I-S Magazine Mar 8 (Issue 622).pdf by Asia City Media Group

MarCH 8 - 21, 2013

The Say Photography Issue cheese :)

# 6 2 2 | I n s I d e s I n g a p o r e | www.is-magazine.com

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

Pass the Parcel

It’s time for your roundup of entertaining employment news! Whether you’re a CEO, HR Manager or lowly employee here’s what you need to know about the multitude of newly-introduced work passes.

Cover Story All you need to know about the local photography scene

The H Pass. Horses! Ensure you’re properly registered to avoid accidentally ending up in an Ikea meatball.

19 HOt OPeNING

Nimble/Knead 19

SHOPPING

StAGe

tRAVeL

Crate & Barrel

Timbre Rock & Roots

Penang World Music Festival

FILM

LASt WORd

Bekas

Ian Tan

Who's in charge? Marketing Executive Silver Ng Marketing Intern Fathinsuhaila Roslan

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

Advertising Director bernadine Reddy salesdirector@asia‑city.com.sg

Associate Editor terry Ong Web Editor Hidayah Salamat Dining Editor Jalean Wong Staff Writers Chin Hui Wen, Crystal Lee Editorial Assistant Khairul Amri Editorial Intern Iris Katariina Custom Content Editor Natasha Gunawardena Custom Content Writer Clara Lim Contributor Andre Frois Art Director Intan Agustina Senior Designer tetuko Hanggoro Prasetyowibowo Designers Fishy toh, Mossy Chew Wenzhi, Zhou Jixuan Design Interns Gregory Vanlerberghe Finance Manager Sally Kang Accountant Mark Anthony Habel Admin Executive Goh ting yu

Get

The S Pass. Not new this one but the latest rules do at least clarify that the S stands for “So damn ridiculous, how am I supposed to keep track of who’s eligible?”

Where to find us!

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

Sales Manager daniel Lim Senior Executive, Media Sales denja Chasse, teo Loo Lin Executive, Media Sales yeo Hui yu ACMG digital Digital Product Manager Nancy Ide

Group directors

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

Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia‑city.co.th Chief Operating Officer Steve Freeman sfreeman@asia‑city.com.hk Group Digital Director Greg duncan gduncan@asia‑city.com.sg

tHe

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

Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #14‑03 Henderson Industrial Park Singapore 159552 Tel: 65‑6323‑2512 Fax: 65‑6323‑2779 ismag@asia‑city.com.sg Kuala Lumpur Pacific Tourism Communications Sdn Bhd Lot 2.44‑2.45, 2nd Floor, Wisma Cosway, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: 60‑3‑2144‑4886 Fax: 60‑3‑2141‑1911

Distributed by

LOOP

The F (Off) Pass. Expires after one week, is non-renewable and is issued to anyone that we’d really prefer wasn’t here. Although initially conceived with foreigners in mind, it will now be issued mostly to local residents as part of the Government’s controversial Foreign Workers for the Win! campaign.

is-magazine.com

I‑S Magazine is published 24 times a year by Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd., 211 Henderson Road, #14‑03, Singapore 159552. Tel: 65‑6323‑2512 Fax: 65‑6323‑2779. Copyright ©2012 Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. The title “I‑S Magazine,” its associated logos or devices, and the content of I‑S Magazine are the property of Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. I‑S Magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. Contact the Publisher for ad rates and specifications. All advertising in I‑S Magazine must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by KHL Printing Co. Pte. Ltd., 57 Loyang Drive, Singapore 508968. ISSN 0218‑8872 MCI (P) 136/12/2012

I-S MAGAZINe IS AudIted by

The KTV Pass. For hot young mainland Chinese girls who like preening in front of their smartphones and take karaoke more seriously than life. Must be sponsored by a seedy old uncle (not necessarily their own). The One-Two Pass. It’s hoped this one will attract more foreign football players to our shores; or perhaps just lure ex-national coach Raddy Avramovic back from Serbia. The Midnight Mass Pass. For touring ex-Popes only.

contests, updates, stories

latest news and trends

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@is_magazine FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 I-S MAGAZINe

UP FRONT Comments/letters to the Editor: editor@asia-city.com.sg

Freebies

The Bookie

The concert’s on us

This week, we are giving away two pairs of tickets to Timbre Rock & Roots on 21 March 2013 (worth $330 per pair) Robert Plant Photo Credit Charlie bryan

To win, go to ismagazine.com/ freebies, register and tell us why you deserve to win.

Harlem Shake Shaker Fries Fast moves Fast food Infectious Addictive breakout moment Causes breakouts Viral borderline vile

Quote of the week

“I think you need a very different climate and a different urban metabolism to make it happen.” Tyler Brulé, Monocle’s editor in chief and chairman, on Singapore’s efforts in improving the city’s birth rate.

The odds: Harlem Shake 3:1. Plus, it’s not fattening

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

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

More handrails inside MRTs The Land Transport Authority (LTA) will install additional rows of overhead hand rails to ease congestions during peak hours. A spokesperson said that it expects passengers to be more evenly spread throughout the train with the redesign to be applied to 174 trains on the North-South, East-West, Circle and North-East lines by May next year. A trial conducted last year on five trains had shown that more commuters were moving into areas away from the main doors. Here’s hoping that more people will start using deodorants too once the handrails are up.

Cigarettes without the new “Singapore Duty Paid Cigarette” mark, which consists of the letters “SDPC” and short vertical lines around each stick, are now deemed illegal. According to Singapore Customs, the updated print is meant to increase the effectiveness of anti-contraband cigarette operations. Offenders can be fined up to 40 times the amount of duty evaded, jailed for up to six years, or both.

Be Good

Wheel power

Need more motivation to work out? Mark your calendar for ComChest Give A Hand! 2013 roadshow (Mar 9-10, 11am. b1 Exhibition Hall AMK Hub, 53 Ang Mo Kio Ave 3, www.comchest.sg.), where you can do your part for charity by contributing $2 to pedal on stationary bikes for 15 minutes and corporate partners will donate $1 for every meter cycled. If you’re looking for something more challenging, go for the wheelchair obstacle course at the event ($2 to participate).

WE’VE ORGANIZED A YEAR’S WORTH OF FREE READER EVENTS. JOIN US!

MAR 14, THu, 6.30pM

MAR 30, SAT, 4pM

A ROARIN’ GOOD TIME

TAbLE MANNERS

The 90-minute Tiger Tour in March gets you behind the scenes at the nation’s best known brewery.

Learn the art of table setting at Black Opal, with the F&B Director of the Mount Faber Leisure Group in March.

To apply, go to www.is-magazine.com/isx

official mobile camera for I-S X

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

Sources: Asia One, MICA, The New Paper, Publichouse.sg, The Straits Times, Today.

CALENDAR Essential Events March 8 - 21 DON’T Miss

Ground Up Timbre Rock & Roots rolls into town with legendary performers like Robert Plant, bonnie Raitt, Paul Simon and Rufus Wainwright taking the stage. Mar 21-22, 6:30pm. Fort Canning Park. Read our interview with Wainwright and for more details, see page 25.

SEE This

For Art’s Sake bask in the balmy breeze with a drink on hand as you catch films featuring artists like Ai Weiwei and Robert Mapplethorpe at the Artin-Film Festival at Dusk. Through Mar 16. Tanjong beach Club. See Film, page 29.

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

CALENDAR MARCH 7, THURSDAY Limited edition T-shirts and artworks at the unbreakable pop-up store and launch party. Oh, and free-flow drinks, too. 7pm. blackmarket, #02-10 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6634-5201. Free. MARCH 8, FRIDAY Mosaic Music Festival kicks off with post-rock jazz band mouse on the keys. 7:30pm. Esplanade. See Stage, page 26. Robert Wilson and Vivienne Westwood: art manager or artistic director?. Hear insights into the working methods of the two brit creatives by Clemens Thornquist. 7pm. Room F202, 2/F blk. F, LASALLE College of the Arts, 6496-5000. Free. Email interactions@lasalle. edu.sg to register. MARCH 10, SUNDAY Groovy beach vibes at the inaugural Endless Summer:

First Edition party. 3pm. W Singapore Sentosa Cove. See Nightlife, page 28. Last chance to shop for rare Japanese clothing at Hello, Shibuya Tokyo. Main Atrium, Plaza Singapura. See Sales & Fairs, page 27. MARCH 13, WEDNESDAY Mercedes-Benz A-Class Launch. The unveiling of the new Merc in an exclusive party. 7-9pm. OverEasy, #0106 One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Rd., 6423-0701. Invite-only. Literally 9. The Arts House celebrates its ninth anniversary with a three-week-long festival based on the theme “Writers Party”. Through Mar 31. 1 Old Parliament Lane, 6332-6900. Log onto www.theartshouse. com.sg for full schedule. Taste contrasting-colored plates at the Black and White Dinner at LP+Tetsu. Through Mar 16. See New & Noted, page 21.

MARCH 14, THURSDAY Free-flow beer after a 90-minute tour at our very own I-S X. 6:30pm. See Scene & Heard, page 26. MARCH 16, SATURDAY More funky tunes at the collaboration gig Darker Than Wax x Midnight Shift x Zouk : DMZ 003 Mick Huckaby. 10pm. Velvet Underground, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $25-32, two drinks included. MARCH 17, SUNDAY bi-annual buffet feast Superbrunch hits the RitzCarlton, Millenia for the ninth time. See New & Noted, page 21. MARCH 18, MONDAY Twice yearly event Restaurant Week presents fresh additions like Le Petite Cancale and Kaixo. See New & Noted, page 21.

AIKBENG CHIA

COVER STORY

Lens Flair From an iPhone-toting Instagram sensation to an irreverent fashion photographer, I-S captures snapshots of the keenest eyes and best gear in town. By Crystal Lee and Nutthachai Bunluthangthum

The INSTagraM MaSTer

aikbeng Chia

Proof that you really only need a phone comes from @aikbengchia (www.aikbengchia.com). With a following of over 12,000, he takes stunning, intriguing snapshots only with his iPhone and his pictures have been exhibited and published internationally, most recently at the Invisible Photographer asia (IPa) gallery for a second solo exhibition in 2012.

Has Instagram changed the way you see things? No, but Instagram has opened doors for me, like meeting really good photographers from all over the world and providing opportunities to work with brands, corporate companies and non-profit organizations. How did you get so many followers? I really have no idea. I’m happy to get the recognition but I don’t let the number validate my work. I mean, it’s just numbers. I’ve seen others with great pictures—better than mine actually—with lesser followers than I have. What’s important is how your photos connect with your audience. You can have hundreds or thousands of followers, but perhaps there’s only a handful who really appreciate, interact and respond to your posts. It’s sad that more people are abusing this trend of “likes” and “followers” on the social

Best Photo Apps

media platform for personal and commercial business. How do you decide which pictures to post? It depends. Instagram is my visual diary. Sometimes, I post images of an ongoing project, or random things I see on the streets. What are your favorite filters? I don't use any. They are nice, but they don’t suit my photographs. I keep my editing process simple: black-and-white and color with minimal adjustments. My advice is to take it easy on the filters. Filters are great, but if you overuse them it’s going to make your photos look and feel boring. Some filters can work for some photos, but doesn’t mean they’ll work for all. What apps do you use to take pictures? My favorite apps are ProCamera and Thirty Six for shooting, and Snapseed for editing.

