MICA (P) 144/08/2012
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weekendersgp November 9 - 15, 2012
weekendersgp YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND filled with FUN AND HAPPINESS
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INSIDE... 06
>> Oh that Spicy Aroma!
Weekender wishes our readers a Happy Deepavali and encourages you to partake in the cuisine of the hour, Indian food.
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Unbearable Cuteness Wow your friends when gift-giving by learning how to make your very own stuffed bears from scratch. Esther Lee shows you what it takes.
SEE PUPPETS
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Dreaming of a crazy Christmas
Selena Tan shares her thoughts on happiness and her upcoming Crazy Christmas show in our Be Happier interview.
IN ACTION
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Puppets have been entertaining for centuries but few know it’s not all Big Bird and Cookie Monster. The ASEAN Puppetry festival 2012 will transform your perspective
Beautiful OL’ Barcelona Travel blogger Albino Chua experiences the beautiful architecture and monuments of old Europe on his trip to Spain
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VENTS
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS
= FREE
All events are correct at time of print.
Exhibition runs until 24 Feb 2013 at Exhibition Gallery 2, National Museum of Singapore. Tickets at $11. Further details at nationalmuseum.sg.
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KUO PAO KUN
IO IT IB
National Museum of Singapore commemorates the tenth anniversary of the dramatist’s death with an exhibition celebrating his life and work. Curator Lynn Lee tells us why it’s worth seeing
H EX
A LIFE PRACTICE -
ST U M EE S
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02 • WEEKENDER • November 9 - 15, 2012
Weekender: What has been Kuo Pao Kun’s most significant contribution to Singapore’s arts scene or to the nation in general? LYNN: Kuo Pao Kun’s undying enthusiasm for theatre and his relentless pursuit to establish well-laid platforms for artistic and cultural exchanges in Singapore was truly legendary. He also helped set up the country’s first independent arts centre, The Substation. W: Tell us about the process of putting the exhibition together. L: One of the most difficult challenges was to put together an exhibition with “theatre” as its main theme. Every theatrical experience is a unique concoction of the actors, the lighting, the mood and responses of the audience, and replicating that “scene” in an exhibition can be rather challenging. These little discoveries and details made Kuo even more relatable. W: What is your favourite part of the exhibition and why? L: Letters that Kuo wrote to his family while in detention. They exhibited the tenacious spirit of Kuo, where he remained positive even in the most adverse situations.
ST ANDREW’S CATHEDRAL GUIDED TOUR Mon-Sat, 10.30am-12pm/2.30pm4pm This guided tour shows the highlights of this Anglican cathedral, built in 1862. Understand the significance of the brass wall plaques commemorating the victims of war, and the Coventry Cross made of nails from the ruins of England’s Coventry Cathedral. Participants are to meet at the welcome centre. St Andrew’s Cathedral, 11 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178959 ARMY MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE Daily (except Mon), 10am-6pm, $3-$12 This museum preserves the heritage of the Singapore Army, as well as honours the contributions and celebrates the experiences of our soldiers. It hopes to capture and tell the stories of ordinary people doing extraordinary things. Admission is free for SAF and Home Team NSF and NS men, and SAF servicemen/women. SAFTI Military Institute, 500 Upper Jurong Road, Singapore 638364
BE THE CHANGE EXPOSITION 2012 8 Nov, 9am-12.30pm The event will showcase over 60 social change initiatives by over 300 children. Join us to get inspired by their change journey from ‘Can I?’ to ‘I Can!’ There are also many fun activities to join: play a role in forum theatre by Play Acting Productions, design your evolving fashion with TAFF, hear what Happy Marketers have to say about social media, migrantrelated issues, play the money game with PlayMoolah!, get your hands dirty with Constructionism by Peak Paradigm, think design with Singapore Discovery Centre, and many more fun things for kids & adults. F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Boulevard, Singapore 038975 DALLAS WINE PAIRING NIGHT 8 Nov, 7pm- 9.30pm, $70 Discover New Zealand’s most successful premium wine brand alongside a selection of delicacies presented by Dallas at only $70. Be among the first to savour the 2012 vintage of Oyster Bay Sauvignon Blanc and enjoy all five Oyster Bay varietals with a special pairing of delicacies for each wine. 31 Boat Quay, Dallas Level 3 Lounge, Singapore 049820 Tel: 9665 2705
ASEAN Puppetry Festival 2012 • continued from page 1
intermission), $30 from Sistic & Muzika Records (Group & senior citizen discounts available)
The ASEAN Puppetry Festival 2012 is a multifaceted showcase of various cultures and lore of ASEAN ethnicities. Children and adults will be delighted by the colour, drama and range of stories depicted. Paper Monkey Theatre – The Three Big Bullies Join a journey to slay tigers and dragons in this Chinese
classic about the tale of the tyrant Zhou Chu, who was feared by many. Paper Monkey creates theatre productions and workshops with puppetry for children and families. Goodman Arts Centre, Multipurpose Room 2 (Block B) 9 Nov, 3pm & 8pm; 10 Nov, 11am & 3pm (50min, no intermission), $30 from Sistic (Group & senior citizen discounts available) In Chinese with no subtitles
Shoot for the Star Sparkling new concert venue The Star Performing Arts Centre opens its doors By Cheryl Chia It was not too long ago that the land around Buona Vista was merely a flat green field. But $500 million and four years later, Singapore’s only state-ofthe-art performance venue, The Star Performing Arts Centre (Star PAC) with a 5000-seat auditorium has sprung up. Housed within the Star Vista mall, it welcomes its first guests – the stellar cast of David Foster and Friends.
Mr Jack Ho, Chief Operating Officer of The Star PAC says, “We are thrilled to see our dreams finally become a reality. It has taken many people with great vision, passion and commitment to get us where we are today. We hope that The Star will become the venue of choice for performing arts event organisers, artists and audiences alike.” During a press conference
Papermoon Puppet Theatre – Mwathirika Good neighbours live side by side. Their peaceful neighbourhood suddenly undergoes a change. Papermoon Puppet Theatre’s experimental puppet theatre has been critically-acclaimed and presented in the US, South Korea and Malaysia. Malay Heritage Centre (85 Sultan Gate, Singapore 198501) 8 & 9 Nov, 8pm (55min, no
last Thursday, Mr David Foster congratulated the architects, Andrew Bromberg and Tateo Nakajima, on the building. “This building is magnificent. This is my first time opening any venue and I’m truly honoured,” he said. David was also the brains behind the late Whitney Houston’s ‘I Will Always Love You’ in the movie The Bodyguard in 1992. He has since discovered vocalists such as Michael Bublé and Josh Groban, and many more. Singer Paul Young, who also performed in the David Foster and Friends concert, said, “In London, Wembley stadium is known for having bad sound. We needed to hang flags up to stop the sound from booming around. This [Star PAC] is more comfortable.” The performers also agreed that they were excited to feel the energy of the audience during their show. Discoqueen Chaka Khan says in jest, “I’ve never baptised a venue before… that I know of. But, jokes aside, I feel an audience of 5,000 allows me to connect with the audience rather than a venue with 10,000 people where everyone just becomes a blur.” Other performers in the David Foster and Friends concert include Kenny ‘Babyface’ Edmonds, Hayley Westenra, and new kids on the block Dirty Loops and Fernando Varela. The Star PAC is also equipped with the latest technology
The Cultural Centre of Daklak – Colours of the Highlands Daklak’s puppet troupe presents a celebration of the traditions and values of the various ethnic groups of Vietnam. The Cultural Centre works to promote the traditions of Vietnam’s Central Highlands, Daklak, to the rest of Vietnam and Asia. Goodman Arts Centre, Multipurpose Hall 9 Nov, 4.45pm; 10 Nov, 8pm (30mins) Htwe Oo Myanmar – Traditional Dances Reviving the art of Yoke Thé, the string puppets which once graced royal courts of Burma, Htwe Oo Myanmar Traditional Puppet Theatre presents a variety of traditional dances that
include Dance of the Deer Chase and the Duet of the Prince and Princess. The Htwe Oo Myanmar Traditional Puppet Theatre was founded by Khin Maung Htwe in 2006, with a focus on preserving traditional puppetry arts of Myanmar. Goodman Arts Centre, Multipurpose Hall 9 Nov, 9pm (55min) & 10 Nov, 2pm (25min, excerpt only) Makhampom Theatre Group – The Toad, the Naga and the King of the Sky Phaya Thaen, King of the Sky, brought rains to the earth, and humans gave him respect. One day, Toad King Phya Khankhak was born as an incarnation of Buddha. His sermons drew everyone away from Phaya Thaen, and the humiliated king withdrew the rains. A war then raged between the Naga King and his troops, the Toad
King, and the King of the Sky. Makhampom Theatre Group is a Thai theatre group whose work is grassroots-oriented. Goodman Arts Centre, Multipurpose Hall, 10 Nov, 4.30pm (40mins) Festival Finale – A Thousand Faces, One Vision Directed by Frankie Malachi, the finale will feature the collective effort of various ASEAN Puppetry Festival artists and puppeteers. Frankie Malachi is a puppeteer based in Singapore, and the founder and creative director of Mascots and Puppets Specialists. He is a pioneer in the use of giant puppets, marionette puppetry, and black-light puppetry in Singapore. Goodman Arts Centre, Multipurpose Hall, 10 Nov, 8.45pm
WEEKENDER ABOUT US 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:
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tailored to pop concerts, musicals, dance and pop orchestras. “We are very pleased with The Star. We’ve managed to make acoustic and visual magic happen without it being seen by the audience,” says Architect Tateo Nakajima, of the experience within The Star PAC. David agreed, saying, “I’ve played in several other venues in Singapore but not one like this. I was blown away when I saw the stage. The acoustics are fantastic!” He adds, “Singapore is beautiful and I love coming back here. Performing at the Star is definitely the icing on the cake. Bravo to all of you for making this such a beautiful place to live in!”
