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King of the Shopping Centre Circuit
Stretching himself comfortably on a resplendent couch in the warmth of his admirably expansive home in Wantirna South, in Melbourne, dotted with a myriad exquisitely carved wooden statuettes, Derrick Junkeer exudes the air of a man who is completely at ease with life, his incessantly voluble demeanour relentlessly punctuated by dazzling laughter.
The twinkling eyes tell a ready tale of the immense love of life, the innate ability to spread warm and good cheer and boundless camaraderie. There is to the man a rare kind of exuberance, the kind only found in men who consciously aspire to scale the peak of achievement and stand firm in the rarefied ionosphere of artistic wizardry.
Indeed, for 46 year old Sri Lanka born Derrick J. the tag of one of the most well known and sought after romantic ballad singer in Australia fits so perfectly well that it has catapulted him onto the high pedestal of unwavering popularity and adulation, his concerts mostly in renowned shopping centres, clubs, and hotels all around the country being instant hits his multitude of fans swaying and baying for more!
‘King of the Shopping Centre Circuit’ proclaimed by one of the major Television Stations Channel 7 in a documentary on his astounding career with a crazed elderly woman animatedly declaring that Derrick’s sonorous voice was way ahead of both Englebert Humperdink and Tom Jones’, two names Derrick himself hold with total reverence close to his bosom. "Oh, it was quite a compliment" he smiled shyly fondling the mega-sized gold bracelet that so glitteringly adorns his wrist.
Derrick’s brand of music is wonderfully invigorating to the mind, ever so subtly lilting to the ears, an anodyne of unparalleled effect that can soothe and mollify the senses, an ameliorator of dreary moods, a fine strain of incandescent melody that so delicately ignites the spark of velvety artistic iridescence deep in the recesses of a sensitive heart. A gentle and steady trickle of romantic rumination, a kind of dreamy-eyed pining for warmth and caring, soft laughter and sharing, transporting you to a world where sweet cuddles and even sweeter kisses ensconce you with profound sensitivity!
Seven Albums, which evocatively bring out the treasure-trove of effervescent romance with Derrick’s sensitively appealing voice highlighting their rich lyrical content. It’s wonderfully fulfilling to be able to put a smile in the hearts of people. To be able to touch a cord in them is believe me, a rare high, said the former V-Line technician with disarming charm.
Derrick has truly traversed a long distance in terms of caring a niche in the tempestuous world of professional singing where to be to impress and hold the attention of listeners takes a lot of inherent talent and versatility interspersed with bravado and derring-do.
"It all fell in place for me as I took it upon myself to reach out to the masses by financing, producing, managing and marketing myself in a way few others had done before. Taking a decision to sing at Markets and Shopping centres in itself was a big one because it gave one the all important visibility", said Derrick matter-of-factly, the shrewdness born of a long understanding of local market psycho-graphics which has enabled him to release seven albums including a Gold with the prestigious musicians from the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Channel 9 and ABC showband, and combine regular television appearances on ‘Good Morning Australia’ with Bert Newton, and host of other TV shows called ‘At Home’, ‘Till Ten’, ‘In Melbourne Today’ etc.
Derrick, who rates his performance at the highly prestigious concert arena in NSW, called ‘Twin Towns’ as the most memorable is also a sort of cultural ambassador of his adopted country, Australia. His benevolence is to the fore too with budding singers being helped in understanding about recording, marketing, manufacturing, printing and other recording techniques, and knowing the quagmire of copyright and royalty laws" said Derrick sounding satisfied with his many missions.
The future holds the promise of more exciting to come with present day technological advancements like the Internet allowing Derrick, to sweep the entire globe in quest of artistic fulfilment. "The reach of my music has been vastly enhanced now as I have my own Home Page www.ozemail,com.au/-derrickj/ where one can access a video and sound sample files, order-form, biography, profile, newspaper reviews. I have a visibility which is global, in a manner of speaking," he gestured expansively and looked intently at his chartered accountant wife Flame, who has more than provided the financial management skills needed to keep a career like Derrick’s going.
