HeyDiaspora Magazine Nov-Dec '18

NOV-DEC 2018

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Good Place to Go: Christmas Edition

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A Gift for Christmas

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Review

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Movie Review

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What to Eat for Christmas

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Being in HeyDiaspora

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Contents Editor’s Note

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Good Place to Go: Christmas Season

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A Gift for Christmas

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Movie Review

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What to Eat for Christmas

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New Year 2019

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HeyDiaspora Recruitment

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Being in HeyDiaspora

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Editor’s Note it starts to feel like Christmas. With Christmas only counting days, we present you as diasporas ways to enjoy Christmas, especially those of you who are still in Singapore.

Spending with a tight budget, and want to give a memorable Christmas? This issue is just the right one for you! Tons of destinations and movie back-to-back during this month. So what are you waiting for? Make this last month of the year a splendid one, for you and your loved ones!

Christmas aside, we also prepare you the upcoming festive full of fireworks and cheers: New Year. Don’t get too excited yet, as the fun has just about to start!

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year Cheers, Antonius Editor-in-Chief HeyDiaspora Online Magazine

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“ Everyone’s favourite time of the year is fast approaching and we are here to make your holiday even more special! ”

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Good Place to Go: Christmas Edition

By Anita S. Putri

Join in the christmas spirit and take a detour around these places to have a magical experience with your friends and family!

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Christmas Wonderland The anticipated largest Christmas Carnival in Singapore is back again this year.

Beautiful lights display, outdoor skating and fun carnival games. This is definitely appropriate for all ages. This is a fun way to spend your day.

Tickets are also reasonable, so book your tickets early as the nearer the dates to Christmas, the more expensive the tickets will be!

30th Nov-30th Dec Gardens By The Bay

christmas village at Ion Orchard that is filled with many festivities and yummy foods! It is open to all so do come down!

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The Great Christmas Village

Universal Christmas @ USS

Head down to Orchard road to see the pretty christmas lights strung around the city. Stay till night time to truly see the lights! Besides waiting for the christmas lights. Rather than just shopping at department stores, there is a

Have a great time at the Christmas themed Universal Studios with your family and friends as you take many fun rides. Though the tickets may be pricey, they do have some promotions ongoing so do check it out!

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Hansel & Gretel’s A Canine’s Winter Adventure Festival @ Snow City Never seen snow in your whole life? Neither have I but fear not, you get to experience somewhat similar to actual snow at Snow City. And when is it the best time for snow?

Christmas! This place is child-friendly so you do not have to worry about age restrictions. Head down to their website to make sure you follow their rules before visiting.

Buy your tickets here as you will get $2 off for purchasing online!

17 Nov 2018- 1 Jan 2019 21 Jurong Town Hall Rd, Singapore 609433

Singapore’s first ever night market for dogs.

Definitely a special treat for your furry friend! Head down to The Grandstand and celebrate Christmas together with all the other dogs!

14 Dec-16 Dec 3pm-10pm, 11am-7pm on Sunday 200 Turf Club Road Singapore 287994

Of course the list is non-exhaustive as there are many places to go in Singapore to celebrate Christmas.

Most importantly, treat yourself (and your family) this holiday as you all deserve it!

Have a great holiday everyone!

Merry Christmas!

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A Gift for Christmas

By Eldora Vania

Christmas is the season of gifts and giving. With many Christmas parties that we go to, it is not uncommon for us to do random gift exchange with others and we often have to be mindful about budgets and gender neutrality (Since we do not know who we are going to gift), here are some budget Christmas gift ideas:

1. Apparel & Accessories

Hats, mittens, scarves or tote bag is a gender-neutral item that can be worn by both females and males if you stick to a neutral colour palette such as blue or beige. It is also not size specific so getting a medium size should be safe for most people. Even if the person you gifted to doesn’t particularly like the design, they are still able to re-gift the items as it is that versatile. There is no harm also to receive another cold-weather accessory as most people will need it at some point.

Budget: $5 - $30

2. Novelty Items

A witty mug will never be out of trend since people would just laugh at the words or pictures written on it. It is not something

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that you will be willingly buying yourself, but you wouldn’t mind receiving it as a gift. A small potted plant is a good way to introduce your friends and families how to take care of stuff and it is a nice decorative piece on their desk. A normal Christmas ornament will only look nice if it is being hanged on a Christmas tree, but a character Christmas ornament will look nice on any occasion, especially if it is from their personal favourite series.

Budget: $5 - $20

3. Practical Budget items

The best Christmas present is the one that people can decide for themselves and vouchers are a good way for them to be able to decide their Christmas present. Avoid clothes shop vouchers as some store only offer men apparel or women apparel. Movie and Books voucher are a more practical options as most people enjoy a good movie or a good book.

