Yip Yew Chong exhibits at Sofitel Singapore City Centre

Source: Sofitel Hotels & Resorts. Yip with some of his paintings.

Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong brings a nostalgic exhibition to the Sofitel Singapore City Centre. Stories From Yesteryear, which features 24 canvas paintings and four digital artworks, will be showcased at the hotel from 26 February to 31 March 2021.

Inspired by Chinatown where he grew up and Tanjong Pagar where he lives today, Yip has been beautifying Singapore's streets with his vibrant street murals for years. His artworks are typically intricately-detailed and tell stories, especially of his childhood, bygone eras and lost places. At times, he mixes past and present seamlessly in the same work.

The scenes in the exhibited paintings feature similar subjects. Painted between 2017 and 2021, the artworks are panoramic yet intimate and provide a visual history of Singapore across major cultural festivals and traditions such as the Mid-Autumn Festival, Hari Raya Haji, the Hungry Ghost Festival and Chingay.

“Sofitel Hotels have always supported the arts and we are proud to showcase such an incredible artist as Yip Yew Chong with an exhibition that will allow our guests, loyalty members, VIPs and team members to step back in time to a golden era in Singapore’s past. The hotel stands near the scene of one of the artworks, so people will be able to get a real sense of how much the city has developed over the years,” said Wouter de Graaf, GM of Sofitel Singapore City Centre, which is at Guoco Tower in Tanjong Pagar.

”Tanjong Pagar is such a colourful neighbourhood and the hotel stands within a short walk to many of Yew Chong’s murals in nearby Everton Park and Chinatown, so it’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in the works of this amazing artist.”

To bring guests closer to the history and legends of the area and connect more closely with Yip's art, the hotel is offering a special Yesteryear Peranakan menu for the month of March which will highlight some favourite dishes that reflect Yew Chong’s childhood and are depicted in the paintings.

Members of the Accor Live Limitless (ALL) loyalty programme will have the chance to attend special evenings with the artist to hear him share the stories of each artwork and dine on traditional Peranakan dishes depicted in the paintings. Entry to the exhibition is free and guests who stay in-house will be able take away a hand-drawn map by the artist, so they can further explore his murals on a walk around the neighbourhood.

“I am excited to bring this exhibition to the Sofitel Singapore City Centre and to allow the people of Singapore to enjoy these artworks, which not only tell intimate stories of Singapore’s past but are very much a representation of my childhood and my imagination,” said Yip. 

“I painted these works over the past four years including a quite prolific period during the pandemic. I hope they will bring some joy at a time when we can’t travel overseas but we can still travel back in time and space in our minds. I also hope the exhibition will inspire others to share their own stories of yesteryear, and their hopes for the future.”

Sofitel hotels are always destinations where art and culture are celebrated. The Sofitel Singapore City Centre has become an intrinsic part of the cultural life of Tanjong Pagar and regularly hosts exhibitions and events that spotlight art. The hotel has collaborated with numerous artists and exhibitions since opening including William Sim, who produced an exclusive colouring in book featuring the hotel.

Details:

The Sofitel Singapore City Centre is offering dining and stay packages for those who wish to immerse themselves more fully in the artist’s work. 

From S$349++, the Stories from Yesteryear Package includes overnight accommodation in a Luxury Room, access to the exhibition, breakfast for two, a curated Peranakan-inspired set dinner at Racines, a handcrafted drink inspired by the artworks and a selection of Peranakan tapas at 1864, as well as the hand-drawn map so guests can explore some of Yip's murals nearby.

Guests who book a staycation can also enter an Instagram competition to win a high tea experience.

Book a package.

Soirees, Sojourns & Stories recounts the highlights of the Raffles story

Raffles Hotels & Resorts, a major name in luxury hospitality that owns some of the most prestigious hotel addresses worldwide, has announced Soirees, Sojourns & Stories. 

The result of a collaboration with Rizzoli New York, Soirees, Sojourns & Stories by Natasha Fraser-Cavassoni is a 200-page slipcased volume reveals how Raffles created its legacy of bygone elegance and exceptional hospitality across the globe, from the opening of its Singapore flagship in 1887 to the recent unveiling of Raffles in Warsaw, Poland.

Archival materials complement contemporary photography depicting special events, remarkable stories, and celebrity guests and original illustrations by Luke Edward Hall.

“Raffles has entered an exciting new era of expansion,” said Jeannette Ho, VP, Raffles Brand Strategy & Strategic Partnerships. “Yet the brand remains true to its origins, delivering the timeless elegance, first-class travel experiences and the authentic personal charm that our loyal guests have loved for well over a century.”

Soirees, Sojourns & Stories reveals the tales behind the traditions, from the story of the traveller’s palm to service like a gentle breeze. From Raffles afternoon tea and much-loved mooncakes to the collection’s architectural achievements and the artists who have graced its halls, readers will find a riveting history of famous luxury hotel stories that covers more than 130 years. 

