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STREETWISE
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SHOPPING
>> the Future of couture
Weekender brings you the highlights of Fide Fashion Week, which showcased the best designers and couturiers of Japan, France and Singapore.
We compare the well-loved Orchard Road and the classy Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands for some choice shopping destinations
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By Lee Li Ying
A Christmas Feast Wow your friends this Christmas season with these delectable delights from FairPrice on promotion now. Get ready those carving knives!
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luxury EC Ever wanted to feel like you’re on vacation even when you’re at home? With this luxury hotelinspired EC, you will. Citylife @Tampines comes with its own concierge.
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hockey sisters Ever heard of four siblings playing for country at the same time? Meet the spunky Lim sisters in the national hockey team.
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VENTS
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS
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= FREE
EN C LO E R
ST U M EE S
From 29 Nov, open daily, 8.30pm – 6pm, adult $23 & child $16 (both inclusive of zoo admission)
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02 • WEEKENDER • december 7 - 13, 2012
OPEN: RIVER SAFARI GIANT PANDA FOREST
ARIC HIDIR SHOWCASE 10 & 11 Dec, 7.15pm & 8.15pm, Aric Hidir is a Singaporean singersongwriter whose songs explore the themes of identity, growth, friendship and love. He is also fascinated by the many mysteries of life and writes about them in his music. Hear his first Malay single, Mari Ikutku. Esplanade Concourse, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
that make Singapore distinctive. From yummy chilli crab and Milo dinosaur to talented local artistes. Budak Pantai is five Singaporean males coming together year after year to fulfil their hearts’ desire: to make music. Offering tonguein-cheek versions and mashups of perennial favourites, and popular hits through acoustic accompaniment mixed with vocal improvisation, the musically creative quintet can turn anything into song. BARF promises a night of good food, great music and ginormous fun. Fort Canning Park, 51 Canning Rise Singapore 179872
A VOCAL WEEKEND 7 - 9 Dec, various times, Enjoy a weekend of soothing music and vocal harmony from a cappella group Key Elements, as well as ensemble singing by show choir Rio Silaen, and The Voice of Indonesia. Sing along to your favourite hits with pop band 53A on Sunday — lyrics will even be projected onscreen, karaoke-style! Esplanade Outdoor Theatre 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Wildlife Reserves Singapore’s River Safari Giant Panda Forest opens to the public for a special preview from Nov 29. The Giant Panda Forest is one of the key highlights of the upcoming River Safari, Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park. The new park, located in between Night Safari and Singapore Zoo, is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2013. Take your kids to see these adorable creatures in an amazing natural setting which simulates the bears’ natural habitat, with lush live plants, boulders and water features. Tickets are on a first-come-first-serve basis to accommodate an optimum number of visitors in the Giant Panda Forest at any one time. 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826, Tel: 6269 3411
CATALYST: RELEASED NEW WRITING 8 Dec, 9.30am - 12.30pm, $90 Stuck in a writing rut? Catalyst is here to inspire you. Writer Verena Tay will help you perceive the world and objects around you in a new way, to fuel your creativity and give impetus to new writing. Whether you are a new or seasoned writer, Catalyst will spur you to write. ChartNexus Learning Centre Singapore 079903
BARF - BUDAK ARTS REVOLUTION FESTIVAL 8 Dec, 5pm, $42 An inaugural carnival which showcases all the wonderful things
Adam Rafferty: live (in support of Singapore Children’s Society) 9 Dec, 7.30pm, $50 - $65 Adam Rafferty is an American fingerstyle guitarist who became famous by his groovy and melodious solo guitar arrangements of songs of greats such as Stevie Wonder and Michael Jackson. Any avid finger-style guitarist would have encountered his music through his tours with guitar giants such as Tommy Emmanuel and Don Ross, or via his YouTube channel. Proceeds will go to Singapore Children’s Society. Tickets available on www.gatecrash.com.sg *SCAPE Warehouse, 2 Orchard Link, Singapore 237978
All events are correct at time of print.
CELEBRATING THE WORLD: INTO A NEW BEGINNING 14 - 16 Dec, 4.30pm - 7pm; 7.30pm - 10pm, Admission charges apply With myriad performances that range from traditional ethnic performances, heart-thumping percussion performances to contemporary pop, come join us as we celebrate a year well lived and herald the promise of a new year! Spread across various locations within the Gardens, this musical journey features local individual and group performers. Gardens By The Bay 8 Marina Gardens Drive Singapore 018953, Tel: 6420 6848 DEFENCE SCIENCE REVEALED Until 17 Feb 2013, open daily, 10am - 6pm, adult $12; child $8 (Science Centre admission) Discover the science behind the military world in this exhibition. Be amazed by more than 80 breath-taking exhibits, interactive games and multimedia showcases. Singapore Science Centre 15 Science Centre Road Singapore 609081
WEEKENDER
The Sam Willows showcase
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12 & 13 Dec, 7.15pm & 8.15pm, The Sam Willows consists of fresh faces, Ben, Narelle, Sandra and Jon. This band burst onto the scene in mid-2012 and was described by The Straits Times as a group with “lush, multipart, girl-boy melodies and breezy and soulful acoustic pop tunes”. Whatever that means, their music continues to draw more and more fans. Their YouTube account has drawn close to 100,000 views with their mixture of unique covers and fresh original songs, within six months of its creation. The only way is up. Watch out for these guys. The Sam Willows has already performed at a number of musical venues and is currently supported by Warner Music Singapore. Esplanade Concourse, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
Writer Cheryl Chia Art Director Nicodemus Aw
Winter Wonderland Floral Display 8 Dec 2012 - mid-Jan 2013, 9am - 9pm, $28 At Gardens By The Bay, The Flower Dome transforms into a winter wonderland with a spectacular floral display featuring some 2,000 poinsettias in hues of red, pink and white and a grand noble fir. Come celebrate the festive season with Santa and his friends from the North and South poles, including penguins and polar bears. Gardens By The Bay Flower Dome, 8 Marina Gardens Drive Singapore 018953 Tel: 6420 6848
Very Merry Happy - A Vocaluptuous party 7 Dec, 9.30pm, $25 Vocaluptuous is Singapore's premier a cappella group known for its fusion of local and international music and rhythms. Vocaluptuous captivates audiences with its signature lush sound, varied and complex musical arrangements, warm humour, and refreshing style. Join them at the launch of their latest Christmas CD, ‘Tis the Season. Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
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 Disclaimer: The illustrations, photographs, views and statements expressed by our contributors, bloggers, illustrators, or writers do not necessarily reflect the views of Weekender Group Private Limited. Weekender Group Private Limited does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of those views or statements and do not accept any legal liability whatsoever arising from any reliance on the views, statements and subject matter. © Copyright Weekender Group Pte Ltd. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all rights including those in copyright in the content of this publication are owned by or controlled for these purposes by Weekender Group Pte Ltd. Copyrights to photographs, Illustrations, or any other forms of work which appear in this publication provided by non-Weekender Group Pte Ltd contributors are owned and controlled their respective creators.Except as otherwise expressly permitted under copyright law or Weekender Group Pte Ltd, the content of this publication may not be copied, reproduced, republished, downloaded, posted, broadcast or transmitted in any way without first obtaining our written permission or that of the copyright owner.
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COVER STORY
Streetwise shopping It is an open secret that Singaporeans are world-class athletes when it comes to our national sport of shopping. With the dizzying multitude of shopping malls littering our tiny island, the average Singaporean is just a stone’s throw away from the nearest mall. With Singapore having the crème de la crème in Southeast Asia when it comes to consumerist indulgence, we compare the very best of our shopping destinations along Orchard Road and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and point you to the best locations to put you on top of the game. • Continued from Page 1...
