Weekender #23

WK23B / MICA (P) 144/08/2012

WEEKENDER MARCH 15 - 21, 2013

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND filled with FUN AND HAPPINESS

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singapore’s must-try

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CAN zombies fall in love?

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FREE trial OFFER

at SP GRaduates’ guild

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VENTS

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS

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

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All events are correct at time of print.

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Family Promotion Come to Sentosa this March break.

The Sentosa KidZ Flea Market is back and young Playtrepreneurs, aged between 7 and 12, will set up stalls to trade pre-loved toys and storybooks, handmade accessories and provide services like manicure and even funfair games! Playtrepreneurs will also promote recycling and part of

sales proceeds go to the Hospice Care Association (HCA). Support these Playtrepreneurs and be entertained by various performances, including magic and puppet shows.

Also, sign up to be an Islander today at just $50 per annum and enjoy unlimited island admissions as well as various island-wide privileges.

Receive a free Sentosa cold cup worth $12.90 when you sign up for a Sentosa Islander Family Membership at any Islander Membership Counter! While stocks last.

There are more fun activities to choose from. At only $20 per child (free for accompanying adult), be a parrot trainer at the Animal and Bird Encounters at Palawan Beach. Better yet, join in the Ukelele Groove on 29 Mar. There are performances by Ukes Avenue, an electrifying four-piece band that will get you jiving, and by Polkadot + Moonbeam featuring Mario Serio. For more information, go to www.sentosa.com.sg Beach Station, Sentosa

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Sentosa KidZ Flea & Islander

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16-24 Mar, 2pm-7pm, Free (excludes island admission and parking charges)

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Timbre Rock & Roots 2013 21-22 Mar, 6.30pm, $70 (Concession), $150, $165, $210, $280

This two-night al fresco festival is back for its fourth year with Grammywinning artistes and living legends such as Robert Plant, the voice of Led Zeppelin, and his band Sensational Space Shifters; Paul Simon, Bonnie Raitt and Jimmy Cliff. This stellar lineup will also be joined by acclaimed artistes Rufus Wainwright and the Tedeschi Trucks Band. Don’t miss this fabulous combination of multiple, full-length concerts for the price of one ticket! For more information, please visit www.rockandroots.com.sg Fort Canning Green, Cox Terrace, Singapore 179618

Dirty dancing – the classic story on stage

24 May - 16 Jun, 8pm (Tue-Fri); 8pm (weekend), $55, $95, $125, $150, $175 The Singapore premiere of this worldwide smash-hit musical is here. Dirty Dancing is an adaptation of the 1987 movie written and co-produced by Eleanor Bergstein, and tells the story of two young, fiercely independent free spirits from different worlds who come together for their most triumphant summer ever. This spectacular show features a cast of 26 who sing a string of hits performed by a live orchestra, with 73 scene changes lit by 200 moving lights and 21 costume changes for the female lead alone. Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment.

Grand Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956

8-17 Mar, various times

Mosaic Jive to Jazz up your night

After enjoying the performances at the Mosaic Music Festival at the Esplanade, pop into Sauce, Orgo or Harry’s for a special Hendrick’s Gin cocktail concocted by Hendrick's brand ambassador, Mr Erik Andersson, for the festival.

The Mosaic Jive ($11.90), filled with Hendrick’s Gin, blue curacao, lemon juice, soda water, sugar syrup and diced cucumbers, makes for a refreshing drink on a warm evening. The participating bars have also come up with their own range of signature Hendrick’s cocktails.

Be sure to stop by for a relaxing drink to unwind after a hot day.

Harry’s @ the Esplanade and Sauce, ground floor; Orgo, rooftop.

a:edge Until 24 Mar, 12-8pm What does art speak? The exhibition seeks to answer this question through 33 sets of artworks that respond to dialogue, as well as concepts extending from dialogue. They come in the form of paintings, photographs, assemblages, videos and installations. Organised by the Singapore Teachers’ Academy for the aRts (STAR), a:edge is the second art teachers’ art exhibition that STAR is organising.

SOTA Art Gallery, 1 Zubir Said Drive, Singapore 227968

Sail on an

Italian

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dream at a great price

march 15 - 21, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 03

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS

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

All events are correct at time of print.

W If you would like your event listed, please email the details and pictures (where applicable) to

events@weekender.com.sg

for the guided tours can also be done at the library’s eKiosks.

National Library Building, Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064

2 weeks before your event date.

Listings must arrive in email Wednesday two weeks before publication. Listings are free but, as space is limited, inclusion is not guaranteed. Nevertheless, we try our best to include every listing possible.

free admission Black and White Until 10 Apr, 10am-6pm Ten accomplished Asia-Pacific contemporary artists present a dynamic collection of black and white art pieces on different media such as oil, acrylic, water colour and photography. These art works feature landscapes, figural studies and abstractions which are presented both symbolically and metaphorically on a palette of black and white.

This dynamic and thoughtprovoking collection of art promises to provide viewers with a fresh perspective on both composition and content. For more information, please visit www.artforum.com.sg Art Forum, 82 Cairnhill Road, Singapore 229684 Campaign City: Life in Posters Until 7 Jul, 10am-9pm From Sharity Elephant to Singa Lion, and “Clean and Green” to “Speak Mandarin”, campaigns and their mascots are a part of Singapore’s culture. Tapping on their personal memories of campaigns, 50 artists including leaders from the creative industry and students have designed posters to explore this aspect of our heritage.

Their works are accompanied by highlights from the National Library’s campaign poster collection. This event is organised by the National Library of Singapore and Salon Projects. To register for guided tours (held on Mar 23), and for more information please visit golibrary.nlb.gov.sg Registration

City Square Mall 3rd Anniversary 15 Mar - 14 Apr, various times Shopping vouchers will be up for grabs at City Square Mall's 3rd Anniversary celebrations.

Between 16-24 Mar, children can also look forward to balloon sculpting workshops and magic shows (with $30 spent), with some kids even getting free balloon home-kits. Or, roving balloonists will hand out sculptured balloons. The first 200 shoppers who spend a minimum of $200 each day can redeem a $5 City Square Mall shopping voucher. For more information, please visit www.citysquaremall.com.sg 180 Kitchener Rd, City Square Mall, Singapore 208539

Earth Hour with City Square Mall 23 Mar, 8.30pm Join City Square Mall - the first eco-mall in Singapore - in Earth Hour, as it powers down its non-essential lights to show its support for this global event.

Children can participate in DIY candle making sessions and eco-colouring bag giveaways from 7.30pm onwards. There will also be a free outdoor movie screening of the popular animated film Dr Seuss' The Lorax, which is actually based on an environmentally-themed children's book.

180 Kitchener Rd, B1 Fountain Square, City Square Mall, Singapore 208539 Meet the Authors of Children's Adventure Series Sherlock Sam 16 Mar, 2-3pm Meet “AJ Low”, co-authors of the new children's adventure series, Sherlock Sam. In this meet the authors session, you

can find out what went into the creation of this exciting series.

If you are an aspiring author, you can even get inspired to write stories of your own. Join the authors in fun games and win cool prizes. in order to get your copies of their books autographed, please produce the relevant Books Kinokuniya receipt upon requesting for their autographs.

Kinokuniya Singapore, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, #03-09/10/15, Singapore 238872 NEW WORD ORDER PRESENTS WESLEY LEON AROOZOO Mar 16, 7.30pm Better known as a filmmaker, Wesley Leon Aroozoo presents Bedok Reservoir, a provocative story about loss, searching and the accepting of one’s own demons. It was written after the spate of drownings and suicides in Bedok Reservoir, and delves into a dark side of Singapore not openly discussed. This is his first time writing for the stage, and the play and novel version of the story was recently published as a duo print where the endings are different. Join Wesley as he talks about his journey in becoming a published playwright and author, with filmmaker and theatre practitioner Ghazali Muzakir as moderator. A thought-provoking experience is to be expected.

Living Room, The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429 OLYMPIC MEDALS AT YOG GALLERY @ SINGAPORE SPORTS MUSEUM 23 Mar (special opening), 9am-1pm; 9am-5pm (Mon-Fri) Discover the true spirit of the Olympic Games. The Youth Olympic Games (YOG) is not only about Winning (Excellence) but also about Friendship and Respect. What’s more, catch a glimpse of Singapore’s Olympic Medals from the 1960 Rome Olympics to the 2012 London Olympics displayed at the YOG gallery this March holidays.

Get a hands-on experience in the Olympic Craft station in creating your own Olympic medal, torch and laurel wreath, and get the chance to meet a local sporting hero in person. For information, call 6471 4430.

YOG Gallery @ Singapore Sports Museum, 1 Kay Siang Road, Singapore 248922

AirAsia offers inflight snacks that beat the norm Popular lifestyle blog superadrianme.com talks about how AirAsia adds delight to its inflight meal selections by tantalising with local favourites

By Adrian Eugene Seet

When you think of inflight meals, you will always picture a set with a main dish, a side, a drink and a bun. Ever since low-cost carriers emerged about a decade ago, that impression has changed. Not only can you now choose your preferred meal over an extensive menu, similar to what you would do at a restaurant, the selection of food available is no longer limited to just mains. You can now munch on snacks and even get a taste of the destination’s local delights, even before you land.

On AirAsia, snacks extend to almost anything, beyond your usual cookies and peanuts. Have you heard of Popcorn Factory Gourmet Popcorns? They are the makers behind those mouthwatering caramel popcorns that come in assorted flavours like S’mores, White Cheddar, even Dark Chocolate Sea Salt – and AirAsia carries them on board selected flights. Munching on them while watching my favourite movie onboard makes

me feel like I am at the cinema.

