w w w. s g n o w. s g | 2 0 1 5 M PA S W e b s i t e o f t h e Ye a r
Your FREE independent guide to the next two weeks
Have you hugged your tree today?
S G M AG A Z I N E | I SS U E #678 | M AY 22, 2015 since 1995
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
what’s on what’s new what matters
A new exhibition tells the amazing stories behind Singaporeans and their favorite trees. For more, see PHOTOGRAPHY , page 10.
INTERVIEW
STYLE
DINING
TRAVEL
A Dim Sum Dolly Speaks
Local Designers Share Their Secrets
What’s Cooking in Telok Ayer
Back to Batam
THE INSIDER’S GUIDE TO SINGAPORE
BEST OF THE CITY LISTS
DAILY LIFESTYLE NEWS
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EXCITING EVENTS
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/Voilah
S G M AG A Z I N E | I SS U E #678 | M AY 22, 2015 since 1995
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
www.voilah.sg 4 MAY - 21 JUNE 2015
Your FREE independent guide to the next two weeks
page 3 15 style
Where the Fashionistas Shop
A New Urban Plan for Jurong East
8 events
10 news
Party Under the Bridge
Marina Bay’s Pop-Up Beach
12 neighborhood
13 new shop
What’s New at the River
The Blind Cobbler
More expensive shops. The URA recently moved out a few of Tiong Bahru’s beloved shops for licensing reasons. Bring the cute and pricey apparel and home ware shops to Jurong East, we say. 17 food
Workout Gadgets
Telok Ayer’s New Restaurants 22 interview
Batam Getaway
Selena Tan on Kumar
By 2016 Regular rooftop getai on top of JCube. For better or for worse, the beginning of any urban renaissance comes with the hipsters. Before the hot restaurants, bars and condos, let’s bring local indie bands for a rooftop party. It worked for People’s Park Complex.
14 digital
19 travel
The location for the Singapore-KL high-speed rail (HSR) terminus has been announced, the Internet is trying to convince us that Jurong East will soon rival the CBD. It’s a tall order, but we’re on board! Here, we lay out a five-year plan to make it happen.
By 2017 A craft beer stall in every HDB. Before bringing the expensive bespoke cocktail bars, we nominate The Great Beer Experiment and Smith Street taps to bring some downtown charm to the HDBs. Introduce an arts enclave. Six galleries are moving out of Gillman Barracks. Let’s partner with them to create a new arts hub around Jurong Port. It’ll be oh so edgy! By 2018 A major music festival. Laneway at Jurong Lake Park? By 2019
Who's in charge? Publisher & General Manager Ric Stockfis countrymanager@asia-city.com.sg Editorial Managing Editor Mrigaa Sethi editor@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
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
Advertising Director, Business Development Intan Agustina advertising@asia-city.com.sg
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 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 Fauna expert Tony O’Dempsey poses with an endangered swamp species in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. Photography by Robert Zhao
By 2020 Marina Bay Sands II. No way this terminus should be just a train station. It has to be a veritable lifestyle hub: five-star hotel, 57th floor bar with views of the Straits, office towers, theaters, fancy malls and more.
Who are we?
Published every two weeks (with daily updates at sgnow.sg), SG (previously I-S) delivers honest, independent and irreverent coverage of the Singapore lifestyle scene. We’ve been recommending what to do and where to go here for 20 years—and we’ve never been more excited about the city than we are right now.
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issuu.com/sg_magazine SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
Awesome events, cool new places, the very best of the next two weeks
High-end, hawker and everything inbetween: news on the drink and dining scene
Hot topics, local initiatives and ideas for making Singapore even better
Because Singapore is only so big: the best deals and destinations around Asia
Fashion, fitness, tech and more
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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A pop-up beach in Pandan Reservoir. This year it’s in Marina Bay, but in three years, when Jurong East is a hipster hub, the time will be ripe for corporate capitalization.
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Little Saigon This Vietnamese joint is great for both dining and drinking. It's open 'til late with an after-hours menu of spring rolls, lemongrass prawns and other things that go great with beer. Blk E #01-02, Clarke Quay, 6337-5585. www.littlesaigonasia.com
A.L.T. Cafe and Bar Hidden away just under party spot 1-Alitude, this little glass dome-enclosed bar is perfect for pre-gaming. 61/F, One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, 6438-0410, www.1-altitude.com
Nassim Hill Come nightfall, this minimalist industrial brunch spot provides a relaxing backdrop for drinks. #B01-02, Tanglin Post Office, 56 Tanglin Rd., 6835-1128, www.imagingings. com.sg
NUSS Guildhouse Take a break from the bustle of the city for a swim and a Heineken at this sophisticated clubhouse. #02-401/402, Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard (Tower 5), 6779-1811, www.nuss.org.sg
Timbre @ Gillman The leafy and shed-like Timbre and its live music roster is great for a few rounds of beer. Gillman Barracks, 9A Lock Rd., 66944201, www.timbregroup.asia
On the dance floor… Altimate The stratospheric VIP club is all about upbeat house tunes, cool light installations, drinks brought to your table. 61/F, One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, 6438-0410, www.1-altitude.com
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KPO This luscious hideaway off Orchard also has a cozy backyard with twinkling lights—oh and an attached post office. 1 Killiney Rd., 6733 3648, www.facebook. com/KPO.sg
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Grand Mercure Roxy Hotel You don't have to head downtown to grab drinks. Get dinner and a round of beer at this East Coast hotel and then take the short walk down to the beach at East Coast Park. 50 East Coast Rd., 63448000. www.grandmercureroxy.com.sg
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Attica The renovated Clarke Quay stalwart now sports light installations and an inner courtyard bar for a beer and a breather in between DJ sets. #01-03, 3A River Valley Rd., 6333-9973, www.attica.com.sg
Empire Have your Heineken at this penthouse lounge and bar with stunning views of the Marina Bay area. 45/F, Singapore Land Tower, 50 Raffles Pl., 6336-8111. www. massive.sg
Kyo This minimalist club on Cecil Street has nightly dance parties and one of the longest bars in Singapore—perfect for getting your drink on. 133 Cecil St., 8299-8735, www.clubkyo.com
Zouk Singapore’s essential clubbing destination needs no introduction, with over 20 years of parties under its belt. 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub.com.sg
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Singapore’s latest news, numbers and dramas at a glance
NUMEROLOGY
OB INDEX Charting the ups and downs of Singapore's openness, tolerance and freedom of expression MAY
13
Last week, the trial of Amos Yee concluded in the 16-yearold being convicted of two charges: obscenity and wounding religious feelings. While we’re glad that a third harrassment charge was dropped, we still don’t think underaged kids should be tried as adults, much less face actual jail time. And while the law is the law, we wish people would just deal more maturely when encountering views contrary to their own on the internet (the shock! the horror!) instead of calling to have kids arrested.
NEWS FROM SGNOW.SG
$250
SEA Games tickets selling out fast
Average amount a Singaporean spends buying games each year
$33 Average amount a Malaysian spends
20 Number of “incidents” last year involving a drone, including two incidents in which the drones fell on MRT tracks.
SEA Games
$1,250 Average amount per month a four-person Singapore household spends on essentials such as food, clothing and shelter, according to the latest Household Expenditure Survey.
1,000 years WE
Total amount of time Singaporeans have spent listening to Spotify since the streaming service launched.
SG
This week you will mainly love your city for its...
Electric taxis
Lim Yong Teck
up front
Sources: Channel News Asia, The Straits Times
A Singapore-Germany collaboration has produced a prototype of an electric taxi that charges in a lightning-fast 15 minutes, about the time it would take for a taxi uncle to have lunch. For perspective, a regular electric car takes about six hours. Called EVA, the electric taxi has other design features that minimize energy consumption and is said to work well in hot climates. No word yet on when this model will roll out, but given that taxis make up for 15% of the total distance covered in by vehicles in Singapore, the impact on carbon emissions could be significant.
Get this issue to go. Free eBook download from issuu.com/sg_magazine
Tickets to the SEA Games (www. seagames2015.com) are getting snapped up like hot cakes. Happening from Jun 5-16, some 36 games and 402 events are taking place over 12 days. But here are the sports with a strong Singapore presence to be extra excited about. Water Polo. The Singapore men’s water polo team has won every single gold medal (25 to be exact) since the event was introduced in 1965. It is so popular that tickets to the finals on Jun 16 have are already sold out. Not to worry: you can still get a slice of action in the days leading up to the big finale. OCBC Aquatic Center, Jun 10 Swimming. There are two great swimmers to watch for: golden child Joseph Schooling who made waves at last year’s Asian Games and rising star Quah Zheng Wen who broke national records at this year’s Singapura Finance 46th Singapore National Age Group Swimming Championships. OCBC Aquatic Center, Jun 6-11
Waterskiing. After a four-year hiatus, it’s finally back in the lineup, and Singapore has some strong contenders like Mark Leong who broke a national record at the recent Asian Beach Games. Bedok Reservoir, Jun 11-14 Silat. 22 years ago, Singapore won gold when Singapore Silat Federation president Sheik Alau’ddin represented the nation. This year is that his daughter Nur Shafiqa is on the national squad. Here’s hoping for another win. Singapore Expo Hall 2, Jun 10-14 Most of the events will be happening at three main venues—the Singapore Sports Hub, around Marina Bay and at the Singapore expo. Plus, there’ll also be non-ticketed events you can attend, such as rowing, sailing, cycling, waterskiing, hockey and archery. Ticketed events are priced between $5 and $20. Website of the Year MPAS 2015
(or sign up at sgnow.sg/newsletters to never miss an issue) S I N G A P O R E ’ S H OTT E ST L I F E ST Y L E N E W S
THROWBACK 20 We’re turning 20 this year, and this issue we’re looking back at the 20 big headlines that rocked peaceful Singapore over the past two decades.
