APRIL 10 - 23, 2015
New bedtime: 10:30pm
# 6 7 5 | S G M A G A Z I N E | PREVIOUSLY I-S MAGAZINE since 1995
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
what’s on what’s new what matters
Artist Sean Cham captures this soon-to-be-demolished HDB estate as part of his surreal photo series about Singapore’s forgotten buildings. See interview , page 4 for more.
music
neighborhood
food
travel
New Local Albums to Check Out
Why Little India is Hot
Best stalls at Bukit Merah Food Centre
Dive Through a Shipwreck
A N I N D I E -D I S C O B E A C H F E S T I V A L S E R I E S
TANJONG BEACH CLUB SATURDAY 23 MAY • 12PM–LATE
LIMITED EARLY BIRD TICKETS ON SALE NOW W W W.TA NJONGBE ACHCLU B.COM/FU LL STE A M A H E A D • #F S A 2015
page 3
Kids Belong in Jail
12 feature
Why Little India is Hot Right Now 4 top 20
6 art
Food Fads of Yesteryear
Affordable Art Fair
8 music
16 sports
3 Local Debuts
6 Cool New Sneakers
What a revelation! We had no idea we could throw kids in jail when they got on our nerves. Why shrug off the words of pubescent boys with an eyeroll when you can go running to the government and say, “Wah! He hurt my feelings!”
18 dining
19 new restaurant
Top Stalls at Bukit Merah Food Centre
Boca
22 interview
Dive Through a Shipwreck
The Man Behind Migrant Worker Poets
4. Interns who resign after two weeks. What? Our company isn’t good enough for your lofty career aspirations?
Publisher & General Manager Ric Stockfis countrymanager@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 Senior Manager, Media & Marketing Shernan Plameras Executives, Media & Marketing Lee Wee Keong, Roderick Wong, Joy Yao, Swathi Raj
Dining Editor Letitia Tandean Lifestyle Writer Joyce See Design Associate Art Director Carmen Louise Ho Senior Designer Fishy Toh Designer Celeste Chooi Content Sales & Custom Media Content Director Clara Lim customcontent@asia-city.com.sg
Shanghai shonline@asia‑city.com.cn
1. Robertson Quay children on kick-scooters. The little devils would run over their own parents if they had the chance.
3. Candy Crush addicts on the bus. They fail to look up from their iPads long enough to give our elderly bones a place to sit.
Who's in charge?
Where to find us!
In fact, let’s not stop with Amos Yee. Let’s put all the kids who annoy us in jail, starting with the following:
2. Crop top-clad girls outside H&M. They are an utter and total disgrace to our Asian family values with their perfectly taut midriffs and lack of eye contact.
20 travel
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
The island has been in a lather about Amos Yee, who put up an eight-minute video criticizing LKY. Apparently, this was a violation of the Protection from Harassment Act, as it hurt the sentiments of the people who—of their own free will—clicked on the link. Twenty adults lodged complaints against the 16 year-old blogger, leading to his arrest.
Marketing Marketing Manager Silver Adrienna Ng marketing@asia-city.com.sg
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
7. Teenagers who give us withering looks. In the bubble tea queue, in the 313@somerset elevators, in the Llaollao queue. Is anywhere safe from their devastating judgment? 8. Kids who “study” for hours at Starbucks. The only thing more dangerous to national stability than a child is a caffeinated child.
The Asia City Media Group Singapore Asia City Publishing Pte. Ltd. Block 211 Henderson Rd. #07‑02 Henderson Industrial Park Distributed by Singapore 159552 Tel: 65‑6323‑2512 Fax: 65‑6323‑2779 contact@asia-city.com.sg
6. Waif-like spoken word poets. Young lady, does your mother know you’re telling the world about your hoo-ha?
On the cover Photography by Sean Cham
Marketing & Admin Assistant Geraldine Tan
Kuala Lumpur Pacific Tourism Communications Sdn Bhd Lot 2.44‑2.45, 2nd Floor, Wisma Cosway, Jalan Raja Chulan, 50200 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: 60‑3‑2144‑4886 Fax: 60‑3‑2141‑1911
5. Kids with maids to carry their backpacks. Why, when we were your age, we walked ten miles to school.
Next time you are offended by any of the above, remember that you have rights. Call 999 at once. 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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FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
3
up front hot or not
Our biweekly study of the city’s burgeoning (and dying) trends
be good
Walk Together
Hot: Portuguese tapas
Not: Spanish tapas
The city is saturated with places serving garlic shrimp and patatas bravas. So we’re happy to see Spain’s Iberian rival throw its hat into the fold, with its own brand of small plates at Portuguese restaurant and wine bar Boca (page 19).
On May 30, Habitat for Humanity is organizing Bare Your Sole, a 2km and 4km charity walking event. Participants will walk bare-footed along Palawan Beach in Sentosa, and all proceeds will go towards a local homecleaning program for disabled and elderly people living in one-room apartments. If you don’t feel like walking, there will also be food, live music and rock climbing. Sign up now at www.bareyoursole.org.sg.
careers
Hot: Little India
Not: Chinatown
When Chinatown first opened its doors to cool little businesses, we were excited. But now the hipster-leaning gentrification is moving over to Little India. Even urban farmers Edible Gardens have moved there. Turn to page 12 for a more detailed look at the latest Little India boom.
Taxi booking apps seem to have done nothing to remedy the fact that, with the rains’ big return, there’s still never a cab when you need one. But, Singapore just passed a law making it legal for private citizens to accept payments, leading to a rise in carpooling apps such as Ryde and Swiftback.
Interview
The local artists, photographers and illustrators who make our magazine pretty
With my background in theater, I immerse myself in the surroundings, feed off the atmosphere and architecture of the place and channel these into visual images that allow the audience to connect—a lot like method acting.
Tell us about the building that appears on the cover.
Artist and photographer Sean Cham has embarked on his very own SG50 project, Yesteryears: he finds abandoned buildings in Singapore and takes stylized photos of himself in them, like the one on our cover. Here he tells us more. Tell us a bit about this project. It was triggered by how many buildings are being torn down for future developments. This changing landscape creates a sense of unfamiliarity as well as nostalgia for many Singaporeans. There are so many stories and memories resonating within these walls that I wanted to capture.
What the idea behind including yourself in the shots?
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, APRIL 10, 2015
Built by the Housing Development Board in 1977, it consists of a threestory building of shops and offices and four blocks of flats [in Rochor]. These iconic colors were painted during the early 1990s during an upgrading program. These buildings will be demolished by 2016 to make way for a new expressway.
How do you find these places? A lot of research is put into the finding of these places, either through reading articles and blogs or scrolling through Instagram. Upon finding a suitable location, I read up on the history of the place and the significance of each in telling the Singapore story. Follow along the Yesteryears project at www.facebook.com/ yesteryearsproject. MRIGAA SETHI
2 Portuguese egg tarts The custard pastries were all the rage when the Macau franchise hit our shores. 3 Coffee buns Oh, Rotiboy! Are you Rotiman now? 4 Donuts Just when we thought we were over them, Krispy Kreme came to town.
• Finance Executive • Lifestyle Writer
6 Mini melts In the 2000s there were tons of vending machines eagerly dispensing these tiny balls of icy goodness.
email us at: jobs@asia-city.com.sg
sg
Railway Relaxation Not: Cabbing
1 Bubble tea We couldn’t walk 100 meters without bumping into yet another bubble tea stall.
5 Cupcakes This one happened recently and perfectly legit grown-ups were goggle-eyed over them.
This week you will mainly love your city for its...
We’re turning 20 this year, and looking back at 20 now-cliche food fads that were once all the rage
We are currently accepting applications for the following positions:
we
Hot: Carpooling
throwback 20
The Green Corridor has always been one of our favorite leafy places in the city. But let’s face it, we’re not all runners, bikers or long-distance hikers. So we’re glad to see that the URA has plans to develop some less strenuous options along the former railroad track. They’re planning activity centers around the former Tanjong Pagar Railway Station and the Bukit Timah Railway Station and increased connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists. Expect to hear more by the end of the year.
say what? The best comments on our most popular web stories Jamie Kao More local tailors yet to be featured! —on “5 places to get men’s suits in Singapore” Lycan Joe Fu I like both…Split personality yea... —on “Kopi vs latte: what your caffeine says about you” Suzen Suzen Cycling should be on trend —on “4 reasons why you should start cycling in Singapore” Dan Koh It’s also riddled with poverty. Do consider volunteering or donating to help the residents out. —on “6 reasons you need to go back to Batam immediately” Be a part of the conversation at www.facebook.com/sgnow.sg
7 Floss buns When BreadTalk first opened, these soft pork floss buns were sold out within minutes. 8 Tau huay Who could resist the silky smoothness of churned tofu. 9 Kinder Bueno Don’t lie, you bought them by the box and even snuck these chocolate bars into the cinema. 10 Shaker fries Whether you liked seaweed or spicy paprika, we all shook them for “maximum powder distribution”. 11 Truffle fries
We’re kind of glad that every place still serves these up. 12 Apple strudel Not sure why this old-timey Alpine dessert became so hip. 13 Cronuts Our arteries sure are glad this donut-croissant hybrid obsession was short-lived. 14 Frozen yogurt They made us feel like we weren’t cheating on our diets. 15 Macarons It was all about twee flavors like rose, lavender and pink peppercorn. 16 Italian gelato Ok, this one may reach the heights of popularity again with the recent Gelato World Tour. 17 Japanese cheesecake When anything Japanese hits Singapore’s shores, prepare for pandemonium. 18 Durian anything Ice cream, puffs, custard and even creme brulee, Singaporeans can’t seem to get enough of the king of fruits. 19 Frappucinos We unleashed our inner #basic girls when sipping on these. 20 Pizza Hut cheesy crust These had to be inhaled before they hardened into a weird plasticky substance.
