10 Of The Best Raya Ads Of 2018

Posted by & filed under Art, Entertainment, Events, Featured, Lifestyle.

Aidil Fitri is almost upon us. It’s customary, a tradition almost here in our beloved, renewed country that corporations come out with Raya advertisements that will usually play and tug at your emotions. However, this year presents something a bit different, as a theme of happiness and togetherness feature more prominently than the usual fair. Here are our Top 10 picks for the best Raya advertisements of 2018.

KFC – Dendam Adam

KFC’s got a tear jerker in this year’s iteration of Hari Raya. The story revolves around a grudge by Adam towards his older brother, showcasing Adam’s constant neglect and disapproval towards his brother’s attempts at forgiveness and retribution. The story however, contains a very well executed plot twist that’ll first encourage you to question the brother’s age gap with Adam, which then unfolds into a situation that puts all the pieces into place. Not forgetting a full KFC dinner after a day raya-ing. Now I want some KFC.

Samsung – Raya Last Minit

Samsung’s premise for the ad is a smart one. A last minute relative comes to ‘ber-raya’ at her family’s place, with the couple looking back at the mess the previous hoard of visitors have left. Luck for the duo then, that the house is a fully equipped Samsung smart home, from the washing machine, vacuum and microwave, not forgetting the showcase of the S9’s capabilities, going from a video call with a relative, to becoming a remote for multiple devices, eventually setting into a prepped home in no time. Simple to follow storyline, with a linear goal, all achieved with the help of Samsung #MaximumProductPlacement

Graph Studio – Biru

Biru displays something that’s often overlooked in normal circumstances, but becomes one of utmost importance when Raya comes knocking. Faiq Syazwan breathes life and personality into the RM 1 Ringgit note, detailing its livelihood, lived in ignorance and overlooked upon. That is, until Raya creeps closer and everyone’s looking for One ringgit notes to handout for Duit Raya. It’s a very twisted PSA, telling you to change your money before the banks run out of the blue paper, but one that was achieved with such gripping storyline that all you can do is just stare at it in disbelief. It’s that good.

Toyota – Jalan Cerita Raya

Toyota wants you to remind of the times way back, specifically focusing on the small things, like the things your dad go through in order to keep you happy. The video details a father taking his son around the housing area after work, so that he gets to spend time with him, but then the son gets bored as it becomes routine. It takes a while for the son to realise what he has implied, and during the time of Raya, and invites the dad once more to go round the housing area to relieve old time memories. It’s a simple premise that brings heartfelt memories and remembrance, especially when you’ve been in the situation of the son.

DBKL – Janji Amin

A twist of location is present in this one. Amin, who works as a traffic monitor in DBKL is not able to get leave in time for the first day of Raya, with a hopeful mother awaiting his son’s arrival at the kampung. Amin then resigns to his fate that he’s not going to go back, and faces a dilemma on whether to tell his mother that he isn’t able to make it, but a turn of events take place, and instead, Amin’s mum comes to visit him at his workplace instead.

PrudentialBSN –  #TeamRayaMerah

Plot twists seem to be quite apparent in most of the raya videos, and this one features a somewhat slightly hilarious twist that we’re not quite sure whether to feel sad about or laugh. Regardless, the whole dynamic between the main character and the family leaves you wondering about his relationship with the family, until at the very end of the clip. We leave it up to you what to make of it.

TM – Makcik Bawang

Perhaps the more recent topical entry in this list, this ad revolves around the whole trend of ‘membawang,’ A.K.A gossiping. 2 siblings are featured as they wonder into their Mak Long’s kitchen to help with the preparation of rendang, not so endearingly titled ‘Mak Cik Bawang’ as she likes to gossip and compare. The younger brother gets interrogated first after a series of questions, which she then turns and faces the elder sister. After a torrent of somewhat belittling questions, she stands up and storms out of the kitchen, leaving the Mak Long a bit bewildered and upset by her actions. A narration then plays, reminding the viewer that with every question asked, it is just an act to know and get closer to said relatives. After all, we see the younger generations much more frequently, but the grandparents probably once a year during the festive season.

Petronas – Misi Riuh Raya!

