It
started with a phone message from Grace Chiam of BrandCulture PR MarCom which said,
“We are planning to do a simple three-minute Merdeka video on behalf of our
client, Zenith Lifestyle Centre, and would like to ask for your help.”
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| Zenith Lifestyle Centre, entrance from Jalan Trus |
It
was encouraging to hear their exciting ideas for a video that will feature a
compilation of positive messages from some 20 Johoreans dedicated to Malaysians,
aimed to encourage each other to stay strong and hopeful as we commemorate Hari
Merdeka.
Independence
Day, also known as National Day or Hari Kebangsaan and Hari Merdeka
in Malay, is observed on August 31 to commemorate the Malayan Declaration of
Independence from British colonial administration that took place on 31 August
1957.
 |
| Zenith Lifestyle Centre, entrance from Jalan Wong Ah Fook |
Every
August, our National Month, flying the Jalur Gemilang or National Flag
was a fun and patriotic activity for homes and business premises but recently,
the sad situation in the community had spiraled down to such dire despair that
the needy had to resort to flying White Flags to indicate their desperate need
for help.
The
sad fact is that the nationwide lockdowns since March 2020 and the aggressive
spread of Covid19 infections had caused unspeakable sadness to affected families,
many with the loss of lives, jobs and income.
When
I considered the economic, social and political turmoil happening around us, I
agreed with BrandCulture that it was timely to do something positive to lift
the spirit of our nation through these dark days.
As Grace explained how this video will feature the beauty and harmony of our multi-cultural community through traditional dancers who represented the Malay, Indian and Chinese cultures, each shot to a backdrop of interesting sites within the Zenith Lifestyle Centre, along with encouraging messages from Johoreans, the idea of a video to commemorate Merdeka 2021 sounded more and more meaningful.
In short, I was more than happy to work with BrandCulture to produce this Merdeka video in collaboration with Zenith Lifestyle Centre.
 |
| Archive photo of Rex cinema |
While
I was working on the manuscript for Book Three of My Johor Stories, Grace, who
is the PR Manager for My Johor Stories, was discussing with me about creating
short videos from my collection of Johor Stories, using text and images, music
and animation.
Grace
and I were excited about sharing such valuable content that covered Johor
culture and heritage, Johor food, Johor destinations, Johor personalities and
organizations, memories of the Johor I know and of course, my grandfather
stories.
 |
| Archive photo of Lido cinema |
My
go-to-person for music composition must be cousin, Karen Ng, who is based in
Kuala Lumpur for her business at First Tempo Music, The Popular Music Store.
A
graduate from Universiti Putra Malaysia who majored in Percussion Performance
with a minor in Jazz Piano, Karen has performed with the Malaysian Philharmonic
Youth Orchestra (MYPO) and National Symphony Orchestra, and led live bands for
corporate event shows.
Her
versatility as a percussionist, drummer and keyboardist has enabled Karen to
venture into an array of opportunities as a performer as well as in pursuing
her passion as a music educator.
When
I gave her the job brief for a signature tune that reflected the image of My
Johor Stories, I was sure that Karen, a professional musician and composer,
knew what I was after.
Having
read my two books, My Johor Stories: True Tales, Real People, Rich Heritage
and My Johor Stories 2: Interesting Places and Inspirational People,
Karen had no difficulty in grasping the concept for the music that I had in
mind.
 |
| Zenith Lifestyle Centre, Amari Johor Baru and Suasana Suites are built on the site of the former Rex and Lido cinemas |
I
felt confident that Karen would compose something simply special for My Johor
Stories and could hardly wait for it … but I had to bide my time and patiently
waited while her creative juices flowed…
A
few days later, Karen sent me her original composition for the Intro and
reminded me to listen to it with earphones. With eyes shut, I held my breath and
carefully listened:
The
opening strains of gamelan in “announcing the arrival” had the feel of
Nusantara – a melting pot of cultures in the Malay Archipelago – along with
claps of Indian tabla, the Chinese gong and the first phrase ended with
the sound of the Western timpani (plural for timpano drum).
The
music moved into a tune that featured strings, the horn and the flute/seruling
that reflected the stability, peace and harmony in Johor state, rising to a
crescendo that showcases the wealth of the multi-ethnic cultures here.
The
Intro music then gently tapered off with the sounds of the sitar and di zi,
a Chinese flute.
When
I congratulated Karen for accurately capturing my sentiments in an artful blend
of the Johor identity in this Intro piece, Karen and I unanimously agreed that
this piece of music just gave us a further sense of pride as Johoreans.
 |
| The wall mural painted by local artist, Mulo |
She
explained that the wind chimes were reminiscent of the breezes blowing in from
the Johor Straits, while the gamelan, pipa, sitar and accordion, entered in
sequence to reflect the various cultures who live in harmony in this Southern state.
The
background of cosmic vocals spoke of the great future envisioned for the state
and the piece ended with the grand sounds of brass and horns in military
percussion that symbolized the unique sovereignty of Johor through the ages.
