Buffet Dinner: Copthorne Hotel - Tanjung Bungah, Penang

I have received an update from the Copthorne Hotel in respect of their excellent Chinese Buffet which is available every Friday between 7pm and 10pm.  There is now an improved menu and, at a cost of just RM 38, I will certainly look forward to trying the new range of dishes on offer.

Festival: Georgetown Festival - Penang (7 June - 7 July 2013)

Penang's popular month-long George Town Festival (GTF) returns in 2013 from 7 June to 7 July. GTF is a contemporary arts festival celebrating art, music, theatre, dance, opera and film and this year the GTF secretariat received over 200 proposals from artistes from around the world including, of course, Malaysia.  GTF draws in more than 150,000 visitors from the region, and is widely covered in international, regional and local media. It was inaugurated and initiated by the State Government of Penang in 2010 to commemorate George Town’s inscription on the UNESCO World Heritage listing on 7 July, 2008.  'Pick of Penang' hopes to capture some, if not all, of the highlights from GTF 2013.

This year’s programming is led by the keywords ‘community’, ‘interaction’, and ‘spaces’, says festival director Joe Sidek. He elaborates: “As in previous years, we hope to present the best of art and cultural productions here in Penang. We are truly humbled by the expectations expressed of us and we are taking this as a sign of confidence that George Town is well poised to be a vibrant and diverse cultural centre in Malaysia and in the region."

There are five extremely public and accessible highlights: the opening ceremony and kite festival Taking Off, the all-new trail of art and greenery Secret Gardens of Earthly Delights, the specially commissioned contemporary dance performance Bridges & Kaki Lima, the three-day community celebrations, Heritage Celebrations, Intriguing Instruments under the Victoria Street Project, and the talk and exhibition series Arus Melayu.

Two exciting events have chosen to make their debut at GTF2013: Roughcut, the film symposium by Tropfest South East Asia, and the photography festival Obscura Festival. Tickets for the three top tier productions will be made available soon. Early bird tickets, students rates, and senior citizen prices for Sutra, I Musici and Pro Musica. Equally exciting and prestigious is the art exhibition from seven of the top regional artists presented by Valentine Willie.

GTF2013 HIGHLIGHTS

SUTRA
Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui/Sadler’s Wells London
Date: 29 & 30 June
Time: 8.30pm
Venue: Dewan Sri Pinang
Admission: RM60, RM80, RM100 (Students RM20, Seniors 50% off)

Celebrated Flemish/Moroccan choreographer Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui presents a brand new dance work, SUTRA, inspired by the skill, strength and spirituality of Buddhist Shaolin monks. He has collaborated closely with Turner Prize-winning artist Antony Gormley, who has created a design consisting of 21 wooden boxes which are repositioned to create a striking, ever changing on-stage environment.

Featuring 17 monks directly from the original Shaolin Temple in China, the piece also includes a beautiful brand new score for piano, percussion and strings by Polish composer Szymon Brzóska which is played live.

I MUSICI
Italian Chamber Music Orchestra
Date: 7 June
Time: 8.30pm
Venue: Dewan Sri Pinang
Admission: RM60, RM80, RM100 (Students RM20, Seniors 50% off)

The renowned Italian chamber music group I Musici presents classical excerpts from some of Italy’s famous composers through several eras, as well as a contemplative interpretation of Antonio Vivaldi’s Four Seasons.

I Musici is the oldest chamber group in Italy, and based on reviews, their performance here in Penang promises to be an emotional and majestic aural experience. This live performance will be truly memorable as even the ensemble’s recorded CDs have been awarded prizes by specialised juries; their production of Four Seasons by Vivaldi sold more than 25 million copies!

ART@WHITEAWAYS
Valentine Willie presents 7 artists
Date: 7 June - 7 July
Time: 10.00am - 6.00pm
Venue: Whiteaways Arcade
Admission: Free

Top contemporary art collector, gallerist and curator Valentine Willie presents works by Ahmad Zakii Anwar, Jalaini Abu Hassan, Cho
ng Siew Ying, Kow Leong Kiang, Rebecca Wilkinson and Chan Kok Hooi from Malaysia, and Agus Baqul Purnomo from Indonesia.

