Decorating for Chinese New Year with Your Own Touch

Every Friday, a column in NST RED will feature an article written by me. It's all about the unique spaces which I have come across that provide interesting or unusual experiences. Yes, the stories I write for NST RED can be about anything as long as it is related to spaces/places. After all, the RED in NST RED stands for Real Estate & Decor.

So, this Friday 8th February 2013 - I have written an article about fun decorating tips for Chinese New Year. As there are always "constraints" in the newspapers' publication, this is the full version with extra pictures and information. 

It will be Chinese New Year (CNY) soon. Traditionally, CNY a time for families to come together - every single family member will make that journey back to her or his hometown, and have their reunion dinner on the eve of the Chinese New Year. Nothing completes a Chinese New Year more than families reunited to usher in the New Year together. As a kid, it is the best time of the year because they get to receive red packets with money inside from all their elders/adults. As an adult, it is another precious opportunity to spend time with families, relatives and friends. Above all, it is to do the real important stuff such as feasting on the sinfully delicious food.

Traditional Chinese New Year Cuisine

This week KL city is abuzz with much activity as many people are rushing to buy all their Chinese New Year items, apparel, ornaments and décor. Traffic is visibly much more congested. May be every Chinese is apparently out at the same time shopping for all the CNY goodies. 

Shopping for CNY Decorations

If there was ever a time when symbolism and superstitions supersede all else, it would have to be during Chinese New Year. Every single item decked out in 

each Chinese household is filled with metaphors of prosperity, great health, good fortune, happiness, and harmony. Every colour, fruit, flower and candy holds poetic meanings. For example, red is a common traditional colour of Chinese New Year that represents joy, virtue, sincerity and good luck. It is also used to ward off bad luck and “unsavoury” spirits during the festive period. Fruits like pineapple, oranges and tangerines are essential features in a Chinese home as they represent the gathering of families and friends, happiness, abundance and prosperity. Flowers like pussy willow, bamboo, plum or peach blossoms all represent the good tidings like blooms of romance, prosperity, long life, resilience and growth. Sweet treats such as candied melons means good health and growth, where as lychee nuts represents strong family ties in the coming New Year. Hence, it would be no surprise to find all these elements and more in a Chinese home during CNY. This is the only time whereby going overboard in symbolism would be approved and most welcomed. This 2013 will be the year of the Water Snake. Therefore, do expect to see many replicas of the snake greeting every visitor in the Chinese household. 

Usually, shopping for new Chinese New Year clothes take a lot of time. And yes, it is tradition that one must wear new clothes for the New Year. So, after getting our new clothes for CNY, the next most important shopping is for the special décor and ornaments to mark the festive occasion. These days, there are a variety of shops which sell pre-fabricated and assembled ornaments. We do not need break a sweat to put things together from scratch unless you really want to, of course. Today’s buyers are really spoilt for choice, because even online stores are selling CNY wares for cheap. A local favourite place to buy affordable CNY accessories would be Petaling Street. Here, everything and anything can be found. Naturally, most of them are also made in China. However, if one prefers a higher quality and more refined ornaments, SSF in Sungai Buloh is a good place to check out.

Table Decor Sample from "The Secret Party"

 Once all the CNY trimmings and knick-knacks are bought, the challenge lies in putting them altogether in a tasteful and creative fashion. Sadly, I am utterly horrible at decorating. It would be likened to asking a hippo to dance the ballet. It is not a pretty sight. Thus, I decided to consult my friends, Erin Jessen and Coral Tong-Swyny, for their imaginative spin on CNY decorations. Both Erin and Coral own a Singaporean events company called, “The Secret Party”. Their company was set up about a year and a half ago. Coral is Singaporean, and Erin is from New Zealand but has been living in Singapore for six years. Theirs is an interesting company specializing in small and intimate bespoke events where personalization to a client’s desires is key. The featured photographs provide a sample of their artistic work. Below are the 5 tips that Erin and Coral have shared with me on decorating for Chinese New Year.  

1) Rice Paper Lanterns

These are an affordable and fun way to "dress up" our homes for the New Year.  Lanterns look great hanging from the ceiling but to add that extra impact, try hanging them in large clusters. For example, above the dining room table might be a perfect spot and suspended at different levels to create a cloud-like effect. Choosing a color scheme is a splendid way to start, but try to keep it to a limit of two to three colors so that it does not become too overwhelming. 

