Weekender #5 by Weekender Singapore

MICA (P) 144/08/2012

“The more you praise and celebrate your life, the more there is in life to celebrate.” Oprah Winfrey November 2 - 8, 2012

WEEKENDER

“Happiness is not a goal, it’s a by-product of a life well lived.” - Eleanor Roosevelt

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND filled with FUN AND HAPPINESS

GET YOUR PENS

READY!

the Singapore Writers Festival is back in its 15th year featuring the likes of Pulitzer Prize winner Michael Cunningham among its hoard of guest writers By Claire Merquita With a fresh crop of activities to excite the bookworm and budding writer alike, the Singapore Writers Festival is bigger than ever this year, with over 180 writers across 200 events. As one of only a handful of multi-lingual festivals in the world, SWF offers events in English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil and even Korean, and will span several locations in the Bras Basah district from Nov 2 to 11.

As always, the organisers have taken great care to ensure there is something for every taste and every age. There are lectures, panels of guest authors, workshops for children, book lovers and writers of every level, cocktail evenings and dinners where you can mingle with your favourite authors and even movie screenings of films adapted from books such as The Hours and Skellig. “We hope to see Singaporeans explore their own origins, whether genealogical, national or beyond – and also reflect on what constitutes originality,” says Festival Director Paul Tan of this year’s theme, ‘Origins’. “I am sure it will be the start of many thought provoking conversations which audiences have come to associate with the Festival.” There are also the lectures, with this year’s highlight by Michael Cunningham titled ‘In the Beginning, There Was the Story…’ which explores the origins of storytelling itself. For those who prefer a hands-on approach, workshops for amateurs and professionals are on offer. • Continues on page 11

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>> round the mulberry bush

British luxury brand Mulberry opened its flagship store at Mandarin Gallery with songstress Lana Del Rey in attendance.

Chwee Kueh Recipe Now you can also try your hand at one of the quintessential breakfast foods of Singaporeans. Try it out this weekend and wow your family.

Military miniatures Model maker Bernard Cher tells us all about his passion for miniature figures of macho military tanks, soldiers and battleships.

Documenting Tan Pin Pin Weekender has a chat with director Tan Pin Pin in our weekly Be Happier interview as she tells us of her simple pleasures in life that make her happy.

• continues on page 2...

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VENTS

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS

= FREE

All events are correct at time of print.

Sexuality is the provocative theme of this year’s Perspectives Film Festival, screening at the National Museum of Singapore from 8-11 November

aunched in 2008, Perspectives is a festival conceptualised, organised and executed by undergraduates of NTU’s Wee Kim Wee School of Communication and Information. But don’t let this cloud your vision; this is no compilation of student films. Instead, the festival brings in award-winning films and documentaries, old and new but always groundbreaking, that explore the annual theme. The six films this year look at sexuality and the ways it interacts with broader themes of love, fear, death and psychology. Controversial at the time of their release and beyond, they also explore gender relations and the borders of acceptability in society. Come with an open mind and get ready to experience new perspectives.

“the film is known for inspiring audience participation, with fans often shouting at the screen and singing along”

Opening film: Zenne Dancer (Turkey 2012) by Caner Alper & Mehmet Binay Rated R21. Turkish & German with English subtitles. Dedicated to the memory of a young man who was murdered by his own conservative Muslim father, Zenne Dancer weaves a tragic tale of three unlikely friends: male belly dancer Can, German photographer Daniel and Yildiz, a youth from a strict Muslim background. The first film in Turkey to depict honour killings relating to homosexuality, Zenne Dancer won the Turkish Film Critics Association Award for Best Film and was nominated for the same at the Nuremberg Film Festival. Belle de Jour (France 1967) by Luis Buñuel Rated M18. French with English subtitles. A married woman begins a double life as a prostitute in this unforgettable film about deviance and frustration, told from a woman’s perspective. Extremely brazen for audiences of its time, Belle de Jour defied social conventions by depicting a woman’s exploration of intimacy and desire and won the Venice Film Festival’s coveted Golden Lion among other awards. The Rocky Horror Picture Show (USA 1975) by Jim Sharman Rated M18. English. A cult classic and the longest running release in film history, The Rocky Horror Picture Show revolves around a newly-engaged couple who are forced to seek shelter in a creepy mansion inhabited by a bizarre collection of unusual individuals when their car gets a flat tire. Still regularly screened at midnight in cinemas around the world, the film is

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02 • WEEKENDER • November 2 - 8, 2012

How to achieve body beautiful with science 3 Nov, 2pm, Novena Medical Center, $5 Helmed by Dr Shiau with more than 14 years of experience, CSK offers aesthetics solutions for perfecting body shape at convenient locations. Come and join the CSK forum with Dr Shiau on how to achieve a shapely body with doctor-guided slimming treatments. One of the treatments she will be sharing during the forum is CSK’s CoolSculpt+ that includes a breakthrough process called ‘cryo-lypolisis’, the cold therapy that destroys fats naturally and permanently in just one hour. It is clinically-tested by US FDA for safety and efficacy. This forum will also tell you about CSK’s 3D Body Sculpting system that includes a personalised weight management program to help you achieve permanent fat reduction. Lunch or afternoon tea will be provided. Register online at www.cskclinics.com/register or call 6789 4868.

known for inspiring audience participation, with fans often shouting at the screen and singing along. Fire (India 1996) by Deepa Mehta Rated R21. English & Hindi with English subtitles. Two married women are drawn to each other as their relationships with their husbands become more distant. Winner of the Silver Hugo and Best Actress at the Chicago International Film Festival among other awards, the film was greeted by riots and criticisms upon release in India, with screenings only resuming after vigorous campaigning by activists and celebrities. The Housemaid (South Korea 1960) by Kim Kiyoung. Rated PG. Korean with English subtitles. A piano teacher hires a housemaid to help his pregnant wife at home, only to be caught up in an illicit affair that threatens the stability and safety of his entire family. A horror-thriller that takes on the reversal of power in traditional gender relations, The Housemaid is considered one of the seminal films of Korean cinema’s golden age.

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Company: A musical comedy about being single Until 11 Nov, 3pm/8pm, $57-$97 Tony Award winning musical comedy Company explores in pros and cons, ups and downs as well as the in and outs of being single. Directed by Hossan Leong and choreographed by George Chan, join the talented cast as they try to persuade the protagonist Robert to do what the government has been telling us for years…Get married! Tickets available at Sistic. Drama Centre Theatre, 100 Victoria Street Level 3, National Library Building, Singapore 188064

Closing Film: 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days (Romania 2007) by Cristian Mungiu Rated M18. Romanian with English subtitles. Two young girls seek an illegal abortion in a Romania teetering at the edge of communism under the repressive reign of Ceausşescu. A haunting and violent tale of oppression, 4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days took home the Palm d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

Yayoi Kusama: ‘Love Forever’ Up to 20 Dec, 11am-7pm Known for her use of dense usage of polka dots and nets as well as large-scale environment, Yayoi Kusama works in various mediums like painting, drawing, sculpture, film, performance and immersive installation. She is showcasing 25 of her best works included limited edition silkscreens. Ota Fine Arts, 47 Malan Road #01-23 Gillman Barracks Singapore, 109444

Tickets through SISTIC at $10.00 each or $8.00 for students. More details available at perspectivesfilmfestival.com

If you would like your event listed, please email the details and pictures (where applicable) to events@weekender.com.sg two weeks before your event date. Listings must arrive in email Wednesday, two weeks before publication. Listings are free but, as space is limited, inclusion is not guaranteed.

LovethatBag’s OCC SALE BREAKS RECORD

LovethatBag’s Luxury Bag Sale last weekend held on 28 October at Orchid Country Club breaks highest sales record in a single event, claims LovethatBag Spokesperson G.A. Carmichael. Long queues were formed 3 hours before the event started. Founded in August 2009, LovethatBag quickly established itself as Singapore’s most trusted and favourite multi-luxury brand company event organizer, holding luxury sales events at hotels and country clubs and they are open to the public. At LovethatBag’s OCC sale, shoppers saw leading luxury brands including Chanel, LV, Prada, Dior, Gucci, Coach and many others sold at big discounts of up to 75% off. LovethatBag offers the widest brand selection with new brands continually added to the list.

