It's been a tradition here for my family to visit the River Hongbao every year (whenever there is one) and this year, we didn't give it a miss. We had an additional member this year, my cousin's daughter, Calista and my fiance. :P
Here are some pics to share. (Apologies for the late updates, due to my wedding preparations. 2 more weeks! I'm stressed, but excited.... What complex feelings I'm experiencing man~)
The view and lights that caught our eyes when we exit Marina Square.
A mini family pic before we head on.
Check out the 360 degrees ride!
"兔"气扬眉 = Year of The Rabbit; Many Returns
Grabbing a pic with Calista. Hvn't had a pic with her in ages....
Through the rabbit hole.
There was bumper rides.
Fiance and Calista took the Super Jet.
We didn't dare to take this ride after a full stomach, so I could only snap pictures of others.
Then, the kids went on another ride.
I just can't help snapping more pics, I had to play and work on one...
Cotton Candy!
It was meant for Calista, but I just had to have a little bite....
Heading further off to the Floating Platform.
All the P.Y.T.s
A shot from the audience seat.
Kids at the mock up Marina Barrage.
Duxton or not?
Another shot for us.
We ran for YOG!
The Dragons meet Dragon head...
Then there was this wire-y Phoenix.
The Dragons.
The Miss Horsies.
And little Miss Rat.
Couple shot with bundle of rabbits.
Toss some coins, hit the bells for some luck for the new year?
No fishes, just coins.
I love walking under these red lanterns....
God of Prosperity. It's said that gold powder pours out of his hands at certain time of the day....
One last shot before we head home.
Here's a little intro about River Hongbao 2011 from the website (http://www.riverhongbao.sg/):River Hongbao 2011
The Float @Marina Bay
1st Feb 2011 to 13th Feb 2011
The Float @Marina Bay
1st Feb 2011 to 13th Feb 2011
River Hongbao will be celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2011 at The Float @ Marina Bay. The festivities will be bigger and better lasting throughout 13 days covering two weekends from 1st to 13th Feb 2011 opening daily from 12 noon to 11:30pm (except for CNY Eve countdown night which would close at 12:30am).
The five key organisers firmly behind the event are Singapore Press Holdings, Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations, People’s Association, Singapore Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Singapore Tourism Board. (Please refer to Annex 1: Organising Committee line-up for River Hongbao 2011.)
The theme of River Hongbao 2011 will be “Year of The Rabbit; Many Returns” ( "兔"气扬眉 in Chinese ) meaning to usher in the Rabbit year feeling proud and happy of what we have achieved in past years with the return of the rabbit year.
This coming River Hongbao would also be different from past River Hongbaos with a focus on things uniquely Singapore (新加坡派). Visitors could expect to eat, drink and be merry with the many exciting experiences lined up for them.
The grand opening night would see performance by our very own Singapore Chinese Orchestra (SCO) with the rest of the nights peppered with local performances by local pop artists, Clan associations and youth and students. A specially commissioned short film entitled “The Reunion Dinner” directed by local youth talent Anthony Chen would be screened. Residents and new immigrants would be able to interact and enjoy together during the National Integration Night. A number of stalls by Singapore brands will also be featured on-site such as Singapore Post, Singapore Mint and National Heritage Museum.
Other nightly performances include cultural performances from Nanjing City and Guangdong Province of China, Taiwan and regional countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia. More details on the series of interesting and exciting programmes would be unveiled in future press conferences and news releases! In fact, an MOU was signed with Nanjing City Government to collaborate and promote cultural exchange through River Hongbao. Therefore, a special Nanjing Pavilion would be set up to feature its rich tradition through Handicraft and tourism.
During the day, visitors could visit River Hongbao and get the chance to taste unique delicacies from Nanjing, China and watch demonstration and buy handicrafts. At night, the Float would be transformed with beautifully crafted lanterns and lighting installations against the magnificent backdrop of Marina Bay. In addition to the traditionally popular lanterns such as God of Fortune, Chinese Zodiac, visitors can look forward to taking photos with the many “Big Pictures” with local flavours so as to create their own precious photo memories on-site with their loved ones. There will also be cultural activities such as nightly Chinese riddle-guessing. Calligraphy and Photography competitions would also be held. Children would be able to enjoy themselves too at the children’s funland. Therefore, RHB 2011 will definitely be a memorable, cultural and educational event not to be missed.
Mr Seng Han Thong, Chairman of River Hongbao 2011 Organising Committee, said: “River Hongbao has always been a key event for Singaporean residents and tourists to visit during the Chinese New Year. For the 25th Anniversary of River Hongbao, we want to celebrate in style and be proud of our own Singaporean culture. It will be people’s River Hongbao and everyone will enjoy the festive atmosphere and joy by coming to River Hongbao.”
Mr Liang Eng Hwa, Chairman of River Hongbao 2011 Tender and Dinner Committees and Chairman of River Hongbao 2010 Organising Committee, said: “I am happy to see that River Hongbao has re-invented itself again with the many exciting new ideas with Singapore flavour. I have no doubt that visitors will be able to have a memorable time through visiting River Hongbao 2011.”
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River Hongbao aside, I wana explain a little on what's Hongbao to my Huneybees from foreign countries.
Hongbaos are little red packets that we Chinese use to fill money with and given out during happy events like weddings and especially Lunar New Year, as the red symbolizes good luck and is supposedly said to ward off evil!
It used to be just red paper folded in the shape of envelope but it has been modernised (or rather commercialised) to bear cartoon characters on it with symbols of luck or words of blessings.
An example of the Hongbao.
(Credits: http://g4station.com/blog/2009/01/03/chinese-lunar-new-year-in-singapore/)
So, for those in Singapore, hurry down to the River Hongbao 2011. It ends this weekend, just 2 more days!!!
Muahz,
Christina aka Huney
Christina aka Huney
