I-S Magazine June 28 (Issue 630).pdf

Jun 28 - jul 11, 2013

# 6 3 0 | I n s i d e s i n g a p o r e | www.is-magazine.com

Men of Steel Meet the guys, girls and even government officials challenging the status quo

Free inside!

After Hours: the definitive guide to more than 100 of Singapore's best bars, clubs and cocktail spots Or download the I-S Tablet App for an exciting, interactive version: is-magazine.com/app

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

Mo’ Money, Mo’ Problems

So PM Lee won’t say he’s worth the money he gets paid, but he won’t say he isn’t either. He will say it’s worth paying someone a lot of money to do his job, because if you don’t you won’t get the best person you possibly could. But, come now friends, he’s not saying he’s the best. And he’s definitely not saying how much he gets paid, and absolutely not confirming—to the BBC or anyone else—that he’s the highest paid head of government in the world, because then, if if it were true, you’d know he thinks he’s the best.

6

Cover Story Pretty in Pink

17

Don’t worry, though. That kind of labyrinthine logic might give the rest of us poorly paid plebs a brain meltdown, but it’s no biggie to him. It’s the kind of priceless, A-grade leadership we’re paying him for!

SHOPPING

Keep your shirt on

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20

19

TRAVEL

DINING

TECH

Luang Prabang Half Marathon

Exploring Amoy Street

Sound buys

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FILM

LAST WORD

Man of Steel

Anthony Chen

Who's in charge?

Where to find us!

Country Manager Andrew Hiransomboon countrymanager@asia-city.com.sg

Assistant Marketing Manager Silver Adrienna Ng Marketing Assistant Lia Roslan

Managing Editor Ric Stockfis editor@asia-city.com.sg

Advertising Director Bernadine Reddy salesdirector@asia-city.com.sg

Associate Editors Terry Ong, Hidayah Salamat Staff Writer - Dining Editor Chin Hui Wen Staff Writer - Style Editor Crystal Lee Editorial Intern Ranice Tan

Sales Manager Daniel Lim Executives, Media Sales Brian Tan, Carmen Low

Custom Content Editor Clara Lim Editorial Assistants Azimin Saini, Khairul Amri Art Director Intan Agustina Deputy Art Director Tetuko Hanggoro Prasetyowibowo Designers Fishy Toh, Zhou Jixuan Multimedia Designer Photographer Mossy Chew Wenzhi Design Interns Alifiya Zakir, Robson Tan

ACMG Digital Digital Product Manager Nancy Ide

Group Directors Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia‑city.co.th Chief Operating Officer Steve Freeman sfreeman@asia‑city.com.hk

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 Hong Kong Asia City Publishing Ltd. 301 Hollywood Centre 233 Hollywood Road, Hong Kong Tel: 852‑2850‑5065 Fax: 852‑2543‑1880 asiacity@asia‑city.com.hk Shanghai shonline@asia‑city.com.cn

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So, although we don’t know for sure that he’s paid five times what Obama gets (and hey, even if that were true, most of it would presumably go on COE, ERP and a season pass for the G-Max bungee anyway), we can at least speculate how Singapore might be improved if the same principle applied to some other industries.

Just imagine. Pay cabbies the same salary we now pay doctors and—abracadabra!—you’ve solved the rush hour taxi shortage and got yourself some surgically steady hands behind the wheel. Oh, but then we’d be down a doctor or two... hundred! So let’s increase their wages to match the bankers’ crazy millions. All those alpha-male types could still make their fortune but now save some lives at the same time. It might even mean shorter queues for sandwiches around Raffles Place come lunchtime.

But wait! Who’s going to keep the financial system afloat? Well if you want talent you have to be prepared to pay for it, right? So let’s raise banker bonuses into the trillions and watch all the government officials come running. As PM Lee says, they’re not doing their current jobs for “King and Country” anyway; so you could hardly blame them.

That just leaves one pesky problem: no-one running the place! And that’s where we—your humble journalistic servants—step in. Let us reassure you we know what we’re doing. Are we the best candidates for the job?

Well, we couldn’t possibly say. Do we deserve it? Judge us on what we do, not what we’ve done. Are we worth all that money? Well, it’s true we wouldn’t ordinarily take a job without knowing what the salary is, but in this case—for the honor of serving you, the people— we’re willing to chance it.

contests, updates, stories

latest news and trends

facebook.com/ismagazine

@is_magazine FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE 3

UP FRONT Giveaways

The food’s on us This week, we’re giving away $200 worth of dining vouchers at the new Red House Seafood Restaurant @ 68 Prinsep Street To enter, go to is-magazine.com/ giveaways, register and tell us why you deserve to win.

Be Good Trigger Happy Shutterbugs with a heart can participate in a photography competition organized by Bright Vision Hospital (BVH), a community hospital providing personalized healthcare services for the needy.

Participants can win up to $1,000 cash each, with BVH aiming to raise $40,000 through a charity bazaar (happening in the first week of Jan 2014) featuring the sales of selected photographs, as well as through cash contributions. Deadline for photograph entries is Dec 1, before 6pm. To enter the competition, visit www.bvh.org.sg to download the entry form or call Mr Kuo Yuoyi at 6248-5755 for more information on how you can help out.

OB Index

Xkcd www.xkcd.com

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

Mu

With four major protests having taken place this year at Speaker’s Corner (including gatherings to register displeasure at the White Paper on Population, the new MDA online news regulations and the outcome of the Malaysian elections) and Pink Dot slated for Jun 29 (see Cover Story, page 6), it appears, for now at least, that organizing a peaceful demonstration here is a little easier than it once was. (The only major event that took place at the park last year was Pink Dot). Or perhaps people are just getting more vocal. Either way, we’d say that’s a positive development.

We

SG

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

Lifestyle Funding What better way to rejuvenate the tourism industry than to dangle a carrot for new ideas? A $5 million incentive scheme called the Kickstart Fund was recently announced to support experimental concepts across many lifestyle sectors. Financial assistance aside, recipients will also be connected to industry veterans like St. James Power Station’s Dennis Foo and Lo & Behold’s Andrew Ing in a mentorship program that aims to harness its tourism potential.

Quote of the Week

Thermometer HOT

iOS 7.

Rumor has it Siri can now get us dressed in the morning.

Amazon’s free shipping to Singapore.

Big ticket items don’t come with a big fee anymore.

Dengue.

10,000 cases already this year and two deaths in less than a month. Not cool.

JEM. The new mall out West.

Safer than Orchard Cineleisure, it seems.

The haze.

Now the worst since ’97.

Indonesia—you know smoking’s bad for you, right?

NOT

“... a world more surreal than the peak of MTV Cribs.”

A Goodreads.com user on Kevin Kwan’s new satirical novel Crazy Rich Asians. The book is set in Singapore.

WE’VE ORGANIZED A YEAR’S WORTH OF FREE READER EVENTS. JOIN US! Sep 18-20, Wed-Fri

Thai Time Come September, enjoy a weekend break in Phuket in the company of our travel writers, courtesy of Twin Palms and Tiger Airways.

Jul 27, Sat, 8am

Green Peace Find that long lost state of zen with a special outdoor yoga session courtesy of Green Yoga @ MacRitchie.

To apply, go to www.is-magazine.com/isx Sources: Asia One, MICA, The New Paper, Publichouse.sg, The Straits Times, Today.

4 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, June 28, 2013

CALENDAR Essential Events June 27 - July 6 DON’T Miss

Or go for all-American bourbon, beer pong, fried snacks and hiphop jams at Stars & Stripes. Yep, it’s pretty much a frat party at the beach—good times. Jul 7, 2pm.

Tanjong Beach Club., 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, 6270-1355. Free.

And because there are few activities more patriotic than downing copious amounts of Bud via a bong, check out The Budweiser Beer Bong Challenge final showdown. Sweet land o’ liberty, indeed. Jul 7, 5pm. Coq & Balls, 6 Kim Tian Rd., 6276-6609, www.coqnballs.com

Yank It Up For a wholesome Fourth of July, there’s the American Association of Singapore’s Independence Day Celebration, with games and grub for the whole family. Plus: fireworks! Jun 29, 4pm. Singapore American School, 40 Woodlands Street 41, 6363-3403. Free.

For more events and parties for the Fourth of July, log onto is.gd/ 4thjulypartiessg.

CALENDAR THURSDAY, june 27 Beach bar-hop at the launch of Coastes’s new 5-in-1 beachside destination C Side. 5pm.

C Side, 50 Siloso Beach Walk, 66318938, www. facebook. com/ Wala Wala CSideSingapore.

Invite-only.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28 Blu Jaz night Pushin’ On tries out a cool new insider-hipster location, with funk favorites Masterpiece & The Mighty Mighty and Melbournian teenagers Karate Boogaloo holding court. 9pm. Manhattan House. See Nightlife, page 28.

SATURDAY, JUNE 29 Buy creations by the likes of Noël Caleb and Rêvasseur right off the runways models’ backs (well, almost) at Fashion in a City.

5pm. Avalon, South Crystal Pavilion, Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7448, www.avalon. sg. Invite-only.

The Home Club Portraiture Project “yearbook” launches with Tom Shellsuit on the decks and giveaways galore.

Expect a year’s worth of scene faces plus an after party with some of Home Club’s finest.

8pm. Home Club. See Scenestealer, page 28.

SUNDAY, JUNE 30 What better time to connect with us (www.facebook. com/ismagazine) than on Social Media Day?

OPEN DOOR 9pm. The Library. See Nightlife, page 28.

FRIDAY, JULy 5 Private preview of For the Love of… with works revolving around love of all kinds by 13 Southeast Asian artists, plus Jada Art’s collection of art by the late Chinese artist Huang Yao. Plenty of boozin’ and schmoozin’ for sure. 6:30pm. Ion Art Gallery, 4/F ION, 2 Orchard Turn, 6238-8228, www.jadaart.sg. Invite-only.

SATURDAY, juLY 6

Celebrate Holland V institution Wala Pep up a gray Wala’s 20th Tuesday with birthday with one-for-one eight hours of Hendricks gin live music from & tonics until 9 performers like pm at The Cufflink Jack and Rai, Shirlyn Club’s G&T Tuesday. & the UnXpected 5pm. The Cufflink Club, The Cufflink Club and Pennylane. 3pm.

6 Jiak Chuan Rd., www.

Wala Wala, 31 Lorong thecufflinkclub.com.

Mambong, 6462-4288, www. facebook.com/walawala.sg. Free.

WEDNESDAY, JULY 3 Check in at Forward ft. Robert Which secret bar is Babicz to catch this prolific hosting their second Pole (musician, producer and Electric Jitterbug filmmaker, don’t you know) Swing Parade? Learn as he dishes out a live set of the password and techno-, minimal- and acid you can get swinging house-inflected music. 10pm. (musically, mind) with Kyo, Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil big band jams and St., www.clubkyo.com. $20. old-school tipples.

MONDAY, JULY 1

Robert Babicz

Petite Menu

The buzz: A fresh addition to hip neighborhood Jalan Besar, this affordable bistro is headed by chef Nixon Low who trained at top fine-dining establishments such as Saint Pierre and Restaurant ANDRE. The vibe: It looks like

the typical three-star hotel cafe. There’s a buffet set up just by the kitchen, generic prints of food on the walls and pleather banquette seats.

Laminated menus and mainstream pop music contribute to the decidedly low brow vibe.

The food: Far better and more ambitious than the décor would imply. Chef Low puts out artfully and precisely plated starters like roasted cauliflower with truffle scent and brioche toast ($7), and a house mesclun salad with ume and sesame ($8)—which is served on a trendy slate board—as well as mains

such as chicken confit with braised purple cabbage ($13). Dessert offerings include Blackforest ($7) a deconstructed take on the classic cake comprising “hazelnut soil” served with a mini spade. In stark contrast to these offerings, there’s also a selection of local delights like char kuay teow ($7).

The drinks: Non-alcoholic beverages like juice ($5), coffee ($4) and tea ($4). Plus, standard spirits like Beefeater gin ($12), Martell VSOP ($14) and Absolut vodka ($12).

Why you’ll be back: If you can get

past the rather dive-y feel of the space, the food is actually pretty darn good and great value too.

Chin Hui Wen

1/F Aqueen Lavender Hotel, 139 Lavender St., 6395-7782, www.aqueenhotels.com.

Open daily 7am-11pm.

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE 5

COVER STORY

The Not-So Straight Story Why there’s never been a better time to be gay in Singapore.

By Terry Ong and Ric Stockfis

L

et’s not mince words: it ain’t always easy being gay in Singapore. It isn’t even easy writing about anything gay here. At times it seems as if everyone knows what’s going on, yet no-one’s quite sure what’ll happen if they come out and say it. A case of the Emperor’s—or better yet the Queen’s—New Clothes.

Recently, though, the chorus of people willing to say something has become, if not necessarily more vocal than their predecessors, then at least easier to hear.

People partying, people protesting, people putting on empowering plays, people challenging long-standing laws—and not being shut down like perhaps they would have been before (see Through the Ages, p. 8). Given that the long-received wisdom about Singapore has been that it’s anything but gay-friendly, that’s a truly astonishing turn-around.

