Speak Sept. Edition by Budhi Hartono

BE SEPTEM

R 2013 •

FREE FO

R ALL

STAR WARS

ALL THOSE CELEBRITY CATFIGHTS!

BILLY SIMPSON FINDING HIS VOICE

MARCHING BANDS

PARENTAL GUIDANCE

PLAYING THEIR TUNES

MAKING PEACE AT HOME

PEVITA PEARCE KEEPING IT REAL

TOP

2 5 List

, SHERINA, KENDALL, MARIO (and more inside!)

www.youthspeak.com

@sp3akmagz

/speakmag

LOGAN

’13 ER B M TE SEP / #14

Cream of the Crop The biggest and brightest young people today – all aged under 25. See who made our list!

Blast from the Past Let’s head back to the‘90s for fashion cues from the era’s most iconic people.

Intro 10

YouthSpeak When was the last time you felt proud? Four students share their moments of glory.

12 Girl Talk Kak Titaz is here to help with an

awkward dating situation and heartache.

Ask Anggi You are never too young to achieve your dreams, so go for them!

Pop Culture 16

Tall Tales We settle the battle between books and their adaptations once and for all.

50 Singing Sensation The Voice Indonesia champion Billy Simpson is ready to go mainstream.

Celebrity Standoffs What happens when the cameras are off and the drama is on? Check out the juiciest celebrity feuds.

Jl. Palmerah Barat no. 142 – 143 Jakarta 10270 Telphone: (+62 21) 5300476, 5300478 Fax: (+62 21) 5350050, 5306971 Email: speak@thejakartapost.com

Lifestyle

37 Chic and Simple Alexalexa’s Monique

Soeriaatmadja talks about life before design and what’s behind her label’s name.

40 Color Play How to rock those multi-colors without looking like the court jester.

42 In the Cards An eco-friendly DIY? Get it here!

Inspiration 60 62

Meet the Parents Reconnect with your folks for everybody’s good. Steady Beat Listen up to what is special about Pupuk Kaltim Marching Band.

64 Mission Movement Denita Utami

shows her dancing moves to promote Indonesian culture across the US.

Cover Story Actress-model Pevita Pearce is a regular girl despite her extraordinary life.

Sleeping Beauty Georgia might not be Europe’s top tourist destination, but look for its lowkey charm to win more fans. 5

editor’snote

! s r e t Go Get

g of at feelin ’t mber th e m re I couldn I . , p wing u en years ro te g y t s– u m rk o e b to t its p ach a k back s brough f my stom a hen I thin o h it it e , p th e re f dult. Su e one o tion in th also hav edged a anticipa I -fl d ll n fu a a s rfew ecome night cu wait to b o school n , rk o aking a w le are m uys!). p g no home o u e o p y g r n is the ting fo d you nt, which orld (wri l, too. An le w o ta e o c d th y n a in tt s re marts best job oung is p itiative, s , being y h their in g u ro nder 25 That said th world Top 25 U e r u i th o in n o e gon, Dem ion. hakers differenc s – G-Dra nth’s edit ers and s e o v o m m a m is n e m th e w th of th see ne focus of some of rina!), all d. You’ll a look at you, She r deman t a la u g p Just take n o ti p s (hin ck by list, “old” one e 20), ba akes the ns – and list (pag e h p te ho also m S w e , n e 6). a 2 l. rc lo a a e S ti e g fluen ty (pa evita P Lovato, ful and in er celebri ver girl P s h o s c e e , c it c th u sp u s ’s e try und d young, tional yo the coun n the gro of inspira iew with rv t firmly o e te ow he Speaking fe in h r r n e a h ta, to he eeping a sit-dow a k d in as is e d g e a g sh w a uble duty ean La shows vina sn does do O Ken D rn Lia Le o E C ls te 0s. a s in ‘9 u ! ia e k k L s a Spe rs of th e 44). der, Ka rtal (pag iness lea ks and sta o s o p u b e lo a t n it s li to n e n e eo tD ibute young s with th out abou ich is a tr p succes nce. Find read, wh p re s ce (page e n n iff a io dialed u d d h a r our fas through making fo s re l u u this e o lt d u m o c the m and fa and how esian g bands te Indon t the rich o s in h m ju t rc ro o a p n m It’s d of US trip to rful worl hirlwind g goe wonde th t u 62). Utami’s w o ate, youn e b n g a a io s rn (p s a s a le e p v also bout ur own ging li 64). And g more a ges of yo y is chan in n it a rn n h a u c le e m y som com enjo but a to make growing lly you’ll nothing spire you ll, age is n; hopefu in a o l r il d e a w ft re A it So now? ’s hoping can do it And here hen you w it getters. a w ean, why Ishak today. I m tasha a N r. e b num XOXO,

behind the scenes

T E A M The Jakarta Post

Editor in Chief Meidyatama Suryodiningrat Board of Directors Jusuf Wanandi, Cherly P. Santoso, Meidyatama Suryodiningrat and Riyadi Suparno Executive Director Riyadi Suparno Senior Managing Editor Kornelius Purba Managing Editors Primastuti Handayani, Rendi A. Witular

Speak!

Art Director Budhi Hartono Deputy Editor Natasha Ishak Copy Editor Imogen Badgery-Parker Intern Anastasia Shierly, Dave Sebastian, Karen Priyanka, Kintan Andanari, Lia Levina, Oliver Emmanuel, Preston Soepranoto, Ruth Christine, Silvia Ardelia, Tuscany Leau Contributors Anggi Nurqonita, Denita Utami, Dominique Jessica, Doy Perkasa, Hengky Wijaya, Keshia Safitri, Kintan Andanari, Matahari Kesadaran, Meutia Ananda, Putri Valentina, Raisa Benaya, Rizki Bagus Satria, Rizkyana Dipananda, Theresia Aprilia, Titaz Permatasari Speak! is published by The Jakarta Post’s Supplements and Supplemental Products Department Head of Supplements and Supplemental Products Bruce Emond bruce@thejakartapost.com Advertising Inquiries Maritta Christiana (Advertising Manager) maritta@thejakartapost.com

SEPTEM

NIE Partners and Sponsorship The Jakarta Post Foundation Executive Director Yulia Herawati nie@thejakartapost.com Mia Rubianti mia@thejakartapost.com

• FREE FOR

ALL

ALL THOSE CELEBRITY CATFIGHTS!

BILLY SIMPSON FINDING HIS VOICE

MARCHING BANDS

PARENTAL GUIDANCE

PLAYING THEIR TUNES

MAKING PEACE AT HOME

PEVITA PEARCE KEEPING IT REAL

TO P

25 List

SHERINA, KENDALL, MARIO, (and more inside!)

www.youthspeak.com

Astari Sirila Sakanti astari@thejakartapost.com

BER 2013

STAR WARS

@sp3akmagz

LOGAN

/speakmag

ON THE COVER Pevita Pearce Photographer Meutia Ananda Assistant Photographer Keshia Safitri Stylist Theresia Aprilia Make-up Andy Chun (08113619911) Hair Jeffry (081215708888) Interns Ruth Christine, Lia Levina

Credits Due Everybody! The July/August fashion credits needed a few more important details. So let’s set the record straight to make everybody happy: • Otoko SCBD Fairgrounds Basement, Jl. Jend. Sudirman Kav 52-53, Jakarta • 3Mongkis ITC Mangga Dua, Lt 4 Blok D No. 103. phone: (021) 62300041. FB: 3Mongkis Twitter: @3Mongkis • Mata-Mata ITC Mangga Dua, Lt 4 Blok D No.106. phone : (021) 52300130 • Voila Store Jl. Panglima Polim V no.23 Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan, Phone: +6221-7234030 • Soled Jl. Panglima Polim V no.23 Kebayoran Baru, Jakarta Selatan, Phone: +6221-7234030 • Andreas Wen: 085217643939

youth

Shining

Speak

Moment

LOUISE GULTOM, 18, SMAK 7 BPK Penabur My proudest achievement so far is obtaining the highest score for Indonesian in the National Exams at my school, which is a difficult subject to score well on. Not only was I proud but my parents were too.

WE ALL HAVE THAT ONE ACHIEVEMENT WE PRIDE OURSELVES ON. WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR PROUDEST ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR?

AGNES VANIA, 19, Tarakanita University When I was in 12th grade, my soccer team, which was regarded as the underdog, won a girls’ soccer tournament in Bogor. We also knocked out one of the toughest teams in the competition. That is definitely my proudest accomplishment to date.

MANUELA CRUZ, 17, SMA Mardi Yuana Depok I am proud to be a part of my school choir’s win in the Asian Choir Games. But the victory is not what makes it my proudest accomplishment. It is the fact that our team managed to overcome all obstacles with hard work and sheer passion.

CINTAMI ANGELINA, 20, Bina Nusantara University I am most proud of the 1st place trophy I won for my school’s English competition. I still remember the smiles on my parents’ faces when I brought home the trophy. The feeling of being able to make my parents proud was the highlight of that day.

GIRL TALK

You Ask, Letter of the month Lost Contact Dear Kak Titaz, My boyfriend and I attend the same university, but we are in different classes. Although we don’t get to see each other every day, we usually keep in touch via SMS or chat. But lately things have changed. He never texts or chats with me anymore, and it’s almost is as if he’s deliberately avoiding me! I want to know what’s going on but I don’t have the guts to confront him. What should I do? May, 21 Hey May, Hmm, there are lots of possibilities regarding his strange behavior. Think things over carefully and what has happened between you two. You guys get into a fight recently and not get it resolved? If the answer is yes, he could be trying to let things cool down so he doesn’t get carried away by his emotions when you talk again. Or maybe he’s just busy and you are simply getting carried away with insecurity. He could even be taking a little bit of “me” time and has been unintentionally pushing you aside. A lot of things happen in a relationship; sometimes those things take their toll and change the feelings involved. It seems the only way to take care of this matter is to just be straight with him. If you can’t meet face-to-face, a text or phone call, as lousy as it sounds, should be enough to straighten things out. Just be honest and tell him how you feel: you miss spending time with him. No matter what the issue is, make sure you prepare for the worst. Even so, at least you will have gotten your answers, right? Good luck! 12

I Answer

Titaz Permatasari tackles a couple of questions about dating in this issue. Send questions on whatever is on your mind to speak@thejakartapost. com, and she will give you a piece of her mind.

