Opening of Lovy Pharmacy in Bukit Mertajam

Address: 62-63 (Ground Floor), Jalan Aston, 14000 Bukit Mertajam. 

Contact No: 04 - 537 5889

Lovy Pharmacy opens its’ new outlet last Sunday (17^th Feb) at BP Diagnostic Centre, Bukit Mertajam. Lovy Pharmacy is the pharmaceutical wing of the BP Healthcare Groupm, who is one of the pioneers of Malaysian healthcare industry.

Lovy Pharmacy works synergistically with BP Diagnostic Centre to enable you to enjoy seamless healthcare services with desirable health outcomes.

The present pharmacists' role and responsibility does not lie solely in medication dispensing, instead Lovy Pharmacy plays an active role in providing patient focus care by working along with other healthcare team members in providing evidenced-based drug information and drug therapy recommendation. Lovy Pharmacy pharmacists team have qualifications as below:

1)Clinical Pharmacy (AQ Cardiology)

2)Certified Good Clinical Practice

3)Certified Quit smoking program provider

4)ACCP Board certified Pharmacotherapy Specialist

Lovy Pharmacy is also the first in Malaysia to provide customers with free consultations with pharmacist via webcam. It has many other value-added services such as total wellness programmes, medical checkup, travel health service, home delivery, drive–through outlets and medication reminder service.

For more information please log into www.lovypharmacy.com.

Bridal Fair and Mass Wedding

Date: 22^nd February – 24^th February 2013
Venue: Sunway Carnival Mall


The Wedding Host 2013 at Sunway Carnival Mall is a 3-day bridal fair beginning 22^nd of February untill the 24^th of  February and will be hosted by Suki, One FM DJ.

The event aims to provide a wholesome solution for all wedding needs under one roof from a selection of local to international wedding vendors offering a wide variety of wedding and honeymoon packages; to catering, jewelleries, photoand videographer, hairstylist and make-up services, and much more at the mall’sUpper Ground Concourse and Level 1.

On the second and third day of the fair, shoppers will get to enjoy a parade of bridalgowns in the Fashion Shows. Participating bridal exhibits include Kuang Yee, BrightGain Bridal, StarEast, Crystal Brides, France Taipei, Putree, My Dream Wedding, MyWedding, Milan, Mimosa and De’santia.

For the ladies who would like to own a bridal gown, check out the Bridal Gown Charity Auction on 23 February (5pm) and 24 February (4.30pm). Eight bridal gowns will be auctioned off from a starting price as low as RM50 and full proceeds from the auction will be channelled to Persatuan Kanak-kanak Terencat Akal Seberang PeraiUtara in aid of the kids’ welfare.

According to Chinese belief, the 15th day of the first month of the lunar calendar,known as Chap Goh Meh, is an ideal date for marriage. Hence, an expected numberof 25 pre and post-married couples will be exchanging and renewing their weddingvows to one another on this auspicious date of 24 February 2013. Also present will beYB Danny Law Heng Kiang, State EXCO for Tourism Development and Culture, to  witness the event. All registered couples will receive a guaranteed honeymoon tour package to Shanghai or Bali, certificate of attendance and 6 tickets for the MassWedding Cocktail Party worth RM168.

Other exhibitors include Firefly, Chinese Wedding Master, A Gift, Figureline,Skinzense, SS Image, Ejoy Beauty Spa, It’s Me Photo Studio, Discovery Info Centre,Cosabela, Yolanda, Impress, Big Bean, Emmanuel and D’Playground.

For more information, please call at 04-397 9888 or visit www.theweddinghost.com.my and http://www.facebook.com/SunwayCarnivalMall.

Showcase of Penang Peranakan Culture at Chap Goh Meh Open House

Date: 24^th February 2013
Time: 7.30 pm to 10.00pm
Venue: City Hall, Padang Esplanade

In conjunction with the Penang State Chap Goh Meh Open House, for the first time ever, there will be a second stage dedicated to showcasing and promoting Penang Peranakan Culture by the State Chinese (Penang) Associaton.

Visitors will be entertained from 7.30 pm to 10.00pm with an array of exciting performances including traditional joget, pantun, dondang sayang, martial arts, traditional games and a rendition of Malay and Hokkien songs. There will be performances by Sayang-sayang Dancers, Johnny & The Nyonya Bells, SJKC Convert Datuk Keramat, Phor Thay Hight School and many more.

The highlight of the night is a special musical theater performance from “Main Wayang Company” from Singapore. “Main Wayang Company” has performed all over the world including Germany, Australia and around Asia.

At 8.30 pm there will be a special “Ratu Kebaya contest” open to women above the age of 12, regardless of race and background. The champion with the most beautiful kebaya will receive RM1,000 and a tiara.
Members of the public are encouraged to come in their traditional kebayas to support the Penang Peranakan Culture.

For more information please contact event coordinator Micheal Cheah at 012-463 0449.

Penang State Chap Goh Meh Open House 2013

Date: 24 February 2013
Time: 6.30pm – 11.00pm
Venue: Esplanade

Celebrate Chap Goh Meh on a grander scale this year with a state open house, cultural performances, and a grand fireworks display. The celebration will begin with a Chingay and Lion Dance performance followed by the customary tossing of mandarin oranges with the Penang Chief Minister, The Right Honourable Mr Lim Guan Eng.

