SG Magazine, Mar 27

MARCH 27 - APRIL 9, 2015

It’s getting hot in here

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what’s on what’s new what matters

Local illustrators show us a different side of Little India in a new anthology.

See BOOKS , page 8, for more.

page 3

Singapore Personality Test

10 feature

Is KL Cooler Than Singapore?

6 neighborhood

One-North and Portsdown

Lee Kuan Yew

14 cityscape

Singapore’s Dating Scene 18 drink

Meg White

DSTLLRY

22 interview

1923 - 2015

Singapore is a melting pot, with myriad races, religions, political beliefs and social views co-existing in relative harmony. But a recent red wine drinkers vs white wine drinkers article on the Internet (ow.ly/Kwocm) reminded us that, at the end of the day, there are only two types of Singaporeans: Kopi drinkers and latte drinkers. Here’s what your coffee says about you.

Latte drinkers caffeinate with their MacBook Airs. Kopi drinkers caffeinate at their office Lenovos.

Kopi drinkers hang out at the taxi stand. Latte drinkers use Uber.

Kopi drinkers go to Cineleisure. Latte drinkers go to The Projector.

Kopi drinkers unwind with a six-pack of Tiger. Latte drinkers unwind with a barrel-aged Negroni.

Kopi drinkers sleep with the fan on. Latte drinkers just have to have AC. Kopi drinkers tell you if you’re annoying them. Latte drinkers write a string of passive aggressive tweets.

Kopi drinkers swear by Android. Latte drinkers are attached to their iPhone 6.

Singapore Film Heats Up

Kopi drinkers love big dogs. Latte drinkers are cat people.

Kopi drinkers hit snooze until the last possible minute. Latte drinkers wake up early and do sun salutations.

Who's in charge?

Publisher & General Manager Ric Stockfis countrymanager@asia-city.com.sg

Content Sales & Custom Media Content Director Clara Lim customcontent@asia-city.com.sg

Editorial Managing Editor Mrigaa Sethi editor@asia-city.com.sg

Advertising Director, Business Development Intan Agustina advertising@asia-city.com.sg

Dining Editor Letitia Tandean Lifestyle Writer Joyce See Web Editor Aaron Khoo

Senior Manager, Media & Marketing Shernan Plameras

Intern Erny Luiza Kartolo Design Associate Art Director Carmen Louise Ho Senior Designer Fishy Toh Designer Celeste Chooi

Where to find us!

Bangkok Asia City Publishing (Thailand) Ltd 22/F, Silom Center 2 Silom Road, Bangkok 10500 Tel: 02‑624‑9696 Fax: 02‑237‑5656 bkmagazine@asia‑city.co.th Shanghai shonline@asia‑city.com.cn

Executives, Media & Marketing Lee Wee Keong, Roderick Wong, Joy Yao, Swathi Raj Marketing Marketing Manager Silver Adrienna Ng marketing@asia-city.com.sg

Marketing & Admin Assistant Geraldine Tan Finance Finance Manager Lynn Legaspi finance@asia-city.com.sg Accountant Huang Huiping Group Directors Chief Executive Officer Gretchen Worth gworth@asia‑city.co.th Group Digital Director Greg Duncan gduncan@asia‑city.com.sg On the cover Illustration by Hock Choon Tan, courtesy of Epigram Books

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Kopi drinkers only CC relevant people. Latte drinkers hit Reply All willy-nilly.

Kopi drinkers love spicy food. Latte drinkers love espuma.

Kopi drinkers never call. Latte drinkers agonize over that one text from last week.

Kopi drinkers wear aviator sunglasses. Latte drinkers are all about tortoiseshell.

Kopi drinkers love old-school hip hop. Latte drinkers listen to indie RnB. Kopi drinkers partied at Zouk when they were teenagers. Latte drinkers were in English Drama Society.

Kopi drinkers highlight. Latte drinkers underline.

Latte drinkers sleep on your side of the bed. Kopi drinkers sleep anywhere.

entertainment & lifestyle

SG Magazine is published 24 times a year by Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd., 211 Henderson Road, #07‑02, Singapore 159552.

Tel: 65‑6323‑2512 • Fax: 65‑6323‑2779. Copyright ©2015 Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. The titles “SG Magazine”, “I-S Magazine” and their associated logos or devices, and the content of SG Magazine and I-S Magazine are the property of Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. Reproduction in whole or in part without permission is strictly prohibited. SG Magazine may not be distributed without the express written consent of Asia City Publishing Pte Ltd. Contact the Publisher for ad rates and specifications. All advertising in SG Magazine must comply with the Publisher’s terms of business, copies of which are available upon request. Printed by KHL Printing Co. Pte. Ltd., 57 Loyang Drive, Singapore 508968. ISSN 0218‑8872 MCI (P) 174/12/2014

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Latte drinkers love Laneway. Kopi drinkers hit up local gigs.

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Kopi drinkers have no fixed bedtime. Latte drinkers have to be in bed by 10, after a spot of journaling.

Latte drinkers go to heaven. Kopi drinkers go everywhere.

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FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

3

up front hot or not

Singapore’s latest news, numbers and dramas at a glance

Our biweekly study of the city’s burgeoning (and dying) trends

careers

throwback 20 We’re turning 20 this year, and looking back at 20 Singapore shopping malls that were super happening back in the day.

NEEDS...

Hot: KL

Not: Singapore

Singapore wrested Future Music from KL, but then canceled. Meantime, KL continued being fabulous, with cool, new galleries and sexy, secret bars. Read about our recent trip there in Feature on page 10.

We are currently accepting applications for the following positions:

• Finance Executive • Lifestyle Writer email us at: jobs@asia-city.com.sg

Hot: Yoga

Not: Running

As it gets increasingly hotter earlier in the day, we’re hanging up our running shoes for a while. Instead, we’re heading indoors for some air-conditioned downward dogs. See our favorite yoga studios in Island on page 16.

Hot: Drinking in One-North

Not: Drinking in the usual places

Celebrating the city’s entrepreneurs, start-ups and innovative thinkers

dilemma about whether I should throw away items that I did not use but have a lot of sentimental value.

The only solution was self-storage units. But the process of renting an entire unit for just a few boxes, paying administrative fees and deposits, plus having to transport my items to an industrial area was a painful process.

Duplicating a model already successful in cities like New York and Hong Kong, local startup Spaceship (www.spaceship.com.sg) comes to your house, picks up all your sentimental clutter—big and small— and stores it for you cheaply. Then, it lets you access an inventory of your stuff online and sends back any or all of it whenever you need it back.

Here, founder Wei Yeo tells us about the hoarding habits of Singaporeans.

What inspired you?

Spaceship was born out of a personal experience I had while moving into a one-bedroom apartment. Naturally, space was limited and I had a

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, march 27, 2015

What’s the market like?

Average apartments in Singapore have shrunk by as much as 34% over the past six years. Surveys show that 69% of Singaporeans are hoarders, storing items they do not use regularly—items like their old school assignments, photographs and gifts.

What are the weirdest things you’ve had to store?

Thankfully we have not encountered any weird items. We’ve put in place some storage rules. One uncommon order that we had, however, was someone wanting to store 60 pallets of wine. Erny Luiza Kartolo

2 City Plaza (opened 1981) Once the go-to place for the latest styles from HK. 3 Katong Shopping Centre (opened 1973) Our first air-conditioned mall. ‘Nuff said.

4 Thomson Plaza (opened 1979) A.K.A. Thomson Yaohan.

5 Queensway Shopping Center (opened 1976) First stuff your face with mua chee and tu tu kueh, then buy some sporting gear to burn it off.

6 Lucky Plaza (opened 1978) They were the first to have air-con in the elevators.

be good

Have a Heart On Apr 12, for a $10 donation, you and your dog can participate in a 2km Buddy Walk at Woof-a-thon 2015 held at Bishan Park.

All proceeds will go towards supporting the Singapore Heart Foundation in its fight against heart disease. On top of the walk, there are cute activities, such as basic health screenings, contests, pet photo booth and even a fashion parade.

Register at www.myheart.org.sg.

We’re over the overflowing places and thronging sidewalks of all the usual nightlife strips we hang out at. The slightly ulu hood of One-North has been looking mighty promising lately with a cool new cocktail bar. See New Bar on page 18.

singapore sparks

1 Bukit Timah Shopping Centre (opened 1978) Now dominated by tuition centers, it was once all about affordable clothes.

7 Golden Mile Complex (opened 1973) Hard to believe, but this Thai restaurant hub once won architectural awards.

8 Far East Plaza (opened 1983) A youth magnet in the ‘80s due to (despite?) its cutting edge computerized musical fountain.

9 Great World City (opened 1997) In the swinging ‘50s and ‘60s, it had a theme park and cabaret shows. Now it is a six-story mall.

10 Beauty World Plaza (opened 1983) Most of the tenants from the Beauty World Center moved here after a fire destroyed it in the ‘70s.

11 Parkway Parade (opened 1984) Once a hotspot for artists from 5th Passage Gallery who put up art and music performances.

12 Holland Road Shopping Center (opened mid 1980s) Situated in an area once home to the British military, this mall was a hit in the ‘80s and ‘90s.

say what?

The best comments on our most popular web stories JoshuaSeth Kong Yee No more packed lunches! —on “Best restaurants and bars at One-North and Rochester Park” Desmond SomethingSomething Foo Mindset has to seriously change for local food and local chefs to really shine. —on “At last night’s San Pellegrino Awards, a surprise entry from Singapore” Dee George When will I be able to visit these places? *SIGH* —“3 utterly charming Japanese villages you must visit” Nattiong Inspiring! —on “8 Made in Singapore brands that make us proud” Jeffrey Cuellar That’s an exceptional ‘stache —on “Three beloved bartenders leave their bars” Be a part of the conversation at www.facebook.com/sgnow.sg

13 Bras Basah Complex (opened 1980) Book lovers will remember fondly the hours spent at the mall’s countless bookstores.

14 The Centrepoint (opened 1983) Home to the cool Centrepoint Kids of the 80s. Think: avant garde hairstyles and over-the-top dressing.

15 Tang Plaza (opened 1958) It was the first shopping center along Orchard Road and kickstarted the rise of our shopping belt.

16 Peninsula Shopping Center (opened 1981) In 1991, it shook up the peace in Singapore when a lone gunman tried to raid a jewelry store.

17 People’s Park Complex (opened 1973) It was once the biggest mall on our island; now it’s the rooftop that’s got all the cool shows.

18 Plaza Singapura (opened 1974) Having gone through two major facelifts, it once housed Yaohan, Daimaru and Ponderosa.

19 Liang Court (opened 1985) It opened beside a freshly clean Singapore River, thanks the Singapore River clean-up project that took place in the ‘70s to ‘80s.