Visit here for more information.

BRIDGES & KAKI LIMA
GTF2013 Commissioned Dance Project
Date: 29 June
Time: 6.15pm

Venue: Victoria Street, starting from Lorong Lumut
Admission: Free

This contemporary dance journey revitalises the tradition of street performances in the city, mapping the energy, behaviour and playfulness of George Town. This choreography is devised to celebrate cultural commonalities and to draw bridges across differences between our neighbouring countries, Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore.

Streets and five-foot ways (‘kaki lima’) will be used as performance stages in this delightful journey of dance, play and memory. Kaki Lima is presented by Ombak-Ombak ARTStudio and PEARL (Penang Arts Link), choreographed by Aida Redza (Malaysia) and Jefri Andi Usman (Indonesia) and features dancers from NAFA Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts Singapore and Ombak Dancers Penang.

Bridges & Kaki Lima will be performed during the Victoria Street Project, a one-day event along the stretch of Victoria Street in George Town, Penang.


PRO MUSICA GALA CONCERT
Date: 6 July
Time: 8.30pm
Venue: Dewan Sri Pinang
Admission: RM40, RM60, RM80 (Students RM20, Seniors 50% off)

Pro Musica returns in our programming this year with four outstanding international opera singers: Julie Mossay (soprano), Ines Madeira (mezzo soprano), Enrico Casari (tenor) and Laurant Kubla (bass/baritone) with a repertoire by Handel, Mozart, Bellini, Donizetti, Bizet, Delibes and Rossini.


OBSCURA
Photography Festival
Date: 21-30 June
Venue: Various locations

This inaugural photography festival aims to engage and exhibit photography works by both professionals and amateurs through a series of public exhibitions, talks and forums, workshops and portfolio reviews.

Participating photographers include Texas-born Maggie Steber (who worked with the Smithsonian and National Geographic), Ian Teh from London (Time and Newsweek) and Che Ahmad Azhar (‘Chemat’) from Multimedia University, Malaysia.

The full schedule of events can be found here.

ROUGHCUT
Film Symposium
Date: 28 June
Venue: PenangPAC, Straits Quay

'Roughcut' features regional filmmaking talent in Tropfest South East Asia’s first public activity in Penang. Tropfest SEA, part of the world’s largest film festival, present this film symposium together with a series conversations focused specifically on the craft and production of storytelling. This full-day event aims to cultivate outstanding storytelling on-screen and cultivate dynamic and creative filmmakers.


SECRET GARDENS OF EARTHLY DELIGHTS
Date: 7 June - 7 July
Venue: Various locations
Admission Free

As an expansion to Mirrors George Town by Ernest Zacharevic (GTF2012), Secret Gardens of Earthly Delights continues to capture the spirit and living heritage known to Penang and George Town. Unique gardens are created in selected sites around George Town to form a public trail. Gardeners, landscape artists and installation artists were invited and selected to contribute their artistic skills towards improving the city’s landscape. The project launches on June 7.


TAKING OFF
Opening Ceremony
Date: 8 June
Venue: Esplanade field

Catch the master kiters with their beautiful kites at our opening ceremony, featuring representatives from ASEAN Kite Council, a rousing percussion group, a fiesta of events and activities from our NGO and community friends. Free kites will be distributed. The event’s main highlight happens in the evening, so hang around.



ARUS MELAYU
Forum, Dialogue & Music Gala
Date: 15 & 16 June
Venue: Town Hall
Admission: Free (Talks - upon registration)


Arus Melayu explores the complexity and diversity of the word and notion of ‘Melayu’ in the presentation of artefacts, ideas, perspectives and theories on genealogy, language and literature, design, motifs and architecture. The highlight of the event, which includes exhibition and music from Penang and the Malay diaspora, is a full-day talk featuring an exchange of ideas and perspectives by some of the top thinkers and experts on the evolution of Malay literature and language, genealogy, diaspora, trade and commerce, and the exchange of culture. Confirmed speakers are Dr Shaharir Mohamad Zain, Dr Muhammad Haji Salleh, Dain Said, and Eddin Khoo.


