I-S Magazine May 23

May 23 - JUNE 5, 2014

it's free! every two weeks

Kopitiams are cool

# 6 5 3 | I n s i d e s i n g a p o r e | www.is-magazine.com

Portrait of a City 9 local artists illustrate the good, the bad and the ugly

26 April to 27 July 2014 An exhibition curated and designed by Lélia Wanick Salgado

10am – 6pm, daily National Museum of Singapore Free admission www.nationalmuseum.sg

Presenter

In collaboration with

Showcasing 245 black and white

Dramatic, moving and grand,

images of our planet by world

Salgado’s photographs present the

renowned photographer, Sebastião

powerful images of our fragile

Salgado, Genesis is a culmination

planet and the intricate association

of Salgado’s photographic

between Man, animal and the

works taken at over 30 different

environment that we all have a

destinations from 2004 to 2011.

duty to protect.

Supported by

Official Magazine

Supporters UNESCO’s World Heritage Centre Christensen Fund Marin Community Foundation Wallace Global Fund Tubarao Arcelor Mittal

Image: Brazil. 2005. © Sebastião Salgado / Amazonas images

The National Museum of Singapore is an institution of

page 3 Find Page 3 online at is.gd/page3

6

Cover story

Big Love

9 local illustrators show us Singapore through their eyes.

11

14

tech

DRink

Samsung S5

How to survive Beerfest

16 DINING

Una

10 Travel

Fly cheap to Xi’an

21

21

FILM

NIGHTLIFE

Summer’s indie must-sees

New ladies nights

20

23

music

interview

We The Kings

Eugene Tan

Who's in charge?

Country Manager Andrew Hiransomboon countrymanager@asia-city.com.sg Editorial Editorial Director Ric Stockfis Managing Editor Mrigaa Sethi editor@asia-city.com.sg Associate Editor Crystal Lee Junior Writers Delle Chan, Letitia Tandean Editorial Interns Cheang Ming, Lim Yen Siu Custom Content Editor Clara Lim Custom Content Writer Samantha David Design Senior Designers Beverly Chong, Carmen Louise Ho Designers Fishy Toh, Janel Quek Multimedia Designer Photographer Mossy Chew Wenzhi Design Intern Germaine Tay Sales Business Development Manager Intan Agustina advertising@asia-city.com.sg

Where to find us!

Media Manager Shernan Plameras Media Executives Stephanie Zheng, Gwen Tang, Lee Wee Keong Marketing Marketing Manager Silver Adrienna Ng marketing@asia-city.com.sg Finance Finance Manager Lynn Legaspi finance@asia-city.com.sg Accountant Huang Huiping ACMG Digital Digital Product Manager Nancy Ide

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Distributed by

Group Digital Director Greg Duncan gduncan@asia‑city.com.sg

Cover by Esther Goh

A recent I-S poll revealed that 92% of Singaporean mothers were disappointed by the gestures of love their children made on Mother’s Day earlier this month. The big complaint? Not viral enough.

“I just don’t understand,” said a visibly distraught Mrs Ho at a focus group. “They took me to brunch, and then we took a selfie of them kissing me on the cheek. It only got 89 likes! I’ve never been more humiliated in my life. Would it have killed those ungrateful brats to arrange for Pokka to deliver me some unsweetened green tea via drone and then share it with the world on YouTube?”

As sentimental, sponsored videos of humanity at its most one-dimensional gain unprecedented viewership online, we are witnessing a shift in what humans think of as love. A social scientist for the Big Love Brand-Building Institute shared some recent findings. “Cuddles and affectionate declarations simply no longer release the same kind of oxytocin and endorphins as knowing that thousands, preferably millions, of people online witnessed the perfect love you share with your child, spouse and, of course, your preferred multinational brand.”

Indeed, with parental expectations at an all-time high, youngsters are increasingly being forced to seek financial and strategic support from big companies and industry experts to execute the perfect campaign.

One senior at Tanglin Trust School admits she recently traded her two full-time nannies in for a Marcomm Exec and “some guy who says he can get me to number one on Vine in a week”.

And with just three weeks left until Father’s Day, the sons and daughters of Singapore have another chance to get it right. The offices of all the big-name brands have been flooded with requests by individuals seeking corporate sponsorship for the big day.

And it’s not just the likes of Coke and Google they’re seeking out. One earnest young Singaporean man has been camped out in front of Brand’s headquarters for more than a week in the hopes of securing a deal. “I’m not always the best son,” he said sheepishly. “This is my one and only chance to make it right. If I can’t get Essence of Chicken to sponsor Father’s Day with my dad, how will everyone know that I do sort of love him?”

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@is_magazine FRIDAY, may 23, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE 3

UP FRONT Giveaways

And we have a winner

Congratulations to Francis Wang Meng Hee for winning a pair of CAT 1 tickets for the opening night of A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Thu, Nov 13 (worth $296).

A Midsummer Night’s Dream

Want to win some amazing prizes? Go to is-magazine.com/ giveaways to find out more.

We

SG

This week you will mainly love your city for its...

Cheap Kickboxing The government clearly wants to get us Singaporeans moving.

First, there was the Health Promotion Board’s 1 Million KG Challenge. Now, Sport Singapore has just launched an ActiveSG campaign, which will provide $100 worth of credits to each member. These credits can be used to pay for entry to gyms and swimming pools, or offset the cost of sports programs and classes like Zumba and kickboxing. Membership is free; sign up at www.myactivesg.com

Quote of the Week “It’s our country, our land and though we allow foreigners to celebrate their national day here, it must be done discreetly and preferably indoor. The real show must always belongs (sic) to Singapore only.”

— Social activist Gilbert Goh about the planned Philippine Independence Day celebration at Ngee Ann City on June 8.

Be Good Give a haircut

Thye Hua Kwan Hospital, a rehabilitation focused facility in Ang Mo Kio, is organizing a hair grooming session for about 80 of its patients on May 27 from 2–5pm and is seeking volunteer hair cutters for the event. Some hair cutting experience is required, though those without any knowhow can volunteer to be coordinators. For more information, call 6453-8033 or e-mail enquiry@amkh.org.sg

OB Index Charting the ups and downs of Singapore's openness, tolerance and freedom of expression.

may

15

The Media Development Authority (MDA) is seeking public consultation for a potential amendment to its Public Events and Meetings Act (PEMA). The change would allow arts companies to self-classify their shows.

Currently a process in which groups submit their scripts for approval and ratings, the amended act would allow companies to instead appoint one of their own members to be trained in MDA guidelines. Pieces dealing with race, religion and similarly sensitive issues are not included in the amendment. According to a press release issued by the MDA, the change will be “empowering arts entertainment event organisers” and lead to shorter wait times, though some groups such as Theatre Practice feel the move will lead to more expenses and self-censorship.

Sources: Asia One, The New Paper, Channel News Asia, The Straits Times, Today.

4 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, may 23, 2014

Essential Events May 23 - June 5 SEE This

CALENDAR

Dessins Animés

The latest French animation hits town for the 3rd French Animation Film Festival with more than 10 movies showing. May 24-25.

Alliance Française de Singapour, 1 Sarkies Rd., 6767-8422. $7-16.

DON’T Miss

DO This

Ultra Man After his stint at Ultra Music Festival 2014, expect more crazy EDM sets during ZSS Presents MAKJ with Formative. May 23, 11pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $28-33.

Electro Swing Two live gypsy jazz bands and DJ Ernesto will get you on your feet with swing tunes and Balkan beats at Gypsy Jazz Night.

May 30, 8pm. Artistry, 17 Jalan Pinang, 6298-2420. Free.

SATURDAY 24 MAY Experience the well-known Tahitian folktale through dance with The Legend of the King Tamatoa. 7pm. The Treasury, 100 High St. $45.

