I-S Magazine June 6

JUN 6 - 19, 2014

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It’s not just football

# 6 5 4 | I n si d e si n g a p o r e | www.is-magazine.com

Wake Up Call 11 reasons the World Cup is worth the sleepless nights

pp The a ows kn that apore Sing st be Instant access to Singapore’s best source of lifestyle news For more information, visit is-magazine.com/app

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

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Cover story

Pop Quiz

11 reasons to endure a month of sleepless nights—even if you don’t care about football.

After his offer of $5,000 in damages was rejected by PM Lee, what is blogger Roy Ngerng going to offer next to settle his libel lawsuit? a. $5,001 b. A hug

6

10

Cityscape

travel

Ahoy Pinoy!

Saigon’s sweet spots

c. The blood of his first-born child. d. Native advertising on his blog.

On TripAdvisor’s City Survey, Singapore came second in which category?

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a. Youth activism. That PAP video brought tears to their eyes.

Wellness

b. Best taxi services. Beaten only by Baghdad.

Cheap Spa treatments

14 DINING

Sustainable seafood

c. Cross-national haze prevention. Watch out, Jakarta. d. Nightlife. Bangkok still got more partying done despite their curfew.

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FILM

Review

Iranian Film Festival

Moosehead

What is Singapore’s newest political party? a. Ladies First. Their manifesto includes finding and banishing from the island the 75% of Singaporeans who in a recent survey said that men make better leaders than women.

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23

nightlife

interview

National Service for anyone who can make a

Altimate

Adrianna Tan

cocktail with at least 37 unnecessary ingredients.

b. Bespoke Bartenders First. Exemptions from

c. Migrant Workers First. We built the buildings; we’re bloody well entitled to live in them. d. Singaporeans First. Don’t worry—we’re not as

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 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 Gwen Tang, Lee Wee Keong, Roderick Wong Marketing Marketing Manager Silver Adrienna Ng marketing@asia-city.com.sg Marketing Interns Brian Low Yong Wen, Rio Liang Finance Finance Manager Lynn Legaspi finance@asia-city.com.sg Accountant Huang Huiping ACMG Digital Digital Product Manager Nancy Ide

Group Directors

The Asia City Media Group Bangkok Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd 22/F, Silom Center 2 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02‑624‑9696 Fax: 02‑237‑5656 bkmagazine@asia‑city.co.th Shanghai shonline@asia‑city.com.cn

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I‑S Magazine is published 24 times a year by Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd., 211 Henderson Road, #14‑03, Singapore 159552.

Tel: 65‑6323‑2512 Fax: 65‑6323‑2779. Copyright ©2014 Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. The title “I‑S Magazine,” its associated logos or devices, and the content of I‑S Magazine are the property of Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited.

I‑S Magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. Contact the Publisher for ad rates and specifications. All advertising in I‑S Magazine must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by KHL Printing Co. Pte. Ltd., 57 Loyang Drive, Singapore 508968. ISSN 0218‑8872 MCI (P) 136/12/2012

xenophobic as our name suggests!

Fill in the blanks: __________ is the most exciting thing to happen to Singapore since ____________. a. David Beckham’s visit in June; Victoria Beckham’s visit in May b. SIA’s Sydney airport landing; SIA’s Yangon airport landing c. Mod Sin cuisine; Mod Sin cuisine d. Potato Head’s local outpost; sliced bread What was the hot topic at last week’s parliament debate on President Tony Tan Keng Yam’s address? a. MP Foo Mee Har proposing that Singaporeans get the “first bite of the cherry”. Or was it the durian?

Distributed by

Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia‑city.co.th

b. Something about retirement. c. Something about education.

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

d. Who’s Tony?

Cover by Fishy Toh

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@is_magazine FRIDAY, june 6, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE 3

UP FRONT Giveaways

And we have a winner Congratulations to Mark Chiam, Maxine Tan and Rachel Yang for winning a pair of tickets each to ONE FC: Honor & Glory on Fri, May 30 (worth $298).

ONE FC: Honor & Glory

Want to win some amazing prizes?

Go to is-magazine.com/giveaways to find out more.

OB Index

May

Singapore Sparks

Be Good

Kristine Lauria

Hang out with the kids

Celebrating the city’s entrepreneurs, start-ups and innovative thinkers

Looking for a longterm cause to contribute to? Sign up with Children’s Society (www. childrensociety.org.sg), where you can volunteer to facilitate camps and workshops and even tutor kids at various service centers across the island. You’ll only need to help out once a week or once a month; however, the vacancies usually require a minimum of six or twelve months’ commitment, so they’re perfect for those looking to do good on a regular basis and form meaningful relationships with the children.

We

SG

Big Brother is always watching. This time, ordinary civilians can police each other for insurance fraud, with NTUC Income’s new mobile application, Orange Eye, which encourages the use of in-car cameras. The app comprises a recording device that captures road footage and enables drivers to submit their videos as evidence when making motor insurance claims. The app also lets users to share videos via social media—you know, for an extra dose of shaming.

This event is f****** massive. This year Twitter, PayPal, Microsoft and possibly Facebook are throwing events during the open house. Agencies are joining the fun so participants can drop in on Grey, We Are Social and dozens more. There are even bus tours that you join if you're not a fan of walking in the heat. And as always there are over 70 offices with their doors wide open, so you can just swing by for a beer and a chat. It's great having an event this big, but seriously, there is a lot of work to do.

You can't. Don't try. Choose the most interesting offices, chat up the founder and enjoy a cold beverage with their team. Meet all the other companies at the afterparty.

What lessons have you learned from the tech start-up companies involved?

Easy money transfers

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

What are some highlights at this year's WalkaboutSG?

How do you possibly fit 70-something offices into one tour?

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

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Arguably the biggest event on Singapore's startup calendar, WalkaboutSG 2014 opens the doors to 70 Singapore businesses, big and small.

Money transfers (and splitting the bill) just got a whole lot easier—OCBC bank has just launched a new service that lets users to make fuss-free peer to peer payments with just the recipient’s email or mobile number, or even a Facebook contact. Maybank also offers a similar service, in which the sender has to directly disclose the pass code to the recipient. We’re hoping that other banks roll out this service in future as well. No more grappling with lengthy account numbers!

I've learned that it's not as easy in places where this industry is just getting its legs. I have a huge amount of respect for people like Darius Cheung (99.co), Dennis Goh (Hungrygowhere), Roger Egan (Redmart) and Royston Tay (Zopim) for building strong companies and making Singapore a place where founders can grow a $100+ Million company.

We're getting there!

Rents aside, what would you say is the biggest problem these startups have?

Rent? Please! You can get seriously subsidized digs at BLK71, join an incubator or work from your mother's spare room. The biggest problem is hiring. We need smart people who work damn hard for equity.

WalkaboutSG takes place on June 13. Register for free at www. walkabout.sg. DELLE CHAN Sources: Asia One, The New Paper, Channel News Asia, The Straits Times, Today.

Essential Events June 6 - June 19 SEE This

DO This

East meets West San Francisco noise-pop outfit Deerhoof and West Javanese rockers The Trees And The Wild join forces for one great show. Jun 19, 7pm. *SCAPE The Ground Theatre, 2 Orchard link. $35 from Peatix.

Say Ohm Design-centric pop-up fair Big Ohm Theory features super-healthy products from places like ‘hic juice, Mofo Chilli and Eastern Granola and even free oil massages and yoga sessions. Jun 15, 9am. National Design Centre, 111 Middle Rd. Free.

TUE, June 24, 7-9pm

CALENDAR FRIDAY, JUNe 6 Fritz Kalkbrenner’s deep house downtempo hits like “Sky and Sand” and “Facing The Sun” takes you to another dreamy dimension. 11pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $28-33.

SATURDAY, JUNe 7 There’s plenty of lush greenery and classical arias at Opera in the Park, with music from the likes of Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro and Puccini’s Tosca. 6pm. Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd., 64717138. Free.

SUNDAY, JUNe 8 Lazy Sundays just got better with Lazy Lime Sunday. Munch on jerk chicken as Kilowatt Soundsystem cranks up some latin, reggae and dancehall beats. 12pm. Lime House, 2 Jiak Chuan Rd., 6222-3130. Free.

FRIDAY, JUNe 13 Ellie Goulding brings her unique vocals and brand of electro-pop and hit songs like “Burn” and “I Need Your Love” to Singapore.

8pm. The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, 6348-5555. $68-148 from Sistic.

I-S Online: Read our interview with her at is.gd/elliegoulding.

4 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, June 6, 2014

SATURDAY, JUNe 14 DJ Norman Jay (MBE) graces Zouk’s decks with his blend of funk, soul and house that got him anointed as a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire. 11pm. Velvet Underground, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $28-33.

WEDNESDAY, JUNe 18 Dear Nora is Ibsen’s classic A Doll’s House re-imagined to fit the unique tensions of Singaporean society. Jun 18-22, 8pm; Jun 19, 21-22, 3pm. Black Box, Drama Centre, #05-01 National Library Building, 100 Victoria St., 6837-8400. $25-30.

A drinker’s guide to Manhattan We take you behind the scenes at Singapore’s hottest new bar, Manhattan at Regent Singapore. We’ll begin with what’s brewing at the city’s only in-hotel rickhouse, then learn the industry secrets of cocktail mixing with head bartender Ricky Paiva. Enthusiastic wannabes can help him barrel his famous aged Negronis.

(The rest can sip their drinks and nibble on canapés.)

I-S Xperiences are intimate, exclusive events for our readers.

Limited spots available.

To apply, email isx@asia-city.com.sg

COVER STORY We Won! Find out why the I-S Magazine app was voted App Of The Year at the 2014 MPAS Awards (hint: videos, playlists, photo galleries and in-app mapping are only part of it!) www.is-magazine.com/app

11 reasons to endure a month of sleepless nights—even if you don’t care about football. By Nick Measures

Everyone Else Is Whether you do or not, the rest of the planet sees the World Cup as a big deal. The football fiesta in Brazil will be broadcasted in nearly 200 countries, even more than the last World Cup, when a whopping 3.2 billion people tuned in. So even if you responsibly skip the alcohol-fuelled late nights (most of the matches start after midnight in Singapore), no one else in your office will. Why should you be picking up all the slack while your colleagues wander around like sleepdeprived zombies for a month?

zz

xx zz

3

xx

Morning-After Mugs Staying up for the games?

