As Muslims celebrate Adilfitri today, we want to wish Selamat Hari Raya Adilfitri to all Muslims. Maaf, Zahir dan Batin.
Take care on the roads and drive carefully.
For all Malaysians, Happy 54th Independence Day on 31st.August 2011.
MELAKA - UNESCO World Heritage City since 2008. GPS: 2°11'58"N 102°15'02"E
Monday, August 29, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
TOURISM MELAKA WEB PORTAL REACHES 1 MILLION VISITORS
24th. August 2011
Today is a milestone for our Tourism Melaka web portal site as the number of visitors to date reached 1,000,367.
We reached this important figure on 24th. August 2011. We started our website in 2001 as a website to promote Melaka, our home state. Visitors to our site started off slowly but two years later, our website was selected by Tourism Malaysia as the website to feature Melaka. Visitors started to visit our site since then. When Tourism Malaysia revamped their website, visitors still visited our site for information and news.
The next boost was when Melaka was declared a World Heritage Site under UNESCO in July 2008. Since then, visitors tend to search our site for news, developments, events and deals in Melaka.
From 2001 to December 31st. 2006, we received 250,000 visitors over 5 years. But from 1.1.2007 until 24.8.2011, 750,367 visitors graced our site, thus overtaking the 1 Million figure.
We at Tourism Melaka web portal will like to express our appreciation to all our visitors, both local and overseas, for visiting our website. Your support has given us the inspiration to strive higher. We want to continuously update and inform you about happenings in Melaka as and when they occur.
For your part, we want you to email us suggestions, ideas, comments (good and bad) and feedback so that these suggestions and comments can be read by citizens of Melaka including the government agencies. Without constant feedback and suggestion, we cannot improve ourselves.
A Big Thank you to all for your support and do come to Melaka over and over again if you have the opportunity and time.
Melaka is for all the citizens of the world for generations to come.
Tourism Melaka Web Portal Team
Today is a milestone for our Tourism Melaka web portal site as the number of visitors to date reached 1,000,367.
We reached this important figure on 24th. August 2011. We started our website in 2001 as a website to promote Melaka, our home state. Visitors to our site started off slowly but two years later, our website was selected by Tourism Malaysia as the website to feature Melaka. Visitors started to visit our site since then. When Tourism Malaysia revamped their website, visitors still visited our site for information and news.
The next boost was when Melaka was declared a World Heritage Site under UNESCO in July 2008. Since then, visitors tend to search our site for news, developments, events and deals in Melaka.
From 2001 to December 31st. 2006, we received 250,000 visitors over 5 years. But from 1.1.2007 until 24.8.2011, 750,367 visitors graced our site, thus overtaking the 1 Million figure.
We at Tourism Melaka web portal will like to express our appreciation to all our visitors, both local and overseas, for visiting our website. Your support has given us the inspiration to strive higher. We want to continuously update and inform you about happenings in Melaka as and when they occur.
For your part, we want you to email us suggestions, ideas, comments (good and bad) and feedback so that these suggestions and comments can be read by citizens of Melaka including the government agencies. Without constant feedback and suggestion, we cannot improve ourselves.
A Big Thank you to all for your support and do come to Melaka over and over again if you have the opportunity and time.
Melaka is for all the citizens of the world for generations to come.
Tourism Melaka Web Portal Team
Sunday, August 21, 2011
TOURISM MELAKA REACHING 1 MILLION VISITORS
As of 21st. August 2011, our Tourism Melaka web portal site that Connects Malaccans and Melaka to the World, is just a whisker to break the 1 Million visitors milestone. We need another 1,600 visitors before this figure is breached. This will happen in about 3 days time pending there is no breakdown of the website on the server end.
When we hit this mark, we will be creating our own history. Created in 2001 as a website to promote Melaka our home state, we never dream of reaching 1 million. Started off on a snail pace at the beginning, as years go by, our website was recognised as a gateway to our historical Melaka. Currently, our main page welcomes about 500 to 600 visitors per day on average. We want it to reach 1,000 visitors per day as our new target.
For new visitors, you will read about Melaka - World Heritage City UNESCO while returning visitors can read about new happenings and offerings. We want you to come to Melaka over and over again so that you can enjoy our hospitality, food, cultures, shopping and cruises.
We want to hear and receive your feedback so that Melaka can achieve greater heights in attracting more visitors. Melaka hosted 10 million visitors in 2010 and we aim to reach 11 million in 2011. Well, Melaka should aim to host 20 million visitors by 2020 if we can get our act together.