20 Tanglin Shopping Centre (opened 1971) It was the birthplace of multi-label fashion retailer Club 21 back in 1972.

For more lists revisiting Singapore’s history, visit www.sgnow.sg. JOYCE SEE

The essential guide to what’s on in Singapore

now

Send your events news to art@asia-city.com.sg, nightlife@asia-city.com.sg, stage@asia-city.com.sg

Mon

thu

Mar 30 Bill Ebbesen

Joel Lim @ Calibre Pictures

Apr 2

music Mew

The Danish alternative rock band was last here for indie music festival Camp Symmetry in 2013 and will be back with tunes from their upcoming album +- that’s set to drop in April. They’ll also be performing old faves like “Comforting Sounds” and “Snow Brigade”. Mar 30, 7:30pm. *SCAPE The Ground Theatre, 2 Orchard Link. $90140 from Peatix.

TUE

Mar 31

Stage Normal

Checkpoint Theatre’s production of Faith Ng’s play revolves around the “normal” secondary school stream (a course for students of perceived lower academic ability) through the eyes of two adolescent girls, Ashley and Daphne, and their idealistic new teacher, and explores the tensions in Singapore’s education system. Apr 9-19. Black Box, Drama Centre, #05-01 National Library Building, 100 Victoria St., 6837-8400, checkpoint-theatre.org. $38 from Sistic.

SAT

Mar 28

Food & Drink PasarBella Gourmet Hop

Concert Pink Martini

The 10-piece Oregon band is back after their first appearance at Mosaic Music Festival in 2010. They’ll be performing their signature blend of Latin, bossa nova and salsa classics like “Sympathique” and “Hang On Little Tomato”. Mar 31, 8pm. Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $48-148 from Sistic.

Art Hugging The Shore

fri

Mar 27

Singaporean artist Simryn Gill presents her first major solo exhibition in Southeast Asia after living all around the world.

Featuring three photographic series: Standing Still, Dalam and May 2006, as well as new work, Like Leaves. Mar 27-Jun 14. NTU Centre for Contemporary Arts Singapore, Gillman Barracks, 43 Malan Rd., www.gillmanbarracks.com. Free.

Nightlife Future Tokyo Programme

Le Gluttony and gourmet food market PasarBella team up for a two-day farmers’ market concept. There are over 20 food and drink booths by local merchants like The Providore, Winchester Pies’ mac & cheese and paella by Le Patio. There’s also a local film screening, live music and a flea market. Mar 28-29, 3pm. The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Rd., 6887-0077, www.pasarbella.com. $45-50.

tue

Fri

Apr 7

Mar 27

The club’s celebrating their second birthday in a big way with five DJs (Godwin P, Norman C, Shigeki, Ramesh K and Kenneth F) taking turns helming the newly-installed decks with their unmistakable house beats. Plus, there’s a reconfigured dancefloor, all new lights and party androids. Mar 27, 10pm. Kyo, #B1-02 Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil St., 6225-6001, www.clubkyo.com. $20-25.

comedY Russell Peters

The Canadian standup comedy sensation is known for taking witty jabs at culture and family backgrounds. This time, his tour features all-new material and more audience interaction. Apr 6-8, 8pm. Suntec Singapore International Convention & Exhibition Centre, 1 Raffles Blvd., 6337-2888. $108-228 from Sistic.

FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

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now Send your events news to events@asia-city.com.sg

Sunday Vocal Jam Happening every last Sunday of the month, there will be tons of capella singing here by you and like-minded folks. This month’s edition takes place at the open stage area in the library@esplanade. Mar 29, 3pm.

Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377, www.acappella.org.sg. Free.

Dick Lee, Ivan Heng, Lim Kay Siu and Siti Khalijah Zainal. Apr 1-12. Gallery, 2/F The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Ln., 6332-6900, www.theartshouse.sg.

Free.

SG PICK

concerts Tan Wei Xiang’s Grupo Clave feat. Miki Hirose The world-renowned pianist and his contemporary jazz band with South American influcences, Grupo Clave, play alongside guest trumpetist Miki Hirose, a familiar face in the New York salsa scene. Mar 28, 9:30pm.

Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $25 from Sistic.

Punked Out! Rock out to pop and punk beats by local bands Sign of Five, JJ and the Paperplanes and Orangecove. Apr 4, 6pm. Hood Bar and Cafe, #05-07 Bugis+, 201 Victoria St., 6221-8846, www.facebook.com/punkedoutsg. Free.

SG PICK

Curbside

The Studios: Fifty Eclectic, eccentric and experimental theater returns with 50 plays, five of which will be staged as full-length productions, while the rest are dramatized readings. Full-length performances include Stella Kon’s Emily of Emerald Hill, Huzir Sulaiman’s The Weight of Silk on Skin and Tan Tarn’s How The Lady of Soul and Her Ultimate ‘S’ Machine. Apr 2-May 10.

Esplanade Theatre Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 68288377, www.thestudios.com.sg. $5-30.

The Piano Guys Involving four guys making music on the strings, keys and surfaces of one grand piano, the YouTube sensations perform their most famous covers like Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years” and One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful”.

Apr 13, 8pm. The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, 6636-0055, www. lamcproductions.com. $88-158 from Sistic.

Stage

dance Repertory Platform This production by RAW Moves comprises two performances: Singaporean choreographer Ebelle Chong’s Standing, Sitting and Lying Down: 7, inspired by her seven years of being a stay-at-home mom, and Taiwanese choreographer Chang Chien-Hao’s Floating Box about the mind’s perception of quotidian experiences. Through Mar 28, 8pm. Goodman Arts Centre Black Box, #01-53 Block M, 90 Goodman Rd. $24-30 from Peatix.

Triple Bill Catch three powerful dance works: Nexus, As Is and Remains Remain all by award-winning choreographers Sun Shang-Chi, Xing Liang and Singaporean Jeffrey Tan. Apr 2-4, 8pm. SOTA Drama Theatre, School of the Arts Singapore, 1 Zubir Said Dr., 6594-8411. $28-38 from Sistic.

theater Pioneer (Girls) Generation The Necessary Stage brings a comedy about a group of independent and sassy seniors living in an upscale retirement home as their strong opinions create trouble and tension between friends. This play features Dwayne Lau, Thomas Lim, Audrey Luo, Irene Ong, Padma Sagaram and Catherine Sng. Mar 27, 8pm; Mar 28, 3pm, 8pm; Mar 29, 3pm. Gallery Theatre, National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd., 63323659. $27 from Sistic.

Discord of Discourse Written and directed by Khairul Kamsani, this two-man play explores language, signs, symbols, semiotics and how interacting with others forces us to change our beliefs and question our realities. Apr 2-5, 8pm. Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal St., 6435-0131. $22 from Peatix.

Theatre Memories: 50 Years of Singapore Theatre There are personal recollections, anecdotes, screenings and panel discussions, as well as an installation that showcases famous local theater personalities like

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, March 27, 2015

NeigHborhood Guide 4 reasons to go to One-North and Portsdown this weekend

Tuckys Photography

Music

Public Enemy This satirical production explores politics and freedom of expression. When the protagonist of the play finds out that his town’s water supply is contaminated with bacteria, his decision to report it turns the public against him. Apr 9-25, 8pm. Victoria Theatre, 11 Empress Place, www.wildrice.com.sg. $45-80 from Sistic.

A Night of Magic at Raffles Swedish illusionist Joe Labero has sold out arenas around the world and been crowned “Illusionist of the Decade” at the Magic World Cup in Beijing. His Singapore show has been extended another five weeks, in case you missed him the first and second time around. Through May 3. Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Rd., 6412-1323, labero.com.sg. $50-230 from Sistic.

Art The Arts Open House The historic arts building hosts an open house with a day-long itinerary of literary art programs. There are book exchanges, talks, workshops and performances throughout the day from the likes of The Drama Clinic and The Improv Company. Mar 28, 10am. The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Ln., 6332-6900, www. theartshouse.sg. Free.

OH! Open House After a two-year absence, this ambitious art-in-the-heartlands project is back. They’ve invited emerging Singaporean artists like Guo Yixiu to install art in residences in Joo Chiat where there is a series of guided tours to learn about the neighborhood’s.

Mar 28-29, 4pm. Various venues, www.ohopenhouse.org. $20.

Moyang The debut collection by young Singaporean artist Fyerool Darma features small and large paintings exploring the Malay Archipelago era. Through Mar 29. Flaneur Gallery, 129 Jalan Besar, www.flaneur. sg. Free.

Visions by Francesca Leone She has shown at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Santiago de Chile and at the Academy of Fine Art in Saint Petersburg. Now, she’ll be showcasing her work in Asia for the first time. The series, titled Corpi e terra explores the female form through striking paintings on giant canvases. Through Apr 7. Partners & Mucciaccia, #02-10 Gillman Barracks, 6 Lock Rd., 6694-3777, www.partnersandmucciaccia.net. Free.

Ryan Gander: Portrait of a Blind Artist Obscured

by Flowers The UK-based artist’s visual puzzles and oddly assembled objects focus on the idea of parallel history and time. The artist shares a space with Do Ho Suh, Teppei Kaneuji and Haegue Yang. Through Apr 11. Singapore Tyler Print Institute, 41 Robertson Quay, 6336-3663, www.stpi.com.sg. Free.

Contemporary Ink Art See contemporary works of Chinese painting, from Singapore’s ink art pioneers, Hong Kong’s renegade

Jimmy Monkey

The Lawn

One-North may be best known for unsexy science and technology hubs like Biopolis and Fusionopolis, but there’s a lot more going on here than R&D. Here’s an itinerary for your next journey to the west.

Conduct gastronomic research at Biopolis Research cluster Biopolis isn’t necessarily the first place you’d go to for good food, but there are some gems hidden in there, like specialty salad bar/grill The Lawn (#01-07 Nanos, 31 Biopolis Way, 6478-9739, www.thelawn.com. sg), American diner-influenced cafe Curbside (#01-21 Nucleos, 21 Biopolis Rd., 8181-1805, fb.com/curbsidecafesg) and craft beer gastrobar Bodacious (#01-15 70 Biopolis St., 6778-9585, fb.com/bodaciousbistro). There’s even a posh restaurant hidden in here, a modern French place called Infuzi (#01-01 Chromos Block, 10 Biopolis Rd., 6478-9091, www.infuzi.com.sg).

See what the cult coffee fuss is about Jimmy Monkey (#01-51 One-North Residences, 9 One-North Gateway, 6777-8470, www. jimmymonkey.com) has been a cult hit among in-the-know caffeine junkies for a few years, partly because it brought in the first (superexclusive) Slayer espresso machine to Singapore.

It’s not easy to find, though; it’s hidden inside a residential estate (near Meraki Yoga).

Fortunately, eastsiders who make the trek to here get a discount.

