DIY for festival goers at upcoming Sarawak Rainforest World Craft Bazaar

KUCHING: The Sarawak Rainforest World Craft Bazaar (RWCB), which will be held from June 28, will not only serve up various interesting arts and craft but also exciting programmes for festival goers.

The three-day bazaar will include DIY (do-it-yourself) programmes to enrich the festival goers’ experience.

These include pottery making, traditional game, craft weaving and carving and beading. Festival goers are welcome to try their hand at all these activities when they visit the bazaar.

Organised by Crafthub Sdn Bhd, the bazaar is held in conjunction with the Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival at the Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV) in Kuching.

It offers a wide selection of both local and foreign art and craft which festival goers can bring back as souvenirs.

Twenty-seven vendors have confirmed participation, with each booth measuring three by three metres in size, located at the various ethnic houses around the Sarawak Cultural Village, thus giving festival goers a homely feeling when shopping for souvenirs to take home.

Festival goers will surely be spoilt for choice with art and craft that include jewellery, decorative items, batik and pottery.

Visitors to the bazaar can try their hand at craft-making as there will be demonstrations by the vendors.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: DIY for festival goers at upcoming Sarawak Rainforest World Craft Bazaar

.
.

Sarawak Rainforest World Craft Bazaar starts today, offers wide range of handicrafts

KUCHING: Various interesting and unique arts and crafts as well as programmes will be offered at the Rainforest World Craft Bazaar 2012, from today (July 13) until Sunday.

The bazaar held simultaneously with the Rainforest World Music Festival at the Sarawak Cultural Village, has 40 booths offering wide range of handicrafts, textiles, jewellery, paintings, potteries, home decorative items and musical instruments.

Organised by Crafthub Sdn Bhd and managed by UCSI Communications Sdn Bhd (UComms), the bazaar is also organising workshops where festival goers can try their hands at craft making and learning to play musical instruments.

Some of the booths are showcasing local crafts from various states including from Sarawak, Kuala Lumpur and Penang. There will also be exhibitors from Laos offering various intricately woven textiles in various shades and texture as well as attractive home decorations.

Besides Laos, other foreign exhibitors include those Indonesia, Uzbekistan, Africa and Korea. They have brought with a variety of unique crafts like the bead jewellery, potteries, textiles and soap made from plant, fruits and cactus as well as charcoal and pearl. For those interested in beaded slippers should visit the Penang Nonya’s booth.

Apart from crafts, there are also workshops on batik painting, pottery making, ‘wayang kulit’, spin making and ‘sape’ and ukulele sessions. The workshops are held from 1pm to 6pm daily at the RWCB exhibition area. To get to the RWCB area, look out for the Orang Utan footprints that are pasted on the plank walk.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sarawak Rainforest World Craft Bazaar starts today, offers wide range of handicrafts

.

.

Rainforest World Craft Bazaar - a venue to show talents and creativity

KUCHING: The Rainforest World Craft Bazaar on July 13 to 15 is a platform for young local talents to show their creativity and skills.

According to Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, this golden opportunity should not be missed by local talents to gauge the marketability of their products.

“At the end of the day, we want to see what these young designers have gained from the bazaar,” said Abang Johari during a site visit to the bazaar at Sarawak Cultural Village yesterday.

He also said that a roadmap for the bazaar with the participation of young designers had been created and would be kept in close tabs, backed by a sound coffer.

He also hoped that the young designers would be able to find their niche designs made up of local and sustainable materials.

Abang Johari, who is also Satok assemblyman, said the young people should look up to Datuk Jimmy Choo who had managed to break into the international market and claim fame through celebrities and influential figures.

Foreign exhibitors participating in the bazaar include those from Indonesia, Laos, Uzbekistan, Africa and Korea.

“Each country has its own originality in product design and this international bazaar would also see each one of them conducting workshops on ways to bring life to their products,” said Abang Johari.

With the participation of foreign exhibitors, Abang Johari hoped that this would influence the minds of local designers in meeting international standards before venturing into the production phase.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Rainforest World Craft Bazaar - a venue to show talents and creativity

.

.

Rainforest Festival launch, a ticketed event this year

KUCHING: The Sarawak Tourism Board is for the first time ticketing the launch of the Rainforest World Music Festival.

The launch, which will be held on July 12 at the Sarawak Cultural Village, is a chance for festivalgoers to meet in person, have an autograph or grab a photo with the international and Malaysian bands present.

Tickets for the night are priced at RM80 inclusive of dinner. However, for those who just wish to watch the opening show, tickets are priced at RM30.

The launching ceremony and dinner will be held at Dewan Lagenda, Sarawak Cultural Village near here, followed by the opening act by Raiz De Cafezal from Brazil and Rhythm of Borneo from Sarawak.