Tourism Melaka
Web Portal Team
When we hit this mark, we will be creating our own history. Created in 2001 as a website to promote Melaka our home state, we never dream of reaching 1 million. Started off on a snail pace at the beginning, as years go by, our website was recognised as a gateway to our historical Melaka. Currently, our main page welcomes about 500 to 600 visitors per day on average. We want it to reach 1,000 visitors per day as our new target.
For new visitors, you will read about Melaka - World Heritage City UNESCO while returning visitors can read about new happenings and offerings. We want you to come to Melaka over and over again so that you can enjoy our hospitality, food, cultures, shopping and cruises.
We want to hear and receive your feedback so that Melaka can achieve greater heights in attracting more visitors. Melaka hosted 10 million visitors in 2010 and we aim to reach 11 million in 2011. Well, Melaka should aim to host 20 million visitors by 2020 if we can get our act together.
Tourism Melaka
Web Portal Team
Saturday, August 6, 2011
BEST WESTERN RIVERSIDE HOTEL, MELAKA TO OPEN IN SEPTEMBER,2011
Recently an official hand over of keys to the premises of the renovated Plaza Inn renamed as Best Western Riverside Malacca was carried out.
Soft opening of this well known hotel chain will be in September 2011.
With the opening of this hotel, more visitors are expected to come to Melaka via the marketing effort of the Best Western Hotel group of hotels worldwide.
Soft opening of this well known hotel chain will be in September 2011.
With the opening of this hotel, more visitors are expected to come to Melaka via the marketing effort of the Best Western Hotel group of hotels worldwide.
CANTONESE OPERA PERFORMANCE AT CHENG KOON TENG TEMPLE, MELAKA
Untiring commitment for Cantonese opera
MyKampung 2011-08-05 12:49
Performing for the first time in Malacca’s Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Qian Qiu Le Cantonese opera troupe members are giving the audience a stunning performance. Photo courtesy: Sin Chew Daily
1 of 6
Translated by Chan Li Lin
Sin Chew Daily
MALACCA, July 17 – Applying heavy make-up before unleashing their full potential. Settling into respective roles before skillfully and freely expressing their emotions in a world of fantasy. These pretty much sum up the career and lives of Cantonese opera performers.
For the artists, it doesn’t matter whether 10 years, 20 years or 30 years of their lives have been spent performing on stage. Their untiring commitment and passion for the art are what it counts. Unless the members of audience have grown tired of their faces and performances, they will not change the course of their career.
Are Cantonese opera actors concerned that the number of their audience is declining? According to them, even if there are only three spectators, they will still happily put on a good show.
This is the charm of opera. Those who are interested in it will remain so for the rest of their lives. They will not easily grow tired of it.
The so-called “tuk tuk qiang” opera was at its pinnacle in Malaysia between the 40’s and 70’s. In the eyes of youngsters nowadays, however, it is nothing more than “antique”, or a show dedicated to God.
Qian Qiu Le Cantonese opera troupe started performing on July 16
For the current generation, there is not much difference between Cantonese opera and Taiwanese opera.
In recent years, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple has been making arrangements for Cantonese and Taiwanese opera troupes to perform in its premise. The shows manage to bring back memories for the older generation, as well as spark the interest in the art form among the new generation.
In view of this, Qian Qiu Le Cantonese opera troupe was, for the first time, invited to perform at Cheng Hoon Teng Temple from July 16-19. The cast included performers from Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.
He Bo: Response from audience is the best reward
According to He Bo, a Cantonese opera actor from Hong Kong, he could still play the role of a 20 year-old although he was almost 60. He enjoyed settling into different characters and performed on stage after applying make-up.
“The ability to take on different roles is the biggest joy of performing and I’ll remain happy even after the shows have come to an end. Having so many scripts to memorize, I certainly will not contract Alzheimer’s disease too,” he said.
For He, the experience of being part of Cantonese opera was invaluable. He loved the shows and the response from his audience is the best reward for him.
Previously working as an officer in the Hong Kong Identification Services Bureau, He joint the Cantonese opera troupe when he was 40 years old. 20 years had since passed and he still enjoys tackling various roles, including those of a male, female, ugly man, crazy man and young scholar. Embracing his work and passion with professionalism, he sports a big smile whenever he talks about Cantonese opera.
He had previously performed in Malaysia but it was the first time he put up a show in Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. The beautiful stage with carvings has deeply impressed him.
Intense competitition in Hong Kong
He said, Cantonese opera troupes are facing stiff competition in Hong Kong and there is no shortage of demand for this kind of performance. In Singapore, it remains popular while in Malaysia, the shows are commonly found in Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur.
“The invitation has gifted us another opportunity to perform. The size of the dressing room is not an issue,” he said.