One of Petronas’ more conservative entries, the video still makes for a funny spectacle as each of the siblings are hit with troubles as they plan on surprising their parents. Each member of the family carries out a specific task, with one carrying the ‘kawah’ to cook the dodol, while another carries lights and decorations for the house, another carries a sofa, and another brings along Baju Raya for the entire family. The mother has lost all hope of them coming back for Raya, only to be pleasantly surprised to a lit up house, but more importantly, a present family.

UDA – Tanda Kasih

If you’re looking for a video to really move you to tears, UDA has got what you need. In the pursuit of career growth, we often tend to forget the ones closest to us, looking at them more as an annoyance the more they try to interact with us. It’s only until the main character here realises that his mother has passed away from an accident because of neglect and inability to come and fix the house, he realises what he has done, and acknowledges that it’s too late to seek forgiveness, despite trying to at his mother’s grave in futility. It reminds us all then, that we should all take care of our parents, and know that all they want is just a little bit of attention from us as we grow apart. However, the best has to go to….

Tenaga Nasional Berhad – Rumah Epik Fantastik

TNB easily takes the cake with this year. Beautiful cinematography, colour grading, and simple, yet effective storyline, the ad delivers a message that while it may seem that with the extended relatives are coming back for raya and overcrowds the house, in the end, it’s all better together. We don’t have much to say about the video other than it’s superbly done.

The Next Big Release, On Nike, And It Rhymes With Stacks

Posted by & filed under Sneakers.

After the successful release of Travis Scott’s Air Force 1, he returns with another collaboration but with Jordan Brand this time. After teasing sneakerheads of what may be an official release, Jordan Brand officially announces the release of the Air Jordan 4 ‘Cactus Jack’. The upper mostly consist of light blue suede upper with black tabs, netting, and backtab. The backtab includes the ‘Cactus Jack’ and Jumpman logo detailing while the silhouette’s midsole is given the light blue and white treatment. The entire colorway is completed with a black outsole. We may observe some speckle detailing on the lace tabs and backtab which is a nice touch while the waxed laces give the colorway a premium feel.

Even with such a bright colorway, we believe this pair was well-executed by Jordan Brand and Travis Scott. The ‘Cactus Jack’ will be releasing this Thursday, 14th of June on Nike so prepare your cash and make sure you have a fast internet connection, or else it’s gonna be a long ‘add to cart’ war.

 

 

Kidd Santhe Along With Airliftz and Lil J Release Their Version of The FIFA World Cup Song

Posted by & filed under Music.

And It’s Better Than The Official One

The Malaysian rap scene has been on a trailblazing path these past months, from the likes of 16 Baris allegedly overcrowding The Bee at Publika showcasing the best of local rappers, and Raising The Bar successfully putting new talents out there, with some even managing to get called up to perform at Good Vibes Festival. Suffice to say, we’re not short of amazing acts here, as evidenced by Kidd Santhe’s, Lil J’s, and Airliftz’s new song for the FIFA World Cup 2018, aptly titled, Equalizer.

We can draw several comparisons from Equalizer as compared to the actual official song, ‘Live It Up,’ primarily of which that Equalizer has a more dramatic beat to it compared to Live It Up’s more fast paced rhythm that’s slightly difficult to get into. The overall punch and adrenaline is lacking, especially when compared to previous songs such as Waving Flag by K’NAAN and Waka Waka (This Time For Africa) by Shakira. In it’s best case, the song would still do well as FIFA background music as you play the video game.

Equalizer is more pumping, thanks to the song’s much more abundant use of drums to create a tension that reflects the intensity of the game very well. Bars were spit in quick succession by all three rappers, maintaining the energy throughout the song, all the way to its end. It’s even used in Stadium Astro’s official montage.

Are y’all ready for World Cup fever to hit the masses again? Let us know down in the comments below!

 

 

 

From Daddies To Baddies

Posted by & filed under Fashion.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DAD?

Written by Celine Kitt and Isaac Yeap

We’re halfway through 2018, and the dad persona is still one to be reckoned with, especially now with the peaking trend of chunky shoes. If you don’t believe it, just look at Kanye West, from his opinion dividing Yeezy 700 Wave Runner to his recent, also opinion dividing Yeezy 500 Blush.

