RØMP your definitive edutainment source
MAR/APR 2013 issue #8
+
y!
p This Co l a e t S FREE) (IT’S
Men’s Bags to Bag Cheapskate Awards 2013 The Confessions of
Henry golding
Content CHOICES
10
Bagging Social Change
SLOUCH
13 18 20 22 24
Cover Story: Say Hello to The Bad Guy Wilde Gone W!ld Who is: Shaun Jensen Little White (Cheapskate) Crimes Frenetic Flair
Audiophile
28 29 32
Crazy for Kimbra No Bars to Music Music Reviews
Gadget
34
Gadget Reviews
STYLE JOURNAL
36 37 42
Tangoing with Spring A Man’s Bag Friend
Spotlight
GROOMING
28 29
Homme: More than just Vanity Femme: Spring Sensations
Content
Savour
48 50 51
Savour 2013
Recipe: Trick & Trick A Wealth of Cheap Eats
Perspective
54
It’s an Analog Moment
Work it
56
Fat to Fab: The 5 Myths of Building a Better Physique
GLObe trotter
58 60
Of Elephant Gardens and $16 Lattes Namaste!
SELF
62 64 66
Advice Column MDIS Special: The Science of Success Kaplan Special: Of Numbers, Quality and Success
COMMENTARY
68 69
The Good, The Bad, & The Ugly What You(th) Say: It’s Dirty Laundry Time!
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“Here’s to the crazy ones. The misfits. The rebels. The troublemakers. The round pegs in the square holes. The ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. And they have no respect for the status quo.
While some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius. Because the people who are crazy enough to think they can change the world, are the ones who do.” - Apple Inc. (1997)
/ ROMP editor michelle zhu [michelle@rompmagazine.com]
W
staff writer mcken wong [mcken@rompmagazine.com]
e’re all guilty of transgressions from time to time: jaywalking in the absence of vehicles on the road, allowing that Kleenex to ‘slip’ from your fingers, or simply bestowing a wedgie/wet willie upon an unsuspecting mate. While it is only human to err and indulge in raffish humour every now and then, what a fine line it is between malice and mischief! This issue is a tribute to the latter: the moonwalking ‘smooth criminal’ in all of us, because being a little wicked and wild at heart never hurt anyone. Sauce up this spring by exploring the naughty side of niceguy Henry Golding in our cover story on page 13; if you’re looking for a heavier dose of felony, deception and fraud in The Importance of Being Earnest should do it for you (pg 18). And because we all love the pleasure of being a cheapskate (pg 22) every now and then (just don’t do it too often, else it becomes annoying and despicable), we also show you how to get a bang for your buck at some of the most walletfriendly meals (pg 51) in our city. Although we head down the bad@$$ side of town, we are not to forget the goodness of nostalgia (pg 54), challenge the myths of fitness (pg 56), and discover the beauty of some upscale (pg 58) and rustic (pg 60) corners of the globe. It’s the very last edition that Celine and yours truly will be presenting to you – and boy, we had a blast. We’d like to thank each and every reader who has bothered to bag (pg 37) this magazine home, and the rest of the amazing Editorial team who have helped to make RØMP happen. Keep up the high jinks; just remember to keep your halo on!
senior contributors joey murray | rachel ooi contributors andre frois | aloysius chow | cider lin | meryl liew ryan choy | jocelyn tan graphic designer celine lee [celine@rompmagazine.com] sales director calvin lai [calvin@rompmagazine.com] advertising sales executive magdalene chi [magdalene@rompmagazine.com] marketing lynda lim [lynda@rompmagazine.com] finance & administration jacqueline tan distributed by MediaWheel Singapore send your editorial ideas to: editorial@rompmagazine.com RØMP magazine is a free bi-monthly publication published by Cross Roads Pte Ltd. Copyright is held by the publisher. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited. Printed by Toppan Security Printing Pte Ltd
Signing off,
MICA (P) 062/11/2012
Michelle & The Team
On The Cover PHOTOGRAPHY Frank Foo | STYLING Andre Frois MODEL Henry Golding from FLY Entertainment APPAREL Swagger, 15 Ann Siang Road LOCATION Balzac Bar & Brasserie, 9 Bras Basah Road NOSY ONLOOKERS Celine, Michelle & Zareena
Chøices
Founded in 2011 and backed by the Singapore International Foundation (SIF), BagoSphere is a vocational training company that takes in underprivileged youths from Bago City, Philippines, and enrols them into call centre training programmes.
Bagging
Social Change
One of the four winners of the 2012 Young Social Entrepreneurs (YSE) ‘Pitching for Change’ forum, BagoSphere’s first official batch of 10 students were selected and trained in January this year. The three-man team of Zhihan Lee, Ellwyn Tan and Ivan Lau tell Mcken Wong about their journey thus far.
How did BagoSphere come into fruition, and why Bago City in the Philippines? Zhihan: We had the opportunity to experience rural poverty first-hand. Ellwyn and Ivan have led volunteer projects in the Philippines, while I led projects in Laos. After an amazing experience in rural India with a social enterprise that trained uneducated Indian youths and employed them for Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) work, I was inspired to finally get my hands dirty. It was at this point in 2010 that I met Ivan and Ellwyn, who had strong ties with the city government of Bago City, a small city in central Philippines. We did a market study and started working together to solve rural poverty, and have never stopped since.
How did you conclude that this was the right path to take? Zhihan: After approaching the NUS Overseas Colleges to start a social enterprise mentoring program, they responded with a counter proposal – to go to India and work in a social enterprise. I tried it and realised that I can try to make a living out of this.
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Ellwyn: It wasn’t about being convinced that the path I’m taking now is the ‘right’ or ‘perfect’ path. It’s about being given the opportunity to create this path for myself and walk my talk. Ivan: What I’m doing right now is meaningful and it gives me a valuable learning experience. It helps me take concrete steps towards what I eventually want in life, which is to be a successful social entrepreneur.
Were there any objections from the parents? Zhihan: I had my parents understand what BagoSphere is all about, through videos and slides depicting social entrepreneurship. Constant communication is also key to maintaining a good relationship, as my mum shared with me how parents just want to be cared for by their children. Ellwyn: I think all our parents would prefer that we stay in Singapore. They were sceptical when I told them about BagoSphere two years ago. Nonetheless, they told me to see the world and try it out. It was very encouraging.
Each
of you possess qualifications in different fields. How has that helped in your management of BagoSphere?
Zhihan: This has contributed to a diversity of views, and we count on this to actively discuss and debate in order to make better decisions. Ivan: Besides our degrees, I think our greatest assets are our values and lack of knowledge in management – which makes us strive to work even harder. When it comes to management, I feel that learning and experimentation, as
well as having people-centric values are key.
Do
you have any suggestions or solutions to raise the awareness of social enterprise?
Zhihan: Start young and build a strong foundation, for example, by encouraging students to go for overseas or local social enterprise internships for a period of at least six months. Ivan: I feel that the most direct way is to educate our youths. ‘Social enterprise’ is just a buzzword; what is more important for me is the awareness of the importance of social work in our society – awareness of social enterprise will follow naturally.
What were the initial difficulties the team faced? All: One of the biggest challenges is food. Singaporean hawker food will always be missed! Other than that, the more interesting ones would be the legal challenges and cultural differences. Incorporating BagoSphere wasn’t easy, and executing a beneficial business model for all is always tough. We cannot assume that rural youths who get employed will be out of poverty, which is why financial literacy is emphasised besides English and IT skills.
Are
there any future projects that the team is planning for?
All: BagoSphere secured seed funding in September and is now in a startup phase, where we will ready the curriculum, hire staff and build a larger training centre. By 2014, we aim to validate the business model and in 2015, we are looking to expand into other Filipino cities and provinces.
Here’s what Elim Chew, founder of 77th Street and SIF Governor, thinks about BagoSphere: There does seem to be an increase in youths engaging in social enterprise, and that can only be a good thing for our community. For example, one of YSE’s alumni, Soule, donates a pair of school shoes to a child in China for every pair of flip flops sold. To date, over 300 Chinese children have benefited from this venture. Singaporeans have a spirit of kindness and generosity, and it’s wonderful that young people are channelling that spirit into enterprise. As one of the judges of the Young Social Entrepreneurs (YSE) 2012 “Pitching for Change” forum, I was impressed by BagoSphere’s idea because they identified a problem and provided a clear and workable solution. Because the YSE Programme is open to both Singapore-based and foreign youths, we often see social enterprise ideas that benefit or involve members of the overseas community. Given Singaporeans’ relative economic success, it’s a great thing to have in mind our own neighbours when engaging in social enterprise. Kudos to them for starting a viable business while championing such a great cause at the same time!
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Tic Tac Special
Fresh
Stars
All Around
presents
Tic Tac is proud to present Campus Superstar 2013, the fourth edition of the popular talent-search competition after a three-year hiatus. The final stage will be broadcast live on Channel U from 18th February at 8pm – with the results show coming right after at 9pm. This year, the Project Superstar spin-off will prove to be a greater challenge than previous years’, with contestants competing on not just one, but three Mandarin media
platforms: Yes93.3 FM, i-Weekly and Channel U. These platforms will ensure that the competitive nature remains fresh and strong during the various stages, as contestants are being picked on both looks and vocal quality. Students from secondary schools, junior colleges and Institutes of Technical Education will try to pit their vocal wits against each other, trying to please judges and garner support from television audiences. Already ongoing, 12 finalists have been chosen and will each battle out to be the best. The judges for this year’s contest are songwriters Jim Lim, Xiao Han and Y.E.S 93.3FM DJ Dennis Chew. The latest edition of Campus Superstar will continue to showcase emerging young local talents, and provide a platform for the eventual winner to take a step
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into the industry. Past winners such as Ng Chee Yang and Shawn Tok have both gone on to pursue their own musical paths. The former is now pursuing a Bachelor in Music from Berklee College of Music, Boston, Massachusetts, while the latter has released his debut album ‘Travel With Time’. 2009 winner Jarod Lee has also been taking time to make public appearances and performances. Bubbly personalities, Lee Teng and Pornsak, are also back to host the show, with Lee Teng being a ‘revolving host’ in the 2009 edition while Pornsak took over from Dasmond Koh who left after Season Two. Campus Superstar 2013 will prove to be more exciting than previous editions, and like Tic Tac, provide Fresh Entertainment!
Cøver Støry
Say Hello To The Bad Guy
Is Henry “Heart Of Gold” Golding as clean-cut as the media portrays him to be?
From Swagger: Rocha Suit Jacket in Khaki, $569, by the Social. The Raven T-shirt in White, $109, by Tee Library. COLAB ‘Abbadon’ Sunglasses in Grey Gradient, $360, by French, Limited Edition. Jeans, shoes and watch, model’s own.
Text and Styling by Andre Frois
Photography by Frank Foo
Page 25
E
nglish-Malaysian presenter Henry Golding shows me a video on his phone, which he shot in India and edited himself. Its blaring traditional pipes and raucous tambourines fill the quaint French café we are in. “We were shooting a programme for Channel News Asia when I happened upon this gypsy playing lots of music. I have a strange habit of talking to random people, and that’s the story behind the theme music of this video.” A self-professed internet addict, the otherwise adventurous Golding has a smile that could easily get him out of the hottest soup. “Internet and YouTube surfing should be made an official hobby!” He exclaims, “And I would be the mayor. I spend a ridiculous amount of time on the Internet, but also enjoy photography and rock climbing.” Behind the laissez-faire pastimes that Golding names, anyone can sense that this fast-rising celebrity is actually a cheeky schoolboy at heart with a knack for shenanigans.
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“George Young and I get up to a lot of stuff that I can't talk about.” RØMP/015
have recently?
you
been
up
to
I’ve been busy with two productions, one for Channel News Asia and another, whose name has not been finalised yet. The former is called Two Guys One City, which combines two great productions into one show. Basically, my co-host Paul Foster and I never meet, but see two different countries at the same time, while exploring the same theme. For example, while I was touring Cappadocia, Paul was in Shanghai. We were both engaging the same topic on how people live in caves. I got to see places like Laos and the Pakistani border of India for the first time, which was fascinating, while discussing issues like diets and unusual longevity.
Did all that travel take any toll on you? I absolutely loved it! In fact, our tight filming schedule meant we only had two to three days back home after shooting each episode, before we had to get ourselves together and fly off to our next destination.
From Driving Change With Caltex, it seems like you’re someone who’s very acclimatised to constantly being on the move. What were your most memorable experiences during those quests?
That was for National Geographic and Fox, where we travelled to five countries. We played with social media platforms like Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, and also teamed up with local celebrities to co-host the show, all in the name of completing challenges that were named on Friday and had to be completed by Sunday! I’m proud to say that we managed to raise more than RM30,000 in Malaysia, rebuild a learning centre in Sha Tin, Hong Kong and build a children’s library in Thailand. In Manila, there’s a place called Smokey Mountain where people are living in dreadful conditions on a landfill, and I’m glad that we could raise a donation of 2,000 sports goods for them, as well as rehabilitate the sports field. In one challenge, Irene (Ang) and I managed to collect 5,000 food hampers for the elderly.
It’s amazing that you managed to
complete all of them in two and a half days, but don’t nice guys finish last?
Nice guys definitely don’t finish last – we finished out on top! Slow and steady wins the race. Bad guys have a thing called karma that will catch up to them... sometimes.
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So
would you say that you’re one of the good guys?
I wouldn’t say that I’m a ‘good’ guy, nor would I say that I’m ‘bad’, but I can be quite mischievous. I’d say I’ve very good morals and was given very good guidelines by certain episodes from my childhood.
Care one?
to share a really naughty
I was endowed with an unforgettable life lesson when I was 12, growing up in the UK. I stole an Mars Bar ice cream from a convenience store and got caught. The store personnel grabbed me on the shoulder. “Did you pay for that?” He asked sternly. They took me to that dimly lit backroom that we all fear, and called the cops. I begged them not to call my parents, but they did anyway, and I received the biggest beating of my life.
What’s
the biggest thing you’ve ever stolen?
Back in the countryside of England, we used to live near a big golf course, which we would break into after midnight, and run around in the greens and roll in the sand. Looking back, I was an idiot to do this, but I stole the golf cart. We pushed it down a hill and all of us jumped on. Unfortunately, the cart rolled straight into a sand bank, which prompted all of us to scatter.
How about money? A friend and I used to hang out at the famous Brighton Pier. One day, we realised that one of the gambling machines mistook pennies for pound coins. The very next day, we brought a whole bag of pennies and used them to win about 250 pounds from the faulty machine, but spent it on hot dogs and go-cart rides, so we were kind of giving it back to Brighton Pier.
What’s
the story behind your first tattoo?
I moved to the UK when I was nine. I recall coming face-to-face with England’s plethora of sweets, the Teletubbies craze, as well as tonnes of girls singing along to the same song, which I soon found out was Wannabe by the Spice Girls. We came to the UK at a stage when racism was quite rampant, and we had funny, almost American,
From Swagger: Beck Suit Jacket in Midnight Blue, $699, by the Social. Holly Long Sleeve Shirt in White with Gold Collar Bar, $239, by the Social. Solid Satin Pocket Square Wine, $59. Black Grenafaux Tie, $89. Gold Shot Tie Bar, $99.Watch, model’s own.
