WK24A / MICA (P) 144/08/2012
WEEKENDER MARCH 22 - 28, 2013
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND filled with FUN AND HAPPINESS
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PHOTO JOURNAL: MESMERISING
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YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS
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Fashion
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02 • WEEKENDER • march 22 - 28, 2013
If you would like your event listed, please email the details and pictures (where applicable) to
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Steps Out 2013
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.
Roadshow
Art Jam 20 Mar, 7pm Shoppers have a platform to unleash their creativity and display their artistic talents. Paint and art tools will be provided free of charge to all participants. Ion Orchard Level 1, 2 Orchard Turn
Weekender Happiness Roadshow 23, 24 Mar, 11am-8pm Visit our roadshow and stand a chance to win a trip to one of these destinations! Magnificent Three Gorges + Zhangjiajie; Japan Alpine & Takayama; Korea - Spring & Andong; and Fashionable Taiwan Terms and Conditions apply. For more details, call SingExpress Travel at 6438 2221. Take part in the games and stand to win a $20 Olive Vine dining voucher. Sponsored by SingExpress. Olive Vine, 3 Temasek Boulevard, #02-006A, Suntec City Mall, Singapore 038983
The fashion festival at Ion Orchard heralds Spring/Summer season with a range of events, and culminates in a fashion parade on 4 May where 150 models will strut down Orchard Road clad in the latest threads from some of the biggest fashion brand names. Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn
Romance, Hopes and Dreams:
An NHB on-the-move Travelling Exhibition
Savour 2013
11-14 Apr, various timings, $45, $65
Until 24 Mar, 9am-9pm,
Marriages typically involve months of preparation, age-old traditional practices and beliefs, and are a whirlwind of activities and joyous anticipation.
Traditions and practices for marriages are markedly dissimilar for different races and dialects in this multiracial society. Whether you are single or married, come down to this exhibition to gain an insight on what goes into marriages in the major ethnic communities of Singapore. GB Exhibition Room, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive
Your taste buds are in for a treat at this gastronomic feast in the second edition of Savour 2013, Singapore's largest gourmet festival. Don't miss this rare opportunity to engage with Michelin-star celebrity chefs, restaurant personalities and
produce craftsmen in this showcase of global cuisine of the highest quality, consisting of over 60 signature dishes priced from $6 to $18. The Gourmet Village will be hosting 18 award-winning restaurants presenting excellent creations, and visitors can move from menu to menu, on a food tasting trail that will take them all over the world in one venue. Visit www.savour.sg for more. F1 Paddock and Pit Building, 1 Republic Boulevard
Bras Basah.Bugis Arts Flea Market 30 & 31 Mar, 1-7pm There’s always a surprise for everyone at BBB Arts Flea Market, as it is chock full of vintage and craft items, yummy snacks, little treats and more. If you love getting temporary body tattoos, catch Dottinghill; for a little home decoration, swing by Artitude; fans of quirky and colourful bags, accessories and cushions, visit Little Odd Forest. Visit www.public-garden. com or www.facebook.com/ brasbasahbugis National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd Cold Stone Creamery "Duet It" Promo Until 31 Mar Wilting in the tropical heat? Bring a friend or partner to Cold Stone Creamery to cool down with their “Duet It” promo – 2 scoops of ice-cream served with waffle, for just $10.90. You can choose any 2 of their 16 signature creations. Terms and conditions apply. Citylink Mall #B1-15, 1 Raffles Link; Orchard Central, #01-09 & 01-10, 181 Orchard Road Crabtree & Evelyn contest 4-31 Mar Stand a chance to win Crabtree & Evelyn's newest invigorating body and hand care collection Tarocco Orange, Eucalyptus
Hours of fun
at Sentosa With performances, workshops and a flea market, Sentosa’s activities are sure to entertain your children for hours
“With a flea market, interactive magic show, ukulele sing-a-long and workshops, your children are set for an unforgettable experience and wonderful memories.”
Wondering what to do over the March school holidays? Head down to Sentosa with your little ones to have them engaged in hours of unbridled fun. With a flea market, interactive magic show, ukulele sing-a-long and workshops, your children are set for an unforgettable experience and wonderful memories. One highlight is Ukulele Groove, held on Mar 29, with performances at hourly intervals from 2.30pm to 6.30pm at Beach Station. Mervyn Goh kicks off the musical performances at 2.30pm. Polkadot + Moonbeam, a talented vocal and instrumental duo made up of singer-songwriter Juliet Pang and Sydney-sider Didi Mudigdo, will be performing at 3.30pm and 5.30pm. Popular for their intimate duets, they will feature music veteran Mario Seri on bass and showcase their unique brand of music.
At 4.30pm and 6.30pm, Ukes Avenue, a sensational fourpiece band, will cover an eclectic range of musical genres that you can groove to. Stay behind for some strumming fun after their performance as you may get a chance to play the ukulele too. The Ukelings, a trio who also sing and play the instrument will showcase their music on Mar 21 at 3.30pm and 5.30pm. Whether it is a gentle ‘island’ song, a Beethoven symphony, or a rock piece with distortion, the trio loves how the ukulele can play them all. Sing along as they perform familiar tunes; you can even bring your ukulele for a jamming session.
From Mar 16 to 24, 2 to 7pm, support young entrepreneurs, or ‘Playtrepreneurs’, aged between seven and 12. They will be setting up their little stalls for the Sentosa KidZ Flea Market, to trade pre-loved toys and storybooks, handmade accessories and provide services like manicures and funfair games. Be further entertained by
All events are correct at time of print.
