I
was delighted to receive the invitation to a Ramadan feast with Team Media
Johor jointly hosted by Johor Corporation, JCorp and Co-Action Events, held at
Selasih Persada Johor, a restaurant renowned for authentic local fare.
 |
| Going Klasik Malaya at the JCorp Ramadan event |
No,
I could not picture myself dressed in the hourglass silhouette figure ala
Saloma but it did set me on to digging through my wardrobe to put together a
classic Malay costume.
This
invitation also came with an event agenda that included speeches by the hosts,
represented by Hasnina Hafiz, Head of Group Corporate Communications, and David
Bareng, Chief Executive of Co-Action Events, a Lucky Draw to win prizes and
even a Best Dressed Award.
 |
| On arrival, I was warmly welcomed to the event by Marsha Tan of JCorp |
I
replied with my confirmation to attend and looked forward to the fun of observing
the range of classical Malay outfits that other attendees may showcase at this
event.
I
have always appreciated the classic looks in traditional Malay costumes and
with the help of my friends at Yayasan Warisan Johor or the Johor
Heritage Foundation, I have covered many stories on Busana Johor over
the years.
 |
| It was a pleasure to meet with Hasnina Hafiz again at the JCorp Ramadan event |
On
the evening of the event, I followed the signs put up inside the Persada
International Convention Centre that directed attendees to the location of the
Selasih Restaurant, recently relocated to the lower ground, at street level
with Jalan Trus.
Two
escalator rides down brought me to the lower concourse where I was warmly
welcomed at the reception desk and presented with door gifts: One box (I later
discovered) of dried dates and another gift box of cookies made by Sedap
Corner.
 |
| With Fazi of Group Corporate Communications, JCorp |
I
am familiar with the cuisine, local kueh, cakes and cookies by Sedap Corner and
the family who continues in this proud tradition of serving a menu of Johor
specialties because I featured their story under proudly Johor brands in, My
Johor Stories 3: Proudly Johor, Then and Now.
The
event area was gaily decorated with photo booths that invited attendees to pose
for shots while the stage was designed as a sitting room within a traditional
Malay house, complete with scalloped curtains adorning its windows.
It
was good to meet with friends in JCorp again, many of whom I met when I
participated as a Human Book in their exciting Human Library event in September
2022. Among them were Shahrizad Zainal and Marsha Tan.
 |
| With Sis Lin, JDT Blogger |
When
I saw Group Corporate Communications Senior Manager, Fazi, we had plenty to
chit-chat and catch up with each another and she even hinted about the next
edition of the Human Library, an event planned for later this year.
As
more media friends arrived and filled the seats arranged around banquet tables,
event MC, the vivacious Rozana Rahmat, better known as Zana, went around the
tables to welcome and chat with attendees.
While
her friendly banter with attendees set the mood for the event, my interest was
in her traditional costume which she wore, accessorized by a classic kain
dagang as a charming head covering.
 |
| With Norfy, The Iskandarian |
This piece of kain or
cloth, may be used as a head covering to protect against the elements, a
receptacle to carry firewood or fruits and for special occasions, it was an
accessory to dress-up the ensemble.
In the 1940’s selendang or
shawls became fashionable and were used as head-coverings and accessories
especially for attending weddings and public events. By the 1950’s many ladies
replaced the kain dagang with scarves and other head-coverings.
Other than seeing the kain dagang
worn in Busana Johor fashion shows and by dancers performing traditional
dances, this was the first time in recent years that I saw an outfit that
prominently featured the kain dangang as a fashion statement.
 |
| Muzri Remy Muhadi and his wife, Nabila Munir dressed in matching Baju Melayu Telok Belanga |
The arrival of a pair, dressed in
matching outfits that resembled a bridal couple, caused quite a stir when they
posed comfortably for the official photographer at the photo booth.
When this charming couple headed
over and joined us at our table, I had the pleasure to chat with them and got
to know them better.
 |
| MC Zana [Right] wears a traditional kain dagang with her traditional costume, speaking to Lisa and her sister, Shida, of Visit Johor |
He is Muzri Remy Muhadi while his
wife, Nabila Munir, fondly called Bella, is an Instagram and TikTok personality
who shares cooking recipes on bella_ _ nabilaa.
Just ahead of the
breaking-of-fast, the event proper kicked off with words of welcome from Hasnina Hafiz who thanked media partners for their
constant support of JCorp and welcomed everyone to enjoy the annual Ramadan feast,
served by Selasih Restaurant at its new location in the Persada International
Convention Centre.
 |
| The lucky winner who received an ironing board with his prize of an electric iron |
With
a reminder that there was more food being served from live-cooking stalls at
the outdoor section of the restaurant, I saw many returning to the tables with
a variety of freshly-made items like skewers of beef and chicken satay, murtabak
and emping, among other local favourites.
Then
the feasting began. When we were almost done with the serious business of
enjoying a veritable feast from the wide buffet, we heard MC Zana making the announcement
for the next exciting item on the agenda – the Lucky Draw.
Prizes
for the Lucky Draw were familiar brand names for a range of electrical and
electronic items for home and personal use, arranged on a table set up on the
stage, so we cheered and clapped for the lucky winners whose numbers were
picked to win the prizes.
The
cheering and laughter probably doubled when the winner of the prize of an
electric iron was announced because this prize was paired with an ironing
board.
 |
| These shortlisted Best Dressed men and ladies are all winners for their sporting spirit |
Before
awarding the top prizes, the Lucky Draw took a break for the next segment to find
the Best Dressed Man and Lady. This was done by picking the top three
favourites among the men and ladies and then, inviting them on stage.
MC
Zana encouraged, first the ladies and then the men, to individually perform a
simple challenge, one after the other. And thanks to the sporting spirit of
these six people, we had a most hilarious time as the place literally rocked
with laughter.
After
this, the candidates were told to stand in a row and turn away to face the back
of the stage while the audience (us!) cheered and clapped when the MC pointed
to each individual because the loudest cheers will determine who wins.
When
the winners were announced, I agreed that the Best Dressed Man and Best Dressed
Lady were deserving winners, not only for their costumes but also for their
sporting spirit.
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| Laksa Johor was among the specialties served by Selasih restaurant |
When
the number was drawn for the final prize in this media appreciation event, I
thought that it was rather uncanny that it belonged to none other than Johor
Media Club president, Mohamad Fauzi Ishak.
The
event was officially over but the fun continued as we took the opportunity to
capture special photo mementoes with media friends, dressed in the Klasik
Malaya theme, for classic shots that reeked with a charming sense of
nostalgia.
Thank
you, JCorp for your generous hospitality in hosting this annual Ramadan feast
with the media in Johor. I don’t know about the others, but for me, it was always
good to be appreciated. Thanks.
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