“We are delighted to partner with Rizzoli to create this captivating volume; it allows us to showcase our time-honoured traditions, remarkable stories and extraordinary portfolio of hotels in a meaningful way, even as we continue to expand and open new addresses in exciting international locales.” said Xavier Louyot, Senior VP, Brand Content, Raffles and AccorHotels Luxury Brands. 

 

Source: Raffles Hotels & Resorts. Illustration from Soirees, Sojourns & Stories.

In 1887, Raffles Singapore set the standard for luxury hospitality, introducing the world to private butlers, the Singapore Sling and its legendary service. Today, Raffles continues this tradition in leading cities and resort locales, enchanting travellers with meaningful experiences and service that is both gracious and intuitive. In addition to Raffles Singapore, which is currently undergoing a sensitive restoration and on track for a reopening Q119, properties include Raffles Jakarta; and Raffles Istanbul. 

At every location, Raffles Butlers deliver the ultimate in discreet, bespoke service, while Raffles spas are noted for their aesthetics and quality of service.

Raffles Hotel, Singapore decorated for Christmas, 2007.

View of a traveller's palm, taken in the garden of Raffles Hotel, Singapore, 2007.

Available as of December 2018 at Raffles Hotels & Resorts worldwide, and wherever fine books are sold, Soirees, Sojourns & Stories is an ideal gift for hotel buffs, armchair travellers and luxury aficionados.

Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa launches Amara Heritage Trail

Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa is introducing the inaugural Amara Heritage Trail, a tour to discover the nature, conservation and history hidden within the resort. 

Source: Amara Sanctury Resort Sentosa. The petai tree is one of 26 heritage trees in Sentosa protected by the Heritage Tree Scheme under Singapore’s National Parks Board. The seeds are edible.

Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa is built on 10 acres – where old British military barracks and air raid shelters stood. These building complexes were constructed sometime between 1897 and 1905; and upgraded in the 1920s. The resort’s owner, Albert Teo, worked with Miyake Masaki, a celebrated Japanese architect, to convert these old buildings into resort suites while preserving as much heritage and nature as possible. 

“It is an honour and privilege that our resort sits on this piece of valuable land. Not only are we part of the history, we are happy to be able to share this heritage with our guests. For the younger generation, they will have an opportunity to learn and appreciate how far Singapore has come,” said Dawn Teo, Senior VP, Amara Hotels & Resorts.

The Amara Heritage Trail is jointly organised by Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa and the Singapore Tourism Board and takes 60 minutes to complete on foot. Beginning at the resort’s main lobby, participants will be taken on a walk to explore heritage buildings. Along the way, guests will be asked to spot an artefact – a sole cleaner; relive the experience of hiding in a World War II air raid shelter; and identify some of the common herbs and spices used in local cuisine today, including the one that brought the British to Southeast Asia in the 1800s. 

Source: Amara Sanctury Resort
Sentosa. The British Army-era sole
cleaner at the Amara Sanctuary
Resort Sentosa.

Other highlights include uncovering a heritage tree protected by the Singapore National Parks Board; sharing the story of Mrs Helen Hall; and learning the origins of the name “Sentosa” and some of the road names at Amara Sanctuary.

A specially curated colonial set menu, priced at S$38++ for two persons, has been created in conjunction with the launch of Amara Heritage Trail. Guests can taste common dishes enjoyed by British soldiers while Singapore was still a crown colony under the British administration.

Details:

The guided Heritage Trail will be opened to the public from 8 September 2018, and will occur every Saturday and Sunday at 10am. The one-hour guided tours will be priced at S$18 nett for the public; S$12 nett for in-house guests; and is complimentary for Amara Sanctuary Suite and Villa guests.

The trail can be self-guided as well. Download a copy of the self-guided trail brochure

View the Colonial Set Menu (PDF)

A look at culture and heritage through the lens of technology

The National Museum of Singapore will launch DigiMuse Presents on 4 August, comprising digitally-led prototype projects that blend history, art and technology.

Co-created with digital designers and creative professionals in partnership with cultural institutions and technology companies, DigiMuse Presents enable visitors to offer new perspectives of culture and heritage via immersive virtual and augmented reality exhibits, dynamic conversations enabled by artificial intelligence, and more.

The newest edition to the wider DigiMuse programme, an initiative by the National Museum of Singapore to lead a vibrant cultural sector invested in digital innovation, DigiMuse Presents highlights seven prototype projects shortlisted from the inaugural DigiMuse Open Call for digital art and innovation concepts that concluded in April this year.

