This refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail is National Heritage Board (NHB)’s 11th heritage trail that was first launched in 2014. The refreshed edition will expound on the history of Singapore’s “model town”, telling more stories of Toa Payoh’s significant landmarks and locations. Toa Payoh transformed from a swampland, growing into a modern and role model residential housing estate  for Singapore, as well as home to iconic religious and community institutions. 

Refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail 

The refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail covers 29 heritage sites and features 10 heritage markers. There are two new marked sites namely Block 53 a.k.a. “VIP Block”, and the Iconic Toa Payoh Dragon Playground.

Those two sites join existing marked marked sites such as 

• Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery, a National Monument and the oldest Buddhist monastery in Singapore
• Masjid Muhajirin, the first mosque in Singapore to have been built with the support of contributions from the Mosque Building Fund (known as the Mosque Building and Mendaki Fund (MBMF) today) alongside community fundraising
• Toa Payoh Town Park, home to a 25m tall look out tower which was accorded conservation status by the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) in 2009
• Four point HDB blocks which housed international athletes as part of the Former 1973 Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games Village 

Mr Alvin Tan, Deputy Chief Executive (Policy & Community), NHB, said: “Through the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, we hope to highlight new facets of the town’s history that very few Singaporeans know about, and present a more complete and updated story of Toa Payoh. In doing so, we hope to foster a greater sense of pride and belonging amongst residents, and encourage both residents and non-residents to re-explore Toa Payoh and rediscover the town’s heritage anew.”

The Toa Payoh Heritage Trail also incorporates contributions from the community and presents stories, memories and photographs contributed by former and current residents. Mdm Tang Mei Fong, a resident of Block 53 who contributed to the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, shared her personal memories of Toa Payoh: “I vividly remember the day Queen Elizabeth II visited our block. We all gathered around our doorways to look out for her arrival. I am very proud that a queen visited, and that Toa Payoh is used as a model for Singapore’s public housing that we show to the world.”

Toa Payoh – Forerunner in design

Toa Payoh is a first for a number of things in Singapore, they are the first town designed and developed by HDB, they are the testbed for different architectural design styles and features of public housing, as well as community amenities that can be found in HDB towns today. 

Block 53 “VIP Block”

Completed in 1967, the 19 storey Block 53 not offers a panoramic view of Toa Payoh, they have a viewing gallery on its roof top that played host to many foreign and local dignitaries such as Britain’s Queen Elizabeth II, then-Australian Prime Minister John Gorton, and Singapore’s second President Benjamin Sheares. With such a distinguished VIP list of visitors to Block 53, that is how it led to this iconic block being dubbed the “VIP Block”. 

1973 SEAP Games Village – Toa Payoh

More than just a model town, Toa Payoh became the host village for the first major international sporting competition to be held in Singapore – the 1973 Southeast Asian Peninsular (SEAP) Games. Toa Payoh town provided more than just venues for competition and training, they were the location of the 1973 SEAP Games Village, where Toa Payoh Central is today.

With the 1973 SEAP Games Village right in the heart of Toa Payoh, visiting athletes and officials from seven different countries were encouraged to socialise with the locals, providing them with an authentic Singaporean experience. 

There were a total of four HDB point blocks in Toa Payoh Central that were used to house athletes from the seven participating countries. Following the conclusion of the games, units in the blocks were sold to the public fully furnished. 

Iconic Dragon Playground

This is another icon of Toa Payoh, a much-celebrated landmark of  Toa Payoh, the iconic Dragon Playground, with its classic elements of a terrazzo-clad dragon’s head distinguished by bold lines and geometric features. 

This iconic Toa Payoh Dragon Playground was the creation of HDB architect Mr Khor Ean Ghee. This design proved to be so popular that it led to different versions of the dragon head in various colour schemes appearing in playgrounds across Singapore.    

A Refresh with Fresh Stories

How much do you know about the history of Toa Payoh? With this updated Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, we can know more about the lesser-known stories of the town.

Toa Payoh – A Hub of Manufacturing Activity 

Toa Payoh was a hub of manufacturing activity in the 1960s when Singapore underwent rapid industrialisation, women formed the majority of the pioneer generation of young factory workers. They played a significant tole in the employment and output growth in the labour-intensive manufacturing sector in Singapore. 

National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Welcome Supermarket – 1st NTUC Fairprice Supermarket 

The NTUC Fairprice located at 192 Lorong 4 Toa Payoh, gets its landmark status from the first National Trades Union Congress (NTUC) Welcome Supermarket in Singapore. It was opened to counter inflation and supplier profiteering. During its opening, the supermarket attracted huge numbers of shoppers upon its opening, and even had to close its doors every 3 to 4 hours to prevent overcrowding.

