBA)
12593, Jalan Kewajipan, SS13,
47500 Subang Jaya,
Selangor, Malaysia.
Tel: 603-56348181
Daily 8.30am to 4.30pm

Buddhist Missionary Society Malaysia Youth Section (BMSMYS)
Brickfields Maha Vihara
No. 123, Jalan Berhala
Off Jalan Tun Sambathan
50470 Brickfields
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Sundays 9.30am to 11am

Buddhist Gem Fellowship
60A, Jalan 19/3,
46300 Petaling Jaya
Selangor Malaysia
Saturdays 3pm to 5pm

If you are interested to buy, but could not get to the above places, drop us a comment and we will get back to you as soon as we can! Thanks for your inspiring support

We made Page 33 in the Star!

2005-12-15T18:31:00.000-08:00

Save for some spelling mistakes, we made it in the papers! Thanks to Malaysia's premier newspaper the Star, we were covered in the Events section in StarMetro on Thursday 8 December 05.

For more details on where to buy our CDs, scroll to the previous blog entry to check out the locations carrying our CD. Have a Happy Happy day!!

How to get your i.gemz CD!

2005-12-09T00:41:00.000-08:00

Dear friends,

Firstly, thank you all for your continuous support towards i.gemz. We are indeed grateful to have you as our supporters and fans. The launch event was spectacular thanks to the enthusiastic crowd (you!) and the atmosphere of dedication and spiritual inspiration.

I'm sure now you are wondering where can you get the CD from. We have distributed mainly to:

Sukhi Hotu
11A Jalan SS24/8,
47301 Taman Megah,
Petaling Jaya,
Selangor.
603-78062833

There are 11 songs on the CD, all originally written and composed by i.gemz members. All songs were performed by i.gemz vocalists and instrumentalists.

We will be distributing it to more venues soon!

...we inspire through music...

Preparing for Fun!

2005-12-04T18:40:00.000-08:00

From left: Poh Wee Fah, Daniel Kwok, Chia Sue Lynn, Chia Sue Ann, Tan Siew Chan, Toh Anson, Khoo Nee Sern and Khoo Nee Wern.

The i.gemz in their full force, in preparation 3 hours before the Launch on Saturday. It is fun and laughter even during practice!

Photo by Goh Sue San

Speech Cramming

2005-12-04T18:27:00.000-08:00

This is a sneak photo of Thon May Yenn, MC for last Saturday's i.gemz Launch cramming her speech 1 hour before the event. Do you feel her stress? Can you sense the suffering?

By the way, she was an excellent and entertaining MC for the entire afternoon! Well done.

Photo by Goh Sue San

|album launch|

2005-12-03T08:47:00.000-08:00

dec 3, 2005 marks a new beginning for i.gemz. yes, we have finally launched our album. there were more than 130+ turnouts and all the chairs were used up. most of us had to stand to for the entire sesssion. whatever it is, it was really worth everything. congratulations, i.gemz fo adding yet another chapter to the INSPIRING THE FUTURE tagline of BGF.

Buddhist Music: A Language of Peace

2005-11-11T00:56:00.000-08:00

Songwriter / Guitarist Khoo Nee Sern

pic posted by Daniel

All Our Best for You!

2005-11-11T00:26:00.000-08:00

Singers Tan Siew Chan and Daniel Kwok

Hey fans of beautiful Buddhist music! Eighteen months after hours of endless recordings and fun, you will soon be playing our i.gemz CD in your hi-fi! Stay tuned! pics posted by Daniel

No! We are NOT wedding singers... Really!

2005-11-11T00:16:00.000-08:00

Singer Toh Anson and Tan Siew Chan.
pics cheekily posted by Daniel

Spreading the Ray of Dhamma

2005-11-11T00:03:00.000-08:00

Singer Poh Wee Fah
pic posted by Daniel

| dhamma inspiration thru music |

2005-11-04T23:46:00.000-08:00

...welcome to the i.gemz blog...

this is where we blog it, say it and post it; everything about i.gemz. keep the post coming people.