SUNDAY 25 MAY Last chance to catch Makan Matters and its thoughtprovoking visuals on Singapore’s obsession with food. Artistry, 17 Jalan Pinang, 6298-2420. Free.

WEDNESDAY 28 MAY Malay language Di Manakah Kau Sorokkan Yusof Ishak?, centers on friends with financial woes. English subtitles. 8pm. The Substation Theatre, 45 Armenian St., 6337-7535. $15-20.

THURSDAY 29 MAY Spurious Stories from the Land and Water by Singaporebased photographer Sherman Ong ends today. Art Plural Gallery, 38 Armenian St., 66368360. Free.

FRIDAY 30 MAY Shop, eat and dance at Singapore’s first Night Market

by The Local People x GushCloud. 7pm. Alleyway, 2A Hoot Kiam Rd., media@ thelocalpeoplesg.com.

Girls of the Underworld opens tonight, with 34 local female artists exploring what it means to be a woman in modern Asia with silkscreens, collages and even GIFs. All pieces are for sale.

Until June 28. Kult Gallery, Blk C2-5 Emily Hill, 11 Upper Wilky Road, 9736 3462. Free.

SATURDAY 31 MAY Darker Than Wax presents LeFtO’s popular eclectic and fresh sounds. 10pm. The Vault, 23 Circular Rd., 6222-5001. Free.

SUNDAY 1 JUNE Singapore’s “King of Swing” Jeremy Monteiro performs amid the lush greenery at PIANOBOTANICA. 6pm.

Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd., 6471-7138. Free.

MONDAY 2 JUNE At The Yoshimaru Ramen Challenge, you have to eat thrice the usual portion of hakata ramen within 12 minutes or pay $30. Through Jun 22. Yoshimaru Ramen Bar, 31 Lorong Liput.

6463-3132.

WEDNESDAY 4 JUNE Theater company Toto Tales brings African-inspired production Starbird, combining dance, puppetry and interactive storytelling. 9.30am. Black Box, Drama Centre, #05-01 National Library Building, 100 Victoria St., 6341-5960. $30 from Sistic.

THURSDAY 5 JUNE American experimental posthardcore group La Dispute does a one-off performance at their only stop in the region. 8pm. The Substation Theatre, 45 Armenian St., 9005-6525. $55 from Peatix.

FRIDAY, may 23, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE 5

COVER STORY

SightSeeing 9 local illustrators show us Singapore through their eyes.

By Clara Lim

My Potato Is As Sweet As Yours

#QOTD

By the Sweat of Their Brows

Candice Phang

a.k.a. Puffingmuffin 29, illustrator & graphic designer What’s the message behind your work?

This piece was inspired by a quote I chanced upon online. It said, “Life is like a balloon. If you never let yourself go, you will never know how far you can rise.” I thought this was pretty apt for Singapore, where people are so caught up in our competitive society that they forget to enjoy themselves. I’d like to show that when you let go of your baggage, you will start to enjoy life more and perhaps even rise above your expectations.

How do you get inspiration in Singapore?

A cup of coffee to start the day is a must! I peoplewatch a lot—human behavior is intriguing and inspiring at the same time. Living in a multicultural society helps me see things differently. It shapes the ideas and stories behind my work. www.puffingmuffin.com

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Esther Goh

25, illustrator & designer What inspired your piece?

Singapore, as a young and successful metropolitan city, thrives on advancement in all aspects, which also means the scenery is constantly changing. Focusing on oldschool trades and businesses, this piece brings to mind an admirable generation of makers who took things into their own hands, from the ground up, with only a fraction of what we have now; who also honed their skills for decades and stayed true to their trades. And they are dying out because society and the economy have evolved.

What’s your daily routine?

I sleep at unearthly hours, as I’m most productive during the uninterrupted stretch after midnight. I also have a habit of checking my emails on the go, all the time. My inspiration usually comes from daily encounters with people, dreams and a variety of media, so really there’s no particular go-to place. www.esthergoh.co

Tropic Vibes

Lydia Bindi

21, co-founder of Tell Your Children What inspired your piece?

Singapore’s weather. No one is going to agree with me, but I love the hot weather here.

What do you wish were different about Singapore?

Hideously boring architecture. And the fact that we don’t have a mountain.

How does living here influence your art?

There’s a general feeling of depression here—it makes me want to improve the situation with my work. www.tycstudios.com

Art Attack Want more art? Check out these upcoming shows.

Extant Phantoms New York artist Gary Simmons critiques race issues in academic institutions via chalk-onblackboard drawings. May 30-Jun 28. Ikkan Art Gallery, #01-05 Artspace@Helutrans, 39 Keppel Rd., 6681-6490.

Best of British Must-see paintings of walkmans, cassettes and other musical relics by Horace Panter, of legendary ska band The Specials. Jun 7-28. Icon Gallery, 476 River Valley Rd., 6735-4550.

Simply Scribbly Dyslexic “scribble artist” Vince Low sketches portraits of celebs and other icons. (See the Merlion he drew for us, above.) Through Jun 2. TCC, 51 Circular Rd., 6533-9033.

MAAD Pyjamas Pose for a portrait by up to 50 illustrators, artists and painters at this regular flea market and art community get-together. Jun 6, 5pm. Red Dot Design Museum, 28 Maxwell Rd., 6534-7194.

Still Life of Popiah and Mee Pok Ta

Soph O 30, artist

Adriana Molder This Portuguese up-and-comer exhibits fierce-as-hell portraits that are clearly influenced by old Hollywood and literary icons. Jun 10-Jul 10. Art Plural Gallery, 38 Armenian St., 66368360.

Concrete Jungle

Roy Wang

27, art director at Factory 1611

Tell us about this piece.

This is one of the works I’m showing at Unintentional Islander (through Jul 1. Bar Twentytwo, 22 Mosque St., 8157-7556), which revolves around migration stories. This particular one was inspired by a short conversation I had with a stranger at the airport while we were watching travelers look out for luggage on conveyor belts.

What inspired your piece?

These are two of my favorite local dishes from the former Margaret Drive kopitiam which I’d been visiting every week since I was a kid. When I heard plans that this old estate was going to be demolished, I decided to illustrate this to preserve something that has held so many memories for me.

Where do you find inspiration?

Transitional spaces, from bus terminals and train stations to kopitiams at midday—they’re almost always buzzing and constantly in limbo, where stories are floating about waiting to be heard. I also grew up in Woodlands, so the sights and sounds of Bas Sekolah and motorbikes-filled traffic always fascinated me. www.waywardclouds.tumblr.com

What’s your favorite spot to get inspired?

I love kopitiams. I spend a lot of time at kopitiams— chilling, having my meals and people-watching. Very often, you overhear some very interesting stories from the tables next to yours. www.factory1611.com

Fadzli Aris a.k.a.

Syco03 33, graffiti artist

What inspired your piece?

Fast movement and high rise buildings.

What do you love most about Singapore?

The fact that it is an island and it has everything you need.

What do you hate most about Singapore?

Lack of murals on HDB buildings! www.syco03.com

» FRIDAY, may 23, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE 7

COVER STORY

Prints, Please Our favorite places for affordable art and illustration prints. You never have to look at a blank wall again.

Saikang Brigade

Art Loft

ArtBank www.artbank.sg Art Loft www.artloft.co Culture Square 72 Duxton Rd., 62223283, www.culture-square.com.

Editions by Collectors Contemporary 01-21 Park House, 21 Orchard Blvd., 6235-2110, www.editions. com.sg.

Elffin & Elffin Gallery Café 29 Haji Lane, 9815-6701, www.elffinandelffin. co.nr The Artling www.theartling.com Squeeze

Silent Chaos

Ann Gee

27, freelance illustrator What does your piece represent?

