RØMP Nov / Dec 2013

your definitive edutainment source NOV/DEC 2013 the hooray issue Issue #12

FRESHLY BAKEd

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Chihiro Uchida Seong Hui Xuan Tee tee hee hee

* Take a photo of this advertisement and enjoy a Dine-4-Free-1 promotion!

ISSUE 12 HOORAY / contents

CHOICES 10 KAPLAN 12 CHOOSING YOUR NEXT PATH 14 SOARING AMBITIONS 16 OH SANTA! 19 CREATIVE POWERHOUSE

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SLOUCH 22 OF GRACE AND GRIT 28 WHO IS: SEONG HUI XUAN 30 MURDER KILL BABY 32 EVENTS LISTING

AUDIOPHILE

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34 ALBUM REVIEW

GADGETS 19

36 GADGET REVIEWS 37 HEADPHONES

STYLE JOURNAL 38 FIVE TO WATCH 40 SPOTLIGHT

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42 HOMME GROOMING 44 GIFTED BEAUTY 45 FEMME GROOMING

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*One-for-One Bird Nest Promo

81 Tanjong Pagar Singapore 088502 Daily Lunch: 11:30am - 2:30pm Dinner: 6:00pm - 10:00pm

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SAVOUR 48 COUP DE GRACE 52 FOR BREADS AND BRUNCH

PERSPECTIVE 53 SNAPPING EFFECTS 56 PERFECTING PROFILES

GLOBE TROTTER

48

60 CHASING STUPAS 63 TIMELY RESPITE

WORK IT 66 ART OF STRETCHING 68 AGAINST ALL ODDS

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editor’s note I’m not sure if you’ve experienced the same conundrum, or should I say, the YouTube effect. Picture this: you’re watching a clip on the latest trends, New York Fashion Week for example, and you spot a featured clip at the corner of your eye.

“BEAUTIFUL VOICE. MUST WATCH. America’s Got Talent” – and you tell yourself why not. While at it, another handful of videos appear on the right-hand column and you pick one showing jumping elephants.

Before you know it, you’re led from one video to the next, with an hour passed, lost in your own bubble. When you do break out of it, a parody of Wrecking Ball haunts your screen. The gist in all of these isn’t about time getting wasted, but whether you were entertained and yes, you probably were.

The YouTube effect is a microcosm of what life can be. You encounter events and tread (or thread) through various stages in life. You meet new people that might lead you to unchartered territories, you stumble and fall but find new pillars of support, and each choice that you make inadvertently leads to a result, intended or not. 2013 might not have come to an envisaged end; it might have degenerated into a somewhat disappointing finale – but look around, and retrace your footsteps. Filter out the bad (or try to) and pick out the positives: what landed you here, what can be done better, and what you feel heartened to have right now. It can be your loved ones, your current job, or your goldfish. Sometimes, we just need to realise that good things don’t come within 12 months – far from it.

This issue, we’ve decided to take on the challenge of change and create a certain sort of platform. This platform would hopefully propel us to greater heights in the coming year, as we continually seek to better the magazine for you readers.

RØMP has gone through a brilliant season and we aren’t going to stop. It may be just another magazine for some, but it’s one that we hold quite dearly. Within these pages, we celebrate the life of ballet extraordinaire, Chihiro (pg 22), the talented Seong Hui Xuan (pg 28) as well as the witty Teresa Lim (pg 19). Flip on for more travel anecdotes (pg 60 & 63), and prepare to wrap up the year with some choice eats (pg 48) and scintillating portrait shots (pg 53). Everything’s just squeezed within one bundle for you to relish!

At the end of the day (or year), we hope you’d want to celebrate, and draw the curtains on twenty thirteen with a resounding bang.

Signing off,

Mcken Editorial

Art Direction

editor

graphic designer

mcken wong mcken@agapepublishing.sg

xiaoxi teo sheausee@agapepublishing.sg

sub-editor

Advertising

writer

advertising sales executive

joyce lee joyce@agapepublishing.sg

elizabeth moreira elizabeth@agapepublishing.sg

Event/Circulation

senior contributor

cindy goh cindy@agapepublishing.sg

joey murray contributors

asha gizelle mariadas | choo huiquan

event/circulation executive

Publisher & Sales Director calvin lai calvin@agapepublishing.sg

Distributor

MediaWheel Singapore

ON THE COVER Photography: Nicolethen studio Model: Chihiro Uchida

RØMP magazine is published bi-monthly by Agape Publishing. Copyright is held by the publisher. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed or implied are not necessarily those of the editor and publisher. Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited, or else.

Printed by Toppan Security Printing Pte Ltd MICA (P) 062/11/2012

*Oops! JJ didn’t win the China KOD that we’ve stated in our previous issue.

xiangyun lim xiangyun@agapepublishing.sg

ISSUE 12 HOORAY / choices

Calculated Choices No matter which point you are at in your life, Kaplan is the choice private education institute for you, with over 15 years of experience in providing educational and career services for individuals, schools and businesses in Singapore. Its two main divisions, Kaplan Higher Education and Kaplan Learning Institute, offer career-oriented academic programmes specially structured to build futures, one success story at a time.

As an approved and registered training centre with the Council of Private Education, Kaplan Learning Institute is well known for their preparatory programmes for the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) amongst others. Kaplan Financial also stands at a Platinum status for ACCA’s Approved Learning Partner-Student Tuition programme – the highest honour awarded based on standards of learning facilities, outstanding student support and exceptional pass rates. As the largest and fastest-growing professional accountancy body internationally, ACCA’s recognition is testament to the quality of the educational experience students will receive at the institute.

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Kaplan graduates receive more than just academic education, with remarkable student support services such as an exclusive career web portal powered by JobStreet, a leading job recruitment website. Students can be rest assured of abundant professional prospects with several strategic partnerships with renowned organisations and universities locally and internationally.

It is therefore unsurprising that Kaplan is constantly ranked as one of the best private education institutes of Singapore. Recent recognitions include “Best Private School” in the AsiaOne People’s Choice Awards 2013, and “#1 Private Education Institute” in the overall as well as four other categories in the 2012 JobsCentral Learning & Rankings Survey.

Now with a new extension campus available at PoMo in addition to its existing two spaces in Orchard and at Wilkie Edge, Kaplan Singapore’s modern and conducive facilities is within easy accessibility. Some of its facilities include common areas with free Internet access, student lounges and pantries as well as libraries and student services offices.

With about 100 quality courses that range from diplomas and degrees to professional qualifications and post-graduate degrees, that have 18,000 full-time and part-time enrolled students, Kaplan is the right choice for a well calculated path towards success.

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T

his year’s MDIS Career Fair attracted a total of 780 participants over a period of two days to its campus, where they were called to step out of their comfort zone into their own directing chairs to “DIRECT Your Own Success Story, OR no one else will”.

Participants were able to interact with prospective employers from 33 companies such as Bloomberg LP, PWG Asia, and W Singapore Sentosa Cove Hotel, gaining more insight into each company in addition to employment opportunities.

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Supporting programmes included a series of Career Development Workshops conducted by various industry partners as well as talks by professional practitioners, equipping participants in knowledge that ranged from how companies identified top talents to personal grooming and professional skills.

Masters student Jayashree Raja Mohan found the talk on networking skills particularly useful.

“The session was very fruitful not only for our studies but also for personal growth. The session taught us a lot,” she said.

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Choosing Your Next Path Participating industry partners also had rewarding experiences, with substantial interaction with participants in a professional setting that allowed them to customise their shell booths with their own collaterals and materials.

“Most students with a business and finance background were open to jobs at Bloomberg. The booth location also helped us to interact with many students,” said Regional Manager Tehani Perera.

Managing consultant Oscar Huang also found the fair a well-organised event that brought “the right crowd with quite a few well-prepared candidates”.

About 100 participants interested in the finance and business industry were also able to take the Bloomberg Aptitude Test (BAT) on-site. This global and standardised online exam was developed in partnership with premier companies, university faculties and business professionals around the world, and was introduced in the career fair this year for the first time.

Besides the experience and opportunities obtained, two lucky winners also walked away with top prizes – a HP Slate 7 phone and a Samsung Galaxy Tab 3 7.0 phone – in the lucky draw, with compliments of industry partners.

For additional career guidance service, MDIS students and alumni can contact the Career Assistance Unit at MDIS for professional advice.

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SOARING AMBITIONS

Singapore may be a mere dot on the world map, but she remains a premier destination choice for tourism and business alike. The demand for high hospitality standards continues to grow with increasingly discerning travellers and rising competition from regional countries. The Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) has always shown strong support for the tourism and hospitality sector. Ever since its official launch in 2007, MDIS School of Tourism and Hospitality (STH) has been one of the top choices for those seeking to enter this dynamic industry, with a curriculum that equips graduates not only with the necessary skills and experience, but also instils a drive to excel regardless of the challenges.

Closely collaborating with universities from Australia and the United Kingdom, STH provides quality education and facilities, including a specialised training centre called Tropical Breeze to enhance the practicum-based curriculum and better prepare students with professional experience. Three students on the cusp of their six-month internships - Diana Yow, 22, with The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, as well as Syafiqah Binte Zainal Abidin, 21, and Elizabeth Li, 23, both with The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, talk about their experiences thus far.

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Why did you choose to study at MDIS STH?

elizabeth Being one of the biggest private schools in Singapore, I am sure

that MDIS can offer a holistic educational journey. I was also attracted by the vast range of modules that are suitable for the international tourism sector. syafiqah I have always had an interest in leisure and travel. Hence, I was attracted to this specific study programme so that we could learn things that were relevant and applicable in the corporate world.

What has your study experience been like so far?

diana The curriculum was well-rounded. Besides classroom-learning, we

had several field trips across Singapore and hands-on trainings in areas like coffee making, wine tasting and table setting. These made the learning process really enjoyable and stimulating. elizabeth Areas such as group projects had taught us to engage with people of different nationalities, which is beneficial in the tourism industry. syafiqah Indeed, these interactions with our classmates of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and nationalities had allowed me to expand my social circle and better understand different cultures. Besides, the school provided a conducive study environment, such as a very well-equipped library.

How are your lecturers?

elizabeth The lecturers are professional and always willing to extend their

help. They are experienced and very willing to transfer their knowledge to us. diana Their wealth of experiences and wisdom helped us understand the industry and prepared us for the real world. Their passion for their job shines through the lessons and this motivates us greatly. syafiqah They are also approachable and always available to assist with patience. Most importantly, they motivated us and gave credit to us accordingly.

What’s the preparation process like at MDIS STH before going for your internship? elizabeth The Tropical Breeze Hospitality Training Center in MDIS is a

good learning step into the hotel industry, where we were trained in skills

For more information,

6664-8159

pertaining to F&B and Front Office matters, as well as other areas such as interviewing skills.

syafiqah Prior to the internship, we were exposed to basic F&B concepts and also the PMS Opera system used by most hotels. We created mock reservations and handled different scenarios pertaining to hotel reservations.

We were also taught soft skills and had practice sessions, which allowed us to put to practice what we had learnt and prepared us for our career.

Can you describe your internship experience thus far?

diana It has been a very enriching internship experience. I have acquired many skills and techniques that groomed me from being a student to a working adult. I have improved my public relations skills and gained better understanding in service delivery, to name a few. elizabeth The internship has been very helpful to my future career opportunities. Every day is a learning journey. syafiqah It has been an overwhelming yet brilliant experience for me. As interns, we are not segregated from the full-time staff and shared the same responsibilities and benefits. We were trained by the best and are always given support by our colleagues and superiors. It has pushed me beyond my limits and stretched me further than what I thought I could handle, allowing me to showcase my strengths.

