VOL. 1 NO. 11 I DECEMBER 29, 2013 - JANUARY 4, 2014
WANDERLUST
MAKE IT MEDAN TREND DIAL
JAKARTA’S NEW IN SPOT WELL BEING
VEGGING OUT FOR HEALTH!
CAUSING
A SCENE
DIRECTOR HANUNG BRAMANTYO FACES A STORM OF CONTROVERSY
Noted in passing
mark MY WORDS
Resolved to Change WHAT DO you have planned for the New Year, and the new year? Our Table of Friends shares their resolutions for 2014. I, for one, am hoping that I can stick to my resolve and carry through with my resolutions for once and for all. It was a slow week last week (I was taken aback on Thursday by being able to view the Jakarta skyline in all its glory, sans the usual daily smog). But we still had the business of catching an interview with director Hanung Bramantyo, who gives his side of the controversy about the film Soekarno: Indonesia Merdeka in this edition. I have not been to Medan for about 15 years, and what I remember is a crowded, dusty city with pockets of intriguing architecture. That was then; as you will find out in this edition, the city has undergone some major changes for the better in recent years. If you want to get your body in better shape (count me in), then check out the “eat more veggies” movement on the Well Being page. But if you plan to save reforming your diet until after the holidays, then try a bite of the Argentinean empanadas from chef Theodora. Have a good weekend; here’s hoping the new year brings you all your heart desires. And all you deserve.
Bruce Emond
@JplusSunday
JplusSunday
SundayJplus
Check List
NEVER SAY NEVER.. PREDICTIONS OF WHAT MAY (AND VERY WELL MAY NOT) LIE ON THE HORIZON. YOU JUST NEVER KNOW. January A “greatest hits” video is released of Jakarta Deputy Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama’s fiery dressing-downs of reporters from a leading TV station. Meanwhile, the TV station requires its crews to wear flame-retardant attire and waterproof makeup for their encounters with Ahok. February Dangdut singer Dewi Perssik continues to be rubbed the wrong way by a certain faith healer who allegedly uses eggs and divine intervention to cure patients of what ails them. The famously outspoken diva says she was left with egg on her face – it was actually more like her neck, but same anatomical area – from her association with the aforesaid woman. The latter refuses to put all her eggs in one basket by opening her first omelet-only eatery, Egg-Centric. March After the launch of innovative mini portable toilet facilities for drivers caught in no-go traffic – advertising tagline: “For when you’re stuck in park but really, really have to go” – Jakarta hotels begin offering pick-up helicopter services to pluck guests from gridlock to attend meetings and functions at their premises. Guests are returned to their cars hours later, where their macet waiting game begins again. April Major TV production houses are temporarily forced to halt shooting due to the absence of many of their most photogenic stars on the campaign trail.
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Movers & Shakers
Michelle, Kate, Kerry and Miley committed style hits and misses.
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Sweet Spot
Stop by the trendy space to see and be seen.
ON THE COVER Hanung Bramantyo Photographer & Stylist Willy Wilson I Location Dapur Studio, Kemang, South Jakarta
JPlus Team Editor Bruce Emond I bruce@thejakartapost.com Deputy Editor Willy Wilson Graphic Designer Budhi Hartono Copy Editor Imogen Badgery-Parker MARKETING & ADVERTISING Sales & Marketing Director Ady P. Pamungkas I ady.pamungkas@thejakartapost.com Marketing Executives Dewi Damayani I dewi.damayani@thejakartapost.com Sugeng Andrianto I sugeng.andrianto@thejakartapost.com
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JPLUS December 29, 2013
May A popular entertainer, after enduring persistent speculation about his sexuality, announces he will bravely come out of the closet. Quickly realizing that the nation has not forsaken its “that’s not an Eastern value” viewpoint, he rushes back to the closet, dons a blonde wig and pink platform wedges and states it was all a silly misunderstanding. In fact, he is just waiting for the right girl to come along so they can share his accessories. June The live hypnotism of celebrities remains the biggest trend in TV variety entertainment. A new show, BBM (Benar-benar Malu), takes things down a level by prodding stars to reveal the most embarrassing details of their lives, from yuckiest personal hygiene habits to secret crushes on relatives. July Under the spell of the goings-on in Brazil, Indonesia enjoys a peaceful, incident-free presidential election, with
the best candidate elected to lead for the good of the people. Amen. But, for the umpteenth time, what’s with the traffic? No, I mean it this time. August To mark Independence Day, a nationwide popular dance is unfurled, combining elements of traditional jigs from across the archipelago and choreographed by none other than Caisar, still smiling deliriously. September Attorney at large FA takes issue with something and someone in continuing to set the world straight. Could the TV reality show, “Farhat Knows Best”, be in the works? October Out of prison, Vicky Prasetyo shows he still has a way with words by opening a chain of language schools. Named “English Are Spoke Here”, the core teaching is that when in doubt about English-language usage, resort to the grandiose, esoteric, obfuscatory and nebulous. Just like that. November The saga of the Dhanis continues. He said. She said. The kids said. FA said. Just saying. Meanwhile, Agnezmo’s peppy “Coke Bottle”did not become an international success last year, but the localized version, “Teh Botol”, enjoys sizable sales in Malaysia, Brunei and Central Java. So there, haters. December The year ends on a positive note, with great strides made in overcoming Jakarta’s traffic problems, the effort to put paid to corruption (instead of paying for it) and also putting Indonesia on the world map for its wonderful merits. And the victims of the Lapindo disaster finally get all they deserve. + Broto Dharma
table of FRIENDS
Starting Anew
What are your resolutions for a better you in 2014? @mrshananto
The word “resolution” is all too familiar in my line of work. People do it all the time in setting up their financial resolution for the following year. Whether they execute it or not is a different matter. The same goes with my personal life. I make a resolution every year and consistently fail to maintain it. Except that 2013 was different! My resolution was for a “slimmer me 2013” by losing baby weight. Oh, laugh about it all you want, but I did it. I did not lose a tremendous amount of weight, but I so enjoyed the process. I joined the running community in Jakarta, and made it a habit to run every other day. I felt like I embraced a new habit with a healthier lifestyle and also became a happier person. I think 2014 should be about making sure I get my books published. In order to do, I will need to get a better writing habit. Yes Rene, I’m old school and corny. I have a New Year’s resolution :) and I will make sure I keep up with it myself :) Meanwhile, let me go on some shopping sprees. The weight loss means new clothes right? :p hmmm ...