Catch musical granddaddies before they retire The Star Performing Arts Centre (1 Vista Exchange Green, 6636-0055, www.thestar.sg) has played host to quite a few rock and heavy metal heavyweights, including Deep Purple and Joe Satriani, and evidently the trend is continuing with folk rock granddaddies Crosby, Stills & Nash having played there recently.

(Though note that the Backstreet Boys (May 2), from the other end of the musical spectrum, are also set to play here.)

Explore up-and-coming Portsdown The black-and-white colonial buildings in this ulu neighborhood near One-North could give Dempsey a run for its money, but other than a small crowd of devotees to old standbys Colbar (9A Whitchurch Rd., 6779-4859) and Pietrasanta (#01-03 5B Portsdown Rd., 6479-9521, www.ristorante-pietrasanta.com), Portsdown has never really taken off. We’re hoping that new cocktail bar DSTLLRY (#01-01 Infinite Studios, 21 Media Circle, 9633-4890, fb.com/dstllryco) at Infinite Studios is a sign that things are about to change. Clara Lim

Stay in the Loop Subscribe to our weekly newsletter at sgnow.sg/newsletters

Music 3 new local albums to check out

The Kraken by In Each Hand A Cutlass It’s been four years since their last album, but this instrumental progressive/postrock quintet is back with an exciting new record, produced

by US veteran Brad Wood. They won the Best Instrumental/ World Music award at the VIMA Awards 2011. www.ineachhandacutlass. bandcamp.com.

Art is Blood by I Am David Sparkle Formed in 2001, this homegrown four-man band is no stranger to the local music scene. Look out for their third album set to release in April, with songs that cover everything from instrumental post-rock to shoegaze to sludge metal. www.iamdavidsparkle. bandcamp.com.

Bear Culture by Bear Culture This progressive/alternative rock band has just recently released its self-titled debut album, featuring the single “Premonition” and funky crowd-favorites like “Cheesecake” and “Valkyrie”. www.bearculture. bandcamp.com. ERNY LUIZA KARTOLO

FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

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now Tuckys Photography

SCENE & HEARD with Letitia Tandean

graffiti ink artist Sun Xun, as well as renowned Chinese artists such as Cai Guo-Qiang, Shih Hu and Wang Dong Ling. Mar 28-May 10. Ota Fine Arts, #02-13 Gillman Barracks, 7 Lock Rd., 6694-3071, www.gillmanbarracks. com. Free.

SG PICK

Co.Lab: Cocotte x Artichoke Local restaurants Cocotte and Artichoke collaborate for an Easter brunch special that includes Artichoke’s famed mezzes and Cocotte’s brunch cart dishes like beetroot tzatziki and clams steamed with fennel cream and Swiss chard. Apr 3-5, 12pm. Cocotte, 1/F Wanderlust, 2 Dickson Rd., 6298-1188, www.restaurantcocotte.com. $62.

World Street Food Congress Held at the open space opposite Bugis Junction along Tan Quee Lan St., it’s all about international cheap bites from Mexican tortillas to Singaporean chicken rice and Indonesian satay. There will also be a bunch of masterclasses and discussions. Apr 8-12. www.wsfcongress.com.

happenings Fifty

And That Which Was Always Known

Theater Geeks

April is a great month to catch local theater productions. Esplanade’s The Studios debuts its Fifty (Apr 2-May 10, www.thestudios.com. sg) series with 50 plays and five full-length productions like Stella Kon’s Emily of Emerald Hill and Tan Tarn’s How’s The Lady of Soul.

Tickets go range from $5-30 from Sistic. There’s also Kumar’s latest light-hearted production, Kumar Stands Up For Singapore (Apr 22-26, Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr., 68288377, www.dreamacademy.com.sg) that tracks Singapore’s journey from a swampy island to a bustling city. For the full list go to ow.ly/KqGqx.

Work Horse

Little India is now home to gorgeous co-working space Workhouse (2 Veerasamy Rd., 98531641, www.ourworkhouse.com). The sexy three-story shophouse is outfitted in a minimalist

industrial look complete with sanded wood furniture and polished concrete floors by award-winning local studio FARM. It comes equipped with two meeting rooms, a reception area, a lounge area, an outdoor terrace and even shower facilities. Rates go for $40 per day to $450 per month.

This group exhibition curated by Roger Nelson features paintings, photographs, videos, documented performances and installations by six artists living and working in Cambodia, Thailand and Vietnam. Mar 29-May 10. Yavuz Gallery, #0223 Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Rd., 6734-3262, www. yavuzgallery.com. Free.

Pose and Strut

From Earth and Metal This group exhibition features sculptures by international artists including Bernar Venet, Pablo Reinoso, Jedd Novatt, Armen Agop and Yves Dana.

Their works all revolve around sculptures made from natural and industrial materials like bronze, steel, wood and stone. Through May 16. Art Plural Gallery, 38 Armenian St., 6636-8360, www.artpluralgallery.com.

Free.

This year’s edition of Samsung Fashion Steps Out @ Orchard (Orchard Rd., www. orchardroad.org/fso) from Apr 10 to May 24 has even more events lined up. Aside from the outdoor Orchard Road runway featuring over 150 models cavorting on the streets, there’s a special collection to mark Singapore’s 50th birthday, too.

Plus, there’s an exhibit dedicated to 20 local labels like The Reckless Shop, SABRINAGOH and Sans & Sans.

weekends, I picked up a pen and started doodling. The first attempt turned out to be not fantastic, but decent. I found the Singapore chapter of Urban Sketchers and joined them. When I finally went on one of the public monthly Saturday sketchwalks, it actually turned out to be really nice.

What made you draw this picture of Rex Cinemas?

I was always a little amused that in the modern world of super big multi-hall cineplexes, a very small little cinema can not only survive but also specialize in just screening Indian movies. I pass by Rex fairly regularly as my dentist is nearby, and I thought it would make an interesting subject for the book.

Tell us about how you got involved with Urban Sketchers.

I started sketching about one and a half years ago. During one of my dull business trip

What are your favorite things to draw?

My favorite subjects are old buildings or cityscapes and I particularly enjoy drawing in little details like pipes, cracks on the wall, TV antennas or small plants peeping out from the gutter. Obviously, Little India fits this preference nicely. Interestingly, while I was sketching once in Little India, I was approached by a family to draw their new home.

Hock Choon Tan’s sketch appears in We Love Little India, a collection by Epigram Books. $12.90 from most local bookstores or www.epigrambooks.sg. MRIGAA SETHI

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, March 27, 2015

Intimacy: Jiang Pengyi Solo Exhibition Known for his illusory film images, Chinese artist Jiang Peiyi showcases 26 photographs on Polaroids and archival inkjet prints. Mar 28-May 17. Shanghart Gallery, #02-22 Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Rd., 6734 9537, www.gillmanbarracks.com. Free.

Gentle Paws Adoption Drives The privately run non-profit shelter that is home to over 50 dogs needs to find a new home after their current Pasir Ris lease expires. They’ll need to rehome as many of their dogs through a series of adoption drives. Pups are as young as three to six months old. Details of each upcoming event will go up on their Facebook page. Mar 28-29. Various venues, www.facebook.com/GentlePaws. Free.

The Good Fellas Charity Market Organized by Marcella, Singapore’s largest custom apparel retailer, this event brings over 10 local and international men’s lifestyle and fashion brands.

20% of proceeds goes to Aware to support their fight for gender equality. Mar 28, 12pm. Kyo, #B1-02 Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil St., 6225-6001, www.marcellacustom.com/the-good-fellas. Free.

shopping SG PICK

Food & Drink

Books Hock Choon Tan

Local publisher Epigram Books is behind the We Love series, a collaboration with artists from Urban Sketchers which covers areas like Katong, Tiong Bahru and Bedok. In their latest volume, We Love Little India, we spotted the lovely Art Deco building that appears on our cover. Here, we speak to the engineering manager and amateur artist who drew it.

charity

Cajun Kings & Burnt Ends Burger Pop Up The grill kings come together with Southern American seafood boil joint for a burger night at the Growell popup. Mar 29. Broadcast HQ, 107 Rowell Rd., 6292-4405, www.facebook.com/thegrowellpopup. Free.

SG PICK HAY House Pop-up

Official Media

Danish travelling pop-up HAY House is hosting a pop-up at multi-brand lifestyle store Kapok.

Expect a great selection of home and lifestyle products that boasts minimal designs and are modern and functional. Prices range from $9 for a paper tiger toy to $34 for wine glasses and go up to $845 for rugs. Through Apr 12. www.ka-pok.com. Free.

Savour This year’s edition of the foodie festival has more celeb chefs (both local and international) who will cook up a tasting portion storm. The line-up features more than 50 signature dishes from the likes of Artichoke’s Bjorn Shen, Tippling Club’s Ryan Clift and Restaurant Andre’s Andre Chiang, among others. There’s also a gourmet market selling hard-to-find fruits, cheeses, charcuterie and even wines. The event will also host masterclasses, cooking workshops and tasting sessions. Through Mar 29. F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd., 6884-6940, www.savour.sg. $55-65.

SuperBrunch: Under Construction The hotel’s famously extravagant brunch series is back, with a 15-meter long seafood station, a caviar dispenser, foie gras au torchon and a charcoal-roasted suckling pig. Brunch isn’t complete without bubbly, in the form of Louis Roederer Cristal. Mar 29, 12pm.

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore, 7 Raffles Avenue, 6337-8888, www.ritzcarlton.com/singapore. $288-468.

literary World Lit featuring Githa Hariharan Political writer and activist Githa Hariharan discusses socio-political and feminist issues, Indian solidarity with Palestine and her new book Almost Home: Cities and Other Places. Apr 2, 7:30pm.

Living Room, The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, 6332-6900, www.theartshouse.sg. Free.

sports RUN 350 This is one of Southeast Asia’s biggest eco runs, and supports the global 350 movement, which aims to raise awareness for the need to lower CO2 levels in the atmosphere. You can choose take part in either the 21.1km or the 10km categories. Apr 5, 5am. F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd., 68846940. $20-65. www.run350.com.

Cycle Asia Recently rebranded, the cycling event is now open to all instead of being a professionals-only event. This year there are categories like a 12-km Community Ride, as well as a 59-km Yakult Ace Light Super Challenge for more experienced riders.

Apr 10-12. F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd., 68846940, www.cycleasia.com. $55-180.

now Send your events news to events@asia-city.com.sg

OUE Singapore Open Watch some of the world’s top badminton players fight it out for a prize purse of US$300,000. Apr 7-12. Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660, www.singaporebadminton.org.sg. $20150 from SportsHubTix.

FILM

indie screenings SG PICK

Nightlife Tiko Disko: The Return The Asian funk and sultry disco duo (KidG and Chico Montagut) are back with more kitschy, vintage records full of Asian psychedelic soul. Mar 27, 10pm. Wonderbar, #02-00 101 Jalan Sultan, 67327119, www.facebook.com/wonderbarsg. Free.

