THE NATION ASIANEWS December 28, 2008-Januray 3, 2009
TRAVEL, FOOD & DRINK, STYLE, ARTS AND TRENDS IN ASIA
The Prince’s
home Hot!
STAYING SHIPSHAPE
GIFTS AHOY!
DANCE 2008 AWAY
TRAVEL, FOOD & DRINK, STYLE, ARTS AND TRENDS IN ASIA THE NATION ASIANEWS
December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
ORGANIC TREATS
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COVER
KORAT BLOOMS
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The Palace’s secret
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Around Asia TOP 20’S ASIA BEST RESTAURANTS
P22-23 MASTER THERAPIST
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c o v er : T h an i s S u dt o
team
BOLLYWOOD’S FUTURE
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Editor: Phatarawadee Phataranawik | Deputy Editor: Khetsirin Pholdhampalit | Photo Editor: Kriangsak Tangjerdjarad | Photographers: Ekkarat Sukpetch, Thaweechao Jaowattana, Kittinun Rodsupan, Thanis Sudto | Writers: Kitchana Lersakvanichakul, Pattarawadee Saengmanee | Contributor: JC Eversole| Designers: Nibhon Appakarn, Pradit Phulsarikij, Ekkapob Preechasilp | Copy-editors: Luci Standley and Rod Borrowman | Sub-editor: Paul Dorsey | Contact: www.nationmultimedia.com/ACE, e-mail: ace@nationgroup.com. (02) 338 3461-2 ACE is published by NMG News Co LTD at 1854 Bangna-Trat Road, Bangkok
celebrations
A NIGHT ON THE TRACKS Pattarawadee Saengmanee
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eave the car at home and take the Skytrain or subway to this year’s countdown parties. Dance 2008 away and celebrate the year of ox in the heart of Bangkok as, on New Year’s Eve, both BTS and MRT stay open until 2. One-day tickets on both transport systems are selling for Bt120 so drop in at all four destinations and have yourself four times the fun. Happy partying!
CentralWorld (BTS Siam or Chidlom) or the biggest party in town, commuters should head to CentralWorld Plaza at the Rajprasong intersection, where there’s plenty of fun already on offer at the “Hands Bangkok Countdown 2009”, which runs through Wednesday in and around this downtown venue. This year, the high-end shopping mall is spending Bt25-million on its “Greeting Ball Tower”, which features a big screen LED sphere plus plenty of great
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pyrotechnic effects. During the countdown to the New Year on Wednesday night, the glittering tower will be accompanied by a colourful firework show from Japan plus a free concert by well-known singers and stars, which runs from 7.30 to 1. Among the artists taking to stage are Thanakrit “Wan” Panichwit, Padcha Anek-ayuwat, Pisanu “Boy” Nimsakul, Girly Berry, Flure, Modern Dog, Saksit “Tor” Wejsupaporn and the Gancore Club. The New Year celebration will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and Thai Global Network from 10.30 through 12.30am. See the schedule at www. HandsBangkok Countdown.com.
Siam Centre (BTS Siam)
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id farewell to the old and welcome the new with “Siam Centre the Spirit of Fun”. Kicking off at 2 Wednesday and running through Sunday, this funky event features Faye-Fang-Kaew, Buddha Bless, Saksit “Toh” Wejsupaporn, Nice to Meet You, Four-Mod, Black Vanilla, Ten-11 and K-Otik plus indie singers Teddy Ska, Chumpee, U-Band Battle and Sunday Drive. New wave Korean boy band Smash jet in for a show on Saturday while the Prince of Ballads, Tei and his guest Click B perform on Sunday. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 658 1000. December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
Siam Paragon (BTS Siam)
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here’s also live music aplenty at Siam Paragon with the vast Parc Paragon transformed into a mammoth stage for the 22-day Parclive’ 09 Festival that continues through the end of the month. Warm up with music in various styles ranging from jazz, R&B, funk, pop and soul. Tonight Academy Fantasia alumni Kietkamol ‘Tui” Lata, Thanakrit “Wan” Panichwit and Phraphaeng will be on stage while tomorrow it’s the turn of jazzmen Koh Saxman, Ford and Loog Wah to boogie. On Tuesday, it’s the turn of Boy Peacemaker and Tattoo Colour. Jay Jetrin and Groove Riders close the festival on Wednesday night. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 610 8000 or visit www.SiamParagon.co.th.
Suan Lum Night Bazaar (MRT Lumpini) hop till you drop at the night market then celebrate the New Year at Suan Lum Night Bazaar, which is hosting its “Countdown 2009” on Wednesday night in the beer garden from 6 to 1. The festival features a Miss New Year Bangkok Contest 2009 accompanied by a colourful firework display, Thai cultural performances by artists from the Fine Arts Department, a puppet show from the celebrated Natayasala (Joe Louis) Theatre and a free concert by famous artists. Admission is free. For more information, call (02) 252 4776.
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Pattaya
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he seaside resort brings cheer to Thais and tourists suffering from the political and financial blues with Pattaya Countdown 2009 at Bali Hai Cape. The weeklong event, which kicked off on Christmas Eve, is jointly organised by the Chon Buri Provincial Administrative Organisation and Pattaya Centre, and aims to bring Bt500 million to the resort’s ailing economy. Festival goers can enjoy plus extravagant firework shows with 20,000 fireworks lighting up on the sky as 2008 gives way to 2009. Among the artists taking part are Tik Shiro, Boy Peacemaker, So Cool, Blackhead, Paradox, Pancake and winners and runners-up of “The Star” including Gaem, Ruj, Ton and Dew. The New Year’s Eve countdown ceremony will be telecast live on Modernine TV from 10.30 to 1. — Kitchana Lersakvanitchakul
December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
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Gift AHOY!
Reader, let’s party Ace as got a sack of presents to give out - just tell us how you like the vibe so far...
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hough Ace is still a baby, positive feedback has got us passed the teething stage and up on steady feet. As a thank-you to readers, we’re giving away gifts courtesy of hotels, bars, spas, restaurants and shopping malls. Just answer these simple questions: What column do you like most in Ace magazine? What topic(s) would you like us to cover? Send your thoughts and preferred gifts from the selection below to ace@nationgroup.com, with “comment” in the subject box. Your suggestions and comments will help us improve and match the content to your needs. The lucky-draw winners will be announced in our January 11 issue. Happy New Year!
>> Courtesy of Bec Tero, a pair of Bt4,000 tickets for the Broadway hit “Chicago”, at the Esplanade’s Muangthai Ratchadalai Theatre on Ratchadapisek Road from February 12 to 22.
The gifts are:
>>Than Sanctuary has a traditional Than tea set from China (worth Bt2,000) for one winner. The set features blends of shui hsien, hibiscus, chrysanthemum, and a mix of matcha and ginseng, along with a white China cup.
>>Room Interior Product has a collection of shocking-pink foldable beds for three winners, each worth Bt1,500.
>> Three winners get a pair of tickets each to Judge Jules’ show at 808 on Saturday, January 17.
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December 28, 2008-Januar y 3, 2009
>> Veranda Chiang Mai’s High Resort’s three-day/two-night stay in a Valley Deluxe room with breakfast for two, worth Bt30,000.
>>Loft offers cute gift sets for 10 winners. There are stationery sets in yellow and bright blue (worth Bt1,590 and Bt1,690), plus ceramic tableware sets with polka-dot and cat designs that comprise a soup bowl and plate, salt and pepper shakers and a tea mug, worth Bt1,690 and Bt1,750 respectively.
>> Two winners will get a ticket each for Q Bar in January (special-events nights excluded), covering two bottles of Chivas and free entry for three of your guests.
>>Fuji Restaurant - (for five winners) a pair of vouchers worth Bt1,000 each.
>> A dinner for two at Bed Supperclub on any night in January.
>>Lullaby Spa - (for five winners) a pair of coupons for one-hour aromatherapy massages.