@zoyaamirin
W. Somerset Maugham wrote, “We are not the same persons this year as last; nor are those we love. It is a happy chance if we, changing, continue to love a changed person.” My resolutions for 2014: - in terms of a tough love prescription, take time to stop and think, and also feel more. - to still believe in love (sue me for being a hopeless romantic) - be on time. - learn to say no before getting burned out. - be less snappy. - make things happen just the way I dream of them, and continue living my dreams. Last but not least, give space to the person I love to grow in their own way, as much as they give me time and space to grow wonderfully, by learning from my mistakes and getting out of my comfort zone. And sometimes that is the need to start all over again or simply press forward. Thank you, 2013, for the thoughts, the precious moments, the memories, the lessons, the love, the gift of a loving family and true friendship. It’s been a hell of a ride that changed me wonderfully to become the woman I want to be – welcoming 2014 with an open heart and open mind to all my experiences. And I promise to continue living out loud!
@ReneCC
Bye bye 2013. Hello 2014. A new year seems to be the best time for new resolutions. The two are almost synonymous. As a matter of fact, it has become an annual ritual for me. I normally get a nice piece of paper to dutifully jot down my resolutions for the upcoming year. Hey, I have even begun preparing my 2014 resolutions. But while writing this column, I asked myself, what if there were no New Year’s resolutions? What if we just proceeded into the new year casually, without any form of self-promises? It may sound like a terrible idea but perhaps now is the time to test it. For I will have no resolution for 2014. Not one. After all, I recall research carried out some time ago that indicates 80 percent of worries are about the future, and the remaining 20 percent are about the past. Hey, I am not in either of those two places. I am here and now. Why worry? Why bother with resolutions? Let’s just enjoy today while preparing for tomorrow. Please, I am NOT recommending anyone follow my “no resolution” experiment. Well, not just yet. I will surely let you know how the “year without resolutions” ends approximately 12 months from today. In the meantime, I wish you a remarkable 2014, with or without resolutions
@iwetramadhan
The only thing that changes is change itself. The Iwet Ramadhan of 2014 is different from Iwet Ramadhan in 2013, but the soul remains the same. I always hold onto my values. I stopped making resolutions in 2010, because I cannot keep to them. I live with a concept of “positive uncertainty”. Live by today and stop making plans. I do whatever I want to do, letting the universe drive me. It turns out to be quite fun, with surprises everywhere. Less stress, and more smiles :) I am focusing on doing good, and making footprints. Everything comes out naturally. We are human, let the heart be the pilot, with a little control from the mind. Happy New Year 2014. Thank you, 2013, for all the lessons. Namaste.
@edwardsuhadi
Resolution is a change of habit, and that requires the biggest force in the world, I think. A real change of habit cannot rely just on an annual tradition: “Oh it’s that time of the year, so we need to make a resolution!” It has to come from the heart. I wrote a powerful post in my blog at the end of 2011, titled “The Promise of A Revolution”. Keeping to my promise to do more of what I love, that is, taking photos based on my creative instincts, has literally changed my whole life and business. Why did it come to pass? Because the power of change comes from the heart and the urgency of the moment. So make all the resolutions you want, but if you do it just because you’re changing calendars, then it won’t happen.
Join us at the table: send your feedback to @TOFChat and @JPlusSunday JPLUS December 29, 2013
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A la MODE
THE PRETTY
TO UGLY IN 2013 Michelle’s Bangs
Nobody would call bangs a new trend, but when the first lady’s involved, things take on more significance. In fact, US President Barack Obama actually called his wife Michelle’s new hairdo the most significant event of his second inauguration. Unveiled just in time for the festivities, the new hairdo made enough news to have its own (unofficial) Twitter account, FirstLady’sBangs, which issued alerts like “Just got a text from Hillary Clinton’s side-part.”
Much has been said about the fashion sense of the Duchess of Cambridge, but in 2013, it was something a bit different that caught our eye. Peeking out under her blue-and-white polka dot dress as she emerged from the hospital postchildbirth was a pronounced “mommy tummy,” a normal development but something most celebrities keep under wraps, until their personal trainers have whipped them back into magazinecover shape. Thanks, Kate!
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JPLUS December 29, 2013
WORDS JOCELYN NOVECK / AP
F
ashion always has its royalty, and this year, Kerry Washington was a queen. For real royalty, we had Kate Middleton, making the rest of us mortals feel a little better by flashing her mommy tummy. If Kate made us feel good, Lululemon didn’t, when its chairman appeared to blame women’s own bodies for problems with those popular yoga pants. A look back at these and other key fashion moments of 2013:
Queen Kerry
Peekaboo Chic
Kate the Great
It was a year for pixie haircuts, chunky flat shoes, bangs on America’s first lady and bare skin in abundance.
No thigh-rubbing problem for Gwyneth Paltrow, who was happy to show just how little cellulite she has when she appeared at the Iron Man 3 premiere in a dress with sheer mesh panels on the sides, leaving little of her lower body and, er, posterior to the imagination. But we all nearly forgot about Gwyneth when we saw actress Jaimie Alexander at the Thor premiere, her black gown expanding the see-through effect to the midriff and upper regions. Let’s just say these actresses are saving money on underwear.
By the time she appeared in a lovely Stella McCartney floral frock and high red leather pumps as a judge on Project Runway, it was clear: In the realm where Hollywood meets fashion, Kerry Washington is royalty. On her hit show, Scandal, playing professional fixer Olivia Pope, she was all professional Washington — Washington, D.C., that is — but on the red carpet, she was glamour personified. Case in point: that Marchesa gown she wore at the Emmys, all cream and white and flower appliques, fit for a queen.
Yogi Bare-all
Remember those popular yoga pants that had the unintended effect of being see-through? Well, ladies, turns out the ongoing fabric problems with those pants, including pilling, was your fault. Or rather the fault of your thighs. Founder and chairman Chip Wilson of Lululemon Athletica noted in a TV interview that “Frankly, some women’s bodies just actually don’t work” for the pants, because of thighs rubbing against fabric. Now Wilson just actually won’t be working as chairman of Lululemon; the company announced his resignation from the post in December.
A la MODE
Color Bar
Iman and Naomi Campbell are legendary supermodels, but this year they lent themselves to something different: promoting diversity on the runway, by calling out designers whose catwalks were almost completely white. The two women joined modeling agent Bethann Hardison in their Balance Diversity campaign. Explaining their purpose, Iman, now 58, said she was shocked to hear there were fewer black models on the runway than when she stopped modeling in 1989.
