Reminiscence of the Malaccan Empire

Reminiscence of the Malaccan Empire. The theme for the Shell IT annual dinner which was held at the Palace of the Golden Horses. More than a thousand staff were to cogregate at this venue for a time of eating and entertainment. The response was so overwhelming that many had to be put on waiting list just to be able to attend the dinner. Many people came dress to the occasion with some in tradisional customes that were close to reflect the Malaccan days. One guy came dress as a Rajah. It was interesting to see people you may usually see in the five foot ways or corridor of the office make head turn. Some were impressive, others were simply beautiful. It was a sight to behold especially the line that many of us had to line in to get our door gift. It was an interestin door gift as the basket that held the goodies were made my an underproviledged that actually made it out of newspaper and magazine.

The event started around 8pm and went up to almost 1am. A lengthy affair filled with many activities and not forgetting the much anticipated lucky draw, a main prize of an 42' LCD TV. There were not one but two lucky draws, one for the dinner and another for charity. Alan Bligh, the familiar voice that we used to hear over our then Radio 4 was the MC for the night. Presentation from fellow Shell staff were presented. The display was simply professional as mentioned by the MC as they were well choreographed and well dressed as well. The stage reflected a "bersanding" made for a Sultan. There was also a performance by sultrous and simply outstanding Adibah Noor which blew me away with her vocals as she render a Malay song written for the underpriviledged and "Memory" from the acclaimed Cats. A collection for charity was also colected as well with the managers coming up on stage and eating sirih that were priced at RM500 each. I guess they collected almost RM5K from that event which was quite interesting considering the Malaysian aspect to it.

Food was quite good as we were served some tradisional Nyonya dish. My table was hardly full and we had so much food that much of it had to be gone to waste though I wanted so desperately to not waste any. Looking at myself, I rather not indulge less I grow any bigger and not fit into my pants.

It was a great affair to say the least. Can't wait for the SMT dinner at the end of the year. Dinner after dinner, food after food. My initial act of going to the gym may not help in keeping my body in shape.