Happenings, events, eat-outs,offers and More in kochi Issue 07 Volume 05 MAY - JUN 2017
/wtzupkochi
PRICE : ` 10/-
FROM NEW YORK TO KOCHI International artist Alok Vaid Menon opened up to Kochi for the first time,capturing the audience in an emotional treat
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WtzupCity.com/EVENTS
19-20may
Workshop on Dining Etiquette & Social Etiquette for Teenagers Crowne Plaza, Maradu 974 554 0081
24Apr–31may
3may-30jun
Kochi Marriott Hotel, Edappally 0484 717 7777
Le Meridien Kochi, Maradu, 0484 270 5777
From The Grill and Clay Pot Marination - Food Fest
15-31may
Beat the Heat - Summery Iced Tea Festival
Mango Mania - Food Fest
Kochi Marriott Hotel, Edappally 0484 717 7777
4jun
8–10jun
06-30jun
International Conference on Tourism Technology
Ashokan's Chayakkada Food fest
23-24Jun
Basic Practical Photography Workshop on Lighting by Toonus Kochi, Kerala 892 191 0378
Le Méridien Kochi, Kundannoor, Maradu 0484 270 5777
Crowne Plaza, Kundannoor 0484 286 5000
Incredible Art, 1st Floor, VX Arcade, Kaloor Kathrikadavu road 944 69 7 1002, 988 180 0012
10-11jun
11jun
belly dance workshop
daira live
Mamangam, Behind JNI stadium, Kaloor 974 421 0101
9-11jun hola kochi - spanish food fest
Casino Hotel, Wellingdon Island 0484 266 8221
Veinnoisserie Masterclass - Baking Workshop
JTPAC, Thripunithura 7pm onwards 808 688 1681
View more at www.wtzupcity.com For associations and ads call: 994 739 0022
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WtzupCity.com/OFFERS
Shop and Win Gift Vouchers from Vismay Abad Nucleus Mall, Poonithura, Maradu 0484 309 5757
Denim Duffle - Offers by Being Human
Lulu Mall, Edapally 0484 402 2337
Exciting Offers From Rare Rabbit
Upto 60% Off at Splash
Upto 70% Off at My Kingdom
Flat 40% Off at The Raymond Shop
Celebrate Your Age Food Offers From Kochi Marriott
Exciting Offers by USPA Kids
Kochi Marriott Hotel, Edappally 0484 717 7777
Lulu Mall, Edappally 0484 403 8335
Mid Season Sale by Creyate
Back to College Festival by Splash
Lulu Mall, Nethaji Nagar, Edappally 812 933 8356
Lulu Mall, Nethaji Nagar, Edappally 0484 406 0798
My Kingdom, Mahatma Gandhi Rd, Near Kavitha 0484 238 5475
The Raymond Shop, Mahatma Gandhi Road 0484 682 035
Lulu Ramadan Kareem Ramadan Offers by Lulu Mall
Best Buy at Swarovski
Lulu Mall, Nethaji Nagar, Edappally 0484 272 7777
Lulu mall, Nethaji Nagar, Edappally 0484 272 8005
Lulu Mall, Edapally 804 114 3275
Lulu Mall, Edapally 0484 406 0798
* The offers listed in the above page could be subjected to terms and conditions. WtzupKochi would not be held responsible for any disputes arising out of the applicabilty of these offers. For associations and ads call: +91 994 739 0022
New to the City
The Dining Room Padma Junction
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Steve Madden Lulu Mall, Edapally
The LMN Tripunithura
Rollsberg Lulu Mall, Edappally
District 7 Vyttila
Dr. Mohan's Vyttila
WtzupCity.com/EVENTS
An Evening to Remember The cover for the latest issue of FWD Life, Kerala’s premium lifestyle magazine, was launched by actor/ model Unni Mukundan along with Anil James, Exodus advertising; T Vinayan, Guide Advertising; Arun Balachandran, FWD Media Founder Director & Vice Chairman, and Abraham Tharakan, FWD Media CEO & Group Editor and other eminent guests with much fanfare at Le Meridien, Kochi at 4.30 pm on 5th May. FWD Engage was presented by Samsung India and powered by Le Meridien in association with Red FM & WKochi. After the cover launch, Samsung India took to the stage to explain and elaborate on the features of their newly released product, Samsung S8. The event also saw some mesmerizing performances by renowned mentalist Nipin Niravath. Venue: Le Meridien, Kochi Photos: FWD Media