If that is not enough for that sweet tooth of yours, then you should pick the Triple Chocolate Muffin. The name may sound plain, but I have not stopped recommending it to my peers ever since I took a bite of it.

Here’s a tip for you, ask for the muffin to be heated slightly when served, so you can enjoy the moist and soft exterior that melts immediately in your mouth when eaten. The triple chocolate within forms a hot molten delight that is bound to overwhelm your taste buds and leave you longing for more.

Besides snacks, airlines are also very good at serving juice, soft drinks and alcohol onboard, but how many actually go out of the way to bring in more than

those choices for the passengers?

I am a fan of milk tea and was impressed to find their selection on AirAsia the last time I travelled with them. It is called the Chatime Roasted Milk Tea with Grass Jelly. The drink is served chilled and tastes like your usual bubble milk tea, except that instead of pearls, you get grass jelly which in my opinion, is more refreshing.

If you would rather have something a little more thirstquenching, then you would be happy to know that AirAsia serves fresh coconuts on board selected flights as well. It is referred to as Mat Kelapa on the menu and the natural juice is perfect with any meal, sweet or savoury. Coconuts are also natural isotonic water that is healthy and good for hydration.

So, the next time you fly, remember to look out for the variety of snacks they have on the menu. Like me, you will be pleasantly impressed too.

Adrian Eugene Seet is founder of popular lifestyle portal superadrianme.com

ticketed admission

Circa Survive Live in Singapore 23 Apr, 8pm, $88; $98 (at the door) New York progressive rockers Coheed And Cambria returns to Singapore to perform with special guests Circa Survive!, an alternative rock band. Coheed And Cambria are touring in support of their epic two-part series, The Afterman. Circa Survive! will be touring for their most recent album Violent Waves, released in August 2012. Tickets from Sistic.

The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, 39 Artillery Ave, Singapore 098269 Kids Invent! Workshops for Kids and Parents 18-22 Mar, 9.30am-1.30pm, $60-$80 In these workshops, children can exercise their creativity to invent working prototypes of cars, boats and rockets using every day recyclable materials and small parts. Parents can also pair up with their children in a family bonding workshop with the same creative theme. These hands-on activities allow kids to learn maths, science and the process of transforming abstract ideas into tangible things.

Suitable for children aged seven to 15 years. Call 9382 6655 or log on to inventivekids.asia for more.

Sengkang Community Club, 2 Sengkang Square, Singapore 545025; Punggol 21 Community Club, 171 Edgedale Plains, Singapore 820171 Leaping Fish in the City 21 & 22 Mar, 8pm, $12 (concession), $18 In Source Theatre and The Substation co-present a multimedia theatrical piece that comprises English, Mandarin and dialect.

Researchers discovered that at least six different types of fish are able to launch themselves into the air from a solid surface. We humans have become adaptable 'leaping fish', building our lives on earth and also living at levels beneath the earth.

English subtitles are provided.

The Substation, 45 Armenian Street, Singapore 179936 Namie Amuro Asia Tour 2013 26 Apr, 7pm, $128, $168, $218, $248, $288 Following her successful 20th anniversary “5 Major Domes Tour”

EVENT

across Japan, Namie Amuro, the "Queen of Japanese Pop Music" is performing in Singapore. Departing from her usual Eurobeat style music, she now performs R&B music and works with a few of Japan's popular hip hop and R&B artists and US producers. Since then she has wowed with singles such as Put 'Em Up, Want Me Want Me, as well as Go Round.

Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397691 Shakespeare in the Park: Othello 24 Apr - 19 May, 7.30pm, $45, $55, $88 This year, Singapore's Shakespeare in the Park presents the dark and treacherous world of Othello, one of Shakespeare’s great tragedies of love wrecked by jealousy. Spread a blanket for a picnic under the stars and enjoy a bottle of red wine al fresco, as you immerse yourself in this classic story of love, deception and greed.

Fort Canning Park, Cox Terrace, Singapore 179618 Singapore Dance Theatre’s Gala Performance 31 May & 1 Jun, 8pm, $30, $50, $70 As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, Singapore Dance Theatre presents a gala performance featuring a myriad of the best and most memorable pieces from its repertoire. The performances include Goh Choo San’s Beginnings, the first ballet ever performed by SDT; Serenade, the most performed ballet by George Balanchine, the father of neoclassical ballet; and a newly-commissioned work by award-winning Chinese-American choreographer, Edwaard Liang, featuring the full company of SDT dancers. The gala evening also features works by The Australian Ballet and the Queensland Ballet.

SDT has also officially moved to its new premises at Bugis+ Mall, after 21 years of calling Fort Canning its home.

Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981 SingaPlural 2013 8-15 Mar, various timings Celebrating Design returns for a second time to showcase the best design elements in the creative spectrum - Architecture, Urban Planning, Landscape Architecture, and Interior, Furniture, Graphic and Fashion Design. Be wowed by more than 220 multi-faceted installations and exclusively-curated design spaces. Go to www.singplural.com

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for more information. *SCAPE, Park Mall, Dhoby Ghaut Green, Handy Road Open Space, URA Centre

All events listed here are accurate at the the time of print, or are listed as stated by the organisers. Please check with the relevant organisers and contacts for more information and to book tickets.

WEEKENDER ABOUT US We are a Social Enterprise!

Besides enriching the lives of our readers, we provide training and employment for disadvantaged Singaporeans from CDCs, ISCOS and IMH. Our humble team:

Editorial Director Frank Young frank@weekender.com.sg Editor Lester J Wan Writer Cheryl Chia Contributor Chia Hui Jun Art Director Nicodemus Aw Graphic Designer Foo Dun Jie Sales Director David Phey Senior Manager Seth Leow CONTACT US: Advertising Sales: seth@weekender.com.sg Enquiries: +65 6493 2001 general@weekender.com.sg Weekender Group Pte Ltd 80 Playfair Road, #02-03, Blk A, 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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04 • WEEKENDER • MARCH 15 - 21, 2013

E HAPPIER

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp

Being the best

at the beat

By Cheryl Chia

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“My plan for the future is to finish up my EP, and start touring around the world and performing my tracks.”

What made you decide to move to Poland?

Poland was not in the cards for me, actually. It was a coincidence that a friend of mine, Blady Kris, got famous there and wanted my help on his other project – forming a three-man beatbox band along with another Belgian beatboxer, Roxorloops. We, the Bruk Braders, then joined a big talent show and made it to the finals that was watched by millions.

However, things didn’t work out due to management issues but I decided to continue to stay in Poland due to its strategic location in between Asia and America. It is also more affordable to live here at the moment.

What are your plans for the future?

My plan for the future is to finish up my EP, and start touring around the world and performing my tracks. To sum it up, I would like to become a real international music artist.

When will you next be in Singapore?

From Mar 22 to Apr 8.

I am the latest addition to the AOS Collective for Asia and Australia and will be performing exclusively at the Butter Factory on Mar 23.

What has been your biggest achievement to date?

When I won an international, prestigious beatboxing competition in Austria in 2011 which propelled me further in terms of motivation and drive.

Also, performing in Mariah Carey's concert in 2010. Heh heh.

During her F1 concert in Singapore, she fell on stage right in front of my eyes!

What makes you happy?

“Cooking” up a good tune and finally getting to "taste" the final product. Good friends and family.

If you could choose a person dead or alive to work with, who would it be?

I would like to work with Grammatik, as they currently have an interesting sound which piques my very interest in this genre of music.

What would you like to say to all Singaporeans?

I would like to tell them to open their eyes, spread their wings and be brave to face the real world, the real ambition which lies in their hearts. Confront it and do what they love to do. Express themselves freely and be more gracious. W

Who are your musical icons?

It is hard to say because I am inspired by many different artists, all around. Such as, J Dilla, Koan Sound, etc.

Check Dharni’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/dharnibeatbox for updates on his performances. His latest single can be heard at soundcloud.com/dharni/dharni-cest-dingue

How would you describe the “Dharni sound”?

It sounds like creativity. :)

It’s a familiar scenario — a mysterious virus has devastated civilisation, turning its victims into flesh-eating monsters without memories of their past lives.

What’s left of humanity is holed up in heavily-fortified bunkers where they live in fear of their former loved ones.

MOVIE PREVIEW

Warm Bodies:

A Zombie Love Story All that changes when a ravenous zombie hunting party crosses paths with a human reconnaissance crew scavenging supplies. R, played by Nicholas Hoult, a soulful zombie, is so captivated by the lovely and living Julie, played by Teresa Palmer, that instead of eating her brains he saves her from being consumed by his companions.

Taking her back to the zombieridden airport he calls home, R hides Julie in an abandoned Boeing 747 plane filled with treasures he has collected during his hunting expeditions — vinyl records, snow globes, musical instruments and other lost relics of a more sane time.

Over the next few days, in their surprisingly cosy hideaway, the feisty Julie awakens longforgotten feelings in R, while she begins to realise there is more to him than a vacant stare and a slow-motion shuffle.

Confused by her feelings, Julie returns to her walled-off city where her father (John Malkovich), a ruthless zombie hunter, leads a well-armed security force. Meanwhile, the lovelorn R has begun to change in ways he never thought possible and believes his connection with Julie could be the salvation of the human race. But when he shows up at her doorstep, it sparks an all-out war between the living and the undead that threatens to derail the couple’s chance of a future together.

A fresh twist on a classic love story, Warm Bodies offers a surprisingly romantic look at the lighter side of the zombie apocalypse — and reminds us of what it means to be human.

