THE PERANAKANLena-Ann Shome of the Hati Kampong Chorus attends a special Mothers’ Day celebration at Allspice Institute on 9th May 2026. Photos by Mahen Kalai.
You step into Allspice Institute, not quite knowing what to expect. The space greets you like an old friend, warm, textured, a little retro and quietly buzzing. Bright colours here, fairy lights there, hellos and hugs everywhere. There is an unmistakable hum of something heartfelt about to unfold. Very quickly, it becomes clear. This is not just an event, this is Mama Mia, Peranakan style.
Around the space, thoughtful touches invited both curiosity and reflection. A literary corner offered quiet pause, while fundraising pieces carried stories of heritage and home. Among them were Raja Ismail’s handcrafted miniature scenes, captured the soul of old kampong life with remarkable tenderness and detail. From nasi lemak stalls and roti carts to rustic kampong houses and street scenes, every piece is lovingly built at a small scale yet rich with texture, light, and storytelling. Tiny bulbs lit weathered wood and painted details, echoing a time many remember and others know only from stories. His work portrays a deep, local nostalgia, each corner alive with memory. Every piece is handmade and sold individually, and you could even commission a miniature version of your own home.
Upcycled wine crates by Mr Jonathan S Pillay, became meaningful keepsakes with stories of their own – cheese board, tea caddies, a lazy susan and serving trays. See the video below.
An exquisitely sewn kebaya adorned with intricate sulam by Mdm Lim Sai Yong who, at 19, clinched first prize in a Singer Sewing Competition in 1955. This same inspired-piece is now available for pre-order (partnerships@chitty.org.sg). The heritage continues as Mdm Lim’s daughter, Julie, is now a member of the Hati Kampong Chorus.
Dressed to the nines, the crowd arrived in kebayas and flowy dresses, channelling just the right touch of Mama Mia flair. Familiar faces filled the room, with some even flying in from Sarawak, luggage in tow, just to be part of this Mother’s Day celebration – hati sehati, langkah seiring – one heart, moving in unison!
We began the only way one should, with a Tok Panjang spread so shiok, it made you negotiate with yourself, “Alamak, diet tomorrow lah.” The long table overflowed with heritage flavours, nasi ulam, otah otah, Kamala’s pulut tekan, Kala’s onde onde and kueh kosui and Krishnavani’s muruku. Giggles were bouncing off the walls even as aunties exchanged recipes like secret state business. It was not just food, it was memory, generosity, and kampong spirit laid out end to end. Each dish carrying a story, each bite a quiet reminder that coming together like this, sharing, laughing, makan-ing is its own kind of love.
Melissa Sidek held it all together with charm and sparkle, a natural choice for the occasion. With a heartfelt performance of Ibu, she brought both gravitas and joy, embodying the spirit of the day.
And of course, there were games. Freekam Freekam, our cheeky spin on tikam tikam, had everyone leaning forward, eyes bright, hearts hopeful, confirm got prize one. Even as the prizes were revealed, the laughter grew louder because winners had to do more than collect their prizes, they had to joget one round in a lively conga line, turning every win into a full performance.
Then there was music. The Hati Kampong Chorus curated its repertoire with care, each piece reflecting the many faces of motherhood. Their rendition of Bunga Sayang by Dick Lee anchored the celebration, reminding us of mothers and mother figures as trees of hope and love – steady, sheltering and ever-present.
Following the heritage-rich Dayung Sampan, tracing the journey of the Chitty Melaka community, to the smoky nostalgia of Billie Holiday’s I’ll Be Seeing You and When Will I See You Again by the Three Degrees, the music held space for love, memory, distance and devotion – the quiet truths of motherhood gently laid bare.
The celebration closed with Teh Sama Kopi, written by Baba Richard Tan. By the first note, the room was already buzzing. Chorus members glided through the crowd handing out handmade flowers, each one a small but heartfelt “thank you, Ma.” The cha cha began tentatively, then suddenly the whole room came alive. Clapping with glee, shy smiles quickly gave way to full-on joy. Someone called for a second order of Teh Sama Kopi, we delivered.Not just an event lah, this one, memory.
To all our bunga sayang, gentle flowers of the heart, today we celebrate you the Peranakan way: loud, loving, and always with plenty of makan.
Invite us to curate a similar occasion for you, email us at partnerships@chitty.org.sg
