AXN Asia together with Tourism Malaysia recently unveiled a series of digital travel content called “Unfading Memoirs”, available on AXN Asia’s social media pages, microsite and TV channels, and Malaysians will be proud to know that it’s all about our beautiful country and culture. Hosted by renowned TV host Justin Bratton, “Unfading Memoirs” explores Malaysia’s rich cultural tapestry and breathtaking landscapes, creating the ultimate bucket list built around the three pillars of Adventure, Culture and Food.
“Unfading Memoirs” will showcase the many wonders of Malaysia and what our people’s food and culture have to offer. Justin Bratton will be joined alongside actress Selina Lo, together with internet personality and food enthusiast Erwan Heussaff. We had the opportunity to interview the amazing host, Justin Bratton on his vast experience in front of the camera and what he loves about Malaysia.
Can you tell us more about your background and how your mixed Burmese heritage has influenced your career and your personal life?
Yeah, I mean, I think one of the reasons I ended up in Asia, actually, is because I was born and raised in Texas. My mother moved away from Rangoon, Burma. So, she moved to Texas when she was five years old. So, she’s very Texan. Very American. But my parents, you know, there was all this Burmese and Indian art at home, So, that influence is always there. My grandparents would tell me all these stories about Burma back then. And so, I think I have a desire to travel a lot too, just hearing about Asia.
How did you get started in the entertainment industry? Was there a particular moment or opportunity that set everything in motion for you?
It was my friend in Singapore who said I should come to Asia. I lived with her and her family and she was the one who suggested I start modelling. I initially thought it was a terrible idea. You know, growing up in Texas, nobody modelled. That’s not something ever. So, to have suggested it, I was just like, you’re crazy. And she really forced me to do it. She took pictures of me outside and sent them to the agency, I got some jobs and I was like, okay, this is good money for not doing too much and I used it to travel and came to Bangkok and actually taught English at one point and then my modelling agency from Singapore contacted a sister agency that was there and they sent me to do a big commercial and then I just started doing that.
A friend later suggested that I should check out Singapore and be a TV host because they pay well there. I flew to Singapore to be a TV host and finally ended up at HBO. It took a year just calling and actually making contact and figuring out how to manage the scene there before anything actually happens but yes those were the pivotal moments.
You’ve hosted a variety of shows from travel to comedy and competition. How do you adapt to such diverse genres, and do you have a favourite type of show to host?
I’m kind of myself regardless of the genres really. I mean obviously when you hit a certain type of show that’s more funny or more animated you do have to put on more of a performance but you don’t want it to become a characterization of yourself. It’s still me, just more of the super “fun” me. But when I’m doing a documentary for Channel News Asia, then the subject matter is more serious. If you’re doing something like “Asia’s Got Talent” that’s a whole different energy because now I’m addicted to this crazy rush being on a stage and being live in front of millions of people doing a show and you don’t get it all the time obviously and when I’m not doing it I miss it so much.
I do like hosting travel shows but live shows like “Asia’s Got Talent” (is unique because of the) energy when connecting with a live audience; that’s something special that I don’t think a lot of people get to experience, so I feel very grateful for that and hold those moments very close to my heart.
How did you feel about working on “Unfading Memoirs” and how has it heightened your travel experience?
I’ve done quite a few travel shows and I’ve traveled a lot on my own but I love when I get to travel for work, cause you know, you’re able to go make some cool stuff, while getting paid doing what you love. So when AXN came to me about “Unfading Memoirs” I was game. Because I’ve never extensively traveled through Malaysia, especially to these places, that was one of the main differences in getting to travel domestically. I’ve always been curious about all these places but never having the opportunity to explore there.
What were your favourite experiences shooting “Unfading Memoirs”?
Obviously being able to work with my best friend Selina Lo for the first time was awesome. We’ve been wanting to do something together for the longest time and when this opportunity came up, we had an absolute blast. Definitely getting to travel to new places with someone you’re that close to is always a good time.
As far as the different experiences, there were a lot, but the most memorable stuff wasn’t Batu Caves or KL tower. Those views were incredible, but it were the little things I think? At this restaurant, can’t remember the name of the restaurant, but it was outside of KL and there was a river there where you sit on these stools in the river and they make you food. The food was phenomenal, but then it rained. The water started rising quickly and we had to get out and save all the food. So it was stuff like that, even though it wasn’t planned, it’s something different that probably no one else has experienced in these cool locations.
Tell us about some of the food experiences you’ve had when making the show, any particular food that stood out to you?
“Stood out” is one way to say it, I’d say crawl out. The Sago worms that were crawling out of the bowl. I mean, when they first told us we were going to be doing that, I was like, I’ve been eating random weird shit all around the world, I can take a sago worm. Not a problem, and then I saw how big they were, and Selina was freaking out, she lost her freaking mind and had to be calmed down.
I think the main callus for her eating it was because our director Hilda, basically started placing bets around that she wasn’t going to do it. Selina is very competitive and decided like, no, I’m doing this. So we both end up eating the sago worms. They weren’t bad, some people said they tasted like oysters. I don’t think they did, but I could’ve used some dipping sauce. They were a little bland, I thought? You think your teeth is going to sink right through it. No, that’s not what happened, the skin is leathery and you’ve got to fight it, so its wiggling around in there and you got to yank the head off and then it explodes in your mouth. You still have to swallow it and deal with the trauma afterwards.
Now that you have finished shooting, are there any plans for a second season for “Unfading Memoirs”? Where would you like to go?
I don’t know about a potential second season, but I would like to see more of Langkawi and maybe up north where the crazy rainforest are. I would love to spend time on the mountain of Kota Kinabalu. I’ve never been to Perhentian Islands. There’s a lot o do in Malaysia that you can’t fit in two weeks of filming, so there’s definitely more things I’d like to do in Malaysia, definitely.
Check it out here:
Don’t forget to tune in to AXN Asia’s social media and enjoy “Unfading Memoirs” to experience the best of what Malaysia has to offer!
Jade Mary contributed to this article.
