Latest news with #Oriental
Borneo Post
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Borneo Post
Borneo Idol Dance Arts Competition showcases talent, cultural exchange
Officials and participants of the 2025 Borneo Idol Dance Arts Competition gather for a group photo. KUCHING (July 15): The Oriental Dance Arts Association of Kuching (ODAAK) successfully organised the 2025 Borneo Idol Dance Arts Competition on July 12 at the Kuching South City Council (MBKS) Auditorium, thanks to a grant from the Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts. According to ODAAK president Jasmine Tan, the event featured a total of 57 competition categories and attracted 86 participants. 'We are honoured to receive this grant, which marks another milestone in our efforts to promote performing arts,' she said in a statement issued by the ministry today. 'It reflects our team's dedication to promoting dance culture and developing the dance arts industry in Sarawak and across Malaysia.' This year's competition was jointly organised by ODAAK, Just Dance Studio Bintulu, and The S Belly Dance Troupe, in collaboration with IntellArt Tuition & Talents Centre Kota Kinabalu, marking the second edition of their collaborative effort. The top three contestants from each category in Kuching and Kota Kinabalu will advance to the grand finale, scheduled to be held in Bintulu on Sept 12. To raise the competitive bar, ODAAK invited a panel of judges from across Malaysia, including representatives from Selangor, Kuala Lumpur, Pahang, Kedah, Sarawak, and Sabah. In addition to strong local participation, the event also drew international dancers from Nanning and Zhejiang, China, further elevating the competition's international profile. 'The competition spanned various age groups, with categories like junior solo, teenage solo, adult solo, and troupe performances. The dance genres ranged from Oriental dance and Chinese-style to Bollywood, K-Pop, and choreographed dance,' read the statement. Tan expressed gratitude for the ministry's support, noting that the grant reflects confidence in the association's long-term vision and event-planning efforts. ODAAK, a non-profit organisation registered since 2012, has long been dedicated to cultivating appreciation for dance among youth while striving to elevate dance as a recognised art form both locally and internationally. For more information, visit its official Facebook page at
Wales Online
2 days ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Oriental bakery opens in Cardiff with an extraordinary machine in the window
Oriental bakery opens in Cardiff with an extraordinary machine in the window The new store, Taiyaki by Fang's, can be found in The Hayes and opened its doors on Saturday, July 5 Kevin Weng the owner of Taiyaki by Fang's, which opened in The Hayes in Cardiff in July (Image: WalesOnline ) A new bakery which focuses on creating unique sweet treats made from an extraordinary machine near the window, has opened in Cardiff's city centre. The new store, Taiyaki by Fang's, can be found on The Hayes and is named after a Japanese fish-shaped cake - 'taiyaki', often sold as street food. If you wandered through the central shopping street the intricate machine in the shop window, found near to TK Maxx, will catch your eye and you'd definitely be tempted to try the fluffy, sweet treat. According to Kevin Weng, the owner of Taiyaki by Fang, the fish-shaped treats are made from pancake or waffle batter, with its centre oozing with custard. A few days after its opening, we went over to the bakery to find out more about what was on offer and the story behind the business. Kevin Weng is from Fujian in southeast China. He moved to the UK in 2004 as a student in London, before he met his wife and the couple decided to settle in Cardiff. From superstar gigs to cosy pubs, find out What's On in Wales by signing up to our newsletter here . "When we moved from London to Cardiff, we were missing the traditional bakeries we had back home," Kevin explained. "We always popped to Manchester or London to find an Oriental bakery - you'll often find them in Chinatown." In 2017, the dad-of-two decided to launch his very own Oriental bakery in the Welsh capital. Fang's Oriental Bakery is located on Woodville Road in the Cathays area and is known for crafting unique cakes, as well as serving Boba tea and oriental treats including Hong Kong bread, which is a type of sweet bread." Article continues below Taiyaki by Fang's unique machine, which creates the fish-shaped treats, is placed near the shop window for all customers to see (Image: WalesOnline ) He continued: "We wanted to introduce people to different Oriental treats," Kevin said. "We found that people really liked it, at first they would come over, taste and try our samples and freebies, and then they would come over to buy our food. The bakery is named