& Sage hamper worth $140 by taking part in their Facebook-exclusive contest. Log on to www.facebook.com/ CrabtreeEvelynSG, and fill in a form to tell them how you want to get energised to be rewarded with complimentary samples and an exclusive deal. Diamonds to Complement your Style 14 Mar - 7 Apr Spend $50 at Nex and you may be the lucky one to walk away with a beautiful pair of Rosella diamond earrings from Citigems worth over $2,800. Maximum of three combined same-day receipts. Fashionista members get double the chance. 23 Serangoon Central Drumming Up a Spirit 22-24 Mar, various timings Come listen to local music groups Voodoo, Sambiesta and Ootini! which integrate Asian, African and Latin beats with a contemporary, cosmopolitan Singapore sound in their music. There will be percussive and rhythmic music performed by local musicians who have musical influences and inspirations from traditions outside their own cultures. Outdoor Theatre, Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive Elle Bag and Shoe Exhibition 18-23 Apr Visitors are in for a visual treat at this exhibition that features a collection of the best designer bags and shoes over a time period dating back to the 1930s. Luxury designer brands such as Oroton, Marc Jacobs, Giuseppe Zanotti and Burberry will be shown in this collection. Atrium, Ion Orchard Level 1, 2 Orchard Turn ImaginAsian, People and Places 27 Mar - 2 Apr A photographic collection that captures the heart of people and places in Asia, it features the works of British photographer and artist, Andy W Langton, who is recognised for his inspiring and colourful photography. Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn Leica Fashion Photography Exhibition 5-16 Apr Photography fanatics can get
the exciting performances at the flea market, from magic shows to puppet shows. The ‘Playtrepreneurs’ have attended a two-hour training to learn how to be ‘little bosses’ with basic skills in accounting, marketing, product displays and guest engagement, as well as the spirit of social entrepreneurship. They will also promote the concept of recycling and pledge part of sales proceeds to the event’s adopted charity, the Hospice Care Association. Furthermore, children can get a history lesson of Singapore in an alternative, engaging way through a complimentary guided tour at the Engage & Excite! @ Images of Singapore workshop. Kids will also learn how to twist balloons into their favourite characters. The hourly tour is at 11am and 2pm daily at Imbiah Lookout. Images of Singapore admission charges apply. The Pots & Planks Natural Dye Extraction Workshop has oodles of fun for children as they have a hands-on experience playing with plant dyes. It is at Palawan Beach, between 10am to 6.40pm. Admission for each child is $8 (weekday) and $15 (weekend). Accompanying adults enter free with a hug from the children. With the plethora of fun-filled activities, getting the Sentosa PLAY pass is the perfect way to experience Sentosa’s fun attractions as you can get up to 70 per cent in savings. Redeem a free guided tour at Images of Singapore and balloon sculpting workshop at the ‘Engage & Excite! @ Images of Singapore’ with your PLAY Pass from Mar 6 to 24. Or, get Islander membership for unlimited Sentosa Island admissions and island-wide privileges. Between Mar 16 to 24, sign up for a Sentosa Islander Family Membership for $50 per annum at any of the Islander Membership Counters located at Sentosa Station, Merlion Plaza and Beach Station, and receive a free Sentosa cold cup (worth $12.90) while stocks last!
The Merlion Bundle Special Purchase The Merlion admission ticket and a Merlion Cafe Toast Set for only $10 per adult, or $7 per child! Islander members enjoy a further $1 off when they flash their membership card. Valid from 29 Mar to 30 Jun.
march 22 - 28, 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.
a glimpse of a new body of works from acclaimed fashion photographer, Geoff Ang at the photo exhibition, Redred. Atrium, Ion Orchard Level 1, 2 Orchard Turn Meet Booker Prize nominee Tash Aw 6, 9, 12, 13 Apr, various timings National Arts Council's international writer-inresidence, Tash Aw will be appearing at several public events over the next few months to discuss his new novel, Five Star Billionaire. Aw is also the author of the Booker-nominated The Harmony Silk Factory. Visit is.asia-city.com Various locations Pets' Day Out 24 Mar, 9 am Ion Orchard partners a few organizations to organize interesting activities for pets and their owners. There will be a Frisbee demonstration and a complimentary buffet provided for all pets. Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn
Stories in the Understorey 6 & 7 Apr, 10am-12pm, 3pm-5pm Through narrated stories and hands-on experience in creating compost, children discover on this kids’ tour how organisms contribute to decomposition and fertilizes the natural habitat. For children aged four to nine. Visit www.gardensbythebay.com.sg Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive Style Comes Alive @ nex 22, 23, 29 & 30 Mar, 3pm In this fashion showcase, models will pose in a stylish display window setting, decked out in fashionable garb. Come check them out and you may even get inspirations to create or modify your own fashion style! Attractive discounts will be given at all participating outlets at Nex. 23 Serangoon Central
ticketed admission
Big Wig Festival 6 Apr, 3pm, $105, $135 Music lovers are in for a treat at this inaugural, eclectic music festival that will put Singapore on the international music map. It features diverse local and international acts such as rap artist Pharoahe Monch, The Bizarre Ride live with Pharcyde, Hydro Phonics, Chrom3, Deejay Theory and Captain Planet. Fort Canning Park, Cox Terrace THE COLOUR OF SILENCE Until 31 Mar, 10am-8pm If silence were a colour, what colour would it be? Known for his unusual and distinct aesthetic style, picture book illustrator and writer Lee Kow Fong presents his first solo exhibition, showcasing a series of illustrated vignettes where the audience is invited to create their own stories when looking at the seemingly silent characters. In addition, other digital illustrations he completed over the years will be featured in this exhibition, which is part of The Arts House's ninth anniversary celebrations. The Arts House Gallery, 1 Old Parliament Lane
Wind on My Wings Until 31 Mar, all day Local artist Teo Huey Ling examines how singularity merges to form a whole, in this visual installation. A flock of birds flying over a place in a vortex-like pattern becomes a metaphor of spontaneously formed unity-in-motion, and a person standing there can almost feel the wind from the birds' seemingly synchronized wing movement, which symbolizes growth and new beginnings. This is an intriguing visual spectacle you should check out. Esplanade Concourse, 1 Esplanade Drive
Carnival of Drums 2013 6 Apr, 12-7pm, $8 (Concession/ group of four and above), $10 Drum lovers, take note of this drumming carnival. Listen to drumming styles across different cultures, or dance to the vibrant drum beats for a good cause. This event is organised by Students Care Service for community building and to raise funds for children and youths in need. Visit www.students.org.sg Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close Families Gather, Invent Together 20-22 Mar, $60-$70 Spend some time bonding with your family at this half-day workshop. It provides a good environment for parents to actively interact, investigate, guide, learn, create and have good, wholesome fun with their kids. Visit inventivekids.asia Seng Kang CC, 2 Sengkang Square; Punggol 21 CC, 171 Edgedale Plains Fair and Responsible Employment Practices Seminar 25 Apr, 9am, $48, $98 Join this one-day seminar coorganised by TAFEP, SNEF and Ministry of Manpower to provide employers with information on being a fair, responsible and effective employer. It covers changes in the employment landscape and key responsibilities of employers under the Employment Act and relevant tripartite guidelines. Visit www.tafep.sg National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street Kent Ridge Park Heritage Tour 23 Mar, 9-10.30am, $7 Kent Ridge Park is one of the few places in Singapore rich with both historical and natural heritage, so
AirAsia
enhances customer experience with innovative services
Recently crowned Best Low-Cost Airline in the World by aviation research organization, Skytrax, AirAsia has more than low fares to woo its customers. From its AirAsia Mobile App, to Destination Guides, to its very own Red Carpet Service, the leading low-cost carrier aims to use its value-added services to boost customer experience and brand loyalty By Adrian Eugene Seet
Being constantly out and about, I really appreciate it when brands launch mobile apps to support customer service. Not many airlines have one, surprisingly. Most simply activate a mobile-optimised webpage and leave it, expecting it to do wonders. AirAsia has one too but it didn’t stop there. Just about six months ago, the airline upgraded its very own Mobile App that was launched two years back. For people like me who are always on the move, I prefer an app that I can easily access any time, rather than a website where I need to log on manually time and time again. The free mobile app allows
