What makes some of these local or global creatives tick? In this weekly column, the director of The PR People Diana Ong shares her favourite things.
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1. Powell’s City of Books: This is probably the world’s most famous bookstore. And, I didn’t realise the best-selling author – Beverly Cleary – of the Ramona series (a personal favourite growing up) grew up in Portland and based her books there.
2. Her furkid: Pepper is a girl Shitzu who looks and behaves like a cat — she ignores other dogs and spends her days snuggling up on pillows.
3. Forest Bathing: The inexplicable peace in ancient forests, such as in this redwood forest called Muir Woods near San Francisco, has to be experienced to be believed.
4. Anime: I am a huge fan of anime, especially those about ninjas or the supernatural. So anything from Inuyasha to Naruto to Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Kemono Jihen, you will find me snuggling up with on rainy days and weekends.
5. Gaming: I started with Warcraft, then Starcraft, and am now waiting for Diablo 4 to be released.
6. Beauty products: I love all things beauty and would try any product once, my absolute essential is a good sunscreen. My current obsession is the ELEMIS Pro Collagen Cleansing Balm — it’s aromatherapy in a jar.
7. Wicked New Year parties: My husband and I love spending New Year’s Eve in different cities, pre-COVID19 of course. This picture was taken in a warehouse turned fantastical dreamscape in downtown Seattle, and it had flame blowers, aerial artists, and a naked suds-covered dancer in a bathtub… you get the idea.
8. Neil Gaiman: My favourite living fantasy author who reminds me that writing is an art that is fun. I especially love his Anansi Boys and Graveyard book.
9. Family: I lost my mum earlier this year after a prolonged battle with dementia, and now I treasure my family more than ever.
10. Her life partner: We travel together, opened a company overseas together and go white water rafting together. Rand — whom I married in May this year — is my playmate and best friend who pushes me to challenge my limits. He is everything I have hoped for in a life partner.
Once you’re done with Diana Ong’s favourite things, click here to catch up with our August 2021 issue!
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