Weekender #28

WK28A / MICA (P) 144/08/2012

WEEKENDER APRIL 19 - 25, 2013

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND filled with FUN AND HAPPINESS

mother’s day comes early with

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FACE TO FACE WITH bINDI IRWIN

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02 • WEEKENDER • April 19 - 25, 2013

VENTS

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS

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

Nesperennub virtually unwrapped

= FREE

All events are correct at time of print.

Journey to the

Egyptian afterlife See a 3,000-year-old mystery unwrapped at the ArtScience Museum’s latest exhibit, Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb

From 27 Apr, 10am-10pm, $14 (adult), $13 (senior citizen), $8 (child) Figurine of Seth

Mummy of Tjayasetimu

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or the first time in Singapore and Southeast Asia, the secrets of the mysterious Egyptian burial practices and mummification process will be revealed in technologically-advanced detail with the arrival of Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb at the ArtScience Museum.

Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb is an exhibition pairing mummies and artefacts culled from the extensive and famed Egyptian

SPECIAL FEATURE

collection of the British Museum, with an innovative 3D film experience. The exhibit will open on Apr 27.

The centrepiece The centrepiece of Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb is Nesperennub, a temple priest who lived 3,000 years ago and died at about the age of 40. The mummy of Nesperennub is an integral part of the exhibition and will be prominently displayed.

Statuette of Amun-Ra

A ground-breaking 3D film capturing the “virtual unwrapping” of the Egyptian mummy will be displayed in concert with Nesperennub.

Narrated by acclaimed actor Patrick Stewart, the film unveils the story of the priest’s life and death, complete with a digital reconstruction of his facial structure.

The mummy of Nesperennub remains in its original cartonnage coffin and has never been opened.

The “virtual unwrapping” that is captured in stunning 3D is made possible thanks to the most advanced and cutting-edge scanning technology used in modern medicine. As a result, there are more details now known about Nesperennub's life and death, and images of him as he likely looked 3,000 years ago and in his current mummified state that are vivid and breath-taking.

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enhance your employability with sirs SIRS is a Continuing Education and Training (CET) institute of Nanyang Polytechnic (NYP). It was set up in 2006 in collaboration with the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) to upgrade the skills profile and to raise the professionalism of the workforce in Singapore.

If you are looking for a job in the retail For enquiries or to sign up for our courses, and services sectors, SIRS offers a full suite please call 6222 7477 (Mon-Fri, 8.30am to 10pm) of programmes under the Workforce Skills or E-mail courses@sirs.edu.sg Qualification (WSQ) framework at the operational, supervisory and managerial levels, to equip you with the relevant skills to perform your job more effectively and to develop a successful career in retail and services.

Some of the modules include: Maintain Professional Image; Interact with Customers; Sell Products and Services; Perform Point-of-Sale Operations; Handle Merchandise Display; Provide Stay connected with Scan the QR code Advice on Fashion and Apparels, and many others.

SIRS mobile apps to visit our website In addition to training, SIRS also has a Career for more information Service Centre to assist job seekers who are unemployed or employed in the non-retail industry seeking to acquire new skills for a career switch into the retail industry.

Singapore Institute of Retail Studies . College of Continuing Education

Most amazingly, these brilliant graphics and new data were retrieved without opening the coffin or disturbing the wrappings of Nesperennub.

More than 100 artefacts Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb will showcase more than 100 stunning artefacts and six mummies in total. Included in the artefacts is a statuette of the Egyptian god Amun-Ra in bronze from 664-305 BC. According to ancient Egyptian beliefs, Amun (which means “the hidden one”) was merged with the sun-god Ra to acquire the status of supreme creator-deity, the King of the Gods.

This bronze statuette shows the god in human form, wearing his characteristic twin-feathered headdress. Also included is a figurine of the god Seth dating back to 1295-1069 BC. Seth represented the forces of chaos and disorder as well as the personification of evil in ancient Egypt. This rare figurine of Seth depicts him with a distinctive curving snout.

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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 A Dialogue with Mondrian: Xue Song Solo Exhibition Until 25 Apr, 11am-7pm daily Iconic contemporary Chinese artist Xue Song will be showcasing his most recent series of works featuring 13 Mondrian inspired collages.

Xue Song marries Mondrian’s graphic approach with his own and emphasizes the iconic vertical black lines and three primary colours.

