Month-long festivities for Penang
THE city’s streets will come alive with arts and culture beginning Thursday, where the month-long George Town Festival 2010 promises a stellar line up of events to celebrate the second anniversary of its listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site.
A joint effort by the Penang Government, Penang Municipal Council, George Town World Heritage Incorporated, Penang Global Tourism and various ethnic communities, the festival, which runs from July 1 to 31, is expected to attract 200,000 visitors.
There will be over 80 programmes encompassing theatre, music, dance, film, art, opera, food, fashion, photography, food, sports and inspirational talks, according to festival director Joe Sidek.
It is aimed at providing a platform for local and international artists to showcase their talents, while also serving as a catalyst to arouse public interest in arts.
“We wanted to use George Town as a backdrop to highlight our living cultures and heritage, and were glad that various parties have come forward to share their knowledge, rituals, cultures and possessions.
“The city is alive and its very fabric will be on show. You will hear it, you will smell it, you will see it,” Joe said, likening it to a marriage of tourism and culture.
He admitted that although he initially had grander plans in mind, it had to be scaled down due to budget and time constraints.
Nevertheless, he hoped the first edition of the festival would be a springboard for greater things in the coming years, with the ultimate aim of making it a world-renowned event on par with the festivals of other countries.
The festival will kick off with a performance of Emily of Emerald Hill, Stella Kon’s well-loved play about a Nyonya matriarch, directed by local film director Saw Teong Hin at the Penang Town Hall, Esplanade, on July 1. Additional performances will be on July 2 and 4.
A full spectrum of performers will also be on show, from A-listers like Italian baritone Patrizio Buanne who will be performing at the George Town Ball on July 11 at the E&O Hotel, to Japanese soprano Ranko Kurano,who will perform at a Street Opera in Stewart Lane on July 29 and 30.
The main highlight is the Street Celebrations on July 7, themed ‘Streets Come Alive Unforgettable George Town’ where Beijing Opera director Ghaffar Pourazar will present excerpts from his repertoire of the Monkey God.
The day-long celebrations will also feature over 30 community shows along the Street of Harmony, as well as traditional games, cultural dances, musical performances and open houses of public and private heritage buildings.
Among the festival’s other highlights include public installation art works by Malaysian artists Leon Lim and Fuan Wong, screenings of movies shot in Penang such as The Blue Mansion and Red Kebaya, and classical Indian dances by Ramli Ibrahim and Sutra Dance Company.
There will also be an exhibition on the Governors of Penang from the archives of Winson Saw at the Town Hall, and a Showcase of Malay Culture and Arts at the Jawi Peranakan Museum.
Some events will be free, while others are on a ticket basis, which can be purchased at the George Town World Heritage Office at 116 and 118 Lebuh Acheh, and at the G Hotel lobby.
For a full breakdown of the festival’s 80 over programmes, visit www.georgetownfestival.com, or email info@georgetownfestival.com for inquiries.
Alternatively, call 016-4644211. Joe can also be reached at 016-4173456.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Showing posts with label Heritrage. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Heritrage. Show all posts
Tuesday, 29 June 2010
Sunday, 27 June 2010
Tasty treats for shoppers
Tasty treats for shoppers
GHEE Hiang, a 154-year-old brand renowned locally for its authentic and delectable traditional pastries, treated shoppers to an exciting time during its Family Fair 2010 at Sunshine Farlim Shopping Mall in Penang.
Held on Monday in conjunction with Father’s Day, the event featured a host of activities such as food sampling, lucky draw and games with prizes.
Many also walked away with free gifts.
There were also live cooking demonstrations by KDU College’s celebrity chef Darren Tan, who whipped up dishes using Ghee Hiang’s sesame oil.
Besides promoting its traditional pastries like Tau Sar Pneah and Oriental Almond Cookies, as well as sesame oil and pure white coffee, the company’s mascot, Ghee Hiang Xiao Dou Sa, also went around greeting shoppers.
According to sales and marketing executive Jeraline Lim, the company traced its roots back to China during the late Qing Dynasty era.
The company has four boutiques in Penang, each with a unique feature — the heritage pre-war boutique on Beach Street, the bungalow on Macalister Road, the window boutique on Burmah Road and the latest at Sunshine Farlim where fresh, oven-baked treats are available.
-Info courtesy of The Star-
GHEE Hiang, a 154-year-old brand renowned locally for its authentic and delectable traditional pastries, treated shoppers to an exciting time during its Family Fair 2010 at Sunshine Farlim Shopping Mall in Penang.