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WtzupCity.com/EVENTS
A Soiree with Mom FWD Media organized a mother’s day special, A Soiree with Mom in association with GEMS education, and WCity, powered by Holiday Inn, Kochi on 14th May. The event was attended by eminent personalities from the media and it mainly concentrated on mothers and motherhood. The event kicked off with an icebreaker session for the audience with Susheela Pai, Artistic Director of Mudra Dance Centre. The first panel on ‘women beyond motherhood’ was moderated by Ms. Shana Susan Ninan, Life Skills Trainer and Writer, with Ms. Molly Cyril, Dean and Director of Charter School, Kochi, Ms. Susheela Pai, Artistic Director of Mudra Dance Centre and Ms. Jessica Mundroina, Soft Skills Trainer, Life Coach, Image Consultant and Colour Therapist. The second session focused on pregnancy, nutrition, food, and psychiatry. The session was enlightened by Ms. Priyanka Idicula, Director of Birth Village, Ms. Priyadharshini R Menon, Nutritionist and Co-founder of Mrs. India – Kerala, Dr. Sanju George, Psychiatrist at Rajagiri Hospital and Mr. Michael Saju, Executive Chef, Holiday Inn. This was followed by the music album launch of Ms. Amritha Suresh by Mr. Hibi Eden, MLA. The album ‘Anayadhey’ focuses on women and their emotions. She also launched her official YouTube channel at the event. Also present for the occasion were Mr. Vijay Babu, Actor, Mr. Venu, Head, Maitri Advertisements, Mr. Vipin Das, Director, Neel, Swedish Music Director and Mr. Arjun, Actor. Venue: Holiday Inn, Kochi Photos: FWD Media
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WtzupCity.com/EVENTS
WtzupCity.com/EAT OUTS
All Day Perks Egg-xtraordinary Burgers Galore
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he answer to your late night coffee cravings, Cofi Club in Kakkanad is open 24/7. Being next to Bharathamatha College and Infopark, it is a popular hang out in the area. Relax in the minimalistic interiors with your hot Cappuccino or cold Crunchy Coffee. Pick from an array of bakery items like freshly made cookies, pastries and other treats. If you are looking for more than a break time picker upper, try out their pastas and combo meals.
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hether you love your eggs scrambled, fried or poached, The Egg Stop has an egg dish for every season. An egg a day won’t let your health go astray, and for some egg-xtra taste, head to any of their branches across Kochi. It is ideal for the traveller to pick up a quick bite at their outlet in Nedumbassery. Dont worry if you think the ‘funda’ is all about the ‘anda’, they have a variety of drinks to keep you refreshed. They stay open late into the night.
Must try
Cofi Club Opposite Bharata Mata College, SeaportAirport Road 0484 640 4040, 0980 937 2780
Must try
Cold Coffee Crunchy, Caramel Custard Cost per head
` 200 Open: 24 hours
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hen you think about having a burger in Kochi, your mind takes a leap all the way to The Burger Junction. With outlets in Edappally and Kakkanad, TBJ also serves up great shakes, starters and yogurt. With innovative and mind boggling dishes including a red burger (yes the buns are the color), the halo burger, the succulent Datk Knight and the latest Black Sarbath, head to this joint for a great burger experience.
