WK12A / MICA (P) 144/08/2012
WEEKENDER DECEMBER 21 - 27, 2012
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People will ring in 2013 from all corners of the globe in their own special ways. Here’s a look at how different cultures celebrate New Year
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season of indulgence Skip the hassle of entertaining at home by checking out these delicious offerings from Park Hotel Group
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KIDDING AROUND YouTube comedian Dr Jiajia tells us why his brother and fellow Internet sensation BigBro is his best friend
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beautiful bhutan Enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this untouched paradise, and check out its legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery
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02 • WEEKENDER • december 21 - 27, 2012
All events are correct at time of print.
Tiger Beer’s festive party 22 Dec, 8pm – 2am
tenderness
show your appreciation for Singapore’s hardworking bus drivers this Christmas The group of friends behind the campaign StandUpFor.SG is trying to bring a little tenderness back into the way Singaporeans think about bus drivers. “When I was growing up, bus drivers were really friendly. Sometimes they would wave me on if I didn’t have enough change,” says Wally Tham, one of the organisers. “We’ve kind of lost that sort of human element. Now when we board most of us don’t say ‘hi’. With all the news surrounding bus drivers recently, we would like to show that we appreciate how hard these drivers work.” The group first launched a campaign to remind commuters on trains to give up their seats for the elderly and for mothers this August. The event even got a shout-out from the Prime Minister on his Facebook page. They are currently looking for members of the public to share heartwarming experiences that they would like to thank bus drivers for. These stories will be compiled in a video that StandUpFor.SG is planning to shoot. On Christmas Day, from 2pm to 6pm, they are also looking for volunteers to join them in passing out thank you notes to bus drivers who are working on Christmas. Visit facebook.com/standupforsg for more details.
The Sentosa Islander Membership $25-$50 per annum
Can’t get enough of the beautiful sundrenched beaches of Sentosa? Get your Sentosa Islander Membership card today! For only $25 for Individual Membership and $50 for Family Membership, you can now enjoy unlimited fun at Asia’s favourite playground. Get ready for unlimited island admissions to Sentosa via Sentosa Express, Sentosa Boardwalk and Drive-in. There are also multitudes of exciting privileges exclusive to you when you flash your Sentosa Islander membership card at participating attractions, food and beverages, retail outlets and hotels on the island. This Christmas, Sentosa has a little treat in store for you. Till Dec 30, there will be a 15 per cent off Sentosa Islander Gift Card applicable for Individual and Family Membership. Sign up is available at the Islander Membership Counter at Sentosa Station (VivoCity, Lobby L, Level 3), Beach Station or Sentosa Visitor Centre. For more information on membership privileges, please log on to www.sentosa.com
TICKETED EVENTS 2nd Cultural Olympiad 2012: Glimpses of Asia Part 1 – 5 27-29 Dec, Various timings, $45 Artists of different ages reinterpret Indian classical dance forms with classical, Western, contemporary, and Bollywood musical styles. The main aim of this Cultural Olympiad is to combine different art forms from diverse cultures, and create new ideas for the performing arts. Tickets from Sistic. University Cultural Centre Theatre 50 Kent Ridge Crescent, NUS Centre for Arts, Singapore 119279 A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL COMEDY SHOW FEATURING PAUL WILDBAUM 19-20 Dec, 8pm, $28 Canadian comic Paul Wildbaum is known for his inspired repertoire of comedy, visual theatre and audience participation. Equal parts hilarious and touching, his compelling performances combine the sublime with the ridiculous to create a brilliant cast. Guaranteed to thrill audiences. Tickets from
www.bytes.sg Play Den, 1 Old Parliament Lane Singapore 179429 DIE SCHÖNE MÜLLERIN 20-21 Dec, 7.30pm, $15-$25 Set to 20 poems by German romantic poet Wilhelm Müller, Die Schöne Müllerin tells the story of a young miller boy whose allconsuming love for the beautiful miller-maid of the title leads him down a path of love, despair and self-annihilation. This new production from New Opera Singapore will feature five male singers, a pianist, and a dancer. Tickets from www.bytes.sg The Arts House, Chamber, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429 FRONTIER DANCELAND – CHINESE DANCE FOR KIDS Sundays, 10.30am-11.30am, $80 for 4-week course Gain exposure to Chinese culture and Mandarin in an enjoyable way through this fun dance programme for children aged seven to nine. Instructions will be given in both Mandarin and English. Classes will commence with six students.
Tiger Beer is set to host its biggest party of the year this festive season, taking year-end celebrations to the next level. The party will feature a kaleidoscopic range of light effects, projected to the pumping sounds of sets performed by prominent local music personalities. To win passes for this event, submit your answer to the question, "Have you been good this year? " at haveyoubeengood.sg The F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Boulevard, Singapore 038975
Parents are allowed to sit in for the last 30 minutes. Email info@ frontierdanceland.com to register. Block M, 90 Goodman Art Center #02-51/52, Singapore 439053 Junior College & Polytechnic Band Festival with Guest Windstars Ensemble 27 Dec, 7.30pm, $12-$15 For this finale concert following a five-day festival, students from various junior colleges and polytechnics will perform in their festival bands under the baton of experienced conductors. Look out for pieces like Puccini’s Arias Fantasy and Joy Revisited by Frank Ticheli. The concert will also feature Windstars Ensemble, a professional band made up of locally based musicians, instrument tutors and band directors. Tickets from Sistic. Esplanade Concert Hall 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981 Pin-O-Rama - A Pinhole Camera Workshop 22 Dec and 5 Jan, 10am-1pm, $40 per person, $32 for PA member Tired of digital photography and hoping to go back to the basics?
Here’s an exciting hands-on workshop for all, where you can pick up or practice basic elements of photography in an inexpensive and interesting way. Make a pinhole camera out of daily household items, capture images, and process your pictures using traditional darkroom techniques. Tickets from www.eventbrite.com Yew Tee Point (open field behind mall), 21 Choa Chu Kang North 6 Singapore 689578 Shadow Play & X-Ray Eyes 22 Dec and 6 Jan, 2pm-4pm, $30 per person, $22 for PA members This simple but addictive workshop is the best proof that photography is truly for anyone and everyone to enjoy. Learn how a technique originally invented in the 19th century to make scientific records of natural objects was rediscovered as a means of artistic expression in the Dada and Surrealist periods of art. Learn how to use light to paint pictures with the easiest tools. All you need is a curious mind. Tickets from www.eventbrite.com Yew Tee Point (open field), 21 Choa Chu Kang North 6, Singapore 689578
COVER STORY “cocktails and dancing are hardly the only ways to celebrate the coming of a brand new year.”
New Year’s Eve in Moscow
Let’s Celebrate!
Brazilians celebrate with a colourful carnival
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t’s the time of year again, when everyone is saying how time has just flown by and reminiscing about the past 12 months. Around this time last year, I was in London, and all geared up to celebrate New Year’s Eve. People were shopping at Boxing Day sales, gathered in the streets drinking, and waiting for the fireworks to go off and light up the skyline. Policemen were deployed on every street to ensure that the revelry did not go out of hand. And at the end of all the festivities, the London Underground was ready and waiting to take us home. In Singapore, New Year’s Eve has become the season to party. There’s the signature Siloso Beach New Year bash, where the infamous foam party originated. Beachside party spot Tanjong Beach Club has their own fun with DJ Zig Zach and Nad-trix; look out for the fire-twirlers. New players are joining the fray this year. Avalon for example, will be having their New Year’s Eve shindig with DJs Effen and Jon White, with special guest DJ Giuseppe Ottaviani. But cocktails and dancing are hardly the only ways to celebrate the coming of a brand-new year. Here’s a look at how some other countries mark the occasion. Japan The Japanese consider Dec 31 an important day and try to stay up all night to welcome the New Year. Old customs related to the last day of the year are prevalent in many regions of Japan. One of the most common traditions involves consuming soba noodles before the stroke of midnight, for longevity and luck. As midnight approaches, Buddhist temple bells ring 108 times to usher in the New Year. The entrances to homes and stores are also decorated with kadomatsu
The Japanese eat soba noodles to welcome the New Year
(a pine and bamboo arrangement) or shemenawa (braided straw rope), to express the desire for strength to overcome misfortune. Many people also return home for a traditional ‘lucky’ meal with their families. Russia The Russians are probably the king of winter festivities. They celebrate two different Christmases and two different New Years - the Catholic Christmas on Dec 25, the Orthodox Christmas on Jan 7, New Year’s Eve on Dec 31, and their own “Old New Year” on Jan 13, which follows the Julian calendar. Calendar quirks aside, the country spans so many different time zones that New Year can arrive a whopping 11 times! On Dec 31, Russians decorate fir trees and hide presents for each other underneath them. They even have their own version of Santa for New Year’s - Father Frost, a gift-giver clad in blue and bearing presents for the good children of Russia.