for booking of flights, online checking in, purchasing of inflight meals, seat selecting, as well as the selecting of luggage allowance – all available on-thego, right from the convenience of your phone. I once had to do a last minute flight booking while I was overseas. Good thing I could do my booking via the app; I completed the entire process, all within 15 minutes, including check in! To add to its mobilefriendliness, AirAsia also offers free online Destination Guides that can be easily downloaded onto mobile phones or tablet devices, perfect for travellers on the move – something that I would really recommend, so you won’t have to carry bulky travel guides with you while on holiday. The Destination Guides currently available are for destinations within Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, IndoChina, Myanmar and also a special Islands & Beaches edition, for the frequent beach lover. Besides details on the destination, users can also find useful information on local attractions, local currency, travel tips and even fun facts. Just a sneak preview for you: these Guides will soon be available for destinations within Thailand, Australia and India. So, keep a look out! They can be
downloaded from the AirAsia Travel 3Sixty inflight magazine site at airasia.com/travel3sixty. Lastly, since we are on the topic of enhancing customer experience, have you heard of the Red Carpet Service by AirAsia? I had the privilege of trying it once before; in a nutshell, it is a dedicated counter set up for customers to enjoy VIP treatment while checking in. This means that you no longer need to wait in long queues when you check in, and the benefits include priority tagging on your luggage so it gets priority offloading upon arrival, lounge access at selected airports, speedy immigration and security clearance, as well as priority boarding. In my opinion, this further enhances the travel experience, particularly for business travellers – the swift check in, boarding and baggage collection process will save a lot of precious time. Be it customer services, inflight meals or baggage allowance, AirAsia has gone out of its way to offer services that one wouldn’t expect of a typical airline. For that, I am truly captivated by the brand and I look forward to more services in time to come. Adrian Eugene Seet is the founder of popular lifestyle portal superadrianme.com
sign up for this tour to discover the interesting fauna and flora at Kent Ridge Park, and learn about one of the last battles fought in Singapore during World War II. Various lookout points offer visitors magnificent views of the off-shore islands like Pulau Duran Darat. Suited for participants aged seven and above. Visit nparks.eventshub.sg Kent Ridge Park, Carpark B, Vigilante Drive One Day in This Place 11-13 Apr, 8pm, $25, $80 (Package of four), $10 (Student concession), $16 (NSFs & senior citizens) Set against a backdrop of an imagined place that is both familiar and eccentric, this theatrical piece by Cake Theatrical Productions provides a creative exploratory space for up and coming art practitioners in Singapore. Visit www.facebook.com/caketheatre Theatre Studio, Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive One Voice 19 Apr, 7pm, $20 Over 300 people from the Tanglin Trust School community present an arts extravaganza consisting of brilliant visual work by their artists, vivacious performances in various styles from the infant, junior and senior orchestras and choirs, and staged musical and dramatic scenes by their young protégés. University Cultural Centre Hall, 50 Kent Ridge Crescent, NUS Centre for Arts South-East Asian Film Festival 2013 22 Mar - 12 Apr, various times, $9 (Concession), $11 As its name suggests, the SouthEast Asian Film Festival features some of the best and most difficult films from the South-East Asian region such as The Great North Korean Picture Show. Get a feel of the issues in South-East Asia, and discuss these works with the various upand-coming directors and veteran filmmakers who made them. Singapore Art Museum & 8Q, Moving Image Gallery, 8 Queen Street
EVENT
Super 0 Season 6, 13, 20 & 27 Apr, 5pm-4am (depending on programme), $18, $20 Support indie bands at this festival which features debut acts and artistes not typically booked by the mainstream club. Collaborating with art galleries at Gillman Barracks, workshops and exhibitions will be hosted in the day before the party at night. Visit Super0.sg Gillman Barracks, Block 9, Unit 03-21, 9 Lock Road Youth Leaders Summit & Asia Pacific Youth to Business Forum 24 Mar (8am-6pm) & 25 Mar (9am-7pm), $30, $50, $70 Youth Leaders Summit participants can look forward to networking and discussions to come up with action plans on key Singapore issues such as education, economy and community. The Asia Pacific Youth to Business forum is a platform for interaction and collaboration on Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Corporate Social Responsibilities between youth and businesses. Singapore Institute of Management, Block B Multi-Purpose Hall, 461 Clementi Road; Temasek Polytechnic Auditorium, 21 Tampines Avenue 1 The Addams Family 9-28 July, 2pm, 8pm, $55, $85, $125, $165 This broadway hit musical comedy is based on the bizarre and ghoulish family of characters created by cartoonist Charles Addams. A princess of darkness falls in love with a young man and begs her father not to tell her mother. Everything will change when they host a dinner for her boyfriend and his parents. Tickets from Sistic. Festive Grand, Resort World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway
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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 22 - 28, 2013
E HAPPIER
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
“It’s pretty amazing to have such a diverse, international, excessively talented and handsome gathering...”
If you could meet one person, dead or alive, who would it be and why? It would have to Oscar Wilde. He was such an interesting, intelligent and courageous individual that stood up for individualism and tolerance. What should audiences look out for in this performance of The Importance of Being Earnest? When asked what one could expect from The Importance of Being Earnest, Oscar Wilde said, “It is exquisitely trivial, a delicate bubble of fancy, and it has its philosophy… that we treat all the trivial things of life seriously, and all the serious things of life with sincere and studied triviality.”
Ivan the Terrific Renowned thespian Ivan Heng shares with us his thoughts about reprising his role in the upcoming The Importance of Being Earnest and what makes him happy
MOVIE PREVIEW
Promised Land: ‘Fracking’ thoughtprovoking Matt Damon stars as Steve Butler, a corporate salesman whose journey from farm boy to bigtime player takes an unexpected detour when he lands in a small town Steve Butler (Matt Damon) has been dispatched to the rural town of McKinley with his sales partner, Sue Thomason (Academy Award winner Frances McDormand). The town has been hit hard by the economic decline of recent years, and the two consummate sales executives see McKinley’s citizens as likely to accept their company’s offer – for drilling rights to their properties – as muchneeded relief. What seems like an easy job and a short stay for the duo becomes complicated
How do you feel about reprising the role of Lady Bracknell? She’s one of my favourite characters and I’m excited. All actors want to sound intelligent and look good onstage and The Importance of Being Earnest does that for you. Still, four years have gone by and returning to the script again has made me appreciate what an incisive, ironic satire Oscar Wilde wrote and why this remains one of the mostperformed English plays around the world. What are you looking forward to with this reunion of the 2009 cast? The cast, of course. It’s pretty amazing to have such a diverse, international, excessively-talented and handsome gathering, and I am so looking forward to rehearsing and performing with them. Will you be updating the set from the 2009 one? I’m really proud of the design because it’s unapologetically bold, beautiful and imaginative. But, never satisfied in our relentless pursuit of perfection, we are custom-designing new
Damon, “a relatable story with characters we all can recognise as people we know.” “It’s an emotional story about what happens when real people and real money collide, and the surprising ways people respond when momentous decisions come their way,” says actor and screenwriter John Krasinski. Producer Chris Moore adds, “Promised Land is a very intimate portrait of some genuine characters, but it also grapples with the big issues we’re all dealing with now: what are our values, what’s important to us, how do we deal with genuine conflicts in our communities?” “Steve is a corporate guy who thinks what he’s doing is right and doesn’t feel bad about trying to get ahead,” notes Krasinski. Moore adds, “When Steve shows up in McKinley with his partner Sue Thomason and their agenda to help save the town from financial decline and outright decay while simultaneously boosting his company’s
chandeliers. They’re looking gorgeous! What has been your favourite role to play thus far? That would be akin to asking who your favourite child is. Each one is a special, surprising and inspiring education and adventure. What is the most memorable moment that occurred on the job? During one performance, as soon as my ‘daughter’ and I made our entrances on stage, two members of the audience in the front row starting viciously highlighting verses in their Holy Book. One assumes they were religious people of the extremist persuasion, because they were so zealous and grumpy. At the end of the scene, they slammed their books shut with a loud bang and stormed out of the theatre. That is a moment I shall never forget. They were the exact moralistic, judgmental people that Wilde was satirising. It was hurtful at the time, but I think it was ridiculous, pathetic and hysterically funny on hindsight.
