Singapore Akaff Bridge, a masterpiece touched by a Filipina Artist

 

Alkaff Bridge

 

Alkaff Bridge is the most distinctive and colourful bridge across the Singapore River. It was covered with the signature exuberant circles of Pacita Abad during her last days of lung cancer in 2004.

Alkaff Bridge (Singapore's ArtBridge) is a pedestrian bridge in Singapore. It spans the Singapore River at Robertson Quay, located in the Singapore River planning area within the Central Area, Singapore's Central Business District.

The steel truss bridge is 55 metres in length and weighs about 230 tonnes. It is shaped like a tongkang (a light boat used commonly in the early days to carry goods along rivers), and is situated near the former Alkaff Quay. Alkaff Quay was named after a prominent Arabian family, the Alkaffs, who were among the wealthiest in Singapore during the early 20th century.

It was painted in January 2004 in vibrant colours by Filipina artist Pacita Abad (1946–2004) and a team of rope specialists. Pacita and her crew of helpers used 55 different colors and more than 900 liters of industrial-strength paint to transform the bridge into Singapore's first "Bridge of Art".

 

Pacita Abad was born in Basco, Batanes, a small island in the northernmost part of the Philippines, between Luzon and Taiwan. Her more than 32-year painting career began when she travelled to the United States to undertake graduate studies. She had over 40 solo exhibitions at museums and galleries in the U.S., Asia, Europe, Africa and Latin America. She also participated in more than 50 group and traveling exhibitions throughout the world. Abad’s work is now in public, corporate and private art collections in over 70 countries.

"Painting the Alkaff Bridge is my gift to Singapore. I passionately believe in public art and hope that this project inspires many more like it and brings art into the everyday lives of Singaporeans." - Pacita Abad, Artist

Rivermaya Beach Party at East Coast

A one day all-weather event with Rivermaya. This will be a free standing or you can bring your own mat. Children aged 3 and below are not allowed.

MVP Promotions proudly presents one of Southeast Asia's most illustrious award-winning acts – Rivermaya of the Philippines.

Catch their spectacular full-length daytime concert, featuring their latest, and classic hits outdoors by the sea. A breathtaking beach party for true blue Rivermaya fans! Bring your friends and family to enjoy the fun under a COVERED ROOF. An all-weather event. MVP Promotions guarantees the use of a professional sound system for the best concert experience.

There’ll be food and drink stalls while you listen to the music from the most celebrated band of the Philippines.

Rivermaya has gained regional and international success since the 1990s, dominating the music scene in their country and beyond, through evolution in their music and member line-ups over the years.

Manila-based Rivermaya features founding member Mark Escueta (drums), along with Jayson Fernandez (vocals), Japs Sergio (bass) and Mike Elgar (guitar).

For tickets, call the Ticket Hotline: 91029222,
or enquire at:

• Metro Remittance, Lucky Plaza #03-30
• Pentravel & Tours, Lucky Plaza #04-39
• 7107 Flavours, Marina Square #02-02
• SAMA (Association of Mapua Alumni Singapore) 96195450
• Batangas Varsitarian International

For general enquiries, call the MVP Hotline: 91029333

Ticket price $29 inclusive of 1 drink.

What: Rivermaya Beach Party
When: Sunday, October 3, 2010
Time: 4:00pm - 11:30pm
Where: East Coast Beach by Playground at Big Splash

Singapore welcome Pacquiao with a red carpet

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATE) – The red carpet will be laid out for Sarangani Province Rep. Manny Pacquiao when he arrives in Singapore on Friday.

The Singapore Government has invited the 7-division world champion for a goodwill visit scheduled from Friday to Sunday.

It will be Pacquiao’s first trip to the Southeast Asian city-state.

“It’s so exciting,” Lynelle Seow of the Singapore Tourism Board said in a telephone interview with abs-cbnNEWS.com. “He's such a boxing hero not only for Filipinos but for all Asians.”

“We’re very excited. We’re so proud of him as well,” added Seow, the Area Director for the Philippines and Brunei.

Lynelle Seow, Area Director for the Philippines and Brunei of the Singapore Tourism Board

Pacquiao is slated to meet with Singaporean youth pugilists as well as members of the Singapore Boxing Federation.

Seow said she expects the pound-for-pound king to inspire the young boxers from Singapore.

Meantime, she added that Pacquiao’s visit is not just about boxing but also about welcoming him to Singapore.

The world-renowned Filipino boxer will be toured around Singapore’s latest attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore, Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer. He will also join a Hippo Bus Tour.

He will also meet with Philippine Ambassador to Singapore Minda Cruz during his all-expenses paid trip.

Source: abs-cbnnews