MOCA @ Loewen, 27A Loewen Road BECOME IRON MAN 19 Apr - 5 May, 10am-10pm Before the upcoming release of Marvel’s Iron Man 3, Marvel Studio uses ground-breaking motion-sensor technology to allow users to take on the role of legendary comic book and movie hero Tony Stark as he assembles and tests the new Mark 42 armour.

Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria Street

BUT IS THE BOOK BETTER: PRIDE AND PREJUDICE (1940) 15 & 21 Apr, 7.30pm On the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice, the Arts House pays tribute to Jane Austen with a two-month focus on the film adaptations of her most famous works, starting with her classic Pride and Prejudice. Revered as a timeless literary figure, Austen’s power lies in her witty

Other mummies Among the other mummies on display in the exhibition is the mummy of Tjayasetimu.

A singer in the temple of Amun, Tjayasetimu died when she was still a child, around 800 BC. Her carefully embalmed body has been enclosed in a cartonnage case representing her with the golden face of a divine being, and with her hands, feet and arms partly freed from the traditional mummy wrappings. Also present in the exhibition are mummies of animals, such as that of a kitten and an Ibis bird from the Roman Period (after 30 BC).

Hands-on activities A host of engaging and handson opportunities for visitors of all ages to enhance their experience awaits, including an interactive Embalming Workshop.

The workshop will shed light on the various steps and rituals that comprised the embalming, mummification, and cartonnage procedures of that time.

Family visitors will also be able to take part in a speciallydesigned exhibition quest through age-appropriate activity bags containing a host of engaging activities and tools directly related to the artefacts on display.

An immersive experience All in all, the exhibition explores the mysterious rituals of life, death and the afterlife in ancient Egypt and allows visitors rare, detailed, interactive and technologically-advanced glimpses into the ancient Egyptian civilisation unlike anything previously seen in Southeast Asia.

Tickets are on sale now.

Visit www.marinabaysands.com/ ArtScienceMuseum ArtScience Museum, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956

and clever dialogue as well as her keen observations of gender and class. The screenplay is by Aldous Huxley, a prominent English writer who has also adapted Jane Eyre into the silver screen.

Screening Room, The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane Cold Storage Kids Run 19 May, 7am-12.30pm Come support your kids at this run, which will feature 14 categories including a new noncompetitive category – the 3GEN Family Chase, where children between seven to 12 years old will walk 800m with their parent and grandparent. It aims to promote a healthy lifestyle for the family and encourage bonding through exercise. There will also be a Pledge-A-Shoe project which raises funds to provide children in developing countries with new shoes.

Visit www.kidsrun.com.sg The Padang, Connaught Drive Creating Together 18 Apr - 9 May, 10am-6pm (except 1.30-2.30pm), closed on Mon & public holidays This collective visual art exhibition brings together works from several disciplines such as sound, photography, painting, and sculpture. It is by the faculty members of Visual Arts and Visual Communication Design Program at Sabancı University of Turkey.

Institute of Contemporary Arts Singapore, Lasalle College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street Every Child A Gift: Exhibition by Singapore Children’s Society Until 6 Jun, library hours Singapore Children’s Society is presenting a Heritage Corner Exhibit that features the Society's history, to commemorate its 60 years of commitment in bringing relief to children in need.

A commemorative book can be borrowed from the libraries.

National Library Building Promenade, Level 9, 100 Victoria Street Fostering Road Show 19-21Apr, 10.30am-9pm If you love children and want to help care for foster children in need of a temporary home, head down to find out more about Singapore’s fostering scheme in this road show by the Ministry of Social and Family Development.

Bring your family and children along - there will also be free balloons and caricature sketches for your family. For

Sarcophagus of Nesperennub

more information, please visit www.msf.gov.sg/fostering or call Ministry of Social and Family Development Fostering Scheme at 6354 8799.

Atrium, United Square Shopping Mall, 101 Thomson Road Get To Know Singapore Competition Apr - Oct, various timings Sign up for this competition where teams of four pit themselves against one another in a series of games from eight categories that the organiser Singapore Federation of Chinese Clan Associations (SFCCA) believes are the main pillars of the Singapore spirit. Registration is free and closes on 30 Apr. Visit www.knowsingapore.sg Various locations

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April 19 - 25, 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.