South Africa Cape Town’s New Year festivities include fireworks, singing and dancing, which occur all over town. There’s also the Cape Town Minstrel Carnival, which boasts colourful parades and fancy dress – this is a cultural tradition dating back to the days of slavery, and has since evolved into a celebration of emancipation that coincides with the birth of a new year. In Johannesburg, people used to celebrate with gunshots and by throwing refrigerators off balconies. As you might expect, this caused a bit of mayhem. Policemen are usually deployed in those notorious areas to ensure the safety of civilians, and the party atmosphere has reportedly become less chaotic. Iran Noruz, or the Persian New Year, falls in March and lasts for 13 days. Iranians prepare for the occasion by “shaking the house”, which is their phrase for springcleaning. They also buy new clothes for the New Year, and plant wheat and lentil seeds - these crops are used to make many of the traditional Iranian dishes that symbolise rebirth. On the first day of Noruz, the family prays for good health and prosperity as they sit down to a reunion meal. On the last day of Noruz, nobody stays at home, as it is considered unlucky. Brazil Brazil’s Ano Novo or Revillion (Portuguese for New Year’s Eve and New Year Day respectively) is the time when pubs, party halls, clubs, beaches and streets are filled with revelers. On New Year’s Day, it is tradition to eat a meal of lentils and rice to bring in prosperity and good luck for the year. A lively Brazilian Carnival has the locals dressed in flamboyant clothes and doing the famous Brazilian samba. The world-famous Copacabana beach in Rio de Janeiro is also packed with partiers during this time of the year, setting off fireworks and crackers. A sumptuous dinner is key to the Brazilian New Year celebrations. Traditional dishes for these feasts include farofa – tapioca grains flavoured with spices - salads, rice, chicken and maracujá mousse, a passion fruit-infused dessert relished by the people of Brazil. W
december 21 - 27, 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. T'ang Quartet's UPsized Christmas, in collaboration with Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay 22 Dec, 7.30pm, $20-$40 Of course size matters! Which is why the T'ang Quartet has beautifully gift-wrapped an entire evening of music and merriment even Santa and his elves would be proud of. So, join this UPsized Christmas celebration of classical pieces and Yuletide favourites. Tickets from Sistic. Esplanade Concert Hall 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
THE MAGNIFICENT SEASON: MAGNIFICATS BY BACH AND ZELENKA 23 Dec, 8.15pm, $20-$25 Under the direction of Ng Tian Hui, this evening of festive music by The Orchestra and Voices of the East Indies will be a juxtaposition of Johann Sebastian Bach’s scintillating Magnificat, and Czech composer Jan Dismas Zelenka’s rarely-performed Magnificat. There will also be a delightful new premiere by awardwinning composer Emily Koh. Tickets from www.bytes.sg The Arts House, Chamber 1 Old Parliament Lane Singapore 179429
The Mac King Comedy Show 18-23 Dec, Various timings, $48-$58 Hailed by many as the premier comedy magician in the world today, Mac King has been named Magician of the Year by the Magic Castle in Hollywood. He has appeared in seven TV specials and performed on The Late Show with David Letterman. His show has long been regarded as one of the top five shows in all of Las Vegas. Tickets
from www.ticketbooth.com.sg Downtown East, D’ Tent 1 Pasir Ris Close, Singapore 519599 THE 8 VOICES CONCERT 28 Dec, 7.30pm, $28-$108 Eight renowned international vocalists will be performing a mix of familiar Chinese folksongs and famous opera selections. They will be singing in duet, chorus and solo. Tickets from Sistic. Esplanade Concert Hall 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
showcasing a set of her original songs, and is now working on her solo album. The Other Project consists of Eugenia on vocals, Kelvin Ang of Giants Must Fall on guitar, and Ritz Ang on percussion. They will be presenting a mix of covers and originals. Esplanade Concourse 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
YO YO HONEY SINGH 2012 21 Dec, 7.30pm, $88-$158 Honey Singh, also known as Yo Yo Honey Singh, is a Bollywood and Punjabi singer, rapper, actor and music producer. He started as a session and recording artist and his songs span various genres in the Bollywood music industry. He kicks off his Southeast Asia tour in Singapore. Tickets from Sistic. Fort Canning Green, 51 Canning Rise Singapore 179872
FREE EVENTS ESPLANADE PRESENTS: A FLUTEY AFFAIR 22 Dec, 6.15pm, 7.15pm, 8.15pm Spend an enchanting evening with Singapore's upcoming generation of flautists. Duets, trios, quartets and the less frequently used alto flute and bass flute will be featured. Immerse yourself in melodies such as Beauty and The Beast, A Whole New World, excerpts from famous operas and more. Esplanade Concourse 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981 ESPLANADE PRESENTS: BABES CONDE & FRIENDS 23 Dec, 7.30pm, 8.45pm Come celebrate December with Babes Conde & Friends with festive rearrangements of Christmas favourites such as Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas and Santa Claus is Coming to Town, pop favorites such as a medley of songs from Coldplay, and especially much -loved OPM (original Pilipino music) to warm your hearts this season. Outdoor Theatre, 1 Esplanade Drive Singapore 038981 ESPLANADE: EUGENIA YIP & THE OTHER PROJECT 23 Dec, 6.15pm, 7.15pm, 8.15pm This singer- songwriter is a graduate of LaSalle College of the Arts, where she completed her degree in Popular Music Performance. She performed at Mosaic Music Festival 2011,
ESPLANADE PRESENTS: JOHN LYE AND CLARENCE CHUNG 24 Dec, 6.15pm, 7.15pm, 8.15pm In this semi-acoustic setting, John Lye will be presenting a fun mix of Christmas and popular tunes, with lots of groovy beats and a fun festive atmosphere. Expect a harmonious blending of top-notch musicianship as John combines his fiery funk blues guitar style and clear vocals with singer Clarence Chung. Esplanade Concourse 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981 ESPLANADE PRESENTS: JUZ STEEL 27-28 Dec, Various timings JuzSteel is Singapore’s only steelpan group, whose instruments include steel drums (tuned metallic pans) which are used to perform calypso music in the Carnival festivities in Trinidad and Tobago. Outdoor Theatre 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981 ESPLANADE PRESENTS: NAUGHTY NOOR NICE 26 Dec, 7.30pm & 8.45pm Singer Joanna Dong, jazz pianist Aya Sekine and drumming great Mohamed Noor returns for the third edition of Naughty Noor Nice at the Outdoor Theatre. This year, bassist Hiroaki Maekawa joins in the fun! Expect an attack of the giggles as this mischievous crew entertains
you with myriad twisted carols and Christmas song parodies, spiked with tongue-incheek humour. Outdoor Theatre 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981 ESPLANADE PRESENTS: THE VOCAL CONSORT 25 Dec, 6.15pm, 7.15pm, 8.15pm The Vocal Consort was formed in September 2001 with the aim of becoming a leading community choir that promotes community bonding, and acts as a platform for members of the public to share their love of singing. Its talented members include students and working professionals, all sharing their passion for choral performance, under the direction of respected and accomplished Singapore conductor, Professor Nelson Kwei. Esplanade Concourse 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981 ESPLANADE PRESENTS: TRIPPING P’TATUAHS 24 Dec, 7.30pm, 8.45pm, 10pm Trippin' P'tatuhs consists of alumni from the SP Jazz Band, who are each individually carving out their careers in the local music scene. The band's musical influences range from funk, pop, and rock, to jazz and classical music. This diverse mix of musical flavours explains the group’s traditional, yet fresh and unique sound. Outdoor Theatre 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981 ESPLANADE PRESENTS: The Anglo-Chinese Junior College Choir 21 Dec, 7.15pm & 8.15pm Now in its 24th year, the AngloChinese Junior College (ACJC) Choir has recieved numerous accolades internationally and in Singapore. At the heart of ACJC Choir's choral heritage is a shared passion for sincere music-making across generations of choristers. The choir is delighted to return to the Esplanade once again to help spread Yuletide cheer. Esplanade Concourse 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981 MEGATEX 2012 Till 25 Dec, 10am-10pm Billed as the most complete electronics and IT Expo Show, this is where you should be heading if you are looking for great deals on the latest smart TVs, tablets, notebooks, digital cameras and home appliances from over 80 top brands. Singapore Expo 5B, 1 Expo Drive Singapore 486150
EVENT
Raffles’ Letters: Intrigues Behind the Founding of Singapore Till 28 Feb, 10am-9pm Presented by the National Library of Singapore, this exhibition showcases unpublished, original letters by Sir Stamford Raffles and reveals many important insights about the founding of Singapore in 1819. Another highlight is a replica of what is believed to be the first landward map of Singapore. Dated 1820, the map contains details that are not seen in subsequent maps. National Library Gallery Level 10 National Library Building 100 Victoria Street Singapore 188064
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Rockin’ Christmas Live Show Till 31 Dec, except Wednesdays, 7pm; additional sessions at 3.30pm on weekends, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Eve. This Christmas, learn to sing and groove to familiar Christmas tunes such as Deck The Halls, Silver Bells, and many more – in pop style! There will also be special guest appearances by some of your favourite Christmas nursery rhymes characters. So gather your family and friends, and join us in celebrating this joyous season. Downtown East, Events Square 1 Pasir Ris Close, Singapore 519599 SEEN & HEARD IN SINGAPORE: ISLAND ECOLOGIES TODAY AND IN THE TIME OF WILLIAM FARQUHAR Till 28 Oct 2013, 10am-8pm Featuring over 60 paintings that were commissioned by Farquhar in his time, this is a visual feast that highlights aspects of Singapore’s biodiversity that are fast disappearing, and some that have already vanished entirely. Goh Seng Choo Gallery, 93 Stamford Rd, National Museum of Singapore 2/L, Singapore 178897
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04 • WEEKENDER • DECEMBER 21 - 27, 2012
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YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
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technique,” he remembers. “The first few times, I lost.” And what makes a good wrestler? “You must assess your opponent’s stance. If they are standing in an aggressive way, they will attack first so you must prepare for that,” he says very seriously. “And don’t quit.” You will probably not be surprised to learn that Prabu wants to pursue a career as a professional wrestler. In fact, his mother, librarian Manimekalai, says that he’s already started saving up to go to a wrestling school in Florida after he’s done with National Service. While she has some reservations about him becoming a professional athlete, Manimekalai says that picking up wrestling has already done her son a world of good. He didn’t use to like to exercise, but nowadays