For more lists revisiting Singapore’s history, visit www.sgnow.sg. LETITIA TANDEAN
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The essential guide to what’s on in Singapore Send your events news to art@asia-city.com.sg, nightlife@asia-city.com.sg, stage@asia-city.com.sg
Fri
tue
Apr 10
Apr 21
music The Script
The Irish alternative rock band is back to perform tunes from their fourth and latest studio album, No Sound Without Silence, and, of course, everyone’s favorites like “Breakeven” and “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”. Apr 21, 7pm. Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660. $98-148 from Sportshubtix.
Stage Faulty Towers The Dining Experience
Based on the popular BBC sitcom Fawlty Towers that aired in the 70s, this two-hour, three-course dinner and performance lets you wine, dine and be a part of the on-going show. With only a portion of it scripted, there’s room for improv. (Don’t get too excited, though, as original actor John Cleese will not be making an appearance.). Through Apr 12. Raffles Hotel, 1 Beach Rd., 6412-1335, www.interactivetheatre.com.au. $169-219 from Sistic.
thu
Apr 23
Mon
Apr 13
Food & Drink World Gourmet Summit
This year’s edition of the star-studded foodie festival features visiting chefs like the Roca brothers from the three Michelin-starred El Celler de can Roca, Christophe Muller of L’Auberge Du Pont de Collonges and Bruno Ogers. There are also sake sommeliers, masterclasses and dinners by the likes of Giancarlo Perbellini and chocolate master Franck Hasnoot. Through May 3. Various venues. www.worldgourmetsummit.com.
FILM Jodorowsky’s Dune
Directed by Frank Pavich, this American-French documentary explores Chilean-French director Alejandro Jodorowsky’s failed attempt at adapting Frank Herbert’s sci-fi novel Dune. Rather than dwell on the negative, Pavich shows how this high-budget failure became the inspiration for epics like Star Wars. Apr 23, 7:30pm. The Projector, 5/F Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Rd. Free from Peatix.
sat
sports The Music Run
Apr 11
After making its way through Southeast Asia, it’s finally here. This 5km un-timed and non-competitive run is split into five 1km music zones, each blasting different genres with over 100 concert quality speakers. You can even vote for the songs played, too. Apr 11, 2:30pm. Sentosa, 1800736-8672, www.themusicrun.com. $50-75.
Fri
sat
ArT Affordable Art Fair: Spring Edition
Apr 17
Apr
The popular art fair returns with more international galleries offering an extensive 18 range of contemporary art. Everything, from prints and photos to paintings, is priced between $100 and $10,000. There are also art demonstrations, artist talks and workshops in sculpture-making, watercolor and photography. Apr 17-19. F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd., 6884-6940, affordableartfair.com/singapore. $12-25.
Nightlife Parallel presents Joseph Capriati
This Italian techno maestro is a universally popular mainstay with hits like “Solar System” and “Fratello”. He’s earned the best DJ for techno music award, too. Apr 17. Velvet Underground, 17 Jiak Kim St., 67382988, www.zoukclub.com.sg. $28-33.
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, april 10, 2015
FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
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now shopping 5 cool sales and swaps to spend your money at
Music
concerts 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 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.
Market of Artists and Designers
The Big Ohm Theory
TAS Concert Series: Basix With seven Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards under its belt, this Danish vocal pop group’s strong vocal performances meld pop, jazz, R&B, soul and rock together. Apr 21, 7:30pm. Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal St., 6435-0131. $30 from Peatix.
Kilowax
Market of Artists and Designers A staple at the Red Dot Design Museum since 2005, this gathering of artists, designers, crafters, artisans, creators and brand owners is one of Singapore’s largest and longest-running “creative marketplaces”. Keep an eye out for the Organisation of Illustrators Council’s Portraits After Dark series, where you can sign up to sit for portraits drawn by local artists. Apr 10, 5pm-midnight. Red Dot Design Museum, 28 Maxwell Rd., fb.com/goMAAD. The Big Ohm Theory The second iteration of this holistic, LOHAS-style (Lifestyle of Health and Sustainability) market, this year’s theme is the creation of a sanctuary in the middle of the busy city. Expect to see plenty of local brands and vendors there, as well as lots of workshops to sign up for, covering areas like floral arrangement, art, yoga and Reiki. Apr 1819, 9am-6pm. National Design Centre, 111 Middle Rd., www.thebigohmtheory.com. Kilowax x Beat Bodega You can buy, sell or trade vinyls and any musicrelated merchandise (in working condition) while throwing back craft beers, cocktails and food. An outdoor set-up will play vinyl-only music of all genres to accompany the party. There is no charge to sell, but spaces will be allocated on a first-come
Take Two EP Launch The local quintet performs songs from their new EP at this launch concert (see Music, below). Local indie rockers Stopgap supports. Apr 18, 7:30pm. Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal St., 6435-0131. $25-45 from Peatix.
first-served basis, so do get down there early. Apr 25, 4pm-midnight, Artistry, 17 Jalan Pinang, ow.ly/KLvp1. Carousell Swap & Shop If you’ve not had any luck trading your used threads on Carousell, here’s your chance. The local app makers are doing up a one-day event where you can trade your old clothes fuss-free. Drop off your items a week in advance on Apr 18 at *Scape Gallery (5/F *Scape, 2 Orchard Link) in exchange for swap tokens, which you can use on the day of the event. There’ll also be new pieces from Love, Bonito on sale for $5-15, and 100% of the proceeds will go towards an SMU fundraising mission in Meru, Kenya. Apr 25, 1pm-6pm. 4/F Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., fb.com/ TheCarousell Boutiques at the Pit Building This is the first time this pop-up will last an entire weekend, carrying over 120 local independent brands covering women’s and men’s fashion and accessories, gifts and home decor. We’ll be honest, though: the major draws for us here are the culinary pop-ups, Violet Oon’s Kitchen will do a pop-up bistro, and indie cafe Artistry will provide caffeination. Apr 25-26, 10am-6pm. F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd., fb.com/ BoutiquesSingapore. AARON KHOO
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Music 3 new debut albums to check out
Charli XCX The British synth-pop singer-songwriter has been making waves since her debut in 2013 with singles like “I Love It” and “Fancy”. This time, she’s performing songs from her second album Sucker with hits like “Boom Clap”. Apr 22, 8pm. The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 65778888, www.facebook.com/secretsoundsasia. $88-120. Meghan Trainor With her playful videos, upbeat tunes and love-yourbody lyrics, it’s no wonder the American singersongwriter’s single, “All About That Bass” became an instant anthem for the ladies. Apr 23, 7:30pm. The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888, www.livenationlushington.net. $128-188 from Sistic.
music festivals
city. Apr 22-26. Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377, www.dreamacademy.com.sg. $46-116 from Sistic.
opera A Knife in the Dark The New Opera singers perform well-known pieces from German composer Kurt Weill’s extensive repertoire. The murder mystery-esque production portrays the seedy underbelly of 20th century society. Apr 10, 7:30pm. The Arts House Chamber, 1 Old Parliament Lane, www.newoperasingapore. org. $25 from Peatix.
theater Normal Checkpoint Theatre’s production of Faith Ng’s play revolves around the “normal” secondary school stream (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. Through Apr 19. Black Box, Drama Centre, #05-01 National Library Building, 100 Victoria St., 6837-8400, www.checkpoint-theatre.org. $38 from Sistic. 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. Through Apr 25, 8pm. Victoria Theatre, 11 Empress Place, www. wildrice.com.sg. $45-80 from Sistic. The Studios: fifty Eclectic 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 and Tan Tarn’s How The Lady of Soul and Her Ultimate ‘S’ Machine. Through May 10. Esplanade Theatre Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 68288377, www.thestudios.com.sg. $5-30.
SG PICK
Art And That Which Was Always Known 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. Through May 10. Yavuz Gallery, #02-23 Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Rd., 6734-3262, www. yavuzgallery.com. Free.
A Tapestry of Sacred Music
SG PICK
Esplanade’s annual festival showcases traditional sacred music from places like Syria, South Africa and Japan. There’s a Sufi whirling dervish performance by Noureddine Khourchid and a rendition of John Tavener’s Flood of Beauty, an opera about Hindu gods featuring Indian instruments. Apr 16-19. Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377, www.tapestryofsacredmusic.com. $28-88 from Sistic.
Motherlanz Music Festival Commemorating all things Australia and New Zealand, this day-long party comedy, food stalls, games and live coverage of Anzac Day Rugby and AFL. Music acts like Ian Moss, The Jordan Luck Band, Tiki Taane and Ash Grunwald take the stage. Apr 25, 12pm. Wave House Sentosa, 36 Siloso Beach Walk, 6377-3113, www. motherlanz.com. $115.