It caused a 30m deep gorge and left four dead when a section of the road caved in.
1 The caning of Michael Fay (1994)
6 JI plot to attack Yishun MRT (2001)
This American teenager was sentenced to six strokes for vandalizing 18 cars.
Authorities foiled an attack on Yishun MRT by terrorist group Jemaah Islamiyah (JI).
2 The body-parts murder (1995) John Martin Scripps was the first Westerner to be hung in Singapore after dismembering South African tourist Gerard George Lowe.
7 Orchard Tower murders (2002) British financial adviser Michael McCrea murdered his chauffeur and his girlfriend.
Liu Hong Mei was murdered by her lover. Her body parts were found in the rivers.
8 The SARS outbreak (2003) Schools were shut and home quarantine orders were given out when the virus hit.
Singapore’s most-wanted man made headlines after his high-profile prison break.
3 The SilkAir crash (1997)
Flight MI 185, which crashed into the Musi River on Dec 19, killing all 104 passengers.
9 The Huang Na murder (2004)
4 SIA’s first fatal crash (2000) SQ006 was the first major crash during a typhoon in Taipei.
The eight-year-old was found in a box in Telok Blangah Hill Park.
5 The Anthony Ler case (2001) He manipulated teenagers to kill his wife, Annie Leong. He was sentenced to hang.
This three-day manhount involved Air Force helicopters, commandos and the Gurkha.
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
10 Robbery in Pulau Tekong (2004)
11 Nicoll Highwaycollapse (2004)
12 Kallang body-parts murder (2005)
13 Mas Selamat’s escape (2008)
14 The “Slayers” suicide pact (2008)
Two teens threw themselves off a HDB block while the other five backed out. 15 The Yishun murders (2008) Wang Zhijian brutally stabbed his girlfriend and her daughter 98 times. 16 That Ferrari crash (2012) Ma Chi was speeding in his Ferrari when he
collided with a taxi and a motorcycle. 17 The Little India Riots (2013) The 300-person riot became Singapore’s worst case of public violence in decades. 18 The Kovan double murders (2013) Eyewitnesses saw a body being dragged by a car. The killer was in the police force. 19 CTE fatal crash (2013) Amron Ayoub, Jamie Song and her parents were killed in a car crash after a MPV drove into their broken down car. 20 Syed Alwi Road murder (2013) A man’s torso was found inside in a suitcase and two men were charged.
For more lists revisiting Singapore’s history, visit www.sgnow.sg. JOYCE SEE
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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
THU
May 28
SAT
PARTY Full Steam Ahead
The folks of Tanjong Beach Club reboot their crazy through-the-night party and transform it into a chill indie-disco all-day affair. Aside from international DJs like LouLou Players, Joakim and Aeroplane, there will be booths dedicated to DIY coconut bikinis, lots of burgers and tipples, and even tarot card readings and yoga sessions. May 23, 12pm. Tanjong Beach Club, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, 6270-1355. $50 from Peatix.
May 23
STAGE Swan Lake
With sold out shows in London and Paris, the acclaimed 55-member St Petersburg Ballet will perform Tchaikovsky‘s magnificent Swan Lake on stage here for the first time. May 28-29, 7:30pm; May 30, 2pm, 7:30pm; May 31, 1pm. MasterCard Theatres, B1/F The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8868. $55-175 from Sistic.
SUN
SAT
ART Off the Rails
THU
May 31
May
Artists from Australia, Malaysia 23 and Singapore collaborate for a street art jam under one of the bridges of the Rail Corridor. There will also be music by girl DJ group Attagirl, DJ Reiki and New Stream Brass Band. Head to 369 Commonwealth Avenue and follow the viaduct. May 23, 4pm. Green Corridor. Free.
May 28
LITERARY Book Club: The Left Hand of Darkness
FESTIVAL Indian Heritage Centre Opening Festival
In its opening month, the IHC presents outdoor gig (May 23) by homegrown Indian fusion band Divine Sutra, a food fair (May 29-31) and film screenings (May 24 & 31) featuring Tamil and Hindi films shot in Singapore. Through May 31. Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Ln., 6291-1633, www.indianheritage.org.sg. $4.
SUN
NIGHTLIFE Re:groove feat. Chris Coco
The renowned DJ and trendsetter in the London scene spins his blend of melodic and chillout tunes for a Sunday session at this lofty rooftop bar. May 24, 1pm. Ku De Ta, 57/F Marina Bay Sands, 1 Bayfront Ave., 6688-7688, www.kudeta.com. Free.
May 24
This bimonthly feminist book club discusses The Left Hand of Darkness, a sci-fi novel about a diplomat who is sent to a planet where people can choose and change their gender. RSVP through Peatix. May 28, 7pm. Singapore Committee for UN Women, 30A Keong Saik Rd., 6222-3239. Free from Peatix.
WED
TUE
Jun 3
Jun 2
FESTIVAL Voilah!
OPENING MeatLiquor SIN
It’s finally here. After months of waiting, the much-hyped Singapore offshoot of a popular London burger joint and grill opens. MeatLiquor SIN will serve gourmet burgers, wings, mac & cheese and soft shell crab, as well as tons of cocktails. 99 Duxton Rd., www.meatliquor.com.
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
The annual French festival is back with wine and cheese tastings, arts and music showcases and French language film screenings. There are also arts and music showcases, French language film screenings, a special tribute to the world of The Little Prince ahead of the film‘s release. Through Jun 21. Various venues. www.voilah.sg.
CREDIT: SINGAPORE TOURISM BOARD
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now PHOTOGRAPHY The amazing stories of Singaporeans and their favorite trees
My Skin”, as well as tracks like “Starlight” and “Even If I Don‘t” from her follow-up, Chesapeake. May 29, 7:30pm. Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $48-98 from Sistic.
MUSIC
concerts Age of Transition by Paul Danial The guitar virtuoso will be performing pieces from his latest EP, Age of Transition, inspired by observations of society and comprising a variety of genres, such as blues, rock, country, funk and metal. May 22, 9:30pm. Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $25 from Sistic.
SG PICK
Sangamam Organized by Aishwarya Creatives, this Tamil musical concert will feature 25 renowned musicians and 30 singers performing ‘70s and ‘80s classics. May 30, 7pm. Mrs Lee Choon Guan Concert Hall, 60 Barker Rd.. $20-40 from Eventbrite. Sungha Jung The adorable Korean kid who got millions of views on YouTube for his prodigious talent with the acoustic guitar is all grown up and will be in town to play both covers and original songs. May 30, 7:30pm. Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377, www.sproutentertainment.com. $48-98 from Sistic. Pentatonix The a capella quintet and YouTube phenomenon will be back with their hip hop influences and vocal harmonies. The concert will feature originals from their EPs as well as covers. Jun 1, 8pm. The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, 6636-0055. $88-148 from Sistic.
Boyzone The chart topping 90s boyband celebrates its 20th anniversary by singing a repertoire of hits like “No Matter What” and “All That I Need”. They’ll no doubt tug at nostalgic heartstrings with 22 years of crooning boyband ballads. May 23, 8pm. MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands, B1/F The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8868, www.midaspromotions. com. $98-218 from Sistic.
Photographer Robert Zhao Renhui, writer Adeline Chia and illustrator Sokkuan Tye have collaborated on a wonderful project documenting individual relationships between Singaporeans and their favorite trees. They put out the call on Facebook, NParks and other societies and eventually collected 30 photographs and interviews that are now on display at the National Library Building. One made it onto our cover. Here, Adeline tells us about some of her other favorites. The photos were taken in black and white, then tinted. The effect is quite surreal. We were influenced by vintage postcards of Singapore. Many of them feature plantations and local crops, such as rubber, banana and coconut, and have been hand-tinted according to the fashion of the time. The layer of color communicates a nostalgic sense of painstaking endeavor, drawing on a long artistic lineage of how nature has been aestheticized, communicated and shared as artifact. And so we found it fitting to reference this visual tradition. What was the most moving story? I enjoyed speaking to a group of people who walk around a rubber tree in Ang Mo Kio Park every day, as part of a meditation exercise to
absorb energy from the tree. Their path is so well-trod that there is a circle of dead grass around that tree. Tell us about the choice to mount the images on lightboxes. As we have chosen to include the entire tree in a wide-angle frame, the photograph is packed with many details. With a lightbox, the busy visual information can be seen in high contrast, and you can appreciate Robert’s composition, the tree’s individual leaves and branches and roots, as well the graceful hand-tinting done by our friend and illustrator Sokkuan Tye. As a result, the images sing. What kinds of people have you met in search of stories and trees? There is an Indian man who spends a lot of time under a tree in the Kallang Airport area, drawn to the area more than 20 years ago because he said that ghosts beckoned him. In the forests of Bukit Panjang, there is a dedicated durian picker who goes almost every night to pick wild durian during the fruiting season, armed with nothing but a hard hat and a torch. Then there is the group of people in search of a lost rambutan orchard deep in the Upper Thomson wilderness, a place where artists and intellectuals gathered long ago.