What are the career opportunities for graduates at MDIS STH?

elizabeth Many opportunities await in the local and international tourism

sector, be it in hotels, travel agencies, F&B or the government organisations.

syafiqah Opportunities are limitless. With this degree and the acquired

education, a career in a non-tourism industry is also possible. Moreover, it’s about the knowledge and skills each individual has that can differentiate him from others within the same industry, and I believe STH graduates can have an upper hand given our experiences in school and during our internships.

What would you say to those who want to study at MDIS STH?

diana To be the best, you need to be guided by the best – and you can achieve this with an education with MDIS. elizabeth MDIS STH is a good choice for furthering your studies in the tourism sector. The modules offered along with the internship prepare students for a professional career.

etc@mdis.edu.sg

www.mdis.edu.sg

Management Development Institute of Singapore Reg. No. 201001793H 20 May 2010 to 19 May 2014

mdis.sth

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OH SANTA! text by JOEY MURRAY

W

e’ve seen him decked out in his woolly red coat, white-cuffed red trousers, his big fat leather belt, and a sack of gifts, merrily chortling ‘Ho ho ho!’, but haven’t you wondered who’s the man behind all that cotton?

If you happened to chance upon 29-year-old Tim Garner walking down Haji Lane on a hot, sweltering late afternoon, you would never have guessed that this Kiwi enjoys the act of throwing on a stiff stuffy woollen red coat, boots, false beard, a huge boxy sack over his shoulder, topped off with a false belly and barely holding this whole package together with a belt that looks like it could snap at any moment.

“Being Santa in Singapore is HOT work... even when the malls and event rooms are heavily air-conditioned! But despite this, and the kids pulling at your beard, and crowds chasing you, it’s a very fun job!” says a wide-eyed Tim, when asked if a woolly scratchy cotton beard and Singapore’s 100 per cent humidity go hand-in-hand.

Being a professional singer, actor, dancer, and producer must mean playing the role of Santa’s easy-peasy, but Tim still manages to get oodles of job satisfaction from a job seemingly off the artiste tangent he’s used to. Exclaims the talented “Hey Florence!” director and producer: “Parents can sometimes be convinced that you’re the real thing - that’s quite amazing. And so many kids believe it immediately as well. It’s amazing to think how many photos of me are out there - and no one will ever know who was in the suit!”

It must be quite fulfilling to ‘grant’ the wishes of children and temporarily relieve parents of their rambunctious tykes as they stare into Tim’s misleadingly young-looking baby blues clamouring for bundles of toy cars and Barbie dolls (or the new iPad), but one must be wondering how Mr Garner got to become Santa Garner. “The first time I played Santa, I responded to an email that went around a group of actors. A Santa was required to go to three Giant supermarkets across the island... I think it was IMM mall, Parkway, and one other... I can’t remember... the dehydration has affected my memory. But so began my annual tradition of ringing a bell and shouting ‘Meeeeeerry Christmaaaaas!’ ”, explains the effervescent and affable once-a-year Santa with a glint in his eye.

Outside December and his Santa get-up, Tim’s “either acting, singing, and dancing in plays and musicals, directing them, or producing them”, and he also runs lots of corporate communications and negotiation training, events, and generally enjoying the sun (“definitely much easier to do out of the Santa suit!”, he says, jokingly).

“Christmas post-Santa appearances generally includes a lot of eating and drinking with friends, both expat and local, and then regretting it the next day. And enjoying the quiet that takes over the streets... until the sales start!” Looks like most of us have a mini Santa in us after all.

Upcoming in January 2014 for Tim will be ‘Take Me Out’, the Tony Award-winning play about a baseball team and the prejudice it faces, which he’s producing and acting in, followed by PAN Productions’ ‘Merrily We Roll Along’ in KL in June, then some time sailing the southern Italian coast with friends, and back to Singapore to produce and act in the terrific musical ‘A New Brain’.

Email Tim at tim@timgarnerproductions.com if you want him as your Santa this Christmas ☺

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what do you want from santa?

valencia tan “I want a Michael Kors watch from Santa because time waits for no one, and the watch reminds me of how timeless every moment is! And it does help that Michael Kors is classic and helps signify a brand new mature me! That, or I could get a Corgi.

It’s hard to pick!”

tim garner “Instead of anything material, I’d really like more people to go to the theatre. It’s where we, as people, are at our most ‘together’, sharing in story, song, expression, and truth. I think we need more of that in the world right now.”

joey murray “Dear Santa, if you suzie kee “I could use a nice bring presents, bring batteries.” glass of champagne and all my family and friends around me sharing a nice meal.”

dorminic ong “Could I be one of Santa’s shapelier helper elves? I can be pretty flexible.”

genevieve goh “I want to be on TOP! I want a tailored dress from Oscar de la Renta because my 21st is five months from now!”

crystal lim “I want a sleek black Mercedes Benz this Christmas. Maybe a watch from Fossil as well – those are so damn pretty! I need those two things so I can ‘Gangnam Style’.”

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chester lai “I want a BILLION dollars so I can buy my loved ones whatever they want! I also don’t mind jetting off to Miami to meet Pitbull!”

Creative Powerhouse text by mcken wong

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I’m 20 minutes away from my 5pm interview, stuck within a fiendish, somewhat defiant traffic.

Casting laboured glances at my watch every few seconds – which seem like forever – I don’t want to be late. I hope not to.

Attempting to distract myself, I run through the interview questions in my head, which all seem pointed and casual enough for Teresa Lim. I shrug off a bout of slight motion sickness, thanks to the cab driver’s constant stabbing at the Sonata’s brake pedal, and seek advice from Google. It leads me to wedmd.com (how to beat motion sickness), urging me to ‘look far ahead’ and beyond.

Five more minutes.

Teresa’s a rising, or should I say, fast-rising, illustrator slash textile designer. Her strengths can be gleaned from her finished articles – the embroidery, her illustrations, those fashion pieces. There’s a baroque feel to each creation, and she’s a brave little soul to shun conventional portrayals. “I want to enjoy what I do, and I split my time equally between illustrating, embroidery and surface pattern designing,” she says.

I am curious about Teresa’s peculiar way of drawing. Those curves that shouldn’t deviate always do, and those odd shapes and imploded lips – quirky but fascinating. “I drew people when I first picked up illustrations, but I didn’t like how conventional it was – to draw in right proportions just isn’t me. These drawings are an expression of my thoughts, perhaps an extension, of what I’m feeling or going through.”

Indeed, some people have different ways of reacting to various emotions. Some pick up long distance running, and some clamour for tubs of Belgian chocolate ice cream with heaps of embedded cookie dough. For Teresa, she draws. “When I was young, I used to draw on tables if I got angry,” she quips. “And when I draw, the weirder it looks, the better.” Cynics may raise their eyebrows at the abstract images that are crafted by Teresa’s detailed strokes (including one of her teachers), but what she aims to achieve, is to provoke people’s mindsets – to sort of invoke questions, to create an emotional depth that may seem like an abyss in terms of understanding. Teresa’s illustrations are not aimed to confound the audience, but to gradually help them understand what those images mean. In her own words, drawing happy things is boring, for “you create things when you’re upset”.

Fashion is also a huge part of Teresa’s ilk. Her portfolio is impressive as it is, with collaborations with Swarovski – to create the excellent Femme Fatale textiles collection - and Austique proving to be useful springboards in her chosen career. Along the way, she has also gained valuable experience, honing her craft at Mirjan Rouden Textile Design Studio in London. The vital cog in Teresa’s creative engine, not known to most, isn’t about focusing on one aspect of what she’s good at. Her openmindedness when it comes to artistic expressions is a tool that many artists and designers are still grappling with, and it is this flexibility that allows Teresa to use fashion as a medium – to transfer her thoughts from digital prints to polyester fabric, from hand-painted gems to cotton or silk.

Tsumori Chisato and Elley Kishimoto are two figures that Teresa looks up to, and you’d understand why. The former exacts whimsical illustrations on garments with nifty ease, and the latter produces non-body-hugging outfits that are contemporary, vibrant and effusively bold. Does she have any other inspirational figures? “Yes, Bonnie Strange. Her works fuel my creations, and I would love to design for her one day.” This self-professed Topshop fanatic would also aim to set up her own label, albeit on an online platform, “but it wouldn’t be in the mould of a blogshop” – in case you were wondering.

For many involved in the arts scene, the proverbial rice bowl can sometimes appear fragile, especially when things don’t go the way you’ve planned, or dreams go up in smoke. Teresa recognizes this and is especially thankful for her parents who gave her the gift of music. Well-versed in both the violin and piano since her teenage years - she’s qualified to teach both – her skills and talent can only be greeted with a slight jaw-drop-nod from yours truly. “Music is my valuable safety net. Without it, I think it would have been more difficult for me to pursue my dreams, as I would be more hesitant. I think we just got to make full use of our skills, and do what you do for yourself – not for others.”

In essence, Teresa’s story tells of a determined individual who went against fixed conceptions, against a society mould that has many people – to a certain degree – entrapped in. Nothing can better sum up what this experience entails, as she uttered, “Your efforts would all be worth it, when people start to appreciate what you’re doing”.

To find out more about Teresa, visit www.teresaaa.com, or follow her on Instagram (TeeTeeHeeHee)

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credits milk photographie

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of grace and grit text by elizabeth moreira

She’s bright-eyed and all smiles with the perfect posture of a ballerina, transmitting full positivity with her lightness in spirit. Don’t underestimate Chihiro Uchida though, for behind the humour and joviality is a palpable sense of self-controlled inner steel.

Born in Japan, Chihiro Uchida joined our very own Singapore Dance Theatre when she was fresh out of ballet school at the tender age of 19. In the eight years since then, she has participated in almost 50 productions, taking on gruelling lead roles in the company’s full-length ballets such as Odette in Swan Lake and Juliet in Romeo & Juliet. However, the climb to becoming a professional dancer is no easy task, and the 27-year-old had to brace through countless rejections and physical pain to be where she is today – a professional dancer and a senior artist in the company.

Who ever said it was easy being a ballerina? Behind all that grace and elegance you see on stage, it’s a seasoned fighter inside!

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how’s it been going for you lately?

It’s been great! We just started working on the Peter & Blues production, which is our next production. It’s a children’s ballet and our fourth year into it. should we be expecting to see you in upcoming performances like Passages and The Nutcracker?

Yes of course you will! since you have three productions coming up, how do you juggle with all of them?

For the past two weeks, we’ve had a choreographer whose piece we were working on for Passages, but his time has finished here, so he left. Now we’ve moved on to the Peter & Blues production. But sometimes others may be rehearsing other performances like The Nutcracker, and we have more than two studios so there would be different rehearsals going on at the same time. could you tell us what are some of the fascinating aspects of The Nutcracker?

my “awakening” of my passion for dance. It was all thanks to a guest teacher back home, who during my first try at partnering with boys for a school performance, scolded me so badly for making the same mistake over again to the point that I broke down into tears. Instead of giving up, the scolding actually woke me up, to want to work harder, and my interest in ballet just blossomed. do you have any inspirational dancers or favourite icons?

Alina Cojocaru is my favourite icon. I’ve actually bumped into her before once in a ballet shop called Chacott in Shibuya, Tokyo. I knew she was there performing Cinderella and I was so star struck that I just had to ask for an autograph! so do you ever get your own bunch of fans coming up to you for autographs?

Yeah! The little kids that attend my performances do ask. They also give presents and letters. It’s very sweet! what are your best and worst memories?

before the success and the performing, what got you into dancing?

My best memory would be from three years ago when I was doing Sleeping Beauty. It was my first debut for the full ballet. Both my parents attended my performance and after the last part of the production, I could hear my father shout so loudly from the audience: “BRAVO!”. What’s special is that he’s a shy person, and the type of relationship we share was not so openly expressive. He was also not as supportive as my mother about me pursuing ballet. So hearing that from my dad was probably the most and best memorable thing I can recall.

