Remembering REX Cinema

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How many of you still remember Rex cinema, formerly located on Wayang Street? It doesn't exist any more, having been replaced by that colourful cineplex and carpark building.

As a kid and teenager growing up in Kuching, I remember watching some great movies in Rex. One that comes to mind is the musical "My Fair Lady" starring Audrey Hepburn. There were also gun-slinging westerns like "For a Few Dollars More" with a very youthful Clint Eastwood. Then there were a number of James Bond 007 movies, like "Goldfinger" and "Thunderbolt", starring Sean Connery.

For some of the more high-profile movies, there used to be extra picture boards with lighting put up above the frontage of the cinema, depicting images from the movie. I distinctly remember the board for "Thunderbolt" as well as the first "Airport" movie some years later.

The old Rex had no escalators and those who bought tickets to Circle seats had to walk up the stairs. I recall it was a rather narrow and winding staircase.

I'm looking for more photographs of Rex cinema (and for that matter of all other cinemas of old Kuching). The one you see below was kindly sent to me by Nick Chin and Philip Chin. It shows Rex in very early days, 1952 according to the caption.

Look at the style of dressing and also the models of cars. And notice the little cart on the left, probably a hawker selling sweets, seng boi and sotong.

Such interesting scenes from old Kuching....
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Musical Interlude: Blockbusters from the Bee Gees

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I've always loved the music of the Gibb brothers, Barry, Robin and Maurice. Ever since the sixties, they had been releasing hit after hit after hit..

One of their earliest hits is "To Love Somebody" ...

Another early hit was "I Started a Joke" ...

"Words" was another great number ...

In the disco era of the mid 70's, came "Night Fever" ...

And of course their masterpiece (according to me at least)  "How Deep is Your Love" ...

Enjoy !

A Taste of the Singapore Grand Prix F1 (kinda)

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I've mentioned before that I'm not really a big Formula-1 fan. I only know the names of a handful of F1 drivers, and I still get confused by who they drive for. I can't distinguish between piston, the gearbox and other technical paraphernalia associated with F1 cars, though I'm slowly learning. However for the past three years, the Night Races held in Singapore have fired up my interest in the sport a little, at least during the September period.

In the first year, I watched it all on TV from the comfort of my living room. In the second year, I watched on TV too but also drove near to the racing area where I could see the bright lights and hear the powerful roar of the engines. This year, I borrowed a pass from my daughter and went into the area for over an hour in the afternoon to watch part of the Porsche Carrera Cup Asia Race. Then I went home and watched the F1 finals on TV. Who knows - maybe next year  I might actually go in and watch a Night Race :)

Here's a shot of the official F1 programme book and my pass.
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Once I cleared the security checkpoint  and entered the enclosed F1 area, there were clear signs showing where everything was. There were also many helpful guides to point out the directions. My pass entitled me to a seat at the Bay Grandstand.

Well, if one can't watch the F1 races, one can always take a photo in front of the big poster depicting the programme schedule :)

It was still early when we got to the seats, and it was very warm too. Should have brought my shades :)

And here's the view from where I sat ...

It's kinda hard taking photos of speeding cars, especially when all one uses is a point-and-shoot digital camera (Canon Powershot SX210 IS). Anyway I tried, and here's a little montage of what I managed to capture ...

I believe the winner of this particular race was SC Global Racing's Craig Baird.

Finally, here's the front page of the local newspaper this morning.  I think you can make out the headline on the F1 results  ...

It was an interesting weekend. Of course, I must add what everyone already knows ... that the Singapore Night Races are always held on or around 26 September to commemorate the birthdays of me and Ah Loot ... LOL
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Mid-Autumn Festival

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Do you remember the story behind the mooncakes? If not, here's a 30-second refresher so that you can relate it to your kids or impress foreign friends of your cultural knowledgibility.

During the Yuan dynasty (A.D.1280-1368) China was ruled by the Mongols. Leaders from the preceding Sung dynasty (A.D.960-1280) were unhappy at submitting to foreign rule, and set how to coordinate the rebellion without it being discovered.

 The leaders of the rebellion, knowing that the Moon Festival was drawing near, ordered the making of special cakes. Baked into each moon cake was a message with the outline of the attack.

On the night of the Moon Festival, the rebels successfully attacked and overthrew the government. What followed was the establishment of the Ming dynasty (A.D. 1368-1644). Today, moon cakes are eaten to commemorate this legend.

Anyway during this time of the year, Chinese societies around the world will celebrate by stuffing themselves with mooncakes wth all sorts of fillings (red bean paste, durian, mixed nuts,  lotus with multiple egg yolks ... recently I even saw one outlet selling peanut butter & jelly mooncakes !). Personally I prefer the more traditional fillings.

Invariably in all towns and cities, there will be lantern processions and public places will be decorated with multi-coloured lanterns. Often there will be shows and visits to temples to give thanks to various dieties.






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Pic 1: Beauty with lantern (painting)
 
 
Here are some photos of the lantern decor in Sibu. Thanks Leo, for the contributions. Now all we need are photos from Kuching, Miri and other locales around the world.

 

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Finally I can't end this posting without showing some mooncake pictures, can I ?

Enjoy your Mid-Autumn Festival ...