Stagger to work in the morning with a jolt of caffeine from one of these early-opening coffee shops.

Maracana Stadium

2

It’s in Brazil

Toby’s Estate

Brazilians quite like football. In fact, it’s not really an exaggeration to say it’s the life blood of the nation. As a result, they are more than a bit excited about it returning to their shores for the first time since 1950. They also happen to be quite good at the old kick ball and so most Brazilians, from Rio to Manaus, already believe that their boys in green and gold are predestined to win a sixth title come the final on Sunday, July 13. If they do, it could be the biggest party the world has ever seen.

STEN If they don’t, the fallout could be just as seismic (and LI potentially just as fascinating to watch for the rest of us).

Kith

Jewel Coffee #01-07, 1 Shenton Way, 6636-9452, www.facebook. com/Jewelcoffee. Open Mon-Fri 7am-8pm; Sat 8am-5pm.

Dark Horses

Every tournament has its share of rank outsiders that manage to shock the big boys and have an awe-inspiring run (that ultimately ends in glorious failure). South Korea, Bulgaria, Turkey and Uruguay have all stepped up to the plate in recent competitions. Belgium is a likely candidate this year, full of exciting players like Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard.

Croatia has the talent if it can get out of its group, while Greece is well-known for sheer stubbornness. Chile is not exactly packed PLAY with household names but has been beating England and running Germany very close in recent friendly matches and should enjoy playing so close to home. Keep an eye also on the technical Japan side and maybe, just maybe, the Didier Drogba–led Ivory Coast.

4

Kith #01-28, 7 Rodyk St., 63419407, www.kith.com.sg. Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm; Sat-Sun 7am6pm.

New Balls to Blame

Every World Cup, FIFA introduces a new football so kids everywhere can harass their parents to go out and spend a small fortune buying a replica. It also allows the players, pundits and commentators to bang on endlessly about how it travels through the air funny, is too light, too heavy, smells odd, et cetera. This tournament, it’s the Adidas Brazuca which has undergone numerous rigorous field tests, but will still no doubt be cited as the reason that a particular goalkeeper threw the ball into his own net and a striker managed to send it into outer space instead of the open goal.

Sarnies 136 Telok Ayer St., 6224-6091, www.sarniescafe.com.

Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-10pm; Sat 9am-10pm; Sun 9am-4pm.

Toby’s Estate #01-03/04, 8 Rodyk St., 6636-7629, www. tobysestate.com.sg. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm; Sat 7:30am-9pm; Sun 7:30am-8pm

SAVE

LOCATE

The Plain #01-01 50, Craig Rd., 6225-4387, www.theplain.com.sg.

Open Mon-Sun 7:30am-7:30pm.

Ya Kun #02-16 100AM, 100 Tras St., 6543-6628, www.yakun.com.

Open Mon-Sun 7:30am-10pm.

Official FIFA Wrold Cup ball

» FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE

5

CITYSCAPE

Ahoy Pinoy!

Like Minds Four ways to celebrate the upcoming Philippines Independence Day (June 12).

This Philippine Independence Day (June 12) we ignore the parade controversy and ask our coolest Filipino friends about their jobs and life in Singapore. By Crystal Lee

Nikki Muller Host of Channel News Asia’s travel show The Bicycle Diaries, Nikki was also the lead in Michael Chang’s musical High Class and produced a documentary, Going Home.

Prince Estanislao A teacher at Chiltern House, Prince (Charming!) daydreamed about going to med school but moved to Singapore in 2008 to teach children with special needs.

How did you end up in Singapore?

I was working here in 2003 at Disney Channel.

I moved to the US for college and for work at the United Nations Headquarters, but I missed television, and I missed Asia. Coming back to Singapore made sense: the whole region is bustling with activity and possibilities.

What’s your biggest vice?

Food, or I should state, fatty foods. I always live by, “Go big or go home!” I used to be much heavier than I am now, and I’ve been through the weight loss journey. Now I’m disciplined enough to know when to curb my over indulgences.

What’s challenging about your job?

It requires a lot of energy—you are always “on”. Oftentimes you aren’t given much lead time to get all the information you need, so it’s important to always do your research.

What are your favorite Filipino dishes?

Nothing compares to home cooking, and I much prefer when my friends cook our favorites like liempo, adobo and pinakbet.

What’s your work like?

Every day is a proud moment because I see my students progress and improve in their ability to speak, socialize, work on numbers, read and write. The attachment for each of them inevitably grows. But we know they have progressed, and it is just time [for them] to move on.

Broadway musicals, and there’s always a show happening in town.

What do you do to unwind?

I put my soul into volleyball and I play in an all-Filipino club (though everyone’s welcome) every Sunday. I’m also a huge fan of

Why did you move to Singapore?

I had been working in Thailand. My fiancé and I wanted a new career challenge, so we decided to come here with just our tourist visas, a couple of pieces of luggage and the will to make it. Now we can say that the move to Singapore is probably one of the best decisions we’ve made in recent years.

Belle Baldoza If there’s one person we go to for music recs, it’s Belle, Spotify’s Southeast Asia’s public relations manager, who obviously knows what’s sounding hot in the region.

Ria Silbernick The graphic designer has been living in Singapore for over ten years, and worked for publications like Catalog before starting Lush Designs, specializing in home decoration.

6

I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, jun 6, 2014

Your songs of the moment?

I just came back from The Philippines’ biggest indie festival, Wanderland. I’m dancing to “D-D-Dance” by The Royal Concept, “I Might Survive” by Architecture in Helsinki,

What do you love most about Singapore?

The Singapore currency is strong and earning in SGD equates to higher spending power, and it’s more affordable for me to travel around the world. Public transport here is also top-notch—no one needs a car to get around.

What do you miss most about home?

The beautiful beaches! I make sure I plan a trip back every year with friends.

“Zoom” by Last Dinosaurs and “Let’s Go Surfing” by The Drums.

Thoughts on the local music scene?

There’s a wealth of talent here like The Sam Willows, Monster Cat, Vandetta, These Brittle Bones, The Observatory. It’s great to see [Singapore] providing a platform for local artists through festivals like Baybeats and Mosaic.

What do you do when you miss home?

Luckily I have a bunch of friends here so I hardly feel homesick. But when I do, I just swing by Lucky Plaza for my Pinoy food fix!

What was it like moving to Singapore?

It was my first time traveling and being away from my family and friends. But eventually I adapted well to the new environment, thanks to my Singaporean friends. They made me feel [like] I am part of their family.

happened. My Singaporean friends not only checked in to see if I was ok, but also helped raise funds and gather relief goods. Strangers offered to help us pack and local companies came forward. This made me see Singaporeans’ kindness towards my fellow Filipinos.

How is working here different?

It’s challenging because most people here are career-driven and determined. Filipinos, on the other hand, are easy-going and relaxed by nature. We take life as it is. But life cannot course through fate alone. We have to continuously push ourselves to go further.

What do you love most about living here?

Cost of living is high, but nothing beats feeling safe to go anywhere at any time of the day, and not worrying if my house would be robbed when I travel. Because of Singapore’s multi-cultural landscape, Singaporeans accept me regardless of my background, heritage or financial status.

Anything recent in Singapore that you as a Filipino thought was noteworthy?

I was back in Manila when Typhoon Haiyan

Feast on Filipino cuisine One of the first places that come to mind when we think of great Filipino food is BBQ restaurant chain Gerry’s Grill (#01-12 StarHub Centre, 51 Cuppage Rd., 9728-0426). Its menu overflows with juicy grilled plates and must-tries like inihaw pusit (grilled squid), pork sisig (chopped pork) and nilagang bulalo (beef shank soup).

Wash them all down with San Miguel.

Catch a Filipino film SCUM (Society for Cult and Underground Movies) Cinema will be screening For Your Height Only (Jun 27, 8:30pm. Screening Room, The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, 6332-6903, www.scumcinema.com), a 1981 Filipino comedy/action movie that centers around a pint-sized super spy called Agent 00 (a funny spin on James Bond), the only one who can foil Mr. Giant’s malicious schemes.

For Your Height Only

See provocative Filipino-inspired art Manila-based Australian artist David Griggs’ debut exhibition Frustrated Poverty Porn Bubble Gang (Through Jun 23. Future Perfect, #01-22 Gillman Barracks, 47 Malan Rd., 9835-8271, www.futureperfect.asia), 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 through satirical pop Frustrated Poverty Porn culture references and Bubble Gang gang aesthetics.

Jive to a Filipino band Post-metal music outfit Earthmover (Jun 29, 7:30pm is set to perform at the upcoming alternative music festival BayBeats (Jun 27-29.

Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Dr., 68288377, www.baybeats.com.sg), alongside electronic stalwarts .gif, local psychedelic group Spacedays and Thailand’s Two Million Thanks.

COVER STORY

11 reasons to endure a month of sleepless nights—even if you don’t care about football. By Nick Measures

1

Everyone Else Is

Whether you do or not, the rest of the planet sees the World Cup as a big deal. The football fiesta in Brazil will be broadcasted in nearly 200 countries, even more than the last World Cup, when a whopping 3.2 billion people tuned in. So even if you responsibly skip the alcohol-fuelled late nights (most of the matches start after midnight in Singapore), no one else in your office will. Why should you be picking up all the slack while your colleagues wander around like sleepdeprived zombies for a month?

Staying up for the games?

Stagger to work in the morning with a jolt of caffeine from one of these early-opening coffee shops.

Maracana Stadium

zz

xx zz

3

Morning-After Mugs

xx

Dark Horses

Every tournament has its share of rank outsiders that manage to shock the big boys and have an aweinspiring run (that ultimately ends in glorious failure). South Korea, Bulgaria, Turkey and Uruguay have all stepped up to the plate in recent competitions.

Belgium is a likely candidate this year, full of exciting players like Romelu Lukaku and Eden Hazard. Croatia has the talent if it can get out of its group, while Greece is well-known for sheer stubbornness.