Must try
French Omelette Cost per head
The Egg Stop Airport By pass Junction Nedumbassery 0703 416 5627
`150 Open: 5am to 12pm
The Dark Knight The Burger Junction Atlantis Road, Above Corporation Bank, Panampilly Nagar 0484 404 1510, 0934 920 4587
Cost per head
` 400 Open: 12pm to 12am
MUST TRY
Aangan Downtown Restaurant, Palarivattom
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Dessi Cuppa Edappally
Adaminte Chayakkada Aluva
Mellow Manna Ponnurunni
Kayees DH Road
2017
Admission
Started
Join
1st Floor | HB Complex | Opp. Express House, Kaloor | Cochin-17 Ph: 0484 - 2402421 / 31 | 9037990930 / 31
VISI
BILIT
GUAR
ANTE
Y
D
1st Floor | HB Complex | Opp. Express House, Kaloor | Cochin-17 Ph:9287000123 / 9288000123
WtzupCity.com WtzupCity.com/ /COVERSTORY EATOUT
Wearing purple lipstick without messing the beard International artist Alok Vaid Menon opened up to Kochi for the first time, capturing the audience in an emotional treat with humor, honesty and rhythm Roshan D, Maria John
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Mukul Bhatia
o would I address Alok as he or she? The question played in my mind as we made our way to watch this gender non-conforming international performance-artist and author. Benches and chairs were arranged casually at 3:1 Audio Station in Panampilly Nagar, as the audience awaited the performer. Alok Vaid Menon has an international following, and his views and performances on gender nonconformity had appeared on international media including HBO, MTV, The Guardian, The New York Times,
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The New Yorker, Caravan and more. I was rather nervous about talking to the artist, but little did I know that Alok would be facing butterflies of another kind. This was not the first time that this New Yorker had been in Kochi. Alok had visited the Kochi Muziris Biennale and been clearly impressed. But this was the first time that this genderfluid artist with roots in Kerala, would be performing in front of the family. Alok walked in in high heeled black boots, a patterned pink dress
WtzupCity.com/COVERSTORY
with cut out shoulders and the signature bright lipstick. Dangling earrings fell close to a trimmed beard as Alok stood in front of the mike and let the artistry of performance poetry captivate the audience. We witnessed the life of this South Asian Trans performer who opened up and swept us away in an emotional tide.
Gender is a much fluid notion, that historically Indians had accepted, but a sort of colonial amnesia had made them despise it. “Gender is something that is not linked with our body or genitals, but rather with our social role towards the community.” Alok believes that there is always a fluidity and queerness in every gender, no matter what.
Reflections Alok’s heart was poured out on stage, remarking on the realities of a transgender’s life. Poems that talked about realizing identity, family, feeling fabulous, a masseuse that helped confront pain, abuse at the hands of the public...realities that shocks one and makes you understand how far removed our perceptions of gender in society have been. “Love a tranny’s fashion... but never love a tranny,” recites Alok on how you might talk about gender issues but never accept them. Since the age of 4, Alok had enjoyed dancing to cheesy Bollywood songs and performing for his family. Without knowing, Alok was blossoming into an artist, listening to himself and writing poetry on emotions that he was going through. Things took a turn when puberty hit. People did not seem to understand what Alok was going through, especially family, paving way to depression.
An honest recitation A brutally honest performance, Alok didn't mince words or try to be obscure, but told it as is. There was no lack of humor as Alok shared few tips on how to win over people online and even went live on instagram during the show. Whether the author was telling us about being mocked by family, trans love, roles that women play, being beaten up in Australia after a performance, or punched in New York, the delivery was interspersed with humor that made these reflections stay with you. “I know I’m fabulous. I know I’m beautiful. But am I safe?” My emotions see-sawed its way through the performance and I was in admiration of the honesty and courage that Alok displayed. We all go through problems, and it is definitely how we face them that make us who we are. Talking to Alok was an eye opener and the conversation went on seamlessly. He just made too much sense and I had more realizations than I had come with. I watched his grandmother from Thrissur point out to the event poster on her way out. Someone who had not
Alok started writing. About everything. What was felt, what was seen, what was to be said, about society, about love, heartbreak, abuse and promises. At the age of 21, he decided to wear a dress for performances and use fashion the way he wanted. As he came of age, he was no longer a he. Alok would not hide behind society rules but chose as ‘Alok’ wanted. Not hiding a hairy body and keeping things real, Alok became a master of the spoken word.
understood Alok, was showing a few people that an article on her grandchild had come in the paper about they/them (pronouns I found that one could use to address transgender). Alok travels the world connecting to people and doing performances. If Alok is performing in a place near you, don't miss the show. Alok Vaid Menon's collection of poetry is available as ‘Femme in Public.’ Follow Alok on social media @alokvmenon
Kerala, a progressive state? In the light of all the positive news that Kerala has been making with regards to the transgender community, Alok says “I definitely consider Kerala to be progressive than other states in the country and I say that with pride. But, we have a long way to go. All of this is tolerance and acceptance is there but most of the trans people in the country is out of their family. It doesn’t have anything to do with the trans people but with the society that we live.” According to the artist, being a transgender is not about identifying as a male or female.