Meet Maranna Chan, author of Triple Nine Sleuths 20 Apr, 2-3pm Meet author Maranna Chan of the mystery series for young adults, Triple Nine Sleuths. She will be sharing the inspiration behind her first book for young adults, Triple Nine Sleuths: Dangerous Limelight. Take part in a detective game with the author to win limited edition Triple Nine Sleuths prizes. Get your copies autographed by Maranna Chan. Please produce the relevant receipt upon requesting for her autograph.

Prologue, 2 Orchard Turn, #04-16, ION Orchard My Home, My Library Until 29 Apr, library hours A series of exhibitions chronicles memories of neighbourhoods of yesteryear to provide Singaporeans with a nostalgic look at the past. Organised by the Singapore Memory Project, the exhibition features contributions from a collection drive held at the public libraries last year, where members of the public were invited to contribute their recollections of their neighbourhoods and libraries.

Visit www.singaporememory.sg.

Various locations NGC-NEA Eco-Run 2013 20 April, 8am-12pm National Geographic Channel partners the National Environment Agency to launch their first Eco-Run to promote recycling efforts and awareness of environmental sustainability among youths aged 13 to 25.

Youths can choose to run either 2.5km or 5km. An eco-concert and carnival will be held, as well as an art competition for primary school students themed "My Clean Singapore".

Bishan–Ang Mo Kio Park OCBC Cycle Singapore 2013 26 Apr (10am–10pm), 27 Apr (9am–9pm), 28 Apr (5am–12pm) OCBC Cycle Singapore 2013 offers ride categories for all ages and levels of cyclists.

If you are not cycling, you can enjoy the carnival activities and atmosphere, or cheer for others.

Visit ocbc.cyclesingapore.com.sg F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Boulevard Our Planet’s Forgotten Treasures 20 & 21 Apr, (self-guided) Explore Dragonfly Lake and Cloud Forest with a map. Learn about the threats that endanger our planet, as well as the role which plants play. You can also search for different bioindicators of pollution.

Dragonfly Lake and Cloud Forest, 18 Marina Gardens Drive Public Garden Flea Market 27-28 Apr, 1-7pm In conjunction with Bras Basah Bugis Precinct, Public Garden is holding an arts flea market within the National Museum of Singapore. Spanning over two levels, browse the mix of knickknacks, vintage items, jewellery as well as locally-designed goods and magazines.

National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Rd RAW: IN:dex 15 & 16 May, 8pm IN:dex is a performance installation exploring space through a conversation of light, sound and spatial elements.

Three artists of three different disciplines interact with one another during their creative process through text and images, only revealing their final pieces to one another during the performances. Email raw@ esplanade.com with your contact details for tickets.

1 Esplanade Drive Singapore Chinese Orchestra @ Gardens by the Bay 27 Apr, 6-7pm Recharge over this weekend in the midst of music and nature. If you have not yet visited Gardens by the Bay, head down on 27 Apr as the Singapore Chinese Orchestra will be bringing you an impressive outdoor performance. Be enchanted by the lively sounds of the orchestra as you unwind in the magnificence of the Supertrees.

Supertree Grove, Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive

Sojourn 4-21 Apr, 11am-8pm After their 2012 London Olympic Games showcase, awardwinning ceramist Dr Wee HongLing and photographer Yap Lay Bee are showing their works in Singapore for the first time.

Hong Ling’s ceramic houses and Lay Bee’s monochrome photographs form an impression collage of terrain and locales they have travelled to.

Box Office Foyer, The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane STILL LIFE ‘ORGANICA’ 20 Apr - 20 May, 10am-6pm (Mon-Sat), Sun by appointment Singapore artist Bary Cha Cha presents seven photographic works complemented by still life installations specially set up to amplify the layered dimensions of the art on the walls. It depicts photographic moments created in collaboration with nature.

Email art@artforum.com.sg or call 6737 3448 for enquiries.

82 Cairnhill Road The Apartment Stage Show and Live Auditions 20 Apr, 11am-7pm Reality TV show The Apartment is returning with live auditions for the first time. Come meet the host, Jamie Durie, get design tips for your dream home and enjoy a fashion show featuring Singapore fashion label Zardoze’s Spring/ Summer collection. Exclusive tickets to the Zardoze Audi Fashion Festival and pieces from Zardoze’s Holiday collection will also be given away. Visit www.theapartmenttv.com Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, 391 Orchard Road

ticketed admission

After The Event 21 Apr, 4pm, 7pm, $20 (concession), $25 Directed by Richard Webster and featuring an expatriate cast, Chris Fitzsimmons' comedy is a contemporary story of love and loss, the people we think we are and a bag of sugar. The production will surprise the audience with their exploration of their thoughts, relationships and chequered pasts.

