feb 2016
Wearable Superhero
The
Best All-Day
Breakfast Spots
Makeup Looks How To Escape
Negativity
Insta-worthy
“MY classmate
Mother’s Day DIYs Stole My Identity."
Hot List: Ariana Grande, Lee Hi, Meghan Trainor, Fifth Harmony, The 1975, Megan Lee and more! THE OFFICIAL YOUTH MAGAZINE OF 313 @ somerset
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MAY 2016
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ISSUE 329
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www.teenage.com.sg
| $3 (inc GST)
Ed's Note LOVING THIS MONTH:
The past few months have been filled with lots of
change, the biggest of which had me taking on the responsibility of filling Arissa’s incredibly large shoes – metaphorically speaking of course.
With all the hype that’s been given to cushion products, it’s only expected that a blusher product would follow suit. Formulated with Lightflects effects and hyaluronic acid,
Needless to say, it was an honour being able to work
TheFaceShop Hydro Cushion Blush ($21.90, comes in two shades)
with her (and Yi Ying) and she has taught me so much, both about work and in our everyday lives. It’s a
moisturises and brightens skin even after multiple applications, ensuring that your complexion is always flushed with a rosy glow.
bittersweet feeling, but as I’ve learned, change is inevitable – except from the vending machine (lol). I’ll work hard to continue Arissa’s legacy (and of all Teenage editors before us), and I hope you’ll come
on this adventure with me.
With all the superhero-themed movies being released recently, the team thought it’d be apt to
focus on being a superhero this month. No, I’m not referring to donning an actual costume; becoming
a superhero could simply mean doing a good deed, or even learning how to become the best
version of yourself.
I’ve always believed that actions speak louder
than words: we highlight famous celebs who
actually are superheroes in their own right (p. 58). For
those seeking to better themselves, check out our list of self-help books that’ll be sure to turn your life
around (p. 66). We also share wearable superhero
makeup looks inspired by our favourite female comic characters (p. 24), and super cleansers perfect for your skin type (p. 20).
Not forgetting Mother’s Day this month, we share
effortlessly gorgeous DIYs (p. 70) that are pretty on the eyes, but light on the wallet. Plus, a feature on the hottest albums and upcoming music releases (p. 48). The world mightn’t have superheroes with mutant/ superhuman abilities (or is there?), but you’ll find that
being a superhero truly doesn’t take more than the power of being a good person to everyone you meet.
Love,
Johanna
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Your Say Letter of the month Hi Teenage, I’m always looking forward to your magazine as it always entertains me every month. I have been a fan for two years, and Teenage never fails to make me happy. I am also always checking your website and Instagram for the latest updates! Cover Story
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GOING TO
WAR
Send your letters to TEENAGE Magazine, 20 Bedok South Road Singapore 469277 or email to marketing@key-editions.com Please include your name, NRIC no., address, contact no. and email address. This month’s ‘Letter of the Month’ wins a pair of Happy Plugs In-Ear worth $45
OPENING IN THEATRES ON 28 APRIL, CAPTAIN AMERICA: CIVIL WAR HAS THE MOTLEY AVENGERS CREW TEETERING ON THE BRINK OF NO RETURN. IT’S BUSINESS AS USUAL, BUT THIS TIME, THEY’RE DECLARING WAR… ON EACH OTHER. BY JOHANNA TEO
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The Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) is into its 13th film with the upcoming Captain America: Civil War (CACW), and the studio has done a fantastic job of bringing popular Marvel comic book characters like Iron Man, Captain America, and Thor etc., to life. CACW marks the start of phase three – the previous two phases introduced the MCU, its core characters and their explosive battles against both man-made and intergalactic villains. And in CACW, we’ll start to see the unravelling of the original Avengers as Iron Man (Tony Stark) and Captain America (Steve Rogers) come to violent blows over their opposing views on superhuman activity regulations, while a bigger danger to humanity lurks in the shadows.
What are Iron Man and Captain America’s reasons for going to war?
As with most of the MCU instalments, there’s an odd air of suspense: we know the film’s premise and can foresee that impending ‘battle to the end’ scenario. But even with knowledge and references to the comics, we’re still left grasping at straws because there’s no way of accurately predicting the final outcome. As directors Joe and Anthony Russo revealed, “We really did a radical reinterpretation of Captain America in Winter Soldier. We were twice as aggressive in tone and execution on Civil War.”
Which spells out for even more unpredictability and action as the Avengers battle it out. Will there be a death in Civil War like what the rumours are saying? Are Thor and Hulk really sitting this one out? Why is Captain America still trying to defend Bucky Barnes? Here are our four biggest questions – and the team’s guesses to ‘em.
CACW takes place a year after the disastrous events of Avengers: Age of Ultron (AOU). Yet another superheroinvolved incident occurs, resulting in tragic death and chaos for mankind (as usual). Sick of being collateral damage, the rest of the world demands for accountability and control over the Avengers. Ironically, Tony Stark aka Iron Man is all for superhero activity regulation, probably because of the overriding guilt – especially from the consequences of his direct decisions in AOU. But in surprising contrast, military-bred Captain America is against the idea of submitting to authority after becoming increasingly mistrustful due to the events of Winter Soldier. Pair that with his need to shield (lol) childhood friend Bucky Barnes (Winter Soldier) from government hit squads and you’ll have a solid reason for war.
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Is there going to be a death in CACW?
Spoiler alert: If rumours are right, there’ll definitely be a funeral scene in CACW, but for an ageing Agent Peggy Carter (Steve Roger’s WW2 love interest). That’s not to say the film will stop at one death. We’ll go out on a limb here to predict that Captain America’s time won’t be up in CACW yet, but we’re sure he’ll kick the bucket by the time Avengers: Infinity War rolls around. After all, he was shot to death in the comics...