Dead Celebrities 20 artists hailing from Philippines, France, Indonesia, the UK and Singapore create works based on iconic celebrities who are now dead. Expect to see familiar faces Kurt Cobain and Basquiat in paintings and sculptures. Through Apr 30. Kult, #C2-5 Emily Hill, 11 Upper Wilkie Rd., 6338-1066. Free.
Stage Colours in Black by Stillsunrise This four-man band has recently dropped its seven-track debut EP, featuring powerful songs like “Shalom” and “For Now”, and beautiful violin melodies in “Permission to Dream”. The inspiration for the album was finding hope in darkness, hence its title. www.stillsunrise. bandcamp.com.
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PAIRS by Take Two Formed in 2012, this local indie pop-rock quintet has played in festivals all around Asia. It is finally releasing its first EP on Apr 18, featuring the singles “In Your Arms” and “Always Been Right Here”, which shot to #5 on the Singapore iTunes chart. www.taketwosg.com.
SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, april 10, 2015
Moirai by Sphaeras Known for their cross-genre beats (including math rock’s odd time signatures), this homegrown instrumental outfit is set to release its album on May 2, recorded with local heavyweight producer Leonard Soosay. www.sphaeras. bandcamp.com. ERNY LUIZA KARTOLO
comedy Kumar Stands Up For Singapore Directed by one part of the Dim Sum Dollies, Selena Tan, one of our favorite stand-up comedians takes the stage with more jokes based on Singapore’s journey from a swampy island to the present-day bustling
Apotheose Known for his geometric ceramic objects forming religious buildings, Albert Yonathan Setyawan shows two of his new mandala installations among his drawings and prints. Apr 10-May 17. Mizuma Gallery, #01-34 Gillman Barracks, 22 Lock Rd., 6570 2505, www.mizuma.sg. Free.
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now BROUGHT TO YOU BY SINGAPORE RIVER ONE Send your events news to events@asia-city.com.sg
SCENE & HEARD with Letitia Tandean
Italian Film Festival
Molto Italiano
The Italian Institute has a selection of new movies, classics and Asian feature films from the 71st Venice Film Festival. This year’s edition of the Italian Film Festival (through Apr 15, www.iicsingapore.esteri.it) includes films like Hungry Hearts (Apr 11), a creepy psychological thriller about a new mother who loses the plot; China is Near (Apr 13), which follows a working class couple wanting to marry into the elite class; and A Special Day (Apr 14), starring Sophia Loren as a housewife flirting with her radio broadcaster neighbor in 1938 fascist Italy. The films are showing at Cathay Cineplexes (5/F The Cathay, 2 Handy Rd.) and Gallery Theatre (National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd.) and tickets are $13.
Get Civilized
The Civic District is set for a lavish facelift this year, with some $740 million spent on breathing life into the area. Plans include the sprucing up of the National Museum of Singapore and the Asian Civilisations Museum, as well as the grand
The Sew-Out Show Photographer Kevin Ou collaborated with local design firm The General Company for 14 photographs of colored lights printed on fabric. The General Company’s craftsmen will convert your favorite pieces into accessories like tote bags and bowties. Apr 17-Jun 8. TCC the Connoisseur Concerto, 51 Circular Rd., 65339033, www.art-management.com. Free. A Universal Truth Spanish-born American artist Monica Dixon explores the difference between who we are and what we are through simple paintings of houses on vast plains. Apr 10-Jun 10. Barnadas Huang Gallery, 22 Dempsey Rd., 6635-4707, www.barnadashuang.com. Free.
Food & Drink World Street Food Congress Held at the open space opposite Bugis Junction along Tan Quee Lan Street, get street food from Mexican tortillas to Singaporean chicken rice and Indonesian satay. With over 40 stalls, taste hard-to-find local delicacies, attend masterclasses and participate in discussions. Through Apr 12. www.wsfcongress.com. The Growell Pop Up The folks behind Edible Gardens host a pop-up all about urban farming with workshops on how to grow your own garden, discussions, exhibitions and dinners by Morsels and Burnt Ends to attend, as well as a cafe and retail space selling local artisanal goods. Through Apr 19. Broadcast HQ, 109 Rowell Rd., 6292-4405. fb.com/ thegrowellpopup.
Happenings
opening of the much-talked about National Gallery Singapore. You can get sneak peeks of the two Apr 25-26 and May 2-3. There’s also a 8km-long Jubilee Walk comprising a walking trail cutting through historic locations between the Civic District and Marina Bay.
Concert May-hem
May is turning out to be another jam-packed month full of concerts to attend. We all know about Katy Perry’s Prismatic tour (May 11, Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660) where she’ll be performing tunes from her latest album Prism. Tickets start at $128 from Sportshub. Then, Secret Sounds Asia brings in indie outfit alt-J (May 17, The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, 6577-8888). Tickets start at $95 from Sistic. Concert organizers The Gathering hits a home run with American singersongwriter Owl City (May 21, The Coliseum) known for his breakout hit “Fireflies”. Tickets start at $78 from Eventclique.
meetups Singapore Writers Group Social Get to know more about The Singapore Writers’ Group at this casual and social meetup. Grab a drink, some snacks and get talking to members. You can also share what you’ve been writing about. Apr 14, 8pm. Artistry, 17 Jalan Pinang, www.meetup.com.
shopping Samsung Fashion Steps Out @ Orchard The six-week fashion fest showcases the latest spring and summer collections. There’s also the Orchard Fashion Runway (Apr 11), an outdoor fashion show held on Orchard Road featuring over 150 models. Through May 24. Orchard Road, Orchard Rd., www.orchardroad.org/fso. Free.
sports Cycle Asia Recently rebranded, it is open to all instead of being a professionals-only event. Categories include a 12km 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. OUE Singapore Open Watch the world’s top badminton players fight it out for a prize of US$300,000. Through Apr 12. Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 63442660, www.singaporebadminton.org.sg. $20-150 from Sportshubtix. MetaSprint Series Singapore Triathlon Test your limits by swimming, cycling and running along Changi Beach Park to complete this gruelling race. Apr 19, 7am. Changi Beach, Nicoll Dr., www. metasprintseries.com. $50-244.
Live & Local from the Singapore River Settle down with a cold one and soak in Singapore’s best homegrown bands at these live music venues. Hero’s Bar
RedDot Brewhouse
RedDot Brewhouse The local microbrewery may be in raucous Boat Quay but when you’re inside, it’s all about the calming water features and stellar acts on stage. Park yourself at one of the high top tables and order their signature brews that include the Czech pilsner and Red Dot lime wheat. The resident threepiece band plays catchy covers of Top 40 hits every Friday and Saturday. 33/34 Boat Quay, 6535-4500, www.reddotbrewhouse. The Pump Room com.sg
Molly Malone’s The live music at this Irish pub is as distinctive as its triangular architecture. There’s a rotating list Hero’s Bar of acts that includes Justin Bannister and Oli Hughes playing from Wednesday to Saturday. There are even open mic nights on Saturdays, as well as the occasional traditional Irish music session, fiddle included. Plus, the fish & chips here are pretty addictive. 56 Circular Rd., 6536-2029, www.molly-malone.com
The Mad Men Attic Bar This place is well-known for its live music acts come nighttime. The music permeates off the third floor rooftop space with hotshot local bands like Shirlyn & The UnXpected. With different bands playing nightly, expect a mix of R&B, soul and jazz acts throughout the week and a crowd of after-work execs looking to unwind with a pretty sunset skyline. #03-02 13 North Canal Rd., 6222-3529, www.facebook.com/themadmenatticbar
This modern Wild West saloonthemed bar has some pretty cool tricks like the beer tap tables that allow you to pour your own pints at the table and the Tex-Mex staples like quesadillas and Cajun chicken strips. The high-octane seven-piece resident band, Vevo, plays sets of rock and pop classics from 10pm daily. #01-01 69 Circular Rd., 6438-6058, www.heros.sg
The Pump Room Although Clarke Quay may be wellknown for its plethora of nightclubs, there are solid live music venues, too. The Pump Room is not only a microbrewery pushing out suds like refreshing lagers and wheat beers, it also has a full-fledged seven-piece resident band, Jay & Frenz, that plays infectious Top 40s and soulful, oldschool covers. #01-09/10 The Foundry, Clarke Quay, 3B River Valley Rd., 6334-2628, www. pumproomasia.com
Harry’s at Boat Quay This bar is an institution in the Singapore after-work drinks scene. With a sleek new look and a revamped menu full of classics, it’s no longer just for sports screenings. The flagship Boat Quay location is now home to resident band 53A, who play catchy pop anthems on Wednesdays. And if all that grooving has got you peckish, tuck in to dishes of truffled toasties with Serrano ham and the signature Harry’s Jazz Harry’s at Boat Quay burger with crispy bacon, mushrooms and beetroot relish. 28 Boat Quay, 6538-3029, www.harrys.com.sg
dating Dinner Dating Singles Mingle host a casual dating event where you get to eat nostalgic American food while getting to know new people. If you match any of your picks, you score a date with them. Apr 16, 7pm. Billy Bombers (Central), #02-78 The Central, 6 Eu Tong Sen St., 67269856, www.singlesmingle.sg. $46.
nightlife Zouk Soundsytem presents Alvaro This Dutch DJ is behind hits like “Welcome To The Jungle” and “Make Me Jump”. The chart-topping DJ’s music consistently appears on the playlists of David Guetta and Tiesto. Apr 10, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub.com. $28-33 . FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
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now FILM REVIEW Unlucky Plaza HHHHH Directed by Ken Kwek. Starring Adrian Pang, Epi Quizon, Judee Tan, Shane Mardjuki and Guo Liang. Opens Apr 16.