Dead romance An unlikely romance between a teen and a sensitive undead slacker sets off a chain of events in a hilarious and heart-warming zombie action rom-com

How it Started Warm Bodies began life as a seven-page online short story titled “I am a Zombie Filled with Love”, that attracted a wide Internet audience and led author Isaac Marion to expand it into his debut novel in 2010.

“It had such an incredibly strong voice and character. Although it was a genre piece, it was an incredibly emotional, character-driven story,” says producer Bruna Papandrea who, at a friend’s recommendation, got hold of the book before it was published and read it from cover to cover.

Papandrea immediately set about securing the film rights and, three days later, she was in Marion’s hometown to meet with the writer.

Zombies with a Difference Papandrea and others were drawn to the novel’s portrayal of a postapocalyptic world from the viewpoint of the zombies themselves.

“I’d never heard anyone treat these creatures as individuals, something that would have a perspective,” Marion says. “They’re always used as props in the background that come rushing at the human

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Here’s a little bit on what beatboxing is and how it came to be

Singapore’s best beatboxer, Dharni Ng, has been in the industry for a decade before relocating to Poland. He’ll be back for an exclusive performance on Mar 23. We speak with him rom humble beginnings busking along the street of Orchard Road, Singapore’s number one beatboxer Dharni Ng has risen through the ranks. He has since been the opening act for Lady Gaga when she was in Singapore, and performed at the Youth Olympic Games 2010 and the F1 Concert.

Most recently, he attained first place for his rendition of the Harlem Shake song, in competing for the US$20,000 prize money.

Dharni also released his latest single C’est Dingue on Soundcloud. This talented individual speaks with us through a Facebook interview, all the way from Poland.

Beatbox

Beatboxing is a form of vocal percussion, where the performer makes all the sounds of various instruments solely with his or her voice and mouth.

With origins in Chinese, Indian, African and even Scottish cultures, the art-form has evolved into a vocal tool in various genres of musical performances such as a cappella groups and in hip-hop.

The term “beatbox” was used as slang, originally for nonprogrammable drum machines that were called rhythm machines. The modern version of beatboxing has the performer imitating sounds of instruments such as cymbals, turn-tables, trumpets and traits of dubstep.

Beatboxers can perform a cappella without amplifiers like microphones; however a microphone enhances the delivery. Cupping the microphone, for example; can change the voice’s pitch while holding it close to the mouth can cause deeper bass sounds.

The beatboxing community has spawned stars like Rahzel (USA) formally from the Roots, White Noise (Ireland) and Beardyman (UK) all holding their own and expanding on this art form with many performances.

Beatbox performances get their own platform with their own events such as the American Human Beatbox Festival (USA) and Human Beatbox Festival (France). Even music festivals such as the Unhinged Festival feature beatboxers such as pioneer Shlomo (UK) in last year’s line-up.

There are many online websites and forums like www.sgbeatbox. com for aspiring beatboxers and hobbyists, so do hit those up for a proper introduction to the beatboxing world.

characters. They’re anonymous and mindless.”

Instead of the typical black-and-white, all-or-nothing, human-orzombie portrayal of the conflict between living and undead, Marion chose to explore the grey areas in between — how a person transitions into becoming a zombie and then back to being human.

Fleshing It Out Papandrea took the project to writer-director Jonathan Levine (of 50/50), whose initial resistance to doing a movie based on a young-adult novel waned when he saw how wildly creative the book was.

“I was excited about the opportunity to push the envelope visually, and it was a great character piece, as well. It’s an adventure. It’s a romance.

It’s got comedic elements. It’s got horror elements,” enthuses Levine.

Collaborating closely with Marion, Levine went on to write the screenplay for the film himself. He says he saw the love relationship between R and Julie at the heart of the story as a “mash-up” of Romeo and Juliet and Frankenstein.

“The arc of their relationship was the most important thing to me to get right directorially — the push and pull of guys and girls, the way relationships start and people are nervous at first, maybe even repulsed, and then come together,” he explains.

As for the film’s larger themes, the filmmakers say it follows in the tradition of zombie movies that make a social commentary, including George Romero’s Night of the Living Dead, but with some key twists that make it especially original.

“The salient theme at the heart of it is that people have forgotten what it means to be human and, through the interaction of these two characters, other people re-learn what it means to be human. Not just the zombies, but the humans, too,” says Levine.

R and J One of the challenges of the role was that, at least initially, R cannot speak in words—a condition that changes as the story progresses.

“A lot of the time I had to communicate just through movement, my eyes, the things I do, or the records R plays for Julie. It makes you think in a slightly different way than you normally would,” says Hoult.

For the role of R’s human love interest, Julie Grigio, the filmmakers chose Australian-born Teresa Palmer (I Am Number Four) from a shortlist of five actresses who read with Hoult.

“She’s a warrior,” Palmer says of her character.

“She’s strong and has an amazing energy. She’s bubbly; she’s got a big spirit and a good heart. Things have really been dimmed for her since her mother was killed by one of the zombies. She’s unhappy. Then she meets R. He breathes life back into her. They fall for each other and she’s reminded of what life can be like and starts to hope again,” she says.

But it wasn’t love at first sight for Julie and R, who meet under the most violent of circumstances. When R saves Julie from the other zombies and takes her back to his lair in an old airplane, Julie figures he’s just storing her as a snack for later.

Find out what happens in this dead, or undead, romance.

Warm Bodies (PG13) Director: Jonathan Levine Starring: Nicholas Hoult, Teresa Palmer, John Malkovich and Analeigh Tipton Genre: Horror, Comedy, Romance Run Time: 97min Release Date: 14 Mar

MARCH 15 - 21, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 05

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

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

Shopping at the

Blackmarket

Brand curator Blackmarket is one of the pioneers to champion independent designers. We catch up with them on their latest happenings

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ou hear more talk about and see more supporters of local labels nowadays but, just a mere five years ago, Blackmarket was one of the early ones who saw potential in the pool of young local artistic talent here.

Starting their store in Jalan Pisang in 2008 “by accident”, founders Jasmine Tuan and Quincy Teofisto happened on a studio space by chance and decided to start Blackmarket. “We didn’t want to merely just import and sell objects like any other store, but we wanted to give local designers a platform to showcase their works,” says Jasmine.

The first few brands to jump on board the concept in the early days were Frufru and Tigerlily, Quadrant and Vice & Vanity.

Newer brands such as Kult3D and Koom shoes have also joined in the fray recently. They also carry a few regional and exclusive international brands.

We especially like their French perfume range. The cheeky Etat Libre d’Orange with their tonguein-cheek-named perfumes and Juliette Has A Gun by Romano Ricci, great grandson of couturier Nina Ricci, are both delightful.

Jasmine also reveals that Blackmarket is planning to expand to Ho Chi Minh City in District 3 with “a possible café/

By Cheryl Chia

“The first few brands to jump on board the concept in the early days were Frufru and Tigerlily, Quadrant and Vice & Vanity.”

shop concept” by the end of the year. “It’s all in the pipeline!” she says excitedly. She counts Cynthia Chua of the Spa Esprit Group, Mediacorp artiste Chen Hanwei, singer Stefanie Sun and even Paula Abdul among her celebrity clientele.

“Paula Abdul came in with her entourage when she was in town. She was looking for some local brands and even bought one of our jackets.

I was so happy!” she recounts.

Blackmarket is currently sourcing for more Indonesian designers to introduce to Singaporeans.

“We don’t follow trends as each brand has its signature style. There are more Singaporeans being open to investing in local brands as they know the money goes back to the designers to help them churn out more from that label. You can get a shirt from Topshop for $80 but it’s a mass-produced piece.

Independent designers have limited pieces for slightly more. To own something others don’t, especially for statement pieces, why not try them out?” Jasmine points out.

She continues to say that no one would even think of stocking local designers a mere few years back as the trust wasn’t there, and that consumer mentalities are changing.

“People are getting more well-travelled and open minded to accept independent designers and brands. We are pushing something that we believe in, and give hope to these creatives to continue their dreams.” W

FASHIO

Fash Snips

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Here are a few stirrings in the fashion world that you would need, want and love to know about

Audi Fashion Festival The Audi Fashion Festival 2013 is upon us once again, come May 15. Moving from Ngee Ann City to the Marina Promenade, the event promises to further astound with international icons of the fashion industry such as Ashley Isham, Hussein Chalayan and Carolina Herrera.

Mr Jeff Mannering, Managing Director of Audi Singapore says, “2013 marks the fifth consecutive year that Audi is the title sponsor of the Fashion Festival in Singapore.

Through this meaningful and unique regional design competition, we are discovering and enabling new talents to start their careers in fashion, thereby contributing towards the development of Singapore as a fashion city.”

Mr Dick Lee returns as chairman of the event and Ms Tjin Lee returns as festival director.

Puma Sports brand Puma launches its first “Cradle to Cradle Certified Basic” collection made out of biodegradable and recyclable products. “Puma’s Cradle to Cradle Certified Basic InCycle products represent a tremendous step forward in reducing our environmental footprint and giving consumers a more sustainable product choice,” says Mr Reiner Hengstmann, Global Director of Puma Safe. The range comprises jackets, sneakers, t-shirts and even backpacks.

Uniqlo Ambassadors Japanese basics brand Uniqlo appoints Mediacorp artistes Desmond Tan and Rebecca Lim as ambassadors for 2013.