Budget: Usually sold in a bundle of $10, $20 or $50

4. If all else fail, food: Cookies and Chocolate

Giving food such as cookies or chocolate never fail because everyone will not reject free food. However, it can give the impression that you do not put much thought into your gift as it is an easy and cheap gift. Try to find a more unique cookies and chocolate with a fancier packaging. Make a homemade chocolate and cookies and it will be one-of-a-kind gift for your friends and families.

Budget: $5 - $15

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Movie Review

By Antonius

The Grinch Rating 6.4/10 PG13

The Grinch tells the story of a cynical grump who goes on a mission to steal Christmas, only to have his heart changed by a young girl’s generous holiday spirit. Academy Award nominee Benedict Cumberbatch lends his voice to the infamous Grinch, who lives a solitary life inside a cave on Mt. Crumpet with only his loyal dog, Max, for company.

Spiderman: Into the Spider-verse Rating 8.0/10 PG13

It is set in a shared multiverse called the “Spider-Verse”, which features different alternate universes.

In the film, Morales becomes one of many Spider-Men and must team up with the others to save New York City from the Kingpin.

Aquaman Rating 7.9/10 PG13

From Warner Bros. Pictures and director James Wan comes an actionpacked adventure that spans the vast, visually breathtaking underwater world of the seven seas, “Aquaman,” starring Jason Momoa in the title role. The film reveals the origin story of halfhuman, half-Atlantean Arthur Curry and takes him on the journey of his lifetime--one that will not only force him to face who he really is, but to discover if he is worthy of who he was born to be... a king.

T R E N D I N G

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P R E V I O U S

Home Alone Rating 7.5/10 PG13

A young boy named Kevin (Macaulay Culkin) is accidentally left behind when his family takes off for a vacation in France over the holiday season.

Once he realizes they’ve left him home alone, he learns to fend for himself and, eventually has to protect his house against two bumbling burglars (Joe Pesci, Daniel Stern) who are planning to rob every house in Kevin’s suburban Chicago neighborhood.

The Nightmare before Christmas Rating 8.0/10 PG13

The film follows the misadventures of Jack Skellington, Halloweentown’s beloved pumpkin king, who has become bored with the same annual routine of frightening people in the “real world.” When Jack accidentally stumbles on Christmastown, all bright colors and warm spirits, he gets a new lease on life -- he plots to bring Christmas under his control by kidnapping Santa Claus and taking over the role.

Daddy’s Home 2 Rating 6.0/10 PG13

Father and stepfather Dusty and Brad join forces to make Christmastime perfect for the children. Their newfound partnership soon gets put to the test when Dusty’s old-school, macho dad and Brad’s gentle father arrive to turn the holiday upside down.

After a sudden change in plans, the four men decide to take the kids to a luxury resort for a fun-filled getaway that turns into a hilarious and chaotic adventure.

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What to Eat for Christmas

By Eldora Vania

Christmas is celebrated all over the world whether we believe in the religious aspect or not. What unites people from different countries is the food they eat during Christmas celebration. No matter how we celebrate Christmas, we will always have food with our family and loved ones. Today, we are going to highlight some of the interesting food people eat during Christmas Eve.

Christmas cake, roasted chicken and of course, fried chicken that you can order 1-2 months in advance before Christmas.

China: Apple

Japan: KFC Fried Chicken

Christmas is not traditionally celebrated in Japan, but fast food giant KFC saw this as an opportunity to create a new tradition and in the 1970s, pushed a huge advertising campaign to eat KFC during Christmas and

the campaign is a huge success. 40 years later, eating KFC during Christmas is instilled in Japan as 3.6 million families and friends indulge on KFC during Christmas eve. Japan KFC sells premium Christmas party package that includes

In a similar fashion as Japan, Christmas is not traditionally celebrated in China. Christmas is only celebrated in major cities and it is seen as a couple holiday instead of a family one. A tradition that has gained popularity over the years is giving apples during Christmas Eve. It is not an uncommon sight to see apples being decorated with

colourful papers or message printed on its skin being sold during Christmas period. This is because Christmas Eve in Chinese is called “Ping’an Ye” meaning peaceful night and the word for apple which resembles the word for peace and putting those two together, you get a unique tradition celebrated during Christmas.

Australia/ New Zealand: Barbeque and Picnics

Unlike US, UK or Canada, Christmas comes in the beginning of summer, the perfect time to go out for picnics. Australians still enjoy the traditional Christmas dinner fare such as hams and roasted meats, but they mixed it

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up by doing barbeque especially prawns and other seafood fare.

In the hot summer weather, people are more willing to cook outside with their griller rather than inside their homes. Christmas celebration is often casual, and families get together for lunch instead of dinner. To top everything off, pavlova (a dessert made with egg whites) is served with fresh fruits.