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November 9 - 15, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 03
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS
EVENT
All events are correct at time of print.
PHILIPPE GENTY: VOYAGERS TO NOWHERE 9 Nov, 8pm-9.15pm, $25-$75 Embark on a magical journey to the far reaches of the imagination. Voyagers to Nowhere is the stunning visual theatre of the master himself, Philippe Genty. Voyagers is the grand opening event of the French Festival 2012. Tickets from SISTIC. Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981 Tel: 6828 8222 FINA ARENA WORLD CUP 2012 10-11 Nov, 9am-6pm, $20/$30 Singapore will be the eighth and last leg of the FINA/ARENA Swimming World Cup 2012, with the series kicking off in Dubai, moving on to Doha, Stockholm, Moscow, Berlin, Beijing, Tokyo, and finally culminating in Singapore. The FINA/ARENA Swimming World Cup will be held at the Singapore Sports School. Heats will be held at 9.00am and the finals at 5.30pm on both days. Ticket prices are at $20 per day or $30 for two days. Singapore Sports School, 1 Champions Way, Singapore 737913 Tel: 6258 1011 LAMBANÕ: CONTEMPORARY FUSION DANCE SHOW 10 Nov, 8pm-8.40pm, $12 Lost within a lucid dream, a girl searches for clarity and strength. In Greek, lambanõ means to ‘actively receive’. Each of us is drawn to do things that define us from others. In a society where money dictates most things, will you still dare take on the uncertain? The choice lies within; find your courage. Tickets available at Jitterbugs Swingapore. Jitterbugs Swingapore, 2 Handy Road, The Cathay #B1-08, Singapore 229233 Tel: 9666 4202 / 6887 0383 PSMS LIVE IN SINGAPORE 10 Nov, 7pm, $85 Mike Portnoy (Adrenaline Mob / ex- Dream Theater), Billy Sheehan (Mr Big), Tony MacAlpine (instrumental rock solo guitarist) and Derek Sherinian (Black Country Communion / ex-Dream Theater) will join forces to rock TAB with their Progressive Metal sound as part of their extended tour of Europe and Asia. The virtuoso band will play an all-instrumental set consisting of material from each of their
solo records and their previous collaborations, as well as classic instrumental covers and extended solo spots. Tickets from SISTIC. TAB, 442 Orchard Road, Orchard Hotel #02-29, Singapore 238879 Tel: 6493 6952
Happy 7/11 Day 7–9 Nov It is 7/11’s birthday! And for this special day, they are offering large Slurpee for a mere 71 cents. Everyone loves a sweet, ice-cold slushie from 7/11. So pop into a store near you and enjoy their birthday slushies this weekend! Wish them a ‘Happy Birthday’ too while you’re at it. HYUNG KOO KANG: CROSSING GAZES EXHIBITION On-going till 18 Nov Tue-Sat: 11am-8pm, Sun: 10am-6pm South Korean painter Hyung Koo Kang is known for his hyperrealistic portraits of famous figures staring out from the canvas. Several of his more notable works include an aged Marilyn Monroe and Andy Warhol, a smoking Vincent Van Gogh, and Mao Zedong. His portraits are renowned for capturing the phenomenon of the fixing of the gaze in any meeting of two people. The artist desires for his large-scale portraits to engulf his audience and evoke mutual dialogue with the viewer and also himself through his subject’s profound gaze. Lock Road, Gillman Barracks #01-34, Singapore 108939 Tel: 6570 2505 THE CITY OF DESIRE 8-10 Nov, 9.30pm-10.30pm, SWF Festival Pass, $15 Only 21 and above will be admitted Choreographed by the acclaimed T.H.E Dance Company
choreographer, Lee Mun Wai, this SWF fringe event seeks to examine the different facets of desire in the literary arts, and the manifestation of sexuality in books, films, performances and the visual arts. The fringe programmes will explore the historical as well as sociocultural significance of desire and sexuality in literature. Inspired by short stories from Gopal Baratham’s book, The City of Forgetting, this piece will be danced by members of the T.H.E Second Company, the youth training wing of the main company. Play Den, The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429 Tel: 6332 6900 VOLKSWAGEN PRESENTS: ELITE MODEL LOOK 2012 SINGAPORE GRAND FINAL FEATURING MOTIV8, ORIGINAL DJ OF BLACK-EYED PEAS 9 Nov, 8pm. $58-$98 The Elite Model Look (EML) Singapore Grand Final promises to be an exciting night of spectacular fashion and entertainment. After a three-month-long search, with hundreds and hundreds of participants registering at the nationwide road shows and online i-Casting; and an exceedingly stringent filtering of contestants at the National Casting event, the Singapore edition of the most prestigious model search event in the world culminates in a highfashion extravaganza, where the selected finalists showcase multiple stylish and aesthetically eye-catching catwalk sequences against an aural backdrop of groovy atmospherics by CC Sound Factory. The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa NAC-Exxon Mobil Concert in the Park 11 Nov, 4pm-6.30pm Take your family on a lovely picnic and enjoy a free concert courtesy of NAC and Exxon Mobil. Students of Woodlands Primary School choir, Jessica Soo and Drums of Singapore & Beyond will be performing on stage from 4.30pm. You can also take part in their Gangnam Style Zumba performance taught by O2 Studio. For more information visit www.nac.gov.sg MESSIAH (SSO) 9 Nov, 7.30pm, $20-$122.50 American conductor John Nelson returns to conduct the SSO and a combined chorus in perhaps the
most widely-known of oratorios – Messiah, composed by Handel while he was living in England and which was first performed in Dublin in 1742. Many of the numbers have become familiar favourites, in particular the ubiquitous Hallelujah Chorus. Esplanade Concert Hall PERSPECTIVES FILM FESTIVAL: BREAKTHROUGHS IN CINEMA 8-11 Nov, $10 The fifth instalment of the annual Perspectives Film Festival: Breakthroughs in Cinema dives into an exciting and daring new theme – sexuality. This year’s line-up takes the audience on a journey of exploration and enlightenment. The six films shed light on the sensitive topic of sexuality and its impact and influence on elemental aspects of human life such as love, fear, psychology and death. The films also go one step further in applying the concept of sexuality in the exploration of societal issues such as tradition, gender roles and family ties. Thus, the films in this year’s programme stand out not only as great cinematic works, but also for their ability to explore challenging topics that society often prefers not to discuss. National Museum of Singapore, Permanent Galleries For more info: http:// perspectivesfilmfestival.com
see which artist appeals to your taste. Choose from a wide variety of artwork, which includes paintings, sculptures, prints and photographs without burning a hole in your wallet. F1 Pit Building
THE LITTLE MAESTROS 11 Nov, 7.30pm, $18-$70 The Little Maestros showcases young performers, from four-yearold violin tots to young artists all below 12 years old. The programme of violin and flute works for ensembles and soloists include works by CPE Bach, Vivaldi, Mozart, Handel, Wieniawski, Brahms and more. SOTA Concert Hall
OCTOBER On-going to 11 Nov, Wed-Fri, 8pm, Sat & Sun, 3pm, $30 Multilingual performance October takes a look at a group of elderly people, all living in a small neighbourhood that is undergoing upgrading. In this scenario comes Caleb, a young and ambitious property agent looking for prospective sellers. As their paths cross, they each find new sources of strength for renewal, regeneration and rejuvenation. Tickets from Sistic. The Necessary Stage Black Box AFFORDABLE ART FAIR 15-18 Nov, $10 Affordable Art Fair is the leading showcase for affordable contemporary art. Join us at the third Affordable Art Fair in Singapore for an exciting and funfilled day at the F1 Pit Building. This year, 86 galleries from 18 countries will be offering a diverse range of contemporary art. Be inspired by the artwork from various galleries all over the world and
ANIME FESTIVAL ASIA 2012 9-11 Nov, 9am-9pm, $8-$20 Immerse in the latest trends and content of Japanese anime and popular culture this November, as Anime Festival Asia 2012 (AFA 2012) returns to Singapore. Toptier artistes, the latest content and a multi-national team of maids and butlers were among the early
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highlights announced today, as the festival organisers gave a preview of its three-day extravaganza. Top Japanese record labels and management companies will also set up showcases during the festival, giving visitors a holistic view of the Japanese entertainment industry’s latest offerings. Singapore Expo, Hall 7 & 8
Saturday Original Sessions Occuring every Saturday, Hood Bar and Café - started by Clement Yang, Nigel Wan and Joseph Zhang- encourages local bands to perform their own original works in front of a live audience. Local bands such as Jack and Rai, West Grand Boulevard and Ah Five have previously been featured at Hood. If you are a local artist wanting to perform contact their Music Director Clement at clement@hoodbarandcafe.com Hood, Bugis +, 201 Victoria Street, #05-07, Singapore 188067 Tel: 6221 8846
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.