coffers, he figures all will be well because he comes from the heartland and he’s able to speak the language of these people.” “That, it turns out, is both his strength and his weakness. Ultimately, he has to take stock of his whole existence and what he wants his life to be,” says Moore. The bigger picture “I see Steve’s evolution in this story as a metaphor for our country,” muses actress Rosemarie DeWitt, cast as Alice, a grade school teacher. Academy Award nominee Hal Holbrook, who portrays McKinley high school science teacher Frank Yates, says, “I’m 87 years old, and I think we’re living at an extraordinarily critical time. The whole idea of democracy is dependent upon people working together, and without compromise there can be no democracy.” Promised Land distils questions of how American values have evolved. These explorations come through a small town’s decisions when a natural gas company seeks to extract gas from shale rock formations through the process known as hydraulic fracturing, or ‘fracking’. Damon says, “What better setting for us as storytellers to ask questions about who we are as Americans?” Promised Land (PG13) Director: Gus Van Sant Starring: Matt Damon, Frances McDormand, John Krasinski, Rosemarie DeWitt and Hal Holbrook Genre: Drama Run Time: 108 minutes Release Date: 21 Mar
– professionally, by calls for a community-wide consideration of the offer by respected schoolteacher Frank Yates (Academy Award nominee Hal Holbrook), and personally, by Steve’s encounter with Alice (Rosemarie DeWitt). When Dustin Noble (John Krasinski), a slick environmental activist, arrives, suddenly the stakes, both personal and professional, rise to boiling point. On the production Promised Land is, says actor and screenwriter Matt
What would you like to say to all Singaporeans? To quote Oscar, “To live is the rarest thing in the world. Most people exist, that is all.” Live it up! What makes you smile? The thought that time and history are on our side. What do you do on a typical weekend? I’m always working, and that’s perfectly fine by me because I love my work. But on Mondays when the theatre is dark and there are no performances, I will sleep in, wake up for a full English breakfast, go for a massage and swim, curl up with a book or a new play and have dinner with my partner Tony, my mum and stepfather. W
The Importance of Being Earnest: Reloaded Reuniting the cast from 2009, this all-male play promises more laughs and wit Those who missed out on the sold out three-week run of The Importance of Being Earnest in 2009, fret not. The original all-male cast from Glen Goei’s take on the story is back. Featuring Ivan Heng, Hossan Leong, Chua Enlai, Brendon Fernandez and Crispian Chan, they are joined again by Daniel York (London) and Gavin Yap (Kuala Lumpur), and with Lim Kay Siu replacing Zahim Albakri as Rev Canon Chasuble. The tale tells of two dashing Romeos, Jack and Algernon, wanting to spice up their lives. Both of them invent a fictional character, Ernest, while visiting their respective lady loves. Things get messy when their deceptions are uncovered, threatening to spoil their romantic pursuits. Daniel York and Brendon Fernandez play John and Algernon respectively while Chua Enlai and Gavin Yap play their prospective conquests Gwendolen and Cecily. The Importance of Being Earnest – originally by Oscar Wilde – runs from Apr 10 to May 4. Tickets are available from Sistic.
PERFORMANCE
Le Noir:
Be drawn into the magic and majesty Your jaws will drop at the death-defying acrobatics and spectacle of Le Noir - The Intimate Side of Cirque By Cheryl Chia Le Noir MEANS “black” in French. The opening night of this show might have gotten off to a bad start with a technical malfunction – the curtain got caught on the lights and refused to come down – and with one of the twin trapeze artists having slipped while performing, but it’s all good. The show must go on and for these folks everything is so death-defying, you would understand why they stop once the set or act goes awry. This circus spectacle comes direct from a sell-out season in Tokyo with a visual feast of lusty red, virginal white and gothic black with beautifully provocative costumes and appropriate choreography and stunts to match. The Theatres at Marina Bay Sands are also transformed to have a 360-degree panoramic view of the performance with seats on stage. And with VIP love seats so near the stage, you feel the wind as the performers zoom past. Every circus needs a good ringmaster and Salvado Salangsang Jr made a great
one, opening the show and creating time buffers for costume changes, all while providing lots of laughs and tomfoolery. Ukrainian identical twins Ruslana and Taisiia Bazalii had the audience on the edge of their seats with their swinging acrobatics atop a trapeze. At one point, one of the twins fell off the trapeze but got back up like a trooper and kept going. Other acts include a rolla bolla, hand balance, pas de deux, shape-spinners and aerial acrobats. The piece de resistance and the closing act for the night comprise the roller-skating duo, Leandro Zeferino Micaelo and Ursula Naike Nunez Rossi. Their act had our hearts thumping in excitement and worry, yet wonder at the sheer talent displayed. Le Noir is here until Mar 31. Book your tickets at www.baseentertainmentasia.com or www.marinabaysands.com/ticketing. Tickets are going from $35 to $185.
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
FASHION
Catwalks and
Runways Audi Fashion Festival 2013 is all set to rock with a slew of talented designers and special guests to boot By Cheryl Chia
H
eralded as the fashion week in Singapore, the Audi Fashion Festival (AFF) 2013 is all set to impress in May with super-hot models, innovative designers and a brand new location. Moving from Ngee Ann City to Marina Promenade to accommodate more, the new waterfront location can house up to 20,000 visitors. Ms Tjin Lee, festival director, says, “The key advantage in the move is to co-locate the festival with the Blueprint Trade Show and
Fash Snips
Emporium, Asia Fashion Summit and the Audi Star Creation, where for the first time, all four events will be housed in the same vicinity, bringing together the trade and consumer pillars of the Asia Fashion Exchange.” Legendary red carpet designer Mrs Carolina Herrera will make her inaugural appearance in Asia with her daughter, where they will be opening the festival on May 15 with the House of Herrera comprising looks from her Autumn 2013 collections. British-Turkish wunderkind
Hussein Chalayan will be closing the festival with his Autumn/ Winter 2013 womenswear. He made waves during Paris Fashion Week with his transformer dresses – the model rips off the first layer, only to have it transform into a completely different outfit. Singaporean star designer Ashley Isham returns with his signature draping and strong tailoring. His distinctive blend of glamour and styling has won loyal fans such as singers Florence Welch and Lady Gaga. Another local independent label, Zardoze, will kick off its show with a one-of-a-kind diamond dress. Made in an atelier in Paris, it features 130 carats of diamonds and is valued at over $500,000. Young designers from the Parco Next Next initiative will also be showing their works. Returning chairman for AFF, Mr Dick Lee says, “AFF continues to place Singapore securely in the international fashion world.” W For ticketing details visit www.audifashionfestival.com
Here are a few stirrings in the fashion world that you would need, want and love to know about IWC Schaffhausen
The completely remodelled 2013 Ingenieur watch collection from IWC Schaffhausen focuses entirely on its new partnership with the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team. With timeless, sleek designs and precision, the first of the collection, Ingenieur Automatic, will be available in stores, and the others will follow in their respective groupings. Visit www.iwc.com for more information.