“The average singaporean is just a stone’s throw from the nearest mall.”
CORRIGENDUM We apologise that Chan Brothers Travel’s hotline indicated in our last issue’s cover story was erroneous. The correct Chan Brothers hotline is 6438 8880. Call immediately to find out about great deals for the end of the year and Chinese New Year periods, including the “Harbin Winter New Year Merriment” package tour from $1,358, excluding taxes & surcharges. Chan Brothers Travel Pte Ltd 150 South Bridge Road, Fook Hai Building, #07-01 Singapore 058727, Tel: 6438 8880 E-mail: inquiry@chanbrothers.com.sg www.chanbrothers.com
ORCHARD ROAD
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A stretch of road 2.2km long, Orchard Road is a renowned retail hub that is the ultimate shopping haven for locals and tourists. The sparkle of Christmas lights will leave you in an infectiously dreamy and happy mood as you wander down the walkways. While you are taking in the sights of Orchard Road, you can pick up Christmas gifts for your loved ones, then settle down in a quiet café to rest those aching feet. When in Orchard Road, head down to ION Orchard for a fantastic retail experience with 400 stores and 15 flagship stores. One of the notable new additions is the new Victoria’s Secret store located on B2 of the shopping centre. Its range is especially for the young, glamorous and sophisticated. Look out for the Fifi award-winning perfume, Victoria’s Secret Angel, and an extensive collection of branded accessories. Further down, Wisma Atria has given itself a facelift with a new façade. With new-to-Singapore brands such as Tory Burch, and Tommy Bahama, you’ll be spoilt for choice when you shop for your Christmas outfit. You can also grab a bite at one of the many cafes. Plaza Singapura has revamped its image, with the inclusion of a new wing. With popular cosmetics stores such as Kiehl’s, you can pamper your skin with body lotions and cleansers. Orchard Road is a great shopping belt with numerous shops and eateries to patronise. It is legendary to tourists and a must-see for all.
THE SHOPPES AT MARINA BAY SANDS
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is great for picking up the latest luxury goods. Indulge yourself at this premier luxury shopping destination. The illustrious list of boutiques includes Burberry, Ferragamo, Gucci, Prada, Tiffany & Co and much more. One highlight is the Louis Vuitton island boutique housed in the Crystal Pavilion. With its beautiful architecture of glass and steel, seated on the waterfront, it is a sight to behold. The largest Louis Vuitton boutique outside of Paris, shoppers will be spoilt for choice. After visiting the array of shops, you can rest your feet with the aroma of fragrant tea at TWG Tea Salon & Boutique. Atop a pretty canal with quaint gondolas, a short visit here is sure to relax frazzled nerves. There are affordable dining options at the 24-hour Rasapura Masters food court which offers Asian hawker food. Families can try ice skating at the wax skating rink beside the food court. Entry starts from $6 to $7. Families can also take a leisurely drift through the retail belt in a gondola, with prices from $6 for children and $10 for adults. Orchard Road is hard to beat in variety. Nonetheless, there are certain stores at The Shoppes that are not found or quite the same elsewhere, and the luxury shopping and dining has to be experienced.
december 7 - 13, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 03
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS
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All events are correct at time of print. DINOSAUR TRAIN ADVENTURE LIVE MUSICAL 1 - 16 Dec, Tue – Thu, 2pm & 7pm; Fri – Sun, 1pm; 4pm & 7pm Join Buddy the Tyrannosaurus and Tiny Pteranodon, in their first ever musical adventure. Each child will receive a Dinosaur Train badge upon admission. Limited seating. Admission is first come, first serve. Marina Square, 6 Raffles Boulevard Singapore 039594 ENLIGHTENED WAYS: THE MANY STREAMS OF BUDDHIST ART IN THAILAND Until 17 Apr 2013, Mon, 1pm - 7pm; Tue - Sun, 9am - 7pm, $4 - $8 This exhibition explores the many forms of Buddhist art in Thailand through more than 100 works, the majority drawn from 11 Thai national museums. Sculptures, paintings, ceramics, textiles, and furniture show the wide range and diverse influences. Buddhist art in Thailand draws on both Hindu and Buddhist origins, and incorporates animistic traditions. See rare treasures and learn how crosscultural influences were essential to development of Thai Buddhist art. Asian Civilisations Museum Special Exhibition Gallery 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555 EOY J-POP LIVE! 2012 11 Dec, 8pm, $99 - $119 EOY, the annual event for Japanese pop and subculture appreciators, brings an exciting full-scale J-pop concert, featuring a multi-talented line-up of several up-and-coming artistes famous for their work in Japan's anime industry. Fans can look forward to performances from Haruna Luna, Sayuri Sugawara and Danceroid. Tickets from SISTIC. Esplanade Concert Hall, Esplanade 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
IN THE AFFAIR OF CATS & DOGS, THE GOVERNMENT’S INVOLVED AND SO SHALL WE Until 1 Jan 2013, all day, In a light-hearted anecdote to encourage Singaporeans to be more proactive, the Prime Minister, in his National Day Rally last year, said that ministers should not be doing everything, including culling cats and saving dogs. This notion is
playfully recalled via an installation, which aims to promote the proactive spirit in the community. On the theme of animal welfare, it hopes to create awareness of pet abandonment. Esplanade Concourse, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981 M1 OPEN STAGE 2012 9 Dec, 4pm, $25 A first of its kind in Singapore, M1 Open Stage 2012 is in support of the development of contemporary dance talent. This platform offers dance enthusiasts from all walks of life a chance to perform short contemporary dance works. It aims to nurture the values of artistic exchange and allow raw creativity to be showcased and discovered. 90 Goodman Road, Goodman Arts Centre, Blk M, #01-51 Singapore 439053
MUSIC ON THE MOVE! 9 Dec, 3pm, Join the Singapore Wind Symphony Youth Winds as they go on a musical journey, from sea voyages to land explorations, air expeditions and even into outer space, with pieces such as the Titanic Medley and Galaxy Express 999. Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981 NO FRILLS RUN 2012 8 Dec, 5pm - 7pm, $8 - $13 Keeping true to the intention of keeping races simple and affordable, No Frills Run is a return to the good old days where races were just a few dollars and were kept simple, and people ran for the sake of the experience, joy, and exhilaration of racing with fellow friends and competitors. Kallang Riverside Park Kallang Road, Singapore 399653 ORCHARD CENTRAL CHRISTMAS MARKET PLACE Until 25 Dec A wide array of festive food and gifts from Marks & Spencer, Steve Florist’s Christmas Trim Shop,
Seventh Heaven, Chocolate & Gelato, Olympus, Oddjects, and TotallyHotStuff and more. Orchard Central, Level 1 Discovery Walk & Basement 2 181 Orchard Road Singapore 238896 PLAYGROUND @ BIG SPLASH CAR BOOT SALE & FLEA MARKET 10 Dec, 5.30pm - 10pm, Big Splash Car Boot Sale & Flea’s concept is ‘Shopping by The Beach’, a unique idea that has enticed people from all over Singapore to sell and shop here. It is a platform for entrepreneurs, small businesses, families and friends to hawk wares. Playground @ Big Splash 902 East Coast Parkway Singapore 449874 POTTER’S BAZAAR @ GOODMAN CERAMIC STUDIO 7 Dec, 7pm - 9pm, $10 An up-close and personal session with local and international ceramic artists. Gain insights into how ceramic artworks are made. You will appreciate how unique forms are created using hand-building and mould-casting techniques. Goodman Ceramic Studio @ Goodman Arts Centre 90 Goodman Rd Singapore, 439053, Tel: 9726 5210 READINGS FROM SPECTRE & BALIK KAMPUNG 10 Dec, 7.30pm, Listen to various authors read from recently-launched collections of short stories. Be thrilled and spooked by a selection of supernatural and fantastical texts from Spectre, Verena Tay’s first short fiction anthology. Be charmed and heartened by Balik Kampung, a book filled with tales about different parts of Singapore by writers who are familiar with those environments. The Arts House, Living Room 1 Old Parliament Lane Singapore 179429 RED CROSS SUNDAY SALE 9 Dec, 11am - 5pm, Come for some of the coolest bargains in town and guilt-free shopping as prices are kept low, and you’ll be shopping for a great cause. All proceeds go to local humanitarian efforts of Red Cross. Red Cross House, 15 Penang Lane Singapore 238486 SANTA CLAUS THE MUSICAL 14 - 30 Dec, various times, $35 - $175 This tells the story of Santa Claus and his chief elf trying to stop the Ice Queen and her henchman, Jack