I started dancing when I was 2 or 3 years old, so I can’t recall the first day I went to ballet school or what got me into dancing. But I continued dancing mainly because I have no reason to stop and enjoy doing so. I had no intentions of pursuing it then though until I was 15. That was when I had

My worst memory would be a fall I had. It was during a dress rehearsal.

While dancing, I threw my leg up and my supporting leg wasn’t probably fully stable, so I slipped and fell. The fall actually led to me breaking my arm, to the point that I had surgery done on my right elbow!

It’s a fun ballet and it’s also a Christmas ballet. Everybody loves Christmas, right? So it’s always good to watch The Nutcracker, especially since it’s filled with the Christmas spirit. Even as a kid I used to go watch it when I was in Japan because it was a seasonal thing, but it’s without a doubt always such a joy. Shame that it doesn’t snow here though!

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credits milk photographie

SLOUCH

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“

The hardest would be that there’s no limit to ballet there is no perfection.

SLOUCH

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credits dennis ng

how about your biggest challenges faced?

what would you say is the hardest and best thing about dancing?

Getting a job is a huge challenge for ballet dancers especially for women because so many who do ballet want to become ballerinas. However, companies in the world are limited and there are so many others to compete with for each one. For example, in an audition, only one will be chosen out of 300 dancers. Sometimes they need experienced dancers who have already been with other companies, and for fresh graduates, it’s really difficult to find a job as a professional dancer. Another challenge I had to face was the amount of rejection before actually becoming a professional dancer.

The hardest would be that there’s no limit to ballet - there is no perfection.

For example, in math questions, there are direct answers and there are countless ways to getting the answer. In dancing on the other hand, there are no direct answers so you would never know where you should get to. I think no matter what, having something to aim for is important in ballet, but it’s also the hardest thing.

performing must have been a big accomplishment for you. How do you feel when you perform?

It’s great! I have fun while rehearsing too, but you’re just dancing in front of the mirror then, whereas in the actual performance, you have the audience watching, and it’s an amazing feeling. Sometimes I can even see some of their faces, like those seated in the front. Seeing them smiling and applauding just gives me an overwhelming sense of accomplishment. out of the numerous classics and contemporary dances, do you have a favourite?

That’s a difficult one because I actually enjoy almost every performance!

But if I had to choose, I’d choose Romeo & Juliet. It has such a strong and beautiful story and being Juliet was something special and emotional for me. Even though it’s just dancing, I still had to get into the role. In fact, all ballet dancers are like actors and actresses that don’t speak! do you take up other genres of dance, or would love to attempt something different?

I’m very interested in hip-hop. But I’ve had no chance to attend any classes yet. I really would love to try other types of dances, something “cool” maybe, even street dance.

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The best thing about dancing is something that comes from my heart.

It’s an indescribable feeling - the closest is probably that accomplished feeling especially after a show. Dancing gives an overwhelming feeling of so much goodness.

Any strict diet that you have to stick to?

No, no strict diet, it’s actually the opposite – I just have to eat. I guess I would have to thank my parents for this, that I don’t put on weight easily and can just eat all I want. I’ve been slim for as long as I can remember! some words of wisdom from a professional dancer to aspiring young dancers?

Ballet isn’t easy and I think it’s important to not forget why you are doing it. Also, if you don’t enjoy dancing, it will be very tough for you. So work hard, always enjoy what you’re doing and as a dancer – keep smiling! any future plans for your career?

I am still in the search, but I am certainly looking for a job that requires a lot of kinetics and body movement. There is the option in becoming a dance teacher or a Gyrotonic instructor. Gyrotonic is something new I’m learning and have found a lot of interest in! Compared to Pilates, Gyrotonic uses machinery for a lot of body movement and also trains your core. I’ve also heard that it’s good for ballerinas!

credits nicolethen studio ; chihiro as princess aurora

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WHO IS: SEONG HUI XUAN text by mcken wong

One of the most effervescent personalities in the industry, Hui Xuan has etched quite a remarkable mark on the performing scene – with memorable portrayals in Pangdemonium’s Rabbit Hole and Spring Awakening, just to name a few. She was first grounded however, in the lithe motion poetry of dance – ballet, jazz and modern – from a tender age, and then blossoming into a multi-talented actress-singer-dancer she is now. Playing the part of Kayleen in the upcoming play, Gruesome Playground Injuries, she reveals more on what makes her tick and come alive.

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From a tender age, I’ve been fascinated with many things related to the creative arts, and like many little girls, I was put into dance classes, piano classes, speech and drama classes. Because I loved it so much, I stuck with it and also joined choirs, drama clubs, dance societies, and writing clubs in school. My parents were happy that I had constructive hobbies and a positive purpose outside of academic school life, but I bet they would never have expected me to actually take it all seriously!

One of my first ambitions was to be a clown when I was three, according to my mum. So I guess you could say I’ve always wanted

to perform and entertain! I grew up dancing in recitals, singing at concerts, acting in school plays – these events were always the highlights of my little life. I did feel lost for a while because of personal reasons to do with school. But through performing in a number of plays and musicals, both amateur and professional, I discovered for myself that, really, there was no other path I could take and not be absolutely miserable. Being in theatre not only made me happy but also inspired me to want to do things with my life.

In Gruesome Playground Injuries, I play Kayleen - the sort of girl whom I imagine doesn’t have a lot of friends, as she comes across

as abrasive and a loner. She pushes people away from her, and she doesn’t care if people hate on her or talk smack about her – or at least she appears not to. She did not have a happy childhood, to say the least, and she is afflicted by chronic stomach ailments. The combination of all these, I think, is what makes her relationship with Doug so special.

I’ve always been a clumsy person, which has always been some sort of a joke since I’m a dancer. I get bruises of varying degrees all the time and I generally don’t remember how I get them, mainly because I walk into chairs and doors so often I barely register when that happens.

Growing up, I lived next to a big common playground that was really old and grotty, and I absolutely loved playing there. I used to get a lot of scrapes on knees, cuts, bruises, twisted ankles, from running around, playing in the sand, roughhousing, just being a kid. But the battle scars were what made playing in the playground fun (: This play is essentially about the unusual relationship that develops between Kayleen and Doug, and the twists, turns and beatings that it takes. I can’t really project emotions onto an audience because everyone will have different ways of responding to things, all of which are very real and very valid. But I do hope the audience will let us take them on a journey and tell them the story of these two messed up individuals, and the bond that they share.

There are definitely some similarities between Kayleen and myself. There are so many sides to a person, and who we are at any given moment is who we choose to be. This fairly recent revelation is one that has made me empathise much more with others.

I like to think of performing as telling a story. And if that story is something I believe in, a story I feel needs to be told, the passion in communicating that story comes naturally. Of course it can be challenging, but I try to find something new in each performance, and tell the story afresh, instead of consciously trying to recreate a carbon copy of the previous night’s performance.

I trawl the Internet a lot – probably more than I should! But I love finding stuff on YouTube, reading news articles, editorials, random articles. I also love walking for miles and exploring new places, though a lot of the time it’s too hot to walk in Singapore.

The biggest things to being a theatre practitioner is to stay humble and be constantly learning and growing; to work hard but to

also know our physical and mental limits so as to avoid exhaustion and deliver works of good quality. Remember why we do what we do, and to let that passion drive us.

Career-wise, I’ve been teaching and choreographing for many years, and I have always wanted to choreograph more for theatre, which is something that I have been pursuing in the past year and hope to pursue more actively in 2014. Life-wise, I think I would like to have more adventures, love more, forgive more, and actively do more for other people.

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murder kill baby text by mcken wong

Displaying profligacy in the talent department, Obedient Wives Club (OWC) has shown it is much more than that - thwarting mainstream channels and becoming part of a rising indie movement. Still, OWC continues to champion its own musical forte, stamping its authority while garnering fresh fans. The group’s impending performance in Urbanscapes – Malaysia’s largest creative arts festival – is an affirmation of their continual hard work and dedication. rømp lays down the questions for Keith Tan (guitarist), Lennat Mak (drums) and YinQi Lee (vocalist).

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Greetings from RØMP! How’s the year been for you guys so far?

In layman’s terms, lo-fi Spectorgaze means…

Keith - The year’s been great. Murder Kill Baby was well received. The EP

Keith - Our self-titled debut.

managed to get into Rough Trade Records, and we just played a crazy show as a 10-piece (with two back-up singers and three violinists).

Lennat - Considering that all of us have been traveling throughout the year at different times, I really do think we made the best out of the time that we had together so far. I’m still very stoked that we released our second EP earlier in February and till now, I still love playing all those songs. The massive 10-piece show we played in August is definitely one of my most memorable gigs this year. And yes, it was surreal when I was at Rough Trade Records back in May, asking the record store clerk about Murder Kill Baby, and then trying to keep my cool when she told me it was the last one in stock. inky - 2013 has been quite a milestone in the OWC timeline! We were on a

hiatus for more than 2 months between April to July, but we still managed to do two shows that I’m extremely proud of. One is the recent 10-piece show that Keith and Lennat mentioned, and the other was a DIY-ed gig that we clinched for ourselves, and Cherie’s (guitarist for OWC) other band, Bored Spies. We approached the venue, they said yes, and we went down to check out the place and set it up - our own amps, mics, cables, full drum kit, and a PA. Good times!

Obedient Wives Club (OWC) has been branded ‘a girl-fronted ‘60s Spectorpop’ by a certain magazine. Any variant qualities to add to that since?

Keith - I think our new songs are a lot more different from what we used to

do. There is still a strong OWC flavour, but we are exploring different genres with the newer songs.

Lennat - Danger, mystique and pop noire. inky - Heartbreak!

Lennat - Keith totally wins with that answer!

In a ‘live’ performance, what are the qualities to be engaging?

Keith - Presence, looking good, dressing well. I would like to think we are a

band that is easy on the eye and good to watch. Of course, the music plays a part too...and we’re not too shabby.

Lennat - It’s the chemistry. The moment where the band members exchange the “look” because they know they’ve got it down for that performance. It’s only when the band is comfortable in their space that they could truly let go and interact with the audience on a higher plane. You got to feel it, man! inky - As the vocalist of the band, it’s extremely stressful to try to engage the

audience. But personally I find that it’s a symbiotic relationship with them if they react, there’s a palpable energy that the band feeds off. I also tend to rattle off and talk to the crowd, haha.

Urbanscapes is Malaysia’s largest Creative Arts Festival. How’s it like to be a part of it?

Keith - Exciting! It will be our first overseas show. Due to work commitments

and various issues, I’m very selective where we play, but I jumped at the chance to do Urbanscapes.

Lennat - Very excited! Apart from it being the band’s first overseas show, I’m also looking forward to playing at a great music festival. inky - I can’t wait for November! It has been a goal of mine to attend music

festivals yearly since my first time at Fuji Rock Festival in 2011, so it feels great that I get to be a part of Urbanscapes as a performer.

Indie pop has taken on some sort of revival in Singapore, but what about girl group indie pop? Has there been any progression?

Any performing acts that you guys are dying to meet over there?

Keith - There still aren’t many indie pop bands in Singapore. I see us,

Keith - M.O.I.S.T. because his picture on the Urbanscapes site looks so cool!

rocketswan and Lost Weekend representing the genre. Hopefully more will come, because personally, it’s my favourite genre of music.

Lennat - Indie pop or not, I personally just want to see more girls picking

up an instrument and play music. Let’s get more female drummers, more guitarists, more singers out there to start bands. Trust me, it’s definitely way more fun when you play your own music! inky - There was a piece in the local papers earlier this year about girls in the

Told you... looking good gets you a long way.