Director of the National Museum of Singapore Angelita Teo said, “We welcome thoughtful applications of technology that strengthen our visitors’ cognitive and emotional connections with Singapore’s history and heritage. Through creative integrations of culture and technology, along with collaborative industry partnerships, we hope to offer even more experiences that resonate with and inspire our visitors. We continue to be committed to growing the museum as a progressive cultural institution that challenges the boundaries of what is possible, driving innovation for the sector in our contributions to Singapore’s vibrant cultural landscape.”

As part of DigiMuse Presents, the museum is introducing the use of wearable mixed reality technology HoloLens for local museum experiences under Project Insight, where visitors can enjoy a unique look into the process of conserving artworks. 

In another first for the cultural scene, DigiMuse Presents will feature a new virtual reality experience, An Excavation Through Time, which allows visitors to “dig up” and uncover buried artefacts from Singapore’s Temasek period. The project by iMMERSiVELY will first be featured at the National Museum this month, with plans for it to be showcased at other local cultural institutions later. 

In addition to An Excavation Through Time, look out for:

- The app-based programme Multiplicity, developed by Singapore social startup Big Red Button, which enables visitors to discover different viewpoints from historical characters to form their own conclusions. 

Source: National Museum of Singapore. The Ask William project.

- Artificial intelligence messenger platform Ask William, created by Internet of Things messaging company Unified Inbox, offers visitors informative nuggets about the William Farquhar Collection of Natural History Drawings from “William” himself. This project is also showcased at the exhibition Siapa Nama Kamu? Art in Singapore Since the 19th Century at National Gallery Singapore.

- Beeing Human by design label Baëlf Design re-imagines the museum’s collection of traditional cheongsam dresses and Peranakan accessories with digital 3D-printing technology. 

Source: National Museum of Singapore. A rickshaw game, part of the Museum Experiential Guide.

- The Museum Experiential Guide is a mobile-oriented augmented reality experience developed by Singapore multimedia production house Digimagic and Nanyang Technological University’s School of Art, Design and Media. The interactive exhibit at the Crown Colony section of the Singapore History Gallery will bring visitors back in time on a vivid journey charting Singapore’s development as a centre for trade in Southeast Asia. 

- A Harbour of History by 360VR Asia invites visitors to search for historical figures hidden in a gigapixel map of modern-day Singapore, then find out more about their lives.

- Project Insight by HelloHolo enables anyone to try their hand at being a conservator with the help of the Microsoft HoloLens. This experience focuses on the conservation process, and allows participants to try conserving a painting in mixed reality.

Source: National Museum of Singapore. Project Insight focuses on art conservation.

The Digital Conversations: Open Call 2018 talk organised as part of DigiMuse Presents will explore interventions in digital and cultural spaces. As a follow up dialogue to the featured prototype projects, local and international speakers will share their experience of developing projects with museums and cultural institutions during the talk. 

Programme Director of the DigiMuse Project, Jervais Choo said, “The DigiMuse initiative explores the intersection of technology and culture and opens a gateway for discovering our past to inspire future possibilities. By incorporating a spectrum of digital technologies to communicate our heritage and history in new perspectives, the innovative projects featured in DigiMuse Presents are both educational and enthralling, demonstrating potential instances of how we may interact meaningfully with Singapore’s rich culture and heritage enabled by frontier technologies.”

DigiMuse Presents is presented by the National Museum of Singapore, an institution of the National Heritage Board, in collaboration with the Asian Civilisations Museum, Autodesk, Da Vinci Kids, Heritage Conservation Centre, The Keris Collector, ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute, the National Archives of Singapore, the National Gallery Singapore, and the National Parks Board.

Details:

DigiMuse Presents will be on view from 4 to 26 August 2018 at the National Museum between 10 am and 7 pm daily. 

Visitor access to the featured projects is free with general admission.

Esplanade's Pesta Raya returns in July

The 17th edition of Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts returns from 12 to 15 July 2018, coinciding with the celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri, which extends till mid-July.

This year, the festival showcases the history of the Nusantara. Said Fezhah Maznan, Programmer, The Esplanade Company, “Pesta Raya has always celebrated the rich Malay heritage, arts and culture from the region, and through the festival we hope to continue forging meaningful relationships with the artists and our audiences. This year, we have works which highlight the Malay identity, with thoughtful re-imagining of Malay folklore and characters in our festival commission Alkesah, and fresh re-interpretations of the traditional keroncong and dikir barat.

"We also look back and pay tribute to the rich history of Malay dance in Singapore, with a special performance by Sriwana. We hope that many will find ways to connect with the diverse programmes at the festival and immerse themselves in some of the very best the Nusantara can offer.”

Dikir barat is a traditional musical form that involves singing in groups, while keroncong is both the name of a musical instrument and the name of an Indonesian musical style.