The helplessness I feel at seeing old places and forests mowed down to make way for “progress”, the increasing lack of space and never-ending crowds everywhere.

What do you hate most about Singapore?

The high cost of living (especially while the elderly have to do menial work just to struggle to get by), fat greedy landlords jacking up the rent, taxpayer’s money wasted on useless endeavors while the government trumpets every single cent given to those who need help, the lack of enforcement of rights for those who truly need them and the political and general apathy of people here, although that is changing.

What do you love most about Singapore?

The pockets of spaces where time is still suspended, the growing vibrancy of the creative scene and increasing political awareness—people are no longer afraid to voice out and critique government policies. www.anngee.sg

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Carmen Chen

22, freelance illustrator What does your piece mean?

In our tiny, multi-cultural nation, we tend to have many negative (or not) opinions, which we take to the internet every so often. These are represented by the colorful and chaotic shapes in the background. But in real life we are still rather hush-hush about our problems. I portray this through the contrasting black outline.

You took art as a subject in secondary school. What was your experience like?

Instead of guiding us to develop a personal style after fundamental studies, my teachers taught us how to paint the same elements and the same obvious meanings. Trying something new was deemed wrong. After graduating, I made it point to do the total opposite of what I was taught. www.turdsieroll.tumblr.com

Teo Chong Wah 23, NSF

Tell us about your piece.

This work is part of “Why Must We Serve”, a personal series I started after entering the army. It’s a documentation of my mundane—or sad, or plain ridiculous— life in the service.

What keeps you going every day?

An ice cold cup of coffee.

What do you hate most about Singapore?

Peak hours! www.seedoubleyouuu.tumblr.com

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travel Send your travel news and promotions to travel@asia-city.com.sg

ESCAPE ROUTES

with Delle Chan

Riva Surya

THAIL AND

River Dance Thinking about going back to Bangkok but want to stay away from the protest sites? We were there recently and found 68-room boutique spot Riva Surya to be a great alternative to Silom and Sukhumvit. It’s around the corner from Khao San Road, but is worlds apart thanks to Phra Arthit Road’s wellestablished rep for hip restaurants and cool cafés. Snag a Premium Riva room and you get amazing views of the Chao Phraya River from your own balcony.

Rooms start from THB3,860 ($150) including taxes. Find out more at www. snhcollection.com/rivasurya.

Work It Out

take runners past more than 10 ancient temples and scenic rivers. Registration fees, which will be donated to charity, start from USD200 (S$250) upwards. See www.luangprabanghalfmarathon.com for more info.

CHINA

Take Flight

You can now marvel at Qin Shi Huang’s famous terracotta warrior army up close and cheap-ish, with the launch of Tigerair’s new flight route to the historic city of Xi’an— home to the Mausoleum of the first Qin emperor. Xi’an marks Tigerair’s ninth (and counting) Greater China destination, and it’ll be the first direct flight from Singapore to the Chinese city. The flights currently run three times a week (every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday). Book your tickets (from around S$556 round trip) at www. tigerair.com.

Thanyapura

We all tend to pile on the pounds while on vacation, so it’s worth noting that Thanyapura in Phuket has just launched a series of health programmes designed to help visitors destress, detox cycling and lose weight. The programs, worldwide run by professional fitness trainers and an international medical team, Luxury hotel chain Four Seasons is comprise personal consultations, fitness pushing the envelope by launching a sessions, nutrition reviews and more. All custom-designed, fully-branded, 52-seat participants are lodged at the 77-room private jet that will whisk passengers Thanyapura sports hotel, and get to to exotic locations all around the world use the facilities in Thanyapura’s four on bespoke journeys come February centers. Prices start from THB68,020 2015. Experiences, meals and stays at a (S$2,638) upwards. Learn more at www. top tier non-suite room at the local Four thanyapura.com.

Seasons property are included. These trips don’t come cheap, though—fares laos for a 24-day Around the World itinerary (which takes guests to nine destinations, Book your air tickets and lace up your including India and Australia) start from running shoes—the second edition of a whopping USD119,000 (S$149,452) the Luang Prabang Half Marathon is per person. Only for the well-heeled, set to take place on October 12. Luang evidently. Learn more at www.

Prabang is a designated UNESCO World fourseasons.com/jet.

Heritage site, and the race route will

The Sky’s the Limit

Running Man

Now available for your iPad & Android Tablet The all-new Where® Singapore app —your complete guide to go.

Available for download now!

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I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, may 23, 2014

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, May 23, 2014

island

fashion + fitness + tech + home

STYLE NOTES

Style

with Crystal Lee

TECH REviEW Samsung Galaxy S5

TECH

After launching the Samsung Galaxy S4 in March 2013, the South Korean electronics giant just updated the Galaxy S series with the Samsung Galaxy S5, now available in Singapore for $998 at retailers islandwide including Samsung, Vivocity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, 6376-9150. Samsung claims the S5 is a kind of return to basics: a battery that won’t crap out on you, water resistance and a very fast processor.

The good:

+ Fast. On top of the fast processing, the “download booster” combining 3 or 4G with Wi-Fi is a neat trick. The 0.3-second focusing is pretty amazing, too.

Sunday Somewhere

Shady Business Build your arsenal of hipster sunglasses with Australian label Sunday Somewhere’s latest range, inspired by the carefree and romantic summer days of road trips, polaroids and chilled-out sunset parties. Retro shapes are given a cool, modern update with mirrored lenses and quirky accents, lending an extra edge to your look. The shades are unisex, handmade and UV coated to protect your peepers. $220 upwards from Threadbare & Squirrel, 660 North Bridge Rd., 6396-6738, www.facebook.com/threadbare.and.squirrel.

Pleat Guilty

Pleatation

Local lifestyle label Pleatation has recently launched its open-concept store in Orchard (#02-K6 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6509-5914, www.pleatation.com). As you may expect from the name, everything— from fashion and accessories to lifestyle and home products—is pleated and colors are mostly bright with some prints. Sounds silly, but we like some of the pieces like the Gradience Series pouch ($55). If the chic appeal isn’t enough to draw you in, prices are pretty irresistible, with apparel starting from $25 and lifestyle wares from $20.

+ Selective focus. One of the things that still clearly separates big DSLR cameras from smartphones is the beautiful out-of-focus backgrounds on DSLRs. The S5 is able to convincingly mimic that effect, without you having to download more apps like 360 or VSCOcam. + Healthy. The heart rate sensor on the back taps into the whole self-tracking craze, and the pedometer means you might not need to get a FitBit or Nike Fuelband to track your daily wanderings. (Not that we’d ever run with such a big phone attached to us.)

The bad:

- Loopy finger scan. The iPhone 5S can detect your finger scan no matter which angle you place your finger at. Here, you need to place your thumb straight down, which is not very practical when holding a phone.

+ Power. This feature is probably our favorite.

If you’re down to your last 10 percent of battery charge, the phone switches to a black-andwhite ‘Ultra Power Saving’ mode meant to last another 24 hours.

- Design. We really wish Samsung would make its premium phones (given their cost) out of metal, like the HTC One (M8) or the iPhone 5S.

+ Water resistance. We put the phone in a glass of water and then took it out. It still worked fine.

- Overloaded. Samsung’s Android OS is far too busy, while things like the heart rate monitor are actually pretty useless.

Verdict: The Samsung S5 is an incremental upgrade, meaning it’s not particularly recommended for those rocking the S4. Nor does it achieve the kind of design that would convince hardcore Apple fans.