Le Noir Lucky Seven Anniversary The Clarke Quay bar passes a milestone not many of its neighbors can claim. It celebrates its seventh year with a rock-and-roll themed night where guests who arrive dressed in the theme get freeflow drinks after participating in a dare-and-forfeit game. Mar 28, 6pm. #01-01 Clarke Quay, 3C River Valley Rd., 6339-6365, www.barlenoir.com. Free.

SG PICK

Metropolis As a part of the Endeavours Documentary Film Festival, director Fritz Lang’s 1927 sci-fi epic centers around a futuristic city divided between classes, when the son of the city’s mastermind falls in love with a working class prophetess. Mar 27, 8pm. The Projector, 5/F Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Rd., theprojector.sg. $18.

Italian Film Festival: From Venice to Singapore This year’s festival sees movies from the 71st edition of the Venice Film Festival that includes films Hungry Hearts and Anime Nere. There is also a selection of digitally-restored classics like Sophia Loren’s Una Giornata Particolare (A Special Day) and director Vittorio de Sica’s Umberto D. Apr 8-15. 5/F The Cathay Cineplexes, The Cathay, 2 Handy Rd. and Gallery Theatre, National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd., www.iicsingapore.esteri.it. $13.

Midnight Shift with John Heckle and Tapirus

cinema highlights

Supported by Lily’s Rose and Haan, this double bill has DJ Tapirus’ deep and powerful sounds as well as UK DJ-producer John Heckle’s fastpaced mixing with assorted hardware like turntables and drum machines. Mar 28, 10pm.

Kyo, #B1-02 Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil St., 6225-6001, www.clubkyo.com. $20-25.

Get Hard A feel-good comedy about millionaire hedge fund manager James King (Will Ferrell), who gets accused of fraud and enlists the help of Darnell Lewis (Kevin Hart) to prep him for life behind bars. Little does King know, Lewis has a clean sheet with the authorities. Opens Mar 26.

Koi Bang Street Gang This Haji Lane street party lasts all day, so load up on tapas and drinks, and turn up with your crew in gang colors to get freebies and prizes, though actual aggression and other gang behavior is not actually encouraged (we think). Mar 29, 2pm. KOI Bangers + Izakaya, 9 Haji Ln., 9790-7535. Free.

Diamond Life ft. DJ Spinbad Just in case you couldn’t snap tickets to comedian Russell Peter’s show, DJ Spinbad is his official DJ. He’ll be spinning a mix of Top 40s and dance party jams and you might even get a glimpse of Peters himself. Ladies get in for free. Apr 8, 9pm. Ku De Ta, 57/F Marina Bay Sands Hotel Tower 3, 1 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7688, www.kudeta.com. $28.

Zouk x UOB Cards present Mambo Jambo Good Friday is about to get a throwback with the club’s most-loved night. On the playlist are classic anthems that beg for some synchronized dance moves a la Mambo Jambo tradition. Apr 2, 10pm.

Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub. com. $28-33.

Fritz Kalkbrenner His famous DJ brother Paul may be a bigger household name (and in fact they’ve worked together on the cult film Berlin Calling), but this electronic DJ can hold his own. His signature style comprises warm, soul-infused electro beats and dreamy, melodic dancefloor anthems. Apr 10, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www. zoukclub.com. $28-33.

McFarland Inspired by a 1987 true story about high school coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) and a last resort job that lands him in a predominantly Latino high school in California It’s all about a white family facing challenges in a diverse and economically-challenge community.

Boohoo. Opens Mar 26.

Foxcatcher Olympic Gold medal-winning wrestler Mark Schultz (Channing Tatum) struggles with poverty in Wisconsin when he is invited by wealthy heir John du Pont (Steve Carrell) to move in to his huge estate to train for the ‘88 Seoul Olympics. He takes on the job, eager to step out of his older brother’s illustrious Gold Medal-winnign shadow. Opens Mar 28.

Fast & Furious 7 One of Paul Walker’s last films before his untimely death, the adrenaline-packed and race junkie franchise is back with more fast cars, hot babes and far-fetched stunts. Opens Apr 2.

Woman in Gold An elderly Jewish refugee, Maria Altmann, takes on the government to recover artwork she believes belongs to her family. Starring Helen Mirren, Ryan Reynolds and Daniel Bruhl. Opens Apr 2.

Escobar: Paradise Lost Josh Hutcherson (The Hunger Games) plays an American surfer who meets the girl of his dreams, only to find out that her uncle is the Colombian drug kingpin, Pablo Escobar, played by Benicio del Toro.

Opens Apr 9.

The Gunman Sean Penn plays a gun-slinging action star in this action-thriller by Pierre Morel (Taken). A cat and mouse chase ensues all over Europe as he goes on the run after he’s betrayed by the organization he worked for.

Opens Apr 9.

Download the free SG Now app www.sgnow.sg/app • Hundreds of listings, daily updates • Restaurants, bars and other openings • Save events to your calendar FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

9

feature

is KL cooLer than sinGapore?

We knew something was up when our favorites Bandwagon and Peatix expanded there, so we went to have a look. By Joyce See Findars Gallery

W

e’ve never needed much reason to head to KL. It’s only an hour away, there is plenty of great food and the shopping is affordable. But the Malaysian capital has really upped its game in recent months. In fact, it’s so hot that local gig finder Bandwagon and ticketing outlet Peatix are opening offices there soon.

One of the reasons for setting up shop there is KL’s “vibrant music scene”, according to Bandwagon’s (www. bandwagon.asia) founder Clarence Chan. “We’ve been to many festivals and a lot of the local bands have very sizeable followings.”

The small events scene is also thriving. Peatix’s (www. peatix.com) Malaysian general manager Yeap Mei Yi told us about all the “amazing alternative venues that have popped up, like giving this huge APW (29 Jalan Riong, +60 3 2282-3233, www.apw.my), a factory space in Bangsar that’s being repurposed.”

Not convinced? Here are five other reasons.

they’ve Got soMe cooL new Bar trends Singapore is not the only one with cozy little secret bars.

There is a seriously cool one nestled in the residential area of Jalan Sin Chew Kee. Barlai (3 Jalan Sin Chew Kee, +60 3 2141-7850, www.thebiggroup.co) could easily pass off as someone’s house. Inside, you’ll find a wooden picnic tables, hanging lightbulbs and road signs decorating the untreated walls. They do a pina colada (RM24($9)) with a dash of pandan syrup. For something more upmarket, hit up Mr Brooks (3/F Bangsar Shopping Centre, +60 3 2282-0241, www.thebiggroup.co) in the hip hood of Bangsar, which is designed after a 1920s gentlemen’s club. It specializes in gin and cocktails, so go for the cucumber and pepper martini (RM75 ($28)). But finding the entrance requires some work.

Hint: keep an eye out for a purple Sunbeam Alpine car.

Also big these days are whisky bars. There’s The Whisky Bar (46 Changkat Bukit Bintang, +60 3 2143-2268, www. thewhiskybarkl.com) that stocks more than 400 labels including some pretty rare single malts and Scotch. Gastrobar Torii (18 Jalan Datuk Sulaiman 1, +60 3 7733-9309, www. torii.my) specializes in Japanese whiskies and whisky-based cocktails. Don’t miss the speakeasy-style Whisky Tango Foxtrot (2/F 128b Jalan Kasah, +60 3 2011-2056, www. whiskytangofoxtrot.com.my) and its wide selection of cigars and refined single malts.

niGhtLife BiGGies are headinG over

Mr Brooks

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARch 27, 2015

KL is getting its new and largest lifestyle center. The fivezone Trec (Jalan Tun Razak, next to RHB Centre, +60 3 2178-6088, www.trec.com.my) is opening in the second half of the year, and will be the new home of superclub Zouk KL (+60 3 2171-1997, www.zoukclub.com.my). Exciting openings in the enclave include the upscale Friendscino Restaurant and Bar (+60 3 7710-0035, www.friendscino. com) and that will feature local and international DJs and The Scene by Pisco (+60 3 2142-2900, www.piscobarkl. com), which will serve bespoke cocktails. What’s more, Singapore nightclub Kyo (www.clubkyo.com) has plans to open up a second outlet in KL later this year.

Q&A One of our favorite event ticketing portals Peatix has expanded to KL. We speak to their Malaysian general manager Yeap Mei Yi about her fave KL haunts and why they decided to set up shop in KL. Why KL? If you spend a week in KL, you may get invitations to parties, or meet ups happening at various venues, sometimes all on the same night. All these give KL a sense of vibrancy and energy that’s very exciting for us. What we also see is an underserved segment of small and independent organizers in Malaysia. Peatix has traditionally been strong at addressing their needs in other cities.

What do you think of KL’s music scene, as compared to Singapore?

Given the diverse population, the music scene in KL sees more breadth as it appeals to many distinctive sub-cultures.

At the same time, I also see a lot of similarities, especially in the rise in support for local acts in both cities. There’s also a good “performance exchange” that’s happening with more Singaporean bands travelling to KL for indie gigs and festivals and vice versa.

Where are your favorite hangouts in KL? There are lots of great hang out places in KL, depending on your mood and what you want to do. One of my favorite cafes is Dr Inc. (8 Jalan Kemuja, +60 3 2283-4698, www. fb.com/drincbangsar) and I love shopping at Publika (1 Jalan Dutamas, +60 3 6207-9426, www.publika.com.my); you’ll find lots of local independent labels and retailers there.

For events happening in KL, head to peatix.com/search.

Aku Cafe & Gallery

Aloft

Event List

Sherwynd Kessler

Three exciting music festivals in Malaysia

Bijan

Findars Gallery

There’s a profusion of art cafes

Lots of new places to stay

Chinatown is a good place to go if you’re keen on cafe hopping. Coffee fiends will love Aku Cafe & Gallery (1/F, 8 Jalan Panggong, +60 3 2857-6887, www.oldchina. com.my) that does a mean cup of hand-drip coffee. This hidden gem is found on the second floor of a shop house and exudes modern Oriental charm. Upstairs, you’ll find the Findars Art Gallery (4/F, 8 Jalan Panggong, +60 1 2350-1844, www.facebook.com/findars), a quaint art space run by a local art collective that also occasionally hosts indie music gigs. Nearby, there’s also the Lokl Coffee Co (30 Jalan Tun H.S. Lee, +60 3 2072-1188, www. loklcoffee.com) that’s a great pit-stop for those who like to brunch.

We stayed at the iconic The Westin (199 Jalan Bukit Bintang, +60 3 2731-8333, www.thewestinkualalumpur. com) that’s located in the heart of Bukit Bintang and we also drooled over the trendy Aloft Kuala Lumpur (5 Jalan Stesen Sentral, +60 3 2723-1188, www. aloftkualalumpursentral.com), the largest Aloft property in the world. The decor is modern and futuristic and there are 24-hour refueling stations. Plus, you can get a pretty good view of KL from its rooftop bar on the 30th floor. Another option is the newly renovated and arty Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur (2 Jalan Stesen Sentral, +60 3 2263-7888, www.lemeridienkualalumpur.com).