Crushed Hopes Dear Kak Titaz, I have a crush on a boy at school. I really like him and have been changing to get his attention. I studied harder to get better grades, went on a diet to lose weight and basically just took more time to take care of myself. Recently, I found out that my crush already has a girlfriend. I’m heartbroken and now I’ve lost my motivation to do all the great things I’ve been doing. How can I get motivated again to keep up my new positive habits? Anita, 15 Dear Anita, OK, sweetheart, there is one thing that you should never forget: don’t ever change yourself to please someone else. Believe me, if your crush really likes you he will like you for who you are, not what he wants you to be (or you think he wants you to be). And if he doesn’t, well don’t let it crush your hopes. Sure, go ahead and have a good cry; it’s OK to get it your emotions out of your system. Then wipe your tears and start fresh. Remember all the good things that came out of your newly formed habits, like studying and exercise? You can also take up something new; enroll in a Spanish class, learn how to paint, join a swimming competition – anything! Get your mind off your crush and focus instead on your newfound passion. Hanging out with your girlfriends is another sure fire way to get over heartache. I’m sure after a few weeks in, you won’t even remember why you were down in the first place. Keep smiling!

ASK Anggi

You're Only Young Once

remember the first time I picked up an issue of Speak! magazine. It was the magazine’s first edition, featuring Indonesian racer Rio Haryanto on the cover. I was truly inspired by Rio’s story; his journey to the top was not easy, yet he managed to become a worldclass racer at the mere age of 19. The next edition had Gita Gutawa as cover girl. Her achievements are just as impressive – she had sold more than half a million solo albums before she even hit 16. I must admit that successful youngsters like Rio and Gita inspire me a lot. It is refreshing to have young people to look up to. Luckily, these days it is not hard to find inspiration all around. I take inspiration from different people for different reasons. For instance, I love Agnes Monica because her determination inspires me to work hard to achieve my dreams; the story

of Holocaust survivor Anne Frank inspires me to overcome challenges in life. But I don’t get my motivation only from celebrities I read about in magazines. During my constant travels to participate in youth conferences around the world, I have met many regular students who are just as inspiring. One of the most inspiring encounters I have had was with a girl named Xiaomei Zou. We met on the train during a six-hour trip from Switzerland to Italy. While we talked and got to know each other better, I was impressed by her remarkable story. The Chinese native hails from humble beginnings. After finishing high school, she won a double

An Nur ggi beli qonita nev eves i t to a er too e is chie arly v e y drea o ms. ur scholarship to go to college in Geneva. Now in her twenties, Zou has been traveling the globe as a humanitarian activist and has an unbelievably positive outlook on life – something that I truly admire. The great inventor Thomas Edison once said: “Genius is one percent inspiration and ninetynine percent perspiration.” What he meant is that it is important not only to be inspired, but also to achieve your aspirations. Use the motivation you get from these inspiring people to help you achieve something big in your life, because they prove that being young should not hold you back. Rather, it can push you forward. And the time to do it is now – after all, you’re only young once.

POP Film

GREAT ADAPTATIONS

We love seeing our favorite stories brought to the big screen, but some movie adaptations are better than others. Anastasia Shierly looks at the century-old battle of books versus movies.

WHEN THE HIGHLY anticipated movie adaptation of literary classic The Great Gatsby premiered in May, it caused a stir by earning just a little over US$300 million at the box office. Although it was not exactly a financial failure, when you compare this to the $1 billion each Harry Potter movie made, it is hard to deem Baz Luhrmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby a commercial success. To make matters worse, critics suggested that fans of the book were not too pleased with the movie either. The Great Gatsby joins a list of less than successful movie adaptations, including Epic and the Percy Jackson

series. But what really makes a movie adaptation work and what doesn’t? A movie adaptation’s failure to achieve the same success as the book it’s based on can be attributed to a number of things, such as major changes in storyline, over-commercialization and even poor casting choices. All these factors determine whether or not an adaptation will capture the magic of the original story. Take Nicholas Sparks’ romantic drama Safe Haven. Although the main plot in the book and movie are more or less the same, I found that the movie lacked the depth of the novel. The fact that the characters underwent drastic personality makeovers – most likely for commercial reasons – did not help, instead rendering them very predictable. However, sometimes a little tweaking is necessary to liven up a story and give it a fresh spin. Victor Hugo’s 19th century novel Les Miserables was first brought to life on stage in 1980 and has since become

one of the most renowned musicals. The recent silver screen version of the musical, starring Hugh Jackman and Anne Hathaway, achieved critical and commercial success, which many credit to the movie’s delicate balance of authenticity and originality. Despite the disadvantages of these adaptations, we must admit that movies offer a different entertainment experience. They give us the complete package, combining sound and visuals that give us a whole new level of enjoyment that books cannot provide. I mean, if it weren’t for the Twilight movies, we wouldn’t have seen Robert Pattinson in action as our favorite vampire, right? I believe fans should not compare a book and its on-screen adaptation. Keep expectations low and focus on each medium’s respective merits. After all, it’s not easy to fit a whole book into 120 minutes of screen time without making adjustments here and there. If, as the old saying goes, we should not judge a book by its cover, then we definitely should not judge a book by its movie adaptation.

POP

Quiz

Raissa Smarasista and Ivana Siddik battle it out to see who knows pop culture best!

Contestants: Time: 30 seconds I Prize: Bragging rights

vs. ), 16 Ivana Siddik (IS n School tia ris Ch Raffles International In the TV series Suits, who plays the character of Mike Ross? RS: Patrick…. I forget his last name! 7 IS: Patrick J. Adams. Name the two little British girls who found fame through their cover of Nicki Minaj’s Superbass on YouTube. RS: Sophia Grace and Rosie. IS: Sophia Grace and Rosie. Nate Ruess is the frontman of which American indie pop band? RS: Fun. IS: Fun. Who plays the girl in the music video for Robbie Williams’ single “Candy”? RS: I don’t know. 7 IS: Kaya Scodelario. I recognize her from Skins UK! Which Indonesian actor plays Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo in the biopic Jokowi? RS: I give up. 7 IS: I don’t know. 7 *Correct answer is Teuku Rifku Wikana

Raissa Smarasista (RS), 20 Goldsmiths University of London

What does K-Pop group B1A4’s name stand for? RS: I don’t know. 7 IS: I have no idea. 7 *Correct answer is “Be the One, All for One” What is RnB rapper and producer Pharrell’s real name? RS: Pharrell Williams. IS: Pharrell Williams. Where is singer-songwriter Cher Lloyd originally from? RS: UK. IS: Worcestershire, England. What is the title of the original song for the movie Refrain sung by Maudy Ayunda? RS: Cinta Datang Terlambat. IS: Perahu Kertas. 7 How many children does Nicole Richie have with rocker husband Joel Madden? RS: Two. IS: Two.

Raisa : 6 Ivana : 7 17

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main feature

STAR POWER

Speak! magazine’s annual Top 25 Under 25 list is back by popular demand. The new entrants (and a couple of returnees) boast a hoard of glittering achievements, with standout athletes, actors, activists and entrepreneurs making the list. Read on to see who made the cut!

Nick D’Aloisio, 17, entrepreneur Kendall Jenner, 17, reality TV star

Claim to fame: A cooler Kardashian

Cara Delevingne, 21, model

Claim to fame: Those crazy eyebrows The English model has graced the covers of such magazines as Vogue and i-D, and even strutted her stuff in the 2012 Victoria’s Secret fashion show. Cara’s unique look – quirky and classy – may have taken the fashion world by storm, but it is her goofy personality that won us over. When she’s not shooting uber-chic Burberry campaigns, she can be seen making silly faces backstage or on Instagram. Oh – and she is BFFs with UK singer Rita Ora. @Caradelevingne

Move over Kim, Kourtney and Khloe, little sister Kendall is taking center stage. Yep, killer looks and industry connections landed the teenager a modeling contract with Wilhelmina Models when she was 14. She has modeled in various brand campaigns and was named Seventeen Magazine’s 2011 Style Ambassador with sister Kylie. Fun fact: the aspiring model is the most followed celebrity on Keek with 1.8 million followers. @KendallJenner

Claim to fame: Multimillion-dollar Summly app

Nick has been creating applications since he was 12. His most recent invention, Summly, launched in 2011, made headlines after the British teenager sold it to Yahoo! for a whopping US$30 million, making him one of the youngest self-made millionaires in history. He earned a Spirit of London Award in 2012 and appeared in Forbes’ list of Top 30 influential people under the age of 30. @nickdaloisio

Sherina Munaf, 23, singer

Claim to fame: Where do we start? Pevita Pearce, 20, model/ actress

Claim to fame: 5 CM (and our cover!) Born to an Indonesian mother and Welsh father, Pevita started in modeling thanks to her gorgeous looks. Even though she is the face of a major cosmetic brand, she has shown she has talent to back up her looks, thanks to her substantial movie roles, including in Dilema and the popular 5 CM adaptation, both released last year. Be sure to read our cover story to find out what this raven-haired, down-toearth beauty is up to next! @pevpearce

Sherina sang and danced her way into the nation’s heart at the age of 10 with the box-office hit Petualangan Sherina (Sherina’s Adventure). All grown up now, she has continued to pursue her love of music with several accomplished albums, including the recently released TUNA (Tunes from Sherina). A favorite advertising icon – here a billboard, there a billboard – she is also the queen of Indonesia’s twitterati with almost 6.5 million followers in August. What’s more, she is one of only two celebrities back on our list this year. @sherinamunaf

Selena Gomez, 21, actress/singer

Claim to fame: Hollywood’s “It Girl” Her famous ex Justin Bieber may not be enjoying much success these days, but Selena is at the top of her game. After her stint on Disney’s popular Wizards of Waverly Place, the media darling has kept busy starring in a number of films, among them indie flick Spring Breakers and Behaving Badly. She is now touring North America and Europe to promote her album Stars Dance. @selenagomez

Ryan Higa, 23, comedian

Claim to fame: YouTube sensation If you spend most of your time online browsing through YouTube, you will probably be familiar with this Internet sensation. As the creator of YouTube channel nigahiga, Ryan is one of the most popular personalities on the website. His channel has a staggering 9 million subscribers and counting, and his videos have accumulated 1.4 billion views altogether. Woah! @TheRealRyanHiga

Ratchanok Intanon, 18, athlete

Claim to fame: Badminton extraordinaire Judging by her impressive accolades in the past (youngest-ever BWF World Champion at 14 and recipient of Best Thai Female Athlete Award at 16), it seems Ratchanok was always destined for greatness. Last month, the teenager broke another record when she beat out Olympic medalist Li Xuerui for the women’s world title and became the first Thai player to win gold. 21

main feature Eka Gustiwana, 24, composer

Claim to fame: Master remixer

Demi Lovato, 21, singer/ actress

Claim to fame: Surviving the school of hard knocks It’s been a rollercoaster ride for the former Sonny with a Chance actress. Before landing a gig as a judge on The X Factor US, Demi dealt with a very public struggle with bulimia and bipolar disorder. But that is all behind her; the singer is now healthy and enjoying life as an advocate against bullying and other issues teenagers face. Way to go, Demi! @ddlovato

