Let’s Visit Asia

Indonesia’s most popular island destination will hold the 29th Annual Bali Arts Festival from June 16 to July 15.
The Bali Arts Festival is a full month of daily performances, handicraft exhibitions and other related cultural and commercial activities during which literally the whole of Bali comes to the city to present its offerings of dance, music and beauty. On display are trances from remote mountain slopes, forgotten or recently revived village dances, food and offering contests, classical palace dances, stars of Balinese stage, odd musical performances, “kreasi baru” (new creations) from the dance schools of Denpasar, as well as contemporary …read more

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From the thousands of travel videos uploaded in youtube, it makes it difficult to discover treasure like this. Join Tyson Sadler as he explores India and Nepal with his brother and best friend.

Great clips, great music, great annotation… 10 minutes of a real great documentary! I love it!

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In celebration of the 100th anniversary of Chinese drama, the Fifth Beijing International Drama Festival is ongoing until May 3 at the Great Hall of the People, Capital Theatre, Poly Theatre, Chang’an Grand Theatre, Haidian Theatre and others theatres in the city. A total of 18, mostly traditional, dramas will be staged during the festival.
The drama festival highlights various aspects of China’s dramatic arts, including musical drama, traditional drama, Peking Opera, Yue Opera from Southeast China’s Zhejiang Province and more.
Click here for more info on the schedule of performances.

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The Ganges River, located across North India and Bangladesh, play a pivotal role in Indian culture and spirituality. The valley or basin on which the river lies is one of mostly densely populated areas in the world, home to about 8.5% of world population. Human, as well as industrial waste, contribute to the extreme level of pollution in this region.
On a spiritual aspect, the Hindus hold the river Ganga sacred, and the river is worshipped and personified as a goddess.They thus believe that bathing in the river on certain occasions causes the forgiveness of sins and helps attain salvation.
If you’re …read more

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If you’re looking for a place in Asia where the true religious and traditional meaning of Christmas is celebrated, your best bet would be in the Philippines. The archipelago, having been colonized by the Spaniards for 300 years is largely Catholic and Christmas is a big event. Although it has also become commercialized, particularly in the big cities, traditions and family-focused festivities still prevail. I should know; I just spent the holidays with the rest of the clan.
For more on Philippine culture, have a look at b5media’s FilipinaSoul, particularly these posts on Christmas celebrations:

Pasko Na!
You know it’s Christmas in the …read more

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Well, you might not be prosecuted, but better be informed that the Malaysian government is not happy seeing public displays of attention. Three years ago, a couple were charged with disorderly behavior after beeing seen in an “amourous embrace”.
Ms Siow said she was playing the violin while Mr Ooi read her a letter.
Erm.
Anyway. As officials said, you may not face arrest, but you will be advised (reprimanded?). So next time you’re feeling romantic, save yourselves the embarassment and find a more private place.
[Hat Tip: Asia Blog]

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When I visited Singapore, one of the things that struck me was how different religions were able to co-exist, apparently without any conflict. It was so inspiring to see people of various heritage and religious leaning being able to respect and live peacefully amongst each other. No matter what belief you belong to, you’ll never find it difficult to locate a place of worship that’ll suit you.
One evidence to such inter-cultural/inter-religious mix is the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, located right in the heart of… no, not Little India, but in Chinatown!
Incidentally, I can recommend Insight City …read more

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