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04 • WEEKENDER • NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2012
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS
ASHION
LEVELUP Pop-up store First Storey showcases the finest Singaporean menswear labels. Catch them before they disappear
By Cheryl Chia
Reebonz.com: Easy, breezy luxury
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ituated in the the slowly flourishing Tiong Bahru estate, pop-up store First Storey brings together a band of menswear brands conceived and curated by Singaporeans. A total of 16 brands were chosen to be part of First Storey, selected for their unique voices and their support to the Singapore design scene. The brands are all relatively young, save for one, and all show passion for their work and the uniqueness in their voices. Easily described as “indie”, inside the homely setting of the store, one can sense a laidback vibe, typical of the sleepy estate. Labels such as Carryall James – one of the pioneer local men’s bag labels to launch; Jaunty Boys – a youthful and feisty t-shirt line; and oldtime label Crocodile are just some of the few brands housed within First Storey. Established in 1947, Crocodile is no longer for just the older folks. It brings youthful style with denim baseball jackets and skinny suits to the table, giving its fresher counterparts a run for their money. Separated into three rooms, the store opens into sections such as accessories, apparel and art, linked by an open air corridor to allow natural sunlight to filter into the open space. Hong Kong-based designer and illustrator John Woo shows off his brand’s - He Wears It by John Wu - water-colour or acrylic illustrations featuring icons such as Star Wars on different designer labels like Dolce & Gabbana and Band of Outsiders. Stand out from the crowd in these new threads from First Storey, but do hurry as the store disappears by January 2013. First Storey is located at 78 Guan Chuan Street, #01-49, Singapore 160078. Open on weekdays 1pm-8.30pm and 12pm-8.30pm on the weekends
No more queuing up at luxury goods stores just to get that elusive discount. order through Reebonz for discounts every day
“The brands are all relatively young, save for one, and all show passion for their work and the uniqueness in their voices.”
Getting that coveted luxury item has never been easier with Reebonz; just a few clicks of the mouse and your new toy will be on its way to you. This festive season, light up your wardrobe with Reebonz’s “50 Shades of Christmas”. Special accessories have been handpicked for you to stand out at all your Christmas parties ranging from passionate red to opulent gold. Flaunt your new Miu Miu Madras Bauletto or Christian Louboutin Roxanne Clutch and watch the rest of your friends turn green with envy. To be part of the Reebonz entourage, sign up on their website for free basic membership for access to events where you can get up to 70 per cent off your favourite bag. Luxury has never been so affordable. Reebonz also offers instalment progammes on their goods and delivers in 48 hours locally. For those who wish to “touch before you buy”, visit their flagship lounge in Clifford Centre for an exclusive peek at some of the stock at Reebonz. Simply make an appointment and head on down.
Especially for all Weekender readers Reebonz is giving you $20.00 off your next purchase of minimum $200.00, simply type in WKNDER20 upon check-out. The discount code is valid from Nov 9 to Dec 31. Happy shopping!
Reebonz SPACE is located at 24 Raffles Place, #07-07, Clifford Centre, Singapore 048621 For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
November 9 - 15, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 05
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
FAMILY & FRIEND
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Babies - aren’t they the
Evan Koh, Born Apr 27, 2012
Yang JingXiang, Born Apr 25, 2012
Edmund Tiong, Born May 26, 2012
cutest things ever? That’s why Weekender dedicates a section to your adorable darlings in
HELLO WORLD
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,
Yessenia Tan, Born Feb 24, 2012
Tiffany Tan, Born Jul 11, 2012
Eirene Lim, Born Aug 1, 2012
#02-03, Singapore 367998. We look forward to receiving photos of your loved one!
Raising a child from zero to two For the month of November, parent blogger Daddy M shows us the ropes, beginning with quick tips for new parents in the early years By DADDY M The first year Have you seen movies where the parents would sing a song or read a storybook and the infant would quietly doze off in their crib without a nay or a whimper? Wake up! That’s a dream and not reality. For the first few weeks or months, the normal routine is to wake up every four hours or so [if you’re lucky] to either feed or change diapers. Get ready for panda eyes and runs to the kitchen at unearthly hours. It helps to take turns as a couple. We did an alternate day timetable so at least one of us could get a decent night’s rest every other day. Get a mini fridge to store the milk in the bedroom. It will save you trips to the kitchen in the middle of the night. Lastly, you may skip singing a song or reading a book for now. Instead, carry your babies. Try not to rock excessively, or else it becomes a pre-sleep routine. Consider swaddling as it mimics the warmth of the womb. The second year This is when the child will assert himself and his position in the family. They have their own thoughts but may not be articulate well enough to express them, and the word ‘reason’ is an alien concept. Be prepared for the stares as your toddler wails his displeasure if his demands are not met. While this should not be encouraged, try to understand that this is their way of communicating at that age. The children of this age are also sponges and great mimics at words and deeds. Watch what you say as it may very well become their catchphrase for the next few years. Take this opportunity to teach them their A to Zs, 1-2-3s and do-re-mis. If you want your child to be bilingual, now’s the time to brush up on your mother tongue. This is also the age where the little ones discover mobility. Gone are the days when you can confine them to a crib and go about your household chores. If you haven’t already child-proofed your house for potential hazards, this is the time to do it. Next week: Daddy M gives us tips on managing those mounting expenses when raising a child. Full articles available at thewackyduo.com For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
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YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
06 • WEEKENDER • November 9 - 15, 2012
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VISITING DA PAOLO Food blogger Jacob Leong and co-founder of Patisserie Framboise pays Da Paolo a visit
1. Ossobuco di Vitello 2. Insalata Caprese 3. King Prawn Pasta
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Aromatic options
“The fresh juicy tomatoes had robust
With Deepavali arriving soon, here are some aromatic options to dine AT during the Festival of Lights
flavour with the sweet balancing the sour, complementing the basil salad doused with fragrant olive oil.”
