Wkochi May - June 2017 Issue

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

FOLLOW US @WTZUPKOCHI ON

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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Shan SH

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?

B

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'.