A Chandelier of Red Lanterns

Paper lanterns can be used as table centerpieces as well. Place three small sized lanterns down at the center of the table. Then on the top of each lantern, we can add flowers such as peonies. These floral companions make great choices, as their shape will fit perfectly over the top of the lantern and become a covering for the hollowness in the middle.

We can also use the same concept as above, but instead of the lanterns being presented as a table centerpiece, we can use them as place card settings for each dinner guest. We write each guest’s name in the center of the lantern with a gold ink pen.

Paper Lanterns do not have to be plain. We can add a variety of ideas to help personalize it into our own. Covering them in lace will give it a more “vintage” look, or we could also add ribbons cut into different lengths (tissue paper can be substituted for ribbons here) to the bottom of a hanging lantern to give it a “whimsical” look.

2) Mandarin Oranges

As it is customary to have oranges or tangerines be presented to our guests as gifts, personalizing them is another wonderful way to incorporate a fun décor factor to our CNY celebrations. A cluster of oranges or tangerines can be placed in a large bowl, or they can be displayed lined up on a side table like an art piece, as well as, serving as a traditional facet of Chinese New Year. Oranges can also be wrapped with big red bows made out of satin ribbons, or wrapped in a sheet of lace and tied with a curled ribbon. Small labels could be printed out and then glued to a toothpick, and be inserted into the oranges with a special message of well wishes from you to your guests for the coming year.

A Table filled with Goodies

3) Pussy Willow/Mandarin Wishing Tree

Have pre-made tags ready for guests to write a wish for you and your family for the coming new year is another interesting way to celebrate CNY. Once the guests have written their personal messages, they can hang it on the mandarin or pussy willow tree. This can become a great centerpiece or conversational piece for our homes. After the festivities, these lovely notes can be placed into keepsake box or even framed to hang on the wall as another CNY decorative item for the following year.

4) Horoscope Print Outs

This can be a fun family project. Each household can print out and frame a picture of the “animal” birth sign of each family member.  Then the framed animal pictures can be used as a centerpiece décor or be hung on walls in the dining room or living room. The same print out with different animal birth signs can also be made for the guests and visiting relatives. They are all encouraged to write their own names on it. These are personalized fun ways of decorating, or they can become a nice keepsake for guests to take home with them.

5) Fun for Kids

Keeping children preoccupied during CNY in any household may require more than just iPads, Playstations, tv and etc. We can create print outs of various coloring sheets, and these can be packaged with crayons or colored pencils to keep the children busy. The themes could be based around the different animals of the Chinese Horoscope, or the various meaningful symbols of Chinese New Year such as the double happiness words, mandarin oranges and CNY flowers. When the children are well occupied, the adults can happily indulge in their own “games” over CNY.

A Circus Themed CNY for Kids

As with all decorating, one should not be afraid to adjust, mix it up and modify according to one’s preferences and personal tastes. Some older accessories can be recycled and updated when matched with new items. In the case of adorning one’s home for CNY, it becomes even trickier because some family members might be very particular about the symbolism and its meanings. I know of some traditional folks who are very superstitious and will never have anything to do with the colour blue, or allow hanging umbrellas into their living spaces, and they would definitely take offence to the colour black during CNY. Therefore, it is always advisable to decorate with sensitivity and consideration to the elders who are also residing in the same household. I always find it safer to consult the traditional members in the family and the elders so that they can feel included in the whole process of beautifying the house for CNY. After all, the main focus of CNY is in the congregation of families. Therefore, encouraging every family member to participate will not only minimize any unpleasant surprises, but also help bring the whole family closer together. It is truly heart warming to see how families get together and do their part in getting their homes ready for CNY. At all times, please do not forget to have fun while decorating together. It is the most essential element of the CNY spirit.

For those who are not as superstitious or traditional, you can add your own personal touches in whatever colours that you wish. Brand the CNY decor theme in your home as your own. It could be fun, creative and definitely, original. 

A Fun Invitation to Eat

This CNY the only real decorating I shall undertake will be on myself. I shall be sporting a new look for 2013. My long locks shall be snipped off and a short chic version will crown my head. After which I can fully concentrate on savouring the glorious scrumptious Chinese New Year feasts. There are a few Yee Sangs, and pineapple tarts with my name on them.