Take 5 Piano Quintet: Northern Lights Five Singaporean musicians get together to play Finnish and Norwegian chamber music masterpieces from the likes of Jean Sibelius and Christian Sinding. May 24, 7:30pm. Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377, www.esplanade.com. $25 from Sistic. La Vie en Rose This concert will feature local artists such as Sebastian Tan, Lim Kay Siu, Rani Singam and Leandra Leandra doing Piaf covers to celebrate a century since the French singer’s birth. May 27-30, 8pm. Victoria Theatre, 11 Empress Place, www.singtheatre.com. $45-80 from Sistic. An Evening with Michael Bolton Known for his soulful tunes, the multiple Grammy award-winning singer-songwriter brings his (silghtly dated) slew of chart toppers. May 28, 8pm. MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands, B1/F The Shoppes @ Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8868. $90-220 from Sistic. Rachael Yamagata The American singer-songwriter swings by for another gig where she’ll be performing her best known songs like “Be Be Your Love” and “Under
A Triple Bill: Charlie Lim, Inch, The Great Spy Experiment Three popular local music acts will be Singapore’s first major triple bill by an indie music collective. Helmed by local record label House of Riot, the lineup includes soulful crooner Charlie Lim, edgy singer-songwriter Inch Chua and veteran indie rock band The Great Spy Experiment. Jun 6, 7:30pm. Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377, www.facebook.com/ houseofriot. $50 from Sistic. This Will Destroy You The last time they were here, the American post-rock band sold out two shows at Home Club. This time, they’ll be playing songs from their latest album, Another Language. Jun 4, 8pm. The Substation Theatre, 45 Armenian St., 6337-7535, www. symmetrysg.com. $60-70 from Peatix. Hanging Up The Moon Album Launch The five man band started off as a solo project for Sean Lam. Now that he‘s roped in four other band members including Leslie Low and Dean Aziz, they‘re debuting their third album of lush and layered vocals harmonized with violins and cellos. May 29-30, 8pm. The Substation, 45 Armenian St., 6337-7535. $25 from Peatix.
STAGE
dance Silences We Are Familiar With T.H.E Dance Company‘s artistic director Kuik Swee Boon presents this powerful and surreal dance production performed to live vocals and music by Young Artist Award winner Bani Haykal. May 2830, 8pm. SOTA Drama Theatre, School of the Arts Singapore, 1 Zubir Said Dr., 6594-8411, www.thedancecompany.com. $28-38 from Sistic.
NEWS FROM SGNOW.SG
Marina Bay is getting a pop-up beach
Singapore, Very Old Tree is on display at National Library Building (Level 10, 100 Victoria St.) until May 28. For more on this project, visit www.facebook.com/ veryoldtree. MRIGAA SETHI
w w w. s g n o w. s g | 2 0 1 5 M PA S W e b s i t e o f t h e Ye a r
Your FREE independent guide to the next two weeks
Have you hugged your tree today?
S G M AG A Z I N E | I SS U E #678 | M AY 22, 2015 since 1995
CELEBRATING 20 YEARS
what’s on what’s new what matters
Cover Up SG Magazine covers celebrate local artists, photographers and illustrators and their remarkable depictions of Singapore. They look so good, we’ve even started hanging them on our walls.
A new exhibition tells the amazing stories behind Singaporeans and their favorite trees. For more, see PHOTOGRAPHY , page 10.
INTERVIEW
STYLE
DINING
TRAVEL
A Dim Sum Dolly Speaks
Local Designers Share Their Secrets
What’s Cooking in Telok Ayer
Back to Batam
To suggest someone we should feature or to partner with us on this initiative, email editor@asia-city.com.sg 10
SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
Marina Bay Urban Pop-up Beach
Jumping on the trend happening in Paris, Berlin and Toronto, Singapore’s Marina Bay Promontory is getting its very own pop-up urban beach, for two glorious days
on Jun 13-15. There will be sun, sand, deck chairs, standup paddling, food and other activities. Visitors will also get to watch the SEA Games
dragon boat and sailing races from their beach towels. Sponsored by banking giant DBS, it’s going to take 300 hours and 28,000 kg of sand to create the 2,500 square meter faux-beach. We have to admit: our first thought was, “Um, why?” Last we checked, Singapore is an island, surrounded by semi-nice beaches on all sides. But it’ll be super festive, with obligatory food and flea markets nearby. Everyone’s gonna love it. So there you go. Website of the Year MPAS 2015
S I N G A P O R E ’ S H OTT E ST L I F E ST Y L E N E W S
now theater
SG PICK
Shakespeare in the Park: The Tempest The Singapore Repertory Theatre’s annual Shakespeare in the Park series is back with the UK’s Simon Robson and Singapore’s very own Julie Wee. It also features light and sound effects by award-winning designers Simon Higlett and Mike Walker. Through May 24, 7:30pm. Fort Canning Park, Cox Terrace, 6332-1200, www.srt.com.sg. $45-55 from Sistic. Tribes Centered around a deaf boy named Billy (played by Thomas Pang), this play examines belonging, family and the limitations of communication. Written by Nina Raine, it won the 2012 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Play. May 22-Jun 7. Drama Centre Theatre, National Library, 3/F National Library, 100 Victoria St., 6837-8400. $40-70 from Sistic. Dim Sum Dollies—The History of Singapore Part 1 A re-run of their wildly successful The History of Singapore series, the female trio will walk audiences through Singapore’s past through song and dance. Expect flashbacks involving Sang Nila Utama, opium dens and brothels. Jun 5-21. Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377, www.dreamacademy.com. sg. $48-148 from Sistic.
musicals SG PICK
NEWS FROM SGNOW.SG
The new Indian Heritage Centre is gorgeous
The Hands That Remember Local artist Izziyana Suhaimi showcases her newest works that involve abstract needlework and tapestries. It’s a departure from her usual figurative drawings and explores the art of sewing, drawing inspiration from seamstresses and embroiderers. Through May 31. Fost Gallery, #01-02 Gillman Barracks, 1 Lock Rd., 6694-3080, www.fostgallery.com. Free.
Timely Manoeuvres 13 international artists like Dutch artist Carla Klein, New York-based Japanese artist Mariko Mori, Americanbased Slovenian artist Tobias Putrih and Chinese contemporary artist Ai Wei Wei, show their new multimedia works that involve sculptures, installations and paintings. Through Jun 20. Ikkan Art Gallery, G/F-#0105 Artspace@Helutrans, Tanjong Pagar Distripark, 39 Keppel Rd., 6681-6490, www.ikkan-art.com. Free.
The heart of Little India is now home to the dramatic- and contemporarylooking Indian Heritage Center (IHC) (5 Campbell Lane, 6291-1633, www. indianheritage.org.sg) and to kick things off, they have a month-long festival going on. We also know that the building itself is pretty impressive. The four-story structure takes cues from baoli (an Indian stepped wall) and comes with five permanent galleries with different themes. Arranged chronologically, the galleries detail the history of South and Southeast Asia between
Indian Heritage Centre
the 1st century CE and the present day to trace the roots of early Indians in Singapore and Malaya. Ironically, as with most museums, the IHC is free only to Singaporeans and
Singapura: The Musical
The Deep Over 40 rare deep sea creatures in perfectly preserved crystalline forms will be on display in Southeast Asia for the first time, along with images of sea fauna, living fossils and other rare creatures, many photographed for the very first time. More details here. Jun 6-Oct 18. ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8826. www.marinabaysands. com/museum/the-deep.html.
ART Kim Joon and Hosook Kang A double bill of two noteworthy Korean artists: Kim Joon does in-your-face, graphic digital prints filled with pop culture symbols and tattoos, while Hosook Kang has a painterly approach, creating flower- and sunburst-like abstract layers of paint. Through May 31. Sundaram Tagore Gallery, #01-05 Gillman Barracks, 5 Lock Rd., 6694 3378, www.sundaramtagore.com. Free. Looping Loopholes A group exhibition by three Indonesian artists with all-video and sound works, it aims to give viewers the experience of being in a never-ending “looping loophole”. Through Jun 15. Yeo Workshop, #0101 Gillman Barracks, 1 Lock Rd., 6734-5168, www. yeoworkshop.com. Free. Leading Ladies: Women Making a Difference This exhibition pays tribute to female leaders. Women include missionaries who set up schools and medical and social services, as well as those who formed the Chinese Ladies Association, the very first women’s organization in Singapore. Through Jun 21. National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd., 6332-3659., www.nationalmuseum.sg. Free. Smile Singapore-based British photographer Richard Kearns’ solo exhibition features stills captured from live streaming websites and CCTV cameras, collaged together with emoticons. Through Aug 24. German Centre, #05-108, 25 International Business Park, 65628020, www.reddotcreativity.com. Free. After Utopia Featuring Asian works from Singapore Art Museum‘s permanent collection, private collections and new commissions, there are four chapters to this exhibition. It includes garden imagery, utopian urban planning and how societies strive to achieve utopia. Through Oct 18. Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Rd., 63323222, www.singaporeartmuseum.sg. Free.
HAPPENINGS
sports National Vertical Marathon Organized by NTU Sports Club, the National Vertical Marathon has participants climbing up 63 storeys—your quads will definitely feel the burn the day after. May 24. One Raffles Place, 1 Raffles Place, www.nvm. ntusportsclub.sg. $20-30. No Frills Run This is one running event where you don‘t have to be all kitted out in the latest shoes and gadgets, and on top of that, it has reasonable registration fees. You can sign up for the 5km or 10km run (or both) which covers the Marina Promenade and the Singapore Flyer. Jun 7, 6:30am. Kallang Riverside Park, Stadium Link, www.nofrillsrun.blogspot.sg. $12-29.
festival Art After Dark x Singapore Open Media Art Festival Gillman Barracks gears up for another edition of art after dark that‘s held in conjunction with the Singapore Open Media Art Festival. This time round, the three-day festival celebrates 40 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Korean and includes media installations, new shows, extended opening hours and performances by Chicks on Speed and DJ group Attagirl. May 29-31. Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Rd. Free.
fairs Mini (Red) Farmers Market Unlike your typical farmers’ market, this one has an allred theme. Expect to see all sorts of red foods ranging from exotic Colombian chili and coffee to Hungarian sausages. You’ll also get to sample plenty of wines and jams, all red, of course. May 23, 11am. APS Lifestyle Gallery, 9 Muthuraman Chetty Rd. Free.