What
“Bad guys have a thing called karma that will catch up to them... sometimes.”
confused and we slowly realised the truth as we talked it out. I was blown away by the story!
On
the topic of the women in your life, how’s Irene Ang as a boss and co-worker?
Awesome. She’s a hustler, man. One of those girls you don’t meet very often. She won’t slump on something. If someone says no to her, she will find another way around things. She’s very endearing.
She
loves to talk and tell stories. What’s your favourite anecdote from her?
She divulged to me, over a muchneeded weekend getaway, why she is the way she is. She told me about how her family didn’t always have enough, which led her to becoming very rooted in family. She also credits her strong mom and dad for her character traits.
Who accents. Other little kids would call me everything under the sun from ‘Paki’ to ‘Chinky’ to ‘N*gger’, and as a kid, I took these insults to heart. However, as I grew up, I realised how important one’s roots are. My first tattoo says ‘Son of Likan and Clive. Son of Sarawak.’
Which actors did you look up to as a child? Jackie Chan! And hopefully, I’m going to get to meet him tonight!
Was
it his athleticism and him doing his own stunts?
It was his brand of comedy. My brother and I particularly liked his films like Operation Condor: Armour Of God.
Have
you amassed diehard fans of your own now?
There was a girl who was convinced that I was her boyfriend for two years! Apparently, we had met once at an event and someone had given her the wrong phone number, saying that it was mine. The owner of that number was a prankster who pretended to be me, and called and texted her for an entire two years. She was an accounting graduate whose father is a high-flying diplomat in Malaysia, and was utterly convinced that we were dating, and came to meet me in person at another event one day.
How did she react? She was in tears! She first held my hand and addressed me as ‘baby’. I was very
do you think is your favourite colleague in Fly Entertainment?
We’re all very rowdy when we get together. Managing us at a Fly Entertainment party is like herding cats! I’ve so many great colleagues, but I especially like Patricia Mok – she has so many weird ideas and is a great person! She never seems to run out of energy, and even if she does, she’s back to full power after a brief respite. She’s a nice person who gets a lot of flak from the public.
Is
it harder being a celebrity these days, having to deal with haters on Twitter and Facebook?
Not really. It’s a price you’ve got to pay. We get this negative heat because people perceive us to be our on-screen characters. I just close my eyes and not take things to heart.
Do
you crime?
have
a
partner
in
George Young and I get up to a lot of stuff that I can’t talk about.
How
was the experience of filming Hot Guys Who Cook?
Good! George, Paul and I had a lot of fun shooting together. It’s a very funny, very successful and very popular show. I could tell that the public really loved it when girls were coming up to me and saying weird things like, “My mom loves you!”
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Sløuch
T
he award-winning Oscar Wilde classic, The Importance of Being Earnest, is back to wow audiences this April with its sensational international cast of an all-male ensemble. Meryl Liew speaks to Hossan Leong, recipient of the Chevalier de l’Ordre des Arts et des Lettres (The Order of the Arts and Letters), and Chua Enlai, FLY Entertainment artiste and Best Actor (Comedy) at the Asian Television Awards. W!ld Rice reveals new insights into one of the world’s most enduring comedies about courtship, hidden identities and the foibles of high society with the celebrated Director, Glen Goei at its helm.
The Importance of Being Earnest features Singapore’s most acclaimed actors including Ivan Heng, Hossan Leong, Chua Enlai, Brendon Fernandez and Crispian Chan. The cast is joined by Daniel York from London and Gavin Yap from Malaysia.
Wilde Gone W!LD 018/RØMP
“Having an all-male cast is a huge statement to make, but the beauty of it is that we don’t overstate it. We let the text speak for itself.” – Chua Enlai The Importance of Being Earnest is back by popular demand. How did you feel when you were approached for this part once again? Hossan: I was glad they asked me back! I’m very happy to be part of this amazing piece of theatre. Enlai: I was thrilled when I was invited to be in the original production in 2009. The Importance of Being Earnest has a very special place in my heart, because it was a monologue from this wonderful play that I used in one of my first Drama classes when I was a teenager! Doing it again had always been a possibility ever since the first production. It was so wildly successful that the team had always left the door open on restaging it. In fact, after the first run, I wanted to do it all over again.
How does W!ld Rice’s rendition of Wilde’s classic stand out from others? Hossan: There’s always something to say. Theatre has to speak to the audience. W!ld Rice does theatre for a reason; this piece has its place in the arts scene here, at this time and at this particular moment. We can’t and won’t compare with other productions. Why must we? We do our thing, and people come. Enlai: The play has always been about keeping up appearances and hiding behind facades. It was a scathing commentary on society when it was first staged, but it still is utterly relevant today. You can read into having men playing the roles of women in any way you want – it can be a question of identity or of gender role-playing – although I do think it’s all fairly unobtrusive.
What were the challenges of playing female characters in this production?
– Hossan Leong
Hossan: They’re not female roles in the traditional sense; we are not going to be in drag. We play the female characters, letting Oscar Wilde’s prose flow through us. It’s rather amazing how the actor ‘disappears’ and the characters and the story take over. Enlai: Technically, we are male actors playing men. It was all rather open when we first came together to rehearse. I was scratching my head, being utterly confused. Glen tried all kinds of interpretations of the text, using different characterisations. The ladies in the play have a very distinct way of speaking in terms of rhythm, and of course, subject matter. We tried many ways – as heightened as Emily Howard (the cross-dressing ‘Lady’ from Little Britain), to being gruff men with low voices to speaking as naturally as a woman would but just with a man’s voice. It was all quite funny, but hopefully, not as funny as how we finally did it. Most importantly, Glen wanted to keep the text intact, which I totally understood. It should remain unmolested, hahaha!
“Look where we are now – still pushing, still being the mirror that reflects society unto itself.”
As avid advocates of the local arts scene, what more can be done to increase arts appreciation in the country?
What is it like working with Glen Goei and Ivan Heng?
Hossan: Close the shops at 7pm. Seriously. Then people will say, “What shall we do this evening? I know! Let’s go watch a play.” Simplistic? Perhaps. Go figure.
Hossan: They are my dear friends. I’ve looked up to them since they started in the early days of theatre here. Working with them over the years, I feel that I have grown as an actor and a director.
Enlai: In this day of easy answers and instant gratification, watching a live performance of any text is the greatest illumination of a playwright’s vision of the world. Plays, movie-making, music and dance are about points-of-view, and Singaporeans must realise that their points-of-view really matter.
Enlai: They are such a great tag team. Sometimes, they can even finish each other’s sentences. Both of them have such a passion for the theatre. Glen has a great gift in exploring and interpreting text, and I knew right from the start that I could trust him wholeheartedly. Many people also miss the fact that Ivan also designed the set. He’s a great multi-tasker. I do respect them very much.
I do think it starts with education (and I don’t mean it in a dogmatic way) where a student should look beyond reading their texts to see what they are being forced to read, and what is being brought to life. It’s always important to treat plays as they are intended: that is, to be played out in front of you. And that’s why theatre is so relevant. Once educators realise that, then will they appreciate the art of theatre-making.
The Importance of Being Earnest runs from 10 April to 4 May at the Drama Centre Theatre. Tickets available for purchase at SISTIC. RØMP/019
WHO IS:
Sløuch
Shaun Jansen
Photography by Nathanael Tan
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Adriel Chan
Jasper Lim
Shane Carroll
Winner of NEA’s EcoMusic Challenge 2012 and winsome lead singer of longstanding local band Supernova, Shaun Jansen, tells RØMP about the band’s latest endeavors and what lies beyond his good guy image. What has the band been up to ever since the winning of the EcoMusic Challenge? Pretty much just resting and enjoying life! But really, we just came back from Hong Kong where we were invited to play for an NYE gig. It was great fun. How else has your band been involved in the community? We have been playing at the annual Street Festival, at which we’ve played for number of years now. This event provides a platform for young musicians from the community to perform and show their stuff. There was also a charity event which we played for last year called Mixtape. I believe it was to help the Francis Assisi Hospice. What do you personally do to live out your belief in sustainability? Well just simple things can make a difference. Like at work, print on both sides of the paper… Or when at home, put in a little effort to recycle instead of throwing away everything. And as the rest the band would also say carpooling to gigs! What were your greatest accomplishments before winning the competition? I would have to say being selected to be one of the acts to represent Singapore for the Youth Olympic Games in 2010. We were invited to perform for one of the stops in the Journey of the Youth Olympic Flame. We had a chance to play on a beautiful island, Goree island of Senegal in Africa. It was surreal.
What are your other sources of inspiration? Well, the clean and green theme was actually something very new to us because we haven’t really done that before. The rest of our songs broadly encompass our life experiences. And what more to write about than our occasional run-ins with the opposite sex! They provide for the juiciest of lyrics. Who inspires you the most, and why? Basically, any musician who's got the guts to forego the norm of getting a ‘normal job’ and to brave life doing what they love: playing music. And to that, my dad's been one of the biggest inspirations. He's been playing music his whole life, and still is. When and how did you discover your passion for music? When I was very young, my parents sent me for piano classes. I guess it wasn't really my thing at that point in time. But I somehow knew that I always wanted to play the guitar. My dad's a full-time musician, and he told when I was old enough, he'd teach me. I was 14 when I started playing and I never looked back. Tell us more about the most affordable item that you own and love. If it's something that I've actually bought with my own cash, it'd have to be my acoustic guitar. That's pretty much been what I've written
many of my songs on and has been the very useful for gigs of these days where there's been many requests for acoustic performances. Do you ever get teased for having a ‘goody-two-shoes’ image? Well most of time because I look like an 18-year-old kid, yes. I've gotten over that by growing some facial hair, but recently my service to the nation (reservist) has taken that away from me. What’s the biggest ‘crime’ you’ve ever committed that you’re willing to admit to us? When I was in primary school, I was really bad at tingxie (like spelling tests but during Chinese lessons). But I used to sit next to this really smart kid, and you guessed it, I got really good marks every time. One day the teacher decided to change our places and I started failing. Real obvious, that one! (laughs) What's the ONE most shocking thing that people who just met you will never guess about you? I have a habit of having to pull up my socks everything I wash my hands… Ok, I can't think of anything else! A motto that you subscribe to in life? No regrets. The fact is you can't change anything in the past, so instead of lingering on and worrying about that, focus on what you can change, which is the future.
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Sløuch
Little White (Cheapskate) Crimes
The fact of the matter is that living in Singapore is getting more expensive, and it hurts to see your bank balance depleting rapidly (it’s not like bosses are increasing our wages anytime soon!). We can’t help it – money does make the world go round – and we all do it (yours truly, included). But who’s going to take the much-coveted ‘Kiasu Crown’? -Text by Joey Murray
Joey Murray, 20:
Penny-pinching Glutton Worst ‘cheapskate’ crime? I admit to having a full three-course meal at Takashimaya’s famed food basement… for FREE! I filled up on appetizers of cubed Japanese scallop, squid and fish on toothpicks; plastic bowls of udon and seaweed for my main course; various jellies and Belgian chocolate for dessert; and herbal tea in mini plastic cups. It was a scrumptious and nutritious meal comprised solely of samples.
Ever caught another cheapskate red-handed? Well, I was once extremely revolted by my friend frowning upon and refusing to accept my heartfelt Christmas gift, because it would mean that he would have to fork out money to buy me a gift in return!
What is a necessity that people shouldn’t spend on? Food. Why should we be paying $4.50 for a sugar, sodium, fat-fest of a McChicken Extra Value Meal when we can go to a hawker centre and get ‘yong tau foo’ or economical mixed rice for two-thirds of the cost? I’d rather save up and spoil myself at a nice restaurant with quality produce and cooking.
Greg Hoehner, 57: Medical Miser
Worst ‘cheapskate’ crime? I had a butt-squirting toilet seat that allows me to save on toilet paper. At TTSH, you can buy ‘brandless’ medical supplies for ridiculously low prices! I always wait till I’m around Novena or Newton, before going there to stock up on my stash. If you get over-the-counter panadols at a doctor’s office, you would be paying $3 for 20 tabs. But if you get them at TTSH, they would cost just $1.
Ever caught another cheapskate red-handed? My company HR had organised an Easter egg hunt in the office where they had bright paper cardboard eggs hidden around the room, and each one was exchangable for prizes like candy or chocolates. This woman from one of the departments came in early, and swiped 80% of them. It was supposed to be a fun game, a fun thing to do! And her excuse was that she was going to give them to a children’s charity.
What is a necessity that people shouldn’t spend on? Groceries, of course! They inflate prices of commodities in supermarket, way beyond what they would cost. Some people charge an arm and a leg for tomato sauce because its in a fancy glass, but you could get tinned tomatoes for much better value. The differences add up.
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Iffah Rakinah, 21: |Student Impersonator
Worst ‘cheapskate’ crime? It’s almost been a year since I’ve graduated, but I still use my polytechnic ID to get student discounts on stuff like movies and student meals at KFC. I will justify it with the fact that I plan on going to university, but I won’t have a student card (till then), so the poly one will have to do for now. Don’t tell the police?
Ever caught another cheapskate red-handed? I was helping out at an event at a pretty fancy hotel once, and one of the other volunteers was going around swiping stuff from everyone’s hotel rooms. By the end of the day, her bag was brimming with toothbrushes, travel-sized bottles of shampoo and body wash, coffee sachets, and even a rubber ducky with the hotel’s name stamped across its butt. And guess what? Her plain excuse was, “Rich people don’t need so many of these things, what.”
What is a necessity that people shouldn’t spend on? A water bottle, especially if you eat out a lot. Faucets are available almost everywhere! You’ll save on drinks because you’ll already have your own, and you cut down on not-sogood beverages like Coke. If you’re going to be cheap, you can’t afford (pun intended) to be prissy about “how drinkable tap water is”. Singapore’s tap water is pretty darn drinkable anyway.
Worst ‘cheapskate’ crime? I had two Starbucks cards and held up the queue at Coronation Plaza’s branch hoping to stack the two up. I recall adding up their values mentally and preparing the $0.80 change (some five-cent coins in the mix, too!) for the drink I was going to get. A drink at Starbucks for 80 cents! I was so satisfied with myself that day.
And RØMP’s Cheapskate Award goes to… The Cheap-Faced SEPHORA (Tester) Mugger.
Ever caught another cheapskate red-handed? I once saw a lady hovering around the cosmetics section in Sephora, and when I moved closer to take a gander, I witnessed her squeezing out TESTER moisturizer into a prepared vial! A pretty neat idea, I must say!
What is a necessity that people shouldn’t spend on? Hanging out. Sometimes, I avoid meeting friends altogether because I would have to pay for the bus there, a drink or snack (and I’ll jolly well make sure we’re somewhere cheap), and the bus ride home. It’s much cheaper to stay at home and be with my dog, Bruno. If I wanted a breath of fresh air, I’d take him out for a walk!
Ashutosh Ravikrishnan, 20: Time = Money
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Sløuch
Frenetic Flair
You may have seen his works spread across murals in our train stations, often depicting quirky faces emoting expressions of joy. Having bagged an impressive array of clients such as Nike, Lacoste and Herman Miller, Soh Ee Shaun (or simply ‘eeshaun’) has certainly impressed with his delightfully unique style. Ryan Choy gets an exclusive backstage pass into the wonderful mind of this celebrated local illustrator.