So while there’s still a way to go, rather than turn in a term-paper on the battles fought and still to come, we thought a tour of the frontline was in order. How has this change come about? Why now? And what evidence is there for progress?

1. Pink Dot gets bigger and bigger every year.

2. Mainstream venues are putting on gay nights.

It was 30 years ago that landmark disco venue Niche opened here, allowing Last year’s rally for inclusivity, Pink Dot same sex dancing for the first time. And despite a bumpy ride along the (pinkdot.sg), was—say the organizers— way (it was as recently as 2005 that the Nation V open air dance parties attended by more than 15,000 people (a huge were banned), it’s no longer unusual to find gay nights at mainstream leap from the inaugural edition in 2009 which venues. Uber-cool CBD club Kyo (clubkyo.com) recently introduced a new pulled in just 2,500), with even more expected gay night, which takes place every Sunday. "It's a night where at this year’s edition, taking place this weekend (June 29) at Hong “For the most everyone can just let their hair down, be themselves and just have fun," says Kyo's creative manager Sharmaine Khoo.

Lim Park.

It’s sponsored by giants Paerin Choa part, it is good That follows hot on the heels of Broadcast HQ’s (broadcasthq. like Google, Barclays and—this to be gay in com) popular Mercury Rising which launched late last year—J.P. Morgan, Park Royal Hotel and more. Now that’s mainstream. year and was explicitly billed as “not a ‘friendly’ or ‘pink’ Pink Dot spokesperson Paerin Choa thinks that all of this speaks to Singapore.” or ‘happy’ night—it’s a gay night”. (That was on Facebook, the fact “that things are changing, and that more and more open-minded Stuart Koe, Fridae.com which has allowed venues to be far more forthright in their Singaporeans are willing to speak up for issues that they care about”. marketing than ever before.) Interestingly, one person convinced things He points out that, “Pink Dot has never been just a ‘gay thing’. It provides a platform are looking up is Stuart Koe, founder of pioneering personals website for anyone who wants a more open-minded and inclusive Singapore to make a stand, Fridae.com (which was behind the Nation V parties). He thinks that, regardless of his or her own sexual orientation.”

“For the most part, it is good to be gay in Singapore. We’ve got options, What to expect from this year’s event? Choa says that as well as “a community tent, where we’ve got outlets, and we’ve got a community that is growing in size visitors can mingle with our many community and support groups,” there’ll be “performances and diversity… I’d argue that the positives outweigh the negatives.” from notable local names including acapella group Vocaluptuous, singers Joanna Dong and Wayne Sandosham, indie band Typewriter and dance group Vogeulicious.”

» 6 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013

COVER STORY 3. Gay plays are selling out.

Got an evening free in July? Then head on over to LASALLE College of the Arts, where from 3-20 July you can watch a restaging of local playwright Alfian Sa’at’s early work Dreamplay: Asian Boys Vol. 1, a campy gaycentric comedy about “a goddess on a heroic mission to earth to save gay men from themselves” (and we’re just quoting the press release here!). That’s if you can get a ticket.

This year already has seen packed stalls for W!ld Rice’s version of The Importance of Being Earnest back in April, which featured an all-male cast and was filled with subtle homosexual innuendo. Indeed, theater company W!ld Rice (where Sa’at is Resident Playwright), and its Founding Artistic Director Ivan Heng, have been behind some of the boldest and most provocative works here; including a performance of the famously camp La Cage Aux Folles at the Esplanade Theatre last summer.

It’s not all plain sailing, however. Heng (who’s also a spokesperson for this year’s Pink Dot), came out in an interview with the Straits Times last month, but believes he’s had it easier than others. “I am lucky to work in theater where there is an understanding and acceptance of difference. But I know of many creative and talented people who have left Singapore, carrying the burden of being in the closet,” he says.

Ivan Heng in La Cage Aux Folles

4. You can buy a gay magazine.

Well, so long as you have your iPad, that is. Gay-themed online magazine Element (www.elementmag.asia), which published its first issue in April of this year and is billed as the “voice of gay Asia,” is the city’s first since Manazine ceased publication in 2005 and suggests the open-mindedness encouraged by the likes of Pink Dot and Wild Rice might be taking root. “Our vision for the publication is to challenge the negative stereotypical perception towards the LGBT community as well as LGBT lifestyle publications by creating inspiring, healthy and intellectual content that will address the social issues facing the community,” says Managing Director Hiro Mizuhara.

There’s still a degree to which they’re hedging their bets. Although Mizuhura insists, “There is no nudity… but only stories promoting the various social issues which are in the agenda of the Media Development Authority (MDA) or other governmental organizations,” the magazine is hosted on a US server and is available only in digital form (from the Apple App Store and Google Play), not in print. A spokesperson for the MDA (www.mda.gov.sg) confirms that in recognition of the “borderless nature of the internet” they have “opted for a pragmatic and light-touch approach to Internet regulation” and that “online magazines like Element do not need to be licensed under the Newspaper and Printing Presses Act.” The magazine now has over 9,000 local subscribers, with its second issue just out, and has attracted advertisers including local superclub Avalon and menswear label Paul Smith. However you cut it, that’s progress.

Element Magazine

Through the ages

Mar 1993 Trevvy.com (then known as sgboy.com), a dating profile site for gay men was formed.

Independent publishers like Math Paper Press (booksactually.com/mathpaperpress.html) have put out an impressive array of gay literature in recent years (see The Write Stuff, p. 12), among them Leow Yangfa’s I Will Survive Leow Yangfa (www.facebook.com/IwillsurviveSG), which features real-life accounts of LGBT experiences and was launched last month at the Books Actually store.

“We’d like to…

“The response has been fantastic,” says publisher make it the Kenny Leck. “What we observed is that casual browsers bestseller of all and regular readers understand that a good book has bestsellers” been published, and want to read it and are buying it.

Kenny Leck of Books We’d like to print even more copies, and sell even more Actually on I Will Survive of it. Make it the bestseller of all bestsellers. The idea is to share the stories, ideas and perspectives.”

Leow himself sounds a note of caution. “Although it is possible to publish works with LGBT content here, it is still hard to get government funding or mainstream media coverage,” he says. “For example, you will never see a LGBT segment at the Singapore Writers Festival, even though there are plenty of openlyqueer writers with queer sensibilities featured every year writing queer stuff.

Similarly, none of the people in the mainstream media even want to talk to me about the book.” To which we say, thank goodness for non-mainstream media!

We chart the peaks and pitfalls of the LGBT community.

Dec 2000 Asia’s pioneering Gay personals website Fridae.com was formed, with an eye towards being a platform for advocacy.

I-S ONLINE: View the full timeline at is.gd/lgbttimelinesg

8 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013

5. There’s some serious queer literary talent (even if you don’t know it).

Aug 8 2001 Nation, Fridae.com’s first large scale and highly advertised dance party was held, testing the boundaries of the time.

Apr 2005 Fridae.com’s Nation.V party was banned. This marked the end of all large scale open air gay dance parties.

Aug 2005 IndigNation, Singapore’s annual LGBT pride month was first held in response to the banning of Nation Parties.

Jan 25-27 2008 Golden Village organized The Love and Pride Film Festival dedicated to LGBT films.

CQ Life After 5 IS Magazine 28 June - FA HIGH RES.pdf

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6/20/13

10:58 AM

6. Even (some) politicians think the laws are out of date.

Legal analysis? Don’t switch off just yet—we’ll keep it brief.

The biggest sticking point in any debate about “progress” is the continued existence of Section 377A of the Penal Code (a colonial legacy, which prohibits any form of sexual activity between two men, both in public or private spaces). The hetero equivalent—banning “unusual sex”—was repealed in 2007.

Critics, unsurprisingly, argue keeping it on the books is discriminatory. Among them, perhaps more surprisingly, MP Baey Yam Keng, from the People’s Action Party, who thinks it ought to be changed. “While almost all Western countries do not have similar laws, we will argue that it is not relevant for us to take reference from them. However, we are also choosing not to benchmark Singapore against countries like China, Indonesia, Thailand, Japan, South Korea and the Philippines which do not have laws that criminalize male sexual activity,” he says. Although he adds that there is no real urgency yet for the government to repeal it right away.

So although the official line may be rather non-committal (in January, PM Lee was also quoted as saying, “Why is that law on the books? Because it's always been there and I think we just leave it") it’s not a stretch to think change might be coming. “If it takes another 20 years or so, it might be too long, so hopefully within the decade,” says Baey.

C

Baey Yam Keng

M

There is no such prohibition for gay women. That may— in part—explain why the highest profile advocates for gay rights in Singapore are mostly male.

Y

CM

MY

CY

CMY

K

»

May 16 2009 The first Pink Dot SG was held. It was attended by 2,500 people and received international media attention.

Jun 30 2012 Pink Dot SG continues to grow and attracts 15,000 participants.

Barclays joins Google as its official supporter.

Jun 29 2013 The fifth Pink Dot happens with more corporate sponsors like J.P. Morgan. Azimin Saini

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE 9

COVER STORY GROUP on

7. Plenty of people seem to agree.

Community groups making a difference.

Free Community Church

Pelangi Pride Centre

#03-00 Century Technology Building, 56 Lorong 23 Geylang, www. freecomchurch.org

#03-00 Century Technology Building, 56 Lorong 23 Geylang.

9134-3466, www. pelangipridecentre.org

A Christian church that welcomes individuals of all backgrounds, including sexual orientation.

An GLBTQ resource center with a library on LGBT themes.

Operates every Saturday 2-6pm.

Sayoni www.sayoni.com

An organization dedicated to empower and support Asian queer women through its website and regular meet ups.

People Like Us www.plu.sg

A group that focuses on advocacy and public education.

SAFE Singapore www.safesingapore. blogspot.sg

Oogachaga 41A Mosque Street, 6226-2002, www. oogachaga.com

Community organization that provides counselling and support to LGBT individuals.

A group started by parents, families and friends of LGBTQ individuals to support, affirm and empower families.

10 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013

SGRainbow www.sgrainbow. blogspot.sg

An online platform for young gay and bisexual men with offline activities conducted in safe social settings.

Azimin Saini

In fact, local couple Gary Lim and Kenneth Chee are currently challenging the constitutionality of 377A; though their case won’t be heard in the Court of Appeal till the end of the year. This isn’t the first time such a challenge has been lodged (in 2010 another was—rather ironically—dismissed for “lack of a real controversy”), but social media could make this one a game changer. The couple has already raised more than US$100,000 for their cause through crowd-funding platform Indiegogo (www.indiegogo. com), twice the amount that they had hoped for.

Gary Lim & Kenneth Chee “We have faced discrimination in school, the army and at the workplace,” says Lim. “People can’t understand what they don’t know and the status quo here is that LGBT issues are not frankly discussed and portrayed. However, globalization and the advent of digital and social media have fostered a shift in societal perceptions.”

“The city loses a lot of face internationally by dint of having these anti-gay laws,” says local playwright Ng Yi-Sheng, author of gay poetry anthology Last Boy. “Some gay people are scared to work or travel here just because they've heard about the anti-gay laws.”

Others, including Fridae.com’s Stuart Koe, think it’s only a matter of time before the law is repealed. “I believe most of the government considers it a dead law, save a few conservative individuals. It’s not a question of if it will happen, but rather when.”

Singapore lags behind many of its near-neighbors. Homosexuality is legal in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan and Thailand. We’re still on the same page as Malaysia, though.

»

COVER STORY september 20th & 21st 2013 marina barrage, singapore PHASE 2

The Write Stuff Five new gay-themed books for further reading.

PHASE 1 INTERNATIONAL LIVE ACTS

I Will Survive by Leow Yangfa Nearly 300 pages worth of personal gay encounters and coming out stories that will not only move you, but jolt you out of your mundane existence.

INTERNATIONAL DJ SETS

LOCALS & REGIONALs live

LOCALS & REGIONALs DJ SETS

PHASE 3 announcement aug 1

1worldfest .com

OFFICIAL MAGAZINE

The Invisible Manuscript by Alfian Sa’at If you think his political commentaries were sharp, wait till you get a load of his poems. Sa’at reveals all with this set of quietly devastating paeans to transient gay love, culled from his current and previous relationships.

Scattered Vertebrae by Jerrold Yam Yam’s “coming out poems” densely trace the uncertainties of a gay childhood and all its insecurities—the perfect place to start for the uninitiated.

Straws, Sticks, Bricks by Cyril Wong Wong’s latest call to arms flow more like fractured narratives than they do poems, with brilliant observations of the true nature of desire.

Tender Delirium

by Tania De Rozario Funny and biting, Rozario’s matter-of-act recollections of past love and crushes will resonate with many Gen Y-ers. Terry Ong All books are priced at $16 from Books Actually, 8 Yong Siak St., 6222-9195, www. booksactually.com.

12 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013

8. And the government is adopting a lighter approach.

Exactly what the government thinks of all this is hard to discern; though the fact that it’s happening at all speaks volumes.