Website of the Year MPAS 2015
S I N G A P O R E ’ S H OTT E ST L I F E ST Y L E N E W S
SG PICK
Marantau This historical exhibition provides insight into the subethnic group of Minangkabau people who left their home in West Sumatra and traveled to cities across the region. Notable personalities include Yusof Ishak, Singapore’s first President. Through Sep 13. Malay Heritage Centre, 85 Sultan Gate, 6391-0450, www. malayheritage.org.sg. Free.
This musical about Singapore’s struggles preindependence in the ‘50s and ‘60s provides a peek into the lives of ordinary people during trying times, set against musical numbers. It features an internatioanl cast. Through Jun 28. Capitol Theatre, Capitol Building, 11 Stamford Rd., 6602-9900, www.singapurathemusical.com. $65175 from Sistic.
PRs. So Indian nationals and other foreigners will sadly pay $4 from June onwards.
Darker Than Wax x RDIO present: DTW Label Showcase feat. GO YAMA Local label Darker Than Wax teams up with RDIO to bring Japanese-American musician Go Yama, a jazz guitarist. Expect to hear groovy remixes of Fly Lo. May 22, 10pm. Koi Brunch + Beats, 3/F 8B Circular Rd., 9790-7535. Free.
SG PICK
The Local People #T8DECK Art Market The Local People are turning one and this time, they’ll be setting up shop in DECK’s art space. The market will feature vendors like TwoMen Bagel House, The Lab SG and bratwurst and burger specialty store The Brat. There will also be music by Jaime Wong and DJ Rockafelr, as well as art vendors like SSEK and The Weekend Warrior. May 30. DECK, 120A Prinsep St., 6734-6578, www.thelocalpeoplesg. com. Free.
charity Bare Your Sole This 2km and 4km walking event is organized by Habitat for Humanity and will have lots of food, musical performances and activities like flying fox and rock-climbing walls to try your hand at. May 30, 8am. Palawan Beach, Palawan Beach Walk, www.bareyoursole.org.sg. $22-120.
outings ArtScience Late This month’s edition of ArtScience Museum’s after-hours event brings Chicks on Speed to the stage. They’ll be collaborating with Malvina Tan, Dinu Bodiciu and Zul Mahmod for a mix of video, choreography and music showcase. There will also be short films shown on the night. Jun 4, 7pm. 4/F Expression Gallery, ArtScience Museum, 10 Bayfront Ave., www.marinabaysands.com/ArtScienceMuseum. Free.
Zouk 24th Anniversary You know you‘re getting old when Zouk turns 24. This year, they‘ll be turning the megaclub into a huge playground with tons of colors, mascots and, of course, great music by District 0, Hong and Matthew. May 22, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub.com. $28-33.
RBMA x Feedback Asia presents Nosaj Thing It‘s been six years since Nosaj Thing took the DJ scene by storm. This time they‘ll be rebooting their signature sound of funky swing and booming space-y sounds with Whoarei and Chicago rapper Chance the Rapper. Jun 6, 8pm. Kyo, #B1-02 Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil St., 6225-6001, www.clubkyo.com. $30-50 from Peatix.
SG PICK
Gillman Barracks’ History and Heritage Tour Made of 18 galleries, this art enclave has added a new hourlong tour that takes you back to the days when it was still a British military base. Led by docents from Friends of the Museum, there are also interesting bits about Singapore’s military history. Jun 6. 9 Lock Rd., www.gillmanbarracks.com/ tours. Free.
NIGHTLIFE Road to Shipsomnia Shipsomnia is a crazy five-day music festival on a boat... in Januay 2016. But leading up to that are a series of preparty events, starting with this one with British DJ Stanton Warriors and his remixes of underground house and abstract hip hop music. Plus, you could win a free cabin while you‘re out partying. May 22, 9pm. Kyo, #B1-02 Keck Seng Tower, 133 Cecil St., 6225-6001, www.clubkyo. com. $20-25.
Zouk x Grey Goose presents Zouk Soundsystem with Dirty South Serbian-Australian DJ Dirty South, aka Dragan Roganovic, needs no introduction. The two-time Grammy-nominated producer and DJ will spin hits from his latest album With You. Plus, he‘ll no doubt be playing hits like “Eyes Wide Open” and “Walking Alone”. May 23, 10pm. Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988, www.zoukclub.com. $28-33.
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
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now NEIGHBORHOOD GUIDE 3 all-new reasons to head down to the Singapore River
to take her vows, she uncovers a secret about her family during the Nazi occupation. May 30, 8:30pm. The Projector, 5/F Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Rd., www.theprojector.sg. $13.
FILM
indie screenings
movie highlights
SG PICK
Spy Melissa McCarthy provides more comic relief as a shy and desk bound CIA analyst who is tasked to recover a field agent in trouble. She uses farfetched false identities and James Bond-esque gadgets to make her way through Europe. Opens May 21 A Royal Night Out As peace extends across Europe in 1945, Princesses Elizabeth and Margaret join in the celebrations and a night full of danger, excitement and blossoming romances. Stars Rupert Everett and Emily Watson. Opens May 2
100 Years of Mexican Cinema The Mexican embassy brings 12 Mexican films to commemorate four decades of MexicanSingapore relations. From thrillers to historical dramas, films showing include Love’s a B*tch (May 24) Alejandro Gonzalez Innaritu’s anthology of three tales exploring the essence of human cruelty in Mexico City. Through May 24. The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Ln., www. theartshouse.sg. Free.
Refuge
Rewind/Remind The Singapore Memory Project branches out with its first film festival. A series of short films produced by recipients of the irememberSG Fund will be showing alongside Royston Tan’s latest movie, Old Friends. May 24, 7:30pm. 11/F Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, National Library Building, 100 Victoria St., www.nlb.gov.sg. Free. Mad Max We’re not talking about the new reboot. This one’s the 1979 original starring Mel Gibson as an officer who goes on a personal vendetta against a gang when his wife and son are murdered in a futuristic and dystopian Australia. May 23, 9pm. The Projector, 5/F Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Rd., www. theprojector.sg. Pay as you please.
Sol 60
McGettigans
Circular Road is heating up again The wildly popular The Vault moved out, but the people behind it have opened Refuge (79A/B Circular Rd., 9772-3953, www.facebook.com/refugesg), a soul and hip hop club-bar occupying a three-story shophouse. Get your feet wet on Saturday nights at Represent, featuring DJs Titus and Big Mike for old and new school hip hop beats. Ladies also get a special night, Respect, with free flow vodka drinks from 10pm-1:30am on Wednesdays. Down the road is Gong (25 Circular Rd., 8393-2216, www.gong.sg), a music-heavy lounge. Here, you’ll find tapas and a wide selection of standard drinks. There’s also new craft beer bar and Southern Californian comfort food joint, Draft & Craft (31 Circular Rd., 6532-0604, www.draftandcraft.sg), with a rotating list of craft beers on tap and by the bottle, look out for breweries like Anderson Valley, Stone and Rogue. Clarke Quay is no longer just for night owls This notorious party zone is no longer all about after-hours fun. Adding to the mix is New York pizza joint, Motorino (#01-01 Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Rd., 6334-4968, www.motorinopizza.com), serving up Neapolitan-style pizzas with gourmet ingredients like clams and oreganata butter. The casual space also does happy hour from 4-7pm with beers starting at $10. Taking over the space of Royal Selangor and Vintry Wine Bar is a new Irish bar, McGettigans (#01-01C Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Rd., 6694-6911, www.mcgettigans.com). It deviates from traditional Irish pubs with a bright and modern space with traditional touches. You still get to watch sports screenings and live bands, all while downing some pints. Plus, we’ve heard that Harry’s is opening an outlet at Clarke Quay, with an all-new menu and a chic look. More on that soon. Robertson Quay’s chill new digs Mexican restaurant Lucha Loco has expanded with Super Loco (#01-13 The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay, 6235-8900, www.super-loco.com), a more casual and street food version of their Duxton flagship. You’ll find plenty of tacos and light bites on the menu, as well as a sizable list of drinks that are twists on Mexican classics like margaritas. More recently, Thai restaurant Soi 60 (#01-04 The Quayside, 60 Robertson Quay, 6635-6675, www. soi60.com.sg) has just revamped its menu. On offer are Thai street food-inspired dishes like prawn pad thai, caramelized pork belly and coconut chicken salad. The interiors of the restaurant also got a vibrant dose of color with new artwork lining the walls. Letitia Tandean
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Sandcastle Brand consultancy Flamingo gets in on the film scene with local director Boo Junfeng’s Cannes-lauded film, Sandcastle, a coming-of-age story about a young man, En, as he embarks on a journey to discover his family’s background and national history. May 27. The Working Capitol, 1A Keong Saik Rd. Free. Ida Directed by Pawel Pawlikowski, this Academy Best Foreign award-winning film revolves around a young nun in post-World War 1960s Poland. As she is about
San Andreas When the infamous faultline gives, it triggers a magnitude nine earthquake that shakes California. Search and rescue helicopter pilot (Dwayne Johnson) makes his way to San Francisco to save his daughter. Opens May 28 Aloha Bradley Cooper plays a celebrated military contractor who has reconnected with his past flame played by Rachel McAdamas. Things get complicated when he also falls in love with an Air Force watchdog (Emma Stone). Also stars Bill Murray and John Krasinki. Opens Jun 4 Entourage The TV show makes it to the silver screen. Adrian Grenier resumes his role as movie star Vincent Chase who navigates around cutthroat Hollywood with his boys, Eric (Kevin Connolly), Turtle (Jerry Ferrara) and Ari Gold (Jeremy Piven). Opens Jun 4
SG PICK
Faeryville Made by local director Merwyn Tong, the film follows transfer student Laer as he joins an outcast clique and inspires them to act out on their youthful idealism. All-out anarchy ensues when the pranksters fight back with stink bombs and homemade explosives. Opens May 26
NEWS FROM SGNOW.SG
MDA approves an all-male production of A Clockwork Orange A British production of A Clockwork Orange is coming to the Esplanade on Nov 4-8. There are several reasons you should care. The first is that the Kubrick film adaptation of the dystopian teen novella was banned for over 30 years in Singapore. The film ran uncut at a film festival when the ban was lifted in 2011. The second reason is that it’s a genuinely exciting production. It has had a sell-out run in SoHo and involves an all-male cast (led by female director Alexandra Spencer-Jones). So expect lots of shirtless men and “a playtime of orgiastic ultraviolence and sexuality.” After a year of review,
A Clockwork Orange
the production got an R18 rating from the MDA. We asked ABA Productions, the company bringing the show to Singapore, just how much has been cut to make A Clockwork Orange possible. Associate Producer Heather Riley says, “The cuts are about 15 seconds, and
the show lasts for an hour and half. They are minor modifications to ensure that any minority groups will not be offended locally.” More info at www.facebook.com/ ABASingapore. Website of the Year MPAS 2015
S I N G A P O R E ’ S H OTT E ST L I F E ST Y L E N E W S
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
The latest openings and hottest trends in Singapore
island
MARKET Make or Break Support local businesses this weekend by heading down to Makers Bazaar (May 23, 1-7pm. 10 Square @ Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Rd.). There will be local craft brands selling their wares with everything from handmade wooden-wick soy wax candles by Sally’s Room, organic small-batch skincare line Frank (www.frankskincare.com), wabisabi-esque lamps and home decor by Half Half. Bjorn Shen’s new popsicle shop Neh Neh Pop will also be there.