Hi eeshaun, it’s a real pleasure. What have you been up to? I just wrapped up OH! Marina Bay 2013 at the Google office, which ended on January 20th. I was also involved in Campaign City, which opened on January 9th at the National Library.
Two
in a month! Okay, tell us more about OH! Marina Bay 2013, and your involvement in it.
OH! is an art tour which takes visitors to unique and often private spaces in Singapore. The theme this year is ‘The Happiness Index’. My work, The Search for Happiness is Inside, is a site-specific installation in the Google office. It comprises a 2.4m x 1.2m painting and vinyl lettering as the painting’s title.
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‘The Search for Happiness Is Inside’, January 2013. Acrylic on canvas. 2.4m x 1.2m. Site-specific installation at the Google Singapore Office for OH! Marina Bay
What’s the message behind ‘The Search for Happiness is Inside’,
and how exactly did it come about?
The message hints at finding happiness within ourselves, and not externally in money, relationships, travelling, etc. Happiness is expressed abstractly in a colourful, contemporary-looking mandala, suggesting that the infinite universe is already inside us, awaiting our discovery. I was looking for a link between the idea of ‘search’ and the happiness index. Since Google is a search engine and an ‘indexer’ of information, I found the message between my idea and the space quite appropriate.
Interesting. Your
art always seems colourful and happy. Is that a reflection of you and the impression you want to leave?
‘Crazy Girl & Happy Cat’, Custom Nooka for the NOOKA launch party at Manicurious on 25th May, 2012
‘Too many things on my mind’, 2011. Acrylic on canvas, 36 x 36
Yes, of course. The whole point is to make them happy. That makes me happy. The peace-loving, meditativelooking characters are indeed a reflection of myself – they’re symbolic of inner peace and happiness.
Since we’re on the topic of you, what did you study back in University and how did drawing come into place? I studied Communications, specifically majoring in Public Relations and Advertising. I’m not sure why I chose it. It was something I picked because I didn’t feel like doing anything else. I started drawing when I was about four years old, or maybe even earlier. It was something fun to do; just a natural activity for me, really.
What
artist?
frustrates
you
as
an
Being an artist is not frustrating in itself; being asked or being told to be an artist is frustrating. To me, the frustration comes from others. Perhaps the perception of the artist is frustrating, and that is the biggest misconception – that it is frustrating to be an artist, when instead it’s the perception that frustrates. But it isn’t surprising, because artists are difficult to understand and work with. They operate on their own values, principles and methods which are unique and difficult. They are frustrated with systems and formalities, because they do not conform to order, or choose not to. It’s not because they can’t, but because they believe too much in themselves. Their self-belief rests entirely on being unconventional and non-conformist. I guess it has to do with perception again - because people expect art to be exquisite, beautiful, difficult, technical, clever, funny, etc.
Mural for Artease (Esplanade), June 2011
What
big dreams do you have for yourself, as far as your art goes?
I am already living the dream, so I don’t have any more dreams about it… Although it would be nice to do an illustration on an aeroplane or hot air balloon.
We’ll be looking forward to that! In would you say you found the most impactful? Probably some of Juan Miro’s paintings at the Miro museum in Barcelona. They were the most spectacular ones I’ve seen. I would also add CY Twombly’s pieces and Jackson Pollock at the Tate Modern. They were really good too.
What
you in
else can we expect from
2013?
Action For AIDS exhibition ‘Let’s Be Positive’ campaign roadshow, held at The Cathay, Orchard
I don’t know! Probably more paintings, drawings and art. I play music and write, although not often in an artistic or experimental manner. They’re secondary pursuits or hobbies to me.
This
is the cliché of them all, but any quotes or mottos which you swear by?
Not really, but if I had to share one, it would be to live in the present.
You may view or purchase eeshaun’s art works at the Mulan Gallery at 36 Armenian Street, #01-07, or at the sites of his various exhibitions. For more information, visit his website at http://www.gardensilly.com
‘Wild Swans’, 2012. Digital print on paper mounted on foam (8 x 10 inches)
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Sløuch
Cranking up the ante
is
Mcken Wong sneaks in some chosen peeks for you to pencil in this March and April Into its fourth year and bulking in stature, Timbre Rock & Roots 2013 will feature an illustrious, Grammy-laced line-up – hosting some of music’s living legends and stars. Former Led Zeppelin frontman Robert Plant now helms Sensational Space Shifters, and will be joined by 12-time Grammy winner, Paul Simon. Bonnie Raitt, Jimmy Cliff and Rufus Wainwright are the other luminaries to lend their voiceboxes and run the stage. Fans can choose between the one- and two-day passes, and similar to previous editions, each ticket will entitle them to multiple full-length concerts. Without a doubt, the festival’s diversity and bubbling quality will inveigle even classical purists. Where: Fort Canning Green When: 21 March – 22 March 2013 Price: $125 - $210, $70 (students and NSF)
Timbre Rock & Roots 19 years of axel jumps and Biellmann spins later, Disney On Ice is set to return for its 20th anniversary in Singapore with Princesses & Heroes. Cindy Stuart choreographs this year’s razzle-dazzle production, which follows each of the eight fabled Disney princesses on their ice-gliding adventures. Combining classic and contemporary Disney songs, rink-worthy acrobatics and pure showmanship, the 20th edition will prove to be a jaw-dropping culmination of colours, costumes and creativity. Don’t forget to beat the crowd and get cracking seats by booking early! Where: Singapore Indoor Stadium When: 14 – 17 March 2013 Price: $20 - $90
Princesses & Heroes JOURNEY World Tour 2013 – LIVE in Singapore Not many music bands are afforded the status of being legendary, but in Journey, you have one of the most popular, ever-present American rock bands in recent memory. Eking out 19 Top 40 singles along with 25 Gold and Platinum albums, Singapore’s got some real polished diamonds heading our way. Such is Journey’s pulling power that Don’t Stop Believin, a hit three decades ago, is still blasting from the bedrooms of fifteen year-olds right at this moment. With band members such as Arnel Pineda on lead vocals, Jonathan Cain on keyboards and Neal Schon on guitars, this show will be remembered by generations. Where: Singapore Indoor Stadium When: 19 March 2013 Price: $98 - $168
David Lindsay-Abaire’s 2007 Pulitzer Prize-winner, Rabbit Hole, will be reprised by Pangdemonium Productions this spring. Join Becca (Janice Koh) and Howie (Adrian Pang) as they strive to return to their everyday existence in the wake of a shocking accident. Caught in a maze of memory, longing and guilt which are intertwined within the emotional sphere of recrimination, sarcasm and rage, will they ever climb out of such a harsh pit? Rabbit Hole promises to be more than just a play; it aims to rummage through the darkest of places for comfort, and recounts a story about loss, love and the life-affirming power of hope. Where: DBS Arts Centre When: 25 April to 12 May 2013 Price: $175
Rabbit Hole
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Elysian Fields This installation is a walk-through environment of a recently concluded film, Elysian Fields. A linear 3D stereoscopic screening which premiered at the Animation Crossings, Elysian Fields explores and fuses the fantastical and historical aspects of World War II – into a surreal reconfiguration of the present. Amidst the relentless pursuit of fighter planes, there is the woven imaginary, the solemn insights into floating shores and suspended seascape horizons. Reworked at the Substation into a variable cine-installation, it will expand spatial and temporal limits of the film narrative into a new, visually pleasing experience. Where: The Substation Gallery When: 26 March 2013 to 7 April 2013 Price: Free
The only concept of its kind in Singapore, Savour 2013 unites food enthusiasts and houses them within one exclusive, purpose-built venue for a brilliant culinary experience. Feast your way through the 32,000 square metres Gourmet Village, which features more than 25 leading chefs (Anthony Demertre, Emmanuel Stroobant and Ulf Wagner just to name a few), and top-100 ranked restaurants including the likes of L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon (Singapore) and Mirazur (France). The journey doesn’t stop for the bon viveur, with a Gourmet Market set up for some 150 food and drink exhibitors. Besides complimentary workshops and tastings, you’ll find yourself seated in a 300-seater air-conditioned space, the Gourmet Auditorium – for an expanded schedule of master classes from some of the leading chefs you’ll probably never meet again. Where: 1 Republic Boulevard F1 Pit Building and Paddock When: 11 April to 14 April 2013 Price: $65 (access to Gourmet Village and Market), $35 (access to Gourmet Market)
Savour 2013 Tiffany Alvord Live in Singapore YouTube phenomenon Tiffany Alvord is set to kick-start her 2013 Asia Tour in our tiny red dot. Her vocal prowess was already confirmed when she performed at the Sentosa Coliseum last May for the YouTube Stars Concert, proving how far she has come since posting her first video online. This time around, she’ll be belting out her signature cover hits accompanied by a bevy of originals and dulcet vocal licks. Over 609 thousand Facebook likes, more than 255 million video views and the last time we checked, approaching 1.2 million subscribers on her YouTube channel. Fresh from her North American tour success, catch Tiffany live in action as she devotes just one night to your listening pleasure. Where: Singapore Conference Hall When: 16 March 2013 Price: $38 - $78
This year’s annual music extravaganza, the Mosaic Music Festival, will congregate music-makers from all over the globe within Esplanade’s atmospheric performing spaces. To sum it up, it’s a cauldron of varying music genres – alternative rock, fashion-funk, Nuevo tango, electronica and oodles more. Grammy award winners such as Joss Stone and Esperanza Spalding are bound to enchant amorous fans and convert new ones, while the likes of My Brightest Diamond, MUTEMATH, and Salif Keita are just some of the stars of the 10-day festival. Just like its tagline, it sure is A World of Music that will promulgate first-time artists in Singapore, and embrace the returning favourites. Where: Esplanade – Theatres On The Bay When: 8 March 2013 to 17 March 2013 Price: Visit www.mosaicmusicfestival.com for ticketing information
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Kimbra Crazy for
Text by Michelle Zhu
It’s
hard to focus on anything under a cloudless sky in the blistering midday heat. When you’re sore and ailing from sunburnt all-overs, having drained half a dozen five-dollar bottles of Fiji water and still feeling like you’re baking in the desert – the last thing you’d want to do with your eyes is keep them open. But was for certain that all eyes were on Kimbra Lee Johnson when she pranced onto the stage, aqua bob-wig sleeves and confetti-like skirt bouncing and shuddering with her every move. With her startling baby blues and an arresting red-lipped smile, the psychedelic Snow White in heeled combat boots proceeded to whip the audience into a frenzy with possibly the most heart-stopping, jaw-dropping performance of St Jerome’s Laneway Festival 2013, held on January 26 at Gardens by the Bay.
There was never a dull moment in her deliverance of hot favourites from her debut album, Vows. From her deliciously assertive stance in Posse, to the catchy collaboration with Mark Foster and A-Trak, Warrior, to her sugary-sweet crooning in Cameo Lover, each track was an auditory and visual treat from Kimbra – and a far cry from her haunting, melancholic vocals in Gotye’s multi-platinum hit, Somebody That I Used to Know. 028/RØMP
But the highlight of her delightfully diverse act had to come from Settle Down, a masterpiece that was written when she was just 16. It was an electrifying surprise for all when the vivacious 23-year-old New Zealander let out an abrupt scream mid-song, dropping down to the intrusion of robotic chanting from Daft Punk’s Technologic – only to spring back up again and throw herself into a convulsive dance. Much has been said about the tambourine-shaking princess’s amazing song-writing abilities and incredible vocal range, yet the stirring sight of Kimbra performing live remains impossible to describe. You could really tell that this girl gives it all she’s got: belting out hit after hit with a voice bigger than her body; breaking into moments of raw and ecstatic movement; and contorting her face into dramatic and often comical expressions. “She’s crazy,” a friend of mine muttered, gaping at the doll-like figure thrashing about on the stage from several metres away. An especially good kind of crazy, indeed.
Photos by Nina Sandejes (top left & bottom right) and Ryan Chang (top right & bottom left), courtesy of Chugg Entertainment
Audiøphile
Audiøphile
No Bars to From YouTube’s infectious viral hit song, Gangnam Style, to Adele’s attempt to Set Fire to the Rain, pop culture has dominated the radio waves on this sunny island. Meryl Liew explores music off the beaten track in Singapore.
P
Music
umping beats and catchy tunes form the bulk of popular music culture today, with the likes of Flo-Rida and Nicki Minaj topping the billboard charts. Indie music has also made its presence felt with the advent of the Internet, as many independent musicians today have spread their music round the globe with the click of a button. But have we forgotten a little something? Gone were the days when jazz clubs were aplenty. Punk Rock bands like Green Day and Blink 182 are considered mere has-beens, and Singaporeans frequenting operas are nearly unheard of. These musical genres had seen better times in Singapore, but now lie forgotten in the back of our heads as we chase for what is ‘in’ today. Despite this, Jazz, Punk Rock and Opera do still have a place in our growing music industry.
Punk is Not Dead – Plain Sunset The quartet of Plain Sunset features Norsham Husaini and Jon Chan on guitars and vocals, Nizam Sukri on bass and vocals, and Helmi on the drums. They had come a long way since 1996, having played in various punk rock festivals in China, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Australia and New Zealand.
What is the ‘essence’ of punk rock?
Would you say punk rock is ‘dead’?
It’s about doing what you like, and not conforming to trends / fashion or things that are around you. We practise things that we believe in, and not what people tell us. It’s a stereotype that punk rockers wear leather jackets and are a menace to society. We are people with proper jobs and dress nothing like what others expect of us.
I don’t think so. There are not many punk rock bands left in Singapore, but the ideas and beliefs of most bands find roots from punk rock. You can often find punk rock influences in an indie / shoegaze band. Although it is a niche genre, it is far from dead! There is still an ardent following of punk rock in Singapore.
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He took the local music scene by storm in 2005 at the tender age of 14. Now 21, the Berklee College of Music student and RØMP’s debut issue cover boy Nathan Hartono is a regional jazz sensation in the region, with 4 albums to his name.
All that Jazz
– Nathan Hartono How would you define jazz as a genre? Jazz is free form. It is fluid and it can reach out to a whole lot of other genres. Many mainstream artistes today such as Jason Mraz and Lana Del Ray have very strong jazz influences in their music.
Do you think it has been experiencing declining popularity over the years? It is definitely not dead, but hiding. Think about it: 50 years ago, jazz was considered what we would call ‘pop’ music today. There is just a lack of awareness of jazz as a genre, as there is not much of it on the radio or any other mainstream media. However, certain jazz acts are still in demand such as that of Joss Stone, Jamie Cullum and Michael Bublé.
How do you think we can bring attention back to jazz in Singapore? It’s a whole trend thing. It is not as hard to do so. There are apps like Spotify to help make music more accessible – as long as Singaporeans are more willing to open their minds, and expose themselves to it.
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Phantom of the Opera – Singapore Lyric Opera (SLO)
Tell us about opera. Opera is an art form in which singers and musicians perform a dramatic work combining text and musical score, usually in a theatrical setting. It incorporates many of the elements of spoken theatre such as acting, scenery, costumes, and sometimes, dance.
How popular is opera in Singapore today? Many think that opera is stuffy and difficult to understand. They also associate opera as an elitist art form. Despite this, it is popular among students and senior citizens in Singapore. There is also support from many expatriates living here.