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

COVER STORY The VISUaL arTIST What defines your art? a large part of my artistic practice is about exploring the relationships between people, their contexts and their living spaces; reflecting on how our identity is embedded in our possessions and homes. It’s about striking a chord with the audience through common human experiences like alienation, loneliness, dislocation, belonging and the search for self.

alecia Neo

Neo's most notable work, home Visits, where she captured people in the neighborhood she grew up in, received an honorable Mention at the 2009 Berenice abbott Prize and was exhibited in Singapore, China and Thailand. Not one to rest on her laurels, this award-winning photographer continues to keep herself busy with other projects, including goddess of Mercy, an installation commissed for the M1 Fringe Festival 2012, in which alecia Neo drew parallels between two families— mothers and sons—and four different faiths.

What was your most memorable photo shoot? It was a shoot I did in Baltimore, United States, of an elderly friend whom I got to know at a local cross-dresser club. It was the first time I saw him in men's clothes. he looked so ordinary and, at that point, I could understand why he dresses as a woman. Before the shoot at his home, he asked me to wait outside the door while he cleared out some space. I finally let myself in after 15 minutes freezing in the cold, only to find the door obstructed

with and heaps of trash. There was basically no floor area. It hit me: my friend was a serious hoarder. Later, I found him sitting at his kitchen surrounded by trash, and he said, "Welcome to america." What’s your take on mobile digital photography? It’s great, I love the medium. apps like Instagram lets you in on a complete stranger and gives a whole new look at your closest friends. everyone curates an experience for their audience with it. Images reveal so much about people, intentional or not. What’s coming up next for you? I’m currently working on a video and photography installation for an upcoming exhibition at ION art gallery in September. It’s part of the gallery's Young Talent Programme in collaboration with the affordable art Fair. I began developing this work when I was doing my art residency in Italy last year.

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TOYS FOR YOUR CAMERA

1 Belkin LiveAction Camera grip for your

iPhone, $79, from Ban Leong Technologies Limited (#04-01, 150 Ubi Avenue 4, 6512-9221, www.banleong.com.sg)

2 Gizmon’s iCA camera case turns your iPhone into an old Leica, comes with a lens mount, a working shutter button and an optical viewfinder and a tripod mount, $80, from CathayPhoto (#01-11 to 14 Peninsula Plaza, 111 North Bridge Rd., 6337-4274, www.cathayphoto.com.sg) 3 The Belkin LiveAction Mic is a small microphone that plugs into the audio jack of your iPhone, $69, from Ban Leong Technologies Limited (#04-01, 150 Ubi Avenue 4, 6512-9221, www.banleong.com.sg)

1 3

4 The Epson PM310 acts as a 7” LCD picture

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

frame as well as a 6x4” color printer with a resolution up to 5760x1440 dpi, $298, from Best Denki (#02-06 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, 6276-6636, www.epson.com.sg). 5 Get instant snapshots with your Diana F+ with the Instant Back+ loaded with Fuji Instax Mini Film, $148, from Lomography Gallery Store, 295 South Bridge Rd., 6223-885, www.lomography.sg)

COVER STORY HOT CAMERAS

The VeTeraN Chris Yap

CoLLECtIoN oF NUS MUSEUM

a prominent figure in the photography circuit, Chris Yap is many things: artist, curator (including for Objectif ’s 10 Years of Shooting home), lecturer, judge for local and international exhibitions and master digital printmaker. his highly conceptual, evocative works, which have been widely exhibited all over the world throughout his career, convey a dense, poetic perspective on nature (one of his passions), relationships and culture.

How do you define a good picture? It has to be meaningful and evident of what the photographer’s message within the image. It’s almost like the soul of the photograph. a good image should also be creative and stand out from the millions of images created every day. The physical quality of the image also counts, like if it’s meant to be blur, then it should be blur, or if it’s meant to be red, it shouldn’t look orange. Are there a lot of collectors of photography in Singapore at the moment? They’re usually foreigners, because I think that people here aren’t attuned to the fact that fine art photographs can cost thousands of dollars. It’s a very old argument, but here, they think that paintings are worth more money than photography because they don’t see the mind, soul and effort behind the work. Our population is inclined to see art as an investment or simply for decorative purposes (they don’t see the story, just the aesthetic). But it’s definitely growing. I have a group of local and asian collectors that are keen on photography and expanding their repertoire.

Nikon D600

Specs: Full frame DSLR; 24.7 megapixel sensor; 3.2” LCD screen, ISO 100-6400; 1080/309 HD video; SD, HDMI Price: $2,999 from Challenger (#06-00 Funan DigitaLife Mall, 109 North Bridge Rd., 6339-9008, www.challenger.com) Why it’s hot: Nikon finally has its own semi-affordable full-frame DSLR. In fact, it’s even cheaper than Canon’s 5D Mark III, and so loaded with features it almost seems too good to be true.

What do you think of the local photography scene? Well, I think asian photographers should have an asian perspective. I’m not saying that they should shoot asian stuff but rather approaching with their own backgrounds. Many (though not all) local photographers are not authentic enough—like they are trying to be somebody else. I hope that they can be more involved in growing a pool of supporters who believe in their honesty. Where do you recommend people to go see good photography? Objectifs (56a arab Street, 6292-9782, www.objectifs.com.sg), which puts out good exhibitions. Which Singaporean photographer do you like? I love ernest goh’s work. One up-and-coming name is alecia Neo (see page 10). Any tips for aspiring photographers? Most importantly, get yourself a camera you’re most comfortable with. Take lots of pictures, then stop, look back and think of what you’ve shot and why you shoot the images in the first place. Over time, you should shoot less and less because you’ll know what you exactly want and what you’re looking for. n

Lytro Light Field Camera

Specs: 11 “megaray” sensor; 1.52” touchscreen; 8x optical zoom constant f/2 lens; ISO 80-3200; internal flash drive (8GB or 16GB) Price: $648-778 from EpiCentre (313@somerset, #01-19/20 313@ Somerset, 313 Orchard Rd., 62389378, www.epicentreasia.com.sg)

Why it’s hot: This revolutionary camera allows you to capture all the light rays in a scene. The result: a “shoot first, focus later” mechanism, snappier photo-taking and interactive photos (you can change the focus however and whenever you like after shooting).

For an extended version of this story, including reviews of the latest cameraphones, an interview with emerging talent May Lin Le Goff and more amazing images, go to is.gd/sglensflair or download the I-S Magazine Tablet App. 3

GoPro Hero3: Black Edition

Specs: 12 megapixel sensor with 30 frames per second; 4K cinema video; f/2.8 six-element aspherical glass lens; 60m waterproof housing; Wi-Fi Price: $599 from Harvey Norman, #0257 Millenia Walk, 9 Raffles Blvd., 63119988, www.harveynorman.com.sg) Why it’s hot: Everything you could ever need from a sports camera is packed into this diminutive but mighty gadget (weighing a mere 74g), which shoots in wide-angle ultra HD so you can do cool stuff like time lapse and stop motion with your footage.

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

travel

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

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

ESCAPE ROUTES

with Chin Hui Wen

INDIA

Estate of Mind

hilton shillim estate Retreat & spa

The hilton Group’s first leisure property in India, Hilton Shillim Estate Retreat & Spa (Village Shillim, Post Pawana Nagar, Taluka maval, Pune, +91 88 79679123), has just opened in the Sahyadri mountain range, a two-and-a-half-hour drive and 30-minute helicopter ride from mumbai. The expansive property set in the private Shillim Estate—replete with pretty rice fields and bamboo plantations—features 99 villas. Expect butler service, one of the largest wine cellars in India, comprehensive spa facilities (150 treatments!), six onpremise F&B outlets focusing on organic and locally-sourced produce, workshops (cooking, dance, music and pottery) and excursions to nearby maratha forts and Buddhist caves at Karla and Bhaja. Read more at www3.hilton.com. M Al AysIA

Penang Gets Worldly

Penang World Music Festival

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, mARch 8, 2013

Woefully underrated, this year’s Penang World Music Festival (PWmF), march 30-31 at the Penang Botanic Gardens, is set to feature 12 international acts,

including folk band mu from Portugal, West African singer Kimi Djabate, ethnic music performers Inka marka from South America, pop-rock group Kalayo from the Philippines and malaysia’s Akasha. Penang offers a host of new boutique hotels to stay at while in town; try 23 Love Lane (23 Love Lane, Georgetown, Penang, +60 4262-1323, www.23lovelane.com), an estate comprising buildings that were built at various times throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. Rates start at Rm500 (S$200). Find out more at www. penangworldmusic.gov.my. ThAIl AND

Cozy Amid Concrete

hotel is a real departure from their previous projects incorporating historic motifs from the King Rama V-era in Thailand as well as early 20th century European patterns instead of the usual modern finishing. Get the details at www.huachangheritagehotel.com. PhIlIPPINes

The Safety Dance

Our friends at Philippine carrier Cebu Pacific are calling on bloggers in Singapore and malaysia to create safety-related dance videos on YouTube, with the grand prize the opportunity to fly to two to four destinations in the Philippines, including Iloilo, famed for the colorful Dinagyang Festival (and where we hosted a recent I-S Xperience). Entry deadline for “Search for the Juan Blogger” is march 15. For more information, head to www.facebook.com/ hua Chang cebupacificairasean. heritage hotel

Bangkok’s Baiyoke Group of hotels, which is known for their towering 88-floor property the Baiyoke Sky hotel, has just launched boutique establishment Hua Chang Heritage Hotel (400 Phayathai Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok, +66 2217-0707). The cozy seven-floor

I-S ONlINe: Read about the Iloilo I-s Xperience at is.gd/ isxperiencedinagyang2013.

island

STYLE + LIVING + DINING | GEt MorE out of SINGAporE

fitness Great Strides

Perfect Match If you’re into vino, check out Waterfall Café’s (Shangri-La Hotel, 22 Orange Grove Rd., 62134138, www.shangri-la.com/singapore) recently introduced Mediterranean Wine Journey. The first leg in the quarterly series will see Spanish wines paired with a five-course Mediterranean set dinner ($148) with offerings such as Finca el Romero Viñas Viejas served alongside oven-roasted guinea fowl wrapped in smoked bacon. For dessert, a walnut tart with gingerbread ice cream is accompanied by P.X. Fernando de Castilla Antique Sherry. The Spanish wine journey is available from Monday to Saturday from 6-10:30pm through March.

Inspired by cats’ paws, which is said to compress and expand to provide propulsion and cushioning, the new puMA Mobium Elite trainers are designed to move according to the foot’s motions while running. Its adaptive construction encourages a more natural and efficient mid-foot strike with cushioning, protection and flexibility. $179 from puMA, #B2-23 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 62388606, www.puma.com.

online shopping No Fishy Business Quirky gems like one-off vintage wares, dresses, shades, toys, bikes and limited edition Merlion sculpture by Indonesian artist Arkiv Vilmansa (pictured) are available for sale at new online shopping site the Damn Good Shop (www. thedamngoodshop. com). All the stuff on sale here are pretty much collectibles (only 10 of these sculptures were made), handpicked by proprietor and well-known PR specialist Pat Law. Plus, they provide free delivery for all local orders. But if you want to pay the store a visit, you can. It only opens on the first Friday of every month from 8pm-midnight at #01-02, 30 Maxwell Rd. Otherwise, the site is as good as it gets.