Lee Kuan Yew has himself questioned why we criminalize what is simply a “genetic variation”. But the laissez-faire approach makes it hard to point to concrete advances.

Almost everyone we spoke to cited the MDA’s guidelines regarding representations of homosexuality in Alan Seah the media as a big stumbling block. “[They] only allow for negative portrayals of LGBT people to be shown in mainstream media, so Singaporeans don’t get to see us as the regular folk that we are,” says Alan Seah, LGBT activist and member of Pink Dot. Sam Ho, a straight activist for the transgender community in Singapore, who formed the LGBT ally group SinQSA, finds it frustrating that “we have celebrations of straightness being blasted on all of our media platforms” with far fewer positive representations of gay life. He goes on, “Heck, even the National Day Parade, probably the most "The MDA watched local production, is a celebration of straightness.”

The regulations, though, are not what they once will not seek were. In the past, content guidelines grouped “alternative to defend a lifestyles,” including homosexuality, alongside some status quo rather wild practices (“worship of the occult or the devil” when the anyone?). Small wonder they had a bad rep. But an MDA spokesperson tells us that they “regularly review” their community policies to ensure they are “in line with…community has moved standards and mores” and they will not “seek to defend past it” a status quo when the community has moved past it.”

MDA spokesperson That approach is reflected in their new TV content guidelines, which came into effect in December. Now homosexuality is treated as “mature content” which will “generally attract an NC16 or M18 rating.” By contrast, the guidelines for imported publications (in force since 2009) still prohibit magazines that “encourage, promote or glamorize sexually permissive and alternative lifestyles” (defined as including sexual activity involving persons of the same gender). Local magazines meanwhile—including this one—are largely self-regulated (this story hasn’t been pre-vetted, for example); we’re instead expected to be “responsible in [our] reporting and… [take] into consideration societal norms and cultural sensitivities.”

So, while there’s a whiff of self-contradiction across the various policies, there’s no doubt the situation is evolving and it’s unrealistic to expect blanket change over night. On balance, we think credit is due to the government for the moves it has made of late in this direction.

9. There’s more to come.

Pink Dot is just the icing on the cake. The team from Element will also be holding its first Asia Pink Awards later this year, honoring F&B, travel and fashion players across Asia that are “truly gay-friendly and contributed to the community,” says Managing Director Hiro Mizuhara, and the annual Indignation (http://indignationsg.wordpress.com) will also be taking place Aug 3-31 across various venues like theater space 72-13 and the Singapore Botanic Gardens, featuring live music performances, talks and film screenings including Gen Silent, about ageing LGBTs in the US. And as for clubbing beyond Kyo’s new night, veteran DJ George Leong is still packing in the crowds with his new Sunday gay nights Salvation at Dream (#01-07/08 Blk. C Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., www.salvation. sg), which appeals not just to the gay community, as well as new gay bar OUT Bar (43 Neil Rd., 6224-2865, www.facebook.com/OutBarSingapore), which features live cabaret performances. “These events are testament that LGBTs should just be themselves and walk with their heads held high,” says Sharmaine Kyo's Sharmaine Khoo. "Integrate and contribute to Khoo society. Fall in love in the sunlight, not the shadows." n

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

ESCAPE ROUTES

with Chin Hui Wen

Pullman Phuket Arcadia

Four On Drupadi

BIG Hotel

THAIL AND

l AOS

Phuket’s one of our favorite destinations. Though far from undiscovered, it boasts great beach clubs and some really stellar resorts.

We like it so much we’re even hosting an I-S Xperience (is.asia-city.com/ isx) there from September 18-20 — a trip to Phuket care of Twin Palms (106/46 Moo 3, Surin Beach Rd., Cherng Talay, Phuket, +66 0 7631-6500, twinpalms-phuket.com) and Tiger Airways (www.tigerairways.com). One of the newest additions to the island is Pullman Phuket Arcadia (22/2 Moo 4 Tambon Saku, Amphur Talang, Phuket, +66 0 7630-3299), now offering soft opening rates starting at B3,066 ($125) through October 31. Set on a cliff overlooking the Andaman Sea on Nai Thon Beach, the resort has 277 rooms, suites and pool villas. It also has a cool watering hole C Bar where guests can lounge in an in-pool sofa and enjoy the sea views. Read more at www. pullmanphuketarcadia.com.

Runners can use their big hearts to power more than just epic runs, with the Luang Prabang Half Marathon (LPHM) set to happen on Oct 5. There are 7km, 14km and 21km races and participants don’t pay fees but instead make charitable contributions (from $200 for a guaranteed spot) to international NGO Friends International (www. friends-international.org). On the philanthropic aspect of the race, event founder Michael Gilmore says, “One of our motivations was to see if we could create a new business model for destination races. If you add up the amount of money that gets spent on the tourism around a destination race, it can be huge, but often only a fraction of that stays in town.” Find out more at www.luangprabanghalfmarathon.com.

Pull Together

INDONESIA

Four-way Traffic At another popular beach getaway Bali, luxe retreat Four On Drupadi (Jalan Drupadi No. 4, Seminyak, Bali, +62 3 6173-4656) is set to reopen this month.

The refurbished resort—which is five minutes from Kuta Beach—will include a new villa (the sixth on the property), Oaini (from US$310 ($387)), decorated in traditional Chinese style. Get the full details at www.fourondrupadi.com.

Half Hearted

Read our full interview with Michael Gilmore at is.gd/ michaelgilmore

STAYC ATION

The Big Idea We’re huge supporters of homegrown brands and locally-based BIG Hotel (200 Middle Rd., 6809-7988) is now open on Middle Road in Singapore’s heritage district. The space looks pretty cool. It features Scandinavian-style interiors as well as functional tech features and gadgets, including personal in-room tablets.

The boutique establishment is offering a promotional rate of $128 to boot.

For more information, head to www. bighotel.com.

Looking to get away?

Sign up at www.is-magazine.com/user/register#newsletter to get Escape Routes delivered to your mailbox every Tuesday.

14Shanti I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013 & L Ad.indd 1

20/5/13 2:09 PM

island

STYLE + LIVING + DINING | Get More Out of Singapore

Spaced Out If you’re in severe need of a detox (or a de-stress) but only have the weekend to spare, ESPA at Resorts World Sentosa’s (8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8899) series of one to three-day health retreat programs should help. They’re personalized and include the spa’s signature treatments such as the hammam, activities like aqua aerobics and yoga, healthy meals prepared by celeb chef couple Sam and Forest Leong, as well as unlimited access to spa facilities. Starts from $718++ per night for one person.

home Shelf Life

lunch Trail Blazer

tech Big Shot

The new multi-purpose Elston Modular Shelf does more than hold your stuff; its bold, angular look will hold everyone’s attention. Each L-shaped unit is made of engineered wood with a bright matte finish and can be combined and arranged in limitless ways, like playing life-sized Tetris. $189.95 from CB2, Peranakan Place Complex, 178A Orchard Rd., 6732-5333, www.cb2.com.

Bukit Pasoh’s now a real foodie enclave. But area pioneer Majestic Restaurant (G/F New Majestic Hotel, 31-37 Bukit Pasoh Rd., 6511-4718, www.restaurantmajestic. com) still holds its own as the only place doing exemplary modern Chinese fare—by chef-owner Yong Bing Ngen— such as stewed mee sua with oyster and crab roe. It’s priced at $50 per person for the five-course set lunch.

The DSLR may have become the face of masterful photography in recent times, but it’s about to get its butt kicked by a range of compact system cameras, especially Samsung’s latest offering, the NX300. With its whopping 20.3 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor, 1/6000 shutter speed and 3.31” touch screen, this one’s surely one to show off. $999 from the Samsung Flagship Store, #02-29 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, 6376-9150.

16 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, june 28, 2013

island

food + fashion + fitness + tech + health + home

style

Benjamin Barker

On the Button

Measure Up

Five must-have shirts, one for every occasion.

By Crystal Lee

N

o man’s wardrobe is ever complete without a collection of perfect fit shirts. But with endless styles, colors and cuts to choose from, it’s all too easy to stick to what you know. Boring! Here are five slick staples to cover you for every scenario—be it the boardroom, a black tie event or a hot date.

Good for you if you can wear small, medium and large, but generic ready-to-wear never feels as good as a handcrafted, bespoke dress shirt. Get measured at Kevin Seah Bespoke for a traditional Savile Row standard, which feature fine 1/8” French seams, 23 stitches per inch stitching and mother pearl.

All these mean you get a shirt for you and you alone, in terms of fit, hang, structure, comfort and the way it moves. $350 upwards from 5 Jalan Kilang, 9188-4681, www.kevinseah.com.sg. By appointment only.

On Board

Casual Chic

When it comes to board meetings, you’ll want a supremely tailored piece that makes you feel like a boss. This striped piece from Italian gentlemen’s outfitter Brioni, which is opening its standalone boutique at Marina Bay Sands in September, seals the deal with its refined cut and authoritative sensibility.

Timeless, utilitarian and comfortable, chambray is a great alternative fabric to heavy denim, which doesn’t sit well with our sweat-inducing climate. High-street label Ben Sherman does one in a cool, indigo shade with brown buttons for contrast, which adds instant sartorial edge to dress-down weekends.

$950 from Uomo Collezioni, #B1-73 Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave., 6634-1253, www.uomocollezioni.com.

$189 from #01-24 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, 6376-9108, www.bensherman.com.

The Sharp End

Made Man

Even if you’re not ripped or model-skinny, always choose a shirt that closely fits your torso to avoid billowy folds—they draw attention to your flaws and make you look frumpy. With its sharp, slim-fit silhouette and elegant, slightly shimmering blue hue, this sophisticated piece sets the right tone for a versatile work-to-bar look.

Nothing looks classier than a crisp, immaculate Don Draper white shirt. And it goes with everything you put on, whether it’s a pair of jeans or a dark suit. If you already have plenty of these in high thread-count cotton, mix things up with one in Cambridge oxford fabric, like this classic button-down from American designer Thom Browne.

$89.90 from Benjamin Barker, #02-08 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, 6337-6860, www. facebook.com/BenjaminBarkerOnline

$290 from Surrender, #02-31 Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd., 6733-2130, www.surrenderous.com.

FRIDAY, june 28, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE 17

island

food + fashion + fitness + tech + health + home

STYLE NOTES

With Crystal Lee

Bershka

Match Made in Fashion French designer Isabel Marant (the mastermind who spawned the sneaker-wedge craze) is the latest high-fashion name to collaborate with Swedish retail giant H&M. The collection, which will be available from Nov 14 here, will follow Marant’s signature aesthetic: urban, rock-and-roll cool with a nonchalant, boho vibe.

Raising the White Flag

Cool multi-label boutique Surrender has welcomed a new sibling, Salon by Surrender (#B2232/233 Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7813, www. surrenderous. com). Don’t let the name trick you into thinking it’s another one of those trendy Old-World grooming parlors: Plastic Fantastic the new shopping On the topic of spot stocks some hot collaborations, of the world’s most Karl Lagerfeld has cutting-edge labels, teamed up with jelly such as Viktor & Rolf shoemaker Melissa Isabel Marant X H&M and Martin Maison (#B2-02 Wheelock Place, Margiela, in menswear, 501 Orchard Rd., 6235womenswear, accessories and 2946, www.mdreams.com.sg) for home wares. a series of capsule ranges. The first collection, sporting (surprisingly) Shipping Benefits fun details like retro stripes and Cyber shoppers rejoice: Amazon. sparkly ice cream cones, is due to com now offers free shipping hit stores in July. to Singapore. But of course, this awesome news comes Numbers Game with some conditions.

You know a brand To qualify, products is doing something need to be under the right when it’s AmazonGlobal Saver opening store after program (most store. Spanish label goods are) and Bershka (#01-58/60/63 total shipment VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront should be Walk, 6337-6860, www. worth over $125, bershka.com) is onto its fourth excluding import and biggest boutique yet at Karl Lagerfeld X Melissa fees deposit, giftVivoCity, one that houses more wrap charges, duties and taxes. menswear items than its other Expect your order to be delivered outlets. Now in store is the label’s within 11-14 business days, after Spring/Summer collection, which all of your items are available to features breezy silhouettes and ship, including those pre-ordered. sorbet hues for women and a safariclee@asia-city.com.sg ranger inspired range for men.

18

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, june 28, 2013

Heads Up

OPEN STORE

Preview of the space to evoke an interesting “store within a store” look, while apparels are displayed on clothing racks made out of steel pipes.

The buzz: Multi-label store The Editor’s Market, known for its signature step pricing system (the more you buy, the cheaper your purchases), expands its Cineleisure outlet with a fresh store concept stocking international street labels.

The vibe: The boutique follows in the vein of The Editor’s Market’s white-washed, industrial-clad interiors with cement floors and exposed ceiling. A skeletal structure reminiscent of drawn-up metal shutter doors stands in the middle

The goods: Nothing too underground or obscure. Besides headliners like Unif, Wildfox, Jeffrey Campbell and Deandri, Preview also stocks Cheap Monday’s full range including accessories and footwear, as well as a comprehensive selection of American Apparel’s (AA) fashion products. From AA, the store has the original disco pants, easy jeans, the bobby heel and chiffon shirts for women and basic pieces for the men.

