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Five Ways to Create an Eco-Friendly Beauty Routine for Fall

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Five Ways to Create an Eco-Friendly Beauty Routine for Fall

For many, the autumn season marks a new beginning as school resumes and the summer holiday ends. Hence, routines evolve and schedules change to coincide with shorter, colder days. The change in seasons means it’s time to update your beauty routine. As environmental awareness grows, why not make these changes eco-friendly?

Finish using previously purchased products:

The first and easiest way to build a greener beauty routine is to consume less wastefully. You should use all your previously purchased beauty products before shopping for new ones and responsibly dispose of the waste. Wash the product containers after they are emptied and recycle them according to your municipality’s guidelines. For more detailed advice on recycling and discarding beauty products, check out this article by Elle Canada.

Purchase more sustainable products:

Beauty and skincare products with sustainable packaging are best. Invest in reusable products like a washcloth for your face instead of disposable face wipes. Also, consider using a shampoo bar instead of a bottle of shampoo. Shampoo bars are free from plastic packaging, which is better for the environment. Try to buy shampoo bars made from all-natural biodegradable ingredients.
Image: https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/young-woman-laying-on-grass-natural-1864876495

Invest in products that last:

So much of the beauty industry thrives off disposable items that are easy to throw away. The unfortunate impact of purchasing for convenience is that it is wasteful. Invest in items that will last a long time, such as electric toothbrushes and shavers. They last longer because they do not have to be switched out every few months after frequent use. If you are not a fan of going electric, try other sustainable options, such as a bamboo toothbrush instead of a plastic one or metal safety razors.

Buy from brands that support environmental values:

It’s trendy to be eco-friendly and many brands are catching on. When seeking these beauty products, ensure they have not been “greenwashed” to appease the market. Greenwashing occurs when a brand provides misleading information about the company’s environmental integrity. When choosing brands to support, it is essential to research the company’s history and its transparency around ecological practices. Look for brands and businesses that are B-Corp Certified. Certified B Corporations are businesses that meet the highest standards of social and environmental performance and business transparency. A directory for sustainable Canadian businesses with B certification is available here.

Simplify your beauty routine:

Simplifying is the most crucial step in establishing a cleaner and greener beauty routine. Consider reducing the amount of product you use in your daily beauty routine. For example, keep products essential for your skin’s health, such as cleansers and moisturizers with sun protection and eliminate products that are used less frequently like exfoliants or toners. Secondly, invest in natural products that are higher quality and last longer. As the saying goes, a little goes a long way.

Meet Tam Vo, Founder of the First Vietnamese Pharmaceutical Company Launched in ON Canada

Christine Le
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Meet Tam Vo, Founder of the First Vietnamese Pharmaceutical Company Launched in ON Canada

Tam Vo is a Vietnamese immigrant who landed on Prince Edward Island in 2015. He is the founder of ANVO Pharma Group and will be launching the first Vietnamese Canadian pharmaceutical manufacturing facility ANVO Laboratories Inc. in London, Ont. Since 2019, ANVO Pharma Group Inc specializes in research + development, manufacturing, marketing, and distributing high-quality generic specialty products globally. 

Tam Vo, Owner and founder of ANVO Pharma Group 
Tam Vo, Owner and founder of ANVO Pharma Group 

ANVO Pharma Group originated in Vietnam and is expanding to Canada to address medicine affordability. At a young age, Vo learned the value of health and healthcare for his family. His mission “Global Healing Power”, promotes healing mentally, physically, and spiritually. During the pandemic, Vo was welcomed by The City of London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) and city officials for the ground-breaking ceremony for ANVO Pharma Group. ANVO Pharma Group anticipates the building to be completed and open to the public by mid-2023. 