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How will SpiderMan appear, and whose side will he be on?
Our top guesses for the next death would be either War Machine or Hawkeye. The former because he was literally seen unconscious in the movie trailer, and Hawkeye ‘cause he had left the team for his family in AOU, and his return could be a good way to create an even bigger rift for the team should he be killed off. Also, the previous film kept hinting at his death, but it was Quicksilver who literally took the bullet for the team. Perhaps it’s his turn now?
It might’ve been the top-notch spider suit that Iron Man built him, but according to the comics, Peter Parker was a member of Team Stark before shifting his allegiance to Captain America. We’re pretty sure the film isn’t following the original storyline of the Avengers’ fallout being caused by the Superhero Registration Act, in which Parker played a pivotal role due to his secret identity. Which means the current dissension of allowing government control for superhero activity regulation wouldn’t affect Spidey as much upfront.
The last we saw of these Avengers was in AOU, where Hulk had vanished while Thor went back to Asgard after having visions of his friends and family dying. Admittedly, we’re more disappointed at not seeing Hulk – he was taken out of the CACW script because the studio didn’t want to reveal his location after AOU just yet.
Plus, seeing as how crucial Civil War comic characters like Goliath or Ragnorak have yet to appear, it’s probable that Parker will be focused on being Iron Man’s soldier rather than being a deciding factor in the impending chain of events. Nonetheless, we’re sure MCU has big plans for the web-slinger – starting with his solo movie slated for release in 2017.
We also heard that the studio wanted to avoid the scenario of these overpowered heroes taking sides in CACW. “You put these guys in a fight, it’s over quickly,” said the film’s screenwriters Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely. “...You’ve got to choose your roster depending on what kind of fight you want to have.” Looks like we’ll just have to wait for Thor 3: Ragnorak for more demigod/green-skinned monster goodness.
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Where are Hulk and Thor?
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I always save up $3 to buy Teenage, and whenever I buy the magazine, the cover page always attracts me the most. The content of the magazine does help me a lot, and I am very fortunate and grateful to have found out about
Hi Teenage! I have been a subscriber as well as a loyal reader of Teenage for the past five years. It has been my musthave every month ever since then! At first, the section that attracted me was Dear Kelly, where many situations were addressed, such as stress, which was really relevant to me then. This section has helped me through many difficult situations where I felt that it was very hard for me to approach my parents. Not long after, I began to be interested in fashion as well as makeup, and I must say Teenage has been a great help to me! The Lookbook has always given me inspiration for my outfits, and has been helpful in telling me where to get certain pieces! I have also been relying on the makeup recommendations and I have never been disappointed!
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Teenage. I also love the products recommended in the magazine, and I especially love the April issue because of Captain America and Iron Man! This is my first time writing in, and I wanted to thank you for putting Captain America: Civil War on the cover page, as I have been looking forward to the next Captain America movie. This may be my most favourite issue yet! I will definitely recommend Teenage to all my friends and family! Once again, I am thankful to Teenage for being an entertaining part of my life and I will definitely continue reading Teenage! Thanks for the support, Jing Siong! Your letter has been picked as the ‘Letter of the Month’!
Way to go Teenage! Your fan, Jing Siong
Tuckshop
The New Healthy
win!
Eating clean doesn’t have to be boring – make your lunch a lot more fun with these hearty yet wholesome takeaway/ delivery services.
Think salads are merely basic bowls of greens? These gorgeously plated ones from Spinacas are packed with bright-flavoured veggies and topped with decadent portions of meats such as Espresso Pork Loin Ribs ($15), Shiraz Braised Beef Cheeks ($17) and Honey Soy Chicken (from $9). Everything’s unprocessed so their salads are light on carbs, heavy on protein and high in energy, which makes it perfect for even the calorie-conscious carnivores. Their menu selections might be limited, but that’s because they aim to only serve the best meat and topping combos. You can opt to either get your meals delivered (minimum order of $30), or pick it up at their kitchen (no minimum order).
BY CHEW HUI LING
5 x $10
vouchers
To order, visit www.spinacas.com. For more enquiries, drop them an email at retail@spinacas.com.
win!
10 x $10 vouchers
Touted as “one of the best ideas since sliced bread” by an anonymous Grain devotee, this food delivery startup sends gastronomic meals and cold-pressed juices to your doorstep in just a few clicks. What sets Grain apart from the rest is that they maintain an element of surprise with an ever-changing menu – we see Banana Leaf Seafood Rice ($12.95), Chicken in White Wine Stew ($11.95) and Strawberry and Arugula Tabbouleh Salad ($9.95) at the time of print, but you might see new dishes when you’re reading this, you never know. The chefs here take their cuisine very seriously, so you can be sure you’ll always be receiving food at its very best.
Not gonna lie, Maki-San has been keeping us filled with wholesome maki goodness during our overtime nights and we’re huge fans of this create-your-own concept. With over 80 fillings to pick from, this Halal gem allows you to personalise your own Little San ($7.90) and Mega San ($9.90) rolls the way you like it. Or you can go the safer route of their ready-made signature specialties like Salmon Says ($9.90), Keep On Shrimpin’ ($9.90) and Roast N’ Roll ($8.90). Trust us, these are equally good. Besides, who doesn’t love adorable boxes of DIY sushi with pun-tastic names?
To order, visit www.grain.com.sg. For more enquiries, drop them an email at hello@grain.com.sg or a call at 3158 3966.