Chile is not exactly packed with household names but has been beating England and running Germany very close in recent friendly matches and should enjoy playing so close to home. Keep an eye also on the technical Japan side and maybe, just maybe, the Didier Drogba–led Ivory Coast.

2

It’s in Brazil

Toby’s Estate

Brazilians quite like football. In fact, it’s not really an exaggeration to say it’s the life blood of the nation. As a result, they are more than a bit excited about it returning to their shores for the first time since 1950. They also happen to be quite good at the old kick ball and so most Brazilians, from Rio to Manaus, already believe that their boys in green and gold are predestined to win a sixth title come the final on Sunday, July 13.

If they do, it could be the biggest party the world has ever seen. If they don’t, the fallout could be just as seismic (and potentially just as fascinating to watch for the rest of us).

4

Kith

Jewel Coffee #01-07, 1 Shenton Way, 6636-9452, www.facebook. com/Jewelcoffee. Open Mon-Fri 7am-8pm; Sat 8am-5pm.

Kith #01-28, 7 Rodyk St., 63419407, www.kith.com.sg. Open Mon-Fri 7am-4pm; Sat-Sun 7am6pm.

New Balls to Blame

Every World Cup, FIFA introduces a new football so kids everywhere can harass their parents to go out and spend a small fortune buying a replica. It also allows the players, pundits and commentators to bang on endlessly about how it travels through the air funny, is too light, too heavy, smells odd, et cetera. This tournament, it’s the Adidas Brazuca which has undergone numerous rigorous field tests, but will still no doubt be cited as the reason that a particular goalkeeper threw the ball into his own net and a striker managed to send it into outer space instead of the open goal.

Sarnies 136 Telok Ayer St., 6224-6091, www.sarniescafe.com.

Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-10pm; Sat 9am-10pm; Sun 9am-4pm.

Toby’s Estate #01-03/04, 8 Rodyk St., 6636-7629, www. tobysestate.com.sg. Open Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm; Sat 7:30am-9pm; Sun 7:30am-8pm The Plain #01-01 50, Craig Rd., 6225-4387, www.theplain.com.sg.

Open Mon-Sun 7:30am-7:30pm.

Ya Kun #02-16 100AM, 100 Tras St., 6543-6628, www.yakun. com. Open Mon-Sun 7:30am-10pm.

Official FIFA Wrold Cup ball

» FRIDAY, JUNe 6, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE 7

COVER STORY 5

Into the wild

Greatness in the Making

The World Cup offers a global stage for the planet’s very best players to shine. Who’s it gonna be this time around? Will the one-man show that is Cristiano Ronaldo propel Portugal to the title? Can the twinkle-toed magician Lionel Messi finally find his Barcelona form for Argentina, or will the hard-running dynamism of Bastian Schweinsteiger help the fancied German team capture the cup on South American soil for the first time? Neymar for Brazil and Robin van Persie for the Netherlands are some of the others tipped to take the tournament by storm.

Watch this space.

Tame your Southern hemisphere at these Brazilian waxing places.

Boys, that includes you.

Messi

We Need a Hero

Honeypot Wax Boutique Its kitschy décor may (or may not) make you feel sexy. Adventurous types should try L’amour ($68), which removes everything, save for a little heart-shaped fuzz.

#03-02 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Rd., 6235-0286, www.honeypot.com.sg.

Strip Co-Ed Strip proudly proclaims that it’s got the best Brazilian wax in Singapore. It offers an array of soft and hard wax options, from Crack ($16 upwards) to xxxx Strip (All Off) ($62 upwards).

8D Dempsey Rd., 6475-7833, www. strip.com.sg.

We Need a Hero Gentlemen can head to this ultra-hip, all-men’s grooming salon for an exclusive waxing experience—a Boyzilian costs $85.

6

7

Every World Cup has those defining moments that transcend the sport and make global news.

Zidane’s head butt in the 2006 final, Diego Maradona’s 1986 Hand of God goal (and his subsequent drug shame), to name just two. Don’t be the one who missed that flying Kung Fu kick, the shocking disallowed goal or the diplomatic crisis that got the world talking. Oh, and just to add some further edge: there’s a good chance of anti-government protesters rioting on the streets this year, putting Brazil on the front as well as back pages.

Hotties

As well as being the spiritual home of football, Brazil is also the home of carnival. This heady mix of football and fiesta is going to be in full effect inside the 12 World Cup stadia and should be a feast for the eyes and ears. Even if you couldn’t care about the matches, we can guarantee there’ll be plenty of long panning shots of the crowd, with TV producers eager to seek out all those scantily clad senhoritas and senorhas doing the samba on the terraces. So who cares if it’s 3am? Pour yourself a stiff caipirinha, get into the party mood and have a good ogle.

How to Watch the Game

#01-86 57 Eng Hoon St., 6222-5590, www.weneedahero.sg. DELLE CHAN

From the anti-social to the downright touchy-feely, here are three ways to get your game on.

9 8

Teams from Crazy Dictatorships

North Korea had the honor last time, with rumors that their players were tortured and received a six-hour tellingoff for embarrassing the nation’s proud ideological struggle by losing all three of their games in South Africa. While we’d love to give the title to Russia this year, the distinction probably falls on Iran, the country that everyone loves to sanction.

Unfortunately for viewers, they didn’t get drawn against the USA and will struggle to get out of group containing the hotly fancied Argentina. What fate will then befall their unlucky players at home?

Global Talking Points

1

On your own telly Singtel has (predictably) secured broadcast rights for the event and is offering a 2014 FIFA World Cup Brazil package for (predictably) exorbitant price of $105 (excluding GST). On the bright side, all 64 matches will be both streamed live and on-demand on tablets and smartphones via the mio TV GO app. If you’re signing up or extending your Gold Pack or mio Stadium+ contract, then lucky you—you get the matches for free.

Technological Advancements

Despite all the money, football has remained wonderfully archaic. All major decisions have been made by a middle-aged man chasing the ball around with a pair of wheezing assistants holding natty flags. But FIFA might finally be waking up to the possibility that the ref can occasionally get it wrong and is introducing new gizmos to help him out. First is goal line technology to see if the ball really has crossed the line, potentially ending hours of arguments in pubs across the world. More exciting, however, is the use of a vanishing spray to mark the 10-yard line where teams defending free kicks need to stand. We can’t wait to see how referees will work out what ten yards is, though. A measuring tape? A ruler? Or just guessing, like always?

2

With strangers at bars Throwing back pints and yelling at the screen with a bunch of fellow soccer addicts? Best thing in the world. Head to watering holes screening the big game this year, like Harry’s at Esplanade (#0105/07 The Esplanade, 8 Raffles Ave., 6334-0132, www. harrys.com.sg), The Penny Black Victorian London Club (26 Boat Quay, 6538-2300, www.pennyblack.com.sg) and Bar Bar Black Sheep (501 Bukit Timah Rd., 67634757, www.bbbs.com.sg). For more listings, visit is.gd/ wheretowatchworldcup.

3

At the CCs Up for some grassroots bonding? Get together with the rest of your block and watch matches at community clubs all over Singapore (30 to be exact). There’s lots of places to consider, from the heartlands like Bedok (850 New Upper Changi Rd., 6442-5317), to central locations like Toa Payoh (93 Toa Payoh Central, 6252-1249). And if that’s not enough (really?), have some more fun during fringe activities like soccer-related contests. Visit www. pa.gov.sg for more details. Delle Chan & Samantha David

» Download the full match schedule at is.gd/worldcup2014schedule

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, june 6, 2014

10 Musical (Dis)harmony Music and football seem to have a natural affinity. Every tournament has its official song, and Brazil’s is delightfully terrible. “We Are One (Ole Ola)” by Pitbull, featuring Jennifer Lopez and Claudia Leitte, has such insightful lyrics as “Put your flags up in the sky (put them in the sky), And wave them side to side (side to side).” Then there are the embarrassing team songs, often accompanied by a video of the players looking awkward and uncomfortable while singing about how they are going to win the cup this time, even when they know they’re not. Then there’s the real backing track from the terraces at the matches. Last time, it was the deafening buzz of the vuvuzelas. This time will surely be hypnotic drums beating out a seductive samba rhythm—we hope.

RAISE THE ALARM

Good World Cup 11 Last Alas, despite all this, the World Cup is losing its luster faster than a penny in a sewer drain.

As well as ridiculous plans to increase the number of countries competing and ensuring an overblown event full of meaningless and mismatched fixtures, the next two host nations hardly get the pulse racing. First up in 2018 is Russia, known for its love of gays, overwhelming hospitality at Sochi and current plans to annex most of Europe. Then there’s Qatar in 2022, equally beloved for its exceedingly kind treatment of laborers, a total absence of footballing pedigree and temperatures so hot that players will be too busy trying not to spontaneously combust to actually play. So enjoy Brazil while you can, guys.

With games being screened all night, you’re definitely going to have some trouble getting out of bed. Invest in the quirky, intuitive LEXON Flip Alarm Clock. Winner of Singapore’s Red Dot Award for design, this sleek and colorful desk clock is for everyone who has ever had to desperately hunt for the off button in the dark while the alarm sears into your skull. To turn the alarm off on the LEXON Flip, just flip it over.

Easy, though it might mean you’ll go straight back to sleep and miss the game. You’ve been warned. $69 from www.naiise.com.

FRIDAY, JUNe 6, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE 9

travel

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Saigon’s Sweet Spots From back alley venues to craft beers to Vespas, we have the essential to-do list. By Clara Lim

Mekong River

L’Usine

Les Rives

S

Cinephiles (www.facebook.com/thecinephiles) setting up one of their regular outdoor film screenings.

ure there’s been heightened security in Vietnam’s major cities after recent political fiascos. But Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) is still a cheap and nearby getaway, and with a bit of homework and curating, good ol’ Saigon can deliver some thrills. Of course, that means an obligatory pilgrimage to L’Usine, but there are other movers and shakers in the city’s indie revolution. Here are some highlights.