Dearly Departed
A Paris runway show full of mournful symbols — and lots of black — was designer Marc Jacobs’ somber goodbye to Louis Vuitton in October after 16 years in the influential post of creative director. Under Jacobs, who also has his own eponymous brand, Louis Vuitton became the most lucrative fashion house in the world, in part thanks to Jacobs’ creation of a ready-to-wear line. He was replaced by Nicolas Ghesquiere, formerly at Balenciaga.
High Punk
Who knew that punk would become high fashion? That development seemed to crystallize in May, when the hallowed halls of The Metropolitan Museum of Art hosted a new Costume Institute exhibit, “Punk: Chaos to Culture,” celebrating a movement that embraced anarchy in the 1970s. “Despite its best intentions, punk has come to symbolize integrity and authenticity,” said curator Andrew Bolton.
Two of a Kind
The message was unmistakable: At the Karl Lagerfeld haute couture show in Paris, the designer sent not one, but two brides down the runway for the finale. The brides walked hand in hand in their feathery concoctions, a clear vote of support by the designer for France’s gay marriage law. The show came only nine days after hundreds of thousands of people marched in Paris in opposition to the law.
The Boyfriend Look
Think short, ladies! In shoe stores this year, you could see a trend toward flats, including a notable reinterpretation of those chunky Birkenstocks. The first ripple effect would be comfort, of course, but the changes are more profound, notes Virginia Smith, Vogue’s fashion market and accessories director: “Every woman wants a flat right now, and that has a big impact on fashion because it changes proportion.” Another trend: pixie hair, on everyone from Michelle Williams to Anne Hathaway to Jennifer Lawrence. “It will have an effect beyond celebrity and the runway,” Smith says. “A lot of these women are very influential.”
Miley Virus
Speaking of influence, dare we call Miley Cyrus a trendsetter? She was already a trailblazer with her pixie cut from 2012, but hey, you probably were too busy watching the stuck-out tongue, teddy-bear leotard and nude bikini (which falls into the baring-it-all trend at the MTV Video Music Awards). Only weeks later, though, she was all elegance in sequined Marc Jacobs at the Night of Stars gala. Miley the fashion icon? Not by the standard definition. But heading into 2014 she was one of the most-watched people on the planet. “Blurred Lines”, indeed.
JPLUS December 29, 2013
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well BEING
VEGGIES!
EAT YOUR
S
ophie Navita is a no-nonsense advocate of eating wholesome, real and unprocessed foods. The regular face on TV music and entertainment in the early 2000s is now a US-certified raw food vegan chef who is dedicated to convincing Indonesians that a plant-based diet will bear fruit in healthier, happier individuals. She began the #indonesiamakansayur movement when she was promoting drinking a vitamin-rich green smoothie every morning, instead of chowing down on noodles and fried rice. The hashtag caught on, Sophie says, with members of the public using it in social media to let her know when they are eating their veggies. Next on her healthy living agenda is #cleanseAmericaTasteofIndonesia, set to kick off on Jan. 1. Married to rock band member Pongki Barata, Sophie says she came to the raw food lifestyle after years of trying many different diets and also seeing people around her dying from prolonged lifestylerelated illnesses. “We do not need to get sick first then die. We can’t control life and death. But we can control the years that have been given to us on this earth. We can control health. We don’t need to fall sick.” She practices what she preaches in her home. “My sons, aged 10 and 6, have a big glass of green smoothie every morning. Their lunch plate consists of at least 60 percent veg and plant-based foods. They love fruits and vegs both raw and cooked. And my husband has lost 10 kg in just a year and a half without effort, just from eating right and his cholesterol has also dropped!,” says Sophie, 38. What is #indonesiamakansayur all about? SN: It is an independent campaign to encourage my fellow Indonesians to eat a more local “whole food plant-based”, or WFPB as Prof. T. Collin Campbell, author of The China Study, puts it. So the diet includes veggies, fruit, seeds, grains and root plants. This country is so lost that we forget the abundance of produce we have and would rather chew on packaged food than just going into the kitchen for a banana, or something as simple as buying coconuts from a vendor on the street. And what about #cleanseAmericaTasteofIndonesia? SN: It’s a 5-day plant-based eating program where I team up with fellow raw food
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JPLUS December 29, 2013
FORMER TV PRESENTER SOPHIE NAVITA IS ON A MISSION TO GET INDONESIANS TO EAT THEIR GREENS. WORDS BRUCE EMOND
who want to feel the Indonesian take on recipes. This is not a hunger program. We encourage people to eat but according to the recipes we’ve given them, building their awareness of eating plant-based whole foods as opposed to prepackaged sugar-laden foods. Like our well-meaning resolutions, we start our diets, and then we go off them ... how can people stick to eating better this time around? SN: Like I said, this is not a food restriction program. We have created an array of recipes from juices to smoothies to salads and soups and even thrown in some cooked meals. So people will actually be eating here. It’s hard to imagine falling off the wagon with an easy program like this. Even if you fall off, we have also written down a tips on cleansing about how you forgive yourself and just get back on! No pressure! It actually helps train the mind to be aware of what we eat. What I am emphasizing here is conscious eating, as opposed to how we normally eat, while replying to e-mails, watching TV, on the phone, etc. We seldom eat consciously and that makes us eat uncontrollably and not realize we actually have a choice in what to put in our bodies. As for eating, I say, slowly does it. It’s always good to keep a diary of what you eat. That way, you can recall it at the end of the day and see which one you can improve, which one you should maintain. Just eat consciously. The trouble with us today is we have emotional issues we relate with food. Really, you don’t have to eat for half of Africa!
chef friend, Paul Risse from Texas. The program will run from Jan. 1-5, and people can register by going to www. cleanseamerica.com (for those with a Paypal account) and the system we’ve set up will automatically send the e-book recipes we’ve created for them. Or they can email to paulsophie.toi@gmail to find out more. Eating clean is a great way to start the
new year. By registering, they also have access to our FB community site where they get daily support from Paul and me and others on the program worldwide. And because it’s online, you can do it from anywhere in the world! Our recipes are very simple and I have also put in an Indonesian option for a more familiar taste for Indonesians and for Americans
Your longterm goal? SN: For mothers out there, just like me, we need to realize the next generation depends on us. If we put good food on the table, the children and family will be nourished. If we don’t care what is on the table, then we are walking blindly into a generation of sick and unhappy children, overdosing on food laden with sugar, salt and additives. That’s how it is.
