Speak March

R #09 • MA

• FREE CH 2013

g /speakma

FOR ALL

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ak.com uthspe www.yo

OLIVIA JENSEN INDEPENDENT GIRL

BUSTED!

CELEBRITIES

& DRUGS

OOL AFTER HIGH SCH UNIVERSITY ADJUSTMENT GAP YEAR ADVENTURES ENGLISH MATTERS

CLASSY LOOKS FUNKY ACCESSORIES FOR SCHOOL

Grades, Girls,’Glee’ VIDI ALDIANO

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3

13 H ’ C R A / M #09

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Cover Story Singer Vidi Aldiano is jumping for joy with academic and career success.

Intro

12 YouthSpeak Your views on helping the education system make the grade.

14 Star Struck Keeping in step with what may lie in store in March.

16 Ask Anggi What lessons we can learn from the recent Jakarta flood disaster.

Pop Culture

22 Tube Talents Young people with something to sing about (and it’s not Bieber)

62 Girls on Film Feast your eyes on these five up-and-coming actresses.

56 4

Ready for Stardom:

Olivia Jensen has a levelheaded take on showbiz.

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

38

Uniformly Stylish Play with your school uniform for extra-curricular style.

Inspiration 36

National Pride How do we keep our sense of nationalism in the new world today?

50 Green and Keen A few groups for you to start becoming more environmentally friendly.

66 Words to Remember Studying abroad means you have to communicate in English, and do it well (so keep on reading us!)

Lifestyle

55 Little by Little Less can be more for the right look with these cosmetics.

52 States of Interest A whirlwind tour of the US with sights, bites and more.

64 Class Acts Check out these useful gadgets for your study needs.

58

One and All In a new trend, K-Pop stars enjoy solo careers while staying part of their groups.

5

editor’snote

e r u t u F r u o Y g n Mappi

e hand, I ol. On on o h c e s h about th r in hig final yea nervous s y a e m w th I in r, in e have e othe it felt lik I want to rm. On th er what o o b d if n m b u e jo e m re hat ch th I take? W ed to dit g toward e should was excit rs u o c t a e headin h b l W il . w n repare w ly o st like unkn better p , you mo elp you e h b to to ? t t n re n a a me futu at you w ya edition is ss of wh why this ck out Lid is h Regardle ic h w then che , , n d o in l ti a a m l. c c du hoo in lo ave in higher e r high sc at you h enrolling r life afte ). And if ad is wh fo 2 ro t during 3 lf c b e e a e g rs p s a u x yo olarship them (p hat to e h t w c e s g w g o n to n ri k w If sco re you about ho lease make su i’s article ho will re ty, then ri o ri Sophian p ). Vidi, w r 4 u ally 2 o y e re g e is a h s ie 36). ut what ldiano (p e o A g universit i d a n id (p fi V k r singe t her gap hool to on wee tes abou month is r high sc orientati ri e is ft w a th o r y ls a o a e rb hiani gap y Our cove l, took a idya Sop on that L m in Apri ti u n lb e a volving ! m k w I a ne candal in ve a loo s life. Did a s h in g ll o e ru d d W to ill enjoy recent ge 34)? wanted re you w light the a ition (pa h s d e e ig c clear of h n is a e th rsity, ch w to stay year in e s note, w o u h iv o n is ri u e n n r s o re u ente questi for you o On a mo ad. As yo ood. The e issues m h h th lt A u n d ffi w a a o R lay d s with celebrity at come rugs. We ia Jensen uch as d edom th s e s fr e ic re o o star Oliv h p m c a o le s ty h s it ve life ws w ) who is destructi (page 48 e intervie a iv n s ti lu s c ri x h e . our nes C page 60 right Ag heck out hter rget to c ian playw s e n o d to a brig Don’t fo journey young In r d u n o a y ) n 6 you o (page 5 road. ill inspire waves ab dition w e is making th e s, I hop As alway aming! ilson p on dre e e K !

Willy W 1lson re tu fu w y @w1ll t.com kartapos ja e th @ n o s il willy.w

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7

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!

Editor Willy Wilson Art Director Budhi Hartono Reporter Natasha Ishak Copy Editor M. Michael Intern Tirta Perdana Jaya Contributors Adellea Purwadipura, Anggy Nurqonita, Benedicta Jennifer, Carmel Moersalim, Deisha Tamar, Dini Inaya, Doy Perkasa, Hengky Wijaya, Lidya Sophiani, Matahari Kesadaran, Putra Mustika, Suka Junin, Titaz Permatasari, Yohanes Paulus Bisma 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 Astari Sirila Sakanti astari@thejakartapost.com NIE Partners and Sponsorship The Jakarta Post Foundation Executive Director Yulia Herawati nie@thejakartapost.com Mia Rubianti mia@thejakartapost.com

8

#06 • DECEM

BER 2012

/speakmag

• FREE FOR

ALL

agz @sp3akm

m hspeak.co www.yout

OLIVIA JENSEN INDEPENDENT GIRL

BUSTED!

CELEBRITIES

& DRUGS

L AFTER HIGH SCHOO UNIVERSITY ADJUSTMENT GAP YEAR ADVENTURES ENGLISH MATTERS

CLASSY LOOKS FUNKY ACCESSORIES FOR SCHOOL

DIANO VIDI AL

GRADES, GIRLS,”GLEE”

ON THE COVER Vidi Aldiano Photo: R. Berto Wedhatama Location: The Jakarta Post office

9

Speak! Community Want to read the magazine online?

Sign up as a member of our new online community, www.youthspeak.com!

And don’t forget to join us on Twitter

(@Sp3akmagz) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/speakmag) 10

11

youth

Speak

Educating

WHAT IMPROVEMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR THE EDUCATION SYSTEM?

Indonesia

EUGENIA EFENDY, 17 SMA Santa Ursula

“The Japanese stand as a global leader because of their education system. Reportedly the first thing Emperor Hirohito wanted to know right after the devastating Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic attacks was how many teachers the country had lost – not soldiers or high-ranking officials.

That shows just how important education is in Japanese society. Every great nation needs to be supported by a great educational system to mold future generations into leaders. Our government’s past efforts to rank education as the number one priority was good, but not good enough. I don’t want to criticize the very system that has educated me thus far, but I do think our curriculum puts too much focus on cognitive learning. There isn’t enough character building and critical thinking taught in schools these days, and I think that needs to change.”

12

THEODORUS SAMUEL, 17 SMA Kanisius NADIA DWI PUTRIANA, 20 Parahyangan Catholic University

“Education is definitely an important asset for any country to grow. Take a look at our own country, for example. We are rich in many ways – natural resources, land and even human resources – yet we seem to have trouble moving forward because many citizens do not have the proper education to develop these resources properly.

I am personally concerned about the inconsistency of the curriculum.

The number of times the Education Ministry changed what’s taught in class over the years is simply unacceptable. However, I have high hopes for our current minister, who plans to reinforce a more effective curriculum starting this year.”

“I think education is not only essential for the success of a nation but also the success of a person as an individual. People tend to think that if you’re a science student, then there’s no need for you to learn history – and vice versa. The truth is, there’s no stopping you from mastering both. People should stop thinking that you either are good in one thing or nothing, because I believe in the real world, you must be good in many things to succeed.

Personally, I have no complaints about our curriculum, but there is always room for improvement. One of the main things that should be addressed is balancing academics with social skills and humanitarian awareness to produce well-rounded individuals who can compete on an international level.”

13

STAR

struck

What's

in Store r March.

r forecast fo ou y h it w on g in h rc a Keep m

Pisces

(20 February – 20 March)

Aries

(21 March – 20 April)

Taurus

(21 April – 21 May)

Love: Your relationship with him is going well.

Love: Life is messy. Love is messier. And then you clean up.

School: There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

School: Grades are the result of studying purposefully, not a goal unto itself.

School: Tough exams only make you tougher – and smarter.

Friendship: Don’t make a mountain out of molehills. Take the smooth road.

Friendship: True friends talk to each other about meaningless stuff and respect one another for it.

Friendship: Best friends don’t just stay with you forever. They stay even longer.

Love: A great way to bond with him is to spend time with that cool friend called Haagen-Daz.

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Gemini

(22 May – 21 June) Love: You know someone is special when they make you smile even when you have tears in your eyes.

School: Intellectual growth without obstacles isn’t really intellectual growth at all.

Friendship: Angels exist. They’re called your best friends.

Cancer

(22 June – 22 July) Love: If you screw up and he’s still there, then he’s the one for you.

School: A loser fails and quits.

A winner fails and tries again.

You’re a winner.

Friendship: Why keep enemies when you can make them your friends?

Leo

(23 July – 22 August)

Virgo

(23 August – 21 September) Love: A tiny spark is enough to create a forest fire of passion.

School: When you know better you do better.

Friendship: Best friends are hard for others to find, but only because the best are already yours.

Libra

(22 September – 22 October) Love: Two souls plus one flesh equals love.

Sagittarius (22 November – 21 December)

Love: You know you’re in love with him when you don’t feel the need for constant small talk.

School: Success comes to those too busy studying to notice it.

Friendship: A true friend sees the pain in you even when you’re fooling everyone else..

Capricorn (22 December – 20 January)

Love: You can win his heart, no problem.

School: The journey of a thousand miles begins with one small homework assignment.

School: Focus on the journey, not the destination.

Friendship: Two bodies plus one soul equals friendship.

Friendship: Always try to see her good side even when she is acting up.

Scorpio

(23 October – 21 November)

Love: The darkest hour only lasts 60 minutes.

Love: He walks in when the rest walk out.

School: The most memorable school days stay with you forever and a day.

School: An investment in knowledge pays the best dividends.

Friendship: Friends are honest with each other, even if the truth hurts.