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1. Olympic-style wrestling includes the Greco-Roman style and freestyle
Mastering the sport of wrestling has helped student Prabu Manivannan improve his stamina, agility and confidence
2. Japan is famous for sumo wrestling
Wrestle mania
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e grew up watching World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) on television with his father and grandfather, and used to make various family members stage fake wrestling matches with him. So it’s little wonder that when Prabu Manivannan, 15, found out that he could take wrestling classes right here in Singapore, he jumped at the chance. He discovered the Wrestling Federation of Singapore at Suntec, at one of the Youth Olympics’ related events. Since then, Prabu, a Secondary Three student at Jurong West Secondary School, has been attending weekly wrestling classes. The programme Prabu is in is known as the Satellite Centre for Sports Development, brought to you by the Singapore Sports Council and the Wrestling Federation of Singapore. The reality of Olympics-style wrestling, it turns out, does not at all resemble the dramatic chaos of the WWE. When we visit the class one Saturday morning, the boys are clad in T-shirts, shorts and
sensible wrestling shoes. Except for Prabu, that is – the strapping 1.8m tall boy has recently grown out of his shoes, his mother tells us, so he’s going barefoot today. The lack of WWE-style drama does not bother Prabu at all. “I actually like the real thing more. It’s about real technique,” he says. “It’s one of the oldest sports in the world, and has roots in every culture.” In the two years he’s been learning wrestling, Prabu has earned a yellow belt and scored two bronze medals from competitions. Competitive wrestling is divided into seven categories, classified by weight. Because he has a much bigger build than most boys his age, Prabu often finds himself facing opponents who are much older and more experienced than him. But size can be deceptive as well. When he first started attending wrestling classes, he found out the hard way that wrestling with boys who were smaller in size did not mean a sure win. “I thought it would be easy to beat them, but they already had a lot of skill and
he’s always practicing moves and building muscles by lifting small weights at home. “He also used to lose balance quite easily, and went for occupational therapy classes to build his motor coordination skill,” she says. “Now his balance and coordination have improved.” The transformation is not just physical. Wrestling has also helped to build his confidence. “He was one of the speakers at his recent class debate,” she reveals. “In the past, he was very shy and quiet, and would never have done public speaking.” Prabu agrees that he’s a changed boy. “During Physical Education classes, I am fitter and more agile than I was before, with better stamina too.” What has also changed is that he is no longer keeping up with WWE matches. However, his favourite performers remain the ‘bad guys’ like The Rock and The Miz. “It’s more fun to support them, because everyone usually supports the ‘good guys’,” he says. “Just because the characters they play are bad doesn’t mean they are not talented or skilled.” W
3. Sambo is a Russian martial art that has roots in traditional styles of wrestling
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An ancient sport Gabriel Huang is the Operations Manager for the Wrestling Federation of Singapore, and a member of Singapore’s national wrestling team. He tells us more about this sport The goal of the Wrestling Federation, a national sports association started in 2009, is to promote wrestling as an Olympic sport in Singapore. Because of popular wrestling TV shows, wrestling is still often associated with violence and people think it can be scripted like entertainment, and that you can use ladders and chairs on your opponent.
But it is a real sport, and you have to score your points like in any other sport. There are seven weight categories in Olympics wrestling, ranging from 55kg to 120kg. Each country has its own tradition of wrestling, like Japan’s sumo wrestling and Russia’s sambo. Even in Olympic-style wrestling – which includes the Greco-Roman, which stresses the upper body; and freestyle, where you can grab your opponent’s legs - each country’s athletes tend to have certain distinctive styles. American Jordan Burroughs, for instance, is very strategic, with good timing, while Russian wrestlers tend to be more technical. While wrestling is still a littleknown sport in Singapore, it’s starting to catch on. One of the reasons is that it is one of the components of the currently popular Mixed Martial Arts.
Find out more about the Wrestling Federation of Singapore’s classes at www.singaporewrestling.com
“wrestling is still often associated with violence and people think it can be scripted like entertainment, and that you can use ladders and chairs on your opponent.”
HOBBIES Of piques and pirouettes find out what it takes to master this graceful craft, one of the most respected and established forms of the performing arts By Lee Li Ying Agnes de Mille, an American dancer and choreographer once said, “To dance is to be out of yourself. Larger, more beautiful, more powerful.” As a dancer, I fully understand the beauty of the delight and revelation of the body as you surpass what you thought were your limits, the full awareness of every stretch and pull of the sinews of the tiniest muscles in every tendu or plié, and the intimate sense of communicating a story without words to an audience. The joy of dance and ballet is something that is hard to communicate through language. Aesthetically, the clean beauty of sky-high extensions and graceful arabesques are inspiration and motivation enough to attract one to the craft.
Kwok Min Yi, a 20-year-old professional ballerina with the Singapore Dance Theatre, was drawn to the beauty of the balletic form when she watched her elder sister dancing in the studio when she was younger. "I wanted to do what my sister was doing,” she says. “That was how I started my first ballet lesson." While the astounding feats of strength, flexibility and grace that ballerinas can pull off may make ballet seem intimidating, the human instinct for movement and dance makes ballet a fulfilling and worthwhile pursuit. Min Yi herself states that she found ballet more interesting and challenging as she got to the higher levels. As she sought and received many opportunities to perform in school and dance concerts, her love for ballet grew. Opportunities to perform with professional dance companies such as the Singapore Dance Theatre, The Royal Ballet and the Washington Ballet sealed her love for ballet. She says with a smile, "I am always happy when I dance." As with all forms of the performing arts, the most satisfying part of ballet is the loud applause of the audience after a good performance and the knowledge that you have made someone’s night memorable. Min Yi says, “I can feel their warmth, love and enthusiasm. It gives me a great sense of satisfaction that I can bring joy and happiness to the audience through dance. It definitely makes me strive to work harder.” It is not difficult to experience that similar joy for yourself. There is an abundance of places where one can pick up ballet in Singapore. Some schools offer ballet as one of their Co-Curricular Activities, and there are multiple community clubs that offer affordable rates for classes. The more professional and established studios also have classes for both children and adults.
“I am always happy when I dance” - Kwok Min Yi
Photo Credit: Sonata Dancewear
There is no lack of trained practitioners who are willing and able to train and guide even those with two left feet. Classes generally cost about $200 for a three-month course, and essentials like leotards, a pair of tights and a pair of ballet shoes will cost about $70 in total. Though ballet is not a walk in the park, it is definitely a great hobby and past-time. With the ability to cater to people from all walks of life, ballet does not discriminate against age, size or gender. All you really need is the courage to step into a ballet class. Beginners start with barre work, learning correct placement and alignment while building strength and flexibility. Stronger dancers will then move on to centre work, where they will work on more advanced sets and techniques like allegro (quick,
Make your pointe Here are some venues where you can pick up ballet
Ballet combines grace and athleticism
Cheng Ballet This academy has different programmes designed to help each individual student achieve his or her goals. Their aim is to develop well-balanced, artistic, intelligent and outstanding dancers of the highest international standard. These range from one-to-one training programmes that prepare dancers both technically and artistically for professional careers with ballet companies worldwide, to graded syllabus-based or recreational ballet
programmes for children and adults. For more information visit www.chengballet.org 204 Bukit Timah Road #03-00 Boon Liew Building, Singapore 229863 Singapore Ballet Academy (SBA) SBA offers ballet programmes ranging from Pre-Primary (beginners of ages 4-5 years) to Vocational Graded. Students are trained in Britain’s Royal Academy of Dance syllabi. For the younger students, it offers a creative approach by providing valuable experience and laying the foundations for future development. As
rapid movements), adage (slow, controlled movements). Though these sets may look easy, they actually require a great deal of core strength and stability to pull off. As a result, ballet can give you strong toned legs, a rock-solid core and a physique and fitness level that your friends will be envious of. Min Yi’s advice for aspiring ballet dancers: “Look out for a good teacher. Also, remember that the most important things include the willingness to learn, perseverance, hard work and a positive attitude.” Kwok Min Yi is a professional ballerina with the Singapore Dance Theatre (SDT) . For more information about SDT and their performances, visit www.singaporedancetheatre.com
the students progress, the training will focus on developing strength, flexibility, endurance, discipline and body control demanded by ballet. Talented students will receive close guidance and intensive training. For more information, visit www.singaporeballetacademy.com.sg Singapore Ballet Academy 51 Waterloo Street, #04-01/02/03 Singapore 187969 Attitude Performing Arts Since its inception in 2001, this studio has been an artistic hub that attracts dance enthusiasts of all ages, from all walks of life. The school was founded to groom confident and virtuoso dancers for the stage both locally and internationally. It also aims to impart
greater passion for and a deeper appreciation of the performing arts. With classical ballet as its main specialty, the school provides training courses by the Royal Academy of Dance and Australia’s Commonwealth Society of Teachers of Dancing. For more information visit www.attitudearts.com No 1, Jalan Anak Bukit, Bukit Timah Plaza, #01-29 & 15, Singapore 588996
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
DECEMBER 21 - 27, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 05
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YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
06 • WEEKENDER • DECEMBER 21 - 27, 2012
OOD
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Time to chicken indulge Yes! Yes!