Held on Monday in conjunction with Father’s Day, the event featured a host of activities such as food sampling, lucky draw and games with prizes.
Many also walked away with free gifts.
There were also live cooking demonstrations by KDU College’s celebrity chef Darren Tan, who whipped up dishes using Ghee Hiang’s sesame oil.
Besides promoting its traditional pastries like Tau Sar Pneah and Oriental Almond Cookies, as well as sesame oil and pure white coffee, the company’s mascot, Ghee Hiang Xiao Dou Sa, also went around greeting shoppers.
According to sales and marketing executive Jeraline Lim, the company traced its roots back to China during the late Qing Dynasty era.
The company has four boutiques in Penang, each with a unique feature — the heritage pre-war boutique on Beach Street, the bungalow on Macalister Road, the window boutique on Burmah Road and the latest at Sunshine Farlim where fresh, oven-baked treats are available.
-Info courtesy of The Star-
Thursday, 24 June 2010
Gold bazaar in the cards
Gold bazaar in the cards
THE Penang Government has plans to turn an open area, currently used as a pedestrian walkway along Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, into a Gold and Jewellery Bazaar.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said a Request for Proposal (RFP) would be called beginning July 1.
The proposal must be submitted by Oct 1.
Lim said the state government and the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) had identified a 0.4ha piece of land located next to Komtar for the project.
“The proposed site is situated along Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong adjoining to the Prangin Mall.
“The area forms Phase IV of Komtar’s overall development,” he said.
He said the bazaar would comprise an iconic building that would house gold and jewellery traders ranging from anchor operators to kiosk operators.
Lim said the public space at the ground level would be utilised as an open area visible to vehicular traffic along the road.
He said the commercial units would be on the first level, and would be connected by escalators.
He added that the building would also have security features.
“The bid is open for both local and international companies, and participating companies must have a paid-up capital of a minimum of RM100,000,” he said.
Lim said the bazaar was part of the revitalisation process, adding that the surrounding property had also undergone facelifts to upgrade and preserve the heritage value of the area.
Forms for the proposal can be obtained at RM100 from PDC’s Property Division at Level 4, 1, Persiaran Mahsuri, Bandar Bayan Baru.
Enquiries can be forwarded to enquiry@pdc.gov.my.
Lim also said that to celebrate George Town’s listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site, a unique showcase to highlight the local culture and heritage would be held between July 1 and July 31.
The month-long inaugural event called ‘George Town Festival 2010’ will be held in conjunction with the second anniversary of the city being bestowed with the title on July 7.
“The festival will feature over 80 programmes to promote arts and heritage in Penang, with 338 local and international artists performing,” said Lim.
“Among the highlights are the street celebration on July 7, street opera performance by Japanese soprano Ranko Kurano, mass band festival, design and modelling contest, sculptor island trail and photo exhibitions,” he said.
For more details go to www.georgetownfestival.com or contact the secretariat for details such as ticket sales for certain events at 04-2616605 or 016-4644211.
-News courtesy of The Star-
THE Penang Government has plans to turn an open area, currently used as a pedestrian walkway along Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong, into a Gold and Jewellery Bazaar.
Chief Minister Lim Guan Eng said a Request for Proposal (RFP) would be called beginning July 1.
The proposal must be submitted by Oct 1.
Lim said the state government and the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) had identified a 0.4ha piece of land located next to Komtar for the project.
“The proposed site is situated along Jalan Dr Lim Chwee Leong adjoining to the Prangin Mall.
“The area forms Phase IV of Komtar’s overall development,” he said.
He said the bazaar would comprise an iconic building that would house gold and jewellery traders ranging from anchor operators to kiosk operators.
Lim said the public space at the ground level would be utilised as an open area visible to vehicular traffic along the road.
He said the commercial units would be on the first level, and would be connected by escalators.
He added that the building would also have security features.
“The bid is open for both local and international companies, and participating companies must have a paid-up capital of a minimum of RM100,000,” he said.
Lim said the bazaar was part of the revitalisation process, adding that the surrounding property had also undergone facelifts to upgrade and preserve the heritage value of the area.
Forms for the proposal can be obtained at RM100 from PDC’s Property Division at Level 4, 1, Persiaran Mahsuri, Bandar Bayan Baru.
Enquiries can be forwarded to enquiry@pdc.gov.my.