Eka came to prominence when his hilarious “Demi Tuhan” remix of Arya Wiguna’s furious rant against former spiritual guru Eyang Subur went viral. Within a month, the video had topped 3 million views. Not many people were aware that the young composer was already working for such artists as Nikita Willy and Maudy Ayunda and several big-name brands prior to his YouTube breakout. @ekagustiwana

Sloane Stephens, 20, athlete

Claim to fame: Rising tennis star

Sloane was born into a family of athletes (her mother was a swimmer and her father an American football player), so her success on the tennis court comes as no surprise. Her golden moment came when she knocked out usually invincible Serena Williams at this year’s Australian Open. Sloane has also managed to win over the American public and tennis watchers with her charming personality. As of writing, she is ranked world no. 15 by the Women’s Tennis Association, after having made the semifinals at the 2013 Wimbledon Championships. @sloanetweets

Fatin Shidqia Lubis, 17, singer

Claim to fame: X Factor champion

Malala Yousafzai, 16, activist

Claim to fame: Brave activist

The story of this girl fighting for her peers to receive a proper education while under the rule of the Taliban is truly remarkable. She became famous after a documentary by The New York Times followed her life in Pakistan’s war-torn Swat district. Her bravery almost cost her her life after she sustained gunshot wounds in the head and neck in an assassination attempt by the Taliban last October. The attack prompted an international outcry; Malala has since recovered and received a nomination for this year’s Nobel Peace Prize.

Photos: Reuters, RCTI, kapanlagi.com, Julian Makey

Sporting her trademark hijab, 16-year-old Fatin won over audiences during auditions for The X Factor Indonesia with her cover of Bruno Mars’ “Grenade”. Despite a bit of forgetfulness with lyrics, she went on to win the competition; her first single, “Aku Memilih Setia” (I Choose to Be Loyal), is boosting her popularity. @FatinSL

Afgansyah Reza, 24, singer

Claim to fame: Indonesia’s reigning heartthrob Yes, we know the sultry-voiced singer made the list last year (see September 2012 issue), but we couldn’t possibly pass him up this year. Afgan remains as popular as ever with a new album that dropped on Valentine’s Day and the lead role in the movie adaptation of Refrain. Be sure to check out the single “Demi Kamu dan Aku” (For You and Me) that he co-wrote with Sherina (our other returnee, so he is in good company). @afgansyah_reza

Chelsea Elizabeth Islan, 18, model/actress

Claim to fame: The movie adaptation of Refrain This raven-haired beauty started acting in 5th-grade plays. Now, she is starring in feature films alongside Indonesian heartthrobs like Afgansyah Reza and Marcel Chandrawinata. Her other interests include fashion, photography and journalism. @chelseaislan

Emma Stone, 24, actress

Claim to fame: The “cool chick” roles G-Dragon, 24, singer/rapper

Claim to fame: Leader of Big Bang

Kwon Ji Yong, better known as G-Dragon, is a key member of Big Bang, but he is much more than that. His résumé includes singer, rapper, model and songwriter. The multitalented star has worked with such big-name artists as Flo Rida and Pixie Lott, and is rumored to have worked with rapper Missy Elliot on his latest solo album. G-Dragon’s ability to constantly reinvent himself has earned him not only the nickname “Iguana idol” from fans but also a spot on our list. @IBGDRGN

Chloe Moretz, 16, actress

Claim to fame: On-screen appeal This cool blonde has been a favorite ever since her role as Joseph GordonLevitt’s wise-cracking little sister in the 2009 hit 500 Days of Summer. The young actress has since branched out to more commercial roles in movies like Kick-Ass, Let Me In and the awardwinning Hugo. This year, she is set to reprise her role in the Kick-Ass sequel and the remake of Stephen King’s classic horror story Carrie. We can’t wait! @ChloeGMoretz

Combine gorgeous looks and anamazing sense of humor and you have Emma Stone. Since her big break in 2007’s raunchy comedy Superbad, Emma has proven a versatile actress; I mean, what role hasn’t this redhead played? A toughtalking survivor of the zombie apocalypse? In Zombieland – check. A misunderstood teen? In Easy A – check. An idealistic writer? In The Help –check. Her famous role as Spiderman’s girlfriend, both on- and off-screen, might have also helped her snag the title of “most date-able leading lady” by Askmen.com. @stonenobrien

Frank Ocean, 25, singer/ songwriter

Claim to fame: Incredible songwriting talent

When other artists name you as their musical inspiration and you are all of 25 years of age, you know you’ve made it. Frank’s debut album Channel Orange won Best Urban Contemporary Album at this year’s Grammys. And the songwriter will no doubt make waves again with his next album; he cites The Beatles and The Beach Boys as his inspirations this time around. 23

main feature Lily Collins, 24, actress

Claim to fame: Snow White personified Mario Götze, 21, athlete

Claim to fame: Loaded German soccer star The soccer heartthrob made headlines recently with his transfer from Bundesliga club Borussia Dortmund to Bayern Munich in July. Bayern purchased the attacking midfield with a €37 million bid, making him the most expensive German player to date. @MarioGoetze

Jennifer Lawrence, 23, actress

Claim to fame: Crowd Pleaser Ever since her stumble up the stairs to receive her Oscar, Jennifer has become everyone’s favorite leading lady – girls want to befriend her and guys want to be with her. As well as teaming up again with Silver Linings Playbook co-star Bradley Cooper, Jennifer will reprise her roles as Katniss Everdeen and Mystique in the sequels to The Hunger Games and X-Men.

Maudy Ayunda, 18, actress

Claim to fame: Brains and beauty

Indonesia’s favorite girl-next-door shot to fame with her role as Kugy in the movie adaptation of Perahu Kertas (Paper Boat). She is also musically gifted and has sung a number of songs on the soundtracks to her movies. If her beauty and talent aren’t enough to impress you, get this: she is now pursuing a degree at the prestigious University of Oxford. @maudyayunda

Hamzah Izzulhaq, 20, entrepreneur

Claim to fame: Teen millionaire Hamzah has always had the business bug, selling everything from newspapers to fireworks in his childhood. He now runs a successful learning center and sofa business under Hamasa Indonesia Corp., the company he built himself. His ventures reportedly rake in a profit of at least Rp 200 million each month. @hamasacorp

With her dark hair and flawless complexion, it’s no wonder this rising actress was chosen to play the role of Snow White in 2012’s Mirror Mirror. Daughter of famed musician Phil Collins, Lily is carving out her own path in Hollywood. We can’t wait to see her bring our favorite characters from Mortal Instruments: City of Bones to life in the book’s silver screen adaptation. @lilycollins

Logan Lerman, 21, actor

Claim to fame: Boyish charm

Logan is best known for his role as demi-god Percy Jackson in the novelbased franchise, but these days he is looking for more serious roles to sink his teeth into. For starters, he portrayed teenage misfit Charlie in critically acclaimed The Perks of Being a Wallflower. Next, he will be back with “Perks” co-star Emma Watson in the biblical drama Noah. @LoganLerman

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cover story

s e h

r o f R

l a e

Pevita Pearce is on the road to stardom. But she is very much like you and me, Natasha Ishak finds.

cover story

evita Pearce might be a celebrity, but she still behaves like anybody else when it comes to dealing with life in Jakarta. When I called her one Saturday afternoon to confirm our interview, my “How are you?” was met with a very honest response. “Not so good,” the 20-year-old sighed: she was having car trouble and stuck in traffic. “Call me back in 15 minutes please.” When we met, she launched into a dramatic and amusing anecdote about how her pregnant mother had had to drive herself to the hospital to give birth after her aunt fainted. Again, not the kind of openness that we expect from a rising star (she is on our list of “Top 25 Under 25” in this issue). Pevita got her start acting in 2006’s Denias, Senandung Diatas Awan (Denias, A Melody Above the Clouds) and slowly gained recognition through substantial roles in movies such as Rasa (Taste), Dilema and Sanubari Jakarta (Jakarta’s Heart). She has also appeared in several music videos, including Noah’s hit “Hidup Denganmu, Mati Tanpamu” (Live With You, Die Without You). Maybe we can attribute her carefree attitude and disarming honesty to the way she was raised. Pevita’s Indonesian mother, who separated from her Welsh father when the actress was just a toddler, is a big influence in her life.

“My mom is amazing; working while raising two kids on your own is not easy, but she did it. She loves to read and is very knowledgeable and open-minded. She inspires me to be the best that I can be,” Pevita says proudly. Her older brother Keenan is like a friend to her. “We’re very close and we talk about everything,” she says. Even boyfriends? “Well, we rarely talk about our love lives but he is very protective

of me when it comes to dating. I’m single now so that’s one less thing he needs to worry about,” Pevita jokes. She is best known for the 2012 hit 5 cm opposite Herjunot Ali and Fedi Nuril. The film was shot on location at Mount Semeru, the highest peak in Java, and it required plenty of endurance to cope with the high altitude, among other challenges, over several months. “We shot the movie with little

Pevita Unc

Gray Sweater Nikicio, Button-Down Pink Label, Printed Jeans Helio, ‘NERD’ Sweater Mr.Freddy, Pleated Skirt Mr.Freddy, Dress Shirt Monday to Sunday, Hat Stylist’s Own

A FEW THING S YOU MAY N OT KNOW ABOUT THE ST AR

She’s eco-fri e

dly. Pevita and he r family are bi g on living green. She ho pes to build an ecofriendly retrea t in Bali some day.

She’s a peace

warrior. The philosoph y of “love and peace” from the 1960s flo wer power ge neration has seeped in to every face t of her life, including the inspiration be hind her fashion lines – one of them the cute hippie-inspire d label Hippe arce.

She loves sp o

rts. Pevita is an av id sports fan, especially soccer. Her fa vorite club? Ch elsea FC. She even man aged to get so me photos with players of the English club during their visit to Ja karta.