3 newly curated thematic routes of the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail

There are 3 newly curated thematic routes for you to rediscover Singapore’s history on the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail. They are self-guided routes which trail-goes can embark on in their own time, and according to their interests. 

Rediscover Toa Payoh through three thematic routes

• Of Public Housing & Shared Spaces (1.5 hours on foot, 4.5 km) 

Explore architectural development and changes of HDB blocks, communal spaces and town planning over the decades, that reflected the needs and aspirations of Singaporean homeowners. 

• Of Faiths & Beliefs (2 hours with public transport, 6 km)

Explore the various faiths and beliefs in Singapore through the temples, mosques, churches and institutions that represent the diverse communities which live, work, and worshipped in Toa Payoh.

• Of Community Institutions & Common Spaces (0.5 hrs on foot, 1.5 km)

Explore the institutions and spaces that continue to play an active role in the sporting, cultural and social lives of Toa Payoh residents.

Where can I get Toa Payoh Heritage Trail companion guide and map?

If you like to know more about the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, you can download the companion map and guide from NHB’s heritage portal roots.gov.sg. 

There are limited printed copies of the guide and map that will also be available at various locations including the National Museum of Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, Toa Payoh East Community Club, Toa Payoh South Community Club, Toa Payoh Central Community Club, Toa Payoh West Community Club, and NHB headquarters at Stamford Court.

Check out this video of highlights of the Toa Payoh Heritage Trail on YouTube, for more information please visit https://go.gov.sg/toapayohheritagetrail/ 

Rediscover and Explore Singapore’s History and Heritage on Toa Payoh Heritage Trail 

I have previously explored Toa Payoh, starting from my old playgrounds personal visual story telling documentation project, photographing the iconic Toa Payoh Dragon Playground, as well as the Toa Payoh Baby Dragon Playground and Dinosaur Playground at Kim Keat Avenue, forming part of my OurSGHeritage/Old Places personal visual storytelling, documentation and photography project for the past decade (and still counting).

Thereafter, a few more trips to explore the local neighbourhoods, the iconic VIP Block 53, as well as Block 116, Central Horizon (Blocks 79A to 79E) for its bird’s eye view sceneries of Singapore, from the nearby heartlands around Toa Payoh, to green spaces and downtown Singapore. 

After rediscovering and exploring the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail, I realised that I still have more of Toa Payoh’s history, heritage, culture, spaces and sceneries to learn, explore and document them in my visual stories. With that in mind, I have consolidated my Toa Payoh earlier visual storytelling photos into an album on Flickr, for both locals and international visitors to visit and know more about Toa Payoh.

Last but not least, a special mention to Jerome Lim of The Long and Winding Road, whom I got to know (from a decade back) when I first started my old places documentation. We shared a common interest and passion in history, heritage and culture sectors, going for walks, talks, events. Jerome’s knowledge and passion in Singapore’s history, heritage and culture sectors are well-known and well-respected. 

Jerome is a former Toa Payoh resident, he has a unique and priceless connection with Toa Payoh and Block 53 “VIP Block”. If you know, you know, if you don’t know, why not visit Jerome’s website and discover it for yourself? Do also check out this video of Jerome being interviewed by Straits Times on his childhood adventures at the Toa Payoh Dragon Playground.  

I would like to encourage you, my fellow local Singaporeans and international visitors, to embark on a local and iconic neighbourhood heritage, history and culture tour in Singapore to rediscover and explore Singapore’s history and heritage on the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail.  

The post Rediscover Singapore’s History on the refreshed Toa Payoh Heritage Trail appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

“Video is the norm in today’s digital and social media landscapes. The EOS R8 provides an affordable entry point for content creators who want to get serious about videography and improve their production capabilities. With its compact form factor, the EOS R8 is Canon’s lightest full-frame mirrorless camera. Combined with the affordability, we are confident that this camera will appeal to budding content creators.” said Edwin Teoh, Head of Marketing, Singapore Operations, Canon Singapore.

Canon’s Smallest and Lightest EOS Full-frame Mirrorless Camera Allows You to Stay Agile

Weighing at approximately 461g (with battery pack and SD card), it’s 20g lighter than the Canon EOS RP. The compact and lightweight EOS R8 allows you to stay agile, giving you an edge when it comes to creative camera angles and transitions. 

The EOS R8 is equipped with Movie Digital IS, therefore camera shake would no longer pose a problem when shooting handheld videos. This digitally performs tilt correction as well as 5-axis image stabilisation during video shooting. Even when using lenses with no optical image stabilisation (Optical IS), you can still be ensured of stable handheld videos.