Lim also said that to celebrate George Town’s listing as a Unesco World Heritage Site, a unique showcase to highlight the local culture and heritage would be held between July 1 and July 31.
The month-long inaugural event called ‘George Town Festival 2010’ will be held in conjunction with the second anniversary of the city being bestowed with the title on July 7.
“The festival will feature over 80 programmes to promote arts and heritage in Penang, with 338 local and international artists performing,” said Lim.
“Among the highlights are the street celebration on July 7, street opera performance by Japanese soprano Ranko Kurano, mass band festival, design and modelling contest, sculptor island trail and photo exhibitions,” he said.
For more details go to www.georgetownfestival.com or contact the secretariat for details such as ticket sales for certain events at 04-2616605 or 016-4644211.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Thursday, 20 May 2010
Kuan Yin Teng Temple 观音亭
Kuan Yin Teng (观音亭, "Goddess of Mercy Temple"), Pitt Street (Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling) Open daily. This is one of the oldest Chinese temples in Penang. Built in 1801 by early immigrant settlers from China, the building is decorated with intricately crafted dragons and a pair of stone sculptured lions which are said to be its guardians. Undoubtedly the most popular Chinese temple in Penang, the Kuan Yin Teng, is flocked to by pilgrims and followers all year round, particularly on the first and fifteenth day of each lunar month.
There is a lovely square where puppet shows and Chinese operas are staged on the Goddess of Mercy's feast days. The square is always a centre of bustling activity, and there is an octagonal well in one corner, which was once a public well for the Chinese community. Free admission throughout the day.
Friday, 26 March 2010
Famed heritage losing its glory
Famed heritage losing its glory
THE history galleries at the Fort Cornwallis in George Town, Penang has been hit by leakages, cracks and regular breakdowns of the air-conditioning system.
The nine gallery rooms were also found to be poorly lit with its paint peeling off. The wording on the information booths inside the galleries were also fading off.
Japanese tourist Ishikawa Akiichiro, 57, who was touring George Town for a day described the galleries as boring.
“I was expecting to find out about the history of the fort from the galleries but it is very disappointing,” he said when met at the fort grounds.
American engineer Michael Dillon, 34, said the galleries could be better improved with sufficient funding.
“Besides the galleries, the fort management can also look into repairing some of the facilities which are on the verge of collapsing such as the fencing around a historical excavation site,” he said.
Another American tourist Jake Lippa, 29, a researcher, said the historical information was good but he decided not to visit the remaining galleries after visiting the first two because it was “simply too hot inside”.
He said although the galleries, which were originally cell rooms, were part of the fort’s rich historical landscape, it could be updated to a certain extent without disturbing its historical significance.
British administrator Corrine Cridge, 27, and her optometrist boyfriend Ben Royal, 24, said the fort management could look into employing a guide who could provide a verbal explanation of the fort’s history instead of merely displaying the information.
However, they said the fort was nicer than what they had expected, adding that they would definitely recommend the place to friends who were keen to visit the place.
-News courtesy of The Star-
THE history galleries at the Fort Cornwallis in George Town, Penang has been hit by leakages, cracks and regular breakdowns of the air-conditioning system.
The nine gallery rooms were also found to be poorly lit with its paint peeling off. The wording on the information booths inside the galleries were also fading off.
Japanese tourist Ishikawa Akiichiro, 57, who was touring George Town for a day described the galleries as boring.
“I was expecting to find out about the history of the fort from the galleries but it is very disappointing,” he said when met at the fort grounds.
American engineer Michael Dillon, 34, said the galleries could be better improved with sufficient funding.
“Besides the galleries, the fort management can also look into repairing some of the facilities which are on the verge of collapsing such as the fencing around a historical excavation site,” he said.
Another American tourist Jake Lippa, 29, a researcher, said the historical information was good but he decided not to visit the remaining galleries after visiting the first two because it was “simply too hot inside”.
He said although the galleries, which were originally cell rooms, were part of the fort’s rich historical landscape, it could be updated to a certain extent without disturbing its historical significance.
British administrator Corrine Cridge, 27, and her optometrist boyfriend Ben Royal, 24, said the fort management could look into employing a guide who could provide a verbal explanation of the fort’s history instead of merely displaying the information.
However, they said the fort was nicer than what they had expected, adding that they would definitely recommend the place to friends who were keen to visit the place.
-News courtesy of The Star-
Monday, 22 March 2010
Heritage boost for Penang
PENANG’S UNESCO world heritage site will soon boast of having the country’s first ‘cultural hotel’.