OPEN DOOR

FITNESS

Ritual

the buzz: Celeb fitness powerhouse trio Brad Robinson, Ian Tan and Oli Pettigrew set up a cool concept circuit gym that feels like an underground fight club, except the only person you’ll be fighting is yourself. the vibe: The premise Ritual’s built upon is pretty exclusive—the shophouse building is characteristically nondescript and if you don’t get a heads up in advance, you’ll never know the only way to get in is via a limited

access lift down an alleyway. Once inside, the whole setup makes you feel like you’ve just been pulled into a mysterious, underground arrangement—there’s an iPad with a cool target board home screen at the reception for you to check in, and as you get absorbed into the circular flow of the grounds (check in—collect attire—change—workout—refuel—get out), you’ll feel increasingly like you’ve joined the ranks of the fitness elite.

the goods: The gym’s 30-minute-get-in-get-out concept is incredibly simple and allows no room for excuses. You won’t need shoes; attire and towels are provided; there is a session going on every 20 minutes from as early as 6:30am to as late as 9pm; and you’ll get a full-body workout. Why you’ll be back: It’s hip and painful, an unlikely-sounding pairing that works like a dream. Also, this is where we imagine Edward Norton might have toned up for Fight Club. Hidayah Salamat

#03-01, 11 North Canal rd., 6536-7291, www.ritual.sg. open 6:30am-10pm daily. Membership ranges from $299-399. first-time trials are available.

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

island

food + fashion + fitness + tech + health + home

STYLE NOTES

With Terry Ong

VOTE & WIN! ODEUR

Perfect Plain

inspired, with its pigskin leather finishing, contrast stitching and It’s tough to find clothes that detailing like tassels and weaving. are simply well-made and not $239 upwards from #B2-96 The overdone, but are still perfectly Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, thought out with impeccable 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7705. tailoring to boot. Acne and Jil On the subject of shoes, we Sander aside, we’ve just found also love the limited-edition another new Clarks sports range which will favourite, Stockholmland at Actually (see address based ODEUR, and left) end March. There its Spring/Summer are a couple of great collection is available styles to be for the first time had, but the here at Actually Camo Pack, (29A Seah St., is a standout, 6336-7298, www. Clarks’ Camo Pack while those actually.com.sg). Made for looking for something more both men and women, the clothes classic can check out the Traxter, dubbed “PLAIN” (the name is inspired by the brand’s famous an appropriate giveaway) is an desert boot range. $199 upwards. uncomplicated assembly of lush lightweight materials, cool wool, sleek cashmeres, ultra-light sheer cottons and technical fabrics, coupled with an understated colour palette, ranging from whites, deep reds and wine tones to dark blacks to further enhance the versatility and daily functionality of the line. Each piece is subtle yet trendy, and a must for those looking for investment pieces. $129 upwards for t-shirts.

Shoe In The guys at Hush Puppies are stepping up their game with the release of their latest collaboration shoes with UK-based design house Hemingway Design. Culled from Hush Puppies’ design archives and references from contemporary British club culture, the shoes are a stylish hybrid of retro-inspired, thick crepe soled styles in funky colors. The selection for ladies is especially

This is your chance to tell us who, what and where are worthy of cheers and jeers. Plus you could win some fabulous prizes. • Best new bar in town? • Favorite fashion brand? • Top coffee spot? Worth $1200

A pair of Economy Class Tickets to Bangkok on THAI Airways

2D1N weekend staycation in Club Room at Changi Village Hotel, inclusive of complimentary buffet breakfast for two, and also an exclusive access to the Club Lounge and complimentary evening cocktails and canapés

Changing Hands The local fashion scene is abuzz again with the upcoming Asia Fashion Exchange (www. asiafashionexchange.com.sg) scheduled May 13-19 at the F1 Pit Building. International labels aside, we’re looking towards supporting our very own Zardoze (www. facebook.com/zardoze), which will launch its latest creations by newly-appointed Chinese designer Chen Zhi Gang, who took home the top prize at the Audi Star Creation in 2011. Chen will debut a 26-piece evening gown collection featuring gorgeous detailing like lace with hand-sewn adornments, pearls, coral stones and bamboo sheets for a hair-raising catwalk show. Meanwhile, to vote for your favorite local label in this year’s I‑S Readers’ Choice Awards, go to is-magazine.com/rcawards2013.

Worth $450

Worth $400

A pair of 90-minute Singapore Massage at CHI, The Spa (opening soon in Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa)

Worth $348

2D1N weekend staycation for 2 in the Deluxe Room at Regent Hotel, inclusive of complimentay breakfast for two at Basilico

Log on to www.is-magazine.com/rcawards2013 or scan the QR below to enter. It only takes a few minutes. Survey ends April 12, 2013.

Coming Soon! A weekly dose of fashion news, sales alerts and hot products. Sign up now at is.gd/TheLook

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 I‑S MAGAZINE

island

food + fashion + fitness + tech + health + home TECH TALK

LG Optimus G TECH

Specs: 13MP, 2GB internal RAM, 32GB internal ROM, Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2, Snapdragon S4 pro Processor, Quad Core 1.5Ghz. Overview: It’s become trendy for mobile phone manufacturers to use the term “superphone” freely, regardless of whether the device in question is truly groundbreaking or not. Korean underdogs LG look to stick it to dominant rival Samsung, with a superphone that challenges the Samsung Galaxy SIII in terms of multi-tasking capabilities and speed. Plus: The rapid Snapdragon S4 Pro Processor has been proven to outrun numerous competitors by a mile. Its QSlide Function allows not just screens of two applications to be shown at once, but also in their entirety. There are slick tricks you can pull off with the Dual Screen Dual Play capability, such as reading song lyrics off the phone while it screens the music video on TV. Non-fans of the Super AMOLED display (us) will appreciate the Optimus G’s more natural screen.

The phone is also protected by the fiercely robust Corning Gorilla Glass 2, but why not the Glass 3? Minus: The 13MP camera lets you capture fast-moving objects without all the blurring using its simple yet ingenious Smart Shutter technology, but the function might not work in low-light conditions. The phone’s ability to take a photo whenever someone says “cheese”, “smile”, “LG” or “kimchi” to it might yield more snorts than “wow”s. While it’s slightly smaller than most smartphones, the Optimus G is a little big-boned at 145g. Verdict: Features like Android Jelly Bean 4.1.2 exemplify LG’s commendable but lackluster push to finish ahead of its rivals; which it does, but only by the skin of its teeth. LG’s mobile solutions are seldom groundbreaking and are often just playing catch-up with other modern devices. However, it’s cheaper than an iPhone and will address most of your mobile needs quickly and without a hitch. Andre Frois

$698 from Samsung (#02‑29 VivoCity, 1 HarbourFront Walk, 6376‑9150, www.samsung.com/sg) and all major electronics retailers.

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OPEN STORE

Crate & Barrel

HOmE its open displays of seasonal themes which change every month or so, like cupcakes or cheeses, allowing shoppers to pick out the best products related to the specific “topic”.

The buzz: American home furnishings chain Crate & Barrel has opened its first store in Asia at ION Orchard, managed by the folks behind Proof Living, a multi-label luxury furniture and home accessories boutique. The vibe: The 16,000 sq. ft. space has a calming, welcoming atmosphere, thanks to neutral hues, earthy materials and warm lighting. Almost half of the store is dedicated to the brand’s specialty—kitchenware and household essentials—with products neatly arranged so it’s easy to find what you’re looking for. A key feature is

The goods: You’ll find everything from pizza pans and Champagne flutes to leather chairs and carpets. If you’re in the market for some goodlooking drinkware, the store offers a respectable assortment of glasses for every budget (a machine-produced cocktail glass costs a mere $3.50, while a hand-blown piece starts from $13). This is also the place to get hard-to-find kitchen tools such as a marble cheese board with slicer ($32.95). Why you’ll be back: While prices aren’t as low as Ikea’s, the brand’s well-made products are relatively affordable and deviate from the mob of uniformity seen in other furniture chains. And if you can’t find anything that suits (or fits), just head down the road to new sibling CB2 at Peranakan Place. Crystal Lee

#04‑25 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6634‑4222, www.crateandbarrel.com. Open daily 10am‑10pm.

OPEN DOOR

Nimble/Knead

SPAS

The buzz: Hotspot Tiong Bahru welcomes a fresh addition to the dining- and retail-heavy neighborhood, this time a cool new spa. The vibe: Designed around the unlikely concept of shipping containers (the idea is to transport you to the ends of the world), this pampering spot forgoes the usual Zen look for a raw, industrial aesthetic, replete with steel container walls, raw wooden boxes and concrete floors, while quirky decals of birds, cages and nature, as well as potted plants and grass-like carpets soften the utilitarian space to make it more inviting. There are four treatment rooms, of which two are for couples, two massage platform beds for Thai massages and two foot massage stations. There’s also an indoor garden courtyard at the back where you can sip ginger tea over soothing instrumental tunes after your treatment. The goods: It has the usual spa offerings like massages (from $69 for an hour), foot reflexology ($42 for 60 minutes), body masks ($59/45

minutes) and scrubs ($59 for 45 minutes). Try their signature treatment Destination Bali ($108 for 90 minutes), a firm pressure Balinese massage which involves kneading, acupressure, reflexology and aromatherapy to help boost circulation and ease muscle and joint pain. Feeling especially tense? Go for the Thai Thai Aroma ($108 for 90 minutes), a soothing rubdown which combines gentle Thai-style stretching with aromatic oil. Why you’ll be back: Experienced therapists, unusually cool interiors and pocket-friendly prices—a 90-minute massage for under $100—in a hip location make this a winner. Crystal Lee

WALE #SKULLCANDYMUSIC

#01‑28, 66 Eng Watt St., 6438‑3933, www.nimbleknead.com. Open Tue‑Sun 11am‑9pm. AvAiLAbLE At: GAdGEt WorLd, GAmE xtrEmE, iP CAsE, riP CurL, sPrint CAss, stErEo ELECtroniCs, xGEAr

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FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 I‑S MAGAZINE

island

food + fashion + fitness + tech + health + home

North

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1. Restaurant Ember G/F Hotel 1929, 50 Keong Saik Rd., 6347-1928, www.hotel1929.com.

Even after a decade, it still gets really busy here, especially during lunchtime, thanks to their affordable set lunches ($42 for three courses). Dinners are calmer affairs, and we highly recommend chef and owner Sebastian Ng’s homemade crispy tofu with delish foie gras-mirin sauce ($17).

2. Tong Ah Coffeeshop 36 Keong Saik Rd., 6223-5083.

This historic kopitiam with a distinctive red and white facade is still a great standby for thin crispy char grilled kaya toast ($1.20) and kopi-o ($1).

3. Keong Saik Snacks 49 Keong Saik Rd., 6221-8338, www.keongsaiksnacks.com.

A joint project by British celeb chef Jason Atherton and famed local hotelier Loh Lik Peng, this casual eatery serves up a selection of simple, if sometimes underwhelming, bites like shaved asparagus, beet and radish salad ($18) as well as grilled bone marrow with London gentleman’s relish ($19). They’ve also just launched a weekend Punch Brunch menu (SaturdaySunday 11am-4pm).