Fantastic Mr Fox Until 16 Dec, various timings, $28-$38 Singapore Repertory Theatre’s The Little Company presents Fantastic Mr Fox by Roald Dahl. Expect a classic tale of goodies and baddies where a brave Mr Fox schemes to steal food from three mean farmers to feed his family. Filled with humour and packed with action, this show is for all ages. Tickets and timings available on Sistic. DBS Arts Centre, 20 Merbau Road, Singapore 239035

LovethatBag Gold Member Miss Daphne Chong believes, “I shop at LovethatBag for the luxury experience and fantastic savings.”

Gillman Barracks Walking Tour 3 Nov, 11am-12.30pm Art Outreach is leading free tours designed to provide the public with a comprehensive overview of Gillman Barracks as a contemporary art destination. The tours will take you through a selection of galleries and highlight art pieces that show the key themes and issues in contemporary art. Tours meet at the entrance of Block 1. Please register in advance as places are limited. Gillman Barracks 9 Lock Road, Singapore, 108937 Tel: 6873-9505

LovethatBag has an exclusive membership loyalty program where LovethatBag Gold Members enjoy privilege discounts, buyback programs, bag-repair warranty, priority access to events and many other exclusive benefits.

Go Green After Dark: The Haunting of Blakang Mati Until 30 Dec, 8pm/9.30pm/11pm, $78-$88 Formerly known as Pulau Blakang Mati, explore Sentosa on a Segway that takes you

“Advertising in the newly launched Weekender Paper proved to be effective, although the long queue is a testament to our company’s branding and loyal customer base.” LovethatBag’s Spokesperson G.A. Carmichael further elaborated. “We chose the Weekender Newspaper as it is about weekend happiness and introducing new market trends, similar with our company’s mission to make luxury fashion trends easily affordable,” he added.

For more information, visit www.lovethatbag.com.sg

Ashputtel: A Cinderella Story Until 17 Nov, various times, $28 Ashputtel, also known in English as Cinderella, is a classic Grimm brothers tale told to children about wicked step-sisters and magical beings. Re-telling the 200-yearold folktale, director Dwayne Lau has carefully crafted it with song, drama and comedy for a musical experience for all ages. Tickets and timings available at Sistic. Alliance Francaise Theatre, 1 Sarkies Road, Singapore 258130

through the dark captivating past of Sentosa. Immerse yourself in the rich haunting history as the guides show you the way in a 90 minute tour. Tickets available at Sistic. Gogreen Segway® Eco Adventure, Beach Station, Sentosa, 50 Beach View, Singapore 098604 God of Carnage 6 Nov – 25 Nov, 4pm/8pm, $60-$80 Tony award winning play God of Carnage reunites powerhouse thespian Lea Salonga with Singaporean actor-thespian Adrian Pang. Set in the aftermath of a playground fight between schoolboys, the parents decide to talk it out and soon the polite veneer disappears as the claws come out. Tickets available at Sistic outlets. DBS Arts Centre, 20 Merbau Road, Singapore 239035 International Property Expo 2012 2 Nov-4 Nov, 11am-8pm The International Property Expo showcases property developments in Malaysia, Australia and the USA. It will feature property seminars held by experts in investment properties as well as opportunities for consumers to win prizes like a brand new iPad. Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, 10 Bayfront Avenue Singapore, 018956 Nanyang Polytechnic Chinese Orchestra Presents K-ATTACK II 3 Nov, 5pm, $15 Enjoy your favourite Korean hits from stars like Super Junior, Big Bang and JYJ on classical Chinese instruments. The orchestra aims to break out of traditional modes of Chinese music and explore diverse genres on stage. Visit www.eventful. com for tickets. The Padang, Connaught Drive, Singapore 179681 Russian Art Tasting @ Buyan Restaurant 2 Nov, 6pm, $115 Enjoy the art installations of Russian artist Alex Che at “Art Tasting with Alex Che” You can appreciate his works as you are entertained by live music and dance. And of course delicious Russian food. A percentage of sale of the artworks go to the Singapore General Hospital. Buyan Restaurant 9/10 Duxton Hill Singapore, 089593 Stargazing Night Fridays, 7.50pm-10pm Discover the planets that cross

our sky and spot the stars in our universe. The Observatory is filled with a range of sophisticated equipment all to make your stargazing experience an unforgettable one. Visit www.science.edu.sg for more information. The Observatory, Omni-Theatre Building, 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081 The Bootleg Beatles 8 Nov – 11 Nov, 2.30pm/7.30pm/5pm, $55-$600 The Bootleg Beatles have performed almost 5000 shows across the globe. They were also invited to perform at the Queen’s Golden Jubilee . Tickets available at Sistic. Grand Theatre at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands (Basement level), Singapore 018956

WEEKENDER ABOUT US Fill your weekend with fun and happiness! Weekender is a free weekly publication with a mission to make people’s weekends more valuable by providing information about events and activities which they can enjoy with their families, friends, spouses and kids. We are a Social Enterprise! Besides enriching the lives of our readers, we provide training and employment for disadvantaged Singaporeans from CDCs, ISCOS and IMH. Our humble team:

Editorial Director Frank Young frank@weekender.com.sg Co-Editor Claire Merquita Writer Cheryl Chia Art Director Nicodemus Aw Sales Director David Phey Sales Manager Seth Leow

CONTACT US: Advertising Sales: +65 9271 4103 or seth@weekender.com.sg Enquiries: +65 6493 2001 general@weekender.com.sg Weekender Group Pte Ltd 80 Playfair Road, Singapore 367998 CRN# 201212438E MICA (P) 144/08/2012 Supported by:

For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.weekender.com.sg

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS

November 2 - 8, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 03

H PUCKER 04 • WEEKENDER • NOVEMBER 2 - 8, 2012

Nobody wants dry, chapped lips. Do yourself and your partner a favour and take care of them By Cheryl Chia

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS

UP O

ne of the more neglected parts of your face is definitely the lips. Dry and cracked lips are not fun. They are painful, annoying and downright unattractive. The skin on our lips tends to be drier as there are no sebaceous glands to keep them moisturised. To help you along, here are a few quick tips on how to keep them soft, plump and healthy.

Drink more water

As with every single part of your body, hydrate your lips from the inside by drinking up to eight glasses of water a day. Hydration not only ensures your body’s optimum condition, it also prevents your lips from drying out.

Invest in a good lip balm

Lip balms are essentially moisturisers for your lips. It can be found in pot, stick or tube form and usually contains ingredients like shea butter or petroleum jelly to help shield the lips from the elements. Most of these are colourless so, men, you have no excuse not to use them. There are stores that cater specifically to the cosmetic needs of men, so don’t worry about looking like a girl.

Stare daggers Giorgio Armani presents “Eyes to Kill” If looks could kill, these Giorgio Armani eye-shadow quads could certainly help speed things along. Coming in eight different combinations, the “Eyes to Kill” contains four complementary ombré shades in each pot with colours to suit all occasions ranging from the dramatic dark shades of Ocean to the soft feminine Floral. These palettes are also infused with signature Micro-fil silk powders that melt into the skin flawlessly to layer iridescent and transparent effects. Ms Linda Cantello, the international make-up artist for Giorgio Armani Cosmetics says, “Eyes to Kill palette colours were crafted like how Armani designs fashion: to enhance women’s elegance and power of seduction.” She adds, “Giorgio Armani is very inspired by nature, and I think there is a reason for that: we look best with the colours we find in nature.” She also said that capturing “indefinable colours” is what makes the Eyes to Kill collection unique. The “Eyes to Kill” quads ($80.00) are available at DFS Galleria Scottswalk.

Do not lick your lips

This common reflex action to moisturise your lips does you more harm than good. Saliva contains digestive enzymes, which “digest” the dried out skin on your lips. It also evaporates quickly, taking whatever moisture that is left on your lips. So, stop it!

EXFOLIATE YOUR LIPS

I find this very effective for me. Slather on a layer of lip balm then use a toothbrush to gently brush your lips. This removes the dried out layer, exposing the soft new skin beneath. I usually do this once or twice a week. Don’t do it too hard or you’ll end up with sore lips! The lips help frame the face whether you are talking, smiling or doing the duck-face in a self-portrait, so take care of them well. Soon enough, you’ll be lip gloss model-worthy.