Festival commissions

• Written by Zulfadli Rashid and helmed by director Aidli Mosbit, this year’s festival commission Alkesah (“as the story goes”) re-imagines Malay folklore. Beloved characters such as Mat Jenin (the hopeless dreamer), Sang Kancil (the mouse deer), Pak Belalang (the village astrologer) and more, come together in Kampung Alkesah in a tale of misfortune, survival and secret love.

This is the first time the festival is commissioning a Malay pantomime at the Esplanade Theatre Studio, and will feature a stellar cast including Siti Khalijah Zainal, Jeff Catz, Siti Hajar Gani, Hatta Said and more. Alkesah will also see musical theatre veteran Elaine Chan and vocal coach Babes Conde working for the first time on a Malay production.

• Another first for the festival is a commission for a non-ticketed performance, GhaMuhyi: Melampaui Sempadan Ghazal, which will open the festival at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre on 12 July. This collaboration melds contemporary ghazal by the ensemble GhaMuhyi from Malaysia and the work of Singapore traditional Malay music groups Sri Mahligai and Orkestra Sri Temasek.

• Dress vintage and joget during Pesta Berpesta at the Esplanade Annexe Plaza and Annexe Studio on 14 July with popular music from the ’60s to the ’80s. The Esplanade presents Tarakucha!, a kebaya jazz performance conceived by Malaysian singer and actor Sean Ghazi. The event will feature original compositions and songs by P Ramlee, Sudirman and Jimmy Boyle.

There will be free performances by NADA (comprising Singapore musicians Rizman Putra and Safuan Johari), who will present a contemporary visual arts and sound project that specialises in conjuring up lost eras through music, as well as Indonesian duo Iramamama who will be playing nostalgic tunes and quirky sounds, from funk to post-punk music from their home country.

• Singapore-born Kuala Lumpur-based singer-songwriter Imran Ajmain, who sang the hit Seribu Tahun, celebrates a decade in music with a concert, First 10 Years, at the Esplanade Recital Studio. He follows in his father Ahmad Husaini Ajmain’s footsteps, writing for an array of Singaporean and Malaysian musicians such as Taufik Batisah, Hady Mirza, SleeQ and more. Besides featuring songs from his upcoming album, Imran will also be singing hits from the ’70s and ’80s which his father penned.

• Inspired by Indonesian folklore, guitarist Addy Cradle has written an epic love saga about a prince and a warrior princess. In Transcendence – The Legend of Ryu Wuri at the Esplanade Recital Studio, Addy provides the instrumental backdrop to his dark tale where visual artist Muhammad Izdi and video artist Wu Jun Han add to this multidisciplinary performance. This will be the first of three volumes that features a fusion of rock and traditional music from China, Indonesia, Japan and India.

• Trace the history of Malay dance with Singapore’s oldest Malay performing arts group Sriwana as they present Lenggang Legenda: Merintis Sejarah on 13 July at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre. The audience will be treated to iconic dances by the company that has produced the who’s who of the Singapore Malay dance scene, including Som Said, Osman Abd Hamid, Rizman Kassim and more.

The Classic Tarian Workshop by Sriwana on 14 July will be conducted by Ibu Surianty – also known as Mdm Lim Ah Choon – the Indonesian dance teacher who introduced repertoires of zapin and other Malay dances to Singapore in the ’60s.

• In their first-ever concert in Singapore, and fresh from performing on Astro’s singing competition Gegar Vaganza 2017, Dua Diva features ’80s pop diva Aishah and ’90s sensation Liza Hanim. With music direction by composer Datuk Ramli MS, who was also the judge of Gegar Vaganza, this one-night only performance will see them performing their own songs and also together.

• With 26 albums over the course of their 24-year career, Indonesian pop rock band GIGI returns to Singapore after seven years to perform classics such as 11 Januari, Terbang, Andai and Kepastian Yang Ku Tunggu. 

Screen capture from the Pesta Raya page on the Esplanade website, featuring theatre, music and dance acts as well as workshops.

• Combining Javanese and Western music traditions keroncong is widely believed to be a genre brought to Indonesia by the Portuguese, evolving to become the ukulele, guitar, violin, flute, cello and bass ensemble that many recognise today. For Pesta Raya, Indonesian composer Pak Liliek Jasqee leads his ensemble to pay homage to the musical, cultural and language ties between Indonesia and Singapore in Titian Nada Persaudaraan. Singapore jazz artist Rudy Djoharnaen will also perform familiar tunes and new compositions with the ensemble.

• The festival continues to feature programmes for the young and their families, including Walang Weh, a storytelling performance by the musicians and vocalists of RENTA Collective, Dek Hujan, a performance by P7:1SMA that combines spoken word, dance and soundscapes, as well as Kemas (a Malay term that means “tidy up”), a series of roving site-specific movement pieces performed at venues around Esplanade that examines everyday cleaning rituals as engaging and spiritual chores.