Tam Vo making a speech at the ANVO Pharma ground-breaking with his family. Photo Courtesy The London Economic Development Corporation
Tam Vo making a speech at the ANVO Pharma ground-breaking with his family. Photo Courtesy The London Economic Development Corporation
How did you start the ANVO Pharma Group? 
I have 17 years of experience in the pharmaceutical sector in sales, marketing, and distribution in Vietnam. I became aware at a young age of the significance of health and medical care on the quality and duration of our lives. My father passed away when he was young because of the lack of access to the proper treatments. There has never been a better moment to use my knowledge and expertise to concentrate on creating, producing, marketing, distributing high-quality generic products, and specialty items around the world. 
When did the company launch?  
In 2018 I set up both ANVO Pharma Group and ANVO Laboratories. Our ground-breaking for ANVO Laboratories was in the fall of 2020 at Innovation Park in London, Ont. 
What do you love about Canada? How has it impacted your decision to start a business here?  
 Canada offers many services for new immigrants as well as many opportunities for people like myself, my family, and the next generation. The City of London and London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC) offered great support in expansion planning and future workforce development. We also appreciate the government’s transparency and willingness to help us grow with many funding programs both provincial and federal. 
Councillor Shawn Lewis, Councillor Arielle Kayabaga, and Mayor Ed Holder recognizing Tam Vo and ANVO Laboratories. Photo by Andrew Graham.
Councillor Shawn Lewis, Councillor Arielle Kayabaga, and Mayor Ed Holder recognizing Tam Vo and ANVO Laboratories. Photo by Andrew Graham.
How are you able to get support from the City of London to support your company?  
I must express my sincere gratitude to the City of London and the London Economic Development Corporation (LEDC). They responded to all requests within 24 hours and supported us every step of the way. Even the Mayor Ed Holder, personally welcomed us over a Zoom call. London is the fastest growing city in Ontario, and we are pleased that it pays homage to our new global headquarters for ANVO Pharma and ANVO Laboratories. 
ANVO Pharma Team.Photo Courtesy The London Economic Development Corporation. 
ANVO Pharma Team.Photo Courtesy The London Economic Development Corporation. 
As a business leader, what obstacles and challenges do you face being an owner of the company? Who helped you throughout the process?  
As a new immigrant from Saigon, having a team to build the first Vietnamese-owned pharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Canadian history has many challenges. There were numerous things to be learned, including how to conduct business in Canada and how to appreciate Canadian culture, particularly the winter climate. In addition, we experienced a lockdown supply shortages that affected our company’s opening. I understand that great teamwork will make the dream work. My wife, Diana, and I were fortunate to have a stellar team in place, including CEO Trevor Arsenault, Mukesh Sareen, Dimitris Georgiou, Joseph Hoang,  Lori-Ann Jakel, Darius Nguyen, and along with 60 talented employees in Saigon who are working incredibly hard day and night to accelerate the opening of our new facility. Our state-of-the-art facility was designed and built with the assistance of leading pharmaceutical consultants.  
ANVO Pharma Group Tagline, “Global Healing Power”, what does well-being mean to you?  
Many people ask me this question. By taking care of yourself and others, you can achieve overall well-being in all three areas of your life – physical, mental, and spiritual. One thing this global pandemic has taught us is that for the future to advance, healing is necessary. And we all need each other to heal. I believe that in order to live a healthy life, we should put our physical, mental, and spiritual health first.  
How do you balance life while working?  
Wow, this is pretty difficult. Family is the most important thing to me. I am fortunate to have a strong family foundation, a very supportive and wonderful wife, and two sons who are extremely happy to live in Canada. They are my biggest motivation to build this facility. I gave the business the name ANVO in honour of my eldest son Andy. Balance can be challenging to maintain. You must put in a lot of effort and surround yourself with an incredible team to help you when needed.  
What advice would you give to aspiring Vietnamese Canadians who are interested in the pharmaceutical or the healthcare industry?  
We are proud to be the first Vietnamese family to build the first pharmaceutical manufacturing site in Canadian history. I will say that anything is possible if you have the will to do it. Do your research, work hard, and take advantage of Canada’s abundant resources in the areas of education and the financial system. Connect with influential people in the healthcare sector and surround yourself with like-minded individuals. If I can do it, then you can do it too. 
What are your future plans for the company? Where can potential employees find out about jobs and internship opportunities? 
Our company is growing in three stages.Phase one is with the manufacturing and production of oral dosage forms. In our second phase, we will focus on injectables, and our final phase will be dedicated to vaccines. Upon the completion of these phases, we will see our team grow to over 100 employees. We will be working with local educational institutions for internship opportunities, and we’ll be hiring top talent for operations, quality control, regulatory affairs, production, and accounting, to name a few. We are also excited to be adopting a four-day work week to share our global healing power with the world. Potential employees can reach out to us at info@anvopharma.com. And don’t forget to follow my LinkedIn and social media accounts to get updates about our project in London, Ont. 

Proverb: Đàn ông xây nhà, đàn bà xây tổ ấm

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Proverb: Đàn ông xây nhà, đàn bà xây tổ ấm 
English equivalent: Men build a house, women make it a home

My father often says that he and us children are the luckiest people in the world because we have my mother. “If your mother is a bad woman, me and you guys will make three unfortunate lives. Because I can only make money and bring our family a good material life, but that is not the most important thing. It is your mother who nurtures happiness for the whole family. We might be a bit short on money, but family happiness is impossible to live without. Your mother is the most important person in our family,” he says. Perhaps this is similar to an old saying: “Men build a house, women make it a home.”

At any stage of social development, mothers and wives are always the organizers and caretakers for family members. They form the strong foundation that encourages their husbands and children to overcome difficulties and pressures in life. They give peace of mind and mental support after a hard day of working and studying. Women in the family are not only mothers or wives but also the center of relationships. The wisdom of a woman will determine the happiness, peace and joy of the family.

