KUALA LUMPUR – Last week, Malaysian bookstore chain BookXcess, in collaboration with the Embassy of Mexico in Malaysia, hosted a tribute night for Mexican poet, diplomat (notably serving as Ambassador of Mexico to India) and Nobel Prize for Literature laureate Octavio Paz at BookXcess's MyTown location, bringing together friends and supporters in a cross-cultural poetry reading session.
The event was also held in conjunction with Mexican National Day, which the colourful nation celebrates on September 16.
Among those present were the Mexican ambassador H.E. Edmundo Font, writer and Pusaka creative director Pauline Fan, as well as the celebrated poet and artist Latiff Mohidin, who made a special appearance as the night’s guest of honour.
Each of the named individuals gave a poignant rendition of Paz’s most loved writings in the Spanish, English and Malay languages, respectively.
Guests were also entertained with classical Mexican music that managed to uplift the experience even further.
BookXcess founder Andrew Yap shared that the soiree marks another attempt for the company to engage with the public to broaden their understanding of literature.
“I must admit that prior to this, we may all be somewhat ignorant to the treasures of the Spanish language, equally so with the Latin American localities that identifies with it.
“This is the very reason why BookXcess prefers the kind of engagement you get at this event so Malaysians in general can be more receptive not just in the practive of reading but also the cultural knowledge and learnings one can gain through it,” he added.
A selection of Paz’s published works are currently on display exclusively at BookXcess’s MyTown outlet.
Readers who are interested to know more about the life of Octavio Paz can also enjoy a special photo exhibition set up specifically for the engagement. – The Vibes, September 28, 2022