“With Rebecca and Desmond coming on board, we hope that they will give Uniqlo a familiar face to help localise our presence in Singapore. Their amiable charm and personality connects our brand to the local target audience, while their sense of style and fashion captures Uniqlo’s brand essence of casual yet contemporary dressing,” says Mr Onoguchi Satoshi, Managing Director of Uniqlo (Singapore) Pte Ltd.

Blackmarket is located at Orchard Central Level 2.

HEALTH & BEAUTY M.A.C Being pretty is no longer vapid with the Viva Glam line from M.A.C. Nicki Minaj continues her role as spokesperson of the line with pastel lavender-pink lipstick and lip gloss. Every cent of the selling price goes toward helping men, women and children living with and affected by HIV/Aids.

In stores for six months as a limited edition. Available at M.A.C outlets.

Beauty in brief The long and the short of the beauty industry and all you need to know for this week

Olay: Anti-Aging Powered by Olay’s revolutionary Skin Energising Technology, the New Generation Olay Regenerist range fights the look of skin fatigue, hydrating skin at the first touch and delivering accelerated and continued antiaging results over time.

The new Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream ($49.99) claims to regenerate skin up to two times faster by boosting natural skin renewal in five days, and to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles after just one jar.

SK-II SK-II unveils their new LXP Ultimate Perfecting Series with three products for crystal clear skin in just three days.

With Centella Essence in its LXP series, it works in synergy with its signature Pitera ingredient to promote a cycle of skin energy at the root of the skin’s epidermis.

Available at SK-II counters in March.

Stinky breath!

Have you noticed people wrinkling their noses or politely stifling the urge to turn away at the stench of your breath? Here are a few oral hygiene tips and products to help you

By Cheryl Chia There’s no bigger turn off than speaking to a person with halitosis. i.e. Stinky breath.

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve had to stop breathing while talking to certain people. Or sneak breaths of air at intervals when they shut their mouths. And, even then, the smell might still have been lingering in the air.

Have I painted a clear enough picture for you yet? Now, I usually come armed with breath mints and Orbit gum when I’m out of the house to ensure minty fresh breath. Here are some tips and possible products you could use to ensure a pleasant tete-a-tete.

Brush Your Teeth The Health Promotion Board recommends a brush with soft bristles, with a medium-sized head. A brush with a big head will not be able to reach the back corners of the mouth. Use toothpaste that contains fluoride to prevent tooth decay. For whiter teeth, try the Colgate Optic White toothpaste ($3.80-$8.00) that contains whitening accelerators that remove stains and polish teeth surface. I’ve used this for a week, and the colour in my teeth has evened out considerably.

Essential For shiny, healthy locks, one should use a hair mask once or twice a week.

A daily conditioner may not be enough to moisturise your hair.

Essential Intensive Hair Mask ($9.90) contains advanced cuticle care technology that penetrates quickly and deeply into hair to nourish and to strengthen it.

Essential Intensive Hair Mask aims to moisturise the last 15cm of hair which is prone to damage.

Grab great

travel promotions Page

12

Scrape the back of your tongue You can either use a tongue scraper – a U-shaped device – which gets rid of the surface bacteria on the tongue that also causes bad breath. Some toothbrushes also come with a tongue scraper of sorts on the back of the brush head. Just look out for toothbrushes with grooves or bumps.

Gargle, gargle, gargle Don’t underestimate the power of rinsing out your mouth, even with just water. A teaspoon of salt in warm tap water is great for soothing sore-throats and getting rid of halitosis-causing bacteria. The essential oil based mouthwash by Aesop ($33) can also help. Containing essential oils of spearmint, cloves, aniseed and tea tree for malodour, this alcohol-free solution uses herbs to combat the bacteria that cause bad breath.

Avoid strong smelling food Garlic, onions and fish are no-brainers in terms of bad breath. However, citrus fruit, sugary beverages like soda and acidic ones like coffee and tea also play a part in creating bad breath. Food that gets easily stuck in your teeth such as seaweed, meat and candy can also cause your breath to smell. Rinsing your mouth and flossing regularly will help.

If you keep this simple teeth and mouth hygiene discipline, your bad breath will quickly disappear.

F

06 • WEEKENDER • march 15 - 21, 2013

OOD

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

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The Pork Ribs with a sweet and sticky marinade

Delicious Curry Fish Head and More Delectable dishes at economical prices are served at this open-air stall at Telok Ayer Street

By Bernice Tan Ocean Curry's Curry Fish is great for folks who prefer not to dig through a fish head for fleshy parts. The batang fish was less than sparkling fresh but the curry was great comfort soul food on a cool day. It was spicy, rich and potent with a touch of tanginess.

The Sesame Chicken with Mushrooms had a familiar homecooked feel to it. With rich oyster sauce laced with sesame oil, this was fragrant and the chicken was succulent. The Pork Ribs, brushed with a sweet and sticky marinade, were tender and moist.

The Sautéed Spinach, simply seasoned with crisp ikan bilis, was a mild contrast to the rich curry of the claypot fish curry. The Sautéed

Sliced Mushrooms, laden with delicate oyster sauce gravy, went down like a dream.

The entire meal for three persons (inclusive of drinks) came to just over $45.

Ocean Curry Fish Head doesn't just serve claypot fish curry but also a repertoire of economy rice dishes. Even if you don't feel like curry fish head, you can still get a full meal with other meats and vegetables.

Ocean Curry Fish Head, 181 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068629, Tel: 6324 9226 From www.thehungrybunnie. blogspot.sg

Life of March 13 is International Pi Day. Pi, as in 3.142... Why not celebrate by trying out some freshly-baked pies this weekend? Weekender shows you some MUST-try PIES

The Curry Fish and other dishes

By Cheryl Chia

I

f thinking of Pi gives you horrid memories of maths class in secondary school, you're not alone. It gives me traumatic flashbacks as well. So, we at Weekender have given a twist to the ol’ 3.142 and turned it into a piestravaganza. We purchased these to try, and so should you.

The Sesame Chicken with Mushrooms

Indulge in the

A WEEKENDER EXCLUSIVE RECIPE

King of Fruit

Japanese

Green Tea

Durians are back in full force, whether in pastries or in their natural shells

By Cheryl Chia

Cookies

Durian Macadamia Crumble Tart

in his book, Only The Best, that there is a slightly brownish star at the bottom of the shell.

D24 Durian These are small to medium-sized with a base without spikes. It has a fibrous texture with thick yellow flesh. It is smooth but contains fewer seeds than other durians. But, it is said that the flavour is powerful enough to satiate cravings with just a few seeds of durian flesh.

Durian Cream Puff

Durian lovers take note of the influx of durianinfused pastries from Goodwood Park Hotel.

Available from Mar 1 to Jul 21, you can make your colleagues love or hate you by buying these fragrant treats back to the office.

This year’s new addition to their Durian Fiesta is the Durian Marquise Cake ($60 for 1.3kg), a blend of D24 mousse, rich chocolate with crushed biscuits and an almond sponge base, resulting in a sinfully decadent and creamy cake.

Their signature Durian Mousse Cake ($60 -$158), filled with velvety mousse pulp, and the generously-filled Durian Cream Puff ($7 for two pieces) are perfect for a spot of tea time.

For the ultimate durian aficionado, you can also join their dessert buffet with durian pastries ($26.80-$33.80) from Jun 1 to Jul 21 to savour all the delights available. Visit www.festivepromotions. goodwoodparkhotel.com to order.

Can’t tell the difference between a durian and a jackfruit? Here’s a short guide to help you out.

Mao Shan Wang Durian “Cat Mountain King” durian in English, this coveted type of durian has lots of flesh with a small seed in the centre. It has a creamy texture with a slightly bitter aftertaste. To help you recognise this, Dr Leslie Tay of ieatishootipost.sg also states

XO Durian This is probably the Asian equivalent to a runny camembert cheese. This one tastes slightly like cognac with a heady, almost alcohol-like feel.

It is served slightly fermented (that’s where the runniness comes from). Incredibly pungent, it also has a slightly bittersweet taste. Definitely not a durian for beginners.

Hong Xia or Red Prawn Durian It has a brownish-reddish tone to its shell, hence its name. Also, it is crescent-shaped. The Hong Xia is a creamier and sweeter alternative to the other type of durians around. The flesh has a dry texture and is a shade of pastel orange.

Whichever your preference, don’t delay in trying or indulging in the royal king of fruit.

Chef Caroline Liew of Ren Bakers hails from Ipoh, and comes from a family who loves to cook.

She started baking when she was 12 years old. Since then, this pleasant and humble chef has been constantly honing her skills in pastry, especially in cakes and cake decorations, even learning from pastry experts in the region.

Green tea is one of the most popular drinks in Singapore.

Thus, it is not surprising that Chef Caroline has chosen Japanese Green Tea to create a tasty snack.

This should prove popular with many Singaporeans.

Japanese Green Tea has various natural health benefits. The astringent constituent in Japanese tea is a type of polyphenol called catechin. There are various types of catechin, and research has shown that they work to lower blood cholesterol and moderate fat absorption. Moreover, the Vitamin C in green tea is protected by the simultaneous consumption of catechin, allowing lots of Vitamin C to be absorbed.

Japanese Green Tea also contains constituents such as caffeine and theanine, which have relaxing properties. While drinking green tea is already nutritious, using the green tea leaf in food provides even greater nutrition.

Try these Japanese Green Tea Cookies that are not difficult to make.