In Singapore, Indian food is always popular whether for a late night supper or dinner in a restaurant. Indian cuisine is one of the most colourful and tasty local options. Here are some places you can dine at during Deepavali, or after. Gayatri Restaurant Gayatri Restaurant is known for its Southern and Northern Indian cuisine, which is uncommon in Singapore. The restaurant was recommended to me by an Indian family that likes to go for good Indian food at a proper restaurant, every now and then. Gayatri does not disappoint. Also, from February, Gayatri started using an e-menu system which has improved efficiency as well as drawn more curious customers. Its main draw is its open-concept kitchen, where inquisitive diners can view the chefs cooking and preparing their favourite mouth-watering dishes. While the fish head curry is not the best, it’s still good and will satisfy a craving. Other highlights include the chicken briyani set, mutton dum briyani and chicken tikka. 122 Race Course Road, #01-01, Singapore 218583 Open Mon-Sun, 11am-11pm Mains about $6.50 and above Komala Vilas Vegetarian Restaurant Not to be confused with the popular Indian fast food chain Komala’s, Komala Vilas Vegetarian Restaurant has been serving authentic and tasty Indian food since 1947. I was introduced to this place by an Indian classmate but my other classmates – Chinese and Malays – all swore by this restaurant. The lovely food includes masala dosai, bhattura and the vegetable briyani set. Also a must-try is the lassi, a refreshing yoghurt drink. It is listed on 10 best.com as one of the ‘Ten Best Indian Restaurants In Singapore To Have A Good Curry’, and said to have one of the best value meals in town. I can’t agree more. 76-78 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217981 Open Mon-Sun, 7am-10.30pm Mains about $5-6
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hip Bee Gardens may be a familiar place to many foodies, a quiet street lined with many great restaurants. Da Paolo was and still is a giant brand along that stretch with multiple establishments like Dolci, Gastronomia, Ristorante and Pizza Bar alternating along the row of shophouses. With so many outlets here and around the city, they must be doing something right, right? Wrong. It is apparent that Ristorante is a bistro-styled restaurant with professional service standards, with well-dressed waiters in uniforms, polished silverware, clean white tablecloths, the works. But, the service was mechanical, cold and distant. Not once, did our waiter look any of us in the eye, nor did he smile. He stared blankly into the distance behind us as he recited the daily specials, and fidgeted as if he was dancing in a tiny square. My party of three decided to share an appetiser – the Insalata Caprese ($18.00). The fresh juicy tomatoes had robust flavour with the sweet balancing the sour, complementing the basil salad doused with fragrant olive oil. Unfortunately our Merluzzo Atlantico ($36.00) with potato puree and black truffle sauce was disappointing. It was bland, fishy and the black truffle sauce was hardly aromatic. On top of that, there were multiple bones found in the fillet. It was a decently cooked piece of cod with crispy skin and moist flesh but the other blatant mistakes overshadowed the skill in cookery.
The King Prawn Pasta ($30.00) came with two large headed prawns on a plate, some nicely done al-dente pasta, and a rich tomato based sauce. The sauce was savoury with the tomatoes and seafood flavours complementing each other well, giving you a rather full-bodied feel. The pasta was spoton al dente, and prawns were also cooked well. The portion was a little small, but this was easily the best dish of the night. On paper, Ossobuco di Vitello ($36.00) – a braised veal shank - was irresistible to me. I love a good slow cooked dish with fall-off-the-bone meat. But the dish that arrived only made half of my food daydream come true. While the veal was falling off the bone, it was dry, a little chewy and bland inside, almost as if the braising liquid was not absorbed into the meat. The saving grace was that the connective tissues melted in my mouth, like a warm meaty gelatin, and that little bit of marrow in the centre of the bone. All in all, I’m still pretty much bummed out that my experience was way off, but what I know is that the next time I drop by, my choice would be the pasta dishes over the rest. Da Paolo Ristorante is located at 44 Jalan Merah Saga #01-56 Singapore 278116 Tel: 6476 1332 For the full article and more of Jacob’s writing visit www.cooksnapeatlove.com
Creamy prawn curry
Muthu’s Curry Muthu’s Curry is the iconic Indian restaurant in Singapore, famous for its curry fish head. It may sound strange for those who have not tried it but, rest assured, it tastes wonderful. The fish head is cooked for some time in a curry gravy with a number of fragrant and flavourful spices, and left to simmer with ladies fingers, tomatoes and brinjal. Other popular dishes include tandoori chicken and stir-fried mutton mysore. To complement the spicy and savoury curry fish head, order a sweet mango lassi to wash it down. 138 Race Course Road #01-01 Singapore 218591 With branches in Suntec and Dempsey About $12 and above
YOU’VE HAD FISH CURRY, MUTTON CURRY AND THE QUINTESSENTIAL CHICKEN CURRY BUT FOR THIS DEEPAVALI TRY OUT THIS NEW TWIST ON THE OLD CURRY FAVOURITE BY ADDING A FEW TAILS OF FRESH PRAWNS FOR A UNiQUE TASTE. FOOD BLOGGER SHERIE LEE SHARES HER RECIPE WITH US
Anandha Bhavan Restaurant Anandha Bhavan Restaurant claims to be the oldest Indian vegetarian restaurant in Singapore, having been established in 1924 along Selegie Road. It has a good selection of North Indian and South Indian cuisines. Must-trys include appam and the briyani set. The dosai set is also good, with two different curry gravies and one dhal. Anandha Bhavan takes pride in not using monosodium glutamate (MSG), preservatives and additives, as well as not re-using cooking oil in the preparation of food. From its humble beginnings, Anandha Bhavan has now expanded to four other branches, two in the heart of Little India, one along Syed Alwi Road and one at Changi Airport Terminal 2. 221 Selegie Road, Singapore 188340 With four other branches Open daily 7.30am-10.30pm Mains about $5 and above
SERVES ABOUT FOUR INGREDIENTS: 500g tiger prawns 1 1/2 tablespoons of lemon juice 3 tablespoons of oil 1/2 onion, finely chopped 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric 5cm piece of cinnamon stick 4 cloves 7 cardamom pods 3 bay leaves 2cm piece of ginger, grated 3 garlic cloves, chopped 3 teaspoons chilli powder 100ml coconut milk 50ml yogurt *Optional: addition of 150g of pan-fried paneer
Samy’s Curry Restaurant Samy’s Curry Restaurant is one of the oldest and most popular local Indian restaurants to date. This family-run South-Indian restaurant was founded in the 1950s in Tank Road. To cope with its growing customer base, it moved to its current location in Dempsey Road more than 20 years ago. Samy’s Curry serves hearty fare that is as good as home-cooked and signature dishes include masala chicken, mutton mysore and masala prawns. Its famous fish head curry, a multi-sensory delight served in a claypot, rivals that of Muthu’s Curry. 25A Dempsey Road, Open Wed-Sun, 11am–3pm, 6pm–10pm Mains from $6
METHOD: • Peel and de-vein the prawns, leaving the tails intact. Put them in a bowl, add the lemon juice, then toss together and leave them for five minutes. Rinse the
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• •
prawns under cold running water and pat dry with paper towels. Heat the oil in a heavy based pan and fry the onion until lightly browned. Add the turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, bay leaves, ginger and garlic, and fry for one minute. Add the chilli powder, coconut milk, yoghurt and salt to taste, and slowly bring to oil. Reduce heat and simmer for two minutes. Add the prawns, return to boil and reduce heat. Simmer for just two minutes or until the prawns are cooked and the sauce is thick.
Recipe taken from www.maameemoomoo.com
November 9 - 15, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 07
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
FOO
D
The return of the white Alba truffles Heralded as the most expensive food in the world, Goodwood Park Hotel brings in these rare treasures for the month of November By Cheryl Chia
Fans of white TRUFFLES rejoice as modern European restaurant Gordon Grill at Goodwood Park Hotel infuses them into their special menus to tease your palate. Coming from Alba, Piedmont, an area in North Italy known for producing the finest trifola d’Alba. The truffles will be featured in many novel ways by Executive Chef Gan Swee Lai in delectable starters like the US Wagyu Beef Carpaccio with celeriac remoulade, garlic chips and honey mustard dressing ($36.00) and the White Truffle Risotto with autumn mushrooms and duck confit ($36.00) Chef Gan has even managed to incorporate the fragrant truffles into his dessert selection with classics like an Apple Tarte Tatin with white truffle ice-cream ($18.00) and the White Truffle and Chestnut Crème Brulee. Any additional servings of white truffle are available ($24.00 for two grams). Gordon Grill also features a temperature-controlled wine cellar to house their collection of wines, chosen specifically to match the menu with over a hundred bottles of old and new world wines. Guests looking for a variety of flavours can also choose the Chef’s Appetiser Platter which contains seasonal ingredients such as foie gras, king scallop and Provençal snails.
