By MELLY LING
alltherage@thestar.com.my

BRACE yourselves, people, because The MTV Show is back for a second season.

The weekly music and lifestyle series had fans holding their breath after former host VJ Holly Grabarek left the show to pursue her studies.

But starting this weekend, the show will be back with a new dynamic duo – VJs Hanli Hoeffer and Alan Wong.

On the new season, the two will be introducing viewers to all the hottest new music videos, movies and celebrity news, as well as the latest in pop culture.

R.AGE recently had the chance to fly over to Singapore to have a little chat with Hoeffer and Wong on the set of the show.

So here’s what we know about them so far – Hoefer is a model, born and raised in Singapore; while Wong, born and raised in California, US, is from the performing arts and entertainment industry.

Want to know a little more? Keep reading!

How did you land the job as a host on The MTV Show?
Hanli:  Well I was at a photo-shoot and I heard that MTV was looking for their new VJ! I tracked down the details on how to try for it and before I knew it, I was in the MTV office, nervous as heck. The rest is history.

Alan:  To be honest, I got very lucky. I happened to be in the right place at the right time.
Through a chance encounter, MTV took a look at my previous work and decided they’d meet with me.
After that meeting, everything moved very fast. I was prepared for the opportunity, but I still really fortunate that
it came my way.

So what’s it like being an MTV VJ?
Hanli:  So far it’s been really interesting, and I’m learning a lot about the entertainment industry.
Everything is wonderful because I get to know the latest on popular artistes in the region and share interesting
tidbits with our viewers on the show.

Alan:  It’s extremely exciting! There is so much history behind the logo, that it’s an honour to be a part of the tradition.

What are the challenges you face being a VJ?
Hanli:  Of course you get nerves when hosting events. Unlike Alan, I don’t really have a background in drama. I never studied it and I was only in one school play. Every day brings something new, but I take it as it comes.

Alan:   Living up to the MTV brand comes with some pressure. I think Hanli and I want the show to be the best and most
entertaining it can be, and that comes with a lot of work and preparation.

MTV usually have the hottest VJs for their shows. Do you feel any pressure to look good on TV all the time?
Hanli:  There is pressure in terms of general appearances but the most important image I care about is a healthy one.
There are times in the show where Alan and I are just silly, so we’re not so afraid to be “ugly” here and there. I do
work out, not so intensely, but no strict diet. I love food too much!

Alan:   Well, I’m kinda lucky, because Hanli is so pretty she’ll always be the better looking one on the show. So if I can’t
compete, why try? I’m happy with how I look and I enjoy eating well and staying in shape. But in the end, I think
Hanli and I were brought on board for things other than looks. I think we bring loads of fun and energy to the
show and we’re representative of the MTV brand and viewers.

Who would you like to interview most, and why?
Hanli:  Taylor Swift! Cos I’ll give her a chance to defend herself against all the jokes about her being a serial dater. Apart
from her, Adele or a Spice Girl. Because I love them both!

Alan:    I think it would be cool to interview Lil’ Wayne, just to see what he says!

What’s on your playlist right now?
Hanli:  I’ve been listening to Justin Timberlake’s The 20/20 Experience. And Bonobo, because I enjoy the mellow stuff    too.

Alan:   Bruno Mars‘s Unorthodox Jukebox and Frank Ocean’s Channel Orange.

 
Where do you see yourself in the near future?
Hanli:  Hopefully somewhere beautiful, sunny, with white sand and crystal clear water. Apart from that, I’m just focusing on being the best VJ I can be.

Alan:   Hopefully having a successful run on The MTV Show. I also hope to continue acting in local theatre and film
productions.

 
Lastly, what does MTV mean to you?
Hanli:  Music, young wonderful lives, and inspiring youth to maximize their happiness. It’s all about the audience and making them feel special and involved in the channel that’s made for them.

Alan:    MTV is my first true home in the entertainment industry. They are taking a chance on me and I will do what I can
not to let them down.

n Catch the premiere of The MTV Show’s second season at 12pm tomorrow. The show airs on MTV SEA (Astro channel 713) every Saturday, with exclusive content available online at mtvasia.com.