Friendship: Best friends make the best mirrors.

Aquarius

(21 January – 19 February) Love: Dating who you like is freedom. Liking who you date is happiness. Remember?

School: Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.

Friendship: In your comfort zone with these great pals.

15

ASK Anggi

Wi t h Th g e Flo w n i Go

W

e residents of Jakarta are all too familiar with floods.

But nobody was really prepared for the recent disaster that paralyzed this capital of 14 million people, affecting everyone in one way or another.

The media reported at least 15 people died, water levels reached up to two meters in some areas and even the presidential palace was affected in January’s inundation.

As a Jakartan, I wasn’t going to sit around and do nothing.

Together with volunteers from UNEP-Tunza, of which I serve as a regional ambassador, I visited one of the temporary shelters for flood victims.

Everything was in short supply: food, electricity, sanitary facilities. Garbage bags were piled high everywhere. The mood was gloomy, with confused people mourning the loss of their homes.

I was shocked. No words can really describe how I felt.

Thank God for technology, as it allowed people to keep updated with the latest information and in touch with their loved ones. It was their glimmer of hope amid the trauma.

Unsafe Ground The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recently invited me to attend a scientific gathering on Conservation of Water Resources in Citeko village, Bogor.

In my capacity as chairperson of the Young Scientist Forum (FOSCA), I was fortunate to be involved in discussions with many senior scientists about the flooding.

I learned that Jakarta is actually a delta city and so constantly at risk of flooding. The flooding resulted from a large amount of water from upstream rivers in West Java that flowed

Help at Hand By their very nature, crises hap pen unexpectedly and can leave us feeling like we have nowhere and nobody to turn to.

Like Anggi writes, these shock happenings can be of a huge magnitude, as we all experience d with the Jakarta flood in January , or of a more personal nature. You miss your ride home, you get separat ed from your friends at a concert or (and we all hope this does not hap pen) fall victim to a pickpocket.

The big difference today from in the past is that we have technolo gy at hand to help us out (yes, guys, there 16

W down and across the capital. may hile w e not t The quality of all river catchment op sho revent be able areas has been degraded due to uld floo disposal of solid and domestic prep be able ds, we a to b re waste. A number of field surveys in th oursel etter and scientific studies show a v e fu ture es decline in tree density in the three . mountains south of Jakarta, reducing their capability to mitigate water run-off during heavy rain.

So what gives? At the moment, the city government is focusing on cleaning up the city. To remove the post-flood garbage, no less than 500 workers were sent each day to clean affected roads, riverbanks and buildings.

Ichan, 20, a dedicated volunteer I met in one of the shelters, told me that many people are still worried about the threats of mosquito-borne viral diseases like dengue fever and leptospirosis.

In case you don’t know, leptospirosis is spread through the urine of rats, whose habitat is often destroyed by floods, and can infect anyone with open wounds who come into contact with contaminated water or garbage.

SMK11 Jakarta vocational student Zull, 17, believes the solution for the problem is better river management. And it seems like Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo agrees with Zull’s approach. The recent flood is a good reminder for us to be prepared, and a test of our solidarity in helping our fellow citizens.

was a time when cellphones didn ’t exist). We can phone a friend or our parents to help us out, or contact the authorities to let them know that we are in trouble.

During the recent floods, telecommunication operator PT IndosatTbk, the main sponsor of the 2013 Speaker contest with its IM3 product, were able to help Jaka rtans keep connected to their family and friends despite the widespread problems.

A big plus for its subscribers is the 7 Hari, 7 Malampackage that offers many great benefits, in tough times

and good times in our lives.

With reload of only Rp 10,000, you will get FREE pulse to call to Indo sat numbers, SMS to all operators and Internet. This package is free for all Prepaid Customers, existing or new, both IM3 and Mentari.

And it’s so simple to get all the benefits, with just one registra tion via UMB: *123*1*1# or SMS type GRATIS send to 123 (free tariff ). And to check your bonus, just press *555*3 #.

So, whatever the crisis, there is no need to panic when affordable and convenient telecommunications ensure that making contact is no problem .

17

GIRL TALK

You Ask,

Titaz Pe rmatasa at the re ri is ady to a nswer y question our s on dati ng, friendsh ip and s chool.

Contact her at s p eak@ thejakar tapost.c om

r e w s I An Letter of the month LONELY NO MORE Dear Kak Titaz, So my New Year’s resolution is to be more outgoing to make new friends. This is a little embarrassing but I don’t have many friends at school. Don’t get me wrong, my classmates are nice, it’s just no one really makes an effort to get to know me better. The problem is I am terribly shy, but I don’t want to spend another year by myself either.

Any advice?

Wallflower, 17 Hi Wallflower, What a great new year’s resolution you have! But I’ve got two questions: Why don’t you make the first move? And how will other people know that you’re interested in being friends with them if you stand in the corner all by yourself?

Start talking to your classmates, who according to you are nice. Get more involved in their conversation about general topics – studies, TV series or food. I know for a fact that it can be tough not to be a part of any cliques in high school.

But you know what; hanging out with the same people all the time isn’t all that fantastic after all.

My point is that you shouldn’t try to be a part of any cliques in school. Instead, try to be more comfortable to talk to people – to be more open, social and confident.

Once you know how to do this, you will definitely find people who you could call friends.

18

“ME” TIME Dear Kak Titaz, My boyfriend and I have been dating for a month.

I love being with him, but I feel like we’ve been spending so much time together – maybe too much.

Although we aren’t in the same class, we go to the same school. As you can imagine, I see him every day.

We even hang out after school and on the weekends.

I’m afraid that I’m beginning to get bored of him. Am I a bad person for feeling this way?

Bunga, 17 Dear Bunga, I can see how spending that much time with someone can be suffocating. And you should know that you’re not a bad person for wanting to have a “me” time. I have two solutions for your situations.

If you think he can handle the truth, talk to him directly about how you feel. Otherwise this is what you can do: invite your friends and his friends to hang out with you guys after school or on the weekend. Once in a while tell him that you want to see your girlfriends because you miss them.

The trick is to reduce the frequency of meeting him without making him abandoned. It won’t be easy, but if he’s a keeper then you’ve got to what you’ve got to do.

Good luck!

19

minD yourEnglisH

Choose

Carefully ENGLISH IS NOT ALL ABOUT ENSURING THAT YOUR GRAMMAR IS IN WORKING ORDER. YOU ALSO HAVE TO KNOW THE RIGHT WORDS TO USE TO MAKE YOURSELF HEARD. Vivi may very well be boring, but actually what she means is she is bored. Her lack of activity is boring.

Scenario: Vivi and Santi are taking a time out at a coffee shop and practicing their English conversation skills. They are trying to decide what to do on the weekend when Vivi has an idea …

Vivi: I am so [boring] these days. Shall we go to the concert on Saturday night?

Santi: Sounds good. Which one do you want to [view]?

Vivi: I think one of the [girlsbands] is performing at the club.

Santi: Ugh, the club is so crowded on the weekend. It’s really not [convenient] for me.

Vivi: Oh, Santi, you always [disturb] my plans to have a good time!

Santi: Come on, Viv! Let’s just have a sleepover and listen to their songs with some ice cream.

Vivi: OK, that sounds like a plan, San. 20

While not actually wrong, view is a big word when a simpler word would be OK. She should have said, “watch” or “see”. View is better used for a sight to inspect something before us or an opinion.

It should be “girlband”, like boyband. Similarly, it is correct to say girlgroup, not girlsgroup.

Convenient is the wrong word choice here. It means something that does not suit our plans, such as a distant place or too early time.

Santi actually means she is uncomfortable in a crowded place.

Disturb is translated directly from the Indonesian word “ganggu”. In English, disrupt, meaning to upset or inconvenience, is a better word.

Disruption is also used for services, i.e. “flooding led to disruption of the regular bus service”. In contrast, disturb means we are bothered by something, i.e. “Vivi was disturbed

by Santi’s lack of enthusiasm”.

21

POP column

TOP

COVER ARTISTS

They say Justin Bieber is the best thing to have come out of YouTube. Alberta Lowe argues the following talents are just as good, if not better, than the Biebs.

1) Sam Tsui Together with producer Kurt Hugo Schneider from Yale University, Sam is best known for his “Michael Jackson Medley”. The video features him performing five different harmonies resulting in one seriously awesome performance. As of writing, the clip has gained 30 million views.

The duo also did a rendition of Britney Spear’s Hold It Against Me, without the dirty dancing of course.

2) Alex Goot Fact: Alex Goot might not boast the same vocal range as Sam Tsui, but he certainly makes up for it with his sheer creativity. You’ll be mesmerized by his rendition of Bieber’s Beauty and the Beat as well as Maroon 5’s

One More Night. What’s really amazing is that he sings and plays all the instruments himself – piano, guitar, drums and even the occasional xylophone.

A Whole New World, in which he sings the vocals for both Aladdin and Jasmine. And you must check out his “Disney Medley”, where he performs six different roles – the heroine, sidekick, hero, chorus #1 and #2 and the villain!

3) Christina Grimmie This 18-year-old first rose to fame by covering Miley Cyrus’ Party in the USA, eventually earning her 1.9 million subscribers and making her the 4th most subscribed musician on YouTube. She recently signed on with Creative Artist Agency, the same agency managing the careers of Chris Brown and Christina Aguilera.

She’s set to release her debut album soon, and even has her own web show in Disney.com! Check out her collaboration with Sam Tsui in a video titled Just a Dream.

5) Jayesslee Janice and Sonia are two very cute singing twins from Australia who have been uploading videos since May 2008. It was their Officially Missing You cover that has earned them fame on YouTube. The clip has received over 15 million views as a favorite for devotees of sweet ballads. In 2012, they toured Australia and Southeast Asia, including a quick stop in Ja karta. Check out their girly rendition of Maroon 5’s Payphone – not bad, I promise.