>>Central Chidlom offers Muji’s smart-style brown backpack, worth Bt3,000. December 28, 2008-Januar y 3, 2009
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FASTER TRANSFER TIMES We’ve developed a concept where all our member airlines come together at one terminal, under one roof: we call them Co-Location airports. It means much faster connections between flights. For instance, at Terminal One at Narita in Japan, we’ve cut the waiting times by over 50%. There’ll be six more by the end of 2008, in Bangkok, Miami, Shanghai, Beijing, Singapore and Seoul. That’s one more innovation from the Star Alliance network to make your journey easier. To find out more, visit www.staralliance.com
www.staralliance.com
Information correct as at 02/2007
Cover
Poignancy in the palace Prince Chula Chakrabongse’s daughter opens the doors of their home to mark the centenary of his birth Phatarawadee Phatarananik
P h o t o / T h aweec h a i ja o wattana
December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
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P h o t o / T h aweec h a i J a o wattana
COVER
Living Room
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or the next week, at Chakrabongse House on the Chao Phya River, the pain of a little girl is on public display. Open to visitors for the first time, the palace of Prince Chula Chakrabongse, King Rama V’s grandson, is a beautiful building in lovely surroundings, but among the wonderful things on view is a memoir, two years in the making, that contains some sad recollections. MR Narisara Chakrabongse was only seven years old when she lost her beloved father. From faded memories and the anecdotes of his friends she’s pieced together the prince’s story in a book, exhibition and film to commemorate the centenary of his birth in A bust of 1908. the prince The memories were given | 10 |
vividness when she began sifting through his personal papers. “Reading a letter my father sent to his doctor two months before he died was heartbreaking,” Narisara recalls in “The Centenary of Prince Chula Chakrabongse”. She quotes his words: “I ask the doctor to try to save my life, for my beloved wife and our daughter and friends.” Narisara has preserved Chakrabongse House as a living heritage museum and, for this occasion, has redecorated it to evoke the days when her father was in residence. There are rarely seen depictions of the prince at different stages of his life, along with his collections of ceramics, art and the court costumes of his childhood. Occupying 2.5 rai on the riverbank, the palace shares four of its ground-floor rooms with visitors, who enter from the backyard into the Green
Room. Narisara has converted a terrace into a modern, greenhouse-like living room with floor-to-ceiling windows affording a broad view of the garden and the Chao Phya. “Prince Chula was raised at Puruskavan Palace, but on the death of his father, His Royal Highness Prince Chakrabongse Bhuvanath, he was sent to England, where he studied at Harrow and Cambridge,” explains Paisarn Piammattawat, who edited the centenary book. “When he returned from London when he was 23, he lived here.” Next to the Green Room is the formal living room, where the Prince spent time with royal guests including His Majesty King Bhumibol and of course the Prince’s grandmother, Rama V’s Queen Saowapha. The prince returned to Britain when he was about 30 and subsequently married Elisabeth Hunter, and from then on divided his life between the countries. He died on his English estate at age 55. “This room was used for the royal funeral rites after the Prince’s ashes were December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
Prince Chula’s study
Family photographs
brought back to his homeland,” says Paisarn. A 1930s portrait of the Prince by James Barraclough hangs on a red wall as the room’s centrepiece. Nearby is a portrait of his Russian mother, Ekaterina Ivonova Desniskaya. Also on display are articles of elaborate gilded clothing and photos of the Prince wearing them as a child. Connected to the living room is a dining hall set with porcelain tableware, a gift from Queen Saowapha. Prince Chula’s ceramics date to the Ayutthaya period, and are shown alongside miniature khon masks and sculptures of King Rama VI by Silpa Birasri and of the prince by his cousin, Prince Bira. The corridor behind the dining room is dedicated to mementoes of the White Mouse Racing team, with pictures of the cars in which Prince Bira brought
Prince Chula Chakrabongse and MR Narisara
White Mouse Racing’s collections
Siam international fame. The highlight is a photo of Italy’s crown prince handing Prince Bira the trophy for winning the 1937 Naples Grand Prix. Behind the prince is Benito Mussolini, the Fascist dictator. Further down the corridor is Prince Chula’s study, where he wrote prose that earned him acclaim as one of the Kingdom’s great authors. Hundreds of books line the shelves, including the original handwritten manuscripts of “Kert Wang Parus” (“Born in Paruskavan Palace”) and “Chao Chivit” (“Lord of Life”) and a P h o t o / T h an i s S u dt o
Dining Room
December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
never-published story about King Naresuan. Narisara has removed some of the books to make way for about 40 of Prince Bira’s trophies. Like her father, Narisara is an author, as well as the publisher of River Book, and this room serves in turn as her personal library. Next to the palace is Chakrabongse Villa, where the centenary film about the Prince is screened. It was edited by Narisara’s younger son Dominic Phuwasawat Chakrabongse and includes footage shot by the prince and his wife. Far from being simply “home movies”, though, it features such compelling events as Queen Saowapha’s cremation.
History awaits Wang Chakrabongse, at 396 Maharaj Road, is open to the public until January 7, daily except Monday from 10.30 to 4.30. It’s within walking distance of the Ratchinee and Tha Tien express-boat piers. The Bt500 admission includes copies of the commemorative 120-page memoir and DVD. All proceeds support Prince Chula’s scholarships for university students in need. For more details, call (02) 222 1290. | 11 |
Hip Hangout Iceberg ahoy! Diving into the chilly waters of Pattaya’s Deep Bar, drinkers are surfacing to spicy cocktails and hot beats
K he t sirin Pholdhampalit
P hoto co u r t e s y of D u s i t D 2 B a r a q u da P attaya
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hile the eccentric design of new hotel DusitD2 Baraquda Pattaya gives you the feeling of being aboard a yacht, its Deep Bar throws you overboard into a watery world of marine-inspired decor. The bar’s 150 seats are scattered like flotsam and jetsam through three levels inspired by the textures and curves of floating icebergs. Outside, the seats on the patio put you back on the ship’s deck, looking out over the sea of nightlife on bustling Pattaya 2 road. A gangway to bypass the hotel’s lobby comes in the form of an outside elevator, which whisks guests straight to the bar. Here you can break the ice with drinks ranging in price from Bt70 to Bt350, chill-out music and the ocean-going Discovery Channel documentaries projected on the white wall. Fish out a “Baraquda” for a snappy combination of light rum, peach schnapps, pineapple, lemon juice and syrup, or warm your belly with the “Tom Yum D2”, a spicy mix of vodka, light rum, Malibu, ginger ale, fresh lemon, basil, lemongrass, syrup and soda. The shoal of other choices on the menu includes beers, cognacs, whiskies, mocktails and sparkling wines. Whatever your poison, it comes [12]
with a lottery ticket that could net you a one-night stay. The chill-out tunes start to thaw around 9, which is when a rotating crew of international and local DJs take over. “Drink-Don’t-Drive” has become “Drink-Dine-Dance” for the bar’s New Year’s Eve party, so expect beats with heat. The entry of Bt1,000 for guys and Bt750 for girls and thirdgenders gets you canapes, palm readers, a sexy fashion show and tons of tunes from the DJ crew. Deep Bar is on the third floor of DusitD2 Baraquda Pattaya. It’s open Sunday to Thursday from 4pm to 1am, and Friday to Saturday from 5pm to 2am. Call (038) 769 999 or visit www.Dusit.com/d2pa.