Why you’ll be back: It’s currently the only brick-and-mortar shopping spot in town with such an extensive collection from American Apparel for you to buy and best of all, try on. Plus, Cheap Monday shoes are unexpectedly appropriate for day-tonight looks without being too casual.

tech

This season’s best-looking listening gear.

STREET by 50 on-ear headphones

Creative Sound Blaster EVO Wireless Headset

Sony Bluetooth headset SBH20

$270 from DG Lifestyle

$229 from sg.store.creative.com

$78 from Challenger.

50 Cent’s latest creation through his company SMS Audio is a series of lightweight but durable, and unendingly stylish headsets.

These on-ear ones come with a removable cord with a three-click mic, a soft cleaning cloth and their own hard-shell case.

Being able to go wireless is great, but not when you have to compromise on sound quality.

Homegrown tech hero Creative’s new baby uses the same powerful 400mm drivers as its EVO Zx, which is not yet available in Singapore.

Handy like the iPod shuffle MP3 player, this NFC-enabled wonder clings to a rotatable clip so you can wear it many ways. Hidayah Salamat

Crystal Lee

#03-03A Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Rd., 6737-0669, www.theeditorsmarket.com. Open Sun-Thu noon-10pm; Fri-Sat noon-1am.

Would extra dough make you happy?

Essentials DG Lifestyle #01-10 The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green, 6694-6470, www.dg-lifestyle.com.

Challenger #06-00 Funan DigitaLife Mall, 109 North Bridge Rd., 6339-9008

At your fingertips

Book the hottest tables in town at the click of a button.

Did you know that trying to get a seat at great restaurants is the leading cause of headaches in Singapore?

Probably not (because it ain't true) but now thanks to Chope, booking a table is easier than ever!

We’re looking for a HAPPY SALESPERSON. It’s all about attitude! salesdirector@asia-city.com.sg

anytime, anywhere!

Making a reservation with Chope is easy.

Simply head to the website, pick a restaurant, enter the relevant details and hit Level33 confirm!

You can also register (for free of course) The user-friendly site and save time on (www.chope.com.sg) future bookings! For helps busy people (like the ultimate fuss-free you!) make instantly experience, download confirmed reservations the Chope app (www. at any one of their chope.com.sg/ carefully-curated list mobile-app) to your of over 200 dining smartphone and make establishments across reservations on the go. the island. Score seats at restaurants Free, fast, and mobile. like The White Rabbit, You'll never be stuck LeVeL33, or SUR without a table again. (just to name a few)

The White Rabbit

SUR

www. c h o p e . c o m . s g

FRIDAY, june 28, 2013 I‑S MAGAZINE

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island

food + fashion + fitness + tech + health + home

TASTE TREk

10 1 9 8

oy Am

Tat St

.

kA ye r

St .

Tanjong Pagar MRT

Boo n

.

St

Te lo

7 6

4

North

The U-shaped trail along Amoy and Telok Ayer streets offers fab all-day dining. By Chin Hui Wen

2 3

5

Around the Bend

Mc Ca llu m

A

t the heart of Chinatown, Amoy Street’s a real convenient spot for CBD folk to eat. But unlike fancier parts of the neighborhood that focus on finedining (think Bukit Pasoh) or drinks (Club Street), the area’s got all sorts of diverse options to take you through the day: French pastries for breakfast, generous sandwiches or inventive hawker fare for lunch, some serious sweets to perk you up mid afternoon, and as night falls, slick cocktails and comforting Italian dinners. It’s pretty much a Swiss army knife for folks who eat out.

St

1. Sarnies

4. The Market Grill

6. Matt’s The Chocolate Shop

9. Jigger & Pony

136 Telok Ayer St., 6224-6091, www.sarnies.com.sg.

208 Telok Ayer St., 6221-3323, themarketgrill.com.sg.

44 Amoy St., 6557-2274, matts.com.sg.

101 Amoy St., 6223-9101, www.jiggerandpony.com.

On offer at this cute café is everything you need for a great weekday lunch: A perfectly seasoned chicken sanger packed with guacamole and bacon ($13.90), refreshing lemonmint iced tea ($7) and a super dense chocolate-y brownie ($4). The servers are real friendly to boot.

The industrial looking space features an open-concept kitchen, and can get pretty warm at times (ventilation isn’t great). Still, it’s worth braving the sweltering heat for executive chef Colin West’s soul satisfying menu of American grills.

We reckon the burgers—handThe Market Grill formed to weigh 150g each—including the CW Burger Breakfast ($21), a beef patty with a sunny side up egg, bacon and aged cheddar are the best in town.

2. Sophie Bakery 167/169 Telok Ayer St., 6221-6269, www.sophiebakery.sg.

This first Singapore outlet by the French bakery chain is a convenient place to pick up pain au chocolat ($2.50) or—even better—plush white chocolate-studded buns ($1.90) for breakfast, and crusty baguette ($2.90) to go with dinner.

3. Truffs 179A Telok Ayer St., 9088-2736, www.truffs.com.sg.

For those who deem themselves trueblue dark chocolate aficionados this spot—owned by chocolatier Teng Ei Liang—is the place to be.

The handmade truffles ($3), the signature chocolate cake ($11/slice, $85/ whole), and espresso- and Earl Grey-infused chocolate Truffs tarts ($7/slice, $50/ whole) are all delish.

5. A Noodle Story

NEW

#01-39 Amoy Street Food Centre, 7 Maxwell Rd., 9027-6289, anoodlestory.com.

This unusual hawker stall, setup by Shatec-trained chefs Gwern Khoo and Ben Tham—who have worked as top restaurants like Iggy’s, Waku Ghin and Restaurant ANDRE—offers Singapore-style ramen ($5/ small, $6/medium, $7/ large), which incorporates flavors from local dishes like prawn mee and wonton mee as well as sous vide cha-su.

Owned by Matthew Chow, this narrow minimalist store with all-white furnishings offers a menu that’s just as spare as the decor. The focus is simple ganache-topped chocolate cakes, which come in two sizes: Individual minis ($4) and 1kg-whole cakes ($48).

7. Burlamacco Ristorante 77 Amoy St., 6220-1763, www.burlamacco.com.sg.

The more-ish beef tripe stew in tomato sauce ($18) and homemade pastas including linguine with lobster in spicy arrabbiata sauce ($26) at this Tuscan joint keep regulars coming back for more. The restaurant also houses a pretty floor-to-ceiling wine cellar with a collection of over 120 Italian labels (from $12/glass, $68/bottle).

8. Flying Squirrel 92 Amoy St., 6226-2203, www.theflyingsquirrel.com.sg.

Local music act Jack & Rai, and Jack’s wife Angelina, run this cozy Japanese eatery hidden away on a side alley. To eat, there’s selection of fusion Japanese bites such as soba pasta ($16), featuring tomato-sauced noodles and breaded fried shrimp, as well as more traditional offerings like the sashimi platter ($42), and salmon and ikura chirashi ($13).

Burlamacco Ristorante

20 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, june 28, 2013

Colorful and friendly, with red and yellow booth seats and a collection of vintage liquor posters on the walls, this welcoming cocktail spot offers a grid-like menu of tipples including classics like the negroni ($20) and new inventions such as Little Red Dot ($22), made from Tanqueray Ten gin, raspberries, lychee liqueur, grapefruit juice and Indian rosewater.

10. Beng Hiang Hokkien Restaurant 115 Amoy St., 6221-6695, www.benghiang.com.

This Hokkien establishment is a real institution, having been around for more than 30 years.

It’s the perfect place for an old school Chinese meal, featuring classics like fried hokkien Jigger & Pony noodles (from $7), crisp fried prawn balls (from $8) and oyster omelette (from $12). n

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

OPEN DOOR

Toots Brasserie

The buzz: The Sultan Hotel’s new restaurant is a 40-seat French eatery (in the space formerly occupied by Moroccan establishment Pasha) helmed by chef Jason Wong, who served for seven years as head chef of Bistro Petit Salut at Holland Village.

The vibe: Outfitted with velvety upholstered chairs, purple chandeliers and pretty mosaic-tiled floors, the dimly lit spot is rather romantic. It’s got all sorts of charming nooks and corners, with three distinct areas: The bar (which seats 10 in a little alcove), a deli counter and the main dining room.

The food: No surprises here, just rustic classics like pan seared frog legs with garlic butter ($18) and 40-garlic roasted whole chicken ($88). Desserts follow in the same vein, including profiteroles au chocolat ($12).

The drinks: The restaurant carries a wide selection of over 100 international wine labels (from $14); everything from fresh sauvignon blanc to sticky after-dinner ports.

Why you’ll be back: It’s a conveniently-located and pretty spot, just right for dates. Tuck into on a comforting pre-show dinner before heading upstairs to The Sultan Jazz Club.

Sultan Hotel, 101 Jalan Sultan, 9637-3545, www.facebook.com/TootsBrasserieSG. Open daily 7:30-10:30pm.

10 WINSTEDT ROAD | +65 6225 6690 | WWW.SKYVE.SG

Drink Archipelago’s Robert Beck The new head brewer at Archipelago talks about his newest creation, the British India Pale Ale, released earlier this month at Beerfest, and how he learned the trade.

What’s your background in brewing?

I first started my career in brewery in England in 2005. In 2008, I moved on to become head brewer for Neaustadt brewery in Canada. After a year brewing in the freezing cold and soaking up as much knowledge of North American brewing practices as I could, I headed for the southern hemisphere to Australia, where I brewed for Little Creatures and James Squire.

Have your brewing methods and tastes evolved since you first started?

The methods used for brewing beer depend on the country that I work in. Essentially, the science does not change. In terms of the tastes, I used to like flat and warm English Ale, and now, I drink colder and darker beer since I am in living in a much warmer country.

What’s one surprising thing about brewing that most people wouldn’t suspect?

Brewing beer is actually more manual than what people think it is. It is not only about mixing different ingredients, the brewing process requires a tremendous amount of time and effort, which usually involves hard labor.

What trends are you seeing on the local beer scene?

An increasing consumer base trying out new beer styles, much more awareness of craft beers and a growth in discerning female drinkers.

What food would you pair with the new limited edition British India Pale Ale? It depends on each person’s preference, but we suggest game meat, such as venison, duck or even kangaroo. Chin Hui Wen Robert Beck’s new British India Pale Ale is available at Boulevard Craft Beers

by Archipelago, #01-23 Times Square, Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., 68832033, www.boulevard.com.sg.

For a full list of distribution outlets visit www. archipelagobrewery. com.

FRIDAY, june 28, 2013 I‑S MAGAZINE

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island

food + fashion + fitness + tech + health + home

NEW AND NOTED

Burger Joints

With Chin Hui Wen

garden-like space out front with a nice patch of grass.”

Check out our story on Boat Quay’s development at is.gd/boatquay

The Latin Invasion Tamashii Robataya

Quaying It In Boat Quay’s gentrification continues, with a host of non-sleazy F&B joints popping up along the stretch. Among the newest is Japanese restaurant Tamashii Robataya (#02-01 12 North Canal Rd., 6222-0316, www.tamashii. com.sg) now open in the same building as Latin eatery SUR (#01-01/02 13 North Canal Rd., 6222-2897, www.sur.com. sg), specializing in robatayaki skewers.

Plus, there’s Madame Patisserie (#01-76, 76 Boat Quay, 6536-7028), a casual spot serving classic pastries (from $4). Operations director and bakery founder Sherie Quek says, “I didn’t just want to be in another mall. This place has a great view and I plan to create a

Hot on the heels of eateries like J’s (#01-01, 7 Purvis St., 6887-4787, www. dineatjs.com) and Mex Out (#01-01 Far East Square, 39 Pekin St., 6536-9953, www.mexout.com), come yet more Latin-inspired establishments: Mexican spot El Rocho’s (36 Circular Rd., 6438-7879)—run by Culinary Institute of America grad Marcus Loh—lunch-only buffet restaurant The Latin Quarter (#02-02 Science Hub, 87 Science Park Dr., 6872-2029), and burrito joint Muchachos (22 Keong Saik Rd.), which is set to open June 28.

The Brunch Bunch Brunch is polarizing. It’s comforting, but too often overpriced and uninspired (30 bucks for eggs and

toast!). Thankfully, it’s taking off at some non-traditional hangouts. Peranakan restaurant Violet Oon’s Kitchen (881 Bukit Timah Rd., 6468-5430, www. violetoonskitchen.com) has just rolled out some killer chilli-spiked corned beef hash ($17) for brunch (Sat-Sun 9:30am-3pm).

Plus, Latin spot SUR’s offering the meal (Sun 11am-3pm), and food and wine bar okb (1 Kampong Bahru Rd., 6220-4711, www.onekampongbahru.com) is getting in on the action too (Sat 11am-2:30pm).

Nothing satisfies like a big juicy patty—it’s the quintessential handheld meal. Get your fix at these burger specialists.

De Burg Burger #0140, 119 Bukit Merah Lane 1, 6666-6666, www.facebook.com/ deburgsingapore.