BIG4-0 HITTING THE
lifeSTYLE
HIGH ANXIETY ABOUT ENTERING OUR FIFTH DECADE OF EXISTENCE. WORDS WILLIAM K.C. KEE/THE STAR/ANN/KUALA LUMPUR
W
All together now: Crooner James Blunt, supermodel Kate Moss, actress Penelope Cruz, singer Anggun and actor Christian Bale are all set to turn 40 in 2014. Moss will be the first to reach the mark on Jan. 16.
e are just a few days away from the new year; seriously, where did the time go? And 2014 is when I’ll be hitting the big 4-0. (Shudder, silent scream.) Like most people in their late 30s, this past year has been a gigantic wake-up call, where health – and mortality – is concerned. A recent article in British newspaper The Daily Mail indicated that being struck by a pre-40 health wake-up call is not uncommon. A survey of 2,000 Britons aged 25 and over found that three quarters of them make serious lifestyle changes, such as eating a healthier diet and exercising more when they start to feel old at age 39. “Researchers found the approach to the big 4-0 is the point when people really start to worry about the long-term health implications of the bad habits and poor diets they enjoyed earlier in life,” said the paper. The “Top 10 Wake Up Calls” listed were: 1) Starting to feel old 2) A minor health scare 3) Reaching a milestone birthday 4) A serious health scare 5) A friend falling ill due to their lifestyle 6) The death of a friend or relative 7) Being told off by a doctor 8) Watching something on TV 9) Reading an article in a newspaper 10) Research on the Internet Going down that list, I subconsciously ticked ALL of the items. (Shudder, loud scream.) In regard to No. 6, three people that I know passed away within the span of one
week recently. It was a very sad week, needless to say. My mum is of utmost priority to me now; I constantly worry about how she’d cope after losing her spouse of four decades. To ensure that I am around to take care of her, I need to be in tip-top shape. I have cut down on alcohol (boo-hoo) and am trying (“trying” being the operative word) to watch what I eat. But being from Penang, I love my hawker food; sometimes the greasier, the better. Of late, I have been going back to the gym and engaged the services of a personal trainer. Once, while working out, I complained to him that my left kneecap was making a funny, squeaky noise. “Is it something to be worried about?” I inquired timidly. He looked at me straight in the eyes and replied: “No lah, William, that’s just one of the signs of aging.” Grrr. Recently, a group of teenagers came into our office to solicit donations for a charitable cause. My colleague Indra – who’s still youthfullooking – expressed her horror when not one, but two, of the teens called her “aunty”. “I already donated money,” I quickly said to one of the girls in the group. “Don’t call me uncle!” Her cheeky retort was: “Yes, uncle.” Grrr. Friends have been kind and say I look younger than my age (which I attribute to good genes). A couple of them are already planning a birthday bash in July to usher in my fabulous forties. But, as much as I’m looking forward to an excuse to party with my buddies, I do not look forward to bidding adieu to my thirties. And until I find that elusive fountain of youth, don’t call me uncle, OK?
AP, JP/Jerry Adiguna (Anggun)
Having your room ‘mature’ with you WORDS MICHELLE TIU/PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER/ANN/MANILA
REMEMBER THAT Aaron Carter poster you taped on your wall 10 years ago, the one that left marks that are now begging to be repainted? People who outgrow their rooms suffer from this kind of problem. While the bedroom should reflect its occupant’s personality, what do you do when it still screams of a prepubescent girl? Here are tips to make your room reflect who you are at this point in your
life. Frames, not tapes. Yup, we all had those days where we’d stick up posters of boy bands on our bedroom wall, leaving tape marks which are harder to forget than your love for ’N Sync! An easier and cheaper alternative is to buy a frame in the size of a standard poster, or bigger. You can switch it up as often as you like, without leaving scars on your walls. Stick to accents. Are you the type who has a favorite color of the month, but who
junks that color the next month? If you do, integrate it into your room as accent. Instead of changing your wall paint to, say, green, find accent pillows or vases in your favorite shade of green. That way, when you get tired of them, just shove the stuff into the attic and replace with items in the next color of the month. Solids over patterns. A more intelligent decision is to paint your walls in a neutral
palette and coordinate it with your preferred accents of the moment. You’ll thank yourself when you no longer have a wall full of floral patterns.
JPLUS December 29, 2013
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cover STORY
FIGURE CONTROVERSY OF
DIRECTOR HANUNG BRAMANTYO IS FACING UP TO A THORNY LEGAL DISPUTE OVER HIS NEW MOVIE.
H
WORDS BRUCE EMOND PHOTOS WILLY WILSON
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Kapanlagi.com/Multivision Plus
JPLUS December 29, 2013
anung Bramantyo is no stranger to controversy. In a career of 16 feature films spanning the past 10 years, he has almost appeared to court dissenting opinions with his bold choice of themes. Among them was 2012’s Tanda Tanya (Question Mark), addressing sensitive interfaith issues, that drew protests from some groups. “I’ve always been able to face controversy because I know my critics are only able to talk a lot, but they haven’t done anything that matters,” he says. But one of Indonesia’s leading directors is up against probably the most difficult test of his career amid the controversy encircling Soekarno, Indonesia Merdeka
(Soekarno: Indonesia Independent), his recently released biopic of the nation’s first president. Rachmawati Soekarnoputri, Sukarno’s second daughter and third child, has roundly denounced the movie and its director. She took issue with the casting of Aryo Bayu, who spent most of his youth abroad, to play Sukarno from his early 20s through to the declaration of independence in August 1945. She claimed he lacked the requisite nationalism to portray her father (she reportedly favored actor-model Anjasmara, the son of her third husband Benny Sumarno, for the role). Her legal team last week also reported Hanung and producer Multivision Plus to the police for alleged copyright infringement.
cover STORY The film has received mixed reviews. While there has been praise for Aryo’s performance, there is criticism that the film only touches on Sukarno’s character and major turning points in his life. The controversy has fueled public interest in the film. “Most of all, I want the public to know that this situation is not a publicity stunt for the film,” Hanung, 38, says at his studio in Kemang, South Jakarta. “If people didn’t like my other films, it was a matter of opinion. But this time it is a legal matter.” He describes the issue as a simple one – Rachmawati formally resigned from her contract as a historical source with the producer and stated her intention to produce her own movie – that has festered into a larger dispute due to misunderstandings. He shows a copy of a letter, dated June 8, 2013, purportedly signed by Rachmawati and bearing her Soekarno Foundation for Education letterhead, withdrawing from the project and declaring her intention to produce her own movie, titled Hari Hari Terakhir Bung Karno (The last days of Sukarno). Despite widespread media reports, the film has not been pulled from circulation, he states. “Her lawyers say the Central Jakarta District Court issued a temporary ruling to halt the screening of the film. They are omitting to mention that it was contingent on two disputed scenes, including one where Sukarno was slapped by a Japanese officer,” he claims. “But Bu Rahma was referring to the 13th draft of the screenplay, when in fact we used the 18th draft. The scene was not included in the film.” Several members of the Sukarno family – including third daughter Sukmawati Soekarnoputri – were seen at the premiere of the movie on Dec. 9. “They said it’s not a perfect film, but that hopefully will open up plans for more movies about Sukarno,” Hanung says. “He was a complicated man and, like a Mandela or Gandhi, there can be many movies made about him. To me, he was a man who was venerated as god-like, and a god who was humanized. That’s why he is one of the most important people in the world.”