PLAY

STAY There may be lots of reputable hotels in the more touristfriendly District 1—the city’s center, where the main attractions are located—but skip those and go to the more picturesque District 2 for resort-like vibes. We stayed at Villa Song Saigon (197/2 Nguyen Van Huong St., +84 8 3744-6090, www.villasong.com), a boutique hotel under the Secret Retreats (www.secret-retreats.com) umbrella, and could hardly tear ourselves away from the near-private saltwater pool and riverside restaurant. Rates start from about VND2,900,000 ($172) per night for a solo room.

Eateries typically close at 10pm here, so if you’re the type to get midnight munchies—who isn’t?—you can stock up on cheese at the nearby Annam Gourmet Market (41A Thao Dien St., District 2, +84 8 3744-2630, www.annam-gourmet. com) and booze at one of the few craft beer shops we found, Zebrafish (25 Thao Dien St., District 2, +84 8 3744-6863, www.zebrafish.com.vn). Plus, there’s a handful of quality restaurants and amenities like Harmony Spa (34 Tong Huu Dinh St., District 2, +84 8 3744-6575, www.harmonyvietnam. vn) for manicures (from US$7, or $8.80) and massages (from US$20, or $25) on the cheap.

DO

Vietnam Vespa Adventures

I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JUNe 6, 2014

If there’s one venue in HCMC we’d kill to transplant to Singapore, it’s live music café Vung Oi Mo Ra (17 Ngo Thoi Nhiem, District 3, +84 8 2215-7813). For the full experience, head there in the evening—it’s hidden, so you’ll have to navigate your way through a somewhat scary back alley—to watch Vietnamese musicians perform by candlelight. We didn’t understand a word they were crooning, but the singers we saw were pitch-perfect.

Then there’s art space (by day) and club (by night) The Observatory (junction of Le Lai & Ton That Tung, District 1, +84 8 3925-9415, www.theobservatory-hcmc.com), where the good-looking and left-leaning congregate. It’s not unusual to find weed smoke wafting around, but our drug of choice here is the chilli-flavored Saigon Cider (www.facebook. com/peaceloveandapples), produced by a local brewery that collects and reuses the empty bottles from their stockists.

Essentials GETTING THERE Singapore Airlines, Tigerair, Jetstar and Vietnam Airlines have daily direct flights from Singapore to Ho Chi Minh City, from $120 round trip.

Zebrafish

EAT We recommend that all visitors make the journey to hipster mecca L’Usine (151/1 Dong Khoi St., District 1, +84 8 6674-3565, www.lusinespace.com), which is hidden behind a dilapidated but very charming alley full of antique art (but of course!). The crowd is photogenic and the grub is good quality and almost Melbournian—a simple but lush garden pasta; grilled octopus tossed with caramelized onion and chorizo, for example—and there’s a fantastic happy hour from 4-8pm with 1-for-1 wines by the glass, which makes the already-cheap wines even cheaper (it works out to $3/glass).

The best way to take in HCMC is definitely on a scooter: try Vietnam Vespa Adventures (from US$65, www. vietnamvespaadventures.com) night tour, essentially a bar crawl on a Vespa. This excursion to eateries and bars in different districts—lots of street food, local music and the occasional cockfight—is pretty eye-opening, and once on a bike you’ll come to appreciate the method to the madness that is Vietnamese traffic. If you have time to spare, do a day trip out on a speedboat; Vietnam’s waterways and rivers are gorgeous. Les Rives does full-day tours (from VND1,697,000, or $100, www.lesrivesexperience.com) to destinations like the Mekong Delta and Can Gio Village market on Mangrove Forest for small groups.

Les Rives tour

10

Work Saigon

Also check out Work Saigon (267/2 Dien Bien Phu, District 3, www.worksaigon.com), a co-working space and café for designers, and also where local boutique Blackmarket was located for a time. Conclusive proof that it’s a hipster magnet: we found a garden growing basil and strawberries for their homemade sodas and salads, and caught arthouse film junkies The

GETTING AROUND

Chickens at the village market

Cabs are plentiful and cheap, but to reduce the risk of scams, book a taxi rather than flag one down.

Most venues will happily book one for you.

VISA Singaporeans do not require a visa for trips (up to 30 days), but most other nationalities do.

Avoid the dodgy visa websites and go straight to the Embassy of Vietnam (10 Leedon Park, 64625938, www. vietnameseembassy.org).

Villa Song Saigon

EXCHANGE RATE 10,000VND = $0.59

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

ESCAPE ROUTES

with Delle Chan

X2 River Kwai

M AL AYSIA

Jungle Beats The highly acclaimed Rainforest World Music Festival is set to run from June 20 to 22 this year at the Sarawak Cultural Village in Borneo. The three-day festival will feature a gamut of world musicians, including Blackbeard’s Tea Party from England and even Singapore’s own Ding Yi Music Company. There will also be workshops to attend when you’re not moshing in the pit. Pre-sale tickets cost from RM110 (S$42) for a one-day pass; get them at www. rwmf.net. Hop on an Air Asia flight to Kuching, Sarawak, from $223.

SRI L ANK A

Beach, Please

City, starting on May 23. The flight will depart Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport at 8:50am local time and from Changi Airport at 12:40pm local time daily. Prices are pretty decent—expect to fork out around S$174 for a round-trip flight in June. Visit www.vietjetair.com for more info.

THAIL AND

Escape from Bangkok Weird time to visit Bangkok—we get it. But what about Kanchanaburi? The gorgeous new X2 River Kwai (opening in July) is reason enough to visit the western province, or so we think. Located on a stretch along the Kwai Noi River, the design resort comprises eight luxe cabins decked out in a sexy, industrialchic aesthetic—think container-style cabins, lots of concrete and a cantilevered patio overlooking the river. Some of the resort’s facilities will include an infinity riverfront pool, free Wi-Fi, in-room massages and iPads (not to keep, obvs).

Introductory rates (through July 31) start at THB5,5500 (S$213); find out more at www.x2resorts. com/resorts/river-kwai.

You’d hardly think of Sri Lanka as a beach destination; but it actually has plenty of sun, surf and sand (and curry) to offer. Consider Centara Passikudah Resort & Spa—the beachfront resort is located at Passikudah Bay, quickly getting famous for its clear waters and coral reefs.

Problem is that it’s a six-hour drive from Colombo. Luckily, WORLDWIDE the Fly and Discover Passikudah package Etihad Airways has just (USD999 or S$1,251 launched The Residence, upwards) includes the world’s first-ever private a flight to a smaller multi-room cabin on board a airport and also provides The commercial passenger aircraft. The daily breakfast and dinner for Residence 125 sq. ft. space is as good as two, among other perks. On a a designer hotel suite, complete with separate note, Centara’s also opening a double bedroom, separate ensuite the Bentota Sri Lanka Resort located shower room and living room that’s on the Bentota Peninsula. Learn more decked out in Poltrona Frau upholstery. at www.centarahotelsresorts.com.

There’re also wide screen LCD TVs, WiFi connectivity and a Panasonic eX3 VIETNA M entertainment system. Service is topnotch, too, with Savoy Butler AcademyThere’s a new airline in town— trained butlers at your beck and call.

Vietnamese budget carrier VietJet has Prices start from a cool $29,594 for a just launched a new daily flight route one-way trip between Singapore and between Singapore and Ho Chi Minh London; book online at www.etihad.com.

High Flying

Jet Set to Saigon

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

Available for download now!

FRIDAY, JUNE 6, 2014 I‑S MAGAZINE

11

island

fashion + fitness + tech + home

Cheap Treats

Whether it’s a facial or a foot massage, here’s where to get a decent spa treatment for well under $100. By Delle Chan

A 60-minute Detox & Brightening Facial at Immanuel Beauty—great for large pores and congested skin—will set you back just $68—pretty cheap for a thorough cleansing, exfoliating and massage treatment. The spa operates on a unique co-op business model whereby individual therapists share overhead costs, hence the low prices.

Most Spa Esprit treatments don’t come cheap, but their Classic Scrub a Dub-Dub ($80.25) does, kinda. Choose from strawberry chunks and sugar grains (exfoliating) or tea tree flakes (antiseptic) during the 45-minute neck-to-toe body scrub and leave feeling squeaky clean and still mostly financially solvent.

Spa Esprit

Body Massage Try Nimble/Knead’s Destination Bali ($76 for 60 minutes), a traditional Balinese massage that uses kneading, acupressure, reflexology and aromatherapy techniques to ease those knots in your body. Plus, the spa’s designed with shipping container parts, bringing industrial-chic at a whole new level.

6/F PARKROYAL on Kitchener Road, 181 Kitchener Rd., 6681-6585, www.immanuelbeauty.com.

#01-28 Blk. 6 Eng Watt St., 6438-3933, www. nimbleknead.com.

Foot Massage

Tamrind Spa

Body Scrub

#05-10 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6836-0500, www. spa-esprit.com.

Facial

Immanuel Beauty

wellness

A 30-minute foot massage (which harnesses essential oils like lavender and lemongrass) at The Tamarind Spa costs just $35—while it definitely isn’t as cheap as what you can get across the border in JB, it’s decent by Singaporean standards.

Also, the spa is really cozy, with lots of warm lighting and wood accents.

Nimble/Knead

Body Wrap Aramsa, The Garden Spa offers a range of affordable body wraps, including the Thermal Boreh ($78 for 45 minutes), a ginger-based thermal wrap (boreh is Malay for “ginger”) that helps flush out toxins from your body. We also love the spa’s idyllic garden setting.

Bishan Park II, 1382 Ang Mo Kio Ave. 1, 6456-6556, www.aramsaspas.com.

5A Maju Ave., Serangoon Gardens Estate, 62853482, www.thetamarindspa.com.

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Aramsa, The Garden Spa

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, june 6, 2014

The buzz: The East in general is no stranger to hip residents like Immigrants (467 Joo Chiat Rd., 8511-7322, www. immigrants-gastrobar.com), Penny University (402 East Coast Rd., 9008-9314) and Mad Nest (178 East Coast Rd., 63486861, www.madnest.sg). But previously sleepy Siglap recently got a jolt of sporty caffeinated chicness with this bike shop/ café/general cool-people hangout, a collaborative effort between former pro cyclist Jansen Tan and roasting moguls Papa Palheta.