The Meat Packing District #01-01 Bestway Building, 12 Prince Edward Rd., 9383-2134, www. facebook.com/ meatpackingdistrictsg.

Wining Down

Fat Boys The Burger Bar #01-16 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Rd., 6252-8780, www. fatboys.sg.

Omakase Burger #01-05 The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Rd., 6763-2698, www. omakaseburger.com.

The Handburger #B1-77/78 Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Rd.,

Relish by Wild Rocket #02-01 Cluny Court, 501 Bukit Timah Rd., 67631547, www.wildrocket. com.sg. Foo Rong En

We’re always on the lookout for affordable interesting vinos. And South African wine house Nederburg Wines’ (www.nederburg.com) well-rated limited edition Heritage Heroes series, now available at DFS Galleria (Scottswalk, 25 Scotts Rd., 62298100), fits the bill. Created by winemaster Razvan Macici, the range includes four bottles ($39 each), dedicated to individual South African winemasters. wchin@asia-city.com.sg Read our full interview with Razvan Macici at is.gd/nederburgwinemaster

Heritage Heroes

READ IT HERE FIRST

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22 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, june 28, 2013

Charlie and Co. #B4-56 Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-9511, www. charlieandco.com.au.

6334-4577, www. thehandburger.com.

The Meatpacking District

Print is dead. So get the app instead!

As if you needed another reason to get our awesome awardwinning tablet app, this year our annual restaurant guide, Top Tables, with more mouth-watering photos, plus maps and click-through booking, available in app format for your iPad or Android tablet at asia-city.com/app.

RESTAURANT REVIEWs Folks Collective HHHHH

Mariko’s HHHHH

Thai. #01-25 China Square Central, 20 Cross St., 6536-6739, www.folkscollective.com.

Japanese. 4 Jiak Chuan Rd., 6221-8262, www.marikos.com.sg.

Most Thai eateries boasting dishes at these price points are mom-and-pop businesses, typically with curt service, the pervasive smell of hot grease and a sticky patina on the menus—in a (euphemistic) word, no-frills. Not this joint. You’ll notice right off the bat that the space looks pretty snazzy, with mismatched chairs, vintage posters and antiques. That could easily seem pretentious, but the cheerful vibe here, aided by helpful, chatty and prompt waitstaff, quickly put us at ease. With all manner of enticing nibbles on the menu, you’ll find it difficult not to order up a storm. While the pad thai ($8.90) and tom kha curry (8.90) stand out, there are also very serviceable classics like the papaya salad (5.90), green curry ($8.90) and crispy tofu ($4.90), although the bland basil chicken ($8.90) and fusion dish Siam Spaghetti ($8.90) were marginal let-downs. And because we can’t resist sharing a sweet secret, ask for the off-the-menu sun-dried pork ($8.90), which would be perpetually sold out if everyone knew about it. The non-traditional coconut ice cream ($4.90) makes a great dessert, and their cocktails like fresh floral tipple, The Demure and Delicate Golden Orange Blossom Flower ($16), or the Concubine Siam ($14) and Apothecary ($15)—which are served hot—are soothing nightcaps. They’ve got everything you want for a fun and affordable meal—what’s not to love? Open Mon-Sat 11am-11pm. $

This latest project by the folks behind Bartini, and retro-themed eatery The Retrospective, is an izakaya just off Keong Saik Road (a former red light district), named after fictional manga streetwalker Mariko. On paper, it’s a really fitting name. Japanese pub grub is sassy and shamelessly over the top—it has to be to stand up to the epic amounts of sake and beer being consumed—like all the best hookers. These restaurant-bars have got a big bag of tricks too: Marinated cold dishes, tempura, yakitori, ramen and sushi. None of the dishes are expected to be perfect—you go to a specialist restaurant for that—but it all has to be savoury and satisfying. Sadly, what you get at Mariko’s is bland tonkotsu ramen ($16), soggy oyster tempura ($25) and under salted wagyu beef yakitori ($25).

Besides, there isn’t much variety. The menu lacks more interesting izakaya staples (think chicken intestines and wasabi marinated octopus), and a fun back story isn’t nearly enough to compensate for the wane, meek and castrated cuisine. Drinks are perhaps the establishment’s one saving grace. Fresh fruity cocktails like the Zakuro ($22)—whisky, Chambord, yuzu, pomegranate and blueberry jam—are thoughtfully put together, plus the selection of Japanese sakes (from $12), whiskies (from $12) and beers (from $8) is actually pretty good. Perhaps if sufficiently inebriated, the chow might count as passable. So if you insist on paying this lady of the night a visit, make sure you drink up—it’ll blur out her flaws. Otherwise, this was one call girl who left us limp. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-1am. $$

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 Rabbit Carrot Gun “Leave it to the East Coasters and live-in tourists, who’ll find comfort in the oh-so-standard menu.” HHHHH Binomio “Binomio’s commendable for providing a level of décor and service to match the prices.” HHHHH Fordham & Grand “...for us night owls, there are few better spots to while away a good chunk of the evening (and morning) with good grub and smooth drinks.” HHHHH Pistola “You’ll either swoon or get burned (or both) here, but if you’re like us, you’ll still come back for more anyway.” HHHHH Read all our reviews at is-magazine.com/restaurants

1806-IS_EndlessSummer05_HalfPageAD_FA.pdf 1 18/06/2013 5:41:14 PM

FRIDAY, june 28, 2013 I‑S MAGAZINE

23

Need to know Theater & Arts The Arts House > 6332-6919

www.substation.org

www.theartshouse.com.sg

Ticketbooth > 6296-2929

Esplanade Box Office > 6828-8377

Cinema Ticketing Hotlines

www.esplanade.com

Fort Canning Park > 6332-1302

chart the weeks ahead

The Substation > 6337-7535

www.nparks.gov.sg

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

National Museum of Singapore > 6332-5642

www.ticketbooth.com.sg

Cathay > 6337-8181 www.cathay.com.sg

Eng Wah > 6836-9074

www.ewcinemas.com.sg

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

www.nationalmuseum.sg

Golden Village > 1900-912-1234

Singapore Art Museum > 6332-3222

Shaw > 6738-0555

www.singart.com

www.gv.com.sg www.shaw.sg

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

SEE This

Water Proof Sea creatures and other wild Chinese myths explored in the surrealistic art show Mountain Lore.

See Art, page 25

DO This

DON'T Miss

Welcome to the Dollhouse DJs Debbie Chia and Angela Flame seduce the crowd with deep house and techno sounds at Dolls on Decks.

Dram Good Fine whiskies, cold cuts and cheese await at The WOW Symphony.

See Nightlife, page 28

See Food, page 27

OPEN BAR Zui Hong Lou The buzz: Club Street favorite Gem Bar expands with an irreverent, Chinese-kitsch sister bar Zui Hong Lou (literally translated as “drunk red chamber”, calling to mind a somewhat seedy brothel) next door.

The décor: Low-key charm. The compact interior has plenty of plain scuffed concrete, while dim lights and red-painted brick walls add a suggestive vibe to the place. Overhead, there hang vintage-style Chinese food stall signs—like “Bestest BBQ Pork Pastry”—that wouldn’t at all look out of place in Geylang.

The drinks: You can order booze from Gem’s extensive list of cocktails, wines, beers and spirits, but you definitely won’t want to leave without trying their signature drinks ($14 a pop). There’s the gin-andsoursop White Crane, the juicy, petal-strewn Fruits of Heaven, and our pick, the Flower Song, a vodka-spiked chrysanthemum ‘tea’ that’s served in a traditional Chinese tea set.

The food: They’re purportedly the only bar in the vicinity to serve dim sum (from $7)— those greasy snacks that always hit the spot when you come down with a case of the drunken munchies. More substantial bites

8 Ann Siang Hill, 6423-9562, www.zuihonglouxinjiapopteltd.com.sg. Open Mon-Sat noon-1am.

24 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013

include Chinese restaurant classics like kung pow chicken ($10) and luncheon meat fried rice ($7).

The music: Nothing we could hear over the din of conversation.

The crowd: There’s the usual rowdy Club Street crowd, corporate folk, plus a good dash of creative types drawn to their tonguein-cheek sensibility.

Why you’ll be back: Because you totally buy into the whole “dim sum = Asian tapas” thing. And at least you don’t have to make the schlep to Geylang or Jalan Besar. Clara Lim

Stage » ART Email event news to stage@asia-city.com.sg and art@asia-city.com.sg

SCENESTEALER Michael Chiang The local playwright behind wildly popular play, film and novel Army Daze is back after a 14-year hiatus with a new production inspired by the Singapore tai-tai. He tells us about the changes in his life and society before the restaging of the old favorite, and the opening of High Class, in July.

Why have tai-tais become such a popular stereotype?

I guess they’re an easy target. You see more and more big designer stores popping up and read about super pricey properties being snapped up, and you quickly imagine they must all be filled with all these ladies with expensive habits.

theater

tough. Really, though—I did my NS in the ‘70s, and even though it was an arduous experience, I don’t think I’d want to change anything. I was wide-eyed, nervous and geeky, and probably needed the toughening up.

What would you do for the arts in Singapore if you had the power to do just about anything?

Start by building two to three more mid-sized theatres with seating capacity of about 200, 300 or 500. Considering how active the arts scene is now, I think there is a lack of proper venues. And I would give all theater groups “media credits” every year, which they can use to advertise in the dailies and on TV, because arts groups can’t afford the kind of rates that TV and newspapers command.

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I-S PICK> Alfian Sa’at - In the Spotlight Don’t miss this festival of works by celebrated local playwright Alfian Sa’at, which will premiere his latest theatrical work, Cook a Pot of Curry, along with revivals of old faves Dreamplay: Asian Boys Vol. 1 and The Optic Trilogy. Jul 3-20, 8pm. LASALLE College of the Arts, 1 McNally St.. Call 6292-2695 for more info. from Sistic.

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last chance

You share a name with a famous Taiwanese billionaire. What would your Forbes description sound like?

“Ridiculously soft-spoken Singaporean media personality, best-known for peddling gossip rags and low-brow comedies.”

Ulrike Ottinger Fifty photographic works by German filmmaker Ottinger are featured here, drawing on Berlin’s sumptuous and transgressive landscapes.

Through Jul 1. Goethe-Institut Singapore, #05-01 Winsland House II, 163 Penang Rd., 6743-4555. Free.

What do you think about the way Singapore is shaping up?

On the surface, it’s pretty much your typical metropolis with all the bright and shiny futuristic buildings that would look great in Monocle. But its inhabitants are likely to have mixed feelings; everything comes with a cost. For every painfully hip hotspot that opens in Little India or Tiong Bahru, another uniquely Singaporean institution closes.

So you either applaud the coming-of-age or lament the passing. Not everyone will see things the same way.

Hidayah Salamat

I-S PICK> Airs & Graces In collaboration with Art Stage, Millenia Walk is transformed into a public art museum with charming works including a floating sculpture by Max Streicher and smaller works by Navin Rawanchaikul, Marc Quinn and Chen Wen Ling.

Through Jul 7. Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., 6883-1122. Free.

STage concerts & gigs

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Time, Spaces, Order by OrkeStar Trio The experimental band from Singapore perform pieces from their upcoming album, OrkeStar Riuh! with themes that aim to push the boundaries of Malay archipelago music. Jun 28, 9:30pm.

Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $25 from Sistic.

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The Clock Strikes Four: Artist Session & Performance with Dawn Wong Local singer Dawn Wong will perform songs off her eponymous debut EP as part of Plain Vanilla Bakery’s series of gatherings celebrating the opening of its second outlet. Jun 29, 4pm. Plain Vanilla Bakery (Tiong Bahru), 1D Yong Siak St., 6465-5942 . Free.

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Ronan Keating Highly-acclaimed UK artist and X-Factor Australia judge Ronan Keating, performs his chart-topping hits like “When You Say Nothing at All” for a one-night only solo concert. Jul 8. The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, 6636-0055. $98-168 from Sistic.

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Jazz by the Beach Sentosa’s well-loved jazz series is back with a lineup of performances by Ireson with latin, salsa and jazz (Jul 5), Chronicles 5 with funk & soul, R&B and acid jazz (Jul 12), Indigo with Brazilian samba and funk jazz (Jul 19) and local band ChromaZone putting out funk &

soul and funk jazz (Jul 26). Jul 5, 12, 19, 26, 8pm. Coastes, #01-05 50 Siloso Beach Walk, 6274-9668. Free.

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I-S PICK> The xx - Live in Singapore! Indie fans won’t want to miss this chance to catch the xx as the band makes a hotly-anticipated Singapore headline debut. Aug 2, 8pm. The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green. Call 6348-5555 for more info. $68-148 from Sistic.

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I-S PICK> Electric - Pet Shop Boys Live The legendary Pet Shop Boys return after six years as a part of a tour, to stage a performance conceptualized by award-winning directors, producers and set designers. Aug 3, 8pm. Compass Ballroom™, Resorts World Convention Centre™, 8 Sentosa Gateway. Call 68414555 for more info. $88-198 from Sistic.