Ken Kwek’s first film since the banned-then-not-banned Sex.Violence.Family Values is a stab at the classic hostage thriller, spiked with dark comedy and distinctly Singaporean situations. Onassis (Epi Quizon) is a Filipino single father and owner of a fast failing restaurant in Lucky Plaza. Also facing financial ruin, albeit on the other end of the comfort spectrum, are adulterous schoolteacher Michelle (Judee Tan) and her self-involved property guru/motivational speaker husband Terence (Adrian Pang) who has squandered their money. Their paths cross when Michelle lures Onassis with promises of a cheap apartment and ends up swindling him out of the last of his savings. Onassis becomes unhinged and holds the couple hostage in their mansion while the rest of Singapore looks on in horror. While it’s entertaining to see the hostage thriller genre transplanted from Hollywood to Singapore and to see Singapore’s social tensions reach a cathartic climax, at two hours, the film feels rather long. The film can’t seem to decide if it’s a parody of the form or not. The characters are caricatures and explain their motivations in convenient soliloquies. Dialogue leaves nothing to subtext (though deadpan comic relief comes from Chinese actor Guo Liang, who plays adorably evil loan shark Baby Bear). Still, in a country where media is all too careful about rocking the boat, and given the filmmaker’s previous brushes with the powers that be, the film is a rare attempt to portray difficult dynamics and less-than-glamorous parts of country. Letitia Tandean
Kyo presents Frank Muller With a unique electro style, German DJ Frank Muller provide a dose of his best electronic music with tracks from his best-selling record Horizon. Apr 18. Kyo, #B1-02 Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil St., 6225-6001, clubkyo.com. $20-25.
SG PICK
Singapore’s first English speaking stage actresses, this film follows the life of a pioneering actressteacher-wife-mother and nation-builder. Apr 11-12. Screening Room, The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Ln., 6336-3021, www.artshouse.sg. Free. Paris Opera Ballet Screenings Esplanade collaborates with Golden Village to present the Paris Opera Ballet on the silver screen. From rehearsal footage and interviews to the different individual performances, it’s an in-depth look at one of the most prolific ballet venues. Apr 17-19. Esplanade Theatre Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 68288377, www.esplanade.com. $22.
cinema highlights
Parallel presents Fritz Kalkbrenner with Hong His famous DJ brother Paul may be a bigger name, but this electronic DJ can hold his own with a signature style comprising warm, soul-infused electro beats and dreamy, melodic anthems. Apr 10. Velvet Underground, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub.com.sg. $28-33.
film
indie screenings Emily (& Dream) of Emerald Hill Following the life of Kheng Lim, who was one of
The Last Five Years With a soundtrack by Tony award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, this is a musical deconstruction of a love affair and marriage between an up-andcoming Jewish novelist (Jeremy Jordan) and a struggling actress (Anna Kendrick). Opens Apr 9. Child 44 In Stalin-era Soviet Union, disgraced KGB agent (Tom Hardy) is dispatched to investigate a series of child murders. Little does he know, the murders connect to high-level leaders. Opens Apr 16. Danny Collins Starring Al Pacino, Jennifer Garner, Annette Bening and Christopher Plummer, this film is about singer Danny Collins who is still riding high on hits from his heyday when things come to a halt. He seeks inspiration in a letter written to him by John Lennon. Opens Apr 23. Marvel’s The Avengers: Age of Ultron The follow-up to this blockbuster franchise picks up when Tony Stark, or Iron Man, tries to kickstart a peacekeeping program. Things go awry when a villanous robot, Ultron, emerges. Opens Apr 23.
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, april 10, 2015
ADVERTORIAL
The Best of Bangkok
Appia
Gaggan
On your next trip, skip the street food for a change and explore the city’s award-winning fine dining, trendy new eateries and elegant cocktail bars.
Vesper
Est. 33
T
here’s more to this capital city than quick stir-fries and meats on sticks. Bangkok has become a bonafide regional fine dining destination for both Asian and Western fare, with several restaurants now appearing on the prestigious San Pellegrino Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Traditional Thai cooking, too, is seeing a renaissance. With all these choices, you need a tightly curated eating itinerary. Luckily, we have one for you right here.
Day 1: Taste of Thai 9am: Head to the Greenhouse restaurant at The Landmark Hotel (138 Sukhumvit Rd., +66 2254-0404, www. landmarkbangkok.com) and order the “jok” (congee in Thai). They serve great noodles, dim sum and a good selection of other Asian dishes. It’s not particularly trendy, but it’s a timehonored spot for the city’s chefs, revellers and other night owls. Plus, it’s open 24 hours too and the street level tables are great for people watching. 1pm: Arguably one of the best regional Thai restaurants in town, Supanniga Eating Room (160/11 Soi Sukhumvit 55, Klongton Nuea, +66 2714-7508, www.supannigaeatingroom. com) has a menu inspired by the owner’s grandmother’s cooking. Order up locally inspired martinis and tasty small plates like the tart yum pla salid krob thod (crispy fish with lemongrass and shallots) and the hard to find moo cha muang (pork with guttiferae tree leaves) curry at this trendy shophouse space. 7pm: Trust us, you’ve never had Thai food like this. Husbandwife team Dylan and Bo (who was San Pellegrino’s Best Female Chef Asia in 2013) slow-cook ancient Thai recipes with plenty of fresh seasonal produce—they even grow their own vegetables. The leafy premises and traditional decor at Bo.lan (24 Sukhumvit Soi 53, +66 2260-2962, www.bolan. co.th) features plenty of wood and wickerwork, too. Sign up for their Balance degustation, sit back and enjoy.
Hong Bao
10pm: For drinks, hit up microbrewery Est. 33 (Bldg. E, Crystal Design Center, 1420/1 Praditmanoonthan Rd., +66 2102-2096, www.facebook.com/est.33by.singha). It might be owned by beer monolith Singha but it is cool and casual, and serves tasty bar bites to go with its micro-brews. Try the Est. 33 Sampler that comes with three types of beer (including a wild black brew infused with black glutinous rice).
Day 2: Around the World in Bangkok 9am: It’s not hard to see why this elegant Chinese restaurant and its leafy compound are constantly packed with regulars. Hong Bao (Sukhumvit Soi 39, +66 2662-3565, www.facebook. com/hongbaorestaurant) is known for dishing up some of the best dim sum in town and they serve it all-day too. Must-tries include the steamed rice rolls with crispy shrimps, har gow and the golden salty egg bun.
1pm: Roman restaurant Appia (20/4 Sukhumvit Soi 31, +66 2261-2056, www.appia-bangkok.com) is a hot ticket most nights, but if you’re in town on a weekend, check out the Sunday lunch. Mains like the hearty signature porchetta and the oxtail stew showcase chef Paolo Vitaletti’s ability to transform humble ingredients into something special. The tiramisu based on Paolo’s mother’s recipe is a great way to end the meal on a high. Don’t miss the Mediterraneanfocused wine list either. 7pm: No trip to Bangkok is complete without a meal at Gaggan (68/1 Soi Langsuan, Ploenchit Rd., +66 2652-1700, www.eatatgaggan.com)—this modern Indian restaurant recently snagged top spot at this year’s San Pellegrino Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. The food is a molecular take on Indian food: think mustard ice cream on oysters and pitchperfect coastal curries done sous-vide. Need convincing? The eponymous chef trained at the research lab of Ferran Adria’s El Bulli in Spain. Book way ahead. 10pm: If you are partying in the Silom area, it’s worth making an early evening trip to Vesper (10/15 Soi Convent Rd., Silom, +66 2235-2777, www.vesperbar.co), a gastrobar that’s a blend of gentlemen’s club and European bistro and has some serious cocktails on the menu. The people responsible for the drinks are well-known London mixology group, Fluid Movement. Don’t miss the barrel-aged cocktails, which see classics like the Negroni aged in oak barrels for four weeks.
ESSENTIALS GETTING THERE Thai Airways (www.thaiairways.com.sg) flies several times a day from Singapore to Bangkok. There’s a MasterCard promo from now till Apr 30, 2015 with all-in fares from $263. Available for travel till Sept 30, 2015. VISA Singaporeans can enter Thailand without a visa for a period of up to 30 days. EXCHANGE RATE $1 = THB23.70 BROUGHT TO YOU BY THAI AIRWAYS
Supanniga Eating Room
Still Hungry?
To celebrate its 55th anniversary, Thai Airways brings you Essential Eating in Bangkok, an insider’s guide to the best, most significant restaurants and bars in town. Don’t miss the curated collection of fine dining, casual restaurants and bars with personality—and of course, tips from local experts. There is even a section on the best seafood in Hua Hin and Lanna cuisine delights in Chiang Mai. Download the guide at ow.ly/KbBkA. FRIDAY, APRIL10, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
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feature
The Refinery
Workhouse
The Growell Pop-up
Why Little India is hot right now It may be known as the less hip cultural enclave but Little India is a perfect blend of tradition and up-and-coming hotspots. Here’s why you should head back there. By Letitia Tandean
S
adly, Little India’s been in the news for all the wrong reasons: liquor bans and festival drama. But we think it’s actually having a bit of a renaissance, with co-working spaces and tons of cool bars popping up. Here’s what to do on your next trip there.