But it’s one heck of a screen, camera and processor. Plus, this is a phone that won’t let you down: the battery life is amazing, and the water/dust protection can be a life saver. Vasachol Quadri

Hot for Winter It’s still scorching hot out—and will be for a couple more months—but the Fall/ Winter 14/15 fashion season is almost upon us, believe it or not. Besides filling up the racks with cool new collections, Front Row (#02-09 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd., 6224-5501, www.frontrowsingapore. com) has added two labels—Parisian shoemaker Apologie and sustainable brand Veja—to its family of cutting-edge names. Founder Olivia Cognet incorporates wave lines, quirky bowties, embroidered hearts and dark shades for Apologie ($470 upwards); while prints inspired

by Brazilian street artist Derlon de Almeida and banana leaves are the focus for Veja ($70 upwards).

Veja

BUY SPY Kate Spade Saturday’s collaborative collection with cool watchmaker Nixon is like summer on your wrist, featuring fun, cheery prints—plaid, stripes and geometric—specially customized by the quirky lifestyle brand. Go bold with the colorful Small Time Teller P. ($115) or keep it simple with The Mod ($150) that comes with a blue or red nylon strap. Available only at Nixon, #B3-13 ION Orchard, 6509-7295, www.nixon.com.

OPEN store

Style

Pudu

The buzz: Australia-based menswear label Pudu, brought in by local lifestyle company Hot Men in Linen (our favorite kind), opens its first boutique in Southeast Asia at Orchard Road’s latest shopping mall.

lightweight cotton—perfect for our tropical climate. What’s also distinctive about the label is its use of bright colors, bold prints and subtle design elements like printed collars and color contrast stitching to update classic shapes and silhouettes.

The vibe: Perhaps it’s the summery collections that line the shelves and racks and the wall-to-ceiling window, but this unembellished store punctuated with pops of color wouldn’t feel out of place if it were by the beach.

Why you’ll be back: There aren’t many menswear stores around the city that specialize in casual and reasonably priced collections that borrow an old-time gentlemen’s fabric and make it jazzy. Plus, it’s located within the new and buzzy Orchard Gateway, which you’ll return to as more and more shops open for business.

The goods: Most, if not all, of its travel-inspired menswear ($59 upwards) is made with quality European linen and

#02-17 Orchard Gateway, 277 Orchard Rd., 8328-7744, www.pudu.com.sg. Open daily 11am-10pm. CRYSTAL LEE

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DINING

Sign up for our weekly food & drink newsletter at is.gd/TheDish to get The Dish delivered to your mailbox every week.

Delicious Debutantes 6 bottles visiting Beerfest for the first time

Adnams Broadside (6.3% ABV) Exhibitor: Applehops This full bodied British beer is brewed with pale ale malt and First Gold hops.

It’s got hints of conserved fruit and fruit cake. We think it tastes like licking maple syrup off bacon.

Yum!

Young’s Double Chocolate Stout (5.2% ABV) Exhibitor: Applehops

Survival Guide to Beerfest 1 4 2 5 3 Our beer nerd friends lay out the perfect drinking strategy. By Samantha David Start low, end high.

Opt for lighter, crisper styles first, then move on to darker, more bitter and higher ABV beers. Daniel Goh, owner of The Good Beer Company (#02-58 Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre, Blk. 335 Smith St., 9430-2750, www.facebook.com/goodbeersg), Daniel Goh agrees: “Go by beer style, roastiness and alcohol content. Start with a lager, witbier or pale ale before tackling the extra stouts, dark ales and barrel aged goods.”

Follow the seasons.

Why go for the labels you can find anywhere in Singapore? Take advantage of the situation. “Ask for seasonal beers that are only available during Beerfest. Also, aim for one beer per stall and share it among your friends,” says Fabio De Souza, co-owner of The Papa Shop (#01-K2 CT Hub, 2 Kallang Ave., 91910677, www.facebook.com/thepapashop). “If you drink too many different beers from one stall, you might find it tough to make it to the rest of the stalls when you feel drunk.”

Fabio De Souza and Keagan Kang

Pick your battles.

Sorry to break it to you: you’ll never drink all the beers at Beerfest (don’t take that as a challenge) and get any meaningful knowledge out of it. Corrine Chia of The Great Beer Experiment (Stall 46, PasarBella, 200 Turf Club Road, 6469-7291, www.facebook.com/TheGreatBeerExperiment) recommends a more curated approach, where you identify the beers or breweries you want to hit up ahead of time. “Is it by taste profile? For example, if you have a preference for sweet

brews, look for fruit beers or alcoholic ginger beers,” she says.

“Or brand profile—for example, the Mikkeller range of craft beers. Or country profile? Belgian ales? With your palate still fresh upon arrival, seek out these beers first. The program book will point you in the right direction.”

Flirt—and don’t commit too soon.

Exhibitors are fully expecting for you to chat them up, so don’t be shy, particularly if you see cute ones. You can make googly eyes at each other while discussing the finer points of organic hops. But you don’t have to buy a whole drink just to flirt. Be even more shameless (easier when you’ve had a couple) and ask the exhibitors for a little sample before you buy. You have the go-ahead from the man himself. Beerfest director Edward Chia says, “Our exhibitors are very open to attendees [having] a little taste of what they have on offer before attendees make their purchase choice.”

Know what’s more important than beer.

Aaron Grieser of American craft beer exhibitor Beervana (www.seekbeervana.com) has been to Beerfest a couple times now and describes the event as “an outdoor swelter fest that will inspire a thirst no brew can quench. The only thing more important than beer at Beerfest is good ol’ H20.

“Pre-hydrate. Re-hydrate. A bottle of aqua per pint will keep you rocking all night,” he says. And of course, dress right. Wear shorts but no open-toed shoes unless you want sticky beer between your toes. “Want bonus points?

Sport that t-shirt you picked up when you toured your favorite ultra-cult brewery last year.

Nowhere else will you find such adoring fans.”

Aaron Grieser

Beerfest takes place on June 12-15 at Marina Promenade. Get your tickets now (prices start at $20. Sorry folks, the standard $15 ones are sold out) before they’re all gone at www.beerfestasia.com.

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I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, may 23, 2014

This decadent drink is a combo of pale ale and crystal malt, chocolate malt, Fuggle and Golding hops, real dark chocolate and chocolate essence. Not too sweet, though.

Blue Sky Brewery FNQ Lager (4.4% ABV) Exhibitor: Vespucci & Sons A 100% preservative-free, bright Australian-style lager. The hay-like German Hallertau hops give it its floral aroma, and it has a dry malty finish.

Thistly Cross Cider – Whisky Cask (6.9% ABV) Exhibitor: Gan Teck Har This dry Scottish cider sees six months inside a Glenglassaugh cask. As a result, it has an initial taste of a gentle whisky, followed by a distinctive flavor of oak.

Palmbrau Das Original (5.2% ABV) Exhibitor: Stuttgart Blackforest Boutique S-Café Known for its specialty beers, the traditional brewery in Epping, Germany produces this naturally cloudy, light Pilsner-style lager made with organic malt and hops.

Engel Export Gold (5.4% ABV) Exhibitor: Stuttgart Blackforest Boutique S-Café This label features a strong, lingering malt body with a subtly sweet tasting note.

It’s also pleasantly bitter and light. Samantha David

FRIDAY, may 23, 2014 I窶全 MAGAZINE

15

DINING NEW AND NOTED With Samantha David

STORIES

Trip Down Gluttony Lane History gets exciting with a cool dining concept. My Private Chef (specialists in hospitality events) and the Singapore Tourism Board will do STORIES—a series of themed dinners which highlight Singapore’s heritage.

First stop: Tanjong Pagar Railway Station (30 Keppel Rd.). From June 26 to 29, expect local creations with twists during the five-course meal (dishes revealed during the event), prepared by chef Stephan Zoisl, who has worked in a few Michelin-starred kitchens and used to cook at Novus at the National Museum of Singapore.

Tickets start at $188. For more info, visit www.myprivatechef.com.sg.