Until next time, have a prosperous and happy Chinese New Year. May the year of the Water Snake bring good fortune, splendid 

The Return of Majestic Beauty

Every Friday, a column in NST RED will feature an article written by me. It's all about the unique spaces which I have come across that provide interesting or unusual experiences. 

Yes, the stories I write for NST RED can be about anything as long as it is related to spaces/places. After all, the RED in NST RED stands for Real Estate & Decor.

So, this Friday 18th January 2013 - I have written an article about the much anticipated re-opening of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur. 

As there are always "constraints" in the newspapers' publication, this is the full version with extra pictures and information. 

THE RETURN OF MAJESTIC BEAUTY

It is becoming almost a rarity these days to be able to walk through conserved old historical buildings, as many are being torn down and replaced by new modern structures. However, it is only through the architecture and monuments of the old which we can catch a glimpse of a country’s heritage and culture. So much of who we are as a citizen or a nation is carved into all the old buildings. The great Winston Churchill said, “We shape our buildings; thereafter, our buildings shape us.”

The Majestic Lobby

As Malaysians, we are fortunate to have corporations like YTL Hotels, which invests in the restoration of heritage buildings. They help keep our architectural lineage alive for future generations to come. YTL Hotels owns and manages an impressive portfolio of award-winning resorts, hotels, spa villages in Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, China, Japan, France and the United Kingdom.

The Reception

After nearly 30 years of absence, YTL has made it possible for a well-regarded nobility to return to the Kuala Lumpur landscape by the re-opening of The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur. This is the second Majestic Hotel after the property in Melaka that bears the same name.

Reception Area

The Majestic Kuala Lumpur holds a rich history which prided itself as the grandest hotel during her hey days. This grand dame hosted dignitaries, celebrities and politicians of that time. Now, her majesty has returned once again to grace the city which has missed her characteristic presence deeply.

The View Of The Tower Wing

Majestic Restoration

The Majesty Hotel Kuala Lumpur reopened in December 2012 after a long massive reconstruction. It comprises of the four different buildings: Majestic Wing, Tower Wing, Majestic Spa and The Smoke House. The Majestic Wing, Majestic Spa and The Smoke House are housed in the original historical structure. The Tower Wing is a completely new addition to the entire building. The original architect was the Dutch Van Leangeanderg, who designed and built it in 1932.

The Pool at the Tower Wing

In the redevelopment of “Her Royal Highness” to her former glory, YTL entrusted the honour to Zaidan Tahir almost a decade ago. He is the same architect who had worked his magic on “The Majestic” in Melaka and “The Cameron Highlands Resort” of YTL.

The Roof Top Garden at the Tower Wing

The Original Dome 

Zaidan and his team did a remarkable job in preserving the nostalgic 1930’s ambience within the Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur, as well as its classic facade. While he adhered to the art deco influences of the era, he added his own interpretation of elegance to the whole design of the hotel. Zaidan shared, “We wanted to maintain the look and feel of the place but, at the same time, give it new life. For example, we kept the dome roof in the entrance hall but we added the gold leaf, which has livened up the room.” 

Majestic Wing and Tower Wing

As one wanders through the hallways and every floor of the Majestic Hotel, one cannot help but imagine the golden days of hospitability of this establishment. It is as if time stood still within the realms of this resplendent hotel. 

Nostalgic Hallway

I had the priviledge to be taken on a personal tour of the revitalized property by Ms. Izan Yusuff, the Director of Public Relations of YTL Hotels. She informed me that the Majestic Wing only houses suites. Each suite comes with complete the claw foot bathtubs and personal butlers. 

The Governor Suite's Living Room

The Governor Suite's Bedroom

Breakfasts are even served in the privacy of the suites, delivered by the personal butlers at the guests’ preferred times. There are 18 Colonial Suites, 15 Governor Suites and 2 Majestic Suites in the Majestic Wing. I especially adored the bathroom tiles of the Majestic Wing’s suites. They are the “Metro Beveled Edged” white tiles that are also used in the “London Underground”. Imagine the extent of classic details embedded into these suites. 