Getting giddy for a great New Year
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ne of the best prescriptions for turning gloom to gleam as we consign a best-forgotten year to history is popping the cork on a bottle of champagne. As the first chilled flute of sparkling ambrosia perks up your palate, the seeds of a smile start creasing your face. A second and possibly a third brings laughter and animated conversation, all but wiping out the frustrations of a year of thwarted opportunities. The year ahead, though strewn with obstacles, suddenly seems manageable. Nothing like a bottle of bubbly to clear the runway for a smooth takeoff into 2009! Back to reality, drinking champagne or other sparkling wine is obviously no panacea to problems ahead, but it is a more rapid route to becoming giddy. Those magic little bubbles of carbon dioxide tend to accelerate the absorption of alcohol into one’s system, so it’s best to take a taxi if you plan on excess revelry to welcome in the New Year. That said, let’s take a look at some of the sparkling-wine choices available for a memorable start to 2009. At the frugal but fun end of the spectrum are the increasingly popular light-bodied, citrusand apple-flavoured Proseccos from Italy. Fermented in large sealed tanks to get the sparkle, then bottled under pressure, they have fairly big bubbles but lively fruit flavours. Prosecco is a good choice for mixing with fruit juices, perfect with New Year’s Day brunch. Stepping up a notch in price are Spain’s sparklers, known as cava. Fermented in each bottle, as in Champagne, those available locally are about Bt1,000 to Bt1,500. Look for Codornieu or Freixenet – both are dry, perfect with partyappetisers. Most impressive is the “real thing” from Champagne. Among thousands of producers, we are most familiar with labels like Veuve Clicquot, Moet Chandon, Pommery and, of course, the famous Dom Perignon. Prices run between Bt4,000 to more than Bt10,000 for vintage champagnes, the latter being worth it once a year if your budget can handle it. Chok dee and Happy New Year! December 28, 2008-Januar y 3, 2009
New flavours,
old charm Na Aroon is the restaurant at Ariyasomvilla, a boutique that’s blossomed in a beautiful old house
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iding peacefully at the end of Sukhumvit Soi 1 is Na Aroon, a restaurant in a Tudor-style house that was built in 1942 by Phra Charuen Visavakum, the first dean of Chulalongkorn University’s Faculty of Engineering. The restaurant is part of the new boutique hotel Ariyasomvilla, sharing a lush tropical garden that’s such a relief in the busy bustling city. The house that Phra Charuen and his wife Aroon Shenakul built has been given fresh glory by their granddaughter, landscape architect Pariya Shenakul, and her husband, interior designer David Lees. The restaurant occupies the ground floor of the house and exudes a cherished Siamese charm, with teak floors, high ceilings, a collection of antiques and artefacts and the serenity of a slow-turning ceiling fan. With huge windows, it’s well ventilated, and has 24 seats overlooking the lovely, spacious gardens with palm trees and another 30 poolside seats. The eatery is decked out with teakwood furniture in silk upholstery of
December 28, 2008-Januar y 3, 2009
contrasting shades – lime, green, purple with crispy salmon skin and caviar. and orange. Western foods include lasagna with Thai and Western dishes are served, tomatoes, sweet peppers and aubergines mainly organic and vegetarian but with (Bt245) and risotto with mixed forest some fresh fish and prawns. Executive mushrooms (Bt255). chef Katisak Pinkaew prepares Children have their own menu, everything with careful attention to including spinach cheese (Bt120), both taste and presentation. deep-fried cheese sticks (Bt120) and Organic rules here: the olive oil for potato croquettes (Bt95). stir-fries, rice-bran oil for deep-frying Your meal will end perfectly with the and extra virgin olive oil for the salads. apple crumble with vanilla sauce and Start with the Bt125 vanilla ice cream mixed organic salad (Bt90). with a dressing of The restaurant also Arrive famished strawberry, kiwi or ser ves an English Na Aroon is open daily from orange-ginger. breakfast with fresh 6.30am to 11pm, last orders Among the Thai juice, natural yoghurt, at 10. Call (02) 254 specialities is fried rice eggs, vegetarian 8880-3 or visit www. with spicy tom yum sausage and bacon, Ariyasom.com. herbs and prawn for mushrooms and Bt155 – the chef sauteed potatoes. doesn’t compromise The highlight is the on spiciness. Eggs Benedict – a lightly poached egg Other recommended dishes are the on vegetarian bacon and a muffin spicy rice noodle on organic vegetables coated with fresh hollandaise sauce. (Bt105) and coconut rice with gingko Until December 30, both vegetarian nuts and red beans (Bt145). and non-vegetarian set menus, Thai For fusion, try the spicy salmon salad and Western, are on offer with prices (Bt285), arranged in a tower topped ranging from Bt690 to Bt1,100. [13]
P hoto / E k k a r at S u k p e tch
K he t sirin Pholdhampalit
Laid-back
Have a look at
This! Pattarawadee Saengmanee
Here’s a holiday outing that includes temples, caves, thousands of sunflowers – and a skeleton
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et’s soak up some of nature’s beauty during the holiday season. Sunshine leads the way to the towering mountains of old Lopburi and Nakhon Ratchasima, while thousands of yellow-gold sunflowers are blooming across the vast grasslands to welcome the beginning of a year. To start the day, i t ’s a p l e a s a n t hour’s drive along the narrow streets behind Khao Chin Lae and the Sub L e k r e s e r v o i r, w h e r e v i l l a ge r s celebrate the annual sunflower festival through December. More than 40,000 rai are covered in yellow sunflowers, shivering against a beautiful backdrop of mountains and the blue sky. You can admire the rural way of life while touring the botanical farms, shopping for organic products and enjoying the fun activities on offer. The following day we move on to Nakhon Ratchasima to December 28, 2008-Januar y 3, 2009
a sacred, 1.5-metre-tall Buddha image in the “subduing mara” pose. We climb a bit higher to the edge of a cliff to find a soaring, Indian-style mondop of white marble. Here we pay respects to the Lord Buddha in the form of a golden model of his footprint, December 28, 2008-Januar y 3, 2009
and learn about his teachings from a marvellous mural painting depicting the four holy places relating to his life. Then we come to the natural beauty of the Magic Cave Land, tucked away at Wa t Tr i r a t . T h e a b b o t , C h o t Koonasampunno, discovered the cave in 1970, and it’s since been mapped out in five zones, each boasting a wide range of weird-shaped stalagmites and stalactites as well as exquisite Buddha images. Our young guides, Sooksan Bapansin and Chokpairin Mookjorn, proudly explain the history and formations of the cave. The first chamber is called the magic cave. It has a golden chedi containing relics of the Buddha from India, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Deeper into the dark, we find a glittering wall of sandstone along with a colourful goldfish-shaped stone and a stalagmite that looks like the head of an elephant.
The Buddha cave resembles a giant shrine hall, full of holy images and home to a millionyear-old stone archway and a similarly ancient Naga family “house” – not to forget the 1,000-year-old skeleton of a hermit on his stone bed. The tour ends at a 500-seat cave theatre, watching a documentary about the temple. Sometimes they even screen Hollywood films here!
Highway of delights Wat Wachiralongkorn Wararamworavihara is on Mitraphab Road in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Pak Chok district. Call (081) 186 0935 or (089) 161 1975. Wat Trairat is on the same road at Km 161. Admission to Magic Cave Land is Bt20 for children, Bt50 for adults and Bt80 for foreigners. It’s open daily from 8 to 6.
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photo / K i t i tn u n Rod s u pan
track down the treasure of the wonderful local culture. We kick off at the royal monastery Wachiralongkorn Wararamworavihara in Pak Chong district. The temple, occupying 100 rai in the foothills, has a lovely white-gold vihara that’s home to
Laid-back
One beautiful fish Board the new resort hotel DusitD2 Baraquda Pattaya and you’ll soon think you’re sailing K he t sirin Pholdhampalit
P hoto co u rtesy o f the D u sit D 2 B ara q u da P attaya