It’s become a bit of a creative hub For new entrepreneurs and would-be start-ups, Workhouse (2 Veerasamy Rd., 9853-1641, www.ourworkhouse.com) is an intriguing new option. The three-story shophouse space on is kitted out with two meeting rooms, a reception, a lounge area, a picturesque outdoor terrace and even shower facilities. The rates start at $40 per day and go up to $450 per month. Both get you access to all facilities, including internet and a custom workspace. But if you require a watering hole underneath your place of work, head to The Refinery (115 King George’s Ave., 6293-1204, www.therefinery.sg). Set up by The General Co., it’s an artisanal design company that spearheaded Tyrwhitt General Company, and produces items from leather accessories to notebooks and totes. While the workshop space is perched up on the third floor, underneath are a yakitori restaurant and a cocktail bar that shakes up classic drinks with a twist.
It’s gotten on the pop-up bandwagon The folks behind Edible Gardens have taken over Broadcast HQ, a former indie nightlife and music venue, for a pop-up all about urban farming. The Growell Pop-Up (107/109 Rowell Rd., 6291-0485, www.facebook.com/ thegrowellpopup) has a series of workshops like urban farming 101, dinners by the likes of Cajun Kings, Artichoke
Little India
WIN UP TO $10,000 WORTH OF GIVEAWAYS, ALL YEAR ROUND 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? There’s all that and much more to win throughout the year. To get clues on how to win, like us at
In Partnership with:
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, april 10, 2015
facebook.com/sgnow.sg
and Burnt Ends, as well as a retail space and cafe. Here, you’ll find local artisan products like the chilli sauce from Mofo Chili and urban-foraged honey. This month, they’ve got a series of workshops like the community gardening session and barnyard session (both Apr 11), as well as a food pop-up by Cajun Kings and Morsels (Apr 12).
There’s craft beer and omakase Forget the cutesy cafes with kitschy names. Head to places like craft microbrewery The 1925 Microbrewery & Restaurant (369 Jalan Besar, 6294-9215, www.the1925.com.sg) that makes locally-inspired in-house brews. Classic suds include their fruity IPA and 6.22 dark ale, but if you’re in the mood for something international, they also stock rotating craft brews like Young’s Double Chocolate Stout and Adnam’s Ghost Ship on tap. Plus, the food here is hearty and delicious. Think paddles of ribeye beef, crispy pan-seared foie gras and scallops and pork belly. Not too far away is Druggists (119 Tyrwhitt Rd., 6341-5967, www.facebook.com/DruggistsSG), a craft beer bar with 23 rotating taps of craft beers from breweries like Mikkeller, To Ol and lesser-seen breweries like the UK’s St. Austell IPA. Pints are served in goblets and start at around $15. If Japanese food is more your speed, there’s also Sushi Jin (#01-11/12 Owen Link, One Farrer Hotel & Spa, 1 Farrer Park Station Rd., 6443-3378, www.sushijin.com.sg), which we think has some of the most affordable omakase sets in town, starting at $80 at lunch. On the a la carte side, don’t miss the truffle seafood chawanmushi and super addictive rice bowls with wagyu beef for lunch.
Druggists
There’s just so much else to do there
1925 Microbrewery & Restaurant
Q&A
First off, there’s Growell Pop-Up’s Rowell Festival (Apr 12) that celebrates everything food, drink, urban farming and sustainable at Broadcast HQ. Books & Beer also continue the book-swapping and beer drinking session on Apr 25 at Druggists. Plus, the Indian Heritage Center that focuses on Singaporean-Indian culture is slated to open in May.
TASTE TREK 5 of our favorite classic meals in Little India Muthu’s Curry This beautiful restaurant serves up a wide variety of dishes from the Indian cuisine, like the famous Muthu’s fish head curry, masala prawns and tandoori chicken. An excellent value-for-money option. Where: #01-01 138 Race Course Rd., 6392-1722, www. muthuscurry.com. Swee Choon This well-known dim sum specialist does a mean version of mee sua kueh (deep-fried vermicelli cake) and freshly made xiao long bao. Best part: it’s open till 6am. Where: 191 Jalan Besar, 6225-7788, www.sweechoon.com. Azmi Restaurant The sweet Indian grandpa at this no-frills shop has gotten a bunch of press for his freshly rolled chapatis, served with a display of curries and meats. The must-have complement, of course is the keema (spicy minced mutton). Where: 170 Norris St., 6296-6423. MTR 1924 For South Indian vegetarian food with a Karnataka twist, head down to the Singapore branch of this 90-year-old chain. Their dosa selection is made with a brown and red rice batter, making it hearty and complex. Where: 438 Serangoon Rd., 6296-5800, www. samanvaysingapore.com. Komala Vilas Everyone will defend their go-to idli-dosa place, but we’re partial to this chaotic little lunchroom that serves excellent South Indian standards and free refills of sambhar. Don’t miss the filter coffee here. Where: 12 Buffalo Rd., 6293-3664, www.komalavilas.com. sg. Erny Luiza Kartolo
Kunal Pawa of Workhouse
Why did you pick Little India to start your co-working space? My family owns the shophouse that Workhouse is in, so I’ve always spent time here growing up. In recent years I’ve seen changes in the neighborhood, so when I decided to start Workhouse I knew I wanted it to be here, to be a part of that change. On the practical side, Little India is centrally located so it’s great for meetings, but it’s also out of town and away from the CBD traffic. What we like is that Little India is culturally very rich. It reminds us of an earlier Singapore, so it’s great a place to be inspired by, talk to different people, mentally recharge. Do you think it will be another gentrified neighborhood like Chinatown? It does seem to be moving in that direction; however Singapore is tiny, so it’s only a matter of time before all our different neighborhoods become gentrified. But I do think that Little India will retain a strong cultural element.
Little India
What are some hidden gems around the neighborhood? Eat Ripe Products on Race Course Road makes great popsicles from unadulterated fruit juice; I admire the ethos of Morsels on Mayo Street—also, they do great food; there’s also this famous keema chapathi seller on Norris Road—a must try. I also have to mention TWC2, who run The Cuff Road Project and feed many migrant workers every day. I recommend getting involved. For more about TWC2 related projects, see Last Word, page 22. Swee Choon
Sushi Jin
FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
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island
The latest openings and hottest trends in Singapore
style Unisexual We’re sick of the whole girlfriendwearing-oversized-boyfriend’s-shirt look, so we’re glad COS has come up with this new limited-edition unisex shirt. Made of cotton and featuring modern details like glued seams and a rubberized zip fastening, this beautifully minimalist shirt turns convention on its head in more ways than one. We hear they’re selling quickly, so run out and get your gender-inclusive shirts while they last. $150, COS, #03-23 Ion Orchard, 1 Orchard Turn, www.cosstores.com.
MOTORING Prickly Business
Citroen’s C4 Cactus arrived on our shores last month, and it’s a great set of wheels. The five-door five-seater weighs just 975kg, but the interior is still filled with thoughtful touches like the comfy sofa-style seats and the roofmounted passenger-side airbag that makes space for a roomier dashboard and glove compartment. Our favorite feature? The Airbumps on the exterior panels of the car. They’ll probably save you a pretty penny on unexpected repair costs. $109,988 with COE, Citroen Pod, 239 Alexandra Road, 6479-2792, www.citroen.com.sg
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, april 10, 2015
home Kult Fiction
To celebrate (rather belatedly) the opening of our fave indie cinema The Projector, local design studio Kult compiled a list of 50 films, with which they then invited local and international designers to reinterpret each title as new artwork. Our pick is by Kult themselves—the blood-red wig-and-cigarette combination here taken from Quentin Tarantino’s Pulp Fiction. Other movies include Jaws, The Silence of The Lambs and Mad Max. $100, store. kultmagazine.com.sg.
tech Hi-Fi Wi-Fi
If you’ve been turning up your nose at streaming music because of the low-bitrate (and low-quality) sound, this one’s for you. Global musical streaming service Deezer Elite will stream lossless FLAC files to your Sonos music system, making the most of all that bandwidth you have on your fancy fiber-optic Internet connection. Expect complaints to now be about your taste in music and the quality of your audio setup instead; you won’t be able to hide behind low-bitrate sound any more. $19.99 per month, with discounts until Feb 2016. www.deezer.com/ offers/elite.
ADVERTORIAL
1pm: Start with Shopping
Village People
If fashion is your thing, head to U-Design (#01-06), chock full of shoes and costume jewelry. The best part about this boutique is that the owners dish out expert advice on pairing clothes with accessories. Plus, they bring in new designs every week. Bookworms should make a beeline for the minimalist-chic AllScript (#0105) with its 3,000 magazine titles and personalized subscription service with free shipping. Techies shouldn’t miss TwoBros Lifestyle & Gadget Store (#01-23) a high-tech and stylish store carrying sound systems, audio devices and phone accessories with brands like Beats by Dr. Dre and Sonos.
