Tag Archives: China

     Hongkong Post announced today (August 28) that a special stamp issue and associated philatelic products on the theme of “Disney” will be released for sale on September 12 (Thursday).

     Disney animated characters, Mickey & Friends in particular, are friends with generations of people and always bring happiness and heartwarming moments in daily life. Hongkong Post, in collaboration with Disney, will issue a set of six stamps, three stamp sheetlets and associated philatelic products on the theme of “Disney”, featuring familiar and beloved classic animated characters. The stamp designs incorporate local traditional elements, highlighting Hong Kong’s unique charm as an East-meets-West centre for international cultural exchange.

     A set of six stamps of different denominations showcases six classic Disney characters in traditional costume. The $10 stamp sheetlet features Mickey & Friends flying a dragon together. The $20 and $50 stamp sheetlets are die-cut in the shape of Mickey Mouse’s head and printed with 3D embossing. Additionally, the $50 stamp sheetlet is adorned with 22-carat gold hot foil stamping, making it highly collectible. The self-adhesive souvenir sheet containing a set of six stamps will also be issued specially, providing a simpler, more convenient and interesting postal experience for children and young people.

     To introduce this set of special stamps to the public, Hongkong Post will launch an exhibition to showcase the classic animated characters featured in the “Disney” special stamps. The exhibition will be held from August 29 to December 11 at the Counter Hall, 1/F, General Post Office, Central. Members of the public are welcome to visit the exhibition free of charge. Interested persons may visit the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk) for opening hours and details of the exhibition.

     Official first day covers for “Disney” will be on sale at all post offices and on Hongkong Post’s online shopping mall ShopThruPost (shopthrupost.hongkongpost.hk) from August 29 (Thursday). This set of special stamps and associated philatelic products will be on sale at all post offices and on ShopThruPost from September 12, while postage prepaid picture cards (air mail) and serviced first day covers affixed with the special stamps will be available at philatelic offices only.

     A hand-back date-stamping service will be provided on September 12 at all post offices for official first day covers/souvenir covers/privately made covers bearing the first day of issue indication and a local address.

     Information about this set of special stamps and associated philatelic products is available on the Hongkong Post Stamps website (stamps.hongkongpost.hk).

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     Under the theme of “Cantonese Opera in the Civil and Martial Traditions”, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has invited the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong to perform two full-length classic Cantonese operas, “The Legend of Purple Hairpin” from the civil category and “Thunderous Battle Drums” from the martial category, in October. The cast of the “six pillars” will feature veteran Cantonese opera artists alternating with young actors to demonstrate the successful passing of the baton from the older to the younger generation. This programme is one of the “Expo Programmes” of the inaugural Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo.

　　The “six pillars” refers to the six major roles in Cantonese opera, which include wenwusheng (the male leading civil and military role), xiaosheng (second male lead), zhengyin huadan (female lead) erbang huadan (second female lead), chousheng (comic male role) and wusheng (military male). In this programme, famous veterans such as Loong Koon-tin, Sun Kim-long, Leung Siu-ming, Wai Chun-fai, Song Hong-bo, Nam Fung and Tang Mi-ling will lead a group of young performers, including To Wing-sum Christie, Vong Seng-pan, Lam Wai-ting, Chan Kei-ting and more, to perform in a flexible “six-pillar” alternating style to inject new vitality into the traditional regional performing arts genre, showcasing the spirit of passing on the local Cantonese opera heritage to new generations.

　　The programme consists of classic works created by local playwrights. The literary play “The Legend of Purple Hairpin”, premiered by Yam Kim-fai and Pat Suet-sin, is a Cantonese opera treasure written by Tong Tik-sang in 1956 with exquisite lyrics and melodies. The “Thunderous Battle Drums”, a martial arts drama by Tsui Tsi-long in 1962 that was tailor-made for Cantonese opera virtuoso Lam Kar-sing, emphasises the interpretation of inner emotions. The two plays remain popular over the years, and younger generations in Cantonese opera are eager to take part in the performances. Through this valuable performance experience, young actors will be able to recreate the civil and martial masterpieces of contemporary Cantonese opera and demonstrate the abilities of the new generation of local Cantonese opera.
 
　　Details of the two performances are as follows:


“The Legend of Purple Hairpin”
——————————————————————–
Date and time: October 16 (Wednesday), 7.30pm
Cast: Loong Koon-tin, Cheng Wing-mui, Tang Mi-ling, Wai Chun-fai, Lau Wai-ming, Pui Jun-hin, Sun Kim-long, Vong Seng-pan, Roger Chan, Chan Wai-see, Chan Kei-ting, Chan Wing-yee, Chong Yuen-sin, Leung Siu-ming, Leung Sum-yee Angel, Lam Wai-ting, To Wing-sum Christie, Song Hong-bo, Lui Hung-kwong, Chin Shan
Synopsis: During the Tang dynasty, Li Yi, a talented scholar, and Huo Xiaoyu, a daughter of the late Marquis of Huo, are originally engaged with a purple jade hairpin. After overcoming obstacles and tribulations, the lovers are finally reunited.
 