Tickets include one complimentary post-production drink at the Caffé B Bar up to a week after the show’s run. Email office@caffeb.com.sg for tickets.

Substation Theatre, 45 Armenian Street CEA-CASE Consumer Seminar 2013 27 Apr, 10am-1pm, $10 Council for Estate Agencies and the Consumers Association of Singapore are organising the inaugural CEA-CASE Consumer Seminar, themed “Safeguarding Consumer Interests in Property Transactions”.

It will inform consumers of points to note when handling property transactions, consumers’ rights and responsibilities, the outlook of the residential property market and implications of the latest cooling measures, current housing loan regulations and the types of mortgage packages available.

NTUC Auditorium, NTUC Centre, Level 7, 1 Marina Boulevard Coheed and Cambria Live in Singapore Apr 23, 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 touring for their most recent album Violent Waves. Coheed and Cambria are touring in support of their epic two-part series, The Afterman. Tickets from Sistic.

The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, 39 Artillery Ave

DBS Marina Bay Sailing Programme Various days and times DBS collaborates with Singapore Sailing Federation to offer the experience of sailing, to the public, on the last Saturday of every month from Apr to Nov 2013, with 7 sessions per Saturday. Four people are allowed on each boat, with a skipper to guide. You will be able to see Marina Bay Sands, Singapore’s new financial downtown, Customs House, the Merlion and the Helix Bridge during the sailing experience.

Visit www.dbs.com/community/ dbsmarinabaysailing to register.

DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE 24 May - 16 Jun, 8pm (Tue-Sun), $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.

Grand Theatre, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave 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 FairPrice Walks With U 29 Jun, 8am, $12, $15; $43, $55 (group of four) Sign up for a 4km walkathon from the Marina Barrage to Gardens by the Bay, for a good cause.

FairPrice Foundation will pledge $100 in FairPrice vouchers for every registered participant.

This amount will go to families who have qualified for assistance

schemes. Register at www. whatsupatfairprice.com.sg/walk Marina Barrage, 260 Marina Way GITANJALI: ANTHOLOGY 26 & 27 Apr, 8pm–9.30pm, $35 Carnatic Music is a technically and artistically sophisticated system of music that lies at the heart of the rich cultural heritage of South India. Join Sushma Somasekharan, a Carnatic Vocalist, on a musical journey that will present an eclectic mix of Tamil, Kannada, Telugu, Sanskrit, Malayalam and Marati songs written by some of India’s greatest classical composers. Call 6337 7800 or email boxoffice@ substation.org for tickets.

Substation Theatre, 45 Armenian Street

Hello Paige!

1–3 May & 7–9 May, 9.30am, 11am; 4-5 May, 11am, 2pm, 4pm, $15 Join little Paige and her adorable kitten, Neko, as together they follow mysterious sounds. Help them to find each other when they get lost on their adventure. In this production, children can also learn

EVENT

adjectives to describe sounds and find out how they themselves can be heard and seen too.

Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive

Of Divine Love: An Evening of Persian Music 20 Apr, 8.30pm, $35 Explore the rich heritage of Persian music derived from Persian poetry with Hamid Reza Nourbakhsh, a famous vocalist who will keep you spellbound by the connections he makes to link music and verse, poem with poem. This is one of the programmes in Esplanade’s A Tapestry of Sacred Music festival.

Tickets from Sistic.

Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive Perfume Appreciation Workshop by Code Deco 30 Apr, 10.30am-1pm, $150 This multi-sensory workshop covers how we perceive smell and its effect on mood, the perfumer’s palette and fragrance construction, the classic fragrance families of cologne, chypre, fougere and oriental, as well as the entire creative process of developing perfumes.

Visit www.codedeco.com.sg The Screening Room, 12 Ann Siang Road

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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.

Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales 29 May - 2 Jun, 5pm (Wed-Fri); 11am, 2pm, 5pm (Sat & Sun), $38, $48, $58 Under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle, these terrific tales are woven together with live music, puppetry and a whole host of colourful characters. Funky moves, toe-tapping tunes and giggles guaranteed. Tickets from Sistic.