HERITAGE CELEBRATIONS
UNESCO World Heritage Site Anniversary Celebration
Date: 5 - 7 July
Venue: Various locations

A 3-day long celebration commemorating the inscription of George Town as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008! It is a celebration of the living heritage of George Town, demonstrated through traditional and multicultural arts and practices, food, craft, and events that highlight historical and cultural pride. This year’s Heritage Celebrations will take place on July 5, 6 and 7.

An online event booklet can be accessed here.

Event: Foam Party - Hard Rock Hotel (18 May)

The Hard Rock Hotel in Batu Ferringhi will once again be hosting one of its very popular Foam Parties on Saturday 18 May.  Kicking of at 6pm the event will run through until 11pm and promises several hours of fun, great music featuring Kevin and Isabelle from 'Traxx FM'.  Tickets are priced at just RM 30 each.  I hope to be able to get to this event and will post a more complete article after the party.

Dining: Hotel Penaga - Jalan Hutton, Georgetown, Penang

I've recently been notified of some dining options at the Hotel Penaga in Georgetown, notably a hi-tea (every Saturday - noon until 3pm) and a BBQ dinner, again, every Saturday (7pm to 11pm).  Currently there is an offer on with both of these dining options - 'Buy 4 / Pay for 3'.

• Hi Tea @ MYR38.00++ per person x 4 persons = (MYR152.00++ - MYR38.00++) = MYR114.00++ total payment

• BBQ Buffet Dinner @ MYR60.00++ per person x 4 persons = (MYR240.00++ - MYR60.00++) = MYR180.00++ total payment

I've always liked the look of this heritage hotel but as yet have not had the time to visit.  Where does the time go?  I do plan to visit as soon as possible though and will publish a review of the establishment and dining once I do.

Photo Printing and Framing: Georgetown, Penang

On a number of occasions recently I have had to have photographs printed and framed in Penang, in one case, at very short notice.  Having survived the first bout of panic when I needed to get those pictures framed at VERY short notice indeed (like.....hours!), I thought it might be useful to post the details of the places I used to avert crisis!

Printing of pictures of around the 6" x 4" size, smaller, or even slightly larger, can often be done with little difficulty at many of the print shops around Penang.  Start looking at A4 size and above however and the options to get them done, let alone get them done quickly (with many of the less well equipped print shops quoting 3-4 days turn-around), diminish rapidly.  So, starting with the printing.........


I needed to get two pictures printed at 16" x 11" 'there and then' & was lucky to find 'Merlin Colour Photo' at 444, Penang Road (almost opposite 'Click n Snap Photography' in the Komtar complex) who were able to oblige.  Their machines are of good quality and they are able to preview and size images prior to printing on either glossy or matte paper.  For instant printing the colour reproduction is reasonable and the cost of around RM 20 per print (at the size I needed) is pretty good.  Merlin can be contacted on +60 4 228 9715.


If I was in search of very high quality prints I would like speak to Cynthia Leong at Hike Enterprise (364 Penang Road - further up away from Komtar than Merlin) who use very high quality printers in KL and can normally turn images round in a few working days.  Worth it IMHO if image and colour quality are of the utmost importance.  In fact I have switched to using Hike for most of my photography needs now as their service and prices are very good (article to follow).  Hike can be contacted on +60 4 229 3710 / 228 3710.


As for framing, I'm indebted to my chum Stephen Sovie (who runs the very useful 'Retired in Malaysia' blog) for pointing me towards 'Pearl' framing which is situated at 168, Chulia Street, Georgetown.  They have very fast and efficient service with a wide range of frames to choose from which can be custom cut and glazed (standard or non-reflective) or not.  Many frames can be done the same day (mine were prepared in just a couple of hours) but obviously this is perhaps not the most desirable option, particularly if you have more than one or two pictures and / or where the frames are more ornate.  Costs are very reasonable indeed, I paid just RM 86 for two 16" x 11" frames and two A4 size frames, including the glazing!  Pearl can be contacted on: +60 12 421 6268.  They can also be contacted by email.

So there we have it, three good shops for the address book should you have a need for printing and / or framing, or indeed, in the case of 'Hike', for photographic equipment.