Founded in 1991, The SLO seeks to promote an appreciation of opera while establishing it as an integral part of the cultural landscape of Singapore. The organisation has staged criticallyacclaimed productions of La traviata (2008), Turandot (2008), Les contes d’Hoffman (2009) and La Bohème (2010).
Do you think more can be done to encourage an appreciation of opera in Singapore? Yes. Opera can be made more accessible through conducting more outreach and educational talks for all levels of society. This especially applies to people who come from schools which did not promote the performing arts; music students who love music in which opera is a subset; and people who have an affinity with singing – in essence, those who have the opportunity to receive exposure to opera only in their later years. I would like to envision a future where Singaporeans are proud to admit that opera is enjoyable, and that they have been to a few productions. Not just people with money, but also the average wage earner.
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Audiøphile
MUSIC
Reviews
Text by Mcken Wong
Shaking the Habitual The Knife Mute Records
Swedish synthpop and indietronica act, The Knife, are releasing their much anticipated album six years after Silent Shout – their last paragon that claimed a slew of Swedish Grammies – titled Shaking the Habitual. Media-shy sibling duo of Karin and Olof Dreijer piqued expectations with subsequent sporadic releases of EPs by the brother, and a solo album from the sister within the last few years. Set for an April 9th release, Shaking The Habitual is anticipated by fans to encompass the previous album’s smooth psychedelic transitions (or even 2003’s Heartbeats) - between minimal techno and subtle trance. A pre-released teaser trailer of the impending album is classic Knife, showing something but nothing much… yet.
Paramore Paramore Fueled by Ramen
Since bursting onto the mainstream music scene in 2005, Paramore has consistently wowed fans with their high-energy and fist-pumping numbers, raging through the emo-pop-punk circus with their miasmic alternative rock influence. Hayley Williams (lead vocalist), Jeremy Davies (bass guitar) and Taylor York (lead and rhythm guitars) have shoved the band into higher levels – after Josh and Zac Farro’s departure in 2010 – with the coming release of Paramore, a self-titled album which is their fourth. The trio’s enthusiasm remains as they lunge between vehemence and subtlety when attacking their music with each passing track, which is reflected in the core essence of new single, Now - an epiphany of everything that Paramore is. Fans old and new will welcome their latest foray into brilliance, meant to turn a page and reach greater heights.
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Nanobots They Might Be Giants Idlewild Recordings
Listening to They Might Be Giants (TMBG) may just be the right dose of music if you’ve ever faced the blues. For 3 decades, the alternative indie rock band has been charming audiences with their witty live banter during concerts, being extremely malleable in the face of ever-contorting musical waves. Most will remember them for Boss of Me – the hit theme underlining Malcolm in the Middle, as well as a second Grammy dip with their children’s music album, Here Come The 123s in 2009. Nanobots will be their 16th adult studio album, with new songs such as Lost My Mind and title track Nanobots showcasing trademark keyboard licks and a less frenetic guitar patchwork. To be released on March 5th, the new album is miles away from the original John Flansburgh/John Linnell guitar and accordion mishmash – tapping on the flair of Miller (guitars), Weinkauf (bass) and Beller (drums).
Originator Brooke Waggoner Swoon Moon
This indie-pop and folk lady sure knows what she is doing. A graduate with a music composition and orchestration degree, Brooke Waggoner’s talent is more than apparent. With her latest album Originator to be unleashed March 5th, Brooke will evince and convince doubters, proving to be more than a sweet little voice behind the piano. Just like her previous albums, Originator is entirely written and arranged by the Louisiana-born singersongwriter, infusing traces of her heartfelt intimacy. Flexible and versatile, Brooke’s slight shift to a quicker tempo beat in the new single Ink Slinger, isn’t one bit perfunctory or over hasty. Her mellifluous vocals swing the listener into a sea of calm as usual, reminiscent of her previous singles, Fresh Pair of Eyes and Heal for the Honey. Pick this up!
The Invisible Way Low Sub Pop Records
Imagine sipping a cuppa on a cold winter’s day, feeling nonchalant and just watching the world slither by. This is what you’ll feel (or what I felt) when listening to the softcore rock compositions by Low, an American indie rock trio comprising Alan Sparhawk (guitar and vocals), Mimi Parker (drums and vocals) and 2008 addition Steve Garrington (bass guitar). The group’s lauded vocals once again reverberate throughout The Invisible Way – their 10th album since 1993 – and justified the adage regarding ageing wine. Fresh single Plastic Cup, is produced by Wilco’s Jeff Tweedy, who happened to produce the album – with very enjoyable drumming patterns cajoled by soothing controlled vocals. To be released on March 19th, The Invisible Way also contains Just Make It Stop, a soulsearching number with a rhythmic harvest of extended pitches levitated above tremendous bass-play.
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Gadget
Easing
Mcken Wong guides you through some techie must-haves as the New Year dust settles.
Sony Xperia™ Tablet S Coming back slimmer and lighter than the original Sony Tablet S, the Xperia Tablet S combines the best of both worlds from a regular Xperia smartphone and tablet. Experience what the Sony Entertainment Network services can provide, with a new time-saving macro programming function and a Sony Reader eBook device packed within the slender aluminium body. The splash-proof, edgy good-looker runs on the latest engines (NVIDIA® Tegra® 3 and Android 4.0.3) to serve a user effortlessly when it comes to games, apps, and other forms of entertainment. This advanced mini machine can also double up as a universal remote, acting as the central voice within your home entertainment system. Price: $749
Audio-Technica ATH-ES700 One of the few portable headphones that are solely made in Japan, the ATH-ES700 spots a sleek contemporary design, birthed from high quality materials that can only be found in the land of the rising sun. The CCAW bobbin-wound voice coils are a neat addition, producing top quality sounds supported by a well-honed bass. Few can complain about discomfort from wearing the headphones, as the company designed a new light-weight cushioned head and ear pads for a soft, almost-Kleenex touch. Price: $248
Logitech Washable Keyboard K310 One of the most rugged keyboards you’ll ever find, the K310 is Logitech’s answer to coffee drinkers and milk bottle totting toddlers watching Care Bears on the computer screen. Water and tech stuff are like oil and water – they never mix. But when they do, it can be a brilliant idea such as the K310. It’s rugged and simple to use (just plug in, and let your fingers work the magic!), while oozing a slim, modernistic style. One warning, though: keep it away from a dishwasher. Price: $59
Spring Canon LEGRIA HF R36 Camcorders have been gradually neglected due to the video functions now widely available in smartphones. Picture quality and sharpness, coupled with the ability to capture videos in MP4 or AVCHD file formats, are unfortunately non-existent features in what mobile technology currently has to offer. Here’s where the LEGRIA HF R36 comes in; the camcorder’s new model features built-in WiFi-connectivity to pacify file-sharing Facebook and YouTube users. This convenience is topped by an improved low-light performance and a new Intelligent Image Stabiliser that aids in a shake-free, intuitive video recording footage. What’s more, a new user interface takes user-friendliness up another level. Obsolete? Certainly not! Price: $899
Samsung MV900F Intending to break out of the rigidity that plagues some cameras, the MV900F adopts a 180-degree flip-out display which is ideal for self-portraits from almost every angle possible. With the recent photo-editing phenomenon rolling through town, the Beauty Palette is Samsung’s subtle answer. Ten different makeup options are available to brighten and smoothen images, while the brilliant Gesture Shot allows you to snap/twirl/poke your fingers in the air to snap a picture without touching the camera. WiFi connectivity provides instant sharing opportunities on social media, and you’ll also get to effortlessly transfer photos into your mobile via MobileLInk. 16.3 megapixels and a 1920x1080 Full HD video recording later, and you’ve got a pearl in your hands – white, black, pink or red. Price: $499
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Steal These Doohickeys! Compared to the big boys, these nifty gadgets are petite and modest – in size, at least. Here are five coolest slot-in-your-pocket fancy techies under a hundred dollars.
CableDrop Manage your cables and wires in a neat and effortless manner with CableDrop! This gadget nymph grasps and keeps your power and peripheral cords easily accessible without having them tangled in a heap. Each time you unplug a cord from the computer, CableDrop keeps it right on the table and within reach. Assorted colours (bright, muted and black) are available for your own creative discretion. Price: $14.95 from www.boxinblue.com
iPlunger The iPlunger is one of those gadgets that look queer but cute, although clueless hands may leave it in the corner of a dusty storeroom. Washed in red, the iPlunger serves as a mini stand for not only iPhones and iPods, but also myriad other handheld devices. Only 2 inches in length, this ingenious tool will prop up your favourite dramas and tear-jerkers for viewing at maximum comfort. Price: $9
Sony CP-ELS Portable Power Supply You’ll never be afraid of your smartphone dying on you with Sony’s vibrant CP-ELS Portable Power Supply. This petite bar comes in a variety of colours, with silver, blue and pink being the latest shades to hog the limelight. What’s more, you can charge any device that is able to draw power via USB – ruling out any hints of Sony monopoly. Price: $29.90
Victorinox Swiss Army Slim Flight When the words Swiss Army come into mind, one would envision blades and screwdrivers sliding out from the trademark crimson Victorinox casing. The Slim Flight retains the same pocket knife style, but with a 4GB flash drive swinging out with aplomb. The software features within this flash drive are just as paramount as its attractive design. Encryption tools, password management and auto file backup are just some of the software tidbits packed within a metallic casing – available in green, blue, pink, orange and silver. Price: Close to $70 (street price)
LG Magic Remote Sprinkle some magic dust around your living room with LG’s newly designed, multi-talented universal remote. Aptly dubbed the Magic Remote, users can tap on the enhanced language recognition capabilities, gesture their way through channels (swivel a number in the air), wheel and point through applications such as Google Maps, and even navigate through darkness with the LED back-lit buttons. From Smart TVs to Blu-ray players, you’ve got it all covered by this highly intuitive gadget. Ergonomics are also heightened with the repositioning of buttons, turning user experience into a more enjoyable and personable one. Price: TBA RØMP/035
Style Journal
TanGoing
with Spring
Text by Mcken Wong
Known for its sophisticated charm and oriental poise, Shanghai Tang takes pride in its lofty mission – to be the ‘global curator of modern Chinese aesthetics’. This was clearly evident when the label unveiled its Spring/Summer 2013 Collection, a portrayal of Shanghai Tang’s signature clutch of vibrant colours, as well as its artful blend of fresh ideas and timeless elements.
A Woman's Charm For the ladies, a colour wheel of deep blues, peridot greens and neutral egret are the iridescents that commence Spring. Take for example the ‘Cloud’ Print Silk Blend Shirt – with the print symbolising the heavens and eternal fortune – taking centre-stage awash in crimson hues. This piece is a class act. Who can also leave out the heralded Peony – an emblem of Spring – which can be found as a Pop Art warp print on the Silk-Cotton Cap Sleeves Dress. The mentioned duo shoulder the aesthetic burden of a wedding function or a girls’ night out. For a more light-hearted casual look, there’re youthful pieces that’ll still make a woman look coiffed and mondaine. The ‘Peach’ Print Silk Long Sleeves Blouse and ‘Bamboo’ Print Cotton Blend Shorts combine with great effect, while the ‘Peony’ Wrap Print Shirt Dress shapes you up for a delightful tea-time rendezvous. Prints may be the order of the day, but when they’re done to the right intensity and taste, the results are splendid.
A Man's Craft The latest endeavour by Shanghai Tang for men sways a little bit in terms of tailoring direction. A softer construction is being chosen, while shirt jackets now come without shoulder pads to create a more relaxed mannerism. The label’s famous Mandarin collar provides a fine top finish on the standard white shirt, such as the Cotton Pique Shirt with ‘Lock’ Embroidery. This classic piece pairs well with the Lyocell-Linen-Cotton Suit Pants, and you’ll never go wrong with an added touch of a an embroidered Wool-Silk Scarf. This season’s palette encourages men to dress boldly and smartly, with a crimson suit now available. Autumn/Winter favourites are also carried forward to this Spring, due to them being timeless proponents of style. Select handkerchiefs from a plethora of shirting fabrics, Liberty florals and stripes, or fresh embroidery designs in the form of ‘Puyi Glasses’ and ‘The Chinese Lock’. For a slightly more casual disposition, the Cotton-Cashmere Pullover is a godsend, while an alternative of desert-inspired neutral colours can be found on a Cotton Zip Cardigan or a Goat Suede Bomber Jacket. Be it a formal evening reception or a casual get-together with the pals, who’s to say that high fashion isn’t flexible?
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Style Journal
’ A Man s Bag Friend If you have ever seen a grown man carry his woman’s handbag, then you would understand how destructive an accessory can be to an outfit. One’s carrier needs as much thought and discernment put in it, as any other piece of clothing. If you’re going to lug your belongings around, Andre Frois shows you how to do it without compromising on your style or your masculinity.
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Forbes & Lewis
Picard
Hermes
Messenger Bags
Letting you keep your hands to yourself, messenger or sling bags can complement both casual and business wear, though satchels have a tendency of trivialising the latter type of getup’s formality. It’s hard to pull off the messenger bag’s little cousin, the camera bag, without looking like a hapless tourist. Please, please don’t bring one along to that five-star dinner party.
Adidas Marc by Marc Jacobs
Adidas (Y-3)
Kris van Assche x Eastpak
Crumpler
Endowing you with a hands-free experience, ‘harvest sacks’ are originally a farmers’ invention for gathering crops. Though their popularity thrives amongst the hip-hop community, they are highly discouraged for anyone other than students – due to their tendency to flounder with one’s posture and the human silhouette, while juvenile-ifying smart ensembles all together. The most sought after haversack? The ongoing collaboration by Eastpak and Kris Van Assche, of course. 038/RØMP
Haversacks
Briefcases The classic companion of the stereotypical desk-bound labourer, briefcases imply serious business and still face much discrimination outside of the workplace. Lug one along to the office, but leave it there if you are adjourning to an evening soiree.
Salvatore Ferragamo
Versace
Picard
BOSS
agnès b
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Topman
More daring than the tote, the man-clutch is a compact accessory ideal for accentuating your ensemble, whether it is tagging along for corporate functions or smart-casual recreation. Prada’s and Burberry’s have been selling like hotcakes. Given its newness to the world of men’s fashion, the clutch is only seen accompanying men who are confident of their manhood.
Prada
Versace
Picard
Clutches
Hermès
Tote Bags BOSS
Bill Amberg
Lanvin
These style-minded vessels are no longer just for women. Roomy enough for documents and laptops, these gender-transcending bags also transition work and play effortlessly, and are the sign of a sophisticated but fashionably confident cosmopolitan man. When shopping for one, keep Lanvin and Gucci in mind, totes.
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Eastpak by Wood Wood
Burberry
Duffel Bags A godsend for gym buffs and terrible packers alike, this carryall has broken its 1980s machismo stigma and skyrocketed in popularity amongst white collar workers, thanks to elegant pieces such as those by Yves Saint Laurent, Louis Vuitton and Stussy x Fred Perry.
Hermès
Adidas (Y-3)
BOSS
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Style Journal
Spring Surprises
RØMP sums up what makes for the sweetest conversation starters this spring.