She’s a bit fo rg

etful. One of her le ast favorite tr aits about herself is her difficulty rem embering people’s nam es and faces. So if you’ve met her befo re an blank stare, do d she gives you a n’t take it pers onally. 29

Photos: Meutia Ananda

cover story

food and electricity. When I look back, it feels so surreal – I never imagined I’d make a movie on a mountain!” she says. She is now working on a period piece called Tenggelamnya Kapal Van der Wijck (The Sinking of the Van der Wijck), based on the novel of the same title. Pevita plays a young woman from West Sumatra’s conservative Minangkabau ethnic group who is torn between her heritage and love. Although less physically demanding than her role in 5 cm, this new part poses a fresh challenges. “Hayati’s character is very sweet, soft-spoken and subdued, while I’m the polar opposite,” she says. “She also has a thick Minang accent I had to master. It’s always a challenge to play a character so different from the real you. But I love to challenge myself, it keeps me sharp.” Right now she has a lot to balance in her life. Not only does she juggle acting and designing (she runs four fashion lines on the side), she also has to make time for her studies at Lasalle College International Jakarta starting this month. But Pevita is the kind of person who never gives up. “There are times I just want to drop everything and leave on an impromptu retreat. But then I realize that kind of attitude affects my subconscious and just makes my body feel even worse, so I straighten up and tell myself ‘OK let’s do this’. I always push myself; I strive to succeed in everything I pursue.”

Longlive theâ&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90s!

Sometimes we need to look to the past to look good in the present! So letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all start You-Tubing for a blast of the 1990s.

Rock Steady Icon: Gwen Stefani Bring out your inner rock chick a la Gwen in her No Doubt days. Crop tops and mini skirts are so â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;90s; throw on a pair of tough-looking boots for a rocker edge. Skirt Stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Own Black T-shirt Pink Label Shoes Adorable Projects

Nerd-tastic Icon: Rivers Cuomo This is where the whole trending hipster style started. With a button-down sweater and a pair of skinny colored jeans, you can be as gee-whiz cool as Weezer frontman Rivers Cuomo. Shirt Helio Maroon Sweater and Brown Jegging Pink Label Shoes Converse High Top 33

Teen Spirit Icon: Kurt Cobain Who says you canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t dress like the late, great Cobain? Put everything down to plaid! Clash things up by combining it with classic striped tee and baggy jeans. Finish the look with fabulous boots to keep it feminine and fun. Flannel Shirt, Jeans and Boots Stylistâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Own

Baby, It’s You Icon: Emma “Baby Spice” Bunton Take a cue from one of the dancing divas with this girly pink dress, paired with denim and a baseball cap for a mix of innocence and edge. Don’t forget to rock those pigtails! Baby Pink Top Pink Label Hat Mr. Freddy 35

Miss Popular Icon: Alicia Silverstone Nobody did preppy chic better than the girls of Clueless, the hit 1995 movie. Steal your momâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s old blazer and combine it with a graphic A-line skirt. Play around with your blouse length and knee-high socks so you look more teen queen than office intern. And then say a big what-evah! Pink Blazer Vintage Diamond Skirt and White Shirt Pink Label

Model Lia Levina Photographer Meutia Ananda Assistant Photographer Rizki Bagus Satria Stylist Theresia Aprilia MUA Claudia Setiawan (081290180936) Intern Ruth Christine Helio: ITC Mangga Dua, Level 4 Blok D No. 104-127. Phone: (021) 62300054 Twitter: @ helioshop Web: www.helio.co.id Pink Label: ITC Mangga Dua level 4 Blok D No.124. Phone: (021) 6126561 Mr.Freddy: ITC Mangga Dua level 5 Blok A No.130. Phone: (021) 98490313 Web: www.Mrfreddy.us 36

behind the brand

Subtle Sophistication Monique Soeriaatmadja in her own design GIVEN THAT sleek silhouettes and cheery colors are mainstays of the collections of independent Indonesian fashion label Alexalexa, it is hard to believe that the label’s creator, Monique Soeriaatmadja, did not always work in fashion. Before she threw herself into the world of design, Monique was a regular office worker with a 9 to 5 job. All that changed in 2011, during her stint as beauty editor and freelance stylist at a local magazine. The connections she made through her stylist work drew attention to her talent for design and she was invited to sell her clothes at a local bazaar. Now, her label Alexalexa is stocked by upscale department stores across Jakarta, including The Goods Dept, and has even found fans on the other side of the world. “Our pop-up booth in London in July was such a success!” Monique says. “We met several people who really fell in love with our Spring/ Summer collection; it is very humbling to find people willing to spend money on your clothing.

MONIQUE SOERIAATMADJA CHATS WITH NATASHA ISHAK ABOUT HER BRAND ALEXALEXA AND HER PASSION FOR FASHION.

Why the name Alexalexa? The name is a combination of the pseudonyms of my husband and me. Mine was Alexa and my husband’s was Alex. We thought the quirky combo would be an appropriate name for the brand, which offers women’s and men’s wear. What makes Alexalexa different from other brands? Well, my husband and I both come from very corporate backgrounds, but we have always loved to wear stylish clothes. I think that is reflected in our designs; we make pieces that aren’t formal, but can still be worn in a formal setting. We design for people who are busy but who also know how to have a good time. Who was your fashion inspiration growing up? I was very hippie-inspired during my teenage years. A lot of old photographs of my mother with waist-long hair and washed-out bell bottoms fed my inspiration. What is your number one fashion “don’t”? Don’t wear something that doesn’t make you feel good. If you don’t like what you’re wearing, then change out of it! Where is your favorite place to shop? The London markets! Portobello Market and Spitalfields Market are my two favorites. London is a great place to hunt for hidden treasures; you can find almost anything in the city’s markets. 37

street fashion

s ’ t a Whand in hat’s w t ou the on EETS STR

Top Zara

Pants Topman

Shoes Doc Mart

, Lasalle College

Necklace Plastic Mannequin

Blazer Nikicio

AYANTI, 17,

Skirt Picnic

DINTA RAHM

Shoes Magnum

MICHAEL HARS

EL, 21, Tarumanag

ara University

URSELF EMAIL US A PHOTO OF YOD EARN OUR LOOKING YOUR BEST AN OVAL FASHION STAMP OF APPR speak@thejakartapost.com

Necklace Forever 21 Jacket Zara

To pZ

ar a

, 15, urindah Cinta N SMAN 70

14, SMPN 19

Jakarta

Pants Zara

Bunga Jinan,

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Shoes New Look

Hat Asos

achel, 1

Clara R ce Mar g

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7, Tarak

ara

Ne w

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H anita 1 S Ba g

ss Z

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Neckla

Top

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Bag from Mangga Dua

Shoes Converse

NOVYTI OHYAAN, 18, Binus University

style spin

Playful Print The Look

ER PUTRI FASHION BLOGG TOGETHER TS VALENTINA PU IRKY OUTFIT A CUTE AND QU RESS INSPIRED BY ACTS. WILLOW SHIELD

The Spin

Yel low Ves t

: Vr ou

The 13-year-old sto od out from the crowd at the 20 13 Radio Disney Music Award s.

nim

Necklace & Ring: MOTH jewelry White Long-tailed Shirt: H&M

Leopard Print Skirt: Bershka

Style notes

HOW TO RE-CREATE THE LOOK: 1. Have fun with accessories. You need the bling to match your playful getup. Pull out all your statement jewelry, ff from necklaces to rings and bracelets, and pick and choose the ones you think would stu kok g n best compliment your outfit. Be careful not to wear too much though! The easiest way a es: B to keep things under control is to limit your accessories to three pieces. Sho 2. Wear some funky shoes. If accessories aren’t your thing, don’t fret; unusually shaped heels or flats with a fun print on them, like my button-covered shoes, can still give your outfit that extra edge. 3. Give your hair some lovin’. With all that is going on in your outfit from the neck down, it’s important to remember to accessorize your mane, too. Mix a really feminine outfit with a sporty baseball cap, or complete a quirky look with a cute bandana. The possibilities are endless! Putri Valentina 4. Flaunt your confidence like nobody’s business! Blog: putrivalentinalim.blogspot.com Always remember to show off your outfit with pride. Yes, not everyone may like it, Twitter: @Putrivalenlim but the important thing is that you do, so there. Happy dressing, girls! ram: @Putrivalentinaa

Instag

how to do

Green Greetings RAISA BENAYA SHOWS US AN ECO-FRIENDLY WAY TO HARNESS CREATIVITY BY MAKING OUR OWN SPECIAL GREETING CARDS.

What you need

Materials: l Recycled material (wrapping paper or patterned fabric) l Cardboard paper l Tracing paper l Ribbon Tools: l Cutter or scissors l Ruler l Double-sided tape and glue l Pencil, markers and colored pencils

QUICKIE TIPPY : tured to create a cool tex Use an empty pen per. You pa g ce of the tracin effect on the surfa ng lyi d fin u yo s material can use any other ndmade ha is th ate cre to around the house ! go green everyone greeting card. Let’s

What to do

1 The first step is to make the base, which doubles as the envelope. On your patterned fabric or wrapping paper, draw a rectangle. Add a semi-circle extending from each side of the rectangle to make “flaps”; the final shape will look something like a four-leafed clover. Cut two layers of the material in this shape.

4 Stick your finished greeting card onto the middle of the base of the envelope.

2 Glue these two layers together to form a solid base. If you are using fabric, insert a piece of cardboard between the layers to make it stiff and maintain the shape. Poke a single hole in each of the top and bottom flaps; make sure the holes align perfectly when they are folded over, because you will be using these holes to seal the envelope.

5 Fold all four envelope sides, starting with the two that do not have a hole. Loop the ribbon through the holes on the other two flaps, as a cute accent to close the envelope.

3 Next is the greeting card. Cut out a rectangle of tracing paper and fold it in half. You want to make it about 2 cm smaller than the envelope base on all sides. Cut a piece of cardboard paper in the same size as one half of the tracing paper. Decorate the cardboard paper, with pictures and your message. Then glue it to the inside panel of the tracing paper.

End Result

RéyHome – Interior, furniture and graphic design bureau that specializes in recycled material. Tumblr: http://reyhome.tumblr.com Twitter: @raisabenaya Email: raisa.benaya@gmail.com

S U K S A K

CAPPER

KASKUS CEO LIA LEVINA CHATS WITH AND HEARS KEN DEAN LAWADINATA HIS JOURNEY TO THE TOP.

ince Kaskus was founded in 1999, it has grown into one of Indonesia’s largest online communities. Although its founder, 34-year-old Andrew Darwis, is quite well known, the same cannot be said of the brains behind Kaskus’ commercial success: Ken Dean Lawadinata.