after a Japanese fish-shaped cake, often sold as street food (Image: WalesOnline ) "It's just a small shop, but we get a lot of friendly and warm customers. It feels like we have a small village of customers - a community, where we know around 80% of our customers' names. That's been really nice." After nearly a decade, Kevin and his team decided to grow the business and open a second branch named Taiyaki by Fang's in The Hayes, located right next door to Waterstones. The new bakery opened on Saturday, July 5 - the same day Manchester band Oasis performed their second gig of their reunion tour, with Kevin and his team making the most of the busy footfall in the city centre. The oriental bakery sells all kinds of pastry goods popular in Japan, China and Taiwan (Image: WalesOnline ) Taiyaki by Fang's serves all kinds of delicious bakes - both sweet and savoury, from salted egg yolk and red bean pastry to pineapple cake, roasted pork pastry, taro pastry - a Taiwanese shortbread snack, sesame sausage bun, coconut bread and much more. For drinks, customers can order the usual lattes or flat whites and cappuccinos, as well as bubble teas, milk teas and fruit teas. But it's the taiyaki that makes people stop and stare. Near the shop's front, customers will find the fish-shaped cake being made by a bulky machine. As Kevin explained, the batter and custard centre are poured into a fish-shaped mold on a griddle, with each mold creating one bite-sized taiyaki. The mold door is shut before it opens to reveal a golden brown little cake inside. The impressive machine that creates the fish-shaped sweet treats is located at the shop front (Image: WalesOnline ) A little skewer pierces into the fish and places it on a stack of freshly cooked taiyakis. Each taiyaki is the size of a plum and it is recommended that you eat the cute, little treats while they are still warm. All Kevin needs to do is press a button, with the cakes then created meticulously by the impressive machine. For now, the bakery only creates one flavour, which is the Mini Custard Taiyaki, and they are made fresh everyday. "These are considered street food," Kevin explained. "So they are eaten day-to-day. They are popular in Japan, but also in China and Taiwan, and even in places like London over here." The sweet treats are made out of batter and filled with custard (Image: WalesOnline ) And it seems to becoming a hit with Cardiff customers too. As we talk in the bakery, two customers tell me this is their second visit of the day as they buy another batch of taiyaki. Article continues below "Our goal was always to introduce people to Asian flavours," Kevin said. "And I feel like we have done a good job. We always get people on TikTok or Facebook coming over to try out our food. "We ask for feedback and adjust in the research. In that way, people can get to know who we are and what we do, but then have the opportunity to try something, and if they like it, then they come here regularly and enjoy what we offer."
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Add a tropical touch to your garden with half-price tree that has masses of candy-pink flowers & lives for decades
These long-living trees arrive ready to plant in bloom FLOWER POWER Add a tropical touch to your garden with half-price tree that has masses of candy-pink flowers & lives for decades Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) GARDENERS can add a tropical touch to their garden this summer with a stunning pair of 'Candy Pink' Hibiscus Trees – now half price, and set to last for decades. The pair of trees has been slashed from £59.99 to just £29.99. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Each tree has been specially grafted to produce strong, healthy growth and an abundance of flowers year after year Credit: Getty The offer is available online at Gardening Express, which delivers across the UK, including London, Manchester, Birmingham, and beyond. These eye-catching trees boast masses of vibrant candy-pink blooms and arrive at around 3–4ft tall in containers, ready to be planted into beds, borders or stylish planters. Perfect patio pairing Whether placed on patios, decking or either side of a doorway, they promise to transform your outdoor space with a Mediterranean flair. Perfect for adding a pop of colour and a touch of exotic charm, these hibiscus trees are ideal for creating a garden that feels like a sunny getaway – without ever leaving home. Delivered already well-established, they're easy to care for and thrive in British gardens. If you order during the flowering season, there's a good chance they'll be bursting into bloom by the time they arrive at your door. Built to last Each tree has been specially grafted to produce strong, healthy growth and an abundance of flowers year after year. Unlike more delicate varieties, these are designed to survive the UK climate