Penang War Museum listed in Top Ten Most Haunted Sites in Asia by National Geographic Channel

Penang War Museum listed in Top Ten Most Haunted Sites in Asia by National Geographic Channel

Written by Administrator II

Wednesday, 14 August 2013 05:58

Dubbed as “Bukit Hantu” or Ghost Hill by the locals, the Penang War Museum carries a dark and cruel past. Built as a military defence fortress in the 1930s, it served as a British stronghold till it fell to the Japanese invasion during World War II in 1941. Shortly after, the army base became a camp for prisoners of war and hundreds of people were tortured and beheaded at the site. The war museum’s dark past and eerie atmosphere caught the attention of a National Geographic television programme called “I Wouldn’t Go In There” and landed a place in its top ten list of Asia’s most notorious haunted spots. Hosted by urban explorer and blogger Robert Joe (RJ), he tracks down true and untold stories behind these haunted sites. RJ’s hypothesis is that there’s always a real story, even more terrifying than the strangest fiction, waiting to be uncovered behind every haunted location and paranormal encounters. Acting as a detective, he uses modern technology and explores the places many fear to tread. The full list of ‘haunted’ sites explore by RJ are: the abandoned Tat Tak School in Hong Kong’s Ping Shan Village; Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan; an abandoned hospital at Clark Air Base in the Philippines; Gedung Lawang Sewu, a building complex in Semarang, Indonesia; the Green Island Prison in Lyudao Island, Taiwan; a mansion in Yeongdeok-gun, North Gyeongsang province, South Korea; the Temples of Ayutthaya in Thailand; Con Dao Island in Vietnam; and an old Portugese colonial outpost on Diu Island also known as “Isle of Ghosts”, India. Catch this exclusive feature of Penang War Museum on 23 August 2013 at 10pm on the National Geographic Channel (Astro Channel 553). For more information on the programme, visithttp://natgeotv.com/asia/iwgit.  The Penang State Tourism is also planning to organise a Halloween Celebration at the Penang War Museum on 31 October this year. The public are invited to join in the fun. The organising committee also welcomes any contribution of ideas to add fun and excitement to the event.

Popularity rise in George Town’s Boutique Hotels

Popularity rise in George Town’s Boutique Hotels

Written by Administrator II

Wednesday, 14 August 2013 05:45

The boutique hotel is now increasingly becoming a preferred choice of accommodation among tourists who come to George Town. From quirky little lodges to sophisticated private townhouses, George Town has it all. If you want to treat yourself to a little luxury retreat but prefer it slightly more low key, cosy and with a little charm thrown in, then you might want to check out these latest additions to the already unique collection of boutique hotels in and around George Town. Eight Rooms at Macalister Mansion promises pure luxury and comfort, and is situated on the upper floors of the self-contained colonial mansion. Each room is individually designed with its own unique art piece, nespresso machine, quality amenities and an adjoining glass bathroom suite. The food and beverage outlets sit on the lower floor of the mansion are branded as distinct rooms found in a mansion such as the Dining Room, Living Room, The Den, The Cellar and The Lawn.http://www.macalistermansion.com/eightrooms.html Romantic, Beautiful and Timeless are the three words that are used to describe Seven Terraces, a newly opened boutique hotel of 18 suites. A row of seven Anglo Chinese town houses were restored and converted into this elegant retreat with a fusion of Straits Chinese and modern design. Just a few minutes’ walk away is the ‘Street of Harmony’ on Jalan Masjid Kapitan Keling, a stretch that houses the Goddess of Mercy Temple, Kapitan Keling Mosque, Sri Mahamariamman Indian temple and the Cathedral of Assumption. http://www.seventerraces.com/ 23 Love Lane is a heritage boutique hotel set within a private walled garden and behind a beautifully restored Chinese Gate. The 10-room hotel is situated in the heart of George Town, a UNESCO heritage city. The hotel is divided into four heritage themes: the Anglo Indian Bungalow, the Straits Eclectic Building, the 1920s Jack Roof Annex and the Indian Shop House.http://www.23lovelane.com/ For a more nature friendly retreat, the Fig Tree Hill Resort is perfect especially to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Accessible through a 30 minute drive from George Town, the resort is nestled among the hills of Sungai Ara, overlooking a lush rainforest. It contains five villas of Thai and Balinese design and named after local tropical flowers; the Melor, Cempaka, Jasmine and Kemboja. Each villa houses a living room, dining room, private deck and can take up to five guests. For more information, contact 04-2642929.