The night’s program also include ‘Dondang Sayang’, singing performances by singers from Astro and Chinese traditional dances and performances such as the Fan Dance and Tibetan Dance by Penang Phor Tay High School, 24 Drums, Snake Dance, Chinese Orchestra by Heng Ee High School, LED Dragon Dance, a Wushu performance and a Baba Nyonya Performance. To end the night, there will be a ten-minute grand fireworks display and a Lion Dance on Stilts performance featuring four skillful ‘lions’.

In Hokkien, Chap Goh Meh means the fifteenth night of Chinese New Year and is celebrated with prayers and offerings to mark the end of the festive season. This is the last day when houses are brightly decorated with lanterns and colourful lights before the Chinese New Year decorations are taken down the following day. Also known as Chinese Valentine’s Day, Chap Goh Meh signifies the first full moon of the lunar new year and the act of mandarin tossing is traditionally practised by single maidens to wish for a good husband and with hope that her true love will pick up the orange. In the past, it was one of the few days when young and unmarried women were allowed out of their homes for the mandarin tossing ceremony. This is also a time when eager suitors and young gentlemen would gather to admire these passing beauties. Although times have changed, the tradition of mandarin tossing has carried on every year without fail and in recent years, young singletons would also write their name and contact details on the mandarin oranges before tossing them into the water. In Peranakan or Baba Nyonya households, ‘pengat’, a dessert with a sweet broth and bananas is distributed to family and friends, and at night, ‘Dondang Sayang’, a kind of nyonya love ballad is performed to accompany the romantic atmosphere.

For more information on the celebration, contact 04-6505136/016-4110000 or email info@visitpenang.gov.my.

Chinese New Year Cultural Heritage Celebration 2013

Event: Chinese New Year Cultural Heritage Celebration 2013

Date: 16^th February 2013 (Saturday)

Time: 3.00pm – 12 midnight

Venue: Armenian St, Ah Quee St, Acheh St, Canon St, Chulia St, Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, Soo Hong Lane and Kampong Kolam
Admission: FREE

Organized by the Penang State government, the Penang Chinese Clan Council and Clan Association Youth Committee Penang;  the festival will begin at 3pm till midnight on the 16^th of February all around George Town.

This year, the Chinese New Year Cultural & Heritage Celebration will be showcasing the rich culture of the various clans in George Town. There will be a myriad of activities including Lion Dance, handicraft demonstrations, calligraphy and Chinese martial arts.

Several performances, including the famous Chinese tale ‘Legend of the White Snake’, had been incorporated into the celebration to mark the Year of the Snake.

The Yang di-Pertua Negeri  T.Y.T Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and Penang Chief Minister Y.A.B Lim Guan Eng are expected to grace the official opening ceremony of the celebration.

Hokkien New Year (Thni Kong Seh)

Event: Hokkien New Year (Thni Kong Seh)
Date: 17 February 2013
Time: 7.00pm to 12 midnight
Venue: Chew Jetty / Hillway Road (Penang Hill), Ayer Itam

Hokkien New Year or Thni Kong Seh (Jade Emperor’s Birthday) in Hokkien falls on the ninth day of Chinese New Year. It is celebrated all over Malaysia but on a grander scale in Penang due to the large population of Hokkien Chinese on the island and mainland.

The biggest Hokkien New Year celebrations will take place at the Jade Emperor temple at Chew Jetty and on Penang Hill. During this time, the Chew Jetty is decorated festively with colourful lights and bright lanterns. Here, it is customary for the residences of the jetty and devotees to bring food and other offerings to share them on the communal tables. At midnight, prayers will be offered to the Jade Emperor to ask for a lucky and prosperous year ahead.

According to oral history, the Hokkien ancestors who were trying to escape a ruthless army in ancient China seeked refuge in a sugarcane plantation for eight days and emerged unharmed during the ninth day of Chinese New Year, which is also the Jade Emperor’s birthday. It is then believed that they were protected by the Jade Emperor, and had since welcomed their New Year on the ninth day by celebrating the Jade Emperor’s birthday and giving thanks to him.

In households, preparations are made the day before with the purchase of “gold-paper” or paper offerings (‘Thni Kong Kim’), sugarcane stalks, fruits, flowers, liquor and Chinese cakes (sometimes home-made) such as ‘Tnee Koay’, a kind of sweet and sticky brown cake made from glutinous rice flour and palm sugar; ‘Ang Ku Koay’, literally translated as red tortoise cake which is a kind of red glutinous rice cake made in the shape of a tortoise shell; ‘Huat Koay’,  which are light and fluffy pink cupcakes made from fermented glutinous rice flour; and more. These will be used as offerings for the Jade Emperor along with Chinese dishes and sometimes even a whole roast pig. During night time, an altar for the Jade Emperor will be set up with the offerings placed on the altar. At the stroke of midnight, prayers are performed and later, the burning of the paper offerings (‘Thni Kong Kim’).

The public are welcome to witness this grand and unique event. For more information, contact 012-4126809.