Korean fast food chicken chain NeNe Chicken opens its first international outlet in Singapore
Check out these delicious offerings from Park Hotel Group restaurants for a truly merry Christmas
By Cheryl Chia
“Chilli fiends will enjoy their ‘Freaking Hot Chicken’. It really burns a hole in your mouth!”
Freaking Hot Chicken
What do Koreans say when they get especially emphatic about something? They say “Ne! Ne!”, and that’s what fast food chicken chain NeNe Chicken hopes to achieve here. Founded in 1999 with more than 1,000 outlets in Korea, NeNe Chicken has chosen Singapore to house its first international outlet at The Star Vista mall. Rodney Tang, owner of NeNe Chicken Singapore says, “We are very proud to bring this famous Korean lifestyle fast food chain to Singapore and we are eager to introduce the unique taste of NeNe’s secret recipe sauces to Singaporeans.” He adds, “We are also sure that many expatriate Koreans living in Singapore would be excited to find their favourite fast food chicken eatery now at their doorstep.” Each of NeNe’s deep fried chickens is coated liberally in sauce and they only use fresh chickens, so no rancid-tasting chicken here. Its signature Swicy chicken ($8.90 to $11.90 for a meal) is a word-play on “sweet” and “spicy”, where the whole chicken is coated in the piquant sauce of ketchup, garlic, onion, soy sauce and chilli. We found the Swicy a tad sweet but altogether flavourful and tender. Chilli fiends will enjoy their Freaking Hot Chicken ($26.90 for nine). It really burns a hole in your mouth! We recommend trying it once for kicks at the end of the meal, so you can still taste the milder-flavoured options on the menu. For those who can’t take spice, there is the Green Onion Chicken Tender Boneless ($13.90 for a meal) and the Snowing Cheese Tender Boneless ($26.90) for an easy-to-eat option. NeNe also keeps the Korean tradition alive with side dishes such as pickled radishes ($1.90). Top up your orders with their Buffalo Sticks shoe-string fries ($2.50 to $2.90) or NeNe Coleslaw ($1.90) which has been marinated in their special house sauce for 12 hours, for a wellbalanced salad. Kids would also love their NeNePOP with its bright yellow popcorn-inspired cup. A small container comprising mini hashballs and popcorn chicken is placed atop a small soda with a straw peeking through for easy access to the drink below. NeNe Chicken also offers delivery services in selected districts. NeNe Chicken Singapore is located at The Star Vista, 1 Vista Green Exchange, #01-24, Singapore 138617, Tel: 6222 6363 for delivery
Char Siew Turkey with Five Spices
Crispy Pork Knuckle
Roasted Australian Rack
Colonial pampering at Gillman Barracks Baked Snapper
Amid the peaceful environs of Gillman Barracks, where nature meets colonial architecture, a newly restored edifice offers indoor dining and a casual al fresco menu By Lester J Wan
Nestled in an art enclave in Gillman Barracks, off Alexandra Road, Masons is a stately colonial beauty restored beyond its pre-war glory. While the building was constructed in 1935, its new incarnation not only encapsulates its historical heritage but has been retrofitted to bring new luxury to the concept of colonial pampering. Whether your choice is an executive lunch set, exquisite European cuisine, all-day casual dining, or even afternoon tea, you will undoubtedly find a morsel to please. Masons offers “high-quality, affordable European cuisine with strong French influence”. This is the passion of award-winning Executive Chef Ratha K, who has worked in some of Singapore’s biggest establishments since 1991, including the renowned Raffles Hotel, as well as run his own restaurant business for years. Chef Ratha’s signature dish, the Pandan Soufflé, was voted fit to be named Singapore's official dessert, while his Duck Confit was voted Top 10 in Epicure magazine. He is also well known and respected for a host of other dishes and achievements. According to Rob Coldman, the British coowner, the chef and cuisine were intended to complement the building and the setting. “We felt that this proposition was well suited to reflect both the building and the surrounding area. Our building was built by and for the British Army in 1935,” says Coldman. “When we restored the building, we tried hard to keep the original colonial charm and we felt that this should be reflected in our menu,” he says. Chef Ratha’s Duck Confit continues to be highly popular on the Masons menu and to bring acclaim. This is unsurprising considering the personal skill and artistry that goes into it. “We prepare it, here, on an apple rosti with sweet onion jam and a calvados apple and cinnamon reduction,” explains Chef Ratha.
For those willing to invest a short wait for dessert, Chef Ratha says the Soufflé with a rich homemade Cognac Gelato will be well worth it. Mason’s Pork Cheeks on Roasted Pears with Asian greens and mandarin orange glaze is fairly unique, and extremely popular with customers. So are the starter of Baked Brie with flat bread and peach compote as well as old classics given new life, such as Lobster Bisque and Crepe Suzette with Grand Marnier. For those seeking satisfaction in liquid form, Masons’ feature bar serves over 45 classic cocktails including its signature Appletini – made with freshly squeezed Granny Smith green apples. For the discerning wine connoisseur, Masons has a wine list which includes a range of wellknown and boutique wines from around the world. Apart from seeing the steady stream of the lunch crowd from nearby offices, visitors to the galleries, as well as people who drive up in the evening, Masons has already hosted a number of high-profile functions, including an exclusive European sports car launch earlier in the month. Event bookings for next year have also already been forthcoming. One attractive factor may be the ample free parking, which the owners say is “rare, and a real bonus”. Masons is another restaurant by Verve Holdings Pte Ltd. Previously, Singaporean
Beef Hor Fun
Soufflé witth Cognac Gelato
co-owner Karen Yeo was Marketing Director for Asia Pacific, for a Canadian insurance company, and based in Hong Kong. It was only in 2008 that she went into the restaurant business with Coldman. “It wasn’t necessarily a conscious decision or a lifelong ambition to own a restaurant. However, a great opportunity came up, and I was lucky to be in a position at that point in time to take the risk and make a change,” she explains. She adds, “My family has always been very supportive, given the acknowledged failure rate of new restaurants. However, after we successfully opened a few more outlets, I think they realised that this probably was a good decision after all.” Coldman says, “We have been privileged to meet a few great people on our journey, without whom we may not have survived. They all seemed to understand our passion for success, and believed in what we set out to do.” Masons’ main dining menu is available between 12pm to 2.30pm, and 6.30pm to 9.30pm. The al fresco menu is available from 12pm to 10pm, while afternoon tea is from 3pm to 6pm. Masons (Verve Group) 8 Lock Road, Gillman Barracks Singapore 108936, Tel: 6333 4460
“The aesthetics and menu are truly in homage to the heritage of Gillman Barracks.”
Bee Kia’s lunchtime favourite This zhi char stall is famous for its beef hor fun and serves a mean plate of prawn paste chicken too By Jason Sim A chef friend claims that Bee Kia Seafood Restaurant gets his vote for best beef hor fun. KF Seetoh would probably agree, as there's a Makansutra certificate pasted on one of the stall’s pillars. Business at Bee Kia is brisk especially during lunch and dinner time. Bee Kia sits inside Sin Mee Eating House that is located directly opposite Thomson Medical Centre. For drivers, finding parking in this area can be a headache during lunch and dinner. This is more like a coffee shop zhi char stall rather than a restaurant, and it's all "al fresco" dining here. Be prepared for a good wait. Let's cut to the chase. Bee Kia Seafood Restaurant is not so much about seafood, but rather their beef hor fun. Several customers just pop by to have a plate of this dish. The hor fun is "see chup" style - drizzled with preserved black bean sauce. The sauce is slightly sweeter than that at the
Geylang stall I normally patronise, and the beef is well tenderised. What I find lacking is the "wok hei" of the hor fun, which would otherwise have made this perfect. My benchmark for this is the beef hor fun I had in a small local "char chan teng" in a street eatery near Kowloon’s Ladies' Market in Hong Kong. The “wok hei” there was hard to beat. Besides having beef hor fun as the main course, the prawn paste chicken here makes a great side dish. Deep fried until golden brown, and drained to make it as devoid of grease as possible, I must say this is one of the best prawn paste chicken I have tasted. 1 Thomson Road, #01-326 Balestier Hill Shopping Centre Singapore 301001 Tel : 6254 8490 Taken from 4-the-love-of-food.blogspot.sg
DECEMBER 21 - 27, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 07
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
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I
f you don’t like the hassle of entertaining at home due to the cleaning up you have to do after a large family gathering, opt out of the whole tedious mess by heading to one of these all-you-can-eat buffets this Christmas. Open House at Grand Park Hotel serves up a lavish all-you-can-eat feast with live cooking stations. Their Christmas Eve buffet ($42 for lunch, $98 for dinner) includes dim sum, pizzas, roast meats, turkey with cranberry sauce and Christmas pudding. If you’re up for a second day of feasting, join their Christmas Day festivities ($68) – you can expect a new array of dishes, including
a Provencal rack of lamb with rum and raisin sauce. If brunch is more your thing, head down to Indulge at Park at Grand Park City Hall for a lovely champagne brunch on Christmas Day ($78 for adult, $39 for child). Pamper yourself with rich dishes such as pan-fried goose liver with truffle honey caviar, slowroasted grain-fed prime ribs, and fresh seafood on ice. Top off your meal with their chocolate, banana and pecan mousse log cake and toast to a better year ahead with your complimentary glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne. For a more Asian take on
Black Vinegar Chicken Set
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“The dumplings are handmade and pan-fried to crispy perfection.”