When combined with a lens that has Optical IS, the 2 systems perform coordinated control for enhanced image stabilisation results. 

A Suite of Recording Options to Meet Different Production Needs

Whether you are shooting an event coverage or a budding filmmaker producing documentaries to short films that require more post-production work, the EOS R8 is equipped to tackle the different requirements and workflows to produce stunning video.

High-quality Source Footage from 6K Oversampling – up to 4K 60p

The EOS R8 is equipped with a newly developed 24.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor that enables 6K data to be obtained from its entire width, producing high-quality crop less oversampled 4K UHD footage at up to 60p.

For productions whereby you need to leave the camera rolling, the EOS R8 has heat suppression measures that allows you to shoot up to 4K 30p with no recording time restriction, and up to 30min at 4K 60p.

Dramatic 6x Slow Motion Video with Full HD 180p

If you need to shoot more dramatic scenes, shooting in Full HD at as high as 180p will produce 30p output with action slowed down to 1/6 the speed. Rolling shutter distortion is reduced to almost half that on the EOS RP when shooting at 4K 30p/25p.

HDR PQ Video and Canon Log 3: HDR Options to Suit Your Post-Production Workflow

Besides normal 8-bit recording, the EOS R8 offers 2 options for recording 10-bit 4:2:2 HDR video. HDR PQ provides amazing dynamic range and beautiful colours straight out of camera when viewed on a HDR display. Meanwhile, Canon Log 3 offers the same level of information that is not “baked-in”, offering more flexibility for heavier post-processing workflows that involve colour grading. 

Consistent and Seamless Focus

Focus is crucial for both photograph and videography, and it is near impossible to correct in post-production. The EOS R8 has the same Dual Pixel CMOS AF II technology as the EOS R6 Mark II, allowing it to nail focus effortlessly during both still and video shooting. 

Acquire Focus in As Fast as 0.03 seconds (1)

The EOS iTR AF X system not only detects and tracks people, animals, and vehicles by deep learning, it also identifies other subjects and “locks” onto them using characteristics like shape, colour, and brightness. Users can experience fast and accurate focusing. It helps the camera to acquire focus in as fast as 0.03 seconds, and track subjects tenaciously over 100% x 100% (horizontal x vertical) of the image frame. With the EOS iTR AF X system, this makes it ideal for photographing birds, wildlife and action shots.

Works Even in Low Light

The low light limits of up to EV-6.5 (2) for stills and EV-4 (2) for video mean that the AF operates even in dark conditions. This works with the camera’s high native ISO speed ranges of up to ISO 102,400 (still photography) and ISO 25,600 (video shooting) to enhance low light usability. 

Professional Cinema Camera Features

These features in the EOS R8 will help to elevate your video creations:

• Focus breathing correction: reduces visible fluctuations in the angle of view during focusing. 
• False colours and zebras: advanced visual aids for exposure adjustment and setting.
• Aspect marker display: for easier framing of video to fit various social media dimensions.
• UVC (USB Video Class)/UAC (USB Audio Class) support: Plug-and-play direct transmission of audio and Full HD video to a computer with just a USB connection; ideal for live-streaming.

It also features the Multi-function Shoe, a digital interface that enables a cordless digital setup with compatible accessories such as external microphones.

2 New Lenses: RF24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM and RF-S55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM

Along with the Canon EOS R8 announcement, Canon has also announced the addition of 2 new lenses to the RF lenses line-up, both of which offer up to 4.5 stops equivalent Optical IS and support for focus breathing correction.

RF24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM: The Smallest, Lightest RF-mount Zoom Lens for Full-frame Cameras 

Weighing approximately 210g and measuring 5.8cm when retracted, the RF24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM complements the compact EOS R8, to form a 671g combination that is lighter than the EOS R5 body alone! It covers a wide-angle to standard view on a full-frame camera, offering compositional flexibility that sets it apart from similarly sized prime lenses. 

Equipped with 4.5 stops’ Optical IS, the lens will empower users to explore new angles. It also supports enhanced stabilisation through Coordinated Control IS with cameras that feature Movie Digital IS (3) and In-Body IS: for the latter, up to 7 stops’ IS is possible.

RF-S55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM: An Ultra Portable Telephoto Zoom Lens for APS-C EOS R camera bodies

APS-C EOS R camera users who want a compact, lightweight telephoto lens to match their camera bodies now have the RF-S55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM, which weighs approximately 270g.  The new lens provides a full-frame equivalent angle of view of approximately 88 to 336mm, with semi macro capabilities (up to 0.28x magnification) and close-up shooting (closest focusing distance of 0.73m) at the tele end. The use of two UD lenses and two optically placed aspherical lenses correct chromatic aberrations, delivering high-resolution and sharpness with excellent colour throughout the entire zoom range.