Eyeing Comfort Gunnar Optiks Eyewear Computer eyewear giant, Gunnar Optiks, has been making a splash in the fashion waters with its range of glasses, which are aimed at preventing your vision from sliding further. The various designer-esque styles (such as the Haus range) are also capable of reducing eye fatigue and stress – with fashion points thrown in simultaneously. What’s more, Carl Zeiss Vision does the rest if you need a prescription other than 20/20. Price: $119 Available at: X-treme Solution, Sim Lim Square #03-36
Le Specs Alohaha Collection Fabulous for the sunny island we’re in, Le Specs has launched its second summer Alohaha Collection – a series of wayfarers, round lenses and cats eyes painted in washed-out brights. Look dapper with choice pieces from the collection such as Just Maui’d, a classic Aviator spotting enamel detailing and smoke/bright blue lenses. Or take a plunge into sunshine with Alohaha, vintage 1940s rounds that come in two variations: coconut with tortoiseshell, or matte black with clear. Rihanna and Miranda Kerr are fans, and so are we! Price: $79 Available at: All leading department stores, fashion retailers and boutiques
Watch Tock Mutewatch With an eye-catching design, the Mutewatch is as simple and gorgeous as simplicity can ever get. Much of the fanfare, besides being spotted on the wrists of Apple co-founder Steve Wozniak and designer Karl Lagerfeld, has been how a user operates the watch. A swipe, tap or a pinch can work various wonders on this nifty timepiece. A built-in motion sensor ensures that the silent vibration levels vary, whether it is to wake you up from a deep slumber, or a gentle reminder that you’re supposed to feed the dog. Price: $399 Available at: Club 21B @ Forum the Shopping Mall #01-07, Red Dot Design Museum Shop
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Moschino Fashion Victim Collection Add a little twist to your time-telling routine by engaging with Moschino’s Fashion Victim Collection. This series of watches can be worn without the steely touch of a metal strap, or a warm sweaty streak that comes with a plastic alternative. Pure Italian silk scarf replaces the traditional band that wraps around the wrist, creating instantly, an elegant fashion statement. Price: $158 - $248 Available at: ROBINSONS The Centrepoint, Raffles City Level 1, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands B2, TANGS Vivo City Level 1
Nixon Neon Yellow Collection
Fans of neon coloured watches, satiate your appetites with the Nixon Neon Yellow Collection. This brand has been around for about a decade and a half now, fuelling the youth market with its range of premium wrist statements. The high contrast yellow and minimalistic silhouette cradles the watch into stardom, showcasing why being simplistic is the way to go. Price: $115 - $309 Available at: All Nixon stores and authorized dealers
Carrier Couture Eastpak by Wood Wood Eastpak has teamed up with Danish Designer label, Wood Wood, in order to create a series of backpacks, totes and briefcases that are inspired by the functionality and modularity of army-issue packs. Torn bags are forgotten with this collection, as the carriers are made from high-quality bonded nylon – drenched in burgundy and yellow. For starters, Wood Wood is a major player within Europe’s street couture scene, with its designs embodying both the underground and high-end. Price: $215 - $539 Available at: Actually 29A Seah Street Level 2
agnès b. New York
The agnès b. Spring Summer “New York” collection is a timeless and vibrant series, where you can choose from an extensive palette of colours to fit your personality and distinctive style. Each bag is crafted from split leather and enforced with coated cowhide, making it resistant to the daily grinds of life. Besides the quality materials, three sizes in the form of large, small and ‘school bag’ versions reflect the brand’s penchant for minimalism and versatility. Price: $495 - $565 Available at: All agnès b. stores RØMP/043
Grøøming
HOMME:
MoreThan Just
Vanity
Text by Mcken Wong
Beat
the Heat Garnier Men has tailored its TURBOLIGHT OIL CONTROL ICY GEL MOISTURIZER to suit the needs of the perspiring males on this humid island. Not only does this moisturizer boast authority over oil secretion, its lemon extract gives your skin an enviable matte finish. An added ginseng serum detoxifies and cools, with the light gel texture clinically proven to lower skin temperature by 1.3 degrees Celsius. Price: $17.90 (50ml) Where to get: Watsons, Guardian, major supermarkets and selected departmental stores
The much-touted B.B (blemish balm) cream is gaining momentum within the male grooming market, and Kiehl’s has developed the ACTIVELY CORRECTING & BEAUTIFYING B.B CREAM – taking this humble concealment favourite to a whole new level. Besides performing its task of covering skin blemishes, the cream also corrects skin discoloration and slides in all-day hydration and SPF 50/PA +++ protection capabilities. The presence of vitamin C clarifies skin tone, which is also a powerful antioxidant derivative that corrects skin damage. Price: $68 (30ml) Where to get: All Kiehl’s outlets
Perfecting
Imperfections
Spring Clean Your
Pores
Just as its name suggests, dr. brandt’s PORES NO MORE VACUUM CLEANER has a no-nonsense approach to blackheads – loosening and extracting them, minus the pain of using extraction tools. Key ingredients include the Japanese Ejitsu rose extract which tightens pores, as well as glycolic and salicylic acid to exfoliate and unclog pores. The cooling sensation that comes afterwards is comforting to one’s well-cleansed skin. Price: $70 (30g) Where to get: Sccube the Apothecary, Ngee Ann City
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Powder
uP!
Menscience has brought the charm back to humble powder by introducing the ADVANCED BODY POWDER, which combats chafing and friction during physical activity. The usual iffy areas that trap moisture – underarms, thighs and feet – are soothed and freshened up by the scientificallyconcocted talc. Natural botanicals and substances are present to offer protection all day round, while abrasions are kept at bay. Price: $30 Where to get: At all What He Wants outlets
Hassle-free and hailing from South Korea, the ALL IN ONE LOTION by Gatzmen combines the qualities of a toner, lotion and essence into one bottle. A non-lingering scent revitalizes the senses, with the gel serum aiming to rectify skin that is superficially oily, replenishing nutrition and moisture that is lost throughout the day. The fast absorption rate speeds up hydration, while added extracts such as the Korean Angelica Root contains whitening and anti-aging properties. Price: $39.90 (150ml) Where to get: At all What He Wants outlets
All-In-One Extravaganza
Edging Ageing
Nivea launches its assault on the male market with its eye-catching AGE REPAIR Q10 MOISTURE GEL. Present within this non-greasy formula are two active ingredients: the Q10 Matrix and Creatine. The former activates our skin’s natural repair mechanism which aids in the reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, while the latter takes pride in repairing damaged skin cells. For a rejuvenating and wellhydrated skin, slap this moisturizer on and feel the difference! Price: $19.90 (50ml) Where to get: At all major personal care stores and supermarkets
A little touch of French luxury wouldn’t hurt with Christian Dior’s COLOGNE ROYALE, part of the recently launched La Collection Privée – an exclusive selection of 12 exquisite fragrances. The Cologne Royale emits the subtle nonchalance of Bergamot essence, with a hint of sweet Citrus mingling alongside drifting notes of Earl Grey Tea and Pepper. Created by famed Dior Parfumeur François Demachy, this cologne was inspired by the Royal Courts of the XVIIIth century – a symphony between the classicism and modernity of Dior. Price: $285 Where to get: Dior Fragrances & Beauty at Tangs Orchard
Royal Whiffs
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fEMME: Spring Sensations Text by Michelle Zhu
Palette Pops Load up on these cute, coinsized colour pops from THEFACESHOP’s LOVELY ME:EX YOU & EYES collection, which come in 22 delightful matte and shimmering shades to mix, match and experiment with. With an assortment of captivating new hues such as the ‘Swimming Pool’ and ‘Sand Brown’, these mono-eyeshadows deliver vivid and long-lasting colour intensity, and also come with sebum control powder to balance out those oily eyelids. Prices: $8.90 each Where to get: All THEFACESHOP outlets
A
Not to be mistaken as just another B.B cream, Garnier rolls out an all-in-one moisturizer, formulated with lemon extract and sheer mineral pigments with a B.B finish. Offering SPF 26 PA++ protecting against damaging UV rays, the GARNIER MIRACLE SKIN PERECTOR’s non-sticky and watery consistency makes it easy to spread on. Take a break from heavy layers of foundation and moisturizer by using this product for a dewy, ultra-smooth visage, more even skin tone, and the reduced appearance of blemishes. Price: $18.90 (20ml) Where to get: Watsons, Guardian, major super/hypermarkets and selected departmental stores
Blast of Bliss
Blistex’s RASPBERRY LEMONADE BLAST is a fruity lip protectant that’s fortified with vitamins C & E, in addition to SPF 15 protection and lipquenching moisturizers such as coconut oil and Jojoba. This balm has an absolutely invigorating scent and taste of luscious raspberries and sweet lemonade (warning: you might find yourself wanting to lick your lips all the time after applying this), and glides on like a charm. A wonderful pre-lipstick base that packs an extra punch to those sweet surprise kisses! Price: $4.50 Where to get: All Watsons, Guardian, John Little, Sa Sa and Robinsons storess
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Don’t Call Me B.B
Straight
Tub
Organix adds yet another product to its already popular hair straigtening system: the all-new Organix Ever Straight Brazlian Keratin Therapy HYDRATING KERATIN MASQUE, a tub of sheer joy that smoothes down all hair types for straighter, more lustruous locks. Its nourishing organic blend of anti-oxidant-rich coconut oil, avacado oils and cocoa butter leaves a most delectable scent (think coconut and chocolate cake!) that remains throughout the day, and significantly reduces frizz while maintaining your hair’s body and shine. Price: $15.90 (237ml) Where to get: All Watsons outlets
Price: $66 (125 ml) Where to get: All Kérastase consultant salons
Luxury in Bloom
from the
From Parisian luxury haircare brand Kérastase comes a new range of Elixir Ultime Beauty Oils: the ‘Les Grands Crus’ collection, from which we’re especially loving the MORINGA IMMORTEL + OLEO COMPLEXE SCENTED OIL. Targeting the common problem of damaged, weakened and chemically-fried hair, this hair oil’s scent is inspired by Flower by Kenzo: a woody, oriental fragrance carrying sharp notes of citrus. Infused with vitamins A and C as well as Calcium, Iron and Magnesium, the replenishing and softening effects (both short- and long-term) are definitely worth this product’s price tag.
Banishing the Bumps Moroccan Argan oil is all the rage these days, touted as ‘Liquid Gold’ and the ‘Silk Oil of Morocco’ for being rich in essential and unsaturated fatty acids, polyphenoles, antioxidants and caretenoids. The 100% natural SEVEN WONDERS MOROCCAN ARGAN OIL SKIN SERUM is a special blend of such a gem, together with Rose Oil and vitamin E for maximum anti-aging, hydrating and reviving effects for your skin. This non-greasy formula absorbs quickly and regulates your skin’s sebum production, making for an essential addition to your daily skin care routine. Price: $19.90 for (20ml) Where to get: All Watsons outlets
Excessive exposure to the sun and slathering your face with excessively rich skincare products can be the cause of agonizing white bumps on the surface of your skin, which are otherwise known as milia. b. seen’s I’M MILIA BANISHER offers just the solution to such woes: formulated with Retinyl Palmitate and with active ingredients of Lactic Acid, Silanediol Salicylate, and plant extracts – all to help remove milia while protecting against aging signs and dryness of your delicate under-eye area. Price: $39.95 (5ml) Where to get: All Sa Sa outlets
Midas Touch RØMP/047
Savøur
SAVOUR 2013
Presented by NESPRESSO Singapore’s largest gourmet food festival, SAVOUR 2013, is set to return this 11th – 14th April to an expectant audience yearning for a fulfilling culinary extravaganza. Last year’s edition was a hit, hosting a sell-out crowd to positive critiques and acclaim - CNNTravel rated it as one of the top food festivals in the world. This time round, that success has translated into bringing in major sponsors such as NESPRESSO, which will be its Presenting Partner and Official Coffee, along with a slew of partners such as Standard Chartered Bank, Veuve Clicquot and Appetite. Savour 2012, photo courtesy of Savour Events Pte Ltd
SAVOUR 2013 is an exclusive concept, the first of its kind in Singapore whereby live demonstrations, expert master classes and culinary shopping are embedded within the event’s expansive itinerary. Participants will get to mingle, taste and learn within three specially crafted arenas in the 34,500sqm event area – the alfresco Gourmet Village, indoor Gourmet Auditorium and the Gourmet Market. Surrender your taste buds to the plethora of awardwinning chefs and restaurants at the Gourmet Village – both local and international – such as Lino Sauro from Gattopardo, Singapore, Claude Bosi from United Kingdom’s Hibiscus, as well as Ulf Wagner from the legendary Sjömagasinet restaurant in Sweden. Up to 60 culinary masterpieces, from an accessible price of $6 - $18 per dish, will be on site to delight participants and convince the occasional doubter. Chef Claude Bosi, photo courtesy of Hibiscus 048/RØMP
Savour 2012, photo courtesy of Savour Events Pte Ltd
Chef Lino Sauro, photo courtesy of Gattopardo
Chef Ulf Wagner, photo courtesy of Sjömagasinet
Savour 2012, photo courtesy of Savour Events Pte Ltd
Up to 300 master classes will be conducted inside the 350-seat Gourmet Auditorium, conducted by renowned celebrity chefs who will impart to you the essences of cooking. Furthermore, SAVOUR has constructed a twostorey Gourmet Market, where top notch producers present their goods and produce from all over the world. Live workshops and demonstrations will be enacted to satisfy your thirst for quality products – such as wine tasting and witnessing product launches. Exhibitors will include the likes of Equatorial Wines, Original Kaiser (Baking) and San Benedetto (Water and Juices) – all of which are reputable brands within the culinary world. One distinctive characteristic of SAVOUR 2013 is that it accepts the usage of ‘Savour Dollars’ which come together with the purchase of a ticket (Premier / Savour Pass). This is the event’s official currency and can be utilised to buy food and drink consumed within the premises, while all workshops, master classes and product tastings are complimentary. The venue for this year’s edition will be held on the grounds of the F1 Pit Building and Paddock from 11 to 14 April, with an expected 18,000 visitors to have their senses piqued and enlivened. Jot down these dates and head down for some gastro-fun!