Launching of New Book on Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee

Launching of New Book on Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee

Written by Administrator II

Wednesday, 14 August 2013 05:40

Date: 17 August 2013 Time: 5pmVenue: Pinang Peranakan Mansion A Penang-based architect specializing in heritage conservation, Tan Yeow Wooi has recently released his new book called Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee’s Shen Zhi Jia Shu and Hai Ji Zhan (Majestic Hall, Prestigious Mansion)and will be launching it in the Pinang Peranakan Mansion later this week. This beautifully illustrated book offers a unique insight into Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee’s life and how it found expression in the splendour of his architectural creations. Chung was one of the most remarkable personalities of nineteenth century Penang and Malaya. He was a millionaire philanthropist, tin mining pioneer, political leader, founder of Taiping and had left an indelible contribution to Penang’s cultural heritage. He commissioned two adjacent buildings, the magnificent ancestral hall Shen Zhi Jia Shu and the prestigious family mansion Hai Ji Zhan, that stand today as a lasting testimony to another age. Built at the end of the 19th century, the building served as his office and residence. Now called the Pinang Peranakan Mansion, the restored buildings serve as a museum to offer a glimpse of the lifestyle and culture of the Peranakans or Straits Chinese.  Trained in Taiwan, Tan Yeow Wooi is a Penang-based architect specialising in heritage conservation. He has undertaken extensive research on traditional Chinese culture and architecture throughout Southeast Asia. He is the author of Leong San Tong Khoo Kongsi: The History and Architecture (2003). He has had solo photography exhibitions. Kapitan Chung Keng Kwee’s Shen Zhi Jia Shu and Hai Ji Zhan is on sale at arecabooks.com http://www.arecabooks.com/?product=kapitan-chung-keng-kwees-shen-zhi-jia-shu-and-hai-ji-zhan

Don't Panic! by Time Out Penang

Written by Administrator II

Wednesday, 14 August 2013 05:33

Guides are fun to read while you are chilling by the hotel pool, but to carry them around as you explore the city can be quite cumbersome. Worry not, Time Out Penang gives you the best of both worlds! Time Out Penang 2013/2014 is an A4, 150+ page glossy magazine-guide with an app and an online edition, presenting a typically comprehensive, honest and trustworthy account of Penang’s travel hotspots for the high-end tourists, business travellers, expatriates, and huge affluent local readership who enjoy and act upon what they are told by Time Out, whose motto is ‘Know More. Do More.” Get your copies from any major newsstands in Penang or click here to download the freeiPhone app and/ or buy the digital edition. The digital edition is available on all Apple and Android devices. You can also connect with Time Out Penang’s dynamic website and vibrant Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TimeOutPenang and Twitter https://twitter.com/timeoutpenang presence. The website features content from the guide, listings, local interest stories and up to date information on events and happenings around Penang.

Wesak Day 2013

Written by Administrator II

Thursday, 16 May 2013 14:47

Date: 24 May 2013 Time: 7.00pm Venue: Malaysian Buddhist Association, Burmah Road The Malaysian Buddhist Association in Penang will once again be organizing a 7km-long float procession for Wesak Day. On that day, devotees will be seen visiting temples from early in the morning for services and prayers, donations, offerings of flowers and candles and also to participate in the candle-lit procession. The theme this year is ‘A Prosperous Nation, A Peaceful Life’. Wesak Day is a colourful and religious festival that commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha and usually falls on the full moon in the month of May. As the majority of Chinese in Penang are Buddhists, it is widely celebrated here with the temples beautifully decorated and brightly lit. During this day, doves are also set free as a sign of benevolence and monks usually gather to chant sacred sutras all day long. The procession will depart the Malaysia Buddhist Association on Burmah Road at 7pm and proceed to Jalan Pangkor, Jalan Kelawei, Lorong Burmah, Jalan Burmah, Peel Avenue, Jalan Macalister, Jalan Anson, Lorong Madras before returning to Burmah Road. Buddha’s statue will be placed on the procession’s main float the day before for the public to donate flowers for its decoration. For more information, contact 04-2292690.

