Manila Central Post Office holds Christmas lighting ceremony, launches stamps

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The Philippine Postal Corporation (Post Office) lit up the façade of the iconic Manila Central Post Office Building with the launching of “Christmas Stamps 2022” featuring traditional Filipino Christmas scenes inspired by Christ’s Love through Unity, Faith and Prosperity.

According to Postmaster General Norman Fulgencio, the postage stamps were issued to illustrate the loving nature of Filipinos and strong faith in God such as the sharing gifts and food, lanterns lighting up the houses and families reuniting to celebrate the joy of the Christmas season.

He also led post office employees in distributing food packs to about 200 indigents around the area in Liwasang Bonifacio.

“No matter how hard it is; Filipinos will always have the heart to celebrate Christmas. After all, Jesus is the reason for the season, kaya “tayo nagdiriwang ng pasko” (that is why we celebrate Christmas). The simple act of sharing brings happiness and blessings”, he said.

Fulgencio added, “The event will also give us the opportunity to showcase the city post office's historic building, promote domestic tourism, and propagate the development of Filipino arts and culture through postage stamps”.

The Post Office has printed 40,000 copies of the four (40 different designs) of stamps at 12 pesos each. In-house graphic arts designers’ Agnes Rarangol, Ryman Dominic Albuladora , Eunice Beatrix Dabu and Israel Viyo collaborated to produce colorful and artistic cartoon-style postage stamps.

Stamps and Official First Day Covers are available, starting December 09, 2022 at the Philatelic Counter, Manila Central Post Office. For inquiries, please call 8527-01-08 or 8527-01-32 or follow/like the facebook page https://www.facebook.com/PilipinasPhilately/ for updates.

Explore and play at Hong Kong’s newest attractions

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Some things just never get old and Hong Kong is definitely the perfect example of this. The ever-changing and dynamic world city always has new sights in store for visitors and families looking for a wholesome family vacation. Hong Kong has been quite busy sprucing up its tourism offerings during the pandemic, and here are just a few of the new attractions Hong Kong has to offer:

Revel in the wonders of Castle of Magical Dreams at Hong Kong Disneyland

A favorite amongst kids and young at heart, the iconic Hong Kong Disneyland recently unveiled its newest castle – the Castle of Magical Dreams, inspired by the Disney Princesses and Queens and how these heroines pursued their dreams. Alongside this new castle is the breathtaking night-time spectacular entitled “Momentous,” where large-scale projections illuminate the castle, transforming it into an inspiring narrative featuring Disney’s beloved characters.

Filipino Hong Kong Superfan Caren White shares about her visit, “My family saw the fireworks in Disneyland last month and it was beautiful. We loved how they synchronized the music and the water fountains.”

Hop onto Exhilarating Escapades at The Peak

To fully appreciate Hong Kong’s iconic skyline, take a trip on the recently upgraded Peak Tram – the ultimate experience to get that Insta-worthy views of skyscraper-flanked Victoria Harbor, Kowloon peninsula, and green mountain peaks. The Peak Tower is also home to Madame Tussauds, Peak Galleria, and Monopoly Dreams - the first Monopoly-themed attraction in the world, sure to bring fun for every family member. Filipino Hong Kong Superfan Richard Juan regards The Peak as “one of the most iconic places in HK as you can see the Harbor at its most majestic angle!”.

Dip and Splash at Water World Ocean Park

After four years in the making, Ocean Park’s Water World finally opened to the public late last year. Water World is Asia’s only year-round, all-weather water park, nestled between rolling hills and magnificent views of the South China Sea. Families can enjoy over 27 different attractions at the park, including a trio of thrilling body slides that can take you through 58-meter-long loops, daredevil free falls, and see-through slides to test your courage

 
Experience Oodles of Fun and Flavors at the Nissin Cup Noodle Museum

Noodle lovers are sure to enjoy this fun-filled Nissin Cup Noodle Museum over at Tsim Sha Tsui. This interactive space features multiple exhibitions highlighting the classic and all-time favorite Nissin Cup Noodles. The museum also offers visitors a chance to make their own version at the My CUPNOODLES Factory – where guests can choose their ingredients, and even design their own packaging.

Jump into the Biggest Box of Bricks Ever at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

The largest indoor LEGO playground in Hong Kong is home to 10 LEGO-themed play areas ranging from Kingdom Quest to LEGO friends and many more. This 30,000-square-foot playground boasts 1.5 million LEGO brick creations that feature Hong Kong’s iconic landmarks like Star Ferry and Central Pier! Families can also feast their eyes on their favorite film characters in 4D and build epic LEGO creations alongside master builders – all under one roof.

Learn through play at the Newly Opened Kiztopia

Singapore’s award-winning indoor “edutainment” theme park opened its first overseas flagship in Hong Kong this September. The award-winning 12,000 square feet mega playroom features eight original cartoon characters who will guide kids through the 15 major play zones where they can learn arts and crafts, speech and drama, roleplay, and many more!