Actors have no age limit
Zhang Qian-hui, the leader of Qian Qiu Le Cantonese opera troupe started to get involved in Cantonese opera when he was 13 years old. In the beginning, he only took the roles of “extra” but managed to get increasingly important roles later and subsequently took over as the leader of the troupe.
He said, there is no age limit for opera actors, as they can be part of the shows for as long as they want. If the spectators have grown tired of the performers, they can switch roles or even work behind the scene.
“Though the life on stage is not easy, there shouldn’t be any problem if you have the interest,” Zhang said, adding that he hoped his troupe could have a nationwide tour in Malaysia to promote the art of Cantonese opera. No matter how remote the places are, the troupe would still perform there as what it valued the most were audience acceptance and interest in it.
Show will last for more than three hours
Zhang said, the show will last for over three hours with a 10-minute interval, when actors could change their costumes and apply make-up.
He said, male actors needed 20-30 minutes to apply make-up while female performers needed some 45 minutes.
He hoped that the troupe could give a wonderful performance in Malacca, which was gazetted as a world heritage site.
Anticipating crowd with the same passion
Xu Pei-shan, an experienced opera artist who performs in Singapore and Malaysia said, she performed in Malacca more than a decade ago. The show received overwhelming response but she was not sure if her upcoming show was going to generate the same effect.
Having previously performed in Batu Gajah, Ipoh, she also performs in Singapore on a regular basis. On the shows in Singapore, she said they managed to attract the interest of senior citizens, middle-aged group, as well as youths. By performing in Cheng Hoon Teng Temple this time, she hoped the troupe could give a wonderful show and spark the interest in Cantonese opera.
Costumes are “prized possession”
Xu loves being part of the opera shows. In the two decades of her acting career, she, along with each and every other performer, had given their best efforts no matter how many spectators had showed up to watch them perform. This is the fighting spirit of the artists.
When travelling, the performers would take good care of their prized possession – their costumes, which were custom-made in Hong Kong or China. They were bright in colours and seamlessly made.
When asked if it was difficult to remember the script, she said she had memorized it before going on stage. Besides, she had struck a chord with her fellow artists and co-operated well with them.
MyKampung 2011-08-05 12:49
Performing for the first time in Malacca’s Cheng Hoon Teng Temple, Qian Qiu Le Cantonese opera troupe members are giving the audience a stunning performance. Photo courtesy: Sin Chew Daily
1 of 6
Translated by Chan Li Lin
Sin Chew Daily
MALACCA, July 17 – Applying heavy make-up before unleashing their full potential. Settling into respective roles before skillfully and freely expressing their emotions in a world of fantasy. These pretty much sum up the career and lives of Cantonese opera performers.
For the artists, it doesn’t matter whether 10 years, 20 years or 30 years of their lives have been spent performing on stage. Their untiring commitment and passion for the art are what it counts. Unless the members of audience have grown tired of their faces and performances, they will not change the course of their career.
Are Cantonese opera actors concerned that the number of their audience is declining? According to them, even if there are only three spectators, they will still happily put on a good show.
This is the charm of opera. Those who are interested in it will remain so for the rest of their lives. They will not easily grow tired of it.
The so-called “tuk tuk qiang” opera was at its pinnacle in Malaysia between the 40’s and 70’s. In the eyes of youngsters nowadays, however, it is nothing more than “antique”, or a show dedicated to God.
Qian Qiu Le Cantonese opera troupe started performing on July 16
For the current generation, there is not much difference between Cantonese opera and Taiwanese opera.
In recent years, Cheng Hoon Teng Temple has been making arrangements for Cantonese and Taiwanese opera troupes to perform in its premise. The shows manage to bring back memories for the older generation, as well as spark the interest in the art form among the new generation.
In view of this, Qian Qiu Le Cantonese opera troupe was, for the first time, invited to perform at Cheng Hoon Teng Temple from July 16-19. The cast included performers from Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia.
He Bo: Response from audience is the best reward
According to He Bo, a Cantonese opera actor from Hong Kong, he could still play the role of a 20 year-old although he was almost 60. He enjoyed settling into different characters and performed on stage after applying make-up.
“The ability to take on different roles is the biggest joy of performing and I’ll remain happy even after the shows have come to an end. Having so many scripts to memorize, I certainly will not contract Alzheimer’s disease too,” he said.
For He, the experience of being part of Cantonese opera was invaluable. He loved the shows and the response from his audience is the best reward for him.