It’s still a food haven For Malay fine-dining, head to Bijan (3 Jalan Ceylon, +60 3 2031-3575, www.bijanrestaurant.com) and try the kerutup daging (RM35 ($13)), a beef stew in spicy coconut gravy. Meat lovers, it’s worth making a trip to Prime (5/F 2 Jalan Stesen Sentral, +60 3 2263-7434, www.lemeridienkualalumpur.com), an elegant steakhouse at the Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur. If you’re feeling adventurous, hop on a cab (approx. RM35 ($13)) to the residential area of Puchong that’s a 30-minute drive from the city center. It’s got plenty of authentic local eateries, like the Hai Sang Kopitiam (17G Jalan Puteri, +60 3 8061-6919, www.fb.com/pages/hai-siang-kopitiam). Its version of chicken rice (RM8.90($3.40)) has the chicken in a hearty broth.

Essentials GETTING THERE Fly: Various airlines, including Silk Air and AirAsia, fly daily to from Singapore to Kuala Lumpur, and takes about one hour.

Return tickets on Jetstar (www.jetstar.com.sg) starts at $40.

Bus: Several companies like Grassland Express (www. grassland.com.sg) and Konsortium (www.konsortium.com.sg offer daily services between Singapore and Kuala Lumpur and takes four to five hours. Prices start from $20.

VISA Singaporeans and Permenant Residents do not need a visa to enter the country and can stay up to 30 days.

EXCHANGE RATE $1 = RM2.65

Penang World Music Festival

Penang World Music Festival When: Apr 11-12, 2015 Where: George Town, Penang What: The lineup includes musicians from Spain, Germany, Sweden and Mongolia. Performances aside, there’ll also be workshops on musical techniques and Penang’s famous street food.

Price: From RM 80 ($30) for a one-day pass and RM140 ($52.45) for a two-day pass. Get your tickets from www.penangworldmusic.gov.my.

Rainforest World Music Festival When: Aug 7-9, 2015 Where: Kuching, Sarawak What: Expect music workshops, lectures, jamming sessions and performances. Past performers include Scottish band Peatbog Faeries, folk musician Ross Daly and British outfit Blackbeard’s Tea Party.

Price: From RM90 ($33.70) for a one-day pass and RM340 ($127.40) for a three-day pass. Get your tickets from www.rwmf.net.

KK Jazz Festival When: Jun 12-13 Where: Kota Kinabalu, Sabah What: This highly anticipated jazz extravaganza will see both international and local artists take to the stage, with proceeds going to various charities across the state.

Price: From RM100 ($37.45) for a one-day pass and RM150 ($56.20) for a two-day pass. Get your tickets from www.kkjazzfest.com.

Like this issue? Read it and every new issue of SG free on your tablet or mobile. issuu.com/sg_magazine FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

11

STYLE CENTRAL From hot local brands to cult European labels, here are five snazzy options at this iconic Orchard Road mall.

The Reckless Shop

PACT

A

side from its wide variety of food offerings, Orchard Central also caters to the trendy, fashionable crowd. It houses a growing number of popular labels, stocking everything from hip European brands to local indie designers and offbeat jewelers. Here are five shops to hit the next time your wardrobe needs an update.

SABRINAGOH Housed in an all-white boutique with raw concrete floors, this concept store is named after the Singaporean designer herself, who launched her first fashion label Elohim in 2009. Her pieces create strong yet sensual silhouettes aimed at the edgy, fashion-forward crowd.

Get this: Her latest Spring/Summer '15 collection is inspired by kintsugi, the Japanese art form of fixing broken pottery with gold or silver dust mixed with lacquer. The collection is all about garments featuring digital prints with a cracked texture. The pieces play on geometry and androgyny, evident in the oversized shirt dresses, apron skirts, layered pants and angular cuts. #02-11/12 >> Quote SG Magazine and get 10% off regular priced items from Mar 27 to Apr 27, 2015.* SABRINAGOH

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

ADVERTORIAL

The Reckless Shop With floor-to-ceiling windows and a carpet grasslined floor, it's easy to spend hours going through racks of beautifully designed clothes here. Opened by designers of local label Reckless Ericka—Afton Chen and Louis Koh—this boutique houses Eurocentric menswear and womenswear as well as two in-house womenswear labels, Reckless Jersey and Still.

Get this: Still is great for the office, with its clean lines, light color palette and sharp tailoring, but still has quirky touches like a flowy pleated sleeve on a basic button-up shirt or a back cut-out on a sharp, two-toned dress. Reckless Jersey, on the other hand, features affordable wardrobe staples that are functional and versatile, made using comfy jersey fabric. There are plenty of wearable pieces like an asymmetrical draped dress and a flattering cocoon-shaped midi dress cinched at the waist. #02-08/09 >> Quote SG Magazine and get 10% off regular priced items from Mar 27 to Apr 27, 2015.* The Reckless Shop

The Reckless Shop

WeSC This cult Swedish brand (pronounced We-S-C) was designed with the skateboarding crowd in mind or, in their words, the "intellectual slackers". Founded in 1999 by five guys who love skateboarding and snowboarding, WeSC marries streetwear with fashion and often fuses elements of art and music into its designs.

Get this: Their Fall '14 menswear collection is a nod to their Scandinavian heritage with a focus on fit, fabric and detailing. Using a dark palette of deep green, chestnut and dark blue, the collection is great for cool climates. We’re lusting after the classic denim jacket and the on-point brogues from their popular footwear label Bo Brogues that now comes in a super-versatile rich caramel color and pairs well with most outfits. #02-06

Pleatation WeSC

>> Quote SG Magazine and get an additional 5% off sale items from Mar 27 to Apr 27, 2015. Gift/cash vouchers cannot be used on sale items. *

WeSC

Pleatation

Pleatation

PACT

PACT This multi-label concept store has expanded to house five more creative heads, all under one industrial chic roof. This clean, minimalist space, first kicked off with Kilo restaurant, sifr clothes and pact+LIM salon. Now, the lineup includes Code Deco, Fred Lives Here, Killari, kiyone+LIM and SPUR Hauswerks.

Get this: Pick up some semi-precious stone jewelry from Killari. Founded by photographer, designer and avid traveler Sofia Villacis, this

SPUR Hauswerks

Killari

bespoke jewelry brand features eclectic bohemian statement pieces that will instantly dress up any outfit. And, you can also beautify your home with sleek and functional products from SPUR Hauswerks. We've got our eyes on the Boom Boom, a geometric palm-sized wireless speaker that's also the world's first speaker that lets you record and play back in 3-D. #02-16-19/21-23 >> Quote SG Magazine and get 10% off when you spend a min. of $50 on SPUR Hauswerks or Killari products from Mar 27 to Apr 27, 2015.*

As its name suggests, pleats are the order of the day here. You'll find all kinds of pleats on everything: apparel, accessories and also their signature maxi dresses. With prices ranging from $25 to $250, there's no need to break the bank for this local label's stylish threads. There's also a home and living section that sells items like coasters, cushion covers and table runners as well as lifestyle products like clutches, totes, laptop bags and business card holders; all pleated as well.

Get this: The show-stopping X-Halter Maxi dress from the Hexa Series is made of printed satin that hugs the body at just the right places and features adjustable black piping so you can wear it crossback, toga-style and other ways. #02-K6 >> Quote SG Magazine and get 20% off regular priced items from Mar 27 to Apr 27, 2015.* *Terms and conditions apply.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY ORCHARD CENTRAL

181 Orchard Rd, 6238-1051, S(238896), www.orchardcentral.com.sg. Open 11am-10pm daily.

FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

13

city scape EVENT LIST Dating events to try your luck at Prawning + BBQ + New Friends What to expect: The upside is that there is prawning involved. The possible downside has to do with the fact that you’re randomly paired with one person. But no reason you can’t have a wandering eye at the sunset barbecue mixer.

How much: $49 Where and when: East Coast Prawning, 1020 East Coast Parkway, Apr 18, 3pm. www.gopaktor.com

DATING

This is Why You are Single

Why Walk When You Can Salsa?

What to expect: Super confident and coordinated types, take this 10-class opportunity to rip up the dance floor with potential hotties.

How much: $130/10 classes Where and when: Actfa Dance School, #043575 Blk 162 Bukit Merah Central, Apr 3-Jun 5. www.adancedate.com

We talked to our single friends and found five reasons why it’s pretty much impossible to meet someone nice in Singapore. By Clara Lim

W

e chuckled when Tinder started charging premium fees earlier this month. But when the Economist Intelligence Unit said that Singapore’s baby-making incentives haven’t worked, we started to really worry.

Being single in Singapore is hard.

Single adults are denied plenty in our family-obsessed state, from affordable housing to positive representation in the media, and there are only so many times you can laugh about SG50 baby packages to feel better about yourself. Yet it’s not easy trying to change your relationship status. Here’s why.

The numbers are low Yes, Singapore’s population may be growing as we speak, but the dating pool doesn’t seem to be expanding at a commensurate pace. Most people we polled who have lived in other major cities, from London to Beijing, report a huge difference in the sheer quantity of people out there, looking.

“It took a week in London to get the same number of Tinder matches as three months in Singapore,” says one graphic designer.

Race baggage

It’s very telling that large bus ads for major dating websites and matchmaking services feature Chinese (or vaguely pan-Asian) couples, says a researcher.

We’re so passive Things get much more explicit (and depressing) It took a week in We’re sure this isn’t unique online. There’s no lack of London to get the to Singapore, but some of profiles with proclamations our friends complain that same number of like “white men only please” there aren’t a whole lot of Tinder matches as single people who aren’t and “I’m Indian—message only if you’re OK with my just coasting along in life, three months in race.” It’s a sad truth that disinterested in culture Singapore. many Singaporeans are and politics and music socially conditioned to and all those things that categorize people that way. make people sexy. It’s a little hard to get an engaging conversation with people Therapy isn’t widely available whose reading diet is entirely made of their Facebook feed and whose typical weekends It’s pretty sad that single Singaporeans consist of just tagging along wherever their spend all their time working out in the gym friends go. (if those profile photos are to be believed) and so little taking care of their mental Housing woes health. We’ve encountered (and fled from) innumerable red flags, from co-dependent So you’ve met someone. What’s next? tendencies to fear of abandonment to Unless you’re above 35, an expat or making shame about sexual orientation. But the good enough money to rent a nice place, trouble is that spending time and money many single Singaporeans still live with

rn ood po f a t s n i From # igans, n a n e h Fs to #TGI hrough t y l s u ario live vic candy e y e # our #sg Follow SG on Instagram @sg_now 14

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

on your sanity is nowhere near as widely accepted as it is in more progressive cities.