“Thunderous Battle Drums”
——————————————————————–
Date and time: October 17 (Thursday), 7.30pm
Cast: Loong Koon-tin, Cheng Wing-mui, Tang Mi-ling, Wai Chun-fai, Wai Tong, Vong Seng-pan, Roger Chan, Chan Kei-ting, Chan Wing-yee, Leung Siu-ming, Ko Lai, Nam Fung, Lam Wai-ting, Song Hong-bo, Lui Hung-kwong
Synopsis: The State of Zhao is invaded by the State of Qi. Princess Cuibi of Zhao appoints a commoner, Xia Qingyun, as the senior general to lead the resistance against Qi. They agree that upon his triumphant return, they will get married. The King of Qin State assists Zhao in its fight against Qi, but also forces the princess to agree to marry him. Xia Qingyun misinterprets the princess’s intentions. Later, he learns the truth and confronts the King of Qin in battle, ultimately winning both in war and in love.
 
　　The two performances will be held at the Auditorium of Sha Tin Town Hall. Lyrics and dialogues are with Chinese and English surtitles. Tickets priced at $200, $300, $400 and $500 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7325 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_1771.html. read more

     Under the theme of “Cantonese Opera in the Civil and Martial Traditions”, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department has invited the Chinese Artists Association of Hong Kong to perform two full-length classic Cantonese operas, “The Legend of Purple Hairpin” from the civil category and “Thunderous Battle Drums” from the martial category, in October. The cast of the “six pillars” will feature veteran Cantonese opera artists alternating with young actors to demonstrate the successful passing of the baton from the older to the younger generation. This programme is one of the “Expo Programmes” of the inaugural Hong Kong Performing Arts Expo.

　　The “six pillars” refers to the six major roles in Cantonese opera, which include wenwusheng (the male leading civil and military role), xiaosheng (second male lead), zhengyin huadan (female lead) erbang huadan (second female lead), chousheng (comic male role) and wusheng (military male). In this programme, famous veterans such as Loong Koon-tin, Sun Kim-long, Leung Siu-ming, Wai Chun-fai, Song Hong-bo, Nam Fung and Tang Mi-ling will lead a group of young performers, including To Wing-sum Christie, Vong Seng-pan, Lam Wai-ting, Chan Kei-ting and more, to perform in a flexible “six-pillar” alternating style to inject new vitality into the traditional regional performing arts genre, showcasing the spirit of passing on the local Cantonese opera heritage to new generations.

　　The programme consists of classic works created by local playwrights. The literary play “The Legend of Purple Hairpin”, premiered by Yam Kim-fai and Pat Suet-sin, is a Cantonese opera treasure written by Tong Tik-sang in 1956 with exquisite lyrics and melodies. The “Thunderous Battle Drums”, a martial arts drama by Tsui Tsi-long in 1962 that was tailor-made for Cantonese opera virtuoso Lam Kar-sing, emphasises the interpretation of inner emotions. The two plays remain popular over the years, and younger generations in Cantonese opera are eager to take part in the performances. Through this valuable performance experience, young actors will be able to recreate the civil and martial masterpieces of contemporary Cantonese opera and demonstrate the abilities of the new generation of local Cantonese opera.
 
　　Details of the two performances are as follows:


“The Legend of Purple Hairpin”
——————————————————————–
Date and time: October 16 (Wednesday), 7.30pm
Cast: Loong Koon-tin, Cheng Wing-mui, Tang Mi-ling, Wai Chun-fai, Lau Wai-ming, Pui Jun-hin, Sun Kim-long, Vong Seng-pan, Roger Chan, Chan Wai-see, Chan Kei-ting, Chan Wing-yee, Chong Yuen-sin, Leung Siu-ming, Leung Sum-yee Angel, Lam Wai-ting, To Wing-sum Christie, Song Hong-bo, Lui Hung-kwong, Chin Shan
Synopsis: During the Tang dynasty, Li Yi, a talented scholar, and Huo Xiaoyu, a daughter of the late Marquis of Huo, are originally engaged with a purple jade hairpin. After overcoming obstacles and tribulations, the lovers are finally reunited.
 
“Thunderous Battle Drums”
——————————————————————–
Date and time: October 17 (Thursday), 7.30pm
Cast: Loong Koon-tin, Cheng Wing-mui, Tang Mi-ling, Wai Chun-fai, Wai Tong, Vong Seng-pan, Roger Chan, Chan Kei-ting, Chan Wing-yee, Leung Siu-ming, Ko Lai, Nam Fung, Lam Wai-ting, Song Hong-bo, Lui Hung-kwong
Synopsis: The State of Zhao is invaded by the State of Qi. Princess Cuibi of Zhao appoints a commoner, Xia Qingyun, as the senior general to lead the resistance against Qi. They agree that upon his triumphant return, they will get married. The King of Qin State assists Zhao in its fight against Qi, but also forces the princess to agree to marry him. Xia Qingyun misinterprets the princess’s intentions. Later, he learns the truth and confronts the King of Qin in battle, ultimately winning both in war and in love.
 