Lennat - I’m keen to check out the regional bands like Sore from Indonesia and also Malaysia’s Khottal and Oh Chentaku. It’s been a long time since I last saw them live, so it should be pretty cool to see how the bands have evolved along the years. I’m a big fan of Tegan and Sara and missed their gig in Singapore ‘cause I was out of town. So it’s wonderful to turn that around and play on the same festival as them this time!

local music scene. I think there are definitely more youths finding their own voice through YouTube and other websites, but I would really like to see an old-fashioned 5-part girl group in Singapore. If there is one and I’ve missed you out, give us a shout!!

inky - The band knows that I’m a big fan of Mew, who are on my bucket

Can indie musicians be (gasp), ‘Beliebers’?

What’s the vision for OWC?

Keith - Maybe… we know people who buy everything we put out, and even

Keith - To just keep writing and playing. That was the vision from day one.

Lennat - Good question. I do like some pop music but that’s probably ‘coz I

Lennat - Like Keith said, to continue to be productive. The day we stop making music, is the beginning of OWC’s end.

travel to Singapore to watch us.

have to deal with it a lot because of my day job. A good pop hook is a good pop hook. I wish I wrote Katy Perry’s “Teenage Dream,” to be honest.

inky - I will unabashedly say I was a boybander back in the day! Honestly

I’ve grown out of most of the pop songs in the market today. I don’t think I did this consciously, it is probably just an evolution of taste. There are of course, exceptions; I have to concede that “Teenage Dream” is catchy, much better than Katy Perry’s other songs IMO!

list of bands to watch. I’m also hoping to meet this Malaysian artist whom I follow on Instagram, the talented Red Hongyi. Can’t wait to find out what she will unveil at the fest!

Are there any future gigs that Singaporeans can catch in future?

Keith - We might do one or two warm up shows before Urbanscapes.

Lennat - I love the secret gig that we did with Bored Spies back in April.

Maybe we will do more of those secret pop-up gigs at unlikely venues. Let’s see how that goes!

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events listing text by elizabeth moreira

Matchbox Twenty Many of you 90’s kids may have had songs like “Bent”, “Unwell” and “If You Are Gone” in your audio playlists during the Walkman days.

If you did, the renowned American rock band Matchbox Twenty will need no introduction. Here’s some good news for you MB20 fans - Live Nation Lushington SG is proud to announce the multi-platinum selling band’s first-ever live concert in Singapore! Relive your teenage days and experience all their classics live along with hits from their latest album after five years, “NORTH”.

Where: Singapore Indoor Stadium When: 10 November 2013 Price: $68(Seated), $98, $98(Standing), $108

Boyce Avenue Live! Empire brings you one of the most talented and accomplished bands of YouTube – Boyce Avenue. After their formation in 2004, the band’s real stardom came during 2007 when they decided to go global with the help of YouTube. Today, Alejandro, Daniel and Fabian Manzano are still producing multi-faceted acoustic covers and original music, enchanting millions and garnering over 10,000,000 views on YouTube. Don’t miss this melodious evening of pure soul music with the trio of brothers!

Where: The Coliseum @ Resort World Sentosa When: 21 November 2013 Price: $68(early bird), $88, and $108(VIP)

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Longines Singapore Gold Cup The year end marks the renewal of a partnership for Longines and Singapore Turf Club in one of the most anticipated and prestigious races in the region. Guest-of-honour and former Singapore President S.R Nathan will also be there to grace the charity luncheon, organized in conjunction with the race to raise funds for Grace Orchard School. The fight for the prize of $1.35 million will ensure all hearts get galloping!

Anime Festival Asia Anime lovers, get ready your cosplay costumes for the return of Anime Festival Asia 2013. Check out what’s hot and what’s not in the latest Japanese trend culture and witness South-east Asia’s best cosplayers battle it out in the annual Cosplay Competition, all while singing your heart out with your favourite anisong artistes! Treat yourself to three days of anime-tastic entertainment.

Where: Singapore Racecourse 1 Turf Club Ave When: 17 November 2013 Price: Lower grandstand: $5, $6; Owners Lounge: $30; Marquee: $98, $108

Where: Suntec International Convention & Exhibition Centre When: 8-10 November 2013 Price: $58, $88, $148, $158, $238, $428

the nutcracker Celebrate the Christmas season with Singapore Dance Theatre as they bring you world-renowned ballet, The Nutcracker, with a twist of Asian history!

Your favourite characters Clara, the Nutcracker, Snow Queen, Sugar Plum Fairy and her cavalier will grace the stage in the pre-World War I era of Shanghai as they meet the turn of the century. Feast your eyes on the beautiful choreography by Artistic Director Janek Schergen and be mesmerised by the iconic tunes of Tchaikovsky as you journey with Clara through her adventures with the Nutcracker.

Where: Esplanade Theatre When: 4–8 December 2013 Price: $30, $50, $70

Swan Lake Russia’s world-famous Bolshoi Ballet takes the stage this year with legendary classic Swan Lake.

Be moved by the music of Tchaikovsky and witness the enchanting tragic story of Princess OdetteOdile with her dual persona as both delicate swan and cruel temptress, as the cast takes you through a web of love, deception and drama.

Starlight Express After the arrival of Phantom of the Opera earlier this year, we welcome yet another success of Andrew Lloyd Webber as Starlight Express takes the stage.

Set in a futuristic time light years ahead, this rock ’n’ roller-skates musical tells a tale of love, rivalry and hope in the face of adversity. Be wowed by daredevil stunts and supersonic energy in this sensation that incorporates different music styles of blues, rock ‘n’ roll, jazz, contemporary pop acts and even rap!

Where: Mastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands When: 13-24 November 2013 Price: $65, $85, $110, $135, $160, $195

Where: The Esplanade Theatre When: 20-24 November 2013 Price: $30(student concession), $42(senior citizens), $60, $82(senior citizens), $120, $160, $200, $250

urbanscapes 2013 To all indie music lovers, art friends and green panthers, keep your last November weekend clear for Malaysia’s largest and longest running creative arts festival! Back for their 11th year, a stellar line-up with Franz Ferdinand, Two Door Cinema Club, Tegan & Sara, local bands Plainsunset, Obedient Wives Club, In Each Hand A Cutlass, and some of the best Malaysian bands will make it an unforgettable weekend as you kick back and chill under a canopy of trees in the new-green festival grounds. Artists’ works will be exhibited all around the park, turning the festival into one huge art piece for a visual feast to accompany the live music.

BakeOff 2013 Wolf down scrumptious handmade cakes and confections baked with love at BakeOff 2013, a collective idea that marries charity with the love for good food. Around 30 bakers will be whipping up marvellous morsels, along with fringe activities such as an art showcase and sale of works by local illustrators. All proceeds will go to Three Legs Good, a charity that celebrates physically imperfect dogs who are no less the perfect companion!

Where: 3 Jalan Kledek (8 min walk from Bugis Mrt Station) When: 15 December 2013 Price: Free entry

Where: Malaysian Agro Exposition Park, Selangor When: 23 & 24 November 2013 Price: $70, $74, $89, $97, $155

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ALBUM REVIEWS text by joey murray

Trans-Siberian Orchestra Christmas Eve and Other Stories Lava Records

Melding rock with opera and Christmas music might seem like an unfathomable feat, but this orchestra has it done down to an art. Musically, the band has taken some traditional Christmas songs (“O Come All Ye Faithful,” “O Holy Night,” “The First Noel”) and mixed in some modern rock music. This may put off the older crowd because playing this record at full volume is a necessity, but it provides a great variation that deviates from the crooner norm of Christmas music past. Instead of evoking feelings of hot eggnog and awkward family conversations, you’ll feel as though you’ve been transported on an adventure to save the North Pole from impending snowman armies. The already classic “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24” is a gripping instrumental based on “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen” although you might have to listen carefully to hear it.

mariah carey merry chirtsmas Columbia

There’s a reason why Mariah Carey’s 1994 Christmas effort continues to move half a million copies every year, peaking during the yuletide weeks. Even those who are not accustomed to her signature melismatic runs and spine-chilling coos will find themselves bopping along to “All I Want for Christmas is You”. The closest we’ll get to the traditional gospel album Carey will probably never get to do, Merry Christmas finds Carey performing elevated, near-definitive interpretations of “Silent Night,” “O Holy Night,” “Jesus Born on This Day,” even “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing” - somehow refreshing them to make them her own.

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bob dylan christmas in the heart Sony

Christmas in the Heart is a surreal and occasionally rousing collection of gooey holiday ballads, complete with animatronic backing vocals and Nashvillesmooth arrangements. Produced by Dylan-pseudonym Jack Frost and featuring David Hidalgo of Los Lobos (who contributed some memorable accordion to Together Through Life), it’s a nice assortment of hymns and popular carols.

Like any good gospel singer (or stand-up comic), Dylan is fully committed: On “O Come All Ye Faithful (Adeste Fidelis)”, he crows the first few verses in Latin, and on the dizzying, Tom Waits-evoking “Must Be Santa”, he chirps Santa Facts with frantic, seizure-inducing certainty. Some tracks - “Silver Bells” and “The First Noel”, in particular - already feel familiar, like they’ve been a part of the holiday vernacular for years. Many would argue having Dylan croon these carols is unexpected, and sure enough, there are certain times when his gravelly rumble is a bit pronounced, but nothing here feels forced but rather fun, provided you’re on the same wavelength as latter-day Bob, where the sound and swing of the band are as important as the song and there’s an undeniable nostalgic undertow to all the proceedings. Of course, there’s no better time for celebratory sound, swing, and nostalgia than the holidays, which may be why Christmas in the Heart is a bit of a left-field delight.

michael bublÉ

sufjan stevens

christmas

songs for christmas

143, Reprise

Asthmatic Kitty

Michael Bublé has the singing ability of the classic crooners and the special skill of keeping his listeners from dozing off. There is little new material here in terms of the song choices, but he manages to put his romantic spin on each. Much credit should be given to Mariah Carey for her modern Christmas classic “All I Want for Christmas is You,” where Bublé puts his personality into the song. If you are singing along, you won’t be as embarrassed. Christmas is vocalist Michael Bublé’s first full-length holiday-themed album since his 2003 EP Let It Snow. As with that album, Christmas features Bublé backed by small ensembles as well as his big band and orchestra, and includes a handful of classic Christmas songs where Bublé in prime Bing Crosby-meets-Dean Martin vocal style tackles such chestnuts as “It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas,” “Silent Night,” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas.” This is a worthy addition right alongside the classics.

Sufjan Stevens, an indie music staple, released this collection of 5 EPs in one box set. With 44 holiday songs, half of the songs are Sufjan’s variations on Christmas classics such as “Silent Night,” “Away in a Manger” and “O Holy Night.” The next half are his quirky original songs that lean toward the festive side of the holidays, with songs called “That Was the Worst Christmas Ever,” “Did I Make You Cry on Christmas” and “Get Behind Me, Santa!” This collection is for fans of independent artists with a touch of folk thrown in for good measure.

But in the service of Christmas, Stevens’ ornamentation is excusable and more consistently successful than the set’s earlier, humbler moments, proving that if you’re going to commit indie blasphemy, you might as well go all the way.

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GADGET REVIEWS text by choo huiquan

Canon LEGRIA Mini Addicted to sharing and posting videos on-thego? LEGRIA Mini combines Canon’s advanced optical technologies with its astounding 170-degree in still photography and 160-degrees in video. This one-of-a-kind video camera also features a built-in stand allowing you to shoot and share videos of yourself totally hands free!

Want more? Its compact and lightweight design not only allows you to slide it into your back pocket, but also lets you share your videos instantly via its built-in WiFi connectivity.