and grow happily in both full sun and partial shade. Position them in matching pots on either side of your front door for maximum impact, or use them as striking centrepieces in beds or borders. If you're on the hunt for more blooming bargains, several high-street favourites are also offering cracking garden deals. Alan Titchmarsh's top 7 plants that 'transform ugly fences with gorgeous flowers & fragrance' & they grow for years More blooming bargains B&M shoppers have spotted tropical plants like hibiscus and hydrangeas for as little as 50p, while Lidl's middle aisle is packed with budget-friendly blooms including mini roses and Oriental lilies starting from £1.99. Over at B&Q, you can pick up drought-tolerant favourites such as lavender and rosemary from just £2.99, with some outdoor plants also reduced by 20 per cent. Wilko is currently offering Verbena Festival Colours for just £3.99. These hardy little bloomers survive heatwaves and hosepipe bans, flourishing in hot, dry conditions, and will blossom in purple, red, and white all the way until October. They're also wildlife‑friendly, attracting butterflies and bees to your garden. Tesco is stocking Venus Fly Traps for £6.99. These carnivorous plants trap flies in their clam‑shaped leaves and are a natural, chemical‑free way to keep your garden insect‑free – plus, they make brilliant conversation starters
Wales Online
2 days ago
- General
- Wales Online
Pet expert shares manipulative way cats secretly 'train' humans
Cats secretly 'train' their owners with tactic many would mistake for affection Cat owners might think their pets are just showing affection or want to strike up a conversation - but a meow may mean something else Cats see and understand lot more than most give them credit for (Image: Suzanne Marshall via Getty Images ) Being your pet's favourite might feel like a privilege, but according to a pet behaviourist, it could come with certain conditions. Amanda Campion, a clinical animal behaviourist who has spent decades studying the lives and mannerisms of cats, claims that a cat's communication can reveal much about its perception of the world. In a TikTok video, she explained: "Your cat might talk your ear off, but ignores everyone else - there's a reason. Meowing is a learnt behaviour and it's actually a way of [cats] communicating with a human. Very rarely will cats meow to each other, saving them for us humans." Even in a bustling household full of people, if your cat consistently seeks you out and meows, it's not necessarily a sign of affection, she said. Instead, it's their unique and rather manipulative method of training you, she claims. Amanda said: "Cats will very often train one human that they have found out gives them the best results from that meow. So, if it's you that they are often meowing at, and not your partner, then it is because you've delivered quick and fast results, whereas your partner hasn't." The pet expert also noted that people who engage in 'conversations' with their cats tend to have more interactive relationships, reports the Express. She added: "They might associate your scent and your voice with feeding and with care." Content cannot be displayed without consent Article continues below Amanda suggested that by making your feline companions feel secure, they are more likely to engage in conversation with you. She noted that the variety in a cat's tone can be "subtle", yet with careful observation, it becomes obvious that cats often have a distinct "voice" for different people they interact with. Not all cat types are equally vocal. While all cats can meow, purr, hiss, and growl, some breeds are known for being more vocal than others - such as Siamese, Oriental shorthairs and Burmese cats, according to Animal Friends Pet Insurance. Cat owners were eager to share their own stories in the comments section. One joked: "So what you're telling me is my cat considers me the primary servant over my husband?" Another added: "Makes sense! Mine has trained me well!" A third shared: "OMG yes! They beg my partner for food but never beg me!" Your cat might be 'training you' if it does this (Image: Getty ) Why is my cat meowing so much? According to Cats Protection, the amount of meowing your cat is doing might signal something wrong. The charity adds: "Cats rarely have a change in behaviour for no reason". Guidance suggested observing the cat's body language if it's meowing more than usual. A spokesperson said: "If their ears are turned out to the side or back, rather than relaxed and facing forwards, that's a sign that they may be feeling anxious. If the eyes and pupils are wide, they might be worried." Article continues below They further recommended: "If you have noticed a change in the type or frequency of sounds your cat is making, it is best to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying health problems."