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music festivals Baybeats 2013 Three days of original music from homegrown and regional talents like Electrico, Force Vomit, Frida (AU) Nothing to Declare (JP) and These Brittle Bones. Jun 28-30. Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Dr.. Call 6828-8377 for more info. Free.

dance

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An Evening with Nederlands Dans Theater 2 One of the world’s leading contemporary dance companies for young dancers, Nederlands Dans Theater 2 (NDT2) is reputed for their impeccable

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Art Apart Fair 2013 A myriad of works focusing on emerging Korean artists like Hyun Su Park, are available for viewing throughout the spanking new hotel. Jul 5-7. Parkroyal on Pickering, 3 Upper Pickering Street, 6809-8888. $10.

What do you know now you wish you knew in your Army Daze days?

That I should’ve served NS later, when things weren’t as

technique and sublime virtuosity. Jul 12-13, 8pm. Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr.. Call 6828-8377 for more info. from Sistic.

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T.H.E 5th Anniversary Celebrations: Bedfellows A triple bill featuring brand new choreography by Artistic Director Kuik Swee Boon along with resident dancers Lee Mun Wai and Yarra Ileto. Jul 19, 21, 8pm; Jul 20, 3pm, 8pm. National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-5642. $32 from Sistic.

musicals

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The Addams Family Musical Equal parts wacky and spooky, this musical comedy based on the wildly popular, macabre TV show, is the work of Jersey Boys authors Marshall Brickman and Rick Elice, as well as four-time Tony Awardwinning director Jerry Zaks. Jul 9-28, 8pm.

Festive Grand Theatre, Resorts World® Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888. $55-175 from Sistic.

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The Phantom of the Opera Missed it the last time it was here in 2007? Don’t fret—the multiple award-winning musical is back in town but only for a little less than a month. Jul 16-Aug 11, 10:55am.

MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands®, B1/F The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave.. Call 6688 8868 for more info. $55-230 from Sistic.

I-S PICK

art

How important is money to you?

Not as important as it was 20 years ago. I’m consciously trying to downsize and simplify my life, as well as learning to live with less. Corny as it sounds, it’s really more about spending quality time with people than about acquiring more things.

High Class is on Jul 5-14 while Army Daze is on Jul 19-28, 3pm, 5pm, 8pm at the Drama Centre Theatre, #05-01 National Library, 100 Victoria St., 6837-8400. $42-79 from Sistic.

tones that will look good in any living room by emerging Chinese artist Wang Tianxuan. Jul 11-27. Art Seasons Gallery, #02-21/24 PoMo, 1 Selegie Rd., 67416366. Free.

continuing

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I-S PICK> Mythopoeia This exhibition by Japanese anime and video-game favorite Yoshitaka Amano features several of the artist’s large and smaller automotive paint on aluminum paintings. Through July 14. Mizuma Gallery (Gillman Barracks), #01-34, 22 Lock Rd., 6570-2505. Free.

opening

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I-S PICK> Mountain Lore Gigantic aryclic on canvas pieces featuring imagined, surreal landscapes in somber

Working Class Hero Funky graffiti-inspired artworks by one of the city’s leading street artists Jahan Loh, who manages to blur the line between high and street art with his hip and unforgettable works and imageries drawn from comic books and pulp fiction. Jul 4-28.

Chan Hampe Galleries (Raffles Hotel), #01-20/21 Raffles Hotel, Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Rd., 6338-1962. Free.

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I-S PICK> Terms & Conditions A myriad of works, from canvases to objects, with a focus on the Arab world are showcased for the first time in Singapore including Huda Lufti’s political paintings and Mona Hatoum’s table installation. Jun 28-Sep 8. Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Rd., 63323222. $10.

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I-S PICK> Princely Treasures from the House of Liechtenstein Collected over 500 years, over 90 masterpieces from the art collection of the Prince of Liechtenstein includes works by Flemish artists Rubens and Anthony van Dyck, as well as European masters Raphael and Lucas Cranach the Elder. Through Sep 29. National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-5642. $10.

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Essential Eames: A Herman Miller Exhibition The illustrious design career of Charles and Ray Eames are on display with a showcase that includes the acclaimed Eames chairs and paintings which are on display for the first time. Jun 29-Jan 5 2014, 10am.

ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8868. $8-15.

WHY NOT? Try Parrot Astrology Fancy getting your fortune told by a little birdie? This fast-vanishing trade originated from South India and only a few streetside stalls remain along Serangoon Road (located near Tekka Market). The parrot hops out from its cage and picks one of the 27 lucky fortune cards based on the Indian astrological system, before all is revealed as the astrologer opens the envelope.

For a token fee between $1-5, this is one of the most inexpensive ways to see what’s on the cards for your future. Although timings for the sessions are pretty ad-hoc, the best day to check this out is every Sunday between 11am-6pm when these fortune tellers are actually out and about.

Foo Rong En

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2012 I-S MAGAZINE 25

FOOD & DRINK » STUFF Email event news to food@asia-city.com.sg and stuff@asia-city.com.sg

STATE OF THE ART crystal & fruits Zimmermann established the bases of reading text as image and image as meaning. His paintings, although not engaging anymore with the written word, nevertheless convey pictorial meanings and are in tune with the fortuity of contemporary existence.

Acclaimed abstract artist Peter Zimmerman deconstructs traditional pictorial concepts in his works, resulting in an explosive collection of pieces featuring intense colors with multilayered epoxy paint in his first solo show here.

Gallery director Dane Reinacher breaks down Zimmermann’s various abstractions for us.

His abstract paintings are a departure from his previous works which play with the written word. Why so?

Departing from his visual research and painterly practice of his very first Book Cover Paintings,

What are some of the themes apparent in this new series?

Zimmermann’s works reflect upon the visually intricate environment contemporary society is subject to and determined by; and they also reflect on the improbability of images to be independently interpreted.

Every modern image is a result of a multitude of visual influences and pictorial languages; the notion of the Web, in particular that of a pictorial web, is paramount in our culture.

What can artgoers expect at the show?

Curatorially, Zimmermann wanted to transform the gallery space with his large scale monochromatic paintings into a new energetic field and spiritual space into a "chapel of colour" of sorts. And this is exactly what the viewer is experiencing in our gallery space being confronted with his glossy, translucent paintings. Terry Ong

crystal & fruits is on through Jul 7. Michael Janssen Gallery (Gillman Barracks), #02-21 Lock Rd., 6734-8948, www.galeriemichaeljanssen.de. Free.

26 I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013

Food and Drink

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STUFF I-S PICK

I-S PICK> The WOW Symphony Enjoy a free flow of Scottish single malts and whisky cocktails along with a buffet of cold cuts and cheese. Jun 28, 7pm; Jul 5, 7pm; Jul 12, 7pm; Jul 19, 7pm; Jul 26, 7pm. The WOW, G/F Mövenpick Heritage Hotel Sentosa, 23 Beach View, 6818-3388. $59.

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Wine Bazaar At this wine fair at 7Adam restaurant’s alfresco backyard, snag bottles going for up to 70% off.

Old and New World bottles will be available, including Domaine Louis Moreau, Chablis Grand Cru Les Clos from Burgundy ($69). Sommelier Rachmat Nurcahyo will also be on hand to provide expert advice throughout the afternoon. Jun 29, 4pm. 7Adam, 7 Adam Park, 6467-0777. Free.

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....Thru Time and Space This 15-course dinner by chef Stephan Zoisl will be centered around the theme ...Thru Space and Time. Expect a meal prepared with a range of techniques (think nitrogen freezing and sous vide), served up in a elaborately decorated space. Jul 5-11, 8pm. My Private Pantry, 61 Tras St., 6224-4050.

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Machicon Meet friends (and potential lovers) as you make merry at the second edition of Japanese restaurant-hopping/ dating event Machicon. This time it spans nine eateries and bars around Orchard Road, including Tanuki Raw, JiBiru and brand new izakaya Sumiya. Register on the Machicon website. Jul 15, 6:30pm. $75-150. Log on to www.machicon. sg for more info.

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Monumental Walking Tours: Stained Glass Stories Kicking NHB’s four-part series off is this very interesting walk through neo-Gothic style churches such as CHIJMES Chapel and St Joseph’s Churn, where you’ll hear stories behind the magnificent stained glass. Get registration

stuff Email event news to stuff@asia-city.com.sg

info on PMB’s website. Jul 6, 10am.

CHIJMES, 30 Victoria St., www.pmb.sg.

Call 6332-7953 for more info. $3-5.

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Lit Up 2013 More than 40 participating artists will present their intimations of the theme “Progression” through spoken word, theater, visual arts, movement and interdisciplinary performances. Jul 19-21. Kampong Glam, 385 Beach Rd., 6293-6136. $0-20.

competitions

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I-S PICK> 10th Singapore Short Cuts Think you could be the next Boo Junfeng, Eric Khoo or Wee Li Lin? Submit your films—whether it be a piece of animation, a documentary or experimental—to the National Museum of Singapore as they prepare for the 10th edition of this well-received showcase. Visit the museum website to download the submission form or email your queries to warren_sin@nhb.gov.sg.

Submission deadline is Jun 28. Through Jun 28. Free.

sales & fairs

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Singapore Really Really Free Market The best flea markets are the ones that are free. Yes, everything is free here. You can bring stuff to give out and/or share your skills with others. Clothes, books, CDs, cookies, haircuts, poetry readings, massages

and storytelling are commonly found in these sessions. If you find something you want, you’re welcome to take—it’s that simple. Jun 30, 2pm. Eurasian Heritage Centre, Eurasian Community House, 139 Ceylon Rd., 6447-1578. Free.

sports

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TRI-Factor Run 2013 With a choice of categories to choose from, namely veteran, junior and kids across competitive and non-competitive genres, it's an active day out for the whole family. Jul 7, 5:30am. East Coast Park Area E2 (Angsana Green), 1220 East Coast Parkway. Call 62749868 for more info.

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I-S PICK> I-S Xperience: Green Peace Held in the Lawn @ Paddle Lodge space at MacRitchie Reservoir, Green Yoga @ MacRitchie aims to give 30 readers a different kind of yoga experience by engaging them more with the environment. The outdoor yoga activity combines a variety of movements and asanas with an emphasis on the mind-body connection. Jul 27, 8am. Free (limited spaces, confirmation required).

Register at is.asia-city.com/isx.

SCENE & HEARD with Terry Ong

Taking Flight

Tall Order

More reason for executives working around the CBD to stay late. New bar and cafe The Black Swan (19 Cecil St., www.theblackswan.com.sg) from the cool folks at Lo & Behold will open within the next month or two. Details about this hot new joint are still being kept under wraps (with renovations ongoing right now), but judging from their track record, expect another round of cool cocktails, innovative bites and vintage-inspired decor.

In the footsteps of all those great concerts (Sigur Ros, Morrissey) and plays (Shakespeare in the Park) at the Green comes Films at the Fort (Aug 22-25, 7:30pm, Fort Canning Green, www.filmsatthefort.com.sg, $19.80 from Sistic, $24.80 at the door). Not only will you will be able to catch the rare documentary Everything or Nothing: The Untold Story of 007 about the Bond franchise, Oscar-winning Silver Linings Playbook will get a comeback alongside the ‘80s classic Top Gun. Fans of local films will also get to catch short films by upcoming directors. That’s not all, there’ll also be lots of Mumm champagne and Lindt chocolates going around to mark the occasion with dedicated booths set up. Sweeeeet.

Quay of Life Things are also heating up at Clarke Quay, with the opening of Fenix Room (#01-02/3/4/5 Blk. 3C Clarke Quay, River Valley Rd., 6305-6768, www.facebook.com/ FenixRoomSG) at the end of the month in place of the old Zirca. This is the long-awaited collaborative project between Lifebrandz and Massive Collective, the latter who is responsible for all the crazy parties going on at Mink and Royal Room. But it looks like these guys have pared down the excess on this one with an old-school concept inspired by The Great Gatsby, replete with Art Decostyle interior with diamond-cut mirror panelling for that luxe effect. The music playlist however, remains forward, with nu disco and hip-hop dominating the airwaves.

Stuck on You One of our favorite street artists SKLO (a.k.a.

Samantha Lo), is currently based at the new Aliwal Arts Centre (28 Aliwal St., www.aliwalartscentre.sg) near Aliwal Arts Centre the hip Arab Street precinct. It’s a pretty eclectic space and an even more interesting tenant list with film director Anthony Chen (see our interview with Chen on p. 31) and visual artist Ho Tzu Yen also holding fort there. Find out more about the space and its upcoming developments (including interviews with a bunch of artists) in our next issue.

roadshow

melbourne international comedy festival

Singapore’s biggest night of laughs returns, with a cast of comedy superstars hot from the biggest Comedy Festival south of the equator!

