Say a little prayer for you

"Say a little prayer for you"
 By: Aly Abaquin


Remember the song “say a little prayer for you” by Diana king revived and popularized again in 1997 by the movie “My best friends wedding” a classic romantic comedy film starring Julia Roberts & Rupert Everest . Remember the scene wherein Rupert Everest sang the song to Julia with glee and the twins plus the whole family joining in as they celebrate a pre wedding of Cameron Diaz and that guy??? Hmmp forgot his name.. ……Spectacularly funny.

Well we contemplated to sing that song in this resto although nobody is on a pre- nuptial stage among us but all have funny foodie memories where we could have done that scene with friends when we troop over to this hidden gem of a Resto.

No pun intended but this Malaysian culinary secrets “the Mosque” is literally at the back of the mosque the only one existing in Dist 1, although there are 12 mosque in the city this one is the main as we where told, constructed years ago in no. 66 Do Dung beside the tall Sheraton Hotel. Hence referring to the title say a little prayer.

Way to obvious perhaps,”well thank you aly for your creative title?” a friend exasperated and suggested that we talk of our Malaysian gustatory anecdotes.

You can not miss the façade of the Mosque is pleasantly peacefully colored of ocean Blue and lively Green plus the tall tower and intricate windows welcome you and one can wonder inside and take a look at this marvelous architecture.

As we did one week ago and to our surprise we see there are people walking at the back and when Herd Instinct sets in. We follow the troops as our stomach is wise enough and our sense off smell is stronger, so we all exoduses to this path of food finds.

The food menu is in scripted by black pentel pen in a white board conveniently located in the center amidst tables, red plastic chairs, rows of bikes park and i had a chance to snapshot a bike postcardlike  for prosperity, while you are transported back to Malaysia TRULY ASIA.

The curry chicken and fried chicken are a must haves plus yellow rice surely for the moment you wake up, before you put on your make-up, say a little prayer for you…

The song is now playing in our minds as we savor and laughingly humming the tune and then laughter sets in. Well that just us friends do not mind us folks as some people looking at us why we are glowingly happy. It’s the curry Magic!

To continue the curry taste lingers as well as the song….

"Forever, and ever, you'll stay in my heart, and I'll love you
Forever, and ever, we never will part, oh I love you
Together, forever, that's how it must be
To live without you
Would only mean heartbreak for me..."

Curry chicken and yellow rice had a spell on us indeed. :)

Hidden gem no longer.
The MOSQUE
No. 66 Do Dung Dist 1, HCMC, Vietnam
Beside Sheraton Hotel

Siu BLACK : Queen of Soul

Siu Black: The Queen of Soul


Siu Black is a prominent Vietnamese Singer and one of the most influential and important voices in the history of popular music in Vietnam. Siu Black reminds me of the most famous soul singer of the 60’s: The legendary Aretha Franklin.

Both Queen of Soul, Aretha Franklin & Siu Black fuses soul sensuality of R&B, the innovation of jazz, and the precision of pop in their style. She has been mentored by Y Moan and recorded several songs of Nguyễn Cường, which endured her to the public.

Her powerful voice, down to earth disposition plus a friendly comedic presence have achieved great popularity among Vietnamese and foreign audiences. With numerous Golden accolades in national singing contest and was bestowed the Asean Golden Voice in 1996 (Japan).

Her Star continues to shine and enthrall everyone. Born in the wonderful sunny day of August 27, 1967 in Pleitonghia commune. This Lass is the daughter of the City of Kontum, South Vietnam Central Highlands.

She is proud of her ethnic background and is a member of the Ba Na (Bahnar) ethnic group. With her roots from the highlands she has transformed a house in 23 Cuu Long St. Tan binh district near the Tan San Nhat Airport as a venue for up and coming POP singers.

 As a way of her helping out artist and for them to make a name for themselves the Siu Black Café is a singing venue to hone their craft.

The café is decorated with ethnic flair reminiscent of the central highlands and showcases talented singers. While sipping your café sua da or smoothies one can listen to the melodic and emerging vietnamese sounds with glee.  Be astonished with the plethora of powerful voices singing rock, ballads and Pop Vietnamese music filling the air with different high notes coming from the heart.

We’ve experienced the hospitality of Vietnam’s music industry thru Ms. Siu Black’s invitation and their music industry is now healthy and evolving into more varied genres.

Kudos and more power to Siu Black who cares and continue to champion Vietnamese Music.
By the way did you know she is the Vietnam idol judge as well!

Siu Black Cafe
No. 23 Cuu Long St., Tan Binh District, HCMC
DT: 0873004289