Erin Heatherton comes to Singapore
Victoria’s Secret supermodel, Erin Heatherton will be walking for Raoul Autumn/Winter 2013 at this year’s Audi Fashion Festival at the Marina Promenade. Home-grown brand Raoul has just returned from a successful showing at the recent Milan Fashion Week and has been spotted on celebrities such as the Duchess of Cambridge, Kate Middleton.
Shanghai Tang
Jeremy Scott Adidas
Imagine man’s best friend at your feet. These poodle shoes from Adidas Originals by Jeremy Scott feature Linda Farrow winged shades. Known for his quirky winged and plushie designs for Adidas, only 300 pairs of these fluffy pink shoes are being sold for $289 at Limited Edt Chamber and Limited Edt Vault.
Shanghai Tang revives a piece of sporting history by celebrating the games of rugby played in China before 1950. In partnership with the Shanghai Rugby Football Club, they are producing a collection of rugby shirts that commemorate the significant InterPort matches which were the highlights of sporting events in the 20th Century. For each shirt sold, they will make a donation to the Shanghai Rugby Football Club to help preserve its history.
MARCH 22 - 28, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 05
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Cooking with lively citrus flavours
The wholesome side of Geylang
The Fried Pork Belly has a taste of garlic and fermented beancurd
Buzzing with people, traffic, fruit stalls, kopitiams and other erm... trade visitors, Geylang is full of character and I would recommend all visitors to Singapore to check it out for a real experience beyond the glitzy shopping malls. One Friday evening, three of us headed to Geylang for dinner before visiting a friend who stays nearby. JB Ah Meng has a nice open-air seating area located at the back alley – complete with stray cats, and laundry hung from the above apartments' windows. JB Ah Meng's signature beehoon arrived first. It had a bit of a crisp surface with a nice wok ‘hei’, though there weren’t that many ingredients. The Fried Pork Belly was deliciously sinful. Rich and flavoursome, with the taste of garlic and nam yu (fermented bean curd). Our dish of Yau Mak Choi was crunchy and quite fragrant. For something scrumptious,
“The concept came about as a result of mashing up a love for aviation and Japanese cuisine. ”
Sunkist presents Chef Robert Danhi, one of America’s top culinary talents and Asian food expert, in a unique cooking with citrus experience By Lester J Wan
‘Geylang’ is not a dirty word though it sometimes begets dirty stares due to its reputation. Nonetheless, Geylang is also famous for good food By leroy chan
Chef Robert Danhi
go for the Salted Egg Yolk Prawns. Instead of an egg yolk sauce, a nice battered coat of savouriness encapsulated each prawn. What were lagi better were the small kernels of corn – each also coated with egg yolk. Very moreish! The Tofu Dish brought a feeling of simple contentment. Smooth tofu, golden mushrooms, minced pork and green leafy veg smothered in tasty brown gravy. This and rice would have been good enough. Then again, who am I kidding? It's a Friday night! So, we had an extra order – Hor Fun! Sadly, this was disappointing compared to the other dishes that evening. Oh, yes, I forgot to take the dishes' exact names and prices but the above for three of us cost about $20+ each.
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his month, Sunkist has invited top American culinary talent and Asian food expert Chef Robert Danhi to tour Asia to spread the wonders of cooking with citrus. We were part of this unique experience, at Morsels restaurant.
JB Ah Meng, 2 Lorong 23 Geylang, open 5pm to 3am
LemonCoriander Salsa with Seared Scallops
From www.thehungrycow.com
Satsuma Imo & Foie Gras Croquette
Get sky-high on sushi Airplane-themed Japanese restaurant Sushi Airways takes you sky-high with quality cuts of fresh fish and tasty sushi rolls By Cheryl Chia
I know that people never have a good impression of gimmicky new places but give Sushi Airways at Kampong Glam a chance to prove its worth. It has plenty of good food. Helmed by the former head chef of Grand Hyatt Singapore, Chef EC Wong, the menu offers value-for-money bento lunch sets as well as the pricier omakase degustation menu. The concept came about as a result of mashing up a love for aviation and Japanese cuisine. Its cosy location on the upper floor of a shophouse and the flight of stairs and multiple windows made it a perfect opportunity to replicate a vintage 1930s Douglas DC-3 plane – an American fixed-wing propellerdriven chrome-plated aircraft. The waitresses even have their own cute stewardess outfits. The reasonably-priced set lunch menu at $15 features a healthy garden salad with wafu dressing, freshly-made cabbage with miso soup, as well as mains such as chicken and
Asian cuisine Expert Chef Robert Danhi’s professional culinary career was ignited more than 25 years ago when he first began as a dishwasher. Inspired to build a strong gastronomic foundation, he entered the prestigious Culinary Institute of America in New York. Upon earning his degree in Culinary Arts, Chef Robert honed his skills in various restaurant positions from Los Angeles to Hawaii. Through these experiences, he soon realised that he enjoyed teaching his staff as much as cooking with them, and he made a transition into teaching the culinary arts.