NEW GYM Get a Move On
At the somewhat sterile Biopolis area near Buona Vista, there are the stirrings of some fun fitness options, starting with the new Move to Live (8A Biomedical Grove, #01-20 Immunos Buildings, 6464-2018, www. movetolive.com.sg). The gym focuses on three types of classes: Muay Thai, yoga and circuit training. There are good opening deals on at the moment, like 10 classes for $238 (with a free class thrown in) and a one week unlimited trial for $49.
NEW SHOP On the Right Foot
Club Street recently got a brand new men’s multi-label shoe boutique. The Blind Cobbler (98 Club St., 6225-7463, www.blindcobbler.com) is an elegant, three-story space above the Beaujolais wine shop, with lots of straight lines, rough-hewn wooden surfaces and a restrained display of footwear by fancy British brands. It stocks loafers, brogues and suede boots by the likes of Hudson, Grenson and SWEAR. Shoes range from $295-625.
FASHION Local Labels
Two new Singapore fashion labels are putting out their debut collections. Co-founder of Love, Bonito and fashion blogger Velda Tan recently launched her collection Collate the Label (www.collatethelabel.com) at Singapore Fashion Week and it’s full of peplum midi dresses, wide-leg pants and other stylish office wear for women. On the casual menswear front is new brand Faculty (www.faculty.com.sg), by President’s Design Award recipient Larry Peh, who sources Japanese fabrics to produce chinos, denim and shirts. The new collection is available online and at K+ from Jun 5.
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
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island FITNESS
FIT PHONE
Super Charged
Get in shape with these mobile apps
Four gadgets to spice up your workout. By Kanin Srimaneekulroj
Nintendo Wii U Price: $479 (console), $39.90 (Wii Fit U game, fit meter) Elevator Pitch: Motion-control-supported gaming console with various peripheral attachments that offer an interactive gaming and exercise experience.
Runtastic Speed and Cadence Sensor
For: Home workouts
Price: $159
Why: You need to buy the necessary fitness peripherals in a separate package from the console, but with a working pedometer, activity tracker, virtual fitness trainer and tons of customizable fitness games, the whole package does add an engaging element to your workout sessions—not to mention the added benefit of having a gaming console for when you’ve cooled down after.
Elevator Pitch: A sensor that records bicycling information such as speed, cadence and distance traveled. For: Cyclists Why: Regular cyclists who are looking to get serious about their fitness should definitely check out the Runtastic Sensor. Easy enough to install, the device gathers information about your ride automatically, then displays that information along with stats like heart rate and calories burned through a smartphone app. You can use that information to better evaluate the effectiveness of your regimen.
ARGUS (Free) This app transforms your iOS smartphone into an activity tracker, using GPS to determine what activity you are doing. Additional information such as workout routines or hydration levels can also be manually entered. Keep in mind that unless you have an iPhone 5s or 6—which has a built-in M7 motion processor—the app could drain your batteries pretty quickly. Available for iOS.
Available at: GameMartz, #05-24 Funan DigitaLife Mall, 109 North Bridge Rd., 6336-0217, www.shopitree.com
Available at: www.singaporesmartwatch.com PACT (Free) If you can’t find the motivation to work out, try making things a little more interesting with Pact. The app lets you wager real money on whether or not you are going to stick to your workout plans. Fall short and you lose the money. Hit or exceed your goals, however, and the app will reward you with money from slacking users. Available for iOS and Android.
Fitbit One Price: $129 Elevator Pitch: All-in-one activity tracker that keeps record of every action you take during the day. For: Joggers/time-constrained exercisers Why: No larger than a flash drive, the Fitbit One is an all-inclusive activity tracker capable of tracking and logging information such as distance traveled, stairs climbed, calories eaten and even hours slept. The information gathered can then be viewed via the Fitbit web or mobile app. You can even get some added benefits from the product via its integration with other Fitbit devices, such as the Fitbit Aria scale, to keep even more detailed information on your workout sessions, like blood pressure and glucose levels. Available at: Challenger, #06-00 Funan DigitaLife Mall, 109 North Bridge Rd., 6339-9008, www.challenger.com.sg
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
Finis Neptune MP3 Player Price: $299 Elevator Pitch: 4GB-storage, waterproof MP3 player that clips to your goggles running off an eight-hour-per-charge lithium-ion battery. For: Swimmers Why: Made almost exclusively for underwater use through “bone conduction” technology, the Finis Neptune MP3 applies small vibrations to your cheekbones to transmit sound directly into your inner ear, producing excellent sound quality underwater. This means the headphones won’t be as good out of water, though they should really come in handy for frequent swimmers. Available at: Axtro Sports, #02-01 Peninsula Shopping Centre, 3 Coleman St., 6323-9268, www.axtrosports.com
ZOMBIES, RUN! ($4.98) This adventure requires you to actually run in order to play. As you listen to the story through your earbuds, you have to keep running in order to complete missions in the game. While admittedly a little silly, nothing motivates you to run quite like a zombie apocalypse. Available for iOS and Android.
island
Blueprint
FASHION
Style Notes
Kapok
8 local designers tell us about fun new trends, their go-to places to shop in Singapore and their favorite cult labels. By Joyce See Keepers
S
ingapore Fashion Week may be over, but the Great Singapore Sale has only just begun. Rather than list all the wonderful sales—way too many to mention—we’re arming you with expert advice and style inspiration before your next shopping spree.
Leroy Zhang Who: Founder and designer at minimalist watch label Hypergrand (www.hypergrand.com). Latest fashion trend: High-brow street wear is set to replace the dapper look. It’s a smart-casual getup that can take the form of tailored jogger pants, mid high top sneakers and printed shirts. Favorite place to shop: I found a few underground labels at the revamped Robinsons (www.robinsons. com.sg). There’s Shades of Grey by Michah Cohen and Gsus Sindustries; I also like Publish Brand’s versatile pieces that can be found in SUP along Haji Lane.
Yuki Mitsuyasu Who: Founder and designer at jewelry brand Yuki Mitsuyasu (www. yukimitsuyasu.com). Latest fashion trend: Pairing dungarees with a pair of jeans. Favorite place to shop: I love Granny’s Day Out (#03-25 Peninsula Shopping Centre, 6336-9774, www. grannysdayout.com) for their vintage clothes and I also shop local and independent labels at the annual Blueprint Emporium (www.blueprint.sg).
Lionel Low Who: Founder and designer at egdy womenswear label Lionelow (www. instagram.com/lionelow_label). Latest fashion trend: Futurism is slowly merging together with classic baroque prints. Neither are new styles but it’s being translated in an ultra-modern way. Favorite places to shop: Thrift stores like Song & Song (#01-101 442 Clementi Ave., 6778-3165) have good deals at single digit prices. I also shop local labels like WSDM and Mils.
Superspace
Sven Tan
Who: Co-founder and designer at In Good Company (www.ingoodcompany.asia), who are known for its fun office staples.
Favorite underground label: My all-time favorite is menswear brand Carol Christian Poell (www. carolchristianpoell.com). I love his progressive aesthetic. The cut and workmanship is amazing. Favorite place to shop: I like the fine knits and shirts at COS and I go to Club Monaco for more casual, relaxed pieces. I also like Kapok (#01-05 National Design Centre, 111 Middle Rd, www.ka-pok.com)—they have an interesting selection of brands and merchandise. There’s always a sense of surprise and discovery when I visit.
Goh Ling Ling Who: Founder and designer of bag label Ling Wu (www.lingwu.sg). Latest fashion trend: Definitely denim, I think it’s such a modern fabric. I love Jane Birkin’s classic getup of denim and white shirt; it’s just so effortlessly chic and sexy. Favorite place to shop: I love the Keepers pop-up at Orchard. It’s a great place to shop local designers.
Daniela Monasterios Tan Who: Co-founder and designer at offbeat streetwear label Mash-Up (www.mashupcollective.com). Latest fashion trend: Things seem to be going softer and fresher with pastels, softer silhouettes and incorporation of sportswear. Favorite place to shop: I love going through cult labels at Superspace (#02-18 Orchard Gateway, 6702-6522), and I also buy from other local designers like Elohim and Quainthood.
