T

P>The Malaysia Tourism Board recently published a date for the annual Colours of Malaysia festival. Previously held throughout the month of March each year, this year's Colours of Malaysia will be held on May 22 at Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur.

Promoted as the country's premier cultural extravaganza, this year's Colours of Malaysia will have a cornucopia of spectacular traditional performances, colorful parades as well as exhibitions that showcase the country's arts and crafts.

Previous news on different websites a couple months ago mentioned that Colours of Malaysia would kick off on March 20 in the state of Putrajaya, but no official news about it was released. This time, however, both www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my and www.motour.gov.my mention the exact date of the event. According to the information posted about the event, it has been shortened to a mere one day from the original month-long celebration. Both sites also lack details about the day's itinerary.

Initially started in 1999, Colours of Malaysia was first introduced to display the rich cultural heritage of the country. The celebration in 2009 was also quite tremendous with international tourists flying in to be part of the celebration.

Kuala Lumpur will also host Lea Salonga, a multiple-award winning singer and acclaimed international Broadway and West End star famous for her singing in different Disney blockbuster cartoons, as Princess Jasmine in Aladdin (1992) and as Mulan in Mulan (1998) and Mulan II (2004).

Upon completing her New York cabaret debut, "The Journey So Far" at The Carlyle, Salonga will be gracing the Plenary Hall at Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre on May 22 and 23, at 8:30 p.m. for her first ever appearance in Malaysia, "An Evening with Lea Salonga"

Salonga is a Philippine singer and actress best known for her debut musical role in Miss Saigon. She was the first Asian to play Eponine in the musical Les Mis*rables on Broadway in 2002. Salonga played the role of a Chinese immigrant in a reinterpretation of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song opposite Jose Llana. The Salonga-led Broadway revival cast album was also a top contender at the 2003 Grammy Awards for Best Musical Show Album.

Throughout her illustrious musical theater career, she has been internationally recognized and has won an Olivier Award, a Tony Award, a Drama Desk Award, an Outer Critics Award, a Theatre Los Angeles Ovation Award and a Theatre World Award.

Presented in partnership between Malaysia Airlines Enrich and CIMB Bank, Malaysia Airlines Enrich and CIMB credit card members enjoy up to 35 percent discount off ticket prices for the event.

Tickets are priced at RM153 (US$48), RM253, RM353, RM553 (VIP) and RM853 (VVIP), available for purchase with Ticket Axcess at www.axcess.com.my. Visit www.aneveningwithleasalonga.my for further information.