To order, visit order.rollwithmakisan.com, or their outlets at The Cathay/The Katong. For more enquiries, drop them an email at moshimoshi@rollwithmakisan.com or a call at 6737 8772.
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A colourful take on the traditional Korean lunch box, this Singapore-based eatery serves up a rainbow of freshness in quirky to-go tubs that fit on your palm – it’s basically the local fusion version of Japanese bentos. Despite the seemingly minimal portions, these lunchables are incredibly substantial and stuffed to the brim with flavourpacked ingredients. Whether it’s Kimchi Tofu ($7.90), Cured Salmon ($9.90) or even Beef Bulgogi ($8.90), each DoSiRak meal contains no more than 500 calories so you can indulge without the guilt. Plus it’s super quick to prep: choose your base, pick your veggies, decide on your protein, add the secret sauce, cap your tub and shake it up!
To order, visit the outlet at China Square Central or UE Bizhub East. The online order feature will be made available on www.dosirak.com.sg very soon, so remember to check back!
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Also, Teenage has been providing cafe recommendations, which also helped me as I do not need to put in as much research on a perfect place for a date! Overall, Teenage has been the perfect magazine for me for the past years as it has been such a great help and inspiration. Keep up the good work! Love, Val
Tech
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The Midas Touch By Chew Hui Ling
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Boy, is the OPPO R7s in Gold ($599) a thing of beauty. With a velvety metallic finishing and a stunning arc edge screen, the R7s is snappy, speedy and has a superb all-day battery life. We’ve heard lots of good stuff about this powerhouse, but nothing beats its impressive image quality – thanks to a 13-megapixel rear camera that boasts HD shooting capabilities, and an 8-megapixel front camera that comes with a plethora of beautification features.
Rose gold is the go-to colour right now, but the ASUS ZenBook UX305 in Rose Gold ($1,298) is one that has successfully rocked the trend. Featuring a 12.3mm-thin chassis with an all-aluminium body and diamondcut edges, the award-winning Ultrabook looks ever so elegant with its new colour – great for the style-conscious who doesn’t want to compromise on performance.
The new Happy Plugs Carrera Marble with details in Rose Gold In-Ear ($49) is the stuff of minimalist dreams. The latest addition to the Swedish brand’s popular Unik edition, this chic ear– and eye–candy is a beautiful combo of carrera marble and rose gold, making this the perfect accessory to complement your style. Pro tip: Bust ‘em out when a flat lay opportunity comes by, because these buds photograph beautifully and will score you many hearts on Instagram!
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Photography: Justin Loh / Shining Head Media Styling: Aris Lai, Chew Hui Ling
From classic gold tones to trendy blush pink accents, these metallic gadgets will add a touch of class to your tech collection.
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No one wants to walk around with clunky-looking muffs on their ears – we’re digging the Rubi Listen Up Headphones in Rose Gold/White ($24.95), which offers both sleek looks and decent audio at a budgetfriendly price. You won’t get the same sound quality from its high-end counterparts, but it’ll definitely give you an extra boost of style while you’re rocking out to your favourite jams.
You’ll look forward to running out of juice with the ban.do Back Me Up! Mobile Charger in Petite Party Dots ($59.90, WEEKENDS). Not only does it power up your devices in a pinch, this compact charger doubles as a stylish fashion piece that’s sure to turn heads wherever you go. And the fact that it’s adorned with gold flecks makes it extra cute to tote around – who doesn’t love polka dots?
We’re always on the lookout for great-sounding and great-looking portable speakers, and the Creative Woof 3 in Winter Chrome ($95) conveniently ticks all the boxes. Available in a range of metallic colours inspired by the four seasons, this palm-sized wonder is small enough to blast your tunes on the go, yet big enough to hold a 45mm full range driver and oversized bass radiator for impressive audio output.
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Beauty
kick-ass
Beauty Wearable makeup looks inspired by fierce female superheroes that rule the comic world.
Rogue
Raised by foster mother Mystique, Rogue is a mutant with the ability to absorb memories, strength and even superpowers via physical touch. She later allied with the X-Men and other mutants, and became one of the team’s most recognisable figures.
Nudestix Magnetic Eye Colour Pencil in Gilt, $37 3CE Lip Colour in 601 Deep Kisser, $25 Illamasqua Brow Gel in Stare, $39 chain top, $56.90, topshop
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model: taylor w / ave art direction: johanna teo, aris lai styling: johanna teo
Inspired by:
photo: justin loh / shining head media makeup & hair: gigi sng using urban decay
By johanna teo
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Lookbook
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On Sara (left): Printed sun dress with fringe, $78, Apple rattan sling bag, $59, Beaded skull bracelet, $35, Eye bracelet, $38, Crayon Printed bikini top, $240, Bella Kini Sunglasses, $26, Modparade Flower cuff, $27.60, SSFW On Kate (right): Neon printed vest with fringe, $160, Printed bikini tank, $240, Printed board shorts, $85, Bella Kini Lace bell sleeves blouse, $42, Modparade
Photography: Vicky Andhika Art Direction: Aris Lai, Johanna Teo Styling: Sharon Tan assisted by Jessica Khor Hair & Makeup: Gigi Sng using Urban Decay Models: Kate D / Mannequin, Sara W / Ave
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InTheBag
Superhero In Disguise
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Add these comic-inspired essentials to your geek arsenal!