The happiness of a family is not created by one person, but by sharing between all members. Every family member needs to love, support, and sympathize with each other. They need to make up for others’ losses in order to guarantee family happiness. A family is only complete when there is a man, the husband, who is the pillar responsible for building a home, and a woman, the wife who lights the fire and keeps it lit for that home. The house is the nest, and it is only warm when all members in it feel happy. That home is the happy family. That is the root, the sustainable foundation for development.
As the great French writer Victor Hugo once wrote, “A house is built from stone, wood, tiles, pillars, and rafters. A family is built from love. It will last a thousand years.”

Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula: A Weekend Itinerary

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Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula: A Weekend Itinerary

Tobermory is renowned for its white limestone shorelines and turquoise waters. A four-hour drive from Toronto, it is located at the northern tip of the Bruce Peninsula, which juts out between Georgian Bay and Lake Huron. The peninsula is part of the traditional territory of Saugeen Ojibway Nation. Near the town, there are two National Parks to explore. Summer is the most popular time to visit the parks; however, if you’d like to avoid the crowds but still experience all the Bruce Peninsula has to offer, aim to stay in late spring (early May to June) or early fall (September to Mid-October) during the off-season.
During the winter, some experiences are unavailable, including the Halfway Log Dump trail in Bruce Peninsula National Park and Flowerpot Island, which is only accessible by boat during the late spring, summer and early fall season.

To plan for a weekend visit, make sure you depart for Tobermory on Friday, as the commute is approximately four hours from Toronto. A weekend visit is the best way to experience the National Parks and Tobermory’s idyllic charm fully.
The first stop on your trip should be the Visitor’s Centre in Tobermory. It offers exhibits, a theatre, a lookout tower with views of the Bruce Peninsula, trail maps, parking reservations and tourist information. For more information and accommodation suggestions, visit https://visittobermory.ca/where-to-stay/.

Saturday (Day One)

Take a boat tour to Flowerpot Island

Take a boat tour to Flowerpot Island: Located in Fathom Five National Marine Park, Flowerpot Island – named for its unusual ‘flowerpot’ shaped rock pillars – is accessible only by boat and is 6.5km from Tobermory. Two private boat tours are offered to access the island during the summer, with limited availability during the off-season—from May 7th to June 10th and September 19th to mid-October. Each cruise line offers glass-bottomed boat tours for riders to observe the sunken shipwrecks of Fathom Five National Marine Park and see a glimpse of the Big-Tub Lighthouse on the route. Have your camera ready.


Details about the cruise lines are on their websites:
https://cruises.bruceanchor.com/
https://blueheronco.com/


Considered an ‘adventurer’s paradise,’
Tobermory and the Bruce Peninsula make for the perfect weekend getaway for those wanting to experience the natural beauty of Canada.

Flowerpot Island: There’s a hiking trail, picnic shelter, composting toilets at Beachy Cove (located at the main dock and the light station) and the island’s historic light station maintained by the Friends of Bruce District Parks. Bring durable footwear (hiking boots or shoes), sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water as there are no refill stations. To experience most of the island, allow four to five hours. Pack a picnic and make it a day’s excursion.

For more details: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/amnc-nmca/on/fathomfive/activ/flowerpot.

Spend the evening in town: This quaint town offers a variety of shopping and dining experiences to try during your visit. Conveniently located right as you step off the docks from your trip back from the island, the Mariner Charter Shop offers unique souvenirs to commemorate your visit. Afterwards, enjoy a dinner overlooking the harbour at Tobermory Brew Co. & Grill, home to some of the area’s finest locally crafted brews and open all seasons. It is important to note that many of Tobermory’s shops and restaurants shut down during the winter, so plan your visit accordingly.

Sunday (Day Two)

Bruce Peninsula National Park: 5km from Tobermory and about a 3-5 minute drive, the park is home to popular sightseeing destinations, including the Grotto and some of Canada’s oldest forests which date to the early 1900s. Spanning 155 square kilometres, the Bruce Peninsula’s famous limestone cliffs and turquoise waters offer plenty to see for a half day’s excursion. In advance of your visit, it is best to reserve a parking spot to visit the park’s most popular attraction, the Grotto. Upon arrival, you must show a copy of your parking reservation and valid identification.

To reserve parking, you can book online at www.reservation.pc.gc.ca or call 1-877-RESERVE.
For further details: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/bruce/activ/emplacements-locations/parking.

Each parking reservation is only valid for four hours, so it is best to organize your day at Bruce Peninsula National Park appropriately.
If you plan to visit the park in the winter, expect limited parking options; only parking lot 2 is open during the season.

The Georgian Bay Marr Lake Trail is the quickest path to see the Grotto and other popular attractions and takes approximately 1 to 3 hours to complete. It is best to plan for early arrival so you have ample time to commute home in the evening.

What to do:

Visit the Grotto:
The Grotto is a cave famous for its natural pool of turquoise water and draws hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Crowded during the summer, the best time to visit is late spring and early fall.