　　The two performances will be held at the Auditorium of Sha Tin Town Hall. Lyrics and dialogues are with Chinese and English surtitles. Tickets priced at $200, $300, $400 and $500 are now available at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). For telephone bookings, please call 3166 1288. For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 2268 7325 or visit www.lcsd.gov.hk/CE/CulturalService/Programme/en/chinese_opera/programs_1771.html. read more

     â€‹As the Heat Stress at Work Warning is now in effect, the Labour Department (LD) reminds employers and employees to take appropriate measures during the effective period of the warning to prevent heat stroke when working in hot weather or hot environments.
      
     Employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor environments face high levels of heat stress and are at a relatively higher risk of heat stroke. Employers should assess the risk factors of heat stress for employees at work and, based on the identified risk factors, take necessary preventive and control measures, including rescheduling work periods, setting up shading covers, providing ventilation and heat dissipation equipment, and reminding employees to replenish water and rest in a timely manner.
      
     The Heat Stress at Work Warning is formulated by the LD based on the Hong Kong Heat Index. There are three levels of the warning: Amber, Red and Black, which help employers and employees better understand the level of heat stress while working outdoors or indoors without air-conditioning systems.
      
     A spokesman for the LD said that when the department issues the Heat Stress at Work Warning, employers must refer to the criteria and recommendations provided in the “Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work” to conduct risk assessments, according to the workloads and other relevant heat stress risk factors, for employees who work outdoors or in non-air-conditioned indoor workplaces. Appropriate rest breaks should be arranged every hour, as far as reasonably practicable, based on various levels of the Heat Stress at Work Warning, to reduce employees’ risk of heat stroke.
      
     Employees must also follow instructions to rest on time. Whenever there are any symptoms of heat-related illnesses, such as headache, dizziness, thirst, and nausea, they should rest in a cool and shady place, drink water, and inform employers/supervisors to take appropriate action immediately.
      
     The LD issued the “Guidance Notes on Prevention of Heat Stroke at Work”, detailing the various risk factors that should be considered when conducting heat stress risk assessments and recommending corresponding control measures for identified risk factors for employers’ and employees’ reference. For the Heat Stress at Work Warning and related guidelines, please refer to the department’s thematic webpage: www.labour.gov.hk/eng/news/prevention_of_heat_stroke_at_work.htm. read more

     The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health (DH) today (August 28) reminded members of the public, particularly those undertaking outdoor activities, to take heed of necessary measures against heat stroke and sunburn in very hot weather.

     “The public should carry and drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration while engaging in outdoor activities,” a spokesman for the CHP said.

     “Those engaged in strenuous outdoor activities should avoid beverages containing caffeine, such as coffee and tea, as well as alcohol, as they speed up water loss through the urinary system,” the spokesman explained.

     “Infants and children, the elderly, pregnant women, those with chronic illnesses such as heart disease or high blood pressure, outdoor/manual workers, and individuals who are overweight are more vulnerable to heat stroke. They should pay special attention,” the spokesman added.

     The public should adopt the following precautions:
 

• Wear loose and light-coloured clothing to reduce heat absorption and facilitate sweat evaporation and heat dissipation;
• Avoid vigorous exercise and prolonged activities like hiking or trekking as heat, sweating and exhaustion can place additional demands on the physique;
• Perform outdoor activities in the morning or the late afternoon, if possible;
• For indoor activities, open all windows, use a fan or use air-conditioning to maintain good ventilation;
• Do not stay inside a parked vehicle; and
• Reschedule work to cooler times of the day if feasible. If working in a hot environment is inevitable, introduce shade in the workplace where practicable. Start work slowly and pick up the pace gradually. Move to a cool area for rest at regular intervals to allow the body to recuperate.

     
     â€‹The public should also note the latest and the forecast Ultraviolet (UV) Index released by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO). When the UV Index is high (6 or above):
 

• Minimise direct exposure of the skin and the eyes to sunlight;
• Wear long-sleeved and loose-fitting clothes;
• Wear a wide-brimmed hat or use an umbrella;
• Seek a shaded area or put on UV-blocking sunglasses;
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion with a minimum sun protection factor (SPF) of 15, preferably higher. Reapply every two hours if you stay out in the sun, and after swimming, sweating or towelling off; and
• While using DEET-containing insect repellents for personal protection against mosquito-borne diseases, apply sunscreen first, then insect repellent.

    
     â€‹If symptoms develop, such as dizziness, headache, nausea, shortness of breath or confusion, rest and seek help immediately, and seek medical advice as soon as possible.
     
     â€‹The public may obtain more information from the DH’s Health Education Infoline (2833 0111), heat stroke page and UV radiation page; the HKO’s Dial-a-Weather (1878 200), latest weather report and forecast, UV Index and weather information for hiking and mountaineering; and press releases of the Labour Department on precautions against heat stroke for outdoor workers and their employers when the Very Hot Weather Warning is in force. read more