DBS Arts Centre, 20 Merbau Rd

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04 • WEEKENDER • April 19 - 25, 2013

E HAPPIER

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

The young Bindi shows great confidence even when handling large animals

Bindi planting a tree in Gardens by the Bay with her brother, Robert, and Mr Phillip Green, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore

Bindi Irwin in Singapore Australian wildlife conservationist and Discovery Kids star plants tree

Jungle Girl to

In between filming of Bindi’s Boot Camp

Wildlife Warrior Bindi Irwin may be known as the Croc Hunter’s daughter, or the Jungle Girl, but she has since matured into a Wildlife Warrior. We caught up with her when she was in singapore

with the koala, the rhino, the giraffe, etc.

When they touch and feel these animals, it touches them inside.

And when I watch that, it touches me. It is something that connects with the soul, and it is nice to watch. Many think it’s about little

Bindi and her brother, Robert, at the Australia Zoo

By Lester J Wan

O

nce the adorable little girl seen with her father, Steve Irwin, The Crocodile Hunter, Bindi Irwin has since grown and matured from Jungle Girl to passionate Wildlife Warrior.

Today, she is a prominent wildlife conservationist and Discovery Kids star.

Bindi was in Singapore last Thursday, where she planted a Queensland Bottle Tree in Gardens by the Bay, and visited the Singapore Zoo on Saturday.

The tree-planting ceremony recognised her achievements in promoting wildlife conservation.

We had a great time catching up with Bindi, her brother, Robert, and her mom, Terri.

I found out that you are trained in mixed martial arts and jujitsu. How did that come about?

Bindi: A couple of years back, mom and dad had a few friends who were involved in mixed martial arts. Apart from selfdefence and a whole lot of fun, it comes in handy when dealing with the crocs!

What has been your strangest or funniest moment on the job?

B: When we were filming a segment called the “Dangerous Dash” for Bindi’s Boot Camp, it was in front of the African Savannah enclosure. We were filming in front of rhinos, giraffes and zebras and all. All of a sudden, the director screams, “Cut!” We were all left wondering what happened.

Soon after, we realised there were two rhinos demonstrating the birds and the bees just behind us! This went on for a really long time, and we had to wait for them.

If you had a time machine, when and where would you go?

B: I would go to see Hemingway.

He had such an interesting view on life. His interpretation of life is fascinating.

Which has been the most beautiful moment in your life?

B: When my brother, Robert, was born. For me to have become a sister. It was beautiful to hold this life in your hands. I remember

asking, “When is he going to play with me?” Now, we are best friends and he can even run faster than me!

What would you say is the high point of your life now?

B: Living in the Australia Zoo, we have so many visitors. We are also the most hands-on zoo in the world. For me, the best thing is watching these people connect with the animals. There’ve been a few people who’ve come who were not conservation-minded and, when they came, they connected

As husband and wife Daniel and Lacy Barrett (played by Josh Hamilton and Keri Russell) witness an escalating series of disturbing events involving their family, their safe and peaceful home quickly unravels.

When it becomes clear that the Barretts are being targeted by an unimaginably terrifying and deadly force, Daniel and Lacy take matters in their own hands to protect their family and to solve the mystery of what is after them.

Everyday Fears Dark Skies is a psychological thriller about a suburban family whose lives become a nightmare when a mysterious alien presence invades their home to prey upon them. In developing the concept, Director Scott Stewart wanted to take a microcosmic view of the typical alien invasion story.

Instead of a large-scale

global event that we usually see in films, Dark Skies centres around only one family and the neighbourhood in which they live.

“My favourite scary movies are the ones that operate mostly in the realm of the psychological, where the bogeyman gives voice to everyday fears. In the case of Dark Skies, the everyday fears start out as common suburban anxieties. Will I be able to provide for my family? Will I lose my home? Am I raising my children right? Then, as the aliens begin to make their presence felt, these same everyday anxieties become nightmarishly severe for our characters,” explains Stewart.

The inspiration The inspiration for Dark Skies came from a number of places.

Stewart had been thinking about parents that became villains in the public consciousness

furry creatures. Ultimately, it’s about people.

How do you feel when people ask you about your father or when you see clips of him?

B: It is emotional. When you lose someone, you lose a piece of your heart you can never get back, but there are two options: you can crawl into a dark corner and forget it all, or you can dust yourself off and make sure that all he lived and died for continues.