Logitech® Ultrathin Touch Mouse Don’t be fooled by its appearance, this ultra-slim fella is not something to be messed with. Fitting effortlessly into any computer sleeve or pocket, the Logitech Ultrathin Touch Mouse is able to connect to several devices simultaneously, letting you switch from laptop to tablet with a flip of the switch. Short of time? Not to worry. Charged via USB, this wireless mouse provides up to an hour’s worth of power in just one minute, and is compatible for Windows and Mac users.

Price: $99 (T630 for Windows 7 & 8, T631 for Mac OS X 10.6.8 onwards)

Price: $429

Bose® SoundLink® Mini Speaker The new boy in town, SoundLink® Mini is hailed as the smallest speaker in the Bose family at a mere 680g, 50% lighter than its predecessors.

Connecting wirelessly to any smart device or tablet, its special anodized aluminum housing makes it resistant to scratches and fingerprints, durable for a James Bond equivalent lifestyle.

Price: $299

HTC ONE mini Love fashion, yet unwilling to compromise on performance? Look no further.

HTC One mini, a miniature version of award winning HTC One is the answer.

With a powerful dual-core 1.4GHz processor and a 4.3” display, this fashionista runs the latest version of Android with HTC Sense®, guaranteed to wow every nitpicker who lays hands on it. Available in two colours – Glacial Silver and Stealth Black at a later date, this will not disappoint. What are you waiting for?

Price: $688

LG G2 Deemed as the revolutionary smartphone, LG G2 is the first mobile to be completely devoid of buttons at the side of the phone. Its inbuilt 13 megapixels camera and Optical Image Stabilizer (OIS) technology allows high-res images even when in motion or under dim lights. Best of all, its 5.2-inch Full HD display makes it the largest display mobile designed for one-handed operations that can be coupled as a remote control for popular LG home entertainment devices! Navigation has never been made easier.

Price: $898

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MUSICALLY INCLINED Bose SoundLink Mini Speaker Enjoy your music on the go, anytime, anywhere! Bose’s SoundLink® Mini speaker delivers full, natural sounds from an ultra-compact speaker that sits perfectly in the palm of your hand. Hook up your smartphone, tablet or other Bluetooth devices wirelessly, and bop your head to your favourite tunes. Perfect for dance practice. EM $299 Available at: Atlas’ Sound & Vision stores

The Bose QuietComfort 3 Bose has done a remarkable job with the QuietComfort 3 Headphones, shrinking its popular noise-cancelling headphones to become lighter and foldable while still achieving similarly impressive lifelike sound quality.

The new QC3s also possess extra comfortable cushy foam pieces, with commendable ergonomics for the user. EM $699 Available at: Atlas’ Sound & Vision stores

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FIVE TO WATCH text by xiangyun lim

The Modern Silhouette Edgy and irreverent, Karl Lagerfeld’s Fall 2013 Watch Collection (USD150595) incorporates pyramid facets, luxe metallic leathers and functional zippers in its selection of seven watches that will redefine the classic timepiece.

The Understated Sophistication Welcome fall with Bering’s Autumn Winter 2013 collection ($429-529), where exquisite colours of ceramic brown and rose gold blushes is complemented with luxurious Swarovski crystals for an understated elegance that is both timeless and distinct.

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The Sporty Classic Dive into adventure with BFD 101 Ana-Digi ($329-389), Nautica’s first foray into Ana-Digi technology that combines functionality and style into a dive-style sports classic with a selection of black, blue, orange, yellow or white sport resin strap, or stainless steel metal bracket.

The Cosmopolitan Statement This statement piece will jazz up any outfit with its eclectic mix of shine and shape, designed to celebrate spring in the Big Apple. DKNY NY Bloom comes in gold, black or silver for the bold and chic.

The Outdoor Challenger With reliable multi-function features and water resistance to 3ATM, Police’s Challenger ($268-295) is for the steady ones immovable against the trials of outdoor adventures and who conquer without sacrificing style.

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protect

spotlight

restore balance

text by elizabeth moreira

comfort energize

Stretch City

Catering to all yogis and yogi wannabes, the Stretch City website is here to keep you connected to the yoga lifestyle in Singapore. Founder and artiste, Liv Lo, along with her team, aim to contribute to your treasured wellbeing. From locating a convenient yoga studio to finding the best restaurants for an organic meal, www.stretchcity.com has got it all.

TEAISM The TEAISM teas are the newest product of Eu Yan

Sang, accomodating busy bees who’re constantly buzzing about. These pencil-shaped disposable teas are shaped in an all-in-one tea bag and stirrer with micro filters that release the brew - so no more bags and teaspoons, just dip and stir! The high-grade tea leaves are available in 5 different flavours that serve different purposes; Comfort (ginger black tea), Restore (osmanthus oolong tea), Protect (blueberry tea), Balance (green tea) and Energize (fancy black tea).

Where: www.mylifeinc.me Price: $15(box of 15 sticks)

soyato ice cream Soyato is the first local ice cream brand that produces healthy

and equally delicious ice cream, one that taps on soy milk base - trans-fat free, cholesterol-free and three time less fatty than regular ice cream. Not only that, this healthier choice for a sweet treat contains high protein, treats bone health, protects and even eases menopausal symptoms! Available in four awesome flavours: the Wickedly Chocolate, Honey Lemon, Green Tea and the Mint Chip.

Where: All NTUC Finest, NTUC Xtra, and selected NTUC Fairprice supermarkets Price: $11.90(473ml)

HYGGE Watch 2089 series With discreet splashes of primary colours and elegant graphic lines, this

watch owes its inspiration to the Royal library of Copenhagen, one of the most representative architectures of Scandinavia, also known as “Black Diamond”. The watch consists of a squared grey dial on a white bottom, with an elegant 32mm case supported by a black leather strap.

Where: Cumulus, Tyrwhitt General Company, Fiftyfive @ Boat Quay Price: $189 40 / 72 | RØMP

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Prints 2014 Diaries 2014 is just around the corner! Get ready for the New Year with

Prints’ new range of 2014 diaries and calendars. They have the widest selection available for all you fireballs who’ve got a busy year ahead and need to keep track of time, from playful, sparkly covers to plain and simple leather-bound notebooks. Also, they’ve got a new addition to their diary family monthly calendar view for better time organizing, available in weekly or two days per page formats. The colourful A6 and mini sized calendars also make a nifty reminder for home and work.

Where: ION Orchard #04-26, Citylink Mall #B1-12/14 Price: $28.90- $46.90(A5 Diaries), $19.50-$38.40(A6 Diaries), $25.90(A6 Calendar), $10.90(Mini Calendar)

The Pod Despite the bustling town around the corner,

Singapore’s latest boutique capsule hotel, The Pod, remains at ease and undisturbed.

It has been designed with a modern and minimalistic style to give a chic yet homey feel. The Pod provides 83 comfy cots to cater to every traveller’s needs, with personal privacy, generous locker space, laptop tables, night lights and 300 thread count sheets! There’s even a business suite for business travellers that come with laptops, telephones with free local calls, Wi-Fi and scanning and printing services.

Where: 289 Beach Road Level 3 Price: $68(Single pods), $98(Queen Pods)

Charles & Keith Winter 2013 Deck yourself in Charles & Keith’s Winter collection 2013 this Christmas,

flaunting flamboyant androgyny and elegance. Pull off the ruffian look with some knee-length leather boots and don’t forget maybe a studded handbag and clutch with some bracelets to top off all that badassery, or just be downright classy and steal the show with its brightly coloured footwear in pieces of gold and silver.

Where: All Charles & Keith outlets

RISIS Dewdrop Collection RISIS presents their tribute to Mother Nature for her outstanding beauty with the Dew Drop Collection, capturing the essence of her tranquil colours with the common life forms like dragonflies, ladybirds, frogs and turtle pendants cast in sterling 925 silver, plated in Rhodium and matched with four divine natural stones - Amazonite, Nephrite Jade, Rose Quartz and Amethyst. Here’s to Mother Nature.

Where: RISIS Stores Price: Pendants with chain: $210, $160 Charms alone: $92, $118

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Artistic Endeavours Continuing its lauded attachment to the arts, AESOP has once again rolled out a series of seasonal gift kits that focuses this time - on the 20th century, Italian Futurist movement. Agility is one of the six kits, essential for everyday grooming and perfect for travellers. Comprising three core products – the low-foaming Geranium Leaf Body Cleanser, the Resurrection Aromatique Hand Balm, as well as the hydrating Rosehip Seed Lip Cream, this kit takes my pick for utter showmanship.

Price: $79 Available at: Aesop Singapore, 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-43 Millenia Walk

Worthy Winter Wonderland This nifty collaboration between Biotherm and Stockholmbased illustrator Kari Moden - dubbed WINTER WATERLAND - is proving to be both vibrant and potent.

The Biotherm Homme TPUR set weaves in the trademark swirls and colour-spills, focusing on a blue-black-red theme that would prove a worthy Christmas present for the modern man. This set consists of the TPUR range in the mould of a cleanser, lotion and moisturizer.

Price: $108 Available at: Major department stores such as Isetan, Tangs, and Metro outlets

Hydration Finesse With b.liv’s latest gem, the HYALURONIC ORIGINAL, you’ll understand what hydration and moisture retention is all about. The key component lies in the locking effects of the hyaluronic acid – binding and attracting water within cells and tissues. It is said that this product can help the skin to retain and hold moisture by 1000 times, and that’s proving to be popular for users suffering from “desert” skin.

Price: $44.95, (25ml) Available at: all b.liv counters and outlets

Pimple destroyer

homme grooming text by mcken wong

Even men can be bothered by pimple problems.

Vichy’s NORMADERM HYALUSPOT has come up with the maiden rapid-action antibacterial bandage technology, targeting pimples with the use of Hyaluronic acid and Salicylic acid. The former isolates the pimple from bacterial contamination by forming a film over it, while the latter intensely purifies from the inside to eliminate the pimple without leaving a trace.

This is such a welcome piece of magic.

Price: $29.90 Available at: Selected Guardian, Watsons, Unity stores and hospital pharmacies

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ISSUE 12 HOORAY / style journal

Honey-fied showers Imbued with quality honey from the Ethiopian Highlands, get ready to indulge and pamper yourselves with the HONEYMANIA BATH & BODY COLLECTION. The floral scent is alluring within each product, while the wafting notes of sweet honey may prove to be a good stress reliever after a hard day’s work. Men would love to dip into this honeypot, and the BODY BUTTER may prove too good to resist.

Price: $30.90 (200ml) Where to get: All The Body Shop outlets

Of herbs and scrubs There’s nothing better than to work up a good scrub, with plenty of lather for that soothing sensation tinted by spurts of ambrosial scent. THEFACESHOP’s HERB DAY 365 CLEANSING SET is one for the Christmas shopping basket, comprising three types of cleansing foam – Acerola, Aloe and Lemon. They’re suitable for users with dull and oily skin, and they don’t strip off moisture as well. Sweet.

Price: $19.90 Available at: THEFACESHOP outlets

RØMP’S FAVORITE PICK!!!

Its multi-purpose qualities already make it a shoo-in for one of the innovative products of the year, and anything that can cover blemishes seem to be the rage these days. Portable as well as affordable, it’s our flavour of the month.

Subtle Masquerade What a powerful punch this little bottle of gel packs. Garnier’s MIRACLE SKIN PERFECTOR GEL is the first all-in-one moisturizer that can hydrate, control oil, reduce acne marks and even provides natural coverage like the good ol’ BB cream. Well, it is like one, but with added wings and permutations such as the presence of Pure Lemon Essence (for brightening purposes) as well as BB mineral pigments to give your skin a flawless look. Besides, the gel’s SPF 21/PA++ UV protection capability gives you yet another reason to dab it on before heading out.