Savour 2012, photo courtesy of Savour Events Pte Ltd
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Savøur
Trick & Trick
Expecting guests, and wondering how to impress? Executive Chef Marco Guccio from Alkaff Mansion shows you the way with a sinfully nutritious, four-step gourmet recipe. Serve this up with a Barbera d’Alba, and you’ve got yourself an elegant spread that takes under an hour to make from scratch. Will tempt even the laziest of weekenders. Casoncelli di Zucca, Fonduta di Taleggio e Noci
(Homemade Pumpkin ‘Casoncelli’ with ‘Taleggio’ Cheese Fondue & Walnut) Recipe Serves 4
Pasta Dough: 750g flour 250g semolina 9 eggs 10g salt
Pumpkin filling:
Cheese Fondue:
500gr butternut pumpkin Zest from 1 orange 1 shallot 20ml white wine 2 Eggs Yolk 20g Parmesan cheese 20g ricotta cheese Salt, Pepper, rosemary and thyme to taste Extra virgin olive oil to taste Veal juice and walnuts to taste
200g Taleggio Cheese 300ml cream 150ml milk Extra virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to taste
1. Preheat oven to 150 degrees 1. Mix flour, semolina and salt
2. Chop pumpkin into cubes
2. Place the flour on table in a mound, and make a well in the center
3. Place the orange zest and shallot into the tray and season with salt, pepper, extra virgin olive oil and white wine
3. Put the eggs into the well, gently mixing the flour with the eggs by moving fingertips in slow circular motion
4. Cover tray with aluminum foil and bake in oven for 1.5 hours until soft
4. Bring the mixture together with hands to form a dough
5. Blend baked pumpkin and pour into a mixing bowl.
5. Knead the pasta dough; push down and away from you with the palm of your hand
6. Add eggs, Parmesan and ricotta cheese and mix well
6. Allow the dough to rest for 10 minutes 7. Cut the dough into 3 equal sections before continuing with a pasta machine 8. Cover the dough balls with a towel to prevent the dough from drying up
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7. Season with salt and pepper 8. Fold a sheet of pasta dough over the filling and press it together at the edges; similar to ravioli, the finished shape should look a little like wrapped candy
1. Mix the Taleggio cheese, cream, milk and olive oil together 2. Season with salt and pepper to taste 3. Place the mixture over a bain-marie (a container filled with hot water) until it melts
Plating: 1. Toast walnuts in oven for 2-3 minutes and chop into smaller pieces 2. Sauté the pasta in butter and sage, then drizzle over plate 3. Top with fondue, veal juice reduction and toasted walnuts
Savøur
A Wealth of Cheap Eats From the basement confines of a condominium to the fringes of glistening malls, join Mcken Wong as he trawls up five establishments and gives his two cents’ worth. Who’s to say that an under $20 meal can’t be gratifying and nectarous? Non-pretentious restaurants and cafes with cute names and decentlypriced grub, have been sprouting up all over the island recently. Carefully prepared food is served within tony interiors, while attentive waiters attend to the slightest whims – all for just a little pout from your wallet.
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Table
Address: 5 Changi Business Park, Central 1 #01-68/69 Changi City Point - The Oasis Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 11:00am – 12:00am
Manners
Tel: 66047669
At first glance, Table Manners wouldn’t look out of place in a swanky uptown hotel, or alongside the al fresco dining options lining Clarke Quay. Launched by the trio of bosses from A Thousand Tales, the gastrobar’s interior is decked artistically with sui generis furniture from the same company - spiffy wooden pieces that are unostentatious and classy. The menu glides you through a series of choices that sounds and looks delectable. Health-conscious diners will fall for the Classic Caesar ($8.50, add $4 for Salmon or Grilled Chicken) – with a great mix of croutons, homemade anchovy and topped with a poached egg. If not, opt for a meat fix with Mary’s Little Lamb ($18.50), lamb shank that is braised overnight (12 hours) with its juices doing an exquisite gravy masquerade. The side salad is sprinkled with dashes of lemon-honey vinaigrette, complementing further those fluffy handwhipped US mashed potatoes. Table Manners’ Truffle Fries ($6) is a bestseller, while the Sea Salt Caramel Tart ($6.50) rounds off a very fulfilling gastroexperience. This place calms and soothes with a laid-back vibe, as well as being able to entertain both a 12-person gathering and a cosy table for two. Most importantly, it doesn’t take too big of a toll on your wallet.
‘
PoulEt
Address: 1 Kim Seng Promenade #02-K2/K3 Great World City Opening hours: Mon – Sun: 1130am – 10:00pm Tel: 67334395
French food has always, rather mistakenly, been stuck with the notorious distinction of being overtly-priced and minute in portion - a stereotypical smokescreen that veils its true quality. And then, there are those who strive to provide affordable French fare, attempting to usher in a new wave of diners with slightly tighter purse strings. Take for example, Poulét. This casual dining concept is a refreshing alternative from its Michelin-starred contemporaries, serving a range of French favourites with modest costs. With a second outlet lapping up the crowd at Great World City (the first at Bugis+), supply seems to meet demand. Poulét means ‘chicken’ in French, so one would already have guessed their signature dish – the palatable Poulét Roti (‘Roti’ means ‘roast’, in case you were thinking of bread) at $15.80 for half a chicken. Flavourful and wholesome, this is actually poultry that was previously soaked in brine, before being slow roasted to golden brown perfection. Homemade Mushroom Chardonnay sauce is then drizzled over to create a sterling kaleidoscope of flavours. Other options include the ambrosial Oxtail de Bourguignon ($15.80) and the new Poulét de Cranberry ($15.80) – using a fruitier combination of Cranberry Sauce, Double Pommery and Dijon Mustard. Délicieux!
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Nana’s
Green Tea
Address: 60B Orchard Road #03-80/82 The Atrium@ Orchard, Plaza Singapura Opening hours: Mon - Sun: 11:00am – 10.00pm Tel: 6684 4312
When modern interpretation and traditions clash, results can vary. There’ll be those that combust and burst into smithereens – an utter failure, or there can be the beautiful swirl of balance, a nod towards a graceful compromise rather than forceful conformity. Enter Nana’s Green Tea Café. Besides an architectural ingenuity with the rectangular frames that are illuminated by soft yellow highlights, the café serves a line-up of matcha-inspired drinks and Japanese cuisine with a modern twist. For $20, I’d pick the Mushi-Dori Goma Dare Udon ($13.80) – it’s a handful to read but oh-so-worthy for the tab. The cold sesame sauce is the main protagonist here, with a smooth lush texture aided by an addictive twang. And what better way to warm the meal with sips of traditional Genmai Cha ($5.50) – classic Japanese green tea steeped with roasted brown rice. If you have other ideas, mix-and-match by opting for favourites such as the Salmon Don ($14.80) or Mentaiko Cream Udon ($14.80).
Pandelicious With a fetching moniker and an interior of surprisingly cosy candour, Pandelicious is gradually eking out a name for itself within the Thomson community. Tucked within the commercial basement of a condominium, the café’s a halfhidden gem that some customers would – besides the owners – prefer hidden for their own tasting pleasure.
Address: 11 Sin Ming Road #B1-30 Thomson V Two Opening hours: Tue – Fri: 11:00am – 9:00pm Sat: 11:00am – 10:00pm Sun: 9:00am – 8:00pm Tel: 6451 4940
Here, savoury pancakes rule. Take for example, the PANburger ($13.90) – a staggering medley of crispy bacon, burger patty, fresh slices of tomato, lettuce and cheese, all neatly cushioned on a slab of well-textured pancake. This aperitive item may seem daunting at first, but dexterity and slicing skills can be thrown out the window as you gnaw your way through – in any way you want. Beforehand, you can elect to whet your taste-buds with the Clam Chowder ($4.90) – creamy and generous, or kick-start your meal with a latte-art topped Cappuccino ($4.90). Not to be missed is Pandelicious’ highly popular set lunch of a soup-pancakedrink combo at an affordable $16.90.
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Perspective
It’s an
Analog
Moment!
Everyone who’s ever held up a camera and said, ‘Say Cheese!’ probably felt their hearts drop when Kodak announced not more than a year ago that they would be filing for bankruptcy – news which galvanised some analog enthusiasts into action to keep retro, ‘metro’. Joey Murray speaks to Brian Ho on the excitement he gets from developing rolls of film in a darkroom.
Paris, France. Taken with a Holga 120GN (Kodak TRI-X)
Paris, France. Taken with a Holga 120GN (Kodak TRI-X)
Let’s just say that we’re not really fans of delayed gratification in this advanced day and age. Snail mail has been replaced by E-mail, which has since then been superceded by WhatsApp (heartfelt, thoughtfully crafted messages of love doesn’t convey very well over iPhone screens, ‘twitspeak’ and haphazardous shorthand, does it?). So why should we buy a film camera that can’t really give us a clear preview of what we’ve snapped through a viewfinder? Why should we go down to a photo developing shop (whose numbers have been dwindling faster than shark’s fin soup at hotel restaurant tables), wait a couple hours for the pictures to develop at a glacial pace, and not be guaranteed a good shot at all? “Analog photography is almost like an art form with a cult following these days,” says Brian Ho, the principal photographer and filmmaker at thegaleria. “Very few people embrace it, but (for) those who do, you see so much individualism in the kind of 054/RØMP
Paris, France. Taken with a Holga 120GN (Kodak TRI-X) Paris, France. Taken with a Holga 120GN (Ilford HP5)
“The texture in analog film is somehow more realistic, and the randomness of the grain structure in many ways reflects the volatility of life itself,” explains the concept bridal and actualday-wedding photography specialist on his preference towards analog film over digital photography. “You don’t have that in digital photography.” Paris, France. Taken with a Holga 120GN (Kodak TRI-X)
work they produce.” Brian’s works are very much influenced by the silver screens, with some of his inspirations ranging from Giuseppe Tornatore, to Mira Nair and Wong Kar-Wai.
Brian seconds his stance, of the good ol’ roll of film over digital Canon DSLRs: “With digital, photography is often a game of statistics. Let’s take a few shots and see which one turns out the best. It takes the thrill out of photography because you have too huge a safety net. With analog, it’s really a different approach altogether. You think, compose, press the shutter and
pray that your instinct served you well. It’s how French photographer Henri Cartier-Bresson would describe it: “the moment the photographer is creative”. There really is a lot of discipline and spontaneity involved.” Despite this, Brian still does not alienate digital photography from his practice. Being a ‘huge fan’ of the analog medium, he leans heavily towards analog, as it is a ‘personal choice’. It is also difficult to put a cost to analog photography, much unlike digital – a good Canon DSLR model could come up to $8330 (without guaranteeing accessories such as external flash and a tripod stand). Analog cameras might not be easy to find in stores, and are often present in a less astonishing variety. But a quick search on eBay. com would reveal mint quality samples of analog cameras, which cost far less than a base-level DSLR (around the $500 - $600 range). If you’re aiming for the satisfaction of analog, do keep in mind the different kinds of film rolls and equipment, and the time and money needed for photo development.
London, UK. Taken with a Holga 120GN (Kodak TRI-X)
London, UK. Taken with a Holga 120GN (Kodak TRI-X)
Penang, Malaysia. Taken with a Diana F+ (Kodak TRI-X)
“I do believe that with analog, you enjoy the entire photography experience more. It’s really an art form balancing intuition and instinct,” says Brian on his journey thus far with his trusty analog camera. It turns out that compact digital cameras and the art of analog photography aren’t a ‘vanishing trade’, as many of us techies would think. Brian shares: “In the 1980s, people predicted the demise of black and white photography, but it stood the test of time. In my opinion, it’s the most beautiful form of photography. The recent popularity of Lomography did do well to revive analog photography.” With the rise of the pseudo-Kodak online photo-sharing and social networking application Instagram, users can now recall the joy of simply snapping away, and filters that lend their photographs an often dreamlike quality. Facebook’s ‘billion dollar’ Instagram buy-over is another testament to the burgeoning of the Lomo movement – why else would someone want to fork out close to a billion dollars for an iPhone app?
Penang, Malaysia. Taken with a Diana F+ (Kodak TRI-X)
Photographer Toby Mason, a Lomography aficionado, enthuses: “The world around us is not airbrushed, and we would all do well to marvel at the quirks of everyday scenes and chance sightings. I like to use film because I feel this gives photographs more character, in the same way that while listening to music on vinyl isn’t as ‘perfect’ as CD or digital, it does have more soul.” It might be too soon to predict that hipsters, grandmothers, and schoolchildren would be walking around with grins on their faces and chunky black film cameras hanging from their necks again, but analog photography is enjoying a new resurgent wave of re-appreciation that will ensure that it’ll be around for quite a while.
“I do believe that with analog, you enjoy the entire photography experience more. It’s really an art form balancing intuition and instinct.”
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Wørk It
Fat to Fab:
The 5 Myths of Building a Better Physique
C
utting through the flab and gunk surrounding fitness, Cider Lin separates fact from fiction so that you can be beach-ready, all year round. It’s the time of the year when that familiar feeling strikes you. The hype from parties and events has died down, and the guys and girls who made New Year resolutions to hit the gym have all but disappeared from the fitness centres. You’re at the crossroads once again: torn between the couch and your trainers. The only six-pack you’re getting in 2013 is attained by a trip to the nearest convenience store for six cold ones. What if I told you that I can help you achieve that coveted waspy waistline, with little to no work at all? Tempted? I bet you are. Unfortunately, until I can turn water into wine, you will still have to work for it. This time though, you’ll have to work smart – because not everything you’ve heard about getting fit and lean is true.
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1. Working out with weights will add to your bulk. This myth has been perpetuated long enough by people who fail to understand the basic mechanics of gaining muscle. You simply do not gain weight or muscle by lifting weights. Having been a natural bodybuilder since my later teenage years, my experience has led me to becoming well-versed in the theory of gaining lean mass. Lifting weights is only part of a far greater equation. For the body to gain weight, you will have to feed it enough calories on top of a resistance training program. If your goal is to get bigger, you will want to increase your intake by 500 – 600 calories or so. If that is not your objective, keep your caloric intake at maintenance level (take your weight in kilograms and multiply it by 33 to find your maintenance level or use an online calorie calculator). To lose weight, simply cut your caloric intake by 500 – 600 calories below your maintenance level. It’s basic mathematics: take in more calories for more mass, and less for, well, less. Resistance training with weights merely stimulates your muscles for growth; your body composition is entirely dependent on caloric deficit or surplus.
2. Low-carbohydrate diets trim body fat. This is a belief more popular amongst the ladies. In the last few years, self-proclaimed ‘fitness and nutrition gurus’ have been saying that consuming carbohydrates will make you pack on the pounds. Most of these ‘gurus’ are not even in good physical shape to begin with. Athletes understand the importance of carbohydrates to fuel their body. Furthermore, if you are working out hard to shed the fat, you will need to take in carbohydrates. Losing body fat is just essentially burning more calories than you take in. That can be achieved by incorporating exercise and having a sound diet plan.
3. Cardiovascular activities like running are the best for cutting body fat. Cardiovascular activities do help in cutting body fat, but that is because you burn calories whenever you engage in physical activity. Like I said in the previous two myths, caloric deficit is the key to cutting body fat. In general, you can engage in different forms of exercise (not just cardiovascular activities) to cut body fat. That is not to say cardiovascular exercises are redundant; they are beneficial to your heart and lungs.
4. Doing crunches all day will help to tighten your midsection. I cannot stress enough that there is no way you can spot-reduce – that is, getting a part of the body lean just by exercising the particular muscle associated with it. By that theory, our legs should be ripped and shredded because we walk and stand on them all day. This is one of the biggest myths in the fitness world that is, sadly, still practised by millions around the world. You will have to decrease your overall body fat percentage in order for your midsection to tighten up, which can be achieved by a combination of resistance training, cardiovascular exercise and maintaining a caloric deficit.
5. You need an extremely ‘clean’ diet to stay lean. Unless you’re a competitive bodybuilder or fitness model preparing to get on-stage or in front of the camera, there is no need to get too stressed out over your food choices. Most of you are not going to compete in physique sports, so the general rule of thumb will be to eat 3 – 4 meals a day with sound portions of carbohydrates, protein and fibre. If you are looking to use supplements in your diet plan, a basic multivitamin and whey protein powder should suffice. They are merely used to supplement your diet, not to transform your body within 8 weeks that so many advertisements promise.
Lastly, the key to success is to basically get off your couch, put on your trainers and head out and break a sweat. There is no sweeter victory than victory over your lazy self. I hope that with these fitness myths debunked, you will be able to train smarter and move a step closer to your desired fitness and physical goals. Best of luck!