Save the Sea, Eat Seafood The week-long Sustainable Seafood Festival begins next week, organized by the WWF Singapore. It’s not all dreary lectures: from June 8 to 15, participating restaurants like

Absinthe (72 North Boat Quay, 6222-9068, www.absinthe.sg) and The Pelican Seafood Bar & Grill (#01-01 One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Rd., 6438-0400, www.thepelican.com. sg) will serve dishes with sustainable seafood choices, like Australian king prawns and Atlantic halibut instead of tiger prawns and Chilean seabass.

Open the Hatch Hot on the heels of a collab with Travelling Cow, Kenjiro “Hatch” Hashida (of Hashida Sushi, #02-37 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., 6733-2114, www.hashida.com. sg) is now working with coffee and cocktail specialist Maison Ikkoku (20 Kandahar St., 6294-0078, www. maison-ikkoku.net) to do a special menu. Titled Alimentaire Volume 1, the line-up includes creations like foie gras macarons ($22 for a pair) and a mishmash called The Soil ($24)— freeze-dried sea chicken, beef chorizo and burrata cheese.

Order a bespoke cocktail to wash it down with. food@asia-city.com.sg

Maison Ikkoku

Good Food. Good Mood.

Book at Singapore’s best restaurants, get instant confirmation. chope.com.sg

OPEN door

Una

knows how to handle meats well.

Get the slow-cooked iberico pork belly ($32) and ox cheeks with persillade snails ($33). Also yum are the chocolate-dipped churros ($16)—fluffy with just enough crunch.

Tapas-wise, try the firm and nicely grilled octopus Galician ($29).

The buzz: Chef Jean-Philippe Patruno of the now-defunct Bomba Paella Bar has returned with Una, offering Italian and French creations in addition to his Spanish plates.

The vibe: Una is housed in an iconic British colonial bungalow with lots of little nooks and crannies to have a date in the alfresco seating area.

The vibe is fine dining-ish, with lots of woodwork and dim lighting. There is a tapas bar on the second level, though it’s not very raucous yet.

The food: The menu is brief, with just over 20 items. Chef certainly

The drinks: There are about 30 bottles of wine and seven signature cocktails, like Summer in Florence (gin, Vermouth and Becherovka, $20) and Una Tomate (sherry, vodka and tomatos, $19). More interestingly, Una is working with Jerez biggies Tio Pepe to launch a sherry bar. They’re not revealing much at this point except that they're bringing in 12 varieties.

Why you’ll be back: Because the meaty mains are awesome (not to mention those churros). Also, you must check out the sherry bar when it opens to see how they could’ve possibly taken your grandma’s favorite drink and given it a “hip” replacement.

1 Rochester Park, 6773-0070, www.onerochester.com. Una Dining open Mon-Sat 6pm-11pm; Una Tapas Bar open 6pm-1am. Closed on Sun. SAMANTHA DAVID

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I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014

FRIDAY, may 23, 2014 I窶全 MAGAZINE

17

Need to know Theater & Arts The Arts House > 6332-6919 www.theartshouse.com.sg

Esplanade Box Office > 6828-8377 www.esplanade.com

Fort Canning Park > 6332-1302

chart the weeks ahead

www.nparks.gov.sg

Gatecrash > 6100-2005 www.gatecrash.com.sg

National Museum of Singapore > 6332-5642

Ticketbooth > 6296-2929 www.ticketbooth.com.sg

Cinema Ticketing Hotlines Cathay > 6337-8181 www.cathay.com.sg

Eng Wah > 6836-9074

www.ewcinemas.com.sg

Filmgarde > 6344-5997 www.filmgarde.com.sg

Golden Village > 1900-912-1234 www.gv.com.sg

www.nationalmuseum.sg

Shaw > 6738-0555

Singapore Art Museum > 6332-3222

Other Ticketing

www.singart.com

www.shaw.sg

Sistic > 6348-5555 www.sistic.com.sg

Peatix > www.peatix.com Sportshubtix > 6333-5000

The Substation > 6337-7535

www.sportshub.com.sg

www.substation.org

DON'T DON'TMiss Miss

Soul Dancing

Scottish DJ duo, Silicone Soul has a special place in the EDM world for their understanding of musical heritage and its constant development. With hits like “Right On” it’s easy to see why they stand out. May 30. Kyo, #B1-02 Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil St., 8299-8735, www.clubkyo.com. $20-25.

DO This

SEE This

Cheap and (sometimes) Cheerful

In addition to the 82 galleries exhibiting at this year’s Affordable Art Fair, there are 100 works for $100.

23-25 May. F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd., 6884-6940, www.affordableartfair/ singapore. $12-15.

Through the Lens

Famed photographer Sebastião Salgado shows close to 300 photographs of over 30 destinations in Genesis, his solo exhibition about Earth's fragility and beauty. Through Jul 27.

National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-3659, www.nationalmuseum.sg. Free.

Open Bar Manhattan The buzz: Adding to the foray of serious cocktail bars in hotels, this one houses the world’s first in-hotel rickhouse where head bartender Ricky Paiva goes all mad scientist to create barrel-aged Negronis, aged bitters, white whiskies and who knows what next.

The décor: A modern twist on the Old World NYC look, it is reminiscent of The Great Gatsby’s grand hotel lobbies, with Chesterfield sofas, velvet chairs and marble tables. The impressive backlit bar is the centrepiece of the space, offset by two rooms by the entrance housing 105 oak barrels and exotic ingredients. It’s plush, but not too OTT. The drinks: A rotating list of 25 cocktails inspired by neighborhoods in Manhattan during a particular season. The menu's map

highlights featured neighborhoods, with chichi tipples like The Princess Cut ($23), a twist on a Gin Fizz, for the Upper East Side and Box Office Smash ($23)—served with a side of caramel popcorn—representing the Theater District. We love the refreshing but robust La Bandera ($23), which revives the classic Mexican cocktail of mescal, house-made sangrita and pickled calamansis—a nod to Spanish Harlem.

The food: Nouveau American classic bar bites like street-style hot dogs ($15) and mini burgers, with quinoa-based veggie ($15) or beef ($20) options. The New England classic, Maine lobster ‘roll’ ($26) is updated with avocado butter and remoulade sauce that is delicate as it is delicious, while the hot dogs are ground in-house and topped off with

homemade pickles and whisky-laced ketchup.

We don’t love the cheesecake here, but that will surely improve over time. Besides, there’s plenty else to keep us coming back.

The music: A work in progress but it’s currently a mix of old school, alternative hip hop, indie with a smidgen of electro swing.

The crowd: Hotel guests, industry insiders and those in-the-know about this cool gem— so far.

Why you’ll be back: It’s a swanky and much-needed cocktail spot in the Tanglin/ Orchard hood. Ricky Paiva is quite the character (have you seen his facial hair?) and has created an inspired menu to cater to all tastes.

2/F The Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Rd., 6725-3377. www.facebook.com/manhattansg. LETITIA TANDEAN

18 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAy 23, 2014

MUSIC Email event news to stage@asia-city.com.sg, art@asia-city.com.sg

Music

music festivals I-S PICK

classical

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Metropolitan Festival Orchestra’s Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers Immerse yourself in Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers’ cinematic splendor with Howard Shore’s score played live by a 250-piece orchestra and chorus. This Asian premiere is led by American conductor Justin Freer alongside the Vocal Associates Festival Chorus and Children’s Choir. Jun 6-7. The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, 6636-0055. $28-188 from Sistic.

concerts

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TEOUT Thai Music Showcase Enjoy some of the best music Thailand has to offer at this showcase, featuring popular artists Tata Young, Endorphine and Big Ass. May 31, 7:30pm. The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888. $69-129 from Sistic.