Durian Festival 2013

Written by Administrator II

Thursday, 16 May 2013 14:45

Date: 1st of June 2013 to 31st July 2013 Time: 11am to 6pm Daily Location: Anjung Indah, Balik Pulau and Balik Pulau town area GPS Coordinates/Google Map:  5°21'0"N   100°15'7"E Despite its reputation, Durian is an overwhelmingly popular fruit in Malaysia. Balik Pulau’s Durian is one of Malaysia’s best places for durian. The hilly slopes and temperate climate of Balik Pulau produces some of the best durians and durian hybrids in the country. Visitors as far as Singapore and Hong Kong will visit this otherwise sleepy town during durian season to sample the delicious, creamy Durian Balik Pulau. Some of the award winning durians in Balik Pulau are Ang Hae, Ang Bak, D16, D700 and of course the famous “Musang King” For more information, please call 016-411 0000.

Mr Penang 2013 - Body-Building Championship

Written by Administrator II

Thursday, 16 May 2013 13:43

Date: 25th May 2013 Time: 7.00pm – 11.30pm Venue: Sunway Carnival Convention Centre   Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya will be hostigng Mr Penang 2013 - Body-Building Championship on 25th May 2013. The event is a jointly organized by Penang Body Building Association, an affiliate of the Malaysia Body Building Federation (MBBF) and the Penang State Sports Council. For the first time since its inception, Mr Penang - Body Building Championship will be held in mainland Penang at Sunway Hotel Seberang Jaya. Mr Penang 2013 - Body-Building Championship will be held on Saturday, 25th May 2013. The Pre-Judging will be held at 10.30 am at Sri Cengal1 and followed by dinner and Final round at the Sunway Carnival Convention Centre. An anticipated 120 – 150 participants from the 23 affiliated members of Penang Body Building Association are expected to participate in the championships inclusive of contingents from Kelab Gym Rakyat and other fitness clubs. The price for the entire evening event inclusive of dinner range between RM600 to RM15. For more information, please contact Ms Tay Sok Ling at 04 – 370 7788 or e-mail her at sltay@sh.com.my

Auto-City Carnival 2013

Written by Administrator II

Thursday, 16 May 2013 13:37

Date: 31st May to 2nd June 2013 Venue: Auto-City; Juru On the 31st May to 2nd of June 2013, Auto-City will once again be hosting its annual Auto – City Carnival! The Carnival has attracted up to over 50,000 individuals and car enthusiasts from all around in the past years with their interesting and entertaining family-friendly programs. Many proud owners of their beautifully modified cars will be going up against one another to compete for the titles “SUPER GT Car Look Alike Contest”,  “Modified Compact Car Contest”, “Proton Standard Modified Car Contest”,“VIP Car Modified Contest”,“Open Modified Car Contest”and “Best Audio Car Contest”. The competition is also heating up amongst the lovely ladies competing for the crown of the “Miss Auto-City 2013” and “Party Queen Make up Contest”. The will also be a  “Children’ Coloring Contest” and exhibition booths during the carnival. The highlights of the carnival are performances by the “Super GT” Queens all the way from Japan, Beauties Parade, fun games and lots of goodies to be given away by the event sponsors and exhibitors. Entry is free as always and everyone is welcomed to join in the fun. For more information please log on to www.autocity.com.my or call 04-5011222.