4) Nick Pitera By day, he works as the technical director of blockbuster animated movies such as Up and Toy Story 3.

But Nick is best known for his incredible ability to sing in both high and low pitch. Take his cover of Disney’s 22

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21/01/2013 15:50:15

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GET YOUR THERE IS A LOT TO READ ABOUT IN THE JAKARTA POST’S SPEAK!, THE MAGAZINE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE EXPLORING POP CULTURE, YOUNG SUCCESS STORIES, FASHION, TRENDS AND PROFILES. R YOUR

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Other copies of Speak! will be distributed to 300 partner schools & universities 23

24

cover story

Vidi Forever opens up to Willy o n ia ld A i id V r e g Sin , biology and Glee! g n ti a d t ou b a n so Wil

Photos: R. Berto Wedhatama

I

t is shortly before 11 a.m. on a rainy February day when Vidi Aldiano arrives for an exclusive interview and photo session at The Jakarta Post building.

Sporting a red hoodie from Daniel Mananta’s Damn! I Love Indonesia line, the singer is all smiles – and for good reason.

“This year has definitely got off to a good start. I just completed my bachelor’s degree a week ago, around the same time I released my new single,” says the 22-year-old, unbothered by the team of a make-up artist, stylist and photographer hovering around him.

“And I may be launching three albums this year alone – my upcoming fourth studio album, a repackaging album and another album, which will be sponsored by a product.”

Hear more from this oldest of three siblings, who became a teen idol without having to go the reality TV show route, in his own words below.

Tell us about your new single.

The single, Pupus/Kasih Tak Sampai [Vanished/ Unrequited Love], is a combination of the two famous numbers by legendary bands Dewa and Padi respectively. This single is on my album that will be out in April 2013.

That sounds awesome!

I’m very excited about it. The single was launched in 200 radio stations last week!

You’re obviously a very talented singer. But if you weren’t a singer, what would you be?

A doctor. My favorite subject in school was biology!

So why study business in university instead?

My parents thought studying medicine takes too much time. They suggested that I study business. I agreed to do it because I reckon 25

I TOOK A GAP YEAR BECAUSE I WASN’T SURE WHAT COURSE TO TAKE. I DECIDED TO JUST DO WHAT I KNOW BEST: WRITING MUSIC. THE GAP YEAR GAVE ME TIME TO THINK ABOUT WHAT I REALLY WANTED TO DO IN LIFE.

26

month music course at Berklee, I decided to enroll. Besides, studying in the US has always been my dream. But I let that dream go to pursue a career in music at home.

What did you learn during your stay in America?

The first thing I noticed was the individualistic nature of the people.

This isn’t necessarily bad; people are naturally expected to stand on their own two feet and also stand up for themselves. But it was certainly culture shock for an Indonesian boy like me who had never lived outside the family home.

Are you very close to your parents?

I am. And I’m very close to my younger brothers too. In fact, I’m taking them out for Valentine’s dinner.

[business] knowledge is applicable to everything in life.

Did you immediately go to university after high school?

I took a gap year because I wasn’t sure what course to take. I decided to just do what I know best: writing music. The gap year gave me time to think about what I really wanted to do in life.

You also took time off from your studies in Indonesia for a short course at Berklee College of Music in Boston.

Honestly, I have never had formal music training, and I wanted to have it. When I heard about the two-

Any special girl in your life right now?

Unfortunately no! It isn’t easy to date when you work and study at the same time. But now that I have completed my studies, I may want to take part in the dating game [laughs].

Share a little-known fact about you.

Somehow people tend to think that I’m a playboy. I’m not!

What were you like in high school?

I was a nerd who was involved in everything from Paskibra [the team of students chosen for the flagraising ceremony on Independence Day], school choir and photography club. I was also involved in numerous biology competitions.

But I think I was quite social, too, as I regularly hung out at hip spots on the weekends.

27

SOMEHOW PEOPLE TEND TO THINK THAT I’M A PLAYBOY. I’M NOT! ld be Has anyone ever told you that you shou part of Glee? seems I love Glee! But while taking part in Glee ved in invol get to love d woul I , a bit far-fetched tely rtuna Unfo ta.

Jakar in here ct proje cal a musi hs]. [laug nobody has offered me the job What’s next from Vidi Aldiano?

I’m thinking of doing a Master’s degree in have business. In the meantime, I just want to more time to sleep!

28

29

POP

Quiz Who says boys have no clue when it comes to Pop Culture?

Well, these two lads prove you wrong!

s: Contestant Time: 30 seconds I Prize: Bragging rights

vs. ya, 15 (AT) Albert Tanuwija a bu SMAK 1 Pena r Jakart How many awards did Lena Dunham win at the 2013 Golden Globes awards?

(AT) Two (RF) Two What is the name of Shakira’s soccer player boyfriend from Spain?

(AT) Gerard Pique (RF) Gerard Pique Actress Cinta Laura Kiehl’s mixed heritage is from which countries?

(AT) Germany and Indonesia (RF) Germany and Indonesia

30

22 (RF) Renato Fenady, Bandung ty rsi ive Parahyangan Un Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes have a daughter named Suri Cruise. How old is she?

(AT) I don’t know 7 (RF) 13 7 *Correct answer is six years old Which actress plays Reza Rahadian’s love interest in the movie Habibie & Ainun?

(AT) Bunga Citra Lestari (RF) Bunga Citra Lestari What country is the setting for Les Miserables?

(AT) France (RF) France

Willow Smith, daughter of actor Will Smith, released her first hit single in 2010. What was the title of that song?

(AT) Whip My Hair (RF) Whip My Hair

The movie 5 cm is based on a popular novel of the same title. Who is the novelist?

(AT) Donny Dhirgantoro (RF) Donny Dhirgantoro

Name the famous rapper who collaborated with Katy Perry on her hit song California Gurls?

(AT) Calvin Codozar a.k.a Snoop Dogg!

(RF) Snoop Dogg

Korean rapper G-Dragon is a member of which vocal group?

(AT) I don’t know 7 (RF) Not a K-Pop fan here 7 *Correct answer is Big Bang

:8 rt be Al o : 8 n Re

31

mainfeature

g n i r o Sc Looking into scholarship programs is one thing, but actually getting one is often easier said than done.

G

oogle “scholarship�, and up pops a long list of universities, companies and government institutions offering fantastic programs for young people like us. Or check out Twitter accounts such as @beasiswaindo and @tweetkuliah that make searching for scholarships that much easier.

Now, accessing the information is easy, but the hard part getting an actual scholarship. All the programs come with

Illustration: Tirta Perdana Jaya

scholarships

different terms and conditions as well as their own selection criteria. Some institutions only offer scholarships for those interested in a particular field of study.

So before you go scholarshiphunting, it is always important to first know what you want to do for your own future. One way is to first ask yourself where you expect to live for the next few years. This will help in narrowing down your search to the area of study and the location of the university.

Once you’ve chosen which scholarship to go for, it’s time to do a little extra research. Here’s a checklist on what kind of information you should be looking out for: What are the expectations of applicants?

What are the requirements?

Are you going to have to work for the funder upon graduation?

What are the documents you need to prepare in order to apply?

What kind of selection process or tests do you need to go through?

When is the deadline to submit an application?

How did Rizky Rahadianto, a recipient of the highly competitive Freeman Asia Scholarship, manage to get an impressive, full undergraduate scholarship worth US$200,000.

“I just gave it my best shot,” reveals Rizky.

While he admits he wasn’t sure if he had what it takes, he then thought about it and decided he had nothing to lose by applying.

Generally speaking, the requirements for the scholarship programs aren’t that much different. For US universities and colleges, steps include taking the SATs/ACTs and TOEFL tests, filling up an online form, getting hold of recommendation letters and transcripts of your grades in English, and providing a written essay on why you think you deserve the scholarship.

If an American scholarship is your goal, then Rizky recommends brushing up on your writing skills since coming up with a quality essay can really help increase your chances of getting a scholarship there.

“I spent two months writing my essay. I kept revising, proofreading and ensuring that the logic flow was correct. I repeated those three steps over and over again.

The essay is really important because it’s your chance to highlight your personal qualities,” he explains.

“Depending on the topic, you can also go full on personal. I wrote about my experience in overcoming a challenge, which was a personal accomplishment for me – and they liked it.”

For Rizky, the scholarship offers plenty of other benefits beyond just getting a quality education for free. It also gives him a chance to network with like-minded young people who are part of the Freeman Asia Alumni. They often help current students in finding jobs and internships.

But there are other points to remember. Fellow scholarship recipient Ivan Audrey, found that while scholarships might offer great benefits, they can also be quite stressful.

“If your scholarship requires a minimum GPA, you will feel the pressure to perform well which in turn can be quite stressful,” she says. +Lidya Sophiani

ites st of webs Here’s a li apply for to y tr can where you ips: scholarsh n.edu/ w.wesleya http://ww onal_ /internati admission tml freeman.h students/ w. http://ww .org foundation a rn e sampo g/ .s v o .g e o w.m http://ww s/asean ip h scholars / n o ti a c u ed onesia.or.id w.nesoind http://ww t.ac.id/ w.presiden http://ww iph s/scholars admission program/ 33

a b g r n i ea k

mainfeature

a t

k

Wha ti and s a gap impo why is i year t r Soph tant? Li so to an iani is h dya swe ere ques r the big tion.

T

aking a gap year is still an uncommon practice in Indonesia. But if you’re seriously in need of a break from the academic world and want to pursue more meaningful life lessons, then a gap year is the perfect place to start.

In case you were wondering, a “gap year” typically refers to a year-long break that involves living outside your comfort zone, so it isn’t a holiday. In fact, it can be quite a

Illustration: Tirta Perdana Jaya

34

challenge, in a good way.