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Extreme Live in Singapore American rock band Extreme (who brought us the beloved tune “More Than Words”) performs here as part of their 25th year celebration World Tour. Jun 5, 8:30pm.

The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888. $78-212 from Sistic.

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Music Matters Live 2014 Enjoy a smorgasbord of music with over 60 established and emerging bands from around the region performing more than 160 shows, which will also be broadcasted on YouTube. May 22-24, 8pm. Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Rd., 6337-3292. Free.

SCENE & HEARD with Clara Lim

Iranian Film Fest

Screen Time We reported the return of A Design Film Festival (Sep 5-14) a couple of issues back.

Here’s one more you should definitely add to your calendar: Singapore’s first ever Iranian Film Festival (Jun 19-22).

If you missed the Oscar-winning A Separation, now’s your chance to catch up.

Closing Time Beloved indie club Home Club has just ended its decade-long run as a baller-free zone and purveyor of good music and left-field acts like Peaches and Mykki Blanco, who would really seem out of place everywhere else.

But it’s partnered up with Bangkok’s also-defunct Bed Supperclub to relaunch the club as Canvas, an art space (by day) and club (by night) set to open in July. Meanwhile, Sultan Jazz Club has officially shut its doors, meaning live music fans have one less place to enjoy serious jazz.

Attention, Cumberbitches Don’t wet yourself, but soon you can enjoy Benedict Cumberbatch (better known as Sherlock) in Danny Boyle’s 2011 Frankenstein stage show. The Esplanade

will be screening it (both versions in fact, with him playing either Victor Frankenstein or his monster) as part of its new National Theatre Live (Jun 28-Aug 10) series. Other household names to catch are Helen Mirren in The Audience and Tom Hiddleston (Loki to some) in Coriolanus. For the full lowdown, hit up www.esplanade.com/NTLive.

After Hours ArtScience Museum has just rolled out a monthly arty party series called ArtScience Late (next one is on Jun 12, 7-10pm), where you can catch free performance art, usually collaboration between artists from two or more disciplines (think dance, music, visual arts). There will also be a bar in the museum lobby! Plus, the museum’s exhibitions will be open till 10pm.

Check www.facebook.com/ ArtScienceMuseum for upcoming dates.

Best of the Fest We’re dying of excitement: Cat Power and Blonde Redhead are coming to Hostess Club town! And they’re playing Weekender at the same festival, the upcoming Hostess Club Weekender (Jun 14). Also headlining are Perfume Genius and Sohn, with more details to be announced. Watch.

This. Space. clim@asia-city.com.sg

FRIDAY, may 23, 2014 -S MAGAZINE 19

STAGE » ART » NIGHTLIFE

stage comedy

drama and some of the most riveting speeches in the English canon.

Through May 25, 7:30pm. Fort Canning Park, Cox Terrace, 6332-1200. $40-108 from Sistic.

I-S PICK> Budak Pantai: The Final Countdown Local entertainers Budak Pantai’s swan song involves their unique brand of irreverent music, awkward dancing and politically incorrect jabbering—so, catch them before they take the final bow. May 23-24, 7:30pm.

Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377.

Les Liaisons Dangereuses This provocative French play, based on the book by Pierre Choderlos de Laclos, revolves around two rivals who harness sex as a weapon for humiliation and manipulation. May 29-31, 8pm.

Alliance Francaise Theatre, 1 Sarkies Rd., 6737-8422. $29-39.

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theater

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Shakespeare in the Park: The Merchant of Venice SRT’s brilliant regular Shakespeare in the Park series is back with The Merchant of Venice. Expect plenty of high-stakes

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The Studios Season 2014 This annual celebration of the eclectic and eccentric side of performance art returns again with a series of works including the poignant RAW series.

Through Jul 19, 8pm. Esplanade Theatre Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 68288377. $28 from Sistic.

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art

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Death and Dancing This production, which examines the themes of love and sexuality, follows the lives of a gay man and a lesbian trying to break free from the shackles of society. May 29, 8pm; May 31, 10:30pm. The Playtent, #02-01, 180 Joo Chiat Rd., 9621-8154. $15-20.

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I-S PICK> Frustrated Poverty Porn Bubble Gang Manila-based Australian artist David Griggs’ debut multi-disciplinary exhibition, which takes its title from famous Filipino TV comedy Bubble Gang, presents a carnivalesque and macabre perspective on Filipino identity and the media’s exploitative nature as he intertwines pop culture references with street and gang aesthetics with satirical flair. Through Jun 23. Future Perfect, #01-22 Gillman Barracks, 47 Malan Rd., 9835-8271. Free.

WHY NOT?

Attend a pizza-making class Learn how to make your own gourmet pizzas at HandsOn: Gourmet Pizza (June 8, Shermay Cooking School, #01-76 Blk. 43 Chip Bee Gardens, Jalan Merah Saga, 6479-8442, www.shermay.com), where you’ll get to watch live demos and taste scrumptious samples before assembling your own creation.

You’ll also get to take home two 10” pizzas (so better make ‘em well).

Registration costs $179; get 5% off when you book online. Delle Chan

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Bring Your Own Beamer 20 artists from 7 countries project images on to 10 screens, exploring glimpses into the future of computing where information is not confined to a solitary screen. Jun 3, 7pm. Instinc, #04-163 soho2@central, 12 Eu Tong Sen St.,6227-9487. Free.

SCENESTEALER We The Kings Travis Clark from American rock band We The Kings on the band's longevity and putting out an album without a big-name label.

Who or what are some of your musical influences?

Coldplay, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Eat World, Blink 182 and Green Day. You guys have been performing together since 2005.

What’s the secret to the band’s longevity?

We were all best friends before we started the band and I think that keeps us going longer than most bands. Plus, our fans are better than any other band's fans in the world!

What’s been the highlight of your musical careers?

We’ve had plenty, but I think being able to put out our fourth album Somewhere Somehow by ourselves with the help of our fans was one of the better highlights in our career.

What about the lowest point?

I think finding out that Charles has brain cancer was definitely the hardest part of our careers, but it did make us stronger as a band and we were able to turn it into something great instead of it being something negative.

Are you guys excited about performing in Singapore?

We can't wait to get to Singapore! We’re looking forward to the food, the culture and the fans—we sure hope that they are ready for us. We are gonna make it one of the best shows of our lives!

We The Kings will be performing on June 4, 7pm. The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888, wethekings.peatix.com. $78-$88.

DELLE CHAN

Email event news to art@asia-city.com.sg, stuff@asia-city.com.sg, nightlife@asia-city.com.sg and film@asia-city.com.sg

.

Affordable Art Fair The popular Affordable Art Fair returns with over 70 galleries from all over the world offering an extensive range of contemporary art, all priced from $100 to $10,000. May 23-25, 12pm. F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd., 6884-6940. $12-15 from Sistic. www.affordableartfair.com/singapore.

Download the free I-S Now app to find out about this and hundreds more upcoming events! www.is-magazine.com/app

sports .

ONE FC: Honor & Glory This mixed martial arts (MMA) event promises tons of sweat, blood and intense rivalries, all packed in one night. Catch 10 bouts of action from 20 international fighters, including American Ben Askren and Singapore’s sole representative, Radeem Rahman. May 30, 7pm. Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660. $38-348.

stuff

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Real Escape Game Vol. 6: Escape from the Moon Base The real-life lockdown game is back for another edition where players have one hour to escape the puzzle-based arena. With seven different types of puzzles to solve, ranging from mathematical to physical, escape the fictitious moon base before your oxygen supply depletes. Jun 7-15.

National Design Centre, 111 Middle Rd., 6522-0527. $22-30.

Nightlife

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I-S PICK> Belvedere Silver Sabre Party Marking the launch of Belvedere's laser cut and illuminated special edition bottle, this VIP club turns into an opulent silver hotel suite with international music maestro DJ Cliff helming the decks with his signature blend of fresh tunes and throwback hits. May 23, 10pm. Altimate, 61/F One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, 6438-0410. $45.