However, unlike other people

“Soon after, we realised there were two rhinos demonstrating the birds and the bees just behind us!”

Dark Skies: Supernatural thriller From the producer of Paranormal Activity, Insidious, and Sinister comes a supernatural thriller that follows a young family in the suburbs

Terri: My instruction to everyone upon Steve’s death was to “carry on everything as if he were still here”. There was no need for people to ask if they could use his image, his videos, etc. Steve wasn’t about being remembered. He was about his message, and what he stood for being remembered. W Bindi can be seen on Discovery Kids’ Bindi’s Boot Camp: Reboot and Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors. Also, check out www. dkids.asia/event/Bindi-IrwinsAnimal-Adventure

because they were suspected of committing un-provable crimes against their children, such as Jon Benet Ramsey’s parents and with Casey Anthony.

In most cases, the parents’ claims of innocence are met with justified scepticism by the public.

These cases got Stewart wondering: “What if an otherworldly force invaded your home to prey upon your children and no one believed you?”

The public scepticism would be understandably even greater toward such parents because the reason would be so unbelievable.

But, what if the parents were telling the truth? That seemed like a compelling scenario from which to develop a scary story.

For the neighbourhood setting, Stewart drew inspiration from his childhood growing up in the suburbs of Northern California in

MOVIE PREVIEW

who may only have a few photos of their loved ones, we have a selection of videos – his whole life is documented. This serves as a great reminder when memory fades. We actually watch “daddy DVDs” every morning and night.

the late 1970s and 1980s.

“To me, it seemed like a safe little world behind a veil of protection. But, every once in a while, some tragedy would happen in the neighbourhood – a car accident, a domestic dispute, a teen suicide – that would reveal

how illusory that veil really was. I wanted to imbue the film with a similar sense of unease,” he says.

The Greys In keeping with the concept that the aliens in the film known as the Greys are more of a force of nature than a physical antagonist, Stewart designed them to be rarely seen and, when we do see them, it’s always in silhouette.

“This approach helped me play into the truism of scary movies, that it’s always what you don’t see that’s scariest,” says Stewart.

Dark Skies [PG13] Director: Scott Stewart Starring: Keri Russell, Josh Hamilton, JK Simmons, Kadan Rockett Genre: Thriller, Sci-Fi Run Time: 97 min Release Date: 18 Apr

“Daniel and Lacy take matters in their own hands to protect their family and to solve the mystery of what is after them.”

Bindi, addressing the media with great poise

Bindi Irwin planted a Queensland Bottle Tree in the upcoming Far East Organisation Children’s Garden in Gardens by the Bay. This tree-planting recognises the 14-year-old Bindi’s achievements in promoting wildlife conservation.

The ceremony also commemorates Bindi’s role in the upcoming Discovery Kids programme, Steve Irwin’s Wildlife Warriors, which features the Irwin family’s efforts toward continuing the late Steve Irwin’s legacy of wildlife conservation.

The tree-planting was witnessed by Bindi’s mother, Terri, her nine-year-old brother, Robert, and Mr Philip Green, Australian High Commissioner to Singapore.

She also announced the launch of a wildlife conservation initiative between Discovery Kids and Australia Zoo Wildlife Warriors, inviting Singapore kids to follow in her footsteps and be involved in protecting wildlife and the environment.

For more, go to www.dkids.asia

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MOVIE PREVIEW

Drug War: Wits and twists This fast-paced movie about undercover police pursuing a drug lord comes with a surprising twist Synopsis Cai, a Hong Kong man, has been hospitalised for chemical poisoning after he got into a car accident. A mainland Chinese police inspector, Zhang, comes across him in the hospital, and suspects that something is amiss.

It turns out that Inspector Zhang is right, as he discovers that Cai is a drug manufacturer with close links with the notorious drug lord, Li. To save his own skin, Cai decides to work with Zhang to arrest Li by facilitating Zhang’s disguise as a buyer to lure Li into a drug deal.

Twists and turns Just before this undercover operation is about to pay off, Zhang finds out, all too late, that the relationship between Cai and Li isn’t as simple as he thought.

Instead of playing Cai as a pawn in this battle of wits, he himself has been a pawn in Cai’s game all along.

If you like gunfire exchanges, there are several in this visceral film, and many suspense-filled moments to accompany them.

The film was recently awarded the Grand Prize at the Beaune 5th Festival International du Film Policier in France.

