General – Page 3 – Peter Tan – The Digital Awakening

Christmas 2012 at 1 Utama

There is never a dull moment when it comes to Christmas at 1 Utama Shopping Mall. This year, delicious-looking pastries make up the decor which is aptly theme Pastryland. It certainly is a refreshing change from the usual lighted trees found in most shopping malls.

Taking centre stage at the Oval is a giant two-storey cake flanked by an equally large Swiss roll and a huge gift box replete with ribbon and bow. On top of the gift box sits a polar bear in party hat, a snowman, cupcakes and ice creams.

Snowmen, doughnuts, cupcakes and lollipops on the other side of the stage completes the picture. Several other spots in the shopping mall were also decked in similar decorations. In my opinion, this is the best Christmas decoration yet for any shopping mall so far.

Snowmen, doughnuts, cupcakes, lollipops and ice creams at the Oval 1 Utama.

2-storey cake with snowmen, polar bear and cupcakes to evoke the festive spirit at 1 Utama.

The stage with snowmen and pastries of all shapes and sizes at 1 Utama

View of the Oval Christmas decorations at 1 Utama Shopping Mall.

Ice cream and crackers Christmas decor at 1 Utama

Large-than-life sundae and crackers at Highstreet at 1 Utama.

Yummy looking sundaes and lollipops at 1 Utama

Triple sundaes and lollipops sweetening Christmas celebrations at Highstreet 1 Utama.

Snowman with chef hat and his pastries at 1 Utama

Baker snowman and his cupcakes at Ground Floor 1 Utama.

Christmas decor to make shoppers hungry at 1 Utama old wing

Gift boxes, snowman, chocolate, cupcakes and puddings making it festive at 1 Utama old wing.

Readings From Readings 2

Sharon Bakar and I have been discussing about me attending the Readings for a very long time. Basically, writers read from their works at this monthly event held at Seksan Gallery in Bangsar. Commitments, and procrastination, somehow saw to it that I never made it after more than two years. Admittedly, I am not a literary person but I used to read voraciously at one point in time of my life. My favourites are Asian writers with stories of events that are closer to home.

Readings from Readings 2 and Readings from Readings.

When Readings sought funding to publish the second book titled Readings from Reading 2, I jumped at the opportunity to support the initiative. The book and bookmarks came in the mail yesterday. Sharon had kindly included the first book for me too. Both are anthologies of short stories and poems that were featured at Readings which suited my short attention span. The large print is also easy on the eyes. I am sure these are two books I will enjoy reading. They are also available in bookshops now.

Live Christmas Trees at Ikea

This is the time of the year where pyramidal-shaped trees are decked out in colourful and glittery ornaments to herald in the season. There is an air of festivity in shopping malls with many retail outlets promoting Christmas sale to attract shoppers.

Live Christmas trees on sale at Ikea.

Ikea was already selling live Christmas trees when we were there last weekend. They gave out a distinct fresh scent. Seeing them replete with baubles and garlands put me in a celebratory mood. And it is not even December yet!