Chap Goh Meh Penang State Open House

Event: Chap Goh Meh Penang State Open House

Date: 24 February 2013
Time: 8.00pm – 9.30pm
Venue: Esplanade
*Free admission

The Penang State Government will be holding an open house in conjunction with the Chap Goh Meh Celebration at Esplanade on the last day of Chinese New Year. The night will open at 6.00pm with a Chingay, Lion and Dragon Dance performances, ‘Dondang Sayang’, and the tossing of mandarin oranges led by Chief Minister, YAB Mr Lim Guan Eng.

After the customary Chap Goh Meh ceremonies,for the first time ever, free food will be served at the open house from 8.00pm to 9.30pm with a choice of Halal food as well. Aside from the free food, there will also be 12 stalls selling snacks, desserts and Penang hawker food throughout the night.

There will two stages that night. One is the main stage where there will be traditional and modern performances starting from 8.20pm, such as the Chinese ‘24 Drums’, dance performances, singing performances, ‘Wu Shu’, Malay, Chinese and Indian cultural performances.

Another is a smaller stage close to the City Hall will be dedicated to the Peranakan performances starting from 7.30pm onwards. They will be performing the traditional joget, pantun, dondang sayang and a few Hokkien Songs. At 8.30pm there will be a special Kebaya Competition, open to women of all ages regardless of background. The highlight of the Peranakan stage is a special performance from world renowned theather group "My Wayang" from Singapore.

Another highlight of the night is the Lion Dance on Stilts performance, performed by 4 Lions at the same time. Finally there will be  a ten minute fireworks display at 11.00pm as a closing to the festive night.
The public regardless of background are invited to come to the open house and to join in the celebration. For more information, call 04-6505136 / 016-4110000.

MY Astro Ulala Chinese New Year Countdown

Date: 9 February 2012, Chinese New Year Eve
Time: 9.00pm onwards
Venue: City Hall, Esplanade, Penang

The Penang State Tourism Development and Culture office invites everyone to join in the fun at Esplanade with Astro this Chinese New Year’s eve after reunion dinners. This countdown will also be broadcasted live on Astro AEC and features performances by local celebrities, various cultural performances, fireworks and more.

The general program for the countdown in Penang is as below:

8.45pm : Opening Chingay performance and Malay Dance
9.00pm : Welcome by Astro Hosts, Tan Yunn Chzuan and Danny Koo & LED Dragon Dance
9.10pm : Malay Cultural Dance
9.20pm : Group performance of Chinese New Year Song by Hua Hee Karaoke artistes, Regine Tan, Jacqueline Ng, Teh Win Li and others.
9.30pm : Chinese and Malay dance
9.55pm – 10.45pm : Individual singing performances by Hua Hee Karaoke artistes
10.50pm: Special Lion Dance performance using creative D.I.Y Lions
11.25pm : Chingay performances
11.50pm: Sing-along to MY Astro Ulala theme song
11.58pm : Countdown begins
12 midnight : Fireworks display
12.05am : Lion Dance on stilts

Watch the MY Astro Ulala Chinese New Year Countdown teaser video at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IzfFMEgbLx8

For more information, contact 04-6505136 or 06-4110000.

Chinese New Year Open House

The Chinese New Year Celebration is no longer a celebration for only the Chinese Community where family members reunite and spread joy and love. In fact, has morphed into a celebration for all Malaysians. It is during times like this, we take the opportunity to rekindle our friendship with friends and neighbours regardless of race and creed.

In conjuction with Chinese New Year celebration, the Penang State government invites everyone to attend our annual Open House as below:

Chief Minister’s Chinese New Year Open House

Date: 10^th of February 2013

Venue: PISA

Time: 10am- 1pm

Penang State Chinese New Year Open House

Date: 14^th Feb 2013

Time: 8pm onwards

Venue: SJK (C) Keng Koon, Bukit Tambun

Penang State Chap Goh Meh Celebration & Open House

Date: 24^th Feb 2013

Time: 6pm- 11pm

Venue: Padang Kota (Espalande)

Visitors can catch special performances including Lion Dance, Chingay and cultural dances during these events.

So do join in with this Chinese New Year celebration to experience our multi-ethnic culture, and to rejoice and proudly the New Year of The Snake 2013.

Photo from CM FB page.

 

Keong Hee Huat Chai!

Article by HELEN ONG

Phew! I’m tired! That’s because during the recent year-end round of festivities, I took it upon myself to do the honours, ie roast the turkey together with all the trimmings – even to the extent of making my own mince pies.

Although the meal itself was a big success – at least I think it was! – the amount of work required to plan it, shop for it, prepare, cook and serve it not to mention the clearing up means it’s not something I care to repeat. With Chinese New Year round the corner – and Valentine’s Day hot on its heels – I have come to one conclusion: it’s really a much better idea to eat out.

That’s one of the marvellous things about living in Penang of course. There’s no end of choice available, whether you want traditional Chinese cuisine in a typical Cantonese restaurant, or something quite different in a luxury resort or boutique hotel. We have something to suit every budget and desire. Most of our local Chinese restaurants will be serving Yee Sang, Fatt Choy and Poon Choy together with other specialties which come out in force at this time of year.