This coming-of-age custom affects mostly teenagers who are just entering adulthood. Some prefer to spend that time traveling to rural areas or improvised countries to volunteer, while others focus on developing personal interests such as sports, design and teaching.

According to The Princeton Review, one of the main reasons most students choose to take a gap year is to use the opportunity to explore their interests and develop a sense of purpose for their future.

It’s Your Time To find out more, I decided to chat with Eliza Miller, an exchange student from Michigan who studied at my school two years ago and decided to take a year off after graduating.

Eliza admits that she always wanted to go abroad, and decided to leave for America once the opportunity presented itself. As she explains, that break provided her with not only a deeper understanding about herself but also the world around her.

Basically, her gap year was the time when she finally felt more mature.

“By the time I went to college, I realized that I had gained a higher level of maturity compared to my

peers along with an appreciation time waster if you aren’t committed for school and studying, which was to doing anything worthwhile. One something I didn’t have back when I good way to avoid this is to simply was fresh out of high school,” she says. be honest with yourself on want you Tia, a communications student expect to gain during that year, and at Padjajaran University, also found what kind of experiences you want that taking a year off helped her to to have. prepare for college life.

For example, if you wish to travel, “The gap year gives you plenty then you need to consider how of time to really think about what you’re going to afford the trip. You it is that you want to pursue. In my should also do a little research case, it gave me time to figure out about your destination of choice what kind of person I’d like to be and practicing the local language. after studying in a university for four Mentally preparing yourself for years,” she points out. any challenges ahead is crucial, as As for bowling athlete Fachri, you will probably be in for a life he decided to use his gap year to changing year! pursue his passion in sports.

So, are you ready to break away?

“A gap year helped me to really +Lidya Sophiani focus on training for a spot in the national bowling team,” he shares.

As great as it may seem to be to spend eas on how id re o m r ese o F able to pursue your passion, get a eck out th p year, ch a g r u o y work experience, travel abroad or even just gain a new perspective sites: onal.org/ hinternati in life, it’s not as easy as it seems. www.raleig y-abroad/ d tu sa.org/s u fs .a w w Eliza admits that she found it a w little disheartening to know that / gap-year/ ear-abroad .org/gap-y her friends were already heading www.ciee .uk/ cttrust.org to college earlier than her. \ www.proje .org d cts-abroa www.proje k .u ude.org It’s No Holiday! www.lattit While taking a year off has its perks, it could also be a real 35

University Life

Nationalist

Notions

WHAT N O IN S H G EI W N A R A D A ES K I MATAHAR ALISTIC N IO AT N E B TO S N EA M Y LL EA IT R

T

he term culture shock doesn’t even begin to describe my experience during orientation week at a university in Bandung. I had just recently moved back to Indonesia after spending 12 years abroad. As you can imagine, I was in for a big surprise.

Arriving at campus, I remember seeing the seniors wearing red shirts, proudly calling themselves Agnibrata. Their job back then was to holler at every new student they set their sights on. Students would be scolded for walking either too slow or too fast; some were even reprimanded simply because they weren’t moving at the precise speed limits that had been set by the Agnibrata.

This “hazing” was apparently more than just an exercise in silly college rituals. The purpose was 36

to toughen up the future leaders of Indonesia, or so they claimed back then.

“Putra Putri Terbaik Bangsa!” (The country’s best sons and daughters!) was the favorite mantra the seniors used to somehow justify the whole hazing ritual at the Sabuga convention hall. The message was loud, clear and repetitive.

Here stand the best young men and women this great nation has to offer. It was our responsibility and destiny to help the poor, downtrodden citizens of nation country rise to their feet, and to finally win Indonesia its mantle as a first-rate power – so they said.

While I respect the way the university encouraged a sense of social responsibility among its students, I couldn’t help but feel put off by the propaganda tone of the message.

Was it really all necessary? Person-

ally, I believe that real actions and not just words would have made more of an impact.

During one session, an upperclassman picked me out from a crowd to answer this simple question: Is it more important to develop this nation, or is it more important to be a global leader?

It was obvious they had expected me to pick the first option, but I decided to make things a little more interesting by presenting the following argument.

I stated that being a global leader was more important, and although poverty is still rampant in this country, Indonesia was a rapidly developing economy with plenty of young talents. This means there’s still plenty of hope that it will become a developed country sometime in the future. I also pointed out how other countries are much worst off and

have no such hope. One example was the impoverished nations of Africa, who have absolutely no infrastructure and are still suffering from societal problems that are almost impossible to fix given the current political situation.

Unsurprisingly, my answer provoked the senior. While he acknowledged my points, he insisted that the number of Indonesians living in poverty should be our main concern.

He also said that we must strive to make Indonesia the best nation in the world.

A friend then cut me off before I could respond to this statement, but if I did have a chance to reply, this is what I would have said: An old lady is trying to cross a busy street. Do we help her because she’s Indonesian or because she’s an old lady in need of help? When we come across a poor village with no access to clean water, do we care less because it isn’t an Indonesian village?

Being nationalistic doesn’t mean we get to overlook humanism and basic logic. And superficial nationalism shouldn’t even be practiced in an academic institution in the first place. Indonesia is a big country, built from the bricks of multicultural-

Illustratio

n: Tirta Pe

ism. This archipelago is made up of more than 300 different ethnic groups, each with their own unique cultures. Throughout civilizations, we have traded and absorbed foreign cultures – Indians, Arabs, Chinese and the Europeans.

As my father always said, our creed is the creed of the ocean. The ocean is home to distinct creatures of all sizes and colors; its waters absorb and cleanses. Likewise, for thousands of years, our identity has been marked by one defining feature, which is our ability to harmo-

rdana Jaya

nize the diverse influences brought to our shores into something of great beauty, a culture that goes beyond the so-called nationalism.

Superficial nationalism is not the key to reclaiming our lost splendor.

We must look deeper into our past to truly see what has made this land so great. I’m confident that with the full force of history behind her, Indonesia will rise, not as an imperialist power, but as the flag-bearer of a new world, a world that stands for humanity.

37

38

Tia (Left): Skirt Loushkii. Feby: Brown bowler hat Noin; Batik cape Bumiku; Brooch stylist’s own.

Upgraded

Uniform

HERE ARE EASY AND FUN WAYS TO MAKE OVER YOUR SCHOOL LOOK

Quick

e

Chang

ut after Going o ut no school b hange? c time to a denim n Throw o rn as tube o skirt (w d a batik n dress) a , and you’re n a cardig go. ready to

39

Smarty Pants A pair of welltailored shorts is both stylish & comfortable. Wear a pretty sweater over your uniform to achieve that pretty-preppy look.

40

Feby: Sweater @solaceshop; Tailored shorts Loushkii; Stachel bag & necklace stylist’s own. Tia: Cap Crooz; Sheer black skirt @daunhitamshop; Bangles Forever 21; Vest stylist’s own.

Unleash y by pairin our inner rock s g with a st your uniform tar u and a ca dded leather v est p. For an ed twist u n e x p e , c sheer lo wear a feminine tng skirt. ,

Rock C

hick

41

Cool Cover Raid your boyfriend’s closet and steal his varsity jacket. Throw an oversized t-shirt underneath to add coolness to your look!

Warm E

Tia: T-shirt @solaceshop; Varsity Jacket Crooz; Hat Naughty

mbr

42

ace You can ’t go wro with a p ng r sweater etty . slim fit o Be it the r with ball oversized oon slee the choic v e is your es, s.

43

Tia: Tailored shorts Loushkii; Bag Bumiku; Glasses naughty; Bangles Stroberi. Feby: Sweater @solaceshop; Glasses Naughty; Tote bag Loushkii.

on Afterno

Delight

ckets in Loose ja lors can o bright c ddition to a be a fun rnoon wear. e your aft our uniform y Change cool shorts. h skirt wit forget your ’t Oh! Don ! s g tote ba

Feby: Jacket Loushkii; Necklace Isabella Clara; Tota bag Crooz; Bangles Naughty. Tia: Jacket Loushkii; Necklace Forever 21; Tote bag Crooz.

44

Keep It

Feby: Top N.Y.L.A; Skirt Loushkii; Cuff Mika Accessories.

Quirky An overs iz blouse in ed geometr ic isn’t easy print off. The t to pull r to pair it ick is w A-line sk ith an irt, ankle boots an d lot of att a whole itude.

45

a Setia Angelic

street fashion Top Stradivarius

dy, 16, S MAK IP

Bag Guess

ri Indah

Shorts Samuel & Kevin

Hat Suicide Anthem

Jacket NCAA

Shoes Rubi

Shirt D.I.Y

TO OF O H P A S T YOUR A G SEND U N I K ION LF LOO YOURSE EARN OUR FASH D BEST AN APPROVAL F m STAMP O ejakartapost.co h speak@t

Shoes Robbynet

Dimas Farhan,

17, Media Creative Polytechnic 46

EKA Pu

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

Novita Natalia K, 18, University of Indonesia

Necklace Naughty

phosis

Kayrana Amady atara, 18, University

of Indonesia

Top M

Top from Mom

Pants Zara Bag New Look

Bag Zara

Shoes Doc Martens Jeans Cheap Monday

Sandals shoes Charles & Keith

nindita Indira A

Top TA

azriah,

Rifda F

e shop

Top onlin

MKA

18, UHA

donesia rsity of In

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Jeans Stradivarius

Bag Zara

Bag Sophie Martin

Shoes Taman Puring

Shoes Elle

47

Living large

For The Love Of Art

living Agnes Christina is ay to proof that the best w your succeed is to follow kita finds t instincts. Putra Mus

gu

W

sassy out what makes this Indonesian girl tick.

hen Agnes first came to Singapore, she was a 15-yearold scholarship recipient determined to become a nephrologist (that is a physician specializing in kidney-related diseases to you and me).