Osaka Osho at Raffles City
Famous Osaka Osho Gyoza
Japanese gyoza chain Osaka Osho has arrived on our shores. We check out this heralded “King of Gyoza” By Cheryl Chia
Ban Ban Chicken, a cold appetiser dish
Pan-fried Goose Liver
“The Park Hotel Group is one of Asia Pacific’s most progressive hospitality groups.”
Christmas, why not have the best of both worlds and try out Park Palace at Grand Park City Hall’s dim sum and champagne brunch ($228 $388 inclusive of one bottle of Veuve Clicquot champagne). Who says roast duck and double-boiled soup don’t go with champagne? The Park Hotel Group is one of Asia Pacific’s most progressive hospitality groups. The group owns and develops the entire Park branded hotels in Asia Pacific. W Visit www.parkhotelgroup.com for more information.
RECIPE 1
Ohayo! Osaka Osho With Osaka Osho opening its first branch at Raffles City earlier this month, diners can now get a taste of Osaka right in the heart of the city. Established in 1969 as a gyoza specialist, the chain is known for a loyal following of Japanese diners who enjoy its casual ambience and signature dumplings. It’s been brought into Singapore by Japan Food Holding Pte Ltd, the folks responsible for introducing the Ajisen Ramen franchises to the local market. The dumplings ($3.90 for six, $7.80 for 12) are handmade and panfried to crispy perfection on the outside, while the filling of minced pork is moist and tender pork. I found these gyoza chewier compared to others I’ve tried, and also compared to Chinese potstickers. Dipped in the slightly sweet, salty vinegar, these dumplings are great appetisers that awaken your tastebuds for the main course. Apart from gyoza, Osaka Osho is also known for Chuka - Chinese cuisine with a Japanese twist. Well-known Chinese stir-fry dishes such as Sweet and Sour Pork ($10.90), Mabo Tofu ($7.90) and Black Vinegar Fried Chicken ($15.90 for a set with rice and gyoza) are served with
RECIPE 2
Seafood chowder Rich and savoury, this is the perfect comfort food for fighting year-end stress, says food blogger Sherie Lee
Vanilla bean mochi cake Food blog Kell’s Kitchen calls the process of mastering this intricate recipe an exciting roller coaster ride, but the results are definitely worth the effort Dry ingredients 1-1/2 cups of caster sugar 3 cups of glutinous rice flour 2 teaspoons of baking powder 1/4 teaspoon of salt Wet ingredients 1/2 cup of butter, melted and cooled slightly 4 beaten eggs 1 can (12 oz) of evaporated milk 1 can (13 oz) of coconut milk 1 whole vanilla pod, cut lengthwise and scraped INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat your oven to 180 °C. Line your baking tin(s) with a baking sheet. 2. Put all the dry ingredients into a large bowl, and whisk to mix and get rid of lumps. Put all the wet ingredients into another bowl. Make sure that you’ve allowed enough time for your butter to cool, otherwise it will scramble your eggs. 3. Pour all the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, and whisk until smooth. This
might look like a daunting task, but just use a whisk to slowly incorporate the wet and dry ingredients. 4. Pour cake mixture into the prepared tin(s) and bake for 1.5 hours, until golden-brown. An inserted skewer should come out clean, and the edges should be pulling away from the tin. Baking time about 30 to 40 minutes for cupcakes, and 1.25-1.5 hours for a whole cake. 5. Cool completely in the pan before turning out. You will notice that the cake is a bit wobbly and unstable when you remove it from the oven. Just let it cool on the kitchen counter to let it sink and firm up. NOTE: If you keep the cake overnight, the crust is likely to turn soggy. Don’t fret - just toast the cake in the oven for a few minutes. Taken from www.kellkelkell. wordpress.com
Japanese pearl rice and miso soup. Each set meal also comes with three gyoza, so diners can sample Osaka Osho’s signature dish. The Black Vinegar Fried Chicken reminded me of a sweeter take on the Chinese version, with karaage instead of whole chicken. It’s much easier to eat and went perfectly with the white rice, but the heavy sauce did leave me a little parched. Another signature dish is Fuwatoro Tenshin Han ($9.90) – a pillowsoft dome of omelette concealing white rice, served in a bowl of gravy. This dish reminded me of Chinese mui fan, sans the seafood and meat, making it a comforting dish for a cold rainy days. Of course, for those yearning for Japanese favourites, Osaka Osho also serves typically Japanese fare such as Saba Miso ($10.90), Tofu Hamburger Stew ($8.90) and Pork Cutlet Toji ($10,90). Osaka Osho is located at Raffles City Shopping Centre, 252 North Bridge Road, #B1-75, Singapore 179103
INGREDIENTS • 1 tablespoon of olive oil • 1 teaspoon of butter • 2 medium yellow onions, chopped • 1/2 of cup dry white wine (optional) • 2 large peeled potatoes, cut into 3/4-inch cubes • 2 cups salmon stock or any fish stock • 1 bay leaf • 1 tablespoon of fresh thyme, or 1 teaspoon of dried thyme • 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt • 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper • 350-450g of seafood mix (sliced barramundi, prawns and squid) • 1 cup of cream • 2 tablespoons of chopped fresh parsley INSTRUCTIONS 1. Heat oil and butter in the bottom of a large pot on medium heat. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Add the wine, if using, and turn up the heat,
Keeping it smooth American smoothie chain Smoothie King has reached our shores By Cheryl Chia
Other smoothie options Here’s a couple more places you can check out for that smoothie fix. Boost Juice Bars Australian juice and smoothie bar Boost Juice uses only the freshest
fruit, milk and yoghurt in your smoothies to ensure that they are 98 per cent fat-free. Their fruit is also quick-frozen to ensure optimum freshness. Visit www.boostjuicebars.com.sg for a full list of outlets. Smoosh Juice Bars This juice and smoothie bar serves “meals in a cup”. Too busy for a proper sit-down meal? The mealreplacement smoothies here contain ingredients such as honey, bananas,
Singaporeans are developing a more discerning palate when it comes to our diet. Smoothies have gotten a bad rap lately for being loaded with hidden calories. With its debut in Singapore last week, American chain Smoothie King is betting that it can convince you that its creamy cold concoctions are full of guilt-free goodness. Since it opened in 1973, it’s been making smoothies the healthy way. Each of their smoothies comes in a 354ml serving that contains less than 250 calories and can be customised, with anti-oxidant or collagen-rich options. In addition to smoothies, health-conscious consumers can also grab freshlymade bites such as wraps, soft tacos and salads containing low-calorie ingredients such as chicken breast and citrus fruit.
cereal, milk and even Oreo cookies to fill you up. 313Somerset, 313 Orchard Road, #B3-43A, Singapore 238895 Froots The Central Business District crowd isn’t kidding around when it comes to drinks that provide a muchneeded boost during a stressful work day. Froots smoothies come in combinations such as Red Bull Energy with strawberries, kiwis and yoghurt, and peanut butter and
cook, uncovered until the wine reduces by half. (If not using wine, add 1/4 cup of water with the fish stock) 2. Add the potatoes, clam juice, bay leaf, thyme, salt and pepper. (The potatoes should be just barely covered with the liquid in the pot. If not, add water so that they are.) Bring to a simmer, then lower the heat to medium and cook, covered, until the potatoes are almost done, about 10-15 minutes. 3. In a separate pot, heat the cream until steamy (not boiling) to thicken. 4. Add the seafood mixture to the pot of potatoes and add the heated cream. Cook on low heat for about 5 minutes, uncovered, until the fish is just cooked through. Keep the temperature low that it barely gets steamy, but not simmering. When the fish is just cooked through, remove from heat. Mix in the parsley. Recipe taken from www.maameemoomoo.com
“Singapore is an important market for us and we believe there is a huge appetite for the healthy smoothies and food,” says Mr Wan Kim, President and CEO of Smoothie King for Singapore. “We see many people in Singapore opting for healthier lifestyles where exercising and eating right are increasingly important to them. Healthy living and eating has been a hallmark of the Smoothie King brand since day one.” Smoothie King currently has more than 700 stores in America, the Cayman Islands and South Korea. This is its first outlet in Singapore. Prices range from $4.90 to $7.90. Smoothie King is located at the Centrepoint, 176 Orchard Road, Singapore 238843.