Be Amused Former chef of Les Amis, Armin Leitgeb, joins the Esmirada Group to helm tapas joint, Amuse By Cheryl Chia
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You may have grieved for Chef Armin Leitgeb when he departed from his post at French restaurant Les Amis, but fret not, fans of his food would still be able to enjoy his cooking at new tapas bar and casual eatery, Amuse. Taken from the French term amuse bouche, it literally translates to “mouth amuser”. The restaurant aims to please diners with an eclectic cosmopolitan menu of small plates. The menu showcases a full spectrum of global delights from light to hearty such as Salmon Tarte Flambe with sour cream and chives ($9.00) and the locally inspired Chilli Crab Mantou ($9.00). For the more peckish, savour Armin’s homage to Austrian cuisine with menu items like traditional beef stew Goulash ($21.00) and Char-grilled Wagyu Cubes Cooked in Hay ($39.00). The latter was inspired by his childhood on his grandparents’ farm in Austria where he grew up. Amuse offers al fresco seating on the veranda and sidewalk for those who love people watching. For those who want to get up close and personal with the chef, request for the “Chef’s Table” for a peek into the kitchen. True to any tapas bar, they also offer a great range of cocktails and wine. Fronted by Klaus Leopold –who is also Austrian – enjoy his imaginative cocktails such as the Maica ($18.00) which contains Rhum Vieux du Pere Labat, fresh banana milk, Vedrenne chocolat liquor and blow-torched raw sugar. The Esmirada Group also owns Esmirada at Orchard, The Steakhouse and Pizzeria Giardino.
Gordon Grill is located at Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221 Tel: 6730 1744
Amuse is located at Orchard Hotel, 442 Orchard Road, #01-39, Singapore 238879, Tel: 6735 9098
If you have a recipe you’d like to share or a burning review you want to get out, we welcome your contributions. Send your recipes and reviews to general@weekender.com. sg. We look forward to receiving them!
Why is Mee Goreng so Red? Mee goreng is one of the most common local dishes, yet with many variations. dr Leslie tay of ieatishootipost gives us his two-cents worth
Mee Goreng $3.50 There is definitely a generous amount of bright red food colouring involved!
I must admit that I am not a big fan of mee goreng. I have never been one as a kid and I have yet to find one that has made me change my mind. I am talking about the Indian style mee goreng. There was a period of time when I was quite crazy about the Chinese style mee goreng when Punggol Seafood was still located at the bus terminal at the end of Punggol Road, but since then I think I only eat it every few years. But the consensus is that one of the best mee gorengs around can be found at NM Abdul Rahim Mee Goreng Stall in Ayer Rajah Food Centre. It is said that mee goreng is a dish that best exemplifies the ethnic mix of Singapore during the colonial times. The yellow noodles are
from the Chinese, the mutton and spices from the Indians, it has a Malay name and the bright red colour stems from tomato sauce which we have the British to thank for. But what actually sets one mee goreng apart from the other? A few of the mee goreng hawkers I spoke to, tell me that the power actually lies in the secret sambal which they use to add that special kick to their dish. No one would tell me what was in the sambal, but one thing is for sure, there is a definitely a generous amount of bright red food colouring involved! The mee goreng from NM Abdul Rahim was good. It had enough char on the noodles to give it a smokey flavour. It’s spicy and mildly muttony and the canned green peas added an old school touch. If you are hankering for mee Goreng, this is a safe bet. It’s a winner in a lot of people’s books and has a long heritage. Although it is not a personal favourite, I can see why some people love it. NM Abdul Rahim Mee Goreng Stall Ayer Rajah Food Centre Blk 503, #01-60 Singapore 120503 Tel: 6447 7500 For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
Dr Leslie Tay also has a new book about the drool-worthy hawker food that Singapore has to offer.
Grandma’s Recipes
Read about his half-decade long food journey complete with beautiful pictures in his book Only The Best! Available at major bookstores Dec 2012. WEEKENDER MINI-GALLERY
Illustrator: Supian Bin Ninada. See more at www.behance.net/eyan91
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08 • WEEKENDER • November 9 - 15, 2012
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
PORTS
swashbuckling
Fencing as a hobby
sweetheart
The resurgence of swashbuckling films, such as Pirates of the Caribbean, corresponds with more taking up fencing. SEA Games star Ruth Ng started at 13
Fencing is getting more popular in Singapore and is one of only five sports which have been featured in all the modern Olympic Games. The three types of weapons in fencing are the foil, epee and sabre, all of which have different fencing styles, techniques and target areas.
LESTER J WAN
Interested in fencing? If you’re interested in learning fencing, please write to info@ fencingsingapore.org.sg or call Fencing Singapore at 6255 0086, or leave a message on the Facebook page: www.facebook.com/ FencingSingapore. More information can be found at: www.fencingsingapore.org.sg
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uth Ng was in Secondary 1 when she was introduced to fencing. She took to it like a fish to water, having had a foundation in footwork and reflexes from badminton. She switched from the badminton to fencing team the following year. “I really enjoyed the technical and tactical nature of the game,” Ruth enthuses. Her talent quickly flourished as a women’s foil fencer, and she started competing regionally not long after, when she was only about 14 years old. Later, she made the decision to compete internationally. Now 26, with her team, she has won two gold medals and a silver medal at the SEA Games, a silver at the Commonwealth Championships, and two bronzes at the Asian Championships. Her best individual performance was finishing 5th at the 2010 Asian Games. More recently, Ruth narrowly missed out on the Asian qualification for the London 2012 Olympic Games by a hair – a mere two points in the finals at the last Asian qualification event. “I have no regret, because I’ve grown so much as a person as well as with my team,” she says. For those who may be
Just a few clubs you can contact:
“I’ve grown so much as a person, as well as with my team.”
1. Absolute Fencing Head Coach: Wu Jie Tel: 9220 6580 www.absolutefencing.com.sg 2. Modern Fencing Manager: Dimitry Ivanov Tel: 9017 8517 www.modern-fencing.com.sg 3. YMCA Fencing Head Coach: Maria Bobok Tel: 6586 2255 lifestyleymca.squarespace. com/fencing
- rUTH NG
interested in taking up fencing, Ruth says there are a few places to choose from and it does not cost too much. “Fencing at a recreational level is more affordable today because it is an increasingly popular sport in Singapore and the world,” she says. “You can gradually buy a full set of basic equipment over your first year in the sport for $200-$300 and use it for four years.” The SEA Games star even has invaluable tips for aspiring fencers. “In training, know what you are doing and why you are doing it. With this active approach to learning, you can really improve your fencing,” says Ruth.
“The way I approached training from the time I was a beginner could have made a radical difference in my performance in elite sport.” Furthermore, with any interest a child wishes to take up, parental support is vital. “When I began fencing, it was not a popular sport. However, my parents encouraged me to take up the sport because I had a strong inclination and passion for it,” says Ruth. She adds that they were “extremely” supportive. Ruth’s fencing experiences have reinforced her love for her family and loved ones. “My experience has proven to me that the glory of achievements is temporary. You
have to have a greater purpose in life than winning. For me, that purpose is the life I live with the people around me from my teammates to my family and friends,” says Ruth. W
6. Blade Club General Manager: David Chan Contact: david@ bladeclubfencing.com 7. SportivA Director: Dennis Leong Tel: 9799 9256 info@sportivA.sg
4. Z Fencing Maestro: James Wong Tel: 6352 6010 www.zfencing.com
Fencing myth-busters Myth #1 Fencing is for the rich Fencing costs about the same as tennis. You just have to invest in a fencing weapon, a fencing jacket and pants, and a mask. The cost for all of them would be about $300-$500. This is about the same as getting a good tennis racket or a branded golf driver. When you join a fencing club, the club will usually have equipment you can borrow
5. Fencing Masters Director: Jeffrey Lopez Tel: 6841 7671 enquiries@fencingmasters. com
until you are sure of committing. Then, you can choose the grade of equipment which you want to buy. Myth #2 Fencing is unsafe The world governing body, Federation Internationale d’Ecrime (FIE), has laid down stringent rules on equipment quality, fencing techniques and competition procedures. It’s a combat sport but
without body contact. The most you will get are a few bruises. It’s a game of skill and style. Myth #3 Fencing is for the young Fencing is popular with the young – it is a CCA sport in school. Nonetheless, as the fencing community grew, more adults and even seniors have started to learn fencing. Singapore recently played host to the 2012 Commonwealth Veteran Fencing Championships, for those over 40 years old.