AllScript
Serangoon Garden’s chic and modern mall myVillage is full of great options for a girls’ day out. AllScript
TwoBros Lifestyle & Gadget Store
Udders Ice-Cream
U-Design
3pm: Tea Time When the retail therapy fatigue sets in, settle in at Little Wimbly Lu (#0109/10) for a break. Fuel up with their famed lemon meringue pie, nutella chocolate pie and a cup of latte or peppermint tea. Or maybe grab a cold treat at Udders Ice-cream (#01-11) with flavors like Mao Shan Wang Durian and Snickers Mars Honeycomb Vanilla.
5pm: Then Some Primping
Cuttours
A girl’s day out isn’t complete without a pampering session. Book yourself and your girlfriends slots for a relaxing hair wash and blow-out at Cuttours (#0125), a salon with a huge cult following from its first outlet in Kovan. Here, the team is not only creative but friendly, so you’ll be in good hands.
Little Wimbly Lu
7pm: Fancy Dinner End the day with a decadent meal at Willin Low’s Relish by Wildrocket (#02-07-09). This place serves up traditional burgers packed with juicy Australian beef patties and as well as locally-inspired nosh like the droolworthy char siew pork open burgers. Bring home some baked treats from Bakerzin Artisan Bread’s (#01-27/28) range of European loaves like ciabatta and focaccia, or from the ever-popular outpost of Duke Bakery (#B1-K3/K4) with its soft, sweet Japanese breads. Bakerzin Artisan Bread
myVillage is located at 1 Maju Ave., 6634-2288, www.myvillage.sg
Duke Bakery
Relish by Wildrocket
Brought to you By myvillage
island sport
Running Buddies
Event list Running events to start training for
6 new sneakers to give you that extra motivation to get off the couch. By Tewit Phanitprachaya and Aaron Khoo
National Vertical Marathon
Brooks PureFlow 3
You know you’re old when a 1991 design is now considered retro. This Back to the Future-style sneaker has been updated with better materials and new color combos. Saucony is not a huge name here, but the American running brand has a loyal following nonetheless—well-earned since they’ve been making shoes since 1898. $189 from Royal Sporting House, #03-06 Jem, 50 Jurong Gateway Rd., 6734-7419, royalsportinghouse.com.
Aimed at a higher standard of physical performance, the blue-splashed PureFlow 3 offers flexibility and redesigned running technology, like the trademark Toe Flex that they claim helps align your stride during a longer run. Design-wise, we love the curvy, slightly gaudy, snakelike lines, which are sure to catch the attention of your fellow gym rats. $179 from Key Power Sports, #02-48 Velocity@Novena Square, 238 Thomson Rd., 6250-6282, keypowersports.sg.
Nike Air Max 2015
Nike Air Zoom Elite 7
Nike’s dominance of the running market shows no respite. The brand new Nike Air Max 2015 is creating a huge buzz among both fitness fanatics and fashionistas. These striking sneakers, with their gradient neon-like colors, can also be dressed up for extra-curricular events like, well, partying. Did we mention the Nike swoosh glows in the dark? $299 from IRUN, #01-04 Queensway Shopping Centre 1 Queensway, 6479-0408, www. irunsingapore.com.
The lightweight and breathable upper of this new Nike Air Zoom makes it a favorite among long distance runners. With just an 8mm offset, you feel closer to the ground for a more natural and efficient stride. The blue-lagoonhued body splashed with a neon-lit orange swoosh looks especially nice when worn with monochrome pants. $199 from Nike, #01-01 Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd., 62387660, www.nike.com/sg/en_gb/.
No Frills Run A no-fancy-stuff event with super-reasonable registration fees. You can sign up for the 5km or 10km run (or both) which cover the Marina Promenade and Singapore Flyer. How much: $12-$29 When and where: Jun 7, 6:30am. Registration closes Apr 10. Kallang Riverside Park, 4876 Beach Rd., nofrillsrun.blogspot.sg. Sundown Marathon
Saucony Grid SD
National Vertical Marathon Organized by NTU Sports Club, the event has participants climbing up 63 stories—your quads will definitely feel the burn the day after. How much: $26-$30 Where and when: May 24. Registration closes May 8. One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, nvm.ntusportsclub.sg.
Sundown Marathon 2015
Sundown Marathon If that’s too basic for you, check out the “Sundown Like a Rockstar” package here—with chauffeur services, priority queues and a post-race VIP lounge, it’s basically the opposite of the No Frills Run. How much: $40-$95 (add $100 for VIP package) When and where: Jul 4, 7pm. Registration closes May 31. F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Blvd., www.sundownmarathon.com. Pocari Sweat Run Run through the Kallang Practice Track at this 5km and 10km event. All participants stand a chance to win a trip to Japan and there will be plenty of Pocari Sweat (of course) to chug too. How much: $25-$58 When and where: Jul 12, 6:30am. Registration closes Jun 21. Kallang Practice Track, 15 Stadium Rd., www.pocarisweatrun.com.
New Balance U410
Saucony Jazz Original
Rarely one to value form over function, New Balance’s U410 looks good but (more importantly) works well. Coming in ‘70s-inspired colors like navy, rust and gold, this is a versatile retro sneaker that pairs well with your daily life and workout sessions. Combining a greenish mesh upper with a neatly-sewed, black letter N, it is well worth your bucks. $89 from New Balance, #02-15 *Scape, 2 Orchard Link, 6634-9738, www.newbalance. com.sg.
One of the brand’s classic designs, this Originals model comes in a couple of cool color combos, including the charcoal and orange combination seen here. These shoes come with a padded tongue, collar and foot bed for shock absorption and a second pair of laces so you can switch things up. $89 from Robinsons The Heeren, 260 Orchard Rd., 6735-8838, www.robinsons.com.sg.
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, april 10, 2015
Asics City Relay Would you rather split the weight of a full marathon? Then this new race is for you: each team member runs a 10.55km leg of this relay race. After all, misery loves company. How much: $200-$290 per team of four When and where: Aug 1. Registration closes Jul 10. Singapore Sports Hub, 15 Stadium Rd., www.cityrelay.com.sg. Erny Luiza Kartolo
The inside scoop on Singapore’s dining scene
eats
NEW BAR Heavy Metal The Jiak Chuan/Keong Saik bar district has a new kid on the block. Copper (10 Jiak Chuan Rd., 6222-5565, www.coppersingapore.com) is a gin bar kitted out with steam punk accents and lots of copper tones on crates, trunks, test tubes and beakers. The bar focuses on gin infused libations involving with tea, spices and herbs. G&Ts start at $10. The compact bar space also serves bar snacks like babi guling tacos, lamb koftas and beef tendon nachos.
wine Zen-sibilities
Australian winemaker Jacob’s Creek has teamed up with sushi chef Mamoru Sugiyama and restaurant owner and chef Toru Hashimoto—to create two blends designed to complement Japanese cuisine. The WAH line comprises a white wine, a blend of chardonnay, pinot grigio and sauvignon blanc, as well as a red that combines grenache, pinot noir, sangiovese and mataro. Available at Japanese restaurants like Sushi Kou, Goku and Otawa for $70.
new restaurant Violet Hour
Ever-hip Tras Street recently welcomed Violet Herbs (81 Tras St., 6221-3988, www.violetherbs.com.sg) and its blend of Italian and French dishes like lobster cappuccino with brandy ($14), roasted duck confit ($32) and beetroot carpaccio ($15). There are also degustation menus that set you back $98 for six courses and $128 for eight courses. Plus, true to the restaurant’s name, the cocktail menu incorporates fresh herbs like basil and mint.
dinner Ain’t No Mountain
Game of Thrones fans, pay attention. Themed dinner planners Geek Crusade are doing a one night-only dinner, Requiem for the Red Viper (Restaurant Sela, 32 Seah St., www.geekcrusade.com), in honor of Thrones character Oberyn Martell (aka Red Viper), gruesomely murdered by The Mountain last season. The six-course dinner includes dishes like Wrath of the Sand Snakes, made of mushrooms and meat, as well as Dragon Eggs Hatching, a potato salad topped with caviar. Apr 25. Dinner starts at $95 per person.
FRIDAY, april 10, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
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eats Sisaket Thai Food (#01-01) Although there are two Thai food stalls in the food center, this one packs a spicier punch. Stick to classics like basil leaf minced pork with rice ($4.50) that gets you a generous heap of white rice and stir-fried meat with long beans. If you’re in the mood for curry, the green curry with chicken and rice ($5) is packed with soft chicken chunks and flavorsome thick gravy.
Hong Xing Handmade Fishball and Meatball (#01-07)
taste trek
Henderson Haunts The 6 best stalls at Bukit Merah View Food Centre. By Letitia Tandean
Chai Chuan Tou Yang Rou Tang (#01-51)
Bukit Merah Food Centre
There are often snaking queues at this mutton soup stall. The flavorsome broth is peppery, full of coriander leaves and has a distinct gamey mutton aroma. The deep bowl of herbal soup ($4 for a regular portion) has chunks of tender mutton with pleasant layers of fat and skin. It’s a comforting dish that’s a perfect rainy day cure-all.
The area around Henderson Industrial Park isn’t teeming with street life, but this modest little hawker center ensures office workers have plenty of delicious lunchtime options. Here are some of our favorites.
Bukit Merah View Carrot Cake (#01-37) There are a couple of carrot cake stalls in the market, but this one by far does the best rendition of black carrot cake or chai tow kway ($2.50 for a small portion). It’s got a balance of spicy sambal, soft radish cake, a generous dose of eggs—and, of course, plenty of pleasantly burned edges for that crunch and texture.