Dad shoes are here to stay, but many of you may face this dilemma: It’s chunky AF and I have no idea how to pair it up! No worries my fellow dads and daddies (wink wink), we here at MASSES are giving you four golden tips to ensure that dad shoe of yours is being flexed to its limits. So what do you need if you want to achieve the ultimate millennial dad look?

Tip 1: Go Straight or Go Home

As most Dad shoes are chunky, pairing it with a slim or skinny trousers would give an impression that you skipped leg day. Instead try opting for more straight yet cropped trousers or baggy trousers to balance out the chunkiness of the shoe.

Tip 2: Pair it with ankle white socks

Nothing shouts dad with that classic ankle white socks. For those hot days in Malaysia, don’t be afraid to go for the white dad vibe with shorts sporting them ankle white socks. Flex that Balenciaga Triple S’s real good in the whiteys.

Tip 3: Be Bold, Go Oversized

As mentioned earlier, pairing the Dad shoe with straight or baggy trousers will complement the ‘chunkiness’ of the shoe nicely. The same can be applied up top. Go bold with an oversized MA-1 bomber jacket to for maximum chunk! You go hard, or go home family.

Tip 4: Get that cozy tracksuit

Nothing screams suburban dad more than suiting up in a tracksuit & New Balance 990s. You could go colourful or tonal all the way with an item that pops (hats, accessories etc.) to solidify the look. Lookin’ fly there pops.

There you have it! 4 tips for you to rock the dad vibe. While the guide is just a few tips to get you started on your dad journey, fashion is debatable & we here at MASSES MY encourage you to go out explore different options. Let us know in the comment section below on what else could paired with the dad shoes! 

The Incredibles 2 Is Releasing Next Week And We Can’t Contain Ourselves

Posted by & filed under Movies.

We’re all a bunch of millennials, and the first Incredibles movie played a huge part in our lives. Or to mine, at least. The Incredibles is by far my favourite animated Pixar movie of all time, eking out Finding Nemo and Toy Story, simply because of its deftly executed storyline, brilliant set pieces and action scenes, and amazing animation detail.

A sequel was not to come in the next 14 years after its initial release, leaving the audience hanging with an unresolved closure as to who was the Underminer, and why did he want to invade Metroville. The scene then transitions to the Incredibles family donning on their masks, and Mr. Incredible revealing the insignia……..and finish.

The closure is now going to be answered, this 14th of June, and the initial reactions seem extremely promising.

It certainly builds some level of expectation on the movie, with glowing receptions and satisfaction after waiting almost 15 years for the sequel, but we’ll hold out thoughts until after we watch the movie. Tickets are already out on sale for the premier so leave your younger siblings, and indulge your inner 10 year old along with everyone else who have waited so damn long for this. Stay tuned next week for the full review.

Vans Teams Up With Marvel For Their Largest Collab To Date

Posted by & filed under Fashion, Sneakers.

It’s only right that two brands with rich heritage in creative expression and empowerment launch their largest collaboration to date. Vans and Marvel combine forces to introduce a huge range of co-branded footwear, apparel and accessories featuring most of the characters in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

We observe the shoes first, whereby the Old Skool has been given an Avengers themed remake. Every detail from all the characters are present and accounted for; the Old Skool’s toebox has been given a vivid blue colour and a shield graphic stamped on the heel counter gives a nod to Captain America, while the tongue has been reimagined to be reminiscent of a piece of Iron Man’s suit of armour. Sidestripes are replaced with Thor’s silver wing, and a brightly coloured outsole nods off Hulk’s signature green and purple tones. The Authentic gets a subtler makeover, showcasing the others such as Black Panther, Black Widow and Spider Man in an allover print that matches a selection of men’s t-shirts, hat, sandal and sock options as well as a special checkered apparel pack just for women.