Ingredients • 140g of butter • 150g of sugar • 90g of flour • 10g of Japanese green tea powder

In the tenth in a series featuring chefs sharing recipes using ingredients from Japan, Chef Caroline of Ren Bakers shows us how to make cookies with Japanese Green Tea

By Lester J Wan

• 75g of whipped cream • 1 teaspoon of vanilla • 85g of light corn syrup • 8g of white sesame • 8g of black sesame • 100g of sunflower seed Method 1. Sift the flour and green tea powder together.

2. Melt the butter then add sugar, flour and Japanese green tea powder mixture, cream and vanilla, and stir well. Then, add corn syrup. Stir in white sesame, black sesame and sunflower seed. Refrigerate the dough for 1/2 hour.

3. Line baking pans with parchment paper. Drop 1 teaspoon of dough on parchment paper and flatten

the dough with the back of spoon. Repeat the process for the rest of the dough. Space the dough 8cm apart.

4. Bake for 6 minutes at 190 degrees Celsius, or until golden.

Ren Bakers, 121 Upper Paya Lebar Road, Singapore 534836

“using the green tea leaf in food provides even greater nutrition.”

Japanese foods.

Your quality time.

march 15 - 21, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 07

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

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Culinary industry’s

Swissbake

WINDOWSILL PIEs

The Swissbake has a good reputation for putting out flaky pastries and delicious cakes. We tried their Engadiner Walnut Tart ($10.90) and we agree. The pie is a little hard upon cutting, which we thought didn’t bode well for it but we were mistaken. One bite of the nutty pastry and we were sold.

There was slight scent of tea in the filling, with crunchy nuts. Pair with a glass of jasmine or Earl Grey tea, and this pie would make for a great tea-time snack.

Check out their cafe at Rochester Mall or Nex for a sit-down afternoon.

Visit www.swissbake.com for more information

This new kid on the block opened in December last year. It’s a little out of the way; along Horne Road at Jalan Besar, but boy are their pies worth the trip. We tried their signature Morello Cherry Pie ($8) and the local band Sam Willows-inspired pie, the Sam Willows Pie ($9.50).

The latter is an interesting mix of rosemary, peanut butter, pear and hazelnuts, a combination that goes well together. Think of a decadent peanut pie with cream and pears, sweet, fruity yet rich, On the whole, the Sam Willows Pie has a sweet, nutty and creamy taste and feel. A must try indeed. The cherry one is tart and encased in a short-crust weave with sugar granules on the top. Not too bad if you like the taste of berries. The bottom of the pie was a tad burnt though.

Windowsill Pies is located at 78 Horne Road, Singapore 209078.

Visit www.windowsillpies.sg for more.

POLAR The quintessential local joint, Polar Puffs and Cakes was started in 1926 and has continued on through the years. It serves up signature fusion pastries such as the Beef Rendang Pie or Teriyaki Pie but we tried the signature favourite, Chicken Pie ($2.20).

Filled with chopped chicken, button mushrooms and mixed vegetables, this one gives us a sense of nostalgia. I remember when we had these pies after school for tea or at the petrol kiosk because we were feeling peckish. Best not to let this one get cold though. The pastry tends to get a little tough.

Visit www.polarpuffs-cakes. com for more information.

Pie

FOO

PIES & COFFEE Opened in 2011, this pie café has gained quite a following, with food bloggers showering praises on their pies. Their pies come with a side of mashed potatoes and garden salad, making this one value for money.

Their Duck Confit Pie ($9.95) and the Ratatouille Pie ($8.95) are good, heavy mains to have for dinner. Their pies would send you straight into carb coma. The Ratatouille Pie is filled with a tomato-based toss-up of zucchinis, carrots and bell peppers.

The light filling gives you the license to lie to yourself that it’s healthy, just because it’s veggies, but the heavy, buttery pie shell gives you a strong reality check as to how sinful it all is.

The Duck Confit was smoky, wellseasoned and tender. It doesn’t have a strong gamey smell either, so a point up for that. This was one of our preferred pies to chow down. If you want to be utterly filled, give this place a try.

Visit www.piesncoffee.com for more information.

THE GOURMET PIE COMPANY

If you are missing British or Australian-style pies since your return from the country, give The Gourmet Pie Company a shot. Serving up flavours such as Steak & Cheese and Lamb & Rosemary, these filling pies make for a great lunch.

We chose the Braised Pork Pie ($8) and the dessert S’more Pie ($6.50).

The Braised Pork Pie was juicy, with tender shreds of pork, almost like pulled pork with sweet and smoky marinade and gravy oozing out of the buttery crust. This was the office favourite for sure.

The S’more Pie on the other hand is a great dessert pie with Graham crackers and soft marshmallows with gooey chocolate insides. Any day-old pie from this joint is donated to the Willing Heart Charity.

Visit www.thegourmetpiecompany.com for more information. W

finest shortlisted for

Awards of Excellence

the finalists for the World Gourmet Series Awards of Excellence 2013 indicate the best and up and coming names. We look at some The culinary industry’s finest have been shortlisted for the World Gourmet Series Awards of Excellence 2013. There are five finalists shortlisted in each of the 28 categories, picked from over a thousand entries.

The Awards of Excellence, to be presented this weekend, will see the 28 winners take away awards such as Citibank Restaurant Manager of the Year; Classic Fine Foods Pastry Chef of the Year; Déliciae Lifetime Achievement Award; KitchenAid Chef of the Year; Meat & Livestock Australia Rising Chef of the Year; and Top Wines Sommelier Of The Year.

Peter A Knipp, CEO of Peter Knipp Holdings, said, “We are excited to see the number of entries across the different categories grow annually, indicating the strength and importance of this award and the impact it has for the winners.

This year’s field is one of the most competitive we’ve ever seen, a sure sign to us that Singapore and the region is reaching new heights in culinary excellence.”

Knipp further emphasised this point by highlighting the case of the young Chef Matthew Mok, co-owner and chef of The Rabbit Stash restaurant.

According to him, Chef Matthew was just interviewing to be an apprentice chef in 2010 but now, in 2013, his restaurant is shortlisted for New Restaurant of the Year.

This is a reflection of the calibre in and the meteoric growth of the local culinary scene.

The following are just some of the other outstanding finalists and restaurants to check out.

Pastry Chef of the Year The Pastry Chef of the Year award seeks to recognise an individual who has exceptional talent in the pastry field. Previous winners

Old-fashioned charm for new memories

RECIPE

Oldies are still goodies. Thye Moh Chan’s latest outlet at Chinatown Point shows how good old tau sar piah can still win new fans

By Cheryl Chia

Self-frosting Nutella Cupcakes Food blogger Kelly loves making cupcakes because they are easy to give away. These Nutella cupcakes are simply yummy Who doesn't like Nutella right?

It’s what we grew up with.

This recipe is for Donna Hay’s Self-frosting Nutella Cupcakes, because the Nutella is marbled on top of the cupcakes and then baked; so, it’s a two-in-one recipe which takes much less time.

This recipe makes 12 cupcakes Ingredients • 10 tablespoons of butter (or 5/8 cup or 140g), softened • 1/2 cup of white sugar (original was 3/4 cup but I cut it down) • 3 eggs • 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla • 1 3/4 cups of sifted all-purpose flour • 1/4 teaspoon of salt • 2 teaspoons of baking powder • About 1/3 cup of Nutella Method 1. Pre-heat the oven to 160 degrees Celsius. Line 12 muffin tins with paper liners.

2. Cream together butter and sugar until light, about 2 minutes.

3. Add in eggs, one at a time, until fully incorporated. Remember to scrape down the sides of the bowl with each addition. (Don’t worry if the batter doesn’t look smooth, it’ll turn out all right later on.) Add vanilla. Stir in flour, salt and baking powder until the batter is uniform and no flour remains.

4. Fill each cupcake case with batter, about 3/4 full. Top each cake with 1 heaped teaspoon of Nutella. Swirl Nutella in with a toothpick, making sure to fold a bit of batter up over the Nutella. (I find it easier to make circular motions starting from the bottom of the case and up to the top, so as to fold the batter over the Nutella.)

5. Bake for 20 to 23 minutes, until the tops of the cupcakes are slightly browned, and a toothpick inserted into the part without Nutella comes out clean. Remove to a wire rack to cool completely.

The cupcakes were a great success – with the right consistency that goes well with the sticky, gooey Nutella!

Everyone wanted the cupcakes with the most Nutella on top, further supporting my hypothesis – nothing can go wrong with Nutella.

From kellkelkell.wordpress.com

It was a bittersweet farewell when the original Thye Moh Chan outlet - and its 70-year tradition – decided to close its doors on their tau sar piah (mung bean paste biscuits) in 2011 but the brand reopened last year with the help of the Breadtalk Group.

Since time immemorial, ‘li bing’ or gift biscuits have signified heartfelt blessings and well wishes, and is the commonlyaccepted congratulatory gift for weddings, baby’s full month, birthdays and visits. The Breadtalk Group has polished up Thye Moh Chan with Celebration Gift Sets for these occasions.

Ms Clara Lee, senior brand manager of the Breadtalk Group says, “We have revamped the packaging to give it a contemporary look, to appeal to a new generation of customers.

The store locations are also central, accessible, so as to capture consumers from all walks of life.”

Apart from the signature Sweet and Salty Tau Sar Piah, the new Thye Moh Chan also has novelty flavours such as the Yuan Yang – spicy pork floss and salted egg

D

yolk – Cranberry Tau Sar Piah and Assorted Nuts Lotus.

We know what you tau sar piah purists are thinking. You’re thinking that the quality of the product has been affected since they’ve been bought over. Clara assures, “Mr Koh Hong Chua, third generation owner of Thye Moh Chan, was a key consultant during the brand re-launch in the knowledge transfer and product development process.”