Indian Head Cove:
Located next to The Grotto, Indian Head Cove is a short walk and boasts flat limestone rocks and Caribbean-like turquoise water. It is a popular spot for swimming if you are okay with the brisk temperature of the water and a beautiful place to rest. Pack some light snacks and sit on the flat rocks for a picnic as you enjoy the horizon’s view before returning to your vehicle to end your day.

For more travel information: https://visittobermory.ca/

Canada Foundation for Local Initiatives in Vietnam

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Canada Foundation for Local Initiatives in Vietnam

The Canada Fund for Local Initiatives (CFLI) was established with the goal of supporting the implementation of projects proposed by local partners. These projects could have a major influence in developing countries, according to the focus themes of the Canadian Department of Foreign Affairs. CFLI is administered by Canada’s diplomatic missions abroad with an annual operating budget of $26.8 million. It contributes to more than 650 small-scale projects each year in more than 130 countries.

Managed by the Canadian Embassy in Hanoi, CFLI in Vietnam was launched in 1991. Since then, the organization has supported hundreds of projects by local organizations and NGOs. These project proposals must all meet at least one of the fund’s focus themes.
Gender equality and the empowerment of women and girls is one of the themes. The focus is on improving the economic livelihoods of women participants from Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups. Over the past five years, through the Canadian Embassy in Hanoi and Consulate in Saigon, CFLI Vietnam has supported 47 projects and 35 local organizations that deal with gender equality and gender-based violence prevention (GBA).

Another focus theme is environmental issues and climate change. Before the pandemic, CFLI Vietnam supported humanitarian projects, such as bringing relief to communities affected by floods in Quang Tri province. Recently, CFLI Vietnam organized a tree-planting activity with ethnic minority women in Lam Dong province. This promoted the women’s participation in social work and encouraged initiatives based on sustainable development in the community.

Canada Foundation for Local Initiatives in Vietnam
Canada Foundation for Local Initiatives in Vietnam

A major topic of interest to CFLI Vietnam is inclusive governance, including diversity, democracy, human rights and the rule of law. Specifically, the focus is on media freedom, and freedom of expression including for LGBTQ2+ and religious groups. CFLI’s projects not only support disadvantaged people but also improve project management and implementation capacity for civil society organizations. As a result, the Canadian Embassy in Hanoi has stronger relationships with people in rural and remote areas, as well as with networks of civil society organizations across the country.

Top 4 Asian Podcasts to Listen to Right Now

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Top 4 Asian Podcasts to Listen to Right Now

Asian North Americans engage in the digital world to connect with their identity and culture. These podcasters are unfiltered and truthful about their perceptions of life as immigrants. Here are the top 4 Asian podcasts that cover a variety of topics from culture, lifestyle, mental health, and social justice. Accessible through Spotify and other audio streaming platforms.

The Vietnamese with Kenneth Nguyen – Society & Culture

The Vietnamese with Kenneth Nguyen

Vietnamese immigrants live in many countries including the United States, Canada, Europe and Australia. Join Kenneth Nguyen for a discussion about what it means to be Vietnamese with Vietnamese professionals from their respective industries.

AsianBossGirl (ABG) – Family & Relationships

AsianBossGirl (ABG) - Family & Relationships

Melody Cheng, Helen Wu, & Janet Wang, three best friends founded AsianBossGirl (ABG) with the goal of dispelling outdated stereotypes about Asian women. Each episode looks into issues that every Asian girl encounters when trying to  achieve success and climbing the social ladder. They cover relationships, family, and mental health.

ABG received notable mentions from Asia Pacific Arts, Today.com, Los Angeles Times, and the Huffpost.

Project Voice – Social Justice

Project Voice - Social Justice

Since November 2016, Jessica Nguyen produced a podcast series Project Voice aiming to unite marginalized communities. She shares the stories as Asian American women and non binary people  social justice and identity politics. Jessica investiages Asian women in the media, being queer and Asian, Asian beauty standards, and mixed-race relationships. Four seasons confront the socio-political environment in the United States.

Project Voice has received notable recognition on iTunes: Asian Pacific American Voices, Mochi Magazine’s 25 Game-Changers Under 25, and Smith College Spring Symposium: Empowering Voices AAPI Power Through Media.

Reset with Liz Tran – Self-Help

Reset with Liz Tran - Self-Help

Liz Tran was the only woman on the leadership team of a venture capital and technology firm for 12 years. After so many years of long hours, she needed a change of pace, so she went to an ashram in India and attended dozens of silent meditation retreats. Her podcast is dedicated to coaching modern CEOs on how to find leadership within themselves.

Tran has received certification in a variety of coaching and personality assessment programmes, including the Hogan Assessment, MBTI, and Enneagram.