Frank wooDley of Lano & Woodley fame

tommy Dean

kate mclennan

Australia’s funniest American

Award-winning character comedian

nazeem HuSSain

Daniel towneS

6 SHowS only!

from Fear of a Brown Planet

Hilarious laid-back stand-up

31 july – 4 auguSt wed–fri 8pm, sat 6pm & 9pm, sun 6pm dbs arts centre – home of srt

sIstIc 6348 5555 www.sIstIc.com.sg

Official card

presented by

TickeTs from $46 + bf • no admission for people under 16 comedyfestIval.com.au

up to 15% off for oCBC Cardholders

FRIDAY, june 28, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE 27

nightlife Email event news to nightlife@asia-city.com.sg

SCENESTEALER Olivia Sari-Goerlach

nightlife dj gigs I-S PICK

HAPPY HOURS

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Amber Nectar One-for-one draft beers and house pours. Daily 5-8pm. Amber Nectar, #01-10/11 Roberton Walk, 11 Unity St., 67373774.

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The Bank Bar + Bistro Get beers for $8.50 ($12.50 a pint), house spirits for $8 and house wines at $9 a glass. Daily noon-8pm. The Bank Bar + Bistro, #01-01 One Shenton, 1 Shenton Way, 6636-2188.

Home Club’s unofficial archivist documents a year of scenesters that have passed through the doors of this indie breeding ground in a new book, The Home Club Portraiture Project.

How and why did you start this project?

I have a big group of friends in a close-knit community revolving around Home Club, owners included. Inspired by a high school yearbook concept, I started documenting club nights and performers, usually right before they go on stage. It was a nice homage to the club and the local music community in Singapore.

Who were your favorites to shoot?

DJ Marky, Spectrasoul and Star Slinger. They were not afraid to smile for the camera, which made me smile when I looked at them.

Also the guys from Le Palooza— they gave so much to the camera.

Are you really the super-cool girl about town you seem to be?

Not so much. Most days I'm going on photo shoots and doing retouching work for commercial projects or my personal projects, #vinyloftheday (www. vinyloftheday.com) and a new magazine, TWO edition (www.facebook.

com/2edition). In my downtime, I usually hang out with my husband and our pug, watch movies or TV, and listen to records or Spotify.

Tell us about your dream photo shoot.

Anthony Bourdain. I’d travel to the locations for his Parts Unknown series on CNN, where raw locations and interesting cultures surround him. Portraiture, photojournalism, food and travel—a dream combo for me.

What and who else inspire you?

Individualism, and the ability to translate that through one's medium. I admire people who have an opinion, and who have found their method of expressing them—figures like Picasso, Henri Cartier-Bresson, Hunter S. Thompson, Banksy and Charles Saatchi. Clara Lim The book will be launched on Jun 29, 8pm at Home Club, #B1-01/06 The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Rd., 6538-2928. Get a copy for $25 on the night (regular price $30).

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Local Talk Night SG feat. Mad Mats & Tooli The duo behind record label Local Talk presents a night of good house music, where classic anthems are brought back and reworked into hot new beats. Jun 28, 10pm.

Kyõ, Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil St., 6222-5001. $20 including one drink.

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Poptart ‘never not ever again’ Indie music lovers will not want to miss this date with tunes from the likes of Arcade Fire, The xx and Two Door Cinema having their play. Jun 28, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $25-32 including two drinks.

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I-S PICK> Pushin’ On Funk Phenomenon After a threemonth hiatus, Masterpiece & The Mighty Mighty are putting on a brand new pop-up party with special guests, Australian teenage foursome Karate Boogalo. Expect a night of sweaty funk, soul, hip-hop and disco. Cash-only bar. Jun 28, 9pm.

Manhattan House, 15/F Manhattan House, 151 Chin Swee Rd..

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I-S PICK> Dolls on Decks Get a double dose of girl power as respected DJs Debbie Chia and Angela Flame dish out 3-hour sets each of techno and deep house, plus visuals by Flex. Jun 29, 8pm.

The Spiffy Dapper, 2/F, 61 Boat Quay, 8233-9810. Free.

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One with Aldrin & Friends Gear up for another epic night as Zouk maestro Aldrin cranks the party up with his signature progressive dance tracks. Jun 29, 10pm. Velvet

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Blue Bali on Cluny Enjoy 50% off house beers, wines and liquors.

Plus, their Blue Bali beer (made on site) goes for only $5.60 a half-pint glass. If you are in the mood for food to accompany your drinks, their Dua Dua promotion gets you two pints of Blue Bali beer and two tapas for $25. Daily 5-8pm.

Blue Bali on Cluny, 1D Cluny Rd., 6733-0185.

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Cuscaden @ Chijmes House pour spirits and draft beers go at $5 per glass and $18 per jug. On Mondays, enjoy special prices on bottled beers—two for $12-14.

Daily 5-9pm. Cuscaden @ Chijmes, #01-04 Chijmes, 30 Victoria St., 6338-3510.

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London Enjoy happy hour all night on Mondays, British beer and ciders at great prices on Tuesdays

Underground, 17 Jiak Kim St., 67382988. $25-32 including two drinks.

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AOS Anthems: Magnum Nights

by Chivas The highly-sought after six-man act AOS Collective, returns for a night of mayhem as they set the dance floor on fire with R&B, hip hop and house. Jun 29, 10pm.

The Butter Factory, #02-02/03/04 One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Rd., 63338243. $25-30 including two drinks.

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Electric Jitterbug Swing Parade Put your fanciest gear on for this old-school swing party with jams courtesy of DJ MoodSwing and KittyZap. Password required. Jul 3, 9pm. The Library, 47 Keong Saik Rd., 6221-8338. Free.

and bar snacks (choose from chicken wings, samosas or spring rolls) at $2 with every drink purchased on Thursdays. Mon-Tue noon-midnight; Thu noon-midnight. London, 55 Boat Quay, 6535-2273.

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Loof House pours cost $5++ from 5-5:59pm, $6++ from 6-6:59pm and $7++ from 7-7:59pm. The promotion extends to 8:30pm ($8++ from 8-8:30pm) for UOB cardholders. House pours include beers, wines and spirits.

Mon-Fri 5-8pm. Loof, #03-07 Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop, 331 North Bridge Rd., 6338-8035.

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Mad for Garlic One-for-one house red or white wine, draft Tiger and Heineken pint and all bottled beers.

Daily 7-10pm. Mad for Garlic, #B-1-16 The Foundry, 3 River Valley Rd., 63331507.

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Overeasy Enjoy 1-for-1 house pours, beer and wine during happy hour. UOB cardholders also enjoy extended happy hour until 8.30pm, even on Saturdays.

Mon-Fri 5-8pm. Overeasy Bar & Diner, #01-06 One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Rd., 6423-0701.

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Skyve 1-for-1 on draft beers (Hoegaarden and Stella Artois) and selected house wines at Skyve Alfresco or Lounge Area. Daily 4-8pm. Skyve, #01-17 Blk E, 10 Winstedt Rd., 6225-6690.

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ZSS presents Miss Nine Miss Nine’s decade-long experience in spinning House music has won her fans from across the globe from Miami’s Ultra Music Festival to Ibiza’s Privilege and even London’s Ministry of Sound. Jul 5, 10pm.

Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $25-32 including two drinks.

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I-S PICK> Endless Summer W Singapore - Sentosa Cove's signature poolside party at the Wet Deck has DJs Mr Has, Lady of The Sistrum and Chris B delivering lush, sexy sounds.

Jul 7, 2pm. W Singapore Sentosa Cove, 21 Ocean Way (Sentosa Cove), 6808-7288. $35 one drink and pool access included.

FILM Email film news to film@asia-city.com.sg

Man of Steel

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(US) Directed by Zach Snyder. Stars Henry Cavill, Amy Adams, Russell Crowe, Diane Lane and Kevin Costner. Continuing.

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The latest Superman film is shockingly dated. Despite the many technological advances made in the FX department (surely, this is one of the best-looking and realistic in the series) and the shakiest camerawork we’ve seen in a superhero movie (The Blair Witch Project or Cloverfield, anyone?), there is not much new here. What made the older films so charming, especially the ‘70s and ‘80s originals, were their believable lo-fi aesthetics (groundbreaking then) and Christopher Reeves, who had the acting smarts to make his Clark Kent memorable. Man of Steel, on the other hand, feels completely manufactured, down to the casting of the muscular but dull Henry Cavill in its titular role, and takes itself more seriously than it really should.

You know the story: Planet Krypton is in shambles, and Jor-El (Russell Crowe) decides to send his newborn son Kal-El (Cavill) to earth. Hot on Kal-El’s heels is General Zod (a ridiculously wild-eyed Michael Shannon), hell-bent on vengeance after Planet Krypton is destroyed. Kal-El apparently carries a secret code within him that Zod needs to extract for his attempt to recreate Krypton on Earth—cue the superfluous explosions and fast-paced fight sequences you’d expect from a typical blockbuster. In between all this madness, director Zack Snyder tries his darndest to retell Clark Kent (or KalEl)’s conflicted childhood through a series of lame flashbacks straight out of a Sunday matinee, with Diane Lane and Kevin Costner as Kent’s parents, to lend the film gravitas.

But with all those fast-paced, gravity-defying action sequences scattered throughout the film (from start to finish, literally), you'll need a will of steel not to get a headache over the course of this long-drawn mess (it’s 144 minutes).

And for all his good looks, Cavill simply does not do enough to carry the role convincingly (screenwriter David S. Goyer is partly to be blamed for the predictable script), while better actors like Lane, Costner and Amy Adams as Lois Lane are relegated to the sidelines. A shame, really. If Snyder was less preoccupied with toppling building after toppling building (and more often than not, exploding gas station after exploding gas station) and more with actual plot developments and character expositions, the film would have actually taken flight. Terry Ong

FILM continuing The Heat • (US) Sandra Bullock relives her Miss Congeniality persona in this buddy crime flick alongside Melissa McCarthy.

I-S PICK> The Hunt • (Denmark) Thomas Vinterberg’s latest film is a compelling study of the ambiguous nature of human relationships and the thin line between truth and fantasy. Stars Mads Mikkelsen in a Cannes-winning performance.

I-S PICK> Now You See Me •(US) Mark Ruffalo, Woody Harrelson and Jesse Eisenberg headline this entertaining heist film about criminal magicians.

I-S P

opening 3096 Days • (Australia) Based on the reallife tragedy of Natascha Kampusch, who was kidnapped and held for eight years in a cellar.

Arthur Newman • (US) Colin Firth headlines this rom-com about a man attempting to ditch his previous life. Co-stars Emily Blunt.

Ecstasy • (UK) Based on Irvine Welsh’s Ecstasy: Three Tales of Chemical Romance, this is a solid adaptation of doomed romance spurred by chemical reactions.

No • (Chile/Mexico) Set in ‘80s Chile, Gael Garcia Bernal plays ad executive who attempts to defeat a dirty politician in Pablo Larrain’s film Penthouse North • (US) Michael Keaton returns to the big screen in this thriller about a photojournalist stalked by a sadistic criminal.

etc But is the Book Better?: The Artistry of Ruth Prawer Jhabvala. Relive all the great classics from the prolific writer including Howard’s End and A Room with a View. Through Jul 20, various times. The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, 6332-6900, www.theartshouse. com.sg. Log on for more details. Free.

= new venues

Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria

Foodology

Harry's @ Boat Quay

ARAB STREET/KAMPONG GLAM · Artistry Cafe · BEACH ROAD · Blu Jaz · Twine · WineBos · Hide & Seek · The Plaza L1 Office Lobby Reception · O’Briens Irish Sandwich Bars · BOAT QUAY · Enoteca L’Operetta · Harry’s @ Boat Quay · The Arts House at Old Parliament · Timbre @ The Arts House · London · BUGIS · Hood Bar and Cafe · Essensuals by Toni & Guy @ Bugis · K Suites @ iluma · CHINATOWN · The Fruit Basket · Tully’s Coffee @ Far East Square · Magma German Wine Bistro · CITY HALL · Barossa @ Esplanade · The Coffee bean & Tea Leaf @ Suntec City · True Fitness @ Suntec City · Mezze · Café Cartel @ Marina Square · Coffee Club @ Millenia Walk · Outback Steak House · Paulaner Brauhaus · Timbre @ The Substation · Ice Cold B’s · Brotzeit @ Raffles City · Coffee Club @ Raffles City Shopping · MICA Office Lobby Reception · Peek! Store · The Substation · Bobby’s @ Chijmes · Hog’s Breath Café · Actually · Front Row · Loof · Dome Café @ Singapore Art Museum · CLARKE QUAY · Cassis · Brewerkz · Ricciotti @ The Riverwalk · Wings · The Central L1 Customer Service · Crazy Elephant · Mad for Garlic · Fern & Kiwi · DEMPSEY · Jones The Grocer · White Rabbit · 22 Dempsey · CMPB - Contemporary MeltingPot & Bar · Don Quijote · House, Barracks & Camp · Dome Café @ Dempsey · Red Dot Brewhouse · Oktober Munich Restaurant and Bar · DHOBY GHAUT · Timbre @ Old School · Dubliner Irish Bar · EAST · Just Salad · HARBOURFRONT · Prive Bakery Café · Brotzeit @ Vivo City · Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria @ Vivocity · Coffee Club @ Harbourfront Centre · Sky The Fitness Lifestyle · HOLLAND