The full lineup for RWMF this year will be Oreka TX (Spain) Hata (Malaysia/Korean/Turkey/Taiwan), Mamadou Diabate (Mali/ Burkina Faso), Danyel Waro (Reunion Islands), Kanda Bongo Man (Congo), Khusugtun (Mongolia), Le Trio Joubran (Palestine), La Zikabilo (France), Raiz De Cafezal (Brazil), String Sisters (Scotland/Ireland/Sweden/Norway/USA), Cankisou (Czech Republic) Zee Avi (Malaysia/USA), The Diplomats of Drum (Malaysia), Rhythm of Borneo (Malaysia), Samuel Dass & Prakash (Malaysia) and The Music of Sarawak (Sarawak).

The Rainforest World Craft Bazaar (RWCB) will also be held alongside the Rainforest World Music Festival at the Sarawak Cultural Village and features prominently as an important fringe event.

Continue reading at: Rainforest Festival launch, a ticketed event this year

.

.

Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival going places with MASwings

KUCHING: The Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) logo is now going places with MASwings aircrafts.

In a joint promotion by Sarawak Tourism Board (STB), MASwings and Malaysia Airports Berhad (MAB), the move is seen as a shared interest to promote Sarawak and boost the tourism industry.

“We want to encourage more visitors to Sarawak, especially during iconic events such as the RWMF,” said STB chief executive officer Datuk Rashid Khan during the unveiling of the RWMF logo on one of the two aircrafts yesterday.

He also said ticket sales for this year’s 15th edition of the RWMF on July 13 – 15 at the Sarawak Cultural Village had doubled compared to last year.

Taking safety and security aspects seriously, Rashid assured that crowd control would be given top priority to ensure that the number of revellers allowed into Sarawak Cultural Village does not exceed its maximum capacity.

Besides the World Craft Bazaar, he said other fringe events for the RWMF would include a talent search for participants from the South East Asian region.

“The winner of the contest will bag RM3,000 and have a chance to perform during the evening concert,” he added.

Rashid also said STB was planning to hold a Rainforest World Music Expo next year as a platform to showcase and sell their music to festival organisers.

On their extended collaboration with MASwings, Rashid said a lucky draw would be held for their Pontianak-Kuching-Bandar Sri Begawan sector.

“There will be 100 lucky draw prizes made available for customers who fly on MASwings flight during the period of June 18 to July 7,” he said.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival going places with MASwings

.

.

Sarawak Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar to feature prominently at RWMF 2012

KUCHING: The 4th edition of the Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar 2012 (RWCB 2012) is slated to once again feature prominently as an important fringe event to the renowned Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF 2012) now in its 15th year.

“RWCB 2012 promises to be even better than in previous years with a greater variety of arts, crafts and creativity focused activities including exhibition sales.”

“We at Crafthub Sdn Bhd as the event organiser, are striving hard to add even greater value and interest to the exciting lineup of the RWMF 2012”, said event director Mrs Heidi Munan during a courtesy call to Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) chief executive officer Dato Rashid Khan at his office here yesterday.

Presented with the final was, Rashid happy to note that this year’s event will draw participants from neighbouring states Sabah, Terengganu, Selangor and numerous others as well as from countries as far as Uzbezkistan and Indonesia.

“RWCB 2012 as in the previous three years has played its part as a fringe event to our RWMF further adding to the artistic flavour of the festival. I am happy that this special symbiosis between STB and Crafthub is once again going to result in an even better festival in 2012”, he emphasised.

Continue reading at: Sarawak Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar to feature prominently at RWMF 2012

.

.

Craft Bazaar once more part of Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival

KUCHING: The Rainforest World Craft Bazaar (RWCB) will once again be part of the coming Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF).

This time around the bazaar will offer more interesting items for festival goers to enjoy.

Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg has agreed to be patron of the RWCB.

Organised by the Crafthub Sdn Bhd and managed by UCSI Communications Sdn Bhd (UComms), the bazaar will be held simultaneously as the July 13-15 music festival at Sarawak Cultural Village (SCV).

Yesterday morning the organising committee led by its director Heidi Munan called on Abang Johari to brief him on this year’s arrangement and programme.

Also present were principal secretary to the minister Mary Wan Mering, UComms managing director Gracie Geikie and members of Crafthub.

Various attractive and unique crafts from local artisans, those from Sabah and the peninsula amd overseas, will be offered at the bazaar.

Crafthub has more than 40 booths for individuals and organisations keen to participate in the bazaar.

The booth, measuring three by three meters in size, will be located at various ethnic houses around SCV, giving festival goers a homely ambience to shop for souvenir items to take home.

Anyone keen to book a booth can contact Alexis Langgie at alexis@ucsicommunications.com or call her at 012-8547277.

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Craft Bazaar once more part of Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival

.

.

Discovering the hidden gems of Kuching

I HAVE always lamented coming back to Kuching for my semester holidays.

Aside from frequenting the cinemas or kopitiam, I have no idea where else to go.

But my first visit to the recent Rainforest World Craft Bazaar (RWCB) changed my perception about my hometown which actually has a lot to offer.

I was assigned to cover the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2011 for three days.

The Bazaar was held in conjunction with RWMF 2011 at Sarawak Cultural Village to showcase arts and crafts from around the globe.

As I read the word ‘craft’ on the festival programme, my eyes lit up – it’s a perfect excuse to satisfy my craving to shop for handicrafts.