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1 Printed Cap, $29.90, Pull & Bear 2 Studded Wallet, $43.90, CHARLES & KEITH 3 OK Here’s The Plan A5 Notebook, $19.90, WEEKENDS 4 Joogo Consider How Far You’ve Come Tumblr, $14.90, Naiise 5 Sunglasses, $39.90, H&M 6 Happy Jackson Instant Genius Glasses Case, $24.90, WEEKENDS 7 SNUPPED Comics Filament Shopping Bag, $24.90, Naiise 8 Wonder Aurore iPhone Case, $32.90, Naiise 9 Lug Sole Flatform Sandals, $56.90, CHARLES & KEITH
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Photography: Justin Loh / Shining Head Media Styling: Aris Lai, Chew Hui Ling
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At A Glance
GOT7
The numbers that represent this rapidly rising boy band.
14,000 tickets for their twoday FLY IN SEOUL concert were sold out in less than 3 days.
The amount of followers each member has on Instagram add up to
7.8 million Their music video for ‘Just Right’ has
50 million views, making it their most viewed MV till date
They currently rank on V App’s popularity chart, chalking up a total of million followers and counting
5th
Their music video for ‘Fly’ racked up million views within 24 hours, an admirable feat for the boys!
*All facts accurate at time of print
Photo: Jyp Entertainment / one production
1.4\
1.2
They took their win on a music programme with ‘If You Do’ from their album Mad, 629 days after their debut!
GOT7 will be holding their 1st concert tour FLY across cities, including Singapore on 24 June 2016!
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Celebs
Worth A Spin We Bring you up to speed with the latest albums and upcoming releases.
I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It Three years after their slick debut, The 1975’s back and more audacious than ever with I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It – an ambitious 17-track record that slips from bubbly synths to psychedelic melodies to sentimental ballads. Despite the heavy genre load, we’re glad these
guys didn’t settle with making a forced, slipshod album. There’s rarely a dull moment here, and each track is bumped up even further with Matt Healy’s trademark hard-edged lyricsm which is equal parts brutal and baffling, but always poetic. Sit back, plug in, and let The 1975 do the rest.
#1
‘Somebody Else’
“I’m looking through you, while you’re looking through your phone / And then leaving with someone else” It’s a pity this underrated gem is overshadowed by the album’s earlier entries. ‘Somebody Else’ offers a heartbreakingly realistic take on a break-up song, fast in tempo yet heavy
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in mood as Matt croons about a former love who prioritises her phone (or rather, the person on the other end of the call) over him. Ouch…
#2
‘Love Me’
“You’ve been reading about yourself on a plane, fame for a change / Caught up in fashion, Karcrashian panache, and a bag of bash for passion” Waxing lyrical on the “glaringly obvious superficial elements that surround my life” and “the kind of culture that I feed into”, lead single ‘Love Me’ is Matt’s attempt at condemning fame – while taking a sneaky swipe at the Kardashians. Coincidentally (or not), this groovy earworm somehow bears eerie
Text: Chew Hui Ling, Johanna Teo Photos: Sony Music Singapore, Universal Music Singapore, Warner Music Singapore
The 1975
#3
Lee Hi
SEOULITE Lee Hi’s sophomore effort has been three years in the making, and the finished product certainly speaks volumes of the amount of production value that went into the album. The five-track LP boasts a stunning lineup featuring the likes of Epik High’s Tablo, WINNER’s Mino, Dok2, and even SHINee’s Jonghyun. Complete with the singer’s ethereal vocals and soulful delivery, SEOULITE is one truly impressive record.
similarities to David Bowie’s ‘Fame’. Nonetheless, it’s still a great tune.
#3
‘Nana’
“I got my pen and thought that I’d write / A melody and line for you tonight / I think that’s how I make things feel alright” The title ‘Nana’ would probably hit you as a song about a girl – you’re right about that, only it’s about a beautiful lady very precious to Matt. This strippeddown track pays homage to his late grandmother, with achingly personal lyrics that capture the feeling of denial and regrets. It’s starkly different from The 1975’s usual electro-pop roots, but that’s not a bad thing at all.
#1
‘Breathe’
#2
‘Hold My Hand’
“It’s okay if you’re out of breath / No one will blame you / It’s okay to make mistakes once in a while” We wouldn’t be surprised if ‘Breathe’ was featured as a drama soundtrack. Produced by SHINee’s Jonghyun, this sweeping ballad shows off Lee Hi’s melancholic vocals over piano chords and cinematic strings. Breathtaking (no pun intended), to say the least.
“When we bid goodnight on our last day together / I turned around and only cold tears ran down my face” ‘Hold My Hand’ is traditionally Lee Hi and somewhat reminiscent of ‘1, 2, 3, 4’, featuring splashes of retro doo-wop that brillantly complements her signature jazzy flavour. We were especially in awe of the ’80s-inspired music video, which received a quirky 8-bit treatment that made it extra fun to watch.
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‘Wor ld Tour ’
“Don’t worry if something might be right or wrong / There’s no answer even if you measure it with a ruler” As much as we love ‘Breathe’ and ‘Hold My Hand’, we were admittedly a little bummed out that this didn’t end up as the title track – just imagine the amount of collaborative swag we’d have seen on stage from Lee Hi and WINNER’s Mino. ‘World Tour’ is pop funk at its finest, punctuated with elements of hiphop and R&B to create a hookheavy masterpiece.
Off-The-Charts
Unleash Your Power Nothing like some epic movie soundtracks to make you feel like a superhero.
