Happy national day！
Saturday, 31 August 2013
Monday, 26 August 2013
Mid-Autumn FestoRama returns to Penang
Mid-Autumn FestoRama returns to Penang
ON Sept 15, one of the oldest streets here, Lebuh Pantai, will be transformed into a colourful and sepia-lit dance hall like Old Shanghai.
Men and women dressed in fashion from the 1940s to the 60s would be strolling about, children would be playing "teng teng" (hopscotch) along the nearby Lebuh Bishop, the classic Mini Coopers lining up on Gat Lebuh China and A-go-go and rock 'n' roll flashmobs breaking out in sudden dance moves.
All these signify that the Mid-Autumn FestoRama is back in town!
Themed "The Pearl of The Orient 2013 Blossoms Under The Full Moon", the event, held for the second time, is aimed at promoting Chinese culture among Penangites and tourists. Some 70,000 people are expected to attend from 3pm to 11pm.
CreatiVision managing director Adelyn Lim said the Mid-Autumn Festival, or more commonly known in Malaysia as the Lantern or Mooncake Festival, had always signified the gathering of friends and family members among the Chinese community.
"The public is encouraged to take part in the event along with their family and friends.
"We also encourage orphanages and old folk's homes to contact us about taking part in the event," she said here recently.
Present were Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) president Datuk Patahiyah Ismail and Penang Global Tourism managing director Ooi Geok Ling.
Lim said spurred on by last year's successful Mid-Autumn Festival, the organisers had decided to hold a bigger event and hold more exciting entertainment for people of all ages.
The events included a wushu demonstration, qipao (Cheong Sam) fashion show, Golden Shanghai Musical with a big dance floor provided for the public and also a Creative Moon Cake competition with cash prizes.
Other exciting events include a giant lantern display, lion dances and Chinese drum performances and a non-stop golden oldies karaoke singing.
Traditional children games would also be organised along Lebuh Bishop.
Free gifts would also be distributed and some 50 booths set up.
On the possible traffic congestion at the venues of the event, Patayiah said the council together with the police would manage the traffic flow and road closures in some areas.
For details, call 019-272 0999 or 03-4041 8009 or visit www.9-creativision.com or www.facebook.com/creativision.
Models wearing traditional Chinese dresses at the press conference for the Mid-Autumn Festorama at Pusat Informasi Taman Perbandaran. Pic by Anis Nabilla Md Wazilah
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
ON Sept 15, one of the oldest streets here, Lebuh Pantai, will be transformed into a colourful and sepia-lit dance hall like Old Shanghai.
Men and women dressed in fashion from the 1940s to the 60s would be strolling about, children would be playing "teng teng" (hopscotch) along the nearby Lebuh Bishop, the classic Mini Coopers lining up on Gat Lebuh China and A-go-go and rock 'n' roll flashmobs breaking out in sudden dance moves.
All these signify that the Mid-Autumn FestoRama is back in town!
Themed "The Pearl of The Orient 2013 Blossoms Under The Full Moon", the event, held for the second time, is aimed at promoting Chinese culture among Penangites and tourists. Some 70,000 people are expected to attend from 3pm to 11pm.
CreatiVision managing director Adelyn Lim said the Mid-Autumn Festival, or more commonly known in Malaysia as the Lantern or Mooncake Festival, had always signified the gathering of friends and family members among the Chinese community.
"The public is encouraged to take part in the event along with their family and friends.
"We also encourage orphanages and old folk's homes to contact us about taking part in the event," she said here recently.
Present were Penang Municipal Council (MPPP) president Datuk Patahiyah Ismail and Penang Global Tourism managing director Ooi Geok Ling.
Lim said spurred on by last year's successful Mid-Autumn Festival, the organisers had decided to hold a bigger event and hold more exciting entertainment for people of all ages.
The events included a wushu demonstration, qipao (Cheong Sam) fashion show, Golden Shanghai Musical with a big dance floor provided for the public and also a Creative Moon Cake competition with cash prizes.
Other exciting events include a giant lantern display, lion dances and Chinese drum performances and a non-stop golden oldies karaoke singing.
Traditional children games would also be organised along Lebuh Bishop.
Free gifts would also be distributed and some 50 booths set up.
On the possible traffic congestion at the venues of the event, Patayiah said the council together with the police would manage the traffic flow and road closures in some areas.