When Ken and Andrew (who, it turns out, are distant cousins) met in 2008 at college in Seattle in the United States, Ken saw the potential of Andrew’s budding website. After he convinced Andrew to let him handle the business side of the venture, the two flew back to Indonesia to

work on expanding Kaskus. Easier said than done – neither cousin knew anything about the country’s business climate, nor did they have any connections. But fast forward five years, and the dynamic duo are at the top of their game. Ken, 27, is the youngest CEO in Indonesia. The young entrepreneur takes time

gEEky news

out of his busy schedule to talk to Speak! about his success and what’s in store next. What made you decide to invest in and develop Kaskus? During my time in the US, I realized the Internet was already a common tool used in everyday life. The Internet’s progression in Indonesia was still lagging behind, but I knew we would soon catch up. As soon as I saw the Internet would become a game-changer and the Indonesian market was relatively untouched, I just had to be a part of it [Kaskus]. What was your biggest challenge in starting the business? The biggest challenge was convincing everyone around me, especially my parents and Andrew [Darwis], that my belief in Kaskus was justified. It was tough convincing my parents. On one hand, I was still in university and my parents were counting on me to graduate. But on the other, I knew this is what I wanted to do. Andrew was also a tough sell because he already had a stable job in the US, so he was understandably reluctant to come back to Indonesia and start all over. Your book Ken & Kaskus arrived in bookstores in June. Can you tell us

He might be the country’s youngest CEO, but it’s not all work and no play for Ken. When he’s not running off to business meetings, he stays home with his family, especially now his second child is on the way. He blows off steam playing games and watching movies. a little bit about it? The book is basically about my journey with Kaskus. It took almost a year to finish with the help of Alberthiene Endah. I wanted to share my experiences, both failures and successes, to open people’s minds, especially those who are at a crossroads in life. I think it’s important to share this because the environment in our country does not nurture creative minds. Hopefully I can be an inspiration of some sort to young people who have the same

passion as I do. As you mentioned in your book, you did not finish university. Do you think a college degree and success are related to one another? Look, I can’t say whether college is important or not because it’s different for everyone. Think of it as building a house. The more resources you have, the better your chances of building a sturdy structure. A college education undoubtedly increases your chances of success, but it does not guarantee it either. I may have not finished my degree, but if I didn’t go to university I would have never met Andrew, and I would have never got involved in Kaskus. If you can’t figure out what you want to do with your life, get an education in the meantime. It’s an important step in learning how to problem solve, think critically and build a future network. What is the key to your success? I don’t really know – I didn’t plan any of this, to be honest. I took things one day at a time and just rolled with the punches. The route to success is not just about having an endless supply of capital, or having rich parents to back you up. It’s about following your instincts, working hard and doing your best. 45

TRAVEL

feature

Georgia

d n i M y on M IGHBORS ELL KNOWN AS ITS NE W AS BE T NO HT IG M S THE GEORGIA NA DIPANANDA FIND YA ZK RI T BU , EY RK GEMS. RUSSIA AND TU THE REGION’S HIDDEN COUNTRY IS ONE OF

xotic Georgia sits on the edge of the Black Sea, wedged between Russia and Turkey. Despite its difficult past – it was occupied by Soviet Russia from 1921 until it gained independence in 1991 – Georgia is slowly growing and creating an identity of its own. I visited the country last year, sponsored by GIFSU, or the Georgia International Forum of Student Unions, to take part in a oneweek conference. The conference is an annual event, where more than 100 youths from around the world gather to discuss important global issues, such as welfare and education. Our first stop was the capital, Tbilisi, a true melting pot of culture. Georgia’s rich history and culture are apparent in its architecture. There is the must-see Anchiskhati Basilica of St. Mary, the city’s oldest surviving church, and the newer and magnificent Tsminda Sameba Cathedral, also known as the Holy

Trinity Cathedral of Tbilisi, which is said to be the third tallest Eastern Orthodox Cathedral in the world. The antique buildings scattered throughout Tbilisi make the perfect backdrop for an afternoon walk. After a few days in Tbilisi, we headed to Batumi, where the conference was held. A popular destination for summer holidays, this seaside city provides a pictureperfect view of the mist-cloaked hills near the Turkish border. As a holiday spot, the city mixes relaxation with fun: the pebble beaches and palm trees create a soothing atmosphere, but Batumi also has lots of great restaurants and night spots. The best times to visit Batumi are May through June and late August through September. Georgian cuisine is very rich in flavor, a feature that is attributed to the country’s incredibly fertile soil, achieved thanks to its position on the Black Sea. Local specialties include khachapuri (a cheese-stuffed bread offered with every meal) and

khinkali (mutton dumplings). My favorite Georgian dish was mcvadi, the local version of Russian shashlik kebabs. The country’s wines have also been gaining worldwide appreciation for their delicious zing and low prices. I will always cherish my visit to Georgia. Not only did I get to visit a beautiful country still unknown to many, I also learned to interact with people from different cultural backgrounds, mostly from Eastern Europe. Georgia’s distinctive mix of old and new is inspirational and reminds me to keep my feet rooted in my heritage amid my global treks.

Georgia’s currency, the Lari, can only be obtained within the country. If you ever plan to visit, make sure you pack major foreign currencies, such as euros or US dollars, to exchange once you arrive. The name Tbilisi means “warm” in Georgian. The name comes from the numerous underground springs that feed the city’s famous sulfur baths.

RAVING FOR

RAMEN

l Stea

Matahari Kesadaran takes a spin around Bandung in search of a delicious bowl of Japanese ramen.

Neru Ramen

On the menu: Smoked Beef Ramen (With Curry Broth) Ingredients: Beef salami, fish balls, ramen noodles, curry broth Location: Jl. PHH. Mustofa No. 6, Bandung Price: Rp. 15,000

To be honest, I stumbled upon Neru Ramen while trying to find another restaurant, but I’m glad I did. This humble eatery is located right across from ITENAS (National Institute of Technology), which exLocation: HHH plains the hordes of students having Hygiene: H H H lunch here. Decor: HH At Neru Ramen, you can order your Hospitality: H H H H ramen with any of three types of Taste: H H H broth: kare, soyu or tomyam. You can Price: H H H H also choose how spicy you want it to be, out of five levels of spiciness. I admit I was a bit taken aback though, when my order of Smoked Beef Ramen arrived: it looked like they had just put a piece of salami on top of my noodles. Yet despite the scanty protein supply, the dish was saved by the surprisingly tasty kare broth. If you’re a fan of Chicken Curry Indomie, then you will definitely love it. All in all, the décor could use an update and they should definitely add more meat, but since I have a soft spot for anything that reminds me of Indomie, I say it’s an okay hang-out spot. 48

FOOD e lurg

Sushi Tei

On the menu: Niku Ramen Ingredients: Sliced beef, ramen noodles, dried seaweed,kamaboko Location: Trans Studio Mall, Bandung Price: Rp. 63,000

inspector

Although this restaurant is known for its sushi, it offers a respectable selection of ramen. The prices are more on the ritzy side, but it’s hard to complain given the clean and classy atmosphere. Servers greet guests with a loud “Irrashaimase!”, which is cool but can quickly get annoying (especially when you’re starving). I ordered a plate of piping hot Niku Ramen. My verdict? The ramen was good, but was it Rp 63,000 worth? Others may disagree, but I’d have to say no. Although the sliced beef in the dish was cooked to perfection, the noodles and broth left much to be desired. The highlight of my meal was, in fact, the drinks, such as the Strawberry Frozz Tea and Bubble Gum Wildberry Blended. So even if you’re not a huge ramen fan, you can always stop by for drinks or sushi.

Location: H H H H H Hygiene: H H H H H Decor: H H H H H Hospitality: H H H H H Taste: H H H H Price: H H H

POP

Personality

Raise Your Voice

BILLY SIMPSON IS TV’S LATEST SINGING SENSATION. KINTAN ANDANARI FINDS OUT MORE ABOUT THE GUY BEHIND THE SPECTACULAR VOICE.

e’ve long known that Billy Simpson, winner of The Voice Indonesia, has amazing vocal abilities. But we had no idea he had the outspoken personality to match until his warm greeting for the Speak! interview. Dressed in denim from head to toe and sporting his trademark black-rimmed glasses, Billy seemed cheerful and keen. It was a special day for him – not only was he about to treat some lucky fans to a special meet and greet, but it just so happened to be his birthday. “I’m 26 today!” he cried. “And there is no better way to celebrate another year in life than with the friends and family who support you. Don’t you think?” Billy grabbed attention when he

Photos: Universal Music Indonesia

performed the song One, originally by Irish band U2, during the blind audition round of The Voice Indonesia. His distinctive, sultry tones stunned audiences and earned him a chair turn from all four judges, which meant he could choose whom he wanted as mentor. He chose Giring of Nidji – and the rest is history. Since his victory in June, this graduate of Monash University, in Melbourne, Australia, has been preparing his debut album. Titled Lukisanku (My Painting), the album features 10 original songs – nine of which Billy wrote. He tells us about his time on The Voice, his new album and his future ambitions. Did you have any singing experience before you joined The Voice? Yes, I did. I fell in love with music when I was 13, after I heard my church’s band play. But the major turning point was when I joined a singing competition during my college years in Melbourne. I didn’t win [laughs] but I learned a great deal about performing and suddenly I realized music was my true passion. So what made you decide to compete in The Voice? I’ve always been a fan of the US version. I admire Adam Levine and Blake Shelton very much. So when I heard they were holding auditions for the Indonesian franchise, I thought, why not? It was just for fun, really. What did you learn during your time in the competition? I learned that performing is not easy, although it looks

that way. There are different components that you need to pay attention to, such as song choice, lighting and wardrobe. I also had to work in sync with the TV station, production team, coach and the band, so it really was a team effort. It was difficult but I think the show really prepared me for the industry; I feel much more confident now. Your debut album Lukisanku drops later this month. What was the recording process like? It was fantastic, I enjoyed every minute. I’m very lucky that Universal Music Indonesia gave me so much creative control on my first album. I am the producer and have a say in everything, from song choice to the CD design. I’m very grateful to them for giving me such a huge opportunity. What can we expect from the album? I champion simplicity. I think it pays to create music or songs that touch on the simple things in life. For instance, my first single Sabarlah (Be Patient) is about a girl who is blowing up her boyfriend’s phone, constantly texting and calling him, which I think a lot of couples can relate to. The key is to make these simple things sound accessible without being cheap. So expect a lot of simple yet – hopefully – meaningful tunes. Do you have any artists you would love to collaborate with? I’m a big fan of Agnes Monica

and Raisa Andriana; I think they are both amazing. If I could dream a little bigger, I would love to collaborate with rappers, like Eminem or Jay-Z. There’s something about pop and rap that blends very well. Where do you see yourself in five years? Hopefully I will be living the dream of breaking into the international music scene. Of course, it’s a long shot for any foreign artist, but I believe this country has so much talent that it would be a shame not to try and share it with the world. But that’s way ahead; for now I’m taking things one step at a time.