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he new DusitD2 Baraquda Pattaya blue pool shaped like a ray-finned has an eccentric, cutting-edge barracuda. design that waves off any “Inspired by clear water, sea breeze trepidation about its location far from and sparkling sunlight, the shape here the beach on bustling Pattaya 2 Road. is all about the boat,” says Whittakes. Its curving lines and appealing “The design is based on dynamics and shapes and textures give flow, expansive and open.” the impression you’re on On arrival guests get a Enlist early a yacht skimming the choice of welcoming drinks Promotional rates until blue sea. – fresh juices, coffee, beer, January 31 range from D2 is a brand sparkling wine or a Bt4,950 to Bt5,950 for extension of the Dusit cocktail. deluxe rooms. Call Group, with properties There are 72 rooms and (038) 769 999 or visit boasting style to suit suites, with the deluxes just www.Dusit.com/d2pa. young tastes. The first is being completed in time in Chiang Mai, and now for New Year celebrations. comes D2 Baraquda Pattaya, owned by They all have sexy, naughty bathrooms Serm Phenjati of the Barracuda Group – no doors, separated from the bedroom and managed by the Dusit team. with just a glass screen. Loving couples “I loved the fun, fresh concept of D2 will love it – shyer folks can ask for a in Chiang Mai and knew it would curtain. appeal to people in a dynamic city like A flat-screen television, DVD player Pattaya,” Serm says. “It’s an urban resort and iPod dock are standard in all rooms. but it has a relaxing feel to it.” There’s also an acrylic box stocked daily Designed by Scott Whittakes of DWP with treats like massage oil, candles, Thailand, the hotel with a white exterior candies and frequent surprises. is made all the more sleek with its arrays The wireless Internet connection is of crystal glass, contrasting against a free and on tap throughout the hotel. | 16 |
The club lounge on the second floor has a serene design with white tones predominant. Guests can enjoy complimentary refreshments and magazines, as well as the Internet-ready computers. A spa will open soon. Breakfast at the on-site restaurant S.E.A. is light, with a selection of salads, fruit, cereal, pastries and daily hot dishes to be selected from menu cards at your table. The chefs show their concern in every detail of the preparation and presentation. Sparkling wine is served too, in keeping with the “bubbling breakfast” theme. In the evenings, sip cocktails in the Sunset Lounge overlooking Pattaya Bay, or go exploring “underwater” in the marine-inspired Deep Bar. December 28, 2008-Januar y 3, 2009
Wellness
Meeting the master
P hoto co u rtesy o f B anyan T ree P h u ket L ag u na
Hot and herbal
In the hands of master therapist Kangsadan, the craft of massage becomes an art Phatarawadee Phataranawik
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he canopy of pampering at Banyan Tree Spa in Phuket Laguna spreads as far as the eye can see. On the way to the private room I’ve booked, treatments are sprouting everywhere. In the spritzer-clear swimming pool, aqua therapists are busy treating water-babes, while on the beach guests are getting secluded m a s s a ge s . Me a nw h i l e , m a s t e r therapists are at work behind the walls of the Private Villas, where I’m headed. At my room, a delicate scene is set by a small garden and soothing Oriental-style decor. I change into spa pyjamas then surrender my feet to therapist Kangsadan Wongdusadeckol, who immerses them in a warm herbal infusion. This 120-minute treament is called the Master Therapist Experience, and the guest’s wishes are paid special attention to. The karabru (camphor) in the water helps reduce foot odour, explains Kangsadan, before asking whether I have any aches or pains and what areas she should focus on. “ There’s tension in my back, shoulders and calves,” I reply. From a range of aromatic oils that runs from lavender for relaxation to rose for romance, Kangsadan December 28, 2008-Januar y 3, 2009
recommends amber. “It stimulates the pleasure centres and relieves nervous tension,” she says. At 21, Kangsadan seems quite young to have gathered such expertise. She trained at the in-house Spa Academy (accredited by the Education and Public Health Ministries) but has experience abroad. “Training and working at a Banyan Tree in Japan helped me learn more a b o u t t h e d i ff e r e n t n e e d s o f customers,” she says. I can’t argue. Her treatment is incredible – blending traditional hotpoultice techniques for blood circulation with Swedish oil massage to reduce stress. She also goes straight for what aches rather than wasting time in other areas. I fall asleep towards the end of the 90-minute massage, soothed by the long strokes over my back, then wake refreshed for 30 minutes of calm time. I spend it sipping fresh organic carrot juice along with a cup of warm ginger tea. Quality service comes at a price – for the Master Therapist Experience, it’s Bt4,900++. Banyan Tree Spa Phuket 33 Moo, 4 Srisoonthorn Road Talang District Open daily, 10 to 10 www.BanyanTreeSpa.com
Santiburi Golf Resort and Spa on Koh Samui invites you to relax in a warm bath infused with Thai herbs and oils and simply let your stress melt away. This unique package is being offered at the very special price of Bt800 for Bt20 minutes for one person. Reserve yours now by calling (077) 425 031-8 or e-mailing spasb@santiburi.com.
Misty mountain high The Siam Society is hosting a four-day hiking trip up Doi Mon Lan in Chiang Mai’s Phrao district over the long weekend of February 6 to 9. Participants will travel by express train to Chiang Mai and then by bus to Doi Mon Lan. Two nights will be spent at the Royal Forest Department’s dormitory with daytime hikes up the mountain before returning to Bangkok by air. The fee is Bt10,500 and includes all transportation, accommodation and meals. Call (02) 661 6470-7 or visit www.Siam-Society.org.
Kool at Kamalaya Kamalaya Koh Samui celebrates 2009 with a variety of retreats, workshops and visiting practitioners. Acclaimed teacher and author Gabriele Wosien leads half-day sacred dance workshops from January 6 to 18 while Alexander Toskar, the son of well-known Russian healer Pjotr Elkunoviz, hosts “Divine Straightening” from January 8 to 15 From January 18 to 23, Danny Paradise leads daily Asthanga yoga classes and shares the wisdom of ancient traditions in a contemporary and humorous way. E-mail info@kamalaya.com or visit www.Kamalaya.com. | 17 |
PHOTO ESSAY
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December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
China’s Cold Front PHOTOS BY CHINA DA ILY TEXT BY ASIA NEWS NETWO RK
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reezing weather with a steep drop of over 12ËšC in temperatures has brought the snow to Jilin and other parts of China. The cold front from western Serbia has been forecasted to bring gusty wind, sand storm and heavy snow in December. In Jilin, while workers struggled to clear roads of ice, children and the young-at-heart had fun building ice sculptures.
December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
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LIFESTYLE
Mr Host Men are playing hosts at a bar catering to women SINGAPORE
Cara Van Miriah The Straits Times
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orget karaoke bars with simpering, scantily clad hostesses fawning over men—Singapore’s night scene has just got a taste of girl power. A trendy bar that opened here last month is singing a new tune: The patrons are mainly women and the hosts are all young, good-looking men. The cosy bar with all-male hosts is Soufflé—named after the eggy, air whipped French dish—located in a row of flashy karaoke pubs and billiard saloons along South Bridge Road. It consists of a main bar playing down tempo music, plus two rooms for karaoke singing, and has a total of five male hosts, including local and foreign part-time models. The English-speaking hosts greet groups of women—with the odd bemused boyfriend or male business contact in tow—as they stroll in. Once seated, guests can take their pick of the male hosts, who introduce themselves, pour a drink and turn on the charm amid light-hearted banter. Soufflé’s hunky hosts earn their money by being booked to chat with the guests, and by keeping a percentage of the drinks they sell them. They charge guests S$100 (US$69) to drink, talk or sing karaoke with them the whole night—cheaper than a female hostess in a regular nightclub who charges between S$100 and S$150 (US$104). The chatty chaps at Soufflé keep the | 20 |
whole booking fee, plus part of their sales of shooters or small glasses of spirits. Patrons not wanting to fork out S$100 for a constant companion can opt to pay S$35 (US$24) for occasional attention from a ‘butterfly’, which is a slang term for hosts who flutter from one table to another entertaining guests. Again, that is cheaper than the $50 (US$35) going rate for butterflies of the fairer sex. The owner of Soufflé, 28-year-old Jennifer Ou, describes her establishment as “Sex And The City without the sex”. She says: “Women can enjoy good, clean fun in a girly environment.” Indeed, any clueless male who wanders through Souffle’s dark-tinted glass doors is in for a shock: The decor screams sugar and spice, with purple floral wallpaper, glitter walls, plush velvet couches with fuchsia cushions and a pair of pink love-seats. Inside, single women in their 20s and 30s dressed in office suits and trendy gear enjoy a boozy night in a safe, relaxed atmosphere. December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
EVOLVING NIGHTLIFE SCENE: Jennifer Ou, owner of Soufflé, (centre) with male hosts Juan, 23 (seated) and Danier Tang, 24.