The Avengers ( 2012 ) Deadpool ( 2016 )
The Amazing Spider-Man ( 2012 )
The Dark Knight ( 2008 )
X-Men: First Class ( 2011 )
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Text: Chew Hui Ling, Sharon Salim
Iron Man 3 ( 2013 )
If you thought the Deadpool movie was crazy, you’ll have yet another wild ride listening to the ridiculous (yet undeniably awesome) soundtrack curated by Tom Holkenberg (aka Junkie XL). It’s an unabashed pomp of unlikely nostalgic jams from the ’90s, featuring the likes of Salt-N-Pepa, Neil Sedaka, and Wham!. Where else can you hear a notoriously sappy song like ‘Careless Whisper’ appearing in an R-rated superhero flick? Only in Deadpool, y’all. We recommend: ‘Shoop’ – Salt-N-Pepa ‘X Gon’ Give It To Ya’ – DMX ‘Careless Whisper’ – George Michael
Is there an even bigger superhero blockbuster than this? We don’t think so. The Avengers is unsurprisingly the highest-grossing film in the Marvel cinematic universe – and it comes accompanied with a solid soundtrack by Alan Silvestri. Just imagine The Avengers’ theme song blasting in the background while Iron Man, Captain America and the rest of the gang assemble for the inevitable battle scene with Loki. Our favourite track though, is ‘A Promise’ which starts out with a sweet guitar melody before surging towards a grittier and more aggressive tone. We recommend: ‘The Avengers’ ‘A Promise’ ‘Helicarrier’
Say what you want about the film, but you have to admit that Iron Man 3 has one of the most iconic action scores ever. Produced by Brian Tyler, it packs a triumphant punch and complements Tony Stark’s journey as Iron Man perfectly. If your life was a movie, this is the kind of music you’d want for your theme song – huge, heroic, and would make even the most mundane task seem a million times more epic. We recommend: ‘Attack on 10880 Malibu Point’ ‘Stark’ ‘Can You Dig It’
While Tobey Maguire’s stint as Spidey will always have a special place in our hearts, The Amazing Spider-Man reboot deserves credit for coming up with such an emotionally-gripping movie score. This goes down in cinematic history as one of James Horner’s greatest works, brilliantly capturing the complexities of Spider-Man’s emotions throughout the film. Plus, it’s a soundtrack we can totally relate to – after all, our webslinging hero’s a normal human being just like the rest of us under his suit.
The 2011 blockbuster is the ultimate adrenaline-pumping playlist, all blaring horns and triumphant orchestra strings that’ll definitely help you to channel your inner badass. As if that wasn’t epic enough, composer Henry Jackman kicks things up a notch by throwing in elements of heavy-metal guitar and electronic beats for a ’60s-inspired spin. Workout tunes, sorted!
All the music in The Dark Knight trilogy was impressive, but nothing beats the original. Composed by Batman Begins collaborators Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard, the score for The Dark Knight is intense, jarring, and every bit as deserving of its Grammy award. We never fail to get jitters whenever Joker shows up with ‘Why So Serious?’ playing in the background. Pro tip: Crank this up during a run, and imagine being in the midst of a death-defying escape – always works.
We recommend: ‘Ben’s Death’ ‘Saving New York’ ‘I Can’t See You Anymore’
We recommend: ‘First Class’ ‘Frankenstein’s Monster’ ‘Magneto’
We recommend: ‘Why So Serious?’ ‘I’m Not A Hero’ ‘You’re Gonna Love Me’
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. READ . SP CH T I A May 2016
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Radar
Beautiful Broken Things by Sara Barnard
Rosie and Caddy are practically inseparable, until new girl Suzanne comes in-between them and the latter starts acting all green-eyed. But here’s the twist: turns out that Rosie’s jealous of Suzanne and Caddy too. While it may come across as a typical story of girl drama, it’s really about friendship, growing up, and dealing with the insecurities of life. We haven’t read a good YA about the love between best friends instead of the usual BGR relationships in forever – and Beautiful Broken Things manages to capture the beauty of it in the most poignant way.
Before I Wake
After the death of their young son, Sean, Jessie (Kate Bosworth) and Mark (Thomas Jane) adopt a new foster child, Cody (Jacob Tremblay). Unbeknownst to them, Cody’s dreams manifest physically while he sleeps, and his frightening nightmares are deadly. Jessie and Mark thus must figure out how to stop Cody’s nightmares before he kills them all. We doubt you’ll be doing much sleeping after watching this horror flick.
Nightfall by Jake Halpern
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May
We hope you’re not afraid of the dark, because that’s exactly what this book is about. A psychological thriller, horror and survival tale rolled into one, Nightfall is set in a postapocalyptic world where it’s 14 years of day, followed by 14 years of night. When darkness falls, the civilians – including protagonist Marin and her twin brother Kana – are forced to retreat to safer land. Just as the ships are about to set sail, their friend Line goes missing, and they’re the only ones who can save him.
Moth Girls by Anne Cassidy
With its unexpected twists and turns, Moth Girls is a thriller surrounding the sudden disappearance of Mandy’s two best friends, Petra and Tina. Laden with guilt, Mandy seeks to find out what happened after they entered a mysterious, dilapidated house and was never seen again. We love how the differing perspectives of the past and present are woven seamlessly into each other with an air of suspense, which kept us on the edge of our seats until the last page.
My New Sassy Girl
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May
Following the events of the first movie (yes, the 2001 rom-com hit), Gyeon-woo (Cha Tae-hyun) has trouble forgetting the sassy Girl. While trying to mend his broken heart, he reunites with his childhood sweetheart (Victoria Song), an elementary school classmate who was teased for having trouble with the Korean language. Despite opposition from both families, they decide to marry. But is it truly happily ever after for the seemingly star-crossed lovers?
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Despite the overload of superhero movies recently, we can’t wait to see the next instalment of the X-Men series. In X-Men: Apocalypse, the first and most powerful mutant, Apocalypse (Oscar Isaac) – who has been revered and worshipped as a god since the dawn of civilization – has been awakened. And he has decided to end all of humanity. The X-Men, led by Charles Xavier (James McAvoy) and Raven (Jennifer Lawrence), must fight and defeat him at all costs.