47 Keong Saik Rd., 6221-8338, www.facebook.com/ KeongSaikSnacks.

Road

former red light district, tucked away from the better known parts of chinatown, the intersection of these two roads is now awash with swish dining spots and characterful bars. All the area needs for some greater recognition is a name. Jason Athertown, anyone?

to find serious drinks care of canadian bartender Stefan Ravalli who’s done his time at Pollen Street Social. Tiki fans will dig Piscotheque ($21), with passion fruit, pineapple, mint leaves and BarSol Pisco. The sake-spiked moshi moshi Umeboshi ($21) is a nice refreshing drink, too.

5. Taratata Bistrot 35A Keong Saik Rd., 6221-4506, taratata.sg.

charming Parisian bistro decor, an impressive wine list, and French classics like escargots ($24) rich with butter and garlic as well as Burgundystyle beef simmered in red wine ($37) make a meal here a special treat.

I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, mARch 8, 2013

retro as well with British dishes such as corned beef ($12) and steak Diane with chips ($29). If you’re feeling thirsty, there are revamped classic tipples named after movies from the era like the Ferris Bueller ($18), a mixture of five kinds of rum, a dash of absinthe, tropical juices and a maraschino cherry.

10. Oriole Coffee Roasters

8. Mariko’s

11. Esquina

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

By the same folks behind the Retrospective comes this ramen bar and izakaya inspired by a fictional manga character—a prostitute named mariko—by renowned Japanese illustrator Yoshihiro Tatsumi. Order up classics such as wagyu tonkotsu ramen ($25) and yakitori 6. Provence Le like chicken heart with Restaurant 31 Keong Saik Rd., salt ($12) and wash it 6224-9141, www. down with a range of provencelerestaurant. warm and cold sakes (from com. $12/glass, $66/ The food here is inspired Mariko’s bottle) or Japanese by the cuisine of Reine Sammut, whisky including Nikka a one-michelin-starred chef who helms Black ($12/glass, destination restaurant La Fenière in the $$170/bottle). hills of Luberon. Expect rustic dishes like rabbit and foie gras terrine with fig 9. The Cufflink Club chutney and mache salad ($28). 6 Jiak Chuan Rd.,

7. The Retrospective Restaurant and Bar 21 Keong Saik Rd., 62231334, www.facebook. com/retro.sg.

This themed restaurant is a throwback to Right next to the ‘80s and ‘90s eras Atherton’s casual with old-school stools, Western spot is this a memorabilia collection, password-only bar. You can 47 keong Saik Road vintage illustrations by British get the secret phrase off their designer Fran holden and even Facebook page or from the eager servers working Pacman and Galaga arcade at the restaurant. Armed with it, you’ll game machines. The grub is decidedly be able to enter through a mirrored door

Shophouse Rules The area around Jiak chuan and Keong Saik is currently the hottest dining strip in town. By Chin Hui Wen

Neil

4. 47 Keong Saik Road

TASTE TREk

9694-9623, www. thecufflinkclub.com.

10/10A Jiak Chuan Rd., 6224-8131, www.oriolecoffee.com.

Featuring a dedicated roasting facility, a research laboratory for experimenting with new beans and new methods, and a training lab, the place also offers a boutique café on-site. coffees start at $4.

2 Teck Lim Rd., 6438-3802, esquina.com.sg.

Atherton’s other chinatown eating establishment, shoebox-sized tapas joint Esquina needs no introduction (and takes no reservations). This corner-spot spills out onto the street and serves up a host of Spanish small plates like beetroot salad with honeycomb burrata ($18) and roast lamb rump with black olive polenta ($27). They’ve also recently introduced a three-course set lunch for $39.

12. Bistro Soori 2 Teck Lim Rd., 6438-3802, www.bistrosoori.com.

Put away your preconceptions about “fusion” food, for Bistro Soori is a delight. here you’ll find east meets west dishes like slow roasted pork belly and yuzu gastrique ($18) and karaage prawns with kaffir lime and Russian dressing ($17).

headed by owner-mixologist Nicolas Le Restaurant 13. Nicolas Le Restaurant Joel Fraser, who’s an alum of both award-winning melbourne 10 Teck Lim Rd., 6224-2404, www.restaurantnicolas.com. bar Der Raum and Tippling club, this sleek space serves around 20 cocktail After a trip to Japan (to train and concoctions such as Walking Dead search for inspiration), cult favorite chef ($24), a riff on the Zombie made with Nicolas Joanny is back at his new digs. spices and a secret blend of 13 different At lunch, he offers a three- ($42) and rums and garnished with a candy five-course sets ($68), and at dinner, a eyeball. Nibbles like the charcuterie six-course tasting menu ($98), which tartine ($18) with pastrami, chorizo changes every two weeks. head here and saucisson round out the offerings. for a convivial atmosphere and expertly crafted seasonal French fare.n

NEW AND NOTED

With Jalean Wong

Taste, with most of the restaurants doing a tasting platter of their signature dishes as one of the courses. Get clicking to score yourself seats pronto. can’t wait? Then download a copy of our new Lunch, Brunch & Buffet Guide to your iPad or Android tablet (is. asia-city.com/app) or as an ebook (is. gd/lunchguide), with more than 120 top midday sets around town. You’ll also want to get your hands on the 2013 edition of our annual Top Tables Guide, a comprehensive guide of close to 150 of the city’s best restaurants, free with the next issue of I-S. mmmm...

LP+Tetsu

Dynamic Duo

Sharing is Caring Be sure to check out fresh arrival Communal (#01-01, 12 North canal Rd., 6221-7790, www.communal.sg), a casual American restaurant helmed by chef-owner Ryan Jetté—who’s done time at Thomas Keller’s The French Laundry—for goods like lobster mac and cheese gratin ($20), and torchon of foie gras ($20). It’s close to other newbies South American eatery Sur (#0101/#02-01, 13 North canal Rd., 6222-2897, www.sur.com.sg) and watering hole The Mad Men Attic Bar (#03-02, 11 North canal Rd., 9191-9722). While you’re in the resurgent Boat Quay area, why not check out recent addition Homebodies (60A Boat Quay, 9169-2821, www.facebook.com/ homebodies.sg)? A cozy café offering a concise menu of coffee (from $3.50), craft beers like La chouffe strong ale ($15) and hot dogs ($10).

Chope This Brace yourself for some full-on feasting as Singapore Restaurant Week (www.restaurantweek.sg) rolls around march 18-24. Over 100 eateries are participating including first-timers such as Spanish eatery Kaixo (96 Tanjong Pagar Rd., 6225-0545, www.facebook.com/ kaixokulinary) and French restaurant Le Petit Cancale (see page 22). You know the deal: three-course lunches go for $25, while dinners are $35. There’s also a new element, The Grand Tour of

michelin men Laurent Peugeot and Loic Villemin will be in town to present a 10-course Black and White Menu ($178) at LP+Tetsu (#03-18 Tanglin mall, 163 Tanglin Rd., 6836-3112, www.lptetsu.com) from march 13-16. Featuring contrastingcolored dishes, Peugeot will be serving five black offerings such as scallop confit with liquorice, while Villemin will be dishing out five white plates including parsnip with white chocolate. Plus, there are also two wine pairing options to choose from ($60 or $422 supplement).

Java Gems cBD fave Jewel Coffee (#01-07 1 Shenton Way, 6636-9452, www. facebook.com/Jewelcoffee) is set to launch its second, bigger outlet in midmarch. We had a sneak peek at the gorgeous, two-story Jewel Cafe + Bar (129 Rangoon Rd.) with owner Adrian Khong who’s told us it’ll have a more comprehensive food and drinks menu (white peach sangria anyone?), so look out for it. jwong@asia-city.com.sg

Communal

Best lunches under $20 If you’re on a budget, but still want to have lunch out, these are the top deals in town. Communal Two courses for $12. See New & Noted above. Hard Rock Café Three courses for $15. #05-01 hPL house Singapore, 50 cuscaden Rd., 6235-5232, www.hardrock.com. NamNam Three courses for $9.90. #B1-46/47 Raffles city Shopping centre, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6336-0500, www. facebook.com/namnamnoodlebar. Niji Japanese Restaurant Japanese

lunch sets (including coffee) from $8.80. #01-00 The Seacare hotel, 52 chin Swee Rd., 6737-2558. Shoebox Canteen Three courses for $19. 36 North canal Rd., 9296-4836, www.facebook.com/Shoeboxcanteen. Trattoria Gallo D’oro Two courses for $18. #01-03 central mall, Blk 7 magazine Rd., 6438-8131, www.gallodoro.com.sg. Iris Katariina

FRIDAY, mARch 8, 2013 I‑S MAGAZINE

island

food + fashion + fitness + tech + health + home LuNCh box

Drink Smoky Whiskies

Le Petit Cancale

If you’re giving up cigarettes for No Smoking Day on March 13, you can at least get your fill of smoky flavor with these single malts made from peated grains.

Balvenie Peated Cask Aged 17 Years

Gaelic) is the exception. Peated malted barley is included in the recipe to produce a light golden dram with smoky, peppery notes.

No longer in production, this spicy specimen— which tastes of cinnamon and nutmeg—was the work of noted master blender David Stewart. he e took a batch of mature Balvenie, made with heavily peated barley, and lightened it with whisky finished in new American oak casks. The product is a balanced tipple that boasts delicate smokiness and a honeyed nose. The deal: At this French seafood spot by restaurateur Olivier Bendel (known for Sabio, L’Entrecôte and &mADE), a rotating three-course lunch menu goes for $38.

$68 at The Halia @ Raffles Hotel, #01-22/23 Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Rd., 96391148, www.halia.com.sg.

The venue: It’s an attractive space, with striking turquoise seats, white table linens and dark chocolate wood accents; making it perfectly suited for lunch with your business associates or tai tai gal pals.

Bunnahabhain Toiteach

The menu: The place is named after the unofficial oyster capital of Brittany, cancale, so you can expect plenty of fresh bivalves. A sample menu might include classics like marinated clams, followed by lobster gratin and chocolate mousse. Plus, the bill-of-fare changes every day of the week so you won’t get bored. Chin Hui Wen 37 Duxton Hill, 6534-7671, www.lepetitcancale.sg. Available Mon-Fri noon-2:30pm.

$27 at Quaich Bar @ The Whisky Store, #01-09/10 Waterfront Plaza, 390A Havelock Rd., 6732-3452, www.whiskystore.com.sg/quaichbar.

Laphroaig 21 Year Single Cask Silver Seal Sold out worldwide, this rare limited edition Laphroaig whisky has been aged in sherry casks, resulting in a pour that’s reminiscent of bacon and maple syrup. The most intense of the lot, the spirit is not for the faint hearted. Emmanuel Dron, director of The Auld Alliance says, “Out of the more than 100 peaty whiskies we have at the bar at the moment, this is one of the smokiest.” Chin Hui Wen

Islay distillery Bunnahabhain is generally known for producing mild single malt whiskies, but Toiteach (which means “smoky” in

$34 at The Auld Alliance, #01-07/08/09 CHIJMES, 30 Victoria St., 6337-2201, www.theauldalliance.sg.

