The cheeky lion getting ready to perform

Gasps of amazement were heard from the crowd as a giant green dragon floated across the stage in front of the historic Thean Hou temple. The palpable excitement reached a crescendo when the dragon with balloon Carlsberg bottles lining its body took flight from the stage. The punishing heat did not dim the crowd’s enthusiasm as everyone “wowed” with eyes of wonder, probably remembering all those wonderful dragon movies that they have seen.

Had this been Hollywood, it would have been an everyday affair. But this being Kuala Lumpur, it was one of those once-a-year spectacles that captures the imagination of the audience and renders it an unforgettable experience for all.

Such was the effect of the Carlsberg green flying dragon that I am sure from hereon, sales would skyrocket much like the high-flying dragon!

The dragon and lion dance side by side	The eight lions getting ready to captivate guests with their performance

So there I was drenched in sweat as a sea of people waited for the appearance of the much talked-about 118-foot Carlsberg “flying dragon”. We were shown appetisers such as Fook Gods, which is a dance performance comprising of eight lions and a dragon.

Ever seen a pink dragon? Well, I did that day. I suggest Carlsberg make it into a soft toy as a promotional gift – lots of guys would then buy Carlsberg beer to get the pink dragon soft toy to give to their girlfriends.

Even better, make the toy with long eye lashes that could bat, just like the time the pink dragon batted its lovely eyelashes at everyone within sight. This would appeal to both guys and girls. There, they should hire me as their Marketing consultant!

Dragon Extravaganza
It was time to unveil another dragon extravaganza. A giant dragon statue reaching a height of 15 feet made entirely from Carlsberg bottles! This is what I call a fantastic environment-friendly company.

The lion dance performers captivating guests with their amazing performance

The majestic statue which is a symbolic representation of abundance and wealth was a crowd favourite when later on, everyone was invited to queue up to receive their very own gold pearl-like balls when they placed their hand inside the dragon’s mouth. Each ball contained a special New Year message. Unfortunately, I can’t tell you what mine said in case it doesn’t happen.

The location is quite a thoughtful one. Feng shui must have decreed that Thean Hou temple occupies one of the most auspicious locations in KL. Hence, unveiling a flying dragon there must have multiple auspicious significance. Situated atop a hill, the temple is breathtakingly beautiful! Although I didn’t venture inside, the facade of the six-tiered temple with its red pillars and elaborate carvings is the embodiment of grandeur.

A number of tents were set up outside the temple for guests to take shelter from the blistering heat. In the centre, was a big stage with three levels which was decorated in red, the colour of prosperity and good fortune. Big wigs from Carlsberg, like Soren Ravn, Managing Director, and a few others were also dressed in traditional red Chinese garb.

As expected, there was free flow of Carlsberg beer going around adding to the already high excitement level. “An ice cold beer in the heat is heavenly,” exclaims one of the visibly excited visitors.

Soren Ravn waving to the crowd as he welcomes everyone to Carlsberg Chinese New Year launch

According to Ravn, the green flying dragon is a symbolic invitation to consumers to embrace the Year of the Dragon with courage and vitality, and soar to greater heights. In fact, renowned feng shui guru Lilian Too, has given her endorsement to Carlsberg’s green dragon, saying that “it symbolises auspiciousness, courage, vitality, strength and brings an abundance of good fortune in the year 2012.”