Recently, he was recruited as Associate Program Director to create and launch Taylor’s University Asian Food Center in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, for the research, education, and training in all things South-East Asian. Chef Robert also founded Mortar & Press, a multimedia group that conceptualises and produces culinary-infused content including his James Beard nominated cookbook, Southeast Asian Flavours — Adventures in Cooking the Foods of Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia & Singapore. This book won the Best Asian Cookbook of the USA in 2009 by Gourmand and 2nd Best Asian Cookbook in the World. This labour of love offers an intimate look into South-East Asian cuisine through the lens of his travels. He researched for 20 years, developed all the recipes, cooked, styled and photographed all the pictures, and designed and published the book himself
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Shiro Bagai or white escargots
Chef's Special Sashimi Mori (large)
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
salmon teriyaki, crispy Kurobuta pork katsu and a colourful Airways Chirashi – assorted sashimi in a rice bowl. The set lunches come with green tea and French vanilla ice cream. Signature a la carte eats include their Mango Roll ($30) and Avocado Maki ($25). Both come with sesame seed-studded sushi rice, nori and a cube of tamago – a sweet Japanese egg omelette. You can also start with a juicy Japanese Fruit Tomato ($12) to whet your appetite. Their omakase menu (from $180) – loosely translated as “I’ll leave it to you” – offers seasonal items not available on their a la carte menu. Fans of sashimi should also try the Chef’s Sashimi Mori ($58-$88) Airways Chirashi
filled with hotate, salmon belly, swordfish, hamachi and ebi. If you are daring enough for a taste of danger, try their Grilled Fugu ($16) which I’ve been told tastes a little like candied bacon. Try the different sodas ($6) in six flavours of Passionate Fruit, Gorgeous Champagne Grape, Kiwi Groove, Peaceful Blueberry, Tropical Mango and Romantic Strawberry. They also have a fully-stocked bar. Why not get a step up from the economy class food that you’re used to and try the first-class standard of Sushi Airways? You may not be leaving the country, but a taste of Japan in Kampong Glam is possible. Sushi Airways is located at 20A Baghdad Street, Singapore 199659. Tel: 6291 1151
In the eleventh in a series featuring chefs sharing recipes using ingredients from Japan, Chef Seki of Ikyu shows us how to make a unique Japanese sweet potato croquette
Japanese foods. Your quality time.
By Lester J Wan
The friendly and humorous Chef Seki is back with another interesting recipe. This time, he chooses to use Japanese Satsuma sweet potatoes to create a tantalising dish. They are bright in colour and look tempting enough on their own, but wait until you see his finished product. Japan’s natural environment has regional and seasonal changes. As such, fruit and vegetable producers take advantage of these and have developed a wide variety of types. Japanese cuisine includes making the best use of the unique, natural flavours of such vegetables. To this day, Japanese producers continue to produce high-quality vegetables through selective breeding and the application of highly-modern farming methods. Japanese supermarkets here carry lots of fruit and vegetables from Japan, and you can check them out for fresh produce that is available. Chef Seki says the Japanese Satsuma sweet potato is already nice and naturally sweet on its own, so the dish must be kept simple. Here is how to make Chef
Seki’s Satsuma Imo & Foie Gras Croquette, which is in a slightly French style. Ingredients • 150g of Japanese Satsuma sweet potato • 80g of foie gras • 10g of Panko (bread crumbs) • 10g of flour • 1 egg • 50g of Tonkatsu sauce • 50g of mayonnaise Method 1. Roast the Japanese Satsuma sweet potato at about 200 degrees for 30 minutes, then strain and remove its skin. 2. Pan-fry the foie gras then cut it into cubes. 3. Mix the Japanese Satsuma sweet potato with foie gras, and then cover it with the egg and Panko (bread crumbs) 4. Deep-fry it for a few minutes. 5. Mix the Tonkatsu sauce and mayonnaise well for the sauce. Your Satsuma Imo & Foie Gras Croquette is now done. Get ready to be amazed by the taste. Ikyu, 5 Yong Siak Street, Singapore 168643
“They are bright in colour and look tempting enough on their own, but wait until you see his finished product.”
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
march 22 - 28, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 07
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approach to the culinary arts and his flair for blending the sensory experience of nature’s flavours has gained him international acclaim.
Orange-Ginger Cheesecake with Spiced Coconut Caramel
“Asia offers an eclectic mix of ingredients, cooking technique and cuisines. Often times you experience many tastes, textures, and sensations in one dish,” says Chef Robert. “Since all citrus is indigenous to Asia, naturally, California citrus pairs perfectly with so many ingredients in the cuisines of Asia such as aromatic herbs and spices, vegetables, seafood, meat and poultry,” he says. A former professor of the prestigious Culinary Institute of America and an avid traveller, Chef Robert boasts a culinary repertoire inspired by the exotic flavours and cultural abundance of nearly 30 countries. He has also spent the past two decades researching Asian cuisine. Chef Robert's exploratory
Grilled Lemon and Spice Beef with Cucumber Raita
Cooking with Citrus Using the open kitchen at Morsels, Chef Robert created four delectable items to delight. Pairing Sunkist citrus including navel orange, Cara Cara orange and lemon with in-season ingredients, Chef Robert presented four different delicious, easy-tomake recipes that combine the premium taste of California and the intrinsic flavours of local Asian specialties.
The four citrus dishes At the open kitchen in Morsels, Chef Danhi demonstrated the making of the Cara Cara Orange and California Wine Sparkler, the Lemon-Coriander Salsa with Seared Scallops, the Grilled Lemon and Spice Beef with Cucumber Raita, and the Orange-Ginger Cheesecake with Spiced Coconut Caramel. The Cara Cara Orange and California Wine Sparkler were served as a welcome drink, and truly was a refreshing pick-me-up. The OrangeGinger Cheesecake with Spiced Coconut Caramel had interesting and lively flavours, and was a satisfying end to the interesting meal. The tastiest dish of the day was the Lemon-Coriander Salsa with Seared Scallops. This multi-flavoured tease includes the use of lemon juice and zest. With a South-Asian twist, it is topped with Indian “muruku”, a crispy snack familiar to Singaporeans. Cara Cara Oranges “I am sharing a few recipes and ideas on how to try something different with Cara Cara oranges. Available on a seasonal basis through May, Cara Cara oranges are exceptionally sweet and juicy, and they have a rich, balanced aroma. Cara Caras are called The Power Orange because they provide 150 per cent of the Vitamin C an average person needs every day plus they are an excellent source of vitamin A,” says Chef Robert. Cara Caras have a rich pink pulp on the inside. They are fat-free, sodium-free, cholesterol-free and contain only 80 calories each. The cooking with citrus experience with Chef Danhi was refreshing, and inspiring for the kitchen. W For recipes and more, check out the book, Southeast Asian Flavours, or southeastasianflavors.com
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As Easter rolls around, it is time to indulge that sweet tooth with chocolates, hot cross buns and sweet treats By Cheryl Chia
“My favourite traditional food every Easter season is definitely the hot cross bun.”
Easter may be a Christian festival but it does not mean that all are not welcome to partake in the goodies the season brings. My favourite traditional food every Easter season is definitely the hot cross bun - a leavened bun filled with dried fruit, nuts and cinnamon, with a white cross painted across it. The Four Leaves bakery chain (including Epid’or, St Leaven and Peck) start selling their hot cross buns at an affordable ($1.20) a bun. They also come in packets of four. Da Paolo Gastronomia has also come up with their own version of the bun, titling it the Hot Cross Bunny Bun ($4.20) in the shape of, you guessed it, rabbits with piped chocolate features. Chocolate is the quintessential item that is almost mandatory for this festival. The season brings cute chocolates in the shapes of bunnies and eggs. Godiva stocks
a Milk Chocolate Bunny ($12) wrapped in gold foil and even a rabbit plush toy with Easter eggs ($65) that is perfect as a gift. If you’re looking for something a little simpler, amuse the children with Cadbury Mini Drops (price unavailable) – little milk chocolate eggs covered in multi-coloured candy coating. Canele Patisserie Chocolaterie takes it up a notch with their dark chocolate and berries tea macaron ($3 per piece). Also, enjoy their Speedy Rabbit ($22 for 120g), carved out of 70 per cent Vanini cocoa. Add to that cuteness with the Snowy Bunny and Easter Egg cupcakes ($4.80 each) from Da Paolo Gastronomia, with cream cheese and fondant icing. Have a bountiful Easter with these treats. Visit the respective websites for a full listing of outlets and availability.