And the fact therapy costs $200/hour doesn’t help.

The Singapore Speed Dating Event What to expect: If one-on-one speed dating sounds too scary, consider this group speeddating session, where participants mingle in two-on-two configurations. Just like a group date, except faster.

How much: $25 Where and when: Exact location will be revealed to confirmed participants but they promise a quiet cafe five minutes from an MRT station. Apr 19, 3pm. www.meetup.com 1-to-1 Rotation Tea What to expect: If you don’t need alcohol to steel your nerves before a round of oneon-one speed dating, consider this event that takes place at a hotel coffee shop.

How much: $38 Where and when: Exact location will be revealed to confirmed participants (a hotel in Orchard), Apr 25, 2:30pm. www. completeme.com.sg. Erny Luiza Kartolo

their parents or in less-than-ideal rental situations (think oppressive landlords or judgmental housemates). And that makes it a little difficult to take things to the next level. Not only does one have to furtively make logistical arrangements in order to get laid, the lack of housing and personal space means it’s difficult to properly live together and let your relationship grow.

The latest openings and hottest trends in Singapore

island

Pop UP Hey Hay Danish design collective Hay’s popup store, Hay House, is making its way through Asia and their current stop is at Kapok’s National Design Centre flagship until Apr 12.

Minimalist, pastel-favoring types will love their range of mid-centuryinspired furniture and homeware like stationery, tea towels, glassware and storage boxes. Prices range from $9.50 for a notebook to $34 for wine glasses and go up to $845 for rugs. Kapok, #01-05 National Design Centre, 111 Middle Rd., 6339-7987, fb.com/KapokSG.

tech Grown Up Sound

We’re over the candy-colored headphones we used to favor a couple of years ago. Now it’s all about something sturdy, well-made and ideally wireless. Sony’s new lineup of Bluetooth wireless headphones includes the elegant-looking MDR-ZX770BN, which has digital noise reduction software and 13 hours of battery life. Available in Apr at $249 from Sony Store, #02-28 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Rd., 6634-9497, www.sony.com.sg.

MOTORING Wicked Wasp

Nothing like a scooter to up your quasi-hipster game. The Vespa Primavera is the newest addition to the collection of retro-themed transports. While it bears the signature look of classic Vespas, the Primavera has redesigned suspension, less engine vibration and a larger helmet compartment. Now available for $7,700 (before the COE and other costs) from Ai De Hua, 19 Genting Rd., 65474466, www.adh.com.sg.

HOME Robots in Dust-guise

We’re not yet completely convinced about robotic vacuums, but the new PowerBot VR9000 promises to do a better job with its new sensor and increased suction power. There’s even a remote control for the micromanagers among you who can’t let the robot decide where to clean for itself. Now available at $1,499 from Best Denki, #05-01/04 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6835 2855, go.bestdenki.com.sg.

FRIDAY, march 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

15

island Pure Yoga

WELLNESS

This Hong Kong chain has two locations in Singapore, and it’s recently revamped the Ngee Ann City studio (the other is at Chevron House). We’re particularly interested in the Aerial Yoga and Wall Rope Yoga classes, which involve being suspended in mid-air to relieve pressure and help you hit your poses.

Zen Zing Whether you’re looking for a big-name studio or a smaller, more intimate outfit, we think these eight studios have something special. By Eimear Elkington and Aaron Khoo

How much: One-time classes from $50 Where: 18/F Ngee Ann City Tower A, 391A Orchard Rd., 6733-8863, www.pure-yoga. com/en/singapore.

Real Yoga The only yoga center with six hot yoga studios across the island, Real Yoga does over 30 types of classes. It has just opened a Parkway Parade branch, and also hold dance fitness classes (think Zumba and Body Combat) to complement the yoga offerings.

Pure Yoga

How much: One-time classes from $38 Where: #17-01 Parkway Parade, 80 Marine Parade Rd., 6348-2270, www. realyoga.com.sg.

True Yoga

Hom Yoga

Bikram Yoga Katong

Hom Yoga

This boutique studio is home to a tight-knit community who sometimes venture out to the beach for a session. The mainstay is classic Bikram yoga—26 poses (each done twice) in 90 minutes. It’s a very hot room and the instructors are hardcore, so it’s not for the faint of heart.

Its newest outlet is inspired by a New York warehouse, featuring two bright rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows and mirrors. It has over 60 hot classes weekly, including Hatha and Vinyasa, but the signature is the multi-level Hot Hom, based on Hatha and Ashtanga, and is great for detox.

How much: One-time classes from $40 Where: 130 East Coast Rd., 6348-8705, www.bikramyogakatong.com.

Como Shambhala Urban Escape One of the city’s longest running yoga and pilates centers offers Ashtanga, Hatha, Iyengar, Pranayama and problem-specific classes like Back Care Yoga and Yoga for Runners. It’s also got massage services for injuries.

How much: $175 for five classes over two months Where: #06-01/02 Delfi Orchard, 402 Orchard Rd., 6304-3552, www. comoshambhala.com/singapore.

Best Yoga Studio winner in our 2014 Readers’ Choice Awards, True Yoga has two locations (Orchard Road and Raffles Place). It’s got premium facilities and instructors from India. The two branches have 16 yoga studios between them, as well as member relaxation lounges and steam rooms. Fancy.

Real Yoga

How much: One-time classes from $44.94 Where: 4/F Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Rd., 6733-9555, www.trueyoga.com.sg.

How much: One-time classes from $40 Where: #06-12/13 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 6238-0101, www.homyoga.com/sg.

Yoga Movement Set up by local singer and songwriter Alicia Pan as a small yet cozy space in the Boat Quay area, it’s now got branches in Tanjong Pagar, Orchard Road and a new one in Tiong Bahru, in the space formerly occupied by Social Haus. Standout classes are Yoga Basics (great for beginners) and the signature Monster Hot class, which happens every weekend.

Meraki Yoga Tucked away in a tranquil condo near One North MRT, this is one of the very few yoga places in the west. The space has lots of natural light and offers heated and non-heated classes.

How much: One-time classes from $43

How much: One-time classes from $25, or $190 for 10 classes

Where: #01-15 One North Residences, 7 One North Gateway, 6872-3711, www.merakiyoga.sg.

Where: 31A & 33A New Bridge Rd., 65344670, www.yogamovement.com.

Yoga Movement

NEW PLACE MoodBox The buzz: There have been a few new shops around Tanglin recently and this one at Tanglin Mall opened just last month.

Created by Frenchwomen Valerie Oriol and Karine Lafon, this homeware store aims to completely change its theme and mood every six-to-eight weeks (hence the name).

The vibe: At the moment, the store sports a distressedindustrial look with refined and colorful touches, much like a designer warehouse loft. The interior is furnished with a mix of polished wood and raw pallet furniture (not all for sale), so that the products they stock are the centerpiece accents.

The goods: A carefully curated selection of homeware and personal accessories over a wide price range. They have smaller decorative objects around the $50 mark, like their

metal tealight holders ($69) and white-washed rattan baskets ($49); further up the range are items like painted birdcages ($150) and Eygptian-handmade Zenza lamps that start at $190.

Personal accessories include cool reading glasses ($55), even cooler reading sunglasses ($65) and men’s watches around $200. Some items are significantly pricier, like the printed tapestries that go for $500 or the Qlocktwo digital clock at $1,799. That said, a lot of things are below $100, which makes it a great place to pick up thoughtful gifts and trinkets for the home.

Why we’ll be back: The inventory is a nice, boho change from the uppity, mostly pricey stuff usually found in the area.

Plus, we’re curious about what sort of look they will do next.

#03-18 Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Rd., 9627-4874, www.moodbox.com.sg.

Open daily 10am-9pm. AARON KHOO

16

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, March 27, 2015

The inside scoop on Singapore’s drink and dining scene

eats

NEW BAR Ready to Rumble Club Street’s Bar 83 has given way to Bumbo Rum Club (83 Club St., 6690-7563, www.facebook.com/bumborumclub.official). The place has one of the largest rum collections in Singapore including bottles of Plantation Reserve, Los Valientes and Sailor Jerry (starting at $14/glass). The cheery Caribbean bar is decked out in sunshine yellow and seafoam green and doles out cocktails like Pyrat Punch ($22) with spiced rum and Grand Marnier and tapas like seafood ceviche ($13) and pork ribs confit ($28) to line those stomachs.

NEW RESTAURANT Drifting into Town

Californian celeb chef David Myers’ Adrift (L/F Marina Bay Sands Hotel Tower 2, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-5657, www.marinabaysands.com/Adrift) has opened in the Marina Bay Sands Hotel lobby. It’s all about East-meetsWest flavors with dishes like king crab melt with pimento cheese ($35) and the odd, but delicious, preserved green papaya soup with Maine lobster ($28). Outfitted with wood tones and slate gray tiles, the bar counter is great for grabbing some cocktails and light bites.

festival Eat to the Top

This year’s edition of the World Gourmet Summit (Apr 6-May 3, www.worldgourmetsummit.com) features lots of dinners, guest chefs and galas. Visiting chefs include the Roca brothers from three Michelin-starred El Celler de can Roca in Spain, Christophe Muller of L’Auberge Du Pont de Collonges and Bruno Oger. There are dinners by the chefs on different nights, sake sommeliers and masterclasses by the likes of Franck Hasnoot, a chocolate master.

lunch Spanish Inquisition

Catalunya (The Fullerton Pavilion, 82 Collyer Quay, 6534-0188, www.catalunya.sg) jumps on the set lunch bandwagon with a three-course affair at $38. Taking advantage of their airy bayside surroundings, you can mix and match the Spanish restaurant’s signature items to form your meal. Favorites include salmorejo, a tomatobased soup, and the red snapper with salsa verde, as well as mushrooms with molten egg yolk. Plus, lunch options change weekly, just to keep things exciting.

FRIDAY, march 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

17

eats Send your food news to food@asia-city.com.sg

Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck This swanky place also does great dim sum dumplings. The har gow ($5) skin is smooth and the filling generous. Same goes for the Teochew-style dumplings ($3.90). If you’re more of a dessert dumpling kind of person, don’t miss the red bean cream with glutinous dumplings ($4), either. #05-42/45 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6732-7838, imperialtreasure.com.

Jing Hua This family restaurant first set up shop on Neil Road but we say go to their lush new digs at Palais Renaissance. It specializes in pork xiao long bao ($5/4 pieces) as well as dessert dumplings. We recommend the sweet osmanthus flower rice ball soup ($4) here.

Top 10

#B1-03A/04/05 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd., 6733-8231, www.jinghua.sg.

Jing Hua

Dumpling Delights

Paradise Dynasty The xiao long bao you’ll find here are unconventional. They come in a multitude of rainbow colors and unorthodox flavors.

Expect flavors like crab roe, black truffle, foie gras and, of course, the traditional pork ($13.80 for an eight-piece sampler basket).