bananas. These are great pick-meups during the day for office workers. 16 Collyer Quay, #01-09 Hitachi Tower, Singapore 049318
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YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
08 • WEEKENDER • DECEMBER 21 - 27, 2012
E HAPPIER
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Their YouTube videos have gotten more than seven million views
26,000 Facebook Likes and more than 3,000 Twitter followers. The videos, which they first started shooting in 2010, were their Dad’s idea, and feature their comedic take on various social issues. These clips have even attracted the attention of Members of Parliament, earning them a visit to the Istana and The Best Vlog Award at The Singapore Blog Awards 2012. The boys are also active in charity work and have been cast in upcoming local movie Taxi! Taxi!, alongside industry veterans Gurmit Singh and Mark Lee. Which of your achievements are you most proud of? BB: Definitely winning the best Vlog award this year. We were lucky to win, thanks to many of our Facebook friends who voted for us; we are very grateful to all of them. It was quite an experience going on stage with my little brother to receive the prize from our Education Minister, in front of a cheering crowd. Totally unforgettable. JJ: I am proud that Singaporeans like my tokong (Hokkien for “superb”) videos. I am proud of the improvement in my school results.
Child’s
play BigBro and Dr Jiajia are pint-sized YouTube comedians who have been delivering big laughs and getting millions of views. We ask the brothers what makes them happy
Catch the brothers in the upcoming local movie, “Taxi! Taxi!” along with Gurmit Singh and Mark Lee The cheeky Dr Jiajia shows off his exuberant personality
“He will crack some jokes, pull some funny faces, and even give me a comforting pat on my back.” - BigBro on how Dr Jiajia comforts him
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hey are just 12 and six years old respectively, but brothers Chua Jin Chou and Chua Jin Sen already have some pretty impressive accomplishments. Known as BigBro (BB) and Dr Jiajia (JJ) to their fans, their YouTube videos have garnered a total of more than seven million views to date. They also boast
What's the most 'paiseh' (embarrassing) thing you've ever done? BB: It has to be dancing Oppa Gangnam style on a busy street in Barcelona, in full view of the crowds. But what kept me going was my Dad; he convinced me no one would pay attention to me. And he was right. JJ: I was most paiseh when I received the results of my Chinese test. I got 11/50. I stared at my paper until the class was dismissed. I was very sad.
What is the sweetest thing your brother has done for you? BB: Whenever I feel low, my brother never fails to cheer me up. He will crack some jokes, pull some funny faces, and even give me a comforting pat on my back. Once, Dad was scolding me for some reason I can’t remember.
Then, out the blue, my little brother burst into tears and rebutted my Dad. That stunned everyone into silence, including my Dad. JJ: My brother helps me with my homework. Sometimes, he will raise his voice when I don’t pay attention, but I still love him. I love my brother when he plays Lego with me. We can play for a very long time together. When I go to bed, I love to sleep with my brother because he protects me from vampires. What are your favourite places in Singapore? BB: It has to be our home since I have many wonderful memories here. I have a lot of fun and great companionship from my siblings. I miss my primary school, Maha Bodhi School, very much. I also love Universal Studios, even though I’ve only been there once and it was scorching hot that day. JJ: I like Marina Bay Sands. I stayed in the hotel there once. I like the three towers, and the big swimming pool on top. I like the top floor because it looks like a ship. My Mum says I cannot gamble. How would you cheer up someone who is sad? BB: I don’t recall cheering anyone up other than my brother, but I have read encouraging comments left on our Facebook and YouTube pages about how our Singlish videos have brightened up the commenters’ days. When my brother is down, I tickle him or chat with him. As for my sisters, when they cry, I hug them and play with them. JJ: When my brother is sad, I will kiss him. When my sisters are sad, I play with them. If you had a time machine, where would you go? BB: I would travel to Germany, before World War II. I would assassinate Hitler because that would save many lives. JJ: What is a time machine? I want to see my father as a baby. I want to kiss Daddy’s cheek. What is so 'shiok' about Singapore? BB: Singlish is definitely most ‘shiok’. It is part of our unique identity and that is why we make videos about it. I also think that it’s very ‘shiok’ that we are a multi-racial country, because we get to try different food and meet different people. JJ: My Silky very ‘shiok’. [Silky is his name for the fake armpit hair he uses for his YouTube character, the Char Kway Teow Uncle.] How do you spend a typical weekend? BB & JJ: We make our YouTube videos, play Lego, go for taekwondo lessons and do our homework. Jiajia also has to attend abacus classes. Soon, one of his Dyslexia Association of Singapore’s classes will also take place during the weekend. Sometimes we also visit an old lady at the Ren Ci Nursing Home. She is not related to us, but we have been visiting her for the past eight years. W
Reyez Lim En Kai Born Oct 26, 2012
Princess Diya Born 21 Jul, 2012
Samin Arafah Born 22 Jun
Lucius Xavier Liew Jun Kai Born 18 Sep, 2012
HELLO
Iszabella Badilla Larensen Born Oct 10, 2011
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! Sanika Tiwari Born Mar 24, 2012
Aaron Tho Jia Qi Born Jul 29, 2011
Ang Le Wei Born Jan 26, 2011
Nur Irdina Insyirah Born Feb 15, 2012
Chloe You Yu Han Born Dec 30, 2011
DECEMBER 21 - 27, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 09
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
FAMILY & FRIEND
“Before you sit back and enjoy, be prepared by looking through this list of what to do in planning your holiday this time.”
Celebrate the
Holidays ! I
f you have children, you will know that Nov-Dec is a traditional period for families to take a break from work and school. Do note that vacations with kids are never the same as your honeymoon vacations. As a parent you sometimes need to expect the unexpected. Before you sit back and enjoy, be prepared by looking through this list of what to do in planning your holiday this time. For a quick, fuss-free holiday trip or weekend getaway, the following destinations would be perfect. Disneyland & Ocean Park, Hong Kong Hong Kong has always been one of our family’s regular holiday destinations. Why? With Disneyland and Ocean Park there, the kids will have loads of fun in this urban jungle. As for Mommy and Daddy, Hong Kong is a taxfree shopping paradise, so you can shop all you want. Don’t forget to
Parenthood blogger Daddy M gives us a comprehensive list of what to do with the kiddies this holiday season transportation, a free-and-easy itinerary would be the best option for you and your family.
eat your fill of delectable Hong Kong delicacies as well. Nonetheless, if you are planning to go on a longer holiday, we recommend that you leave the planning to a tour agency that has planned activities for kids. This makes life much easier for you, including not having to plan and prepare too many activities for your kids. If you just intend to travel to one or two cities with easy
Tokyo & Mount Fuji, Japan Our family has visited the Land of the Rising Sun twice so far. Our first time to Japan was a free-and-easy trip to Tokyo and its sights. Our second trip to Japan was on a packaged tour, as we wanted to explore much more of Japan. We also wanted to see more outside of the main city area. The food, the culture and the destinations around Japan were charming and intriguing to us. Don't forget to visit Disneyland and even Disney Sea while you are there! These theme parks promise more thrilling rides and fun activities for the whole family,
“Tis the season to be merry, indeed – and most of us combating frayed nerves during this action-packed period could probably use some help with rest and relaxation.”