Price: $15.90 Available at: Watsons, Guardian and major supermarkets

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GIFTED BEAUTY Give your loved ones the present of crystal clear complexion with SK-II’s new festive gift sets that will please even the fussiest of people.

Their iconic product, Facial Treatment Essence, is specially dressed up in a brilliant collaboration with Swarovski Elements, the leading brand in premium crystal elements, with accompanying beauty products guaranteed to have your special someone feeling good inside out. XY

ISSUE 12 HOORAY / style journal

femme grooming text by elizabeth moreira

clean and cleanse Admit it ladies, some of you are guilty of not cleansing your faces after removing makeup because you’re too darn lazy! No problem, Bioderma has just the solution for you - BIODERMA SEBIUM H20, a non-rinse cleanser with Micelle technology works as both a makeup remover and facial cleanser. The incorporation of cleansing agents like zinc gluconate and copper sulphate means that this non-comedogenic cleanser clears your skin perfectly of impurities, purifies, protects, and regulates sebum production without drying it out.

Price: $29.90(250 ml) Where to find: Selected Guardian and Nishino outlets

the scar hero

hair envious Out to solve all brittle hair issues, Organix is announcing their new ANTI-BREAKAGE KERATIN OIL COLLECTION designed to strengthen each strand from the root by fortifying them with special hydrolyzed keratin oil. These keratin proteins will boost the strength and elasticity in your strands to resist breakage as you brush or style your hair. Besides nourishing your hair inside out, the collection uses argan oil for a radiant glow to your locks.

The HIRUSCAR GEL is the revolutionary 2-in-1 formulated product that’s clinically proven to treat both depressed and raised scars that come from acne, chicken pox, accidents and even C-sections.

A combination of its key ingredients penetrates deep into the skin to revitalize, smoothen and soften scar tissue, with other natural compounds like aloe vera, Vitamin E and Vitamin B3 moisturising and protecting scars from UV rays.

Price: $25.90(20g) Where to find: Leading pharmacies and personal stores, beauty stores and hospital retail pharmacies

Price: $15.90(each) Where to find: All SASA outlets, Watsons, NTUC Fairprice and Fairprice Xtra, Unity, Cold Storage, BHG, Robinsons, Market Place and John Little

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ISSUE 12 HOORAY / style journal

FUN in the tub mad for matteness For those desiring the ultra-smoothness of baby skin, Philosophy’s TOTAL MATTENESS RANGE is here to help. The range features a pore eraser, pore refiner and a 2-in-1 cleanser + mask for multitasking solutions. This leading-edge range of products uses natural bamboo extract to absorb excess oil and control shine in addition to lentil seed extract that strengthens pore walls and glacial clay that unclogs dark pores.

To all moms out there, it’s time to treat your kids and your inner child to some well-deserved playtime with LUSH’s FUN multipurpose mouldable soap, a brilliant innovation that combines soap, shampoo, bubble bath and malleable toy into a single roll.

Have your pick with five available colours, all with different scents: soothing chamomile and lavender in Blue, vanilla and lime in Pink, zesty lemon and lime in Green, comforting vanilla in Yellow and sunny mandarin orange in what else – Orange.

Price: $20(200g) Where to find: LUSH Outlets - Wisma Atria #B1-13 & Suntec City Mall #01-303

Price: $65 (Total matteness oil-free, mattifying pore eraser) $45 (Total matteness pore-minimizing & mattifying cleanser + mask) $41 (Total matteness oil-free, mattifying pore refiner) Where to find: All Sephora stores

power of peat

za perfect solution

Believe in the power of Peat Extract to restore youthfulness and life back into your skin. Belif’s PEAT MIRACLE REVITAL RANGE includes a cream, eye cream and serum concentrate that’ll have your skin energised and revitalised in no time. This use of Peat Extract improves your skin’s regeneration process and combats daily signs of aging while preventing inflammation.

Za expands their range of products with their new PERFECT SOLUTION: a high-performance, anti-aging skincare line brimming with natural ingredients like yuzu citrus seed extract, marine collagen and magnesium for young, brightened and wrinkle-free skin. The key product of Za’s Perfect Solution is the Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream that contains 7 TRILLION pieces of collagen capsules for effective results in wrinkle reduction. Now that’s a jar of hope!

Price: $71 (Peat Miracle Revital Eye Cream 25ml) $84 (Peat Miracle Revital Cream 50ml) $85 (Peat Miracle Revital Serum Concentrate 30ml) Where to find: Junction 8 #01-28B, Suntec City #02-337, Plaza Singapura (New wing) #01-61 , Wisma Atria #B1-64

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Price: $17.90 (Perfect Solution Cleansing Foam 100ml) $22.90 (Perfect Solution Toner 150ml) $22.90 (Perfect Solution Moisturizer 125ml) $26.90 (Perfect Solution Restoring Collagen Cream 40ml) Where to find: All Watsons stores

ISSUE 12 HOORAY / style journal

soft n sweet Introducing Skinfood’s best-selling BLACK SUGAR Range, your one step to flawless skin – black sugar extracts from Brazilian sugar canes help to protect from dryness and illuminate skin, while its high content of vitamins and minerals make it a great natural exfoliator. Other ingredients such as moisturizing Nano Bundles and Skin element Ceramide II help with locking in moisture into the skin.

Where to find: All Skinfood outlets

RØMP’S FAVORITE PICK!!!

forever young Did you know that skin pores naturally close after sebum secretion? However, as you age, pores start becoming visible because your skin loses its resilience to close them, resulting in skin that looks more worn out. It’s about time to put a stop to ageing and say hello to eternal youth with the new SK-II STEMPOWER series. The revolutionary Stempower technology for cell regeneration action is made from Stem-Acnax, Pitera and artichoke extract, and has been proven to have improvement in skin smoothness after the first use!

Price: $156( 30ml) and $224 for 50ml

All women face the discomfort and worries of that dreaded period, along with the bothersome limitations and restrictions.

The COSMO WHISPER pad assures you the comfort to go about your daily activities while still dressed in white.

whisper’s miracle It’s that time of the month and your self-conscious level is shooting up - white dresses and bottoms become a nono, every now and then you’re turning around to check for embarrassing stains, and the amount of physical activities you can partake is reduced. The new COSMO WHISPER frees you from all those worries with its breakthrough innovation, Lactoflex – a miracle, lightweight foam made from liquid that provides a superb protection against leaks while maintaining comfort and intuitive flexibility as you move.

Price: $6.50 (Whisper Cosmo Heavy Day 24 cm with wings) $7.90 (Whisper Cosmo Heavy Day/Night 27cm with wings) $8.90 (Whisper Cosmo Heavy Night 30cm with wings) Where to find: Leading supermarkets and pharmacies

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coup de gr창ce text by joey murray

The search for good food is a pleasure unbound by time, as shown by these new culinary players that will be perfect gastronomic companions to a graceful wrap up of the year.

ISSUE 12 HOORAY / savour

Grazioso, Grandiose, Earthy Buona Terra’s earthy colonial bungalow setup is the perfect backdrop for the restaurant’s bill of fare, which is Italian cuisine that is sophisticated innovation gastronomy. Take their claim to fame, Pappardelle con Stracotto di Manzo, Spugnole e Fontina ($28) - a nifty marriage between homemade pappardelle and juicy braised Wagyu short ribs and livened up by morel mushrooms and a dollop of fontina cream. Seafood lovers will revel in the freshness of the Orbetello sea bass fillet, complemented in a delightful contrast with crunchy white polenta and tangy caramelised onions in Branzino in Saor ($44).

The amount of thought and effort is impressive, with seasonal degustation menus available in addition to their classics. The menus are also accompanied with handpicked wine pairings that make dining there a quality experience worthy of celebrating life, just like how the Italians believe food should be.

Buona Terra Chateau TCC, 29A Scotts Road / Tel: 67330209 / Mon - Sat: 6.30pm –10.30pm

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ISSUE 12 HOORAY / savour

a cocky affair Tiong Bahru’s cheekiest, most outrageous pub comes back with another bang with their newest offer – brunch! Starting off the

rooster is The Big Coq ($16), a mountain of creamy scrambled eggs, homemade baked beans, herbed and truffled mushrooms, chorizo and grilled vine tomatoes topped with two hefty slices of sour dough toast. Baked Eggs in a Pan ($15) wins brownie points for their presentation that doesn’t disappoint, with creamy eggs, cheese and potato baked into a pan of deliciousness. If you’re doing brunch right, the refreshing Fruli Strawberry Beer ($13) and Stiegl Grapefruit Radler ($12) are perfect companions to round up the hearty hangover meal.

Coq & Balls 6 Kim Tian Road / Tel: 62766609 / Mon-Fri: 4pm-Midnight; Sat-Sun: 10am-Midnight (Weekend brunch is available only from 10am-3pm)

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ISSUE 12 HOORAY / savour

more than just meat Let’s just start with the best – the lamb cutlets from James’ Butchery are out-of-this-world. Not only are they succulent, juicy, and full of flavour, they will quite literally slide off the bone. Fans of the healthy popular kampong chicken may also find a better option in his chicken coop: his Pro-Health Chicken, fed with probiotics and given lots of tender-loving care, turned out amazingly tender and moist.

This is also one of the first, if not only, butchers where you can find 500-Day Grain Fed Wagyu.

It may not come as a surprise that butcher James Goodenough started out as a butcher’s apprentice at the wee age of 16 with his wealth of knowledge in meat and cooking tips that he’ll dole out most willingly. A mark of a good butcher’s meat is how it doesn’t require much more than a grill and a sprinkle of salt and pepper to be delicious, and James’ Butchery passes the test with flying colours.

James’ Butchery & Co. #02-K22/23/24/25 PasarBella @ The Grandstand 200 Turf Club Road / Daily: 9:30am–9.00pm

Oh So tres Good! French restaurant Fleur De Sel is a refreshing breath of fresh air to the near-static line-up of cafes and restaurants in the Duxton

area with an ingenious concoction of modern European cuisine by French chef-owner Alexandre Lozachmeur. The beurre blanc, or ‘white butter’ in Seared Atlantic Codfish with Beurre Blanc ($38) was rich and buttery yet still light and airy all at once, wrapping each forkful of the soft and flaky cod fillet into a dreamy bite. Fleur De Sel also exceeds usual foie gras standards with their Seared Duck Liver with Apple Tatin ($28) – a creamy, smooth, and eyeball-rolling-back-in-sockets flavourful slab of tenderness with a perfect round of apple sweetness. Monsier Chef also waltzed over to drizzle molten chocolate over my dessert plate – talk about personalised service!

Fleur De Sel 64 Tras Street / Tel: 62226861 / Mon - Sat: Noon–2.30pm; 6.30pm–10.30pm

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ISSUE 12 HOORAY / savour

FOR BREADS AND BRUNCH Being one of the new kids along the Robertson Quay block, Anthesis Boulangerie, Bistro & Café can afford to swivel with pride. Its interior spots a charming rustic quality, ably supported by wooden and steel antique furniture. Melanie Ng, director and co-owner of Anthesis, attributes the establishment’s concept to her experiences living abroad in places like Sydney, Tokyo and Taiwan. Food-wise, get to taste their signature freshly-baked breads and pastries, such as the Bread Platter - a carousel of 3 varieties accompanied with cheese, hummus, orange marmalade and strawberry jam ($14). If you prefer something heavier, we recommend the Eggs Benny – delicious poached eggs that are paired with either smoked salmon or ham, resting alongside rocket salad and homemade brioche ($18). MW

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Address: 86 Robertson Quay, #01-01 Opening hours: Tue-Sun 8.30am-10pm

ISSUE 12 HOORAY / perspective

snapping effects text by elizabeth moreira

Here are some photo applications that may just prove their worth against - yes. Instagram.

flickr The longstanding photo sharing site, Flickr, joins the filter parade with the latest update of its mobile app.