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08 • WEEKENDER • march 22 - 28, 2013
OBBIES
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
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“Manchester United is currently a whopping 15 points ahead of its nearest rival, Manchester City.”
Free for applicants of Maybank Manchester United Platinum Visa Debit Card
Free for applicants of Maybank Manchester United Platinum Visa Credit Card
Manchester United
fighting to the finish
The Barclay’s English Premier League is still the most competitive and exciting football league in the world, with various top clubs and star players competing for the title each season. Why miss out?
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he English Premier League (EPL) is renowned worldwide for having the most competitive league, with some of the biggest names in football starring in the greatest show on Earth in England. Every year, it is never certain who will be the champions until at least the last few games of the season. In some years, it actually boiled down to the very last kick of the ball on the final match day! This season, however, Manchester United is fighting all the way to the finish, and looks set to win their record 20th English top division title and 13th English Premier League title since its inception in 1993.
Manchester United has always claimed to be of a different pedigree from its rivals and, as they say, the proof is in the pudding. Manchester United is currently a whopping 15 points ahead of its nearest rival, Manchester City. This significant lead seems unassailable to all their rivals. This season, they currently have an impressive record of a consecutive win sequence of six games, and have been unbeaten in 17 games! They are, in essence, indomitable. In the EPL, Manchester United also currently tops the scoring chart, with a total of 69 goals in 29 EPL games so far. This is a stunning scoring average of
nearly two-and-a-half goals per game! The excitement in their game this statistic alone reflects is incomparable. With the prolific strike partnership of Wayne Rooney and Robin van Persie accumulating 31 goals between them, the excitement never ends. Other fan favourites such as “Chicharito” Javier Hernandez, and Shinji Kagawa, have also found the net from time to time, adding a greater dimension to the team’s formidable attack. While the team may have recently faltered in cup competitions such as the Champions League, you can be sure they will bounce back, as
they always have. Domestically, their supremacy has not been in doubt. With eight games to go, one expects the champagne to be popped at Old Trafford for the 13th time in EPL history. Manchester United’s legendary home ground of Old Trafford, the “Theatre of Dreams”, holds the record for the highest gate receipt this season, with 75,605 people in attendance for their game against Reading. It is easy to see why. Maybank Manchester United Platinum Visa Credit & Debit Cards If you are a Manchester United Supporter, the Maybank Manchester United Platinum Visa Credit and Debit Cards bring you great benefits and rewards. Maybank and Manchester United have cooperated to bring the experience of supporting the
club even closer to you than ever before. The range of benefits of the Maybank Manchester United Platinum Visa Credit and Debit Cards includes discounts of up to 10 per cent at the Manchester United Megastore, both in-store and online, and privileges at Manchester United’s renowned home ground, Old Trafford. From now until July 5, card members who apply and have their Debit Card approved will be entered into a lucky draw. Up for grabs are two pairs of tickets to catch Manchester United live at Old Trafford in the 2013/2014 season. Card members will also have the opportunity to win exclusive premiums, such as jerseys signed by the players. Card members will also be rewarded each time Manchester United wins a Premier League match by being awarded exponentially more reward points for purchases made on match day. New applicants for the Maybank Manchester United Platinum Visa Credit Card will also get a free Manchester United scarf, while new applicants for the Maybank Manchester United Platinum Visa Debit Card will get a Manchester United shoe bag. Check out the full list of benefits and where to catch Manchester United’s matches, and to celebrate
their victories with discounted food and drink, at www. maybank2u.com.sg/manutd W MAYBANK MANCHESTER UNITED PLATINUM VISA DEBIT CARD DISCOUNTS Cellarbration Tavern 25 Circular Road, Singapore 049382 Tel: 6327 9594 10% off food Eski Bar 46 Circular Road, Singapore 049401 Tel: 6536 3757 10% off food and beverages Liquid Kitchen 185 Upper Thomson Road Tel: 6254 2016 10% off food and beverages The Straits Bar 79 Circular Road, Singapore 049433 Tel: 6225 5095 10% off food and beverages Additional Bonus Debit Card members will earn 3X tr’eats Points for every S$5 spent while Credit Cardmembers earn 5X tr’eats Points for every S$1 spent when Manchester United wins mier League match. For more information www.maybank2u.com.sg/manutd
Magnolia
Milk is
good for you
e7 Pag
FAMILY & FRIENDS
Jathan Soo Born Feb 15, 2012
Jazleena Binte Johan Born Jul 7, 2012
Wu Pei Zhe Born Aug 16, 2012
HELLO Tan Yu Hao Born Oct 1, 2012
Babies - aren’t they the cutest things ever? That’s why Weekender dedicates a section to your adorable darlings in diapers. Send us your favourite photos of your newborn, so the rest of us can coo and ‘ahh’ over him / her too! What better way is there to celebrate your child than to share him / her with the rest of the world?
WORLD
Tan Kareen Born Dec 19, 2012
Email your photos to
general@weekender.com.sg .
Jireh Chan Born Oct 15, 2012
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!
Quek Yuxi Natasha Born Jul 2, 2012
Wang Zengming Born Sep 2, 2012
Khayla Rizqah Born Jan 26 2013
Claire Anne Lee Born Aug 8, 2012
march 22 - 28, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 09
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
photo journal: A VIEW INTO
TRAVELATIO
BAGAN
MESMERISING
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MYAnMAR Our new travel photographer intrepidly journeys beyond the newlyopened doors of the rising and mesmerising myanmar and gives us a view behind its curtain By MELVIN TAN Here are some highlights of Melvin’s trip to Myanmar.
Mandalay
Young Bagan Boy with Thanaka Thanaka is a yellowish-white cosmetic paste made from ground bark. It is a decorative paint commonly applied to the face.
Portrait of a lady A Bagan lady transporting firewood and smoking cheroot, a rolled cylindrical cigar.
Tourist Sunset in Bagan As the day comes to a close in the ancient holy city of Bagan, its spectacular sunsets are best enjoyed atop a stupa or pagoda.
Chick Pea Snack A tasty and popular snack, where mashed chick peas are covered in batter and fried until crispy.
Umin Thonse - 30 Caves Locals offer prayers at the Umin Thonse Pagoda at Sagaing Hill. Umin Thonse means 30 Caves Pagoda. There are 45 Buddha images sitting in a crescent-shaped colonnade.
Local Farmer A farmer with his beast of burden.
Palm Vendor A local palm vendor preparing palm sugar.