Catch the thrilling blockbuster The Dark Knight Rises
TV treats Beat year-end stress with some quality couch potato time with your family End Of The World examines plausible terrifying apopcalytic scenarios
The shops are packed with frazzled hordes trying to cram in last-minute holiday shopping and homes are full of parents at their wits’ end as they try to keep their noisy tykes entertained during the school holidays. ‘Tis the season to be merry, indeed – and most of us combating frayed nerves during this actionpacked period could probably use some help with rest and relaxation. And that’s just what the telly was made for. Snuggle under a cosy blanket with your loved ones, prepare your favourite munchies, and settle down to some quality couch potato time in the comfort of your own home this weekend. These are some of our recommendations. END OF THE WORLD National Geographic Channel (Ch201), every Sunday, 11pm The Mayan prophecies have seemingly predicted the First World War, the rise of Hitler, and the December 2006 tsunami that devastated Southeast Asia. As 2012 draws to an end, the question on everyone’s mind is whether the infamous Mayan prediction that the world will end on Dec 21 will unfold. With increasingly apocalyptic scenarios literally shaking up the whole world, what will happen to the human population? National Geographic ventures deep underwater to vast graveyards of Maya human sacrifices and through dangerous underground tunnels, to uncover new revelations about the Maya calendar. The Dark Knight Rises Video-on-Demand Free for mio TV subscribers from Dec 21 to 26 The Dark Knight Rises is a 2012 superhero film directed by Christopher Nolan. Featuring the DC Comics character Batman, the film is the third and
By Lee Li Ying final instalment in Nolan's Batman film trilogy. Eight years, on, a new terrorist leader, Bane, overwhelms Gotham’s finest, and the Dark Knight resurfaces to protect a city that has branded him an enemy. Noteworthy Hollywood actors Christian Bale, Anne Hathaway, Morgan Freeman and Joseph Gordon-Levitt put up stellar performances in this spectacular blockbuster. ASIA’S NEXT TOP MODEL Star World HD (CH 301), every Sunday, 8.55pm The Asian edition of supermodel Tyra Banks’ popular America’s Next Top Model franchise features aspiring models from the entire Far East Region. The 14 contestants hail from countries such as Singapore, Hong Kong, the Philippines, Indonesia. Watch as they compete to be the first woman to win Asia’s Next Top Model. Former model Nadya Hutagalung, fashion photographer Todd Anthony Tyler, renowned local fashion runway director Daniel Boey and model mentor Joey Mead King make up the judging panel. Subscribe to SingTel mio TV for all these shows and more. With the recent acquisition of 40 FOX International Channel (FIC), mio TV now has more than 120 channels. On-demand channels include National Geographic Play, Star World Play, Jia Le On Demand. There are also video-on-demand movies suh as Resident Evil: Retribution and The Bourne Legacy, all available in 3D. As a show of appreciation to mio TV customers, The Dark Knight Rises will be available as a free Video on Demand (VOD). mio TV is also offering a free preview of all channels (except sports channels) from Dec 28 to Jan 1.
the whole day long. Gold Coast, Australia Before the emergence of theme parks in Singapore and Malaysia, the Gold Coast in Australia was the place to go for theme parks such as Sea World, Movie World, Dream World and the Currumbim Wildlife Sanctuary. Not forgetting, various farm-stays, as well as sun, sand and sea. We did a free and easy drive to the Gold Coast. It is relatively easy to do so as it has an almost linear route to most destinations. The crisp air, the smell of leaves and the sound of waves will soothe most souls. The Gold Coast is truly a land of beauty. Some of these trips are still available for the December holidays. What are you waiting for? Do book your trip soon, or else the vacancies will all be filled up! W From www.thewackyduo.com
Toy story
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Tactile playthings can help to enhance a child’s development, says paediatrician Dr Kenneth Lyen By Cheryl Chia
The days when children could spend hours absorbed with teddy bears, Barbie dolls, toy cars and board games seem to be almost gone. These days, it’s much more common to find children propped in front of the electronic “nanny” - the iPhone, iPad or TV. That’s not necessarily a good thing. Dr Kenneth Lyen, Consultant Paediatrician from Lyen Children’s Clinic says: “Toys provide a safe, imaginative, and fun way of exploring the world. Through play, children can learn concepts such as cause and effect, numbers, words, art and music. Toys can initiate interaction with adults or other children, and is therefore a means of stimulating communication and social skills.” He adds, “Electronic toys, especially touchscreen tablets and phones, are very popular for children of all ages. The number of apps or software programs is already astronomical, and continues to increase daily. But the benefits of playing with tactile toys, such as learning how to manipulate objects, build three-dimensional structures, play musical instruments, do artwork, explore nature, and invent new gadgets - all of these can be lost if children are deprived of toys.” Dr Lyen mentions the possibility of developing an addiction to electronics. Some children spend so much time on these gadgets that they even sleep with the devices by their side. Dr Lyen cautions parents to be more watchful regarding the negative effects of their children being too absorbed in electronic games. However, he does say that the better apps on the market can help the child’s development by stimulating hand-eye coordination and problemsolving skills. He also encourages a mix of age-appropriate activities for all children, ranging from sports to intellectual toys, for well-rounded development. He states that children learn how to interact through play, and learn how to be more imaginative as well. However, he says, “If you over-indulge your child, this can lead to an imbalance in time spent on any one given activity. Your child may not learn how to control his needs and desires, and he can become increasingly demanding and ultimately disobedient.” Dr Lyen is also on the board of the Rainbow Centre, which oversees two schools for children with special needs.
“Toys can initiate interaction with adults or other children.”
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10 • WEEKENDER • December 21 - 27, 2012
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
RAVELATION
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Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is a venerated place of pilgrimage
“The only way to visit Tiger’s Nest monastery is to either hike uphill for about three hours or rent a horse.” Visitors will enjoy the breathtaking scenery of Paro valley
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Taking on the
Tiger’s Nest Travel bloggers from PassportChop.com share with us their experience trekking in tranquil Bhutan
It is advisable to acclimatise to the higher altitudes of Bhutan before attempting this trek
Prayer flags line the trekking trail
aktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery, is located in Paro, Bhutan, about 10km north of Paro city. The monastery is one of the most venerated places of pilgrimage in the Himalayan region. The legend behind the Tiger’s Nest monastery is just as amazing and magical as its location of being perched precariously high on a cliff, over 3,000m above the Paro Valley. It was built in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, who is believed to be the reincarnation of the Buddha, Padmasambhava. A visit to the Tiger’s Nest monastery is typically on the last few days of most itineraries to Bhutan, after a round trip from Paro to Thimphu and Punakha cities and back to Paro. This allows tourists to acclimatise to the higher altitudes of Bhutan to prepare them for the trek up the cliff. The only way to visit Tiger’s Nest monastery is to either hike uphill for about three hours or rent a horse. If you doubt your fitness for an uphill trek, I strongly suggest the latter option. The trail to Tiger’s Nest can be broken down into three stages. The first ends at Taktsang Cafeteria where tourists can take a breather before proceeding. The horses will take you the rest of the
way until you hit a flight of stairs leading up to the monastery. The horse ride up the trail was a bit scary as the horses tend to walk close to the edge of the cliffs! Other than this nerve-wracking part, the ascent up to the monastery was quite enjoyable as I was amazed at the tranquil and beautiful scenery along the trail. The horse trail ends slightly before the monastery. You’ll come across an informal parking area for horses. From here, you’ll need to go on foot up a long flight of stairs before you reach your destination. Sadly, no cameras are allowed at the monastery itself. Don’t try to smuggle them in as the metal detector will pick them up immediately. The scenery of Paro valley is breathtaking at this point. The experience of trekking to Tiger’s Nest Monastery was fulfilling and challenging and I was well rewarded with picturesque sceneries and an unforgettable experience. W Visit www.passportchop.com for more travel articles.
Horses can be rented to take you up part of the Tiger’s Nest trail
A trip to paradise LEE Li YING tells you how to get to Bhutan Bhutan is served by only one flight carrier, so the number of visitors is natually limited by the capacities of the airplanes serving the routes. Independent travel is not permitted in Bhutan. All tours must be booked through a travel agent. Visas are also only issued to tourists who book tour packages with local tour operators, directly or through a foreign travel agent. The best place to book would be www.drukasia.com The Tourism Council of Bhutan imposes a minimum spending of US$200 per traveller. The travel packages offered by Druk Asia include visas for Bhutan, a qualified and licensed English-speaking guide and an experienced driver. DrukAir is the only air carrier that offers flights to Bhutan. It used to fly only once a day from Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport. However, it recently signed a memorandum with Changi Airport to start a direct flight between Singapore and Bhutan. It plans to fly to Singapore twice a week. Check www.drukair.com.sg for rates and schedules.
