Guests who want to participate can visit the trees and choose a gift to give, then bring it to the hotel by Dec 14

by LYDIA NATHAN / Pics courtesy of EQ Hotel

THE EQ Hotel is determined to bring back some of the Christmas joy to Malaysia this year despite the challenging year many have faced.

The hotel recently launched its second annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony in a timely and exciting collaboration with Carven Ong Couture.

Carven Ong — who is renowned for creating outfits that embody elegance — designed and crafted the unforgettable wedding gown worn at the finale of the hit movie “Crazy Rich Asians”.

Ong said he felt a strong sense of deep-rooted heritage in the art and decorations around the hotel during his first visit to EQ and was inspired by it.

The 30ft Christmas tree (picture) placed in the hotel lobby, designed by Ong, features subtle but pretty colours of silver, gold and pink for its ornaments, red and gold ribbons, as well as a beige-colour twirling anyaman that weaves through the entire tree.

“This is my first time designing a Christmas tree and I wanted to touch the hearts of visitors with a contemporary revival of handcrafted anyaman, an intrinsic Malaysian textile that is part of our nation’s cultural identity.

“The timeless songket and rose gold patterns in the hotel blend in beautifully with the rustic anyaman texture and colour, embodying an artistic representation of our harmonious nation,” he said.

EQ GM Robert Rick Lagerway said the hotel is pleased to welcome people back through its doors as it is important to stay connected during these times.

“We want people to be able to appreciate the beauty around us, it is the official start of the season, and we are delighted to welcome everyone. We will continue to stand together and support each other, no matter what comes,” he said during the lighting ceremony recently.

The hotel also collaborated with the American Association of Malaysia to bring back for the second time around, the Angel Tree Project.

The project was launched in 2019 and aimed to grant wishes to children in need from Rumah Hope and Shelter Home for Children.

The Angel Trees are located at its all-day dining restaurant, Nipah, and bistro-cafe, Étoile, with a total of 168 gift requests from both homes, hung as ornaments.

Lagerway said guests who want to participate can visit the trees and choose a gift to give, then bring it to the hotel by Dec 14, 2020.

“Gifts should be unwrapped, new, and valued between RM50 to RM100. For those who might not have the time to shop for gifts, cash donations are also accepted. The gifts, as well as some household supplies, will be wrapped and then delivered by the hotel and AAM, in collaboration with BMW Group Malaysia,” he said.

BMW will deploy a fleet of BMW X1 sDrive20i that will double as Santa’s sleigh to deliver the gifts.

Meanwhile, EQ’s food and beverage outlets will also be offering holiday staples that can be enjoyed at home in conjunction with the Christmas season.

Bring Home This Season’s Very Best offering will be available from Nipah and Étoile, and customers can pick up or have it delivered. Guests can choose a variety of spreads and festive dishes, including roasts, holiday cakes, gift and hamper baskets, and many more,” Lagerway said.

Roasts will include classics like Prime Rib, Beef Tenderloin Wellington, Tom Turkey and Truffle Farce Stuffed Chicken, while Christmas specials will have

Home-Smoked Salmon Supreme, as well as Deli Cold Cut Platter with choices of cured meats, assorted cheese, or gherkins with fruits and crackers.

Desserts not to be missed showcase international creations like basler läckerli and imported German stollen with marzipan and gingerbread houses, English fruitcake and yule logs.

All orders will be freshly made and guests are encouraged to place orders 48 hours in advance.