However, for the time-honoured annual Reunion Dinner on 9 February when family members travel from distant corners to gather at the ancestral home, here are a few places in town which will be doing something a bit different to welcome in the Year of the Snake. It’s a great way to say, “Thank You” to Mom as well as give her some hard-earned time off, and makes for a stress-free meal so everyone can enjoy themselves.

Have a traditional meal cooked in a contemporary style at Kebaya Dining Room in Seven Terraces. The private hotel in Stewart Lane is doing a set Peranakan menu for the eve, first and second days. Special dishes will include their Cerviche Yee Sang, Eight-Treasure Duck Roulade and Slow-cooked Crispy Hock to go with their celebratory Nasi Ulam as well as roll-your-own Poh Piah. It’s priced at RM128++ per pax and there’s no need to get ten around the table. You’ll be able to enjoy the food in elegant surroundings whilst being serenaded by a classical duo. As it’s limited to 60 per night, do book early.

A stone’s throw away, tuck into traditional Chinese cuisine at the 1881 Chong Tian Chinese Hotel in Jalan Pintal Tali, where Chef Wah has come up with a selection of dishes which are his specialty: how do Grilled Special Shredded Lamb Chop and Fried Beancurd with meat and shrimps sound?  The meal is served in authentic Dragon Bowls and all the other paraphernalia which were only used by the Emperor himself.

Chefs at Dragon-i outlets in Gurney Plaza and Queensbay Mall have prepared a Lao Sheng dish to welcome in the New Year, or you can take home a genuine Prosperity Abalone Treasure Pot which was specially created by Hong Kong Iron Chef Leung Man-To for them. It comes complete with an easy-to-reheat stainless steel container.  Do your bit for charity and enjoy some of their Blissful Products – Glutinous Rice Cakes, Radish Cake and Water Chestnut Cake – at the same time – for every purchase RM10 will be donated to World Vision Malaysia.

Have a prosperous sit-down eight-course Fatt Choy Reunion Dinner at the g-Hotel’s Sesame Restaurant , or a Prosperity& Fortune Dinner which is available for the 15 days of Chinese New Year. Alternatively, do it buffet-style at Sarkie’s at the E&O. Their “Gong Xi Fa Cai” Buffet Dinner with yee sang and other Chinese delicacies comes with free-flow wine, beer or fruit punch for RM148++ per pax.

If you prefer to have your reunion dinner by the sea, then how about a Chinese New Year “Special Fusion Lobster Set Dinner” at Golden Sands Resort in Batu Ferringhi? At Sigi’s Bar and Grill, Chef Frederic will be preparing this luxury seafood with his secret ginger chilli sauce. It comes with a glass of wine, beer or juice and is priced at just RM138++ per person.

On Chinese New Year day itself, the ground-floor Garden Café will be holding a Lunar Special Buffet Lunch – parents of young children might well consider this as it comes with free admission to their Adventure Zone, the resort’s unique fun-filled family entertainment centre.

Meanwhile, at the iconic Rasa Sayang Resort, there will be a Chinese New Year Reunion at their popular Spice Market Café (RM198++ per pax), although there’s something special about alfresco dining at the Pinang Bar where you’ll be able to enjoy the sunset with their BBQ Buffet Dinner (RM158++).

By the way, it’s customary to give cookies or cakes at this time of year, either as thanks to friends and family for their help and support, or as buah tangan (hand gifts) when you are invited to someone’s abode. For a gift with a difference, try the range of specially-packaged western-style chewy chocolate raisins, ginger or fruity cookies and shortbreads from China House in Beach Street. They are guaranteed to titillate any tastebuds!

KEONG HEE HUAT CHAI to all our Chinese readers. May the Year of the Snake be a good year for everyone.

Kek Lok Si display of lights

Event: Kek Lok Si display of lights
Date: 6 February – 9 March 2013
Location: Kek Lok Si Temple, Air Itam

Penang’s iconic temple, ‘Kek Lok Si’ or the Temple of Supreme Bliss has started preparing for its annual lighting ceremony. This year, the temple will be lighted up four days before the first day of Chinese New Year and will continue to be lighted up every night until 9 March. The lighting of the temple symbolizes peace, luck and prosperity.

The 122-year-old Kek Lok Si Temple itself has always been a tourist attraction in Penang but the annual display of lights is an even bigger crowd puller, attracting tourists and locals alike.

During this time, devotees and visitors can register and donate from RM50 to RM1,200 to light a lantern with personalized well wishes which will be hung in the temple grounds. For more information, contact 04-8283317.

Straits Chinese Jewelry Museum in Penang to open in June

The Straits Chinese Jewelry Museum, a new addition to the Pinang Peranakan Mansion is set to officially open in June during the 2013 George Town Festival. The museum showcases the epitome of Baba Nyonya jewelry and is the first of its kind to be opened in Penang. The building housing these jewels is also furnished with Straits Chinese furniture and collectibles and adjoins the Pinang Peranakan Mansion through the Chinese Jade garden.

The museum displays the rare and priceless collections of magnificent Peranakan diamonds, intans and jade set in gold and precious metals. These gems are unique with its exquisite settings and designs – an amalgamation of Chinese, Malay, Victorian and Indian compositions. Some of the techniques and craftsmanship employed in these pieces are so meticulous that they are no longer found or made today.  These master craftsmen included skilled and expert master craftsmen from China and Ceylon.