For details, call 019-272 0999 or 03-4041 8009 or visit www.9-creativision.com or www.facebook.com/creativision.
Models wearing traditional Chinese dresses at the press conference for the Mid-Autumn Festorama at Pusat Informasi Taman Perbandaran. Pic by Anis Nabilla Md Wazilah
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Monday, 19 August 2013
New theme park and golf resort on mainland Penang
New theme park and golf resort on mainland Penang
The state government has called for a Request For Proposal (RFP) for an international theme park and golf resort development in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan, on the mainland.
The theme park will measure 87.01ha, while the golf resort, which will have an international standard golf course with a minimum 18 holes, will measure 190.2ha, said Penang Development Corporation (PDC) general manager Datuk Rosli Jaafar.
"The theme park and golf resort will be a boost to the tourism sector.
"The Second Penang Bridge is expected to be completed later this year.
"We feel this is the right time to embark on a new product which will benefit the region as a whole and Penang specifically," he announced at a press conference here, recently.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was also present.
Rosli said the theme park would be a minimum of 60.7ha, and the remaining hectares used for residential, commercial and other developments related to the theme park.
Rosli said the tender would be given the flexibility to propose development components to ensure the viability of the overall project.
"The non-compulsory but strongly encouraged components are community projects, a public swimming pool with diving facilities, an outdoor amphitheatre for the performing arts and a sports complex," he said.
Meanwhile, Lim said the theme park and golf course would create employment and attract more people to Penang.
"For Penang to become an international city, the mainland must also achieve international benchmarks," Lim said.
The tender period was expected to last two-and-a-half months, until Oct 31.
Datuk Rosli Jaafar (left) shows the development plan to Lim Guan Eng. Pic by Asman Ibrahim
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
The state government has called for a Request For Proposal (RFP) for an international theme park and golf resort development in Bandar Cassia, Batu Kawan, on the mainland.
The theme park will measure 87.01ha, while the golf resort, which will have an international standard golf course with a minimum 18 holes, will measure 190.2ha, said Penang Development Corporation (PDC) general manager Datuk Rosli Jaafar.
"The theme park and golf resort will be a boost to the tourism sector.
"The Second Penang Bridge is expected to be completed later this year.
"We feel this is the right time to embark on a new product which will benefit the region as a whole and Penang specifically," he announced at a press conference here, recently.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng was also present.
Rosli said the theme park would be a minimum of 60.7ha, and the remaining hectares used for residential, commercial and other developments related to the theme park.
Rosli said the tender would be given the flexibility to propose development components to ensure the viability of the overall project.
"The non-compulsory but strongly encouraged components are community projects, a public swimming pool with diving facilities, an outdoor amphitheatre for the performing arts and a sports complex," he said.
Meanwhile, Lim said the theme park and golf course would create employment and attract more people to Penang.
"For Penang to become an international city, the mainland must also achieve international benchmarks," Lim said.
The tender period was expected to last two-and-a-half months, until Oct 31.
Datuk Rosli Jaafar (left) shows the development plan to Lim Guan Eng. Pic by Asman Ibrahim
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Saturday, 17 August 2013
Life can be a beach
Life can be a beach
People visiting Penang sometimes ask predictable questions such as "Hey, looks like you have put on some weight! Is it the good food?" and "You are a few shades darker. Is it all the frolicking on the beach?"
The answer to the first question is likely to be "yes", followed by the sucking in of the tummy. However, the answer to the second question is a big "no".
It is too hot to frolic on the beach, which is a little far from the city centre.
Getting there is also a nightmare, especially during the holidays because of the traffic congestion.
Everyone is headed for the popular Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi tourist belts, thanks to the beautiful beachfront hotels, water sport attractions (legal and illegal), great food and fantastic night market.
The problem is, the only road leading to these places is too narrow. Traffic jams can take hours to clear, which makes it increasingly difficult for the locals to enjoy their own beaches.
Having said that, there is a spot that has been somewhat overlooked.
There is a sandy stretch from Tanjung Tokong to the Esplanade, called the North Beach, which has the potential to become a tourist attraction.
Lined with boulders, the stretch is sometimes dotted by anglers and a few tourists basking in the sun. However, the beach entrance in Jalan Green Hall is in a terrible state.
It is littered with rubbish and people who have had too much to drink are occasionally found there. Some of the benches are also broken.
It could become a quick getaway for the locals if the council would refurbish and equip it with facilities like beach chairs and toilets.
