Join in the heritage party this July!
Celebrating its 9th year at 9 heartland malls, 2 satellite hubs and lots of other places, Singapore HeritageFest 2012 serves you a yummy spread of heritage goodies across the island. With the theme Recollect, Reflect and Reconnect, the National Heritage Board’s annual extravaganza promises lots of activities that tug at the heartstrings while bringing back fond memories of yesteryear.
Indulge your lust for a blast from the past! From batik to dance to cinemas to traditional toys to food (we’re Singaporeans after all), feast on the good old days at our heartlands. Embark on a heritage walk at Tiong Bahru, enjoy traditional Indian dance performances at Hougang Mall, learn the intricacies of Peranakan beadwork at 112 Katong, or go moist-eyed with nostalgia as legendary storyteller Lee Dai Soh shares his timeless craft.
Happening from now till 29 July, this year’s festival also features 4 heritage trails and a heritage game. From Tiong Bahru to Joo Chiat to Woodlands and Sembawang, explore your neighbourhoods and learnt cool stuff that you’ve never known before. Relive the Kallang Roar at a football game like no other.
Thanks to invitations from my colleagues, I attended the official launch of the festival last Saturday at Velocity graced by MICA Minister Dr Yaacob Ibrahim and emceed by Fly Entertainment CEO Irene Ang. Catch a glimpse of the action through photographs here:
Do you know that Irene Ang was a national fencer at the Pesta Sukan games? Don’t pray pray OK!
Minister Yaacob expounded on the importance of anchoring one’s identity and heritage amidst global uncertainties.
An energetic dance performance by these young dancers kicked off the event launch.
Chandra and Suhaimi entertained the crowd with their hilarious banter.
Even the audiences got into the act, with their version of the “Kallang Wave”.
An Eurasian dance performed by these youngsters show that heritage is for all ages.
I love the elaborate outfits and elegant dance moves performed by this young “newly wedded” Malay couple.
I’m sure you all recognise Patricia Mok, who upped the celebrity comedian quotient at the launch.
These twirling Chinese dancers were later joined by Pat Mok, who showed that she could dance!
After the launch, the VIPs toured the exhibits focused on the theme of sport.
What better way to prepare for the upcoming London Olympic Games than to find out these facts about the Olympic movement.
Jot down your favourite sporting heroes through the ages. My two personal favourites are Tan Howe Liang, Singapore’s only Olympic medalist and sprinter extraordinaire C Kunalan.
Water Polo guys always looked buff and hunky through the ages!
“When I grow up, I want to be a champion!”
For more details of the Singapore HeritageFest, check out this calendar of events. Escape from the bustle of modern day living and step back in time today!