The vibe: Looks can be deceiving. From the outset, it looks like one of those small trendy industrial-styled cafés—enter via the main entrance and you’ll only see tables and the bar counter—with concrete, black steel accents and blonde wood, of course. But the 3,000 sq. ft. space houses a bike repair workshop at the back plus a sizable retail space upstairs—where you can ask embarrassing newbie questions

and take bikes out for test drives around the neighborhood (or just on the rolling trainer, spinning to a playlist by Darker than wax’s Dean Chew).

The goods: Just really good bicycles, coffee and mod Sin plates. sip on artisanal brews by papa palheta (need us say more? $4 upwards), order up indie-fusion dishes like rendang hot dogs ($14) and chapalang salad ($15) from the soon-to-reopen Wild Rocket’s Willin Low if you’re famished.

Then, if you like, pedal home with the shop’s very own signature model, the fussfree, humidity-friendly Coastliner ($2,800) to burn off the calories.

Why you’ll be back: It’s not the first place with a bicycle-café hybrid concept (see Wheeler’s Yard) but the coffee and food come from beloved names, plus the sexy two-wheeler we’ve got our eyes on is locally designed. The neighborhood’s quiet, too—perfect for chilling out and peaceful, unobstructed test rides.

54 Siglap Dr., 6681-6681, www.coastcycles.com. Open Tue-Thu 9am-7pm; Fri-Sun 9am10pm. Mrigaa Sethi and Crystal Lee

MARCO WEIBEL

THE STEAM TEAM

RIDUAN ZALANI

MR. HAS DAVE DOES

BALL

#FULLSTEAMAHEAD2014

DINING

The Catch

As the WWF’s Sustainable Seafood Festival kicks off (June 8), we ask how Singapore is doing with protecting the oceans. By Samantha David

S

ingaporeans consume approximately 140 million kilos of seafood each year, more than 90 percent of it is imported and most of it comes from countries like Indonesia and the Philippines, home to delicate ecosystems—making the issue of sustainable seafood very relevant to us. The buzzword has been in and out of the news the past few years, mostly in relation to anti-shark fin campaigns like Shark Savers’ I'm FINished with FINS and hotels like the Hilton removing all shark-related products from their menus. But actively going after sustainably sourced seafood is another matter, and the WWF’s week-long event brings to light difficulties restaurants face making it an all-year business decision.

Bottom of the Food Chain

to believe the same could happen for seafood, especially Ivan Brehm, executive head chef of Bacchanalia (23A when we see places like Tanjong Beach Club (120 Coleman St., 6509-1453, www.bacchanalia.asia).

First and foremost, it seems that there Tanjong Beach Walk, 6270-1355, www.tanjongbeachclub.

Some restaurants forgo certification and try and just isn’t enough of the good stuff com) working with The Naked Finn (#01-13 Gillman do their part in other ways. The Cajun Kings (15-1 available from suppliers for chefs to get Barracks, 41 Malan Rd., 6694-0807, www.nakedfinn.

Jalan Riang, 6284-4426, www.thecajunkings.sg) serves their hands on, says Francois Mermilliod, com) coming up with a sustainable seafood menu for a Dungeness crabs which are caught in the US and Canada head chef of French restaurant Absinthe Francois barbecue special in June. Fingers crossed that more will only if they’re a certain size and released back into the (72 Boat Quay, 6222-9068, www.absinthe.

Mermilliod follow in their footsteps. ocean if they are females, in order to maintain healthy sg). The restaurant is participating in the Ultimately, and this might sound obvious, it population growth.

Julien Royer, the chef de cuisine WWF festival, but Mermilliod adds that it’s hard to serve comes down to the consumer. “Consumers at JAAN (70/F Equinox Complex, Swissôtel The sustainable seafood all year round. “Another challenge are reluctant to pay more for sustainable Stamford, 2 Stamford Rd., 6837-3322, www.jaan. is the price. Some sustainably sourced ingredients do seafood if they don't understand what makes com.sg), sources less endangered options like come at a higher price, but I feel that the more chefs and it different, like whether the fish was wild diver scallops, line-caught fish, prawns, king consumers support sustainability, the more economical caught or farmed, if it tastes any better, and salmon, oysters and seabass grouper. and accessible it will get.” so on,” says Wee Teng Wen, managing partner But that’s not enough, according to Elaine When it comes to the price differences, like you, we’d of The Lo & Behold Group (which owns Tanjong Tan, CEO of WWF Singapore. “It is definitely a good like more exact figures. But pricing, it appears, is a strange Wee Teng Wen Beach Club). “I believe wild caught seafood step for a business to start questioning where their game with lots of backend politics. We tried to get two generally tastes better as they have more room seafood comes from and how it is caught.

However, chefs to talk about numbers, but neither would comment, to move, improving both taste and texture, [and] I don't the certification program also looks into issues like the apparently not wanting to upset suppliers. think wild-caught seafood necessarily means that it's not health of the wild population of the species, if sustainable.” there is quota management in place to ensure Paperwork & Red Tape The sustainable choice will be more expensive and we are not taking out more than is sustainable Perhaps more than with organic produce, the may or may not be more delicious. But the principle still from the ecosystem and if the harvest method certification process for sustainable seafood is remains: if there is no demand, restaurants won’t have causes any harm to the marine ecosystem. complicated, also preventing industry players enough incentive to invest in sustainably sourced seafood With the international seafood supply chain so from getting on board. For a restaurant to be and prices will continue to remain sky high. With this one complex, it can be difficult for a purchaser and certified as one serving sustainable seafood, they week festival, WWF hopes to give restaurants a chance to consumer to establish these facts.”

Ivan Brehm must only purchase produce that is certified. “These test the waters, serving only sustainably sourced seafood are not as easy to find as one would think, and Where to Eat from their suppliers. Will the response be better than quality of ingredients [and] variety are not [criteria] that Organic produce had a slow start in Singapore, too, though expected? We sure hope so. Get out there, people! guarantee a company or farmer their certification,” says it’s becoming much easier to find now. So we’re willing The Sustainable Seafood Festival takes place June 8 to 15. To find out more about the campaign and participating restaurants, visit picktherightcatch.com.

Tanjong Beach Club’s event will take place later this year. For updates, follow them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/tanjongbeachclub.

Sinful Seafood No matter how yummy they seem, stay away from these five favorites.

14

I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, june 6, 2014

Bluefin tuna

Shark

Chilean seabass

Flower crab

Tiger prawns

Farmed or wild-caught, Bluefin tuna is severely overfished.

An estimated 80 percent of shark species that are caught are endangered.

Only choose it if it has an MSC-certified label, or if it comes from South Georgia in the UK, Australia or New Zealand.

The uncontrolled fishing methods used by small fisheries in the South China Sea are causing the population to deplete rapidly.

To make way for tiger prawn farms in Indonesia and Thailand, mangrove forests are cleared, which in turn affects other species.

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

NEW AND NOTED

OPEN door

Life Is Beautiful

The buzz: The American south thing is really making waves and there’s little more quintessentially Southern than hearty, buttery cuisine and whisky-forward cocktails—two of the pillars at this hot, new opening on Duxton.

The vibe: Thanks in part to the achingly hip space made up of the large concrete room, the long bar and a mix of wooden furniture and plush couches, LIB has lately been party central with lines out the door almost every night.

The food: A lighter and more fusion-y take on traditional NOLA cuisine. Dishes like gator and

With Samantha David fennel boudin ($28) are offset by creamy cauliflower puree, while the dusted frog legs ($25) with apple jam and slaw is an haute-comfort dish. They serve up a mean pecan waffle ($22) with roasted beets and onion jam. The bigger sharing plates really shine with offerings like crispy buttermilk fried chicken ($38) and a bold, charred hangar steak with bone marrow ($73).

The drinks: The spotlight is on classic cocktails created in the Deep South like the Ramos Gin Fizz and the French 75 (all cocktails at $18). We think a classic and often underrated Sazerac, made with rye whiskey, Peychaud’s and absinthe, stands out for its seeming lightness— but trust us, light it is not.

Why you’ll be back: It’s a great place to party with beautiful people and partake in a rich and comforting cuisine, without the imminent heart attack—for the most part.

99 Duxton Rd., 6423-0939, www.lifeisbeautiful.sg. Open Tues 6pm-midnight, Wed-Sat 6pm-3am. LETITIA TANDEAN

Drunken Farmers Market Now you can propose a fresh— literally—challenge to the bartenders at Bitters & Love (36 North Canal Rd., 6438-1836, www.

Bitters & Love bittersandlove.com). The Pasar, Que Pasa mini market (happening every Thursday) displays fruits, herbs and spices for you to choose for your bespoke cocktail.

call for immigrants in Singapore's early days, this restaurant serves familiar favorites with Western touches, such as wagyu rendang hanger steak ($28) and fried carrot cake with sweet soy prawns ($16). Sound like hawker creations with hefty price tags, but we’re hoping not.

What the Pluck The guys behind places like the much loved Gem Bar and quirky Zui Hong Lou are onto their next dining venture with Pluck (90 Club St., 6225-8286, www.ohpluck.com), which serves a modern, tapas-focused menu. We’re eyeing stuff like the hefty suckling pig to share ($38). Lushes should also do well with the drinks menu dreamed up by industry veteran Din Hassan, who also helms Manor Cocktail.

Historic Flavors—again Get a slice of history pie at the CBD's newest restaurant, aptly named The Clifford Pier (The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay, 6597-5266, www.fullertonbayhotel.com). Situated along the landmark that served as the first port of

Behind West Manor

Convent Convert Have you heard? CHIJMES has finally reopened and it's back with spanking new dining concepts, like Pan-European restaurant Paprika & Cumin (#01-15/16, 9337-5869) and Japanese eatery Tatsu (#01-08, 6332-5868). Also, keep an eye out for more new arrivals coming your way soon, including Western-inspired Behind West Manor (#01-14) and bar and bistro Here & There (#01-11/12/13/18). food@asia-city.com.sg

Don’t judge. A glutton is just someone who eats more than you.

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

FRIDAY, june 6, 2014 I‑S MAGAZINE

15

DINING RESTAURANT REVIEWS Moosehead HHHHH

No Menu Bar HHHHH

Mediterranean. 110 Telok Ayer St., 6636-8055, www.facebook.com/mooseheadkitchenbar.