D ES M ON D W E E /T h e St ra i ts T i mes
December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
Flight attendant Susanne Lin, 37, says: “I feel very comfortable hanging out in a women’s bar. It is not a sleazy joint as the hosts keep their hands to themselves.” Owner Ou, a jewellery designer, got the idea for the bar three years ago when she visited malehost clubs in Shanghai, Hong Kong, Taipei and Tokyo. She tells The Straits Times: “Singapore’s nightlife has evolved over the years, but what’s missing is a place for women. Many have been to Shanghai and Tokyo to check out the male host clubs. “If there are bars with female hostesses for men, there should be one for women.” She, together with two business partners, sank in S$43,000 (US$29,921) last August to take over a former karaoke pub, and spent another S$30,000 (US$20,875) on renovations. Based on a two-year lease, the monthly rental for the 130sqm space is a four-figure sum. Ou, who is single, spent several
weeks on the enviable task of selecting Souffle’s male hosts. “The hosts must be well-mannered,” she says, adding that she also places emphasis on looks, the way they dress and their conversational skills. Freelance male hosts such as undergraduate Juan, 23, work at Soufflé two to three times a week. He says: “It’s a decent part-time job to earn some extra cash. The patrons are mainly professionals and it’s a great place to meet new people.” When the bachelor is asked if he has received any indecent proposals, he blushes and shakes his head. There are other nightspots here with male hosts, but the guys also double up as stage entertainers. The clubs include Volar at Club Street and Club Giorgio at Lavender Street and attract both male and female patrons. At Soufflé, female patrons are allowed to bring their male friends, but it will turn away rowdy groups of men, says Ou, stressing that it aims for a mostly feminine crowd. As the bar can hold up to only 60 people, it is advisable for groups to make a booking, she adds. Soufflé also holds private events such as hen nights and birthday parties, complete with a tarot reader, a magician and a manicurist—just the thing when a gal wants her nails to look perfect as she holds the karaoke mike and belts out a tune. As for the question at the back of many people’s minds—has any female patron booked a male host beyond bar hours—Ou says: “The boys are under instructions to offer companionship only at the bar.” | 21 |
LIFESTYLE
The Miele Guide
Asia’s Top
A Sampling Of The Best
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Bukhara
Chef J P Singh
New Delhi, India
1. Iggy’s, Singapore 2. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Hong Kong, China 3. Les Amis, Singapore 4. Gunther’s, Singapore 5. Mozaic, Bali, Indonesia 6. Robuchon a Galera, Macau, China 7. Garibaldi, Singapore 8. Yung Kee, Hong Kong, China 9. Hutong, Hong Kong, China 10. Antonio’s Fine Dining, Tagaytay, Philippines 11. Caprice, Hong Kong, China 12. Zuma, Hong Kong, China 13. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, Tokyo, Japan 14. Bukhara, New Delhi, India 15. Grissini, Hong Kong, China 16. Nobu, Hong Kong, China 17. M on the Bund, Shanghai, China 18. Fook Lam Moon, Hong Kong, China 19. Zanotti Il Ristorante Italiano, Bangkok, Thailand 20. Kyubey, Tokyo, Japan
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elhi has its Qutab Minar — and it has its Bukhara. The first is a towering pillar that tourists must view; the second is one of India’s best known restaurants. And ever since Bill Clinton dined there, Bukhara has found its place on the global culinary map. Of course, die-hard Bukhara fans would say it was always right up there. The restaurant in five-star ITC Maurya Sheraton was set up in 1977. It serves food from the North West Frontier Province, a region known for its rugged terrain and simple but delicious cuisine. The food is mostly grilled and cooked with minimal spices. You are expected to eat with your fingers (though you can always ask for cutlery) and the restaurant will provide you with a lovely red-andwhite apron to ensure that you don’t mess up your clothes. There are people who swear by Bukhara, and some who believe that its food is overrated. Either way, the place — which can accommodate 130 people — is always packed, even on weekdays. Tables are spread out in three meandering rooms. The interiors are simple, with broad wooden beams, stone walls and copper utensils placed in little alcoves. In the midst of the restaurant is an open kitchen where you can see chefs grilling meat and vegetables in clay ovens known as tandoors. Servers are clad in loose pyjamas, a long shirt and a neat
waistcoat. Menus are thick planks of wood, with the choice of dishes painted on them. The range is small, but you must not miss the famous Bukhara dal and its sikandari raan. The latter is a whole leg of baby lamb that had been marinated for hours with spices such as cumin and cinnamon before being grilled in the tandoor — utterly delicious. The spices really seep into the meat, which is grilled in the deep charcoal oven to perfection. The dal — lentils cooked with tomatoes, spices and butter over hours — is equally superb.
In fact, you could have a truly enjoyable meal with just the dal and pudina paranthas — baked bread smeared with butter and infused with mint leaves. The desserts, however, are all fantastic. The phirni — powdered rice in thickened milk tempered with saffron, rose water and slivers of almonds — is light yet creamy. The gulab jamuns — milkand-flour balls, deep-fried and dipped in sugar syrup — are wonderfully soft and delicious. No doubt about it, Bukhara is not just a restaurant, it’s an experience.
December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
P H OTOS COU RT ESY OF T H E MI E LE G U I DE
Fook Lam Moon
what the refurbishment has done away with is the indifferent service of the old Fook Lam Moon, where its wait staff would deign niceties only to its regular customers. The service today is attentive and efficient to all who dine here, with staff providing appropriate recommendations from their menu (rather than pushing the most expensive items listed). Naturally, as one of the city’s top Cantonese restaurants, Fook Lam Moon’s prices are high. But customers are happy to fork out for exquisitely prepared premium and classic dishes like braised shark’s fin in brown sauce, braised whole abalone with goose web, and double-boiled bird’s nest with coconut milk. Other must-haves include the deep-fried crispy pigeon and baked stuffed crab in
shell. The former is particularly noteworthy for its delicious aroma and softly gamey meat. Whichever end of the extensive menu’s spectrum you choose from — the exotic and expensive include the likes of shark’s fin, bird’s nest and abalone, while the more down-to-earth includes braised frog legs with preserved cabbage and fried crispy chicken — every dish is almost guaranteed to be a memorable one. And don’t expect to be shown a wine list because this is as authentic a Chinese restaurant as they come. In other words, if you want a drink to pair with your meal, then choose from a small selection of brandies,
whiskeys, beers and baijiu (Chinese rice wine). If you simply must have wine, bring your own and be prepared to cough up the corkage. Fook Lam Moon is popular to say the least. The restaurant doesn’t require you to place reservations, but it would be prudent to, especially for dinner.
ious hotels, save for its flagship in Ginza, which despite its humbler location, is known to offer the best sushi of the Kyubey group. The best way to experience the exquisite food at Kyubey is to ask for the omakase (tasting menu). It starts off with small plates of beautiful sashimi, grilled seafood and Chef Yosuke Imada snacks specially made to serve alongside sake Kyubey or beer, before graduating to Tokyo, Japan different varieties of sushi deftly made by skilled or years, Kyubey has craftsmen (yes, they are been synonymous with referred to as craftsmen the best (and the most rather than chefs). Thanks expensive) sushi in Japan. to its impeccable reputation Fittingly, all its outposts and large number of (four in Tokyo and one in customers (and thus, Osaka) are sited in prestigincredible buying power)
Kyubey can boast the finest quality seafood from the best suppliers in Japan. In summer, order the sea urchin that is so fresh, it literally goes straight from the seawater it’s packed in and onto diners’ plates. The otoro, or fatty tuna, is immensely popular and is as flavourful and meltingly unctuous as they come. Also in summer, try the shinko — refreshing baby gizzard shad pickled in vinegar. While the sake and wine list aren’t particularly extravagant, expect quality brands selected specially to pair with sushi, such as Aramasa, which has a light and pleasant acidity, making it the perfect accompaniment. Both the food and drink are well matched by the splendid service. Uncommonly for Japan, the wait staff here speak some
English and are delightfully generous towards foreign visitors. They are also children-friendly, which is always lovely for foodie parents travelling with their brood in tow. Despite their success, the chefs at Kyubey never fail to ask their customers if they are enjoying their sushi after serving the first few pieces. And if you prefer your rice firmer or softer, or a particular type or cut of fish, don’t hesitate to express your preferences. Indeed, sushi chefs in Japan have a bit of a reputation for being surly craftsmen, but not at Kyubey. Which ultimately makes Kyubey the best destination in Tokyo for those with a generous budget and an appetite for the best quality sushi and service.
Hong Kong, China
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ook Lam Moon (Wanchai) is the flagship restaurant of the Fook Lam Moon group (with another branch in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong, four in Japan and one in Shanghai). Started in 1972 by founder and chef, Chui Fook, the eatery has adhered to his simple philosophy that a chef’s food is never up to par without premium quality ingredients no matter how talented he may be. And it is this belief that has led Fook Lam Moon to become a bastion of Cantonese cuisine in Hong Kong. Despite some refurbishment four years ago, the restaurant’s decor still retains much of its oldHong Kong feel. Mercifully,
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Chef Chui Wai Kwan
Reprinted with permission from The Miele Guide (www.mieleguide.com) December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
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Entertainment
The Future Of Bollywood Directors, rather than stars, would determine the fate of films at the box office KOLKATA
THE KING: Even upcoming projects of formidable actor Shah Rukh Khan are being stalled because of what looks like a recession in Bollywood.