Hao Man Yi Xiao Long Bao
Qing Tian Hot and Cold Dessert (#01-42) This dessert stall has a loyal following because of its reasonably-priced local options. The aunties who man the stall are efficient and don’t skimp on the toppings. The classic ice kachang ($1.40) is piled high with shaved ice and myriad colors, topped with condensed milk and corn kernels. The chng tng ($1.20) is equally reliable with herbal, not-too-sweet cane sugar water. We prefer the iced version that is full of pearl barley, white fungus, dried longan, red dates and gingko nuts.
Hao Man Yi Xiao Long Bao (#01-55) Shanghainese cuisine is not exactly a hawker center staple, but Bukit Merah has you covered. The stall here makes their dumplings fresh each morning and steams them to order. You can’t go wrong with juicy xiao long bao ($4/six pieces) that come bursting with soup, as well as the addictive pork dumplings in hot chili sauce ($4/eight pieces) that have smooth skin, are plump with pork and chives and come in a tangy sour and spicy sauce.
There are fishballs and then there are fishballs. The couple that runs this store makes theirs fresh each morning and boil them in a simple but flavorful fish and meat stock. The balls are smooth, springy and are not overly fishy. Plus, the mee pok is cooked al dente and doused in a generous amount of chili oil and spring onions. A small portion ($2.50) gets you five mixed balls, but you can request for fishballs or meatballs only.
Bukit Merah View Food Centre
Bukit Merah View Carrot Cake
Bukit Merah View Food Centre is located at 115 Bukit Merah View, and is open for breakfast and lunch. It’s closed on Sundays.
food trend Korean soft-serve ice cream There’s no doubt that Korean-style soft serve has hit our shores. We lap up this trend with three places.
Honey Creme
Honey Creme One of the first soft serve parlors to open in Singapore, this one still has snaking queues out the door. It serves traditional soft serve with toppings like an espresso shot, Teh Gah Dai and the ever-popular caramel popcorn. #01-37 313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Rd., www.facebook.com/honeycremesg
Milkcow The black and white kiosk serves up organic ice cream cups in 13 different flavors. Toppings range from honey and Milo crunchy bites to offbeat stuff like red ginseng syrup. #01-03 The Cathay, 2 Handy Rd., 67344307, www.facebook.com/MilkCow.Sg
joint with five flavors like chocolate, matcha and apple & cinnamon. Each cup comes with a syringe full of honey, a sticky block of honeycomb and toppings like granola and chocolate drizzle. 30 Bali Ln., 9800-7628, www. facebook.com/ honeycombsg.
Honeycomb The folks from Stateland Cafe have expanded with a Korean-style soft serve
Hungry? Your guide to some 200 affordable eats, hidden finds and mid-range gems all across Singapore. Download the ebook from sgnow.sg/eats and read it on the go
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, April 10, 2015
Your ultimate guide to 200 fun and fabulous eateries around singapore—from brunch places to late-night hot spots
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In partnershIp wIth:
eats Send your food news to food@asia-city.com.sg
NEW AND NOTED with Letitia Tandean
Rabbit Stash
FYR
Gourmet Grabs
Book a seat at the tables of the world’s most-decorated chefs. $100Gourmet (www.100gourmet.sg) brings in 12 guest chefs to partner with 36 Singaporebased chefs to create special menus at their restaurants. Each month features one chef, including Laurent Peugeot and Niklas Ekstedt, where they create a six-course menu of new dishes. Unfortunately, if you don’t have a Citibank card, dinners go for $180.
King of the Hill
Former Bacchanalia bartender Mark Graham Thomas will open his new bar and restaurant Club 39 (39 Duxton Hill). Slated to open by mid-April, the bar will serve tapas-style Italian plates and a drinks menu with Thomas’ signature flair: classic cocktails with a culinary
Mark Graham Thomas
twist. Plus, drinks will all be below $20—which is a bonus all on its own.
Feeling Semi-Fine
It seems like semi-fine dining is the buzzword of the local culinary world. Now, Rabbit Stash (Rooftop, Wangz Hotel, 321 Outram Rd., 6595-1380, www.therabbitstash.com.sg) cooks up French-inspired dishes with Singaporean touches with four- ($90), five- ($108) and seven-course ($148) dinners. Dishes include scallop with smoked trout and prawns. There’s also FYR (19 Boon Tat St., 6221-3703, www.facebook.com/ FYRBTS) a modern European grill with Asian spices that has items like baked oysters ($15) and baked pistachio melt with pandan ice cream ($10).
Foodie gossip For weekly updates on new restaurants, bars and events on The Dish. Sign up at sgnow.sg/newsletters
NEW RESTAURANT Boca oil and cheese bar on the third floor. The interiors are gorgeous and come in cool shades of blue with a soundtrack of croony, salsa-esque tunes interspersed with bossa nova beats. The food: Most plates are meant for sharing. There’s a refreshing octopus salad ($24); the boozy flamed chourico ($28) burned with brandy; and the homey shrimp bread porridge ($28), a staple in Portuguese homes. Don’t miss the famed bacalhau ($28), comprising dry salted cod and a cracked egg. The buzz: Arguably Singapore’s first Portuguese restaurant takes over a threestory shophouse space formerly occupied by Italian restaurant Oca Grassa. The vibe: It’s the type of joint where you could go to the bar and have some tapas and a glass of wine. The open bodega occupies the first floor, a sit-down dining room is on the second and a wine, olive
The drinks: There’s an extensive, Portuguese-leaning wine menu that includes the white Quinta de Gomariz G. Escolha ($16/glass, $79/bottle) and the red Quinta do Vallado from Douro ($16/glass, $80/bottle). Why you’ll be back: Portuguese food has tons of comforting flavors. It’s not the most refined, but that’s why it’s a great option for after-work drinks or a weekend lunch.
6 Bukit Pasoh Rd., 6221-0132, www.boca-restaurant.sg. Open Mon-Sat noon-2pm; 6pm-midnight. LETITIA TANDEAN FRIDAY, April 10, 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 with Joyce See
co.jp), had its debut run just last month, with speeds said to reach up to 275km/ hour. The new line will link Tokyo to places like Toyama and Kanazawa. A trip to scenic Kanazawa will only take you 2.5 hours instead of the usual four. And it’s also a good way to catch the cherry blossoms blooming. Tickets start at 14,120 yen ($160).
Cheng District, +86 8 8853-3999, www. amanresorts.com) sits on a hillside above the Old Town and serves up views of snow-capped mountains in the distance. All 35 suites come with clean wooden interiors, Asian touches like Chinese wooden window screens and fabrics from around the region. The resort comes with two restaurants, a spa, a cinema and a library. Rates start at $1,105 a night.
MALDIVES TOURS
Wrecking Crew This boutique island-resort of Angsana Ihuru (North Male Atoll, +960 664-5933, www.angsana.com) is hosting a special 24-hour diving event on Apr 25 that will take scuba divers and snorkelers to the site of the Rannamaari wreck, which sunk in 1999. It’s the only shipwreck in the Maldives that sits on a house reef and is also home to sea creatures like moray eels and nurse sharks. Villas start at $971 per night and each dive costs $105, with a 20% discount on Apr 25.
Cambodia Backyard Travel
X2 River Kwai Resorts
THAILAND
River Romance Two hours outside Bangkok, the X2 River Kwai Resorts (www.x2resorts.com) consist of industrial-chic cabins that resemble shipping containers and offer views of the serene Kwae Noi River in Kanchanaburi. Now, they’ve got a special package to sweeten the deal: two glasses of bubbly upon arrival, a daily Champagne breakfast,
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, April 10, 2015
Angsana Ihuru
a candle-lit aromatherapy bath, a dozen roses for her and a dinner for two along the river. Room rates start from US$191 ($258) a night and are valid until May 31, with a minimum stay of two nights.
HOTELS
Luxury Lijiang The luxe Aman hotel chain recently opened its third property in China. Set in the gorgeous history-rich town of Lijiang, the Amandayan (29 Shishan Rd., Gu
Snap To It Backyard Travel’s (www.backyardtravel. com) new eight-day tour around Cambodia is perfect for amateur photographers. You’ll be traveling with writer-photographer couple Lara Dunston and Terence Carter, who do the Grantourismo (www.grantourismotravels. com) blog and contribute to hotshot publications around the world. The tour includes Siam Reap’s cultural landmarks like Angkor Wat, wine tasting at vineyards and authentic local grub at street-side vendors. The tour kicks off on May 22, will set you back US$1,998 ($2,724) and includes meals, accommodation, fully guided tours and transfers.
JAPAN
Sakura Speed Japan’s newer and faster bullet train line, the Hokuriku Shinkansen (www.jreast.