• At the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre, Ceria! Konsert Si Cilik returns this year where Singapore’s Malay children's songs are celebrated in a concert featuring performers between the ages of 10 to 16.

• Over at Esplanade’s dedicated space for children and families—PIP’s PLAYbox—will feature interactive storytelling sessions by Dalifah Shahril, who will also share more about how the sarong plays a significant part of Malay culture and identity, as well as sessions where children will also be able to craft their own kuih-muih (desserts).

• Following previous editions of Dikir Battle, this year’s festival offers another interpretation of the traditional art form of dikir barat. Dikir-pella by JUARA will showcase for the first time, classic dikir songs sung acappella by some of the finest singers in the scene.

• Back by popular demand, Pasar Pesta! curated by online shopping hub LalooLalang returns with a wide range of traditional handicraft as well as specially curated food vendors selling “instagram-able” and unique Malay food items.

Details:

Tickets for Pesta Raya – Malay Festival of Arts 2018 are available from Esplanade’s Box Office at Mezzanine level (call +65 6828 8377), the SISTIC Hotline (call +65 6348 5555) and all SISTIC outlets.

Get programme details

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Raffles Hotel Singapore releases short film by local director

Source: Raffles Hotel, Singapore. The Grand
Lobby, Raffles Hotel, pre-renovation.

Raffles Hotel Singapore has announced We Were Built, a short film directed by Singaporean award-winning film-maker and director Kirsten Tan.

The film draws inspiration from the history of Raffles Hotel Singapore, with a focus on its close bond to the history of Singapore and its literary heritage. The film’s title comes from a poem of the same name, specially commissioned by the hotel and penned by writer-poet Amanda Lee Koe, Singapore’s youngest Literature Prize winner.

Tan has had works showcased at over 60 international film festivals. In 2017, she became the first Singaporean to have her debut feature film compete at the Sundance Film Festival; it subsequently won the Special Jury Award for Screenwriting. She was also honoured with the Young Artist Award by the National Arts Council, the highest accolade for artistic achievement for young art practitioners in Singapore.

We Were Built was conceptualised through Kirsten’s personal interactions which she experienced during her stay at Raffles Hotel Singapore. Tan said, “The moment I stepped in, its distinctive quality is inescapable: you feel like you've been transported to a different time altogether. Corinthian pillars, a tinkling piano, dark wood patios, a scented pillow. I wanted to capture that aura of lyrical timelessness, that sumptuous pause that counteracts the hectic fever of modern life.”

“Like many Singaporeans, I’ve felt special reverence for Raffles Hotel through the years: a magical oasis in the heart of Singapore. I've always been particularly moved by the proud literary history of the Raffles – it hosted and inspired world-famous writers from Somerset Maugham to Rudyard Kipling. This film is an ode to these writers, to time, to Raffles' exquisite affiliations with these great minds through the 130 years of its existence. Raffles Hotel is a landmark and a constant, quietly and proudly bearing witness to our shared histories and futures. It was imperative for me to illustrate how she stands silent, strong and storied – as elegant, eternal and essential as time itself,” said Tan. “We’re also deeply honoured to have legendary Chinese American movie star, Lisa Lu, who performed in acclaimed titles like The Last Emperor and The Joy Luck Club, make a special appearance in our film.”

Christian Westbeld, GM, Raffles Hotel Singapore, said, “The film perfectly captures the hotel’s storied history, and offers viewers a glimpse into what it means to be a guest at Raffles Hotel Singapore. We would like to invite the public to view this short film and accompany us, as we journey through time, and discover the story of how a national icon came to be.  This story of Raffles Hotel Singapore continues to be told, while we anticipate the beginning of its next chapter, when the newly restored icon is unveiled later this year.”

Raffles Hotel Singapore is currently in its third and final phase of its restoration, which sees the full closure of the hotel before its planned reopening in 2H18. During the closure of the hotel, signature Raffles experiences will be showcased at 3 Seah Street, which remains open throughout the restoration.

Opened in 1887, Raffles Hotel Singapore is one of the few remaining great 19th century hotels in the world. Till today, its architecture is perfectly preserved both inside and out, giving it an intoxicating blend of luxury, history and classic colonial design. Within its walls are more than a hundred expansive suites, framed by polished teak verandas and white marble colonnades, clustered around lush tropical gardens.  Each is serviced by the legendary Raffles butlers and offers every modern convenience necessary.

Details:

View the film

Al Ain Cultural Programme for 2017/2018 in full swing

As part of the annual Al Ain Cultural Programme, the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi has hosted three events exploring Emirati culture and heritage.

Events at Qasr Al Muwaiji (قصر المويجعي Al Muwaiji Palace) on 19 October included the Bisht Workshop, which explored the history of the traditional garment worn by UAE rulers, and the different kinds of bisht (البشت) patterns associated with each ruler. Visitors also took part in a practical sewing workshop where they created their own bisht.