The two veteran chefs from the former shop were also roped in as consultants to ensure quality assurance standards and are currently based at the stores in Parkway Parade and Chinatown Point.

We visited the shop at Chinatown Point on our own and tested the products. We still like their Salty Tau Sar Piah with the fragrant shallots and lard. For the health conscious, vegetable oil options are available.

Even though we had our reservations regarding the newfangled flavours, we thought the Cranberry Tau Sar Piah was an interesting combination with

a slightly tart taste. Not too bad at all.

The gift sets typically contain a large tau sar piah, four smaller ones and a side of other pastries in an oriental box ($28.80). So, why not bring back tradition by giving out some tau sar piahs to sweeten the occasion?

Thye Moh Chan is in Chinatown Point and Parkway Parade’s Food Republic.

include Janice Wong (2011). This year’s finalists are Mr Alex Chong, Swissôtel The Stamford; Mr Andres Lara, Pollen; Ms Ivy Wong, Fairmont Singapore & Swissôtel The Stamford; Ms Janice Wong, 2am: dessert bar; Mr Ng Chee Leong, Orchard Hotel Singapore; and Mr Terrence Pang, The Ritz Carlton, Millenia Singapore.

Chef of the Year The Chef of the Year award recognises an outstanding chef in Singapore for setting standards of excellence in the culinary arts, as well as providing excellent dining experiences. Previous winners include Patrick Heuberger (2008) and Emmanuel Stroobant (2006). This year’s finalists are Mr Daniel Sia, The Disgruntled Chef; Mr Gabriele Piegaia, Burlamacco Ristorante; Mr Lino Sauro, Gattopardo Italian Grill & Pizzabar; Mr Patrick Heuberger, Le Bistrot du Sommelier; Mr Paul Longworth, Au Petit Salut; and Mr Ryan Clift, Tippling Club.

Rising Chef of the Year The Rising Chef of the Year honours chefs who are rising stars. This year’s finalists are Mr David Almany, Osteria Mozza, Marina Bay Sands; Mr Lee Boon Seng, OSIA, Resorts World Sentosa; Mr Marco Guccio, Alkaff Mansion Ristorante; Mr Philipp Henkes, The Knolls, Capella Singapore; and Mr Sam Chin, Triple Three, Mandarin Orchard.

The Awards of Excellence also continue to help groom the next generation of talent in the F&B industry with the presentation of five scholarships to young and budding talents who possess the ability to grow in their fields of culinary and patisserie arts, wine, hospitality and butchery.

This year’s Awards of Excellence will be presented in a total of 23 local and five regional categories.

T

08 • WEEKENDER • march 15 - 21, 2013

RAVELATION

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp

The French-inspired Hanoi Opera House

Exploring the STREETS OF

Hanoi

Hanoi is one of the cities that our travel blogger kept at the back of his mind for the longest time, like a page bookmarked for future reading. He finally got the chance to go

By Albino Christopher Chua

I

had “bookmarked” Hanoi in 2007 when I first visited Vietnam, but only had the time for Ho Chi Minh City.

I was reminded of it in 2009 when a colleague raved about how great his weekend in Hanoi was. It was only last week that I finally got to visit this thousand-year-old city.

The City of Hanoi The city known as Hanoi has gone by many names. In its current form, it means “river’s interior”, referring to the multiple rivers adjacent to the city, including the

Red River. Over the centuries, the city has changed hands multiple times between the Chinese, French, Japanese and Vietnamese.

Many of the colonial and precolonial structures remain intact, lending a historic feel to Hanoi.

Many of the city’s attractions are centred on a small lake called Hoan Kiem or the Lake of the Returned Sword. Immediately North of it is the Old Quarter, where we stayed, home to many of the city’s boutique hotels.

East of Hoan Kiem is the charming French Quarter where

many of the colonial buildings are located, including the famous Hanoi Opera House. Both the Old and French Quarters are within walking distance of each other.

We set out for a walking tour immediately after checking in.

First-time visitors to Vietnam may be shocked by the loud honking and sheer number of motorcycles competing for space with pedestrians. This is especially evident in the Old Quarter where the streets are extremely cramped, and the sidewalks are taken up by parked motorcycles.

Though I had been to Ho Chi Minh City, I was still taken aback.

The motorcycle traffic seemed more dense in Hanoi, and the noise more startling.

this district was dotted with small parks, brand-name boutiques, and luxury hotels and buildings from the French colonial era. Its contrast with the Old Quarter could not be more pronounced.

The Opera House, said to be one of only three French-style opera houses in the country, is also located in this part of town. Across it is a rooftop coffee house called MyWay where one can get a great view of the activity in the opera house area.

Major Monuments On our last day, we focused on the Western portion. As it was Al fresco dining at a sunny day (a rarity as the city one of Hanoi’s fine only gets 139 hours of sunshine dining restaurants per month), we started early in One of the many street vendors in Hanoi the morning and made our way to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum.

Most people make the mistake of assuming it is located in Ho Chi Minh City. It is in Hanoi.

The building faces Ba Dinh Square, one of the few places one gets to see It was a short walk to Hoan such a wide open space in the Kiem Lake which is the stuff of heart of the city. Compared to the Vietnamese legends. There are Old Quarter, this part of the city large sacred turtles that are said featured large squares and wide to inhabit the lake. In a small boulevards that were more in island on the lake rests the Turtle keeping with modern communist Pagoda – perhaps most commonly capitals. found in postcards of Hanoi.

We walked a few steps down the The lake is a gathering point for square to reach the presidential the city folk, especially in the palace. This is another great mornings for Tai Chi. example of French colonial From here, the French Quarter architecture. The palace used to was practically staring us in the be the residence of the governor. face. Appearing more affluent,

It is normally not open to tourists.

The Ba Dinh area is also home to museums such as the Museum of Ethnology.

From Ba Dinh, it was a tenminute walk to Van Mieu, the Temple of Literature. Of all the South-East Asian countries, Vietnam is perhaps the most strongly influenced by Chinese culture. In fact, this makes Hanoi the most un-South-East Asian among the major South-East Asian cities.

The Temple of Literature is a fine testament to this, having been built in honour of Confucius. Its interior is divided into several courtyards which reminded me of a much more modest version of Beijing’s Forbidden City. The compound also houses Hanoi’s Imperial Academy which, in olden times, was used to educate the country’s scholars.

Vietnamese Cuisine After a long walk we decided to take an early lunch at Quan An Ngon,one of the most popular restaurants. Hanoi is wellknown for its street food. While wandering the streets the past few days, we’d chanced upon roadside stalls selling everything from pho to cold desserts, and even snails!

For those curious to try street food but find the hygiene questionable, Quan An Ngon offers such food in a restaurant setting. We had spring rolls, roast meat and vegetables, and also tried the Vietnamese Pancake or Banh Xeo which was a refreshing mix of veggies, crunchy rice flour and herbs wrapped in rice paper.

It was a satisfying lunch and a perfect end to our weekend getaway to Hanoi. W From wanderme.wordpress.com

See the Sydney Opera House in a different light

The Old and French Quarters The Old Quarter is an interesting mix of shops set against colonial shop houses. The streets are named according to the types of shops – there is a street for jewellery (Hang Bac); for shoes (Hang Dau) and so on. Our hotel was located in Cha Ca Street which is famous for roasted fish.

Visually stunning Vivid Sydney 2013 Vivid Sydney returns for its fifth year of enthralling performances From May 24 to Jun 10, tourists will watch Sydney transformed into an amazing canvas of light, music and ideas when Vivid Sydney commences after dark.

Be captivated by this extravaganza of brilliant, immersive light installations and projections, performances from local and international musicians at Vivid LIVE, and talks and debates from leading global creative thinkers at the Vivid Ideas Exchange.

This 18-day festival of light, music and ideas is the biggest in the Southern hemisphere. It features some of the biggest names in music, lighting artistry and ideas to local and international audiences.

Kraftwerk Musical Highlight "Vivid Sydney continues to attract the world's most outstanding talent, with German legends Kraftwerk set to perform at the Opera House,” said Mr Stoner, NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment.

Kraftwerk, the headline act, will present their acclaimed retrospective series in eight performances, with additional songs from their back-catalogue.

Their performances – dubbed The Catalogue 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 – showcase nearly 40 years of musical and technical innovation including new improvisations, 3D projections and animation.

Each night presents one of their groundbreaking studio albums in full, and are performed in the order they were released Autobahn (1974), Radio-Activity (1975), Trans Europe Express (1977), The ManMachine (1978), Computer World (1981), Techno Pop (1986), The Mix (1991) and Tour de France (2003).

Royal Easter Animals Australia’s largest event, the Sydney Royal Easter Show, has the touch experience of over 14,000 animals, the smells and tastes of Sydney Royal award-winning produce and top wine at the Sydney Royal Café or Arena View at Jamison, and the sights and sounds of worldclass wood chopping.

Children will be thrilled by the opportunity to shear sheep, milk cows, pat chickens, and take rides at the carnival.

Darcy’s Quest Another treat for the senses is the brand new

production, Darcy’s Quest, where the audience will be taken on a journey of discovery through the futuristic world in Darcy’s dream – a terrifying reality where animals are extinct.

Carmen With stunning sets, lavish costumes, and a beautiful backdrop, Handa Opera On Sydney Harbour: Carmen is a glittering production not to be missed.