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Transfix Presents Orjan Nilsen with Hong Occupying the #49 spot on DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJ list, Norwegian DJ Ørjan Nilsen is a clear favorite for trance lovers.

Expect an infectious blend of groovy and energetic tunes when he helms the decks at Zouk. May 31, 11pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $28-33.

ON THE BAR New Ladies Nights East 8 If your idea of a girl’s night out is gossiping over cocktails, this NYC-style fusion bistro offers one-for-one cocktails like Chelsea Pier ($18) or pitchers to share like the Sake Sangria ($16/glass, $62/pitcher) every Wednesday.

East 8 New York Fusion Tapas + Bar, #01-21/22 Grand Park Hotel City Hall, 10 Coleman St., 63388289, www.east-8.com.

Fashion Forward Fridays

serve bubbly and vodka-crans from 9-11pm.

Best part? It’s all free!

Kyo, #B1-02 Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil St., 8299-8735, www.facebook.com/ NoMansLandSG.

Stilettos A killer dress and killer heels should be matched by a killer view. The SkyBar pampers ladies on Wednesdays from 9:30pm-2am with free Grey Goose cocktails. They even give away a night of VIP table service with a magnum bottle of Grey Goose.

Ku De Ta

The best interpretation of the week's theme will have their and a friend's tab on the house. A $30 cover charge gets you free flow wines, beers and spirits from 7.30-9.30pm and one-for-one thereafter—so everyone’s a winner really.

Lobby Lounge, 1/F Pan Pacific Orchard, 10 Claymore Rd., 6831-6685, www.facebook. com/PanPacificOrchard.

No Man’s Land This pre-pampering sesh at Kyo includes manicures, makeovers and even a spot of shopping courtesy of WYLDshop. Every first and third Wednesday of the month, hunky butlers

Ku De Ta, 57/F Skypark, Marina Bay Sands, 1 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7688, www.kudeta.com.

Women Out Wednesdays Just when you’ve lost hope for drinking on the cheap, this St. James gastrobar does all-night $4 house pours exclusively for the girls on Wednesdays.

Be serenaded by local live music acts and get a little crazy sans men.

Outpost Bar & Bistro

Outpost Bar & Bistro, #01-11 St. James Power Station, 3 Sentosa Gateway, 9069-1109, www. outpostbar.sg. LETITIA TANDEAN

REEL TIME

Summertime Madness You may have licence to watch garbage, but that doesn’t mean there’s nothing good coming out in theaters. Save your souls if you can with our guide to this summer’s indie must-sees. By Clara Lim

Under the Skin

Fading Gigolo

Fading Gigolo (now showing) Yay: Woody Allen stars Nay: Not a Woody Allen movie The Canyons (now showing) Yay: Bret Easton Ellis, Lindsay Lohan, James Deen, Paul Schrader Nay: It’s terrible Chef (opens Jun 5) Yay: Showed at SXSW, food trucks Nay: It’s an Avengers reunion Under the Skin (opens Jun 12) Yay: Scarlett Johansson as alien succubus Nay: It’s only fiction

22 Jump Street

Tammy (opens Jul 5) Yay: Woman writes, produces and stars in her own movie Nay: Too much Melissa McCarthy Jupiter Ascending (opens Jul 17) Yay: The Wachowskis, Mila Kunis as a royal janitor Nay: Channing Tatum an unconvincing werewolf 22 Jump Street (opens Jul 24) Yay: Sequel to 21 Jump Street Nay: Can’t be as good as 21 Jump Street

FRIDAY, may 23, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE 21

freewill astrology Week of May 22 © 2014 Rob Brezsny

GEMINI (May 21-Jun. 20): During the next 12 months you will have exceptional opportunities to soak up knowledge, add to your skill set and get the training you need to pursue interesting kinds of success in the coming six to eight years. What’s the best way to prepare? Develop an exciting new plan for your future education. To get in the mood, try the following: make a list of your most promising but still unripe potentials; meditate on the subjects that evoke your greatest curiosity; brainstorm about what kinds of experiences would give you more control over your destiny; and study three people you know who have improved their lives by taking aggressive steps to enhance their proficiency.

ANNOuncements I, Sarah Dunn of 09-08, 19 Shelford Road, Singapore intend to marry Michael Lientschnig of Agoritschach 18, 9601 Arnoldstein, Austria at Schloss Leopoldskron, Leopoldskronstraße 56-58, 5020 Salzburg, Austria on 22nd August 2014. Any person knowing of any lawful impediment to the marriage should without delay contact the Consular section, British High Commission Singapore, 100 Tanglin Road, Singapore, 247919

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Mr. KNOW‑IT‑ALL Our Favorite Smart Aleck Answers Your Questions Dear Mr. KIA, My roommate is planning on moving out when she gets married next month, but that also means that she’s taking her share of the furniture with her. I’m not sure how long I’m going to be in this current apartment, but don’t want to have a barren home either. At this point, it seems like a big hassle to go furniture shopping. What should I do? —Furniture Free Dear Furniture Free, Ah, the trials and tribulations of picking out furniture. I always err on the side of extreme germophobic caution when it comes to sourcing for furniture. Most people would just point you in the direction to the closest Ikea, but luckily, I’ve found a stylish and wallet-friendly solution for you. Expats Furniture Rental (#03-41 Wcega Plaza, 1 Bukit Batok Crescent, 6276-7606, efr.com.sg) allows short- and long-term furniture leasing—whether it’s one room or the whole house. They have a wide selection of contemporary furniture and you can mix and match them to your liking. They’ll deliver within three working days, help you unpack to set up the house and you can lease on a monthly basis. No bed bugs, no worries.

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 23, 2014

ARIES (Mar. 21-Apr. 19): I believe your persuasive powers will be stronger than usual in the weeks ahead. The words coming out of your mouth will sound especially interesting.

I also suspect that your intelligence will get at least a temporary upgrade. The clarity of your thoughts will intensify. You will see truths you have been blind to in the past. Innovative solutions to long-running dilemmas are likely to occur to you. The only potential snag is that you might neglect to nurture your emotional riches. You could become a bit too dry and hard. But now that I’ve warned you of that possibility, let’s hope you will take steps to ensure it won’t happen.

TAURUS (Apr. 20-May 20): If there was a Hall of Fame for scientists, physicist Isaac Newton (1642-1727) would have been the charter member. He was like Elvis Presley and Chuck Berry were to rock and roll, like Babe Ruth was to baseball. The theory of gravity and the three laws of motion were his gifts to the world. He made major contributions to mathematics and optics, and was a central figure in defining modern science.

There is also a legend that he invented the cat door, inspired by his pet felines.

Whether or not that’s true, it serves as an excellent metaphor for this horoscope. It’s an excellent time for you to apply your finest talents and highest intelligence to dream up small, mundane, but practical innovations.

CANCER (Jun. 21-Jul. 22): The moon shows us a different phase every 24 hours, which makes it seem changeable. But in fact, not much actually happens on the moon. It has no atmosphere, no weather, no wind, no plant life, no seasons. There is some water, but it’s all frozen. Is there anything like this in your own life, Cancerian? Something that on the surface of things seems to be in constant motion, but whose underlying state never actually shifts or develops?

According to my analysis, now would be an excellent time for you to revise the way you understand this part of your world, and then update your relationship with it.

LEO (Jul. 23-Aug. 22): Have you thought of organizing a crowdfunding campaign to boost your pet project or labor of love?

I suggest you get serious about it in the next four weeks. This coming phase of your cycle will be a favorable time to expand your audience, attract new allies and build a buzz. You will have a sixth sense about how to wield your personal charm to serve your long-term goals. More than usual, your selfish interests will dovetail with the greater good—perhaps in unexpected ways.

