A decade ago, Penang-born Tiffany Choong began sketching daily in her art journal, as part of her Happiness Project.
The self-taught artist discovered the joys of sketching through her global travels, which in turn it is said, gives her “a sense of purpose that fuels her soul.”
Just in time for Christmas, Tiffany presents EVERYDAY PENANGThe Art of Joy.
She delivers playful pen and ink sketches, having drawn inspiration from simple objects she takes in daily.
Each sketch takes the reader not only into the “inner Penang” through the eyes of the artist, but is also paired with little pick-me-up quotes and words of wisdom along the way.
The visual treats found on every page of the compact book, is one which will spark joy with Penang residents and Penangites-at-heart, thanks to boutique publisher Clarity Publishing, who has connected Tiffany’s hometown and heritage with themes of love, loss and identity, including traditions and rituals.
As we wind up 2023 with an attitude of gratitude, the book serves as a gentle and colourful reminder to ourselves that “the simple joys of life will always shine through, if we let them.”
Rest in peace, a phrase from the Latin requiescat in pace, is sometimes used in traditional Christian services and prayers, such as in the Catholic, Lutheran, Anglican, and Methodist denominations to wish the soul of a decedent eternal rest and peace (Wikipedia)
Around the world on Nov 2, Christians observe All Souls’ Day, also known as the Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed and the Day of the Dead.
This is a dedicated day of prayer and remembrance for the souls of those who have died.
A wreath at the Kelawai Road Catholic Cemetery in Penang to commemorate All Souls’ Day
If there is one thing which sets the Kelawai Road Catholic Cemetery in Penang on All Souls’ Day apart from others, it is the care and love displayed to honour and remember their dead.
Saying it with flowers
Step into this private cemetery owned and managed by the Church of the Immaculate Conception Penang, and the level of order, cleanliness and dignity accorded to the dead stand out.
Not a single grave or columbarium nicheis forgotten or overlooked, especially on All Souls’ Day.
On normal days, a smiling Hafiz tends to the grounds with well-clipped lawns and tidy paths.
Rev Fr Simon Labrooy and Hafiz
Thanks also to a band of selfless and amazing parishioners, flowers and candles are arranged for placement to honour the dead ahead of Nov 2.
Rest in peace & glory Parish priest Monsignor Jude Miranda blesses the flower-filled and candlelit columbarium nichesA lot of hard work goes behind the scenes in preparing bunches of flowers for the graves & nichesFlowers for the dearly departedFresh flowers and tea lights adorn the niche of a beloved parent & husband
There were many emotional moments today at the cemetery when loved ones were welcomed to a sea of flowers and flickering tea lights at the final resting place of their family members and friends.
The gentle recitation of the rosary as the blessing was under way, lent comfort and a sense of peace to the living.
We each are aware that our days on earth come with an expiration date. But isnt it nice to know that even in death, we will never walk alone in some communities?
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve moved back to Batu Ferringhi and are now operating at our cozy new stall at No 3A-3G, Jalan Sungai Emas, Batu Ferringhi. You’ll find us conveniently located along Jalan Sungai Emas, right across from a car wash station.
In addition to our famous Hainanese Spring Rolls, we’re now serving up delectable Hainanese Chicken Chop! Our operating hours are 11:00 AM – 7:30 PM.
Come on over for our exciting new offerings and the same great traditional Hainanese taste! We can’t wait to see you soon! Team Hainan Treasures)
They survived the pandemic by cooking their famous Hainanese Spring Rolls (also known as Choon Pneah) and delivering these golden bites to loyal customers at designated spots.
Since 2002, Wilson Lim and his mother have worked tirelessly at a food court located along the Batu Ferringhi tourism belt, and had successfully introduced this Hainanese snack to both tourists and locals.
Their relocation into George Town recently has spelt easier access to their faithful (and hopefully, new) followers.
Nagore Square
Wilson and Joe are now operating from a cosy spot in Nagore Square and are there daily from 4pm-10pm (except on Wednesdays) and serve the rolls pipping hot with their signature dipping sauce.