Billy off-stage

ht not Here are a few things you mig on: sati sen ing sing know about the s love Billy k. gee vie mo a s He’ l en Wh like s edie com classic romantic ity. ndip Sere and y Sall Met Harry musical Sometimes he even gets his s. film from ion inspirat that l He hates fruit. Billy admits he but lth hea r you for d fruit is goo self. just can’t stand eating it him ld l He’s a homebody. Billy wou at home. e tim n dow his nd spe er rath in his He likes to tinker with tunes io. stud al son per ption. l His glasses have no prescri rs? wea he ses glas se tho w You kno m. the in s glas They don’t have any show. for m the rs wea only he Billy says 51

CELEB

buzz

Celebrity

Showdown ent industry With pressure in the entertainm t tense between running high, things often ge ts out the most those at the top. Lia Levina sor infamous celebrity feuds of today.

BATTLE 1: Ciara vs. Rihanna The beef between Rihanna and Ciara started three years ago, when Ciara claimed Rihanna was not nice to her during a run-in at an event. This led to a fight on Twitter, featuring several disrespectful rants by Rihanna about her alleged rival, but things eventually cooled down. However, the feud was reignited in April after Rihanna posted a picture on Instagram with a caption mocking a certain singer’s Rihannacentric interviews. Rumor has it Ciara is also the reason why fan favorite tune Love Song, a duet between Rihanna and rapper Future (Ciara’s boyfriend) has not been released as an official single. Looks like this fight has yet to fade.

BATTLE 2: One Direction vs. The Wanted British boybands One Direction and The Wanted have made a practice of butting heads on Twitter. It all started when Zayn Malik of One Direction commented on a Twitter picture posted by The Wanted’s Max George in November, calling Max “a geek”. The trivial comment has since led to full-fledged arguments between the bands, from mocking each other’s haircuts to criticizing their singing abilities. Their most recent row came in June when members of The Wanted challenged One Direction to a charity boxing match in an interview with New York Daily News. 52

BATTLE 3: Kelly Osbourne vs. Lady Gaga This spat started early last year, when Kelly suggested that Gaga had been disrespectful to her fans while on the Grammys red carpet. The Fashion Police host also said she used to admire Gaga until she realized Gaga was “a great big hypocrite”. Kelly’s criticism caused Little Monsters (Lady Gaga’s loyal fanbase) to attack her on Twitter, some going so far as to send death threats. Gaga quickly reacted with a blog discouraging her fans from any negativity. But the Born this Way singer also had a few choice words about Kelly’s attitude toward celebrities on her show. “We can all do our part in the media to set a standard of respect, compassion, and love,” Gaga wrote.

BATTLE 4:

Mariah Carey vs. Nicki Minaj We can’t talk about celebrity feuds without mentioning Nicki Minaj and Mariah Carey’s infamous fight on American Idol. If you haven’t been keeping up with the reality show’s controversy, Nicki and Mariah were reportedly involved in a fight during a taping of season 12 auditions. On-set sources reveal the two were at each other’s throats during the first taping. But the bickering reached boiling point after Mariah repeatedly interrupted Nicki during judging, with Nicki letting out a slew of curse words aimed at the diva. Although footage of their blow-up leaked online, some speculate the fight was merely a publicity stunt to increase the show’s falling ratings.

ers Winner: TV view ndone co e w at th t It’s no e or form, hate in any shap e two go es th g in ch but wat American on back and forth r more fa y dl sa Idol was th an e actual entertaining th s time to call it’ be show. May it quits.

e Winner: No on n so bad tte go s ha ud The fe to animosity it has even led o. As much to ns fa n betwee boys, there e as we love thes be said for to ng hi is somet ep their ke guys who can cool. 53

POP

Personality

Teen actress Chloe Moretz is proof that it is possible to stay grounded in the midst of success.

Photos: Chlomo.org, Screened

Kickinâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; wItith Chloe

hloe Moretz first won over movie fans and critics alike with her role as Joseph Gordon Levitt’s sassy sister in 2009’s 500 Days of Summer. A year later, she stole hearts again as teenage superhero Hit Girl in the sleeper hit Kick-Ass. Her portrayal of the innocent girl with lethal fighting skills created quite a controversy for the comic book flick – especially since Chloe was only 11 years old when the movie was filmed. But the buzz only helped build her career. Since then, she has snagged roles in such commercial hits as Let Me In, Texas Killing Fields and Dark Shadows. But no matter what movie she appears in, a common theme emerges in Chloe’s role choices. In an interview with Teen Vogue, Chloe admitted that she is drawn to more mature, troubled characters. “Playing someone who’s happygo-lucky and has a good life … it’s boring for me. Because that’s my life. I have a good family. … I like being challenged, playing characters that are a little messed up,” she said. But this blonde star has not displayed any of that on-screen bad behavior in real life. Chloe stays grounded thanks to a strong support system – her family. Growing up, Chloe was the youngest child of five – and only daughter – which has done wonders for building the thick skin so necessary to survive in the entertainment industry (it also explains her ease with doing her own fight stunts in Kick-Ass). It was her brother Trevor, who frequently travels with her as her acting coach,

“it’s boring for me. Because that’s my life. I have a good family"

who led Chloe to her infatuation with the performing arts. Chloe proves to have a good head on her shoulders. Unlike many young Hollywood stars who have foregone college, this home-schooled teen sees education as a priority. She hopes to one day be accepted at New York’s Columbia University. At 16, Chloe has certainly made her mark among young Hollywood’s elite – and she is only getting started. After her performance in the award-winning movie Hugo and the success of Kick-Ass 2, Chloe is set to go back to the quirky roles she is known for. One of them is as Carrie in the eponymous film – a remake of the 1976 classic, based on Stephen King’s 1974 novel of the same name. Despite her impressive acting credentials, the actress still had to fight for the role. Chloe has revealed that movie executives thought she wasn’t right for the part, claiming she was too young, too pretty and too accomplished to play a troubled telekinetic. The negative comments did not dampen Chloe’s spirits. Instead, she brushed up on the story’s history and did tons of research to prepare for the role. From the looks of the movie’s teaser trailers, Chloe has proved the

doubters wrong. The movie is set to hit theaters this Halloween. + Kintan Andanari

Despite her best efforts to keep her private life under wraps, Chloe was spotted in January getting cozy with Cameron Fuller around LA. If the name of Chloe’s main squeeze doesn’t ring a bell, Cameron is the brother of The Amityville Horror producer Brad Fuller. 55

Young and

Addicted Karen Priyanka talks about drug addiction and how it all too often ends in tragedy. and Twitter was soon flooded with condolences from both fellow celebrities and fans. We never expect somebody to die so young, especially someone who is enjoying major fame and success. Cory, who had turned 31 just two months before his death, had the world at his feet. Not only was he

a pivotal character on one of TVâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most watched series, he was also just getting his life back together. In interviews, the Canadian actor had been open about his troubled life. He struggled to deal with the separation of his parents when he was young, which led him to drug abuse. But Cory had put the past

Illustration: Jeremy Enecio

was enjoying a sunny Sunday afternoon when I heard the heartbreaking news of Cory Monteithâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s death. Cory, famous for his role as jock-turned-musicalman Finn Hudson on Glee, was found dead in a hotel room in Vancouver, Canada, on July 13. The shocking news quickly spread

CURRENT

affairs

behind him and had successfully completed a 30-day rehabilitation program for his drug addiction in April. He gained a lot of support from fans and fellow cast members, including girlfriend Lea Michele. But former drug addicts are prone to relapse. The autopsy results give the cause of Cory’s death as a toxic mixture of heroin and alcohol. Many attribute his unfortunate relapse to the absence of follow-up treatments post rehab. According to addiction specialist Dr. Damon Raskin, quoted on FoxNews.com, addicts face serious risks in the period following rehab. Patients usually need to continue treatment with a community-based program for another 90–120 days, as this puts the recovering addict in a supportive environment and ensures they do not fall into the same negative patterns. Dr. Adi Jaffe from Alternatives Addiction Treatment Center added:

“One of the main reasons death can occur shortly after an individual is released from rehabilitation is because of a large decrease in tolerance that their body experiences after a period of abstinence. If they return to using, they might experience far more extreme reactions to drug doses they were once accustomed to – the body just can’t handle it.” Cory is not the first young celebrity who has lost his life to drug addiction. In 2008, Heath Ledger died of acute intoxication by the combined effects of prescription medication. Two years ago, Amy Winehouse died too, due to alcohol intoxication combined with drug use and an eating disorder. She was only 27. Although these stars will be remembered for their work, our

memories of them will never truly be able to escape their tragic demise.

Listen up! Despite the misconception that drugs are just for fun, drug abuse is no laughing matter. Drug use often leads to heavy addiction and, in the end, death. The easiest way to avoid getting caught in this tangled web is to not even get started: just say “no” to drugs. It may sound like a cheesy public service line, but it is the only sure-fire way to prevent another life lost.

Kpop

Stars UTH KES A LOOK AT SOLAW TA A IC SS JE UE IQ ICE DOMIN RY MILITARY SERV KOREA’S MANDATOVERSY SURROUNDING ITS AND THE CONTRO ITY SOLDIERS. CELEBR

ilitary service is mandatory in South Korea, as the country wants to prepare for threats from its northern counterpart. This means all South Korean men aged 20–30 are obliged to serve in the military for at least 21 months. Each candidate goes through physical exams to determine which of the seven levels he will serve in, based on his health. Levels 1–3 are soldiers in active duty, level 4 is public service, levels 5 and 6 are exempt from service and those in level 7 must repeat the test. Those put into levels 1–4 undergo basic training, including pitching

tents, weaponry, rope climbing and wilderness survival. After training, they are assigned to various posts throughout the country. And K-Pop stars are not exempt. Despite their fame and fortune, they too must complete their two years of military service. However, in several instances, celebrity recruits seemed to have enjoyed special treatment. First is the suspicious level placement. It’s no secret that K-Pop stars go through years of rigorous

training to maintain their energy on and off stage; they are in tip-top shape. So why have all celebrity recruits been placed in level 4? After all, level 4 soldiers are referred to as “public service agents” and perform administrative duties off the battlefield. According to Korean media outlet Chosun Ilbo, singer-actor Rain had 94 days off base – that’s more than twice the average number of holidays taken by regular soldiers. Rain’s meeting with girlfriend actress Kim Tae-hee during this time also sparked tons of public criticism. The latest celebrities in hot water for

other soldiers serving diligently,” Star News quoted a ministry spokesperson as saying. Since then, the ministry has punished eight celebrity soldiers,

including Se7en and Sangchu, and reassigned 15 others to different units. They have been serving in the field with fellow troops since August 1.