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Gløbe Trøtter
Of Elephant Gardens and
$16 Lattes
RØMP’s eternal globetrotter, Joey Murray, takes a sojourn to Copenhagen – where he waxes lyrical about the fairytale-like quality of the city while complaining about the exchange rate.
I
flumped onto the floor of the Eurocity bullet-train, returning from the deck of the cargo ship which had just transported a 324 metre-long tube of metal across the Baltic Sea. I was ticking myself off for scrimping on the €4 (S$6.44) online seat reservation fee, and swearing off being cheap for the rest of my life (though I probably will). The excitement I had for my Denmark trip had been chipped away by the uncomfortable 8-hour train ride, not to mention the frantic dash for Hamburg Hauptbahnhof at the speed of light, fearing that I would miss the train. It didn’t help that my breath reeked of onions because I went for the odd-looking fish sandwich – raw onions and rank-smelling fish – instead of its salmon alternative, which was priced just €0.65 (S$1.20) more (and less fishy, defo). But as soon as I arrived at Københavns Hovedbanegård (Copenhagen Central), I was received by my long-time architect friend Anders Møller, who whisked me away to a palatial apartment building with the most electic, yet exquisitely tasteful melange of obsidian tablelamps, cowhide armchairs and outlandish candlesticks and their longish waxen fingers (shame on you, IKEA!). Living in Frederiksberg was akin to living in Bukit Timah, rubbing noses with the affluent and successful. I was surrounded by Danish sensibility in the form of her high-end boutiques, artsy cafés, and smashing bars with beer degustation.
North Copenhagen Dock
Frederiksberg Home
Danish Lake The Little Mermaid
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Stuck to my age-old travel rule of avoiding public transport (or maybe I just didn’t want to pay 60 Danish Krones (DKK), or S$8.50, to go into the city in fancy WiFi-enabled wondertrains), I went by foot to The Little Mermaid, the majestic Statens Museum for Kunst, whose collection of Cubist, Dada and Surrealist art took me by storm.
Copenhagen’s lush and regal Frederiksberg Palace Gardens bore a stark difference from the Gardens of Versailles, as you could quite comfortably lay amongst the green, green grass without being spat on the face by a passing French soldier’s horse (kidding), and that there were in fact elephants roaming about and blowing their trunks, fishing for peanuts. Here’s where my fairytale takes a turn for the worse: I made the painful error of choosing to sit at the charming 1940s-ish Granola with a cappucino without checking for WiFi first, and ended up swiping my VISA to a DKK 120 (S$17) bill... ouch! I left abruptly and continued my journey to Ordrupgaard, a ‘threewinged trellised country mansion in the neo-classical style’, which also had an extension ‘constructed in glass and black lava concrete joined together to form a deconstructivistic and organic body’. Frederiksberg Gardens
Cappuccino, Granola
Ordrupgaard Greenhouse
Trailblazing
Lydolph Isbar
Porcelain mermen guarded the Claude Monets and Alfred Sisleys, and a small greenhouse was set up for visitors, furnished with plush rose petal recliners and alpine trees scared white by frost. The rooms segued into the heavily timbered, old-fashioned living room, decked with melancholiclooking portraits of families from the early 19th century. What ingenuity! Fabien Florent, an amazonian African Frenchman who worked as a bike messenger, allowed me to steer his bicycle, on which he accompanied me through North Copenhagen towards Dyrehavsbakken, the world’s oldest operating amusement park with a fully-functional wooden rollercoaster. We were to cycle 20 km up. I wasn’t fully confident in my cycling capabilities, bumping into a recycling bin in Amsterdam and almost falling into a canal, but at least I had some practice. Indubitably, I did crash into a few barricades, but the pitstop for the world’s biggest ice creams at Lydolph Isbar was what kept me going. Fabien ordered an ice cream that was larger than his head (inclusive of teased afro-do), and it only came up to DKK 30 (S$4.50!). Only in Copenhagen will gelato cost less than a train ride to the city; it left me tempted to live on ice cream for the rest of the trip. We eventually made it to the Dyrehavsbakken. Almost half-dead after riding on rollercoaster after rollercoaster, I sat on a park bench and watched children and adults alike throwing their hands up in the air, flashing toothy grins as they went down the ‘steep’ decline.
Dyrehavsbakken
Matisse Museum
I was sad that my next stop was New York City (via London), St Barts, and the south of France afterwards, but I know I’ll be back soon.
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Gløbe Trøtter
Namaste!
Apart from the glitzy lights of Tokyo and flashy metropolis that is New York, there are certain parts of the world where technology takes a back seat, where nature occupies centre-stage and the stars serve as guiding lights. Jocelyn Tan was in Nepal recently for a university volunteering stint, and took home more than what she could have ever asked for.
As
I walked through the doors of Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, I was welcomed by a wave of hotel taunts, taxi drivers and people eager to carry my bags. I had been warned about letting people carry my luggage – with that in mind, I successfully negotiated through the hustle and met up with the rest of the volunteers and our program facilitator. I had been mentally preparing myself for a culture shock, but nothing could prepare me for this! The outskirts of the city were lined with streets stockpiled with rubbish; locals enjoying a bath by the river; and crumbling shop fronts selling everything from children’s clothes to chicken carcasses. A sensory overload indeed! During my stay in Nepal, I have come to realise that a ride on the streets would not be complete without the constant blaring of horns, scampering chickens, wandering dogs, buffaloes, and the many sacred cows. Living with a middle-class Nepali family on the outskirts of Kathmandu, I have grown to love the staple of Nepali food – Dal Bhat, which consists of rice, lentil soup and curry with spinach or potato.
Sunset, Kathmandu Valley
showering once a week; as well as the absence of toilet paper (instead, you use a water gun). Thamel is the tourist mecca of Kathmandu, and would definitely be my top choice for relaxing in a café serving hot chocolate and cake, hitching free WiFi or indulging in a good massage. Thamel’s narrow alleys are chock-full of shops selling everything from pastries, musical memorabilia, trekking gear and handicrafts. I remember spending many hours haggling with shop owners for the best discounts possible.
Bhote Kosi River
dal bhat
The frequent power outages in Nepal took a while for me to get used to, as simple tasks like showering, cooking and eating became a challenge. There is a still-practiced custom whereby a menstruating woman must not sleep inside the house; the habit of only
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Thamel
Despite spending the majority of my time on placement, I managed to make the most out of my weekends to visit some attractions. To start off, I left the city for a 2-day white water rafting trip on the Bhote Kosi River. The 4-hour bus trip North East of Kathmandu was a nail-biting ride – weaving around hairpin bends overlooking sheer breath-taking drops into heaving rapids, which I would later find myself propelling down on an inflatable raft. The beauty surrounding the river was absolutely splendid, from luscious green forests and emerald green fields terraced above the river, to curious school children lining suspension bridges, waving excitedly at us as we plunged through cascading waves and chutes of foam.
The following weekend, we embarked on a 6-hour long bus ride to the subtropical Inner Terrai lowlands of south-central Nepal, home to the UNESCO World Heritage listed Chitwan National Park. Over the next two days, we had the chance to experience the local Tharu culture through a village tour and cultural performance, watched an incredible sunset, and clambered aboard elephants trudging through the jungle safari.
Chitwan
Lumbini
Lumbini
We took a slight detour on our way back from Chitwan to visit Lumbini, the site where Lord Buddha was said to have been born 2300 years ago. On a walking tour around the holy site, we visited ancient monasteries; a sacred Bodhi tree where Lord Buddha studied under as a young boy; an ancient bathing pool or Puskarini where he had his first bath; and the Mayadevi temple which contains the archaeological remains of the precise place of Buddha’s birth.
Just 30 minutes from Bhaktapur and at an elevation of 2,195 metres (or 7,200 feet), Nagakot offers one of the most scenic spots for its view of the snowcapped Himalayas. Watching the sun rise over the Himalayas, exposing the snow-capped peaks as they peeked out through the clouds was such a spectacular sight to wake up to! We left Nagakot on foot, taking a downhill hike towards Sankhu while soaking in the panoramic view of the Kathmandu Valley.
On our final weekend, we decided to escape from the hectic city life to the beautiful ancient city of Bhaktapur. Bhaktapur was once the capital of Nepal, and together with Patan and Kathmandu, make up the three royal cities in the Kathmandu Valley. There are four main squares: Durbar, Tamaudhi, Dattatraya and Pottery Squares, with the biggest square being Bhaktapur Durbar Square. The squares are filled with beautiful monuments, palaces and temples with elaborate carvings and open courtyards. They are all connected by narrow paved streets and alleys, and one could spend hours being lost in the charming atmosphere of Bhaktapur.
Within Kathmandu, some other sights worth visiting have got to be the Boudhanath Stupa and Pashupatinath. Built during the 5th Century AD, Boudhanath is one of the largest Buddhist stupas in the world. Many maroon-clad Tibetan Buddhist monks and nuns can be seen walking around the Stupa in a clockwise direction, and the air is thick with incense and mantras sung by monks. It is a must to visit one of the many roof-top cafes and enjoy the scenic view of the whole stupa!
Bhaktapur
Situated along the banks of the Bagmati River, Pashupatinath is one of the most important Hindu temples in Nepal. At the ghats (stairs where you can descend to the river), plateaus are made that are used for the open-air cremations which took place on a daily basis. Many visitors, both Nepalese and foreigners, gather on the other side of the river to observe the rituals that take place during the cremation process. While cremations are largely private affairs back home, relatives in Pashupatinah would have their loved
Nagakot
Boudhanath
Pashupatinath
ones cremated in a public environment, and have foreigners actively taking pictures of the ‘event’. My four weeks spent in Nepal have been such a humbling, exhilarating, and enriching experience that is difficult to fit it all into one piece. I am very grateful for everything that has happened to me, and I have no doubt that I will return back some day for more.
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Advice Cølumn
Monsters, or Mankind? Mr Aloysius Chow gives us advice on the most pressing issues at present.
Troubled?
Send in your questions to editorial@rompmagazine.com
1
I suspect that one of my best friends is suffering from Kleptomania. Whenever we head for gatherings or parties at someone else’s place, he’ll always try to bag something and take it home. It can be a mug, a pen, or even something as ridiculous as a cordless phone. He’ll then promptly show them off to me and our friends. It’s not as if he’s poor, in fact, he comes from a well-to-do family. I’ve know him for about 9 years and his ‘pickpocketing’ habits have worsened over the past couple of years. He confesses that he can’t control himself, and of course, refuted suggestions of seeking professional help. What should I do to help him? I fear it may grow into a real problem and land him behind bars if he’s caught one day. Several features characterise the behaviours of a person with kleptomania. Firstly, the person constantly steals things which are unnecessary, or things which this person can afford to pay for. These stolen things are then given away to others, returned back secretly to the owner, hoarded or thrown away. Secondly, the person with kleptomania will experience some anxiety before stealing, and will feel enjoyment and pleasure during the process of stealing the object. To help your friend ‘kick this habit’ of stealing, it is important to understand that the enjoyment and pleasure a person with kleptomania experiences are the motivating factors in the repeated stealing incidents. This is because even though your friend might feel guilty after stealing something, the feeling of enjoyment and pleasure diminishes the guilt tremendously. The 062/RØMP
next thing you have to understand is that your friend is experiencing a mental health condition, and that his behaviour is not a result of a flaw in his character. It is a positive sign that he confided in you; this means that he trusts you. So take the next step and speak to him, calmly and do not blame him for his stealing spree. You could tell him that you are concerned that there is a very real possibility of him getting arrested. And when that happens, the consequences thereafter will be damaging to his future career prospects. The next point you ought to raise is that you empathise (not sympathise!) with him; that his ‘urges’ to steal are too overpowering for him to ignore them. These two steps are to help your friend realise that there are serious negative consequences to his stealing
spree and that you understand what he is going through. Remember that what you want to do is not to blame or shame your friend, but to stress to him that he can count on you for support during this difficult period of his life. If your friend has not seen a mental health professional (i.e. psychiatrist) for a formal diagnosis, you might want to try encouraging him to do so; not to get a diagnosis, but for access to professional mental health help. The types of help include medication or psychotherapy. Should your friend blatantly refuse to seek professional help, you have to respect his decision. You do not want to lose his trust if you want to continue to help him. If this is the case, continue to support and empathise with him. At the same time, continue to encourage him not to give in to those urges to steal.
I was a victim of bullying throughout my years in secondary school and junior college. My schoolmates would taunt me for being ‘weird’ and ‘ugly’, and on more than a couple of occasions, I was slapped around for fun. I’ve tried being a snitch by telling a teacher, but it only made matters worse as I soon became known for being ‘spineless’ and a ‘pao toh kia’ (snitch). Now as a 21-year-old attending a local university, I’m embarrassed to say that although my new schoolmates aren’t aggressive as the bullies I’ve met in my life, they shun and mock me as well. I don’t know what I did to deserve being treated this way – why does everyone hate me so much for being painfully shy?
2
Advisor Al Real identity:
Aloysius Chow, Perpetual learner of Psychology. Advocate of scientific knowledge and logical exploration for the good of mankind.
Firstly, I am sorry to hear that you were a victim of bullies back in secondary school and in junior college. Secondly, I would like to congratulate you for getting into a local university! You have gotten the better of many other people of your age group academically. This illustrates that you have shown your mettle and intellectual ability despite having been bullied in school.
do not have any) to write down five positive traits about yourself.
Now, some points are unclear to me. Why do your new schoolmates “shun and mock” you? If it is a ‘feeling’ you get that they are, ask yourself why they would feel so negative about you. It could be a negative perception of yourself which has perpetuated since the day the bullies hurled nasty insults at you. Should this be the case, try this self-evaluation exercise:
5. Reflect on what your friends said, and embrace the additional traits which your friends brought up.
Humility is an important value to hold on to while you are on the journey to a successful career. I am sure that you can find some sincere people as friends with the abovementioned value of humility.
Now repeat the same exercise, but you and your close friends have to list negative traits instead of the positive ones. Once this is done, you would be more aware of your ‘bad’ side. Do not beat yourself up or feel sorry for yourself (e.g. become emo). What you have to do now is to admit to these negative traits and improve yourself so that you can become a better person for yourself.
You must remember that the bullying incidents happened quite some time ago. I am not suggesting that you ‘not think about it’ or that you ‘forget about it’. I understand that it is not as simple as that, especially if you found it harrowing. You are now in a new stage of your life, which comes with a chance to start writing a new chapter in your life story. Do that, and be kind to yourself.
1. Write down five positive traits about yourself. 2. Ask two to three close friends (or family members, if you feel that you
3. Compare what you wrote with what your friends wrote. 4. Discuss with your close friends about the traits which you did not list, and find out why they see those traits in you.
If your new schoolmates are mocking you based on hearsay, the question you have to ask yourself is this: “Are they worth this amount of stress?” Since these people do not know you but judge you negatively, it says quite a bit about the type of people they are.
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Self
MDIS Special
The Science of Success The Management Development Institute of Singapore, also known as MDIS, prides itself as a professional institute that provides well-accredited courses and myriad opportunities for individuals to develop professionally and academically. The oldest not-forprofit educational institution in this country, it has garnered a reputation for churning out top graduates and has received laudable praise from the working industry. In 2012, 23-year-old Gaiyathri Elankovan graduated with a Bachelor of Science (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences awarded by the University of Bradford and was one of the many who were drawn to the institute’s championing of student welfare and top-notch academic performances. Mcken Wong sits the classical dance enthusiast down at the school’s Stirling Road campus, and finds out more about her rewarding journey at MDIS.