Carmen’s passionate story of a tempestuous beauty, unrequited love, lust and tragedy will enthrall one and all. A must-watch flamenco classic Darling Harbour Jazz Festival Other events include the Darling Harbour Jazz Festival, which features a stellar line-up of blues, soul, funk and swing talent showcasing legendary names in the jazz and blues scene.

For more information, go to www.sydney.com

Be entertained by the Australia premiere of the Addams’ Family

Exciting up and coming events: Opera On The Harbour – 22 Mar to 12 Apr, various prices, Sydney Royal Botanic Gardens; Sydney Royal Easter Show – 28 Mar to 10 Apr, Sydney Showground, $37.50 (per adult); Australia Premier of The Addam’s Family – 12 Mar to 28 Apr, Capitol Theatre; Darling Harbour Jazz Festival – 8-10 Jun, Darling Harbour.

The booking of the 4 Nights Sydney Discovery Package starting from $878 per person on twinsharing basis will receive complimentary admission to the Sydney Tower Eye with 4D experience, for the travel period between 22 May and 5 Jun. For more information, visit www.jetabout.com.sg

march 15 - 21, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 09

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp

TRAVELATIO

“It now brings the beauty and grandeur of Italian-style cruising to Asia.”

N

Samsonite Black Label Lider refines business travel Sail on an Italian dream with your kids going free Most Singaporeans have never sailed on an Italian dream.

Here’s how you’ll have a dream of a voyage on the sea, at a fraction of the usual cost Everybody likes a holiday, and most find great enjoyment in going on packaged tours, where you go from place to place. Nonetheless, this may not be everyone’s cup of tea.

For a more relaxing and effortless holiday, why not take a cruise to the open sea? At the very least, it would cut down on the amount of walking you would have to do in a tour.

Bring your kids for days of fun for the whole family on board a cruise ship. Not only will you be surrounded by the romance of the sea and its rhythmic waves, and catch the invigorating sunrise and sunset upon the horizon, you will have loads of fun activities and facilities on board the ship. The life of a seafarer has never been so idyllic until the advent of the cruise.

In Singapore, one of the great cruise options you have is with Costa Cruises, a well-known name. Costa Cruises has great cruise experiences for those interested in tasting a fun-filled voyage on the waves.

Costa Cruises’ Costa Atlantica is its flagship in the region. This grand lady is even titled the “Venice at Sea”. It now brings the beauty and grandeur of Italian-style cruising to Asia.

This May and June is when the flagship Costa Atlantica sails into our harbour, and brings fortunate travellers out to sea, and on to Malaysia or Thailand. Your seafaring adventure can begin very soon.

You can choose to go to Malacca and Penang in a three-night itinerary, or to Phuket and Langkawi. Whether your preference is to explore the history and gastronomy of these famed cities on the Malaysian peninsula, or to experience the sun-drenched beaches of Phuket and Langkawi, you are sure to have a relaxing holiday and to

enjoy yourself.

One of the best aspects of cruises with Costa is that youths under 18 years old get to cruise for free, all year round. All that is required is that they share a room with two adults in the same cabin, and pay for their port charges and insurance, and service charge. Don’t miss this glorious opportunity.

Moreover, to sweeten the deal further, there is a buy-one-getone free promotion for all May sailing journeys (except on May 22) on Balcony Cabins. For instance, for a three-night itinerary for two adults and two kids, the first adult pays a full fare of $824, the second adult and children below 18 years of age go free.

Thus, the average cost per person is an extremely low and valuefor-money $206. What are you waiting for? Call Costa to find out the many departure dates in May. Last but not least, Costa is giving an additional complimentary onboard credit of up to US$400 per cabin! The booking of an Inside Cabin gets US$200 onboard credit, the booking of an Outside Cabin gets US$250 onboard credit, while the booking of a Balcony Cabin gets US$400 onboard credit. This School Holiday Special is for departures on May 22, and Jun 1, 5 and 8.

All these promotions are already great on their own but together they make this a sailing voyage on a dream.

Call SingExpress Travel at 6438 2221 or check out www.costacruisesasia.com

I

n the third and final instalment of this series on old playgrounds, we showcase a few more memorable local designs. Most of these we have featured are from the 1970s and 1980s, and are almost extinct.

Do try to catch these playgrounds while they are still around.

Clock Playground Located at Bishan bus interchange, the clock playground looks like a page out of a fairy tale, with a colourful appearance and bold curvatures. It was likely to have been built in the 1980s, together with the bus interchange, when Bishan was being developed into a new town in 1982.

Another similar clock playground once stood in Pasir Ris. Somehow the numberings of the clocks are missing.

Sparrow Playground A small sparrow-shaped playground sits quietly at Clementi Central, between West Coast Town Council and Block 444. A large part of Clementi Central has gone through a major facelift in recent years, except for this area. Most of the residents here have already moved out.

Sampan Playground Sampans used to be a common sight in the Singapore River in the old times. The idea was incorporated into the design of this unique playground near Pasir Ris’ Elias Mall. ‘Eyes’ and tyres were also added, making it look just like a real sampan.

Rickshaw Playground Another brilliant design modelled after a significant local transport of the past, this rickshaw playground, however, is no longer found around Singapore. In the 1990s, there was one with two huge red wheels outside Yishun Town Council at Block 845.

Crocodile and kangaroo playground This was one fierce-looking crocodile at the Sun Plaza Park along Tampines Ave 7. Built in 1998, it was torn down recently and replaced by a new plastic playground. There used to be a kangaroo beside the crocodile too!

uniquely complementing today’s business traveller, the Samsonite Black Label Lider collection adds sophistication to any professional’s style Conscientiously combining quality leather material and seamless craftsmanship, the latest Samsonite Black Label Lider collection is cleverly designed using Ballistic Nylon combined with Nanotex technology, a cutting-edge fabric material that will resist spills and dust.

Outperforming conventional fabric maintenance, the Nanotex technology also provides longlasting protection and extends the lifespan of the fabric, while retaining the fabric’s natural softness at the same time.

The Lider collection comes in a variety of briefcases and totes to cater to your everyday needs. It is designed with organised interior pockets for daily essentials and additional pockets for a convenient reach

AirAsia's inflight meals

to small accessories.

The Samsonite Black Label Lider collection is available at leading department stores and the following Samsonite stores: ION, #B3-30, Marina Square, #02-281, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, #B2-88, Mandarin Gallery #02-18, Suntec City Tower 1, #02-39, VivoCity #01-91

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3

tantalise

DISCOVERY created the Kim Keat dinosaur playground and the crocodile playground in Tampines. However, the teapot structure was replaced by a new plastic playground. The mushroom seats were retained.

Train Playground The interesting tilting train at the adventure playground is the product of an upgrade of Tiong Bahru Park in the year 2000. Tiong Bahru Park was set up in 1967 to serve the residents of Tiong Bahru, Henderson, Bukit Ho Swee and Bukit Merah.

Pineapple Playground The pineapple playground is one of the three fruity-themed playgrounds at Tampines Central Park, but it is also the only one that has been torn down recently in 2009 to 2010.

I wonder why there are no playgrounds in the shape of durians, the unofficial national fruit of Singapore.

Playgrounds Then and Now The history of local modern playgrounds goes back to more than 60 years. It is interesting to see how the designs of our local playgrounds have changed over the decades.

When new towns were developed, playgrounds became essential facilities. Stunts of yesteryears at these playgrounds would probably be deemed as too dangerous for kids today. In the past, bold boys and girls had no problem climbing up and sitting on bars 2m or higher.

The local-flavoured designs by Khor Ean Ghee from the 1970s to 1980s would probably go down as representative of playgrounds in the history of Singapore.

Moving into the 1990s, besides the makeover in the designs of playgrounds, the materials also switched from concrete to plastic.

As society progresses, what will the next generation of playgrounds look like? When they grow up, will our children have fond memories of their childhood spent at the playgrounds? Only time will tell. W To our knowledge, the information here is accurate as of end-2012.

From remembersingapore.wordpress.com

Our favourite

The Dinosaurs Playground at Kim Keat Avenue

playgrounds of

See if you have come across these old local playgrounds, the last few to be featured in our series

By Remember Singapore

The Sampan Playground

yesteryears

Dinosaurs Playgrounds Certainly an innovative yet weird design for a playground in Singapore, the dinosaur playground at Kim Keat Avenue was built in 2000. The structures are shaped after two Tyrannosauruses and a Stegosaurus.

Daring kids can attempt to climb the back of the mother Tyrannosaurus.

At Fu Shan Garden of Woodlands Street 81, there is also an old dinosaur-themed playground. The main characters here are two Ouranosauruses and the long-necked Brontosaurus. Children can slide down in between these prehistoric creatures made of stone.

Teapot and Mushroom Playground The teapot and mushroom playground was an award-winning design built at Woodlands Vista Park in 2001. It was by the same company that

PART THREE

About Remember SG

Remember SG is a non-political, non-profitable hobby started in Oct 2010, inspired by Royston Tan’s film, Old Places. The purpose of this blog is to relive memories of Singapore, and to increase awareness of our fading heritage and vanishing landmarks in the midst of Singapore’s rapid development.

Armed with a humble Panasonic Lumix FZ-18 for “exploration” around Singapore, this blog is not about detailed photography; rather, capturing memorable places and landmarks in Singapore that deserve a second look, as well as a summary of the histories of these places.

W

10 • WEEKENDER • march 15 - 21, 2013

EALTH

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

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

Forex Market

Trading

Strategies

Earn a second income through trading with this nifty guide for currency trading

P

eople who are interested to pick up financial trading tips but do not come from a financial background, do not despair. You may feel lost in the sea of books on financial trading, or be unsure of how sound the advice given is. This is where Mr Mario Singh, founder and CEO of FX1 Academy’s book comes in handy.