The stars Sun Honglei plays Zhang, the police inspector, and is best known to Asian fans for his roles in Seven Swords, Blood Brothers

and If You Are the One 2. He has also won several awards for his stage work.

Louis Koo plays drug manufacturer Cai, who is connected to the drug lord Li. He has acted in over 70 movies including Tsui Hark’s The Legend of Zu and Derek Yee’s Protége.

Koo has forged a close working relationship with director Johnnie To, after having collaborated with him on several Cannes film entries such as Triangle and Election I & II, Venice International Film Festival entry Accident in 2009, and Don’t Go Breaking My Heart in 2011.

Renowned director One of the most prolific directors and producers, Johnnie To has received international acclaim for films such as Running Out of Time and Fulltime Killer.

In 2004, his film Breaking News was in the 57th Cannes Film Festival (Official Selection). His subsequent works were shortlisted in prestigious international film festivals in Venice and Bernice from 2008 to 2011. To has also received Best Director awards around the world.

Drug War [NC16] Director: Johnnie To Starring: Louis Koo, Sun Honglei, Wallace Chung, Michelle Ye Genre: Action, Thriller Run Time: 108 min Release date: 18 Apr

april 19 - 25, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 05

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

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Veira:

FASHIO

Fash Snips

unique and quirky

Here are some stirrings in the fashion world that you would need, want and love to know about Fashion Your Own Runway@313

Local label Veira makes waves with unique designs and quirkiness

In conjunction with Fashion Steps Out, 313@Somerset is hunting for fashion aficionados with a flair for style. Presenting the Spring Stylists Search, the mall is offering shoppers a chance to style a runway show with a professional stylist.

To participate, pair up and submit pictures of yourself in the most stylish Spring looks to 313somerset@lendlease.com.

The winning team will have its creations donned by models.

From 29 Mar to 12 May.

By Cheryl Chia

Veira @ Sky Room, Haji Lane

“Channelling works of art, Southern belle charm and even postal mail, Veira’s bags are definitely prominent.”

W

omen have an almost-love affair with their tote bags and purses. Each one is unique and designed for a specific purpose: work or play.

Veira combines both to create a quirky style that would take you from the office to the streets.

When one first visits Veira’s website, the playful nature of the products and store speaks for itself with trompe l’oeil printed bags, envelope clutches with a ‘wax seal’ as well as bucket bags and even Air Mail vacation cases.

Veira was born in 2010 out of a love for handbags, and an odd obsession with paper bags. A spokeswoman for Veira says, “Handbags are not merely functional items that help ladies carry our necessary belongings around, but it is also a significant preference in succeeding the fashion style we desire. Although, secretly, we believe it has a lot to do with our obsession with paper bags since we were young!”

Their bags are inspired by vintage silhouettes infused

with a contemporary touch.

Recognising the need for individuality and character, Veira bags were created for fashionsmart women, bold enough to be themselves. Channelling works of art, Southern belle charm and even postal mail, Veira’s bags are definitely prominent.

We especially like the trompe l’oeil - translated from French as optical illusion – bags which have leather lining and canvas uppers with the silk-screened print of a the bag on the actual bag.

“We stumbled upon an interesting painting at The Getty Center, Los Angeles, while we were traveling around. Hunting on the Lagoon by Vittore Carpaccio is part of the European painting collection which brilliantly depicted the trompe l'oeil concept. We thought, injecting the visual trickery could add a zest of whimsical touch and a double-take on the designs,” she says.

Veira is also currently working on launching the Autumn/Winter line of bags later in the year.

She says, “We are working towards participating in international trade shows, opening our concept store and

Porsche design collaboration opportunities with magazines or interesting lifestyle brands to create something exciting.”

They were previously located at Parco Next Next at Millenia Walk; the brand has since moved out of the premises but can be found in stores such as Antipodean, The Eleventh Hour at Parco and Skyroom @ at Haji Lane. Prices range from $29 to $299. W Visit www.iloveveira.com for more.

The German luxury brand’s first women’s handbag will be available in all Porsche Design Stores around the world, and in the official online store. The TwinBag is distinguished by its unique design and exclusive leather materials and crafted by workers in Florence.

Its adjustable handles allow the TwinBag to be worn as either a handbag or a shoulder bag. The fittings are made from precious metals, such as gold, white gold, rose gold, matt gold, silver and chrome. It is available at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.