Whether they’re Chinese, Japanese or even Russian, it’s impossible not to love a starchy, meat-filled pocket.

Here’s where to find our favorites. By Letitia Tandean Din Tai Fung

Buyan Russians are no strangers to dumplings. The version you’ll get here is the pelmeni ($18), dough pockets with meat filling. They’re a little less pretty to look at than traditional Chinese dumplings, but the morsels are pretty savory and moreish.

9/10 Duxton Hill, 6223-7008, www. buyan.sg.

Crystal Jade Golden Palace Sure, the place is a little frou frou with purple chandeliers and heavy carpets. What they do make are great dumplings. We particularly love the vegetarian Teochewstyle dumplings ($4.80/3 pieces) stuffed with mushrooms, radishes and peanuts. The

#04-12A ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-9118, www.paradisegroup.com.sg.

The Provision Shop Providore

key to a good one is the translucent skin. #05-22/24 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 6734-6866, www.crystaljade.com.

Din Tai Fung This Taiwanese import needs no introduction.

It’s cheap and we are all obsessed with their xiao long bao or soup dumplings. Whether you go for the classic pork ($7.50/6 pieces) or add a little bit of black truffle ($4.50/piece), the soup is always flavorful and the meat moist. #B1-03 Paragon, 290 Orchard Rd., 68368336, www.dintaifung.com.sg.

Ding Dong The Asian-inspired fusion restaurant makes a mean interpretation of dumplings. The

roasted duck dumplings ($18) here are also stuffed with shitake mushrooms and bobbing in a clear duck consomme that’s both light and comforting.

23 Ann Siang Rd., 6557-0189, www. dingdong.com.sg.

Gyoza-ya There are tons of dumplings to choose from: pan-fried or boiled and stuffed with pork ($4.80), prawn ($5.80) or veggies ($4.80).

We love the pan-fried versions and each dumpling’s quite a toothsome mouthful. #B1-02A Robinsons Orchard, 260 Orchard Rd., 6737-5581, www.facebook.com/ gyozaya.sg.

Pierogis ($5) are pretty common in Europe; made of unleavened dough, the hearty morsels are made with ricotta and potato and topped with bacon, onions and sour cream. #01-79 Blk 3, Everton Park, 6225-9931, www.facebook.com/TheProvisionShop.

Swee Choon Any late night eater will know this Jalan Besar staple. The Shanghai dim sum menu comes with items like xiao long bao, panfried pork dumplings and Sichuan oil chili wantons (all $4). Plus, it’s open all hours of the night.

191 Jalan Besar, 6225-7788, www. sweechoon.com.

new bar DSTLLRY The buzz: Portsdown’s Infinite Studios shows no signs of slowing down with the opening of this bespoke cocktail bar and Japanese-leaning omakase counter restaurant.

The decor: The cavernous space is understated, with the large square bar acting as the anchor. With all-black walls, concrete floors and a wooden bar, it’s a pretty blank canvas compared to many other bars these days. Lights are low-lying and strategically-placed as if on a sound stage.

The drinks: Leading the bar team is Taiwanese bartender Red Chuang whose bar program is all about classic cocktails with a twist. The place doesn’t have a proper menu just yet, so feel free to order drinks based on your taste and alcohol preferences. You can’t go wrong with Negronis and Last Word cocktails, the latter made with gin, chartreuse and citrus. All cocktails go for $25.

The food: On the other side of the bar are omakase-style counter seats for Japanese bites. Although the menu changes

daily, dinner time sees ten courses of small plates for $95, with bites of king crab with ikura sauce and botan ebi broth and lunchtime chirashi bowls. Plus, you can get your cocktails paired with food.

The music: Since the space was conceptualized by music producer Andrew Lum, the tunes here are pretty select. While early night beats vary from acoustic songs to experimental genres, the late night cocktail crowd gets a sample of soothing bossa nova, funk and jazz music.

The crowd: Currently comprised of in-the-know types and Japanese food fanatics. It’s pretty relaxed and not at all a dress-up-to-enter type of place.

Why you’ll be back: With the trek behind you, the mix of music, cocktails and small plates is pretty addictive.

The place plays host to local music acts and photography exhibitions, too.

#01-01 Infinite Studios, 21 Media Circle, 9633-4890, www.facebook.com/dstllryco. Open Mon-Sat noon-3pm; daily 6pm-midnight. LETITIA TANDEAN

18

SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, march 27, 2015

eats Cocotte

lunch

Game, Set, Lunch

The latest crop of affordable set menus to brighten up your workday. By Letitia Tandean

The casual French bistro has a grower’s three-course lunch menu ($39) where it’s all about communal dining. There are classics like duck leg confit, steak and fries, as well as the addictive mussels mariniere.

Everything is light and perfect for sharing.

1/F Wanderlust, 2 Dickson Rd., 62981188, restaurantcocotte.com. Lunch available Mon, Wed-Thu noon-2:30pm; Fri noon-3pm.

Crystal Jade La Mian Xiao Long Bao The casual la mian (hand-pulled noodles) restaurant now offers a set lunch menu for a crazy $9.80. Get a choice of starters like xiao long bao, veggie dumplings or barbecue pork buns, and a choice of mains like la mian with minced pork wanton and la mian with minced pork and mushroom. Plus, for an extra $2.90, you get a mango pudding dessert too.

May May

#04-27 Takashimaya S.C., 391 Orchard Rd., 6238-1661, www.crystaljade.com.

Lunch available Mon-Fri 11:30pm-5pm.

May May

Cocotte

Procacci

The new and airy Asian-inspired bistro housed in a Tras Street shophouse does healthy rice and quinoa bowls for lunch.

Toppings include red chilli chicken ($15),

braised pork belly ($16) and the light but flavorful butter-poached cod ($18). Plus a lunch combo (extra $3) gets you a house salad and any non-alcoholic drink on the menu.

65 Tras St., 6221-4698, www.facebook. com/maymaydining. Lunch available Mon-Sat noon-3pm.

Merchants Be naughty and get a lunchtime glass of wine with your no-frills two-course lunch ($12) that includes a mixed salad and either a roast beef sandwich and fries or chicken tequila spaghetti. For this cheap, you can definitely afford a glass of wine ($12).

52-53 Duxton Rd., 6222-1162, www.merchantsofsingapore.com.sg.

Lunch available daily 11am-3pm.

Procacci The bayside Italian restaurant has a two($28) and three-course ($38) set lunch that changes monthly and features classics like parma ham-wrapped rock melon, braised beef short ribs and sea bass taglietelle in spicy white wine butter. #01-04 Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay, 6532-9939, www.facebook.com/ ProcacciatCustomsHouse. Lunch available Mon-Fri noon-2:30pm.

NEW AND NOTED with Letitia Tandean

Meat Smith

New upda & te 2015 d editio n

Carver & Co.

Bar Tabs

There have been quite a few shifts lately in the cocktail bar industry. Firstly, the unmistakable mustachioed bartender, Ricky Paiva, has left Manhattan for new digs at Massive Collective’s grill-centric restaurant, Match. Nicholas Quattroville has left speakeasy bar The Library and moved across the street to Neil Road staple L’Aiglon, where he’ll be shaking up drinks alongside Louis Tan. Lastly, we’ve heard Mark Thomas, formerly of Bacchanalia, will be opening his own cocktail bar, although details are scant at the moment.

Meaty Scoop

Raw food, quinoa and kale salads are on the backburner these days. Meat is the dining scene’s latest darling. Unlisted Collection has opened Meat Smith (167 Telok Ayer St., 6221-2262, www.meatsmith.

Ricky Paiva

com.sg) which focuses on southern American-style smoked meats like brisket ($16/100g), ribs ($50) and starters like crab hush puppies ($12). There’s another new player coming to town. The guys behind London restaurant Meatliquor have been seen dining and drinking in restaurants around town, with plans for a spin-off here. Expect messy but satisfying food like mac and cheese and huge burgers.

Claim your copy Your guide to some 200 affordable eats, hidden finds and mid-range gems all across Singapore

A Bientot

The Les Amis Group, known for restaurants like Aoki and their San Pellegrino-listed namesake Les Amis, have a few renovations lined up. Firstly, Les Amis closes until Apr 16 for a renovation of their Shaw Centre digs.

They’re also closing Caveau Wine Bar until Apr 22 to make way for a new wine bar concept in the same space.

Your ultimate guide to 200 fun and fabulous eateries around singapore—from brunch places to late-night hot spots

In partnershIp wIth:

If someone has run off with the copy free with this magazine, fear not.

Download the eBook from sgnow.sg/ eats and read it on the go on your mobile devices.

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FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

19

escapes

Holidays, hotels and insider travel news Send your travel news and promotions to travel@asia-city.com.sg

ESCAPE ROUTES

grand openings The Sanchaya

with Joyce See

example, and The Seng Trang Villas are Vietnamese. What they have in common are oversized four-poster beds, bathtubs, enormous verandahs, black and white photos on the walls, dark-wood furniture and shutters and all that good stuff.

Niyama Resorts

CHINA

Morning Glory Located 60km from Beijing’s city center, the Sunrise Kempinski Hotel (www. kempinski.com) is an architectural feat.

It’s shaped like a rising sun and is covered with over 10,000 glass panels tilted to reflect the color of the sky. Set along Yanqi Lake, it has views of Yan Mountain and the Great Wall of China. Bonus: their introductory rate is $279.50 a night and is valid through Mar 31.

MALDIVES

Underwater Party Just 45 minutes by seaplane from Male, Niyama Resorts (www.niyama. peraquum.com) recently opened its second island, Play. Connected to the resort’s original island, Chill, by a bridge, it’s got 48 new villas with panoramic

views of the Indian Ocean. Head over to Chill for Subsix, the world’s first underwater club. Book from now till Mar 31 for 31% off on the best available rate. Also included is a lunch for two at Subsix and a spa treatment. Prices start at $1,381 a night.

SRI LANKA

Island Ashtanga If you’re thinking of going on a yoga retreat, consider heading to Sri Lanka’s five-suite Maya Villas (www. mayatangallesrilanka.com). The charming colonial-style villas are surrounded by greenery and their 10-day ashtanga yoga retreat starts at a very reasonable $2,265 per person and covers accommodation for 12 nights, 10 days of yoga and three vegetarian meals a day. It’ll be happening from May 1-13 and May 15-27.

Overview: After repeated delays, this 21-villa, nine-suite beachfront boutique resort finally opened on Bintan late last year, offering a quiet, luxe alternative to the family- and/or party-friendly options along the island’s northern coast.