Doing Battle
Hanung has long lamented that making movies – especially the socially-meaningful vehicles he favors – is a struggle. He likens making movies to a “battlefield”, where he must try to balance the commercial concerns of producers with his belief in the pluralism of Indonesian society (Hanung’s father and grandfather were prominent figures in Muhammadiyah, the nation’s second largest Islamic organization, but he is half Chinese through his mother). He has lamented his search in vain for financial backers who share a passion for making good films over a yen for making money. “I’ve had to fight for myself in my quest to do that,” he told me in 2012. Trained at the Jakarta Arts Institute, his career is a contrasting mix of commercially oriented films – his debut big-screen feature, Brownies, reminiscent of Chocolat and for which he won a Citra award as best director; 2008’s interfaith romance Ayat-Ayat Cinta (Verses of Love), a runaway box-office hit; 2012’s Perahu Kertas (Paper Boat) – with those that follow his heart, including Tanda Tanya, 2011’s Sang Pencerah (The Enlightener) and now Soekarno. For the favorite movie of his career, in the past he chose Get Married, the 2007 comedy of errors about the social divide between village and urban denizens, as well as the relentless parental pressure on young people to tie the knot. He adds Tanda Tanya, Sang Pencerah and also Soekarno to the list. But he admits the current controversy is stressful. “I play PS with my children or sit down with my friends for discussions of politics or whatever,” he says of dealing with the stress. “Or we talk about people in really hopeless situations, and I realize my situation is still better than theirs.”
Putting Him Briefly HANUNG BRAMANTYO was trying to locate his missing iPhone when JPlus visited on Tuesday. Dropped while he was on a motorbike, he was never able to retrieve it. However, the incident did shed more light on a couple of answers on the following questionnaire.
TO ME, SUKARNO WAS A MAN WHO WAS VENERATED AS GOD-LIKE, AND A GOD WHO WAS HUMANIZED. THAT’S WHY HE IS ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PEOPLE IN THE WORLD.”
My best traits ... I’m a hard worker, confident and committed to what I do. And worst ... I’m careless and forgetful. My all-time role model ... Muhammad the Prophet. I would never ... Crack a joke publicly or betray the trust of my profession. Greatest lesson I’ve learned ... Be humble and keep your feet on the ground. My vision of success ... If I can make other people happy, inspired and confident. The film(s) that inspired me to become a movie director ... Ibunda (Mother) by Teguh Karya and Cut Nyak Dhien by Eros Djarot. My dream directorial partner ... Garin Nugroho. If I wasn’t a movie director, I would be ... A writer or philosopher. My goals ... I would like to create a film school and movie studio all in one place. A place for people to learn and practice. I hate ... People who are uncommitted to their job, are erratic and undisciplined. And love ... Movies, everything about movies and I love that wherever I go – the office, shooting location, home – everywhere is family for me. The best thing anyone said to me ... You’re consistent, a responsible person and able to see the details in things. What no one realizes about me ... That I’m a good looking guy (laughs), actually I’m a very sincere person and sensitive. I feel pride at ... A person who loves this country, a man who sheds tears when he hears our national anthem “Indonesia Raya”, someone who pauses and shows respect when he sees a ceremony taking place. My career has taught me ... The key is consistency and to have faith in my choices. I always carry with me wherever I go ... iPhone, it’s not just a phone; it’s my notes, compass and where I read the Holy Koran and see the translation.s If I could change one thing about myself ... I wish I could be more careful and not forgetful. I laugh ... Honestly, I easily laugh at anything. And cry ... It’s a cry of happiness when I hear Yogyakarta local jokes. It’s a good laugh that can bring me to tears. The unforgivable … Disloyalty and cheating. It can be forgiven, but it’s hard to forget. Regrets ... My first marriage. I hurt someone, my boy. My responsibility now is to make him happy. I don’t know how but I have to do that. Remember me as ... A Yogyakartan: wherever I go, I always proudly say that I’m from Yogyakarta, and a Javanese. + Hanna Nabila
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wanderLUST
Medan on the Move
Photos Susan Suhargo, Apriadi Gunawan, Antara.
NORTH SUMATRA’S CAPITAL IS BECOMING A THRIVING TOURIST DESTINATION.
M
WORDS SUSAN SUHARGO
edan is working hard at transforming itself from a glorified transit town to a bustling metropolis. Since surpassing Bandung as the city with the third biggest population in Indonesia – behind Jakarta and Surabaya – Medan has undergone a series of massive makeovers. Gone are the in-town airport Polonia and most of the sadly dilapidated buildings left over from the Dutch colonial era. Sleek Kualanamu airport has opened and new offices, restaurants and hotels have sprung up in the original Dutch enclave. The city’s meteoric rise is attributable largely to out-oftown property developers wanting to turn it into a thriving commercial center. Given that the people of Medan love their food and are diverse ethnically, this development translates into the reinvention of Medan as a foodie haven. Food is a serious business in town – more than three major eateries open each month – and the culinary scene benefits from the cultural splashes that locals bring in from abroad. But Medan is no one-trick pony. It also boasts many beautiful historical sites accessible by taxi, becak or public bus – and paved sidewalks for those who wish to experience the city on foot. Accommodation for every budget is abundant across town, the climate is pleasantly suitable for outdoor activities and natural attractions are only a couple of hours from the city by car. Here are some things to look out for.
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wanderLUST
SIGHTS
Check out local Chinese heritage with a visit to Tjong A Fie Mansion (Jl. A. Yani No. 97–99), the former residence of a Chinese tycoon done in a Victorian-Chinese style. Then head over to Jl. S.M. Raja to see the Grand Mosque and the Maimoon Palace, Medan’s most iconic Islamic landmarks featuring Malay, Italian and Middle East influences. On the opposite side of town, on Cemara Asri, is Maha Maitreya Temple, the biggest Buddhist temple in Southeast Asia (Jl. Boulevard Utara No. 8). If you’re more into wildlife than history, then take the trip to see – and feed – the crocodiles at Taman Buaya Asam Kumbang (Jl. Bunga Raya II No. 59) or some of the 5,000 birds at Cemara Asri’s bird park.