It has been years since I went to the Sarawak Cultural Village.

As I walked toward the Melanau Tall House where the Bazaar was held, the view of the Village took away my breath and filled me with awe.

Lush green rainforest surrounds the village, guarded by pristine Mount Santubong.

The gorgeous view was reflected by the placid lake in the centre of the Village.

I whip out my camera phone to capture the moment.

At the Bazaar, the soothing sounds of sape, played by a local musician on a nearby stage, welcomed local and foreign visitors alike.

The laid-back tempo seemed to slow down time, and offered a relaxing ambience.

The afternoon sun was scorching hot but the visitors were protected by Mother Nature with the thick foliage of the rainforest.

Being at the Bazaar felt like reverting back to the old days.

Many traditional crafts and games were displayed.

There were Malay children in their traditional Baju Melayu expertly spinning the gasing (traditional wooden top) while an elderly Malay man was in deep concentration, sculpturing a wooden doll with a sharp knife. Nearby, two women were sitting on the wooden floor, busy frying kuih bahulu in a wok.

The apetite-whetting aroma of these cakes filled the air and placated my growling stomach.

As I browsed around to find good bargains, I realised the wide array of the local handicrafts was more than an excuse to shop.

They showed an amazing display of Borneo’s rich and diverse cultures.

Every ethnic group has different crafts, artworks and jewellery yet when displayed together, the beautiful resemblance is evident.

Borneo handicrafts use a lot of colours, and when put together on one table, they are an amazing sight to behold.

An explosion of colours lit up the place — sunny yellow ethnic jewellery, fire-like orange beads, ocean blue ethnic pendants, deep green bamboo coin banks and brown and red weave baskets — all arranged neatly at the display tables.

Continue reading (Incl. Pics) at: Discovering the hidden gems of Kuching

.
.

Sarawak Rainforest World Craft Bazaar continues to shine

SANTUBONG: The Rainforest World Craft Bazaar (RWCB) was a big hit among locals, especially female entrepreneurs, judging by both the crowd and gamut of goods sold during the 3-day extravaganza.

Among those participating at the RWCB, which was held in conjunction with the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) 2011, were four entrepreneurs sponsored by the Women’s Bureau of the Chief Minister’s Department.

The group’s representative Amal Hussain said this was the first time they participated in RWCB and they were thrilled to bits with the response from festival-goers.

“There are always customers at our booths and tourists just love our local handicrafts,” he said.

Amal said that he and his female friends did not want to miss the good business opportunity provided by the Women’s Bureau to promote their goods.

Among items sold at the bazaar were ceramics, traditional costume jewellery from various local ethnic groups and cakes.

“Most of the things we sold were purchased by foreign tourists because they said they wanted something that reflects the beautiful Sarawak culture.”

Continue reading (Incl. Pic) at: Sarawak Rainforest World Craft Bazaar continues to shine

.
.

Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival going through final preparations

KUCHING: Final preparations for the 14th edition of the Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) are underway.

Project manager Pauline Lim held a meeting with the festival’s food and village market vendors yesterday to confirm their participation and brief them on the do’s, don’ts and the guidelines.

A total of 40 stalls will be set up for the festival at Sarawak Cultural Village of which 20 will offer food and drinks. Among the food on offer will be an assortment of western, Japanese, Middle Eastern and Thai cuisines.

Local food will also be available including Sarawak laksa, ayam pansuh, umai Sarawak, mee kolok and an assortment of Nyonya delights.

For children, there will be an assortment of finger food, French fries and ice cream. For those watching their diets, fresh juices and fruits will be in store.

Twenty others stalls will offer handicraft and festival memorabilia.

There will also be a stall doing airbrush ink and henna tattoos and another selling this year’s performer CDs and souvenirs.

The Rainforest World Craft Bazaar will feature handicraft items from various countries.

In line with the festival’s greening campaign, all vendors have been advised to use recyclable products while recycle bins will be provided on the festival grounds.

Food cleanliness and hygiene have been given emphasis and all food waste and regular rubbish is to be properly disposed of in the bins provided.

Continue reading at: Sarawak Rainforest World Music Festival going through final preparations

.
.

Sarawak Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar is back

KUCHING: The Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar is back this year at the Sarawak Cultural Village from July 8-10.

According to a press release, the Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar is sited right within the Rainforest World Music Festival venue, a cultural event that needs no description — it is the best in the region by any standards!

Over 20,000 music fans turned up last year, many of them ‘repeaters’ who are sure to make their way again to Damai in July.

The Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar’s theme for 2011 is ‘Green Crafts’, with crafts made from natural, sustainable and/or recycled materials being featured and promoted.

Local institutions of higher learning will be showing the way when it comes to putting almost anything to creative use.

Special stress is laid on practical craftwork this year. A number of skilled artisans will not only demonstrate their traditional skills, but also give hands-on lessons to anybody prepared to try out something that is old in itself but new to the eager learner.

Continue reading (incl. Pic) at: Sarawak Rainforest World Crafts Bazaar is back
.
.