Happy Mother's Day

Written by Administrator II

Friday, 10 May 2013 14:59

Date: 12 May 2013 Mother’s Day is celebrated internationally on the second Sunday of May and just like most cities, it is celebrated widely in Penang by people of different cultures and background. This celebration honours motherhood and is a day to show appreciation to all mothers. The most common practice in Penang is for Penangites to bring their mothers out for a dinner with the family at a restaurant. However, people with different ethnic cultures may celebrate it differently. Just like any other celebration in Penang, Mother’s Day is celebrated with enthusiasm and its festive mood can be felt at most public places especially at shopping complexes, hotels and restaurants. The Penang State Tourism Development and Culture Committee would like to wish all mothers a very Happy Mother’s Day! This Sunday, Queensbay Mall will also be organising a “Mummy and Me” photo moment at 2.00pm. This charity event encourages shoppers to make a difference by going a step further to support local single mothers. This is a simple promise-and-challenge fundraising campaign where RM2,000 will be donated to Women’s Centre for Change (WCC) if 100 shoppers join the “Mummy & Me” Photo Moment. To join, shoppers need to spend RM100 (maximum in 2 receipts) at any outlets in Queensbay Mall and register at the Info Counter, Ground Floor, Centre Zone, and capture a Mother’s Day photo. Participants will receive one 5R-sized photo with a frame and a stalk of pink daisy. In addition, participants can stand a chance to win one of the five lucky draw prizes worth RM100 comprising of products from The Body Shop. For more information, contact 04-6198989 or follow their Facebook page on www.facebook.com/queensbaymall.

French Flamboyance – French Art & Film Festival 2013

Written by Administrator II

Friday, 10 May 2013 07:01

Date: 16 – 26 May 2013 Venue: Gurney Plaza, Penang For all you French language and culture enthusiasts, the French Art & Film Festival is back! Gurney Plaza will be organizing some activities from 17 May onwards in conjunction with this festival. For the Film Festival it will once again be held at Golden Screen Cinemas (GSC), Gurney Plaza with the screening of 15 french films from 16 to 25 May. Aside from Kuala Lumpur, Penang will be the only other state in Malaysia to hold this film festival. The official launching ceremony for the French Art & Film Festival will be held on 17 May, 3pm at the New Wing Atrium with vibrant music, songs, creative art, dance performance, food and wines. Aside from Alliance Francaise de Penang, Gurney Plaza will also be collaborating with L’occitane, Secret Recipe, Cold Storage & Lanvin Paris throughout this period. On 18 May, there will be a painting competition open to all with the theme “French Essence”. Cash vouchers & prizes worth more than RM2,000 to be won. The list of french films that will be screened at GSC are as the following: Comedy Le prénom – What’s in a name? (2012) Comme un chef – The chef (2012) Populaire - Popular (2012) Les bien-aimés – Beloved (2012) La graine et le mulet – The secret of the grain (2007) Drama Les neiges du Kilimandjaro – The snows of Kilimandjaro (2012) L’Exercice de l’Etat – The minister (2011) Un Homme qui crie – A screaming man (2010) Persécution – Persecution (2009) Animated movie Le Tableau – The painting (2011) Kerity la maison des contes – Eleanor’s secret (2009) Focus on Juliette Binoche : Drama, comedy and documentary Le Hussard sur le toit – The horseman on the roof (1995) Décalage horaire – Jet lag (2001) L’Heure d’été – Summer hours (2008) Juliette Binoche dans les yeux – Juliette Binoche : Sketches for a portrait (2009) As for Gurney Plaza’s Redemption for the month, they will be giving away complimentary French Movie Passes from 16 to 20 May 2013. Shoppers need to spend RM350 and above in a single receipt to redeem the passes. HSBC card holders only need to spend only RM300 and above for this. Aside from that, Gurney Plaza will be having a ‘Lanvin Paris Big Spenders Reward’ from 16 to 25 May 2013. The three top highest spenders for each day within this duration will be entitled to an 80ml bottle of ‘ME’ perfume by Lanvin Paris. The prize presentation for this will be held on 15 June 2013.

Traditional Chinese Instrument Qu Qin Concert

Written by Administrator II

Friday, 10 May 2013 06:57

Date: 7th June 2013 (Friday) Venue: Komtar Auditorium Time: 8.00pm The Malaysian Japanese Society will be organizing a traditional Chinese instrument concert at the Komtar Auditorium on the 7th June 2013 at 8.00pm. Tickets are priced at RM35. On Saturday 22nd June, there will be a Japanese cooking demonstration at Penang Japanese Association from 1.00pm – 5.00 pm. The sessions will be divided into two sessions (1st session is at 1.30pm and 2nd session is at 3.30pm) . Dishes will be demonstrated by the chef from the official residence of Consul-General of Japan.  Dishes includes  Miso Shiru, Tempura, Chawan mushi and Sushi.  This event  is supported by the Consulate General of Japan.  It is open to the public at only RM20 per pax.  The is a maximum number of participants of 25 pax  per session ; on first come first serve basis. For more information please call Vallen at 012-4802780.