Frost, from cancelling Christmas. As the battle between good and evil unfolds, it is up to Santa Claus and Joe to fight to save Christmas for all. Grand Theatre, 10 Bayfront Avenue Singapore 018956 SANTA’S LITTLE ARTIST Until 9 Dec, mall opening hours Pick up a colouring contest sheet at any Santa’s Workshop, Storytelling Corner or Customer Service at Fraser Centrepoint malls. Submit your child’s entry to Customer Service by 9 Dec. The top 12 entries per mall will be posted on each mall’s Facebook page for a public vote from 16 to 25 Dec. The top three winners per mall stand to win $100 shopping vouchers. Frasers Centrepoint malls including Centrepoint, Anchorpoint, Causeway Point and Eastpoint, The Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Road, #06-02, Singapore 238843 SCHIZOPHRENIA – THE REAL DEAL 8 Dec, 2pm, Schizophrenia is one of the most terrifying chronic mental disorders. Join experienced medical professionals as they take you through the latest insights from diagnosis to rehabilitation. SMU School of Accountancy, Ngee Ann Kongsi Auditorium (Lvl 2) 60 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178900
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stocks and shares trading platform, allows you to gain access to multiple financial markets, comprehensive researches, reports and utilise charting and information tools to aid your trading needs. Join us as our in-house dealer covers the important aspects an investor should know before entering the Singapore stock market. Blk 43 Holland Drive, #01-47 Singapore 270043, Tel: 6778 9722
T.H.E DANCE COMPANY DOUBLEBILL PREMIERE 7 - 9 Dec, various times, $25 - $35 T.H.E Dance Company closes Contact 2012 with a double-bill featuring two new works from renowned Hong Kong choreographer Xing Liang as well as Kim Jae Duk from Korea. Xing's As Is speaks of his newfound spirituality in life while Kim showcases his dark humour in Hey Man! Esplanade Theatre Studio 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
STARGAZING IN SINGAPORE – TOP 10 CELESTIAL WONDERS 8 Dec, 7pm - 8.30pm, Learn how to identify and observe the ten best celestial sights in the sky – planets, star clusters, galaxies, and meteor showers. You do not even need a telescope to spot some. Programme Space Toa Payoh Public Library 6 Toa Payoh Central Singapore 319191, Tel: 6332 3255 SSO BABIES' PROMS: 10TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT 6 & 8 Dec, 10am & 12pm, $20-$25 The only concert in Singapore specially tailored for the little ones, the SSO Babies’ Proms 10th Anniversary Concert will see Peter Moore and the SSO delighting their young audience with selections from some of the greatest music ever written. Esplanade Concert Hall 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981 THE ABCs OF STOCK TRADING & NAVIGATING YOUR WAY THROUGH POEMS PLATFORM 8 Dec, 10am - 11.30am, POEMS, Singapore’s first online
mio TV
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that shut down The Straits Times. The Arts House, Living Room 1 Old Parliament Lane Singapore 179429
THE TALKING LIGHTBOX 9 Dec, 10am - 6pm, $50 for 1, $90 for 2 The adage goes, “A picture tells a thousand words.” So, what is your story? How would you tell it in photos? In this workshop on black & white photography, you will get to learn tips on creative black & white photography, how to process your own roll of 35mm B&W film, and finally create your own contact sheet. Visit www.eventbrite.com for more details. Yew Tee Point (Open field behind mall), 21 Choa Chu Kang North 6 Singapore 689578 URBAN RHAPSODY 14 & 15 Dec, 8pm, pay as you wish Normal people in our society – a budding entrepreneur, an actress, a degree student, an accounts student, an educator, an instructor and a consultant, etc – come together for Urban Rhapsody. The seven ladies’ mini dance unveils the urban textures to explore various facets of the inner pulses of life. 182 Cecil Street #04-05/06/07 Telok Ayer Performing Arts Centre Singapore 069547, Tel: 6226 6772 VERVE 2012 15 Dec, 10am - 10pm, $10 - $12 Taking place over 12 hours, Verve is an emerging arts festival that is by and for the young and young at heart. Presenting a new way of experiencing local artistic works, the audience can pick and choose their own arts itinerary for a day, from a whole spectrum that ranges from music, theatre and dance, to literary and visual arts. The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
THE LAST GREAT STRIKE BY CLEMENT MESENAS 7 Dec, 5pm, Join veteran journalist Clement Mesenas at the launch of his first book, The Last Great Strike. This book looks back on eight eventful days in 1971 when a group of young reporters staged a historic strike
Wrapping up the Force of Perspective Until 9 Dec, 11am - 8pm, Yrjo Edelmann started in comic strip magazines, and worked for many years as an illustrator in Stockholm. Influenced by French surrealism, he developed his own pictorial language and experimented with hyperrealism before becoming increasingly engrossed in packages of wrapping paper and string. MAD Museum of Art & Design 333A Orchard Road, #03-01 Mandarin Gallery, Singapore 238897
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YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
04 • WEEKENDER • DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2012
E HAPPIER
For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
“seeing couples being there for each other after so many years of marriage makes me smile.”
Theatrics WITH Siti
Khalijah
Siti Khalijah is known for her comedic roles in plays and musicals, such as in Hansel and Gretel where she takes on the role of the Chef’s Assistant, Nicki Minah. We ask what makes her happy What food do you eat that makes you happy? Salmon sashimi. I can eat them every day! Which of your accomplishments are you most proud of? Winning Best Actress for Life Theatre Awards last year. It was a wonderful surprise and an encouragement for me to continue. What’s the most ‘paiseh’
(embarrassing) thing you’ve ever done? Tripping over a fellow actor’s foot and falling flat on my face during a show! It hurt so bad and yet was so hilarious, but the show had to go on. The rest of the actors and I had to just keep it in until we exited the stage before we burst into laughing fits! What is the most beautiful moment in your life? When I held my niece in my arms for the first time. She’s the first
and only granddaughter (so far) in our small family, so her arrival into the world is really special and has made all of us, especially my parents, very happy. Where is your favourite place in Singapore? I like going to Island Creamery at Serene Centre. It’s such a nice, cosy place to chill out with friends or family over yummy ice cream. What do people love most about you?
Movie Preview I guess it’s my bubbly nature? Something that most plus-sized girls have! You have a time machine. Where and when do you go? I would love to go back to the ‘60s when the local Malay film industry was booming. I would love to be part of any of the late P Ramlee’s movies. As an extra, or crew or anything!