These Baba Nyonya jewellery are collected over a period of 35 years, sourced from the personal collection of Baba Nyonya families including recovered jewels from Kapitan China’s collection.

Baba Nyonya or Peranakan is a community of acculturated Chinese unique to the Straits Settlements of Penang, Malacca and Singapore.  The Peranakans adopted selected ways of local Malays and have blended Chinese and Malay customs, language, fashion and cuisine over centuries.

For more information on the museum, contact Pinang Peranakan Mansion at 04-2642929.

Blue Whale Cruise February special offer

Depart from : Straits Quay Marina

Fee: RM 175 per person

Relax on board the “Whale” while enjoying the beautiful Penang from the sea. The cruise will pass Pulau Tikus island, Tanjung Bungah Floating Mosque, Batu Feringghi and Teluk Bahang fishing village.

If the sea Is not favourable , the cruise will go towards the south side, to see the majestic Penang Bridge, the 2^nd Bridge and Jerejak Island. The cruise departs at 2.30pm and returns at 5.30pm

Other Daily tours schedule:

Sunday - Around the Island Tour - BBQ Departs at 10.00Hrs. Returns 18.00Hrs.  RM310 each

Monday - Monkey Beach  - BBQ - Departs at 10.00Hrs. Returns 15.30Hrs.   199RM each

Tuesday - Dinner Cruise - Set Dinner- Departs at 18.00Hrs.Returns-21.30hrs.  RM260 each

Wednesday – Open

Thursday - Monkey  Beach - BBQ- Departs at 10.00Hrs Returns 15.00Hrs.  199RM each

Friday - Evening Cruise - Finger Food-Departs at 18.00 Hrs Returns 21.30Hrs. 185RM each

Saturday -  Open (If the above cruises are not full then another  trip can be chartered.)

To reserve your places or for further information, please call Eileen on HP: 016 4598443

Or e-mail to bluewhalecruises@gmail.com

Association of Tourism Attractions Penang’s (ATAP) launches new website

Association of Tourism Attractions Penang’s (ATAP) new website www.atap.org.my was launched earlier this week by Penang Chief Minister Y.A.B Lim Guan Eng, accompanied by State Tourism Development and Culture EXCO Y.B Danny Law Heng Kiang.

The goal of this new website is to give an up-to-date information for tourists; linking potential visitors to the websites and locations of all ATAP members. It also creates awareness on ATAP and enable cross promotion amongst members of the association.

On top of that, a series of video promotions called “My Penang, Live It, Love It” will be added on the on the website by June this year. The 15-episode series will feature all 55 of the ATAP’s members including Kek Lok Si Temple, Sun Yat Sen Penang Base, Tropical Spice Garden, Penang Butterfly Farm, Penang Bird Park and many more. The videos would primarily be in Mandarin with English subtitles.

For more information, please call 04-226 1052 or e-mail to info@atap.org.my/ www.atap.org.my.

Thaipusam 2013 at the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple - The Largest Lord Murugan Temple outside of India

Date: 26^th, 27^th and 28^th January 2013

The newly built  Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Kovil, situated in the hills of Jalan Kebun Bunga, Penang; is the Largest Lord Murugan Temple outside of India. The RM10 million temple was built to accommodate the growing numbers of devotees, especially during Thaipusam Celebrations.

An architect from India, along with 19 temple builders and artisans, spent four years hand-sculpting the temple's designs on site. The outcome: a beautifully decorated prayer hall, and an intricate 7-storey main tower, almost identical to ancient temples in South India.

Devotees and visitors need to climb over 500 steps to get to the temple, which makes the temple higher than the one in Batu Caves. Although this may sound like a daunting feat, the breathtaking view on top is worth the effort.

Half way to the top, visitors will arrive at the old Lord Murugan temple, which was built in 1850. This is the former main venue for Thaipusam celebrations (1850-2012)

There are many beautiful sculptures and other smaller temples around the Waterfall Temple compound.  There is also a small Koi-pond and a mini aviary with colourful birds and peacocks on top of the hill.

This year, the Thaipusam festival will be held mainly at the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Kovil Temple for the first time after its completion. On 27 January, Thaipusam day itself, devotees will embark on a pilgrimage from the temple on Lorong Kulit to this new hilltop temple with offerings of milk pots, or while carrying the Vel Kavadis which is considered as the highest form of offering to god. The temple can accommodate up to 800,000 visitors, a number expected for this year's Thaipusam Festival.

On the 27^th January 2013, Chief Minister of Penang, Mr Lim Guan Eng will be paying a visit to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple from 5.00 onwards for a special “Vinayagar Thuthi “ prayers with the temple committee and community leaders.

Subsequently, the Chief Minister will also be visiting the nearby Nattukotai Chettiar’s Sri Thandayuthapani Temple.

For more information on Thaipusam celebrations and the temple, please call the Penang Hindu Endowment Board at 04-650 5215 or our the Penang Tourism Hotline 016-4110000.

Penang World Music Festival 2013- Catch Chart Topping Artist, “Kimi Djabate” from West Africa!

