Downpour fails to dampen Miri street party

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PATRIOTISM: The 916 Street Party in Jalan Sehati on Sunday night, waving miniature national flags – Jalur Gemilang – while grooving to the music near landmark Imperial Palace Hotel.

SHOW-STEALER: Mizz Nina, Malaysia’s internationally acclaimed singer, belting out her numbers to the frenzied crowd.

MIRI: The 916 Street Party in Jalan Sehati on Sunday night counted down with gusto to Malaysia Day on Sept 16, for the ‘biggest and most happening event in the city’ despite a whole night of incessant rain.

The non-stop downpour from early evening failed to dampen the patriotic crowd as it swelled to 25,000 from all walks of life and ages to usher in the most significant date in the country’s formation, Malaysia Day on Sept 16.

Miri was literally turned into one big stage as the celebration was kicked off with hot performances by bands from local entertainment outlets.

The ‘dancing in the rain’ heated up when Hitz.FM personalities Ryan and Cassie – who were the masters of ceremony – announced that international disc-jockey (DJ) Honey G from Bangkok was taking over the stage to entertain the crowd.

The crowd was oblivious to the stinging, cold night and danced on in the street to the lively and energetic music spun by DJ Honey – who went down from stage to shake hands and distribute CDs of her music to the sporting crowd.

Although relatively unknown to the entertainment scene here, the Mocha Girls from Philippines captivated and wowed with their songs and energetic moves.

Some in the lucky audience joined them on stage and received the group’s merchandise such as t-shirt and calendars.

Encouraged by the overwhelming response from the crowd, the Mocha Girls too descended to sing and dance in the street.

They also took the opportunity to distribute merchandise to the lucky audience.

The Mocha Girls are considered as ‘The Hottest Singing Dance Group in the Philippines’ and are ‘3rd Best Selling Female Group of All Time in the Philippines’ behind the Sexbomb Girls and Aegis.

The all-female singing and dancing group consists of Mocha Uson (lead vocalist and original member), Mae Dela Cerna (formerly of EB Babes), Franz Fainsan, Georgina Knight and Seika Hashizume. The Mocha Girls have released four albums: A Taste of Mocha (2006), Mocha (2007), Deliciosa (2008) and Pinay Ako (2012), and have sold 30,000 album units in the Philippines.

But highlight of the show was Malaysia’s internationally acclaimed singer Mizz Nina from Kuala Lumpur. Although it was after 1am, her loyal fans waited eagerly for her appearance on stage despite dripping and dancing in the rain – and who will all be hanging out their ‘bling’ when Sept 16 dawns.