Initial Thoughts and Views from short hands on media session

EOS R8

During the media preview session, I had a short hands on session with the Canon EOS R8. The form and built factor is very familiar for me as I am using a Canon EOS RP. The Canon EOS R8 is an entry-level full-frame mirrorless camera, it has inherited many wonderful features for both stills and video from the Canon EOS R6 Mark II. 

The lightest full-frame Canon camera, packed with powerful features and capabilities, the Canon EOS R8 would make an ideal first full-frame mirrorless camera for users to elevate your content creation, video production as well as your full-frame photography.

With the announcement of the Canon EOS R8, consumers now have more full-frame camera options for them to choose from, that would suit their budget and requirements. Consumers would now have additional options for a hybrid camera for their content creation, photography and videography with the Canon EOS R8.

RF24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM

A very compact and lightweight RF lens. This focal length would be ideal for travel, street and daily use, if they don’t require to shoot subjects further away with a longer focal length.

RF-S55-210mm f/5-7.1 IS STM 

A compact and lightweight telephoto lens for APS-C EOS R camera users, ideal for travel and shooting subjects much further away.

Here are some sample photos that I shot with the Canon EOS R8 pre-production set during the media preview session.

Take Note: 

• Photos shared above were shot with the pre-production set during the media preview session. 
• The photos shot with the Canon EOS R8 pre-production set are shot as it is (jpeg and straight out from the camera with no further edits) and it’s not meant to be a review of the Canon EOS R8.

The above points are just my initial thoughts and views from my short hands on media session with the Canon EOS R8 and new RF lenses. I hope to go deeper into this Canon EOS R8 full-frame mirrorless camera some time down the road when I get the opportunity to test it out for review and I would be able to share more of my in-depth experiences, thoughts and views of the Canon EOS R8.

Pricing and Availability

The local Singapore pricing and availability of the Canon EOS R8 and new RF lenses would be updated below accordingly when the information is made available. 

Update 29th March 2023

• EOS R8 Kit (R8 Body with RF24-50mm IS STM lens) – SGD $2,669
• EOS R8 Body – SGD $2,329

Canon EOS R8 Launch Promotion (29th March to 12th April 2023)

From 29th March until 12th Apr 2023, any purchase of the Canon EOS R8 will come with a 32GB SD card and exclusive launch gifts that include $100 CapitaMall e-Vouchers, a 128GB SDXC card, and a premium USB-C cable.

Terms and Conditions apply, please refer to the brochures below for more information.

* Information and pictures courtesy of Canon Singapore and Gloo *

Notes

1. At a focusing brightness of EV 12 (ISO 100), at room temperature, in M mode, with RF24-105mm f/4-7.1 IS STM, shooting still photos with the shutter button, 1-point AF (center AF point), and One-Shot AF
2. When paired with an f/1.2 lens (except lenses with DS coating), central AF point, One-Shot AF, normal temperature, ISO 100
3. Angle of view becomes narrower when Movie Digital IS is turned on.

Technical Information

Canon EOS R8

RF lenses

The post Canon EOS R8 – Your First Full-frame Mirrorless to elevate your Content Creation appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Battle for Singapore 2023 will take participants on a journey through time and Singapore’s history, heritage, and hidden stories about various WWII sites, a journey tracing the roots of Singapore’s wartime past. Participants can embark on tours of sites such as Bukit Brown and Fort Canning Hill. They can also dive and learn deeper into Singapore’s history, courage and resilience of Singapore’s war heroes and pioneers during the Japanese Occupation from NHB’s Museum Roundtable (MR) partners, such as Battlebox, Eurasian Heritage Centre, MINT Museum of Toys, Navy Museum, as well as National Museum of Singapore (NMS), the Changi Chapel and Museum and Reflections at Bukit Chandu, they are WWII Interpretative centres under NMS. 

Mr Gerald Wee, Director of International & Museum Relations, NHB, said, “The Fall of Singapore may have been an event from 81 years ago, but the experiences of our forefathers and the lessons learnt during that tumultuous period continue to have an important role in shaping our nation’s identity and charting our course ahead. Through Battle for Singapore 2023, we hope that Singaporeans will gain a deeper understanding of our WWII history and how it has impacted our lives today and be inspired by the spirit of resilience and solidarity of our war pioneers” 

Battle for Singapore 2023 Programmes

There is a wide range of programmes on offer during Battle for Singapore 2023 taking place from 10th February to 5th March 2023. NHB together with MR members, academics, heritage enthusiasts and interest groups, is offering more than 30 unique programmes and over 100 tour runs that cover various aspects of Singapore’s WWII history. 