Select between 15 photo filters such as the black-and-white Panda and Chameleon. The Flickr mobile app brings most of the same features Instagram offers, while combining them with its own photo-centric social network where your photos are YOURS and nobody else’s. Start snapping and share your skills!

Available on Android & iPhone, Free

pixlr-o-matic What started out as a webapp has quickly turned into one of both iOS and Android’s premier photo tweaking apps. If you love twisting your photos around with all kinds of effects, Pixlr-O-Matic is the app for you. Its real focus? Artistic filters, borders and tweaks that give you over 2 million different permutations to experiment with. If you are too spoiled for choice, leave it to the app to randomize the effects for you.

Available on Android & iPhone, Free or PLUS version ($1.28)

streamzoo

eyeem The EyeEm app draws attention the second it’s opened. Its contemporary page layouts and continuous tags of photos taken from all corners of the globe are constantly updated, painting a kaleidoscope of flashy colours. The app was birthed from a vision to let users explore and dive deep into topics, places and cities around the world, as they connect with like-minded people pertaining to each image.

Available on Android & iPhone, Free

StreamZoo has long been touted as a great - if not an even better alternative to Instagram, partially because of the way it turns editing and photo-sharing functions into more of a social game that’s quite addictive. Earn yourself badges for sharing, snapping and editing your images with its 20 filters and 15 borders. The app also gives a missing-from-Instagram feature, the tilt-shift option (making objects look miniature) for your shots. Join the Streamzoo community and dwell in its uniqueness!

Available on Android & iPhone, Free

camera awesome Even Instagram can’t compete against the awesomeness of this app. With nearly 300 effects, filters and editing tools, the Camera Awesome app provides endless freedom for you to express your creativity in photo-editing. Another plus point is that this clever tool boasts native iPad support - definitely a huge advantage over Instagram. Exhibit and stun others when you share by sharing photos across Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Available on iPad & iPhone, Free

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SAVOUR

perfecting profiles text by mcken wong

In parts, there may be a definitive insouciance to the notion of photography, perhaps by the clueless or the downright cynics who scoff at the art - as just pressing a button, or just a point and shoot ‘thing’. For Zurina Bryant, who’s a personable, convivial character with a flair for encapsulating profiles of people, her images would haunt those cynics right out of their blindfolds, upon taking in what finesse she has bestowed on those images. Like what Ansel Adams wisely proclaimed, ‘you don’t take a photograph, you make it’.

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PERSPECTIVE perspective

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ISSUE 12 HOORAY / perspective

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ISSUE 12 HOORAY / perspective

what sparked your love for photography? I have always loved to capture moments in time. I was that friend who always had a camera on every outing and trip! To me, it allows you to remember moments visually. Nothing beats a great picture to bring back great memories. your first camera? My first camera was an Olympus point-and-shoot SLR that my dad gave me. He was always buying new cameras so I was lucky enough to be able to have my ‘own’ to play with. why did you choose to specialise in profile shots? I love capturing a face close-up because every person is different and therefore each face is different. To me, people are special - one slight adjustment to an angle and you ‘get the shot’ you’re after.

I especially love the joy of seeing someone love their photo when it’s been taken ‘just right’ for them. what sort of emotions or qualities do you hope to capture within your images? Within every shot, I have a goal to capture a naturally beautiful photograph of the person I am taking. A lot of people have perfected the art of the ‘fake smile’ as I call it – I’m always out to get that ‘natural smile or natural moment’. is there a secret to taking the perfect profile shot? The secret to taking a perfect profile shot is to make sure that your client or subject is very comfortable. The more time I spend with a client prior to the shoot and getting to know them, the better the session would go. It allows your subject to feel comfortable – most people hate standing in front of a camera – so this is one step to a better image. what other genres of photography do you do? I started off with taking family photographs and still have clientelle in that area.

My key focus is in taking profiles – this takes up most of my time. any other forms that you wish to try your hands on? I’ve been asked a few times to do some product photography – it’s really different to photographing people and very much a challenge. I’ve tried asking the product to move and smile – with no luck. was there a big break that enabled you to grow into a celebrated photographer? From my perspective, there have been many steps and processes that I’ve undertaken, rather than it being a big break. I’ve always been the type of person who sets goals and then do everything in my power to achieve that goal. Once it’s been achieved, I’ll set another, so it’s always an ongoing thing for me. Catch me if you can! what do you think are the main challenges in becoming a full-time photographer? I think the main challenge in becoming a full time photographer is that you need to also understand how to run a business. Artists tend to like to concentrate on their ‘art’, likewise, photographers like to concentrate on their ‘photography’. My belief is that no matter what trade you’re in, – you need to know about business. This includes everything from accounting to marketing and sales. how did you overcome such issues? I am lucky to have a background in sales. My first job was working in a Sales Office with a large newspaper company in Australia. I got to experience working with editorial teams, advertising agencies and many others. This was great grounding for me. I have also project managed a number of large promotions, which again gave me a great understanding of how the media works. That career path had me working with newspapers, magazines and radio. what are some of the more memorable episodes in your career thus far? I am easily pleased and therefore find this question difficult! I tend to treasure every moment. Every photograph that is published brings me joy. Every sound-bite that I’ve recorded for radio or TV makes me excited. Every opportunity that comes up I embrace and appreciate. I know that might sound fluffy to some but it’s true for me. in your opinion, what traits must a local photographer possess to be successful? Passion for photography is key. However passion doesn’t necessarily bring success. You need to strive to be the best, for me I strive to achieve a better shot with each shoot that I do. You should also care about your clients and the results that you present them with at the end of a shoot. any photography idols? I am a big fan of Annie Leibovitz. I love her style of photography – the subjects, the glamour, the artistry. In fact, I’d do anything (wait! Did I just say anything?) to spend time working with her…I’d actually be happy making coffee for her!

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ISSUE 12 HOORAY / globe trotter

CHASING STUPAS text by asha gizelle m

Follow this holidaymaker in her travel itinerary around the Malay Archipelago in Central Java, Indonesia.

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ISSUE 12 HOORAY / globe trotter

I

run my fingers along the andesite bas-relief panel of carvings that were once bathed in Mount Merapi’s cold lava and then buried for centuries, now with its magnificence lost.

Borobudur, or Budhara in Central Java as some would call it, was forgotten for centuries before it was discovered and then partially reclaimed by Sir Stamford Raffles, then the British Governor of Java. I could feel the essence of prayer set in the stone once I laid my eyes upon the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Now a place for worship and pilgrimage, this temple is the most visited tourist attraction in Indonesia.

I was monumentally pleased to check into The Manohara Centre of Borobudur Study after a taxing day. The stunning vista of the stupas from the resort restaurant rendered me speechless, and this view was accompanied by a calming gamelan routine playing in the background. It was the perfect recharge that got me more than ready for the next two days of activities.

At 4.30am, Borobudur was nothing more than a ghost of an edifice against the dusky skies. It was chilly and our paths were barely lit with just two torchlights. Our tour guides excitedly narrated the magnificence of Borobudur as we trekked, and I relished every step towards the top. I wasn’t too sure if that paradoxical state of consciousness was induced by the mighty high steps or the anticipation of surmounting the antediluvian colossal architecture.

Moments before the sunrise gave way to morning, the skies became ribbons of purple and orange. Everyone had their eyes fixed on the horizon to look out for dawn’s break, with their DSLRs ready and nestled on tripods to capture the panoramic view. I was there, however, to capture the macrocosmic notions of the stupas. Some of the missing heads of the Buddha statues hadn’t gone unnoticed and as I mused over them, I overheard a conversation that suggested some looters and souvenir hunters to be the reason for the missing heads. I shuddered at the thought all the way back to breakfast.

After polishing off a continental breakfast, I gathered my belongings in search of the next circuit. The Andhong Tour was something that I was really looking forward to. I wanted a new experience and cruising on the charabanc seemed like the perfect answer. When I was conversing with the coachman, who had years of ingrained expertise in pony trekking, I had to ape the Bahasa-Indo drawl in my speech to be understood in a strange sort of cultural transaction. It would have been a shame had I not learned about Hendricks, the 7-year-old pony, along with the traditions that are still alive as I bopped along with the galloping beauty. Happy kids were running and waving after the charabanc while peasants were slogging at the paddy fields in the sweltering heat of the noon sun.

After Candi Pawon, a cozy-looking temple built within a radius of 1.8km from Borobudur, we headed towards the splendor of Prambanan. This was a site that had as many locals as tourists dotting the temple’s compounds, being the largest Hindu temple in Indonesia as well as one of the biggest in Southeast Asia. As a form of respect, we had to wear a printed sarong that was distributed to all before entering the UNESCO World Heritage Site. It took the rest of the day to explore the complex of individual temples completely, and I reached back exhausted but fulfilled.

Bidding good bye to the sleepy town was hard. I was up before the crack of dawn with my breakfast box and whisked off to the airport. My chauffeur, a man of few words, dropped me off with a “Selamat Jalan” in his usual pithy style. As I purchased some made-in-Java chocolates and some authentic batik bags at Adisucipto International Airport, I reflected on the past two days of my trip. This sojourn would be dearly remembered, and I looked forward to the next time I could return here to relieve the Jogja culture; to sail across the Sileng River and stop for a drink or two at Paksi Coffee House.

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timely respite text by elizabeth moreira

S

pontaneous getaways have yet to disappoint me. Being free and easy, they’ll usually be way more exciting than following a travel group on an itinerary as you have no clue what to expect. The three-day trip to Bintan was a completely unforeseen adventure that I grabbed onto with much gusto.

A first glance around Bintan Island may not churn out expectations of luxury resorts, but there are actually plenty tucked away in the quiet corners of this island. Where we would be staying, Nirwana Gardens, is one such hidden treasure, covering a total of 330 hectares and divided into five different areas: Nirwana Resort Hotel, Mayang Sari Beach Resort, Nirwana Beach Club, Banyu Biru Villas and Indra Maya Pool Villas – it’s very much like a small town of villas and hotels nestled within the island.

We reached our destination, Nirwana Resort Hotel, at 11a.m. to be greeted with a traditional dance performance along with a bright green drink that tasted a lot like candy. However, only one of the two rooms was ready and the other would only be ready at 3p.m.. Four hours to kill – what could we do? We flipped through a thick clear folder of all the different outdoor and water activities available at the resort and ended up purchasing a promotion package of “$100 for all activities”.

We thus started our adventure with a list of 10-odd on-land activities including Air Rifle, Archery, Horse Riding, Bowling and Flying Fox, all for a great deal that wouldn’t be found in Singapore. Out of all that we tried, I found the Flying Fox most exciting – it’s honestly the best way to overcome a fear of heights! I was more than just a tad bit anxious looking down while standing on the top platform for there was nothing to grab on to around, and the drop off definitely had my heart choking my throat. Nevertheless, the feeling of soaring was extremely liberating. My very first attempt in archery also had me discovering the importance of steady hands for the arrow to even hit the target. By the time 3pm rolled around, we had already completed all on-land activities and were even graced with an unexpected visit by some elephants.

For dinner, we set out to the Kelong Seafood Restaurant located on the other end of the compound with a quick five minute bus ride through almost pitch black darkness. The quality of the hotel restaurant food was comparable to Singapore’s Long Beach Seafood Restaurant, along with the prices which was mostly in Singapore Dollars. After eating until our hearts content, it was time to call it a night.