DAYDREAM - DAY6
Day6 is back with their second mini album, and we love every bit of their six-song collection. Produced by member Young K, the album features songs with a combination of pop, rock, electronic and hip-hop. We particularly love the nostalgic feel of ‘First Time’, a romantic pop-rock track about moving on from a precious love and the poignancy of the rock title track ‘Letting Go’ (perhaps a nod to Junhyeok’s departure?). Daydream is undoubtedly one of the finest comebacks of the season.
X-Men: Apocalypse
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May
Vroom Vroom - Charli XCX
Beautiful Lies - Birdy
Following the critical success of Sucker, Charli XCX returns with her latest pop-electronic work, Vroom Vroom. As one of pop’s most spunky and independent individuals, Charli is known for her bold musical statements and hedonistic, in control attitude which shines through this four-track EP. With its heavy beats and sharp lyrics, Vroom Vroom is an album we’d play to get the party started.
Equals
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May
We have been obsessed with Birdy the minute we heard her haunting cover of ‘Skinny Love’ back in 2011 when she was just 14 years old. Fast forward five years later and we still can’t get enough of her new album, Beautiful Lies. This ethereal and soothing coming-of-age album displays her lyrical genius and polished vocals, transporting listeners into another world – a remarkable effort indeed.
Young and Fabulous
Starring Kristen Stewart and Nicholas Hoult, Equals is a futuristic love story set in a utopian society where all forms of emotion have been eradicated. Silas’ life is turned upside down when a new disease surfaces, causing him to be branded an outcast and discriminated against. However, he is drawn to co-worker Nina, who is also infected and hiding her condition. To ensure survival, the pair must escape the society together.
26
May
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Young and Fabulous is a coming-of-age local film about a friendless, nerdy boy (Jeffery Xu) whose love for cosplay attracts the attention of the school’s most popular girl (Joyce Chu) and a jock (Joshua Tan). The group’s love for cosplay results in unexpected friendships where they lean on each other for support and encouragement while pursuing their dreams.
Textbook
Hello,
positivity Getting negative thoughts out of your head is easier said than done, but these tried-and-true strategies will help you to keep an optimistic attitude no matter what. By Chew Hui Ling
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Instead of:
Instead of:
Instead of:
Feeling conscious about your imperfections
Shying away from celebrating your success
Avoiding social media altogether
Try:
Try:
Seeing your flaws from a positive angle
Bragging about the goodness in your life
Using social media to your advantage
We all have little insecurities that we want to hide from the world, but here’s a little secret: those ‘flaws’ are what makes you beautiful and unique. You have scars because you didn’t give up; you have freckles because you enjoy time in the sun; you have stretch marks because you’ve worked hard in shedding off those pounds. All these physical attributes serve as a reflection of how far you’ve come in life, and none of that has anything to do with your selfworth. Be proud of your quirks!
Yes, there’s such a thing as healthy bragging. Don’t be afraid to celebrate the victories in your life – bragging is a way to appreciate your value and show your gratitude for the hard work you’ve put in, and that is definitely something worth sharing about. Also, keep a close watch for friends who don’t seem genuinely happy for your accomplishments. It’s important to surround yourself with people who can lift you up, not bring you down.
Try:
There’s so much talk about social media being a negative influence on our selfesteem, but a study shows that YouTube actually makes teenagers feel good about themselves – in particular, watching their favourite online personalities. In fact, many of them claimed to have more respect for these self-made stars as compared to Hollywood celebrities, citing their down-toearth personalities and abilities in creating emotional connections with their audience as the main reasons. So go on, knock yourself out with some Zoella or Nigahiga!
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“When something bad happens, you have three choices. You can either let it define you, let it destroy you, or you can let it strengthen you.” – Dr. Seuss
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Instead of:
Instead of:
Instead of:
Instead of:
Instead of:
Dwelling on the worst possible outcomes
Crying over spilt milk
Pushing away compliments
Mulling over what makes you unhappy
Try:
Try:
Try:
Walking around with a frown on your face
Having a good laugh at your mistakes
Accepting compliments with grace
Try:
Writing down things that made you smile
Laughing has a ton of healing properties, including reducing mental tension, relaxing your muscles, and releasing endorphins – all of which will help to ease you into an optimistic mindset. A cognitive trick we’ve picked up over the years is to approach life with humour. Rather than continuously whining about your troubles, try poking a lil’ fun at your blunders. You’ll find that any situation you can laugh at wouldn’t be too bad after all.
Perhaps you might not feel like you deserved it, but by refuting a compliment, you’re not only demeaning yourself – you’re also putting the other party at an awkward position by ‘rejecting’ their kind words. Learn to take it with class and embrace your positive traits. The next time someone compliments you, stop yourself from deflecting it and respond with a short and sweet “thank you” instead.
Looking at the situation objectively Believing in negatively-skewed speculations isn’t only a waste of time – you might even hamper your own progress by clouding your judgement and actions with these unfounded thoughts. And it doesn’t matter even if things don’t work out according to plan. Just formulate your next step and roll with the punches. Stop dreading what could go wrong and let your rational side do the talking. You’ve got this.
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Making a stranger’s day That being said, you should always make it a point to compliment others, too. And it’s not just that – even little acts of kindness like holding the door open for someone, chatting with a lonely elderly on the bus, or helping a pregnant lady with their groceries may help to make a difference in their lives. Perhaps it’ll seem like a small gesture to you, but it might mean a huge deal to them. And as a bonus, you’ll feel so much better having done a good deed.