The monthly Poetry Evenings season also kicked off at Qasr Al Muwaiji on 19 October where visitors could take part in educational workshops, celebrating the nation’s poets and writers.

Source: Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi. Poetry evening at the Qasr Al Muwaiji.

The historic Al Jahili Fort (قلعة الجاهلي) held the season’s first session of Memory of the Emirati Song with a diverse selection of performances, discussions and exhibitions exploring traditional songs from the 50s through to the 70s and original Emirati poetry that are deeply connected to the history and heritage of the UAE.

The 2017/18 programme at Al Jahili Fort will include Abu Dhabi Classics and The Trucial Scouts: Life and Times, an exhibition in collaboration with the UAE GHQ Armed Forces Administration and the Manpower Staff Museum & Military History Centre.

Visitors to Al Jahili Fort will also have the chance to participate in traditional handicrafts workshops every Tuesday, as well as police dog shows at the fort’s courtyard every Wednesday. Military band performances will take place every Thursday.

Details:

Check for upcoming events in the Al Ain Cultural Programme

Petra, Desert Wonder exhibition in Sharjah, brings Nabatean culture to life

Source: Sharjah Museums Department. Sheikh Fahim with Khouri.

Sculptures, architectural relics and more from the ancient city of Petra, Jordan, are on show at the Sharjah Archaeology Museum till March 16, 2017. The exhibition, a collaboration between Sharjah Museums Department and the Department of Antiquities in Jordan, is the first show of its kind in the Gulf and is considered integral in promoting cross-cultural exchange between Arab societies.

Petra, Desert Wonder runs from November 23, 2016, to offering visitors a unique insight into the groundbreaking artistic and architectural heritage of the civilisation of the Arab Nabataeans and their ‘Rose City’.

The exhibition was officially inaugurated by Sheikh Fahim bin Sultan Al Qasimi, Chairman of the Department of Government Relations. It was attended by HE Jumaa Al Abbadi, Ambassador of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the UAE, and HE Baraa Al Zoubi, General Consul of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan in the UAE, HE Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Department, Dr Munther Jamhawi, Director General of the Department of Antiquities in Jordan, and Samia Khouri, Director of Museums and Public Awareness in the Department of Antiquities in Jordan.

Visitors can explore the relationship and connections that linked Petra as a centre of trade with other settlements in the Arabian Peninsula, including Sharjah’s most significant archaeological site, Mleiha.

Manal Ataya, Director General of Sharjah Museums Department, said at the time of the launch: "From today, visitors will gain an understanding into one of the most important civilisations in the region and the groundbreaking artistic and architectural heritage integral to their capital.

“Sharjah Museums Department plays a vital role as a vehicle for the promotion of cross-cultural exchange. Exhibiting such a wealth of pieces in this region for the first time helps to greatly expand knowledge of this great city, which in turn preserves the cultural heritage of a major Arab civilisation.”

Petra, Desert Wonder presents a unique collection of rare archaeological finds from the Nabataean city of Petra, which is hidden among steep red rocks of sandstone in the southern Jordan, and also showcases examples of Nabataean achievements in the fields of industry, engineering and art. From 300 BC to 106 AD, Petra was the capital of a wealthy and powerful kingdom, as well as a political and economic metropolis.

The artefacts chosen for the exhibition highlight that the history and culture of the Nabataean kingdom was linked with Mleiha in Sharjah via established trade routes. Thanks to its strategic location, the Petra dominated trade links affiliated with the passage of caravans transporting incense, frankincense and spices. Today, the city stands out as the only Arab archaeological site among the ‘new wonders of the world’, recognised internationally as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1985.

“This exhibition is part of Sharjah Museums Department’s long-term objective to shed light on the history of the UAE and the Arab world,” said Ataya. “It also aims to highlight the ties linking local population centers in the UAE and settlements in the historical city of Petra. Such urban hubs were crucial in enriching human civilisation in ancient times."

SingPost issues stamps featuring traditional board games

Source: SingPost. The new traditional board games stamp issue.

Singapore Post (SingPost) will issue a stamp set of five square stamps, each featuring a freehand drawing of a traditional board game that was popular in Singapore during the 1970s and '80s. Available on 27th April, the board games are Chinese chess, the diamond game, aeroplane chess, snakes and ladders, and checkers.

Chinese chess (1st local) is a strategy board game for two players. The game represents a battle between two armies, with the objective of capturing the enemy's emperor.

The diamond game (2nd local) is for two to six players. The objective is to be the first to move all of one’s game pieces into the opposite corner of a hexagram-shaped board. Though strategy is involved, the rules are simple.