Ten years on, Agnes has taken a different career path. This artistic 25-year-old is best known for Kongkalikong, a story that focuses on three generations of Chinese48

Indonesian women.

Agnes, who herself is Indonesianborn Chinese, admits her cultural background does affect the way she views the world. But when it comes to the arts, she says she never restricts herself to just her own culture.

This free-spirited artist has a knack for challenging popular opinions in the society, especially when it comes to her artistic pursuits.

When she was told that no one can mix theater with film, she

bucked tradition by coming up with Titik Nol, a collaborative short film with Indonesian filmmaker Nicholas Yudifar in which theater is performed in front of a film backdrop. It told of a boy dealing with the loss of his mother following the 2004 tsunami in Banda Aceh, and is Agnes’ most high-profile project to date.

Going against her parents wishes proved more difficult for Agnes.

They had insisted that she apply for a normal office job for financial stability. She told them that while her it might take years for her career to take off, at least she was willing to work on it.

“So they’re giving me a chance now, and I’m glad because it means I can prove to them of what I can do.”

Artistic Calling As a multidisciplinary artist, Agnes’ work involves expressing herself through theater, paintings, sculptures and wayang (shadow puppets). Her works have been shown at prestigious venues such as Taman Ismail Marzuki in Jakarta, earning her national coverage from Kompas and Koran Tempo.

Not bad for a young woman who didn’t study arts at all, but is an environmental engineering graduate from National University of Singapore.

“I have forgotten most of what I learned (in university). It would probably be dangerous for mankind if I had become an environmental engineer instead,” she says with a chuckle.

Agnes studied painting with legendary artist Pak Tino Sidin, and is also trained as a Balinese dancer.

I fell in love with theater so much that I plunged right in. I would finish homework quicker just so that I could attend rehearsals,”

Her first experience in theater was when she studied at Anglo-Chinese Junior College in Singapore and picked it up as a co-curricular activity (CCA).

“I fell in love with theater so much that I plunged right in. I would finish homework quicker just so that I could attend rehearsals,” she says.

It was during her university days that Agnes made her directorial debut with Perempuan Simpanan (The Mistress). Staged at National University of Singapore Museum, the story told of an Indonesian maid working in Singapore. It enjoyed sold-out public performances for two days in a row.

deserving talents from Indonesia and promote them to the world.

Many of her shows involve both Singaporean and Indonesian artists, her way of strengthening the nations’ artistic ties.

“Performing for audiences from different countries and different cultures is a good thing. As a playwright, I believe this is what’s really needed in order for us to relate to many different types people,” she says.

Indonesia to the World Agnes firmly believes in Indonesia’s artistic potential.

“We have a heritage so rich that we often don’t know where to start.

We may not have something like Singapore’s Esplanade, or the big budgets, but we’re very good at being creative with whatever that we have,” she enthuses, adding that her ambition is to introduce 49

COM munity

ow where to start?

You want to go green but don’t kns that may be to your liking.

Here are a few eco-friendly group

Transformasi Hijau (Trashi) Let’s face it, living in this concrete jungle often makes us forget the beauty of nature. If that pretty much describes you, then it is time to talk Trashi. Founded in 2009, this community aims at cultivating a love of nature among today’s generation. Its Young Transformers program introduces the wonders of nature and wildlife to youngsters through hands-on activities, such as bird watching and annual clean-up operations. They have also held eco-friendly events in the past, like their “Cinta Bumi” (Loving the Earth) garage sale, in which members sold recycled and secondhand belongings to raise public awareness.

Website: www.transformasihijau.blogspot.com Facebook: www.facebook.com/transformasihijau Twitter: @trashicool 50

Teens Go Green (TGG) Jakarta Like its name says, this is a program for high school students who want to get involved in protecting the environment. Since its inception in 2007 by then Jakarta governor Fauzi Bowo, TGG has gathered 281 members from 55 schools, and counting. The community’s unique approach in educating members involves dividing the ecosystem into three types: hulu (headwaters), tengah (middle) and hilir (downstream).

Community activities include informal workshops, peer learning, creative exhibitions and public campaigns, such as TGG’s anti-styrofoam movement to encourage the public to avoid this commonly used but non-biodegradable food packaging. Check out TGG on Facebook or Twitter to find out how you can be part of the solution to environmental issues in the capital.

Facebook: www.facebook.com/tggjkt Twitter: @TGGActNow

Koalisi Pemuda Hijau Indonesia (KOPHI) Indonesian Also known by its English name of ium for Green Youth Coalition, this is a med together work to s NGO and ls young individua mber, Dece In ent. ronm envi the g ervin pres in place took ress cong nal KOPHI’s second natio 18 from es tativ esen repr with rta, in Jaka hold provincial KOPHI branches invited to try’s coun the ss discu to gue dialo an open three environmental issues. Over the past raising years, the coalition has focused on uraging environmental awareness and enco has also HI KOP lic. pub the in green behavior ia, posting ventured online through social med ental daily updates on the latest environm events. dly frien econt rece and les artic s, new . ter@ Twit and book Face Check them out at ophi.org m/k k.co boo .face www k: boo Face Twitter: @KOPHI_

51

Cheap Eats &

Tons of Fun T

he winter of 2012 was one of the most memorable experiences of my entire life. After months of saving, I finally had enough money to take a holiday involving visiting three States in just 10 days. Since I’m a budget-conscious person, I always do some proper planning before going on vacation.

It all started during the holiday season in Seattle. Since returning to Jakarta wasn’t an option (my scholarship program would not allow it), I decided to just say goodbye to chilly Seattle and take a trip to warmer California, Arizona and Oregon (in that particular order).

Curious to know what I did during my adventure? Then keep reading!

52

DOWN-HOME INDONESIAN DISHES IN LOS ANGELES? TASTY ICE CREAM IN ARIZONA? SPICY CHICKEN WINGS IN PORTLAND? SEATTLE-BASED INDONESIAN STUDENT DEISHA TAMAR DISHES ON HER DELICIOUS TRIP ACROSS THE USA.

feature

TRAVEL

Laguna beach

Griffith, Los Angeles

atre at Grauman's Chinese The d var ule Bo d oo Hollyw

s: Destination Portland x, ni oe , Ph Los Angeles n io : Transportat ne & s Bu airpla Greyhound : st co l ta To US$350

Los Angeles, California For shutterbugs, Hollywood Boulevard is the perfect place to be.

Lie down on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (seriously, people actually do

this), lean against the ornate walls of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and pose next to Brad Pitt in Madame Tussauds. While I personally found it all a bit overrated, my advice is to get there early, take your pictures and move on as soon as you can.

My favorite spot in the area is Laguna Beach in Orange County.

Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it is packed with cute little shops, restaurants and art galleries.

As I was on a budged, I decided to just walk around and window shop so that I could make the most of a tasty seafood dinner at The Boiling Crab. Waiting for a free table took a while, but the whole experience was well worth the time and money. Don’t expect anything

fancy because this place doesn’t even provide plates or cutlery. I didn’t mind eating food right off the table because it was so finger-licking good!

Be sure to save some space in your tummy because you can find Indonesian dishes here, too! Over at Simpan Asia Indonesian Café on National Boulevard, do your own taste test on the nasi uduk and chicken satay to see if it really tastes like home. For more info, check out this website: http://www. simpangasia.com/ Even though most of us can’t afford branded luxury goods, you can still take a stroll along famous Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills. If you’re lucky, you might even bump 53

feature

TRAVEL into a celebrity or two. They say the Kardashian sisters are always hanging around here, and you’ll know they’re coming once the paparazzi show up.

If celebrity sightseeing isn’t your thing, then check out the Cupcake ATM at Sprinkles Cupcakes. Instead of cash, this amazing machine actually serves up cupcakes. I recommend sinking your teeth into the red velvet variety.

Old Town Scottsdale, Arizona This place is every inch the Wild Wild West that I had in mind (the only thing missing were cowboys).

A quaint small town, you’ll find plenty of shops selling crafts, souvenirs and artworks here.

The real highlight of my journey was a visit to Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor. Established in 1958, you won’t find anywhere else serving ice cream this rich, creamy and delish.

And the charming retro décor really makes it a nice spot to kick back and relax.

If you have time, head over to the neighboring town of Sedona, home of the iconic Red Rocks. These red sandstone formations look

downtown Sedona with the view of the red rock

chapel of the holy cross absolutely gorgeous at sunset with a yellowish shadow against the rock.

Located high above at about 250 feet is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, offering amazing views of Sedona and the Arizona desert.

Portland, Oregon There’s only one thing to do when you’re in Portland: EAT. My first stop was at the famous Voodoo Doughnut. The pink walls and furnishings might seem tacky but it’s still fun to experience.

As for the house specialty, it would have to be the Voodoo Doll Doughnut. It looks just like a real voodoo doll that you keep at home (hmm), except that it’s stuffed with nuts and covered with chocolate.

For an authentic American junk food experience, check out Fire On The Mountain and sink your teeth into their famous chicken wings.

Depending on how hungry you are,

you can order a basket of eight, 12 or even 250 wings served in sauces ranging from mild, medium, hot, extra hot to El Jefe (super spicy!).

If you’re up for a test of your “fire power”, take the El Jefe Challenge which dares you to finish off 15 super spicy wings in under five minutes!

Restaurants aren’t the only place where you can grab a bite.

The city is packed with food trucks selling affordable and tasty meals.

Check out www.foodcartsportland. com for the complete list of locations and varieties. That’s what I call meals on wheels.

Red Rock, Sedona

Old Town Portland ugnuts

o Voodoo D

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groo ming

Famous Five Go easy on the make-up to look good in school.

