Merdeka Day Parade

When was the last time you went to watch the Merdeka Day parade? On Monday, make your way to Dataran Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, or Padang Kota Lama, Penang, and celebrate this year’s theme, “Sehati Sejiwa”, with fellow Malaysians. Be at the venue early to get a good view of the parade or book a nearby hotel to avoid the traffic jam due to road closures.

Staycation at GTower Hotel

Whether you plan to catch the Merdeka Day parade bright and early or simply want a staycation within the city, GTower is offering a Merdeka Celebration Package for you to choose from — RM400 for a single room and RM475 for twin-sharing. The deal is valid until Aug 31 and includes access to Elements Gym, Bridge Bar and The View Roof Top Bar, with complimentary buffet breakfast and local set dinner at The Club, as well as a 20% discount on the body massage, facial, body therapy and spa packages at The Sompoton Spa. GTower Hotel is located at 199 Jalan Tun Razak, Kuala Lumpur. Contact (03) 2168 1919 or [email protected], log on to www.gtowerhotel.com

Hi-tea buffet

Gather some family and friends to indulge in your love for food this Merdeka weekend at a hi-tea buffet at Kitchen Art Brasserie, Empire Hotel. Bond with your loved ones over a selection of local and international delights. The promotion is valid between 11am and 4pm tomorrow until Monday, priced at RM78 nett per person. Empire Hotel is located at Jalan SS16/1, Subang Jaya. Contact (03) 5565 1228 or [email protected] for reservations.

Durian treat

If you are a fan of the king of fruits, then drop by Cantaloupe for dinner and savour the special durian dessert, which consists of the durian sphere, durian mousse and durian paste coupled with dehydrated chocolate sponge, hazelnut and almond nibs, and feuille de brick. Until Aug 31, add RM40 to enjoy this dessert with your five, eight or 10-course dinner menu. Cantaloupe is located at Level 23A, Tower B, The Troika, 19 Persiaran KLCC, Kuala Lumpur. Call (03) 2162 0886 or www.troikaskydining.com/cantaloupe for more information.

Publika Jazz Festival

Calling all jazz music fans: Don’t miss the two-day festival that will take place this weekend at The Square, Black Box, The Bee and The Social at Publika, with a line-up of local and international jazz talents. Swing by to watch performances by Steve Thornton, Evelyn Feroza Fernandez, Ashton Moore, Reza Salleh, Talitha Tan, The Doo Doo Rascals, Art of Tree, Valtinho Anastacio and many more. Admission is free and the shows will start from 7pm until late.

Ady Suwardy: Malaya Jazz

Unwind to a relaxing night of drinks and music as Ady Suwardy takes you back in time with tunes from pre-Malaysia days. Immerse yourself in the interesting facts and history of the songs and their singers, which will be presented along with photos and biographies throughout the night. Happening tonight and tomorrow night at Alexis Bistro Ampang, show time is at 10pm with reservations applicable for dinner. Call (03) 4260 2288 for details.

VPYP Exhibition

Stroll along the warehouse-like exhibition space of Art Printing Works (APW) to take in photographer Vincent Paul Yong’s WYSIWYG — “What You See Is What You Get” art exhibition. Curated by Ong Jo-lene, the artist invites his audience to challenge their initial perception of the artwork by interpreting and reinterpreting what they see. This is the artist’s second solo exhibition and it includes photos taken in the last five years, a series of new images shot exclusively for the show, as well as a special collaborative project with Volkswagen on the celebration of Polo’s 40th year, featuring DJ duo LAPSAP and graffiti artist Cloakwork. APW is located at 29 Jalan Riong, Bangsar, Kuala Lumpur. Call (03) 2282 3233 for details.

Same Same: A Dan Lain Lain Project

This photography exhibition is coupled with excerpts illustrating the background of the people in the photographs compiled by lensman Paulius Staniunas. The exhibition tells the story of interracial people of Penang, who do not identify with only one race, owing to their multiracial family background. The project came about after the photographer spent three years living here in a country that he feels is defined by its inhabitants, who despite coming from vastly different cultures, live together in harmony. The exhibition will be on display between 10am and 6pm daily until Aug 31 at Dewan Sri Pinang, 23, Jalan Logan, George Town. Call (04) 261 6308 for more information.

Crossing the Strait & Love on Board

The Penang ferry service was once the only means of connecting the island to the mainland, and the George Town Festival commemorates this with an array of programmes. Learn the history of the century-old Penang ferry service through images as well as original research and text by authors Marcus Langdon and Keith Hockton between 5.20am and 12.40am. While there, take a ferry across and experience the ride for yourself. End the journey by participating in the “Love on Board” programme that takes place between 9.30am and 7.30pm, whereby you can immortalise the experience by taking a photograph of the ferry ride and have it printed at the printing truck available nearby. Then, tie it along the ferry walkway. Call (04) 261 6308 or visit www.georgetownfestival.com for more information.

My Story, My Strength: Doodle for Change

This exhibition that will begin tomorrow is held in conjunction with the 30th anniversary of the Penang-based non-profit organisation, Women’s Centre for Change. It will feature stories of 10 domestic abuse victims, whose tales of strength, hardship and above all, survival, have been visually interpreted by 10 different artists. The exhibition aims to inspire festivalgoers and to spread awareness of domestic abuse. Location is The Star building on Pitt Street. Call (04) 228 0342 or visit www.wccpenang.org for details.

The Crescent Moon: Sharing the Same Moon

View photographs and read personal narratives of the community of Indian Muslims within the Kapitan Keling Mosque area, photographed by local photographer Mas Mohd Farid Rahman and interviewed by New Zealand writer Adrienne Jansen. The images and stories will be shown together with photographs and text from the original “Crescent Moon” exhibition, which documents the everyday lives of New Zealand Muslims. The showcase draws a parallel between the two communities from vastly different backgrounds that have shared beliefs. It is held at the Dewan Makam Nordin, Kapitan Keling Mosque, 14 Jalan Buckingham, George Town. Call (04) 261 6308 for details.