Peated: Smoked with the rich, partially decayed vegetative matter so common in Scotland DQ (IS 22 Feb 2013) FA.pdf

CMY

I‑S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, mARch 8, 2013

2/14/13

11:34 PM

Get our Lunch, Brunch & Buffet guide now for free! Download at www.is-magazine.com/lunch

RESTAURANT REVIEWS Ristorante Da Valentino HHHHH

SushiAirways HHHHH

Italian. #01-19 The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Rd., 6462-0555, www.valentino.sg.

20A Baghdad St., 6291-1151, www.facebook.com/Sushiairways.

You’ve got to give this stalwart’s proprietor Valentino Valtulina props for taking chances on uncharted territory. he first opened his homey Italian restaurant at secluded Jalan Bingka back in 2005, and, in the middle of last year, upped and moved to The Grandstand (then still a construction site) a good three months before most other tenants; it’s since become a bustling lifestyle hub. Regulars seem to have followed him to the fresh space—which is bigger and a mere five minutes’ drive down the road—but features the same familiar Italian countryside atmosphere with lots of dark wood and folksy animal figurines. That’s not to say they haven’t picked up a few tricks along the way. After years in Singapore, they’ve gotten wise to the Asian penchant for sharing—extra cutlery is sent to the table for this purpose, even unrequested. Though the servers are helpful and mean well, they’re a little overeager. That said, there’s some genuinely good food to be had such as the mild tomino cheese ($24.90), perfectly wrapped with thin shavings of Parma ham, and their specials—there are around 10 a day—like stinco ($45.90), fall-off-the-bone braised pork knuckle. The only thing we’d pass on is the underbaked pizza (from $18.50), with none of the char expected of a good pie. The wine list, dominated by Italian standbys (Barolo, chianti and Gavi from $13.50/glass), while not particularly exciting, pairs well with the traditional fare. Overall, it’s a safe if expected bet and the food’s a mite overpriced. But if you’re really hankering for an authentic neighborhood vibe, it’s worth a special trip. Open Tue-Sun noon-3pm, 6-11pm. $$$

Airplane food: The phrase calls to mind images of rubbery, reheated meals, so we were understandably curious about this aviation-themed Japanese restaurant on the second floor of a Kampong Glam shophouse. With its retro 1930s-style airplane interior (think metal staircases, airline food carts and female servers dressed in form-fitting flight attendant uniforms), this compact 30-seater’s easy to dismiss as a kitschy themed eatery. Yet gimmick aside, the food is actually pretty good and the service better than at most local joints. The menu comes care of chef Ec Wong, formerly of Grand hyatt Singapore’s mezza9, who dishes out a respectable array of dishes like the sashimi mori (from $58), a generous mixed platter of thick-sliced fish, well-marbled Kurobuta katsu ($15.90), and moreish grilled fugu ($16). The straightforward flavors go nicely with their selection of sake (from $18), wines (from $12), whiskies (from $10) and beers ($8.50). Besides that, the wait staff is commendable, speaking in calming hushed tones with genuine knowledge about the cuisine. It’s also great for people watching, so long as you grab a seat by one of the windows with an awesome vantage point for the rest of the night. They’ve certainly pulled—the admittedly questionable—concept off well. Still, the prices are pretty steep, and the offerings, while solid, can’t fully make up for the tacky decor and nagging sense that you’re partaking in some dated fetishization of air travel; it’s worth a shot for the novelty value. Open daily noon-2:30pm, 6-10:30pm. $$$

Ratings H HH HHH HHHH HHHHH

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 Symmetry“...if you’re after a quiet spot for dinner, this is a decent bet. HHHHH Hai Di Lao “The place is already packed with an eager crowd, but we think a meal here’s worth the wait..” HHHHH Kaixo “...a firm contender on the tapas front, and not too pricey, either.” HHHHH Immigrants “True to manly form, there’s no dessert menu—and with food this good, we didn’t miss it...” HHHHH Keong Saik Snacks “...the more successful offerings are the fancier plates.” HHHHH

DiSAgREE WiTh ouR REviEWS? Post your own comments at www.is-magazine.com/restaurants

FRIDAY, mARch 8, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE

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

www.substation.org www.substation.org

www.theartshouse.com.sg www.theartshouse.com.sg

Ticketbooth Ticketbooth >> 6296-2929 6296-2929

Esplanade Esplanade Box Box Office Office >> 6828-8377 6828-8377

Cinema Ticketing Hotlines

www.esplanade.com www.esplanade.com

Fort Fort Canning Canning Park Park >> 6332-1302 6332-1302 www.nparks.gov.sg www.nparks.gov.sg

chart the weeks ahead

The The Substation Substation >> 6337-7535 6337-7535

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

National National Museum Museum of of Singapore Singapore >> 6332-5642 6332-5642

www.ticketbooth.com.sg www.ticketbooth.com.sg

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

Eng Eng Wah Wah >> 6836-9074 6836-9074

www.ewcinemas.com.sg www.ewcinemas.com.sg

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

www.nationalmuseum.sg www.nationalmuseum.sg

Golden Golden Village Village >> 1900-912-1234 1900-912-1234

Singapore Singapore Art Art Museum Museum >> 6332-3222 6332-3222

Shaw Shaw >> 6738-0555 6738-0555

www.singart.com www.singart.com

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

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

SEE This

DO This

Wax Lyrical

Dance to good old vinyl at Loof’s new regular night Wax On Wax Off. See DJ Gigs, page 28.

DON’T Miss

Bloc-buster Rock with the awesome foursome from Bloc Party as they perform tracks from their new album FOUR as well as early favorites. See Stage, page 25.

Pat on the Back All the beer you can drink as St. Patrick’s Day hits town Mar 15-17! Log onto is.gd/stpatrickssg2012 for the full line-up.

OPEN BAR Bellwethers The buzz: Little India has upped its hip factor, thanks to the recent opening of Bellwethers, a new bistro-bar that shares a back lane with Broadcast HQ. The décor: Situated on the ground floor of a corner shophouse along the notorious Desker Road, the modern, industrial-chic and grey-scaled watering hole is a stark contrast against its surroundings of colorful Art Deco shophouses. There’s not much space indoors (with about six tables and a bar), so the owners have called on the back lane for an alfresco seating area. Laid-back, unpretentious and comfortable, this is the kind of place to chill out

and knock back a few pints (or sip a couple of cocktails) in your shorts and slippers. The drinks: There’s a decent range of beers like Mac’s Great White ($10 a pint), Steinlager Pure ($8/bottle) and Magners Pear Cider ($10/ bottle), alongside a handful of cocktails ($15 each), spirits (from $10) and house wines ($9 a glass). The food: Currently on the modest menu is a range of bar bites such as Desker Drumlets ($12), Chunky Cheesey Fries ($12) and Bellwethers BBQ Chicken ($13). Nothing too fancy, but enough to keep hunger pangs in check.

120 Desker Rd., 6297-9066, www.facebook.com/bellwethers.singapore. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-1am.

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

The music: Easy listening, ambient tracks that are swallowed by the chatter of patrons especially when you’re outdoors. The crowd: A diverse mix of post-work corporate types, hip 20- to 30-somethings stopping for a drink before hitting Broadcast HQ and casually-dressed types living nearby. Why you’ll be back: Jalan Besar is the next hot ’hood on our radar and this neat spot is one of the establishments that’s joined in the gentrification of the area. It’s still a work in progress, so expect to see additions to the food menu as they transition into a full-day bistro/ bar over the next few months. Crystal Lee

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

SCENESTEALER Rufus Wainwright

Poet, troubadour, prima donna and one of our most acclaimed contemporary musicians, Rufus Wainwright is a class act of his own. Having grown up in a family of musicians (he is the son of folk singers Kate McGarrigle and Loudon Wainwright III, while sister Martha is an equally regarded singersongwriter), the 39-year-old has gone on to release 10 critically-acclaimed albums, written an opera set to Shakespearean text directed by the legendary Robert Wilson, and will be in town for the upcoming Timbre Rock & Roots 2013. What was your childhood like? I was blessed with a beautiful, idyllic childhood ... growing up in Quebec with lots of sun and music in the air, always. Even when my mum and aunt where performing and touring together, they’ve never once put the children aside. With the same amount of time they spent on touring, they made sure they made up for it by spending equal amount time with is. You have a daughter now with Lorca Cohen (daughter of singersongwriter Leonard Cohen) and you’re legally married to partner Jörn Weisbrodt. Will you be adopting the same philosophy to fatherhood? Well, it’s still too early to tell. My son is currently two-years-old, and he spends a lot of time with mom who basically stays most of the time in one place (laughs) while I’m the one doing all the travelling and performing. But yeah, we’ll see. I hope to.

STage

concerts & gigs Adam Lambert Live The Grammynominated singer performs glam rock tracks like “Better Than I Know Myself” and “Never Close Our Eyes” for the first time in Singapore. Mar 8, 8pm. The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, 6375-3757. $38-188 from Sistic.

Deep Purple Award-winning English hard rock and heavy metal band Deep Purple (which has sold 100 million albums internationally) performs tunes like iconic song “Smoke on the Water.” Mar 12, 8pm. The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, 6636-0055. $88-168 from Sistic.

FUN The New York-based indie rock band best known for power ballad “We Are Young”

How do you find your balance then? Balance is important, but i do feel that as an artist you also tend to seek a certain imbalance and a dark side. Sometimes to find that balance you need to rock that boat a little. But I’ve always been a positive person. Sure when I was younger I did lots of naughty thing like doing drugs and being promiscuous, but I’ve always exuded a positive energy. You can hear it in my songs ... even in moments of darkness there are silver linings of hope ... I am always going towards the light. I’ve always leaned that way.

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BEACH ROAD · Blu Jaz · Twine · WineBos · Hide & Seek · The Plaza L1 Office Lobby Reception · O’Briens Irish Sandwich Bars · BOAT QUAY · Harry’s @ Boat Quay · The Arts House at Old Parliament · Timbre @ The Arts House · BUGIS ·

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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 · Erwin’s Gastrobar · Avalon · The Exchange · The Coffee Bean @ Marina Bay Sands · Bazin · Salad Stop @ MBFC · The Bank Bar & Bistro · MOHAMED SULTAN / ROBERTSON QUAY · 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 · Gyu-Kaku · NOVENA ·

So do you sleep well? I sleep very well, actually (laughs). I’ve been eating well too. Too well, in fact. So what’s most important to you now? My health. I still consider myself young as I’m not yet 40, and to see my mum’s health disappear right in front of my eyes [McGarrigle died of cancer in 2010] was very tough. I also think that it’s important to have a sense of humor. What about love? Love is important, but I also feel that justice comes a close second, especially in this day and age with these monolithic corporations taking over and social and religious issues are in such a state. As a child, I had never imagined that one day I’d live to see gay men being prosecuted. Justice is the answer. What can we expect from your debut performance here? It’d be a cross-section of my life’s repertoire in the tradition of a troubadour. I never do the same show twice. Famous last words? Right now I’ve really got to get to the loo, so in the tradition of Oscar Wilde, I’d say “It’s either the poo goes, or I go.” Terry Ong Wainwright performs at Timbre Rock & Roots 2013 on Mar 21, 7:15pm. The festival is on Mar 21-22, 6:30pm. Fort Canning Park, Cox Terrace, 6338-8227. $70-280 from Sistic. Log onto www. rockandroots.com.sg for full line-up.

is set to perform in Southeast Asia for the first time. Mar 15, 8pm. The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel, Resorts World at Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888. $68 from Sistic.

