It is no surprise that the late Prince Philip, who passed away just two months short of his 100th birthday, was the subject of numerous portraits by artists and photographers of the past decades. In fact, his retirement from public engagements in 2017 was marked with a portrait painted by Austrian artist Ralph Heimans. But did you know that he was a painter too? One of his most well-known paintings is an informal portrait of the queen enjoying her breakfast while reading the newspaper in the dining room at Windsor Castle. Painted in 1965, this artwork was featured in The Royal Portrait: Image And Impact book published in 2010. The couple has celebrated more than 73 years of marriage - the longest of any British monarch. Another painting by Prince Philip, of his friend English artist Edward Seago (1910-1974), was shown together with Seago’s portrait of the prince working with oil paints, at the Portrait Of The Artist exhibition at Buckingham Palace in 2016. Prince ... » Learn More about A man of many talents: Prince Philip’s passion as a painter
Poi flow art
Resilient hubs key for companies seeking stability amidst Covid-19: SM Tharman
SINGAPORE - Senior Minister Tharman Shanmugaratnam gave his take on several issues during a virtual dialogue at the Singapore Tech Forum on Thursday (Nov 19). The forum, a global industry and networking even in its third year running, is organised by the Singapore Global Network - a division of the Economic Development Board - and the Government Technology Agency (GovTech). Economic reconfiguration and China Contrary to what some might think, globalisation is not on the decline. Instead, what the global economy is seeing is a reconfiguration as a result of China's evolution, said Mr Tharman. He noted that the biggest trend was the evolution of the Chinese economy. “It is getting larger. (China is) having a much larger middle class consuming a lot more. (They) are having much more capabilities domestically, able to produce within China what was previously imported, and that might give the impression of some waning of globalisation. "But actually, it's the same story - it's ... » Learn More about Resilient hubs key for companies seeking stability amidst Covid-19: SM Tharman
Upholding Jawi akin to upholding definition of Malays in Constitution, says PM
KUALA LUMPUR: Reviving Jawi and upholding Malay virtues are in line with keeping to the definition of who the Malays are in the Federal Constitution, says Prime Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. As Article 160(2) of the Federal constitution states that "a Malay" is one who is Muslim, speaks Malay and practises the Malay customs and traditions, it is high time the Malays revived Jawi writing which has aesthetic values as well, he added. “In Article 160 (2), customs and traditions refer to the Malay culture," he said in his speech when launching the book “Budi Asas Tamadun” (Virtue the Basis of Civilisation) and exhibition “Jawi soul of the race, art of cultural milestones” here on Monday (April 12). "The effort by the organisers is a noble one to champion Malay culture and heritage as an identity and national heritage. “Jawi writing has been an integral part of education, the sociocultural system and way of life for Malays since Islam came to this region. “The written ... » Learn More about Upholding Jawi akin to upholding definition of Malays in Constitution, says PM
Tourism Minister optimistic high season will see 10 million domestic trips a month
The Tourism and Sports Minister is aiming to see domestic tourists undertake 10 million trips a month during the forthcoming high season. Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn is hopeful the stimulus measures approved by Cabinet will boost tourism numbers and help off-set some of the economic devastation caused by the closure of Thailand’s borders. Domestic tourism first began to pick up in May, while the country was still in partial lockdown, with over 500,000 trips taken that month. In June, that figure jumped to over 3 million, then 7.4 million in July and 8.4 million in August. Although September recorded 8.5 domestic trips, there is still some way to go to achieve the government’s objective of 10 million. However, Phiphat is optimistic, expecting an increase in numbers during the last 2 months of the year. A number of financial packages have been approved by the government, with the aim of providing some much-needed security for tourism operators. The allocation of soft loans has been ... » Learn More about Tourism Minister optimistic high season will see 10 million domestic trips a month
Gatchalian opposes call for academic ease
SEN. Sherwin Gatchalian on Monday opposed calls for an academic break, warning that poor students will be left behind. Gatchalian, who is also the chairman of the Senate Committee on Basic Education, Arts and Culture, reiterated that poor and vulnerable learners who struggled since the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) pandemic began, will suffer from the additional disruptions that a nationwide academic break will bring. He also warned of exacerbated effects linked to prolonged school closures such as learning loss, widening inequalities and increased exposure to violence, among others. “I don’t agree with the call to implement a nationwide academic break. Iba-iba naman ang quarantine qualification at may mga lugar na walang lockdown. Mahirap naman pong mag-academic freeze sa isang lugar na walang kaso ng Covid-19. Kaya hindi pwede itong academic freeze para sa pangkalahatan dahil iba-iba ang sitwasyon (Quarantine qualification varies as there are places which has no ... » Learn More about Gatchalian opposes call for academic ease