DISCOVERY The all-natural getaway wild singapore visits St John’s Island, a lesser known destination that houses several government facilities, with portions of the island accessible to the public By RIA TAN
Fiddler crabs have one claw larger than the other to attract the attention of the female for purposes of mating!
One of Singapore’s remaining coral reefs that are teeming with life.
This quaint island is one of Singapore’s best kept secrets – the tranquility pervading the short stretches of natural shores that have some of the most exquisite corals and other reef life. An island abundant with flora and fauna, there are also rare mangrove trees and the avicennia marina that can be found on the island. St John’s natural shores are ringed by coral reefs with a variety of hard and soft corals brimming with a cornucopia of vibrant living creatures. For some reason, dolphins also seem to be regularly sighted at St John’s. To explore the marine life of St. John’s Island, one can join a guided nature walk on St John’s Island conducted by the Tropical Marine Science Institute. The island was formerly a quarantine station for cholera cases detected among immigrants in the late 19th century and, starting from 1901, victims of beriberi were also brought to the island. The quarantine centre was responsible for screening Asian immigrants and pilgrims returning from Mecca. The quarantine station was eventually also used to house victims of leprosy. When mass immigration was closed in the mid-20th Century, the island was used to house a penal settlement for political prisoners and ringleaders of secret societies. Today, the island has been transformed to provide holidaymakers a quiet sojourn away from the glass and steel of the city skyline. With the Western end of the island hosting a $30 million Marine
Aquaculture Centre, this large hilly island also has swimming lagoons, beaches, picnic grounds, trekking routes and soccer fields. To visit the island, there is a daily ferry from Marina South Pier currently provided by Singapore Island Cruise. Visitors can also charter a fast work boat from Marina South Pier. Rates will have to be negotiated with the operator, which depends on their availability and diesel prices among other things. The work boats operate 24 hours, but the booking desks at the pier only open during office hours. The work boats generally service business for ships in our harbour. These boats are not intended for leisure trips and are not designed for comfort. There is an admission charge of 50 cents per person for those arriving by private charter. This fee is incorporated into the ferry cost for those taking the ferry. For visitors who are planning for a longer getaway on the island, there are also chalets and camping facilities available. The Sentosa Leisure Groups allows the public to book the Holiday Bungalow, which comes comfortably furnished with a kitchen and sleeps up to ten people. For organised groups, Holiday Camp 5 offers accommodation for up to 60 people. It’s equipped with basic cooking facilities, so you can self-cater or even have a BBQ. The facilities include swimming lagoons, toilets, shelters and picnic areas. Unfortunately, camping is not allowed on the island and there is no food for sale. So bring your own! For full article, visit www.wildsingapore.com For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
“Today, the island has been transformed to provide holidaymakers a quiet sojourn away from the glass and steel of the city skyline.”
BOOK YOUR SEASIDE HOLIDAY GETTING THERE Singapore Island Cruise And Ferry Services Pte Ltd Marina South Pier, #01-04 Tel: 6534 9339 $15 for Adult $12 for children fewer than 12. All rates listed are inclusive of island entry fee. Ferry schedule available on www.islandcruise.com.sg
STAYING THERE Holiday Bungalows Book early at Sentosa Station. 1 Harbourfront Walk, Vivo City Level 3, Singapore 098585 Daily 9am-8pm Cost ranges from $53.50 to $214; Daily 9am-6.30pm Holiday Camps Call Mr Eddy Bin Ali at 9138 5029 Cost ranges from $64.20 to $107; Mon-Fri 8am-5pm For more information, visit www.sentosa.com.sg
November 9 - 15, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 09
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
HOBBIE
MY BEARY
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OWN BEST FRIEND Hem and sew your new favourite companion into existence!
By Lee li ying
Teddy bear artist, Esther Lee, sits among her party of furry companions.
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think I would be hard-pressed to find anyone who actively dislikes soft toys – their fleecesoft fur, bright marbled eyes, squishy bodies and cutesy expressions make for the perfect bedside companion. Instead of clamouring for your loved ones to pamper you with these cuddly animals, why not learn how to make a personalised one for yourself? Esther Lee, a gregarious and determined teddy bear artist, shares with us the process that goes on behind creating these unique furry companions and the satisfaction behind creating your very own furry friend. A self-taught teddy bear artist, her accolades include awards from the International Bear Competition in Japan, the Taiwan Teddy Bear
Association and the Singapore International Teddy Bear Association. Her nifty needlework captures exquisite, delicate details that give these stuffed animals an uncanny life-like quality, each with its own distinctive character. A process that involves much conceptualising and designing, Esther reveals that it takes about three days to fully complete a simple teddy bear. Inspiration for the designs can be drawn from a variety of sources such as magazines or movies, or even from replicating the styles of celebrities. Once the pattern and template is drawn out, the pieces have to be cut out from mohair fabric. This silk-like fabric feels like a dream on your skin and is highly prized among teddy bear makers because
of its high lustre sheen, durability and creasefree properties. After the pieces of fabric are sewn together, the basic structure of the plush toy is ready to be stuffed. What gives a teddy bear its own charm and charisma are the eyes and noses used. Glass eyes, for example, give the teddy bear’s gaze more depth and definition. The teddy bear can be made more distinctive with readymade costumes and accessories such as tiny pendants, hats or paw pads. It’s a perfect chance to create something of your very own, so put your creative hat on. Depending on the size of the bear and the complexity of the design, this creative endeavour will set you back about $100. Esther made her very first soft toy when she
was 23, after being inspired to replicate a teddy bear she had fallen in love with at the mall. Despite having picked up essential sewing skills from her mother as a child, she laughs as she says that her first bear turned out looking more like a shaggy, forlorn puppy. Still, she was filled with a beaming sense of pride and brought it around wherever she went. She exhales with exhilaration while talking about the feeling of bringing a bear to life, “It’s an excitement no words can
describe, because they are truly mine. My creations are almost like my children – when I sell my bears to collectors, I always think of it as a form of adoption and hope that they give them a good home. There are some so dear to me that I will not part with!” As a professional teddy bear artist, Esther offers elementary bear-making workshops from her home studio. Instructional guidance will be provided along with essential materials such as mohair fabric, glass eyes, cotton
Remoulding pottery One of the most underrated forms of art, pottery is actually a complex, intricate craft that requires much skill and reaps bountiful rewards.
“The sense of touch for human beings is very important, being able to sense the medium and slowly allowing it to take form; I believe strikes them deeply.”
Potter Todd Toh Yu Xiang shares the tricks of his trade.
Ceramics are commonplace in our daily life – the porcelain mug holding our morning coffee, the glossy tiles in our homes and offices, the claypot from which we eat the rice dish with chicken, mushrooms and lup cheong (Chinese sausages). Earthenware is such a ubiquitous part of our life it seems that we rarely consider them as objects of wonder, and realise the amount of effort it takes to craft them. Ceramics are actually made from forming a clay body and heating them in high temperatures, hardening and setting their shape. While most people tend to think of clay-making and pottery
as a dull activity, clay actually has very interesting properties as a medium. Its plasticity and malleability offers the potter great room for experimentation and exploration, with a great many methods of shaping and moulding pottery. Before the clay is heated, it can be decorated by incising patterns on the surface and can be glazed to ensure that the pottery does not become susceptible to water damage. Depending on the differences in porosity, mineral compounds and moisture content, the various types of clay respond differently to heat. It’s a wonder how intricate, graceful vases can be made from such a simple, honest material. Todd Toh Yu Xiang, 29, a School of The Arts (SOTA) workshop manager, describes the fulfilment that clay
pin joints and high-quality threads. There will be a total of three lessons at Yishun. The course fee is $299. For further enquiries, please contact Esther at estherbears@ gmail.com or visit www. estherbears.com
“My creations are almost like my children – when I sell my bears, I think of it as a form of adoption and hope that they give them a good home. There are some so dear to me that I will not part with!”
brings him, “I decided to take the Ceramics Diploma Programme without knowing what clay was or what my future will be. I can still remember how I fell in love with clay on the first day of the programme. I feel like I could learn so much from clay.” Now, with ten years of experience under his belt, Todd has humbly brought his expertise to a Southeast Asian ceramics workshop and exhibition in Xi’an, China. Todd continues on how revelatory and spiritual the experience of working with clay can be, “The process of making these daily objects are ‘magical’ as described by my students. The sense of touch for human beings is very important, being able to sense the medium and slowly allowing it to take form; I believe strikes them deeply.” Perhaps this is the common thread that has linked ceramics and humanity in the same chord – the ability to create and preserve a tangible fragment of history. Let’s not forget that ceramics have been the mainstay of history. The whisperings of major ancient civilisations are heard through goblets, mugs, vases and various other forms of decorative ceramic art.
