Mo Ieong

It is often said that daughters bear a striking resemblance to their fathers, not only in terms of inherited traits and appearance, but also in the paths they choose in life. Daughters are often described as their fathers' “lover of previous life”, the role of a father is already intertwined with his daughter long even before this life, and in this lifetime, he becomes the primary male figure who shapes their lives. This profound connection is far from simple. The origin of Father's Day itself can be traced back to a dutiful daughter, Sonora Smart Dodd from the United States, who sought to express gratitude for her father's nurturing of her and her five siblings. Through relentless efforts, she campaigned to establish "Father's Day" with the mayor, state government and various organisatio...

When it comes to the most iconic local pig character, "McDull" is probably the name that comes to mind for both you and me—it's a nostalgic figure for an entire generation. Whenever we think of this naive and simple-minded little piggie, we also recall the voice of Sandra Ng and the character she voiced, "Mrs. Mak." Mrs. Mak, the slightly nagging and fierce  Hong Kong-style housewife, is a familiar character to all. However, what many may not realise is that her full name is "Tam Yuk-Lin". She is also known as Mak Tam Yuk-Lin She was once a "factory girl" in her younger days, who would entertain the crowd with her seductive leg dances at Dai Tat Dei. It was there that she unexpectedly crossed paths with a man named Mak Bing. With his scruffy beard and a perennially troub...

Cinematography speaks to everything that women do inherently well: It's multitasking, it's empathy, and it's channelling visuals into human emotion. Rachel Morrison In a groundbreaking moment at the 2018 Oscars, Rachel Morrison became the first female cinematographer to receive a Best Cinematography nomination in the history of film. While the question of gender-specific qualities in cinematography is subjective, it is worth noting the objective findings of renowned British film industry scholar Stephen Fellows. His research reveals a striking reality: female cinematographers have been notably underrepresented in the film industry, with less than 10% representation as recently as 2016. Instead, women have often found their roles gravitating towards areas such as costume designer, ...

Take a peek inside your wardrobe. How many denim items do you find? And how many times have you worn jeans this week? When it comes to jeans, the name that likely pops into your mind is Levi's. It's no wonder, as it stands among the earliest and most iconic denim brands in America. However, when we delve into the realm of denim enthusiasts throughout history, there's one notable individual that might surprise you. I wish I had invented blue jeans. They have expression, modesty, sex appeal, simplicity, all I hope for in my clothes. - Yves Saint Laurent This statement embodies YSL's deep passion for jeans and becomes a distinctive hallmark in his brand's designs. As a legendary fashion designer of the 20th century, YSL excelled in blending masculine elements such as suits, tro...

After the announcement of the upcoming Barbie film, it quickly became the talk of the town. Of particular interest were the talented directors behind it, with Greta Gerwig, the brilliant filmmaker who received six Oscar nominations for "Little Women", joining forces with her partner Noah Baumbach to co-write the script. This collaboration has raised expectations for Barbie. In the films of Greta Gerwig and Noah Baumbach, female characters are often portrayed as having a strong sense of autonomy and independence. They bravely explore their lives, establish self-worth and identity, and confront the challenges of reality, frequently highlighting concerns over women's rights and examining the roles and challenges of women in today's society. Since 2014, "You Can Be Anything" has been Ma...

The much-awaited live-action film Barbie is poised to dazzle audiences this July. The recently unveiled trailer, "2023: A Barbie Odyssey," has sparked intense speculation about the plot, evoking a sense of playful curiosity and wonder.The film’s producers reveal that it promises a gripping story that revolves around Barbie's journey of self-discovery and personal growth as a modern woman. Facing myriad challenges and obstacles along the way, she emerges triumphant, empowered, and inspired to pursue her true dreams and aspirations. It's a narrative that exudes positivity and education, in stark contrast to the trailer's initial impression. As Barbie celebrates her 64th birthday this year, it's astounding to see how this iconic figure has transcended time and stayed relevant in a constan...

Cartier, the jeweller of kings, king of jewellers In 1902, Edward VII, the Prince of Wales of the United Kingdom, awarded Cartier the prestigious title of official jeweller, an honour that the brand still holds today. During his reign, Edward VII was a passionate devotee of Cartier's design style and reportedly spent a staggering sum of £70,000 (equivalent to several million pounds today) on Cartier jewellery and watches during a trip to Paris. Initially celebrated for its jewellery designs and sales, Cartier gradually diversified into a brand specialising in watches, leather goods, and perfumes. Renowned for its elegant, luxurious, and high-quality image, Cartier became an iconic jewellery brand of European royalty and nobility. Throughout its centuries-long history, Cartier's clas...

Without a shadow, life is but a dreary void.YET, STRANGELY ENOUGH, A SHADOW CANNOT EXIST WITHOUT A SOUL. Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World In Haruki Murakami's novel Hard-Boiled Wonderland and the End of the World, the protagonist, upon entering the town of the “End of the World”, like everyone else, abandons his shadow. Although the atmosphere there is peaceful and people live in harmony, they have lost their shadows and with them, the ability to feel and resonate with others on a deeper emotional level. It's as if they've become empty shells. “Shadow” is memory, a part of oneself that accompanies and follows like a shadow, “Form” embodies the physical body, which becomes the medium for dance and self-conversation. Dance Theatre Womanhood, a production tha...