Hair Salon: Sun Young Studio - 98 G-2 Prima Tanjung, Tanjung Tokong

Penang has numerous hair salons, some better than others, and despite finding one or two that I was quite happy with it took me some time to find one that I am content to remain with.  About a year ago I ventured into a salon I'd not tried before, Sun Young Studio in Jalan Fettes, Tanjung Tokong.

The salon is well located in the block of shops which are to the right of the Old City Food Court access (from Jalan Fettes).  Parking is quite easy if you avoid lunch times at which time the surrounding eateries and food-court can make parking a bit difficult.  The salon is modern and well equipped and has a number of stylists able to cater for female and male clients.

Staff are very friendly and helpful and I always have the manager do my cuts.  Prices are very reasonable with a wash and cut for men costing around RM 18, the costs for women of course will vary widely based on the different types of treatments selected.  The salon is open every day except Tuesday from around 9-10 am to 7pm.  It is perhaps advisable to book if you are going at the weekend or on days close to public holidays, especially Christmas and Chinese New Year.

Event: Hennessy Artistry - SPICE, Penang (25 May 2013)

By way of an update to the earlier post, the ever popular Hennessy-Artistry returns this year with the first 'Global Art of Mixing' party slated for Penang, promising an elevated experience revolving around H-Artistry’s trademark offering: an unmatched, super-clubbing experience featuring a sensational mix of sight, sound and taste. The first of two H-Artistry events planned for 2013 will be taking over the Penang Island this 25 May, at the newly refurbished SPICE (Subterranean Penang International Convention and Exhibition Centre) formerly known as PISA (Penang International Sports Arena). 

Stepping into its sixth year running since 2008, H-Artistry will be elevating the premier super-club experience to next-level proportions this May. The event will feature a never-before-seen set up, unlike any previous H-Artistry events, with the party starting as soon as revelers step into the enclave. 

This year’s no-frills super-club experience will be bolstered by the staple Hennessy Mixing Bars, which will serve the four trailblazers of all H-Artistry events – the signature Hennessy V.S.O.P long drinks: Hennessy Apple, Hennessy Berry, Hennessy Ginger and Hennessy Soda. 

The H-Artistry stage will see a line-up of exciting local, regional and international acts, which will treat Penang revelers to a stellar mix of music styles and genres all through the night. H-Artistry will also feature two solid sets of pumping dance music, which will be administered respectively by one of Kuala Lumpur’s most promising indie/electronic acts, as well as an Australian DJ who is no stranger to stages of international dance music festivals. 

Access to H-Artistry is strictly by invite only. Party goers will be able to obtain passes from the H-Artistry Ambassadors stationed at selected entertainment outlets by participating in the ongoing Hennessy V.S.O.P bottle promotions. Every bottle of Hennessy V.S.O.P purchased will come with two (2) invites to H-Artistry, while a purchase of two (2) bottles will come with five (5) tickets. 

Participating Outlets: 

Cuvee @ Precinct 10 – Jalan Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Nueve @ Precinct 10 – Jalan Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

Soho @ Precinct 10 – Jalan Tanjung Tokong, Tanjung Tokong, Penang.

M2 @ Penang Times Square – B2, Entertainment City, Penang Times Square, 10150 Penang

SOJU ROOM @ Penang Times Square – B2, Entertainment City, 10150 Penang

ROOM @ Autocity – Juru Autocity, Jalan Perusahaan, Highway Auto-city, Perai Penang.

Invites can only be obtained from the H-Artistry Ambassadors stationed at participating outlets at specific times, so be sure to check out the full scheduling details, as well as updates on the upcoming H-Artistry event by visiting the Aristry website.

Stay tuned for further details of the artists performing at this year's Hennessy Artistry, Penang

Event: Hennessy Artistry 2013 (Penang)

Party goers will be delighted to see that the date for the Hennessy Artistry party in Penang has now been announced.  25 May 2013.  Surely a date for the diary 'Artistry' 2013 will doubtless be as good as it gets, featuring top artists, great music and of course - Hennessy!!  This year the event will be held at the SPICE Arena (formerly known as PISA) which I am sure will be a great venue.

As ever, as soon as more details are available they will be published here including information on the artists and how you might be able to obtain tickets.  You can also keep a watch on the Hennessy Page and the specific 'Artistry' link for details of the event and how you can score tickets.  Keep a watch too for promotions through Penang's top night-spots featuring ticket offers.