DISCOVERY
A rare beauty
The lush seagrass meadows are home to a variety of starfishes
Cyrene's living reefs and lush sea-grass meadows are just minutes from the Singapore mainland. Learn more about our city reefs BY RIA TAN
A beach filled with starfishes The beautiful sunset from Singapore’s industrial triangle
A city-state encased in towering pillars of concrete, steel and glass; who would have thought we have coral reefs right in our backyard? The Cyrene Reefs located near Jurong Island and Pulau Bukom are a mere bumboat ride away, and one of the few areas where we can still find wildlife thriving in Singapore. Made up of three submerged reef flats – Terumbu Pandan, Pandan Beacon and South Cyrene Beacon – the reef is ringed by petrochemical plants on Jurong Island and Pulau Bukom. It is also right next to the container terminals on the mainland. Located along major shipping lanes for huge container ships and other ocean-going vessels, it seems like a god-given miracle that such delicate architecture can not only survive, but thrive, in the midst of an industrial triangle. In one survey reported in 1991, the Cyrene Reefs was found to have "the highest diversity of hard corals, with 28 genera covering
48.06 per cent of the transect”, attesting to the living oasis that is Cyrene. The name of the island has its roots in Greek mythology that describes Cyrene as an “extraordinarily beautiful” woman descended from a river god and a nymph. She had a reputation as a huntress who guarded her father's herds from predators, and was adept with javelin and sword. Indeed, the Cyrene has taken on the indomitable spirit of its warrior-woman namesake, and fights barehanded with the Lion to stay alive. The Cyrene Reef is also home to a stunning field of sea-grass meadows. Lush and vast, the meadows are home to all but two of the sea grass species found in Singapore. As a result, Cyrene Reef is full of marine life. In particular, Cyrene is rich in echinoderms: a group that includes sea stars, sea cucumbers, sea urchins, sand dollars and feather stars. Its stunning sandy
Cartoon-like knobby seastars
shores are alive with common sea stars and sand dollars. In this respect, Cyrene is very much like a Chek Jawa of the South. Among the spectacular sea stars is the amazing Pentaceraster Mammilatus, a new record for Singapore. It was previously known to exist only in the Western Indian Ocean and the Red Sea. It has not been sighted on any of our other shores. Cyrene is also home to abundant Knobbly sea stars (Protoreaster Nodosus). This large cartoon-like sea star is listed among Singapore's threatened animals. Studies show that
Cyrene is probably the only reef in Singapore where juvenile Knobblies are commonly seen. In fact, Cyrene may be home to "the only sustainable population of Knobbly sea stars". Fortunately for us, many wildlife activists in Singapore have made a concerted effort
“The Cyrene has taken on the indomitable spirit of its warrior woman namesake, and fights barehanded with the Lion to stay alive.” to preserve this natural heritage site. The reef is one of the primary sites monitored by Team Seagrass. A series of beacons that ring the Cyrene Reefs also helps to prevent collisions with the reefs. The last major collision, as reported on the MPA website, was on Dec 5, 2008, when a ferry ran aground on the reef. So while the Cyrene Reef is not restricted, it isn't exactly easy to go and visit. The Cyrene is a submerged reef and it’s only exposed at low spring tide. It has no jetty, so only boats
with a dinghy are able to visit, and the boat has to attempt an amphibious landing. Not all boat operators are willing to go there; it costs $600 per boat-load of ten persons to visit. The public can also visit some of our more remote shores by joining volunteer activities by Team Seagrass which monitors sea grasses at Chek Jawa, Pulau Semakau and the Cyrene Reef regularly. The Mega Marine Survey also surveys a wide range of shores in the North and South. To volunteer, visit: www.teamseagrass.blogspot.sg Ms Ria Tan is a nature enthusiast and the creator of the popular and well-known Wild Singapore web resource. It is a one-stop platform for those who want to learn about Singapore’s natural heritage, as well as find out how to do more for nature conservation in Singapore. The full article and more information on Singapore’s natural heritage can be found at www.wildsingapore.com
DECEMBER 21 - 27, 2012 • WEEKENDER • 11
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
HEALTH & BEAUT
For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
“ This trend is all about going back to an old-school way of primping. Natural ingredients like honey, lemon and oatmeal have been favoured by savvy beauty junkies for centuries.”
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They may be comfortable, but wearing flip-flops all the time is unlikely to give you healthy feet
Akin Sandalwood & Neroli Pure Cleansing Gel
By Cheryl Chia
A slippery slope Evolu Travel Tower
Get back to
nature Take a break from slathering your skin with chemicals by checking out these products featuring powerful natural ingredients
Guardian Organic Olive Oil Body Wash
By Cheryl Chia
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’ve been reading all sorts of scary things regarding what goes into our beauty products - formaldehyde, parabens, hydroquinone, and so on. You might recognise that first one as a component in embalming fluid, while parabens and hydroquinone have been linked to cancer in some studies. While many like to point out that these carcinogenic links are inconclusive, there’s no denying that an increasing number of healthconscious consumers have been opting for chemical-free products. Certified-organic beauty products, especially, now make up a global multi-billion-dollar industry. In a way, this trend is all about going back to an old-school way of primping. Natural ingredients like honey, lemon and oatmeal have been favoured by savvy beauty junkies for centuries. To take a leaf from their book,
here’s a look at a few affordable products that pack a powerful, nature-fuelled punch. Akin Sandalwood & Neroli Pure Cleansing Gel (225ml) $39.90 If you hate the greasy feel of cleansing oils, or the soapy feel of cleansing foams, this light cleansing gel is a great alternative that is suitable for all skin types. It contains the natural astringent witch hazel, as well as Panama bark and Pro Vitamin B5. We especially like that it doesn’t leave the skin feeling taut, while still removing make-up and impurities thoroughly. Use this as part of your daily skin care regimen. Evolu Travel Tower (10ml each) $40 Frequent travellers, take note of this one. Featuring a stack of six jars for all your skincare needs, this is definitely something
you should put in your carryall. Comprising a botanically formulated crème cleanser, facial exfoliator, moisturising day cream, night cream, soothing eye gel, and a hand and cuticle cream, you won’t have to scrimp on your daily toilette just because you are travelling. Guardian Organic Olive Oil Body Wash (300ml) $9.95 Pamper yourself by trading in your usual shower lotion for this certified organic olive oil body wash. Brimming with anti-oxidants, it is also filled with rich emollients to keep skin supple. We especially like the smooth finish it leaves on our skin. Use with a shower pouf or loofah sponge for maximum effect. W Available at Guardian Health & Beauty stores.
FASHION The Wizard of Oz “Dorothy” capsule collection
A fashion-forward fairytale Local label Triologie has been making waves in the industry. We speak with one of the founders, Sylvia Lim, about her plans for the brand By Cheryl Chia The whimsical label that is Triologie is the brainchild of three free-spirited personalities with over four decades of experience in the fashion industry. Sylvia Lim, together with her partners Jennifer Neo and Angela Yap, launched the brand in 2010, hoping to dedicate the label to the modern, savvy woman. The trio met when they were working for the label Island Shop. Their young brand has had considerable success. After a successful Wizard Of Oz-inspired show at the Blueprint Tradeshow this May, they had a second showing in Las Vegas, which saw American buyers bringing Triologie into their stores. Sylvia, who taught classes about fashion textiles at Temasek Polytechnic for ten years, says, “I didn’t want to retire as an educator, so I left teaching to become an entrepreneur.” In November, she also started pop-up concept store The Emporium at Millenia Walk. The shop, which houses Triologie as well as local brands such as Asia Fashion Inc and Gaia Living, will close in February next year. “A lot of local labels have the challenges of high rent and overheads to consider,” she says. “The Emporium provides a brick-and-mortar place where they can spread the word about their brand.” Every month, Triologie launches a new capsule collection – that’s how often they have new ideas to express, says Sylvia. And their seasonal collections
The Wizard of Oz collection
all tell different stories. “It is more interesting for clients when they know the inspiration behind their clothes.” They’ve put out a 1920s flapper era-themed collection, for instance, and the upcoming Spring/ Summer 2013 collection is inspired by France – think the whimsy of Amélie and the sophistication of Coco Chanel. “This collection will have lots of prints, and colours significant to France,” Sylvia promises. The label’s Wizard Of Oz Collection, in stores now, references motifs like the Tin Man’s heart, the Cowardly Lion’s mane and Dorothy’s innocent style. Even the Wicked Witch of the West gets a shout-out – she’s the inspiration behind the black jersey pieces. With such a dramatic theme, it might be tempting to veer into costume land. But Triologie has managed to pay homage to their inspiration with wearable, relaxed pieces made with natural fabrics. “We want to meet the needs and wants of busy working women,” says Sylvia. “We use quality fabrics that are easy to clean. We provide clothing that is relevant, without the hefty price tag.” Visit www.triologie.com for more information. The Emporium is located at Millenia Walk 9 Raffles Boulevard, #01-71/72, till February.
Singaporeans, why do you insist on wearing flip-flops everywhere? Wearing flip-flops at the beach or for running errands is all well and good. But we are wearing them to the mall, to clubs, and practically everywhere else that doesn’t specify a “no flip-flop” rule. In hot and muggy Singapore, where staying cool and comfortable takes precedence over practically everything else, it’s not surprising that flip-flops are so popular. And I’m not saying you shouldn’t wear flipflops but the trick is to be occasion-appropriate. In my view, the flip-flop is one shoe that should be outlawed from most social settings. Apart from it being a big fashion faux pas, wearing flip-flops all the time is just terrible for your feet. Human feet are designed for walking on natural surfaces such as grass - they need adequate support for and protection from man-made surfaces. Singapore being the concrete jungle that it is, the need to guard our feet from injury is much greater. The soles are too soft The comfortably spongy soles of flip-flops may be exactly why you choose to wear them, but they are actually causing your feet more fatigue as these soles tend to flex inward. Flip-flops usually offer little to almost no arch support, which can cause foot pain after a long day of running around on a hard concrete surface.
They stress your toes There is almost nothing preventing your flip-flops from coming off, except your toes. Your toes grip the thong straps to keep the flip-flops on your feet, which puts additional stress on them. The muscles and tendons in your feet are forced to overcompensate, and this can lead to tendinitis - the inflammation and irritation of the tendons. They have bad ankle support If you’ve ever stubbed your toes while wearing flip-flops, you know exactly how painful it can be. But that is probably the mildest thing that could happen while wearing flip-flops. I’ve seen people trip over their own flip-flops and twist their ankles. Of course, accidents occur no matter what shoes you wear. But the loose fit of flip-flops may well make the likelihood a little higher. They are too thin to protect from hazards Flip-flops may protect you from a pebble or a small shard of glass, but it can be easily punctured by a nail or other sharp objects.
12 • WEEKENDER • December 21 - 27, 2012
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS
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