Well, some of you might already know that I was at a Dinner and Dance recently. Yeah, I was, and here���s a bit about the event. But before I tell you much about it, I guess I have better explain on the concept of D&D (Dinner and Dance) just in case you might not know what it is.
I know for a second you may be wondering why I need to explain on this for D&D may sound rather universal to you. But my experience at a D&D last year have indeed told me that not everyone knows what D&D is. So sit back and read on if you feel like it...
Briefly, what happened at last year's D&D was, I was approached by one of Kenji���s senior Japanese colleagues at the end of the event. The colleague approached me for a conversation as I was about to re-enter the event hall to collect my bag and say goodbye to some people.
Oddly, the conversation started with what-seemed-to-me-as-very-genuine apologies. Kenji's Japanese colleague then was apologizing to me on behalf of the company for the D&D event, which she described as ���I don���t know this Chinese thing���.
I was quite taken aback by her speech and actions initially. Of course. I mean, why would anyone apologize for such a happy event, right? Plus, what was it about speaking of the event as a "Chinese thing"??
Although it may be that she was just trying to be polite (knowing Japanese people), but I thought nothing bad had occurred in any way all through the time. Furthermore I was only the spouse of a staff there, hence it was not like I was some important person at the event for any act of contrition.
So, not only was I thinking it was rather odd for the Japanese colleague to apologize to me but also I just ruled out the idea that she understood much about the event or even the culture of Singapore, much less have had much exposure to events like the Dinner and Dance.
So from that experience on (and just to be on a safe side), I take it that 'not everyone knows everything'. So I thought it is just wise of me to explain a bit about the event here in my blog since I will be writing about it anyway.
So, just in case you are like Kenji's Japanese colleague who probably would think of a D&D event as a "Chinese thing", let me tell you. D&D is actually an abbreviation for Dinner and Dance. Dinner and Dance is a formal social gathering that includes a dinner followed by dancing. Usually held only once a year, it is more often than not conducted in the months nearing the end of the year.
A Dinner and Dance is quite universal actually. In Singapore a Dinner and Dance usually comes in as a sort of night of recognition for most companies but it could also be a charitable event for some organizations. To simply it further, most D&Ds are like a ball.
In Singapore too, Dinner and Dance can be comparable to that of high school students��� Prom Night. The only difference is that Dinner & Dance is an adult version. Common features of the event include a theme, games, Best Dressed Awards and Lucky Draw Contest.
So the other night I was at a Dinner & Dance party, just as the one described above. It was not my first D&D though. And I bet it was not the first either for most of the Singaporeans there. The Dinner and Dance was held at Le Meridien in Orchard. And because it was organized by the company Kenji is working for, as a spouse of a staff to the company, I was invited to attend.
D&D that night seemed like a rousing good time to me. I thought all who attended was in high spirits. Most of the female attendees took advantage of the ���Retro Night��� theme and were dressed in full costume.
I was dressed in my red-color 2007 hari raya clothing; a kind of kebaya that has see-thru lace sleeving and delicate floral pattern lace on its skirt, which looked rather retro like that of the late 60s and early 70s fashion but which also fits in well as a Malay traditional costume. Of course I wasn't 'that' outstanding to win the Best Dressed award. And I didn't win either. After all I am in Singapore and many people are used to seeing a Muslim woman dressed in her hari raya clothes.
Anyway, comparing last year's D&D to this year's, I found this year's D&D somewhat similar to that of the previous year���s though. But with a few new staff, it did add to the difference. Also, we had better Muslim meal this time. Yet, in some aspects, last year���s Dinner and Dance was more enjoyable to me than this year's actually. Perhaps because I did not have much to expect from it other than the main features of a D&D I have always known.
What else was similar this time was the prize Kenji won from the Lucky Draw Contest. Kenji won himself another $500 voucher. But this time he got them from 2 shopping malls: $50 from Takashimaya and $450 from Tangs :(
I was actually hoping Kenji would win a trip to Korea (they seem to have this prize every year). And Kenji was hoping for a 3D2N stay at a villa in Bali (we know of this prize because the owner of the villa told us about making it the company���s D&D lucky draw prize). But we got the $500 voucher instead and it was right before the Bali prize was announced :(
Anyway, the vouchers have already been used. Kenji bought some work shirts and trousers, plus a pair of new shoes the other day. He managed to make use of all the $500 he won. So that was good.
As for me, I don't mind not getting anything out of the voucher as I got my hands on last year���s voucher already anyway. Early this year, I bought a SLR camera using the 2006 D&D Takashimaya voucher that Kenji won before we left for Japan. So I thought this time Kenji should use the vouchers for his own good instead! Besides, I have got nothing much to buy right now and not especially from Tangs.
So, having mentioned about almost everything about the recent D&D, I guess I have better finish off this post somewhere. Umm, I feel like sending dad a text message now in fact. I thought of asking him the time he is fetching Nunun at the airport. So yeah, I better go. So I guess this is all I've got for you for now. Will try to keep you posted. Take care.
-----------------------------------------The Pictures-------------------------------------
Some of Kenji's colleagues and their spouse at the company's Dinner and Dance at Le Meridien. They were also our 'table mate' for the night. Left to right: Nelson, (can't remember her name - sorry!), Etan, Firhan and Sarah. Great company!
Kenji walking along Orchard Road with two Tangs shopping bags in his hand. Kenji's just gone shopping with the vouchers he won at the Dinner and Dance Lucky Draw contest. So on that day he got himself a couple of work shirts, trousers and a pair of shoes.
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