Date: 30^th & 31^st March 2013

Venue: Quarry Park, Penang Botanic Gardens

This 30^th & 31^st March, we bring two full nights of global music to Penang Quarry Park, Botanic Gardens. 12 international artists will be performing with unique and exotic instruments from West Africa, Portugal, Brazil, Bulgaria, Turkey, Iran, Australia, South America, Philiphines, Japan and of course, Malaysia.

Amongst the talented musicians that will be performing is Kimi Djabate, a world renowed artist from Guinea-Bissau, West Africa. Kimi Djabaté was raised in Tabato, Guinea-Bissau, a village known for its griots, hereditary singer-poets whose songs of praise and tales of history and legends play an essential role in Africa’s musical life.

Centuries ago, Djabaté’s ancestors, a wandering troupe of musicians from Mali, traveled to the region of Guinea. The king of Guinea loved their songs so much that he invited them to stay and offered them the territory of Tabato.

Kimi continues this tradition and has succeeded in bringing this unique musical culture to the world at large. Singing and playing the balafon, the Guinean xylophone, Kimi’s second album, Karam reached No.1 on the European World Music Charts and received accolades from Billboard.

Festival goers will have the chance to learn about Kimi’s musical history during the day-workshop from 2.00pm – 5.00pm and watch him live during the nigh concert from 6.00pm onwards.

PWMF 2013 tickets can be purchased at RM80 per adult and RM40 per child for the
one-day pass, and RM140.00 per adult and RM70.00 per child for the two-day pass.

For more information on PWMF 2013 or ticket purchase, please visit our website www.penangworldmusic.gov.my, contact 016-4110000, or e-mail us  info@visitpenang.gov.my.

Thaipusam 2013

Date: 26 – 28 January 2013

Main Venue: Waterfall Temple

Being one of the major celebrations in Penang, Thaipusam is an annual Hindu festival celebrated on a large scale with colourful parades, cleansing rituals and prayers that take place over three days. It is celebrated on the full moon in the Tamil month of Thai and is normally held during the last week of January or the beginning of February. Thaipusam commemorates the day when the Hindu deity, Lord Muruga received the Vel (spear) from the Goddess Parvati or which he used to overcome all the Asuras or demonic forces.

On the eve of Thaipusam (26 January), a silver chariot with the statue of Lord Muruga is led on a procession, accompanied by Chettiar kavadis or devotees carrying peacock feathers. The procession usually starts at 6.00am departing from Kovil Veedu (House Temple) on Penang Street and travel through Buckingham Street, Campbell Street, Penang Road, Transfer Road, Burmah Road, Anson Road, Macalister Road and Ayer Rajah Road until it reaches the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple on Waterfall Road at about midnight. On the day, coconuts are also smashed on the roads before the chariot to symbolise the shattering of one’s ego and to achieve self-realization. Aside from that, devotees also make offerings of fruits, flowers and incense to the deity.

On Thaipusam day (27 January), devotees will undertake a pilgrimage from the Lorong Kulit temple to the new Waterfall temple, Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Kovil located up on a hill while carrying kavadis as an act of penance and fulfilment of a vow or to develop spirituality. Carrying kavadis can be in the form of carrying Paal Kudam (milk pots) as offerings to god or in the form of physical endurance by piercing the cheeks, tongue, or skin on the body with hooks and Vel skewers. The new Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani temple can accommodate up to 800,000 visitors, a number expected for this year’s Thaipusam Festival. Visitors to the new temple need to climb over 500 steps, which is more than the 272 steps at Batu Caves (Kuala Lumpur).

On 28 January, the silver chariot with Lord Muruga makes a return trip to Kovil Veedu on Penang Street. The return trip from the Waterfall temple will start from 6.00pm till dawn the next day and will take a different route back, passing through Western Road (Jalan Utama), Dato Keramat Road, Magazine Road and Victoria Street. On this day, the same activities that were carried out on the eve of Thaipusam are carried out again along the route of the procession.

During these three-day celebration, one can find beautifully decorated make-shift stalls erected along Western Road and Gottlieb Road, selling traditional Indian goods, souvenirs, decorative items and snacks. Thunderous loud music, singing, dancing and the beating of drums can be seen and heard from afar throughout the festival.

For further enquiries, please contact the Penang Hindu Endowment Board at 04-650 5215.

Newly Opened Bistro at Loke Tye Kee Building

“Les Memoires” (French for memories) is an apt name for this little bistro situated at the newly renovated Loke Tye Kee Building. This brand new restaurant opened its doors on the 1^st of January 2013, and has been attracting diners with their unique western-fusion dishes. 

Head chef and owner, Penang-born Chef Aames Ang puts his own touch and twist to classic western dishes; drawing influences from his Malaysian Chinese-Indian heritage and also his previous culinary-career in Australia and the Pacific Islands.

For starters, we had Salmon Carpaccio served with Asian Vinaigrette and Micro Cress, a Chef Aames’ orginal. The salmon is complimented with a bowl of  traditional Minestrone Soup (Soup of the Day). This simple starter is adequate to entice our taste buds and proceed with the main course.