We awoke to our second day to the blazing tropical sun and anticipation of our water activities, in particular Snorkelling and Jet-skiing. All the water activities, including Banana Boat and Canoeing, were all located in the same location at their sports water booth. The sea that awaited us was so clear we could see all the way to the bottom! The resulting next few hours had me oscillating from feelings of mind-blowing exhilaration and freedom as I bounced off waves while jet-skiing, to a complete sense of calm as I admired the little marine life while snorkelling and floating with the currents.

Unfortunately, the rain clouds decided to swoop in mid-afternoon, ending all water activities. There was then no better way to relax than with a full body massage to loosen our muscles from all the excitement and we rounded off the day with fireworks and a sumptuous buffet dinner. The fireworks aren’t something we can buy off the shelves here in Singapore and was definitely a memorable sight despite only shooting up for a few seconds.

The third and final day in Bintan was first spent packing out bags and checking out at 12p.m., and we were left with some time to explore before our ferry back at 5.30p.m.. We decided to visit the Oleh Oleh Market outside of the Nirwana Gardens compound, and waited for the shuttle service for a 15 minutes ride there. It turned out to be the perfect way to round up our trip - with kampong-style buildings housing various shops selling local knick knacks, kampong style food and cafes priced at low prices, this market is definitely a must-visit here!

Our timing to reach back the hotel was just right to catch the shuttle service to the ferry terminal, and the scorching and humid weather had me asleep throughout the ride. It was all too fast to collect our tickets, board the ferry back home and say au revoir to Bintan Island.

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ISSUE 12 HOORAY / work it

The Art of Stretching text by elizabeth moreira

Yoga’s main focus is the balance of one’s mind, body and soul. Today, traditional yoga has become a popular form of exercise to many, practiced in this little hectic city called Singapore. Most participate in Yoga classes in search for inner peace and self-control, as well as to combat stress.

Like technology, Yoga has also evolved with the times. There’s even a website called StretchCity. com - listing studios, shops, restaurants and even events for interested yogis (a yoga practitioner in Western terms). Two forms caught our eyes recently, and we got a first-hand peek at the intriguing movements of AcroYoga and YogaFly, within the refreshing confines of Upside Motion – which offers a full range of classes involving Pilates, YogaFly and Xtend Barre.

What is AcroYoga? If you thought of ‘Acrobatics’ and ‘Yoga’ put together, you’re almost correct! A detailed description of what AcroYoga is would be that it’s a blend of the spiritual wisdom of yoga, the tenderness of Thai massage and the dynamic power of Acrobatics. It’s also a form of partner yoga where two yogis work together for therapeutic release in an acrobatic-type workout. One partner acts as a “Base” who elevates and supports the “Flyer” partner with his or her legs, the Flyer partner then performs asanas (yoga sitting positions). The whole purpose of this interactive yoga is to build a connection between partners, foster trust and enhance individual concentration. The interchanging of positions also increases flexibility and strength for both partners.

PS. There must always be a “Spotter” around to keep an eye on both of you, just in case of any instability.

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The key word is FLY. YogaFly is the revolutionary new fitness approach that involves a lot of swinging, hanging and yoga altogether.

It fuses traditional yoga standing poses, dance and aerial acrobatics to attain a unique full-body workout that targets your core muscles – without putting any unnecessary pressure on your spine and joints. One can ‘fly’, by utilising a seven-yard long harness swing made of an ultra-strong and flexible material(that can hold up to 450kg!) to support your weight during your regime. YogaFly’s also a great way to get toned, rebuild your emotional system and increase the blood flow and circulation throughout your body. *images courtesy of Stretch City, Upside Motion, Calibre Pictures & Ideas

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AGAINST ALL ODDS text by mcken wong

Choo Ling Er is not only one of Singapore’s elite runners, but also a top notch triathlete and an extremely determined individual. She has overcome life-threatening odds with brilliant gusto, in order to be where she is today, coming in fourth at this year’s Aviva Ironman 70.3 Singapore. At that event, she also took home the honour of being the fastest local female triathlete. Currently working as a Strength and Conditioning coach, she would be taking part in the upcoming Great Eastern Women’s Run 2013 on 10 November, a run that is dubbed Asia’s largest, and an All-Women Run that empowers females to take up a healthier lifestyle.

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Where did your passion for running arise from? I’ve been playing badminton since young, and it was only natural for me to move on from indoor sports to outdoor ones when I was in polytechnic. My body has gradually developed a high level of endurance, with the flexibility to train almost anywhere and anytime, so with that, I started to look out for running clubs to join. I have never stop running since.

What’s your most challenging episode? In 2009, I had a near fatal accident while training on the road for the Florida 70.3 Ironman World Championships. I was run over by a car while on my training bicycle, resulting in a broken left femur, a broken right knee as well as a broken ankle. There was even a small blood clot lodged in my head.

What happened next? The doctor told me that I would never be able to walk properly again, let alone run. However, I have never once doubted my abilities. The next eight months were spent in clutches planning for my comeback, and constantly trying to stay positive. Having huge support from my family members and friends definitely made the whole process easier.

What advice would you give to a runner who has just started running, if he or she wants to take on marathons? Number one, set realistic goals. Before participating in a full marathon, take part and familiarise yourself with the local races – from 10km to 21km options. With that experience, you would be able to understand your body better and understand how it’ll respond to the race. It would also be less demoralising if you were not able to meet your target of a full marathon. Number two, have running partners. During my long distance runs(25km-35km), I would usually have a few friends running with me.

This would help distract my mind from the sheer distance and other elements – including how steep the climb is or the searing hot weather.

Which running injuries do you think are the most common? Sports related injuries are common if the body is not well taken care of. It could due to a lack of training or if you use the wrong equipment such as shoes, socks and tights. Plantar Fasciitis is a common injury, where the connective tissue/ligament on the sole of the foot is inflamed.

What would you do to prevent or keep pain to a minimum? Speaking from experience, I have sports massages regularly to keep my body in check. It helps to loosen up my muscles as stretching itself may not suffice. Alternatively, when I travel for races and have limited resources, I would bring along a foam roller and a tennis ball. I would use them on the required muscle group, applying a certain amount of pressure.

How does one become a professional triathlete? Being a professional means you are making a career out of it. While it means getting paid to do what you love, it also means you have an obligation to perform at races and to represent your sponsors well. At the end of a 30-45 hour training week, you are also expected to find time to make appearances at product launches and road shows. Besides those, you would also need to catch up with your social life. It isn’t an easy road, but it’s not about failing that is daunting for me, it’s about not trying that does.

What are some common mistakes you’ve observed from inexperienced, or even experienced runners? More often than not, most runners do not have sufficient training before starting the race. They do not understand their body well enough and tend to overestimate their capabilities. There were times when I see runners speeding past me in races, only to see them cramping up by the side of the road some distance later.

Any type of food or diet that one should consume to aid running? I am not somebody who is extremely meticulous when it comes to food, but I do try to avoid oily and fatty stuff. I train close to 30 hours a week so in a sense, I think I deserve to pamper myself occasionally with an ice cream or a chocolate bar.

Have you got any future plans? I am giving myself three years to train full time, targeting mainly the 70.3 and full Ironman distance races. I am also racing for Operation Smile Singapore (OSS), hoping to be a good ambassador and represent them when I do move up into the professional ranks.

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J CO DONUTS Bugis Junction 200 Victoria Street #B1-24 LOWERCASE Lasalle 1 McNally Street Blk D #01-01 MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY Bugis+ 201 Victoria Street #05-02

SOGURT 617 Bukit Timah Road THREADBARE & SQUIRREL Bali Lane 660 North Bridge Road

chinatown / cityhall / clarke quay

WORKING TITLE 48 Arab Street

EGG3 33 Erskine Road #01-10/11/12 HAAGEN-DAZS Esplanade Mall 8 Raffles Avenue #02-01/03 LOMOGRAPHY GALLERY STORE 295 South Bridge Road MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY The Central 6 Eu Tong Sen Street #01-27 ONCE UPON A MILKSHAKE Raffles City #B1-51 ORIOLE CAFÉ 10 Jiak Chuan Road PATISSERIE G Millenia Walk 9 Raffles Boulevard #01-40 THE ARTS HOUSE Box Office 1 Old Parliament Lane Level 1

orchard

PRAISE Bugis Junction 200 Victoria Street #03-22A

ISLAND CREAMERY Holland Village Shopping Mall #01-02 No. 3 Lorong Liput TANGO’S RESTAURANT & WINE BAR 35 Lorong Mambong

Junction 8 Shopping Centre 9 Bishan Place #02-52 PIES & COFFEE Rochester Mall 35 Rochester Drive #01-02

HAAGEN-DAZS Holland Village 21 Lorong Mambong

DESOUL Far East Plaza 14 Scotts Road #03-24A FEMMEX Orchard Cineleisure 8 Grange Road #03-05 FLESH IMP SCAPE 2 Orchard Link #02-20/21/22 FROLICK Cathay Cineleisure Orchard 8 Grange Road #B1-07

BOOKSACTUALLY No. 9 Yong Siak Street lick 258 Tanjong Katong ONCE UPON A MILKSHAKE Maxwell Chambers #01-08 RED DOT TRAFFIC 28 Maxwell Road #02-16 SELFISH GENE CAFÉ 40 Craig Road THE ORANGE THIMBLE 56 Eng Hoon Street #01-68

JURONG POINT shopping centre Customer Service #03-07

CUPCAKES WITH LOVE Tampines 1 10 Tampines Central #03-22

MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY 112 East Coast Road #B1-25

ORIOLE CAFÉ Pan Pacific Serviced Suites 96 Somerset Road #01-01

ONCE UPON A MILKSHAKE Pasir Ris SRC #01-09 PENNY UNIVERSITY 402 East Coast Road

PRAISE Orchard Cineleisure 8 Grange Road #02-04

STAGE SCAPE 2 Orchard Link #02-08

THE SAUCE BAR Esplanade Mall 8 Raffles Avenue #01-10/12

HAAGEN-DAZS Springvale 907 East Coast Road #01-05

MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY Plaza Singapura 68 Orchard Road #03-89

SPELLBOUND Far East Plaza 14 Scotts Road #03-24

THE BUTTER FACTORY 1 Fullerton Road #02-02/03/04

EGG3 Tong Yuan Industrial Building 85 Playfair Road #07-01

LEFTFOOT Orchard Cineleisure 8 Grange Road #02-07A

RECKLESS ERICKA Orchard Central 181 Orchard Road #02-08/09

ORIOLE CAFÉ Republic Plaza 9 Raffles Place #01-23/23A

THE COASTAL SETTLEMENT 200, Netheravon Road FROLICK Lot 1 21 Choa Chu Kang Avenue 4 #B1-23 MARBLE SLAB CREAMERY Causeway Point 1 Woodlands Square #B1-22 THE FACTORY 22 Lim Tua Tow Road

schools

raffles place tiong bahru / tanjong pagar

11 King Albert Park #01-02

EVERYTHING WITH FRIES Holland Village 40 Lorong Mambong

west

ISLAND CREAMERY Serene Centre 10 Jalan Serene #01-03

LEFTFOOT The Cathay 2 Handy Road #01-19/20

east

FAST FOOD FOR THOUGHT 8 Queen Street

CHOTA The Cathay 2 Handy Road #03-03

north

COLLAGE 61 Haji Lane

dhoby ghaut

ARTISTRY 17 Jalan Pinang

holland village

bukit timah / bishan / buona vista / bugis

h a v e a r Ø mp !

NANYANG POLYTECHNIc Blk E Level 4 Room E407 ngee ann polytechnic Blk 1 Level 2 republic polytechnic One Stop Centre SINGAPORE POLYTECHNIC Hilltop Library Main Library Student Service Centre TEMASEK POLYTECHNIC Student Development Centre

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