Time Out Penang Application for the iPhone & iPad

Written by Administrator II

Friday, 10 May 2013 15:22

Time Out Penang magazine is proud to announce the launch of the Time Out Penang Application for the iPhone & iPad. The Time Out Penang App is inspired by the popular and successful Time Out London and Time Out Kuala Lumpur Applications, the former of which has achieved over 500,000 downloads and the latter more than 50,000 downloads since launch in April 2011. Time Out Apps have also seen established and market-leading success in Dubai, New York and Sydney with tens of thousands of users signing up and giving them rave reviews. Continuing this runaway success, the Time Out Penang iPhone App achieved more than 1,000 downloads in its first fortnight in the iPhone App Store. The Time Out Penang App has unique Geo Tagging features which allow it to feed the user location-based content. The App allows the user to browse for events and things to do under traditional Time Out categories such as restaurants, nightlife, art, performance, music and more. The App also features regular giveaways, competitions and offers to save readers money, enabling them to go out and enjoy more of their home state. This App will revolutionise the way Penang-ites access information about the state and events here. The App is backed by the Time Out Penang team, renowned for their independent journalism and the extensive Time Out resources, which ensure that the user will have the best of Penang literally at their fingertips. Users can book restaurants, read theatre reviews, locate gigs, get entry to the hottest parties and win prizes. The Time Out Penang application is now available at www.timeoutkl.com/iphone and at the iPhone App Store. It can be downloaded now.

 

Five27 by CK Lam

Written by Administrator II

Friday, 10 May 2013 06:52

Named after its global positioning satellite coordinates location (GPS) in the dockside lifestyle hub of Straits Quay in Penang, Five27 has been charming diners with cool tastes of modern Nordic inspired specialties. The kitchen is helmed by Executive Chef and General Manager Nizar Achmad. With his Indonesian culinary roots and Swedish and French influences, he crafted a menu that uses fresh produce and balanced flavors. Dishes are garnished with local and organic options whenever available. Five27 serves up a hearty bowl of Mushroom Soup with freshly baked bread and flavored butter. The soup with pleasing mushroom earthiness is made with a combination of selected mushrooms and cream, served with parmesan shavings and truffle oil. Other choices of soup in the menu include Leek & Potato Soup and Indonesian Oxtail Soup. The latter is done with clear texture and served with accompaniments of sweet black sauce, pickled cucumber & carrot and homemade green chili sauce. Seafood made an appearance in the Lightly Salt Cured Salmon dish. The dish featured a piece of nicely seared salmon in honey and dill mustard sauce. Crunch from thinly sliced cucumber went well with the delicate tones of the fish. The next course is the Beef Burger which is sandwiched between a well textured bun. The chef had it served on a wooden board. On one side is a generous pile of house-made French fries that are amazingly light and crisp. The taste of the well-rounded burger balanced well with the caramelized onions, pineapple and rosemary salsa. For people who enjoy meatball, the dish of Swedish Meatballs served with buttery creamed potato may just be the choice. The meatballs are well spiced and come with brown sauce, lingonberry jam, slices of cheese and generous amount of micro cilantro which delivered distinctive fresh flavor. The meatball and creamed potato contributed hearty portion to this dish, so it’s best to share. The Bœuf Bourguignon in luscious thick sauce is served with steaming white rice. Slow-stewed for several hours in red wine with carrot, thyme and bay leaves, the beef is undeniably tender. The beetroot added nice contrast and taste to this traditional French stew which is prominently on the set lunch menu. Tuck into the Braised Beef Ribs served with mashed almond, pumpkin & potato and parsnip sauce. The aromatic flavor of the moist texture rib is heightened by the beetroot & chili salad. The Shitake Mushroom Lasagne is a lighter selection than the beef rib. Made with cheese, chopped mushroom and thin layers of filo pastry, this vegetarian lasagna is served bubbling hot with truffle sauce. Delight yourself with choice in desserts (up to six). The Chocolate Cake is a sweet treat made with dark rich chocolate. While the smooth and light Raspberry Panacota is sourish appetizing, the chocolate cake with flavorful depth of dark chocolate with just the right amount of creaminess is fast gaining popularity. If you need to take coffee, a cup of aromatic Illy is the way to go. It arrives on a wooden board edged by a piece of cookie. There is essentially two dining area: a spacious indoor area and alfresco space with warm breeze and breathtaking view of the private yacht dock.  This newly opened restaurant (in January 2013) has since attracted famous friends that included Busta Rhymes, LMFAO and Ludacris. Five27 3AG18-19 Straits Quay E&O Marina Jalan Seri Tanjung Pinang Tanjung Tokong 10470 Penang Tel: 04-8900435 Business Hours: 11am - 11pm Written by CK Lam, food blogger and editor of http://www.what2seeonline.com; featuring the Best of Penang Food. She constantly combs Penang for the best gastronomical delights besides sharing photos of Penang culture and heritage at: http://www.penang365.com/