Aeroplane chess (50¢ denomination) is a classic Chinese board game played by two to four players, The game begins with each player placing his respective game pieces in “hangars” located at the four corners of the board. The objective is to be the first to reach the base of one’s respective colour at the centre of the board.

In snakes and ladders (70¢ denomination), players aim to move their tokens, according to dice rolls, from the start point to the finish, either helped by “ladders” or hindered by “snakes” along the way.

Checkers (S$1.30 stamp denomination) is a strategy board game for two players involving diagonal moves of game pieces and mandatory captures by jumping over opponent pieces. The objective of the game is to take all of the opponent's pieces, or to create a position such that the opponent is unable to move.

SingPost’s last traditional games stamp issue was in 1997. That stamp set featured popular games such as shuttlecock, marbles, spinning top and five stones.

The new stamp set, with each stamp measuring 40mm x 40mm, comes in five denominations – 1st local*, 2nd local, S$0.50, S$0.70 and S$1.30. There is also a precancelled first day cover at S$4.10 that comes affixed with the complete set of stamps.

Interested?

This stamp issue goes on sale from 27 April 2016, at all post offices and the Singapore Philatelic Museum. They may also be purchased online:

First day cover (without stamps): S$0.35
Precancelled first day cover affixed with stamps: S$4.10
Presentation pack: S$5.20
Postcards in five designs (without stamps) S$4.00
Maxicards in five designs affixed with stamps $8.80

All prices are inclusive of GST for purchases within Singapore.

*1st local stamps can be used to make up the postage for overseas mail.

Web In Travel's heritage race launched in Bangkok

Source: WIT.

A travel industry-led event created to uncover local stories about places and to raise funds for good causes, the Bangkok Heritage Race is organised by local travel industry volunteers and Web In Travel (WIT), and sponsored by Accor Plus.

The inaugural race will focus on uncovering heritage stories along the famous Chao Phya River. The trail is curated by Asian Oasis, owner and operator of unique experiences in Thailand, and Local Alike, an online marketplace for community tourism.

Local startup Coin Back, which encourages travellers to donate loose change through a “smart” donation machine, will provide the link between the race and the beneficiary of funds raised, the Goodwill Group Foundation.

The first two races in Singapore, organised jointly with Ramada-Days Inn Hotel at Zhongshan Park, raised a total of S$26,000 for the Lee Ah Mooi Old Aged Home.

“We are excited to bring this event to Bangkok, one of the great cities in Asia, and which has such a rich and deep heritage. As travellers, we all know the famous Chao Phya River but do we really know the history behind it and had a chance to discover and learn about the local places dotted along its path?” said Yeoh Siew Hoon, founder of WIT, a Singapore-based news and events platform focused on travel and technology.

“With this Race, curated by experts on the ground, we will uncover local secrets plus raise funds for a good cause and that’s what this event is all about – it will be a great team-building event for travel companies and a fun day out for travellers and locals in Bangkok.”

Said Chananya Phataraprasit, Executive Director of Asian Oasis, “The Bangkok Heritage Race will centre on historical places in the old quarter of Bangkok. Most of the people in this area have been living here for generations and continue their family businesses. During the race, you will be amazed to find out how an old and dangerous activity was held ...and sample a variety of delicious local food.”

“Our staff had the opportunity to participate in the last Heritage Race and we are delighted to be a sponsor of the upcoming Bangkok event. The Heritage Race vision is well aligned with our brand values and positioning and we look forward to expanding our support of the Heritage Race going into 2016,” said Dino Mezzatesta, CEO Accor Plus, Asia Pacific.

The race will kick off and finish at Saranrom Park on November 8 and participants will be required to find up to 17 designated stops and complete challenges in order to qualify for the winners’ draw, with attractive cash prizes to be won.

The race will begin at 8am in Saranrom Park where participants will convene and be briefed about the rules of the race. The key objective is to uncover the stops along the trail, complete the challenges and collect stamps along the way as proof of visitation.

The teams to complete the race and challenges will get to participate in the Winners’ Draw, which offers cash prizes. The first prize will win US$1,000 cash, second US$700 and third prize US$400. Attractive travel prizes will also be offered.

Registration is at US$20 per person and participants can form teams of two to six persons each.

Interested?

Registrations for the race open November 1 at www.heritagerace.com. Updates will be posted on Facebook

Immerse yourself in history and art at Apricot Hotel, Hanoi

Source: Apricot Hotel website.

With plans for a grand opening at the end of summer*, Hano’s newest luxury hotel, Apricot Hotel, has opened for business in the heart of Vietnam’s cultural and political capital. The 10-story Apricot Hotel building has enormous historical significance as it was formerly the Phú Gia Hotel, where the city’s movers and shakers have gathered since the 1920s.