23 Boon Tat St., 6224-0091, www.nomenubar.sg.

Tapas places are dime a dozen, but Moosehead has a lot going for it, including an unpretentious vibe, well-informed staff and thankfully brief sets by talented musicians. The short menu has plenty of good choices (for vegetarians, too). The best dishes are executed with interesting, subtle twists—most successfully exemplified by the grilled avocado ($16), which comes topped with a garlicky ajo blanco and textural thrills in the form of crunchy, browned quinoa and wet pops of salmon roe. The burratina cheese and Turkish bread ($21), too, is made complex with a pleasing juxtaposition of char marks and the sweetness of grilled tomatoes. And the dense pistachio cake ($14) gets some zing with a yuzu crème fraiche topping. Our gripes: gloomy lighting, limited cocktail options (they wouldn’t make us a Negroni!) and puzzling garnishes, like burned cauliflower bits on the cauliflower and salsa verde ($14)—why not just char the actual cauliflower more? In some cases, the accompaniments were simply a let-down—our umami ecstasy, induced by perfectly seared wagyu chuck ribs ($38 for 150g) with bonito flakes and teriyaki mushrooms, was rudely interrupted by the heavy sprinkle of sea-salt and the pedestrian sweet potato chips on the side. Prices here aren’t much cheaper than Esquina, so we expect a more pitch-perfect experience. Open Mon-Fri noon-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm; Sat 6-10:30pm. $$

This is No Menu restaurant's more casual outpost, and the first clear indicator of its status is the service—it comes across as too-familiar, an affected show of Italian hospitality, without actually being helpful or prompt. But if you can get past that, No Menu Bar's gussied-up kopitiam setting is genuinely charming—they don't try to be posh or precious or sexy— which makes this a brilliant place for alfresco wine chugging while watching the world go by. (House wines served in carafes that go up to a liter.) But that doesn't mean you can rely on them for bar grub. Some of the tapas dishes are pretty slapdash—gorgonzola-smeared celery sticks ($14), canned tuna on toast ($14)—and even no-fail fare like calamari ($24) and four-cheese pizza ($26) were underwhelming. Meats are more interesting, because they don't play it safe. The homemade sausage ($14) and cold cuts ($25) were unapologetically meaty and barnyard-funky—at this point you find out if you're really a carnivore. But the true standout is their sea urchin spaghetti ($29), a truly sublime plate of carbs with a hard-to-describe, crack-like flavor that's not unlike really good wok hei. Still, at these prices, you're better off dining at a proper sit-down place with decent service and more thoughtful plates. Open Mon-Fri 11:30am-2pm, 6-9:15pm; Sat 6-9:15pm. $$

Ratings ★ Forget it ★★ Only if you're stuck in the neighborhood ★★★ A pleasant dining experience ★★★★ More than just great food, tell your friends ★★★★★ Not to be missed Price Guide $ Less than $40 $$ $40-$80 $$$ $80-120 $$$$ $120-200 $$$$$ $200 and up

Price per person, including one drink, appetizer, main course and dessert.

Prices do not include bottles of wine unless stated.

New restaurants are not reviewed within three months of their opening.

Reviews are based on actual visits to the establishments listed, without the knowledge of the restaurants. Reviews are included at the discretion of the editors and are not paid for by the individual restaurants.

Recently Reviewed by I-S Le Petit Navire “...the sort of place we'd return to for an easy relaxing meal any day of the week.” HHHHH The Market Grill “We'd contend that the burgers—hand-formed to weigh 150g—are the best in town.” HHHHH Chopsuey Cafe “...you can’t stroll in here for takeout in your sweats, but for inventive chow on a fancy pants night out, this is hard to beat.” HHHHH La Barra “Latin food’s big now, and their menu sounded real appealing. Too bad the grub here is such a letdown.” HHHHH Read all our reviews at is-magazine.com/restaurants

16

I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, june 6, 2014

Need to know Theater & Arts

Ticketbooth > 6296-2929

The Arts House > 6332-6919 www.theartshouse.com.sg

Esplanade Box Office > 6828-8377

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

www.esplanade.com

Fort Canning Park > 6332-1302

chart chart the the weeks weeks ahead ahead

www.ticketbooth.com.sg

www.nparks.gov.sg

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

National Museum of Singapore > 6332-5642

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

Indie Celeb Explosion Esteemed music festival Hostess Club Weekender is back in action with big names like Cat Power, Blonde Redhead, Perfume Genius and Sohn. Jun 14, 3pm.

Infinite Studios, #07-01 one-north, 21 Media Circle, 6222-7888. $108-140.

DO This

SEE This

Golden Suds

Beer lovers unite for music, workshops, bar bites and of course beer in this year’s edition of Beerfest Asia. Beers like Adnams Broadside and Young’s Double Chocolate Stout make their debut. Jun 12-15, 6pm. Marina Promenade, Singapore Flyer, 6348-5555. $15.

Get Laid One of EDM’s biggest DJs needs no introduction with charttoppers like “Collide”, “Dynamo” and “Let Me Love You”. Join in the frenzy and let Laidback Luke's music do the talking.

Jun 6, 11pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $28-33.

Open Bar Altimate The buzz: Adding to the flurry of new VIP clubs, this ultra-luxe 4,000-square foot space is perched on the 61st floor of One Raffles Place with glorious views of the skyline.

It’s run by the folks of One Rochester who brought us vertiginous rooftop bar 1-Altitude (just upstairs), so rest assured that they know how to throw a party.

The décor: LED lights bathe the space in a kaleidoscope of neon colors while giant screens display graphic animations to the rhythm of the music. The raised DJ platform aside, the sleek bar with its boxy, backlit shelves acts as another centerpiece.

The drinks: On top of the $45 cover charge, there are your run-of-the-mill club drinks (from $18 for house pours) and a selection of signature cocktails (from $20). Of course, there’s an extensive list of bottles, especially the premium kind, befitting a VIP club. A bottle of Moet & Chandon Imperial sets you back about $180, while bottles vodka, gin, tequila, whisky start at $260.

The music: It varies depending on the night, but you can count on a go-hard-or-go-home blend of R&B, dance and electronic music.

International guest acts play alongside resident DJs like Funkman and Leonard T who were previously at Zouk KL.

The crowd: The young and beautiful and/or successful and moneyed. Everyone is there to be seen, drink bubbly and party it up with their besties and new acquaintances at the circular tables and silvery booths.

Why you’ll be back: Aside from the killer views accentuated by the music and psychedelic light show, the exclusive atmosphere makes you feel like you’re part of the it crowd’s new secret. Plus, it’s ripe for people watching.

61/F One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, 6438-0410, www.1-altitude.com. Open Wed-Thu 10pm-3am; Fri-Sat 10pm-4am.

LETITIA TANDEAN

FRIDAY, june 6, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE 17

MUSIC » Stage » ART » STUFF

Music

I-S PICK

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with Clara Lim

Make Like A Tree The musical traveling project started by Sergey Onischenko, stops by for a night with songs recorded in different places around the world and musicians with contrasting styles and traditions. Jun 6, 8pm. Artistry, 17 Jalan Pinang, 6298-2420. Free.

classical

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Opera in the Park 2014 Live performances of favorites from musicals and operas on the lush greens of Singapore Botanic Gardens. Jun 7, 6pm. Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Rd., 6471-7138. Free.

concerts

SCENE & HEARD

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2014 Spring Wave Singapore The number one outdoor festival brand in China, Hong Kong and Taiwan will be landing in Singapore yet again. Treat yourself to a music marathon by top artists from the region, including A-mei, Jam Hsiao and Della Ding Dang. Jun 7, 5pm. Gardens

By The Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Dr., 64206841. $98-218 from Sistic.

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The Gathering with Russian Red Lourdes Hernández, better known by her stage name Russian Red, will be headlining the third edition of popular live music series The Gathering, with hits from her anticipated third studio album, Agent Cooper. Jun 13, 7pm. *SCAPE The Ground Theatre, 2 Orchard Link. $50. tickets. eventclique.com/thegathering.

STAGE

theater

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Women of Asia This thought-provoking production portrays the myths, stereotypes and conflicts facing Asian women today, and tells these stories through dance, comedy and tragedy. Jun 19-21, 26-28, 8pm; Jun 21, 28, 3pm. LASALLE College of the Arts, 1 McNally St., 6496-5000. $35.

Pet Shop Boys

Gig Alert Indie Londoners Bombay Bicycle Club are coming to town. Concert promoters Symmetry (www.symmetrysg.com) oscillated between July 27, 28 (that’s Hari Raya Puasa) and 29, before settling on the latter date after a round of voting—so thoughtful! In other gig news, a whole bunch of headlining concerts for this year’s F1 have been announced: Chinese rockers Mayday (Sep 19), synthpop icons Pet Shop Boys (Sep 20), the super-soulful John Legend (Sep 21) and Ziggy Marley, son of Bob (Sep 20-21).

Boozy Business Here’s our pick of the bumper crop of new bars and clubs opening lately. The hottest one in town has got to be Jigger and Pony’s latest venture SugarHall (102 Amoy St., 6222-9102), serving up the unlikely but fetching combo of rum and steak. Other

than hard-to-find rum labels, they also carry Brazil’s #1 alcohol, cachaça—just in time for The Shavencat World Cup fever. Then there’s naughty live music bar The Shavencat (#01-01 21 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 6224-3383, www.shavencat.com), occupying the former grounds of gay institution Play, and new Clarke Quay arrival Kuro (#01-11 3C River Valley Rd., 9733-6669, www.kuro. com.sg), specializing in Japanese whiskeys and beer with posh bar bites.

Jazz Hands Sing Jazz (yes, the jazz fest that brought Jamie Cullum, Natalie Cole and India Arie to us in February) has taken over the nowdefunct Sultan Jazz Club. But it won’t be just a jazz club—they’ll be playing with genres like funk and R&B to attract a more diverse crowd, as well as providing support and training for budding musicians to nurture the local scene. Sing Jazz Club’s (2/F The Sultan, 101 Jalan Sultan, www.singjazzclub. com) artistic director David Smith says they’re aiming to be “a platform for creativity, instead of just another gig venue where people expect the same thing over and over.” clim@asia-city.com.sg

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

.