Granny’s Day Out
Danelle Woo Who: Founder and designer at Aijek (www.aijek.com), who are known for their classic, feminine pieces. Latest fashion trend: There is a variety of cotton eyelet, laces and crochet in my latest collection, and they pair well with cut-off shorts. Favorite underground labels: I love Scotch & Soda’s (#B1-31 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 6734-4300) offduty looks.
Chiang Xiaojun Who: Founder and designer at pleatfocued apparel and homeware label Pleatation (www.pleatation.com). Latest fashion trend: I’m in love with those elegant yet funky ear cuffs that really add a great finishing touch to almost all outfits and are suitable for different styles. Favorite place to shop: I love Bugis Street and also venturing into the heartlands in search of great buys. It’s really exciting to find cheap buys and adding them to your outfit to make them look like they’re worth more than they actually are.
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
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eats
The inside scoop on Singapore’s drink and dining scene
BURGERS Where the Wild Things Are The Botanic Gardens isn’t all about greens. Wildfire Kitchen + Bar (26 Evans Rd., 6734-2080, www.wildfire. com.sg) brings meaty burgers, hot dogs and a big list of craft beers to the mix. There is the obligatory industrial decor, and the menu is full of hefty creations like the Triple Bacon ($19) stuffed with a bacon weave, bacon jam, beer caramelized onions and baconnaise sauce, as well as The Works ($23), a too-big-to-fit burger loaded with bacon, rosti, parmesan, onion rings, a fried egg, caramelized onions and guacamole. Beer-wise, there are bottles (from $11) from breweries like Deschutes and Italy’s La Birra del Borgo.
LOCAL Hip and Homey
If you think Tiong Bahru is all about hipster cafés and cooler-than-thou shops, there’s a new restaurant on the block that brings it back home. House of Peranakan Petit (42 Eng Hoon St., 6222-1719, www.houseofperanakan.com. sg) is a modern Peranakan restaurant with a menu full of homey classics like itek tim soup ($10), ngoh hiang ($12), otak otak ($12) and their house specialty, babi assam ($16) made with sour plum and beanpaste. An offshoot of Katong classic, Peranakan Inn, this 30-seater family-run joint is as Nyonya as it gets.
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
HOT SPOT Inner Piece
The sister restaurant of Ann Siang Hill’s Lolla, Lollapalooza (The Working Capitol, 1A Keong Saik Rd., 6221-3538, www. lollapalooza.sg) is a small plates open-concept restaurant with lots of offal, or innards, on the menu. Decked out in light wooden tones and an open kitchen, the industriallooking space has a daily changing menu of dishes like pork rillettes ($18), crab and grilled avocado salad ($28) and more adventurous eats like lamb hearts ($18), crispy pig’s ears ($21) and beef in escargot stew ($48).
PIZZA The Marketplace
While the Capitol Piazza gears up for a full launch, some places are already open. Spizza Mercato (#B2-52 Capitol Piazza, 13 Stamford Rd., 6702-1835, www.spizza.sg) is the gourmet pizza brand’s latest outlet and this time, it’s reinvented the wheel with a dedicated retail section peddling wares like wooden pizza boards to kitchen accessories. On the menu are their signature pizzas like Pamela ($20) with mozzarella, mushrooms and ham, as well as sides like beef carpaccio ($13.50) and hearty pasta dishes like ravioli ($18) with ricotta and spinach.
eats
Sorrel
TASTE TREK
In the Ayer The hottest foodie destination right now is the area around Telok Ayer MRT. By Letitia Tandean Sum Yi Tai
Sugarhall
FYR Cycene Ond Drink
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ith some seriously cool shophouses, the three roads around Telok Ayer MRT has become a legit dining destination with hip eateries sharing the space with mom-and-pop stalls and bars located next to Korean barbecue joints. Here are the latest batch of restaurants to check out in Telok Ayer, Amoy and Boon Tat.
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Meat Smith
One of the first restaurants in Singapore to focus on smoked briskets, this casual American smokehouse is packed to the brim on most nights. The menu is full of carnivorous options like wagyu beef ribs ($48), pulled pork sandwiches ($10) and fried chicken sandwiches ($8), but don’t leave without trying picklebacks, which are whiskey shots with pickle brine. 167 Telok Ayer St., 6221-2262, www.meatsmith.com.sg
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Sorrel
This bistronomy concept restaurant made waves earlier this year with its degustationbased menu. Pick from five- ($88) or sevencourse ($118) dinners that gets small tweaks on a daily basis and bigger updates every two weeks or so. Everything here is plated pretty small, so you won’t have trouble getting through the conceptual creations like langoustines with egg yolk ravioli and monkfish liver custard with fennel and pickled cherries. 21 Boon Tat St., 6221-1911, www.sorrel.sg
Spiffy Dapper
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Sugarhall
Having just celebrated their first anniversary, this rum bar and grill is here to stay. While they’ve got Japanese techniques behind the bar, the menu’s all about tropical Caribbean fun. Drinks include a rendition of the Negroni ($22) made with rum, velvet falernum and Mancino rosso, but they’ve now got a Berry’s 17-year-old Caroni rum ($240/bottle) bottled specially for the place. 102 Amoy St., 6222-9102, www.sugarhall.sg
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This once ramshackle cocktail bar isn’t new to the scene, but it is new to the street. After moving out of their Boat Quay digs, they now boast a much larger space on Amoy Street. Old fans prepare for a surreal experience, with all the copper touches, proper bar seats and a dedicated herb ledge. The place still serves up the same great cocktails (from $20) in the raucous atmosphere you’d expect. 2/F 73A Amoy St., 8233-9810, www.spiffydapper.com
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This 1980s Hong Kong-inspired shophouse space does Chinese tapas like carrot cake ($12), maple honey-glaze char siew ($12) and shrimp paste chicken wings, or har cheong kai ($10). It’s a little reminiscent of glam Oriental opium dens but the rooftop bar is perfect for breezy after-work drinks. 25 Boon Tat St., 6221-3665, www.facebook.com/sumyitaidragons
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With huge murals full of cavemen and how they found fire, the menu focuses on Jospergrilled dishes with Southeast Asian spices. Think ribeye with Java curry dressing ($32), red snapper with sambal belacan ($25) and platters of five-spiced chicken, striploin and tiger prawns ($55). The long space with a small street-side patio is great for after-work drinks, too. 19 Boon Tat St., 6221-3703, www.facebook.com/FYRBTS
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Hungry? Your guide to some 200 affordable eats, hidden finds and mid-range gems all across Singapore.
Your ultimate guide to 200 fun and fabulous eateries around singapore—from brunch places to late-night hot spots
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NEW RESTAURANT Neon Pigeon The buzz: The much-awaited modern izakaya is here and serving Japanese small plates with an edgier twist. The vibe: There’s nothing precious about this industrial concreteand-wood, faux-grungy space that features huge grafitti murals of technicolored pigeons donning headphones. The crowd is brimming with those in-the-know, beautiful types. The food: It’s all about sharing. Snacks like the chilled cucumber ($8) with crushed chili peanuts and goma are addictive, though the plainer tuna crudo ($16) with a miso dip disappoints. There are still hits like the steamed snapper ($14) jutting out of a piquant ginger-tomato broth and the smoked baby back ribs ($18): so tender you don’t even need a knife. Don’t leave without trying the moreish roasted bone marrow ($18) that comes glistening with crispy fried garlic slices.
The drinks: The spotlight is on the cocktails, craft beers and a special in-house junmai daiginjo sake ($28). Cocktails are priced below $20 (save one stirred creation) and are all refreshing, like the Amagumo ($18) with Plantation dark and white rum, ume honey vinegar and ginger beer. However, the Harajuku Girl ($16) with gin and shiso leaf is tart and lacking balance, at least the last time we tried it. Craft beers include the obligatory Hitachino Nest white ale ($13) and the less ubiquitous Koshihikari echigo ($18). Why you’ll be back: It oozes coolness with the right amount of chatter and is great for people watching, while still being a solid option after-work drinks or full dinner option.
The Working Capitol, 1A Keong Saik Rd., 9123-4567, www.neonpigeonsg.com. LETITIA TANDEAN
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
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Cufflink Club’s Joel Fraser and Christian Hartmann have been hard at work on new restaurant Vasco (42 HongKong St., 8799-7085, www.vascosingapore.com). The South American joint has a Garcia Marquez vibe: leather booths, hanging copper lamps and colorful distressed tiles. On the menu are iconic dishes like empanadas and hearty plates of beef tartare with chimichurri. On the drinks front, there are only South American spirits comprising mezcal, cachaca, rum, pisco and tequila with naughtily named drinks like Cusco Puta with pisco, strawberry, capsicum, chili and lime.
Tart Party After month-long renovations, the flagship fine dining restaurant Les Amis (#02-16 Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Rd., 67332225, www.lesamis.com.sg) is back in action. One of the major highlights from this street-wide sprucing is the group’s new takeaway concept, Tarte by Cheryl Koh (#01-12, 6235-3225). Baked daily by the Les Amis pastry chef, there are tons of sweet treats like mini eclaires, tarts and carolines. Everything is based off French recipes and flavors range from cacao berry with Venezuelan dark chocolate to milk chocolate with crunchy feuilletine and caramel-coated hazelnuts. Plus, you can take the tarts next door to Caveau Bar for your afternoon cuppa.
Tarte by Cheryl Koh
Bittersweet End Famed cocktail bar Bitters & Love known for its locally-inspired bespoke cocktails, like the widely Instagrammed Kaya Toast cocktail, has moved. After two years at its North Canal Road space, tucked behind casual restaurant, Shoebox Canteen, they have relocated to the city’s new foodie destination: Telok Ayer Street (see page 17). Now that they’re moving among other bars and restaurants, you’ll find them in the shophouse at 118 Telok Ayer St.