Make kids smile this holiday season Uniqlo aims to make lives better with “Clothes For Smiles”. Uniqlo’s Stretch Jeans Showcase

“The lips help frame the face...so take care of them well.”

FASHION

Who says philanthropy and shopping don’t go together? Japanese clothing label, Uniqlo kick starts their “Clothes for Smiles” initiative to help children around the globe get better education programmes by establishing a US$10 million fund. Serbian tennis-pro Novak Djokovic has also been appointed as Uniqlo’s global brand ambassador. He says, “I feel honoured, and indeed very excited, to collaborate with Uniqlo in developing ‘Clothes for Smiles,’ a brand new programme that aims at giving children of all ages a chance for a better future. I hope many people from all around the world will help to support this initiative and in doing so will bring smiles to children everywhere.” Consumers can take part in the “Clothes for Smiles” project by purchasing one or more Heattech or Ultra-light Down products from Uniqlo. They are also encouraged to provide ideas on how to make these kids’ lives better by submitting them to www.uniqlo.com/smiles. Entries will be accepted from Oct 16 to Dec 31. The ideas will be vetted by a panel of judges and the selected one will be scheduled for implementation in March next year.

Tough people, tough jeans If people are getting suits tailored for once in a lifetime events, why not for a pair of jeans that you’ll wear way more often? By Cheryl Chia

A good pair of jeans takes you through any occasion. So why not get them specially made for you? Singaporean bespoke jeansmith Oberblünck lets you customise everything right down to the type of stitching. Mr Kenny Lohwey, who is in his early 30s, is the man behind it all. He says, “I’m passionate about jeans. I own maybe 30 pairs of jeans from other brands but I’ve always had to alter them to fit. And after you’ve altered ready-to-wear jeans they don’t take to the new shape well. So, I decided to start Oberblünck.” Oberblünck, which means an ‘ultrablank’ a concept, is used as free reign to do whatever he wants with denim. Kenny works out of his home with several sewing machines specially calibrated to handle the toughness of denim. He even has a vintage machine from 1948 to help him create jeans. “There’s one machine specifically for belt loops, another for the waistband and another for double-stitching… People don’t realise that there’s at least nine machines that are needed to make a single pair of jeans, which is what I am doing on my own. In a factory there’s at least 15 machines working cocurrently on one pair,” he says. Since its creation in 2009, Kenny has moved from customising jeans for friends to making his own collections, as well as bespoke jeans for clients. He also counts celebrities such as Denise Keller, Ng Hui and Cheryl Miles as bespoke customers. “I take the time to listen to what my clients actually need or want out of

“It’s all about the purity of the process and creating something out of nothing gives me the satisfaction”

a pair of jeans. Sometimes, they don’t even know the problems they want to rectify, like a gaping waistband or too much material bunching up at the crotch…My jeans are all about making people look good. No one wants to look fat or wide in a pair of jeans,” Kenny relates. He adds, “The biggest mistake I see people making is with the skinny jeans trend. It has to be snug but not too tight, especially if you are bulky around the thighs. Try going for a snug fit till the mid-thigh to avoid a sausage-type look.” Kenny creates all of his jeans single-handedly and he promises a new range next year for denim aficionados. “Making jeans makes me happy and fulfilled. It’s all about the purity and creating something out of nothing gives me the satisfaction.” Oberblünck caters for both men and women with ready-to-wear collections at $320.00 and bespoke pieces that can cost at least $550 depending on customisations. Visit www.oberblunckdenim.com for more information.

For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp

A Del Rey affair English luxury brand Mulberry unveils its flagship store with songtress Lana Del Rey gracing the occasion Fans of Lana Del Rey thronged the opening of the Mulberry store at Mandarin Gallery last Wednesday and Weekender was one of the lucky few that made it inside. In conjunction with Mulberry’s “Del Rey” bag, Lana graced the opening dressed in the brand’s beautiful cocktail dress from the Autumn/Winter 2012 collection, followed by an exclusive set at a private dinner at Catalunya restaurant. The store was officially opened by Mulberry CEO Bruno Guillon, Creative Director Emma Hill and guest-of-honour Lana Del Rey, as bagpipes played while the ribbon was cut. Other guests included veteran model Tracy Phillips and Mediacorp artiste Joanne Peh. Mulberry’s “Del Rey” bag will retail at $1,960.

November 2 - 8, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 05

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

FAMILY & FRIEND

DADDY BLOGGERS

in singapore Here’s your challenge of the day. Do an internet search of daddy bloggers in Singapore and try to complete a top 10 list. Did you managed to complete the challenge? Fret not, neither could I By DADDY M

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to provide you the resources needed for a fun day out with the kids.

he amount of Mommy bloggers may outnumber the Daddies by a long shot, but they aren’t any less apt at parenting. Thus, I would like to pay tribute to a small bunch of hardworking and active Daddy bloggers in Singapore. Here’s a Wacky Duo list of daddy bloggers. SenGkang Babies In my humble opinion, he is a very productive and friendly Daddy. Andy is the father of three boys and a girl. He aims to “bring you fun” in Singapore and beyond. Read about his many adventures with his kids in Singapore and beyond.

“Daddy bloggers, keep up the good work!”

CheekieMonkies Triple the fun. Triple the Trouble. Father of two boys and a girl, blogger Kelvin fills the blog with activities

Dear Xander This Daddy blogger, Winston, writes weekly letters to his son that range from shaving tips to how his son can deal with his death, should he pass on. Whoever says Daddy blogs are all about photos should take a read at this. He has also set up Blogfathers!Sg which is a collation of Daddy bloggers in Singapore.

yourselves. It is through the sharing of your experiences that you would make Daddyhood a joy for others to emulate. I can say, with my hand on my heart, that I am inspired by some of

the above blogs to share my experiences of parenting and family life. In the meantime, to the Daddy bloggers, keep up the good work!

www.bankofchina.com/sg SMS “BOCFamily” to 79777

With one of the highest interest rates in town (up to 0.475% p.a.), plus over S$1,000 worth of welcome vouchers, there is no better way for your child to start saving for the future.

Terms and Conditions: * 1% cash rebate is awarded for total amount billed in your monthly statement above S$1,000 and 0.5% cash rebate for total amount S$1,000 and below. Additional 4% cash rebate will be awarded on groceries at any supermarket and/or petrol spend in Singapore, subject to a monthly minimum spend of S$100 and maximum spend of S$1,000. Total monthly cash rebate is capped at S$100.• ^The Dragon Trunki is awarded to the first 1,000 new-to-bank customers who apply for the BOC Family Rebate Card by 30 September 2012 and charge a minimum of one (1) transaction within one (1) month from the date of card approval.• #Limited to the first 1,000 customers only. Deposit Insurance Scheme: “Singapore dollar deposits of non-bank depositors are insured by the Singapore Deposit Insurance Corporation, for up to S$50,000 in aggregate per deposit per Scheme member by law.” Other terms and conditions apply for all products and promotions. Bank of China reserves the right to amend or withdraw the offer without prior notice. Please refer to www.bankofchina.com/sg for full details.

Bank of China loves your family Looking out for your family has never been easier with the Bank of China Family Rebate Card

For the rest of the daddies (and mommies) , we hope you will be inspired by the above blogs to set up one

Child’s play

Families can expect cash rebates on groceries and petrol from all around Singapore. You can also save more money from stores like Build-a-Bear, Cathay Pacific Airways and JWT Kids Gym all for the ease of shopping for your children or even taking a family trip. You will also get a complimentary Healthway Wellness Platinum Card for priority booking for selected services like paediatrics, dental care and health screening.

Here’s a few more FREE places for you to take your kids to this weekend.

Visit www.bankofchina.com for more information.