Yoo Seung Ho This 19-year-old may look like a gentle soul on the series I Miss You, but the actor takes his duty to his country very seriously. Seung Ho was reported to have refused all commercial filming obligations for the series’ promotion to focus on his military tasks. His dedication during training earned him a spot on the list of the Top 16 Honorary Soldiers out of his recruitment batch.

Hyun Bin The Secret Garden actor has received public praise for his military service. He joined the marines, considered the toughest branch in the South Korean military, and took shorter leave than most regular soldiers to keep up with training.

Oh Jong Hyuk This member of Korean boy band Click-B manned up by enlisting in South Korea’s marine corps. While other celebrities may have been eager to end their military run, Jong Hyuk postponed his own discharge so he could complete his military training. Way to go, Jong Hyuk!

Photos: allkpop.com, tenasia.com, Boston Herald

receiving special treatment are Se7en and Sangchu, after photos of the boys visiting an adult massage parlor were released in July. They were even caught on tape assaulting a reporter while trying to obtain the photos of their late night rendezvous. Adding fuel to the fire, SBS program On-Site 21 aired an episode exposing the leniency of military rules for celebrity recruits, with clips of other celebrities on duty using cell phones freely and sporting civilian clothing instead of uniforms. The Ministry of Defense quickly launched an internal investigation and announced the termination of their celebrity recruits unit, which was initially set up as a way to promote the country’s armed forces. “After an investigation into the promotional department of the military, we have decided to abolish the Promotional Support Brigade [celebrity recruits unit]. Due to unpleasant issues that have occurred, it has tarnished the military’s image and brought down the morale of

e m a l The B

e m Ga Sometimes when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re growing up, it seems your parents just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get it. Tuscany Leau offers some helpful hints on how to keep the family peace.

Secon dary

life

f all the words I exchanged with my parents when I was younger, three words seemed to come out of my mouth the most: “It’s not fair!” Missing my friend’s birthday party because I had to go to a family function, having to change out of my favorite crop top because it wasn’t deemed appropriate attire … sound familiar? Like other parents, mine were always picking apart what I said and did, and forbidding me to do this, that and the other. I hated the feeling of being treated like a child, and that often sparked fights with my parents. As teenagers, we think our parents’ restrictions are unreasonable and – yes – unfair. Who hasn’t disobeyed their parents just to “prove a point”? I know I have. But now that I am older (and hopefully wiser), I realize that rebellion on my part only made the fights worse. A lot of you may be struggling with the same issues, so here are a few suggestions to help your relationship with your parents calm down.

Communicate andcompromise compromise Communicate and Deliberately breaking your 9 p.m. curfew will only add more strain to your relationship with your parents. Instead of breaking the rules, try talking to your parents. If you do not understand why they set the rules,

other side. Tika’s parents may let her have sleepovers every weekend, but she might not be allowed to watch TV every other school night. It is important to remember that every household has its own set of rules. Learn to appreciate your parents for both their strengths and their faults. Easier said than done, perhaps, but they will notice this and it will only have a positive impact on your relationship.

Pause reflect Pause andand reflect

it is acceptable to ask. This will help you gain an insight into how your parents think. But if you do not agree with their reasoning, you don’t have to yell your disagreement. It will be hard, but try to accept it. After you have obeyed their rules without a hitch, your parents will see you are mature enough to do as you are told. Hopefully, this will give you more bargaining power in later negotiations. The least your parents can do is give you an extra hour on that curfew as a reward for your good behavior.

Do not compare

Do not compare The grass is always greener on the

We have so much to deal with – homework, exams, after-school clubs, friends and dating – that sometimes we forget to pay attention to the people closest to us: our family. Think about it. When was the last time you spent time with your old folks? This is where we need to take a moment to reflect on our actions. Our parents need attention just as much as we do. It wouldn’t hurt to skip hanging out at the mall to have a nice family dinner at home. Time you spend getting to know each other will help improve your relationship. In turn, they will be less overbearing about what you do outside the house because they feel they know you better. Follow these simple steps to improve your relationship with your parents, and you may be surprised at how insignificant the things you find unfair actually are.

COM munity

t I t Bea ing Being part of a march hobby band is more than a atasha â&#x20AC;&#x201C; itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a way of life, N Ishak learns.

here is something special about the Pupuk Kalimantan Timur (Kaltim) Bontang Marching Band. Since it was founded 26 years ago as part of a corporate social responsibility program run by the Kalimantan Timur Pupuk

Foundation, the team has become one of the most respected marching bands in the country. Not only was the Pupuk Kaltim Bontang Marching Band the first team outside Jakarta to win the Marching Band Grand Prix (the mother of all marching band

competitions in Indonesia) in 1994, the team has claimed the title a record-breaking 10 times. Originally, members of the team were students of the foundation, but in 1989 the group opened up to the public. Its members now are aged 9 to 20 and come from a range

of backgrounds. Despite the team’s incredible accomplishments, there are no special requirements for joining. What’s more, it’s free. “Anyone can audition. The important thing is that they have a genuine interest in what we do,” said Sefin Martadjaja, the marching band’s manager. “The interest in marching bands has certainly increased. Last year, we recruited 250 new members. This year it rose to around 400.” Those numbers may seem staggeringly high, but a regular marching band usually has more than 100 main members performing in the brass, percussion or woodwind sections or as color guards. The Pupuk Kaltim Bontang Marching Band trains three times a week, on Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday. However, some members put in extra hours of practice every other day to improve their performance. With more than 100 members playing instruments while stepping in sync to choreographed moves, rehearsals involve a lot of hard work. To put things in perspective, consider this: It takes 10 months of preparation for the marching band

to perform a 12-minute routine at the Grand Prix. Sefin’s advice to musical newbies eager to get started: “This marching band was created to build character among young people. The band may look cool with elaborate performances and vibrant uniforms, but people don’t realize how much work and dedication it involves. Members learn many things: discipline, patience and teamwork. But I think the most important thing they learn is to follow their dreams.”

Marching on

Art Imitates Life The Pupuk Kaltim Bontang Marching Band’s achievements have inspired a movie and book based on the team’s extraordinary journey to the top. The book, titled 12 Menit (12 Minutes), was published in June. The film came out last month.

What members have to say about the band: Hudri Joined: 2001 Position: Snare drum “The first time I saw a marching band perform, I was instantly hypnotized by their rhythm and synchronization. Being a part of a marching band teaches responsibility and leadership. It has become a part of me and I hope Indonesian marching bands will thrive even more in the future.”

Arum Sekarwangi Joined: 2008 Position: Snare drum “I had little musical experience before joining the marching band, but now I am practically a pro. My favorite part of being in the band is when we perform; the feeling you get when the audience loves your routine and applauds your performance is irreplaceable.” 63

living large

Rhythm Nation Denita Utami reports back on her cultural mission through the United States.

s an active student at Gigi Art of Dance, I had the opportunity to join the 2013 USA Dance Trip. For two weeks, we traveled the United States, to show the American people Indonesian culture. The team consisted of 55 people, including dancers and production staff. We performed five traditional dances with a contemporary twist:

bassador to the US

With Indonesian Am

Tari Topeng, Srikandi, Pandawa 5, DrupadiandKuda Lumping, each with its owndistinctive style. We also performed a special musical titled Destination: Indonesia, which depicts the beauty and diversity of Indonesian culture through the story of a girl named Tasha, who is stranded on Merauke Sabang. We left Jakarta on June 20, heading straight to our first destination: Seattle. There, we performed at an Indonesian cultural night held at the ACT Theatre. The venue is one of Seattle’s most prominent performance centers and our troupe was the first Indonesian group to perform there. Our journey continued to New York, where we were greeted by the Indonesian Consul General. After performing a snippet of our dance routine, we headed over to the Martha Graham Dance Company and attended a workshop at the famous Broadway Dance Center. It

was so exciting to be taught by Jenn Freeman and LaJon Dantzler, whom you might have seen in the movie Step Up 2 The Streets. But the highlight of our Big Apple trip was performing a flashmob version of the traditional Saman dance in Times Square. Passersby stopped and even gave a round of applause after our performance – it was so much fun! Next we stopped at a town in Maryland named Elkton, where we had been invited to put on a small show in front of its Indonesian community. One really interesting part of our stay here was our accommodation: a large house built in the 1930s. We performed several dance numbers at Cecil College’s Elkton Station, and the government of Maryland even awarded us a certificate and dance cup as a token of their appreciation. Our last stop was Washington

Dino Patti Djalal

DC, where we danced at the Ernst Cultural Center during an event hosted by Indonesia Relief, a nonprofit organization that raises funds to help Indonesia’s poor. Also participating were IKPA (Indonesian Kids Performing Arts) and FutureShock DC, a well-known dance troupe based in Washington, DC. Among the attendees were the Indonesian Ambassador Dr. Dino Patti Djalal and his wife Rosa Rai Djalal. It was a proud moment for me and my fellow dancers when the ambassador praised our efforts to preserve the culture of Indonesia. As a young Indonesian, I believe activities like our dance trip are essential to increase understanding of Indonesian culture. Doing your part to preserve our heritage is important, so if you have the chance, do it. 65

New Kid k c o l B e h on t Matahari Kesadaran ence describes his experi starting over in that call brave new world we “college life”.

or me, college was not just a new chapter in my life – it was a new start entirely. Until then, I had been studying in the United States with my parents. As you can imagine, I was not in the least bit familiar with Indonesia’s social environment so it was hard for me when my family moved back to Indonesia last year. I enrolled at one of the top private universities in Bandung to study business management. I had to leave everything I knew and loved behind in the States, and it honestly made me sad – a part of me was not ready to let go. “You’ll do fine. I promise that you’ll be happy here,” my mom tried to reassure me. I remember the apprehension I felt the night before I met my classmates. After finishing registration, I ended up on the same angkot with a girl whom, I learned after a few minutes of conversation, was in my class. “Some students are having a get-together tonight to

University Life celebrate our college acceptance. You should come and meet everyone,” she said. Despite my new classmate’s enthusiastic invitation, I had reservations. The Indonesian students who had been accepted into the university already knew each other, so I was pretty much the odd one out. What if my classmates don’t like me? I worried. What if nobody talks to me? But curiosity won over and I decided to go to the party anyway. I was relieved to walk into a room full of smiling faces, everyone introducing each other and happily engaging in small talk. It seemed like everyone was just as anxious to make a good impression as I was. Everyone was incredibly nice. And what I thought would hurt my reputation (being the foreign Indonesian kid who had just moved back) turned out to be my calling card; everyone I met was eager to find out more about my time abroad. Questions like “Can you speak Indonesian slang?” and “Is American high school really like in the movies?” are just a few that popped up. When the semester began, I kept to myself the first few weeks of class but eventually found a good group of people I really like. Some of them had the same sense of being an outsider as I did. This was probably because they came from smaller rural areas throughout Java.