Nippon Crazy Boat Quay may be the next little Japan. The stretch is now home to Yakiniquest (48 Boat Quay), a zen yakiniku restaurant specializing in omakase-style barbecue with cuts of sirloin and beef tongue. There’s also The Hitsuji Club (65 Circular Rd.), a Hokkaido-style barbecue joint where lamb is the star of the show.
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
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escapes
Holidays, hotels and insider travel news
DESTINATION GUIDE
Back to Batam From rustic fishermen villages to super luxe resorts, here are five reasons why the island is worth another look. By Joyce See Fishermen Village
Batam Montigo Resorts
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It’s easy to get to
A ferry from Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal will get you to Batam’s Nongsapura terminal in 35 minutes— that’s even quicker than, say, traveling from Changi to Jurong. Plus, an all-in round trip ticket will only cost you $46 on Batamfast (www.batamfast.com) and with ferries plying to-and-fro almost every hour between 8am and 8pm, you won’t have to sweat too much over a timing that works.
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It’s equal parts relaxation and adventure
One of the great things about Batam is that even though it’s so close to Singapore, it’s got a completely different vibe and pace of life, making it a great way to disconnect. Check out the charming Fishermen Village along Nongsa Beach. The best way to get there is to get a cab. The 30-minute journey from Batam Center will cost approximately 150,000Rp ($15). There, you can sip on coconuts at a rustic beachfront restaurant while enjoying the cool sea breeze. Alternatively, if you’re up for an adventure, chat to one of the friendly local fishermen and get them to take you out
Otak-otak
on their boat to the nearby Putri island. A return journey costs Rp10,000 ($1). If you’re planning on spending some time on an island, pack some food and a picnic mat as there’s only one restaurant without fixed opening hours on the island.
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There’s cheap seafood
Batam isn’t famous for its cuisine, but there’s still enough going on to satisfy those taste buds. A major draw for Singaporeans is the cheap and fresh seafood. Golden Prawn (Jl. Bengkong Laut, +62 77 8771-7777) always draws a crowd and offers the usual fare from fish and prawns to squid and gong gong at a fraction of what you would pay in Singapore—for example, a kilo of gong gong only costs $6. Locals swear by the seafood restaurants at Piayu Laut. It’s an hour’s drive from Batam Center and is located by a kelong so you know that you’ll be eating the day’s freshest catch. There, you can try Jawa Melayu Seafood Restaurant (Tanjung Piayu Laut), where a half kilo of chili crab will only cost $7. Seafood aside, you can also you can also stock up on tasty local eats like kueh lapis from Batam Layer Cake (Bengkong Laut, Jalan Sumatra No. 1, +62 77 87896364) and otak-otak from Otak-otak (Ruko Palm Spring B3 No. 5, Batam Centre, +62 77 8707-1203).
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You can island hop... on foot
Yes, there are actually attractions worth checking out in Batam and the Barelang Bridge is one of them. It’s made up of six bridges that link three islands: Batam, Rempang and Galang. The most popular bridge is the cable-stayed Tengku Fisabilillah, which is quite an icon in Batam. Unlike Singaporeans who hang out at cafes, locals like hanging out at bridges in Batam so don’t be surprised to find huge crowds. Another prominent attraction is the Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Buddhist Temple (Jl. Bukit Beruntung, Sei Panas, +62 7 7846-2901). It is the biggest temple in Southeast Asia and you’ll find plenty of statues of the Laughing Buddha dotted around its premises.
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There are great places to stay
There are plenty of affordable options to pick from, like Batam View Beach Resort (Jalan Hang Lekir, +62 7 7876-1740, www.batamview.com) and Turi Beach Resort (Jalan Hang Lekiu, +66 7 7876-1080, www.turibeach.com). But if you’re after something fancier, we stayed at Montigo Resorts (Jalan
Hang Lekir, +62 77 8776-8888, www. montigoresorts.com), the island’s first fivestar resort. Each of the resort’s 88 threestory villas come with its own infinity pool overlooking the South China Sea, a large rooftop space and a sizeable bathroom with glass ceilings, allowing plenty of natural light. The villas can sleep up to five people and start at a reasonable $371 per night.
ESSENTIALS GETTING THERE Several ferry terminals in Singapore have rides to Batam, such as HarbourFront Ferry Terminal and Tanah Merah Ferry Terminal, which will take you to either Nongsapura, Batam Center or Sekupang. Several ferry companies offer multiple daily services to and fro, including Batamfast, Sindo Ferry and WaveMaster. All-in return ticket prices typically cost just under $50. CURRENCY $1 = 9500 Rupiah (Rp) VISA Singaporeans do not need a visa to enter the country and can stay up to 30 days.
NEW HOTEL Tokyo Marriott Overview: This new addition to the Marriott family is tucked away in Shinagawa in the south of the Japanese capital and offers impressive views over the city. As well as easy access to the Tokyo-Osaka bullet train terminus, the location’s history makes it a popular wedding spot: there’s even a chapel (“The Sky”) up on the 24th floor. Design: Marriott took over and renovated the old Gotenyama Garden Hotel Laforet in late 2013, and while the building still looks rather sterile, the lush green hilltop setting (the former site of both a shogun’s villa and a 17th-century teahouse), amply makes up for it. Inside, the décor references all that history, as well as Shinagawa’s famous cherry blossoms. The 249 rooms are contemporary businessstyled not boutique, but pretty pleasant all the same.
Rave: Request a south-facing room: the views out across Tokyo Bay toward Haneda Airport are magnificent. Failing that, you can enjoy the same over kaiseki at Nadaman Ryotei, the more formal of the in-house eateries, up on the 26th floor. Closer to earth, the gardens surrounding the hotel make for a neat, uninterrupted 1km running route. And while Marriott’s “Great Room” concept—a hybrid breakfast lounge/bar/meeting space—sounds hifalutin, in fact it brings a welcome casual vibe to what would otherwise be strictly business. Rant: There’s a lot to do around Shinagawa, and the nearby train station makes getting around pretty easy, but you’re still half an hour from the center of town. Price: Rooms start from JPY20,400 ($225)/night, including taxes.
4-7-36 Kitashinagawa, Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo 140-0001, +81 (0) 3 5488-3911, www.tokyo-marriott.com. RIC STOCKFIS
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
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ESCAPE ROUTES with Joyce See
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Holiday Inn Bali Benoa
Amba Taipei Zhongshan
CAMBODIA
swim-up bars) and tons of dining options. From now until Jun 15, 2015, there’s a special opening offer with rooms starting from US$99 ($133) per night.
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We harp on about exotic beaches all the time, but luxe private island resort Song Saa (Koh Ouen, Sihanoukville, +855 2 3686-0360, www.songsaa.com) is especially exciting. Located on the Gulf of Thailand, the 27-villa resort is surrounded by tropical rainforests and white sand. The fishing village-style villas also all come with private pools and WiFi. Plus, the resort’s all-inclusive rates cover all meals, drinks and the use of kayaks, sailing boats and snorkeling gear. Villas start from US$1,177 ($1,528).
MALAYSIA Beach Bus
Getting to Ipoh just got easier, thanks to budget carrier Tigerair’s (www.tigerair. com) new direct flights. This is the first Singapore carrier to fly direct, with the first flight slated for May 29. There will be four weekly flights out of Singapore on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, and the flight time is one hour and 20 minutes. We found return prices for as low as $59.
INDONESIA Eat, Scuba, Love
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On your next trip to Bali, try jetskiing, snorkeling and parasailing at Benoa beach. There is also tons of live seafood—and a new hotel. The new 171-room beachside Holiday Inn Bali Benoa (86 Jalan Pratama, +62 36 1894-7888, www.ihg.com) has four pools (including an infinity pool and two
TAIWAN Art and Apple
There’s no missing this striking 90-room hotel on the hip tree-lined streets of Zhongshan Road. Coated in black paint, the building’s outer walls are decked out with pop art-style murals, as well as urban art installations at entrances and windows. Amba Taipei Zhongshan (57-1 Zhongshand North Rd. Section 2, +886 2 2565-2828, www.amba-hotels.com) also has lots of techie accessories like Xbox consoles, Apple TVs, phone chargers and selfie sticks. There’s an introductory rate for stays until Aug 31, 2015 with rooms starting at TWD2,800 ($121).
JAPAN Spa and Sushi
Foodies will love this Tokyo hotel’s new deal. The luxurious Palace Hotel (111 Marunouchi, +81 3 3211-5211, www. palacehoteltokyo.com), home to bigname restaurants including Michelinstarred Shinji Kanesaka’s sushi restaurant, has launched a Wanderlust Weekend package. It includes a seasonal kaiseki lunch for two, a wine-pairing dinner for two and two 50-minute Vitalizing Signature spa treatments at their Evianendorsed spa. This two-night deal starts at JPY250,000 ($2,329).
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015
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astrology
Week of May 22 © 2015 Rob Brezsny
GEMINI (MAY 21-JUN 20): ”Aha!” is your mantra for the coming weeks, Gemini. Keep it on the tip of your tongue, ready to unleash. This always-ready-to-besurprised-by-inspiration attitude will train you to expect the arrival of wonders and marvels. And that will be an effective way to actually attract wonders and marvels! With “Aha!” as your talisman, all of your wake-up calls will be benevolent, and all of the chaos you encounter—or at least most of it—will be fertile.