Sassy Mama
2 days ago
- Health
- Sassy Mama
Where To Go For TCM In Singapore: Acupuncture, Massage & Chinese Medicine
Looking for a TCM clinic in Singapore? Whether you need acupuncture for pain relief or are seeking Chinese medicine and oriental remedies for health concerns, these clinics offer TCM treatments in Singapore. TCM stands for Traditional Chinese Medicine and has been practised in China for thousands of years. Rooted in the belief that each person's health is dependent on the balance between opposing forces, yin and yang, TCM aims to restore the balance within the body to promote healing. TCM also ensures the smooth flow of qi (vital energy), which allows for proper blood circulation and ensures toxins are continually removed from your body. During a TCM consultation, the TCM physician observes the tongue, checks your pulse at different parts of your body, and asks about your current symptoms. After which, they will prescribe Chinese herbal medicine and possibly TCM treatments such as acupuncture, cupping therapy, tuina massage, moxibustion and diet therapy, all of which are designed to stimulate healing and treat imbalances in your body. We love that some TCM clinics in Singapore integrate modern technology and practices to make TCM accessible to all and remove the mystery of this ancient practice. So, if you are looking for a TCM clinic near you, read on to find a TCM clinic in Singapore that can help treat your health concerns! Read more: Best Spas In Singapore For Massages & Pampering Treatments TCM Clinics In Singapore: Blessed Health TCM Clinic: Affordable TCM treatments Established in 2013, Blessed Health TCM Clinic has over a decade of experience in helping patients find relief through traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) remedies. This traditional Chinese medicine clinic offers a range of TCM treatments, including TCM tuina for meridian and muscle problems, acupuncture for pain relief, detox TCM massage, gua sha facial treatment and more. We love that this TCM clinic is committed to keeping its services affordable and accessible for everyone. Blessed Health TCM Clinic, three clinics in Ang Mo Kio, Chinese Medical Centre: Experienced TCM clinic With 12 TCM clinics across Singapore, Chinese Medical Centre is a popular place to go for Oriental remedies. Since they opened their doors in 1997, they have treated more than 1 million patients in Singapore, helping many restore balance and harmony within their bodies. Their experienced team of TCM practitioners assesses health conditions through tongue observation and pulse diagnosis, then offers personalised treatment plans that include acupuncture, herbal medicine, tuina massage, cupping, scraping and more. Chinese Medical Centre, multiple locations in Singapore including Punggol, Tampines and Ang Mo Kio, Eu Yan Sang: Popular TCM clinic in Singapore Eu Yan Sang is a popular place to go for Chinese medicine in Singapore. But did you know that they also have a TCM clinic? Eu Yan Sang TCM Clinic boasts over 145 years of tradition and adopts a personalised holistic approach to health and wellbeing. They offer a variety of TCM treatments including paediatric tuina, scraping, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, cupping and more. We're fans of their approach because they combine the strengths of Western and Chinese medicine to support their patients' healing and recovery. Eu Yan Sang TCM Clinic, multiple locations in Singapore including Orchard, Woodleigh, and Bedok, G&G TCM Medical: TCM clinic for pain relief and wellness If you are experiencing chronic back pain or have recently suffered from a sports injury or muscle sprain, G&G TCM Medical is the place to go! Experts in TCM pain relief and wellness, this TCM clinic in Singapore offers a variety of TCM treatments including TCM acupuncture, slimming acupuncture, cupping, moxibustion, scraping, facial bo-jin, tui na and more. You can also book an appointment for a consultation with their TCM practitioners to get TCM prescriptions for oriental remedies. G&G TCM Medical, 25 Tregganu Street, Chinatown, Singapore 058476 and 54 Smith Street, Chinatown, Singapore 058960, Great Wall TCM: TCM clinic for women's wellness & fertility Great Wall TCM is a MOH-registered TCM clinic in Singapore, featuring a team of licensed TCM physicians who undergo rigorous evaluation and ongoing compliance with healthcare regulations. Their Premium Centre specialises in women's wellness and fertility issues in men and women. Their Family Clinic offers oriental remedies for shingles, pain management and general health management. From tuina massage to acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, Chinese medicine and more, this TCM clinic can help restore your health. Great Wall TCM, Blk 75-D Redhill Road #01-106 & #01-114 Singapore 154075 and 298 Tiong Bahru Road, Central Plaza, #09-01, Singapore 168730, Liang Yi TCM: Qualified TCM physicians An award-winning TCM clinic in Singapore, Liang Yi TCM has more than 400 five-star reviews on Google! Dedicated to helping individuals understand and better care for their health, Liang Yi TCM