So how have these small-town kids adjusted to the big city life on campus? “I like college but I feel there’s a social hierarchy here,” said one friend, originally from Banyumas. “Where I’m from, everyone is so close-knit. I miss that sense of community.” I hate to admit it, but I could not disagree. I had noticed a gap between students from different economic backgrounds, but I guess that is to be expected in any environment with such a diverse population. But another classmate, a Bandung native known for her outgoing charm, overheard our conversation and chimed in: “That’s all just in your head. I believe people who think they need to come from a wealthy background to fit in are just shy and have not been so lucky in making friends. Whatever the case, it’s only normal for cliques to exist in a school environment. It’s the same

as high school, just on a different scale.” She was right, in a way. Not about college being the same as high school (because it isn’t) but about why new college students often feel they don’t belong. After all, I had not encountered any instances of students trying to alienate other students. No matter who you are or who you hang out with, ultimately everyone wants to fit in. Maybe we do spend too much time worrying about what other people think instead of actually trying to fit in.

Insider Tips Here are a few tricks I learned to make the transition into college life smoother. Mingle with different people. The point of college is to meet different people and gain a fresh perspective on your differences, so don’t shy away from socializing. Never compare yourself to others. It is important to remember that fitting in does not mean changing who you are to please others. It means finding friends who like you just the way you are. Don’t judge. If you don’t want to be judged, then don’t judge others. Let them be who they are and enjoy being yourself.

minD yourEnglisH

Getting

Schooled

FIND THE WORDS LISTED IN THE BOX OF LETTERS AND LEARN EACH WORD MEANING FROM THE DESCRIPTION BELOW! Find the words 1. Alma mater 2. Field trip 3. Homecoming

A B A D E E H Q Q W C A P E

G D L G G H N H F G B I O T

J R M N H L S Y Y F R B T E

4. 5. 6.

L Y A R J N H P V T H M E T

Recess Substitute Try-out

O H M S U J O R D S K R V U

T K A X D D M L U A U H A T

E I T Z S Y E C I N T L H I

F R E H X I C D K A F K Q T

H W R K F O O N R E C E S S

B X C P V J M T E Y R R E B

X B B R M H I E L I T H X U

T R Y O U T N N B P N U Z S

T N M Q U F G L E C M O H C

What does it mean? 1. An alma mater is the school, college, or university that one has studied at and, usually, graduated from. 2. A field trip is a trip where students take part first-hand in observations and studies to gain knowledge. 3. A homecoming is an annual event where alumni of a high school or university are invited back to school grounds for a celebration. 4. Recess is a term for the break period in between classes. 5. A substitute here stands for substitute teacher; someone who teaches a class when the regular teacher is unavailable. 6. A try-out is a test to determine if someone is qualified for a certain task, for example National Exam tryouts for students.

what’s in your bag Adventure

Junkie Anjani Mutter loves to climb her way to the top – literally. Silvia Ardelia writes.

or 18-year-old Anjani Mutter, there is no better way to spend the weekend than climbing a mountain. Yep, this accounting student at University of Indonesia loves the great outdoors – so much so that her dream proposal involves a romantic confession on a mountain top (any takers?). This easygoing girl explains why she prefers hiking to shopping and lists her mountain-climbing essentials.

Do you remember your first hike? My first climbing experience was on the wall in the family backyard when I was four. But my first real mountain climb was when I was 13, up Mount Pangrango. After that, I was hooked. Do you have a favorite place for the great outdoors? Yes! I love Arus Liar in Sukabumi. They have great rafting along the Citarik River, very popular because of its fast currents. The surroundings at Arus Liar are well kept yet still look fairly untouched, so you feel more at one with nature. What essentials do you carry to hike? Because I’m out battling the sun all day, I make sure to have practical beauty products on hand, like facial foam, lotion and – never forget – sunblock! Once I went without sunblock and got badly burned. I use Nivea SPF 30 sunblock and Parasol Sun Care to protect my face and skin. Is mountain climbing something you wish to pursue seriously in the future? Definitely. My dream is to go around the world and conquer the seven highest mountains, like my father did. He gave me a picture of him and his friends on top of Mount Everest, and the picture frame reads “What’s your Everest?” Those words always inspire me to find my own Everest in life and conquer it.

STAR

struck

Lessons

to Learn Take everything in stride this September for a better you.

Virgo

Libra

Scorpio

(23 August – 21 September)

(22 September – 22 October)

(23 October – 21 November)

Love: Those small details aren’t worth sweating over.

Love: Hmm, it’s called “projecting”. That’s what he’s doing.

Love: Only let him take out his pent-up frustrations with you, not at you.

School: It’s always too early in the School: year to slack off.

School: Don’t get too cocky. It seems easy now, but just wait a few months.

Friendship: It’s never too late to forgive and forget (or just forgive).

Friendship: Friends don’t let friends get mercilessly bullied.

School: Depending on how well you do, your parents might get you that gift after all! Friendship: Find ways to laugh together. It’s the perfect meds for depression.

Sagittarius (22 November – 21 December)

Pisces (20 February – 20 March)

Love: Don’t lose sight of what you two have in common. School: Keep your eyes on the prize.

Love: All water under the bridge.

Friendship: You’ll have entire photo albums of memories to fill together!

Friendship: Time to try having more than just a handful of friends.

Capricorn (22 December – 20 January)

School: Bad exam scores are nothing but annoying road bumps in the road to success.

Aries (21 March – 20 April)

Love: It takes one to know one.

Love: No reward without risks. Just try it. Ask him out.

School: History is written by the victors, and victors usually are ones who pass tests.

School: Bad sleeping habits tend to make School: (and life) miserable.

Friendship: Bitterness usually calls for temporary time-offs.

Friendship: Misery may sure love company, but your friends sure don’t love misery.

Aquarius (21 January – 19 February)

Gemini (22 May – 21 June) Love: Remember: It is better to have love and lost than never to have loved at all. School: You got through the start of the School: year. That’s a start. Friendship: It’s time for you to help her with her problems this time around.

Cancer (22 June – 22 July) Love: Yes, it’s meant to get ugly at times. That’s just the way it is. School: Ace it. You know you can. Friendship: Befriending exchange students can do wonders in expanding your horizons.

Taurus

Leo

(21 April – 21 May)

(23 July – 22 August)

Love: You have conflicting hobbies. So what?

Love: Try not to mistake infatuation for affection.

Love: Fleeting romances are a dime a dozen.

School: Try studying outside your house for fewer distractions.

School: The only thing that interferes with your learning is your laziness.

School: Learn to manage your time. Like, now. Trust me, you won’t regret it.

Friendship: Nothing wrong with silly, senseless fun.

Friendship: A little mystery and uncertainty is never a bad thing.

Friendship: It’s OK to watch awful movies with your friends and make it for laughs.

UPdates

? u o y e r e w e r e h w

Universal Music Indonesia FastBreaking Gathering Universal Music Indonesia hosted a special fastbreaking event during Ramadhan holy month that featured performances from the labelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own musical talents. Showing their star-studded stuff were Hi-Vi, Calvin Jeremy, Regina, The Voice sensation Billy Simpson (check out his profile on page 64) and Di-Da. All concerned enjoyed the hearty meal to break the fast. When: July 11, 2013 Where: The Only One Club, FX Sudirman, Jakarta

2013 Indonesian Wayang Festival Young people played a big part in the 2013 Indonesian Wayang Festival, held by Total Indonesia Foundation in cooperation with the National Secretariat of Indonesian Puppetry and United Puppet Masters of Indonesia. The festival set out to get more young people involved in traditional puppetry by showing that their characters are as cool as modern action heroes. In fact, 12 teenage puppet masters, including one girl, from 12 provinces were honored for their participation in the event, with the top five performers taking home a whopping Rp 15 million each. When: July 4-7, 2013 Where: Kota Tua, Jakarta 72

Starbucks Indonesia “Water for Change” launch Starbucks has teamed up with US NGO Planet Water to hold a special campaign for clean water. With each purchase of bottled water at Starbucks, the company will donate Rp 1,000 to the Planet Water Foundation. The foundation installs community-based water filtration systems and provides health hygiene lessons to different communities, including schools. When: July 26, 2013

Speak! Magazine’s Writing Workshop

The Jakarta Post’s youth publication Speak! held a workshop at Candle Tree High School to teach students on the ins and outs of writing a good English-language article. The workshop gave pointers on using tools of writing articles in other Englishlanguage writing. When: July 29, 2013 Where: Candle Tree High School, Tangerang

University

life

common law Gregorius Vindico has discovered that being a lawyer takes more than just smooth talk. Dave Sebastian finds out more about this aspiring lawyer.

ineteen-year-old Gregorius Vindico is not your typical law student. He doesn’t have his nose buried in a book all day and you won’t find him arguing his way through a conversation. Amid his busy schedule of classes and extracurricular activities at the University of Indonesia, Gregorius still finds time to enjoy college life.

Why are you interested in law? Law is unavoidable in every aspect of life, so I believe it is an important topic to learn and 74

understand. My father, who is a lawyer, is another reason I decided to study law. My goal is to get my degree in three and a half years, which is the fastest any law student in Indonesia can graduate. Many young people see law as a heavy subject that is not worth pursuing. What do you think? Well, it’s true that law is a challenging subject. Not only do you have to memorize different rules and regulations, you also have to be able to analyze a legal case using those laws. It’s tough, but I enjoy the challenge. Let’s talk down time. What do you do to relax? For me, getting involved in activities outside the classroom is

always refreshing. I am active in the Student Executive Council, the research club and various committees. I also like to join competitions here and there. Apart from that, I make quick road trips with my best friends to let off steam after a heavy exam. What have you gained through your law studies? I’ve learned there is much more to being a lawyer than being excellent at speaking. There are two other important skills you need to master: reading and analyzing. When you have read and analyzed a case, you have to be able to express your arguments eloquently. Having begun studying law, I now avoid jumping to conclusions before I analyze a situation logically.