AirAsia's innovative
services
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Portrait of a Burmese Monk One of the many local monks, in the distinct purple robe.
Monks Studying Teachings Young novice monks study the teachings of Buddha through numerous paintings in a temple.
Mandalay Hill Tourists and locals flock here to watch the sunset. It is also a popular place for students and monks to practise conversational English with the tourists.
customer Mount Popa A view of Mount Popa from one of the other shrines that dot the mountainous landscape.
experience
Burmese Crepe Khout Mote, a Burmese crepe.
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10 • WEEKENDER • march 22 - 28, 2013
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
TRAVELATION
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The World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park
Discover Northern Territory: The True Australian Outback Australia’s Northern Territory is well known for its iconic Uluru, or Ayers Rock. Its other world-class attractions are increasingly catching the attention of travellers seeking natural wonders Since the first human beings wandered the Great Outback in the island-continent of Australia, people have been mystified and mesmerised by the red rock of Uluru, more famously known as Ayers Rock. This stupendous behemoth continues to stand tall throughout the ages, and to draw visitors to this dreamscape. The Northern Territory’s other sites are increasingly catching the attention of travellers from around the world, who seek to get up-close and personal with its unique natural wonders. Its capital of Darwin, only a four-hour flight from Singapore, four times weekly via full-service carrier SilkAir, provides a gateway to heritage-listed national parks and waterways. This makes Darwin a city not to be missed. Litchfield National Park is less than two hours’ drive from Darwin. Here, soak under the cool, pristine waterfalls and watch in wonder at the passing parade of unique wildlife and birds. Go walkabout in the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park with its remarkable variety of wildlife, vast floodplains and billabongs, monsoon forests, rugged rocky hills and centuriesold Aboriginal rock art. At the end, you will be rewarded with an
Go hot air ballooning over Alice Springs
Ayers Rock is a world-famous icon
unforgettable glowing sunset from the top of the rocky outcrops. All this natural majesty is simply a three-hour drive from Darwin. The Territory’s Red Centre is home to Uluru, or Ayers Rock, rising imposingly at 348m above the landscape. This massive sandstone rock appears to change colour, almost magically, as the light strikes it at different times of the day and year. A unique Sounds of Silence experience allows you to dine under a canopy of a million stars while an aboriginal storyteller shares his tales. Alice Springs, another attraction in the Red Centre, is a popular site for tourists. It provides a wonderful reflection of outback living while offering luxury hotels, a world-class convention centre and great local restaurants. Whether it is mystery, magic or majesty you are looking for, the Northern Territory of Australia
has something for you. To find out more, check out special package tours organised by Holiday Tours Singapore. 3 Nights Explore Darwin Promotion Package Includes : • Return economy airfare to Darwin on SilkAir • Choice of 3 nights’ accommodation • Return airport/hotel/airport transfer by Darwin Airport Shuttle (seat in coach) • Full-day Kakadu National Park tour. Departs daily. • COMPLIMENTARY – Full-day Litchfield National Park tour. Departs daily. Bonus night promotion: Stay 4 nights; pay 3 nights for Holiday Inn Esplanade Darwin Hotel (consecutive stay) Call 6734 1818 or go to www.jetabout.com.sg
DISCOVERY “it was the very first Buddhist temple that was set up on this tiny island.”
PART ONE
more like a Taoist temple than a Buddhist temple. To clear up any confusion, it is difficult to draw a distinction between Taoism and Buddhism (and Confucianism) when it comes to Chinese religion. Due to socio-political-cultural influences in history, the three religions (or schools of thought) kind of got mixed up and
awesome – especially to the Chinese in Malaya – that people decided to venerate him after his death. If you ever notice a yellow Chinese shrine (it’s usually red), it’s probably a shrine to the deity, Najib! Yellow-coloured Chinese shrines indicate that some Malay guy or deity has been incorporated into the religion. I took photos of the two deities of death. There is the black guy, who’s short, and the white guy, who’s pretty tall and whose tongue
A Trip to Mediaeval China:
From www.themyriadthoughts. wordpress.com
Lian Shan Shuang Lin
Monastery Our new Discovery blogger, whose blog is read by a minister, brings us back to Mediaeval China in a visit to Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery By Jonathan Sim Several months ago, I went to visit the Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery. It’s a very important place in the history of Chinese Buddhism in Singapore because it was the very first Buddhist temple that was set up on this tiny island. In our contemporary society, there’s been quite a huge split between religion and secular affairs. However, not too long ago, the two were quite tightly intertwined. This applies to almost every religion.
The temple wasn’t just a centre for worship. It was also a community centre, a centre for education, for disseminating culture and the arts, for merchants to meet and negotiate business matters and, in World War II, this temple was a training ground for the “Overseas Chinese” to learn how to drive (and repair) supply trucks to China, to aid their fellow Chinese in their fight against the Japanese forces. The temple is extremely huge
and very, very beautiful! Yet, it is quietly hidden away amongst the many blocks of public housing in Kim Keat (around Toa Payoh). What I love about it is that the temple is so huge, once you step in, you feel as if you’ve gone back to Mediaeval China. In fact, the land is so vast that once you’re there, you don’t really notice the public housing blocks in the area. You only start to see them when you’re near the perimeter. When you step in, it looks
their hats say something you don’t expect from the bringers of death. The words on the white guy’s hat say “Yi Jian Da Cai”, which means: great fortune upon seeing. I can’t remember the words on the black guy’s hat but it’s also about getting great fortune when you see him. Very ironic indeed! As you walk out of that building and continue on your way, you’ll start to see a very different scene. There is a more Taoist-looking building in the background. Now, this is truly starting to look a lot like Mediaeval China. W
fused together. Every Chinese temple you walk into will have a mix of Taoist and Buddhist elements. In some, the Taoist elements will be strong; elsewhere, the Buddhist elements will be stronger. This first building in the temple grounds is more Taoist. The rest of the temple grounds are more Buddhist. Perhaps what’s interesting about this place is that amongst the pantheon of deities housed in there, one deity unique only to Singapore and Malaysia is the deity who goes by the name of Naji Gong, or, in English, Najib. Wait… Isn’t that a Malay name? Yes it is! It’s a Malay guy with a traditional hat and dressing! I’m not sure about his story but he was probably so
sticks out. I don’t remember their names, but the story goes that they were good friends. One day, they were supposed to meet under a bridge. However, there was a flood and the short guy drowned. The tall friend felt so guilty over the death of his beloved friend that he hung himself. That’s why his tongue is sticking out. According to Chinese mythology, these two are always together and they will come to escort people who die (like the Grim Reaper). What’s ironic is that
For good
About The Myriad Thoughts Jonathan Sim is a young man with a great love for philosophy, and who is taking steps toward one day becoming a professor of philosophy. He has numerous other interests – such as calligraphy, religion, drawing, cooking, tea, and kungfu – and a zest for life. “Through the sharing of the myriad things which I delight in, I hope that you too may come to see the beauty and joys of life,” says Jonathan. Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Environment and Water Resources, is a fan of his blog and met him recently.
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YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS
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