CausewayEXchange Participate in a variety of exhibitions, stage productions, comedy shows and other programs at the fifth edition of this festival, which functions as a platform for creative communitiies from Malaysia and Singapore to interact and collaborate in artistic undertakings. Jun 13-22. Various venues, 6602-9900. $20-35.

ART I-S PICK

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Genesis Magnum photographer Sebastião Salgado's exhibition showcases 245 black and white images of over 30 different destinations on our planet. The grand and dramatic images highlight the Earth's fragility and the relationship between us and our surroundings. Through Jul 27. National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-3659. Free.

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Context David Chan's solo exhibition is an accumulation of works spanning six years that represents the inherent beauty of an image and the ambiguiity of its interpretation. He deliberates cultural and education differences that separate one person's interpretation of meaning from another. Through Sep 26. Art Seasons Gallery, #02-21/24 PoMo, 1 Selegie Rd., 6741-6366. Free.

Food & Drink

Girls of the Underworld 34 young Singapore-based female artists explore what it means to be a woman living and working in a fast-paced and modern Asia, through music, identity politics, pop TV and movie culture. Expect illustrations, collages and even GIFs. Through Jun 28. Kult, #C2-5 Emily Hill, 11 Upper Wilkie Rd., 6338-1066. Free.

SPORts

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SUP Yoga Sessions Perform yoga workouts and hone your strength, balance and stretching—all while standing on a Stand-Up Paddle (SUP) board. It's an exciting way to switch up your fitness routine. Jun 15, 4pm, 5pm, 6pm. Tanjong Beach, Tanjong Beach Walk. $55-60 from Peatix.

stuff

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An Evening with Cyril Wong and Pooja Nansi Join local poets Cyril Wong and Pooja Nansi for an evening of love-themed music and poetry. Jun 13, 8pm. Artistry, 17 Jalan Pinang, 6298-2420. Free.

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classes & workshops

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9MCM: The Pop-up Marketplace This cool lifestyle fair offers samples of gourmet dishes, artisanal coffee, local produce, fashion wares, home products and art by establishments including Rokeby Bistro, East 8, Habitat Coffee, Mandy T skincare, Sifr, Whole9Yards and Four & Twenty.

Jun 21, 10am. APS Lifestyle Gallery, APS Building, 9 Muthuraman Chetty Rd., 63560988. Free.

Echelon 2014 At the biggest tech startup conference in town, you'll get the chance to learn anything from how to build products that solve problems and how to get people to use them, to the right way of conducting pitches, from some of the key players in the industry today. 60 international speakers from the Silicon Valley and Asia, including 9GAG founder Ray Chan, to headline. Log on to the website for conference agenda, speakers list and registration. Jun 10-11. Singapore Expo, 1 Expo Dr. $214-428.

Tantalize your taste buds with our all new weekday lunch set menus power lunch @ $40++ Executive Lunch @ $60++

Punjab grill Galleria Level, B1-01A Reservations : 65-66887395 info@punjabgrill.com.sg www.punjabgrill.com.sg

FRIDAY, june 6, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE 19

STUFF » NIghtlife » FILM

.

sales & fairs Naiise Pop-Up Store At Naiise's second pop-up store, expect stools and lamps from District Eight Design, bamboo bicycles from Bamboobee, Art Deco-ish cushion covers from Scene Shang and lots more upcycled products and local designs. There'll also be a one-day local food tasting event. Through Jun 22, 12pm. Ann Chuan Complex, 115 King George’s Ave.

TIMBRE

industry. Get ready to have your expectations blown with their energetic, pop-glitch sets.

Jun 6, 11pm. Zouk Winebar, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. Free.

.

Radio Stars: All Stars World Cup Edition Love soccer and vertiginous views?

Party with DJs Ya5th, Suren, Deepak and Styluxtakut and bring in World Cup fever amid views of the skyline. Expect Top 40s, dance and club hits all night long. Jun 14, 9pm.

KU DÉ TA, 57/F Marina Bay Sands, Skypark, Marina Bay Sands , 1 Bayfront Ave., 66887688. $38.

.

nightlife

The World Cup Pool Party Pub Crawl Get dressed in your fave team colors for this world cup-themed pub crawl, during which you'll visit various bars and party on the streets of Sentosa. Meet at the fat pigeon statue beside UOB Plaza. Jun 14, 6:30pm. UOB Plaza, 80 Raffles Place. $30-118 from Peatix.

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FFFridays Presents Coconut Showhand with Cherry Chan & Natalie Pixiedub This little collab party by the FFF collective brings you two lady DJs who have cemented their status in a male-dominated

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Territories of Peace Emerging Spanish artists Rafael Romero and Miguel Ponticu exhibit steel sculptures of trees and marine life juxtaposed against Romero's dreamlike landscapes in an attempt to transport viewers to their childhood playgrounds.

Jun 14-Jul 15. Barnadas Huang Gallery, 22 Dempsey Rd., 6635-4707. Free. www.barnadashuang.com.

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

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Hospitality Point-of-Sales & Information Management System

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

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Iranian Film Festival

Every country needs their art house film niche. France has chain-smoking gamins, Italy has dapper dudes cavorting around Rome, Singapore has HDB repression…and Iran has family drama. If the films at the upcoming Iranian Film Festival look samey to you, look no further than our handy chart.

THE FILM

THE FAMILY

THE PROBLEMS

The Private Life of Mr and Mrs M Jun 20, 7pm

Middle-class couple

Wife enjoys career success, husband’s ego takes a hit

Here Without Me Jun 20, 9:30pm

Woman raising two kids alone

The struggles of being a single mom in Iran

Someone Wanna Talk to You Jun 21, 4:30pm

Single mom raising daughter without ex-husband

Circumstances force him back into her life

A Separation Jun 21, 7pm

Family torn between caring for child vs. parent staying out of jail

Class differences, oppressive state apparatus, abusive marriages—the list goes on

So Close, So Far Jun 21, 9:30pm

Complacent dad and dying son

Dad is forced to think about his class and gender privilege

The Hidden Sense Outwardly successful childless couple Jun 22, 2pm

Lack of children kills the marriage

I Am His Wife Jun 22, 4:30pm

Woman trapped in unhappy marriage

The struggles of being a woman with a d-bag for a husband

I Feel Sleepy Jun 22, 7pm

No family here, for once—it’s a boy-meets-girl comedy

Girl manipulates guy into doing stupid things, chaos ensues

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The Iranian Film Festival is on June 20-22 at Golden Village Grand, 3/F Great World City, 1 Kim Seng Promenade, 6311-9162. www.gv.com.sg CLARA LIM

Jakarta (Main Office): Jl. Letjen Suprapto Ruko Cempaka Mas Blok I No. 3 Jakarta Pusat 10640 Tel : +62 21 4288 5023 Fax : +62 21 4288 5024 Surabaya (Branch): Jl. Raya Darmo Permai III Bavarian Village B-27 Surabaya Tel : +62 31 734 8959 Fax : +62 31 734 8962 Bali (Branch): Komplek Puri Citra Pratama Jl. Taman Sari VII No. B-17 Denpasar, Bali Tel : +62 361 803 7278

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FRIDAY, june 6, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE 21 5/21/14 5:43 PM

freewill astrology

Week of June 6 © 2014 Rob Brezsny

GEMINI (May 21-Jun. 20): In Marcel Proust’s novel Swann’s Way, the narrator speaks of how profoundly he is inspired by an older writer named Bergotte: “Each time he talked about something whose beauty had until then been hidden from me, about pine forests, about hail, about NotreDame Cathedral . . . with one image he would make that beauty explode into me.” I bring this to your attention, Gemini, because in the coming days I suspect a great deal of beauty will explode into you. Why? I think it’s because you’re more receptive than usual to being delighted and enchanted. The triggers could be anything: exciting people, eavesdropped conversations, good books, surprising music and who knows what else.

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): “Little horses cannot carry great riders.” So says a Haitian proverb.

Now, in accordance with the astrological omens, I’m urging you to meditate on its meaning for your life. Here are four possible interpretations: 1. Are you a little horse trying to carry a great rider who’s too much for you? 2. Are you a little horse that could grow into a bigger, stronger horse worthy of a great rider? 3. Are you a great rider who is in need of a horse that is big and strong enough to serve your big, strong ambitions? 4. Would you like to be a great rider, but you can’t be one as long as you have a horse that is too small and weak?

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): Declare victory, Leo. Even if victory is not quite won yet. Even if your success is imperfect and still a bit messy around the edges. Raise your arms up in elated triumph and shout, “I am the purified champion! I am the righteous conqueror! I have outsmarted my adversaries and outmaneuvered my obstacles, and now I am ready to claim my rightful rewards!” Do this even if you’re not 100-percent confident, even if there is still some scraping or clawing ahead of you.

Celebrate your growing mastery. Congratulate yourself for how far you’ve come. In this way, you will summon what’s needed to complete your mission and achieve final, total victory.

NEEDS...

We are currently accepting applications for the following staff positions:

SALES EXECUTIVE / SALES MANAGER JUNIOR MARKETING EXECUTIVE Only Singaporeans or Permanent Residents need apply

email us at: countrymanager@asia-city.com.sg

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, june 6, 2014

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Give special attention to what will last the longest. That’s my main recommendation for you in the coming weeks.

Devote less of your energy to transitory pleasures and short-term hopes. Turn away from the small obsessions that demand far too much of your energy. Withdraw from the seemingly pressing concerns that will soon start to fade because they really aren’t that important. Instead, Virgo, devote your love and intelligence to the joys and dilemmas that will animate your life well into the future. Express reverence and care for the mysteries that will teach you for years to come.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): My favorite bridge in the world is the Golden Gate Bridge. In the hundreds of times I have driven on it over San Francisco Bay, it has never let me down. I’ve always gotten from one side to the other without any problem. In addition to its reliability, it uplifts me with its grandeur and beauty. What’s your most beloved bridge, Libra? I suggest that in the coming weeks you make it your lucky charm, your magical symbol. Why? Because the next chapter of your life story requires you to make a major crossing. You will traverse a great divide. Having your favorite bridge as a shining beacon in your imagination will inspire your strength and courage as you travel.