Property owner K.H. Seah said three pre-war houses along Jalan Pintal Tali would be restored and re-opened as a high-end hotel to be named ‘1881 Chong Tian Cultural Hotel’.
“These triple storey buildings, which have been around for over a century, is located in where I hope to develop as Penang’s Chinatown.
“We want to revive that area and make sure that it becomes a living heritage,” he said in an interview yesterday.
Big plans: The three pre-war houses along Jalan Pintal Tali will be restored and reopened as a high-end hotel to be named ‘1881 Chong Tian Cultural Hotel’.
Seah, who owns a stretch of 13 other heritage houses in the area, said he would refurbish the other premises which he planned to rejuvenate and promote as Chinatown.
“We have Little India and the Malay Kapitan heritage enclaves here but no Chinatown.
“This cultural hotel will be a start for us to create a specific area where everyone can come and learn about Chinese culture,” he said.
Work on the cultural hotel will start at the end of the month and is expected to complete by the end of the year.
Seah said he was hoping to get the Unesco Conservation Award for his efforts, adding that the uniqueness of the cultural hotel was that it would have a library, mini cafe and museum featuring extensive antique collections dating back to the 18th century.
“I am an antique collector and have received many pledges from other collectors to help stock up the library and museum.
Priceless piece: The intricately carved wooden door in one of the three houses will be preserved.
“The library resources and exhibition area will be free for everyone because one of our main objectives is to propagate the Chinese culture brought here by our ancestors,” he said.
Seah and his partners have invested RM2mil to purchase the three lots and will need another RM1.5mil to refurbish the place in accordance to heritage guidelines.
“The interior is termite-infested and there are trees growing within the building causing the structure to crack.
“Think City Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Khazanah Holdings (a federal investment arm), has agreed to assist with the funding,” he said.
“They will meet on Wednesday to decide on how much allocation the project will receive,” he said.
Cultural Heritage Advisory Group member and project consultant Tan Yeow Wooi said the 19th century buildings had many unique features including Venetian windows and intricate Chinese motifs of peonies, dragons and cockerels on the facade.
“There is also a very nice Cantonese-style sliding door with intricate carvings,” he said. — CHRISTINA CHIN
-News courtesy of The Star-
Property owner K.H. Seah said three pre-war houses along Jalan Pintal Tali would be restored and re-opened as a high-end hotel to be named ‘1881 Chong Tian Cultural Hotel’.
“These triple storey buildings, which have been around for over a century, is located in where I hope to develop as Penang’s Chinatown.
“We want to revive that area and make sure that it becomes a living heritage,” he said in an interview yesterday.
Big plans: The three pre-war houses along Jalan Pintal Tali will be restored and reopened as a high-end hotel to be named ‘1881 Chong Tian Cultural Hotel’.
Seah, who owns a stretch of 13 other heritage houses in the area, said he would refurbish the other premises which he planned to rejuvenate and promote as Chinatown.
“We have Little India and the Malay Kapitan heritage enclaves here but no Chinatown.
“This cultural hotel will be a start for us to create a specific area where everyone can come and learn about Chinese culture,” he said.
Work on the cultural hotel will start at the end of the month and is expected to complete by the end of the year.
Seah said he was hoping to get the Unesco Conservation Award for his efforts, adding that the uniqueness of the cultural hotel was that it would have a library, mini cafe and museum featuring extensive antique collections dating back to the 18th century.
“I am an antique collector and have received many pledges from other collectors to help stock up the library and museum.
Priceless piece: The intricately carved wooden door in one of the three houses will be preserved.
“The library resources and exhibition area will be free for everyone because one of our main objectives is to propagate the Chinese culture brought here by our ancestors,” he said.
Seah and his partners have invested RM2mil to purchase the three lots and will need another RM1.5mil to refurbish the place in accordance to heritage guidelines.
“The interior is termite-infested and there are trees growing within the building causing the structure to crack.
“Think City Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Khazanah Holdings (a federal investment arm), has agreed to assist with the funding,” he said.
“They will meet on Wednesday to decide on how much allocation the project will receive,” he said.
Cultural Heritage Advisory Group member and project consultant Tan Yeow Wooi said the 19th century buildings had many unique features including Venetian windows and intricate Chinese motifs of peonies, dragons and cockerels on the facade.
“There is also a very nice Cantonese-style sliding door with intricate carvings,” he said. — CHRISTINA CHIN
-News courtesy of The Star-
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