Fire Station Open House Saturdays, 9am-11am, Central Fire Station All fire stations in Singapore (except for the one on Jurong Island) hold open houses where the public is welcome to have a look around the station and learn more about fire safety. Children get to try out the fireresistant gear, climb atop a ‘rhino’-mini fire fighting vehicle and even get a photo with a fireman. Being the oldest fire station in Singapore, the Central Fire Station also houses a museum with decommissioned fire vehicles for public viewing. 62 Hill Street., Singapore 179367, Tel: 68481524

The Animal Retreat Daily, 10am-5pm, T81 Seletar West Farmway Housing every farm animal imaginable, chickens to rabbits and puppies can be found at The Animal

Retreat. This kampung like attraction is a great way to explore the outdoors. For $1.00, you can get special animal food to feed the animals. 5 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081, Tel: 6338 7665 www.rictedkennels.com

The Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum Daily, 9am-6pm, Chinese Garden The Chinese Garden is home to hundreds of turtles and tortoises that roam freely around the park. Special food is also sold at the entrance should your child want to feed them. 1 Chinese Garden Road Singapore 619795, Tel: 6268 5363 www.turtle-tortoise.com

Illustrator: William Chua. See more at www.facebook.com/xiaobaosg

For the full article and list of Daddy Bloggers, visit www.thewackyduo.com

WEEKENDER MINI-GALLERY

1. Emilio Reyes, born 3 Sep 2012 2. Erin See, born 25 May 2012

3. Ferrell Ezeqiel Hood, born 26 Sep, 2012 4. Ice Ng, born 21 Aug 2012 5. Melody Teo Su Xin, born 12 Mar 2011 6. Shane Norris, born 12 Mar 2012 7. Tryston Tay Dao Zek, born 27 Jun, 2012 8. Lee Cherie, born 7 Jun, 2012 9. Matsunaga Ken, born 16 Aug, 2012

Babies - aren’t they the cutest things ever? That’s why Weekender dedicates a section to your adorable darlings in diapers. Send us your favourite photos of your newborn, so the rest of us can ‘coo’ and ‘ahh’ over him / her too! What better way is there to celebrate your child than to share him / her with the rest of the world?

Email your photos to general@weekender.com.sg or mail hard copies to us at our office at 80 Playfair Road, #02-03, Singapore 367998. We look forward to receiving photos of your loved one! For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

06 • WEEKENDER • November 2 - 8, 2012

OOD

Food blogger Daniel Ang takes a little food trip to Japan with Okinawan cuisine

OKINAWAN

EXPERIENCE J

apanese food lovers may be in for a rude shock with the unconventional Okinawan diet of fish, tofu and seaweed. Known to be the healthiest place on earth, Okinawa has a record number of centenarians they keep to a low-fat and low-salt diet. While I do not think the Peanut Tofu and Pork Belly dish would provide me with longevity, there is much more to be tried at the Nirai Kanai Okinawan Restaurant. Decked up in 1970s Okinawan décor with sounds of traditional Okinawan tunes, there is a rather rustic and ‘village-like’ ambience in Nirai Kanai Okinawan, and this is reflected in the simple yet hearty dishes as well. Its several noodle dishes, such as the Cold noodle in Sesame Sauce ($13.60) and Fried Noodle in Vegetable Sauce ($13.60), taste very close to the Chinese method of cooking noodles albeit with a lighter approach both in terms of ingredients and seasoning. Their teppanyaki-style Japanese beef Hamburger Steak Set Meal ($18.70) is a thick slab of juicy succulent patty served with aosa seaweed soup and other side dishes. But, my favourite dish of the day was the Grilled Chicken with Miso ($12.00) - evenly grilled and not too heavily seasoned. The service is a little inconsistent though, I had better service on my second visit when the native Japanese staff were serving. My table was completely ignored during the first visit unfortunately. I will definitely be back for more. There is a saying that Okinawan cuisine “begins with pig and ends with pig”. True to that saying the next on my must-try list would be the pork dishes on the Nirai Kanai Okinawan Restaurant menu.

Chef Takuma Seki

Nirai Kanai Okinawan Restaurant 177 River Valley Road, #B1-01/02 Liang Court Shopping Centre, Singapore 179030 Tel: 6339 4811 For the full article visit www.danielfooddiary.com

Chwee kueh recipe One of the more local breakfast foods of Singaporeans, hawker favourite, chwee kueh makes for a savoury and spicy treat. Here’s an easy recipe for you to try Ingredients: 150g Chai Po (preserved radish) - soak in water for 15 minutes, rinse and drain well 3 cloves of garlics (crushed) 1 teaspoon light soy sauce 3 teaspoon sugar (or add to taste) 1/2 tablespoon dark soy sauce 1/4 teaspoon chicken stock powder 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 4 tablespoons canola oil 4 tablespoons water A pinch of pepper

Makes about 20-22 small moulds 10g corn flour 1 tablespoon canola oil 400ml water 450ml water + 1/2 tsp salt

-Heat up the oil in a saucepan and saute garlic till fragrant. -Add the toasted sesame seeds and the chai po, fry them for 2 minutes with a dash of pepper then, add the rest of the ingredients. Lower heat and cook the chai po for another 5 minutes.

Method: • Mix all the flours with 400ml of water and set aside for 15 minutes. • Boil the slightly salted 450ml of water and pour straight into the flour paste. Stir well. • Grease the kueh moulds with canola oil and place in steamer. • Stir the flour paste evenly and pour into the hot moulds. Steam at high heat for 12 minutes. • Let the chwee kueh cool down and scoop them out with a small knife. • Top the chwee kueh with chai po and sambal chilli to serve.

How to make Chwee Kueh 150g rice flour 15g tapioca flour

Recipe taken from www.anncoojournal.com

Good food, good music Here’s a list of other live music places that serve up delicious nosh while you chill out. Five Izakaya Bar Besides offering $5.00 specials all-day, everyday, they also serve Japanese inspired bar food such as Curry Gyoza and mains like Katsu Don. The resident singers Rebecca Burch and Ian Ortega, charm with her ethereal voice and his accomplished guitar playing on Mondays and Fridays. 16 Collyer Quay, #01-05B, Singapore 049318 Tel: 6536 8955

Timbre @ Gillman Barracks Freshly opened, the Timbre

aesthetic continues with local bands such as Jack & Rai and the Beatroots serenading you as you tuck into their signature western fare and the ever popular Roast Duck Pizza. 9A Lock Road, Gillman Barracks Singapore 108926 Tel: 6694 4201

Curried Fish and Chips and The Messy Korean Burger can be expected. Lovers of Timbre’s pizza selection will not be disappointed as Switch also carries them. 73 Bras Basah Road #01-01/02, Singapore 189556. Tel: 6336 7739

Switch Also run by the Timbre group, Switch, a bilingual music concept, features Mandopop artistes as well as popular English hits. Interesting bites such as

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November 2 - 8, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 07

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

FOO

Must try hawker foods

Food blogger Dr Leslie Tay of ieatishootipost recommends these local eats for everyone in Singapore and beyond Crab The most famous dish is the ever popular chilli crab which is the de facto National Dish of Singapore. So, for chilli crab, why not go straight to the lady who first started the whole chilli crab craze back in the ‘50s? Roland Restaurant might not be situated next to the sea, but it is close enough that things rust if they don’t get cleaned regularly. Its location itself is a throwback to the ‘80s when the government was building palatial sized restaurants atop multi-storey car parks. Many of these restaurants have since disappeared and Roland is one of the few remaining. Roland Restaurant Pte Ltd, Block 89, Marine Parade Central, # 06-750, Singapore 440089 Bak Kut Teh Bak Kut Teh means “Meat Bone Tea” and refers to a bowl of pork bone consomme accompanied by Chinese Tea. My favourite place for Bak Kut Teh is at Outram Park Ya Hua located at the Port of Singapore Authority. It is open for almost 24 hours a day. When you go, make sure you tell them you want to brew a pot of tea and order some you char kway (fried doughsticks) to dunk in the soup. Either oolong or pu erh tea is great with bak kut teh. If you are unfamiliar with the tea ceremony, simply ask the waiter to help you. If the owner, Mr Frankie Gwee is there, he would be more than happy to help you with the tea ceremony. I have been asked on many occasions for suggestions on what the top 10 must-eat foods in Singapore are. Now, writing such an article is not an easy task as I am bound to leave out some foods which many Singaporeans would deem important. So, please forgive me if I’ve left out your favourite dish. The love of these multi-cultural hawker foods gives definition to Singapore that goes beyond national and political boundaries. So when you eat these foods, you are ingesting a part of our history and, for that moment at least, you might get the gist of what it means to be Singaporean.