Take these tips from Natasha Ishak.

Nail that A It’s hard to pick out that perfect shade of nail polish, but Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura Nail Polish comes pretty close. Inspired by the German designer’s own signature style, you can choose from colors such as Shu Shu Red, Royal Beige and Karl Black.

And the nail stickers that are included are just too cute for words!

Perk Up Since there’s no time to shower between school and hanging out with your friends, Evian Mineral Water Spray is here to save your skin. A quick spray makes you feel instantly refreshed, with the pure mineral water helping soothe the upper layers of the skin in an instant.

And the 1.7-ounce can is easily slipped into your school bag.

Early Blush It’s easy for skin to look dull due to the onslaught of exams, homework and extracurricular activities. At the rescue is a quick swipe of Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush.

Its air-soft formula is perfect for adding a little color to your cheeks, while the lightweight texture of the mousse will prevent pores from clogging – greate news for any skin type.

Pretty Lips Misty Feeling Keep body odor in check with The Body Shop Body Mist. Available in nine different scents, Moringa, Mango and Vanilla are the top picks.

Just spray a little on your wrists and neck to perk up during the day.

Wearing in-your-face lipstick to school just isn’t a smart move. We recommend using Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm.

Besides moisturizing your lips, the subtle shade is just the thing you need for adding a pop of color to your pout.

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One to Watch

OLIVIA JENSEN, STAR OF THE HUGELY SUCCESSFUL TV SERIES PUTIH ABU – ABU 2 (WHITE AND GRAY 2), CHATS WITH SPEAK! ABOUT HER LIFE GROWING UP AS A “THIRD CULTURE” KID.

W

e may wonder what it is like to “go it alone” by living on our own.

Sounds a bit scary but also exciting.

Just ask Olivia Lubis Jensen, one of the soap world’s most successful stars, who claims the experience has been a good one.

Born in Copenhagen to a Danish father and Indonesian mother, the 19-year-old has lived on her own since junior high school when she enrolled at Bandung International School.

“People say I’m very mature for my age because of the way I speak and think. I guess it has something to do with the fact that I’ve been living on my own since I was 13. And perhaps being in the public eye has also helped me mature beyond my years,” she says.

56

POP

Personality exciting) had she chosen to remain in Bandung. But with her mother’s blessing, Olivia went to Jakarta to give the entertainment industry a shot.

Although she has lived away from her family for a long time, Olivia insists that she’s still very close to them. This independent teenager, who has a twin sister and a brother, credits her mom for her success.

“My mother’s support was what gave me the courage to go for the audition and give it my best shot.

Little did I know I would be signing up for my first major movie role.”

BRAVE MOVE Olivia says her entry into the entertainment industry happened by chance at the age of 15.

“I was shopping with friends at a mall in Bandung when a talent agent approached me and asked if I would like to audition for a movie role.”

Of course, even at a young age her Eurasian features made her stand out from the crowd. But she says she never relies on her looks to get what she wants. In fact, it has made her cautious about people’s intentions.

“The fact that I got an offer out of the blue seemed sketchy, and I couldn’t tell if it was the real deal.

Plus, I didn’t even have any acting experience, so how could they even consider me to audition for a movie?” she says matter-of-factly.

Olivia admits that life would have been good (though perhaps not as

BIGGER AND BETTER In 2009, Olivia arrived in Jakarta and enrolled at the Australian International School. She also signed on with WannaB Pictures, whose talent agent first spotted her in Bandung. Her debut performance as a rebellious teenager who reconnects with her long-lost father in 2009’s Bukan Cinta Biasa (No Ordinary Love) received good reviews.

Later that year, she landed another role in Kembang Perawan (Virgin).

She also modeled, hosted and acted in a few TV soaps, including popular series Hafizah. Many said she was refreshingly different as she was one of a few young starlets who could actually act.

Despite achieving success at such a young age, Olivia has managed to maintain a squeaky clean reputation – not easy considering the other notoriously young, wild and loaded celebrities around, and the infotainment industry that keeps tabs on them.

“I’m used to analyzing matters using different points of views. My dad’s a Westerner and is more open to new things, while my Indonesian mother is more cautious in her approach to everything,” she says, adding that her background may have helped her to become a more sensible and level-headed person in the seemingly glamorous world of celebrities.

INDEPENDENT GIRL Olivia is living proof that being away

from our parents does not have to end up with us going wild and acting irresponsibly. It was still a process of adjustment, she admits.

“It was tough living away from them. I would get jealous of friends whose folks were able to attend school functions and spend time with them every day. But I have come to realize that the trust my parents gave me has helped make my transition into adulthood a lot easier,” says the brunette beauty, who currently lives with her siblings.

After graduating high school in 2011, Olivia decided to take a gap year before continuing her studies.

Now she is busy shooting Putih AbuAbu 2 and also attending personal development courses.

“Again, I’m so lucky that my parents are open-minded. They allow me to take a gap year, which I personally think is very useful for young people, as we get to reflect and learn more about ourselves before deciding what we truly want to pursue in life,” Olivia reasons.

And just like everyone else, Olivia admits she simply can’t live without the Internet. She even has a website, www.olivia-jensen.com, where you can find daily updates about her random adventures, filming experiences, beauty tips and travel notes.

For one, check out the collection of photos she took during the filming of Putih Abu-Abu 2 in South Korea.

“This website was just another project to harness my creativity, while at the same time it lets me share stuff with my fans. I hope they enjoy it!” Olivia enthuses. +Natasha Ishak 57

Kpop

Super Junior

G N I O G D N I DO BLE U O D U O DDOUBBLLEE E M I T E TIM NG OUPS ARE ALSO SINGI MEMBERS OF MAJOR GRREERS ON THE SIDE. SUCCESS WITH SOLO CA

R

e emember when the band always cam ly simp d idere cons first, with its members bers mem that ning Mea p? grou the part of had to leave the group to have solo

G-Dragon

58

careers. al approach.

But K-Pop is changing the tradition can have ands girlb and Members of boybands ities in activ lar regu their from t apar ers, solo care the band of units subof the group, or become part s. taste ific spec to that cater er-cumThe launching of South Korean sing album solo g’s joon JaeKim r duce actor-cum-pro s his show It d. tren MINE in January highlights the rocka to er sing p K-Po pure a transformation from themed musician. more R&B “The songs that I wrote before were musicians rock from help ted wan I so p, K-Po and those who this time. I wanted a lot of help from of rock bands. bers mem also were and s wrote song get to and rock t I wanted to learn more abou s.

Enew to d aine expl he ” e, mor it understand All Alone “I composed Healing for Myself and s from myself, but for the others I used track of Parties rock [composer] Jeon Hae-sung and [Art band vocalist] Kim Ba-da.”

Jae Joong

Last May, JYJ’s Kim Junsu launched his album Tarantalegra. Both efforts have been well received by fans.

Another example is Kwon Jiyoung, known by his stage name G-Dragon, of Big Bang.

G-Dragon launched his solo album “Heartbreaker” back in 2009, a collaboration with US rapper/ songwriter Flo Rida, and “One of a Kind” last September. He also launched a duet album “GD & TOP” with fellow bandmate Choi Seunghyun, more famous as T.O.P, in December 2010. The duo was featured in British singer Pixie Lott’s song Dancing On My Own last March.

“When I was producing the first solo album, I just wanted to convey

some messages through it.

The message was ‘no blood will come out even I was pinned’. However, after trying out different kinds of music activities, I started to change and wanted to convey my real emotion that I have in my everyday life,” G-Dragon said in an interview with K magazine.

Another K-Pop phenomenon is that entertainment agencies prefer to split a huge boyband/girlband into smaller units.

Take Super Junior, for example. The original 13-member group has been split into three-member KRY, which focuses more on ballads; SJ-T for singing trot (the oldest form of Korean pop music); SJ-M for the Chinese market with Mandarin songe.

The latest plan is to launch Super Junior-J to penetrate the Japanese market, still the most lucrative for K-Pop. But what happens if the solo artist gets bigger than the band?

Take ‘N Sync, the US boyband in the 1990s. Justin Timberlake, one of the five members, rose to stardom on his own when boybands’ popularity was in decline. ‘N Sync eventually folded.

It’s a different story for K-Pop. Most artists who go solo or are put

Park Yoo-Chun

in sub-units remain with their main group. Some also choose to branch out into other fields, such as acting or emceeing.

JYJ’s Park Yoo-chun is an example. Although the other two JYJ members released solo albums, Yoochun focuses more on acting, and garnered awards for his thespian skills. Super Junior’s Choi Si-won is also an actor; his latest TV series is King of Dramas.

What makes the artists remain loyal to their group? Most of them argue the group propelled them to stardom, and there is no question of them leaving.

And there is another consideration: money. With subunits, entertainment agencies also gain higher profits because more fans can be lured to buy the solo or sub-unit albums. As for the so-called idol-actors, nearly all TV dramas include them in the bid to gain higher ratings. + Primastuti Handayani 59

Deadly Game As young stars join the anti-drug campaign among young people, another entertainer falls victim to narcotics.

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gnes Monica won’t be happy. An anti-drugs ambassador, the singer has long advocated a drug-free lifestyle for teens. She has on more than one occasion stated that, contrary to popular belief, fame and fortune doesn’t always equal drug abuse.

But in the case of Raffi Ahmad, success proved too much to handle.

As you probably know, Raffi was arrested after narcotics officers raided his home in Lebak Bulus in South Jakarta in the early hours of January 27.