VILLAGE · Mu Parlour · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Holland Village · Barossa @ Holland V · Harry’s @ Holland Village · NYDC @ Holland Village · Wala Wala · Indochine Café Siem Reap · CoffeeClub @ Holland Village · Fosters - An English Rose Café · LAVENDER · The Broers Café · City Square Mall Customer Service Counter · Loysel’s Toy · LITTLE INDIA · Broadcast HQ · MARINA BAY · Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria @ Marina Bay Sands · Foodology · Erwin’s Gastrobar · The Exchange · The Coffee Bean @ Marina Bay Sands · Bazin · Salad Stop @ MBFC · The Bank Bar & Bistro · MOHAMED SULTAN / ROBERTSON QUAY · Blow+Bar · Wine Connection Cheese Bar @ Robertson Walk · Wine Connection Tapas Bar & Bistro @ Robertson Walk · Toby’s Estate · Bar Bar Black Sheep · Epicurious · En Grill and Bar · EM By the River · Brussels Sprouts · Singapore Repertory Theatre · NOVENA · Kitchenette · Tully’s Cofee @ Square 2 · Novena Square Shopping Mall · Lavaedge Restaurant and Bar · ORCHARD · ION Concierge counter · Gusttimo Di Roma (ION Orchard) · The Marmalade Pantry · Balaclava · Coffee Club @ Paragon · Dome Café @ Paragon · PS.Cafe @ Paragon · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Paragon Shopping Centre · Dome Café @ Shaw House · TAB · Skinny Pizza @ Wheelock Place · Sky Pilates · Essensuals by Toni & Guy @ Orchard Central · Hansel · Lawry’s The Prime Rib · Leftfoot @ Cineleisure · Rockstar by Soon Lee · RAFFLES PLACE · The Coffee Bean @ The Sail · Coffee Club @ One Raffles Quay · 1-Altitude · Coffee Club @ Raffles Place Square · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf - Republic

Plaza · Chevron House · True Fitness @ Chevron House · Dome Café @ UOB Plaza 1 · O’Briens Irish Sandwich Bars · Salad Stop @ One George Street · Sansui Sumiyaki & Bar · Boathouse · Black@Hitachi Tower · Kinki · Capital Square · Pacific Coffee Company @ Reddot Traffic · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ CPF Building · Simply Sandwich · Gloria Jean’s Coffees @ Twenty Anson · RIVER VALLEY · Zouk · Bangkok Jam · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Great World City · True Fitness @ Great World City · La Villa · SENTOSA · Hard Rock Café RWS · Quayside Fish Bar & Bistro · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Palawan Beach · Tanjong Beach Club · Azzura · Wave House Sentosa · Skyloft · Suburbia · SOMERSET · Editor’s Market@ Somerset · Dean & Deluca · Ice Cold Beer · No. 5 Emerald Hill · Oriole Café & Bar · Goethe-Institut · Brotzeit @ 313@Somerset · Jibiru · Blackmarket No. 2 · Tully’s Coffee @ Orchard Central · NUOC · KPO Café Bar · Porterhouse Butcher Bar · Toni & Guy @ Mandarin Gallery · TANGLIN · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Forum Galleria · K Suites @ Orchard Parade Hotel · Modesto’s @ Orchard · Hard Rock Café · TANJONG PAGAR · Impact MMA · Moo Bar & Grill · 137 Telok Ayer Street Level 1 Reception · The Ogilvy Centre · Boulevard · Red Dot Design Museum · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ International Plaza · The Coffee bean & Tea Leaf @ Fuji Xerox Tower · Broth · Latteria Mozzarella Bar · TIONG BAHRU · Tiong Bahru Bakery · Coq & Balls · Forty Hands · Books Actually · WEST · Skyve Elementary Bistro & Bar · Salad Stop @ Fusionopolis · One Rochester · B @ Rochester · Nosh · Alliance Francaise

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Singapore Myanmar Film Festival Based on the theme “Behind Closed Doors,” the five films featured here include Bamboo Groove and Burmese Butterfly. All works are by emerging filmmakers competing for the Best Film prize. Jul 7, 1pm, 3:30pm. Golden Village VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, 63119162. $8.50 from www.smff.eventbrite.sg. is-magazine.com/user#newsletter

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FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE 29

CLASSIFIEDS health & beauty

freewill astrology

Week of June 28 © 2013 Rob Brezsny

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): “I know that I am not a category,” said philosopher Buckminster Fuller. “I am not a thing—a noun. I seem to be a verb, an evolutionary process.” Philosopher Norman O. Brown had a similar experience. “The human body is not a thing or substance, but a continuous creation,” he mused. “It is an energy system which is never a complete structure; never static; is in perpetual inner selfconstruction and self-destruction.” Now is an excellent time to imagine yourself in these terms, Cancerian. You’re not a finished product, and never will be! Celebrate your fluidity, your changeableness, your instinctual urge to reinvent yourself.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): Renowned 20th-century theologian Karl Barth worked on his book Church Dogmatics for 36 years. It was more than 9,000 pages long and contained over six million words.

And yet it was incomplete. He had more to say, and wanted to keep going. What’s your biggest undone project, Leo? The coming months will be a good time to concentrate on bringing it to a climax. Ideally, you will do so with a flourish, embracing the challenge of creating an artful ending with the same liveliness you had at the beginning of the process. But even if you have to culminate your work in a plodding, prosaic way, do it! Your next big project will be revealed within weeks after you’ve tied up the last loose end.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Susannah Cibber was a popular 18th-century English contralto whose singing was expressive and moving. On one occasion, she performed Handel’s Messiah with such verve that an influential priest responded by making an extravagant guarantee. He told her that as a result of her glorious singing, any sins she had committed or would commit were forever forgiven. I’d like to see you perpetrate an equivalent amazement, Virgo: A good or beautiful or soulful deed that wins you a flood of enduring slack. The cosmic omens suggest that such an achievement is quite possible.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): Johnny Appleseed was a 19th-century folk hero renowned for planting apple trees in vast areas of rural America. During the 70 years this famous Libra was alive, he never got married. He believed that if he remained unwed during his time on earth, he would be blessed with two spirit-wives in the after-life.

Have you ever done something like that yourself, Libra? Is there an adventure you’ve denied yourself in the here and now because you think that’s the only way you can get some bigger, better adventure at a later date? If so, now would be an excellent time to adjust your attitude.

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): “It is kind of fun to do the impossible,” said Walt Disney, a pioneer animator whose cartoon innovations were remarkable. Judging from your current astrological omens, I think you Scorpios have every right to adopt his battle cry as your mantra. You’ve got an appointment with the frontier. You’re primed to perform experiments at the edge of your understanding. Great mysteries will be tempting you to come closer and lost secrets will be teasing you with juicy clues. As you explore and tinker with the unknown, you might also want to meditate on the graffiti I saw scrawled on a mirror in a public restroom: “Only those who attempt the absurd can achieve the impossible.”

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SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Astronauts on lunar expeditions have orbited the moon and seen its entire surface. But the rest of us have never seen more than 59 percent of it. As the moon revolves around the Earth, it always keeps one side turned away from our view. Isn’t that amazing and eerie? The second most important heavenly body, which is such a constant and intimate factor in our lives, is half-hidden. I’d like to propose that there is an analogous phenomenon in your inner world, Sagittarius: a part of you that forever conceals some of its true nature. But I’m pretty sure you will soon be offered an unprecedented chance to explore that mysterious realm.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): Anglo-Irish novelist Laurence Sterne married his wife Elizabeth in 1741. Twenty-five years later he fell in love with another woman, Eliza. In composing love letters to his new infatuation, he lifted some of

the same romantic passages he had originally written to Elizabeth when he was courting her.

Try hard not to do anything remotely resembling that, Capricorn. Give your intimate allies your freshest stuff. Treat them as the unique creatures they are. Resist the temptation to use shticks that worked to create closeness in the past.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): It’s important that you not punish yourself or allow yourself to be punished for the sins that other people have committed. It’s also crucial that you not think nasty thoughts about yourself or put yourself in the presence of anyone who’s prone to thinking nasty thoughts about you. Self-doubt and self-criticism may be healthy for you to entertain about ten days from now, and at that time you will probably benefit from receiving compassionate critique from others, too. But for the moment, please put the emphasis on self-protection and self-nurturing.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): For over three decades, a man in Assam, India has worked to build a forest. When Jadav “Molai” Payeng started planting and tending seeds at the age of 16, the sandbars bordering the Brahmaputra River were barren. Today, almost entirely thanks to him, they’re covered with a 1,360-acre forest that harbors deer, birds, tigers, rhinos, and elephants.

According to my analysis of the astrological omens, you could launch a comparable project in the next 12 months, Pisces—a labor of love that will require your persistent creativity and provide you with sanctuary for a long time.

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Maybe you’ve seen that meme circulating on the Internet: “My desire to be well-informed is at odds with my desire to remain sane.” If you feel that way now—and I suspect you might soon if you don’t already—you have cosmic permission, at least for a while, to emphasize sanity over being well-informed. Lose track of what Kim Jong-un and Kim Kardashian are up to, ignore the statements of every jerk on the planet, and maybe even go AWOL from the flood of data that relentlessly pours toward you. Instead, pay attention to every little thing your body has to tell you. Remember and marvel at your nightly dreams. Go slow. Lay low. Be soft. Have fun with unspectacular influences that make you feel at home in the world.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): I expect you will be called on to move fluidly between opposing camps or, competing interests or different realities. Maybe you’ll volunteer to serve as an arbiter between the crabby good guys and the righteous bad guys. Perhaps you’ll try to decode one friend’s quirky behavior so that another friend can understand it. You might have to interpret my horoscopes for people who think astrology is bunk. You may even have to be a mediator between your own heart and head, or explain the motivations of your past self to your future self. You can’t be perfect, of course. There will be details lost in translation. But if you’re as patient as a saint and as tricky as a crow, you’ll succeed.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): Pablo Casals was one of the greatest cello players who ever lived. Among his early inspirations was the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Casals discovered Bach’s six cello suites when he was 13 years old, and played them every day for the next 13 years. Have you ever done something similar, Gemini? Devoted yourself to a pleasurable discipline on a regular basis for a long time? I invite you to try it. The coming months will be an excellent time to seek mastery through a diligent attention to the details.

LAST WORD WHAT’S NEW AT

Anthony Chen

Online

The 29-year-old London-based director is the first Singaporean to win a prize at the Cannes Film Festival (Ilo, Ilo took home the Camera D’Or trophy recently and will screen at local cinemas in August). He talks to Terry Ong about the highs and lows of filmmaking.

Anxieties are the norm in filmmaking, especially for a control freak like me. You would think it gets easier with time, but it only gets harder.

Singapore connected with the international audience at Cannes.

But I have to say, London has more life. People tend to be richer here, not physically, but what’s inside of them. And it’s a city that really cares about its culture and heritage.

Filmmaking is almost always a struggle before it becomes Ang Lee is my biggest hero. I enjoyable, that’s when you can can’t imagine a better role model taste the sweetness of in terms of a filmmaker or satisfaction from even just as a person. completing a I actually had the work. I seriously opportunity to speak think most to him backstage after filmmakers I dread the awards ceremony are sadistic. memorizing at Cannes. That really Making and lines made my day. watching A good films provide film will me with so move you much gratification. or conjure an My wife is sometimes emotional reaction jealous of this. But she is another in you, and usually big part of my life, and I probably the really good ones need her more than I think I do. do it in ways you It is really quite nerve-wrecking can’t even describe. to be reading reviews of your I’ve always wanted own work. I had that experience to be an actor. for the first time in Cannes.

I’m actually I’m not a religious person but quite keen I have this habit of going to Guan to explore Yin Temple at Waterloo Street to that again.I pray for good luck. I did that just believe it before Cannes, so there might be makes you some divine intervention involved. a better The human condition is director. universal everywhere. I guess But I that’s how our little film from dread

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memorizing lines as I’m bad with that.

I was always fighting with my two younger brothers growing up. I guess that’s usual when you have just boys at home. I had a really fun childhood filled with DOS games, badminton and booby traps, games that normal boys play.

I hope that a distinctive brand of Singapore cinema that is appreciated or admired around the world will emerge.

My sense is that there is a new wave of films approaching, led by young, intelligent and perceptive filmmakers with a strong personal voice. I do hope they will get the support they need, and these films will be realized. Hong Kong, Japan, Korea and Taiwan have done it. Hopefully our time is soon.

Top of the World Our latest pick of the best rooftop bars in town. is.gd/singaporerooftopbars

Shine Bright Rihanna, Bob Geldof, Tom Jones and Justin Bieber join The Killers in what’s shaping up to be the F1 Singapore Grand Prix’s hottest lineup yet. is.gd/i2013f1sgpnews

I wish I loved money more, then at least I would be less poor now, but the money will come someday, I’d like to think.

Saving Wilkie Artist and DISPLACEMENTS curator Yen Phang talks to us about art in a rapidly-changing Singapore. is.gd/interviewyenphang

The Incredible Lightness of Working

by doubleXUAN

FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 2013 I‑S MAGAZINE

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