WHERE TO LEARN JALAN BAHAR CLAY STUDIOS Jalan Bahar Clay Studios is a part of Singapore’s pottery heritage, and also home to a community of clay sculptors. Every first Sunday of the month, the JBCS artists welcome anyone with an interest in pottery to make or paint a piece and take it home for a minimal fee. Participants will be charged half-price for a 2-hour workshop that covers the basics. 97L Lorong Tawas, Singapore 639824 Tel: 6777 1812 First Sat of the month, $20 for adults, $10 for children under 12 CONTEMPORARY CLAY STUDIO Contemporary Clay Studio is a leading clay pottery school based in Singapore. Founded by clay
pottery artists Thomas Cheong and Teo Hui Min, who are well known for their creativity and energy, regular clay pottery classes are conducted throughout the year. Students are guided from basic to advance pottery. Arrangements can be made to conduct classes at a venue convenient for students. Children will learn to experiment various clay building techniques and learn how to make simple cups, bowls and tiles, and turn their favourite cartoon characters into decorative objects. Prices are from $280 to $320 for eight lessons. For adults, pottery on the wheel is a very rewarding course which requires some patience and practice. The instructors will guide students through the basics of making functional cups, bowls and plates and even complicated
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tea pots. Prices are from $540 to $690 for 12 lessons. 8 Bali Lane, Singapore 189845 Tel: 6337 4798 CLAY COVE At Clay Cove, the founders aspire to promote right-brain creativity through pottery-making to all children in Singapore. Clay Cove’s pottery curriculum is fun and interesting, giving the children space to exercise their creativity. The company even has special pottery courses for children this coming November and December holidays. For companies seeking unique corporate gifts, Clay Cove will work with them to design and create that special gift. For more information visit www.claycove.com The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard
Road, #05-01, Singapore 238843 Tel: 6733 8129 SAM MUI KUANG POTTERY Sam Mui Kuang Pottery is the potter’s supply in Singapore. They supply pottery equipment, kilns (and accessories), chemicals, raw materials, clay, glazes and a full range of tools. Hobby ceramic courses for adults and children are also provided, along with professional Advanced Ceramic Knowledge Courses for serious hobby potters. School teachers can also attend their courses to upgrade their skills and knowledge. Visit www.smkpottery.com for more information. 22 Jalan Kelulut, Singapore 809039 Tel: 6482 2424 /6482 2525
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10 • WEEKENDER • November 9 - 15, 2012
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
E HAPPIER
LAUGHTER ALL AROUND KNOWN FOR HER CHEERY DEMEANOUR, SELENA TAN OF DREAM ACADEMY HAS HAMMED IT UP AS A DIM SUM DOLLY, ACTED AS AN OVERBEARING MOTHER IN I NOT STUPID, AND NOW SHE GLAMS IT UP AS MARILYN MONROE IN THE UPCOMING CRAZY CHRISTMAS. WE HAVE A CHAT WITH THE THESPIAN ON WHAT MAKES HER HAPPY
CRAZY CHRISTMAS: SILVER SCREEN MEETS SILVER BELLS this annual must-see is back, enjoy the songs of yuletide with the cast of Dream Academy 28 Nov - 2 Dec (Hossan Leong) 4 Dec - 9 Dec (Kumar), various times
“We are blessed and we can be loving and kind.” - selena Tan
Weekender: What food do you eat that makes you happy? SELENA TAN: My mother’s yummy food which is now available to all at Daisy’s Dream Kitchen, Block 517 West Coast Road! It always makes me very happy!
W: What is the most beautiful moment in your life? ST: When I got married. W: Where is your favourite place in Singapore? ST: My home. W: What do people love most about you? ST: That I always have good food with me?
W: You have a time machine. Where and when do you go? ST: Back to the days of the MGM musicals… and meet the likes of Judy Garland and Fred Astaire!
W: Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? ST: The Dim Sum Dollies.
W: What is so ‘shiok’ about Singapore? ST: Most of my family and
W: What’s the most ‘paiseh’ (embarrassing) thing you’ve ever done? ST: I was so late for a flight
W: What message would you like to say to all Singaporeans? ST: We are blessed and we
once but, for some strange reason, they let me through to the air-bridge. When I reached the end, the door to the plane had been closed and they had to hold everyone back and reopen the plane door, and when I got on everyone was staring at me… I just slid into the nearest empty seat and wished I could disappear.
friends are here.
can be loving and kind.
W: What makes you smile? ST: Kindness. W: How do you spend a typical weekend? ST: Chilling with my family and friends.
Dream Academy’s annual must-see, Crazy Christmas, has arrived yet again. ‘Tis the season to be jolly! In a haze of tinsel and holly, Crazy Christmas celebrates movie magic as the silver screen meets silver bells. With Singapore’s finest entertainers dressing up as Marilyn Monroe, Fred Astaire, Audrey Hepburn and even Charlie Chaplin, you’ll be in for a rockin’ good time. Audiences will recognise the familiar faces of Selena Tan, George Chan and Robin Goh, but this year is extra special as they welcome Crazy Christmas newbies Adrian Pang who is “psyched” to be participating, as well as Judee Tan. Crazy Christmas gets bigger, better and brighter this year with a chorus of eight dancing girls artfully christened the “Merry Missel’toes.” As the band expands into a full fledged orchestra, expect great swing classics and choreography to pay homage to the classic moves of the MGM movie era. Think of the dapper Gene Kelly in Singing In The Rain. With a family-friendly option of Hossan Leong and a more risqué performance by drag queen Kumar, audiences of all ages can enjoy the song, dance and laughter. Dream Academy Productions was founded by Selena Tan in the year 2000. It has created a niche for itself in the entertainment scene and produced homegrown acts like the Dim Sum Dollies, Broadway Beng as well as comedians Hossan Leong and Kumar. Tickets and timings available at Sistic outlets. Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981.
Sing your heart out If you are a karaoke junkie and love belting out ballads from popular songstresses, it’s time to stop hogging the microphone and instead take your singing to a different level! Listed below are some music schools where you can get proper vocal training and even learn how to perform to an audience. 227A Upper Thomson Road Singapore 574359, Tel: 6456 8722 THUNDER ROCK SCHOOL Dedicated to the late Wayne Thunder, exdrummer of local band Boredphucks, the school was founded to further his legacy of breathing spirit and life into Singapore’s music scene. The school fully encourages students to harness their tenacity to pursue their dreams. More than just technical mastery, the students are encouraged to enlarge their musical capacity and to fully develop their potential as musicians. Other than vocal lessons, Thunder Rock School also provides courses for guitar, drums, keyboards, song writing, recording and disc jockeying.