The Claw Foot Bath Tub

Those who long to re-live the glory of colonial days, the suites in the Majestic Wing would be the perfect choice. The Majestic Wing remains Izan’s favourite section of the hotel because she used to visit the original Majestic Hotel with her parents as a child. This is indeed a “personal revisit” for her in many ways. 

The Governor Suite's Bathroom

For guests who crave a more contemporary accommodation, the Tower Wing provides 176 Deluxe Rooms, 55 Junior Suites, 11 Grand Suites and 11 Premier Suites. All the rooms in the Tower Wing are modern rendition of the hotel’s art deco style. 

The Deluxe Room in Tower Wing

Zaidan explained that, “The Art Deco period represents luxury, glamour, exuberance and technological progress, which I found would be the best concept for the interior of this new building, elements of which are found in the old building.” Opulence is not lacking in any of the Tower Wing fashionable rooms. Every decorative item has been personally selected and designed by Zaidan. Hence, the exterior and interior of the hotel pervade in the same architectural language and theme.   

Majestic Spa

The garage and staff quarters of the old wing have been transformed into a double storey Spa. 

Majestic Spa Reception Area

The Majestic Spa is very much infused with the designs of the world famous Scottish architect, designer and artist: Charles Rennie Mackinstosh. Here, one would find art nouveau converged with the old world of British Malaya. Even the spa menu reads like an English Afternoon Tea Party. Lavender, the flower, its scent and the colour, plays a central role in the Majestic Spa. 

Prelude to Spa Treatments: Foot Bath 

An additional special feature of the Spa is its pool that overlooks the Moorish Heritage Train Station. Before a treatment begins, every guest will be treated to a foot soak or bath. They will be enjoying this prelude to their spa treatment at the second storey lounge area of the spa. There is nothing more luxurious than soaking up the ambience of this very majestic spa and being pampered from head to toe.  

Spa Pool with a View

If the spa treatments are not enticing enough, one could easily relax in the Smoke House of the Majestic Wing. The Smoke House is the only place in the entire property that one could still smoke indoors. It is a games room of sorts. As soon as you open the doors, a Billiard’s Table in the middle of the room greets you. 

The Smoke House

There is a bar, cigar room, card room, private dining area complete with a showcase kitchen, a living room with the state of art visual and audio systems, and that is not all. 

The Audio Visual Area of Smoke House

As one ventures down the stairs to the lower ground of the Smoke House, one would find a 12 seater Private Screening Room and a Gentleman’s Barber with its own bespoke tailor on call, and shoe shine services. Yes, the men can enjoy their own “personal grooming” here.

The Screening Room

The Gentleman's Personal Grooming Space

A Room of Ten Thousand Perpetual Blooms

One of the highlights of the Majestic Hotel is the “Orchid Conservatory Room”. This may be the first hotel in Malaysia that could boast of having a dedicated conservatory to orchids. 

Orchids Galore

The temperature in this room is set to a constant 22 to 24 Celsius degrees. It is a unique space specially built to connect the new and old wings of the hotel. It measures no more than 28 feet by 50 feet. Izan said that conservatory is nicknamed, “a place of ten thousand perpetual blooms.” 

Perfect Spot for Afternoon Tea

A local renowned orchid cultivator and enthusiast, Steven Cheong, is responsible for maintaining and changing these splendid local varieties known as the Phalaenopsis. As Steven explained that the Phalaenopsis is “relatively easy to grow and care for, thriving especially in a controlled climate environment.” All I could do was swoon at the sight of this stunning conservatory. Enjoying one’s afternoon tea amid these elegant blooms would be a true delight.

Colonial Café and Contango

Apart from the traditional English Afternoon Teas, the Majestic Hotel offers two very distinctive dining choices. The first is the “Colonial Café”, prized for its traditional dishes such as the “Oxtail Soup”, the “Potterhaus Steak”, “Hainanese Chicken Chop”, “Chicken Rice Balls” and “Ayam Kunyit” just to name a few.