France: Thirteen desserts (lei tretze dessèrts)

Christmas celebration in France is more traditionally rooted and in Provence, 13 Christmas desserts is served during Christmas Eve and set out for 3 days until December 27. The number 13 represents Jesus Christ and his 12 apostles during the “big supper” (le gros souper). The first four of the desserts are known as “four beggars” (les quatre mendiants) consisting of raisins (Dominicans), Dried

figs (Franciscans), Walnuts/ Hazelnuts (Augustines) and Almonds (Carmelites).

The rest of the offerings include fresh fruits, biscuits or cakes. The most famous cake is the Yule log cake (bûche

Italian immigrants in the 1800s so its therefore celebrated by both Italian and Italian-Americans.

The common type of fishes eaten are Baccala, Clams, Calamari Sardines and Eel.

de Noël), a chocolate sponge cake shaped like a log.

The number 7 can either represents the seven days of creation or the seven holy sacraments of the Catholic Church but either way, it is not a traditional fixed number unlike France’s 13 desserts and some people eat more than seven dishes of fish.

Italy: Feast of the seven fishes (Esta dei Sette Pesci)

The traditional meal for Italian families during Christmas includes no meat and sometimes no dairy for preparation before midnight mass service. The feast of the seven fishes have its root in Southern Italy and was brought over to the USA by

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New Year 2019 What-to-do?

By Anita S. Putri

2018 is coming to an end and it was definitely a year filled with mixed feelings. It could have been amazing for you, or it could have been terrible. However, 2019 is coming and it could be a far more amazing one.

Spending the new year is somewhat bittersweet; dreading a new year but at the same time excited about what’s to come. Here are some things to do during new year to start the 2019 with a bang!

1) New Year Countdown

The popular choice to go down to Marina Bay at midnight to celebrate the counting down to the New Year with all your friends and significant other. You may even get a new year kiss. It can be really crowded but I definitely think it’s an experience to not miss. It’s not only free but there will be a display of fireworks.

2) Esplanade New Year’s Countdown

Head down to esplanade for a day of live music on new year’s eve. There is a variety of genres available

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so definitely check it out. The best part is that it is free!

3) New Year’s @ Universal Studios

Universal Studios will be extending the opening hours till midnight so ride your way to the new year with exciting rides that they offer.

4) Host a party

If you’re too lazy to leave the house, why not host a party with your close friends and family? It’s a great way to start a new year with your loved ones especially when it’s a fun party.

All in all, enjoy your last moments of 2018 and be excited for new things in 2019! Reflect on what you could do better for the next year. Be it your weightless journey or your financial budget, we all can be better if we actually try.

Happy New Year, everyone! I know great things will come your way if you keep your mind and heart open.

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HeyDiaspora!

We are recruiting potential editor-in-chief.

Wherever your skill lies at and passionate about, HeyDiaspora is a good place to ignite your passion and understanding about the editorial process, and subsequently building your understanding in the industry.

Registration period: 20-27 Dec Registration link

https://tinyurl.com/heydsp1819 For enquiries: Antonius (91349941) Ervina (91436011)

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Recruitment

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Testimonial When I first joined as a member, never have I thought of shouldering such an important duty. To me, HeyDiaspora is a celebration of our Indonesian diasporas to shape our collective voice. Long story short, my journey in HeyDiaspora has convinced me that I am capable of utilizing my expertise to share my love towards Indonesia.

Antonius Editor-in-Chief It was an interesting experience. I get to research things that I never knew before, expand my knowledge and interview others in public. Sticking to bi-monthly deadlines has also helped me to be more disciplined.

Eldora Vania Writer

Joining Heydiaspora was a valuable experience. As a writer, I had to explore and research on my topics to make sure that the information is unbiased and accurate. I was also given the opportunity to attend different events to cover the stories.

Anita Soedartaputri Writer

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As part of publication team of Heydiaspora, I have gotten a lot of opportunities to experience numerous and diverse events. Not only experience, I also manage to broaden my connections inside and outside of Heydiaspora. This also enables me to meet new people and hone my organization skill. I hope the best for Heydiaspora and it’s new personnels in the future!

Harrison Bo Born Documentation Crew Throughout my one-year tenure in Heydiaspora, I am very privileged to put my soft skills in good use.

Photography is one of the many skill sets I obtained along the way. Besides that, I gain interpersonal skills and confidence to liaise with external sponsors and get to know more how the Indonesian Students’ Association in Singapore (PPIS) works behind the scene.

Ervina Chandra Secretary, PR Manager, Documentation Crew Being a part of heyDiaspora has been a great honour for me. I have not only able to provide some help through photography, but also gain new experiences throughout.

It was a blessing to work with my friends, now family, whilst having fun along the way. Thank you heyDiaspora family for giving me this great chance and I hope that in the future our magazine will be even more recognised!

Vinny Valeria Indahseptiani Documentation Crew