After completing ‘A’ levels, how did
your GCE the decision to pursue a degree with MDIS arise?
After I graduated from Serangoon Junior College, I wanted to pursue a science-related course as it revolves around my area of interest. It was also partly due to me having to do physics and chemistry for my GCE ‘A’ levels, which further piqued my preference for science-related subjects. A friend introduced me to MDIS’ Bachelor of Science (Hons) in
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Biomedical Sciences. My brother promptly helped me to dig up more information about it. Once I found out that the course was awarded by the University of Bradford, UK, my mind was made up.
In your opinion, how does MDIS
give you the edge over students from local universities who are pursuing similar degrees?
I can’t particularly say whether MDIS has the edge over the local universities. But what I can say is that MDIS provides me with a really
conducive environment for learning. For example, the laboratories for lab work and the resource centre where the computers are free for students to use are marvellous. The course which I took also enabled me to appreciate critical thinking skills and scientific methodology which can be applied in scientific research. Career-wise, I also believe that all of us, graduates from MDIS, are viewed equally with our peers from the local institutions. However, I would like to reason that future employers will view us favourably, especially since Bradford was the first university to be established in the U.K., and one of the first in the world to introduce an undergraduate degree course in Biomedical Science.
“MDIS I believe that there is no reason to hesitate in choosing as the preferred institution of choice. While the degree is recognized and accredited, the school environment has proven to be conducive enough to produce top students every year.
H ow did MDIS aid
the environment in you throughout your academic journey?
One particular highlight that comes with studying in an international institution like MDIS is the opportunity to meet people from different nationalities and cultures. I made many good friends who are really nice and helpful, which has certainly helped to enrich and enliven my time spent here. The amazing school campus, like I’ve mentioned, is tailored to the needs of the students and certainly made our experience here even more enjoyable. Little things like installing power sockets around the campus to charge laptops, and the presence of study benches within the school compound, are something that we all appreciate and are grateful for.
“
D id
the tutors and lecturers contribute to your academic success?
W hat
They played a huge role and aided me substantially throughout my university degree. As I did not have a background in biomedical science, I attended a two-week pre-tutorial.
My classes were at night (evening programme), which means I didn’t have the opportunity to spend a great deal of time in school. I did know however, that there were various activities being conducted by MDIS, such as sports tournaments and various carnivals.
Since the study of biomedical science requires a thorough knowledge of biology, I felt really nervous but the lecturers and tutors were always around to allay my concerns and fears. The lecturers were ever-present in answering queries – before and after class, or even during lab sessions. What I like most was that their responses were always prompt and detailed!
W h at
were some of the significant memories you have had with the school?
I do miss the friends I’ve made in MDIS, although sadly, some have already left Singapore and returned home. They were a big part of my life and I would consider the time I’ve spent with them to be the most significant and memorable.
did you do when you needed to take a break from studying?
These events can help students to take their minds off schoolwork, and channel their energy into different aspects of their lives.
Do
y o u h av e a n y a d v i c e f o r students who are contemplating choosing between a local u n i v e r s i t y a n d a p r i v at e institution?
Students should not worry about their future once they decide to embark on an academic journey with MDIS. Just give it a shot and be confident about your decision!
Tell
us about your future career aspirations.
I’m hoping to get into the life science industry and chalk up some working experience. I plan to pursue my master’s degree only after gaining some work experience. RØMP/065
Self:
Kaplan Special
Of Numbers,
Quality and Success Kaplan Learning Institute, Singapore, has been the leading provider of quality educational and career services for students of all ages. Part of Kaplan, Inc., which happens to be the largest division of The Washington Post Company, the institution has grown in stature through the years – attracting and producing high achieving students. Due to Kaplan Learning Institute’s wide array of quality offerings, such as test preparation, higher education and professional training, many schools and businesses have also gained added expertise and knowledge through them.
Kaplan Financial, a department of Kaplan Learning Institute, churns out regularly some of the best accountants and auditors for the industry, preparing over 50,000 students annually around the UK and Asia. It is the only local registered tuition provider to offer the CIMA® Gateway Programme, as well as being one of the preferred choices to carry out the Chartered Financial Analyst® preparatory programme in Singapore. In addition, it offers an exclusive CPA Program® Preparatory Course. This is a rigorous and educational program, which focuses on strategy, leadership and international business. Furthermore, it will develop a student’s technical accounting skills, with the course content tailored to focus on
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providing flexibility of learning and delivery modes. Current and prospective students will always be enamoured with the location of the Kaplan City Campus. Situated in the heart of Orchard Road and occupying over 60,000 square feet spread across 3 floors, the school possesses 31 fully equipped state-of-the-art classrooms for an enhanced learning experience. The campus’ computer labs are fitted with modern gadgetry, while the library holds an extensive array of material for a student’s research, perusal or reference. Furthermore, student welfare is an important aspect of a Kaplan student’s life, reflected in the construction of both the student lounge and consultation area. One
other plus point, is that students at Kaplan Financial will enjoy a lecturerstudent ratio of 1:100 – the lecturers being some of the industry’s most experienced with proven track records. When one chooses an educational institution, the accreditation of the school is a vital component to consider. Kaplan Learning Institute is registered as a Private Education Institution with the Council for Private Education (CPE) under the Enhanced Registration Framework. Besides that, they have also been awarded a 4-year EduTrust status in July 2011, having met the EduTrust certification requirements.
Kaplan Reception
Student Lounge
Integral to any aspiring student who wishes to stride into the finance and accounting world, Kaplan Financial provides a host of professional courses that are accredited and more than adequate. Some of the courses include:
Institute’s ability to fulfil the standards as defined by ACCA. These standards include the state of its learning facilities, the presence of outstanding student support, and the level of pass rates that consistently meet or exceed the ACCA global levels.
• Preparatory course for Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
It is also an incentive when a student upon the completion of the ACCA exams, will gain an Honors Degree in Applied Accounting from Oxford Brookes University (OBU). Of course, the fruits of the labour – becoming a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - will usually come after a series of practical experience requirements besides clearing exams.
• Foundations in Accountancy (FIA) • Certificate for Professional English for Finance (PEF) The school is renowned for producing top students from the ACCA program, and has been aided by its achievement of being awarded Platinum status for ACCA’s Approved Learning Partner. This acclaimed status isn’t just being dispensed to any institution within the country, but is due to Kaplan Learning
One can’t help but notice that there is indeed a slew of private institutions in Singapore, each with their own forte and repertoire of courses. For Kaplan Singapore however, their reputation can only be strengthened by its glowing
results in a recent 2012 JobsCentral Learning and Ranking Survey. Not only was it ranked #1 among the most Preferred Private Education Institutions, it has also topped the charts for the following categories in the survey:
• • • •
Top 20 Private Education Institutions for a Bachelor’s Degree Top 20 Private Education Institutions for a Post-Graduate Degree Top 20 Private Education Institutions for a Diploma / Advanced Diploma Top 20 Private Education Institutions for a Professional Certification/ Personal Development Courses/ Corporate Workshops You might still be on an educational crossroad, but with Kaplan, your future will be in good hands.
For more information, you may visit www.kaplan.com.sg/kli or drop a line at 6733 1877 or email kli.sg@kaplan.com RØMP/067
Cømmentary
M
any a time, we find ourselves shaking our heads and tutting in disapproval at commuters rushing for seats on the train, nasty queue-cutters, road-ragers and inconsiderate neighbors who leave the void deck resembling a post-war zone. The term ‘Ugly Singaporean’ is probably not unfamiliar to you. Despite relentless pleas from Singa The Courtesy Lion over the years, we find ourselves wondering why selfish, irrational, apathetic and uncivilized behavior continues to prevail. It’s no wonder Gallup ranks us as the unhappiest people in the world. And really, can you blame us? Bad manners aside, there’s an even greater evil lurking out there – and we’re not just talking about just Singaporeans. I’d be surprised if you’ve never met a Machiavellian villain in your
068/RØMP
The the the life: the dirty, dishonest and manipulative [insert expletive noun] who breaches ethical, professional or sometimes even legal codes of conduct – and gets away with it scot-free. It’s hard to keep that halo on, especially when we witness the benefits of being ‘bad’. As appalled and enraged by these scheming miscreants as we may be, Freud attributes such pathological immaturity and boorishness to something that we all employ: defense mechanisms. While you’re raving incredulously at the existence of such vermin among us, they in turn are merely holding fast to a ‘connive to survive’ mentality: objectively, a mere side-product of human evolution. So then, you might ask, what’s so good about being ‘good’ if lying, scheming and malicious beings are meant to be part of this world?
, and Text by Michelle Zhu
As Japanese violinist Shinichi Suzuki says: “Wrong education and upbringing produces ugly personalities, whereas a fine upbringing and good education will bring forth superior sense of feeling, as well as nobility and purity of mind.” Pity those who rear their ugly heads, for they know not what they do. So don’t be envious of, and don’t be angry or annoyed at the amoral anti-heroes of our time. There’s no need for fancy polls or scientific evidence to prove that good-doers, the generous and the gracious are more inclined to lead happier, more satisfying lives while maintaining enduring and meaningful relationships with others. The dark side might have cookies, but we have triple fudge chocolate cake.
What Yøu(th) Say
IT’S DIRTY LAUNDRY TIME! RØMP GETS 5 RANDOM INDIVIDUALS TO ‘FESS UP. “During my stint as a waitress in my university days, a friend-turnedenemy visited the restaurant I worked at with her posse. When she insisted to my Manager that she wanted me to personally serve her table drinks, I obliged – but not without spitting into her pot of tea first.” – Michelle Zhu
“Whenever I have a big one brewing, I grab my unsuspecting girlfriend’s hand and press it against my gluteus maximus before letting it all out…. Now that’s what I call a rainbow surprise!”
“I was at a stationery shop buying glitter when I realized I was 10 cents short (it cost 30 cents a tube, and I had three in my hand). I reaaaally wanted the gold glitter in addition to the essential red and green, and so I paid for the first two and walked out with the third in my pocket.” -Chen Shujun
– Teo Hongzheng
“I had a heated argument with my friend while we were going up a staircase. In a moment of anger, I pushed her down! Luckily, she only suffered a few scratches bruises, or I wouldn’t be here today.” – Celine Lee
“The last time I lost my phone charger, I tried my luck by going to a hotel and claiming one from the lost property department. Must be a commonly left behind item!”
– Darren Chua RØMP/069
Where to Find Rømp magazine
F&B The Sauce Bar •8 Raffles Avenue, Esplanade Mall #01-10/12 The Butter Factory •1 Fullerton Road #02-02/03/04 The Broers Cafe •3 Petain Road, Residence@Somme Sogurt •617 Bukit Timah Road SelfISH Gene Cafe •40 Craig Road Oriole Cafe •10 Jiak Chuan Road •96 Somerset Road, Pan Pacific Serviced Suites #01-01 •9 Raffles Place Republic Plaza #01-23/23A Once Upon A Milkshake •Raffles City #B1-51 •Pasir Ris SRC #01-09 •Ion Orchard #B4-74 •Maxwell Chambers #01-08 MakeShake •City Square Mall 180 Kitchener Road #B2-K2/K11 LICK •258 Tanjong Katong J CO Donuts •Bugis Junction 200 Victoria Street #B1-24 Awfully Chocolate •Holland Village 40 Lorong Mambong 15-minutes Cafe @ LASALLE •1 McNally Street LASALLE College of the Arts Blk D #01-01
Island Creamery •10 Jalan Serene, Serene Centre #01-03 •Holland Village Shopping Mall #01-02 •No. 3 Lorong Liput •11 King Albert Park #01-02 •Great World City, Basement (inside Cold Storage), 1 Kim Seng Promenade ..
Haagen-Dazs •Holland Village 21 Lorong Mambong, •Esplanade Mall #02-01/03, 8 Raffles Avenue •Springvale 907 East Coast Road #01-05 Frolick •Lot 1 , 21 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4 #B1-23 •Hougang Mall 90 Hougang Ave 10 #B1-K11 •Tampines 1 10 Tampines Central 1 #B1-32 •Bugis Junction 80 Middle Road #01-K1 •Cathay Cineleisure Orchard 8 Grange Road #B1-07 •Bukit Batok Central Blk 630 #01-158 Marble Slab Creamery •Bugis+ 201 Victoria Street, #05-02 •Plaza Singapura 68 Orchard Road, #03-89 •The Central 6 Eu Tong Sen St, #01-27 •Causeway Point 1 Woodlands Square #B1-22 •112 East Coast Rd, #B1-25 •Junction 8 Shopping Centre 9 Bishan Place, #02-52 Cupcakes with Love •348 Tanjong Katong Road •Tampines 1, 10 Tampines Central #03-22 Pies & Coffee •Rochester Mall 35 Rochester Drive #01-02 Tango’s Restaurant & wine bar •35 Lorong Mambong The factory •22 Lim Tua Tow Road
Retail chota •The Cathay 2 Handy Road #03-03 STAGE •SCAPE 2 Orchard Link #02-08 •Far East Plaza 14 Scotts Road #02-60 Collage •61 Haji Lane Threadbare & Squirrel •Bali Lane 660 North Bridge Road The Only Place •Far East Plaza 14 Scotts Road #04-131B Spellbound •Far East Plaza 14 Scotts Road #03-24 Reckless Ericka •Orchard Central 181 Orchard Road #02-08/09 Leftfoot •Orchard Cineleisure 8 Grange Road #02-07A •Far East Plaza 14 Scotts Road #03-94 •The Cathay Gallery Handy Road #01-19/20 Jurong Point •Jurong Point Shopping Centre #03-07 (Customer Service) FLESH IMP •SCAPE 2 Orchard Link #02-20/21/22
DeSoul •Far East Plaza 14 Scotts Road #03-24A Praise •Bugis Junction 200 Victoria Street #03-22A •Orchard Cineleisure Grange Road #02-04 Femmex •Orchard Cineleisure 8 Grange Road #03-05 Level 5 •Vivocity 1 Harbour Walk #02-201
POLYTECHNICS Nanyang Polytechnic 180 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 •Blk E, Level 4, Room E407 Ngee Ann Polytechnic 535, Clementi Road •Blk 1, Level 2 Singapore Polytechnic 500 Dover Road •Main Library (Opposite the Admin Building) •Hilltop Library (Next to Teaching Block 22) •Student Service Centre (Building T16, Level 1) Republic Polytechnic 9 Woodlands Avenue 9 •One Stop Centre Temasek Polytechnic
LOMOGRAPHY GALLERY STORE 21 Tampines Avenue 1 •Student Development Centre 295 South Bridge Road Egg3 •Tong Yuan Industrial Building 85 Playfair Road #07-01 •The Cathay 2 Handy Road #01-18 •33 Erskine Road #01-10/11/12
Present RØMP magazine to enjoy 1-for-1 Frolick yogurt. * *Terms and conditions apply. Original copy must be presented. Multiple redemptions at any one time are not allowed. Valid till 30th April 2013..
Holland Village • Tampines 1 • Orchard Cineleisure • Lot 1 • Hougang Mall • Bugis Junction • Bukit Batok Central