CANCER (Jun 21-Jul 22): Do you chronically indulge in feelings of guilt? Do you berate yourself for the wrong turns you made in the past? These behaviors may be sneaky ways of avoiding change. How can you summon enough energy to transform your life if you’re wallowing in regrets? In presenting the possibility that you might be caught in this trap, I want you to know that I’m not sitting in judgment of you. Like you, I’m a Cancerian, and I have periodically gotten bogged down in the very morass I’m warning you against. The bad news is that right now you are especially susceptible to falling under this spell. The good news is that right now you have extra power to break this spell. LEO (Jul 23-Aug 22): In the TV comedy-drama Jane the Virgin, the fictional character known as Rogelio de la Vega is a vain but lovable actor who performs in telenovelas. “I’m very easy to dress,” he tells the wardrobe supervisor of a new show he’ll be working on. “Everything looks good on me. Except for peach. I don’t pop in peach.” What he means is that his charisma doesn’t radiate vividly when he’s wearing peach-colored clothes. Now I want to ask you, Leo: what don’t you pop in? I’m not simply talking about the color of clothes that enable you to shine, but everything else, too. In the coming weeks, it’s crucial that you surround yourself with influences that make you pop. VIRGO (Aug 23-Sep 22): Are you willing to entertain an outlandish possibility? Here’s my vision: you will soon be offered unexpected assistance, either through the machinations of a “guardian angel” or the messy blessings of a shape-shifting spirit. This divine intervention will make it possible for you to demolish a big, bad obstacle you’ve been trying to find a way around. Even if you have trouble believing in the literal factuality of my prophecy, here’s what I suspect: It will at least come true in a metaphorical sense—which is the truest kind of truth of all. LIBRA (Sep 23-Oct 22): “Glory” is the theme song of the film Selma. It’s an anthem about the ongoing struggle for equal rights by African Americans. I want to borrow one of its lines for your use in the coming weeks: “Freedom is like a religion to us.” I think those will be good words for you to live by. Are you part of a group that suffers oppression and injustice? Are you mixed up in a situation that squashes your selfexpression? Are you being squelched by the conditioned habits of your own unconscious mind? It’s high time to rebel. The quest for liberation should be your spiritual calling. SCORPIO (Oct 23-Nov 21): If you’re planning on sneaking into a forbidden zone or getting intimate with an edge-dweller, don’t tell boastful stories about what you’re doing. For now, secrecy is not only sexy, it’s a smart way to keep you safe and effective. Usually I’m fond of you telling the whole truth. But right now I favor a more cautious approach to communication. Until your explorations have progressed, you only discuss them sparingly. As you put your experiments in motion, share on a need-to-know basis. SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22-Dec 21): There are many possible ways to create and manage a close relationship. Here’s one of my favorite models: when two independent, self-responsible souls pledge to help each other activate the best versions of themselves. If you don’t have a partnership like this, the near future will be a favorable time to find one. And if you already do have an intimate alliance in which the two of you
THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID
synergize each other’s quest for individuation, the coming weeks could bring you breathtaking breakthroughs. CAPRICORN (Dec 22-Jan 19): It’s a challenge to drive a car through Canada’s far north. For example, if you want to get from Dawson in the Yukon Territory to Inuvik in the Northwest Territory, you take Dempster Highway. It’s gravel road for the entire 417-mile trip, so the ride is rough. Bring a spare tire and extra gasoline, since there’s just one service station along the way. On the plus side, the scenery is thrilling. The permafrost in the soil makes the trees grow in odd shapes, almost like they’re drunk. You can see caribou, wolverines, lynx, bears and countless birds. Right now, the sun is up 20 hours every day. And the tundra? You’ve never seen anything like it. Even if you don’t make a trip like this, Capricorn, I’m guessing you will soon embark on a metaphorically similar version. With the right attitude and preparation, you will have fun and grow more courageous. AQUARIUS (Jan 20-Feb 18): Aquarian author James Joyce wrote Ulysses, one of the most celebrated and influential novels of the 20th century. The narrative is both experimental and tightly structured. Its chaotic stream-of-consciousness passages are painstakingly crafted. (Anyone who wonders how the astrological sign of Aquarius can be jointly ruled by the rebellious planet Uranus and the disciplinarian planet Saturn need only examine this book for evidence.) Joyce claimed he labored over Ulysses for 2,000 hours. That’s the equivalent of eight hours a day, 350 days a year, for over seven years. Will you ever work that hard and long on a project? If so, now would be an auspicious time to start. PISCES (Feb 19-Mar 20): The English writer and caricaturist Max Beerbohm moved away from his native land when he was 37 years old. He settled in Rapallo, Italy, where he lived for much of the rest of his life. Here’s the twist: When he died at age 83, he had still not learned to speak Italian. For 40 years, he used his native tongue in his foreign home. This is a failing you can’t afford to have in the coming months, Pisces. The old proverb “When in Rome, do as the Romans,” has never been so important for you to observe. ARIES (Mar 21-Apr 19): James McNeil Whistler was an influential painter in the 19th century. He advocated the “art for art’s sake” credo, insisting that the best art doesn’t need to teach or moralize. As far as he was concerned, its most important purpose was to bring forth “glorious harmony” from chaos. But the immediate reason I’m nominating him to be your patron saint for the coming weeks is the stylized signature he created: an elegant butterfly with a long tail that was actually a stinger. I think you’ll thrive by embodying that dual spirit: being graceful, sensitive and harmonious and yet also feisty, piquant and provocative. TAURUS (Apr 20-May 20): Renowned author George Bernard Shaw was secure in his feeling that he did good work. He didn’t need the recognition of others to validate his self-worth. The British Prime Minister offered him a knighthood, but he refused it. When he found out he had been awarded a Nobel Prize for Literature, he wanted to turn it down but his wife convinced him to accept it. The English government also sought to give him the prestigious Order of Merit, but he rejected it, saying, “I have already conferred this order upon myself.” He’s your role model for right now. Congratulate yourself for your success, whether or not anyone else does.
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by Kathy Macleod
kathymacleod.blogspot.com
FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015 SG MAGAZINE
21
last word
Selena Tan
Singapore funnywoman directs, writes and owns local theater company Dream Academy. She just wrapped Kumar Stands Up for Singapore and is already kneedeep in rehearsals for next month’s re-run of Dim Sum Dollies—The History of Singapore Part 1 (Jun 5, see page 11). Here, the vivacious stage performer tells Joyce See about local theater in the ‘90s, forgetting her lines and what she thinks of Kumar. Ever since I was very young, I wanted to be a lawyer. I was influenced by watching things like The Paper Chase and a lot of the courtroom dramas.
different nationality. It’s quite bizarre. There’s one lorong where they’re all in fur coats and they flash you. But they didn’t flash us.
My husband is very funny person and though you couldn’t tell just by looking at him, he comes up with the funny stuff, and I sort of steal from him.
When I was in school, there was no law society to join but there were drama societies, and those took my fancy. I started acting from age 14.
I also spent a few hours as a toilet cleaner, getting ready for [2002 play Ang Tau Mui]. It was at the Holland Village Shopping Center building.
I still get pre-show jitters all the time.
I did eventually become a lawyer. By the time I reached 24 and graduated and was called to the bar, I had been acting and performing for many years. I started doing both at the same time, and it was very tiring.
Over the years, the audiences have grown. More people are coming to the theater now because they want to experience something local.
In the 90s, acting presented more possibilities because it was a new and fresh industry. Companies like Action Theater and Singapore Repertory Theater went from being amateur theater to professional theater. Of course the money was and, even now, is still meager compared to being a lawyer. But at that age, it didn’t matter. When we were researching for [2009 musical] Sing Dollar, there was this whole part about Geylang and the prostitutes there. I was looking for some people to talk to and in my naive thinking, I thought I could just go down and offer to pay a girl her hourly rate and go to a Hotel 81 and ask her questions about her life.
When I produce or direct a show and I sit in the audience, it really strikes a chord with me, seeing people from different walks of life and knowing that they’re willing to put money down to have an evening with you.
Kumar is my favorite local comedian. He really has no filter when he goes up on stage. That’s very laudable considering he was doing stand-up at a time when people could not really speak what was on their minds. people are
More coming to the theater now because they want something local.
We were told off by the pimps and told to get out. I tried another lorong and we discovered that each lorong had a
He always says he’s the minority of the minority and I believe it. There is something heartwarming about that. He has an honesty about him. Sometimes he’s very funny and there are times where he’s not as funny, but I still enjoy those moments.
It’s really tough to [keep the jokes fresh] and it’s getting more difficult because we produce so much every year. It’s never funny in a brainstorming session.
Recently, at Iskandar Ismail’s memorial, I was supposed to perform a song and when it was leading up to my turn, I realized I couldn’t remember the lyrics at all. I had no Internet on my phone because it was at Esplanade Concert Hall and everything was blocked. And I stupidly forgot to bring a hard copy of the lyrics with me because I was so confident. I ran backstage and nobody had the lyrics either. When they called my name, I walked out in a zombielike state and the music started playing and… the words just came out. But it was truly terrifying. I’m not a collector of my past but I remember moments like being on Under One Roof was exciting—it was my first big TV adventure. And my first one-woman show, Selena Exposed!—my friends and family were helping me make props, fold programs and sell tickets. We adopted a baby boy last month. He’s five months old and is called James. I see him after work but he’s usually asleep. But I’ll see him in the mornings. I probably fall quite squarely in the introvertedextrovert category. I enjoy spending time by myself, going out on a dingy and paddling on my own for hours.
SG HEROES Be part of our tribute to the city’s most inspiring individuals. Featuring 50 interviews and profiles covering musicians, filmmakers, creative leaders and more, it’s an opportunity to align your brand with Singapore’s most vibrant personalities. Publication date: End June | Ad booking deadline: June 1 Call 6323-2512 or email sales@asia-city.com.sg
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SG MAGAZINE FRIDAY, MAY 22, 2015