Outram Park Ya Hua Rou Gu Char, No 7 Keppel Road #01-05/07, PSA Tanjong Pagar Complex Singapore 089053 Laksa Laksa is, without a doubt, one of the tastiest things on earth and certainly one of the best dishes Singapore has to offer. In Singapore, laksa refers to thick rice vermicelli served with a curry gravy made from spices for fragrance, chilli for heat, coconut milk for that creamy rich feel and tiny dried prawns for that umami kick. Traditionally, the gravy is slow cooked in an aluminum pot over a charcoal fire, but stalls still doing

Char Kway Teow Variations of char kway teow can be found around the South-East Asian region. Penang has its Penang Char Kway Teow and the Thais have their Pad See Eu. What makes the Singaporean version distinct is that our char kway teow contains both rice and wheat noodles. One of the most popular is Hill Street Char Kway Teow. This Uncle’s mastery of the wok has made him Singapore’s Ambassador of the said dish. I am not kidding! The Singaporean government has sent him on overseas missions to bring the flavours of home to our Singaporean diaspora.

this are rarer than a sterile panda. If you really want to experience laksa cooked over charcoal, then you have to head to the flea market area of Sungei Road for Sungei Road Laksa for that authentic taste. Sungei Road Laksa, Blk 27 Jalan Berseh, #01-100 Jin Shui Kopitiam, Singapore 200027 Dr Leslie Tay also has a new book about the drool-worthy hawker food that Singapore has to offer. Read about his halfdecade long food journey complete with beautiful pictures in his book Only The Best! Available at major bookstores Dec 2012.

Hill Street Char Kway Teow, Bedok New Town Food Centre, Block 16 Bedok South Road, #01-41, Singapore 460016 Chicken Rice This dish of Hainanese origin is probably the most famous and popular hawker dish in Singapore. But a variation of the popular chicken rice - that many people overlook - are the chicken rice balls. A recipe borne out of a need for convenience when picnicking, there aren’t many stalls left that make rice balls. If you are really interested, you should visit Hainanese Chicken Rice Balls along Jalan Besar. This stall is just on the other side of Little India and is worth a visit if you are in the area. Hainan Chicken Rice Ball, Shin Boon Hwa Food Centre, 43 Jalan Besar (Dickson Road), Singapore 208804

Raise your glass

In da hood

cOME THIS WEEKEND, UNWIND WITH THE SCENT OF OPULENCE EMBRACED IN A GLASS.

If you love live music and good food, give Hood a spin for a rockin’ good night

All participants must be above 18 years of age.To register, email your full name and contact number to LOUIS.XIII@remyasia.com The Club, 57th Floor at Marina Bay Sands

By Cheryl Chia

“Our motto is: ‘Great local art, music and life’.”

From a hole-in-the-wall joint on Keong Saik Road, Hood has since moved into a larger and brighter corner within the newly revamped Bugis +. Known for featuring local bands - such as Jack & Rai and Shirlyn & the Unexpected - every night of the week, founders Mr Nigel Wan, 32, and Mr Clement Yang, 30, are avid music lovers and have a strong belief in local talent. “Our motto is ‘Great local art, music and life’. Hood – derived from neighbourhood – is a place where Singaporeans have a platform to showcase their talents. We want Hood to be a place for fellow locals to enjoy,” says Nigel. Hood also dedicates a prime slot on Saturdays for local musicians to perform their original works. Covered in street art and murals- done by Singaporeans, going into Hood completely makes one forget that they are situated within a busy mall. “We’ve had people tell us that they feel that they’ve stepped into a different setting the moment they walk through our doors,” says Nigel as he attributes it to the ambience that Hood has created. Hood’s food also has a distinct local flair to them with bar snacks such as Luncheon Meat Fries ($8.00) and the Everybody Loves Kungfu Fighting pizza – a char siew and hoisin sauce pizza ($16.00). “We intentionally picked Western foods that locals are comfortable with and added our own unique twist to the dishes. Our dishes are also named after lyrics or titles to reflect the tone of Hood,” he says. The pair has since gotten several event bookings and corporate functions with “birthday parties every other week”. Hood has even hosted a press conference for the Guinness Arthur’s Day concert with popular Mando-pop stars in attendance. He says, “We’ve been packed to the brim for so many nights. You can imagine how much we’ve grown since we set up two-and-a-half years ago. We have our old crowd as well as the new youngster that pop in on the weekends. It’s a great life setting for Singaporeans to enjoy.”

JOINTEK Daily 11.30am- 9.30pm This quirky place is a Chinese-themed cellar, with a wide collection of wines from around the world. One of the only two places in Singapore where you can find the Wu Liang Ye, a Chinese wine delicacy is distilled from red sorghum, rice, sticky rice, wheat and corn. Also known as the National Treasure of China, this delicate brew is a must-try. The store also offers free wine tasting for its customers in a comfortably chilly environment. 791 North Bridge Road, Singapore 198759 Tel: 6291 2135, www.jointekfinewines.com.sg

LXIII COGNAC TASTING MASTERCLASS 7 Nov, 7pm – 9pm A session conducted in French and translated to English. Revered cellar master of cognac, Pierrette Trichet from the House of Remy Martin will be in Singapore this weekend to de-mystify the magic behind the multiple blends in a cognac. This workshop will show participants how to approach, nose and appreciate the cognac, taking them through the aromas and flavours of the King of Cognacs, the LOUIS XIII. Participants are encouraged to bring their own LOUIS XIII bottles to be autographed by Pierrette.

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WINE CONNECTION Daily 10am – midnight With eight outlets all around the island, the Tapas Bar and Bistro at Robertson Walk, with their rustic brick walls and polished wooden floors, offer the softest and most relaxing atmosphere. Enjoy wine near the Singapore River at a wholesale price. Their menu offers an excellent selection of wines starting from $22 for a Jean d’Aosque Merlot to $240 for a Château Prieuré-Lichine. If you are looking for a filling dinner,the wine bar also offers good, hearty Ribeye steak with red wine sauce bound to satisfy your palate. 11 Unity Street, #01-06 Robertson Walk Singapore 237995, Tel: 6238 6878

08 • WEEKENDER • November 2 - 8, 2012

ISCOVERY

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

FUN AT THE

FARM Unravel those frazzled city nerves with a soothing visit to the farm By Chen Huijing

oats are cute.” So solemnly declared three-year-old Sheryl Lee. Both mother and child visit the goats at Hay Dairies, every three months or so. “Each time, Sheryl is always excited to see the goats,” said Mrs Lee Yee Hoong, a homemaker who takes the time to shuttle her child to Lim Chu Kang as she feels that such trips are not just fun but educational. Mrs Lee and her daughter make up part of the crowd that descends in droves on weekends upon the farm, which sees a mixture of goat milk drinkers and goat fans, according to Ms Stephanie Hay, who helps out in the family business. The visitors used to be higher in number, when the goats were “touchable and pet-able” – until SARS hit, and the authorities disallowed contact between humans and animals. Still, the farm sees an average of 2,000 car-loads every month. Over at another farm, the Jurong Frog Farm, visitorship is regular too. The school holiday periods typically see a peak in tours. “Over the past four

“Goats and frogs do not make up Old MacDonald’s farm but, considering that children of Singapore grow up in urban settings, they are more than good enough.”

years, the number of tours has increased by 30 per cent,” said Ms Chelsea Wan, who helps run her father’s frog farm. Goats and frogs do not make up Old MacDonald’s farm, but considering that children of modern Singapore grow up in urban settings, they are more than good enough.