North Beach is truly a diamond in the rough. It is about time we explored more readily-available options for those who want to get a tan without having to sit through a traffic jam.
Who knows, it could be to Penang what Barceloneta Beach is to Barcelona, Spain.
The 3km-long beach, formerly fishermen's quarters, is lined with beautiful sculptures.
It has helped to earn the Catalan capital a place on the National Geographic Traveler's list of Top 10 beach cities in the world.
Penang may just make it there, too, one day.
It is great in Batu Ferringhi, if you can get past the traffic congestion on the only road leading to it.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
People visiting Penang sometimes ask predictable questions such as "Hey, looks like you have put on some weight! Is it the good food?" and "You are a few shades darker. Is it all the frolicking on the beach?"
The answer to the first question is likely to be "yes", followed by the sucking in of the tummy. However, the answer to the second question is a big "no".
It is too hot to frolic on the beach, which is a little far from the city centre.
Getting there is also a nightmare, especially during the holidays because of the traffic congestion.
Everyone is headed for the popular Tanjung Bungah and Batu Ferringhi tourist belts, thanks to the beautiful beachfront hotels, water sport attractions (legal and illegal), great food and fantastic night market.
The problem is, the only road leading to these places is too narrow. Traffic jams can take hours to clear, which makes it increasingly difficult for the locals to enjoy their own beaches.
Having said that, there is a spot that has been somewhat overlooked.
There is a sandy stretch from Tanjung Tokong to the Esplanade, called the North Beach, which has the potential to become a tourist attraction.
Lined with boulders, the stretch is sometimes dotted by anglers and a few tourists basking in the sun. However, the beach entrance in Jalan Green Hall is in a terrible state.
It is littered with rubbish and people who have had too much to drink are occasionally found there. Some of the benches are also broken.
It could become a quick getaway for the locals if the council would refurbish and equip it with facilities like beach chairs and toilets.
North Beach is truly a diamond in the rough. It is about time we explored more readily-available options for those who want to get a tan without having to sit through a traffic jam.
Who knows, it could be to Penang what Barceloneta Beach is to Barcelona, Spain.
The 3km-long beach, formerly fishermen's quarters, is lined with beautiful sculptures.
It has helped to earn the Catalan capital a place on the National Geographic Traveler's list of Top 10 beach cities in the world.
Penang may just make it there, too, one day.
It is great in Batu Ferringhi, if you can get past the traffic congestion on the only road leading to it.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Thursday, 8 August 2013
Tuesday, 6 August 2013
Street market turns 7 with fanfare
Street market turns 7 with fanfare
HUNDREDS of local and foreign tourists alike recently celebrated the seventh anniversary of Little Penang Street Market (LPSM) at Upper Penang Road, here.
LPSM coordinator Lyndy Ong said the street market, which was started in 2006, has become popular as a place for experiencing Penang culture.
"As we mark LPSM's seventh year, we are glad to see that the street market is becoming famous as one of the most happening places in the city now," she said.
"We will continue to put in efforts to ensure the street market continues to showcase the friendliness of Penangites and also enhance the people's awareness of the unique culture and heritage of Penang."
Ong noted, however, that it was not enough to just depend on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to expand and promote the market, and that it needed the support from the Penang government as well.
She hoped the state government would provide more funds to LPSM as they needed finances to set up places for performances and vendors.
"If the state government can give more allocation, we can provide more comfortable places for our vendors and visitors. We will also be able to invite more renowned artisans and craftsmen to share their works with us," she said.
More than 70 stalls presently make up the street market, each with its own unique and special handicrafts.
Among handicrafts on display are jewellery, woven crafts and hand-sewn bags, crafts made from wood and minions made from clay. There are also paintings, plants, clothing as well as Penang Nyonya food and snacks.
There is a stage for budding performers and artists to display their talents.
The LPSM is also the venue for NGOs to promote their cause and sell their products to raise funds.
The street market is held on the last Sunday of each month.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
HUNDREDS of local and foreign tourists alike recently celebrated the seventh anniversary of Little Penang Street Market (LPSM) at Upper Penang Road, here.
LPSM coordinator Lyndy Ong said the street market, which was started in 2006, has become popular as a place for experiencing Penang culture.
"As we mark LPSM's seventh year, we are glad to see that the street market is becoming famous as one of the most happening places in the city now," she said.
