Raffles Hotel x Carlo Marchiori

Today, Raffles Hotel Singapore celebrates her 128th Birthday. She sits on a very special place in my heart because I spent a considerable large amount of time in this property from 2004 to 2011 - more than I've ever spent in my own home. She was my only employer since I started work and nothing could tear us apart. Not even when I was poached. I was blessed to have bosses who believed in me, aiding me to climb through the corporate ladder quicker than most. I started my stint with Raffles Hotel as a butler, shining shoes, and the next thing I know, I was running the Weddings department as an Assistant Director on my fourth year. In between, I was given four promotions from Room Sales to Catering Sales. I was swelling with gratitude. So much that I swore I will never abuse the Maternity Leave scheme should I get pregnant. They have practically laid a red carpet for me to walk on, charming me with a promise. The least I could do was not quit on them after taking my four months paid maternity leave. Becoming a Stay At Home Mom was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. I knew, ever since I was 16, I was going to helm that monarchy position post-kids. There, my relationship with Raffles Hotel ended in 2011 when I conceived Ewan.

Word has been going around that Raffles Hotel has lost its charm. To me, the grandeur of its presence will never be lost. It will always be that grand old dame that lives close to my heart. Her sturdy white-washed pillars, that iron-cast verandah that shelters us from the rain, peaceful swaying palm trees in the gardens and that old-world glamour of the past still hauntingly tickles my soul. Whenever I talk about Raffles today, I still referred to our relationship as "We" but hastily changed it to "They" when I remember I am no longer part of her.

Bringing the children to visit Raffles Hotel had always been on my list of to-dos. Today, I brought them for a brief visit (after purchasing my favourite Champagne Truffle mooncakes). A little walkabout on the third level of its shopping arcade to acquaint them with the works of Carlo Marchiori. They are murals commissioned in 1995 to grace the outer walls of The Ballroom and Jubilee Hall. There is something regal and illustrious about them but with the daily business on-goings at work, we never quite stopped to appreciate them. Hurrying along those noble corridors, with a file and pen in hand, without taking a second glance. It is nice to be back.

THE BALLROOM, LEVEL 3
I used to walk in and out of The Ballroom several times a day, showing potential clients what it has to offer. It isn't your kind of massive grandeur that sits 500 guests like Fullerton Hotel but it allows the host to throw an intimate party that will never be forgotten. I must agree that it needs a uplift in its interior. Laying a brand new carpet and upping its ability to cater to the latest lighting technology will allow The Ballroom to compete with its rivals. And that's just it! Certain assets like the chandeliers, the landscape murals and arched openings must be kept to leave a whole lot of history behind for everyone. Here's sharing the murals by Italian-born artist, Carlo Marchiori, that enveloped The Ballroom.

 

 

 

JUBILEE HALL, LEVEL 3
I have always loved the Jubilee Hall. This one's a little different. I see no need for a refurbishment because it exudes a certain kind of magic when you are in there. It is as if you've been transported back in time with those squeaky red seats. We've transformed it for a beautiful Wine, Food and Arts event before with the stage as the "kitchen" and it handles plays, recitals, musicals and dances at a different level. It sure does smell musty but that adds into the magic of this premise. I had the honour of photographing my wedding pictures in there and my photographer was extremely proud that she got this Inside Raffles opportunity.

 

I shall pocket my personal encounters with nobel Kings and Queens until the children are of age to comprehend the adventures their mommy had with this hotel, this national monument. This is one part of my life I will never forget.

We have a MURALS tab on the main page of this blog. There, you will be guided to other street art walkabouts we've undertook in Singapore and Penang.  

On Memory Lane: Plaza Singapura
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Year of the Rooster with Ernest Goh
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The Tiong Bahru Murals
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The Everton Murals

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Colouring Banda Street 

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Where Are The Goats? 

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Street Art of George Town

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A stay at home mum, blogging to widen her social life. 
We want to echo the sound of love through our lives to inspire other mothers alike.