Insider travel tips
Sign up to Escape Routes, our weekly travel newsletter at sgnow.sg/newsletters
freewill astrology
Week of Apr 10 © 2015 Rob Brezsny Hospitality Point-of-Sales & Information Management System
ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): Uitwaaien is a Dutch word that means to go out for a stroll in windy weather simply because it’s exhilarating. I don’t know any language that has parallel terms for running in the rain for the dizzy joy of it, or dancing through a meadow in the dark because it’s such nonsensical fun, or singing at full volume while riding alone in an elevator in the mad-happy quest to purge your tension. But in the coming weeks, you don’t need to describe or explain experiences like this; you just need to do them. Experiment with giving your instinctive need for exuberance lots of room to play. TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): Your nasty, nagging little demon isn’t nasty or nagging any more. It’s not doing what demons are supposed to do. It’s confused, haggard, and ineffective. It is barely even keeping you awake at night, and its ability to motivate you through fear is at an all-time low. Here’s what I suggest: now, when the demon’s strength is waning and its hold on you is weak, you should break up with it for good. Perform an ultimate, non-reversible exorcism. Buy it a one-way bus ticket to the wasteland and say goodbye forever. GEMINI (May 21-Jun 20): When he was in his fifties, French painter Claude Monet finally achieved financial success. He used his new riches to buy a house and then hired gardeners to help him make a pond full of water lilies. For the first time in his life, he began to paint water lilies. In the next 30 years, he made them a central feature of 250 canvases, which now serve as one of his signature contributions to art history. I regard the imminent future as a good time for you to do something similar: create or find a source of beauty that will stimulate your sense of wonder and fuel your passion to express yourself for a long time. CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): “Everything we do in life is based on fear, especially love,” said Cancerian comedian Mel Brooks. Although he was joking, he was also quite serious. More often than we like to admit, desperation infects our quest to be cared for. Our decisions about love may be motivated by a dread of loneliness. It’s a fundamental human problem, so there’s no reason to be ashamed if you have this tendency yourself. Having said that, I’m happy to report that you now have the necessary power to overcome this tendency. You will be able to summon tremendous courage as you revise and refine your relationship with love. It’s time to disappear the fear. LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): Do you ever feel reverence and awe, Leo? Are there times when you spontaneously yearn to engage in acts of worship? Is there anyone or anything that evokes your admiration, humility, and gratitude? The coming weeks will be a good time to seek out experiences like these. According to my reading of the astrological omens, you will get tender jolts of transformational inspiration if you blend yourself with a sublime force that you trust and respect. VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): A lot has happened since you were . . . uh . . . indisposed. You’ve missed out on several plot twists. The circle has been broken, repaired, broken again, and partially repaired. Rumors have been flying, allegiances have been shifting, and riddles have been deepening. So are you ready yet to return to the heated action? Have you learned as much as you can from the commotion that provoked your retreat? Don’t try to return too early. Make sure you are at least 70 percent healed. LIBRA (Sept 23-Oct 22): Rent, but don’t buy yet. That’s my $250-per-hour advice. Keep rehearsing, but don’t start performing the actual show. OK? Flirt, but don’t fall in love. Can you handle that much impulse control? Are you strong enough to explore the deeper mysteries of patience? I
Touch
POS System
swear to you that your burning questions will ultimately be answered if you don’t try to force the answers to arrive according to a set timetable. I guarantee that you will make the necessary connections as long as you don’t insist that they satisfy every single one of your criteria. SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): The Guerrilla Girls are a group of prankster activists who use humor to expose sexism and racism in the art world. Every so often they take a “weenie count” at New York’s Metropolitan Museum of Art. In 2012, their weenie count revealed that four percent of the artists were female, but 76 percent of the naked people in the paintings were female. The coming week would be a good time for you to take a weenie count in your own sphere, Scorpio. Conditions are more favorable than usual to call attention to gender disparities, and to initiate corrective action. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): The English term “engine” refers primarily to a machine that transforms energy into mechanical power. But its roots are in the Old French word engin, which meant skill or wit, and in the Latin word ingenium, defined as “inborn talent.” I’d like to borrow the original meanings to devise your horoscope this week. According to my reading of the astrological omens, your “engine” is unusually strong right now, which means that your cultivated skills and innate talents are functioning at peak levels. I suggest you make intensive use of them to produce maximum amounts of energy and gather more of the clout you’d love to wield. CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): What I’m about to say is not a hard scientific fact but it is a rigorous poetic fable. You don’t need to go to the mountain, because the mountain is willing and able to come to you. But will it actually come to you? Yes, but only if you meet two conditions. The mountain will pick itself up and move all the way to where you are if you make a lot of room for it and if you are prepared to work with the changes its arrival will bring. AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): If you were a four-yearold, cookies might be a valuable treasure to you. Given a choice between a bowl of stir-fried organic vegetables and a plate full of macaroons, you’d probably choose the macaroons. But since you’re a grownup, your list of priorities is screwed on straight, right? You would never get distracted by a sugary, transitory treat that would cause you to ignore a more nourishing and long-lasting pleasure. Right? PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): On Jun 23, 1917, Babe Ruth was the starting pitcher for the Boston Red Sox in a Major League Baseball game against the Washington Senators. After the first batter drew a walk, Ruth got upset with the home plate umpire and punched him in the head. Ejected! Banished! The Babe had to be dragged off the field by the cops. The new pitcher was Ernie Shore. He proceeded to pitch a perfect game. In the coming weeks, Pisces, I see you as having the potential to duplicate Ernie Shore’s performance in your own sphere. Coming in as a replacement, you will excel. Chosen as a substitute, you will outdo the original.
ANNOuncement notice of Intended marriage I, Guy Alexander Mark Huckvale, bachelor, of 29-03 Gilstead Two, Singapore, 309061, intend to marry Beatrice Esther Woodbridge, single, of 29-03 Gilstead Two, Singapore, 309061, at Comune di Cortona, Piazza della Repubblica, 52044 Cortona, Italy on 29 August 2015. Any person knowing of any lawful impediment to the marriage should without delay notify the Consular Section, British High Commission Singapore, 100 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247919.
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3 Follow us on issuu at issuu.com/sg_magazine FRIDAY, April 10, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
21
last word
Shivaji Das Singapore’s migrant worker poets have been in the spotlight recently thanks in part to a story by the BBC. Mrigaa Sethi spoke to one of organizers behind the poetry series and discovered that he, too, was a man of many talents: Assam-born Shivaji Das is a management consultant by day and travel essayist working on his third book by night. Here, he tells us about his travels, his thoughts on migration and the spiritual state of Singapore. I’ve been volunteering with TWC2 [Transient Workers Count, Too] for the last five years. We run a soup kitchen for migrant workers who have injuries or salary disputes. Just upstairs is a place called Dibashram, where some workers come on Sundays to practice their poetry, music or theater. In Bangladesh, poetry is the more cherished form of literature, unlike elsewhere where fiction and non-fiction rule. Maybe this is why the workers like poetry, even though some of them have written short stories and novels. And it also happens that in Singapore as well, poetry is popular at this point. The history
We’re not yet reaching out to the Filipino workers or the Myanmar workers, which is in the cards for next year’s iteration of the event.
Geylang has a very unusual density of Buddhist temples and monasteries. There’s a building that has six Buddhist monasteries. Each floor is a different sect.
I used to be quite a right-wing guy when I was in college. But once I started traveling and saw more facets of the world—hidden migrants on the streets, their conditions—I was exposed to certain realities which changed my worldview.
A lot of the monks I talk to are not appreciative of the material hunt. But at the same time, their sustenance is through the red packets they receive for small services and house visits. Society has sort of outsourced their spirituality or purification to this group of people.
Writing enhances the experience of travel, embeds it more into my memory. It gives me a deeper sense of purpose, when I go with the intention of meeting certain people.
Language is a challenge they all face. The older Singaporean monks and nuns don’t speak good English, so they’re finding it difficult to reach out to the younger generation which finds either atheism or evangelical Christianity a lot more appealing.
But often I am in two minds: “Should I talk to this person? Should I make the first move?” I think I’ve missed out on a few good stories just because of that.
I was a very late child. My dad was 45 years old when I was born. I always tell him that I would have been a lot more intelligent if I had been born [when he was] younger.
I’ve done many stories about China. There’s an old man who writes poems on the walls. He writes these love poems, and this old lady writes the response. But the two never want to declare themselves to each other, because they’re both old and they don’t want to go through the hassle of courtship.
I was introverted. I liked to play on my own, read on my own. There were magazines that printed older National Geographic articles in Bengali. They made me interested in traveling more and learning about the world.
of life is a history of migration.
I prefer the lighter writing that can still strike you. Some of the poets have that capability. The winning poet [at November’s contest] talked about his pocket that got wet when his wife leaned on his chest and cried, and how he’d look at that shirt everyday in Singapore.
It’s hard for us to think of migrant workers as sensitive fathers or sensitive husbands or brothers, or having a wider worldview—thinking about world peace, or the environment, or even small gestures like a bird sitting on a tree. I would call them “migrant worker poets” but over time people have been calling them poets. That’s the aspiration of the workers as well, that they be known as poets in their own right. There’s a patronizing element as well. But imagine a situation without this kind of event, where there is prejudice, which is even worse than being patronizing.
I can’t read these poems because they’re written in Chinese. My wife helps me. My wife is Singaporean, but she’s originally from northeast China. She’s my partner in crime—it’s become more of a common venture. She’s a lot blunter than my other critics.
I don’t have a writing timetable but I do try to write at least one page a day, no matter how I hate it. On weekends, I try to push myself and write maybe three or four pages. I write whenever I get time, when I’m waiting for a flight, when I’m on the train to somewhere. Human history as a whole can’t run away from migration. There’s a writer who has rightly said, “Life began from a single cell.” The history of life is a history of migration.
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That’s what she said
by Kathy Macleod
kathymacleod.blogspot.com
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, april 10, 2015
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Ch 428
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