I-S PICK> Bloc Party Live in Singapore This concert will include tunes from the British indie rock band’s new album FOUR such as “Kettling” , “Octopus” and “Coliseum”. The new release is the band’s first since their 2008 album Intimacy. Mar 18, 8pm. Fort Canning Park, Cox Terrace, 6332-1200. $98-135.

Journey World Tour 2013 One of the greatest American rock bands of all time will be in Singapore as part of a world tour Mar 19, 8pm. Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660. $98-168 from Sistic.

All free!

Hood Bar and Cafe · NYDC @ Bugis Junction · Billy Bombers @ Bugis Junction · Essensuals by Toni & Guy @ Bugis · K Suites @ iluma · CHINATOWN · The Fruit Basket · Ricciotti @ China Square Central · 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 · Cedele @ 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 · Surrender · Loof · Dome Café @ Singapore Art Museum · CLARKE QUAY · Brewerkz · The Central · Ricciotti @ The Riverwalk · Billy Bombers @ The Central · Shiraz · San Sui Contemporary Japanese Dining & Bar · Crazy Elephant · Fremantle Seafood Market · The Bungy Bar · DEMPSEY · Jones The Grocer · White Rabbit · CMPB - Contemporary Melting-Pot & Bar · Don Quijote · House, Barracks & Camp · Dome Café @ Dempsey · Red Dot Brewhouse · Oktober Munich Restaurant and Bar · DHOBY GHAUT · Dome Café @ Plaza Singapore · Timbre @ Old School · Billy Bombers @ The Cathay · Dubliner Irish Bar · Café Cartel @ Plaza Singapura · EAST · Just Salad · HARBOURFRONT · Prive Bakery Café · Brotzeit @ Vivo City · Carnivore Brazilian Churrascaria @ Vivocity · The King Louis · Modesto’s @ Vivo · Coffee Club @ Harbourfront Centre · Sky The Fitness Lifestyle ·

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 · Dome @ One Raffles Place · The Coffee Bean @ The Sail · Cedele @ Raffles Quay · Coffee Club @ One Raffles Quay · 1-Altitude · Salad Stop @ Raffles Place · Coffee Club @ Raffles Place

2 eBook: every issue delivered to your inbox COVER STORY PiPe dreams Conserved Buildings dos and don’ts Although the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) reviews and approves proposed redesigned spaces on a case-by-case basis, the general rule of thumb is that as long as proposals adhere to a “3r” principle— maximum retention, sensitive restoration and careful repair—most projects do get off the ground pretty quickly. “Quality restoration is more than just preserving a facade or the external shell of a building,” says a spokesperson from the URA. “It also retains the inherent spirit and original ambiance of historic buildings. Redesigns require an appreciation and understanding of the architecture and structure of traditional buildings, good management and overall practice. Before any conservation work commences, thorough research and documentation should be carried out on the conservation building to ensure that restoration work is faithfully carried out.” Besides teething issues such as insufficient power supply (all four venues featured in the story need to pump up various voltages for their projects) as well as mandatory overhaul of the drainage system, the URA did not specifically interfere with their overall conception. “As long as you don’t mess with key elements such as roofing, pillar structures and most importantly, the building’s façade, you can pretty much get away with any cool ideas for the interior,” says The Vault’s Godwin Pereira. “In fact, the URA’s even happier if we changed all the drainage and old pipes in the building completely to new ones!”

The Big Picture: “We initially engaged design firm Upstairs to help us conceptualize the look of the place, which we knew was ‘industrial’”, says Pereira. “We gave them a mainframe on how to dress it up but we also wanted to set some parameters when it comes to budgeting. Budget was certainly tight for this project, as we didn’t believe in spending a bomb like the major clubs so we took matters in our own hands. We also wanted to preserve the building’s original elements as far as we could. Basically with a venue like this, the design and fittings will never be complete as we wanted a raw and unfinished look to begin with.”

The VaulT

237 South Bridge Rd., 62225001, www.thevault.com.sg. What it was: An OCBC branch which operated since 1938 and ceased operations in 2001. What it is now: A hip and contemporary bistro and bar located in Chinatown. Owners Ross Glasscoe and Godwin Pereira, the latter who also holds DJ duties at the space, chose the venue for “its historical significance,” says Pereira. “Being located in a conservation shophouse means that we have a lot of responsibilities on our hands … because we have lots of preservation issues to adhere to.” (see Pipe Dreams, left) Like most conserved spaces, the exterior of the venue remains unaltered (Glasscoe and Pereira even maintained the bank’s original iron vault door at the entrance). Upstairs is where the main bar area is located (“We wanted to create a secret hideaway concept of sorts here”) while downstairs is home to the bistro, serving contemporary Western dishes for both lunch and dinner.

HOT OPENING

Kam Leng

Old-meets-New: “We stripped down the walls’ plaster layers to reveal the original brick fittings inside at the bar area,” says Pereira. “We wanted to show off the history of the building but at the same time add a modern touch to the space. So we installed Chengal wood flooring upstairs and plush sofas that boasted a mod Chesterfield vibe to create a more luxurious vibe. We kept the original concrete floors downstairs and added some small touches like imported Malaysian tiles to demarcate certain areas and to break the monotony of the ground floor space. Lighting throughout was also kept warm, simple and basic.”

383 Jalan Besar, 6239-9399, www.kamleng.com. Located just five minutes away from Chye Seng Huat Hardware is new boutique hotel Kam Leng, designed by local boutique agency FARM which opened in August. What sets this one apart from contemporaries like New Majestic Hotel and Hotel 1929 is the fact that it really does look it’s still stuck in the ‘20s (trivia: the hotel was set up in 1927 by a mysterious owner whose identity remains unknown, and abandoned during the ‘70s). The stairways, walls and floors were kept in their original conditions, peppered with vintage cabinets and knick-knacks from the past while designs for the room interior were kept minimal. Room rates are $200 upwards.

Square · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf - Republic Plaza · Cedele @ Chevron House · 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 · Le Saint Julien · 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 · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ RWS · The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf @ Palawan Beach · Tanjong Beach Club · Azzura · Wave House Sentosa · Skyloft · Suburbia · SOMERSET · 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 · Billy Bombers @ Cineleisure Orchard · 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 · 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 · J Bar · The Coffee bean & Tea Leaf @ Fuji Xerox Tower · Lil Papa’s Weiners Beerstro · Wok & Barrel · Broth · Latteria Mozzarella Bar · TIONG BAHRU · Forty Hands · Books Actually · WEST ·

Skyve Elementary Bistro & Bar · Salad Stop @ Fusionopolis · One Rochester · B @ Rochester · Nosh · Alliance Francaise · Billy Bombers @ Jurong Point

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“We wanted to show off the history of the building but at the same time add a modern touch to the space.” Godwin Pereira, co-owner of The Vault.

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 2012 I-S MAGAZINE 11

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FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE 25

STAgE » ART » SPORTS » FOOd & dRiNK » STuFF » NigHTLiFE

SCENE & HEARd with Crystal Lee

Ones to watch The success of “Watch Local” (one million viewers!) has spurred the Singapore Film Commission (SFC) to launch SGFilm Channel (www.youtube. com/sgfilmchannel), a new YouTube channel that showcases works from both established and emerging local filmmakers. “Short films are an important stepping stone for many of our filmmakers, for it is where they cut their teeth,” says Yeo Chun Cheng, director of SFC. 40 shorts are expected to be delivered this year, with 10 new titles released at every quarter. Currently airing are Royston Tan’s Sons, Edward Khoo’s Late Shift and Boo Junfeng’s Keluar Baris, amongst other heart-warming stories on family ties and friendships. Speaking of local films, the previously banned, award-winning Sex. Violence.Family Values by Ken Kwek has been approved by the MDA and will be screened at Cathay cinemas from Mar 14 with a R21 rating. Late Shift The film has also been selected for the inaugural Asean

International Film Festival to be held in Kuching, Malaysia from Mar 28-30.

Drink Up March looks set to be an exciting month on the nightlife front, what with the opening of three new spots for drinks and party. Luxe 22 restaurant High Society has expanded its space to include The Mansion (#02-10/15 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Rd., 6734-2276, www. facebook.com/TheMansionSG), a new bar, ultra lounge and club on the second level; the folks behind bistro-bar The Vault are launching Club Kyo on March 8 (113 Cecil St., 6222-5001, www.clubkyo.com); and there’s 22 (22 Mosque St., 8157-7556), an underground bar which celebrated its official launch on February 28. More information on these new watering holes is on our website, so be sure to check it out.

A Roarin’ Good Time Hopheads, make haste to sign up for our upcoming edition of I-S X—a 90-minute Tiger Brewery Tour (Asia Pacific Breweries, 459 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim, www.tigerbrewerytour.com.sg), free beer included. See page 4 for more details.

Hospitality Point-of-Sales & Information Management System

comedy

Comedy Masala Bringing you Singapore’s newest and only weekly stand-up comedy open-mic night, join Comedy Masala’s founder and resident host Umar Rana (second runner-up at Hong Kong International Comedy Festival 2009) as he takes you through a laugh a minute. Tue, 9-10pm. Home Club, #B1-01/06 The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Rd., 65382928. 10 one drink included.

theater Incanto Featuring award-winning magician Joe Labero, this show features large-scale illusions and close-up magic. In Singapore for the first time, Labero will be supported by 50 other stage artists. Mar 9-10, 4pm; Through • Easy to Use, Flexible, Functional and user Friendly Point of Sales System for the Hospitality Industry. • Membership Software (CRM) with Loyalty Points Module. • Costumizable Management Reports that Provide Detailed and Vital Information about your Business. • Wireless Handheld PDA Ordering Terminal that Maximises Operation Flow of any Restaurant. • Stock Inventory Software that Tracks Stock Balances with Easy-to-Use Recipe Generation Module. • Multi Language Capability. • Headquarters Module to Centrally Manage Information from Multiple Outlets.

Distributors:

Singapore Office:

Indonesia Office:

28 Sin Ming Lane, #06-136 Midview City, Singapore 573972 Phone: (65) 6252 3393 Fax: (65) 6659 4240

Jakarta (Main Office): Jl. Letjen Suprapto Komplek Ruko Cempaka Mas Blok I no.3-Jakarta Pusat 10640, Indonesia Phone: (62) 21 4288 5023 Fax: (62) 21 4288 5024

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CCi Solutions & Security Sdn Bhd Block H-31-1, Jln PJU 1/3F Sunway Mas Commercial Centre, 47301 Petaling Jaya-Selangor Darul Ehsan, Malaysia Phone: (60) 3 78054878 Fax: (60) 3 78041858

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

mosaic music festival 2013

i-S PiCK

Mar 10, 8pm. Festive Grand, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888. $48-148 from Sistic.

Tribal Gathering Gagging Sessions Curated by accomplished local indie artist Bani Haykal, Tribal Gathering Gagging Sessions celebrates the importance of experimental sound and music making in a performance lecture. Entry is by donation only. Mar 8, 8pm. The Substation Theatre, 45 Armenian St., 6337-7535.