Phu Quy Island Travel Guide

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Phu Quy Island Travel Guide

A “raw pearl hidden in the middle of the sea” is what Binh Thuan locals call the island of Phu Quy. This is because the island is 120 km from the mainland and is a big challenge for tourists to visit. The most remote island of Binh Thuan province is a peaceful, poetic space that has preserved the wild features of sea and land.

Phu Quy Island is also known as Thu Isle or Khoai Xu Isle. It used to have an area of about 21 square kilometers and was home to about 33,000 people. Due to erosion, it is now only 16 square kilometers in size. The island has three communes ¬– Tam Thanh, Long Hai and Ngu Phung. Tam Thanh commune is the most developed economic center, and has a passenger port that attracts tourists. Ngu Phung is an administrative area in the middle of the island. Long Hai is located at the back, quite far from the center, and is the most deserted and wild.

Phu Quy Island - a raw gem hidden in the middle of the sea. Photo: phanthiet.vn
Phu Quy Island – a raw gem hidden in the middle of the sea. Photo: phanthiet.vn

When should you go?

The island’s climate is fresh and cool all year round. Storms mainly occur from September to November, so the most suitable time visit is from December to June. In spring and summer the sea is calm and the wind is light, ideal for also seeing neighboring islands.
A good time to visit is during the full moon (14th and 15th of the lunar calendar) or on the first day of the lunar calendar to see the coral at low tide.

How do you get there?

From Saigon, take a car or bus from Thanh Buoi or Phuong Trang to Phan Thiet city. Then take a taxi to Phan Thiet port. Since you can only get there by water, you need to buy ferry tickets at the port. There are two docks, so ask which one has the ferries that go to Phu Quy island.
The ferry companies are Superdong, Hung Phat, and Phu Quy Express. Normally, they operate from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Travel time ranges from two to four hours, depending on the boat. Tickets are 350,000 VND/person.

Places to visit

Phu Quy Island has more than 11 attractions. For directions, ask the owner of your motel or homestay. Here are some of the most popular:

Lang Duong Fish Pond

Lang Duong fish pond. Photo: infonet.vietnamnet.vn

There are some destinations that are only known to the locals. For example, the abandoned aquarium next to the Tomb of Sai Nai Master. This aquarium is known as “Lang Duong fish pond” or “Ganh Hang dam.” Previously, it was used to raise squid. When this form of fishing became more popular, the aquarium was abandoned and became flooded with seawater. Now it looks wild and has a unique beauty.

Phu Quy Wind Power Plant

Phu Quy Wind Power Plant. Photo: LD Newspaper

Not as famous as the wind farms in Bac Lieu or Dak Lak, the Western beauty of this field attracts tourists who enjoy taking photos there. The correct name of this wind farm is “Phong điện Phú Quý.” It was built in 2010 and was the first wind power project in Vietnam based on the mixed operation model. Combining wind and diesel energy, the supply capacity was increased three times, helping supply electricity to local people day and night.
Due to its impressive design, Phong điện Phú Quý is a highlight to visit.

Linh Son Pagoda

Located on Cao Cat mountain, Linh Son pagoda is one hundred years old and is about 200 meters above sea level. This temple plays an important role in the spiritual lives of island people. Fishermen worship here before going out to sea. There is no abbot, but Buddhists perform rituals for each other and they are friendly and open to having visitors.
After entering the temple and offering incense, continue walking to the top of Cao Cat mountain where you will see the statue of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara on a giant stone pedestal. Nearby, there is also a large protruding rock with a cactus beach below. This is the check-in place for tourists. The pagoda is located at the highest point on Cao Cat mountain and visitors can look out over the island to the cool blue sea.

Tomb of Master Sai Nai

According to folklore, Master Sai Nai was a Chinese merchant and knowledgeable about medicines. During a business trip to Vietnam, his boat was swept by a storm to Phu Quy Island. Fascinated by its wild and poetic beauty, he decided to stay there for the rest of his life. His medicinal knowledge helped the local people and now he is worshipped as the island’s guardian deity.
After his death in 1665, he was placed in this tomb. Every year, a ceremony in his name is held on the 4th day of the 4th lunar month. There are many such traditional rituals reflecting the cultural identity of the island, such as singing Boi and praying for peace.

Temple of Princess Ban Tranh

Another famous folk belief is of Princess Ban Tranh. Her temple was built by the Cham people (Champa) at the end of the 15th century.
Legend has it that the princess Chiem Thanh refused to be forced to marry, so her father dropped her into a boat and went away to the country. The boat drifted to Phu Quy and she decided to stay and help the people fight foreign invaders. Because of her great contribution to the island, after her death Princess Champa was honored as Ba Chua Xu (also known as Ba Chua Dao). A shrine was established and there is an annual ceremony to mark the anniversary of her death.
At the temple, in addition to paying their respect, visitors can admire the architectural features that reflect the Vietnamese and Cham cultures, They can also listen to stories related to Ba Chua Xu.