‘Nomadland’ wins Hollywood’s top director prize from DGA
Frances McDormand in the film “Nomadland.” Image: Joshua James Richards/Century Studios via AFP Chloe Zhao’s “Nomadland” won this year’s top Hollywood directing award Saturday, from the Directors Guild of America (DGA). It is the final major guild ceremony before the Oscars, and an important late bellwether in Tinseltown’s pandemic-delayed and mainly virtual award season. Zhao spent her entire victory speech praising her fellow nominees, who must now be wondering what they can do to catch up with her critically adored and awards-dominating United States road movie before the Academy Awards on April 25. “I want to thank you guys for teaching me so much, and for showing your support. You have made this journey so much more special,” the 39-year-old director, previously best known for indie movie “The Rider,” told rival directors via video call. Those filmmakers included David Fincher (“Mank”), Emerald Fennell (“Promising Young Woman”) and Lee Isaac Chung (“Minari”) who will also ... » Learn More about ‘Nomadland’ wins Hollywood’s top director prize from DGA
Recession drama ‘Nomadland’ wins best film at BAFTA awards
Mollye Asher, Dan Janvey, Peter Spears and director Chloe Zhao react for Best Film BAFTA award for “Nomadland”, during the 74th British Academy Film Awards in London, Britain, April 11, 2021. BAFTA/Handout via REUTERS LONDON – U.S. recession drama “Nomadland”, about a community of van dwellers, was the big winner at Britain’s BAFTA awards on Sunday, scooping best film and prizes for its Chinese-born director Chloe Zhao and leading actress Frances McDormand. The British Academy of Film and Television Arts ceremony was held virtually over two nights, with nominees joining in by video, due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However film stars Hugh Grant and Priyanka Chopra Jonas appeared in person at London’s Royal Albert Hall while Renee Zellweger and Anna Kendrick joined from a Los Angeles studio to present the awards. “Nomadland”, which has already picked up prizes this awards season, stars 63-year-old McDormand as a widow, who in the wake of the U.S. economic recession, turns her van ... » Learn More about Recession drama ‘Nomadland’ wins best film at BAFTA awards
Nostalgia for kampung-like flavours
AN IMPRESSIVE spread of traditional Malay dishes full of nostalgia awaits diners at Wyndham Acmar Klang’s T-Cafe this Ramadan. Chef de cuisine Mohd Al Muhaimin Nordin, who is well-known for his prowess in whipping up authentic Malay food, has been delighting diners at this hotel. Al Muhaimin, who hails from Kampung Duyung in Melaka Tengah, describes the roasted whole lamb leg as the high point of the Nostalgic Kampungku Buffet, as it is cooked to tender perfection with tasty, succulent meat. Asked the difference between a standard roast and his dish, he said the secret was in the art of marinating the meat with Malay spices and chillies as well as the use of coconut milk. “Common during Ramadan is roasted whole lamb cooked over a slow fire. But ours gets a 24-hour marinade that comprises a blend of 18 spices, and a bath in coconut milk and chilli paste. “It is important to get the composition right to ensure maximum flavour. Fine slits are made into the meat to allow the ... » Learn More about Nostalgia for kampung-like flavours
Will Honda’s new Hybrid HR-V reach PH shores?
Honda has unveiled the latest generation of its popular HR-V compact SUV, available with a powerful and responsive two-motor e:HEV powertrain as standard for the first time. The all-new HR-V delivers exceptional hybrid efficiency and advanced safety and technology features, all incorporated into a bold and sleek coupe-inspired form designed to enhance the class-leading interior space and comfort the nameplate is known for. Available in Europe from late 2021, the new HR-V is the latest model in Honda’s line-up to wear the e:HEV (hybrid electric vehicle) badge, following the refreshed CR-V and all new Jazz that launched in 2020. It expands Honda’s electrified line up as the brand moves further towards its goal of electrifying all of its European mainstream models by 2022. Premium SUV styling The next-generation HR-V e:HEV achieves a distinctive SUV presence in a compact coupe-inspired design. The new model embodies the brand’s seamless, clean, modern design philosophy seen in ... » Learn More about Will Honda’s new Hybrid HR-V reach PH shores?
Facets of liturgical architecture in the Philippines (Part 2)
AS Catholicism spread with unprecedented rapidity to various parts of the country due to the zeal of Spanish missionaries, thousands of churches and shrines have been established in almost ubiquitous fashion within the archipelago to address the needs of the predominantly Catholic population. Understandably, for three centuries, religious architecture in the 16th to 19th centuries was predominantly of Spanish influence although with a Mexican strain, following the Laws of the Indies promulgated in 1573 by King Philip 2nd, containing policies for town planning and location of churches on elevated sites with the town plaza. When the Augustinian Spanish friars started constructing churches in several parts of this country, they patterned the designs after the existing ones built in Mexico. Inculturation and Vernacular Architecture It was during this time that the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade soared to new heights, lasting from 1565 to 1815. Two vessels would embark on the ... » Learn More about Facets of liturgical architecture in the Philippines (Part 2)