“What is noteworthy is that it comes with the same knowledge and tools that are used by savvy Forex traders in the market, so you need not worry too much about what seasoned investors know and you don’t.”

17 Proven Currency Trading Strategies 17 Proven Currency Trading Strategies: How to Profit in the Forex Market is a financial selfimprovement book to help you make astute financial decisions in the foreign exchange (Forex) market, as Mr Singh shares tips on how you can take advantage of the numerous money-making opportunities in the Forex market every day to earn high returns.

With an average of $4.3 trillion exchanged per day, the Forex market is easily the largest and most actively-traded market in the world. What is noteworthy is that it comes with the same knowledge and tools that are used by savvy Forex traders in the market, so you need not worry too much about what seasoned investors know and you don’t.

“With a potent combination of unprecedented liquidity and sovereign debt levels in the world today, there truly has never been a better time to get involved in Forex,” says Mr Singh.

He invites ordinary folks outside

of the finance industry who are looking to create a powerful second income to consider this opportunity. His book provides a comprehensive solution and is a one-stop place to empower amateur investors who want to supplement their incomes.

This two-part book comes in a concise and accessible format.

In the first part, it explains in layman terms what Forex trading is, how money is made in the Forex “game” and the six major players involved, and the importance of knowing one’s “Trader Profile”.

The second part provides two and five strategies pertinent to each of the five Trader Profiles identified in the book. The five trader types profiled in the book include Scalper, Day Trader, Swing Trader, Position Trader, and Mechanical Trader.

A Step-By-Step Approach Whether you are a cautious or bold investor, this book has something for every individual.

It highlights how one can achieve positive results by sticking to the strategies pertinent to the individual’s own Trader Profile.

In addition, it shows the reader how to custom-tailor a trading system designed for his or her sensibilities, as well as “risk tolerance”.

Taking a practical approach, the book is filled with illustrations to clearly explain what to look out for and how to apply the strategies in a real-time situation.

This should be useful for someone who needs a systematic, step-

by-step approach to take him or her through the basics of Forex training.

If you seek more information, there is a companion website you can visit that includes documents to supplement the book.

On top of that, it comes with a free online quiz by the author, which reveals an individual’s Trader Profile. So, don’t worry if you are not able to figure out your Trader Profile after reading the book because you can rely on this invaluable resource. This quiz can be accessed at www. askmariosingh.com/traderquiz A Useful Resource You should consider picking up this book if you are searching for a reliable second income stream. Whether you’re a recent college graduate, a baby boomer preparing to retire, a middle manager or business owner, this book aims to help you achieve the financial independence you want by trading in the Forex market, no matter your life stage, income bracket, or professional standing.

This book is an indispensable resource for anyone looking to expand their trading horizons and to win big in the Forex market.

Investors and traders of every classification can find something useful in here.

17 Proven Currency Trading Strategies is now available at leading bookstores and online sites and is priced at US$70. W For more information, please visit www.wiley.com/ buy/9781118385517

Writer’s Bio As a world-renowned Forex educator, Mario Singh has trained retail investors and bankers from some of the largest commercial banks in the world. Also a market analyst who regularly appeared on CNBC, Mario has been invited to participate in many panel discussions organised by investment associations and conventions in South-East Asia to speak together with the top investment experts in the region.

Mario’s articles have also appeared in Australia’s top trading magazine, Your Trading Edge, and he contributes weekly articles to the magazine’s blog.

Mario is also the only Forex educator in Singapore with his own weekly Forex column in Singapore’s My Paper, and has made many media appearances.

march 15 - 21, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 11

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

FAMILY & FRIEND

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

“you’ve made more progress than your fishball-stabbing mother and I had...”

Chopsticks

made more progress than your fishball-stabbing mother and I had at your age. Needless to say, we are impressed, and proud.

But there's more to the way of the chopstick than making things difficult for people in Chinese/Thai/Vietnamese/ Korean/Japanese restaurants.

This week, our daddy blogger swells It's something I learned two years ago that spurred me to with pride at his son’s chopstickrefine my hand in wielding wielding skills, and extols the virtues the sticks at the dinner table. of the humble utensils It began with something [comedian] Jerry Seinfeld said.

In a gist, Seinfeld, as with

By Winston Tay many Westerners, cannot understand why Asians Dear Xander, continue such a centuries-old method.

For 34 years, I never learnt how to use Be that as it may, you will also learn through chopsticks properly. At the time of this letter, your own experience that with some Asian I am 35. Your mother, though able to use food, there is simply no compromise. chopsticks, also never really got the hang of There are certain dishes in Asian cuisine it, and would default to the metal spoon and that require a very delicate touch, such as tofu, fork whenever possible (where not possible, sashimi, dim sum, and xiao long bao. Such it would be in Chinese restaurants where she delicacies require a gentle, yet experienced needs to look presentable in front of relatives). and masterful hand to cut, create, prepare You started asking to use chopsticks since and present it to guests. Once it is laid on its you turned three. Nearly a year later, you've

as a way of life

About Dear Xander Winston Tay has been a father since 2008. The idea for Dear Xander came from watching an old movie, My Life. In it, Michael Keaton stars as a cancer-stricken father who records

receptacle, be it porcelain dish, bamboo basket, or leaf of green, it must maintain its form as its maker intended, right up to the point where it enters the mouth.

You might hear of the legendary itamae or sushi masters who own tiny, four-seater nooks in an obscure part of Japan, renowned for their tempers, disregard for customer service, as well as absolute care and unwavering respect for each and every single bite-sized raw fish on rice dumpling (sushi) they create.

It takes five years or more for an apprentice to even get nearer to the master's cutting board (the "wakiita" position), and the transition begins with the most unassuming part of what makes a sushi - rice. Now, before you scoff, you need to understand that sushi rice prepared with itamae standards is governed by extremely strict rules, and legendary stories are told of itamae grandmasters who can create Nigiri sushi with all the rice grains facing one direction.

It would take a wakiita another five years or more before he is granted the position of itamae (in front of the cutting board) by his teacher, during which he is tasked with preparing only the ingredients (not the sushi itself), and learns restaurant service etiquette.

Such are the exacting standards of true Japanese sushi, that it would be absolutely criminal to pick up a piece of sushi that took its maker more than a decade to perfect by stabbing it with a fork.

So, where forks are merely tools for the efficient transportation of food into our mouths, chopsticks are utensils of respect.

If ever anyone tells you chopsticks are difficult to use, just say, yes, of course they are.

Respect, after all, is not easily earned.

Respectfully, Dad

S

Little kids

work out Exercising and playtime combined make for happy children

Children are like rubber bands with tonnes of potential energy that require frequent expansion, and release, to keep them happy and healthy. Taking them to a child gym, which allows them to stretch their muscles, would do them good.

Why not try out the newlyopened My Gym at River Valley?

My Gym Singapore, established in 2004, provides programmes and services for children’s development. Originating in Los Angeles, the chain has more than 30 years of experience in children’s fitness.

My Gym develops interactive programmes and facilities to help children, from toddlers as young as six months to children 10 years of age, to develop physically, cognitively and emotionally by incorporating music, dance, games, special rides, gymnastics and sports.

A thoroughly fun time is guaranteed. Over time, the children gain strength, balance, coordination, agility and

flexibility, while developing their social skills as well.

Kids learn more about themselves as they develop independence, self-discipline, social skills and even a sense of humour, all of which lead to an increased feeling of selfworth. My Gym at River Valley just opened last Sunday, at 30 Mohamed Sultan Road, Lam Ann Building, #05-00, Singapore 238974.

Other fun places to take your children: Tumble Tots A British chain of child gyms established in 1979, they can be found all around Singapore.

With locations in Jurong East, Choa Chu Kang, Tai Seng and Sembawang, Tumble Tots is highly accessible.

Gymboree Offering a safe and fun environment for children to play in and to interact, Gymboree’s class curriculum is developed by child development experts Zero to Three. Gymboree is located in Tanglin Mall as well as Harbourfront Centre.

From dear.xander.sg

video clips of himself giving all sorts of advice to his son – from shaving tips to dealing with his death.

Winston thought, he would one day do just the same (or similar) for his child. And, one day, he did. He hopes this quest to connect with his son will also help other dads who may have trouble finding the words to the situations they find themselves in with

their own children.

His other blog, Blogfathers! was started in March 2012 as an idea to bring together a community of daddy bloggers to learn from one another, share diaper-changing ‘war’ stories, and exchange tips to make everyday fatherhood easier.

Check out blogfathers.sg

Vera Quek Born Apr 9, 2012

Yan Kai Born Sep 19, 2012

Lui Wing Yan Born Jun 5, 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?

Klaryss Ng Born Oct 25, 2012

Ruby Rose Odell Born Sep 27, 2012

WORLD Email your photos to

general@weekender.com.sg .

Please make sure to include your baby’s name and surname, gender and date of birth. We look forward to receiving photos of your loved one!

Hou Junwei Born May 28, 2012

Bella Choy Born Jul 20, 2012

Casper Huang Born Jul 11, 2012

Muhammad Aiman Bin Norhisham Born Nov 27, 2012

Megan Leong Suk Yee Born Oct 26, 2012

12 • WEEKENDER • March 15 - 21, 2013

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS

Weekender is published by Weekender Group Pte Ltd, 80 Playfair Road, #02-03, Blk A, Singapore 367998. Printed by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd, 57 Loyang Drive, Singapore 508968.