The Battle for Singapore 2023 programmes diverse line-up also includes 19 new programmes, including

• Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour (NEW)
• Second World War Vintage Toy Collection Guided Tour with Special Feature on General MacArthur (New)
• Exclusive Sneak Peek Tour of the Revamped Navy Museum (NEW)
• Special Twinned Tour: Changi Chapel and Museum and Eurasian Heritage Gallery (NEW)
• Special Twinned Tour: Kent Ridge Nature Walk and Reflections at Bukit Chandu (NEW)
• Defence and Fall of Singapore – From the 14th Century to 1945: A Fort Canning Hill and Battlebox Walking Tour (NEW)

Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour (NEW)

For this year 2023, participants will get a chance to explore the grounds of Fort Connaught through a special access tour. This is the first-ever public tour since Fort Connaught was constructed in 1878 for the defence of Keppel Harbour, a crucial ship-building and ship-repair facility in Singapore. 

Fort Connaught was armed with 9.2-inch guns, they were the largest on Sentosa, and were used to engage invading Japanese troops during the Battle for Singapore. Through this Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour (NEW), participants can get a glimpse into the abandoned Fort Connaught history, construction and its role in Singapore’s defence during the Japanese invasion of Singapore during WWII.

How much do you know about the history of the guns of Singapore’s military forts? How often have you heard about that quip that the guns of Singapore’s military first were pointed “the wrong way” during the Battle of Singapore? During WWII, was Singapore’s guns pointing the wrong direction? Where is Fort Connaught located on Sentosa? Did Fort Connaught see WWII military action against the Japanese armed forces? 

When you go on the Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour, you can get the answers to the questions above. This tour is presented in partnership with Sentosa Development Corporation (SDC).

Here are some of the remains that you can see today during this special access Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour. 

One of the three 9.2-inch gun emplacements 

Battery observation post

Tips/Things to take note

• Be careful and be safe when trekking up Fort Connaught 
• Wear sturdy shoes (hiking boots highly recommended)
• Wear long pants and long sleeve shirt
• Bring a hat
• Bring your water bottle and stay hydrated
• Mosquito/Insect repellent is highly recommended 
• Please do not visit on your own as it is a restricted site and it’s for your own safety as well

Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour Information

Dates: 11 February; 12 February; 19 February; 25 February; 26 February 2023

Time: 9am to 1130am; 1pm to 330pm 

Tickets are priced at $20 per participant, you can find ticketing and more details here at https://bsg2023.peatix.com 

Notes:

• The Fort Connaught Rediscovery Tour is recommended for ages 13 and up. Minors under the age of 16 have to be accompanied by an adult/guardian.
• Transport will be provided from Harbourfront MRT station to the site and back. Further details on the gathering point will be sent to participants upon registration.

For more information on Battle of Singapore 2023 

Please visit https://go.gov.sg/bsg2023 for more information and details on to sign up for Battle for Singapore 2023 programmes.

Registration for tours and programmes commences on Wednesday 8th February 2023, at 10am, on a first-come first-served basis. 

The post Battle for Singapore 2023 – 10th February to 5th March 2023 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

During this CNY 2023 festive period, while I am on a media publishing break, I am still working in some form/capacity, at a slower pace and reduced capacity during this short CNY festive break, from writing down notes and points for my articles, finalising a collaboration project that was started from Q4 2022. I would also take the time to head out with my camera gears too, they might give me further inspirations and ideas for my photography books, zines and visual storytelling projects for Year 2023.

Sharing Chinese New Year shopping deals and promotions that you can take a look at if you are still planning to upgrade or add on new home and/or kitchen appliances/gadgets or decorating your home with cute anime figurines!

• Sweet Spring CNY at Marina Square with POP MART
• Singtel CNY – Don’t Worry, Be Hoppy! 
• Frasers Property Mall CNY 2023
• 8th Xiaomi Singapore Authorised Store opens at Jurong Point (Smart Cooking Robot Preview)
• LG LNY Gift Guide 2023
• SHARP New Year Sale 2023

Anyway, I reckon most people would be too busy with CNY 2023 spring cleaning, preparations, followed by CNY festivities, reunions, gatherings and eating, thus they won’t be too interested into what I am writing here, neither am I a first tier media and don’t need to do too much media monitoring.

Have a wonderful Chinese New Year festive gathering with your family and loved ones! Wishing you a Chinese New Year 2023 in advance!

The post On a media publishing break for Chinese New Year 2023 (Photography | Travel) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

With a turnaround of 4 weeks from Christmas 2022 to New Year (NY) 2023 (1 week later), followed by Chinese New Year (CNY) 2023 (3 weeks later) and my getting older day slotting in between them. It usually gets forgotten. What makes this year 2023 different?