Hon Tranh

Hon Tranh is southeast of Phu Quy island. It is a military base, protecting the sovereignty of the sea and islands of Binh Thuan.
The name Hon Tranh comes from a plant that grows on the island – cogon grass. In the past, islanders often came here to cut the grass for the roofs of their houses. Calm all year round, you can see through the clear blue water to the coral reefs below. It is a destination for swimming, boating, snorkeling, and watching the island from the radar station. You can also go out with fishermen and enjoy fresh seafood on their boats.
Ask the owner of your guesthouse or homestay about a tour to visit Hon Tranh. Cost is around 250,000 VND/person.

Good to know…

Ferries to and from the island run on a fixed schedule. Book in advance as tickets sell out quickly. You can track the schedules on the information page of Binh Thuan Department of Transport in the announcement section.

Link: https://sgtvt.binhthuan.gov.vn/
On average, there are only 1-2 departures per day.
There is no taxi on the island, but you can rent a motorbike at the hotel to get around.

Motorbike rentals range from 100,000 – 150,000 VND/vehicle/day.
One tank of gas will allow you to roam around the island all day.
If you want to camp overnight, ask the owner of your guesthouse or homestay to apply for a permit in advance.

Dedicated to Improving Life in Vietnam

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Dedicated to Improving Life in Vietnam

The urge to help others sometimes comes from surprising sources. Usuda Reiko, a 62-year-old Japanese woman originally from Kawasaki has devoted herself for many years to helping impoverished children in Vietnam. She is also passionate about protecting the environment. Her connection to Vietnam comes from her former post as general secretary of the Japan-Vietnam Friendship Association in Kawasaki.

Reiko and Ms. Tran Song Binh Duong

“She financed and donated 10,000 bicycles to children in Vietnam, and has also been engaged in environmental protection activities. Besides her support for impoverished and underprivileged children, she has helped people use their resources in a reasonable and environmentally friendly manner,” explains Ms. Tran Song Binh Duong, vice president of the Vietnam-Japan Friendship Association in Danang and Hoi An.

Ms. Reiko working at her computer.
Ms. Reiko working at her computer.

After retiring, Ms. Reiko arrived in Vietnam and founded a community centre called U Café by the Hoai River in Hoi An. Supported by her friends around the globe, the centre focuses on environmental issues and the poor.

“We designed the house to be environmentally friendly without the use of any air conditioners. Water used in the kitchen is treated and pumped into reservoirs on the first and third floors. Guests who come to have coffee enjoy our fine landscape and fresh air and learn something about the benefits of environmental protection,” explains Ms. Reiko.
Built in 2008, Ms. Reiko’s ecological house is a tourist magnet for ecology researchers as well as Japanese and Vietnamese university students interested in environmental issues and global climate change.

“As an environmental activist, I’m fond of the model of U Café. The house recycles all the waste water and is exposed to winds and natural light using local materials,” notes Ms. Dang Huong Giang, director of the Action Centre for Metropolises.

When Ms. Reiko is not on her computer researching meaningful charity activities, she and Tran Thi Ha My, an environmental engineer who graduated from the Danang Polytechnic University, test the quality of treated water samples.
“During my university years, I took part in environmental activities and came to know about Ms. Reiko. She has a volunteering agenda and her works in Hoi An are so meaningful to me. I started to serve as a volunteer for her U Café. Following my graduation, I embarked on lots of different jobs and finally decided to come work with her. I am learning a lot from a woman with a profound passion and dedication to the environment and poor children in Vietnam,” says Ha My.
Not only does she ask friends around the globe to cherish natural water sources, Ms. Reiko has also currently supported the Center for Biodiversity Preservation Green Viet to implement conservation strategies to protect the red-shanked douc monkeys on Son Tra Peninsula near Danang. In her ecological house, the living room is filled with photographs and posters of these endangered monkeys which are also printed on souvenirs sold to visitors.

“Ms. Reiko has assimilated into the local life, just like a woman coming back home. There seems to be a sealed bond of friendship between the Vietnamese and the Japanese now,” says Ms. Binh Duong.

Central Vietnam and Hoi An in particular have captured Ms. Reiko’s heart. Her new environmental project involves the mobilization of university undergraduates along with Hoi An locals to keep the heritage city’s ecology in balance.
This tourist destination can only remain beautiful, she believes, with sustainable development that protects the natural environment.

Ms. Reiko’s passion and dedication are a true true gift to Vietnam.

A Rose by Thomas Anschutz, late nineteenth century American painting

Maureen Littlejohn
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A Rose by Thomas Anschutz, late nineteenth century American painting

Palm Springs, a desert resort just two-hour’s drive from Los Angeles, is drenched in sunshine and star appeal. No wonder it’s so popular with Canadian snowbirds looking to warm up in the winter months.