Here is a list of where to go for some interaction with farm creatures

or dried snow jelly, for sale. Hashima is the fat surrounding a female frog’s oviduct. Not particularly savoury-sounding but, this is a delicacy believed to improve the complexion (think a more affordable version of bird’s nest) and strengthen the immune system. Home delivery service is available. 51 Lim Chu Kang, Lane 6, Singapore 718864 Tel: 6791 7229 Visit: wwwjurongfrogfarm.com. sg Hay Dairies Babe (the pig) had to go and so Billy (the goat) moved in. That’s essentially what happened when pig farmer Hay Yak Teng turned to goat farming as an alternative means of livelihood when pig farming was phased out in Singapore in the early 1980s. What’s fun: The small farm of about 800 goats produces milk for sale directly to customers. Visits and excursions are welcome. Individuals and families can pop by the farm without a booking to view the goats and the milking process. Sessions for large groups – more than 20 people, children included – need to be arranged in advance. Unfortunately, due to Agri-

The Jurong Frog Farm Singapore’s one and only frog farm mainly breeds the American bullfrog, which is prized for the superior quality and taste of its meat. What’s fun: The range of Frog Fun tours have been designed to accommodate just about everyone, with handson activities, live displays and demonstrations. The foodie should go for the JFF Food Trail which includes frog meat sampling, while the JFF Family Tour sets aside time for children to catch frogs and net tadpoles. JFF also produces hashima,

Photo courtesy of Singapore Sports Council

SPORTS

Badminton is one of our nation’s most well-loved sports. Be it a Sunday morning family-bonding activity or a hard, sweaty game with your friends, the game is easy to learn, convenient and fuss-free. If you are tired of being relegated to void deck badminton courts, WEEKENDER offers some wellfurnished and affordable options for you to get shuttling!

Shuttling along With two national badminton players as parents, Derek Wong’s passion for the sport is literally in his blood Team Singapore shuttler Derek Wong, 23, may have made his Olympic debut in London this year, but this was not his first brush with Olympic buzz. In 2011, Derek made headlines when he beat former Olympic and world champion Taufik Hidayat of Indonesia, proving to the world he was no mere newbie, but a force to be reckoned with. “I do not look up to them,” says Derek when asked whether he is intimidated when facing such badminton stars on the world stage. “Instead I go into the competition thinking that I am competing on a levelled playing field.” The win launched Derek into public notice, but talking with him even briefly makes it clear that the achievement has not gone to his head. The player, who picked up badminton when he was just seven-yearsold, has no illusions about the demands of

the professional sporting world. “[You] have to sacrifice a lot of time, youth and friends to excel,” he says of the changes he has had to make in his life. “You have to rest, eat and do everything else well in your life. When everything falls into place, you will reap the rewards of those sacrifices.” At the London 2012 Olympics, he was knocked out after two games, but calls the experience “breathless and exhilarating”. Derek began playing seriously after completing his National Service in 2009, and currently trains a whopping 36 hours a week. In between an exhausting schedule, he enjoys watching movies and hunting for good food around Singapore with his friends. Looking back at his short but blisteringly busy career, we asked Derek if there is anything he would have liked to change.

Places to play

“When

everything falls into place, you will reap the rewards of those sacrifices.” “I would have tried to learn more from the top players,” he confesses,of his earlier years in training. “When I was younger I stuck to a single mindset and it was to play my game my way. Now I know that learning from the best is very important as well.” But for now, Derek is looking firmlyt o the future with his characteristic focus on improving his world ranking.

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SPORTS HALLS In line with the Singapore Sports Council’s (SSC) vision to empower Singaporeans to live life better through sports, the SSC has 17 sports halls with badminton facilities available island-wide. Convenient and easily accessible, the halls are well-equipped to provide you a venue for a good game. INDOOR SCHOOL HALLS Outside of curriculum hours, badminton courts located in various primary and secondary schools across the island are also available for booking. Under the Dual Use Scheme (DUS), selected schools will offer their facilities to the public on weekends. Prices for booking the Sports Halls and Indoor School Halls start from $3.40. Badminton enthusiasts can book online: www.icanbook.com.sg SINGAPORE BADMINTON HALL Weekday-$9/hour, Weekend- $15/hour This venue is the training ground for our National Team players and houses 14 standard Olympicstandard courts. The courts are available for public booking.

However, to avoid disappointment, remember to book in advance. 1 Lorong 23 Geylang Singapore 388352 Tel: 6744 4111 If you are just learning the basics of handling a shuttlecock, or an amateur looking to hone your skills, the Singapore Badminton Association has set up the Badminton Satellite Centre with introductory badminton programmes to help you master the basics of your game. The sessions will be conducted at Singapore Badminton Hall. This new initiative will feature assistance from qualified national team players and coaches.

Programmes BASIC BADMINTON PROGRAMME 10 -11 or 13-14 Dec, 9am to 4pm $175 for 2 sessions Participants will be introduced to the basics of the game and learn the basic strokes of the sport. Tel: 6767 1244 INTERMEDIATE BADMINTON PROGRAMME This programme is for more experienced players and will focus on improving and fine tuning techniques such as hand-eye coordination, catching and throwing, stability and balance, speed and agility. Participants will be taught jumping and landing skills, as well as decision-making skills on the court. Go to www.facebook.com/ ilovebadminton for registration details. Tel: 6767 1244

November 2 - 8, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 09

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

Food and Veterinary Authority regulations, visitors are not allowed to touch or feed the goats. To make up for the disappointment, cart up bottles of goat’s milk – or have them home delivered. 3 Lim Chu Kang, Agrotech Park Lane 4, Singapore 718859 Tel: 6792 0931 Visit: www.haydairies.com.sg Free admission for individuals and families. Entrance fee of $3.20 for each member of a large group. Qian Hu Fish Farm Remember the psychic Arowanas Big Huat and Little Huat who predicted results for the Euro 2012? Qian Hu Fish Farm is their ‘home’. It is also a one-stop ornamental fish service provider. Seven hundred varieties of ornamental fish can be found here, and the farm also specialises in breeding the Arowana, also called the dragon fish. What’s fun: How about shopping for the Molly fish imprinted with 4D numbers? Or catch longkang fish at the pond or feed tortoises. 71 Jalan Lekar, Singapore 698950 Tel: 6766 7087, Visit: www.qianhu.com

HOBBIE

Where HAVE all the farmers goNE? 1960s Farmers and fishermen were aplenty. Poorly educated, they used traditional farming methods and were spread out over 20,000 farms covering more than 14,000 hectares of land. 1970s This period saw farmers resettling from the water catchment sites as they made way for public projects. Large commercial farms boasting intensive production methods replaced subsistence farming. As result of the advancement, an intensive pig farming estate was developed in Punggol to house relocated pig farms. 1980s The 1980s saw pig farming phased out, as well as a a drastic decline in agricultural land, with farmlands cultivated to become Agrotechnology Parks. Automation, mechanisation in farming systems and the development of high-tech modern farms also came about. (Information from the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority: www.ava.gov.sg)

Model citizen Bernard cher, scale modeling enthusiast, shares with weekender what it means to recreate art in 3D

by lee li ying Under 36-year-old Bernard Cher’s humble veneer of t-shirt and jeans, lies a passionate and skilled work-smith dedicated to his craft of scale modeling. The unassuming owner of M Studio shares his childlike enthusiasm for recreating artistic miniature replicas of World War II military tanks, battleships and soldier figurines in 3-D form. Bernard’s face immediately

brightens when speaking about his much-loved hobby. His fascination for rebuilding a world through mere plastic blocks began as a child while he was playing with Lego blocks. For him, there is a gritty sense of satisfaction from the act of creating a world, a story, from simply nothing. At 11 years of age, Bernard caught a glimpse of a model of

a realistically portrayed tank in the windows of a shop and was immediately blown away– the wonder of that moment culminating into a life-long quest to tell stories through model-making. Today, he has traded the potential benefits from his degree in Civil Engineering for a full-time career dedicated to promoting, educating and providing advice, resources and guidance for his fellow modelers, all from his cosy little shop in Sunshine Plaza. Bernard likens model-making to running a marathon. He estimates an average of 50 man hours – from fully assembling the pieces, to painting and varnishing and adding details to simulate context and environment – to fully complete an average standard miniature tank. Though the endeavour does not offer instant gratification, the process of construction and fine-tuning reaps an immense sense of satisfaction. The details are a wonder to marvel at, and there is a deep, quiet sense of pride for what has just been birthed from some pieces of plastic just a few days before. Bernard enthuses, “There is magic in recreating and bringing life to history through the models that I make. Can you imagine holding a fragment of history in your hands?” There is indeed a sense of

“There is magic in recreating and bringing life to history through the models that I make.”

romantic nostalgia in recreating and recapturing the essence of history. Many of us long for the authentic and the original: a genesis budding from the roots. In a generation wirelessly connected to high speeds and ruthless efficiency, perhaps it is the slow, arduous process of molding something with our very own hands that will teach us to grasp what it means to make. A pastime that offers a full sense of achievement, scale modeling is perfect for individuals who are war and history buffs, who possess a pair of steady hands ready to fit, twist and paint miniature models into stunning pieces of art. A basic model kit of a simple military aircraft or warship is available from $50 onwards, and even children from 10 years of age can pick this up.