EATS
Head to Jl. Sei Deli No. 2D (before 3 p.m.) to taste the famous Soto Sinar Pagi – shredded chicken or beef chunks cooked in heavily spiced coconut milk, served with prawn crackers and crushed chilies in sweet soy sauce. Or try Tiong Sim noodles (Jl. Bogor No. 7) – thin handmade noodles topped with slices of barbecued pork, chopped spring onions, stuffed dumplings and shredded chicken, with sides of sour chili sauce and pork broth. For lunch, consider grilled pork from BPK Ondo (Jl. Pabrik Tenun No. 45), which comes with pig’s blood and green chili sauces, clear soup and mashed cassava leaves. When evening comes, hit Jl. Selat Panjang, Medan’s Chinatown or Pagaruyung Alley in Little India. And don’t forget to visit Tip Top (Jl. A. Yani No. 92), the oldest restaurant in Medan, where you can still sample traditional Dutch cakes, ice cream and a wide variety of dishes in a 1930s-feel interior.
SHOPPING
Those looking for local traditional delicacies should head to Jl. Mojopahit where bika ambon, lapis legit, passionfruit and terong belanda syrups and, of course, every imaginable durian-based snack are sold along the street. From Mojopahit, continue a little to the north to buy Bolu Meranti (Jl. Kruing No. 2-K/16), a popular rolled sponge cake with various kinds of filling. Pasar Ramai (Jl. Thamrin) has an excellent selection of tropical fruits, pickled fruits and vegetables, local pastries, hawker snacks and your basic daily necessities. Drop by Sun Plaza (Jl. K.H. Zainul Arifin No. 7) for branded goods, electronics and souvenirs.
ACCOMMODATION
For budget travelers, Wisma Sederhana (Jl. Selat Panjang No. 11C) and Hotel City International (Jl. Palang Merah No. 112A) are great options – strategic locations, clean facilities, WiFi access – for around R 200,000. Karibia Boutique Hotel (± Rp 250,000) at Jl. Timor Block J No. I–IV and Grand Sakura Hotel (± Rp 280,000) at Jl. Prof. Mohammad Yamin No. 41 M are superb mid-range alternatives. But if money is no concern, splash out on
MEDAN BOASTS MANY BEAUTIFUL HISTORICAL SITES, ACCOMMODATION FOR EVERY BUDGET, A PLEASANT CLIMATE AND NATURAL ATTRACTIONS LOCATED NEARBY.
a room in Grand Swiss-Belhotel (± Rp 600,000) at Jl. S. Parman No. 217, Grand Aston Hotel (± Rp. 700,000) at Jl. Balai Kota No. 1 or J.W. Marriott (± Rp 900,000) at Jl. Putri Hijau No. 10.
HANGOUTS
With its open air atmosphere and casual dining style, Merdeka Walk is where Medanese of all ages gather to kick their shoes off, talk and eat. Food offerings are diverse and reasonably priced, and live bands perform on weekends. For a more intimate setting, go to Macehat Coffee (Jl. Karo No. 20) for a cup of excellent java or Wak Noer – an old-style, colonial-feel coffee shop – where you can order French pastries from Sam’s Patisserie next door to go along with a cup of in-house tea, civet coffee or flavored beer. Dive into the nightlife at Entrance The Music Temple (Grand Aston City Hall, Ground Floor) to show your moves to a soundtrack put together by a world-class DJ.
NEARBY NOTABLES
Go for a green adventure at Taman Simalem Resort:
breathe some fresh air, eat some organic produce and bask in the extraordinary view of Lake Toba and Samosir Island. Visitors can also picnic at Riverside Place, see how ulos is made, and play outbound games. If you wish to go further afield, drive to Bukit Lawang to trek through the tropical forest and visit the orangutan rehabilitation center in Gunung Leuser National Park. On the way back to Medan, stop by Taman Alam Lumbini at Berastagi to see the majestic pagoda and wind down at the park.
THINGS TO REMEMBER
Always bargain when you are shopping at a traditional market – vendors tend to hike up the price for foreigners. Medanese are infamous for having no manners when driving – car or motorbike – nor any interest in obeying road rules, so pedestrians need to be careful. Only use Blue Bird and Express taxis as others will resist using a meter. For becak, negotiate a fixed price before you get in. Beware of pickpockets and muggers when you are walking or using public transportation.
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trend DIAL
TAKING THE CAKE
CACAOTÉ PATISSERIE AND BRASSERIE IS A SEE-AND-BE-SEEN ESTABLISHMENT, BUT IT ALSO HAS HEART. WORDS KINDRA COOPER PHOTOS RICKY YUDHISTIRA
dible goodies with lacquered surfaces glimmer from behind the pastry case, chandeliers drip from overhead and slow French tunes murmur in the background. One can’t resist rubbernecking at Cacaoté – not only to eyeball the next table’s fare but also to take in the European-bistro-meets-Barbiedollhouse extravagance of it all. The first floor, all powder pink with gilded mirrors and floral-upholstered chairs, is abuzz with the comings and goings of patrons purchasing petit gateaux and éclairs for takeaway, and the tête-àtêtes of business types and ladies who lunch. The second floor, which hosts the cocktail bar, is a disarming contrast of black paneled walls and red velvet drapes, with the somewhat suffocating feel
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intensified by the smoking-allowed policy in the air-conditioned room. However, the restaurant’s untouchable, hoity-toity veneer is dispelled when the food arrives: it turns out that the overthe-top presentation tallies with taste and quality. We started with the Crab and Prawn Mousse Lasagne, made with chiliglazed prawns and sauce nantaise. “It’s like a dumpling but on top we use a pasta layer,” explained Chef Mandira Isman. Indeed, the two layers of mousse alternated with three layers of thick pasta would have been distinctly reminiscent of dim sum, were it not for the French touch of onions and shallots, while the butter and cream sauce with chopped chives was like a light clam chowder. We then backtracked to starters with the Wagyu Tongue Carpaccio, wisps of beef tongue sliced to crêpe paper thinness and garnished with pico de gallo,
trend DIAL a fresh, uncooked version of spicy Mexican salsa. The diced tomatoes in the condiment threatened to overpower the barely-there beef, making for an ambiguous flavor that was redeemed by the croquette at the edge of the plate, stuffed with black mussel beignets and a rich horseradish cream. Such flavors may appear to contradict the claim made by Reza Kadir, one of the business partners in the restaurant, that Cacaoté “is, by definition, a modern French establishment”. “The technique of preparation and cooking is undeniably French,” he says. “What makes it modern is infusion of other ingredients from other parts of the world.” Which, he carefully explains, is quite different from what he calls “fusion confusion”. Indeed, the Lobster “Po’ Boy” Sandwich on the “11-to5” menu (containing concessions to “the youngsters”, such as pizza, a foie gras burger and tequila chicken) is, in Reza’s words, “very Louisiana” – but it avoids the dangerous “fusion” label, he argues, because Louisiana, a former French colony, expresses its heritage in its cuisine. Therefore, the Po’ Boy is “French Atien which Kisam became American Creole Cajun, over the years”. Ainsi soit-il (so be it). The same goes for the Consommé of “Pho” off the dinner menu, which rings distinctly Vietnamese. Truer to French roots is the Beef Bourguignon – beef cheek simmered for eight hours in a red wine sauce that is worth mopping up every drop with the al dente rice pilaf. With a namesake that means “enhanced by chocolate” in French, Cacaoté’s pastries are its prime pull, even if chocolate is somewhat of a secondary theme. Just three months in, pastry chef Darryl Iswaratioso plans to raise the caliber of the sweet treats to “branded pastries” using the French principle of including at least three