A monster of a family bash What’s more exciting than a roomful of monsters? With a teen vampire’s birthday, an overprotective Dracula and a human being in the middle of everything, a riot is sure to ensue
“ it is a story about a father and a daughter – it’s just that the father happens to be Dracula.” – tartakovsky
What is so ‘shiok’ about Singapore? Our food, of course! We have such a huge variety here in this tiny island. And, nowadays, there’s more and more eateries popping up. There’s always something new and exciting to try. What message would you like to say to all Singaporeans? I think we should learn to ‘chill’ a little. Yes, we all have our problems but I think it’s important for us to also do little things for ourselves once in a while, to make us happy. What makes you smile? When I see elderly couples together. Whether they’re strolling, eating or just sitting. Seeing them being there for each other after so many years of marriage makes me smile. How do you spend a typical weekend? My Saturdays are usually spent at rehearsals or shows, and usually Sundays are for my family. I’ll usually relax and watch television with my parents and bake cakes. W
Welcome to Hotel Transylvania, Dracula’s lavish “five-stake” resort, where monsters and their families are free to be who they are without humans to bother them. One fateful weekend, Dracula has invited the world’s most recognised monsters – Frankenstein, the Mummy, the Invisible Man and many more – to celebrate his daughter Mavis’ birthday. For Dracula, voiced by Adam Sandler, catering to his legendary friends, or fiends, is no worry. However, his world could come crashing down when an ordinary human stumbles upon the hotel and meets Mavis. His overbearing concern goes into overdrive as the human, Jonathan, and Mavis take to each other. “Hotel Transylvania is a story about a father and a daughter – it’s just that the father happens to be Dracula,” says Genndy Tartakovsky, director. “Like all fathers, he’s an overprotective, psychotic, and endearing guy who’d do anything for his daughter but, unlike other fathers, he’s the Prince of Darkness.” In Hotel Transylvania, the world’s most famous monsters – including Dracula, Frankenstein, the Werewolf, the Invisible Man, and the Mummy – are just regular people with families and problems, and need to get away.
“It turns out that even Dracula thinks the world can be a scary place sometimes,” says producer Michelle Murdocca. “One of the toughest things you have to do as a parent is to let your children go out into the world.” Perhaps because of her youth, the popular Selena Gomez plays the role of restless teen, Mavis, well. Some of her lines, and the delivery, seem too real to have been contrived. There are several other familiar names, including Kevin James as Frankenstein, Fran Drescher as the bride of Frankenstein, and CeeLo Green of Gnarls Barkley fame as Murray, the big mummy. Director Tartakovsky is renowned for being creator and writer of popular cartoons Samurai Jack and Dexter’s Lab. He had also written and directed for The Powerpuff Girls and the Star Wars: Clone Wars animated series. Hotel Transylvania is presented by Columbia Pictures and is a Sony Pictures Animation film. Hotel Transylvania (PG) Release: 6 Dec Run Time: 91 min Directed by: Genndy Tartakovsky Cast: Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez, Kevin James, CeeLo Green, David Spade, Fran Drescher
FASHION Thomas Wee
Alexis Mabille
Marc Antoine Barrois
It’s Popping! Riding the wave of pop-up stores is resort wear-focused multi-label store, Edit Lifestyle
By Cheryl Chia
Fide Fashion Week brings you the most exciting and innovative pieces in Asian and French couture
Smashing fashion Watching statuesque models strut down the runway night after night, showing off the beautiful aesthetics of designers such as Junko Shimada (Japan), Alexis Mabille (France) and our very own Thomas Wee, is an art form. From the music to the choreography (i.e. how the models pose or walk) to the order of the pieces showcased, all is carefully picked and orchestrated to pull you into the works of art. Fide Fashion Week 2012 set the tone for the silhouettes to come for 2013. Expect more structured yet feminine silhouettes for the women and loose-fitting tailored harem-inspired trousers for the men. Belted shapes also seem to be making a comeback in menswear, highlighting the V-shaped contour of a man’s body. Japan-born, Paris-based designer Junko Shimida had her debut showing in Singapore on the second day of Fide Fashion Week. She showed off her Middle-East inspired collection with brightly coloured ensembles, with equally stunning turbans. We especially loved her neon pink skirt and jacket combo paired with an equally bright orange printed blouse and turban. With decades of fashion feathers in her hat, Junko shows off her eclectic mix
By Cheryl Chia
of novelty and sensibility in her couture collection. French couturers Marc-Antoine Barrois and Alexis Mabille - who trained under John Galliano in the house of Dior, showed off their styles in well-cut men’s suits with subtle detailing and the latter with his signature frou-frou style with dramatic collars and ribboned embellishments. Local veteran designer Thomas Wee who has been in the business for almost 40 years does not disappoint. Being the only Singaporean designer to showcase his works at Fide Fashion Week, he presents his collection, “Austere” with simple clean lines and touches of orientalism. The piece de resistance came when the final model walked down the runway in a long white jacket with a bright chartreuse lining, which she peeled off to reveal a stunning red column dress with a sparkling belt. The week ended with an after party hosted by Butter Factory and Mr Shunji Matsuo. Guests partied the night away in a fiery masquerade-themed party and indulged in a free flow of champagne.
For a mere five days only, pop-up store Edit Lifestyle brings you international labels for a limited time with some of the proceeds going to the Norway House, a private aid initiative helping orphans in Cambodia. Edit Lifestyle will showcase other international labels from established designers such as Zimmermann, Melissa Odabash and Linda Farrow. Founded by interior designer Florence Lim and her business partner and friend, Kelly Lapping, the pop-up store will house one-of-a-kind lifestyle items. Florence Lim says, “My whole idea behind the concept stemmed from the fact that I couldn’t find that perfect swimsuit or the accessories to go with it when it comes to resort wear. The inspiration that I have gotten from my constant travels has helped me build a unique collection that applies to everyone. It’s about time, resort lifestyle became accessible to jetsetters in Singapore.” Kelly adds, “Our prices are quite competitive and we never have customers going back empty handed. We offer brands from overseas and make sure that we always match dollar for dollar.” Edit Lifestyle's pop up will take place from Dec 4 to 8 at 78 Ridley Park. The brand will also launch its online retail portal in early 2013.
DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 05
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
ISLAND GETAWA
Pretty fairies and winged horses await the girls
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BY LEE LI YING
Catch these little nuggets of goodies that Sentosa has lined up for you
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here is nothing better than the combination of sun, sand and school holidays on the sunny tropical islet of Sentosa. Apart from the usual beach activities such as building sandcastles, or a game of Frisbee or beach volleyball, there is much more to do to make the best of what Sentosa has to offer you and your family. In this third edition of the Sentosa Playcation special feature, we introduce to you the exciting activities and promotions that Sentosa has continued to design especially for the family this December holidays. Make the very last vestiges of 2012 count, with a memorable visit to the salt-scented beaches of Palawan and the exciting Playcation programmes and activities lined up for you! CHRISTMAS CAME EARLY It doesn’t matter if you’ve been naughty or nice this year, Santa’s entourage will still be specially waiting to give you a treat at the Playmobil Santa’s Sleigh at the Merlion Plaza. Walkabout Christmas characters, such as Santa Claus and his hardworking elves, will be giving out candy canes from Dec 15 to 25, 2pm to 8pm. They will come down in 15 to 30-minute intervals, so don’t miss your chance to catch them. Do not miss the opportunity to take a photo with these merry Christmas characters as well! There is also an interactive Santa’s Sleigh photo point, where both children and adults can climb up a reindeer or sit in a sleigh and pose for memorable photographs that you can bring home. For a visual feast of the Christmas festivities, check out the majestically decorated Playmobil Christmas Tree. It is quite an awe-inspiring sight, created out of 960 Playmobil snow globes. The Playmobil Christmas Tree lights up at night, with pink and purple shimmering hues that cast an alluring festive glow. With a delightful and pretty angel perched right on top of the Christmas tree, you can be sure that she’ll watch over all your secret Christmas wishes! COLOURFUL CHARACTERS At the exciting Playmobil fort at Palawan beach, children can say hello to their new life-sized playmates and mascots. The Playmobil toys have always exemplified the excellence of the craft of the German toy makers. More than just beautifullymade figurines, these Playmobil toys are also able to engage the imaginations of children and allow them to conjure a multitude of exciting and engaging play scenarios. Children can also join the brave policemen as they heroically protect the township from big bad villains. They can even head down to the Knight’s Fort where they can pretend to be a knight and protect their fortress against any incoming enemies. The display is fortified with a climbing structure and a slide which provides children with hours of endless fun. There can be no end to their creativity – with an “Aye, aye, Captain!”, children can pose for a photo with their favourite pirate mates at a pirate-themed photo point. Girls will definitely be more likely to take to the Magic Castle where pretty fairies and noble unicorns abound. The Playmobil display is not just for kids; parents will have an excellent time as well. The iconic collection of vintage Playmobil toys since 1974 at the Collector’s Corner is sure to bring back nostalgic memories of Sentosa for the slightly older generation. The themes for the display change every two weeks, so there will definitely be no lack of things to see. PLAY TREATS For further icing on top of the cake, there are pocket-friendly bargains which will make the visit to Sentosa even more worthwhile than it already is. From now until Dec 30, sign up for the Sentosa Islander Family membership and enjoy a 15 per cent discount. Spend $120 in Sentosa and you will have the chance to take part in the “Guess and Win” contest. Guess the number of Playmobil figurines located at Beach Station and stand the chance to win attractive prizes. A total of ten grand winners and 40 consolation winners will be selected to win prizes which include the Playmobil advent calendar set and vouchers of up to $3,000. That is not all. Visitors with a 2-Day or Premium Play Pass purchased at Sentosa will get an exclusive Playmobil premium. There are a total of 12 designs to be collected, while stocks last, so don’t miss your chance to bring them home! W
The Knight’s Fort has a climbing structure and a slide
Have a
playful
treat
Climb aboard Santa’s sleigh and take memorable photos
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YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
06 • WEEKENDER • DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2012
OOD
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Christmas deli
Honey Baked Ham is coated with honey and roasted to a caramelised brown
items to
delight
Christmas is fast approaching. Have you ordered your favourite Christmas food? FairPrice has Christmas Deli Promotions to delight you
D Combo 3: Traditional Roast Turkey, Honey Baked Ham and German Pork Knuckle
“these are just some mouth-watering delights from fairprice’s christmas deli promotions.”
The Crispy Pork Roast is perfectly roasted pork belly
reaming of that honey baked ham? Craving that German-style pork knuckle? Want some traditional turkey? FairPrice has Christmas Deli Promotions available for pre-order, now until Dec 20. Your pre-order can be done at all FairPrice, and FairPrice Finest and Xtra outlets. Please note that the availability of certain items may vary slightly, from store to store. The collection period for these Christmas Deli Promotion items is on from now until Jan 2, 2013. These are just some mouthwatering highlights from FairPrice’s Christmas Deli Promotions. 1. Honey Baked Ham (whole or pre-sliced) 1.8kg, $22.90 Made from selected pork mixed with a special blend of spices, it is coated with honey and roasted to a caramelised brown. It is available whole or pre-sliced, in a convenient cooler bag. 2. Roast Beef 1.2kg before roasting, $30.50 A delectable striploin, infused with herbs and spices and roasted to perfection.
3. Combo Set 3: Traditional Roast Turkey & Honey Baked Ham & German Pork Knuckle, Turkey 3.5kg 4.5kg before roasting; Ham 1kg; Pork Knuckle 1.3kg before roasting, $78 This set has a great combination of red and white meat for festive cheer. It includes chestnut stuffing, cranberry sauce, and gourmet sauce, all packed in a convenient cooler bag. An ideal succulent and tender
combination for the party goers as well as a family celebration.
4. Combo 6: Crispy Pork Knuckle & Baby Honey Baked Ham Pork Knuckle 1kg before roasting; Ham 1kg, $38.50 An appetising combination of crispy pork knuckle and honey baked ham, perfect to go with beer and for gathering with friends. This set comes in a cooler bag.
5. Crispy Pork Roast 1kg before roasting, $30.90 This perfectly roasted quality pork belly provides great value for money and comes conveniently packed in a cooler bag. 6. Crispy Belly Roll with Walnut & Raisin Stuffing 1kg before roasting, $27.90 A crispy pork belly roll stuffed with walnuts and raisins, ideal for the festive season. It also comes in a cooler bag.
Wine app wine pairing for local delights have you wondered what wine goes well with bak kut teh or barbecued stingray? the wine app comes to your aid
Dish 1
Barbecued Stingray Stingray is commonly barbecued over charcoal and served with spicy sambal chilli, on a banana leaf. The spiciness of the sambal dominates the dish’s flavour, with the stingray meat contributing a hint of sweetness.
NTUC
Wine: Chenin Blanc From the historic Loire Valley in France, Chenin Blanc is usually made into sweet wines such as the Coteaux du Layon and Quart de Chaume, and dry white wines such as the Vouvray. This aromatic varietal also thrives in South Africa. Wines made from Chenin Blanc offer melon, peach, spice and citrus notes, and are incredibly food-friendly. Recommended: Brown Brothers Chenin Blanc, 750ml, $28.50 Pairing Insight: The barbecued stingray served with spicy sambal needs a white wine with slight sweetness, such as Chenin Blanc, to cut the spiciness (of the sambal). The slightly sweet nature of the stingray meat also goes well with the Chenin Blanc.
Dish 2
BAK KUT TEH Full of flavour, the pork rib soup or Bak Kut Teh, as it is more commonly known, is a perennial favourite in Asia. Simmered over low heat with a blend of herbs and spices, the resulting clear stock is rich, with a strong taste of pepper served with tender pork ribs.
Wine: Bordeaux Dry Red Bordeaux is one of the premium red wine-producing regions in the world. With centuries of heritage and proud wine-making tradition, Bordeaux continues to be the benchmark for fine red wines made from Cabernet and Merlot blends. Bordeaux produces six types of wines, of which 89 per cent are red, and crafted mostly from a blend of five to six grape varietals. Geographically, the Bordeaux wine region is famously categorised as Left Bank and Right Bank. The Right Bank is home to some worldrenowned dry red wines, produced in St Emilion and Pomerol. Together with other smaller communes that include Fronsac and the various satellite communes of St Emilion, the Right Bank makes wines that are dainty, with traditional characters. Recommended: Dourthe RSV Bordeaux Rouge, 750ml, $28 Pairing Insight: The pork meat is not as tough and heavy as compared to beef and lamb, thus a Bordeaux Red (blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc) is a good companion to Bak Kut Teh, as the wine is much softer, and it is light to medium-bodied, compared to straight varietals such as Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon.