Whether you are into golf, mid-century architecture, celebrity-watching, festivals or food, Palm Springs is the place to be. In fact, the city made Travel + Leisure magazine’s Best Places to Travel list in 2015.

The history with celebrities goes back to the 1920s when Palm Springs became a hideaway for Hollywood stars whose studios imposed the “Two-Hour Rule” (they had to be within two hours of Los Angeles in case there were film-shoot call-backs). Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Kirk Douglas, the Gabor sisters, Cary Grant Dinah Shore, Bob Hope, and Jack Benny were just a few of the big names that caroused around its turquoise swimming pools during the 1960s.

These days you are more likely to see Drew Barrymore or Miley Cyrus at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, or Angelina Jolie at the Parker House Hotel. Drive around the Old Las Palmas neighbourhood, you might glimpse Leonardo DiCaprio who owns a home there. Take a Palm Springs Historical Society Walking Tour to really get to know the different neighbourhoods and their famous addresses. pshistoricalsociety.org.

There are many fabulous accommodations available in Palm Springs, but my favorite hotel is the Riviera Palm Springs. Step into the lounge area above the lobby and you’ll be met with glittering black and silver murals of Cher, Phyllis Diller, Frank Sinatra and Sammy Davis Jr. Frank Sinatra liked to do fundraising concerts here while Elvis Presley used the cabaret lounge to try out new material. psriviera.com

There’s more to do than lie around the pool, although that is very pleasant, too. Visit Sunnylands Estate, where Walter Annandale and his wife Leonore used to spend the winters. Walter served as ambassador to the United Kingdom during the Nixon administration and Leonore was chief of protocol during the Reagan administration. Used as a high-level retreat for a variety of “shirt-sleeve summits,” Sunnylands was where President Reagan signed the North American Free Trade Agreement and in 2014 President Obama met informally here with Chinese president Xi Jinping.

Of particular interest is the Asian Artists in Crystal collection with designs by 36 contemporary Far and Near Eastern artists. Commissioned by Steuben Glass in 1954, the collection features designs from 16 countries including Vietnam, Japan, Korea, Philippines, Thailand and Burma. Look closely at the many pieces displayed and you will discover Saigon artist Nguygen-van-Long’s design of a floating village etched on a sparkling piece of crystal. sunnylands.org

If you like the outdoors, join a Desert Adventures jeep tour to see the San Andreas Fault and stand between the two famous plates which one day may separate California from North America. Learn about the area’s original inhabitants, the Cahuilla people, as well as the flora, fauna and local agriculture – the region is famed for its bell peppers, table grapes and dates. red-jeep.com

Another must do is riding the Ariel Tramway. Opened in 1963, the rotating tramway whisks visitors up 8,516 feet, near the top of Mont San Jacinto. Once there, enjoy the cool breeze as you hike numerous trails, go for a guided nature walk, have a picnic or simply gaze down at the beautiful Coachella Valley below. pstramway.com

Want to replenish your vitamin D this winter and experience a star-spangled getaway? Palm Springs is the perfect place to go. For more information, go to visitpalmsprings.com

SIDEBARS

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Jan. 1-11, Palm Springs International Film Festival psfilmfest.org
Feb. 11-21, Modernism Week (mid-century design event) modernismweek.com
April 15-17, 22-24, Coachella Music Festival coachella.com

FOODIE HOT SPOTS

Dish Creative: Modern American cuisine with cutting edge cocktails, dishcreativecuisine.com
Norma’s, The Parker Palm Springs Hotel: High-end American comfort food, theparkerpalmsprings.com
The Tropicale Restaurant & Coral Seas Lounge: World cuisine, outdoor patio and great entertainment.  thetropicale.com
Workshop Kitchen + Bar: Contemporary American cuisine in award-winning setting. workshoppalmsprings.com

What is the Kate Festival in Ninh Thuan? 

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What is the Kate Festival in Ninh Thuan? 

Kate festival is one of the biggest festivals celebrated by the Cham people. Every year, wherever they are, they return to Ninh Thuan to gather with their families and attend the festival. Nowadays, Kate festival is held in the central provinces of Ninh Thuan and Binh Thuan, but Ninh Thuan, where most Cham people live today attracts the most attendees to this festival annually.

What is it?

The Kate festival is held for three days (from July 1 according to the Cham calendar) to give thanks to three gods Po Klaung Garai, Po Romé, and Goddess Po Nagar. It is believed they blessed the Cham people, bringing peace and prosperity. During the festival, people also honour other gods.
When calculated according to the Kinh calendar, the festival usually falls in late September or early October. In Ninh Thuan, the Kate ceremony is held at Po Nagar temple (Huu Duc village) and Po Rome tower (Hau Sanh village). Both sites are located in Phuoc Huu commune, Ninh Phuoc district, Ninh Thuan where there are many features of traditional Cham culture.