A wholesome and exciting adventure awaits on your next visit to Hong Kong! Whether a first-time visitor or a returning one, experience Hong Kong and all its new delights through these fresh and fun attractions. Learn more about what Hong Kong has to offer here.

Come explore and play at Singapore Art Week 2023!

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Singapore's premier visual arts season presents over 130 events across the island this January.

Created by the city, for the city.

Helmed by the National Arts Council (NAC), Singapore Art Week (SAW) returns to kickstart the new year with its 11th edition from 6 to 15 January 2023, drawing local and international art enthusiasts, collectors and the curious to congregate at Singapore’s premier visual arts season.

An annual pinnacle event in Asia’s visual arts calendar, SAW 2023 will see over 700 artists and curators from Singapore and around the world come together to present more than 130 programmes and exhibitions. Over the past decade, SAW has showcased the best of Singapore’s visual arts community - representing its diversity, vibrancy and growth. 

From leading art fairs, experiential programmes, exhibitions, tours, talks, to lifestyle activations, the wide range of arts offerings across the island in the upcoming edition provides access to the arts, connecting it to the wider society.

Driving growth for Singapore’s visual arts ecosystem SAW continues to be a key platform for the visual arts scene and a catalyst for discovery where artists and visitors alike are inspired and engaged to create, collaborate and connect through Singapore’s visual arts as we work with the arts community and our partners in both the public and private sector.

This edition serves as a nexus for creative collaborations where artists can expand new forms of art even beyond their usual practice, providing a platform for them to build capabilities and strengthen cross-sector collaborations such as Art x Design and Art x Tech.

With its continued focus on thought leadership, SAW 2023 will also present a consolidation of panels and talks featuring invited artists and experts to share insights and experiences on pertinent topics on art today.

Mr Low Eng Teong, Deputy Chief Executive (Sector Development) at NAC, said, “SAW continues to be a key platform for us to further grow our visual arts ecosystem. As we embark on the next phase of our journey through Our SG Arts Plan (2023 - 2027), SAW represents NAC’s efforts to build a connected society for Singaporeans through accessible arts initiatives, and our hope to establish our nation as a distinctive city that inspires and creates new opportunities for our creative sector, strengthening Singapore’s creative economy.”

Enhancing Singapore as a global destination for the arts

Bringing together players from the Singapore and international visual arts ecology, this edition will also see two significant art fairs taking place – homegrown art platform S.E.A. Focus, as well as the inaugural edition of ART SG.

With the return of the Singapore Pavilion from the 59th International Art Exhibition of La Biennale di Venezia, and the ongoing Singapore Biennale, SAW 2023 exemplifies the strength and unity of Singapore’s visual artscommunity in creating a distinctive city for the arts. Said Ms Emi Eu, Project Director of S.E.A. Focus and Executive Director of STPI - Creative Workshop & Gallery, “As a pioneering art platform that brings the artistic talents of Southeast Asia together to be showcased to an international audience, S.E.A. Focus plays an important role in placing Singapore in the global spotlight as a dynamic art market player from Asia. For five years running as the anchor event of SAW, we have been working closely with NAC and our private stakeholders to expand our capabilities and influence with each edition, propelling the visual arts scene of Singapore and across the region.”

Ms Lim Shoo Ling, Director, Arts and Cultural Precincts, Singapore Tourism Board (STB), added, “SAW invites both local and international visitors to experience first-hand the best of Singapore’s visual arts through a variety of innovative and immersive experiences. The strong line up of events under SAW, including the inaugural edition of ART SG, is a show of confidence in Singapore as a regional arts hub, and strengthens our position as a leading arts and culture destination. STB will continue to work with our partners to curate and deliver innovative and exciting arts events and experiences that appeal to different interests and passions.”

Playful interactions in our city state

SAW 2023 is set to take over the island with playful interventions that transform spaces.

Audiences can explore their personal connection with the environment that spark meaningful yet spontaneous interactions. This continues to be part of NAC’s commitment in making visual arts accessible for a wider audience, with experiential offerings for everyone, such as our first-ever collaboration with People’s Association, to engage with Community Arts & Culture Clubs in five neighbourhoods across Singapore as part of #ArtsInYourNeighbourhood.

Added Mr Low Eng Teong, “As art takes over our city this January, we hope many will encounter arts serendipitously and see spaces enlivened by the arts. We want the public to explore and participate in the diverse range of exciting art offerings that our arts community, cultural institutions and partners have put together. It is through these shared arts experiences that we will understand, engage and foster a deeper connection with one another.”

Starting from today, members of the public can access the refreshed SAW website for a teaser of the 2023 edition, as well as the full programme line-up and participating artists. For more information on SAW 2023 programmes, please refer to artweek.sg, or follow @sgartweek on Facebook, Instagram and Telegram.

For more information on the programme highlights, please refer to the Annex.