Tonight was the highlight of my trip to Kuala Lumpur. I had the once in a lifetime experience of attending the Royal Dinner at the National Palace or Istana, in Kuala Lumpur, hosted by Her Majesty The Raja Permaisuri Agong Tuanku Hajah Haminah.
Before I left for Malaysia, I emailed Washington and inquired if I could wear long pants and a suit to the Royal Palace, and they confirmed it’s okay.
When I received my invitation on thursday, they told me pants are not allowed. So yesterday, I sneaked out and went to the KLCC and bought this pink Muslim dress. I didn’t have the luxury of time to go around the mall, I saw this, tried it on, paid and went back to the conference.
A lot of us did the same thing.
799 ringgit less 50% discount = 400 ringgit plus kamison 99 less 30% discount = 69 ,
Total 469 Malaysian ringgit / 3 = US$156.33
Shoes had to be closed toes so I brought this black Fendi,but it’s more suitable for pants and suit.
Hindi bagay with a formal gown but who cares? No one would bother look. My bag too, I need a big bag, because the Fendi hurts so I brought the suede loafers as plan B.
After the summit’s hour-long formal closing ceremony, we all boarded the bus.
We haven’t left the hotel, ang sakit na ng paa ko so I took off the Fendi, and wore the suede instead. Hindi ko na nga isusuot itong Fendi na ito- kunsumisyon.
Learning from the previous night’s chaos, the bus loading was more orderly this time.
The ladies were made to fall in line although some groups still cut lines and overtook me.
I used the down-time by asking one of the ladies to take my picture.
It was a short 5 kilometer bus ride with no traffic because we were escorted by motorcycle-riding patrols.
The Royal Palace’s door handles are similar to ours, except theirs are gold, ours are brass.
I feel so blessed being here.
Myrna Yao, President of Richwell Trading, came with her sister, the Mayor of Dipolog City
Apart from the grand staircase, there is an escalator on each side.
This place is really nice. It’s grand and elegant but not opulent.
We were welcomed by young boys and girls, called Jewels of Dance
It’s free seating.
I like Malaysia’s protocol. Formal but not stiff. Surprisingly, they have Kings and Queens but they are not pretentious. Mas marami pa tayong ekek na mga Pilipino.
It’s even stricter and full of formalities in our own Malacanang Palace.
Here, they didn’t even check our bags. We’ve never went through any security check, be it at the hotel, at the Prime Minister’s residence, and even here at the official residence of the King and Queen of Malaysia. Magaan ang pakiramdam pagganyan. Sa Malacanang, bawal pa nga ang celphone and cameras inside.
They only checked our attires to make sure one wears long sleeves, ankle-length skirt, and close toed shoes. Bawal ang indecent dresses. Plus you are required to bring the formal invitation.
I felt free to have my photo taken. The waiters and even the security were not strict or masungit. Sa atin pa nga masyadong pormal na ewan.
Now I know why it’s not allowed to wear yellow or gold. You would look like the Royal Chair.
to be continued