Try:
Before you go to sleep every night, write down all the amazing things that happened to you each day and pop them into a jar over the course of the next 12 months – doesn’t matter how big or small it is, and review all your memories at the end of the year. We’re huge advocates of the jar method because not only does it serve as a personal diary, it reminds you of the positive things in life and fosters a sense of gratitude. Sounds cheesy, but it works.
Do-It-Yourself
A wood
present
En Block Time taken: 45 mins
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These colour-blocked candleholders will add a nice touch to your home, and definitely please the mums with a love for small knick-knacks. To create the base, wrap painter’s tape around the corners of each block. Paint the exposed areas with your desired colour. You can create a two-toned block by letting the first layer of paint to dry first before painting the other side. Using craft glue, stick two blocks together. Leave to dry, then glue a copper tube on top to secure it as a candleholder.
Photography: Wong Weiliang Craftwork and Art Direction: Neo Aik Sing, Linda Setiono Furniture: Kuhl Home Text: Jolene Limuco Additonal Text: Johanna Teo
Mother’s Day is round the corner. Here are some unique yet effortless DIYs for the best present ever.
Shadow Play Time taken: 30 mins
Sure, a shallow wooden box can be used for displaying photos but here’s a more interesting way to show off your memories. Add screws to the sides of the box, then tie strings across the frame. Frame it up with some soft faux wood strips and use small pegs to clip on mum’s favourite family shots.
Time taken: 30 mins
Hanging Out Here’s an interesting way to display family photos. Paint a round wooden dowel with silver acrylic paint. Once dry, tie each end of a piece of yarn to the dowel, applying super glue to each double knot to secure. At the end of each yarn, stick a wooden ball to the end with superglue. Add on to the present by surprising mum with carefully curated photos of the family’s best memories together.
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Textbook
uper ayings
Words of wisdom from iconic superheroes. By Johanna Teo
It’s not who I am
underneath,
but what I do that
defines me
With great
stumbles and loses their path,
comes great
Just because someone
Power responsibility Uncle Ben
doesn’t mean they can’t
be saved
Professer Charles Xavier, X-Men: First Class
I shouldn’t be alive unless it was
for a reason
I know what I have to do, and
I know it is right
No matter how bad things get something good
is out there Just over the
horizon 76
There is a right and a wrong in the universe And the distinction is not hard to make
Quiz
Are you a
Pushover?
Are you easy game or a force to be reckoned with? Take the quiz to find out. By Marianne Lim
1. A salesman approaches you about a brand new moisturiser, but you’re not interested. You: a) Ignore him and walk away b) Engage in conversation but decline to buy the product
4. Your group member is presenting his proposal for a group assignment when you suddenly think of a great idea. What do you do next? a) Interrupt his presentation and present yours
c) Get suckered into buying a year’s supply of moisturiser
b) Politely sit through the
2. You’re queuing up to buy concert tickets and someone cuts into your line. How do you react? a) Call for security and get
c) Keep quiet and go with
them kicked out
b) Approach them and show them the end of the queue
presentation and wait before you pitch your idea her proposal
5. Your best friend wants to borrow your favourite top. You tell him/her: a) No way! b) Sure, but make sure you don’t ruin it
c) Keep quiet
c) Here, take my jacket too! 3. What’s the first thought that pops into your head when your enemy suddenly starts being nice to you? a) It’s definitely because he wants my extra Justin Bieber concert ticket
b) Hmm… That’s odd c) Maybe we can be BFFs!
6. A restaurant serves you cold pasta, you: a) Complain and demand for a refund
b) Politely tell the waiter and hopes that he’ll replace your meal
c) Unhappily eat your food in silence
Give yourself one point for every A, two points for every B, and three points for every C
Photo: Getty images
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the defiant daredevil
Woah! We have a feisty points fighter on our hands. You’re bold and unafraid of speaking your mind in the face of opposition. However, your headstrong attitude might make you appear selfcentred and over-confrontational. Try giving into others more often; it wouldn’t hurt to do things a little differently. Plus, the world will seem so much more pleasant that way.
10-14
the street smart
Life is all about striking points a balance, and you do it perfectly. You’re always there to help out a friend in need, but you’re smart enough to call out anyone who takes advantage of you. Keep making smart decisions and practise discernment in everything you do. Keep up the good work!
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15-18
The People Pleaser
You love making people points around you happy, but sometimes it’s at your own expense. The word ‘no’ isn’t in your dictionary because you hate disappointing other people. Your friends love your kind heart, but other not-so-friendly souls may take advantage of your trusting nature. Don’t be afraid to stand up for yourself and stick to what you believe in!
DearKelly Dear readers, This month I am going to focus on
adoption. I received a letter from a child who had a devastating meltdown on discovering she was adopted. Refer to Devastated at being adopted in this month’s column.
Adopted children must be assured that they are wanted and loved. They should be told that their adopted parent(s) chose to make the child their own. A conscious decision was made to adopt and cherish the child. Adopted children must understand that great thought went into the decision to adopt. Unfortunately, when the truth is hidden, many adopted children are under the mistaken illusion that there is something to hide; this is not the case. I know someone who adopted twins. She made a fabulous children’s room and the twins wanted for nothing. They were told that they were adopted when they were 10 years old, and the gentle loving way it was done prevented any elements of shock. The boys showered
extra love on their parents, often repeating the words of their parents,
“Mum and dad didn’t just have us, mum and dad chose us.” I want to introduce you readers to my friend, Mah Way Hoe. She was adopted and I asked her if she would share her story with us. “Of course,” she smiled,
“I am proud that I was adopted by a kind, generous, loving mother. Yes, a mother whose memory I cherish even in death.”