FAIRPRICE
WINE PAIRING APP
According to FairPrice, its Wine Pairing App is the first and only app that helps users pair both Western and Asian food with the right choice of wine. The FairPrice Wine Pairing App v1.3 is now available for download, for both iPhone and Android. Besides getting wine recommendations, shoppers can now access tips, videos and notes by wine experts. The application can also be accessed on the Internet from the That’s My FairPrice Facebook page, www.facebook.com/thatsmyfairprice and at www.whatsupatfairprice.com.sg
DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 07
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The Red Christmas dessert
RECIPE 1
FOO
Let them eat… at Antoinette
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Celebrate Christmas with Antoinette, with special set menus and tantalising desserts What is Christmas without the indulgence? Partake in this walletfriendly feast from Antoinette. Known for its French-inspired pastries and the salon du the concept, Antoinette puts a smile on our faces with their affordable Christmas set meals. Its in-house chef, Chef Pang Kok Keong, had also helped to conceptualise Canele Patisserie Chocolaterie which explains the similar treatment between the two. The brain behind the Sugar Daddy Group, he also created laid-back diner Pique Nique. Each Christmas menu ($50) comes with an appetiser, pasta or main
Nasi Lemak with sambal chilli A quintessential local favourite, this fairly cheap and fragrant coconut dish is a breeze to make. Food blogger Sherie Lee shares her recipe with us Ingredients 3 cups of long grain rice 2 small thumbs of flattened ginger 4 blades of knotted pandan leaves 3/4 to 1 teaspoon of salt 2 of cups water 1 cup of thick coconut milk Sambal Ingredients (A) 50g shredded large onion Ingredients (B) 15g of dried chillies (soaked in water until soft) 50g of shallots 30g of garlic cloves 150g of chilli paste 4 tablespoons of cooking oil Seasoning 1/2 teaspoon of salt 2-3 tablespoons of sugar 100-150ml of tamarind concentrate (depending how tart you like your sambal)
Method 1. Rinse the long grained rice, place in rice cooker, add water, coconut milk, ginger, pandan leaves and salt. Leave to cook. 2. Stir-fry the onions in a hot wok with some cooking oil until fragrant. 3. Blend all ingredients in list B until smooth. 4. Heat up wok, add in ingredient B, and stir-fry over medium high heat until fragrant. Add in seasoning, toss well. 5. Serve with your favourite nasi lemak sides. 4. Add big onions, mix well and it is ready to be served. Recipe taken from www.maameemoomoo. com
RECIPE 2
White chocolate croissant bread pudding Food blogger Kel’s Kitchen shares her decadent recipe, perfect for indulging that sweet tooth
Ingredients 3 eggs 1/3 cup of fine sugar 1 teaspoon of vanilla bean paste (or 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract) 300ml of thickened cream 200ml of whole milk 5 croissants 37.5g of chopped white chocolate Method 1. Pre-heat the oven at 160 degrees Celsius. Line the bottom of the ramekins with baking sheet circles to prevent the pudding from sticking to the bottom. 2. Half the croissants, then line them on a baking tray. Bake for 10 minutes or until crisp and golden. 3. In a large bowl, whisk the eggs. Add sugar, vanilla, cream and milk. Continue whisking until well blended. 4. Cut up croissants into 3cm chunks. Take half of the croissant chunks to cover the base of the ramekins
evenly, sprinkle the white chocolate chunks, and pour half of the custard mixture. Allow the croissants to soak up the mixture. 5. Add the remaining croissants and custard. Press down gently to make sure that all the croissant chunks are soaked. 6. Now you have to prepare a water-bath. Place the ramekins onto a baking tin, then fill the baking tin with boiling water till halfway up the ramekins. Carefully put the baking tin into the oven and bake for about 40 minutes, or until the custard has set. 7. Turn them out of the ramekins and enjoy! If you don’t have ramekins, you could also make this bread pudding in a baking dish. Just bake it longer, for about 50 minutes or until the custard sets. Recipe taken from www.kellkelkell. wordpress.com
The Tartine of slow roasted beef on Pain Antoinette The Lobster Thermidor with rice
course, and dessert. Choose from an array such as the Foie Gras Terrine with a side of cranberry sauce, the Lobster Thermidor with a pat of rice, or the Papardelle with Braised Beef Cheeks. A good Christmas meal is never lacking in a good roast. We especially like the look of the Tartine of slow roasted beef on Pain Antoinette. It comes with two types of mustard, tomato confit, and gratinated with Béarnaise sauce. The Red Christmas dessert makes a cheery end to the meal. While at it, try regular fixtures such as the Mont Blanc ($8.50), an almond tart with chestnut cream, or their flourless chocolate sponge cake, the Versailles ($9). The Christmas set meals are available until Dec 24. Antoinette has several outlets with one at: Palais Renaissance, 90 Orchard Road, #B1-08/09/10C Singapore 238871
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08 • WEEKENDER • DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2012
EALTH
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
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Singapore’s first luxury hotel-inspired
EC with concierge Singapore’s first luxury hotel-inspired Executive Condominium, CityLife @Tampines, with concierge and six sky gardens, has opened for e-applications. Your dream home awaits
CityLife @Tampines boasts a host of design features, including a 100m infinity pool
CityLife @Tampines is the first luxury hotel-inspired Executive Condominium (EC), which boasts a host of design features and services including a home concierge service, a 100m infinity pool, a fully-equipped function suite, resort-style landscaping and much, much more. Developed by Tampines EC Pte Ltd – a consortium comprising Amara Holdings Ltd, Kay Lim Holdings Pte Ltd and SingXpress Land Ltd – CityLife @Tampines has recently opened for e-applications. Now you can truly own a piece of urban heaven. The resort-style landscaping of CityLife @Tampines includes
The Skysuites are exclusive four or five-bedroom units with a living or dining room that opens out to a wraparound terrace
The port-cochere near the entrance of CityLife @Tampines
a ‘Bamboo Boulevard’, three aromatherapy gardens, as well as six sky gardens at various levels or altitudes. Says Mr Albert Teo, Chief Executive Officer of Amara Holdings Ltd, “CityLife @Tampines will bring EC living to a whole new level: a covetable cross between luxury-hotel dwelling and the cosy comforts of home. EC home buyers can expect hotel-inspired facilities, styling, ambiance and services.” “CityLIfe @tampines will bring He adds, “Imagine sunec living to a whole new level: tanning on the a covetable cross between lounger of the luxury-hotel dwelling and the longest infinity pool in an EC, cosy comforts of home.” and access to free WiFi to request for concierge service, at just a tap of your smart-phone
device. This is luxury-hotel lifestyle right at home.” CityLife @Tampines offers the options of two, three, four or fivebedrooms, in dual-key, Skysuite and penthouse units. The 514unit EC project has a number of unique unit designs, such as the Skysuites, which are exclusive four and five-bedroom units with a living or dining room that opens out to a wrap-around open terrace that goes around the unit, just below the penthouse floor. The one-and-only Presidential Penthouse Suite, over a sprawling 4,000 sq. ft., is likely the largest of its kind for any EC. Other units that are available in CityLife @Tampines are three and fourbedroom dual-key units. These lavishly designed apartments also feature complimentary fibre broadband Internet service to all households, complimentary WiFi at common
areas of the EC, as well as designer-brand fittings and appliances. Every effort is made to give you the best, holistic living experience. CityLife @Tampines is set in the heart of Tampines Regional Centre, which houses Singapore’s second-largest commercial hub outside of the Central Business District. Tampines Regional Centre has also been earmarked as the future logistics hub of Singapore. “Tampines is definitely one of the most ‘happening’ residential estates in Singapore. Where in Singapore can you find a CPF (Central Provident Fund) Board branch office, IKEA’s flagship store, the intersection of the Downtown MRT Line and the East-West MRT Line, and Singapore’s fourth university (Singapore University of Technology & Design) all in one location?” says Mr Teo. “Even Japan’s leading clothing retail chain, Uniqlo, set up its first Singapore store in Tampines! The well-developed network of amenities and infrastructure in Tampines makes it a bustling and vibrant city in itself,” Mr Teo points out. He further adds, “EC home buyers today are characterised by a sophisticated home taste and a certain degree of affluence. As such, we believe that our luxury hotel-inspired EC homes within the dynamic city of Tampines will appeal to them.” W CityLife @Tampines has opened for e-applications and its sales gallery is situated along Tampines Avenue 7. For more information, go to www.citylifeattampines.com
FAMILY & FRIENDS Ayden Yong Kai Yang Born May 18, 2012 Kougar Born Feb 19, 2012 Ethan Lee Born Apr 2, 2012
HELLO
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?