Sungha Jung Live in Penang

Written by Administrator II

Thursday, 02 May 2013 09:29

Date: 23rd June 2013 Time: 8.30pm Venue: Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra, USM Korean guitar prodigy; Sungha Jung will be coming to Penang again this 23rd June 2013, for his biggest solo concert at Dewan Tuanku Syed Putra, Universiti Sains Malaysia. Sungha Jung is a South Korean professional acoustic finger-style guitarist who rose to fame worldwide through YouTube videos of him playing acoustic versions of songs by U2, Michael Jackson, Bon Jovi, The Eagles and Extreme. As of 2012, his videos had gotten a total of over 420 million hits. As a child, he watched his father play the guitar and eventually picked it up at the age of nine. His talent was noticed when he would watch videos online and be able to play the music within a short time and without the original tabs. In 2011, Sungha has performed in the US with Trace Bundy as well as toured Scandinavia and Japan. To know more about Sungha Jung, visit http://www.sunghajung.com/ or watch his videos on YouTube:http://www.youtube.com/user/jwcfree?feature=watch. For more information or ticket purchase, please call Ticket Hotline 03-92228811 or visit www.ticketcharge.com.my

Penang Dance Day

Written by Administrator II

Thursday, 02 May 2013 09:25

Date:                12th May 2013 (Sunday) Venue:      penangpac, Straits Quay Time:                   10.00 am – 7.00 pm On the 29th of April, as every year since 1982, World Dance Day will be celebrated all over the world by the international community of dancers and dance enthusiasts. The day is initiated and celebrated through promotion by the International Dance Council CID, UNESCO in Paris as well as the Dance Committee of the ITI (International Theater Institute). The goals are to increase awareness of the importance of dance and attract the attention of the wider public, to the art of dance, as well as to persuade governments all over the world to provide a proper place for dance in all systems of education. Emphasis is also given to addressing a “new” public, people who do not follow dance events during the course of the year. The intention is to celebrate Dance, to revel in the universality of this art form, to cross all political, cultural and ethnic barriers and bring people together with a common language – Dance. PEARL (Penang Arts Link) is a network of independent individuals and groups of Penang dance makers in Penang, coming together to organize and celebrate International Dance Day in April each year. This year, it will be celebrated on Sunday, May 12.  Workshops will be held from 10.00 am - 5.30 pm. Participants will be invited to participate in different forms of dance training conducted by Dance teachers and choreographers from Let’s Dance, Zero Fitness Dance Center, Dance Factory Art Academy, I-Media Education, A&T Dance Academy, Yogeswara Yoga, Tian Lo Natural Healing Center, penangPAC, Adikarma, Temple of Fine Arts and dance personalities such as Aida Redza, Nancy Ng and more in technique such as contemporary dance, zumba, creative/expressive dance, hip hop, street dance, new dance and bollywood at Performing Arts Centre Penang. For more information on Penang Dance Day 2013 check out the event on http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.403009637928.170658.209521997928&type=3

Befrienders’ Penang Cycle Walk

Written by Administrator II

Thursday, 02 May 2013 09:18

Date: 19th May 2013 Time: 7.00am -1.00pm Venue: Jalan Padang Kota Lama Befrienders Penang seeing the need to create public awareness on Suicide Prevention, will be organizing a Cycle & Walk event with the theme “We Care…… We Listen” on 19th May 2013.Befrienders Penang is reaching out to the generosity of the public and private sectors to raise funds through this event, the objectives of which are to create greater public awareness, and to sustain and enhance its services. For RM50, participants will also get a goodies bag that comes with a "Befrienders" Stress Ball, a towel and Jersey. Participants will also get a chance to participate in a lucky draw with a grand prize 4 Day cruise to Phuket on Star Cruises. Celebrities such as Miau Miau , Teh Winli and Jason Teh (Astro Hua Hee Lai Kara Champion and No.3) will also be making an appearance for the event. For more information on the event please visit http://howei.com/event/befcyclewalk or call 017- 9599886.