first-time directors. Clearly, this is no time to go overboard and splurge. That small is beautiful has been established by recent box office hits like Khuda Ke Liye, Aamir, A Wednesday, Mumbai Meri Jaan and Rock On. These films were made on unusually small budgets and have recovered their costs many times over. Aamir, for instance, was made for 20 million rupees (US$427,761—much
million rupees ($748,583) and has already raked in 140 million rupees Derek Bose ($2.99 million). Even a Shyam The Statesman Benegal film, Welcome To Sajjanpur, which made on a budget of 3.5 crore s the year draws to a close, rupees (with a rural setting) has some clarity is beginning to generated more than 80 million emerge on what the future rupees ($1.71 million). holds for Bollywood Now, compare this with the cinema. For one, directors, performance of the big-budget rather than stars, would determine the so-called ‘blockbusters’ like Sarkar fate of films at the box Raaj, Tashan, office. For another, the Karzzzz and of late, role of heroines is getting Yuvvraaj. Nobody minimised. In content, likes to be seen a narrative style, technical loser in these times finesse and treatment of and producers stories, Hindi films would especially, would increasingly resemble never admit to Hollywood productions. turning out a turkey. But more than all these They would rather projections on expected go about assiduously lines, what has come as a fudging figures and surprise and in many ways continue to claim will have a definitive that their films were impact on Bollywood ‘blazing hits’. But filmmaking is the anybody who has recession trend sweeping kept track of how LORDS OF BOLLYWOOD: Indian actor Abhishek Bachchan (R) and director across the globe. Money is long the films had Ram Gopal Varma (C). A-list stars out-priced themselves and now are left with already scarce and lasted in the box very little option but to take a voluntary fee cut or bankroll films on their own. corporate producers are office would know slashing their budgets big where the claims time. Multi-star projects are on hold. So less than what a known actor charges come from. These are no more than are the many multi-film deals struck these days) and has reportedly netted weak ploys to keep the pot on the boil. with top-ranking actors and directors 50 million rupees ($1.06 million). This is, however, not to suggest recently. In their place, several low Likewise, A Wednesday (which is still that all big-budget productions are budget, non-star productions are being running to full houses in many parts of potential disasters and small-budget green-lighted, most of them with the country) was made for barely 35 films are guaranteed successes.
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Indranil MU KHERJEE/AFP
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December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
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AFP
Casualties occur for both types of films left like Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi There is no room for incredible feats, films, the only difference being the (with Shah Rukh Khan), Ghajini exaggerated heroism, larger-than-life level of financial risk involved. In (with Aamir Khan) and Chandni characters, villains. The films are these bleak times when the appetite Chowk to China (Akshay Kumar); but mostly about ordinary people in of producers for risk-taking is again, these are in the nature of flashes everyday situations that audiences can severely reduced, a big project is in the pan. These productions were identify with. doomed right from the conception launched in better times when most Age-old Bollywood clichés like stage itself. Even banks have frozen producers did not understand, let convenient coincidences, lost-andtheir credit lines to producers and alone expect something called a ‘global found brothers, triumph of good over private money lenders are charging meltdown’. In effect, all the A-list stars evil and happy endings do not figure at unheard-of rates of interest. Little out-priced themselves and now are left all. In fact, anything that smacks of wonder, the production of a number with very little option but to take a being formulaic is shunned. of big films, including Vipul Shah’s voluntary fee cut or bankroll films on As these films are targeted at a London Dreams, the much-hyped their own. so-called ‘multiplex audience’, typically Himesh Reshammiya-starrer Kajra Scores of such small, but intelligent concerns of the urban youth, their Re and a Shah Rukh Khan FX film films are currently in the making, hopes, sentiments and sensibilities, the (hitherto untitled) has been stalled indefinitely. Given this scenario, makers of small-budget films will have an edge over the biggies in the business. After all, it makes more sense for a producer to spread his risks across multiple projects than put all his eggs in one basket. Thus, all major production houses are going all out to lure the so-called ‘minnows’ among the directors, such as Sriram Raghavan, Dibakar Bannerjee, Neeraj Pandey and Rajkumar Gupta. Significantly, these are the names generatdawning: There is no time to go overboard and splurge on production costs for upcoming Bollywood ing the biggest buzz in projects. This is now the direction India’s tinseltown is headed. Bollywood today. All of them are young and enterprising with a fair understanding including some by the veterans Saeed language they speak in (Hinglish) are of the sensibilities of the target Mirza (Ek Tho Chance) and Kumar highlighted. These are the elements audience and a proven track record to Shahani (Anna Karenina). that would determine the complexion boast of. Most importantly, they have The films are uniformly shorn of all of Hindi cinema in times to come. worked with some of the most glamour and glitz by way of a starEven more significant is that the talented, but affordable actors in Hindi studded cast, ostentatious sets and conventional star-driven, lavishlycinema like Paresh Rawal, Vinay costumes, needless songs and dances; mounted escapist fare Bollywood is Pathak, Ranvir Shorey and Sharman unless of course, there is a historical known for would eventually be viewed Joshi. A winning combination between point of reference. as parallel or avant garde cinema. the new generation of directors and Most of them are shot in one or two Already, the film trade has stopped actors has thus been already estaboutdoor locations, and the rest, calling them ‘films’. That is a term lished. And it is this synergy that will indoors. This is because with every reserved for the small-budget productake Bollywood filmmaking ahead, not change of location, production costs tions. Big-budget films are now the success of stray multi-starrers like multiply and surely, scenes in the colloquially referred to as ‘projects’. Race, Fashion and Dostana. Swiss Alps do not fit in the scheme of This itself, is saying a lot about the There are of course, some more big things. direction Bollywood is headed.
TRENDS
Hipsters: Trend or Fad? Seoul
T
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P HOTO COU RTESY OF MAP S MAG AZ IN E
u o u s catchphrase used to describe Jean Oh the young and the hip. ToThe Korea Herald day’s hipster is into things that are cool, new and not ype in the word ‘hipmainstream. ster’ and Naver’s dicIn the recent past, cool tionary spits out the meant fixed-gear bikes, skindefinition: “a person ny jeans, Converses, vintage in the know, a wellflannel and the so-called “ininformed person, a follower of ternational hipster bible” Vice fads.” Then follows it up with a magazine. Whether any of this couple of alternatives: “jazz perstill holds true remains to be former, jazz aficionado.” seen and proven. Hard to say that Naver has hit Hipsters have been ridiculed the nail on the head, but the apand criticised for their lack of pearance of ‘hipster’ on the popidentity. They have also been ular Korean Internet portal site upheld as trendy young peohints at something that beple who do not deserve the Ryu comes more obvious when you bad rap the media someDo-yeon. hit the streets of Seoul. times gives them. In small but growing Good or bad, it looks numbers, trademark like the legions of hipskinny jeans, Converses sters are growing, and vintage flannels pop spreading through the interout from the crowds. Add to that the net and through the global proliferarecent introduction of NYLON Korea tion of reportedly hipster-friendly and Dazed and Confused Korea to the brands like American Apparel, UNIQdomestic magazine market, and it gives LO and Converse. rise to the question: Are there hipsters Has it reached Seoul? in Korea? “I am not a hipster,” says Dos A Dos Before delving into the current status founder and director/artist Oh Sukof this nation’s youth culture, the term kuhn. ‘hipster’ requires clarification. Taking Dressed from head-to-toe in vintage, its roots from the 1940s, when it ini- including his 1,000 won (75 US cents) tially referred to jazz enthusiasts, the cardigan, Oh is the force behind Dos A word ‘hipster’ is believed to come from Dos, a party known for attracting an a derivative of “hop,” slang for opium. exciting and unusually dressed crowd-Now, it serves as a somewhat ambig- think swimsuits and guys wearing
dresses. And he does not seem to be too fond of hipsters. “I don’t like hipsters,” artist Oh says firmly. “I’m too creative to be a hipster.” When asked if they come to his party, he answers, “Of course, lots of hipsters come. When we first started out, it was a sort of meeting of music aficionados and fashionable people. And then hipsters flowed in and I am not too crazy about it.” What about ‘real’ hipsters? Oh pauses: “A real hipster is someone who has their own distinct and clear-cut colour.” Oh is quick to separate himself and his Dos A Dos members from the crowd. “I do not think that we are like those current New York hipsters who follow that which is hip, thoughtlessly,” he elaborated. It is hard to know what group Oh is a part of. A staunch devotee of vintage, “I can’t wear new clothes,” he explains. Whether or not he means hipsters when he says, “people came with a different attitude”, is unclear. But Oh believes that hipsters are here to stay. “I think hipsters will continue to appear.” According to Oh, the publication of domestic versions of magazines like Dazed and NYLON came as no surprise. “They knew that it was time,” he said. “A lot of things had already shown up. December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
T HE KOR EA H ERA LD
Dos A Dos founder and director/artist Oh Suk-kuhn.
T H E KOR E A H E RA L D
Hong Suk-woo wearing Patrik Ervell.
Lee Jung-hee decked out in Bless.