A finished modelbly

Model kits before assembly

For more information, visit Bernard’s shop at 91 Bencoolen Street, Sunshine Plaza, #01-58, Singapore 189652, Tel: 6334 1180, www.themworkshop.com

10 • WEEKENDER • November 2 - 8, 2012

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

E HAPPIER “The moment I understood that it wasn’t always about me.”- Tan pin pin

Happiness is a life on the streets Now 48, Roy Payamal has been busking on local and foreign streets for nearly 30 years. Weekender talks to the quirky performance artist about his philosophy on life and why he loves his job

Photos by Ampulets

by claire merquita

Tan Pin Pin interviwing John Woo

SEEING

STARS Tan Pin Pin’s documentary films explore the quintessentially Singaporean, and have been featured at sold-out local screenings, international festivals and on the Discovery Channel. Pin Pin takes time out to offer simple words of wisdom in our weekly Be Happier interview

Tan Pin Pin interviewing Ivan Polunin in Invisible City

Weekender: What food do you eat that makes you happy? Pin Pin: Fresh sashimi don. How can something so delicious be still so good for you?

W: Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? PP: I went youth hostelling after a 20-year break and survived to

talk about it. And I want to do it again - sleep on an upper bunk bed and share a communal kitchen.

w: What’s the most ‘paiseh’ (embarrassing) thing you’ve ever done? PP: I did not pay a taxi driver because I forgot to bring my wallet. W: What is the most beautiful moment in your life? PP: The moment I understood that it wasn’t always about me. W: Where is your favourite place in Singapore? PP: The tree top walk in Macritchie Reservoir when there are no crowds. I enjoy walking in Jalan Besar and Little India too. These places feel authentic, organic and comfortable in themselves.

W: What do people love most about you? PP: My films, I hope. W: You have a time machine. When and where do you go? PP: I’d like to meet my great-great grandmother. She was a cheroot

chomping, bullock-cart-driving tin mine operator in Klang Valley, Malaysia. She was the first woman who drove a car– a black Ford in the early 1900s.

W: What is so ‘shiok’ about Singapore? PP: That we are near Malaysia and Indonesia. We underestimate

how culturally dense and interesting our region is, cocooned in our air-conditioned nation.

W: What message would you like to say to all Singaporeans? PP: And this too shall pass

Tan Pin Pin on location in Snow City

Busking 101 Busking’s not just for uncles and aunties anymore. Think you’ve got what it takes? We show you how to get started One unpleasant stigma surrounding busking in Singapore is that it’s a job for people who can’t do anything else. If you don’t believe us, try announcing you’re quitting your job to take up busking at your next family gathering and enjoy the shocked silence. But it doesn’t have to be all or nothing. An increasing number of people, young and old, are getting into the act for the pure joy and challenge of performing to a steady crowd. A recent visit to the National Arts Council’s (NAC) busking audition saw a slew of newbies mixed in with the veteran performers, most

If you’ve ever walked the streets of Orchard Road or Tampines Central, chances are you’ve seen Roy Payamal. He’s usually painted from head to toe, raised high above the crowds on an intricate platform of his own creation, standing perfectly and unbelievably still as the crowds roll by. Or, he could be decked out in a seemingly unconnected array of items – from butterfly wings to fairy lights, moving slowly to music, his face a mask of sublime concentration. Roy is a busker, but banish that thought of the chirpy guitarist or aging uncle crooning popular ballads that’s probably popped into your mind. Roy’s show is an ever-evolving work of performance art, a carefully devised study of movement and space that he tweaks every day. For Roy, it is not so much a job as a lifelong love. “We do art out of love,” he says, adding that the best thing about busking is the freedom and scope it offers. “If you compare this medium to any other form of live-theatre, we get to perform for more hours and to more people than any other.” Roy has been experimenting with different aspects of performance since his teens, and even taught himself the dangerous art of fire eating in his youth. He went on to become a prolific mime and clown-artist, perfoming with local artists and theatre companies and even taking his act to Japan and international busking festivals. Busking, which he first tried in his late teens, has always been his first love despite its challenges. “On the street it is different – you’ve got to adapt, and it’s not just about talent,” he said in an interview with Timeout earlier this year. “You have to ask why people should give you money, and know how to get the crowd.” There’s also the bulky sound and set equipment he needs to lug to his busking location each day. His make-up and set-up can take up to four hours and, after all that hard work, bad weather can make the effort a waste. But it seems nothing can sway Roy from his inherent optimism, and it’s hard not to be swept along in his obvious joy as he eagerly dives into my questions on what makes him happy. His favourite place: the corner near Tampines MRT where he now works. His favourite food: laksa, served in a porcelain bowl with cockles. And his proudest accomplishment? “To be able to express myself in an abstract manner,” he answers, “when my sea of audience of a kaleidoscopic background can understand my art in whatever way their mind wishes to see it.” As for advice to those who would try busking for themselves, Roy Payamal simply says, “Enjoy.” Contact details and photographs of Roy’s work can be found at royrocketstar.net Roy Payamal, street busker

W: What makes you smile? PP: A sense of humour and wit, whether it’s a line of graffiti found

in an unexpected locale, or a design feature, or a witty off-thecuff line from someone. W

looking to try out busking for a weekend or two, including a young magician with his table of tricks and two new local bands hoping to gain exposure for their music. All it takes is a skill, a bit of courage, and a busking license.

How it works To busk in Singapore, you need to be a citizen or permanent resident. Employment pass holders must get written approval from their employers and the Ministry of Manpower. Your busking performance could be anything from singing to drawing to acrobatic feats. Then, gather the tools of your trade and register for the audition. The application form is available on the NAC’s website (nac.gov.sg) under the Busking Scheme. You’ll need to fill in your details, choose five busking locations from a list, and provide information about what you’ll perform and who with. Once you mail it in, the NAC will get back to you on your audition date. Auditions happen every three months at Level 3 of the National

Library Building in Bugis. You’ll need to bring any equipment you have with you for your act and prepare a short segment of your performance to show. The requirements differ depending on your skill category, so check the NAC’s website beforehand. After a few minutes before a panel of judges, you will usually have an idea of whether you’ve made the cut. The judges also sometimes offer constructive feedback on how to improve your act. From there, you’ll have to wait a few weeks before you’re given the official go and issued a license, which must be renewed annually by audition. Happy busking!

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“Happiness, I believe, is the purpose of our lives. Magic can only happen when you never expect it.”

NOVEMBER 2 - 8, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 11

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS

TRAVELATIO

BIZARRE

BANGKOK Leave the markets and chic food places of Bangkok and embark on a tour of the peculiar with travel blogger Darren Ng You love Bangkok and have been there so much that the mosaic wats with their overwhelming gold are beginning to seem blinding and your shoes have been worn through from bargain hunting. You wonder, is there more to Bangkok than the great shopping, delicious cuisine, clubbing and sleazy decadence? Well, how about taking the road less travelled and discovering the unusual in this city of a thousand joys? Presenting my top three most eccentric places to visit in Bangkok! They may seem like sideline freak shows, but I think they exemplify the level of tolerance and acceptance that defines the Thai culture. I love Thailand! Wat Hua Lamphong - Rama IV Road, Pathum Wan How about doing some charity by donating to Bangkok’s street beggars? At the Chinese temple tucked by the side of Wat Hua Lamphong, you can donate coffins for the burial of the destitute deceased. The cost of a full burial is approximately 500 baht but you can donate any amount you wish. You’ll be given two slips