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Years ago I had a Virgo friend who was a talented singer.

She had technical skill, stylistic flair and animal magnetism, making her worthy of being a lead vocalist in almost any great band. And yet when she was asleep and had dreams of performing, she often found herself standing in the shadows, barely visible and singing tentatively, while her back-up singers hogged the spotlight at center stage. Moral of the story: Some of you Virgos are shy about claiming your full authority. It doesn’t always come easy for you to shine your light and radiate your power.

And yet you can most definitely learn to do so. The coming weeks will be an excellent time to make progress in this direction.

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): “There is always an enormous temptation in all of life,” writes Annie Dillard, “to diddle around making itsy-bitsy friends and meals and journeys for itsy-bitsy years on end . . . I won’t have it.

The world is wider than that in all directions, more dangerous and bitter, more extravagant and bright.” Your assignment in the coming

weeks, Libra, is to transcend whatever is itsybitsy about your life. The alternative? Head toward the frontier and drum up experiences that will thrill your heart and blow your mind.

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): “We are all searching for someone whose demons play well with ours,” writes novelist Heidi R. Kling. That’s good advice for you to keep in mind these days, Scorpio. Those little imps and rascals that live within you may get you into bad trouble if they feel bored.

But if you arrange for them to have play dates with the imps and rascals of people you trust, they are far more likely to get you into good trouble. They may even provide you with bits of gritty inspiration.

What’s that you say? You don’t have any demons? Not true. Everyone has them.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): “When people tell you who they are, believe them,” writes blogger Maria Popova (Brainpickings. org). “Just as importantly, however, when people try to tell you who you are, don’t believe them.” Those suggestions are especially crucial for you to keep in mind these days. You are entering a phase when your best relationships will be up for review and revision and revitalization. To foster an environment in which intimacy will thrive, you’ve got to be extra receptive, curious, tolerant and tender. That’s all! Not hard, right?

A good place to start is to proceed as if your allies know who they are better than you do—even as you ask them to return the favor.

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): “Kludge” (pronounced klooj) is a slang word that refers to a clumsy but effective fix for an engineering problem. It’s a cobbledtogether solution that works fine, at least temporarily, even though it is inelegant or seems farfetched. Let’s use this concept in a metaphorical way to apply to you. I’m guessing that you will be a kludge master in the coming days. You will be skilled at making the best of mediocre situations. You may have surprising success at doing things that don’t come naturally, and I bet you will find unexpected ways to correct glitches that no one else has any idea about how to fix.

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): I hesitate to compare you to your fellow Aquarian Kim Jong-il. When he was alive and ruling North Korea, he was an egomaniacal tyrant.

You’re definitely not that. But there are certain descriptions of him in his official biography that remind me of the kinds of powers you may soon exhibit. He was called The Great Sun of Life and Highest Incarnation of Revolutionary Comradely Love, for instance. Titles like that might suit you.

It is said that he invented the hamburger.

He could command rain to fall from the sky. He once shot eleven holes-in-one in a single round of golf, was a master of gliding down waterslides, and never had to use a toilet because he produced no waste.

You may be able to express comparable feats in the coming weeks. (Do it without falling prey to excessive pride, OK?) PISCES (Feb. 19-Mar. 20): Even if you had a sensitive, nurturing mommy when you were growing up, and even if she continues to play an important role in your life, now would be a good time to learn how to mother yourself better. You are finally ready to appreciate how important it is to be your own primary caregiver. And I’m hoping you are no longer resistant to or embarrassed about the idea that part of you is still like a child who needs unconditional love 24/7. So get started! Treat yourself with the expert tenderness that a crafty maternal goddess would provide.

LAST WORD Eugene Tan Host of risqué life drawing session Dr Sketchy, Eugene Tan is a magazine editor by day and theater performer and drag queen Becca d’Bus by night. Here, he tells Mrigaa Sethi about sewing his own clothes, returning to Singapore after nearly a decade in the US and what’s wrong with queer activism today.

My mom used to be a Home Economics teacher. She did not like anyone in the family touching her sewing machine, because I think it was her space away from us. But then I started making things when she wasn’t at home.

The [fashion] options for a very large person are not many. Now making clothes for the day is more like a mental game. “I wonder if I could put shapes that don’t belong together together. Can I make something in which I use up all the fabric?”

When I lived in Boston, I worked in a queer theater company. My first job was to produce and direct a guerrilla AIDS activist theater project where we performed in public parks where men have sex in the middle of the night. I didn’t think I was going to come back to Singapore and get a similar job.

glamorous, black-sounding name. Trinity K. Bonet from Ru Paul’s Drag Race comes to mind. The third way is a name that is one word that isn’t otherwise a name. In Boston, there was a queen whose name was Mizery and another named Jujubee.

I wanted something pun-y but also political. It came down to Becca d’Bus and Cybil Disobedience. A friend pointed out, “I can promise you there’s a Cybil Disobedience in the world by now.”

Nobody needs to like me

I was fully expecting that Singapore was going to be a rough transition, and it wasn’t that bad. But it did mean that my career did a complete detour. I ended up working in PR at a fashion retailer for a couple of years.

When you decide that you’re going to be a performer, you know you’re going to work really odd hours. Having a day job is a very natural fit for that sort of life. Theater is made after hours anyway.

I used to do outreach education in gay clubs in Boston.

We would set up our table with condoms and lube and information. And no one wanted to talk to us. One night we [went] out in drag, and it was insanely successful. As a drag queen, it’s unfathomable that you would want to sleep with somebody at the club, so people will tell you all sorts of things. And that’s how I started.

Becca d’Bus is Eugene but heightened. She’s much more likely to do something that’s insanely stupid or provocative than Eugene is.

The first [way to choose a drag name] is what we used to call Insanely White Lady Names. I have a friend named Blair Kensington. The second is an over-the-top, extremely

If it’s not entertaining I’m not interested. I’ve seen drag that isn’t entertaining. It’s f****** painful to be around.

Drag is capable of commenting on society or culture in a way that’s quite arch. It’s not the job of a drag queen to be a good girl.

Living away from Singapore is when I became a person who is fully-formed and is powerful and intelligent— hopefully—and is comfortable in their own skin. I don’t know what parent doesn’t want that for their child.

Outness in Singapore is not like the American concept of outness. Yes, this version of outness impedes activism.

But the American model of outness—this is my life partner, I want to marry them—has as well. The queer community had been good at proposing alternatives to monogamous coupledom. But because of [the marriage fight], we don’t look at that as legitimate anymore.

There’s a part of activism that’s about demanding your rights. It’s also about negotiating space. I haven’t seen the marriage fight as being very good at saying, “What’s our common ground here?”

Singapore has been very kind to [Becca d’Bus].

Nobody in the States was putting her in a play, and they just did in Singapore.

Nobody needs to like me. It’s sad to say, but nobody needs the arts. For people to take a chance on something that’s different, I’ve always felt very grateful.

I’m afraid of sucking. Which is not a great thing when you’re a creative person.

I live alone. At 11:30 on a Sunday morning, I’m likely to be naked, at home, in bed or not, contemplating what I want to eat, but not doing anything about making that happen. It’s not that interesting, is it? But definitely copious amounts of nudity are part of that equation.

My mom has only ever said, “Just don’t get glitter all over the house.” It’s probably wise. It does get everywhere.

There are parents who will get up and speak in front of crowds. Then there are also parents who have rejected their kid—because they’re f****** idiots. But in between there are a lot of parents who feel like I’m not going to ask you how you have sex. I’m not sure how this is a relevant conversation.

I-S Magazine comes out every two weeks! Look for the next issue of I-S on Jun 6.

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