offers several TCM treatments. In addition to TCM consultation, they offer tuina, moxibustion therapy, lymphatic detoxification, Meridian Bojin therapy, uterine wellness therapy and more. We love that their team of highly qualified TCM physicians cover a range of specialities, so you can easily find a doctor who's an expert in your ailment. Liang Yi TCM, multiple locations in Singapore including East Coast, Sengkang, and Petir Road, NovaHealth TCM Clinic: Modern TCM approach Combining the best of traditional Chinese medicine with modern technology, NovaHealth TCM Clinic offers contemporary treatments that are rooted in ancient wisdom. The EMMA AI Robotic Massage is unique to this TCM clinic in Singapore and tailors TCM tuina to each person's specific needs. Whether you're struggling with skin problems, weight loss or fertility, NovaHealth TCM Clinic has the oriental remedies you need. We love their TCM approach with a modern twist and comprehensive treatments that are tailored to unique needs. NovaHealth TCM Clinic, multiple locations in Singapore including Orchard, Ang Mo Kio, and Tampines, NTU Chinese Medicine Clinic: Acupuncture, tuina & cupping NTU Chinese Medicine Clinic is a TCM board-approved teaching clinic for the double-degree programme in Biomedical Sciences and Chinese Medicine at the NTU School of Biological Sciences. So, you know you'll be in good hands at this TCM clinic in Singapore! NTU Chinese Medicine Clinic uses Chinese herbs of the highest quality and can be prescribed in powder or raw herb form. They offer acupuncture, cupping and tuina. Plus, we love that even the little ones can get paediatric tuina at this TCM clinic in Singapore! NTU Chinese Medicine Clinic, 50 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639798, PULSE TCM: Modern TCM clinic with bilingual physicians We're fans of this TCM clinic's approach to Chinese medicine. With a vision to make TCM accessible to the masses, PULSE TCM removes the mystery of TCM, helping individuals understand what TCM is and how Chinese medicine and TCM treatments work. PULSE TCM integrates the best of Eastern and Western medicine to offer natural, holistic care to all patients. This TCM clinic offers acupuncture, tuina, bone setting, moxibustion, cupping and Chinese herbal medicine prescription. With eight locations across Singapore, conveniently near an MRT, you'll easily find an accessible TCM clinic near you. PULSE TCM, multiple locations in Singapore including Woodleigh, Orchard, and Marina Bay, Sin Kang TCM Clinic: MOH-registered TCM clinics Sin Kang TCM Clinic has helped over 1.6 million patients regain balance and harmony through holistic wellness. As an MOH-registered TCM clinic, their TCM practitioners undergo continual learning to ensure their patients' well-being. This TCM clinic has over 20 years of experience under its belt and offers TCM treatments including acupuncture and cupping for pain management, tuina massage and Chinese herbal medicine for weight loss and more. We love their patient-focused service that ensures each patient is well taken care of. Sin Kang TCM Clinic, multiple locations in Singapore including Paya Lebar, Yew Tee and Buona Vista, Yong Kang TCM: Modern TCM treatments Under the trusted guidance of Refresh Group, Yong Kang TCM is a TCM clinic in Singapore that offers a host of modern TCM treatments. Their MOH-registered TCM physicians customise holistic treatments for each patient to address the root causes of their health concerns. From acupuncture to bojin and modern treatments like moxibustion, OxyCup and more, we love that this TCM clinic takes the best of oriental remedies and modern technology to help you regain vitality and strength in your daily life. Yong Kang TCM, multiple locations in Singapore including HarbourFront, Sembawang and Ang Mo Kio, Yu Guo Chinese Physician: TCM clinic since 1986 Yu Guo Chinese Physician first opened their door in 1986 with the simple vision to bring relief to people's pain and health concerns. Today, this TCM clinic in Singapore has a team of 12 TCM physicians who continue their mission. They specialise in TCM consultation and tuina for children, as well as acupuncture and tuina for adults. Whether you have a chronic health concern or simply want to maintain your health, this TCM clinic is ever ready to help. Yu Guo Chinese Physician, two locations in Singapore including Kembangan and Bedok, Zhong Hua TCM Medical Centre: Acupuncture, cupping & guasha Zhong Hua Medical Centre is a subsidiary of Singapore College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, so you can rest assured that you'll be in good hands at this TCM clinic in Singapore. We love that they integrate modern science with the age-old wisdom of TCM, helping patients balance the qi (energy) within their bodies. Offering personalised, holistic care, the TCM physicians here help patients discover the root of their health concerns and offer suitable TCM treatments including Chinese medicine, acupuncture, cupping, guasha and moxibustion. Zhong Hua Medical Centre, multiple locations in Singapore including Ang Mo Kio, Bukit Batok and Toa Payoh, Read more:
