After
Dark
Gardening on
Bonsoir
"This
week's BONSOIR is on the theme of "gardens & gardening".
BONSOIR team
visits the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya and takes a walk
along those endless lanes and footpaths in search of remarkable
looking trees and plants that add special character to the gardens.
The program
will also take you to the rain forest area of the Franche-Compte
region in France to meet two authors, who write a series of guidebooks
about remarkable trees, then, to the Albert Khan garden and to the
Colummiers garden, two special gardens in the Parisian region.
The program
also includes a visit to a gardening products market in France,
interview with gardening enthusiasts and a visit to "Aquarius",
a company specializing in creation of ponds and lakes in gardening.
This week's
Bonsoir is produced by: Pamudi Withannarachi and presented by Amila
Gunaratne.
On Channel
EYE on Monday at 9.30 pm.
Fire by the
poolside
The Poolside
of the Pegasus Reef Hotel once again vibrated to the sound of Wild
Fire on Saturday, April 26.
The wet weather
did not dampen the spirits of the fans as they flocked in their
numbers to dance to the beat of their favourite band in town Wild
Fire and favour the scrumptious dinner, which was provided at the
action stations set up around the pool offering meal time favourites
of Indian, Chinese and Sri Lankan. An action station providing specialties
from Wattala was also a firm favorite among the revelers.
The hotel had
gone to great lengths to provide an electrifying atmosphere with
the illuminations and decorations which gave you a feeling of a
great musical extravaganza with the trimmings. The large cluster
of balloons in the centre of the pool was unique although they kept
popping off every now and then.
Catch the 'Fire
by the Pool' once again on the last Saturday of May, where Wild
Fire will perform with the best of music for all age groups.
Aussie touch
at UBG
The Union
Bar and Grill Room of the JAIC Hilton is about to create a stir
in the market in the months ahead. The new Australian Executive
Chef, Antony McNeil, has created an exquisite a la carte menu, which
will tickle the taste buds of discerning palates and redefine the
UBG as a trendy and stylish dining venue.
The strong
leaning towards jazz and blues and easy listening music will complement
the tasteful contemporary atmosphere thereby creating the perfect
ambiance for a truly relaxing and unique interactive dining experience.
The highlight of the restaurant will be the open "show kitchen"
where chefs will provide exciting visual action.
The menu consists
of contemporary trends from the Middle East, Asia Pacific as well
as European influences utilising the freshest ingredients sourced
locally and internationally with an emphasis on fresh, light and
healthy options.
The Caesar
salad mixed at the table is bound to be a popular choice along with
other favourites such as Lemon-Basil Risotto with Roasted Vine-ripened
Tomatoes; Pan Fried Potato Gnocchi with Tomato, Sage and Olive Oil;
Lobster Crepe with Petite Herb Salad and Carrot Ginger Emulsion;
premium Australian steaks and Tasmanian Salmon. The UBG's new a
la carte menu will be launched on l9th May 2003.
The UBG will
also have the service of Chef Kumara, renowned for his creativity
and flare at the Il Ponte Ristorante at the Hilton Colombo for many
years. The dynamic duo of Antony and Kumara and their dedicated
kitchen team are ready to take the guests to new gastronomic heights
at the UBG.
Music
Scene
'A Celebration of Life' for Mignonne
Popularly known as 'Miss Music' or 'Sri Lanka's Ambassadress
of Song'- Mignonne Fernando launched her first Compact Disc 'A Celebration
of Life'on Monday,
May 12, at the Galadari Hotel.
The CD is a
collection of her own compositions, which includes the very famous
"Mangala Mohotha" or more popularly known by the first
line of the son "Kadalle Athivu Kirilli Wage", 'Island
Song', which was selected runner-up in the Song Writers Contest
conducted by Radio Television HongKong in 1981 and "Proud to
be Sri Lankan" - a song composed by Mignonne to celebrate the
Golden Jubilee of Sri Lanka's Independence in 1998. '
'Mangala Mohotha'
was written 26 years ago by Mignonne and obtained for her a seven
year contract with EMI UK. It became the first Sinhala song for
video for the inauguration of TV in Sri Lanka on the July 1, 1979.
Today 'Mangala Mohotha' is played at almost all weddings and has
come to be known as the Sri Lankan wedding song.
The other songs
on the CD are Mignonne's own rendition of popular English songs
like 'My Boy Lollipop', 'Bombay Mere Hai', 'Chiquitita' and the
perennial favourite 'Over the Rainbow'. This CD is dedicated to
the memory of her late husband Tony Fernando, whose encouragement
and support has been infinite throughout her musical career. Mignonne
wrote music from the age of 6. She won Talent Contests from the
age of 7 and excelled at school, St. Bridget's Convent in every
subject, deciding to become a Barrister. However, she finally gave
up the idea of a Degree in Law to devote all energy, ability and
time to music.
Today a pop
star is usually one who has gained publicity and fans on the strength
of gimmicks but Mignonne's academic qualifications on the music
scene will surprise you as it reads like an encyclopaedic print
out from the music industry. She won the All Island Schools Public
Speaking Contest, holds Degrees in Speech and Drama (LTCL London)
and Music (ATCL - Trinity College of London) and was voted 'Best
Female Vocalist' in a Ceylon Observer Pop Poll Contest in 1969.
At the CD launch
ceremony, was a the gathering of musicians, fans and friends, which
included Bradman Weerakoon, Secretary to the Prime Minister, Mrs.
Dhammi Weerakoon - who have been personal family friends for a considerable
period of time and Minister Ravi Karunanayake and Mrs.Karunanayake.
'Peace Concert'
in Moratuwa
'Saamaye
Arunalu', a musical extravaganza organized by the Senior Guild of
Holy Emmanuel Church Moratuwa, will come alive at the Parish Hall
on May 24 at 6.30 pm.
Golden Chimes
with Lankika and Lucky Deva, Annesley Malawana, Anil Bharathi, Priya
Peiris of La Bamba's fame, Thilak Perera of 'Niro', Somasiri Fernando,
Clinton Fernando and Don Guy will be featured at this musical show.
Dancing recital
will also be on the cards by Muthusala and Jayagra.
The new faces
in the music scene Devasri de Silva, Kaushika Perera and 'Susandani
Salomi' along with the Holy Emmanuel Church Choir will perform as
the guest performers at the show.
The proceeds
will be channelled towards the Scholarship and Social Service Fund
of the Church.
The tickets
are priced at Rs. 200/-.
'Graduation
Ball 2003' of CHSGA
'Graduation Ball 2003', the annual dinner dance of the Ceylon
Hotel School's Graduation Association will be held at the Grand
Ballroom of Hilton on Saturday, May 24.
The bands 'Kings'
and 'Phase III' will be in action at this dance while, Faizal Bongso
will be the master of ceremonies.
Dance competitions,
selecting the 'Graduation Queen' and a Special Floor Show will be
the main attraction of the event.
The tickets
are priced Rs 1500 per head.
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