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!
Mandy Ma Born May 1, 2012
Cohen Tan Jiong Hao Born Apr 11, 2012
Kyra Leong Born Apr 21, 2012
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DECEMBER 7 - 13, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 09
FAMILY & FRIEND
S
Your Greatest
Friend
Kleenex is your best pal at any time, anywhere. What more, with the softest touch
Y “Why settle for a scratchy brand of tissue paper when you can have the soft touch?”
ou may have never noticed how much you need them until you don’t have them. Kleenex has been with you every step of the way through your ups and downs. Have a mascara run or an errant eyeliner smudge? You’ve probably used a Kleenex Ultrasoft 3-ply Facial Tissues. Even when removing make up, the soft tissues from Kleenex have probably aided you in getting that clean face. These facial tissues are also great for blotting away excess oil on your face for a quick freshen up during the day. You’ll never go wrong with having a box of Kleenex around you. You probably already have a box in every room of your house within easy reach. Use these tissues to mop up perspiration on those hot and muggy days, to remain presentable at all times. Made out of 100 per cent virgin fibres, the plush softness of the Kleenex Ultrasoft 3-ply Facial Tissue is not to be mistaken for weakness. The facial tissues are thick enough to withstand vigorous
cleaning while being oh-so-gentle on the face and skin. No more abrasive and rough tissue papers. Kleenex has also been with you through those pesky allergy seasons. Avoid having a red nose from too much sneezing and blowing with the Kleenex Ultrasoft 3-ply Facial Tissues, its lush and smooth feel puts minimal pressure and friction on the skin. With simple and compact packaging, you can easily carry the superior feel of Kleenex tissues with you everywhere. Pop the fuss-free soft-pack version of the Kleenex Ultrasoft 3-ply Facial Tissues in your purse or in the car and you’ll never encounter the hassle of searching for a tissue when outdoors. The traditional box version also comes in pretty designs perfect for enhancing the décor of your home. Tissues are really an indispensable item one has to have in their home. Why should you feel the need to compromise on quality? Why settle for a lowquality, scratchy brand of tissue paper when you have the ability to treat yourself to the Kleenex Ultrasoft 3-ply Facial Tissue. Kleenex will be there with you from anywhere to anytime. Just like your best pal. Kleenex Ultrasoft 3-ply Facial Tissues can be bought at all leading personal care stores,
KLEENEX AD
supermarkets and hypermarkets. Origins of Kleenex Kleenex was first invented in America by the Kimberly-Clark Corporation in World War I when they patented Cellucotton, a substitute for cotton derived from trees. This became a popular material for bandages in the war. After the war, the surplus was found to be exceedingly useful as a feminine napkin which resulted in Kotex sanitary pads and subsequently Kleenex, a facial tissue tasked to help women remove cold cream which they used to cleanse their faces of cosmetics. It was especially targeted at Hollywood stars with theatrical make up. As the times changed, Kleenex evolved itself into a disposable handkerchief when the public began using them during hay fever or allergy season. Marketing themselves with the slogan “Don’t carry a cold in your pocket”, the brand slowly changed perceptions, leading to the convenient disposable tissues of today. Imagine that in the past blowing your nose into a tissue was considered strange, when we now do it with such regular frequency. One could say that World War I had changed the way we blow our noses. W
Fun facts about
Kleenex • Kleenex has been ubiquitous in our lives such that the Americans have genericised the name to refer to any tissue. E.g. “Hand me a Kleenex to blow my nose, please”. • In France, the “Kleenex Generation” is referred to as an employee that an employer no longer needs and tosses out when he needs a fresh one. • Long before the push-up bra was invented, young girls were stuffing their bras with Kleenex for a fuller bust. • A well-known blonde joke depicts a blonde woman with a box shaped chest, with her mother going, “Dear, if you are going to pad your bra with Kleenex, take them out of the box first.”
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10 • WEEKENDER • December 7 - 13, 2012
PORTS
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
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A day in the life of
an Olympian What is a day in the life of an Olympian like? We speak to Geraldine Lee, who represented Singapore in Canoeing in the London 2012 Olympics By Vivienne Tseng
G
eraldine Lee represented Singapore in the recent London 2012 Olympics, in Canoeing, competing in the K1 200m heats and having reached the 500m semi-finals. Having returned from Britain, this 25-year-old Olympian is filled with memories of intense training, patriotic competition, and mementoes of her bountiful experience. She gladly shares snippets of her time in London. One thing that excites her is her autograph collection. She is proud to say she has autographs of canoeing champions Hank McGregor and Anders Gustafsson. She reveals it was quite an effort to chase them and get their autographs. She says, “I was like those fans chasing celebrities because I had only ever seen these superstar athletes on television, and they were now sitting next to me!” When queried if anyone has asked for her autograph since her return, Geraldine humbly responds, “No, no. I’m not popular. Nobody really recognises me.” She adds, “Everything’s still normal.” What does “normal” mean? An average day means waking up at 5am, going to training then work, and training again before reaching home at 9.30pm. In her
16-hour day, she juggles canoeing and working full-time as a contracts executive with the Land Transport Authority. “Because of my full schedule, I sleep by 10.30pm every night and have to eat a well-balanced diet of fruits and vegetables. That means
I can only eat stuff like chocolate cake once a week,” she says. Still, she juggles her time well and finds time to relax. In her free time, her indulgence is watching movies and drama serials. Geraldine’s advice for aspiring canoeists or Olympians is: “Consistency and discipline. Even when you feel like you’re not getting faster, have the discipline to keep training.” W
Paddle & Love It 2013 and Singapore Canoe Federation. For more details, go to www.scf.org.sg or contact Mr Joseph Ang at joseph@scf.org. sg or Tel: 6344 6337
Do your part for charity and join us for a day of heart-healthy fun in “Paddle & Love It”. Watch 500 canoeists set off on the 11th Singapore Canoe Marathon and see the excitement of the Obstacle Course Challenge. Never tried canoeing? Here’s your chance! Fun and games await at the carnival, so bring your friends and family! All funds raised will go to Singapore Heart Foundation
Funds raised will go toward: • Educational programmes on preventive measures against heart disease • Rehabilitative and preventive care for recovering heart patients and those at risk • Financial assistance to needy heart patients for emergency relief and treatment • CPR + AED cert. training • Para-canoeing proramme • Canoeing technical training and equipment purchase • Upgrading equipment and overseas training for Asian Games & Olympic Games.
Joan-Anne (second from right), Juliette (third from right) and Janna (fifth from right, partially hidden) with the women’s hockey team.