Minding five kids at home when I’m away for weeks on end on concert tours while juggling with her profession should give her status of a seasoned tight rope walker," gushes Derrick much to the amusement of his prettywife, who seemed undoubtedly to prefer backstage of anonymity to the lights of appreciation.
The Goddess of wealth though, seems to have cast her benevolent spell on derrick, the stately home and the Mercedes with a customised registration plate, which loudly announces the name "DEREK J" being pointed reminders to the enviable size of his bank account. "These things don’t affect me at all" he shrugged with the worldly-wise nonchalance of one who has seen it all.
Ever the consummate artist, the chocolate-faced Derrick has been restless for newer and newer avenues to experience creative satisfaction. Acting roles in a few films and sitcoms have provided the ammunition to shoot those pangs of restlessness. ‘Gross Misconduct’ also staring Jimmy Smits of LA LAW fame, ‘Phoenix’ on channel 2 and ‘Newlyweds’ with costar Annie Jones, and host of others. Derick J. singer, showman, crooner, entertainer nonpareil. The refreshingly friendly smile in place, guitar in hand as he arranges the microphone on stage with practiced ease. Another memorable evening, another unforgettable concert. The same thunderous applause, the same appreciative whistles and the all familiar bow with a muted and grateful ‘Thank you’ ‘Thank you’. The show goes on.
Style that bowled them overby Kirthi Sri Karunaratne
The Janashakthi book of Sri Lanka cricket was launched in grand style at the Trans Asia Hotel in the presence of a large gathering. The book authored by Mr. S. S. Perera, and edited by a former editor of the Sunday Times & Mr. S. Muttiah, who is now domiciled in India, is a comprehensive record of the history of cricket in our country.Among the coterie of dark suited men were most of the cricketers of today, who will soon enter into the history of the game, and outstanding among them from a satorial point of view was Arjuna Ranatunge in a colourful sarong in tones of oranges, gold and red, he wore with a red kurta style top. The women of course provided a gamut of style, ranging from sarees to salwars and western attire.
A saree of striking quality was of ecru silk worn by Romanie de Silva. The border in a paisley charcoal and rust red design was bold and effective. Her
blouse was in black, and she wore long pearl studded pendulum earrings.
The saree Beverly Mirando wore was in earth colours, ranging from mud to ochre, with an elaborately patterned pallu in ethnic designs, she draped in the gujarati style with a blouse in the ochre tone of colour. Pearls were her ornaments.
The saree Niluka Schaffer wore was in a gleaming tone of pale gold with a woven border and pallu in the same shade with brown highlights in it. She too favoured the Gujarati drape.
Unusual was the drape of the saree Samantha Abbas wore with a western inspired sleeveless black top, with the hemline going into shirt tails. The saree of a pale creamy gold chiffon had the fall draped with studied carelessness around her neck, falling down the back in stole fashion. A long rope of pearls was her elegant ornament.
Smart western style in cocktail wear was the choice of Dilrukshi Parakarama. Her three piece outfit consisted of a slim skirt and jacket in black, the sleeveless jacket worn over a luminous glittering blouse of fine spun jersey. A dinner followed the formal launch of the book.
Good Fun and Food
Bouts of laughter filled the ballroom of the Hotel Lanka Oberoi, when the British Airways playhouse presented "Habeas Corpus" by Alan Bennett at two dinner theatre shows. This experienced band of actors from the professional stage, with their perfect timing, brought the lines penned by the playwright to life. It was an exhilarating evening of good entertainment and good food for all of which we should applaud the Oberoi Hotel, its General Manager Steffan Pfeiffer and many other members of the staff.
The play which is billed as a comedy and not quite a farce, saw a star of the West End stage and the Stratford upon-Avon, Moira Lister and several others who have achieved fame on stage and screen, enjoying their performance, which established a natural rapport with the receptive audience.