During the festival the Cham people display many unique traditions of their nation such as singing, dancing and singing. Kate is the largest of dozens of Cham festivals during the year, attracting members of all ages and walks of life.
When was Kate festival started? There is no definitive answer. However, most historical researchers believe that Kate was influenced by Indian culture. Thus, it is considered a product of the Champa kingdom in the Indianization period, before the 15th century.

Although Kate is a big festival, it is not the Cham New Year. For them, Tet takes place on the first day of the first month, falling around April according to the Kinh calendar. The Cha New Year is called Rija Nùgar or the festival of praying for rain. It is about getting rid of bad luck to receive good things at the beginning of the new year. Also, praying for rain is preparation for the new farming season.

What are the activities?

The Cham people celebrate the day of the costumes welcoming ceremony. Photo: Toquoc.vn + World Heritage + Thanh Nien Newspaper

The rituals include several activities such as: the costumes welcoming ceremony, the opening of the temple’s gate, cleaning the idols, changing their costumes and finally organizing the ceremony at the village and in each household.
The festival at the temple and tower is attended by dignitaries including the priest (Po Dhia) to officiate, the teacher who plays the Kanhi monochord – one of the Cham’s instruments- also known as the ‘cò ke’ teacher, a psychic lady (Muk Payau), and a temple and tower keeper (Camuney). Offerings are one goat, three chickens, five trays of rice with goat meat, one tray of rice with sesame salt, three loaves of rice cakes and fruits.

The Cham people celebrate the day of the costumes welcoming ceremony. Photo: Toquoc.vn + World Heritage + Thanh Nien Newspaper

The first day:

The costumes welcoming ceremony
According to legend, the inhabitants of the ancient Champa kingdom included many ethnic groups such as Cham, Ede, Raglai, and Churu . The Cham are considered the “oldest sister” and the Raglai are the “youngest.” The Champa kingdom is based on matriarchy. The youngest sister is the one who holds the inheritance and keeps the ancestors’ heirlooms including the clothes of the gods and kings. On the day before the main Kate festival, the Cham hold a ceremony to welcome the Raglai and transfer the clothes to the Cham temples and towers.

The Cham people celebrate the day of the costumes welcoming ceremony. Photo: Toquoc.vn + World Heritage + Thanh Nien Newspaper

The first day of the main ceremony is called the costumes welcoming ceremony when the Raglai bring the clothes of the gods back to Po Nagar temple. The procession and the ceremony to welcome the clothes is solemn and there is never a shortage of unique cultural activities.

On this day, the Cham prepare a large stage with a ceremony orchestra and a dance team to play upbeat music. In particular, the three main musical instruments that make up the “soul” of Cham festivals are the Saranai trumpet, the Paranung drum and the Ghinang. These musical instruments represent people, heaven and earth in their entirety. All blend together to create a complete, full being.

Second day:

Ceremony at the temple tower (opening the tower’s gate, bathing and dressing the idols)
The second day is considered the most special of the festival. From early morning (around 6-7a.m.), the Cham prepare to start the procession of costumes from Po Nagar temple to the Po Rome tower. The group includes religious dignitaries in formal attire, who will stand at the front line. Then comes a palanquin containing clothes carried by four men in traditional festival costumes. Behind the palanquin ladies wearing the atau (bamboo baskets containing the Cham’s offerings).

Followed by the orchestra, the dance group. Photo: Vietnamese people

The orchestra plays and walks along the way, followed by the ceremony dance groups. A few teenagers carry banners on either side behind the palanquin. Finally, some locals and tourists follow the procession.

People present offerings from early morning. Photo: Exploring Ninh Thuan

Some Cham people or people in neighboring areas who do not join the group go directly to the Po Rome tower area and present offerings early in the morning. These might be fruits, rice, chicken, even beer and wine. They spread the mats and arrange the ceremony trays in every open space around the base of the tower.

After the procession reaches the foot of Po Rome tower, they start dancing around the tower and open the door. After entering they perform the ritual of bathing and dressing the idols. This ceremony will be presided over by religious dignitaries, the rest will pray and wish for good things.

Crowded scene at Po Rome tower. Photo: quanontheroad.com + dulichvn.org.vn

Third day:

Ceremony at the village and family
The third day is the festival that takes place in villages and families. All family members gather together, pray at home for ancestors and gods to bless their children and grandchildren so that they can prosper and have good luck.
At the end

Crowded scene at Po Rome tower. Photo: quanontheroad.com + dulichvn.org.vn

The Kate festival is the convergence of cultural quintessence – activities, customs, beliefs, techniques, fine arts and customs. All are expressed through sacrifices, clothes, musical instruments, hymns, poems praising prosperity, hundreds of flowers, fruits, and processions.

The Kate festival is when the Cham cultural identity ascends to the throne. It is a sacred moment for earthly people to wake up the ancient Cham towers sleeping under the dust of rising time, contributing to enrichment of the multi-cultured Vietnamese peoples.

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