Tuesday, July 30, 2024

[Media Invite] The Mongol Khan : Exclusive First Look & Graphic Novel Launch Event

 The Mongol Khan:
Coming Soon to Singapore for Asia Premiere

The Mongol Khan - Official Photo credit to Katja Ogrin (Base Entertainment Asia)

The Mongol Khan, a majestic Mongolian theatrical production is set to conquer Singapore's Sands Theatre from 17 October 2024, marking its highly anticipated Asia Premiere. Inspired by the region's rich history, this epic theatrical production brings to life the fascinating historical events that happened in Central Asia 3000 years ago, taking audiences on a journey that feels both timeless and relatable. Following a sell-out season at The London Coliseum in 2023, this groundbreaking production is set to makes history again as the first-ever Mongolian theatrical production to take stage in Singapore. 

Exclusive Media Invitation

Triple J - Jessie, Jas, Jayce
Thanks Kelvin for the photo

I was thrilled to be invited to attend the First Look of The Mongol Khan and its graphic novel launch. Brought along Jayce with me and we walked over from office after work to attend this exclusive event at the Sands Theatre.  


Cocktails and Canapes were served throughout and it was nice to meet familiar faces too! 

 First Look at The Mongol Khan
Sneak Peak of Some Traditional Dances and Performances

Mongolian Traditional Dance 
Dancer: Enkhbolor

A graceful dance to express happiness. It is said that during a festive feast after eating and drinking, the Inner Mongolian people will grab wine cups from the table and start to dance. This dance therefore arose from this custom. Throughout the dance, we also noticed that the cups were actually filled with water as some scenes showing water being poured out of the wine cups. Such great skill of balancing without spilling the water inside. 

Mongolian Original Dance
Dancer: Shijirmaa

This fascinating performance truly leaves a deep impression as this lady is able to made different sounds from the throat resembling that of the birds. 

Mongolian Horse Fiddle
Artist: Maidarravjaa

It's amazing how this Mongolian Horsehead Fiddle, or Morin Khur, a humble two-stringed instrument, yet in the skilled hands can conjure evoke the thunderous gallop of ten thousand horses. The image of horses galloping in the vast, untamed green fields and I'm really impressed.

Mongolian Religious Dance
Dancers: Davaa, Maidarravjaa, Enkhblor, Lkhagva

The last performance was the Mongolian Religious Dance. It was truly an eye opener. Such colourful and elaborated masks and costumes. It does reminds me of the Chinese Opera dance. 

 The Mongol Khan Graphic Novel Launch
Autograph session with Hero Bataar, Director and Executive Producer and Author  


The graphic novel went on sale after the performance. Kelvin bought a copy and scored a meet-and-greet with the director, Hero Bataar on stage to get the book signed. We were really curious as to how the autograph looks like and it turned out that Hero not only signed the book with his signature but he had also asked them to write their names and sign on the page. After which, he transformed their signatures into two animals! 


Don't miss this spectacular theatrical show. Tickets are now on sale via Marina Bay Sands Ticketing, SISTIC and KLOOK. Quote "CHEWYJAS" to get 5% discount on Klook (Minimum purchase $50). UOB debit and credit cardholders enjoy a 15% discount off tickets across all categories and performances. The Mongol Khan graphic novel, available now at Kinokuniya, offers a deeper dive into the story. 

XOXO

Thursday, July 11, 2024

[Event] Singapore International Jewelry Expo 2024

I visited Singapore's most prestigious jewellery show, the Singapore International Jewelry Expo (SIJE) 2024 which was held at Marina Bay Sands Singapore, Sands Expo & Convention Centre Halls A & B from 11 July to 13 July. SIJE is the leading trade show for the jewellery industry, connecting local and international exhibitors with key buyers in Singapore, ASEAN and beyond, facilitating business opportunities and growth. 

SIJE 2024 - Opening and Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
Photo Credit: IEG Asia 

The show was officially opened by Guest-of-Honour Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Cluture, Community and Youth. Also present at the official opening of SIJE 2024 were His Excellency Dante Brandi, Ambassador of Italy to Singapore and Brunei; Mr Giorgio Calveri, Trade Commissioner, Italian Trade Agency (ITA) Singapore; Mr Sulistijo Djati Ismojo, Deputy Chief of Mission/Head of Chancery, Embassy of the Republic of Indonesia in Singapore; His Excellency Senarath Dissanayake, High Commissioner of Sri Lanka in Singapore; His Excellency, Samer Anton Naber, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to the Republic of Singapore.

SIJE 2024 - Opening Ceremony of Indonesian Pavilion
Photo Credit: IEG Asia 


SIJE 2024 - Opening Ceremony of Italian Pavilion
Photo Credit: IEG Asia 

The Italian Pavilion at SIJE 2024 was officially opened by Guest of Honour Mr Alvin Tan, Minister of State, Ministry of Trade and Industry & Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth; His Excellency Mr. Dante Brandi, Ambassador of Italy to Singapore and Brunei; and Mr Giorgio Calveri, Trade Commissioner, Italian Trade Agency (ITA) Singapore. This milestone event fosters bilateral trade ties between Italy and Singapore, especially in the jewellery industry. The pavilion showcases 14 renowned Italian master jewellers, highlighting exquisite craftsmanship and innovative designs, made possible by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA), demonstrating Italy's commitment to strengthening business relationships and commercial prospects in the region. 

First look at some exceptional gemstones and jewellery from across the globe


A S$3.8 million one-of-a-kind Jade Necklace by Ivy Masterpiece. Each piece of jade in this necklace has been painstakingly curated to present this rare piece of perfection. This HKJJA-certified necklace has 47 Natural Imperial Jadite Beads and weights a total of 691 carats. 


Another piece by Ivy Masterpiece is this Natural Fancy Light Pink "Cushion" Diamond Ring with a carat weight of 4.01 carats and GIA-certified set with marquise and oval-shaped Diamonds mounted in an 18K 750 White Gold Ring. Priced at S$ 1.18 million. My photo doesn't do justice to this stunning piece. It was so dazzling and sparkles from every angle, captivating the eye no matter how you look at it.


A rare and magnificent 9-carat Pigeon Blood Ruby of Mozambique origin, set with two trapezoid diamonds in a timeless white gold ring casing by DeGem, valued at S$ 4 million. Unfortunately, I didn't manage to get a photo of the actual piece. 

Unique, handmade pieces spotted in the Indonesian Pavilion


At the Indonesian Pavilion, we spotted many one-of-a-kind, handmde jewelry pieces featuring intricate designs and delicate patterns. Each piece was skillfully crafted, displaying lustrous pearls and other precious gemstone.  


Various Stage and Longue Programme

SIJE 2024 brought together jewellery enthusiasts and professionals over the four days exhibition show. There were insightful sharing sessions, stylish fashion shows, receptions and community-based activities for public and invited guests. 


XOXO