The costumes on stage done by designer Terry Parsons were most suitable and in keeping with the characters in the play. Terry’s credentials are many, among them in one year included the designs in Some Like It Hot with Tommy Steele at the Prince Edward Theatre, and the costume designs for the major revivals of the Sound of Music and Annie Get Your Gun.
The men and women in the audience were clad with fashionable style and elegance. Once again the women’s clothes ranged from saree to salwars and western clothes.
The saree Anne Tradigo wore was in the lovely combination of saxe blue and lilac. The silk saree had two ribbon borders and the pallu in the pink, with motifs of ivory scattered on the blue. She wore pearls for ornaments.
Delicate and pretty was the sheer white saree Anusha Jayaratne wore. On the fabric was hand painted clusters of roses in shades of red, with leaves in green, with sparkle in silver added to highlight the design. She wore a three strand necklace of pearls and her accessories were in white.
Soft and feminine was the wisp like quality of the salwar kameez Pathma Maharaja wore. This outfit in a gossamer gold patterned net, was on a foundation of ivory, with the dupatta in the net. An unusual necklace in gold and matching earstuds completed the picture.
In total contrast was the salwar kameez Neri Malalasekera wore. In a bottle green handloom fabric, the edge of the sleeves and down the front of the kameez was a woven border of gold, and grey thread. The trousers were in grey, and the dupatta of grey had wide edges in the green and the borders to match those on the kameez. Her jewellery shoes and handbag were all in gold.
The slim fitting dress Santhoshi Kuruppu favoured was in a clinging jersey fabric patterned daintily in a twig like design in a paler tone. This young miss wore no ornaments and her accessories were in black.
A special kind of glow appears on the face of the bride to be as she approaches her wedding day. Every bride wants to look her best with the best of attire and make-up as she will be the centre of attraction and ultimately be called a beautiful bride in this once in a lifetime occasion.
To make this a great day, Priyanthi Moonesinghe of ‘Roots’ Salon takes extra care and attention to groom a bride to be. From manicuring to pedicure, facial, hair care, Priyanthi, a talented and innovative hairdresser attends on the bride, including the bridal dressing.
Islamic Women’s Day Essay Competition Results
Ali Akbar Mohamed Nibaz, of Kinniya National School, Kinniya won the first prize of Rs. 7,500 in the Essay Competition to mark the Islamic Women’s Day and the Centenary Birth Anniversary of Imam Khomeini (RA), conducted by the Cultural Consulate of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran, in association with Al Zahra Association, recently.
Miss. A. J. Nazreen Fathima, an Arts undergraduate, University of Peradeniya, won the second prize of Rs. 5,000 while Miss. M. I. Fahima Ismail of Azhar National School, Akurana won the third prize of Rs. 2,500.
The prizes were awarded, at a public meeting, at the BMICH, Colombo on 1st October, convened to commemorate the Islamic Women’s Day and Centenary Birth Anniversary of Imam Khomeini (RA), the founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran.
Out of hundreds of essays written on the given topics seven were highly commended and awarded certificates of merit.
They are Shaheeka Farvin Shaheed, Amina National School, Matale, Prabath Nuwan Premarathna, Ananda College, Colombo, Zeenath Parvin Razick Amina National School, Matale, I. Zam Zam Fathima Madeena Central College, Madawala Bazaar, H. Shihara, Al Manar Central College, Maruthamunai, A. R. Fathima Raeesa of Dehiwela and M. Dilan Anush Fernando, Undergraduate student of the Open University, Nawala.
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Do you know this woman?Do you know this woman? A woman of the nineties. Sophisticated and elegant, a woman with a future, involved with people, places and things. A woman who is intelligent, warm, caring and concerned but with all that this woman still remains mysterious.
Generally a woman is compared to a theorem that cannot be proven — she moves with elegance and classical grace. An alluring fragrance been crafted in pure Fendi style for this mysterious called ‘Theorama’ It is a fragrance for the millennium woman who is mysterious, warm rich, passionate faithful, strong yet sensitive. ‘Theorama’is a feminine perfume exotic and inebriating that suggests sweet, sensual and contrasting emotions. It consists of rich scents of Mysore sandalwood, musk, Afghan spices, and also subtle traces of cinnamon, pink pepper and delicate jasmine petals.