 

We were given the opportunity to try a few different dishes. The first the “Sous-vide of Duck Roulade with Wild Mushroom Ragout and Soft Polenta.” “Sous-vide” is a popular method of cooking where the food cooked in a water bath, which in this case attributed to the juicy-ness of the duck.

 

Next is “Roulade of Chicken Served with Lyonnaise Potato and Diced Vegetables”. This dish may look simple but the chicken was cooked perfectly, with a lingering taste of caramelized onions and homemade gravy.

Fish of the day was the “White Pomfret”, freshly brought in from Jelutong Market. Although this was Chef Aames’first time with the White Pomfret, it turned out quite well. This pan-seared fish was served with fluffy mashed potatoes, cauliflower puree and side of fresh garden cress

There are also a variety of pasta, Lamb and Beef dishes available for main course. Prices range from RM20 to RM30 (not including service tax) The portions range from small to medium.

 

Information: 

Pongal 2013

Date: 13-16 January 2013

Pongal is a vibrant and colourful Hindu “thanksgiving” festival traditionally dedicated to the Sun God Surya to thank the solar deity for a bountiful harvest.  During Pongal, houses are cleaned, painted and decorated and Kolam's (ground patterns made out of rice flour) are made in the front yards of the houses.

The word Pongal literally means “boiling over” which refers to the ritual of boiling freshly harvested rice and milk until it spills out of the pot. The “boiling over” is believed to bring good luck and prosperity to the household. The moment the rice boils over and bubbles out of the pot, it is customary for the devotees to shout  “Ponggalo Pongal!”. Once the Pongal is ready , cashew nuts and raisins fried in ghee will be added in.

In the temples, the rice dish is also prepared while devotees chant prayers. Food such as vegetables, sugar cane and spices are first offered to the gods and later consumed by devotees to cleans themselves of past sins.

The festival takes place every year from the last day of the Tamil month Maargazhi to the fourth day of Thai. The celebration usually takes place for four days. The first is the Bogi Festival, followed by the main celebration day or “Surya Pongal”

The third day of the Pongal Festival is known as Mattu Pongal or the Pongal of the cow - a day dedicated to the revered cow. The fourth day of Pongal which is also called Kanum Pongal also holds special importance. This is the day when the bond between friends and relatives are re-strengthened by visiting their homes and sharing thoughts of love and care. 

We would like to wish all of our Hindu friends a Happy Pongal.

Thaipusam 2013

Thaipusam 2013

Date: 27th January 2013 *the festival starts a day before and ends on the next day*

Main Venue: from  Little  India  to Waterfall (Jalan Kebun Bunga) via Jalan Dato Keramat

Thaipusam is celebrated during the full moon of the 10th month in the Hindu calendar  and  is  normally  held  during  the  last  week  of  January  or  the beginning of February. During this celebration, a pilgrimage procession takes place to bring the statue of Lord Muruga on a silver chariot led by more then 60 Kavadis from Little India to the Nattukottai Chettiar Temple atop the hill of Waterfall Road.The tradition of breaking of coconuts is carried out the day before to “clean” the roads for this  divine  journey.  The  devotees then  go through a physical endurance of being skewered and pierced on the back and front of their bodies as an act of penance. Thunderous loud music, singing, dancing and the beating of drums of devotional songs are the norm during this festival. Upon reaching the temple, devotees will fulfill their vows, offer thanksgiving prayers and do penance as required.

This festival of rich culture and deep tradition is an 'out of this world' experience which draws a massive crowd of tens of thousands to these streets in Penang yearly. Visitors especially from outside Malaysia are encouraged to experience this unique religious celebration.

Penang Owl Museum at Penang Hill

Opening Hours: Daily 9.00am-6.00pm

Entrance Fee: RM 10.00 for Adults, Free for children.

Penang’s Owl Museum is  South-East Asia's first museum dedicated to owl-themed art and craft. Discover a fascinating collection of over 1,000  exotic and unique arts and craft artefacts collected from 20 countries including Japan, South Korea, Uruguay, China, Vietnam, Thailand, England, Indonesia and France.

Be inspired by the enigmatic Bird of Prey and the magic that they have sparkled in human cultures since the beginning of time.

The museum's owls are made from a myriad of materials such as wood, stone, metal, glass, clay, plastic, buffalo horn, seashells, beans, plant fibres, crystal, porcelain, earthenware, paper and recycled items. Special collections on loan from private collectors are also on display.

For more information please contact 04-826 5704.

Flamingo Hotel adopts three bus shelters

Flamingo Hotel by the Beach in Penang has taken the initiative to adopt and beautify three bus shelters in Penang. This eco-friendly project was launched on 3 January together with Flamingo Hotel’s ‘100 for RM100’ campaign by the Penang State EXCO for Tourism Development and Culture, YB Danny Law Heng Kiang.

The three bus stops which are located in front of the hotel in Tanjung Bungah, in front of Tesco Tanjung Pinang and in front of St Nicholas Home for the Blind have been made “green” by landscaping plants and decoration. Spotlights are also installed on top of the bus shelters which will be lighted up from 7pm to 7am daily. This project benefits tourists and locals who prefer to take the bus and will also encourage more people to use public transportation.