ITS HOITY-TOITY VENEER IS DISPELLED WHEN THE FOOD ARRIVES: IT TURNS OUT THE OVERTHE-TOP PRESENTATION TALLIES WITH TASTE AND QUALITY. textures and layers in one dessert. The patisserie’s flagship, the Cacaoté, blends seven components – a biscuit base, praline, milk and dark chocolate cream, caramelized nuts, chocolate sponge and a final layer of chocolate glaze – and exemplifies the standards of the alchemic art of combination required for “branded pastry” status, says Darryl: “We need consistency and a personal touch to be regarded as a branded item.” Uniqueness qualifies, too, of which there is no shortage. The Tropical, for example, is a petit gateau inspired by Indonesian flavors: coconut mousse on coconut sponge topped off with mango compote and sealed with yellow glaze. The winning factor of Cacaoté’s pastries is that they are rich without being excessively sweet – even the Plaisir Sucre. In fact, those angling for the plaisir of sucre should look elsewhere, for the nutty sponge base and the chocolate mousse balance one another so well that sweetness is almost beside the point. In Reza Kadir’s words: “Bitterness is sweet, darling.” For an establishment so new located in the Senopati area saturated with fine dining contenders, Cacaoté seems to have found a firm foothold in French food.
Cacaote
Jl. Senopati Raya 80, Kebayoran Baru, South Jakarta Telp. 021-2930-6127 FB: Cacaote, twitter: @cacaotesenopati.
A TRANQUIL ISLAND EXPERIENCE WITH ITS chic atmosphere, fully organic spa treatments, luxury accommodations, delectable eating options and unbeatable view, the Lembongan Beach Club & Resort epitomizes the concept of an ideal home away from home. Located on Jungut Batu Beach in the small island of Nusa Lembongan off the southeast coast of Bali, the resort takes only 30 minutes to access via speedboat from Sanur Beach, with regular departures throughout the day. You can also get there by booking helicopter flights. There are 26 private villas, with six one-bedroom garden villas, two twobedroom private pool villas and 18 one-bedroom private pool villas – all of which are designed with natural materials in a modern, Balinese style. It has been in operation since the beginning of 2013 and offers a range of
land- and water-based activity packages. At the Lembongan Beach Club Restaurant, for instance, one can relax in an infinity pool whilst enjoying the golden sunset with a signature cocktail in hand. You can also visit nearby village seaweed farms, check out the mangrove forests and play at Jungut Batu Beach. Visiting the Lembongan Beach Club between the dry season months of May to October provides the best time of the year for surfing and diving, which can potentially give you glimpses of exotic sunfish. Alternatively, visiting the resort between December to February, or during the “Green Season”, is a great time to enjoy the island without crowds. For information email reservation@ balitrm.com or visit www.lembonganbeachclub.com.
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taste BUD
ARGENTINEAN
EMPANADAS WORDS & PHOTOS THEODORA HURUSTIATI
U
dine is a small town but I have made friends of many different nationalities here. My introduction to this ultimate Argentinean party food was at my first New Year’s Eve in Italy many years ago, courtesy of two lovely sisters Mariel and Marcela. They let me help so I could learn how it’s done; when midnight came, everybody rejoiced with their empanadas and glasses of beer. A lovely way to end the old and start the new! Actually, as with the famous panada of Sulawesi, it was the Portuguese who brought this dish to the Argentineans.
MAKES ABOUT 30
Empanadas wrap 500 g flour, plus extra for dusting 125 g softened butter, not melted 1 teaspoon salt 200 ml lukewarm water, plus extra for sealing Filling 500 g minced beef 1 onion, diced 2 cloves of garlic, minced 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon oregano 1 teaspoon paprika 1 spring onion 50 g pitted green olives 2 boiled eggs salt pepper vegetable oil 1 fresh egg 3 lemons
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Mix flour and salt in a large bowl. Combine butter into flour by pinching the dough until crumbly. Add water and mix until everything comes together and doesn’t stick onto the bowl. Transfer onto a flat working surface and knead for about 5 minutes until the dough is soft and elastic. Form a ball, cover with cling film and rest for an hour at room temperature. Meanwhile, prepare the filling. Cut
Jakarta-born chef Theodora Hurustiati, an 11-year resident of Udine, Italy, was the runner-up in the TV cooking program La Scuola – Cucina di Classe (The School: Classy Cooking) in 2011.
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•
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olives and spring onion into rounds. Peel eggs and crumble with a fork. Set aside for later. Heat gently enough oil to cover the bottom of a pan. Sweat onions until translucent. Add garlic, cumin, oregano and paprika; sauté until fragrant. Add minced beef, salt and pepper. Fry until it’s turned brownish and just cooked through or the empanadas will be too dry once they’re baked. Fold spring onions into beef. Divide wrapper dough into small golflike balls and roll with a rolling pin to about 10-cm diameter and 3-millimeters thin discs. Lightly dust with flour
• •
•
to prevent them from sticking. Put a tablespoon of filling in the center of each disc. Add few rounds of olives and few bits of the crumbled eggs. Lightly wet the borders with water and fold to make a crescent pouch. Press the edges with your fingers, pinch and fold inwards to seal or simply using the tines of a fork. Brush the surface with whisked egg for a glossy finish. Prick using a fork and bake in the fan oven 180°C for about 20-30 minutes until golden (alternately, you can also fry them in abundant hot oil. Serve hot with a squeeze of lemon).
culture VULTURE
COMIC RELIEF
A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO GALERI INDONESIA KAYA WITH PERFORMANCES FROM STAND-UP COMICS.