Le Noir For the first time in Singapore, see the beautiful acrobatic show featuring 20 top performers as well as a carefully-crafted stage full of color (dramatic black, white and red). Mar 12-14, 19-23, 26-28, 8pm; Mar 15, 29, 7pm; Mar 16, 3pm, 8pm; Mar 17,

Esperanza Spalding

Esperanza Spalding Hear jazz, soul, funk, big band tunes from the decorated music star’s many albums including Junjo, Esperanza, Chamber Music Society and Radio Music Society. Mar 13, 7:30pm. Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $40-100 from Sistic.

Grizzly Bear The progressive rock band, comprising vocalists Ed Droste and Daniel Rossen, drummer Christopher Bear and bass guitarist Christ Taylor, plays tunes from their fourth album Shields including “Sun in Your Eyes”. Mar 9, 7:30pm. Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Dr.. Call 6828-8377 for more info. $40-120 from Sistic.

mouse on the keys The Japanese post rock jazz band plays tunes from their popular album An Anxious Object. Mar 8, 10:30pm, 7:30pm. Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr.. Call 6828-8377 for more info. $30 from Sistic. For the full line-up, log onto is.gd/mosaicmusicfest2013sg

1pm, 5pm; Mar 23, 3pm; Mar 24, 1pm, 5pm; Mar 30, 3pm, 8pm; Mar 31, 1pm, 5pm. Sands Theater, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave.. Call 6688-8826 for more info. $35-185.

I-S PICK> Venus in Fur This Broadway two-person satirical play revolves around the writer-director of a new play and an actress who wants to be cast as his lead. Expect intriguing power struggles and increasing sexual tension between the two. Mar 15-16, 18-23, 25-30, 8pm. DBS Arts Centre home of the Singapore Repertory Theatre, 20 Merbau Rd.. Call 67338166 for more info. $45-50 from Sistic.

ART continuing

Strokes Across Eternity Singapore-based Chinese artist Chen Wen Hsi merges calligraphic styles with depictions of landscapes, nature and animals to hypnotic effect. Through Mar 16. MAD Museum of Art & Design, #03-01 Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Rd., 6734-5688. Free.

I-S PICK> The Perfect Drug Named after the infamous rock song by Nine Inch Nails, Australian artist Ben Frost’s clever juxtapositions of pop imageries against found objects like French fries and pharmaceutical packages explore modern society’s obsessions with consumerism Through Mar 18. Kult, C2-5 Emily Hill, 11 Upper Wilkie Rd., 63381066. Free.

Arahmaiani: The Grey Paintings Haunting diptychs by Arahmaiani which like its title suggests, are all in bathed in a morose tone of grey. Through Mar 24. Equator Art Projects (Gillman Barracks), #01-21, 47 Malan Rd., 6694-3727. Free.

I-S PICK> Being Together: Family and Portraits Revered local photographer John Clang’s first museum show consists

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

HAPPy HOuRS

I-S PICK

from the I-S happy hour smartphone app

J Bar 1-for-1 for all house pours, beers, wines and spirits till 8:30pm. Mon-Fri, 5-8:30pm; Sun, 5-8:30pm. J Bar, 9/F M Hotel Singapore, 81 Anson Rd., 6500-6119.

Outpost 903 Gastrobar Beers from $6 for a half pint all night. Ciders are from $6 before 8pm, $9 onwards from 8pm to midnight and $8 onwards after midnight. Mon-Thu, 5pm-midnight; Fri, 5pm-2am; Sat, 3pm-2am; Sun, 10am-midnight. Outpost 903 Gastrobar, 903 Bukit Timah Rd., 6468-4903.

Playlist Nights at Suprette Asahi Super Dry at $8 before 8pm, $10 after 10pm. Mango Caipirinha and Bienrach Single Malt are also going for $10 after 10pm. Fri, 9pm-2am. Suprette, Kam Leng Hotel Lobby, 383 Jalan Besar, 6298-8962.

Endless Summer Wet Deck Party W Singapore - Sentosa Cove launches its first Endless Summer poolside party at the Wet deck featuring DJ Has, Xeum and Aldrin. Mar 10, 3pm. W Singapore Sentosa Cove, 21 Ocean Way (Sentosa Cove), 68087288. $35 one drink included.

Señor Taco (The Star Vista) Enjoy 1-for-1 on frozen mojitos. Daily, 5-11pm. Senor Taco (The Star Vista), #02-22 The Star Vista, 1 Vista Exchange Green, 6694-2320.

Wax On Wax Off - Debut! This new regular night is a tribute to good o’ vinyl records, where the DJ Kurt, Darren Dubwise, Gerald Ang and Kane Ian strips down the music for a night of analog bliss. Mar 9, 9pm. Loof, #03-07 Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop, 331 North Bridge Rd., 63388035. Free.

Thirsty? Locate drink deals near you 24/7, sorted by the time of day and distance from your current location – in Singapore, Bangkok, and Hong Kong!

progressive electronic dance music. Mar 9, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $25-32 two drinks included.

Download now:

ZSS presents Danny Marquez and Formative One of the most important DJs in Ibiza, Danny Marquez is set to hit the crowd with his signature cutting-edge,

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Elementary

Bassic presents Commix with MC Fokus, Ming and Jeremy Boon Groove to the varied drum and bass mixes of DJ Commix, who’s making his debut at Zouk alongside MC Fokus, as well as resident DJs Ming and Jeremy Boon. Mar 15, 10pm. Velvet Underground, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988. $25-32 two drinks included.

Volume with Roctakon New York-based DJ Roctakon puts out a selection of great party music, from classic house remixes to top 40s, to keep you grooving. Mar 15, 10pm. Avalon, South Crystal Pavilion, Marina Bay Sands, 2 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7448. $25-30 one drink included.

Spun Sir Kingston Gruffle’s Eclectastic Musical Circus opens its residency at Blu Jaz with Spun, a new monthly gig featuring dance music by DJs J.Goh, Buckers, 44Beatz and Haan. Mar 22, 9pm. Blu Jaz Café, 11 Bali Lane, 6292-3800. Free.

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I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

FiLM A Royal Affair • (France) Epic costume drama about a queen who starts a revolution with a physician whom she has an affair with. Beasts of the Southern Wild • (US) Oscar-nominated indie film about a little girl who attempts to escape her humdrum existence. Bullet to the Head • (US) Sylvester Stallone’s return to the big screen as a hitman seeking revenge is nothing short of tired.

Bekas

(Iraq) Directed by Karzan Kader. Starring Zamand Taha and Sarwar Fazil. Continuing.

Sentimental, sappy, overwrought even; but perhaps in an age where we’re so emotionally desensitized with cooler, calculated films, Bekas—with its simplistic storyline of two parentless brothers from war-torn Iraq who dream of running away to America to meet Superman—is the one that eventually moves us most. Based on debut big screen director-writer Karzan Kader’s experience of escaping Kurdistan as a child and prolonged from his 2010 short film of the same name, the tile of the film, loosely translated as “parentless” or “extreme loneliness”, is buoyed by two of the most invigorating child performances we’ve seen in years (and played by amateur actors, no less). Zamand Taha is Dana, the fearless, older brother of Zana (Sarwar Fazil), a ferocious and tenacious eight-year-old. The film is set in the ‘90s, with the backdrop of Saddam Hussein’s war illuminating the hopelessness of the time the brothers’ trials. Homeless and penniless, they seek simple pleasures by sneaking peeks of a Superman movie playing at the cinemas (illegally, as neither can afford the one dinar entrance

fee) and bathing themselves with donated water by kind neighbors. And when Dana falls in love with a girl who he finds out is moving to the US, he decides to do the same and, along with Zana, hops on a donkey bought with their life savings and naively ventures on the road, to unexpected consequences. Part road movie, part social commentary, but an all-round feel good family drama with unpredictable sadness, the power of Bekas lies in the performance of its leads. The love between the two brothers is played up to the hilt (the scene where Zana and Dana reunite after the latter is mistakenly driven off in a truck is borderline cheesy), but it’s the naivety and rawness of it all that makes the film so special. Kader’s attention to detail, aided by sweeping cinematography by Johan Holmqvist, also gives Bekas an authentic sense of place that sets this film apart from its contemporaries. Terry Ong

Black White + Gray

Jean-Michel Basquait: A Radiant Child

Centred on a rare interview that director and friend A penetrating Tamra Davis shot with documentary about the Jean-Michel Basquiat over 20 tumultuous relationship The Cool School years ago, this documentary between art curator Sam is both intimate and insightful. Wagstaff and his lover, With compassion and psychological photographer and all round enfant insight, Davis details the mysteries terrible Robert Mapplethorpe. Black that surround the charismatic artists, White + Gray provides rare insights one of the forefathers of both New into Wagstaff’s immersion in queer York’s street and Pop Art scene. culture (resulting in some of the Mar 9, 10pm: Mar 12, 8pm. most sexually-explicit photographs

Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry Love him or hate him, the controversial Chinese artist still generates buzz wherever he goes. This wellknown documentary is a must for those who are passionate about the links between art and politics as director Alsion Klayman gained unprecedented access to Ai Weiwei’s life during her stint as a journalist in China. Mar 14-15, 10pm.

I-S PICK> Silver Linings Playbook • (US) This one’s a rom-com with a twist, with Bradley Cooper never better as an ex-mental patient who attempts to reconcile with his cheating wife hence falling in love with another woman.

Elles • (France) Juliette Binoche helms this arthouse film about a magazine reporter who gets entangled with the seedy world of prostitution.

Upside Down • (US) Kirsten Dunst and Jim Sturgess headline this fantasy film about a budding romance between two individuals who live in parallel worlds.

Flight • (US) Denzel Washington in an Oscar-nominated performance as an airline pilot embroiled in a scandal involving a plane disaster. Robert Zemeckis directs.

Stand Up Guys • (US) Powerhouse cast which includes Al Pacino, Christopher Walken and Alan Arkin in a film about old friends and assassins.

I-S PICK

The Grandmaster • (Hong Kong/China) Wong Kar Wai’s latest film is pure poetry and his best film in years. Hitchcock • (US) Spot-on performances by Anthony Hopkins and Helen Mirren make this a rare treat. Hyde Park on Hudson • (UK) A retelling of the love affair between Franklin Roosevelt and his distant cousin. Stars Bill Murray and Laura Linney. I-S PICK> Lincoln • (US) Oscar winner Daniel Day-Lewis is simply spectacular as Abraham Lincoln, supported by other greats like Tommy Lee Jones and Sally Field under the direction of Steven Spielberg.

Stoker • (US/UK) Hypnotic thriller about secrets in the family, artfully directed by Park Chanwook and starring Nicole Kidman, Matthew Goode and Mia Wasikowska. Zero Dark Thirty • (US) Kathryn Bigelow’s follow-up to The Hurt Locker centers on the hunt for Osama Bin Laden. Starring an Oscar-nominated Jessica Chastain. Warm Bodies • (US) Silly but fun take on the zombie film genre with a romantic twist.

etc

Art-in-Film Festival at Dusk 2013 that marked its time during the ‘70s). Fans of Patti Smith will also be pleased to know that the film also explores the complex love that Wagstaff shared with the legendary singer before his long-term relationship with Mapplethorpe. Mar 9, 7:30pm.