Colonial Cafe

Heritage Recipes

Some may have not be aware that the hotel’s Executive Chef Mohammad Ali Kunhi had actually undergone an “intensive training course” with the YTL owners’ mother, Puan Sri Datin Seri Kai Yong. Therefore, Chef Mohammad had actually learnt the traditional “colonial” recipes directly from a very special individual. These are what I’d call “heritage recipes”, as they have been passed down from one generation to another, unadulterated by the modern changing flavours. For example, the sauce for the “Ayam Kunyit” takes more than 20 hours to prepare in order to achieve its authentic taste and flavour. There are no short cuts here. Therefore, if one would like to experience the flavours of the old British Malaya, then the “Colonial Café” is the place to go. Some may be surprised or unaccustomed to the “original” tastes of these dishes, but do know that they are definitely as authentic as it comes. After all, Chef Mohammad has made sure that he had acquired the exact measurements of all the ingredients to each recipe from Puan Sri Datin Seri Kai Yong and worked to perfect them.

Contango and their savy Chefs

The second dining option in the Majestic Kuala Lumpur is “Contango”. Chef Mohammad fondly describes “Contango” as an interactive dining experience. 

The Western Station at Contango

Although the lay out of the restaurant is similar to a buffet of two exclusive stations, it is so much more than a “normal” buffet styled dining. Diners at “Contango” are actually encouraged to speak with the chefs at each cooking stations, and then the chefs would customize the dish to suit each diner’s palate. The two stations offer an International and Asian cuisine.

The Asian Station at Contango

I must say that “Contango” offers a diverse and vast menu. They make their own freshly baked breads, pastas, salads, sushi, ice creams, and there is even a Churrasco. One can literally order anything and the chefs of each station will gladly cook it and serve it up. What’s more, the restaurant changes its menu selection during breakfast, lunch and dinner. Chef Mohammad is constantly challenging himself and his team to create something new while infusing the local flavours with various spices.

Each of Contango’s station invites the diner to create what they like, as they like it. I was most thrilled to find that I could make my own version of “rojak buah” and add the fruits which I liked best. However, my natural gravitational pull was towards the Dessert Bar. “Contango” has an impressive selection of homemade ice creams which range from the usual flavours to “Cempedak”, “Calamansi” and “Durian.”

Delectable Desserts with Berry Sago on Display

My personal favourite at “Contango” is the “Berry Sago Dessert”. You just have to come and taste it for yourself. If you want to fully enjoy this dessert, I strongly recommend that you add a scoop of “Strawberry” ice cream to it. Trust me, it tastes simply divine.

Private Dining Area in The Smoke House

As they say in YTL, “Sometimes the resurrection of a Hotel can herald a second renaissance.” It is indeed a pleasure to welcome back a magnificent structure such as The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur. May “Her Majesty” remain with us for many years to come, so that future generations may also experience its rich heritage. Like a “Sleeping Beauty”, SHE has awakened to stir our long cherished memories and to assist us in making new ones.

So, whether you choose to come to The Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur for the glorious food, or you’ve come to savour the history of the hotel, you would no doubt experience something marvelous here. At every corner, lovely surprises await you. Come expecting nothing, but leave with your very own majestic moment.

A SNEAK PEAK INTO A DIRECTOR'S MIND

I am taking a slight digression from story posting today to share this deeply personal perspective of an extremely talented Filipino Director and friend, Erik Matti. 

Erik laments the degradation of the independent film industry in his country. However, I find that some of his words resonate with me on the state of our society at large. After all, art does imitate life to an alarming degree. I hope you will take the time to read this, as it is rather long. It is definitely a worthy read. 

By the way, Erik is one of the nicest guys I have the priviledge of knowing. He is famous for his temper and his fierce loyalty to friends and films. Please do google him and find out more. There are really many good films and Directors that will never see the light of day because mainstream movies have been hogging the cinemas across the globe. How will we ever see other points of views or enjoy the diversity that is an essential part of life?  


Rantings on the state of the indies by Erik Matti

I realized that my collection of paintings has exactly the same qualities I look for when I watch a movie. Craftsmanship, subject, honesty and a unique personal eye imbued by the artist in the world depicted in the subject of his work.

I don't have in my collection conceptual and abstract pieces. The kind that has splashes of color that matches the sofa in 

your living room or a hotel lobby. I also don't have works that has a single nail in the middle of a huge stark white painting with a thread tied to it and the end dangling with a drop of the artist's blood. Nothing wrong with these pieces if it is worthy as final piece of work. Worthy of emotional and form value that we can marvel at.