Way Hoe said that she knew she was adopted at a very young age, emphasising,
“‘Adopted’ was just a word.” When she understood its meaning, it mattered little because she was already in the care of a “devoted,
gentle mother who was strict, but so caring”. She recalls, “Mummy even put toothpaste on my toothbrush every morning, and hovered over me when I was ill”.
“I had a lovely childhood, I never felt being adopted was anything to be upset about. I was dearly loved and that was all that mattered. I have no wish to meet my biological family as I am happy to be the child of my mother and her clan in China.” Way Hoe went to university, got married and now has a son. Her one fear was that, “One day mummy would die and I’ll be very sad”. When Way Hoe’s mother passed away, she honoured her mother’s wish that her ashes be sent to her ancestral village in China. Once a year, during the Qingming Festival (Tomb-sweeping Day), Way Hoe flies to China and together with members of her mother’s clan, who have embraced her as a member of the family, and they perform the rituals at the gravesite. With great sincerity Way Hoe said, “This is the least I can do – honour the
memory of a mother who gave me the best of everything”.
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What lesson do we take away from this wonderful story? It is irrelevant if you are a biological child of your parents or are adopted.
All that is important is a relationship that revolves around love, caring, affection and loyalty. All this is present in Way Hoe’s life. Indeed Way Hoe is blessed. The pages of Dear Kelly are filled with letters of children being ignored, badly treated, farmed out to relatives, beaten and exposed to the possibility of sexual molestation. These heart-rending letters come from tweens and teens that live with their biological parents. Recently, we highlighted the traumatic case of a 54-year-old mother whose daughter has brought great heartache to the family. And then we have Way Hoe’s story.
Each family is different – what’s important is that respect, honour, commitment and love is present in a family unit. Remember this and whether you are adopted or not matters not at all. I invite readers to share this letter with relatives and friends or anyone interested in the topic of adoption. If you are adopted, I hope you feel better about yourself after reading this month’s Dear readers letter. Always here for you.
Do you have a problem you wish to share? Something to get off your chest? Kelly’s responses take into account age, experience and needs of writers. Those writing in know and seek her tough love, nononsense approach. Readers wanting a different type of response should seek advice elsewhere. Older and more experienced readers knowing the answers to questions need to exercise patience. Not everyone knows what you know. After qualifying as a teacher, Kelly Chopard went on to attend several counselling courses. Over the past 30 years, she has been invited to sit on panels and discussion groups, give talks and has taught modules dealing with youth issues. She counsels primary and secondary school pupils. She also engages in parent-pupil counselling sessions. In the 1970s, she was a member of a People’s Association Team counselling young adults in areas like drugs, smoking and other health and social issues. From 1979 to 1983 she had a counselling column in a local woman’s magazine. Since 1996 she has been responding to Teenage readers in her Dear Kelly column.
important When writing to me through mail, state your Full Name, Age, I.C. No.,Telephone No., Gender and Pseudonym. There is no length restriction. Send your letters to: Dear Kelly, Teenage Magazine, 20 Bedok South Road, Singapore 469277 or via email at:
dearkelly@key-editions.com Letters will be treated with the strictest confidence. I cannot respond to requests for personal responses.
Devastated at being adopted Dear Kelly, I am a 12-year-old girl who recently found out I am adopted. I am very upset. Only you can help me. Please help. [From: So upset]
Kelly: Please read this month’s Dear readers letter. My friend has no problem about being adopted and neither should you. I will be referring to Way Hoe’s letter in answering your letter. Let’s now look at your situation.
Q I look different
– ever since I was a child, I’ve heard comments that I looked different from the rest of the family. I am fair and they have darker skin. As a kid, I did not think about it.
Recently, my classmates asked if I was adopted when they visited my home for Deepavali. Luckily, this was asked after all the guests had left. This was the first time I was faced with this question. I was so upset. I ran to
the study and fell on the floor and cried. This was how my little sister found me and she sat on the floor and asked what the matter was. I howled and she ran for mum. Mum came rushing upstairs thinking I had hurt myself. I told her what my classmates said and she sat on the floor hugging me and telling me not to worry and kept saying how much she loved me. I cried even louder. Dad came running
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upstairs and asked what had happened. I cried and told him what my classmates had said. Dad sat down and said that he and mum loved me a lot. I cried even louder. I accused them of lying to me. I started hitting them. I could not stop crying. Mum hugged me close. Dad
put his hand on my shoulder. “We love you”, they said almost in unison. Kelly: I am very glad you wrote to me. I understand your feelings. It was the shock of discovery in this fashion that accounts for your reaction. I am going to be straight with you as I think it is the best way to handle this situation. It might comfort you to know that you are not the first child I have helped with regards to being adopted. When I was teaching in secondary school, one of my pupils discovered she was adopted and she was very upset. Note that your parents said the magic words: “We love you”, and notice they said this almost in unison. Do not doubt them.
Snaps
Our favourite time of the day? Whenever there’s food, duh!
FEASTin’ time
Unicorn-corn-corn
Everyone wants picture with our new friend!
Sashimi overdose!
Who has the best pose?
Ring pop!
Drury Lane for salted egg benedict!
behind the scenes Behind every photo shoot is a dedicated crew hard at work!
double trouble
Make sure everything’s perfect!
Because two is always better than one at Teenage!
Our model looking chic at all times!
Next K-drama poster, maybe?
Love is in the air!
A mountain of marshmallows! Same same but different!
The amount of work just for a good shot...
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