Lest you get confused if you go to Batu Ferringhi and meet their clone there, here’s Joe with a friendly message …
We used to chase headlines and bylines up till two decades ago. Esah as she is fondly known (by me) had a great nose for news and could be counted on to deliver updates in a timely and accurate manner, as befitting scribes at our national news agency, Bernama.
Today, she presents something else altogether to her audience. This home cook and excellent baker has proven her worth over many festive open houses we have been invited to.
She seems to have come full circle and operates a stall at the very spot we journalists used to hang out for breakfasts and countless cups of teh-tarik and kueh at teatime!
Next time you are in Pulau Tikus, swing by Jones Road (off Kelawei or Burma roads) before 2pm from Monday to Friday (except on public holidays).
P.S Her made-to-order rendangs and frozen curry puffs (which can be air fried) have received the thumbs up and even been on road trips to neighbouring states in their frozen form.
Save the dates from July 15-30 for yet another edition of the George Town Festival (GTF).
‘Celebrating the Power and Possibilities of the Arts in the City’ is the theme adopted for this 14th edition of what continues to be a promised spectacular celebration of art, culture, and heritage for all to experience.
The festival presents a myriad of outstanding artistic works by Malaysian and international artists, (including those from Penang) featuring productions across varied art forms ranging from traditional, contemporary, experimental, and multidisciplinary.
“This makes George Town Festival 2023 the most exciting iteration in recent years, bridging tangible and intangible heritage through continued global artistic partnership and exchange,” its organisers said in a statement.
GTF was first mooted in 2010 to honour George Town’s inscription as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2008.
Over a decade later, the festival continues to elevate the visibility of the city’s heritage while creating spaces and platforms for increased cultural engagement through the arts.
“Since its inaugural edition, GTF has become a hallmark event in Malaysia and remains an avenue for creatives, festival-goers and stakeholders to engage with the arts and one another, spurring discussions, bilateral relations, and increased collaborations through and for the arts,” say it’s organisers.
Currently in its 14th edition, GTF 2023 features over 50 programmes with free access to 70% of its shows and events.
They will be spread across 20 over locations in George Town and the wider Penang area.
To further stimulate global artistic partnerships, GTF 2023 will facilitate performances and events between artists from East and West Malaysia and creative exchange with Taiwan and Australia.
This year, the festival is partnering with the Australian High Commission as a channel to honour the 50th-anniversary celebration of George Town and Adelaide as sister cities.
A highlight of this is ‘The Senses’ which will present a sensory and immersive musical experience within the naturescapes of Penang Hill’s 130-million-year-old rainforest.
In its effort to deepen awareness and appreciation of traditional art forms, GTF 2023 also includes several ethnic-traditional cultural performances to help elevate the visibility of intangible heritage in Penang and beyond.
Highlights in the programme are Panggung Semar, bhumiMATA, and The Monkey King Adventures: Love of Onibaba.
George Town Festival 2023 is a project by George Town World Heritage Incorporated (GTWHI), organised by TLM Event, and endorsed by the Penang State Government and the Penang State EXCO for Tourism and Creative Economy.
It is fully supported by the City Council of Penang Island and Penang Global Tourism.
They are usually up at the crack of dawn to prepare the batter of rice flour, eggs and sugar for their ‘apom manis’, which is known to locals as apam, apom lenggang and local crepes or pancakes.
Ravi (above) and his wife Devi (below) greet all customers with warm smiles and have no problems with remembering orders or the sequence they are placed.
Bone and I had a lovely time today watching them deftly prepare our special order and place them expertly in plastic containers with their signature banana leaf for styling purposes.
The humble push cart located outside the New Cathay coffee shop in Pulau Tikus, George Town is frequented by locals and tourists from 7.30am till around 11am from Mondays till Saturdays. Takeaways have and continue to be enjoyed by local and foreign royalty, and other dignitaries.
A pack of 5 apom manis is priced at RM4 and no accompaniments are needed as they melt in your mouth. A “premium” or more “atas” version is also available with an egg on top.
Thank you Devi and Ravi for opening earlier than your usual operating hours today, just so that our special visitors to Penang could enjoy your delicious apom manis for breakfast🙏🏼
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