Quartet • (US) Sprightly comedy directed by Dustin Hoffman about residents from a home for retired musicians.

Gangster Squad • (US) Sean Penn’s OTT performance here is unexpected, but this period gangster drama is otherwise predictable.

See the trailer on the I-S Tablet app is-magazine.com/app

Out of the stuffy cinemas and art galleries and off to the beach we go as the first Art-in-Film Festival at Dusk 2013 attempts to bring both film buffs and art aficionados together in a comfortable outdoor setting at the Tanjong Beach Club. Here we pick the best four films to catch.

Lost in Paradise • (Vietnam) Gay drama about a country bumpkin who discovers himself in the big city.

fall of Los Angeles’ seminal Ferus Gallery, which, in its time, hosted works by legends like Wallace Berman, Marchel Duchamp, Ed Ruscha and Andy Warhol. It’s a well-documented flick with insightful interviews with founding members Walter Hopps and Irving Blum, as well as actorphotographer Dennis Hopper and Dean Stockwell. Never Sorry Mar 15, 7:30pm. Terry Ong

The Cool School One of the best films in the lineup, this rare documentary (written by Kristine McKenna, a keen follower of the ‘50s underground art movement) depicts the rise and

Art-in-Film Festival at Dusk 2013 is on through Mar 16. Tanjong Beach Club, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa, 6270-1355. $19-56 (includes dinner). To buy tickets and for full line-up, log onto www.artinfilmfest.com.

I-S PICK> The Cow (Iran) The 1969 film focuses on a simple villager, Hassan, and his relationship with his prized possession, the only cow in the village. Considered the landmark film of the Iranian New Wave. Mar 12, 7:30pm. Gallery Theatre, National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-3659. $9 from Sistic. 4th Singapore Short Film Festival • Celebrating the spirit of experimental film, this edition showcases off-the-wall ideas, surrealist visuals and narrative hybrids by local and interntaional filmmakers. Mar 13-17. The Substation, 45 Armenian St., 6337-7535, www. substation.org. $6 from Gatecrash. I-S PICK> Southeast Asian Film Festival The second instalment features little-seen Asian films including U Wei Haji Saari’s epic Malaysian film Hanyut. The directors will be present for each screening. Mar 22-Apr 14, various times. Moving Image Gallery, SAM at 8Q, 8 Queen St., 6332-3222. $10 from Sistic. More info at www.singaporeartmuseum.sg.

FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013 I-S MAGAZINE

CLASSIFIEDS Mr. KNOW‑IT‑ALL Our Favorite Smart Aleck Answers Your Questions Dear Mr. KIA, My girlfriend’s getting hitched soon, and I’m planning on giving her an unforgettable hen party, but I don’t really have the time to plan it all. The bridezilla used to be such a wild child, so she deserves a proper send-off with all her clubbing kakis. I bet a hot naked man would do the trick. Any ideas?—Best Bridesmaid Ever Dear Best Bridesmaid Ever, Get in touch with Wicked Favors (9751-5882), or helpme@wickedfavors.com.sg) and ask for their Sorry For Party Rockin’ hen party package. Starting from $299 per person, you get a limo ride for eight, priority entry to a top club and a nights’ stay at a five-star hotel. You can tweak the package according to your desires, and the bride-to-be goes for free. As for the stripper business, I’m always available to provide my services, but if you’d prefer professionals, there’s Budget Events & Entertainment Services (#05-82, 322 Hougang Avenue 5, 8138-8317, www.budgetevents.sg). Rates for male dancers are $358 (local) or $488 (Caucasian), and each session lasts 20 minutes.

HEALTH & BEAUTY

freewill astrology

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): “Telling someone your goal makes it less likely to happen,” says musician and businessman Derek Sivers. Numerous studies demonstrate that when you talk about your great new idea before you actually do it your brain chemistry does an unexpected thing. It gives you the feeling that you have already accomplished the great new idea—thereby sapping your willpower to make the effort necessary to accomplish it! Don’t brag about what you’re going to do someday. Shut up and get to work.

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Maybe you’re not literally in exile. But you may nevertheless be feeling banished or displaced. It could be due to one of the conditions that storyteller Michael Meade names: “We may experience exile as a lack of recognition, a period of transition, an identity crisis, a place of stuckness, or else having a gift and no place to give it.” But exile can shock you awake to the truth about where you belong. TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): Do you have a recurring nightmare that has plagued you? If so, I suspect it will recur again soon. Only this time, Taurus, you will beat it. You will trick or escape or defeat the monster that’s chasing you. Forever after you will have more power over the scary thing. GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): The following request for advice appeared on Reddit.com: “My identical twin is stuck in an alternate dimension and she can only communicate with me by appearing as my own reflection in mirrors and windows. How can I tell her I don’t like what she’s done to her hair?” Your evil twin will be more available than usual to engage in meaningful dialog.

Professional 5 star massage Freelance Chinese gym fit male offering strong shiatsu massage to ease all your tensions away. Outcall $60/hour. (Titan) 9056-4044.

JOBS

OTHERS NOTICE OF INTENDED MARRIAGE I, Mr. Kelly Walker, bachelor, of 64 Tanah Merah Kechil Avenue, #02-27 Casa Merah, Singapore, 465531 intend to marry Miss Huynh Thi Thanh Tuyen, single, of 217 To Hien Thanh Street, Ward 13, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam at Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam on 1st June 2013. Any person knowing of any lawful impediment to the marriage should without delay notify the Consular Section, British High Commission Singapore, 100 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247919.

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): Usually I advise Cancerians to draw up precise borders and maintain clear boundaries. But you should explore the smart fun you can have by breaking some of your own rules and transgressing some of the usual limits. LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): In the course of formulating his theory of evolution, Charles Darwin read many books. He developed a rather ruthless approach to getting what he needed out of them. If there was a particular part of a book that he didn’t find useful, he simply tore it out, cast it aside, and kept the rest. I recommend this as a general strategy for you in the coming week, Leo. VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Here’s a passage from Charles Dickens’ novel Great Expectations: “It was one of those March days when the sun shines hot and the wind blows cold: when it is summer in the light, and winter in the shade.” Judging from the astrological omens, Virgo, I suspect your life may be

like that in the coming days. The emotional tone could be sharply mixed, with high contrasts between vivid sensations. LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): “I worked as a hair stylist in Chicago’s Gold Coast for 20 years with some of the most gorgeous woman and men in the world,” writes sculptor Rich Thomson. “Once I asked a photographer who shot for the big magazines how he picked out the very best models from among all these great-looking people. His response: ‘Flaws. Our flaws are what make us interesting, special, and exotic. They define us.’” Meditate on how your supposed imperfections and oddities are essential to your unique beauty. SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): The genius of Leonardo da Vinci was in part fueled by his buoyant curiosity. In his work as an artist, musician, inventor, engineer, and writer, he drew inspiration from pretty much everything. He’s your role model for the coming week, Scorpio. Just assume that you will find useful cues and clues wherever you go. Act as if the world is full of teachers who have revelations and guidance specifically meant for you. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): Ready for a reality check? It’s time to assess how well you know the fundamental facts about where you are located. So let me ask you: Do you know which direction north is? Get yourself grounded! CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): There’s a writer I know whose work is brilliant. Her ideas are fascinating. She’s a champion of political issues I hold dear. She’s well-read and smarter than me. Yet her speech is careless and sloppy. She rambles and interrupts herself. Identify interesting people who are not fully living up to their potential, and change yourself in the exact ways you wish they would change. AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): The German word Verschlimmbesserung refers to an attempted improvement that actually makes things worse. Be on guard against this, Aquarius. I fear that as you tinker, you may try too hard. I’m worried you’ll be led astray by neurotic perfectionism.

Fate isn’t limited by page space. For the complete Freewill Astrology listings, download the I-S Tablet App: is-magazine.com/app

I-S MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 8, 2013

LAST WORD WHAT’S NEW AT

Ian Tan

Online

One of the founders of new concept gym Ritual (see page 16) is known for getting results fast. The celeb trainer talks to Hidayah Salamat about dragging yourself out of bed and being a man about things. As a child, I was always picking my nose and spacing out. People had to try hard to get my attention. my mom used to have to say, “Earth to Ian” three or four times because I’d be lost in my own world.

Ritual is the biggest thing I’ve ever helped create. The process was tiring, aggressive and beautiful, all at the same time. To me, it was and still is an epic quest.

Waking up is hard for me, too, when I don’t get enough sleep. But once I was really angry. There was a bit of I’ve done some deep breathing and bullying in my life; in school joint mobility movements, and and during tuition. had a cup of coffee, I’m so That was how I got happy I get to do what I do. into martial arts. It Weird things helped—I learnt The crew that I hang out how to fight back. happen on with, the Orange Kettlebell cheat days club, inspires me. They When I was do what they do well studying in and with more heart a university in than anyone I know. Everytime california, I was insecure I travel with them, I come back a and oversensitive—I better person, with a clearer mind. felt like there was a lot of racism, when there really wasn’t. If I could be a published author, my book would Dad said, “When someone says be about exercise and something you don’t like, wait a nutrition, and I’d call it moment to question the guy’s true intentions and breathe. After that, if We Don’t Know Sh*t. you feel you still need to react, do it. I try not to look at success But it probably won’t be necessary.” as an end goal. I try to You are not better than anyone. succeed every single day. A good person is a good person, I would do what I do now regardless of where he or she comes for free because I find from. F*ck you for thinking you’re better. great enjoyment If I woke up one day and realized in helping people I’d gained 10 pounds, I’d probably realize their take a sh*t and carry on with my day. goals, learn about movement, feel Weird things happen on cheat inspired and days, but I’m okay with that. inspire others. Ice cream makes everything okay. I have a lot of respect for

everyone that is trying to make a positive change in their lives.

www.is‑magazine.com

Bloc Out

People take life too seriously. When I seek pleasure and attain it, I never feel guilt. I realize this might be a flaw. I need to work with someone who has a rational mind because I can be quite a purist. I’m stubborn—things have to be the way they should be. But there are too many constraints for that. It’s difficult to stay true in the world we live in now.

The indie rock band reveal in our interview that they might hit the Night Safari when they’re here for their concert this month. is.gd/blocpartyinterviewsg

Curious & Curiouser

I would rather not be bound to one country. I’m working on automating a good amount of the work I do so that I can spend my time traveling and living in multiple places around the world. The only thing that’s keeping me in Singapore is my family. I’m not too worried about friends. They’ll travel. If I were stranded on an island alone, I’d want a good knife, a flint and a hot girl with me.

The writer known for bestselling Singapore-based crime novel The Ambassador’s Wife talks about why he thinks his second book got rejected, in an exclusive interview. is.gd/interviewjakeneedhamsg

Dish on Dining

We popped by Liberty coffee on one of the rare days they’re open and blogged about it. is.gd/libertycoffeeblog

The IncReDIbLe LIghTneSS Of WORkIng

by doubleXUAN

I-S Magazine is distributed every 2nd and 4th Friday. Look for the next issue of I-S on Mar 22. FRIDAY, mARch 8, 2013 I‑S MAGAZINE