You can tell a lot about a city by what it chooses to celebrates. The Philippine cities hold fiestas to honor their patron saints while Japan holds peach blossom festivals every April to cherish the blooming of its floral heritage . Singapore, which doesn’t have the centuries of culture, instead celebrates what its best known for: shopping and food.

Playing with its strengths, the Lion City holds The Great Singapore Sale (GSS, for short) this May 23 to July 20. For eight shopping-filled weeks, this event, co-organized every year by The Singapore Tourism Board and many other retail companies, stores, and malls, invites shoppers from all over Asia and beyond to participate in the many activities, discounts, and promos. GSS is definitely established as a shopping event that is not to be missed, even among international visitors who spent some $3.7 billion in 2006 on shopping in Singapore.

Here is a sample of the activities you can expect during the GSS:

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Posted in Events, Singapore, Things to do |

The month of June is coming soon! Don’t miss out on important holidays, festivals and events.

JUNE 1

International Children’s Day - Cambodia, China, Laos, North Korea, Vietnam, Australia

There’s a day for the little ones all over the world! Other countries celebrate International Children’s Day during different days but many do on June 1. On this date, there are a lot of fun activities especially held for the young. Have fun, kids!

Dayak Festival - Malaysia

This is a time of celebration because the rice harvest has been completed. In merriment, marriages and unions are forged and events like shows, dancing, music, food and drink are held.

National Tree Planting Day - Cambodia

This is a good day for environmentalists, people with a love for planting, the Cambodian residents and of course the trees.

Reconciliation Week - Australia

Reconciliation Week starts from May 27 and lasts until June 3. This is a week to commemorate the historical events where the Australians make their apologies towards their indigenous brothers, the Aborigines, whom they have treated unfairly during the past.

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Posted in Asia, Events |

In less than two days, people all over the world from different cities will be celebrating an event that will fuel awareness on climate change and prove what human beings are capable of to take care of the Earth and make a difference in the fight against global warming.

On March 29, 2008, from 8 to 9 in the evening, lights will be turned off for the whole 60 minutes, thereby, the Earth Hour. Each individual can do a lot to contribute. Aside from doing a ‘lights-out’, invite family, friends and the whole community to do the same.

The first ever Earth Hour was initiated by the city of Sydney in Australia last March 31, 2007. By turning off its lights for one hour, Sydney has made a powerful statement leading to a 10.2% energy reduction across the city. Their stand against global warming has been noticed all over the world so now in 2008, more than 24 global cities will be participating too.

Are you ready to do your share?

Posted in Asia, Australia, Events |

A historic gate of Seoul and South Korea’s National Treasure, Sungnyemun, also known as Namdaemun or South Gate, was devastated by fire last February 10, 2008. All attempts to salvage the historic landmark were futile.

“An overnight fire destroyed a 610-year-old landmark that was considered the top national treasure, officials said Monday.

…

The fire broke out Sunday night and burned down the wooden structure at the top of the Namdaemun gate that once formed part of a wall that encircled the capital.”*

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Posted in Events, Korea |

As Valentines Day grows closer, everyone is planning what to do for their special someone or parents or siblings or friends. Simple gifts from flowers to chocolates to valentines cards cost a little more extra. If you’re on a limited budget but still want to impress your loved ones, why not tell them how much you love them? A heartfelt ‘I love you‘ goes a long way, but you can even impress them more by saying I love you in different languages.

Here is a list of how to say ‘I love you’ in different languages. Click on ‘listen to audio‘ and practice saying the words out loud until you have perfected it.

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Posted in Asia, Events, Language |

All over Australia, people are celebrating Australia Day this 3-day long weekend (and some even long before and after that!). Australia Day is celebrated every 26th of August, with the following Monday a nationwide holiday.

But to the winners of this year’s Australian of the Year Award last August 25 at a ceremony in front of Parliament House in Canberra, the celebration is doubled. Congratulations to the following winners of the Australian of the Year 2008.

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Posted in Australia, Events |

Throughout the year as the full moon rises, Koh Phangan’s Haad Rin beach comes to life. Close to 10,000 residents and visitors converge on the Thailand beach once a month to celebrate what is considered the most alluring moon in the world. As the moon reaches its fullest point, it casts light into the sandy beach below providing a perfect setting for a large party. Read the rest of this entry »

Posted in Events, Thailand |