HARK MUSIC Founded by Mr Amos Teo, Hark Music aims to impart knowledge and experience to music enthusiasts who want easy-to-understand teaching methods. Their vocal course aims to help one develop vocal techniques and maximize singing potential. Beginners will learn fundamental techniques such as preventing voice strain, tension and hoarseness. More advanced students will be taught how to add various vocal expressions to create colours and textures to impress. 62 Prinsep Street Singapore 188660, Tel: 6333 0733
UNITED MUSIC A school that believes not only in furthering music as an indispensable art form in our lives but also a place where one’s soul can be nurtured, the school hires industry professionals to coach their students. Students can expect to explore contemporary vocal techniques employed in pop / rock songs. From breathing techniques to phrasing, they have the chance to experience real studio recording time. A copy of the vocal track can also be brought home. Young students below 12 years old will be eligible to audition for United Music’s very own ‘Angelic Voices Children’s Choir’. 136 East Coast Road #02-01, Singapore 428821, Tel: 6344 1911 LEE WEISONG SCHOOL OF MUSIC The school was founded in 1995 by acclaimed Singapore music producers and songwriters
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Lee Wei Song and Lee Si Song. Under their guidance, the school has since produced various superstars and platinum records for artistes. Students will be taught vocal techniques such as vocal production, positioning, expression and care. Singing theory and song performance will also be touched on. 20 Kallang Avenue Pico Creative Center, Lobby B, Level 2 Unit A. Singapore 339411, Tel: 6883 0320 OB MUSIC FOREST Specially designed for music enthusiasts who carry a deep interest in singing, the Music Forest Vocal Training course will lead students through a systematic and comprehensive method of learning relevant to the practical need of professional singing. Learn from the instructors of many outstanding singers such as Kit Chan, A-Do, Lin Yu Zhong, Kym, Hong Jun Yang and JJ Lin. Music Forest Pte Ltd *SCAPE 2 Orchard Link, #03-08 Singapore 237978, Tel: 6223 1311
NOVEMBER 9 - 15, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 11
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS
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ost visitors deem Barcelona as Spain’s most attentiongrabbing city and it’s not hard to see why. Out-of-thisworld designs, chic bars, a strong culinary tradition and a plethora of things to see and do all make Barcelona the usual first stop in Spain and, for many, the preeminent impression of the country. A closer look reveals a complex heritage. For a start, the majority of the signs are not even in Spanish. They are in Catalan, the native language of Catalunya, or Catalonia, the region in which Barcelona is situated. Catalunya is actually an autonomous territory, given the official status of a ‘nationality’. In fact, whenever I made the effort to speak to the locals in Espanol (Spanish), they would instead prefer to reply in English. People here are staunchly Catalan in identity. While Madrid may be the capital and political centre of Spain, Barcelona is perhaps its commercial and financial heart. Of course, one cannot speak about Barcelona’s cityscape without mentioning Antoni Gaudi. Undoubtedly one of the top reasons to visit Barcelona, this
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BARCELONA Travel blogger Albino Christopher Chua gives us a quick overview of vibrant Barcelona
“Out-of-thisworld designs, chic bars, a strong culinary tradition and a plethora of things to see and do all make Barcelona the usual first stop in Spain.”
ingenious architect’s singular and revolutionary vision has resulted in many of Barcelona’s buildings appearing like nowhere else in the world. Visitors constantly gawk and gasp in awe at how one man’s ideas could transform a city with such intensity, colour and richness, bursting with life and creativity. As with his delightful creatures of Parc Guell,
Gaudi’s creations are often said to animate or bring to life the city of Barcelona. Parc Guell is a refreshing garden complex with architectural elements spanning about 17 hectares, making it one of the largest works of architecture in the world. It is located in the Gracia district of Barcelona. Built by Gaudi from 1900 to 1914, it is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site together with other “Works of Antoni Gaudi”. The most eye-catching features of this park paradise include the multi-coloured mosaic salamander near the entrance, affectionately known as ‘El Drac’ (the dragon). The serpentine bench is another work of architectural peculiarity and ingenuity, which includes characteristics such as tiny bumps to prevent people from sitting on the wet part after the rain. As in any other European city, churches are often some of the most beautiful sites with their architecture and artistic features. While seeing too many of these may grow a tad wearisome to some, a sure-fire cure would be Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia. Although construction commenced in 1882, the Temple Expiatori de la Sagrada Familia, or Expiatory Church of the Holy Family, is still a work in progress despite around 130 years of construction. This basilica features a combination of styles, including late Spanish Gothic, Catalan Modernisme and Art Nouveau. It is simply a delight, with elaborate facades as well as interiors resembling an enchanted forest or alien spaceship – depending on one’s point of view. It’s easy to spend hours here marvelling at its motifs. Can’t get enough of Gaudi? Head to Casa Batllo and Casa Mila, located in the upscale L’Eixample district. Both are apartments which were commissioned by affluent families at the turn of the 20th Century. The latter is one of Gaudi’s most outrageous works, featuring a well-decorated rooftop filled with fantastical figures that wouldn’t look out of place in Alice in Wonderland. Barcelona is a destination one can never tire of. There is truly something for everyone. I stayed for three days and only managed to skim the surface. Do plan to come, and stay longer. You won’t have a single regret.
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Tropical lagoon on the way to Kayangan lake, Coron Island
Diver exploring shipwreck underwaterGunboat at Lusong Island
Untouched Palawan Palawan Island in the Philippines is a source of pristine beauty and relaxation By Claire Merquita Arriving at Palawan was a lot like landing in an episode of the TV show Lost, though, fortunately without the infamous plane crash. Until we hit the runway, there was no sign of civilisation outside the windows of our teensy jet – a few goats, the odd buffalo, and miles and miles of rolling hills and greenery. Calling it beautiful just doesn’t cut it. Palawan is wild and untouched. After the heaving metropolis that is Singapore, I immediately felt out of touch. If you’ve heard of Palawan before, the name probably brings to mind a resort island such as Bali or Phuket. I was surprised to learn that Palawan is actually the largest province in the
going to have to find other means of enjoyment. Set on the edge of a cove, the El Rio y Mar Resort had a private beach and an uninterrupted view of the jungle-lined hills surrounding the bay. With fewer than 25 rooms in total, the resort was blissfully un-crowded and by the end of our four-night stay we were on a first-name basis with practically all the staff. Besides the games, movies and various water sports offered by most resorts, day trips to nearby islands are good options for the adventurous. The day tour of Coron Island features sites such as Cayangan Lake, the Twin Lagoons and Maquinit Hot Springs, as well as Coron town. Group or private two-person island hopping trips are also available, where you can enjoy a romantic meal cooked fresh for you on the shores of a private island. However, for those looking to relax on a short trip, there is really no reason to leave the resort at all. Palawan’s thriving aquatic life filled the waters of our cove and, though Philippines by land area, and covers a I couldn’t dive, the resort provided us with “To get here I had flown collection of islands. To get here I had flown to snorkelling gear to explore the surrounding to Manila and then Manila and then transferred to another flight waters. which brought me to Busuanga, which had a One morning, just after pushing off from transferred to another tiny airport with only one runway. the jetty, I found myself surrounded by the flight which brought me After retrieving my bags and watching in large shoal of jack fish that live under the deck to Busuanga, which had amusement as ground staff chased some and which had come out in the hope that I’d excited tourists taking pictures of the plane off brought food with me into the water. A large a tiny airport with only the runway, I boarded the van that would take variety of other reef inhabitants including one runway.” me to my resort. puffer fish and long yellow pipefish were While some of Palawan’s busier districts plentiful among the corals near the shore, including Puerto Princessa are fairly developed, urbanisation has making snorkelling a pleasure. not yet touched rustic Busuanga. The main road we travelled on The still waters of the protected cove also provided a stunning consisted largely of rocks and dust, ensuring a very bumpy but reflection of the sunsets each day, which we enjoyed while sipping picturesque ride which cut through a virgin countryside of fields drinks at the resort bar or infinity pool. The resort staff even and hills. organized Halloween entertainment for the 20 or so guests, which After half an hour, we transferred to a boat which took us on a included dinner and a movie on the beach, and entertaining scenic trip through the mangrove and out onto an island-dotted sketches by the staff themselves. sea before arriving at the private jetty of our resort. At around US$200 per night per person, such luxury did not As an avid diver I had booked the trip to Palawan intending to come cheap. However, the price included three delicious meals take full advantage of its world-famous diving grounds, including and many activities from movie rentals to snorkelling were free. sites where you could swim with dugong and explore the wrecks Cheaper resorts are also available in the area for the budget of Japanese ships sunk during World War II. Sadly, having become traveller. The verdict, for me? I will definitely be returning to pregnant before the trip, diving was now out of the picture so I was Palawan post-baby to get my diving fix. For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
12 • WEEKENDER • November 9 - 15, 2012
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS
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