weddingsmalaysia 2013

weddingsmalaysia 2013 is now available for sale in leading bookstores and newsstands nationwide. Here's my message :

He’d proposed and you’d said yes, or you’d proposed and she’d said yes. Regardless of whether you are the bride or the groom, the wedding planning journey is one that should be an enjoyable and memorable one. Here is where our publication will be your ally as you navigate the planning process.

Filled with inspiring ideas and the industry professionals who can help you realise your dream wedding, we hope to be your constant and reliable companion throughout your journey. Do also make it a point to visit our portal www.weddingsmalaysia.com every now and then. Updated every month, it is a resource that complements this publication. Our monthly features, updates on events and promotions as well as wedding tools will definitely be of assistance as you plan for this milestone in your lives.

Wishing you both every happiness.

Explore, enjoy and be inspired …

Kris Wong

Cover of weddingsmalaysia 2013.

Sandwiches

I like my food. For the sake of vanity, I do try to watch what I eat but for the most part, I throw caution to the wind and just indulge whenever the opportunity arises.

Thing is, when one indulges all the time, well, let's just say the midriff tends to become problematic. So I try to swim as much as I can, I try to do some cardio however much I dislike cardio, I try to do some weights. I guess one has to put in some effort.

The challenge? To make sure 'em jeans don't get too tight at the waist haha!

Sandwiches galore at Dean & Deluca in Bangkok, Thailand.

Erawan Shrine

When in Bangkok, I always make it a point to worship at the Erawan Shrine. This time was no different except that I was even more conscientious. I prayed at the shrine every day. I have aspirations to fulfill and I place my faith in the divine. I also have much to give thanks for. Gratitude and appreciation I believe will lead to even better experiences in future.

I normally stay at the Holiday Inn Bangkok, which is practically a stone's throw away from the shrine. OK, I exaggerate. It is a pleasant short stroll away. The shrine is perpetually packed, so I try to go either early in the morning or later at night to avoid jostling with the crowd. But still, some jostling is required no matter what time of day. A lit candle, twelve joss sticks, floral garlands and prayers to the four-faced Buddha leave me with a sense of hope.

To have faith and to believe. To trust and to surrender to what fate has in store. Ask and one shall receive. And when aspirations are met, give thanks. Say a little prayer indeed.

Crowds at the Erawan Shrine in Bangkok, Thailand.

Tea At Twinings

I was first introduced to Id by my friend Eileen. That was a few years back. Since then we have become good Facebook friends and we make it a point to meet up whenever I am in Bangkok. We chat about our lives, what we've been up to; basically a 'live' update on what we've been following on Facebook.

This visit, Id suggested we meet at the recently opened Twinings Of London Tea Shop at CentralWorld. A very English afternoon tea was the order of the day and I am always appreciative of Id taking the time to catch up and ensuring that I get to experience the latest openings in the City of Angels as he would put it. The pride he has in his home city is infectious, and in a way elevates the experience of one's visit.

I've also snagged an invite to tea at Id's new digs the next time I'm in Bangkok. I had noticed his Facebook postings about new lodgings, interior decoration and the like, and had brought with me a home decor book as a gift. There is much satisfaction in gift-giving when it is well-received. Thanks again Id for the great catch up!

Photo courtesy of Id Nukulkarn.

Birthday Bash In Bangkok

I was joking with my good friend, saying that his birthday week-end festivities in Bangkok were akin to a destination wedding. There was a pre-birthday bash dinner the night before, the birthday bash itself, followed by a post birthday bash brunch the next day. It was a wonderful way to celebrate and I had a great time as I always do.

I got into Bangkok last Friday morning, one of the earlier guests to arrive, and was happy to be invited to dinner at fab italian restaurant Zanotti. It was a very nice prelude to the birthday party on Saturday. Up on the 17th floor of CentralWorld, Zense offered a fantastic view of the Bangkok skyline at dusk over pre-dinner drinks. Dinner amongst good friends in an intimate setting made the celebration a meaningful one, particularly during this milestone of significance. Sunday brunch at The Sukothai was a smaller affair as some friends had headed off to Hua Hin, but no less enjoyable.

This occasion reinforced a few things I already knew. Good friends are hard to come by and when they do, we should nurture and cherish the friendship. Good friends are those whom you can be open with, without the fear of being judged. Good friends are the ones who make it a point to consider your likes and dislikes, and then plan to make one's stay as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Good friends are those whose birthdays you look forward to celebrating again come the following year.

Table setting during the birthday dinner at Zense, CentralWorld in Bangkok, Thailand.

Busy Days

Those of us in the wedding industry would have been expe-riencing busy days since September due to the peak season for weddings. Most would agree that our schedules can be pretty frightening to say the least.

As for me, I've had to juggle between delivery of gowns at That Special Occasion and getting weddingsmalaysia 2013 to print. It's the time of year where one gets stressed out rather easily. Fortunately for me, I had the opportunity for a bit of relaxing by the pool last week when I made a quick dash up to Penang for a meeting. Some time by the pool is always welcome.

Come this weekend, I'll be in Bangkok. I promised a friend that I would attend his birthday bash and I am one to keep my word. I've no itinerary planned, I just hope to chill, have some good food, shop a bit perhaps, enjoy a massage or two. But before that, more work to clear!

Poolside at the Rasa Wing of Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa in Penang, Malaysia.

Stroll On The Beach

A stroll on the beach definitely helps soothe the senses. I was in Penang for two days, mainly for a meeting with the events team at Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa but fortunately also found some time for some solitude. Being away in a resort setting, alone, allows me to not only to chill for a bit but also provides me with the opportunity to get quite a lot of work done without the distractions of the office.

I am pretty good at balancing work and downtime when on such short business trips. The quiet puts me in a good frame of mind to put together business proposals and to churn out original ideas. I also make it a point to spend time by the pool and take a contemplative walk on the beach. Work and play, a great combination indeed.

Such trips also give me the chance to meet with clients on a personal basis. Whilst email does wonders, it is never quite the same as meeting face to face and sharing ideas that hopefully will lead to an even better business relationship. The personal touch so to speak.

The beach at Shangri-La's Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa in Penang, Malaysia.