Despite getting a combined makeover on the Authentic, Black Panther, Hulk, and Spider-Man all get their own respective capsules. Black Panther’s Sk8-Hi takes plenty of references from King T’Challa’s vibranium suit, while the Classic Slip-On displays Hulk’s brute force as his feet burst through the checkerboard pattern. Spider-Man’s abilities are on full display across the Classic Slip-On sneaker and Slide-On sandal. Deadpool makes a surprise appearance, getting his own rendition of the Sk8-Hi in durable black and red leather.

 The women of Marvel too get their own ensemble, showcasing upgraded materials, rare patterns, and signature colours across apparel, accessories and footwear. The Classic Slip-Ons tips off to Black Widow with sleek nylon uppers and a beveled outsole in a blacked out colourway, much like her bodysuit. A rubberised Black Widow logo is outlined in red for a subtle contrast and ballistic canvas quarter panels put the finishing touches on this stealthy style. Captain Marvel’s heroic hues are present in the Sk8-Hi with red suede and blue canvas uppers while gold covers the Sidestripe and accents the back-heel counter with a cut-out eight-point star, Captain Marvel’s cherished emblem.

The collection is toddler friendly too, with plenty of apparel and footwear styles such as the Spider-Man Sk8-Hi Zip, Authentic featuring the women of Marvel and Classic Slip-On featuring Baby Groot across the iconic checkerboard motif.

The collection will be available to buy at Vans retail stores and select locations globally from this Friday, 8th of June. Collection worthy?

TNB’s Raya Ad Highlights What Makes Raya A Special Occasion

Posted by & filed under Featured, Lifestyle.

Tenaga Nasional Berhad doesn’t screw around when it comes to Raya ads. Instead of going the typical route of ‘meleleh air mata,’ the company has decided to focus on what makes Raya such a festive time. Rumah Epik Fantastik details a story of Iskandar Syahidan, a young boy dreading and coping in a cramped kampung house as members from his extended family spend the first days of Hari Raya at his house.

While seemingly very stressed out as he circulates the packed living room, to kids playing with his toys and making a mess in his room as well as meeting an unfavourable cousin, Iskandar realises that despite the mounts of people, Hari Raya is much more joyous when the whole family is under one roof. Quek Shio Chuan was tasked with directing this year’s skit, after previously shooting TNB’s last year’s campaign titled Dugaan Raya Aida.

The clip, suffice to say, was a feast for the eyes. Beautiful warm colouring, well executed choreography as well as a combination of drone shots, flycams, and the centrepiece, a long shot from the TV room all the way to front verandah make up for a very visually pleasing 5 minutes.

Speaking to The Star, TNB chief corporate officer Datuk Wira Roslan Rahman strives to create a situation that is relatable to the masses.

“I believe, we are all familiar with that feeling of rushing home to avoid being stuck in traffic. Then, when you’re home, there is no time to relax because you have to start cleaning up.

“We do all this so that we can create a comfortable living situation for everyone else,” Roslan said.

The clip’s overall message is to signal the importance of tolerance, that happiness can be achieved with everyone are working together hand in hand to help ensure that the first day of raya goes as smoothly as possible.

“The sense of tolerance among Malaysians is what makes us special,” he added.

Watch Dugaan Raya Aida below, and see if you can spot the easter eggs in Rumah Epik Fantastik!

 

Watch Jaggfuzzbeats’ New Music Video, Symmetry

Posted by & filed under Music.

This week is a good week for Malaysian music. Just fresh off Lunadira’s music video debut, Jaggfuzzbeats release another one tying to their album, ‘Rest Now.’ ‘Symmetry,’ according to Azrul, showcases a story of losing someone and learning to understand loss. Seeking forgiveness that will remain unanswered and realising that time waits for no one.

The video then, showcases something that looks very much on the other side of the spectrum, with carefree movements amongst the serenity of the lake and lush greenery, filtered to look like it was shot out of an old film camera. One could translate that despite such nonchalant acts of dancing by the side of the road, real pain subsides behind the sunglasses, masking the grief of loss.

Regardless of interpretation, whether loss of life, or relationship, the simple riffs and underlying drumbeat catches your attention immediately, and hooks you into the other tracks that ‘Rest Now’ has to offer. Sample the rest of the album below, or follow them on Twitter for more updates!