With views of Hoan Kiem Lake and Hanoi’s Old Quarter at its doorstep, the luxury five-star hotel features 123 neo-classical rooms, two restaurants, a lobby lounge and cafe, rooftop bar, heated rooftop swimming pool, meeting facilities, spa and fitness centre.

“If we liken Hoan Kiem Lake to a stunning ring, our hotel aspires to be the gemstone atop that ring; Apricot Hotel is luxurious yet homely, intimate and cosy with personal butlers and bespoke services including dining in a private garden for certain room categories,” said Steve Tan, the hotel’s GM.

Apricot Hotel pays homage to art created by the nation’s master painters and contemporary up-and-comers. It showcases more than 600 original artworks in the lobby, corridors and rooms. Those by master painters include Nguyễn Dung’s Hát Ả Đào (Traditional Folk Singers) with its earthy colours, Mai Thứ’s Thiếu Nữ (Young Girl), and Phan Kế An’s Nhớ Một Chiều Tây Băc (Recalling One Late Afternoon in Tay Bac) that hints at the heroism of Vietnamese troops during the French-Vietnamese war.

Artists Bùi Hữu Hùng and Hồng Việt Dũng lead the charge on the contemporary front with golden-hued Nhã Nhạc (Royal Elegant Music) and Rừng Cọ (Palm Forest) respectively. The latter work’s muted tones bringing depth to a scene that seems devoid of human influence until the eye is drawn to a tiny boat in the foreground.

“Art is a gateway to the deepest, most profound depths of any culture,” said Steve Tan, the hotel’s GM. “At the same time we’re providing a stationary experience of accommodation, we’re going to take guests on an incredible journey through the history of Vietnamese art and culture.”

In addition to five categories of rooms and suites named Sketch, Canvas, Gallery, Masterpiece and Studio, the hotel’s L’Artiste restaurant boasts an open-style kitchen and menus reminiscent of an artist’s sketchbook while A’telier, located in the hotel lobby, serves a selection of teas from across the globe.

Opening promotional room rates start at VND2,399,128 ++ (USD 110++). A’telier’s Afternoon Tea for Two selection of freshly prepared mini-finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and preserves, homemade cakes. pastries and tea is priced at VND520,000++ (USD 23.90++).

*See this blog's definition for summer

Old Delhi Bazaar walking tour wins Tripadvisor Award Of Excellence

Source: Old Delhi Bazaar walking tour website.

The Old Delhi Bazaar walking tour has won a Tripadvisor Award of Excellence for the third consecutive year. The activity is ranked no. 1 for New Delhi in 2015 by Tripadvisor, and comes with a five star rating.

The personalised tour experience combines food, heritage and culture with walking and cycle rickshaw and is designed to give the visitor a taste of the real Delhi.

Both full- and half-day Old Delhi tours are conducted daily and include a traditional meal in a haveli, a mansion in the old city in which a single family has been living for generations.

Samsung launches Culture Explorer app to drive greater appreciation for Singapore's heritage

Samsung Electronics Singapore has launched the Culture Explorer mobile app to facilitate understanding and appreciation of heritage landmarks via augmented reality. Users of the app can learn interesting details about landmarks, such as the fact that the Singapore national anthem Majulah Singapura was written to commemorate the opening of a refurbished Victoria Theatre in 1958.

Singapore has been selected as the first Southeast Asian  country to roll out the app, which will enable users to learn about the history behind local landmarks. "Singapore is the Regional HQ for Samsung, so a lot of things that happen with Samsung happen in Singapore first," explained Esther Low, Acting Head, of Corporate Marketing, Samsung Electronics Singapore. 

Users will initially be able to see how the National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall looked like in the past, and learn more about each landmark. Users can also take photos of themselves and superimpose the photos onto pictures of the landmarks. Timelines have also been created to show what a landmark used to look like over the years, and comments can be shared online. By July 2015 users will also be able to see what The Arts House and Raffles Hotel used to look like, with more locations to come.

Source: Samsung. Directions to the nearest heritage site.

Source: Samsung. Photos and facts about the site.

Culture Explorer is the result of Samsung partnerships with the National Heritage Board (NHB) and National Parks (NParks), which, with the support of the Singapore National Commission for UNESCO, were instrumental in selecting the landmarks and providing curated content. The NHB provided little-known facts such as that the National Museum of Singapore's dome is made up of fish scaled zinc tiles and 50 coloured glass panels, while NParks provided the content for the Singapore Botanic Gardens, including and details such as Swan Lake in the Singapore Botanic Gardens is home to a pair of Mute Swans.

Culture Explorer is compatible with all Android smartphones and tablets and can be downloaded for free from the Google Play Store and from Galaxy Apps. It can be used in conjunction with the physical landmarks, or away from them. No registration is required. The app will be rolled out in the rest of Southeast Asia throughout the rest of the year.