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): U2’s Bono has called Leonard Cohen’s song “Hallelujah” “the most perfect song in the world.” It is mournful and triumphant, despairing and uplifting. It’s a riddle that improbably offers cathartic release.

Over 300 recording artists have done cover versions of it, and it has even been the subject of books. And yet it was a challenge for Cohen to compose. He wrote more than 80 verses before choosing the few he would actually include in the final version, and in one famous session he resorted to banging his head on the floor to stimulate his creative flow. “To find that urgent song,” he said, took “a lot of work and a lot of sweat.” I nominate “Hallelujah” to be one of your sacred symbols for the next 12 months, Scorpio. From your strenuous effort, I predict, will come masterful creations.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Let me outline the breakthroughs I hope to see for

you in the coming months. First, what is pretty good about you will not interfere with what is potentially great about you, but will instead cooperate with it and boost it. Second, your past accomplishments won’t hold back your progress; you will not be tempted to rely on them at the expense of your future accomplishments. And third, the brave ideas that have motivated you so well won’t devolve into staid old dogmas; you will either renew and reinvigorate them or else move on to a new set of brave ideas.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): If you are in even moderate alignment with cosmic rhythms during the next 12 months, you will be a connoisseur and master of recycling. I’m speaking metaphorically here. What I hope is that you will reanimate worn-out inspirations and convert faded dreams into shiny new fantasies.

You will find ways to revive alliances that went off track. A once-vibrant shtick or trick that lost its cool could be retrieved from the ash heap of history and turned into a fresh, hot asset. Gear yourself up for some entertaining resurrections.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): I wish I could tell you that your power animal this month is the eagle or dolphin or panther. Having a glamorous creature like that as your ally might boost your confidence and charisma. To be paired with one of them might even activate dormant reserves of your animal intelligence. But I can’t in good conscience authorize such an honor. That’s not what the astrological omens are suggesting. In fact, your power animal this June is the bunny rabbit. Please understand that there is no shame in this. On the contrary. You should be charmed and appreciative. It signifies that you will be fertile, fast, a bit tricky and very cute. (To read an essay on the mythology of the rabbit as trickster, go here: http://tinyurl.com/rabbittrickster.)

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): The Buddhist meditation teacher Chogyam Trungpa said that one of the best ways to become fearless is to cultivate tenderness. As you expand your heart’s capacity to feel compassionate affection for the world, you have less and less to be afraid of.

That’s the opposite of the conventional wisdom, which says you become brave by toughening up, by reinforcing your psychic armor. Of all the signs of the zodiac, you Pisceans are best set up to benefit from Trungpa’s method—now even more than usual.

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): “We are born with whirlwinds, forest fires and comets inside us,” writes novelist Robert R. McCammon. “We are born able to sing to birds and read the clouds and see our destiny in grains of sand. But then we get the magic educated right out of our souls. We get it churched out, spanked out, washed out and combed out. We get put on the straight and narrow path and told to be responsible.” That’s the bad news, Aries. But now here’s the good news: The next 12 months will offer you a series of excellent opportunities to re-magic yourself. If you have not yet caught wind of the first invitation, I bet you will soon.

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): “When given a choice between owning an object and having an experience,” says art critic Holland Cotter, “I always choose the experience.” He prefers to spend his money on adventures that transform his sense of self and his understanding of the world. I recommend that approach to you in the coming weeks, Taurus. The most valuable “possessions” you can acquire will be the lessons you learn, the skills you hone and the relationships you ripen.

LAST WORD Adrianna Tan We’ve known of Adrianna Tan and her social project Culture Kitchen (www.culturekitchen.com) aimed at multicultural understanding for a while, but we started friend-crushing on her hard when we learned the young Singaporean is also a tech startup wiz and an advocate for girls’ education in India, through her foundation Gyanada (www.gyanada.org).

Here, she talks to Delle Chan about her passion for biryani, being christened The Disorganizer and escaping suicide bombs in Yemen—you know, NBD. Some of my hobbies include traveling, listening to music and driving auto rickshaws—not necessarily with a licence. I drove a tuk tuk around India once, and it was fun.

I have a Battlestar Galactica tattoo. It’s my second tattoo. I don’t usually fangirl over anything, but I’m a complete fangirl over BSG. India resonates deeply with me. I’ve been visiting it over and over again for the past ten years. I was born in Little India, my parents got married on Deepavali and I grew up convinced that I was Indian.

The craziest thing I’ve ever done was probably visiting Yemen alone in 2009. I narrowly escaped three different suicide bombs there. I had to wear a burkha, and I went around pretending to be a local as foreigners were banned from land transport. I also stayed with a local family—my host told everyone in the building that I was a descendent of the Prophet in order to stave off questions.

It’s a good thing no one asked me to come around and pray with them.

I’m quite game for anything. I don’t think that there’s anything that I would never, ever do, except maybe visit a super-risky country like Somalia.

My favorite countries are Lebanon, India and Yemen—I’ve had the good luck to visit these countries before the s*** hit the fan.

I also lived briefly in

the UAE for about a year, and that was right before the Arab Spring took place.

Alcohol is my greatest vice. I love whisky and gin, and it also doesn’t help that I’m dating a bartender.

Many people think I’m an extrovert, but it’s actually the other way round—I’m very introverted.

Love is being in a healthy relationship, with room for both people to grow and inspire each other. It’s about jumping out of bed excited to do things together with the person you’ve chosen to spend the rest of your life with. And to me, it’s also one of the hardest things to find in life.

I started Culture Kitchen because I was convinced that we needed more dialogue and understanding between different ethnic groups here in Singapore, especially with Singaporeans’ strong xenophobic sentiments at that time. Food and art are great ways to get conversations started.

I get annoyed when people settle for less

I wish I could be less disorganized.

I’m a bit of a scatterbrain. My team members at Culture Kitchen even say that they want me to make a shirt with the slogan “The Disorganizer”.

I get annoyed when people settle for less, just because it’s easier to. People often don’t make enough decisions for themselves, or are too afraid or inert to change their lot in life.

Mediocrity scares me.

If I could be granted a superpower, I would want a special chip in my head that would let me speak every single language in the world. I’m fluent in English and Mandarin, and I get by in Thai and Hindi. I’m also learning Bahasa Indonesia now.

Biryani—I love eating it and cooking it. Someday, I want to go on a biryani tour of the world.

We as Singaporeans don’t give ourselves enough credit. We can actually be quite collaborative and open to change, but we don’t notice that because we’ve been immersed in our own society all our lives.

Richard Branson was right—entrepreneurs should start something even before they feel completely ready for it. Don’t overthink things too much, and trust your gut instinct.

Steve Jobs is my idol. He once said, “You can’t connect the dots looking forward; you can only connect them looking backwards. So you have to trust that the dots will somehow connect in your future.” This is something that is very important to me, and it gives me faith in the things I do.

In 10 years time, I hope to be writing novels on my yacht, or in my own hotel. I really want to open a hotel someday, perhaps in a place like Thailand. I also hope that I’ll still be working on projects I care about.

Life is like coffee. You can take it whatever way you like—sometime it’s terrible, commercial, watery and tasteless, but you can also go out of your way to make it really amazing.

Keep your eyes peeled for our handy nightlife guide, with the city’s best cocktail bars, rooftop spots, wine lounges and more. Get it with your June 20 issue.

is r a up p th r fo C le Fli ove orld edu e id W Sch gu plete ch at m co 4 M 201

BEST BARS

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nightloifre gu e ide

2014

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FRIDAY, june 6, 2014 I-S MAGAZINE 23

JUNE \ 2014

17 JIAK KIM STREET SINGAPORE 169420 +65 6738 2988

06.FRI

13.FRI

20.FRI

ZOUK

ZOUK

ZOUK

EP!C PRESENTS LAIDBACK LUKE NED WITH FORMATIVE

ZSS PRESENTS HARD ROCK SOFA RUS WITH HONG

ZSS PRESENTS FORMATIVE

VELVET UNDERGROUND-DANCE VELVET UNDERGROUND-DANCE

PHUTURE

PARA//EL PRESENTS FRITZ KALKBRENNER LIVE,GER WITH ADRIAN WEE

100% BULLETPROOF WITH GHETTO & ROUGH FEAT. SHIGGA SHAY

PARA//EL PRESENTS LAURA JONES UK, SG DEBUT! WITH ADRIAN WEE

WINEBAR

FFFRIDAYS PRESENTS A/K/A + DURIO

07.SAT

14.SAT ZOUK

ZOUK

TRANSFIX TYDI AUS WITH HONG

PRESENTS

POPTART 'WATCH THE STARS NOW MOVING' WITH WEELIKEME,JAH & KIDG

ZOUK

ZSS PRESENTS FORMATIVE & HONG

VELVET UNDERGROUND-DANCE

SOLID GOLD KOFLOW FEAT. KEVIN LESTER + THE PROFESSOR

VELVET UNDERGROUND-DANCE

DISCO:VERY PRESENTS NORMAN JAY MBE UK WITH ADRIAN WEE & ALDRIN

PHUTURE

DROPIT!!!

WITH MATTHEW & ANDREW CHOW FEAT. MATTHIAS (WICKED AURA)LIVE

Citibank Clear Platinum Cardmembers enjoy 5X Rewards, Free Entry and 1-for-1 drinks at Velvet Underground-Dance & Wine Bar. To apply, visit www.citibank.com.sg/clearplatinum Terms and Conditions apply.

Every Fri > Velvet Underground - Dance / Cue Up! with Jeremy Boon & Lincey Phuture / Bulletproof with Ghetto & Matthew

PA

Every Sat > Velvet Underground - Dance / Cue Up! with Jeremy Boon & Lincey Phuture / DROPit with Matthew & Ghetto

Every Wed > TGIW : ZOUK / Bounce with Ghetto & The Professor feat. MC EJ. Velvet Underground-Dance / Mix & Match with Adrian Wee & FORMATIVE Phuture / CHARGED with Hong & Lincey

21.SAT