Street brand mags, (multicultural space) Daily Projects and “Right Dos A Dos. So, of course, NYLON and now, I think there a lot of Dazed came.” young people with a hipster mindset The original London-based Dazed and and that they are increasing in great Confused and the US-based NYLON have numbers,” said Koo. made a name for themselves for their Dazed and Confused Korea editorunique approach to fashion, art and mu- in-chief Annie Kim adopted a more sic. And now they have entered the Korean conservative stance. market. “Aren’t they just Dazed and Conone part of society?” fused Korea kicked Kim asked. “Like two off with its May issue or three, three or four and NYLON Korea out of 10? I think it with its September may be exaggerated.” issue this year. “There are hipsters “Magazines like though,” the 33-yearNYLON and Dazed old editor-in-chief don’t show the trends continued. “It defiof the masses,” said nitely seems to have NYLON Korea ediincreased. Kids who tor-in-chief have just graduated, Ketherine Koo. “It is university students for those who want to and contributing edicreate their own style. tors and people I The cover of the magazine ‘Dazed’ They want something meet seem to have new all the time.” that disposition.” “We want to make a magazine for When asked if Dazed and Confused real hipsters,” explained editor Koo. Korea was a hipster magazine, Kim an“But it is a mass market ... We hope that swered: “There is that inclination, but if hipsters, at this point a minority, will you mean ‘hipster’ as in ‘street-based lead the culture of the masses and that subculture,’ then we may have hipsterwe will be, in turn, a medium that ap- like elements but our magazine is uppeals to them.” scale.” The 38-year-old editor-in-chief Yet, oddly enough, there is no official maintained a positive outlook on the term for this group of Korean hipsters. future of Korean hipsters. “No, there are no terms for trendy December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
kids in Korea,” said Kim. Ryu Do-yeon, CEO and publisher of maps magazine, suggested ‘skinny tribe’ and ‘BigBang style’ as potential catchphrases for those who wear skinny jeans or subscribe to the flair of the hit Korean boy band. In addition to artistic layouts, maps sports a hefty set of street shots featuring hip Koreans decked out in animal print skinny jeans, stylishly assembled blends of American Apparel and Comme des Garcons and, of course, vintage. “I wanted to show Korean style to Koreans and to those overseas,” said Ryu of his street section. When asked if he thinks his magazine caters to hipsters, he answered: “You can say that it does. And you can say that it doesn’t.” According to publisher Ryu, fashionforward people are the rise, and the boom in select shops serves as a result of the desire for “something new”. Among the slew of select shops that have hit Seoul, Cheongdam-dong’s Daily Projects emerges as a pioneer in the world of fashion, due in part, to its executive manager Lee Jung-hee. Educated at Parsons, Lee masterminded the Daily Projects’ event that was part of Seoul Fashion Week’s Generation Next, causing a stir in October. Her high profile participants included prominent fashion expert, Diane Pernet, who screened ‘A Shaded View on Fashion Film’ in Korea for the first time, and Danish designer Henrik Vibskov, who presented during fashion week. “I invited him (Vibskov) here,” said Lee. “I went to Denmark to meet him. I was like, ‘Yo, do you want to come?’” Lee’s multicultural space, complete with a cafe where one can pore for hours over a serious collection of reading materials—including the Dazed and Confused, i-D, and Monocle—and two floors worth of hip brands like Band of Outsiders and Bless, also showcases art. “For some reason, we attract the younger public,” said the 34-year-old executive manager. When asked if she thinks the hipster trend has hit Korea, Lee answered: “Yeah, definitely. They are fashion masters.” “Young kids, like Japanese kids, starve themselves to buy something,” she said. “I see that here too. (They) use all their cash on clothes and eat ramen.” | 27 |
T h e Star
People
A Driven Siren Mallika Sherawat, Bollywood’s ‘best kisser’, spells out her ambitious plans to take on Hollywood KUALA LUMPUR
Noorsila Abd Majid The Star
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h, Mallika Sherawat ... who can resist her? While hotblooded males are fixated with her heaving chest, we women can’t help but envy her ‘droolicious’ curves. Even if the original Bollywood bombshell tried to dress down when she was in Kuala Lumpur, you could still see her slipping out of her semi-transparent, tight angelic white dress. But the 32-year-old actress is quick to point out that she is more than meets the eyes. “Sexy is just one part of me,” said Mallika matter-of-factly during this backstage chat at the Kuala Lumpur International Film Festival. “There’s more to come from me, acting-wise.” She is, of course, talking about her buzzworthy Hollywood-financed Bollywood project, Hisss. Directed by indie filmmaker Jennifer Lynch, the India-set mystery is tipped to boost Mallika’s profile as an A-list actress worldwide. “We’re taking the Indian legend of a shape-shifting snake to Hollywood,”
December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
enthused the actress. “I’m thrilled to play the snake-woman.” Will Smith’s Overbrook Entertainment has inked a deal to produce two movies with Indian entertainment company, UTV. Trust the Bollywood sexpot to make sound remarks about current affairs. After all, the conservative segments in India, including the Indian press, would like to hang her out to dry for speaking her mind all the time. “If a chemical drug like Viagra is accepted by society and by the world to ignite desire, then what is the problem with my audio-visual called cinema which ignites desire?” Mallika was once famously quoted. “Both are basically doing the same thing!” It turns out that Hisss is not her only deal with Tinseltown. Come next year, you’ll get to see the actress in The Aquarian Gospel, a semi-religious film that explores the missing years in Jesus Christ’s early life, somewhere when he was between 13 and 30. According to her, the more popular belief is that Jesus had visited Kashmir. And the movie chronicles his journey from Israel as a young boy, through India, Tibet, Persia, Greece and Egypt where he meets people of all creeds and sages from different faith. “We’ve
already finished the principle photography.” The actress plays Saraswati, one of Jesus’s loyal friends whom he bonds with while he travels through India. “Saraswati is celibate (a brahmacharini),” she gives a gist of her character. “It’s a nice contrast to the kind of image I’m known for.” Nice, but controversial. Yes, that is so Mallika. “Who cares what people say about me? I am right on the ball,” she has been quoted as saying about her controversial choice of films (and public persona) in a previous interview. “And I don’t think one should take oneself too seriously. “Be like the Buddha, I always say, smile through life. It will immediately look better.” Now, if only her love life could be better, too. Mallika, despite her status as Bollywood’s kissing queen, has surprisingly managed to stay man-free. You don’t even hear the slightest romantic rumour about her. Well, she has admitted to being married once, but that was before she joined the film industry. “I use my free time to read scripts and prepare for my next starring roles,” she said, with the longest of smiles. | 29 |
People
Taiwan’s
ABCs American-born Chinese have long been stereotyped as rich and arrogant with poor Mandarin skills; these three have helped change that | 30 |
Bangkok
Yasmin Lee Arpon Asia News Network
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n 1995, an American-born Chinese (ABC) called Wang Lee Hom debuted to little fanfare in Taiwan. Nine years later in 2004, Lee Hom launched his 10th album called Shangri-La, where he first introduced his brand of music called “chinked-out” to mean a musical style that fuses Western sounds of R&B, hip hop and rap with traditional Chinese instruments like koudi, tuhu and ijac. Before Lee Hom’s brand of music made it to the airwaves, however, a fellow ABC was already making it big on the small screen. The name Wu Jian Hao may not ring a bell to many but Vanness Wu certainly would. Vanness was catapulted to fame through the TV drama Meteor Garden. He went on to form the pop group F4 with his three other co-stars December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
in that drama. At about the same time that Vanness was gaining a stronger foothold in the business, Pan Wei Bo or Wilber Pan returned to Taiwan from the US hoping to make it big in the e-circle as the Taiwanese refer to the entertainment circle. Locals often stereotype ABCs as being rich and arrogant, with a poor command of Mandarin. They are often boxed in certain roles on TV dramas as bumbling homecoming kings. Their poor command of Mandarin may not be far from the truth. Although growing up in a Chinese household, Lee Hom would be the first to admit that he was not fluent in the language at all and that it was initially difficult for him to write songs. But he studied the language overtime, as did Vanness, who at first had a difficulty looking for work in Taiwan because of the language barrier. Wilber’s mistakes in delivering his lines, meanwhile, has turned into a form of entertainment for his fans and co-workers. The road to success was not easy for these three though and it was littered with sacrifices. Upon the launch of Lee Hom’s first album Love Rival Beethoven, his record company asked him to abandon his studies at Williams College, where he was majoring in music with a minor in Asian Studies. But Lee Hom was determined to earn his degree and would fly to Taiwan to
record during school breaks. It was only in 1998 when he finished college that he devoted his full attention to his music, going on to win awards at the prestigious Golden Melody. His film debut in Ang Lee’s Lust, Caution was well-received but it appears that Lee Hom wants to focus more on his music, and is due to perform with the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra this month. Vanness, meanwhile, was working as an agent at a telecommunications company in the US, hoping to save money to buy a plane ticket to Taiwan, where he has set his sights on a musical career. In 2000, he finally saved enough to buy that ticket only to realise belatedly that it was only half of the journey done. Because he didn’t speak Chinese, it took a while for him to get gigs and in the meantime, he had to work as an English teacher and part-time model to make ends meet, even staying with friends. In 2001, the big break finally came, and how. He was asked to audition for a part in Meteor Garden, and since then, Vanness has not looked back, catapulting himself to the consciousness of pop fans not only in Taiwan but the rest of Asia as well. In no time, he realised his dream as a musician, collaborating with artistes from other countries. But he is not one typical pop star; for example, he discouraged his fans to buy a “re-invented” CD of F4’s
latest album telling them it was just a marketing ploy aimed at making more money for the recording company. He even celebrated his release from his record label after being tied to a contract for several years saying he has had it and was looking forward to producing his own kind of music. He has also appeared on the silver screen, including getting parts in movies that take advantage of his dual expertise in Mandarin and English, like in the upcoming LaMB the first original high-definition animation production for Sony’s Animax Asia. As for Wilber, he jumpstarted his career as a VJ (video jock) in 2001, practicing in KTVs to hone his singing and Mandarin before launching his first album in 2002. The same year, he ventured into acting in Spicy Teacher. But it was his appearance this year in the idol drama Miss No Good that has made him a household name. Indeed, Taiwan’s ABCs have helped shape their motherland’s e-circle and changed people’s perception of them. To recall what Lee Hom said two years ago when he first introduced the term “chinked-out” that used to be a derogatory racial slur to put down Chinese: “ I don’t want to offend anybody. I want to repossess the word, and this is a word I heard growing up in New York. It was derogatory at the time. And you know, I hope I can make it cool.”
