One Asia Festival – Celebrating The Images of Asia

 

Celebrating The Images of Asia is part of One Asia Festival which is organized by Asian Geographic, the region’s leading geographical magazine. This was a highly anticipated event especially to all the participants of the world-renowned Asia Without Borders Photography Competition, which awarded over US$18,000 worth of prizes to all the winners. I didn’t submit any photos for this competition, although I desperately wanted to get the main prize – a Canon EOS 5D Mk II and S$5,000 cash. I simply couldn’t produce any photos that fit the themes of the competition. But I did submit some of my photos for another less known competition organized by Asian Geographic Passport, another favourite travel magazine of  mine.  Both Asian Geographic and Asian Geographic Passport offer quality articles, travel stories and stunning photographs of Asia. You have to read these magazines if you like travelling and photography, like me.

I submitted a total of 12 photos for Travel Without Borders Photography Competition, which comprises of 3 categories: Adventure Asia, Celebration Asia and Icons of Asia. Thought I didn’t win any of the titles, I felt equally proud and happy to see 4 of my photos displayed in the event. I sincerely thank Asian Geographic and Asian Geographic Passport for this.

Let’s see my submissions.

Category: Adventure Asia

Langkawi, Malaysia

Mount Bromo, Indonesia

 

Category: Celebration Asia

Pushkar, India

Pushkar, India

Pushkar, India

Pushkar, India

 

Category: Icons of Asia

Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An, Vietnam

Jaipur, India

Xi’an, China

Xi’an, China

Pre-wedding shots

Some engagement shots of a lovely couple – Vuong & Helen. These photos were taken in January 2010. I have been looking through my old collections recently in search for some nice photos to showcase in my personal portfolio site.  I did some re-touching on these pre-wedding shots. Looking through the photos that I’ve taken some time back always bring surprises and new inspirations! And I know that there are still a lot for me to learn out there. So, feel free to drop me some comments and wish me good luck!

 

Location: National Art Gallery and Sentosa

Ramayana Ballet Prambanan

Today, I’m going to tell you a story. It’s an old Javanese rendering of the Sanskrit Ramayana (one of the two great epics of India) that I learned after watching the theatrical performance of Ramayana at Prambanan, Indonesia. This is how the story goes . . . .

Once upon a time, there’s a very beautiful princess named Dewi Shinta in Mithila (or Mantili)  Kingdom. A competition was held in order to decide who is the right and capable person to marry her. Finally, the prince of Ayodya Kingdom called Rama Wijaya won the competition and brought her back to Ayodya.

(Dewi Shinta, the beautiful wife of Rama Wijaya)

 

As you know, happy days are usually short. Prabu Rahwana, the ruler of Alengkadiraja Kingdom was quietly planning something as he was eager to possess Shinta because he assumed that Shinta is the incarnation of Dewi Wodowati, whom he longed to marry. One day, while Rama and Shinta, along with Rama’s younger brother Leksmana were adventuring in Dandaka forest, something very bad happened. 

(Obviously the villains — Rahwana’s followers)

 

(The evil Prabu Rahwana, the ruler of Alengkadiraja Kingdom)

 

Rama and Leksmana were lured away by Rahwana’s followers and Rahwana seized this perfect moment to kidnap Shinta. On the way back to Alengkadiraja, Rahwana encountered a giant bird named Jatayu which tried to escape Shinta but failed. Jatayu was seriously injured by Rahwana.

After learning that Shinta has disappeared, Rama and Leksmana were worried and frantically searched all over the forest. Later on, they met the wounded Jatayu and Jatayu told them about the abduction of Shinta by Rahwana. Jatayu died after that.

They headed to Alengkadiraja Kingdom immediately for the quest of defeating Rahwana and to rescue Shinta. Hanuman, the white monkey was sent by Sugriwa (the ruler of monkey kingdom Kishkindha) to assist Rama.

 

(Killing of Jatayu by Rahwana) 

 

 

(Hanuman, the king of monkeys)

 

A war between Rama-Hanuman and Rahwana armies broke out. After a lengthy battle, Rahwana’s troops were finally defeated and Rahwana was killed by Rama’s arrow.

(Hanuman’s troops preparing to wreak havoc at the palace of Rahwana)

(One on one fight between the good and the evil)

(The fight turned intense and fiery)

 

Shinta was freed finally but Rama refused to accept her as he considered Shinta was not pure anymore after staying in the demon’s palace. In order to prove her purity, Shinta plunged into the fire . . . .

But with the help of Agni (the God of Fire), Shinta was magically raised above the fire unharmed, attesting to her purity.  Rama accepted Shinta and they returned to Ayodya. They lived happily ever after.  —- The End

By the way, there’s a special exhibition — Ramayana Revisited that is being held at the Peranakan Museum Singapore currently. Do check it out: http://www.peranakanmuseum.sg/home/home.asp.

 

Wayang Kulit (Puppet Shadow Play) – An old and dying art form

  

Long before projector and television were invented, puppet shadow play was the popular form of storytelling and visual entertainment. This ancient art form which uses articulated figures in front of an illuminated backdrop to create the illusion of moving images, exists in more than 20 countries, including China, France, Malaysia and Indonesia.

In Indonesia and Malaysia, shadow play is called Wayang Kulit, where Wayang means “shadow” or “imagination”, and Kulit means “skin”. It actually refers to buffolo’s skin – material used to make the puppet.  I remember watching Wayang Kulit in a museum in Malaysia during an excursion when I was a kid. I was so fascinated by these “flying” shadows (the puppets), without knowing their movements are actually manipulated by a conductor or “Tok Dalang” behind the white cloth.

In present, not many kids know or even heard about it. And I believe television has also became most kids’ first and the most important friend of their lifes. Living in a world where digital media becomes almost a necessity  in our life, it’s not difficult to understand why. Everyday while I am commuting to work, I saw people watching video clips or movies on their iPhones. We are talking about portable media contents right here, anytime and anywhere! 3-D television is also expected to reach your home very soon.  In a century time, puppet shadow play might just be some irrelevant words in the history book.

(“Tok Dalang“, the genius and soul of the entire performance)

Mosaic Music Festival 2010

“This is disappointing!” Not because of the show, I need to clarify. Mosaic Music Festival has always been Singapore’s most anticipating music event of the year. For me, besides the great performances by many talented artistes around the globe, it also provides a great shooting opportunity. The low light environment poses a great challenge for every photographers. It’s even more difficult for me since I’m using a DSLR (my Canon 350D) which only have a maximum ISO level of 1600. Coupled with a lens with widest aperture of f4~5.6, the shutter speed always hover between 1/8s to 1/30s. It’s so discouraging, isn’t it? Hence, the chances of getting a sharp image are just pathetically low.

So what cause my disappointment anyway? It is the fact that I was not allowed to take photos near the stage. Which means I couldn’t shoot at the angle that I require. I can only shoot from the audience seats. What a let down! Compare to last year (click here to view my post on Mosaic 2009) when I was able to move around freely, I couldn’t get much satisfying shots this time. These 3 shots are the best of all I’ve taken. Don’t complains ok? I’ve tried my best!

Saritah from Australia

Bossa Nova & Jazz Sessions with Dawn Ho

If you are a jazz fan, you probably might have known her – Dawn Ho, a popular vocalist in the local jazz scene. If you have no idea who she is and never heard any of her song yet, no worries! Click here and you will be able to listen to some of her tracks in the her debut album – All In Good Time, which features some jazz classics like Love For Sale and Straight No Chaser! But nothing beats listening to her live here in The Tapas Tree. Her sultry vocals and strong stage presence are just awesome!

The Tapas Tree at Clarke Quay