KUALA LUMPUR: Alif Satar is set to welcome his first “prince” in October, and hopes to greet him with an inspirational story from the Island of Legends.
The singer, actor and host will be once again participating in the annual Ironman Langkawi challenge that month, because not only he loves it, more importantly, Alif sees it as a means to inspire his children to aim high in life.
“Who knows? One day my new baby may follow his dad’s footsteps by taking part in triathlons as this one. Taking on challenges takes us far in life,” he said at the press preview of his latest telemovie Geng at GSC Pavilion Cineplex, Jalan Bukit Bintang yesterday.
Alif first participated in Ironman at Pantai Cenang, Langkawi in November last year. He swam in the open sea for 1.9km, hopped on a bicycle to cycle 90km all around the island, and ran 21km in the hot sun.
“The distances will be longer, almost double this year, but I am game for it. Participating in Ironman is not about winning but testing my strength and endurance. If I can complete it, I’ll be the happiest dad in the world!”
The 28-year-old artiste said that the first Ironman “exhausted” him but the cheering crowd along the streets of Pantai Cenang motivated him to complete the gruelling triathlon. “I was in great pain, but the cheering from family, friends and fans made it somehow go away.”
Alif, who was active in swimming and athletics during his primary and secondary school days, admitted that he had never swum in the open sea or run more than 10km before Ironman.
Besides joining Ironman, Alif is down for a nationwide tour with nasyid group Raihan to promote their duet Sesungguhnya 2019.
They will be performing in Hard Rock Cafe Melaka and Hard Rock Cafe Batu Feringghi, Penang among others between September and November.
“If all goes well, we’ll also be singing in Australia and New Zealand next year,” said Alif, who first memorised Raihan’s songs when he was 6.
Sesungguhnya, composed by Nazrey Johani, was an early hit song for Raihan.
It was re-recorded as a duet with Alif last month, and garnered more than 11 million views on YouTube.
Sesungguhnya 2019 also features The Locos, flutist Faliq, and drummer Yuri.
Alif, who will release another duet, I Want You To Love Me with Faizal Tahir and Romeo on July 31, is married to Sha Dila Halid and has two daughters Alisha Anugerah, 4, and Ariana Mecca, 2.