Birthday is a low key and low profile event

As I aged over the decades, birthday for me has become a low key and low profile event. No major celebrations, nothing glamorous or extravagant. I can’t compare to my friends celebrations at fanciful restaurants. 

I am a Capricorn, that also explains I guard my privacy a lot, even though I am active on social media. 

I bought my own 3-in-1 gift and I got gifts too!

If you recalled reading my Christmas 2022 and Birthday 2023 wish list, I rewarded myself with a used Wotancraft Trooper Medium camera messenger bag, why do I call it a 3-in-1 gift? Basically this is a Christmas 2022 + Birthday 2023 + Chinese New Year 2023 gift for myself.

I am also blessed with some small and thoughtful gifts from my friends too, I really appreciate it!

Of gatherings and treats

With my birthday falling in between a busy period of NY 2023 and CNY 2023 whereby people are busy shopping for CNY goods, spring cleaning and getting back to work mode. My birthday gathering is like a mini CNY gathering as well. There was even a gathering that had Christmas 2022 + my birthday 2023 + CNY 2023 feel to it with this group. I am thankful and grateful for the meal treats, I decided not to take photos of the food, as the friendship and presence far outweighs taking photos of the food and sharing on social media. 

There has been a regular birthday cake gift from Gloo PR, an agency that I worked closely with for the past few years, truly grateful for the friendship and working relationship. I was able to share my birthday cake with my family, relatives, cousins and nieces at an early CNY reunion gathering. 

Feeling humbled, touch, and very grateful for the gifts and treats blessings for my birthday January 2023.

Thinking about a few things

At the start of the year, there were some news reported that got me thinking deeply about a few things. Along with my Yearly Themes, that I set for my Yearly Theme 2023 (Photography and Travel) – Explore and Yearly Theme 2023 (Technology | Business | Personal) – Transform, I would like to add something. 

Here are some words and thoughts to remind myself for Year 2023

• Be kind, grateful, contented, humble and down to earth 
• Life is too short to be fighting the wrong battles
• Stay low key and low profile whenever possible
• Peace and Tranquility (less dramas, avoid dramas)
• JOMO over FOMO
• Sustainability 

Another year older in 2023, another year wiser (hopefully). Once again, thank you very much from the bottom of my heart for all your well-wishes, treats, gifts and blessings.

The post Birthday January 2023 Thoughts appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Three! Two! One! Happy Chinese New Year Series!

Best things come in pairs this Chinese New Year festive season, POP MART unveils the latest Three! Two! One! Happy Chinese New Year Series! in a beautiful peach blossoms surroundings!  

You have to check out Happy Chinese New Year Series, whether to buy as a whole collection or a few that you really like to decorate and display in your home for Chinese New Year festive season! 

Singapore-exclusive Sweet Bean UFO Catcher and Gashapon Machine Limited Edition 100% Figures!

Fans of Sweet Bean, you will get the chance to pre-order the Singapore-exclusive Sweet Bean UFO Catcher and Gashapon Machine Limited Edition 100% Figures! Hailing from the popular Sweet Bean I Am Here! series, this pair of collectibles come equipped with their own lighting, truly showcasing how adorable they are! Visitors to the Marina Square x POP MART Pop-Up store who pre-order a set of both figurines will receive an $8 POP MART voucher (1).

Take many sweet and memorable photos with irresistibly cute, life-sized sculptures from the Sweet Bean I Am Here! series surrounded by incredibly picturesque peach blossoms. Kickstart your Chinese New Year 2023 with the sweetest experience at Marina Square, courtesy of POP MART!

POP MART x MARIGOLD HL Milk

POP MART is collaborating with MARIGOLD HL Milk, Singapore’s No. 1 Low Fat Pasteurised Milk, in 2023, to reward their customers with exciting Sweet Bean promotions and exclusive gift with purchase in the coming months. Starting with the POP-Up at Marina Square, the first 200 customers to pre-order the limited edition 100% figures will receive free Marigold HL Milk. Follow MARIGOLD HL Milk FaceBook @MARIGOLD HL Milk SG or Instagram @hlmilksg for more updates on this collaboration.

Prosperous Treats Exclusively for Marina Square Rewards Members

Sweet Bean red packets

If you are a fan of collecting cute red packets, you would like this Sweet Bean red packets! Marina Square Rewards Members may redeem a set of Sweet Bean red packets (2) upon spending $80 at eligible F&B/retail outlets.

Complimentary Parking

Marina Square Rewards Members may redeem $3 Complimentary Parking Ticket (3) simply by spending $30 at F&B/eligible retail outlets.