Previously working as an officer in the Hong Kong Identification Services Bureau, He joint the Cantonese opera troupe when he was 40 years old. 20 years had since passed and he still enjoys tackling various roles, including those of a male, female, ugly man, crazy man and young scholar. Embracing his work and passion with professionalism, he sports a big smile whenever he talks about Cantonese opera.
He had previously performed in Malaysia but it was the first time he put up a show in Cheng Hoon Teng Temple. The beautiful stage with carvings has deeply impressed him.
Intense competitition in Hong Kong
He said, Cantonese opera troupes are facing stiff competition in Hong Kong and there is no shortage of demand for this kind of performance. In Singapore, it remains popular while in Malaysia, the shows are commonly found in Ipoh and Kuala Lumpur.
“The invitation has gifted us another opportunity to perform. The size of the dressing room is not an issue,” he said.
Actors have no age limit
Zhang Qian-hui, the leader of Qian Qiu Le Cantonese opera troupe started to get involved in Cantonese opera when he was 13 years old. In the beginning, he only took the roles of “extra” but managed to get increasingly important roles later and subsequently took over as the leader of the troupe.
He said, there is no age limit for opera actors, as they can be part of the shows for as long as they want. If the spectators have grown tired of the performers, they can switch roles or even work behind the scene.
“Though the life on stage is not easy, there shouldn’t be any problem if you have the interest,” Zhang said, adding that he hoped his troupe could have a nationwide tour in Malaysia to promote the art of Cantonese opera. No matter how remote the places are, the troupe would still perform there as what it valued the most were audience acceptance and interest in it.
Show will last for more than three hours
Zhang said, the show will last for over three hours with a 10-minute interval, when actors could change their costumes and apply make-up.
He said, male actors needed 20-30 minutes to apply make-up while female performers needed some 45 minutes.
He hoped that the troupe could give a wonderful performance in Malacca, which was gazetted as a world heritage site.
Anticipating crowd with the same passion
Xu Pei-shan, an experienced opera artist who performs in Singapore and Malaysia said, she performed in Malacca more than a decade ago. The show received overwhelming response but she was not sure if her upcoming show was going to generate the same effect.
Having previously performed in Batu Gajah, Ipoh, she also performs in Singapore on a regular basis. On the shows in Singapore, she said they managed to attract the interest of senior citizens, middle-aged group, as well as youths. By performing in Cheng Hoon Teng Temple this time, she hoped the troupe could give a wonderful show and spark the interest in Cantonese opera.
Costumes are “prized possession”
Xu loves being part of the opera shows. In the two decades of her acting career, she, along with each and every other performer, had given their best efforts no matter how many spectators had showed up to watch them perform. This is the fighting spirit of the artists.
When travelling, the performers would take good care of their prized possession – their costumes, which were custom-made in Hong Kong or China. They were bright in colours and seamlessly made.
When asked if it was difficult to remember the script, she said she had memorized it before going on stage. Besides, she had struck a chord with her fellow artists and co-operated well with them.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
16 FLOORS HERITAGE HOTEL UNDER CONSTRUCTION
A new 16 floors Heritage Hotel is now being constructed opposite Equatorial Hotel, Melaka.
As the location is in the buffer zone and outside the heritage zone area,the developer can build 16 floors instead of 8 floors.
Seems Melaka is getting a lot of investments in boutique hotels, 5 star hotels and budget hotels lately. Competition for hotel guests will surely mount and hoteliers must be innovative to attract guests otherwise there will be empty rooms instead.
More festivals and cultural events must be organised professional so that Melaka can attract long staying visitors. Brazil has her Annual Samba festival that draws millions to her shores. In Italy, Venice holds her Venetian Festival annually for locals and guests.
Melaka can use her various cultures, music, dances and food to draw in crowds annually or half yearly. For this to happen, the Melaka state government must work hand in hand with hoteliers, tour agencies, cultural troupes, community organisations and related agencies to make the festival a reality. More importantly, this festival must be held annually so that people remember the event.
Monday, August 1, 2011
SELAMAT BERPUASA AND SELAMAT HARI RAYA ADILFITRI
With the holy month of Ramadan started yesterday, Tourism Melaka will like to wish our Muslim friends in Malaysia and around the world, Selamat Berpuasa.
When the Puasa month ends, you will be celebrating the Hari Raya Adilfitri. May we take this opportunity to wish you all Selamat Hari Raya.
Have a safe month and look forward to the Hari Raya celebrations.
Tourism Melaka web Team.
When the Puasa month ends, you will be celebrating the Hari Raya Adilfitri. May we take this opportunity to wish you all Selamat Hari Raya.
Have a safe month and look forward to the Hari Raya celebrations.
Tourism Melaka web Team.
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