There ise more to explore in Bangkok than all these touristy places

of paper – pink and white. You’ll stick the pink slip to a wooden coffin and the burn the white slip at an altar where the deities are housed. Your donation pays for a coffin and burial ceremony for those who can’t afford the cost of death rites. Coffin donation is considered a form of merit-making for the Thais. Being Christian, I don’t treat it as accumulating good karma, but the simple fact is that compassion and charity should transcend religious doctrines. It takes less than 15 minutes to make a donation and, after that, you can visit Wat Hua Lamphong itself. Mae Nak Shrine (a.k.a. Shrine of the Ghost Wife) – Wat Maha But, On Nut Ready for some romance? Legend has it that about 100 years ago, there was a beautiful young woman called Nak who lived on the bank of the Prakanong River. During the war, her husband Maak was drafted to fight for his country and, while he was away the pregnant Nak died in labour. Her spirit lingered, waiting for her beloved husband. He returned and obliviously continued living with his ghost wife for some time. However, once he discovered the truth, he fled to the temple. Mae Nak was furious and began terrorizing people in the village until a mor pii or ghost doctor imprisoned her in a bottle. Mae Nak Shrine looks more like a ‘home’ for Mae Nak and her child as it’s always filled with flower garlands, colourful Thai costumes, cosmetics, toys, diapers, and milk bottles offered by devotees as gifts for her child. One of the most fascinating items in the shrine is a TV that is on 24 hours every day! Forensic Museum, Siriraj Hospital – Phrannok Road Also known as the Museum of Death, the displays here put the controversial Body Worlds exhibition to shame. Murder weapons, autopsy photos, body parts, diseased organs and glass jars containing stillborn children pickled in formaldehyde are a grim reminder that we are, after all, mere flesh and bones. We are mortal. Perhaps the most famous of all the exhibits is the mummified corpse of See Uey Sae Ung, the most notorious serial killer in Thai history who even inspired the 2004 film Zee-Oui. A Chinese immigrant who moved to Thailand in 1944, See Uey suffocated and then ate the hearts and livers of over half a dozen male children. He apparently believed that the practice made him stronger, healthier, and by some accounts, immortal. Apparently, it turned out to be false as he was captured and executed by hanging in the 1950s. In recent years, the museum has added a film educating visitors about the story of See Uey and many a Thai parent has threatened their misbehaving kids with a visit from his ghost. Full article available at www.explorelah.blogspot.com WEEKENDER MINI-GALLERY

CHATUCHAK WEEKEND MARKET Open on the weekends from 9am to 6pm, you’ll get virtually a bargain on almost everything from clothes to accessories to pets and even furniture.

Land of a Thousand Smiles

BANGKOK BUTTERFLY GARDEN AND INSECTARIUM These butterflies aren’t dead and immortalised in display cases. They are housed in a huge enclosure with rocks, flora and fauna and a cooling waterfall – all to mimic their natural habitat.

Here are a couple of lessmorbid places in Bangkok to visit if you’re in town. GRAND PALACE AND WAT PRAKEAW Built in 1782, this has been home to the Thai King for over 150 years. It also houses Wat Prakeaw where the Emerald Buddha – carved out of an entire block of jade - is enshrined. Be sure you are modestly dressed with the shoulders, knees and feet covered.

YAOWARAT (CHINATOWN) Packed with street food and market stalls, the energy levels run high at Yaowarat. To see Chinatown at its best, plan your trip around major celebrations like Chinese New Year to soak in the festivities.

DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET The most popular floating market in Thailand, this place is great for food and a trip back in time to a bygone era. A little over an hour outside Bangkok, the easier way to travel there would be joining a tour group for a day. Illustrator: William Chua. See more at www.facebook.com/xiaobaosg

COVER STORY ilovebooks.com Pavilion, Campus Green, Singapore Management University, Festival Pass Ream to Reel: The Human Comedy 3 Nov, 5.30pm – 8.30pm In Mandarin with English subtitles The Human Comedy weaves four loosely adapted Confucian moral fables into a contemporary and often hilarious portrait of modern Taiwan. Moving Image Gallery, Singapore Art Museum @ 8Q, Festival Pass

Singapore Writers Festival 2012 • Continued from page 1 Little Lit! is a series of workshops and storytelling sessions for the young and families, with folktales and legends of every culture being explored in several languages. Many of these also feature games or encourage children to work together in creating a story of their very own – a great creativity booster for young minds. A definite must-see is the popular closing debate, where teams of authors and literary luminaries go head to head in a half-serious and fully entertaining battle of the wits. This year’s topic - Is Singaporean identity all food and shopping? – will be debated by popular writer and satirist Neil

Humpreys among others. All this is only scratching the surface of the SWF’s offerings this year, so get exploring! Over a hundred events, including most of the panels and workshops, are open to anyone with a $15.00 Festival Pass. Other events such as the lectures and cocktail evenings are ticketed, but still more are completely free. To be safe, check the SWF’s website – www.singaporewritersfestival. com - for more details and a full programme. Weekender’s Picks: With over 200 events, the SWF truly has festival-goers spoilt for choice this year. To help you out, we’ve gone ahead and picked out our highlights for the festival.

Panel: Girl Power & Women Warriors: Load your Magazines! 3 Nov, 11.30am – 12.30pm Do women’s magazines reinforce concepts of gender roles? This panel of industry veterans discusses if you can be a feminist and still enjoy women’s magazines. Glass Hall, Singapore Art Museum, Festival Pass Panel: Crime Scene – Do Not Enter 3 Nov, 7pm – 8pm Find out what goes on behind the makings of an exciting crime thriller bestseller. ilovebooks com Pavilion, Campus Green, Singapore Management University, Festival Pass. Panel: Writing Gleefully 4 Nov, 2.30pm – 3.30pm The comedic geniuses behind The Noose, the irreverently spot-on Mr Brown and the nutty Chestnuts, come clean about parodies.

Little Lit! Parent and Child Storytelling Workshop 10 Nov, 2.30pm – 3.30pm Storyteller Kamini Ramachandran shows you how as she shares delightful tales and demonstrates how to make animal figures to bring home for some family fun! Bring scissors, adhesive tape, ice-cream sticks and markers. Parental participation is encouraged. Big Steps, School of Information Systems, Singapore Management University Off the Page: The Ukulele Girls 3 Nov, 7pm – 7.30pm The Ukulele Girls, Kaylin & Tian, are part sugar, part spice and almost everything nice! They will be treating audiences to their catchy original tunes, with funny lyrics and soothing harmonies. Enjoy their self-deprecating humour, and quirky shots of life. Festival Pavilion, Campus Green, Singapore Management University

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Poetry of Song 2012 we speak to Bryan Tay and Jeremy Kwan of local band Switch Gang and poet Li Jing about the challenges they faced putting poetry to music W: How did you guys get started writing and playing music? BRYAN: I started learning organ and piano from a very young age, and I just never stopped playing music. JEREMY: Writing-wise, I’m still very new to it. I’ve only written and recorded one song, and I hope to do more writing in the future. LI JING: I started writing since my secondary school days. I keep a considerable amount of diaries and notebooks and participate in all kinds of writing contests. I was the 1st prizewinner of the Golden Point Award in the Chinese short story category in 1997, and the 2nd prize-winner in 2005. I had my first book, a Chinese novel, published in Dec 2001

W: Did you know each other before this project? What’s was it like working together? LJ: I actually haven’t gotten the chance to meet [the Switch Gang], only communicating once over the phone when Bryan called to ask me who is the ‘Godot’ (the famously absent character in Samuel Beckett’s famous play ‘Waiting for Godot’). But I think he is brilliant as he managed to catch the essence of ‘waiting for the unknown’ and brought that out so well in the song. B: I had some difficulty writing the song as the poem was not intentionally designed for a song. Thankfully, we have a great team of musicians who caught everyone’s drift and everything fit nicely.

W: What themes do you gravitate towards in your work? B: I’m sick of songs about falling in and out of love! I prefer writing happy, feel-good songs. J: I haven’t done much writing but I guess the word “emo” usually comes to mind. I think sad songs hit home most of the time. Chicks dig those! LJ: I don’t limit myself to any specific theme. In this instance I read the play, then wrote and submitted the poem – before realising that there was a theme for this year’s POS!

W: What advice do you have for budding poets and songwriters? B: Sometimes deadlines make you work more efficiently! J: What matters is that it comes from within you, rather than you trying to create something that sounds like a certain group or a certain song. You have to try to stay original.. The Poetry of Song grand finale will be held 8 Nov, 7pm at Switch. Admission is free. All song entries are on www.singaporewritersfestival. com.

12 • WEEKENDER • November 2 - 8, 2012

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS

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