$10 Marina Square eVoucher

Marina Square Rewards Members may redeem a $10 Marina Square eVoucher (4) by spending $150 at eligible F&B/retail outlets.

POP MART x Sweet Bean Atrium

From 6 January till 2 February 2023, visitors are encouraged to snap photos with Sweet Bean among peach spring blossoms and enjoy the lunar new year festivities at the Central Atrium.

Terms and Conditions:

• Up to 3 same-day combined receipts and charge slips from eligible purchases made at qualifying F&B/Retail Outlets (exclude receipts issued by temporary fair vendors at atrium fairs). Present receipts and charge slip at point of Redemption. Other T&Cs apply.
• Retail spending at the POP MART POP-Up store and other Marina Square Atrium booths not included.

Notes:

• Minimum spend of $38 applies
• Limited to 2 sets of Red Packets per member per day, while stocks last
• Limited to 1 redemption per shopper per day. Limited to first 100 redemptions on weekdays (Monday – Thursday) and 150 redemptions on weekends (Friday – Sunday).
• Limited to 1 redemption per shopper per day, while stocks last.

Happy Chinese New Year 2023!

Wishing all my readers a Happy Chinese New Year 2023 in advance! Enjoy a Sweet Spring Chinese New Year at Marina Square with POP MART!

The post Celebrate a Sweet Spring Chinese New Year at Marina Square with POP MART appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

What is #Metazomia all about? 

What is #Metazomia all about? This word comes from two things, the Metaverse and a metaphorical highland region in Southeast Asia. #Metazomia is a whimsical 360° immersive cinematic experience created by award-winning artist Brian Gothong Tan. 

Created from artificial intelligence and inspired by the adventures of Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, Tan’s cinematic experience looks at what the future may hold. The result: an epic melding of generative art and motion graphics that invite visitors to surrender to the meditative quality of the images.

Now that you know what #Metazomia is all about, please proceed to your start point and embark on your journey into #Metazomia in Station 1.

Embark on your Journey into #Metazomia in Station 1

There are a few different types of artistic mediums/forms, you can choose to absorb everything on offer, or be selective, or none at all, if you decide to do so. I would like to suggest and encourage you to go up close and personal with all different artworks on display.

Take your time to discover, there is no need to rush 

There are photographs, there are also stories, there are slide films, there is also an interactive art form, all you need to do is to step into the yellow circle, observe the image that appears in front of you. 

Take your time to discover, there is no need to rush.  

Interact and Immerse yourself 

Step out, slowly, cautiously and purposely, and step back into the yellow circle again. What image appears in front of you now? What does the image means to you? What is the meaning and message behind the image that is sent to you?   

Check out the photos, the zines with its visual storytelling stories by Kaylene Tan that accompanies the photos by Brian Gothong Tan. Observe closely, are the photos real? Or are they digital artworks? Or they are something else? 

You might have questions going through your mind right now, seeking answers. Take your time to discover, there is no need to rush.  

Oh wait, before you leave for your next station, there are some notes for you to read, from a fellow traveler on the island nation/world of #Metazomia to another fellow traveler. 

Alright, you are now ready to depart for your next Station.

Follow the Yellow Path into Station 2 

Departing from Station 1, a bright yellow path is waiting for you and calling out to you, the time is now for you to board, follow the yellow path into Station 2 and embark on a wandering and wondering journey with intention to discover the different worlds inside this world.

Take your time to discover, there is no need to rush 

You might be wondering, what are they showing on the four walls? Different cinematic worlds are being shown, you would need more time to watch and understand. Take your time to discover, there is no need to rush.  

Interact and/or Meditate, Immerse into the Visual Narratives 

Walk on the yellow path, or step into the yellow circle, you can sit down too if you want. I would like to invite you and try something different from your usual routines, to interact and/or meditate, immerse into the visual narratives that are played in front of you or around you.

What do you see? How do you feel? Search your innermost feelings, pen it down somewhere, you can also share your thoughts and feelings with fellow travelers to the island nation/world of #Metazomia (before your leave 72-13).

Connecting with #Metazomia 

The Metaverse might still be a whole new strange world for many of us, how can we connect a virtual world with the real world? How is it even possible, what would the Metaverse world be really like?

Connecting with #Metazomia by Brian Gothong Tan, brings you into the Metaverse via a mix of arts form and different mediums. We might not have all the answers to the questions, none of us have the answers as the #Metaverse is still evolving, exploring and transforming.   

There is something at #Metazomia that connected with me deeply, on the subject of AI (Artificial Intelligence) on the arts and creatives sectors. This topic is on my personal projects list for Year 2023 (from both photographer and technology writer perspectives). 