Youth Creative- Short Film Contest

Written by Administrator II

Thursday, 02 May 2013 09:12

Closing Date: 14th June 2013 Youth Creative is back again this year with the theme “Public Service Awareness” Winner of this competition will take home a cash prize of RM34,000 and a chance to be selected as Penang State Government's official Public Service Announcement film. Participants are required to make a short film based on PSA and the content must creative and meaningful. The short film should deliver a healthy message which increases public awareness and encourages positive thinking. All entries can be up to a maximum of five (5) minutes in length, excluding credits. Minimum running time of three (3) minutes is required. All online submissions must be no larger than 40 MB of file size; AND All offline submissions (DVD) MUST in best quality, no size limit required. Only MP4 format is accepted. Competition details can be found on their website http://www.youthcreative.com.my. Submit your piece by June 14 for both categories of Open (below 40 years old) and Student (for those between 15 and 25 years old).

The Growing Sophistication of Penang Palates

Written by Administrator II

Thursday, 02 May 2013 09:08

Article and Photos by HELEN ONG Penang is growing not just in the number of condominium blocks shooting up all over the state but also by population: a large number of people are choosing to come and live here because of everything we have to offer. This is evident in the much bigger choice that we now have in food and beverage, particularly wines to cater for an increasingly sophisticated palate which is seeking finer, more elegant tipples. In fact, according to Sunny Teh, Assistant Sales Manager of Giant Estates Sdn Bhd’s The Wine Shop in town, the pendulum is now swinging back, and there is an emerging preference for fine old world wines, with French labels leading the way. For the first time, a wine appreciation event organised by French wine merchants Barriere Freres in conjunction with their local representative The Wine Shop was held here on 30 April at the E&O Hotel’s brand new Victory Annex. ‘Bordeaux Rendezvous’ 2013 was designed to promote French wines in Asia, and showcased some prestigious labels from the Bordeaux region in south-western France. With some ten thousand chateaux, this wine region is the largest vineyard in France and indeed the world, according to Celine Villars-Foubet, proprietor of Chateau de Camensac in the Haut Medoc Appellation. The afternoon started with a Master Class of 2010 vintages conducted by the 23 representatives who were on a whistle-stop tour in Penang after similar events in Singapore and Bangkok. They were on their way to Indonesia the next day.  The class was followed by a Wine Dinner in the hotel’s splendid new fifth floor ballroom. The food, served buffet-style, was designed by Executive ChefPetr Feherspecially to go with the more complex and rounded Appellation Controlee wines and included a tasty but not too spicy Beef Rendang and Prawns with Glass Noodles. “This is the most important wine event not only in Malaysia but South East Asia,” claimed Laurent Ehrmann, Managing Director of Maison Barriere in his welcoming speech to the 140+ guests present, mostly wine connoisseurs who were both private collectors and trade professionals.   26 2002/2003 vintages were available for tasting that evening, from younger, fruitier Clos Fourtet from St Emillion to the Chateau Leoville Poyferre, St Julien which retails for RM1010.00 per bottle. Dessert wines included some sweet sauternes.  “It was a very successful evening,” said Teh. “All the principles were very happy, and some even commented that they felt the event had gone better than in Singapore!” Bordeaux wines will be available for purchase at The Wine Shop, or alternatively to consume at their cosy Wine Bar next door. The Wine Shop, 15 Lintang Burmah, 10250, Pulau Pinang Tel: +604 226 0331.