Sister power Ever heard of four siblings in the national team at the same time? Meet the unique Lim sisters from a hockey family By Lester J Wan The Lim sisters appear to be ordinary siblings. Mostly teens, they have school and growing pains to contend with. However, a closer look reveals an interesting fact: four of them are playing for the national hockey team. Joan-Anne, the second-eldest sister, is the most experienced of the four, having played hockey for 14 years. She is 24 years old and a teacher in Anglo-Chinese School (Barker Road). Next in line is Janna, 19, an undergrad in Nanyang Technological University. She has been playing for about 10 years now. Janelle is 18, and a student in Republic Polytechnic. Lastly, Juliette, 16, is a student in St Theresa’s Convent. Both of them started playing around the same time, about eight years ago. Their eldest sister, Jolene, 25, also plays hockey. All of them agree, hockey is not that easy to pick up or to excel in. “You need to make sure you stop the ball, control it and make
a successful pass. All these basics may sound easy, but it takes years to master,” says Juliette. The others echo her sentiment. For those undaunted and interested in hockey, the sisters have insights from their experiences. “Listen to the advice of your team mates and coaches,” says Janna. “Don’t take whatever people say negatively, but use them as constructive criticism. Also, observe how more experienced players play and understand why they make certain decisions,” she says. Janelle says, “Stay focused and look at your surroundings. Constantly communicate with your team mates so you will know what to do, and where to go. Never lose your temper as you’ll get frustrated and you wouldn’t play your game well.” Janna and Janelle started playing for the national team when they were 15, while Juliette started at 14. Their parents’
support makes a big difference. “They know that playing hockey makes us happy, and is something we enjoy. Once, when I was stressed when studying for my “A” Levels, my parents told me to stop studying and just go for training,” Janna shares. “When the ASEAN School Games was held in Singapore last year, my parents came down to watch every match and even gave us personal feedback about our performance. They also watch our local league games sometimes,” adds Juliette. Between them, they have won numerous medals playing for school. Janna, Janelle and Juliet have also won Silver in the ASEAN School Games 2011. All have experience in regional tournaments. Janna says she would like to take part in the SEA Games, and to win a bronze medal or better. She also says, “I want to improve myself such that the junior players will look up to me as a senior who is capable.” The sisters have been playing since the ages of eight to ten. It has clearly reaped rewards. “Hockey has helped me develop time management skills. I’ve learnt how to juggle my time between studies and sports, and also to prioritise my activities. I have become more disciplined. Through hockey, I’ve also learnt how to be a better leader who is compassionate, and developed better communication skills,” says Janna. Janelle adds, “Hockey helped me to develop leadership skills and how I care about people, because I would lend a listening ear to my team mates when they are feeling upset, so I often do that for people I know.” Joan-Anne and Janna are representing Singapore in the Women’s AHF Cup, from Dec 6 to 16. Some of the other teams include Uzbekistan and Pakistan. The top two will progress to the prestigious Women’s Asia Cup in 2013. Juliette, the youngest in the family, is preparing for the under-18 Asia Cup. The flame continues to burn bright in this hockey family. For more information, please go to www.singaporehockey.org
DISCOVERY Catching waves We check out other water-themed options that Singapore has to offer.
World’s largest oceanarium opens in Singapore The world’s largest oceanarium, Marine Life Park, opens at Resorts World Sentosa this weekend. We go beyond the hype and see if it lives up to expectations By Lee Li Ying
Marine life Park has finally opened its doors to the public. Combining the wet and the dry experience, at the Adventure Cove Waterpark and the S.E.A. Aquarium, it looks promising. Boasting a host of exotic marine life such as manta rays, hammerhead sharks and bottlenose dolphins, this new water park has created some hype. The underwater aquarium is themed and organised according to pacific zones, each with unique flora and fauna. Bringing guests through an underwater voyage, it begins from Southeast Asia, continues through the Arabian Gulf and leads into the open ocean. If you are looking for a wide variety of never-before-seen fish, the boulevard of marine stars will have you enthralled. There is the school of gently-bobbing jellyfish, beautifully-coloured coral fish, and the endangered hammerhead shark. A pair of nurse sharks, affectionately nicknamed Romeo and Juliet, accompany each other everywhere. With exciting recreations of a shipwreck, colourful
reefs, murky mangroves and sea grass beds, the artificial habitats are impressive. Young guests can dip their hands into the water of the Discovery Touch Pool and probe gently at sea stars and sea cucumbers swaying languidly. The exhibit at Zone 9 (South China Sea) features a reef cave where the young can go in to explore and be captivated by huge moray eels that slither sleekly across. With the aquarium being home to 100,000 marine creatures of over 800 different species, organisers are aware of their responsibility to conservation efforts. Despite the intention that education and conservation, rescue and rehabilitation, and breeding programmes will be a focus, its recent controversy with wild-caught dolphins and plans such as ray-feeding appear to leave the public questioning them. Nevertheless, there will be a considerable number eager to experience the aquatic biodiversity that has been brought to their doorstep. The more adventurous will find the Adventure Cove Waterpark an exciting visit. Its waterslides and attractions will give Universal Studios Singapore a run for its money. The region's first hydro-magnetic coaster, the Riptide Rocket, will propel guests through gravity-defying uphill climbs and sudden drops in just 40 seconds over 225m. Daredevils can also have a go at Splashworks, where free-fall platform cliff-climbing will get your heart racing. The 620m-long lazy river will float you gently down scenes of gardens and grotto caves. The Bluwater Bay is also a great place to relax or frolic. Surging crests of waves of up to 2.2m ensure visitors are in for a roaring good time. The Rainbow Reef allows you to explore colourful habitats at leisure. Guests can snorkel with 20,000 fish. At $29 for adults and $20 for children, this newly-opened attraction is charming family fun. The Marine Life Park is at Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore 0982269
“The underwater aquarium is themed and organised to pacific zones, each with unique flora and fauna.”
Underwater World Singapore Daily, 10am - 7.30pm, $17.60 - $25.90 Marine Life Park’s direct competitor has been around for about 20 years. It also boasts unique encounters with marine life, in which guests can feed manta rays and sharks, interact with fur seals and meet dolphins. Though there are fewer species and varieties, fringe programmes such as fish reflexology add a touch of novelty. The price is a bit higher at $25.90 for adults and $17.60 for children, for aquarium entrance only. Still, it is worth a visit for families looking to stay away from the crowd that is sure to descend upon Marine Life Park. Underwater World Singapore 80 Siloso Road Singapore 098969 Wild Wild Wet Mon, Wed – Fri, 1pm - 7pm; Sat, Sun & PH, 10am - 7pm, $11-$16 Voted 2012 Best Overall Water Theme Park by Timeout Singapore, Wild Wild Wet is sure to give the Adventure Water Cove stiff competition as it boasts similar rides. Its most heart-thumping ride is the Slide Up, where guests
plunge down a four-storey ramp, accelerating until they hit the deck and skim across to soar on the opposite side. Though the quality of the rides, with regard to thrill factor and novelty of design, pales in comparison to Marine Life Park, the difference is justified by new discounted entry rates. Toddlers, senior citizens and U Live members enter for free, while entry for children aged three to 11 is $11 and entry for adults is $16. 1 Pasir Ris Close Kampong Pasir Ris Singapore 519599 Wavehouse Sentosa Daily, 10am - 11pm, various prices This beachfront club is an oasis that offers the ultimate beach lifestyle experience. While not exactly family-friendly, it is best known for its inhouse surfing attractions. Guests looking to ride the waves can head down and have a shot at either the Double Flowrider or the FlowBarrel. Guests can choose between using the body-boards and standing up on flow-boards. For more information, visit www.wavehousesentosa.com 36 Siloso Beach Walk Sentosa, Singapore 099007
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
December 7 - 13, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 11
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12 • WEEKENDER • December 7 - 13, 2012
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS
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