Roll on May 25th!!!!

NB: Further details about Artistry Penang 2013 can be found here.

Event: Amour Fashion Show - Penang

Penang recently hosted the 'Amour Fashion Show' with 6 shows in total spanning, two days.  The event was held at the '1st Avenue Mall' in Georgetown and was arranged by my good chums at Iconic Model Managament, in conjunction with First Avenue and the designers.  The event featured the top models from the Amber Chia Academy from both Penang and KL, both guys and gals, and was extremely well organised and run.

It was great to see (and shoot) a well thought out, designed and perfectly lit catwalk / runway.  In a move away from the traditional pre-selected soundtracks Iconic also once again used a local DJ, my good buddy DJ Chan who spins regularly at the ever popular Cuvee and Slippery Senoritas night clubs.  The models were billed as the best and they certainly were!!  One of the girls featured was my lovely friend Jane See.  Jane always does a great show and her superb figure is paired with a great personality.

Another friend, Sofia Yeng, also featured in the line up.

What was really great though was meeting and shooting five fantastic models that I have not shot before.  First up was Gwen Chin, based in KL......  Very graceful and elegant and with a classic beauty that makes her highly photogenic.

Another KL based girl, and one of my show favourites, Angelina Tong.  Her runway style and posing really are superb, her figure and stunning looks all adding up to a really superb model.

Briefly returning to Penang and we have another of my show favourites, Jinju Koid.  A stellar performance from Jinju as well, to such an extent it was really hard to decide which of her shots not to keep.  Grace, poise, elegance and outstandingly attractive, Jinju would look great in anything!

Back again to KL for the final two 'discoveries' who delivered 'wow' performances, again ending up as firm show favourites, starting with Vier Tan.  Very, very good reason why she was wearing the shortest dresses of the show!!  Vier shares the stunning looks and fantastic figures of her colleagues and once again, has a fantastic personality.

....and finally, Amanda Cheng, whose catwalk and posing was truly captivating.  Amanda's performance was outstanding and she really knows how to turn on the charm, appeal and make the absolute most of the outfits she models, well evidenced by the shrieks of joy from the crowd each time she graced the catwalk.

The event is best covered by pictures rather than words and links to the individual (designer) albums are here:

Esprit

BeBe Butterfly

Cotton On

Hush Puppies

A truly great event and congratulations must go the organisers for their efforts.  The professionalism and style from the models was great to see and arrangements are already in hand to shoot more of the stunning models I had not previously encountered, girls who would not be out of place at Paris, London or Milan Fashion Weeks or indeed gracing the covers of 'Vogue' or 'Mode' magazines.

All of the models can be contacted via Iconic Model Management and / or Amber Chia Academy.

Restaurant: Sky Restaurant (Char Siu) - Chulia Street, Georgetown

Sky Restaurant at Chulia Street

Quite a short post this as it's focussed on one single, but very good, kopitiam style restaurant, based in the 'Sky Hotel' in Chulia Street, Gerogetwown, at its junction with Love Lane.  It's a short post because this particular eatery is renowned for one thing, its excellent 'char siu' (often spelled 'siew'), both pork and duck.

Plates of char siu duck with pork in centre shot.

For those that are not aware 'char siu' is quite simply, roasted duck or pork which has been marinated in a mixture which often combines '5 spice' powder, soy sauce, hoisin sauce and sherry or wine, though of course each establishment will have its own unique recipe which will often be a fiercely guarded secret.  It is generally served chopped into slices with a plate of rice with an accompaniment of vegetable (maybe bok choy) along with small dishes of soy and chilli sauce.

Rightly popular, Sky Restaurant gets busy!

You can get this dish all over Penang and it is extremely popular but the reason for posting this is to highlight this particular restaurant which is quite famous here, so much so that, come after about 11am, right up until about 1-2pm and you MAY find it difficult to get a seat.

The dish makes a great lunch if you are in and around Chulia Street and, as with most restaurants of this type, a single 'main' serving will cost around RM 6.  A wide variety of soft drinks are also on offer at about RM 2.