The national narcotics agency reportedly found two marijuana joints and a bag containing 14 pills

current

Affairs

DID YOU KNOW? n 3.8 millions Indonesians are drugs users as of 2011, according to

the National Narcotics Agency. n More than 80 percent of Indonesians drugs users are teenagers

and young people. n According to Seventeen magazine, more than 2.1 million

American teens abuse prescription drugs such as painkillers,

sedatives and stimulants. n Vicodin and Oxycontin, both pain relievers, are the most

commonly abused prescription drugs among teens. n 60 percent of American teens who have abused prescribed

painkillers first tried them before they turned 15.

IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING USING DRUGS… Then it can help to think about why you’d do it. Some teens use drugs to feel like a grown up or to rebel against their parents, while others hope it will help them cope with family and school issues.

It is also not uncommon that young people use drugs recreationally. But the truth is that there are much better – and safer and legal – ways to do all these things.

Here are some ideas:

Photos: www.kapanlagi.com

that tested positive for methylone.

The latter is a new synthetic drug with effects similar to ecstasy.

After several days in detention, Raffi, 25, allegedly admitted to owning the drugs. He could face a maximum sentence of 12 years in prison if convicted on narcotics charges.

Of course, he is not the only highprofile young celebrity involved in drugs scandals. From Lindsay Lohan to Jennifer Dunn, young stars succumbing to drug abuse isn’t anything new. But if you think that drug abuse only happens to those in the glamorous world of entertainment, think again.

Nope, it isn’t always about ecstasy, cocaine or even marijuana. Over-thecounter drugs are abused by a lot of people. The most common ones are sleeping pills and painkillers.

Understand that these common drugs also have fatal consequences for those who abuse them.

A ludicrous cocktail of sleeping pills, mostly propofol and lorazepam, is believed to be the primary reason for Michael Jackson’s death. It is widely believed that Whitney Houston had been abusing sleeping pills and Xanax (used to treat anxiety and panic disorder), a deadly habit that eventually took her life after years of drug abuse.

Nobody needs to tell us to say no to drugs. After all, we know the risks that lie in store. +Willy Wilson

Need a challenge?

Try rock climbing, hiking, marathon or some other physical activities.

Need new friends?

Join a community. Maybe even start your own community.

Want to relax?

Watch a movie, read a book, play with a pet or take a daytrip with your friends to a nearby town.

Stressed and depressed?

Go out and exercise, talk to your friends or teachers that you trust.

Remember, drugs aren’t the solution for your problems.

Jennifer Dunn 61

y n n u F Gir ls

Photos: The CW, HBO, AP, WB, whewgirls.com

Anna Sophia Robb

AT JUST 19, Anna Sophia is already well on her way to becoming the next Hollywood “It Girl”. Her acting and comedic talent scored her big roles in movies such as Because of Winn-Dixie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bridge to Terabithia, Race to Witch Mountain and Soul Surfer.

Her next project involves starring in HBO’s new series The Carrie Diaries, the prequel to the cult classic Sex and the City.

Anna Sophia plays the teenage Carrie Bradshaw, the central character of both shows. Carrie’s clumsy, comical and witty personality (made famous by Sarah Jessica Parker) was what helped made the show such a big hit.

As you can imagine, Anna Sophia has some pretty big heels to fill especially since she’s playing such an iconic character. The series officially premiered on Jan. 14 this year, to generally positive reviews.

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Sorry, all you Zoe Saldana and Jennifer Lawrence fans.

According to Adelle Purwadipura, these five funny girls are the real Hollywood “It Girls” of the moment.

Lena Dunham

LENA IS DEFINITELY not your typical sizezero starlet. This 26-year-old is best known for her deep-belly laugh, which matches well with her voluptuous figure. Her claim to fame was on the original HBO series GIRLS, which tells the story of four fresh graduates trying to make it in New York City.

This talented actress is also a writer and producer of the successful show (which has earned her two Golden Globe Awards). So despite her very un-Hollywood-like appearance, it seems that Tinseltown has finally accepted her with open arms. We figure it has to do with the fact that she seems so comfortable in her own skin.

CELEB

buzz

Kat Dennings

KAT IS BEST known for her role in 2 Broke Girls, in which she plays Max Black, a sarcastic and tough working girl who happens to know how to bake cupcakes. Currently in its second season, 2 Broke Girls just keeps getting better with every episode. The pilot episode gained 19.2 million viewers, and was apparently the largest debut viewing on television since 2001.

Just one look at this 26-year-old’s gorgeous hair and bombshell body, and you know she’s destined to be a Hollywood babe. After graduating from high school at the tender age of 14, Kat headed to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. She has been quoted as saying there’s nothing else she would rather do “unless there was a profession that involved cuddling bunny rabbits and kittens all day for money”.

Rebel Wilson

WITH A NAME LIKE THAT, you just know she belongs on this list. Rebel’s career started out in her hometown Sydney, where she played Toula in the comedy series titled Pizza. Her debut in America was in the award-winning 2011 romcom Bridesmaids. This was followed up with roles in What to Expect When You’re Expecting, Struck by Lightening and A Few Best Men. Her comedic talents eventually earned her a spot in Variety magazine’s 10 Comics to Watch in 2011.

The 26-year-old’s most recent film, Pitch Perfect, is a box office hit. The story revolves around an all girl college a cappella group known as The Barden Bellas, who thrive on female pop songs instead of just their perfect looks. Despite their differences, this rag-tag team manages to pull of amazing mashups of song covers. So if you love laughing and listening to good music, then this movie is perfect for you!

Kaley Cuoco

IF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED The Big Bang Theory, then you need to do so soon because you are seriously missing out! In the series, Kaley plays waitress/aspiring-actor Penny who is friends with four geeky, socially awkward guys which include a physicist and aerospace engineer. But Penny’s social skills and commonsensical questions often leave the guys wondering if they are indeed the smart ones.

The 27-year-old first began modeling and acting at the tender age of 6. Her first notable role was as Bridget Hennessy in the popular sitcom 8 Simple Rules. She joined The Big Bang Theory in September 2007, which eventually went on to become a hit show in both America and abroad. Thanks to her role, Kaley is now considered a bona fide comedy superstar. When not acting, she enjoys playing tennis and riding horses.

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gEEky news

Helpful Hints NATASHA ISHAK PICKS FOUR USEFUL GADGETS FOR US TECH-LOVING STUDENTS.

Best of Both Worlds IS LENOVO IDEAPAD YOGA 13 a laptop or a tablet? Well, it’s a little bit of both. This 13-inch lightweight pad has a unique double-hinge design, enabling it to bend and transform from your typical laptop to a hand-held tablet. Soak up the crystal clear images produced by the touch-screen interface and latest Windows 8 operating system within. This high-tech toy will certainly come in handy to edit your school paper, solve your math homework and sort out your daily activities.

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NWZ-270 Walkman Sports MP3 player Did you know there’s a waterproof MP3 player? Meet NWZ270 Walkman, a compact and durable MP3 player with a minimalist design. Charge this device for only three minutes and you get 60 minutes worth of playback time. Pretty awesome!

Powerbag Backpack Sick of dead batteries? The Powerbag™ Backpack is equipped with a battery system powerful enough to charge the average smartphone twice. Yes, twice. With a removable and rechargeable 3000mAh built-in battery, the port is compatible to anything from smartphone and Apple devices to MicroUSB, eReaders and various tablets. The wonderful bag retails at US$139.99 or roughly Rp 1,350,000. For more info, click www.mypowerbag.com

Plan B Are you one of those people who treasures all the random photos taken with your friends over the years?

Then you may want to consider Seagate Backup Plus. With a memory capacity that holds up to 1TB, it boasts fast-processing ability and pre-installed device software. That means you won’t need to deal with inconvenient reformatting between your Mac and your PC. Although the price is pretty steep for a back-up drive (it retails at $145 or roughly Rp 1,400,000), its large storage could last you a lifetime.

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Secon dary

life

s n o i s s e f n o C

of

t n e d tu S n ia s e n o d an In t everyone nderful experience, but no wo a be n ca s ea ers ov ing glish.

Study and writing critically in En ing nk thi es uir req lly ua us tive. realizes that it s Bisma shares his perspec ulu Pa s ne ha Yo t en ipi rec ip Scholarsh

I

Bisma giving a presentation to the new juniors 66

n 2009, I was awarded the ASEAN Scholarship for Indonesia by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Singapore.

The scholarship covered accommodation, school fees and monthly allowances for up to four years. I was posted to Bukit Panjang Government High School (2009-2010) and after receiving my O-Level results, I entered Temasek Junior College (2011-2012) via the MOE’s Joint Admission Exercise.

Both schools have helped me become the person that I am today.

My first days in Singapore were spent in a series of English language bridging courses with my fellow scholarship recipients from Indonesia. This was our first major obstacle, and we performed poorly on the various diagnostic writing and comprehension test. The level of fluency and accuracy that was expected in our essays and answers was almost unachievable for students who

graduated from the Indonesian education system.

It was just the beginning. For O-levels, we had to deal with other subjects such as Science and Math (relatively easier if you studied hard enough). The other subjects – Geography, Social Studies, Malay Language and (of course) English – proved to more difficult to tackle.

Then there was the A-Level syllabus. Science and Math became harder as they required more topical understanding instead of just memorizing formulas. There was also the General Paper subject, where students were tested on their ability to argue and present their personal opinions while evaluating various current issues using perfect English. During this time, I felt as though I was constantly fighting an uphill battle.

English is Important The combination of poor English fluency and general lack of interest

right) together with Bisma (second from the

in world affairs made it difficult to pass the General Paper. The same can be said about Economics, as it required lots of reading and presenting your answers with a great deal of accuracy.

Throughout my time studying in Singapore, I realized that my writing ability was what often set me back.

This was especially true when it came to writing cohesive essays using logical construction.

And I doubt I was the only one, as most Indonesian students studying overseas would probably know what I’m talking about. Graduating from high school doesn’t necessarily prepare you to think critically, which meant that my fellow Indonesians students and I had to work extra hard just to keep up with the local students.