In short, I don't have a piece of painting where the rationale is more interesting than the work itself. I also don't get swayed buying a piece of work where any one with a wild imagination from 5-12 years old can put together and pass it off as art.

Nowadays, there seems to be a prevailing acceptance of conceptual films with no solid groundwork on crafting solely because of the charm the work evokes out of the struggle of the filmmaker to put the film together. Again, the story behind the filmmaker's struggle to mount such work has overshadowed the merits of the final film itself.

We all know the limitations of film production in a Third World country such as ours. Without sounding elitist in the way I feel filmmaking should be done, the task of the filmmaker aside from just evoking emotions out of abstract images or poetic dialogues is to really push the form and the medium by which he is working with.

I was asked a week ago by a magazine what i think about "why films should reflect culture". My answer was cynical. Our local films, primarily Indie movies, nowadays, certainly reflect our culture. It reflects our culture of settling down on what we can do as a nation. Our films have lost all the wanting to explore the form and to push for excellence in craftsmanship to help evoke the emotions and the ideas the film material requires. Just like our Government, we have come to believe that to settle is acceptable and that what matters is the spirit behind it even when there really is no effort whatsoever to put out a work of excellence.

The last CinemaOne Originals have reflected that whole spirit of "making do". Movies that are unfinished, masturbatory and are loosely told are deemed "acceptable given its shortcomings". Don't get me wrong here. CinemaOne as a festival is something I highly respect given its bold choices of film subjects and styles. But the filmmakers now have mostly become self-indulgent and lacking in the foundations of film as medium and a good sense of storytelling. And they have become a breed of filmmakers who have come to believe their own glory.

It scares me that such kind of filmmaking and film appreciation seems to permeate in our film culture. We have now become, as a film viewing nation, accepting of badly crafted movies solely on the belief that anyway the idea of the movie and the spirit it moves along with is worth appreciating.

As a filmmaker myself and as someone who has done 8 shooting day movies, I see no excuse for filmmakers to do badly crafted movies using resources as an excuse. It is imperative that, just like painting, the story behind the subject and the execution of it is equally important in the appreciation of the work itself. Why make movies when your resources can't afford the vision in your head?

I am scared to wake up one day and see that we have become a nation of film viewing people who hail only the ineptly made and call it art solely because of the grand idea the film espouses and shoot down the ones that kill themselves to come up with a film work that tries hard to further the form and take crafting their movies seriously to tell their movie ideas using the medium by which it's working with.

I have a general feeling that our local film festivals now have given permission to anyone and everyone to just bring forth their ideas without really thinking hard whether it is really an idea deserving to be made into a film or whether the ideas equal the resources they are handed with. And the sad part is, these festivals have given birth to monsters who feel that they are God's gift to filmmaking.

To paint takes a lot of hard work to find your own signature, to manipulate the paint and the form to make it your own so that the painter can then render the subject that is personal to him.

Everyone can be filmmakers. But at least, take time to learn it first and don't do it on the fly. Filmmaking goes beyond than just grand ideas of indigenous tribes, black and white treatments, long takes, esoteric dream sequences, handheld shots and photographing Third World scum.

Though, I can't really blame the "filmmakers" who resort to all these trappings of a serious, meaningful film. The resources dictated the form. And since the form has been hailed here and abroad, it has become acceptable. But i just can't get over the idea of how unfair it is that other directors like Celso Ad Castillo, Peque Gallaga, Mike De Leon and Ishmael Bernal kill themselves to craft and tell their stories well using the medium when in fact, even critics only appreciate the merits of story and idea but never the painstaking design that a filmmaker puts into the film using the elements at his disposal to further flesh out the basic story on the written page.

But in any work of art, more than craft and the subject, the question is, is it honest? For the last few years of our indie film festivals, we have seen a prevalent mix of movies that have the same kind of form to it primarily to pass it off as "important". But then, where is honesty and integrity in the work in all these?

I apologize for sometimes looking or talking down on these indie works. That's why I haven't been to these festivals for years now (except of course watching only the works of my friends) because i refuse to see it and end up getting furious at watching these pretensions.

I wish to see a different kind of filmmaking soon. Something that appeals to how I was taught films should be made and appreciated. Then maybe I can start a collection of these local indies too. Until then, I think I can settle to just reading about them.