From these, the golden essence of Fendi Theorama float, in fine lead crystal bottles, a refined oriental style case made even more precious by the innovative rod closure opening the door to a private exotic and mysterious world.
Inside there is a glass wrought architecture inspired by the exclusive form of the Fendi handbag, expressing the concept of timeless classic and even current refinements.
Theorama was launched in Sri Lanka by the Parfumerie shop at Trans Asia Hotel recently. Specially flown from Italy was Mitchel Grozait from Fendi house for this occasion.
She said that Fendi is synonymous with high fashion. If you know that you are this woman then you would know that Fendi is for you.
Fendi is an unmistakable style uniting the elegant and refined woman in the international universe of the double ‘F’ created by the famous sisters.
Flanked by the creative genius of long term accomplice Karl Lagerfeld, Fench encompasses, not only the classic Eau de Parfum but also includes the richness of the exclusive theorema
Mitchel from Fendi group in Itaily tracing the history of the company said Fendi means furs and it is a name which can be easily recognised as the symbol of taste and style.
Run by five sisters it is considered to be the world leader in furs. The double F logo in Fendi perfumes, haute couture accessories jewellery is a symbol of style, said Mitchel. Fendi ready to wear clothes has its own image and style of the woman who chooses it , says Mitchele.
With the growing success of the furs, leather goods and ready to wear line, Fendi collection has grown from scarves, tie, gloves glores jean pins jewellery to household furnishing," said Mitchel.
Mitchel said the perfume ‘Fendi Uomo’ was presented to the world and met with the same success as the Fendi perfume for women. A collection of clothes and accessories for men were also introduced.
Now Fendi name has become a logo, says Mitchel. Well known celebrites like Sophia Loren and Princess Diana always carried a Fendi handbag or other Fendi accessories to complete their outfit. Mitchel who was the epitome of elegance in a stylish cut outfit carrying a Fendi handbag was quick to point out that only a few can afford Fendi products. Even in Italy only the very rich can afford it, quipped Mitchel.
Mr. Manu Hundlani, director,Parfumeri shop said that Sri Lankans are fashion conscious and love to keep abreast with international designer names, this perfume make the Lankan women to meet the challenges of the fashion conscious of the world. The new perfume is available at the Parfumeri shop at the Liberty Plaza and Majestic city.
Those born in Scorpio - (Vrishika)
The eighth house of the zodiac is Scorpio. Scorpio belongs to Mars, the commander of the planetary kingdom. Being the eighth house of the world horoscope, Scorpio is responsible in general for deaths, longevity, windfalls, occult gains, dowry etc.
Scorpio indicates in a sign of Scorpion. So, most characteristics of a person born in this sign are reflected by the Scorpion. In addition they will have a generous disposition. They are exceedingly fickle-minded and love much excitement. Though inclined to sensual things in reality, they will not hesitate to philosophise on the virtues of controlling sensual pleasures.
They are good correspondents. They are often brutal, brusque and keenly fond of contest. They possess enterprise. They appreciate luxury but are frugal. They may become expert musicians if they learn the subject. They can also become proficient in fine arts, dancing and the like.
They uphold their own views. Their constitution will be hot and they are liable to suffer from piles. They are good conversationalists as well as writers and often rely too much on their own intelligence.
Most beneficial planets for Scorpians are Moon and Jupiter. When a person happened to be under the influence of either one or both of these planets they will enjoy all good effects. When under the influence of Sun-Moon combination will have state privileges as the combination to a Raja Yoga.
However, Mercury and Venus being malefics for Scorpians, they will suffer in various ways when they are under these two planets.
For the present they will have favourable or neutral effects. From the end of October to January this position would change gradually. November-December appears to be unfavourable most probably healthwise and in career. Noteworthy changes in life are not indicated in the immediate future according to the planetary transits. — Sugathadasa Jayasekera
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