In its recent ‘100 for RM100’ campaign, Flamingo Hotel is offering 100 rooms for RM100 nett each from 1 March to 30 May 2013. Booking period for this promotion is from now until end of January. Those who are interested can log on to http://penang.flamingo.com.my/ for reservations and more information.

Impressive band line-up for Penang World Music Festival 2013

Date: 30^th & 31^st March 2013

Venue: Quarry Park, Penang Botanical Gardens

The tranquil and nature-inspired setting at the Penang Botanic Gardens’ Quarry Park will be perfect to showcase the diverse range of musicians that will be making Penang home on the last week of March this year. Audiences can immerse themselves in not just music and culture but nature as well at the 2013 edition of the Penang World Music Festival (PWMF) which will be featuring a total of 12 bands on 30 and 31 March.

Among them are Kimi Djabate (Guinea- Bissau), Nasout (Iran), Alp Bora Quartet (Turkey), Saharadja (Indonesia), Inka Marka (South America), Kalayo (Philippines), Mu from Portugal and Malaysian bands.

Each of the bands will showcase their unique music and instruments, creating tunes that will rock the Pearl of the Orient. Mu will present the upbeat Portuguese folk tune using the bazouki and hurdy gurdy, cello and percussion while Kimi and his talented musicians will serenade the audience with the sound of Africa on the balafon.

Inka Marka from South America will showcase the tunes of the Andes. Kalayo which means fire, is expected to put the heat on at the festival with their melodic traditional Filipino folk music infused with pop rock beat.

The night concert for these two nights will be from 7.00pm till midnight. Additionally, there will also be music and art workshops by the performers prior to the concert from 2.00pm to 6.00pm.

These workshop are interactive and allows the audience to learn about the unique music and traditional instruments of each performing group. This encourages an atmosphere of openness and will enrich the visitors’ experience as opposed to conventional concert venues.

This annual festival is organized by the Penang State Tourism Development and Culture Committee. Tickets to the festival are priced at RM80 per day for adult and RM30 per day for a child between five and 12 years old.

The organizing committee is also collaborating with Discovery Overland Holidays to offer a PWMF promotion package with 3 Days 2 nights stay at various hotels in Penang with prices starting from RM230 nett per person. Booking period has been extended till 28 February 2012.

For more information and for ticket purchase, please visit www.penangworldmusic.gov.my.

For inquiries on the festival, please call 04-6505136 / 016-4110000 or e-mail to info@visitpenang.gov.my.

SuperStar Gemini’s inaugural cruise in Penang

The newly refurbished SuperStar Gemini has set sail from Penang International Cruise Terminal on 2 January 2013 for the first time. This 50,764-tonnage passenger cruise vessel is on its inaugural cruise across Asia, and is being homeported in Penang this month until the 31^st of January only. Before arriving in Penang, SuperStar Gemini embarked from the Singapore Cruise Centre. It will next be homeported in Sanya, China from February to March, and in Shanghai from April to October.

The refurbished SuperStar Gemini can carry up to 1,700 passengers, and features upgraded navigational and safety systems, restyled cabins, restaurants, entertainment and recreational facilities and a new hull artwork, depicting the constellation Gemini twins in vibrant colours. It houses 766 luxury guest cabins, over 6,000 sq feet duty-free retail area, a spa and health club and also offers a broad range of Asian and international cuisine.

Mr William Ng, Chief Operating Officer of Star Cruises remarked that 2013 marks the cruise operator’s 20^th anniversary since their first cruise, and this is the 4^th year Star Cruises has been operating in Penang.

Star Cruises, together with Norwegian Cruise Line is the third largest cruise operator in the world that owns a combined fleet of 18 ships visiting over 200 destinations in the world. These include destinations and islands in Asia-Pacific, North and South America, Hawaii, Caribbean, Alaska, Europe, Mediterranean and Bermuda. For more information, please visit www.starcruises.com.

Sandy Lam set to wow fans in Penang

Don’t miss Mandopop diva Sandy Lam as she performs live in Penang on 12 January, from 8.00pm at the Penang International Sport Arena (PISA). Just March last year, her concert in Hong Kong received a full-house attendance for five consecutive nights, followed by another sold-out concert in Taipei in August. She had also embarked recently on a successful concert tour in Hong Kong, Macau, Singapore and China.

For this coming concert, Sandy Lam is heavily involved in the conceptualization and production process, from the music arrangement to the stage configuration and dance choreographs. Fans will be able to enjoy not just her classic love ballads and all-time hits but also her high-energy dance tracks that integrate jazz, hip-hop and locking styles.

The Penang State Tourism Development and Culture Committee encourages all fans from Penang and the Northern Region to attend this event as their support will help bring in more concerts and performances to Penang in the future. Those from the Northern Region will then be able to save money and time used to travel to Kuala Lumpur and Singapore when more of these events are held here instead.

Tickets to the one night only ‘Sandy Lam Live in Penang’ are priced at RM295, RM265, RM235 and RM195 and will be available via all Ticket Charge outlets. An extra TicketCharge booking fee may apply. For more information on the concert, contact 019-3082626 or 019-266 6511. For ticket purchase, contact 03-92228811 or visit www.ticketcharge.com.my.