"We will continue to put in efforts to ensure the street market continues to showcase the friendliness of Penangites and also enhance the people's awareness of the unique culture and heritage of Penang."
Ong noted, however, that it was not enough to just depend on non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to expand and promote the market, and that it needed the support from the Penang government as well.
She hoped the state government would provide more funds to LPSM as they needed finances to set up places for performances and vendors.
"If the state government can give more allocation, we can provide more comfortable places for our vendors and visitors. We will also be able to invite more renowned artisans and craftsmen to share their works with us," she said.
More than 70 stalls presently make up the street market, each with its own unique and special handicrafts.
Among handicrafts on display are jewellery, woven crafts and hand-sewn bags, crafts made from wood and minions made from clay. There are also paintings, plants, clothing as well as Penang Nyonya food and snacks.
There is a stage for budding performers and artists to display their talents.
The LPSM is also the venue for NGOs to promote their cause and sell their products to raise funds.
The street market is held on the last Sunday of each month.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
Saturday, 3 August 2013
Thieves Market, hunting ground for vintage goods
Thieves Market, hunting ground for vintage goods
You can get anything from old kettles, cameras, doorbells and even charcoal irons for a bargain at the popular market
"Thieves Market" is a treasure trove to some and a junkyard to others depending on how you look at the items for sale here.
The market, which is officially known as the Lorong Kulit flea market, off Jalan Datuk Keramat has stalls offering interesting collectibles.
Shoppers can find items such as old kettles, compasses, irons, cameras, ancient door bells, and even a kopitiam table.
Abdul Razak Shaik Daud, 70, who sells antiques at the market said that many of the items come from abroad as well as places like Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and India.
He said even though they were put up for sale at a place dubbed as the thieves market, the dealers would still make sure that the items were not stolen or fake.
"Before we buy them, we will check to see if they are real because our customers would not want to buy anything that is not authentic and of quality.
"Some of them are experienced antique collectors.
"If the quality of the items are good, they will be willing to pay a higher price," he told Streets recently, adding that his items are sold for anything between RM2 and RM7,000.
Nur Ain Alaudin, 25, another trader selling antiques at the market, said the age-old items usually draw many curious shoppers to check out the stalls even though they were not there to buy antiques.
"You do not have to be a collector, just be curious about the interesting items we have here. Items like the antique charcoal iron which looks like a water bucket also attracts people.
"We also have old cameras that many students from Universiti Sains Malaysia find intriguing.
"Some people have bought these and even tried to repair the cameras so that they can be used," said the University Teknologi Mara (UiTM) graduate who is following her father's footsteps by selling antiques.
Nur Ain said she had a century-old china teapot set worth RM1,500.
Customers browsing for items at one of the stalls.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
You can get anything from old kettles, cameras, doorbells and even charcoal irons for a bargain at the popular market
"Thieves Market" is a treasure trove to some and a junkyard to others depending on how you look at the items for sale here.
The market, which is officially known as the Lorong Kulit flea market, off Jalan Datuk Keramat has stalls offering interesting collectibles.
Shoppers can find items such as old kettles, compasses, irons, cameras, ancient door bells, and even a kopitiam table.
Abdul Razak Shaik Daud, 70, who sells antiques at the market said that many of the items come from abroad as well as places like Indonesia, Thailand, Cambodia and India.
He said even though they were put up for sale at a place dubbed as the thieves market, the dealers would still make sure that the items were not stolen or fake.
"Before we buy them, we will check to see if they are real because our customers would not want to buy anything that is not authentic and of quality.
"Some of them are experienced antique collectors.
"If the quality of the items are good, they will be willing to pay a higher price," he told Streets recently, adding that his items are sold for anything between RM2 and RM7,000.
Nur Ain Alaudin, 25, another trader selling antiques at the market, said the age-old items usually draw many curious shoppers to check out the stalls even though they were not there to buy antiques.
"You do not have to be a collector, just be curious about the interesting items we have here. Items like the antique charcoal iron which looks like a water bucket also attracts people.
"We also have old cameras that many students from Universiti Sains Malaysia find intriguing.
"Some people have bought these and even tried to repair the cameras so that they can be used," said the University Teknologi Mara (UiTM) graduate who is following her father's footsteps by selling antiques.
Nur Ain said she had a century-old china teapot set worth RM1,500.
Customers browsing for items at one of the stalls.
~News courtesy of New Straits Times~
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