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WtzupCity.com/Feature
LuLu’s Back to School Shopping The Rock to Pokémon, they have it all to get back to learning with excitement Roshan D
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ondering which cartoon characters your kids like this season? Wondering how colourful the stationery and accessories are going to be this time of year? Well, grab this golden opportunity at LuLu hypermarket with a wide range of bags and stationeries, perfectly curated with your kid’s likes and tastes. An exciting range LuLu hypermarket launched its ‘Back to School’ shopping recently ranging from bags to books to umbrellas with a wide variety of options. From The Rock to Pokémon, name it and you shall find it there. This year, it’s attractive and is a blast of colours differently designed for girls
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and boys. With a wide range of offers, LuLu is best at its sale this season. Growing up, I had only one option and they were these dull, black or green backpacks, a steel lunch box and an old soft drinks bottle for taking water to school, and I’m sure most of us would relate to this. But hey, gone are those days. LuLu has a wide range of lunch boxes and water bottles designed for kids with perfect compartments designed elegantly, varying in different shapes, sizes and colours. Great offers With its attractive offers laid down, LuLu is witnessing a heavy crowd day by day to take home these vibrant colours for their kids. But
make sure you take your kids soon to buy them their favourite superhero before anyone else grabs these. Now why wait? Go take your kids to LuLu and enjoy the shopping spree. Not only will your children be excited to get back to school, you will also be happy that the shopping is easy on your wallet. With a whole list of items to get ready before the bell rings, LuLu is your one stop destination for school shopping. Get them their favourite superhero and have an enhancing quality time with them. Happy shopping.
Lulu Mall, Edapally
WtzupCity.com/TAKE 5
It’s Selfie Time
Meet Pic and Nic at Sparky’s this summer Roshan D
WIN
Anaidha JK
at Sparky’s! Lucky winners will get gift vouchers worth Rs.500 each! Fill in the right option and send the image with your name and phone number to +91 9809030333 wtzupcity@fwdmedia.in
How many mechanical rides are there at Sparky’s?
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e it for an Instagram post or for a sporting memory in our lives, we have all taken selfies at one point of time. And don’t you think it would be amazing if you take selfies with some of the coolest people at Sparky’s? Meet Pic and Nic, your official guides to all the fun things at Sparky’s this summer. Sparky’s offers a click and win selfie contest where all you have to do is click a picture with these two guides and post them on Facebook using #PicNicSelfieContest. Available at the
How many balls are there in a game of pool? Answer: 16
Winners Hari, Muhammad Adil, Jissmon IK, Anitha Chacko, Sydney.
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entertaining corner of Sparky’s, one can find these fun looking guides waiting to be clicked with you to make your day extra special and extra enjoyable. Now keep your smartphones high, show your beautiful smile and click the picture to win exciting prizes including tablets, gaming consoles and much more exciting things. Take your toddlers to the amazing and fun gaming spot at Sparky’s and I’m sure the guides at there are going to be their best friends. Sparky’s also provide other fun games for
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your kids that are safe and exciting for them. Ranging from roller coasters to ice skating, Sparky’s is one amazing place to be at. With its wide range of video games, bowling and snookers available for elders as well, Sparky’s is an epitome of fun and exhilaration. What are you waiting for? Click a selfie with our guides, post them on Facebook and win prizes that makes you and your kids remember that even though summer is over, the fun never ends. Rush before the guides leave for tour to other awesome places!