IWEL SASTRA had the packed auditorium of Galeri Indonesia Kaya rolling in the aisles during his stand-up routine on Dec. 21-22. Iwel, considered a pioneer in bringing stand up to Indonesia this century, joined a band of comics including Asep Suadji, Dana Pandawa, Usama and Otnam Ree to give their take on the riches to be found in Indonesia. During their stints on stage, each comic addressed different themes. Iwel gave his viewpoint on the irony that Indonesia, despite its abundant wealth and resources, had failed to prosper optimally, and even lagged behind smaller neighboring nations. Usama and Dana highlighted the beauty of Indonesia with its endless array of cultural and tourist attractions, noting funny cross-cultural misunderstandings, whether between Indonesians of different
backgrounds, or between Indonesians and foreigners. Asep skewered political issues in a witty and light manner, while Otnam acknowledged the fact that much of Indonesia’s wealth and attributes are actually known internationally. In their respective ways, the comics were united in encouraging people to use a less serious approach to viewing different issues in Indonesia, while also showing how truly rich this nation is. They also sought to motivate the public to realize great achievements to become the pride of the nation. In honor of the Dec. 22 celebration of Women’s Day, popularly called “mother’s day” in Indonesia, the show was opened by the traditional Zapin dance from central Sumatra, danced by four women.
FOLKTALES SET FOR MODERN RETELLING IT’S TIME TO TELL SOME TALES AT GALERI INDONESIA KAYA.
Arie Dagienkz
INDONESIA’S CULTURAL treasure trove is laden with a vast variety of arts and traditions. Traditional folktales are no exception. The stories differ in each region based on the beliefs and traditions of each ethnic group, and are a mirror of their values and concerns. Galeri Indonesia Kaya will explore different folk tales this weekend with two artists and storytellers: Atien Kisam with his “Dongeng Betawi” and Arie Dagienkz celebrating “Dongeng Wayang Durna”. With a deep knowledge
Atien Kisam
of Betawi arts and culture that began in his childhood, Atien Kisam is revered as one of the few people who continues to preserve the traditions of the native people of Jakarta. He uses an entertaining approach to present “Dongeng Betawi” with the aim of giving the audience an education in and awareness of Betawi folktales and the Topeng Betawi masked
dance. Legendary Betawi tales, including Si Jampang, Si Pitung, Ariah and Nyai Dasima will be told in a fun, modern way. Meanwhile, Arie Dagienkz demonstrates his knowledge about shadow puppets in “Dongeng Wayang Durna”. Infusing a modern and pop culture-inspired way of telling the tales, his act combines theater and music. For example, the characters in the story do not fight with bows and arrows, but with guitars instead. Come out to Galeri Indonesia Kaya today at Grand Indonesia’s West Mall to enjoy traditional culture entertainingly updated for contemporary times.
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firm FAVORITES PROFESSIONAL RACING driver Alexandra Asmasoebrata may have a bit of tomboy side to her, but her personal taste runs to the popculture savvy young woman she still is (she is the brand ambassador for a leading shampoo, which you will be able to figure out from her answers below). Alexandra takes a detour from the track by traveling, and has left her heart not in San Francisco, but the Big Apple. Words & Photos Hanna Nabila
At Ease
Music: Coldplay and anything R&B. I watched Coldplay’s first concert in Singapore and it was awesome, I still get goosebumps every time I remember it. Book: Harry Potter, I still think it is the best book.
Dinner spot: Shabu Nobu.
Favorite Movie: P.S I Love You , I’m a romantic kind of girl (laughs)
Sweet treat: Cacaoté in Senopati.
Camera: Canon. Car: I’m been a Mercedes girl since years ago but my current obession is Aston Martin Rapide.
Designer label: Alexander McQueen, I admire the work and the design, it’s just wow. Biggest splurge: Shoes, shoes, shoes!
Artworks: Andy Warhol, timeless artwork.
Luggage: Rimowa, I used it for a long time, and I would say it’s the best one to travel with.
Travel destination: New York, I went there spontaneously and I just love everything about it.
A NEW ERA
OF LUXURY OFTEN SET as the backdrop of numerous award-winning silver screen productions, New York City is teeming with icons and legacies – there is no other city quite like it in the world. The St. Regis New York on Fifth Avenue has stood as one of the city’s most prominent hotels since its founding by John Jacob Astor IV – who famously went down with the RMS Titanic – in 1904. “Since it opened, The St. Regis New York has entertained every generation of society with the unique ability to capture the ever-changing spirit of
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Moisturizer: Bobbi Brown Tinted moisturizer, this stays put for hours and also does not make my face look heavy or cakey.
Connections
Casual wear: Jeans, blouse and heels, they decribe my casual style best.
Bags: Chanel or something medium to big size to carry all my stuff.
Mascara: Helena Rubinstein, I choose the non-waterproof one for easier cleanse.
Skin care: Nothing specific.
Shop: I do all my shopping abroad, my favorite place is Hong Kong.
Accessories & jewelry: H&M, cute and affordable
Must-have makeup: Chanel loose powder, it feels light yet covered.
Shampoo: CLEAR Ice Cool Menthol, love the fresh feeling after shampooing.
Brunch: Pand’Or.
Watch: BVLGARI , it looks tough yet elegant
Lipstick: Bobbi Brown Hollywood Red, I think this is the best, most pop red color I ever tried. It gives me a glam look in no time.
Fragrance: Creed, I’ve been using it for awhile.
Hangout haunt: Bluegrass, a nice place to catch up with friends.
Indulgences
Vanity Case
the city and stay synonymous with impeccable style and inherent glamour,” St. Regis, The Luxury Collection and W Hotels Worldwide global brand leader Paul James said. The hotel’s colossal makeover, completed in November 2013, is a marriage of the hotel’s original design elements with contemporary touches, bringing a fresh luster to the guestrooms, suites, hallways and public spaces. Chic black-lacquer painted doors now adorn the guestroom floors, with five distinct color palettes in
Cell phone & Gadget of Choice: iPhone.
And of my dreams: Nothing at the moment. Social media faves: Instagram and Twitter. Laptop: MacBook Pro
the entryway of each floor. An art program with emphasis on New York City photography will be integrated in all rooms and suites, and all bathrooms in the hotel will be upgraded to a spa-like atmosphere paired with the latest technology. One of Manhattan’s most storied meeting places, the King Cole Bar has been expanded into the King Cole Bar and Salon. Revered New York chef and restaurateur John DeLucie will join the lounge in a new culinary partnership, bringing modern American cuisine with an international