Chatting with Brian on the topic of AI was enlightening and mind-opening, AI is not going to go away, it would probably gain more traction in our daily work and living. Some artists, photographers, creatives are afraid, we can understand. In a nutshell, it’s all about embracing AI not fearing AI, and how you can adopt, adapt and incorporate them in your artistic and creative workflows. 

#Metazomia by Brian Gothong Tan is an excellent artistic showcase and eye-opener into the world of Metaverse and AI combining together.  

#MetaZomia by Brian Gothong Tan

Exhibition Dates: 2nd to 20th January 2023 (Closed on 9th and 16th January)

Venue: 72-13 Mohamed Sultan Road Singapore 239007

Ticketing Information:

Available at Peatix: bit.ly/MetazomiaTicketing 

Available at Klook: bit.ly/MetazomiaKlook 

Usual price: $23 per pax

Special prices to #Metazomia! 

$20 per pax (Use Promo Code: META20)

$18 per pax for groups of 4 and above (META18 – before 11th January 2023)

$15 per pax for students/NSFs/seniors (META15)

The post #Metazomia – What kind of Utopian World is that? appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

We had low key and subdued New Year Eve celebrations for the past 2 years (2020 and 2021) due to the global pandemic situation at the time. Being able to welcome Year 2023 with a big bang of amazing choreographed and beautiful fireworks display was most welcome by many of us.  

Looking back at Year 2022 in Review: Reflecting Year 2022 (Photography | Travel) and Reflecting Year 2022 (Technology | Business | Personal), it’s time for a fresh new start in a fresh new year 2023. The year ahead has its own new set of challenges and concerns, even as we are moving out and away from the global pandemic that rocked us upside down in 2020.  

To all the organisations, partners and people that I work with, from camera brands, photographers, videography, travel, tourism, F&B, hospitality and creative industries. I look forward to working closer together and on a bigger scale in the Year 2023.  

Once again, wishing all of you a Happy New Year 2023! Good luck and all the best in the year ahead! Wishing all of you great health and happiness with your family and loved ones! May you soar high in the sky with beautiful fireworks lighting up the night sky, and your goals, objectives and wishes for this year 2023 all come true!

The post Happy New Year 2023! appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

On the subject of backlogs in my photography and travel media news coverage, I would try my best to clear them in January 2023. As for travel media pitches, collaborations and discussions, as well as photography related new collaborations and discussions, I would look into them in January 2023.

There is an ongoing photography collaboration discussions and planning that started around November 2022, I am taking the last week of Year 2022 to finalise before another round of discussions in January 2023. 

During the last week of Year 2022, I would be taking this period to rest, followed by reflecting 2022 in my areas of photography and travel. I am also in the midst of writing and sharing more thoughts and plans into my Yearly Theme 2023 that I have already selected. 

Have a wonderful Christmas Eve gathering with your family and loved ones! Wishing you a Merry Christmas 2022 in advance!

The post On a media publishing break for last week of 2022 (Photography | Travel) appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.

Going back in time to 2021, there was a period during Q3 when I was at a very low point, I wasn’t in a good shape, my mental health and well-being was probably at the bottom of that rabbit hole that I spiralled myself downwards into. 

The above photo was shot on 24th September 2021 by fellow photographer friend Ryan Cheng. A picture speaks a thousand words, on the state of my mental health and well-being during that period. My article on World Mental Health Day 2021 translates them into a pretty lengthy article if you like to know more.

A year has passed, my situation has definitely improved from that dark and down period in 2021, putting aside the normal routine high stress and pressure in running my own photography business in a swinging up and down economic cycle. I am not writing as much in this article (I try to not write as much), as compared to my 2021 article whereby my photography and visual story telling allowed me to unleash (rant) a lot of my thoughts, feelings and emotions at that point in time.

In a period of crisis, there are lessons to be learnt, for you to take note, be mindful and improve on. There is light at the end of the tunnel, there is a beautiful rainbow at the end of this storm. One of the bright sparks/rainbow omen that appear for me, is that my second photography zine (publishing soon) is based on my photography therapy journeys that I embarked during my route to recovery. 

Today on 10th October 2022, World Mental Health Day 2022, I am continuing to spread the message on taking care of your personal mental health and well-being. Please visit and check out this article my alma mater University of Queensland (UQ). “What the health: How do we maintain a healthy headspace”, published by UQ Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, is a good read.    

Be aware and mindful of your personal mental health and well-being. Take good care and be safe as we rebuild a new future of living and work in a post global pandemic world. 

The post World Mental Health Day 2022 appeared first on TGH Photography and Travel Portal/Blog.