WtzupCity.com/DIRECTORY
ENJOY THE FLAVORS OF KOCHI WITH WTZUP AT : Cafe & Bakery
HELPLINE NUMBERS
Chai Cofi Kaloor 0484 402 7774
Kahawa Ravipuram 0484 442 2227
Chillax Mash Pallimukku 907 232 2220
Ceylon Bake House Srv Cross Rd 0484 237 7125
Voyager Kakkanad 974 584 5910
Car N Café Infopark 903 728 1757
Café 17 Kk Road 0484 402 7067
Tonico Café Kakkanad 0484 698 0000
Abad Canopy M G Road 0484 414 4405
Amul M G Road 944 772 8576
Hospitals Ernakulam Medical Center : 0484 280 7101 Medical Trust : 0484 235 8001 Lisie : 0484 240 2044 Lourdes : 0484 412 3456 Amrita : 0484 280 1234, 285 1234, 400 1234 Renai Medicity : 0484 288 0000
restaurants
Aster Medcity : 0484 669 9999 General : 0484 236 1251
Cochin Majlis Palarivattom 938 866 0888
Nawras Chittoor Rd 0484 404 4199
Food Marley Padamugal 974 573 2333
Zataar P.Nagar 812 980 6111
Nalukettu Vyttila 0484 404 0808
Paragon Lulu Mall 0484 401 1000
Big Arabia Kadavanthra 974 774 4999
Palaaram Vallathol Nagar 0484 244 1253
Dhe Puttu Bypass 0484 280 7591
Peppery Kalamassery 906 198 6650
Carnival Food Court Infopark 811 307 0707
Carnival Food Court Kariyad 994 707 0707
Atlanta Kunnumpuram 965 620 2020
Elements Kacheripady 0484 406 6977
Empire Kundannoor 0484 270 7555
Timour Kachi Biriyani Nr. Medical Trust 906 188 2244
Ambulance : 102, 0484 287 0784, 996 124 6864
Palace Food Court Nedumbasery 0484 261 0610
Mappilakada Bypass 944 682 2459
Erivum Puliyum Banerji Road 0484 402 2211
Lil America P.Nagar 0484 232 3755
Childline : 1098
Kettuvellam Nr. Jn Stadium 0484 210 1063
Thakaaram Bypass 944 682 2459
Arippa M.G Road 0484 406 9995
Peppery Kalamassery 0484 255 5094
KIMS : 0484 304 1000 Lakeshore : 0484 270 1032 Blood Banks IMA Blood Bank : 0484 238 3549 Blood Bank Services : 1910 Emergency services Police : 100 Accident helpline : 1033 Fire : 101 Women : 10929 Highway Police : 984 610 0100 Cyber Crime Cell : 949 797 6004 Transport Airport : 0484 261 0115 Railway : 139, 0484 239 5198
Hotels
Bus : 0484 230 3434, 230 6611
Lotus 8 Nedumbassery 0484 261 0640
Casino Wellingdon Island 0484 301 1711
PGS Vedanta Kaloor 954 493 9996
Crowne Plaza Kundannoor 0484 286 5000
Atlas Nedumbassery 994 788 1000
Keys Thevara 812 970 3003
Le Meridien Kundannoor 0484 270 5777
Kochi Marriott Edapally 0484 717 7777
Ibis Padma Junction 907 263 4011
The Dunes M G Road 0484 238 4030
Ramavarma Club Club Road 0484 235 2040
Korter Kadavanthra 994 6107 205
Cucumba Manorama Jn 0484 400 0024
CIMAR Thykavu 0484 413 4444
3:1 Audio Studio P.Nagar 859 037 3737
Lotus Club Warriam Road 0484 235 2456
Amrita Hospital Ponekkara 0484 400 1234
Jt Pac Thripunithura 808 688 1681
Suhas KM Marketing Manager
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Cinemax : 0484 411 3222 Saritha, Savitha : 0484 236 6183, 239 4149 Sreedhar : 0484 402 5226, 402 5227 PAN Cinemas : 808 977 7777
Aster Medcity Cheranalloor 0484 669 9999
PUBLICATION
Q cinemas : 0484 406 6333
Kavitha : 0484 235 2777
others
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Theatres PVR : 880 090 0009, 0484-272 7776
Taxi Taxio : 0484 444 0444 She Taxi : 859 000 543 Ola : 0484 335 5335 bCabs : 0484 404 6667
Printed & published by Jose Thomas Pattara, Muhamma, Alappuzha on behalf of Forward Media Private Limited, from Anand Buildings, NH Bypass Road, Near Oberon Mall, Cochin. The editor is Arun Balachandran. Printed at Five Star Offset Printers, Cochin-40. All photographs unless otherwise indicated, are used for illustrative purposes only. Readers are advised to cross check all data before acting on the same. For exclusive and private circulation only. Sebin Sunny Digital Coordinator
Maria John Assistant Editor
Pankaj PS Creative Head
Nithin Shah Layout & Design
kochiology The origin of the name 'Kochi' is thought to be from the Malayalam word kochu meaning 'small lagoon'.