Rainforest Bakery: Chulia St, Georgetown (Top Pick)

I'm quite a bit of a 'foodie' and seem to have switched almost entirely to Asian food since I moved here, but then I always found I switched pretty much exclusively to local food wherever I have lived. Often fresher, better and certainly cheaper.  Every now and then though I do get a craving for things not traditionally associated with Asian cuisine and one such instance is Western style bread (as opposed to the more Asian roti style).

Western style bread is widely available here in Penang but the quality of it varies, much of it sold in supermarkets being too sweet for many Western tastes, and / or not 'dense' enough, lacking in substance.  I have previously written about the bread from Penang Adventist Hospital Bakery (some of which which can also be found at Cold Storage in Island Plaza) and in particular their 'sprouted seed' loaf.  That bread is still a favourite of mine but at times I do find the slices a little on the small side. As such I was always looking for other options, additions rather than a replacement. I have to say that of all the options I have tried the Rainforest Bakery in Chulia Street, Georgetown is by far my favourite and is now pretty much my number one supplier of bread.  Rainforest is situated near the 7-Eleven in Chulia Street, close to its junction with Love Lane.

Rainforest have branches in Taman Desaria and also Taman Mutiara and their shops really bring out the feeling of a traditional bakery.  Nicely decorated and designed, the warm colours and inviting environment provide the perfect combination to linger over the dazzling array of breads, biscuits and cakes.  The Chulia St branch also has a cafe attached so you can grab a coffee while pondering which of the offerings to take home.

Wholemeal Loaf

The breads are very reasonably priced and they produce a full colour double-sided price list, very useful as the bakery even offers a free home delivery service Monday to Saturday with deliveries arriving some time after 2pm.  Orders can be 'phoned through and need to be placed before 12 noon and there is no minimum order.  One of my favourite breads is the 'traditional wholemeal loaf', priced at just RM 3.80 and which is very tasty with large sized thick slices, perfect for a nice filling sandwich or toast.  Other popular breads include 'French Farmhouse', 'Ciabatta', 'English Bloomer', 'French Baguette', 'Sour Dough', 'Croissant' and 'Rustic Onion'.  But there are many, many others, far too numerous to list them all.

Chewy Nut Trail Cookie

Rainforest also produce a wide variety of sweet breads and cakes including 'Chelsea Buns', 'Butter Cake', scones, muffins, brownies and even 'Apple Crumble'.  One of my other favourites are the 'Chewy Nut Trail Cookies', great as a mid-morning snack with a cup of tea.

The useful and informative price list

Rainforest for me is a great bakery, warranting a 'Top Pick' and the free delivery service is a real bonus as getting to and parking in Chulia Street can be a bit of a pain, as a result of which I only tend to go when I need to go for other things.  Rainforest in Penang can be contacted on: +60 4 261 4641.

IndiePG: Day 2

'Beatburns'

Somewhat delayed due to other commitments, here are a few shots from the second and final night of what we hope will be the first of many excellent IndiePG events, held at PenangPAC, Straits Quay.  The second act of the night was the very lively band 'Beatburns' who wowed the crowd with an upbeat and powerful performance that really set the scene for the evening.

Kelvyn Yeang of 'Ocean of Fire'

Another of my favourite performances was from the superb 'Ocean of Fire', featuring my good chum Kelvyn Yeang.  'Ocean' delivered some of the finest guitar music I have heard for a long time and Kelvyn's solos had the crowd mesmerised.  His skills really have to be seen and heard to be believed.

'An Honest Mistake'

'An Honest Mistake' is a fantastic KL based rock band who already have a massive following and with the show they put on it's easy to see why.  Track after track of earth shaking rock delivered with maximum energy throughout again had the crowd going wild.  The atmosphere was electric.

Nick Davis

Final act of the night was the very atmospheric sound of Nick Davis and his band who delivered an outstanding performance of electronic rock with a great light show.

Indie PG really was a superb event and I shall certainly be making a point of watching out for and going to see many of the bands I discovered here, even if it means a trip to KL.  Thanks must go to the organisers and PenangPAC for bringing this event to Penang and I hope there will be more in the future.

A larger album of pictures from the second night can be found on the 'Pick of Penang' Facebook Page here.