Learn Your ABCs
Name: Wang Lee Hom, 32 English Name: Leehom Wang (never uses birth name Alexander) Birthdate: May 17, 1976 Birthplace: Rochester, New York Breakthrough: Revolution album released in 1998 December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
Name: Wu Jian Hao, 30 English name: Vanness Wu Birthdate: Aug 7, 1978 Birthplace: Los Angeles, California Breakthrough: As Mei Zhuo in Meteor Garden
Name: Pan Wei Bo, 28 English Name: Wilber/Will Pan Birthdate: Aug 6, 1980 Birthplace: West Virginia Breakthrough: VJ for Taiwan’s Channel V | 31 |
Explore
LOCAL FLAVOUR: A scenic locale featured in the film, Shanhai Fishing Harbour, is one of the places Aga delivers mail to.
The Cape Escape Taiwan’s hit movie is bringing throngs of tourists to see the island’s southern tip Taipei
Yong Shu Hoong The Straits Times
P
opular culture has often evoked a fascination for places immortalised by memorable works. Just look at how The Lord Of The Rings films (2001 - 2003), shot in New Zealand, have boosted the country’s tourism industry. Similarly, loyal fans of Korean TV drama Winter Sonata (2002) flock to picturesque filming locations such as Namiseom Island and Yongpyong Resort. So it is no surprise that the frenzy over the recent Taiwanese box-office hit, Cape No 7, winner of six prizes at the recent | 32 |
45th Golden Horse Awards, has now translated into an increase in domestic tourism in Taiwan’s southern tip. Directed by Wei Te-sheng, the heartwarming comedy depicts how a group of Hengchun residents form a band for a beach concert, while romance blossoms between the brooding postmanturned-singer Aga (Van Fan) and a Japanese musical adviser Tomoko (Chie Tanaka). Since opening in August, Cape No 7 has chalked up ticket sales of more than NT$460 million (US$14 million) in Taiwan to become the second all-time top-grossing film on the island behind Hollywood blockbuster Titanic (1997). When I visited the town of Hengchun in late November, I found memories of the film lurking on every street corner.
And it was not just because I recognised some of the locales featured in it. Persistent reminders came in the form of street stalls selling all kinds of film-inspired souvenirs and catchy songs from the movie soundtrack constantly wafting through the air. Close to two hours’ drive from Taiwan’s second-largest city of Kaohsiung, Hengchun is a southern township with a population of over 30,000. Reminiscent of small Malaysian towns, it retains its Taiwanese identity through street signs and shop signage in traditional Chinese text and stores hawking betel nuts and locally harvested onions. A town wall was built in 1875 around Hengchun to protect against Japanese invasion and rebellious aborigines. December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
PRIME ADDRESS: The bedroom of Aga is in a two-storey house in Guangming Road in Hengchun. The house can be rented from US$133 a night.
PRIVATE SPACE: The lead protagonist’s room in the film has become a must-see for fans.
wanted to support local film-making and had loaned the house for free for filming that took place from October 2006 to January last year. Aga’s room, he explained, was originally his 17-yearold son’s bedroom. Guests can now rent the entire house for accommodation (details at tw.myblog.yahoo.com/ppp0819) at NT$3,700 (US$110) a night (Saturday, NT$5,000 or US$149). The attraction, of course, is the chance to lie on the same bed that hosted a passionate scene between Aga and Tomoko. The wooden bed was left behind by the director after the shoot and its frame now sports the autographs of the two leads. But Zhang cautions guests about the possibility of disrupted sleep, as fans are known to loiter outside the house at night and even shout out for Aga. In nearby Yongjing Village is lute
LANDMARK: The West Gate of a wall built in 1875 to protect Hengchun town from the Japanese and rebellious aborigines has become a popular photo stop after being featured in the film’s opening scenes.
Today, only parts of that wall remain, but all four of its original gates are intact. In particular, the West Gate has become a popular photo stop after being featured in Cape No 7’s opening scenes. Within easy driving distance, you will find several residences featured in the film, all of which have become tourist attractions. Due to the influx of sightseers, the owners have started charging each visitor a ‘maintenance fee’ of between NT$20 and NT$50 (60 US cents to US$1.50). A two-storey house at 90 Guangming Road in Hengchun served as Aga’s home. Owner Zhang Yong-yuan said he December 28, 2008-January 3, 2009
player Uncle Mao’s home, an elegant cement house owned by the You family. Other filming locations include Wanlitong Beach, Aga’s favourite spot to admire the coral-fringed sea, and the popular Baisha Beach, where Tomoko coordinates a fashion shoot. Visitors who do not wish to bother with maps and car rental can take a bus tour to the filming locations. Stay at the many beach resorts around the town of Kenting and ask the hotel staff about the Cape No. 7 full-day guided tour (www.taiwantour bus.com.tw), which costs around NT$1,300 (US$39) per person. The itinerary includes stops at the
idyllic Shanhai Fishing Harbour, one of the places Aga delivers mail to, and Chateau Beach Resort, where the climactic beach concert and other scenes were filmed. According to Chateau’s publicist Titan Kuo, this was where the two leads were shot embracing on a beach, a scene captured for Cape No 7’s poster. He added that the film’s fans have been visiting the resort since October and occupancy rate has gone up 20 per cent. Tourists from Singapore and Hong Kong are expected to follow suit, after the film has opened in the two cities. Couples request for the same room occupied by Tomoko in the film, the Honeymoon Suite No 5250, but Kuo said that room assignment is not guaranteed. The resort has 14 such ocean-facing suites, each for NT$11,600 (US$347) per night. While there is no actual place named
HANGOUT: Check out Wanlitong Beach which was Aga’s favourite spot to admire the coralfringed sea.
Cape No 7, there are many scenic spots along the coasts that you can visit which are not featured in the film. Maobitou, or Cat’s Nose Cape, parts the Taiwan Strait from Bashi Channel. You can view a large coral reef rock resembling a cat lying on its stomach. Eluanbi, also known as Taiwan’s South Cape, separates Bashi Channel from the Pacific Ocean. It has a historical lighthouse built in 1882, surrounded by lush parklands featuring tropical coastal trees and plants growing on elevated coral reefs. These are Taiwan’s two southernmost reaches that you can visit for that edge-of-the-world feeling. | 33 |
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