Learning from Magazines & Friends I eventually realized that complaining wasn’t doing me any

favors, and that I needed to find ways to improve myself. I started by reading articles from various sources such as the National Geographic and The Economist. These magazines helped in broadening my knowledge and taught me to express my ideas using English. Interacting with my English-speaking friends also helped.

And staying positive (even when you fail a few papers) is necessary if you plan on completing any scholarship program.

Looking back, I am glad for going through all that. Finishing my studies would not have been possible if not for the support of those around me and my own determination to succeed. I was fortunate to have such an amazing group of teachers who would not hesitate on tutoring students like me. Their insights were always critical and inspirational.

I was also very lucky to have made many friends, both Indonesians and

lege

s from Temasek Junior Col

his fellow House Captain

individuals from other countries, during the program. Without the company of my classmates and friends, being away from home would have been that much harder.

While many from the international community tend to label Singaporean students as overly competitive, my experience proved otherwise. Their unrelenting diligence and strong determination to excel academically encouraged me to improve on my own shortcomings. As the saying goes, the hottest fire makes the hardest steel.

What I have gained in these past four years studying in Singapore are skills and abilities that will no doubt define my future and distinguish me from others. The experience has taught me to be more independent and hardworking. If you’re planning on studying overseas, I hope my story will help prepare you for what is to come.

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A RAW DEAL l Stea

I love Japanese food, but sashimi is my all-time favorite, which is why I am doing this review. As a sashimieating old hand, here’s a important piece of advice for first-times: beware the wasabi! The green horseradish past served at sushi restaurants is mighty hot and strong. Take it easy with a tiny bit in your soy sauce first, and add more if it’s still not potent enough for you.

Sushi Miya8i Ingredients: Salmon, white radish, carrot, perilla leaf, lemons Location: Sushi Miya8i Kemanggisan, near Binus University Price: Rp 35, 000,-

Loca t Hygi ion: HH ene: HH Deco H r: HH H H H H Hosp HH Tast itality: H e: H HH HHHH H

From its location, it’s easy to see why most of its customers are students.

The decoration is simple Japanesemodern style featuring red as the main color.

My salmon sashimi came with typical garnish —grated white radish and carrot, perilla leaf and slices of lemon—along with two servings of wasabi and pickled ginger.

The soy sauce and ground red pepper were already served on the table. As usual, I dipped my salmon into the mixture of soy sauce and wasabi, and it tasted fine.

Given the restaurant’s warm and homey setting and affordable price, plus its closeto-campus location, it’s a favorite hangout of young people. Next time, I’ll be eating on the second floor to experience the outdoor sensation!

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FOOD

inspector

ge

r Splu

Sushi Groove Ingredients: Salmon, tuna, octopus, white radish, perilla leaf.

Location: Sushi Groove Pondok Indah Mall 2 Price: Rp 120,000,-

My friend recommended Sushi Groove for the best tasting sashimi in town. So, I gave it a go and ordered a plateful of sashimi party.

And I have to agree with her. The sashimi tasted really good, chewy and totally fresh. There were three different choices on the plate: salmon, tuna and octopus. If you ask me which one tasted the best, I would be torn between name salmon or tuna. Let’s just settle for both then.

It’s clean and neat but Locat io Hygie n: H H H H the decor is a bit dark ne: H HHH H Deco for my tastes. However, I r: Hosp H H H H ita definitely will come back Taste lity: H H H : HHH H to have another bite of the HH heavenly tasting sashimi.

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Everyone’s a winner at Youth Speak Fun Day 2013!

A

fter Denpasar, Balikpapan and Pekanbaru, it was Jakarta’s turn to play host in the final leg of the Youth Speak Fun Day program held on February 9, 2013. And when it comes to making the most of one’s English skills and artistic knowhow, everyone’s a winner!

The Youth Speak Fun Day in Jakarta took place in Senayan’s indoor tennis stadium and saw some 4,000 students and teachers from hundreds of schools in Greater Jakarta participating in an array of contests and performances.

Some contests, like Spelling Bee and News Reading, began weeks before the final leg took place at the Youth Speak Fun Day. “The competition was so tough.

After going through all the rounds, I am so glad I won!” exclaimed Girindra ChaskaNimpuno, winner of the News Reading competition. He is a student at state senior high school SMAN 8 in South Jakarta.

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Meanwhile, Nathaniel Nainggolan from SMKN 30 in South Jakarta won the Spelling Bee contest by beating some 180 other competitors. “It has been great,” he said.

Other winners include Sita Zahra Matarani from SMALabschool in Kemayoran, who wrote a winning piece for the Essay Writing competition. Nadia from SMA Budi Mulia penned the best love letter at the imaginative Cupid’s Pen contest, and fashion enthusiasts Rara Tamara, Alfina and LindaYustiningsih from SMKN 33 Jakarta snagged a prize from turning old newspaper into a winning fashion-worthy outfit at the

Supported by

Text for Textile competition.

Not only did the students take part in these exciting contests, many also took the stage for cheerleading, marching bands, traditional dance, skits and even stand-up comedy performances.

Their participation clearly marks the success of the Youth Speak Fun Day, which is part of the Partnership for Education campaign initiated

by The Jakarta Post Foundation, Chevron Indonesia Company and the Education and Culture Ministry.

“I am extremely proud to see so many happy faces on our students and teachers during the

competitions and at the Fun Day,” said Yulia Herawati, executive director of the Jakarta Post Foundation.

Even the Youth and Sports Minister Roy Suryo, who was present and gave an opening speech at the event, acknowledged that Indonesia had an abundance of talents, as can be seen through their achievements at the Youth Speak Fun Day. We would like to thank all who have participated in the Youth Speak Fun Day, and we’ll definitely see you again next time! n

71 Embassy of the United States

UPdates

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

What: NIE YouthSpeak! Fun Day in Jakarta Speak! participated in the final leg of the Newspaper In Education (NIE) YouthSpeak! Fun Day’s cross-country competition in Jakarta. More than 4,000 students gathered to watch entertaining performances from their peers, and also took part in various contests held on site. At the Speak! booth, kids were treated to a free photo op (complete with silly costumes!) and Speak! goodie bags.

When: Feb. 9, 2013 Where: Senayan Indoor Tennis Stadium, Jakarta

What: ‘3SUM’ Movie Premiere and Press Conference Moviegoers gathered to be among the first to watch the premiere of 3SUM. This latest omnibus movie features a stellar cast, including Winky Wiryawan, Aline Adita and Hannah Al Rashid. As its title suggests, 3SUM is made up of three different storylines that intertwine as the film unfolds. It is unique as the first Indonesian omnibus movie to connect three different genres – thriller, drama and action – in one.

When: Jan. 28, 2013 Where: Epicentrum XXI, Epicentrum Walk, Kuningan

What: @america HIV/AIDS talkshow with Miss Universe Empowering youth was the hot topic during the @ america HIV/AIDS talk show. Reigning Miss Universe Olivia Culpo spoke about raising awareness and helping HIV/AIDS prevention across the globe. Other speakers included Ikatan Perempuan Positif representative Oldri Mukuan, UNFPA youth advocate Angga Martha and newly crowned Puteri Indonesia Whulandary Herman.

When: Feb. 2, 2013 Where: @america, 3rd floor of Pacific Place, Jakarta Selatan “Raising awareness toward HIV/AIDS in our society is very important, especially to erase the stigma that has been placed upon HIV/AIDS victims. People need to understand that these victims are human beings just like everyone else and they should not be treated as social outcasts.�

Miss Universe 2013, Olivia Culpo, 20

University

life

The Right Medicine

Christy Hong tells Alberta Lowe about her dream of going into medicine and her adjustment to university life.

Name: Christy Hong Age: 19 University: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)

Why did you decide to go to HKUST? I always wanted to reside in a city that’s globally connected and vibrant for my college studies, but distancewise I wanted it to be relatively near my hometown. Hong Kong ticks all the boxes. HKUST itself is a rapidly growing top university that offers both a world-class education and scenic campus. The decision for me to accept its admission offer was a nobrainer. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to study in a university that has a sea-view!

Tell us what is so special about your major?

I’m currently studying Molecular Biomedical Science, a program that focuses on medical research. For example, I’m currently working in a lab with a research focus on cancer.

It has always been a dream of mine to contribute to the medical world, 74

like finding treatments for diseases and abnormalities. By joining this program I feel that I’m one step closer to pursuing my dream.

To what extent did high school help you to prepare for university?

My high school put a lot of emphasis on research which influenced my growing interest in the area. And because most of the science courses were taught in English, high school kind of prepared me to better follow the courses in university.

Nevertheless, university is quite different from high school. I had to make a lot of adjustments in order to keep up with the pace in university.

Have you had any trouble adjusting to university life in HK? I haven’t had too much trouble; the only change that I had to adapt to is the amount of time I need to put into studying. I used to study one day before an examination in high school, but in university it’s a totally different story. There are so many things to study that [cramming] a day before the exam is simply not enough!

Did you find a way to tackle those problems?

I have developed a routine of always reviewing [subjects] after the lecture. I also start reviewing for an exam weeks ahead, so that I will have enough time to go through all the materials.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years’ time?

I hope to see myself working in an international medical institution like the World Health Organization. I would like to travel to different parts of the world and make meaningful contributions to overcoming health problems.

What’s your advice for prospective students interested in Hong Kong?

Living in Hong Kong is exciting yet challenging. Most things are very fastpaced and can be quite competitive.

The first time I arrived there, it was pretty shocking for me how different things are compared in my hometown. My advice is don’t stress out too much about these changes because before you know it, you’ll get used to the lifestyle. And, oddly, you may find it exciting – at least I do!

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