Chithirai Pournami Celebration 2013

Written by Administrator II

Thursday, 25 April 2013 06:43

Venue : Sri Balathandayuthabani Hilltop Temple, Waterfall Road Penang Details : Apr 24th, 6.00pm : Lord Murugan will be carried on chariot from Queen Street Mahamariamman temple to the Sri Balathandayuthabani Hilltop Temple Apr 25th, 6.00am to 11.00pm : Devotees will carry milk pot & kavadi to pay their vows to Lord Murugan at the Waterfall Hilltop Temple Apr 26th, 6.00pm : Lord Murugan will be carried on chariot back to Queen Street Sri Mahamariamman temple. The Chitrapournami Festival is the  1st Full Moon of Tamil Calendar), also known as Mini-Thaipusam celebration in Penang. It will be celebrated at the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple (Hill Top), Waterfall Road, Penang from 24th April to 26th April 2011. Chitra Pournami is observed on the full moon day in the month of Chithirai or chaitra corresponding to the English months of April-May, when the asterism Chitra(virginis) holds sway. It is a festival observed to propitiate Chitragupta the chief accountant of Yama, who is believed to record the commissions and omissions by men in order to punish or reward them after their death. In the evening of Wednesday, Lord Balathadayuthapani will leave Arumigu Maha Mariamman Temple at Queen Street on a chariot at 6:00p.m and proceed to the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple (Hill Top) at Waterfall Road. On Thursday morning, it is expected that the devotees will flood the Arulmigu Balathandayuthapani Temple (Hill Top) to fulfill their vows after the morning poojai. The praying ceremony will continue for the day until late evening when Lord Balathadayuthapani will be taken on a procession around the temple premises starting 8:00p.m. On the next day, Lord Balathadayuthapani will leave the Hill Top Temple for the return journey to Arumigu Maha Mariamman Temple at Queen Street starting 6p.m. The Chariot is expected to arrive at the Arumigu Maha Mariamman Temple at about 6:30a.m on Saturday.

Vogue For Virtue 2013 Charity Fashion Show

Written by Administrator II

Thursday, 25 April 2013 06:40

Date: 27 April 2013 Time: 7.00pm Venue: GF-Centre Zone, Main Stage Back for the fifth year running, Queensbay Mall’s Vogue For Virtue 2013 aims to continue making charity fashionable with the highlight being the Charity Fashion Show With Celebrities happening on the evening of 27 April 2013. In essence, Vogue for Virtue is a signature Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) programme to help the less fortunate children, where proceeds from CapitaMalls Asia (CMA) will be channeled to the selected charitable organisations. Over the years, Queensbay Mall Vogue For Virtue has gained much confidence and support from our fashion retailers and also our top home-grown inspiring celebrities. While many returned to join us in this event year after year to support the good cause, new faces will be introduced this year to take over the runway on the Charity Fashion Show With Celebrities and be role models to all the aspiring fashion models. It will be a night to remember with Serena C as the host of the evening, and guests will also be entertained by a classy jazz performance from Atilia. Meanwhile, celebrities Carmen Soo, Daphne Iking, Debbie Goh, Elaine Daly, Hansen Lee, Nadia Heng, Sazzy Falak and Wilson Tan will be in the limelight and strut down the runway with premium fashion brands including G2000, Esprit and French Connection as well as Springfield and UNIQLO, which are exclusively available in Queensbay Mall within the Northern Region of Malaysia. This year, we are honoured to partner XTREME Hair Specialist, INGLOT, ROSCANI and Velvet Productions who contribute greatly to the success of this event. In line with CMA’s CSR commitment to building a better future for underprivileged children, a total of RM20,000 will be donated equally to four charitable organisations – National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM), Joblink Centre, Penang Down Syndrome Association and Pertubuhan Rumah Kebajikan Seri Cahaya. Through these contributions, we aim to create awareness and offer financial assistance to support the development programmes of charitable organisations that provide shelter, education and healthcare to underprivileged children with multi disabilities (Physical Disabilities, Down Syndrome, Cerebral Palsy, Autism and Intellectually Disabled) or from dysfunctional families. CMA believes that helping underprivileged children at an earlier stage of development will have a multiplier effect on the beneficiaries’ families and the community, enabling social mobility in the future. The cheque presentation will be held during the Charity Fashion Show With Celebrities. Call 04-6198989 for more details or follow us on www.facebook.com/queensbaymall