Design: The sprawling estate has a faux-colonial thing going on, courtesy of Bangkok’s P49 design firm (also behind Chiang Mai’s 137 Pillars House). The villas are themed by Southeast Asian countries— the Mali Villas are Thailand-inspired, for

Rave: From the perfectly decorated annex at the ferry terminal, where you sip tea on tufted leather sofas while they process your visa elsewhere, to the collection of ayurvedic oils at the spa, to the craft beer in the complimentary mini-bar, there are pleasant surprises everywhere. Also, who knew we’d find the Holy Grail of free, fast and resort-wide Wi-Fi on Bintan? The inroom Apple TV and iPad with a 300-title collection of movies was also a nice touch— as was the option to borrow bicycles for a guided tour of the surrounding wilderness.

Rant: Service is a bit…effusive. We were outnumbered by the resort staff, with a shrill “Good morning, how was your day so far?” at every corner. If you’d like to be left alone, pick a super busy time.

Price: From $950/night for The Great House Junior suites.

Lagoi Bay, Bintan Regency, Bintan 29155, +62 770 692-200 www.thesanchaya.com. MRIGAA SETHI

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!

freewill astrology

Week of Mar 27 © 2015 Rob Brezsny

ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): The term “jumped the shark” often refers to a TV show that was once great but gradually grew stale, and then resorted to implausible plot twists in a desperate attempt to revive its creative verve.

I’m a little worried that you may do the equivalent of jumping the shark in your own sphere. APRIL FOOL! I lied. I’m not at all worried that you’ll jump the shark. It’s true that you did go through a stagnant, meandering phase there for a short time. But you responded by getting fierce and fertile rather than stuck and contrived. Am I right? And now you’re on the verge of breaking out in a surge of just-the-right-kind-of-craziness.

TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): If you happen to be singing lead vocals in an Ozzy Osbourne cover band, and someone in the audience throws what you think is a toy rubber animal up on stage, DO NOT rambunctiously bite its head off to entertain everyone. It most likely won’t be a toy, but rather an actual critter. APRIL FOOL! In fact, it’s not likely you’ll be fronting an Ozzy Osbourne cover band any time soon. But I hope you will avoid having to learn a lesson similar to the one that Ozzy did during a show back in 1982, when he bit into a real bat—a small flying mammal with webbed wings—thinking it was a toy. Don’t make a mistake like that. What you think is fake or pretend may turn out to be authentic.

GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): In the spring of 1754, Benjamin Franklin visited friends in Maryland. While out riding horses, they spied a small tornado whirling through a meadow. Although Franklin had written about this weather phenomenon, he had never seen it. With boyish curiosity, he sped toward it. At one point, he caught up to it and lashed it with his whip to see if it would dissipate. This is the kind of adventure I advise you to seek out, Gemini.

APRIL FOOL! I half-lied. I don’t really believe you should endanger your safety by engaging in stunts like chasing tornadoes. But I do think that now is a favorable time to seek out daring exploits that quench your urge to learn.

CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): Novelist L. Frank Baum created the make-believe realm known as Oz. Lewis Carroll conjured up Wonderland and C. S. Lewis invented Narnia.

Now you are primed to dream up your own fantasy land and live there full-time, forever protected from the confusion and malaise of the profane world. Have fun in your imaginary utopia, Cancerian! APRIL FOOL! I half-lied.

It’s true that now would be a good time to give extra attention to cultivating vivid visions of your perfect life.

But I wouldn’t recommend that you live there full-time.

LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): “The national anthem of Hell must be the old Frank Sinatra song ‘I Did It My Way,’” declares Richard Wagner, author of the book Christianity for Dummies. “Selfish pride is Hell’s most common trait,” he adds. “Hell’s inhabitants have a sense of satisfaction that they can at least say ‘they’ve been true to themselves.’” Heed this warning, Leo. Tame your lust for self-expression. APRIL FOOL! I was making a little joke.

The truth is not as simplistic as I implied. I actually think it’s important for you to be able to declare “I did it my way” and “I’ve been true to myself.” But for best results, do it in ways that aren’t selfish, insensitive or arrogant.

VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): No matter what gender you are, it’s an excellent time to get a gig as a stripper. Your instinct for removing your clothes in entertaining ways is at a peak. Even if you have never been trained in the art, I bet you’ll have an instinctive knack. APRIL FOOL! I lied. I don’t really think you should be a stripper. But I do recommend you experiment with a more metaphorical version of that art. For instance, you could expose hidden agendas that are causing distortions and confusion. You could peel away the layers of deception and propaganda that hide the naked facts and the beautiful truth.

LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): Give yourself obsessively to your most intimate relationships. Don’t bother cleaning your house. Call in sick to your job. Ignore all your nagging little errands. Now is a time for one task only: paying maximum attention to those you care about most. Heal any rifts between you. Work harder to give them what they need. Listen to them with more empathy than

ever before. APRIL FOOL! I went a bit overboard there.

It’s true that you’re in a phase when big rewards can come from cultivating and enhancing togetherness.

But if you want to serve your best relationships, you must also take very good care of yourself.

WIN UP TO $10,000 WORTH OF GIVEAWAYS, ALL YEAR ROUND

SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): It’s after midnight. You’re half-wasted, cruising around town looking for wicked fun.

You stumble upon a warehouse laboratory where zombie bankers and military scientists are creating genetically engineered monsters from the DNA of scorpions, Venus flytraps and Monsanto executives. You try to get everyone in a party mood, but all they want to do is extract your DNA and add it to the monster. APRIL FOOL! Everything I just said was a lie. I doubt you’ll encounter any scenario that extreme. But you are at risk for falling into weird situations that could compromise your mental hygiene. To minimize that possibility, make sure that the wicked fun you pursue is healthy, sane wicked fun.

It’s our 20th anniversary, but we’re giving you the presents! Fancy a luxurious $10,000 grand suite staycation in Hong Kong? A $5,000 fitness membership to keep you in shape? A night of partying in style that’s worth $1,500? A $500 dining credit to splurge on an omakase dinner with your partner? There’s all that and much more to win throughout the year.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): If you were a ladybug beetle, you might be ready and eager to have sex for nine hours straight. If you were a pig, you’d be capable of enjoying 30-minute orgasms. If you were a dolphin, you’d seek out erotic encounters not just with other dolphins of both genders, but also with turtles, seals and sharks. Since you are merely human, however, your urges will probably be milder and more containable. APRIL FOOL! In truth, Sagittarius, I’m not so sure your urges will be milder and more containable.

CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): “The past is not only another country where they do things differently,” says writer Theodore Dalrymple, “but also where one was oneself a different person.” With this as your theme, Capricorn, I invite you to spend a lot of time visiting the Old You in the Old World. Immerse yourself in that person and that place. Get lost there. And don’t come back until you’ve relived at least a thousand memories.

APRIL FOOL! I was exaggerating. While it is a good time to get reacquainted with the old days and old ways, I don’t recommend that you get utterly consumed by the past.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): Some Aquarian readers have been complaining. They want me to use more celebrity references in my horoscopes. They demand fewer metaphors drawn from literature, art and science, and more metaphors rooted in gossipy events reported on by tabloids. “Tell me how Kanye West’s recent travails relate to my personal destiny,” wrote one Aquarius. So here’s a sop to you kvetchers: The current planetary omens say it’s in your interest to be more like Taylor Swift and less like Miley Cyrus. Be peppy, shimmery and breezy, not earthy, salty and raucous. APRIL FOOL! In truth, I wouldn’t write about celebrities’ antics if you paid me. Besides, for the time being, Miley Cyrus is a better role model for you than Taylor Swift.

PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): Annie Edson Taylor needed money. She was 63 years old, and didn’t have any savings. She came up with a plan: to be the first person to tuck herself inside a barrel and ride over Niagara Falls. (This was back in 1901.) She reasoned that her stunt would make her wealthy as she toured the country speaking about it. I recommend that you consider out-of-the-box ideas like hers, Pisces. It’s an excellent time to get extra creative in your approach to raising revenue. APRIL FOOL! I half-lied. It’s true that now is a favorable time to be imaginative about your financial life. But don’t try outlandish escapades like hers.

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3 Follow us on issuu at issuu.com/sg_magazine FRIDAY, March 27, 2015 SG MAGAZINE

21

Lin Weidong

last word

Boo Junfeng Five years ago, his debut film Sandcastle premiered at the Cannes Film Festival. Today, this young director has an intriguing second project. Apprentice tells the story of a young executioner and is due for completion in a couple of months. Here, he talks to Joyce See about interviewing executioners and why things are really exciting for local filmmaking right now.

I wanted to be in filmmaking since I was 15. It was never really just about directing. I was in love with the idea of make believe and filmmaking in general.

My mind tends to wander. When I was a kid, I was never good in maths or science. In fact, I had a really hard time dealing with them.

Then I found out that there was a film school at Ngee Ann Polytechnic and I decided to prove that I could be good at something. And I went from being second last in class to the top student in film school.

A lot of Sandcastle was written in my bedroom and I was inspired by my grandma going through dementia. From that to being given such a platform, I felt like I was in a dream and it didn’t feel real. I can’t believe that was five years ago.

When I showed it at Cannes, this old French lady was in tears and slowly came down the steps to talk to me. It’s incredibly moving to know something so personal can resonate with a complete stranger.

I’ve always been interested in the discourses surrounding the death penalty and I always thought an interesting point of view would be from someone who is training to become the next executioner.

Germany and France and is shot in Australia and Singapore, so it’s quite a multi-national production.

I spoke with a couple of executioners and also with families of those who have been executed and it’s been very heavy. But at the same time, it’s very humbling knowing these stories.

People are slowly getting it. The success of the Singapore International Film Festival is really a testament to a growing discerning audience for different kinds of films.

No one wants to take ownership of the death penalty

No one wants to take ownership of the death penalty. The executioners say, “It’s just my job,” and the judges don’t have discretion because it’s mandatory. And it just makes me think, “Who is responsible?” Ultimately, it is society, so I think we should know what happens when a person is executed.

Things [in the local film industry] are getting really exciting. There is a whole new generation of young filmmakers who really care about the craft, who have similar ideologies about what filmmaking is and should be.

It doesn’t always have to be art house or commercial comedies; there can be quality in just storytelling, but it takes a lot of patience and a lot of tenacity to create. We have been trying to break that perception of what “local” filmmaking is.

The power of cinema is that it draws people to the theater to watch a story. And if that story not only speaks to them, but speaks of them, that resonance can be extremely powerful because film is both an art form and also a form of media.

Despite our small size and supposed lack of history, the films of Singapore should be made. This idea of identity or the lack of it is wonderful material, especially for cinema.

I have been involved in Pink Dot right from the start, and also issues with the death penalty, migrant workers’ rights and historical narratives. I empathize with those who are on the margins and I like to tell their stories, because with stories, you see the human side and break down barriers.

I wish people cared a little bit more about people with whom they may not necessarily identify. With everything that is going on in the world, there needs to be a lot more connection between people.

This project is quite unprecedented in how it is made—it’s a co-production between Singapore,

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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MARCH 27, 2015

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