I
could only repeat, “Wow!” Because Karen had certainly exceeded my expectations.
 |
| Malay cultural dance performed by Shahrul Othman |
Back
to our chat about the proposed Merdeka video; Grace explained that while her
team was brainstorming for ideas, they agreed that this signature tune for My
Johor Stories was not only impressive but aptly reflected a special unity and
strength in our multi-cultural Bangsa Johor identity.
So
they proposed that this original composition for My Johor Stories made its
debut through the Merdeka video because they thought this music ideally matches
with the concept for their video in the theme #BangsaJohorUntukMalaysia
or #JohoreansforMalaysia.
It
was simply a capital idea!
True-blue
Johoreans will know that the Zenith Lifestyle Centre, a building linked to the
Amari Johor Baru and Suasana Suites Johor Baru, has the distinct heritage of
being built on the site of two landmark cinemas in Johor Baru, named Rex and
Lido.
 |
| Indian traditional dance by Mishalini Ganesan |
It
was a wonderful time when going to the movies was the most affordable form of
entertainment and these fond memories were also shared in, Escape to the
Movies, published in my 2017 Non-Fiction Bestseller, My Johor Stories:
True Tales, Real People, Rich Heritage.
The
legacy of Rex and Lido in Johor Baru was not only documented in My Johor
Stories but thoughtfully preserved in two function halls named, Rex and Lido,
in the Amari Johor Baru.
Meanwhile
the good people at Amari Johor Baru agreed with me that people liked to stay in
a place with a story. And have placed my two books, My Johor Stories: True
Tales, Real People, Rich Heritage and My Johor Stories 2: Interesting
Places and Inspirational People* in their better rooms and suites for
guests' reading pleasure.
Just
as Rex and Lido were accessible from Jalan Wong Ah Fook and Jalan Trus back
then, now the Zenith Lifestyle Centre remains conveniently accessible from
these two roads and offers dining and entertainment experiences in
International and locally renowned restaurant chains, specialty stores and
convenience stores, all in one place.
 |
| Chinese culture in the art of the 24 Festive Drums by Lim Wue Teik |
Rendered
in sepia tones for a touch of nostalgia, this attractive mural portrays the
façade of Rex cinema, complete with Akan Datang or Coming movie
attractions posted on billboards and features two human figures inspired by
popular Malay artistes, P. Ramlee and Saloma.
Meanwhile,
the BrandCulture team got down to working on the project which kicked off with video
shoots of the three cultural dancers, each arranged at separate time slots to
limit the number of people present and ensure safe physical distancing at all
times.
To
represent Indian culture, Mishalini Ganesan presented the classic grace and
expressions of the Bharata Natyam. Dressed in a beautiful trouser costume made
of silk and satin, complete with flowers in her hair, she made music with every
step from her ankle bells or sallangai.
The
Malay traditional dance by Shahrul Othman combined movements from Johor zapin,
joget and inang dances in polished choreography that symbolizes
the Malay cultural identity of gentleness, grace and precision.
Chinese
culture was represented by drummer Lim Wue Teik, who performed a routine in the
art of the 24 Festive Drums, a dramatic art of drumming proudly born in Johor and
now embraced by multi-racial communities both local and abroad.
 |
| My books are placed in the rooms and suites of Amari Johor Baru for the guests' reading pleasure |
We
are truly living in an unprecedented time in history where every nation is battling
with and trying to cope with the Covid19 pandemic and its consequences.
Malaysia,
however, has the added challenge of dealing with political upheavals, a situation
which was unheard of since this nation’s Independence 64 years ago.
Even
as uncertainties loom ahead, we can hold firmly onto a proud history of
strength and resilience in our multi-cultural community who emerged from
hardship and worked together since Independence to build a strong and
successful nation.
A
nation is made up of its people. And we are the community of people who will
make a difference to our nation in the coming days and for generations to come.
 |
| These landmark cinemas are featured in my 2017 bestseller, My Johor Stories: True Tales, Real People, Rich Heritage |
To view video #BangsaJohorUntukMalaysia or #JohoreansforMalaysia, go to Instagram and Facebook.com/ZenithJB and Website: thezenith.com.my
Take
time to read the positive messages from Johoreans posted in this video that
encourages fellow Malaysians to anticipate a better tomorrow for us and the
nation.
Selamat Hari Kebangsaan and Selamat Hari Merdeka from Johor to fellow
Malaysians: May we stay strong and resilient as we rise up and rebuild our
nation together.
Zenith
Lifestyle Centre is located at No. 82C Jalan Trus, 80000 Johor Baru with
convenient access via Jalan Trus and Jalan Wong Ah Fook.
For
more info on First Tempo Music, visit website: firsttempo.com
*My books, My Johor Stories: True Tales, Real People, Rich Heritage and My Johor Stories 2: Interesting Places and Inspirational People, are available from MPH bookstores nationwide and online from mphonline.com
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