Stone, Hitchcock and the Singapore Sun Festival

MANILA, Philippines - Just like any character in a Haruki Murakami novel, we inevitably catch the feeling of dread and ennui as we slowly lose ourselves in the rush of city life. To those seeking a reprieve, the forthcoming Singapore Sun Festival may be the chance to escape, as well as enjoy 10 days of music, visual arts, film, literature, wine, wellness and food.

Banking on these seven disciplines, the Singapore Sun Festival is one of the most awaited events in the region. It is also celebrated in two other sun-kissed spots: Cortona, Tuscany in Italy and Napa Valley, California in the US.

More than a gathering of the best artists in their respective fields, the Singapore Sun Festival is a wonderful venue to celebrate the arts and experience more things that life has to offer.

To get the full Singapore Sun Festival experience from Oct. 29 to Nov. 7, here are seven reasons:

1 Sharon Stone

Who could ever forget her controversial portrayal of Catherine Tramell in Paul Verhoeven’s Basic Instinct? Sharon Stone has come a long way from her small role as a blonde head-turner in Woody Allen’s Stardust Memories. She has worked with some of the best directors including Sam Raimi, and Martin Scorsese. She earned an Academy Award nomination for her role in Casino.

Film critic Ben Slater will conduct an interview with Sharon Stone on Nov. 6 at the La Salle College of the Arts, Singapore where she will also talk about her advocacies for AIDS and other humanitarian concerns.

2 Music Fest

Fresh from her successful Glee stint as Sunshine Corazon (she will be returning in later episodes as part of the rival glee club Vocal Adrenaline), Charice will join David Foster as well as other artists under his wing such as Natalie Cole, Peter Cetera and Ruben Studdard in the Sun Festival. Foster and friends will be headlining the first two nights of the festival with some of their most successful hits produced by Foster himself.

World-renowned tenor Jose Carreras will also perform with the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Orchestra, soloists Ivanna Speranza and Stephanie Lewis and conductor Paolo Omi at the Esplanade Concert Hall on Nov. 2.

Also, experience the soulful and stirring rhythms and vibrant harmonies of The Creole Choir of Cuba. The group is made up of individuals who have experienced some of the most harrowing hardships. Hear the 10-piece group sing about their passion, culture and life in exile on Nov. 5 at the Esplanade Concert Hall.

3 Tishani Doshi and Li Cunxin

Hear acclaimed writers Tishani Doshi and Li Cunxin tell about the stories behind their most remarkable works. Doshi’s first novel, The Pleasure Seekers, is a fictional tribute to her parents while Li’s Mao’s Last Dancer chronicles his life growing up in Maoist china and his pursuit of becoming a ballet dancer.

4 A Unique Opportunity for Relaxation

Singapore Sun Festival offers different conferences, workshops and classes for you to rejuvenate yourself and integrate new techniques for personal development.

Yoga masters Saumik Bera, John Ogilvie and Anukool Sunil Deval will be conducting several workshops during the Sun Yoga Conference. Prepare yourself for dynamic yoga classes where these masters demonstrate the proper positions and body alignment for a better and effective yoga practice.

If you’re inspired by the recent Julia Roberts vehicle Eat, Pray, Love, Master Umeshi H. Nandwani will also have classes demonstrating proper skills and techniques in meditation for you to achieve inner peace and harmony.

5 Jimmy Ong and Diana Francis

Known for evocative works that echo the simple virtues in life, Diana Francis is inspired by Singapore’s magnificent past. Her works are also a reflection of her travels around Asia, capturing the vibrant and unique Asian culture.

Ong, one of Singapore’s most acclaimed contemporary artists, will be having a landmark exhibit during the Singapore Sun Fest with his works depicting the socio-economic transformation of Singapore through iconic figures and symbols of good governance.

6 Hitchcock’s Movies

The undisputed master of suspense and psychological mind games, Hitchcock created films that have become landmark gems of cinema. His distinct directorial style has made his films influential and unforgettable. His films North By Northwest, a great summary of his body of work, and Dial M for Murder will be screened at the Singapore Botanical Gardens, a film screening under the stars, giving cinephiles a chance to watch these cinematic masterpieces on the big screen once more.

7 An Exciting Culinary Experience

More than anything else, an exciting gastronomic trip will always be the cherry on top of an amazing experience.

Enjoy an afternoon of sumptuous food with Micheliln Star Chef Carlo Cracco and wine expert James Suckling as they prepare a feast of Italian dishes done with Chef Cracco’s creative style. Suckling on the other hand will educate guests on how to prepare the appropriate wines for different menu and select the right kind of wine for every occasion.

TV chef Curtis Stone will also prepare some of his favorite dishes for festival guests and a special dinner with Sun Festival guests such as Sharon Stone will be prepared by Fullerton Hotel’s executive chef, Morne Van Antwerp.

As a gathering of world-renowned artists and wellness experts, the Singapore Sun Festival presents a unique opportunity for you to experience leisure; a veritable celebration of the zest of fine living and opening up to new things to broaden your horizons.

* * *

Visit http://www.singaporesunfestival.com for more details, travel packages and ticket reservations.