David Beckham visits fans in Berlin

Around 250 fans were given the chance to meet David through H&M’s Facebook page in Berlin, and waited inside the store while David greeted the crowds who had gathered both outside and inside the mall. He also signed products from his body-wear range for H&M.

Celio opens two more stores

Great travel promos &

N

packages

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10

French menswear label Celio will be opening two more stores at Suntec City and JEM in May. Within a year from its first store opening in CityLink Mall, Celio currently will now have six outlets in CityLink Mall, Bugis+, Plaza Singapura, Takashimaya Shopping centre, Suntec City and JEM. Celio is part of the Jaygee Melwani group which also brings in brands such as Dockers, New Look and Aeropostale.

HEALTH & BEAUTY Beauty snippets: From the inside out The short and long of the beauty industry for this week Brand’s Innershine

Reveal younger-looking skin with the new RubyCollagen Essence range

by Brand’s Innershine. Formulated for Asian skin, the blend of microcollagen peptides and Astaxanthin is a proprietary skin nutrient that promotes firmer and more youthful skin.

Replenishing collagen levels is necessary to support the structural foundation of the skin against rays of the sun.

RubyCollagen Essence retails at $57 at leading personal care stores.

Crabtree & Evelyn

With Mother’s Day coming, surprise yours with this limited edition Hand Therapy Paint Tin Box to ensure those hardworking hands are pampered. She deserves it.

With 12 wonderfullysmelling hand creams, this indulgent floral-inspired collectible tin will make the prefect present. The limited edition Hand Therapy Paint Tin Box retails for $88.

Dior Addict Gloss

“Colour is indispensable to beauty. Lipstick is a fashion accessory,” said Christian Dior.

Dior Addict Gloss provides a touch of shine and fashion.

This creative, addictive accessory lets you have fun with the latest trends. Coming in shimmering, glittery and shiny finishes, the 24 shades available will provide you with a colour for every mood. Dior Addict Gloss retails for $44.

Decoding

the scent of personality

Artisanal perfumery Code Deco makes its debut in Singapore

By Cheryl Chia Clio

Sandara Park, better known as Dara from Korean girl band 2NE1, signs on as the new face of Clio, portraying two different sides of her to show the versatility of Clio’s cosmetics.

The Gelspresso waterproof gel liner makes for the easy creation of various looks. Its new colours, Bloody Angel, Bloody Sweet and Bloody Devil ($18.90) are available at selected Watsons stores.

The frequently underestimated sense of smell can actually conjure up images both pleasant and otherwise. The smell of freshly-baked cookies or bread brings to mind pastries cooling on a windowsill, whereas a rubbish dump conjures up a completely different image altogether.

That’s what Gauri Garodia, founder of artisanal perfumery brand Code Deco,

feels and intends to achieve with her brand.

“Since images speak more eloquently than words, I’ve chosen a different image to name and communicate the personality of each fragrance so that customers can easily relate to them,” she says.

Her brand currently comprises three collections entitled Jazz, Feminite and Detour, all three with very different personalities.

With 12 different scents to choose

from, you’ll find one to fit your personality for sure.

We personally like the Feminite – Eaux de Jasmine, Eaux de Rose, Juliette, and George – collection the best, especially Juliette. The floral fragrance is given an uplifting scent of citrus and green tea for a light touch.

Jazz – inspired by the freespirited nature of the music – carries smoky scents that remind one of the speakeasies of the 1930s, with gin-based cocktails and wood interiors, and Detour evokes memories and dreams of fantastical journeys around the world. If you like masculine musky scents, the Detour collection would suit you just fine.

Gauri started off her perfumery career with the Indian arm of Unilever and quickly rose through the ranks.

Eventually, she started her own fragrance consultancy company, then launched Code Deco.

“Drawing inspiration from my love of literature, travel, music and art, I have spent the past three years crafting and refining the range of 12 fragrances for Code Deco. I want to share my expertise and passion of fine perfumery and also allow people to understand and decode the mysticism behind perfumes so they can celebrate their personality and individualism with these creations,” she elaborates.

“Fragrances are not just about the pretty girl or the handsome boy. I believe that perfumes are a versatile and subtle way of celebrating your personality and individualism,” she says.

Visit www.codedeco.com.sg to purchase, and for more information on upcoming perfume workshops.

F

06 • WEEKENDER • APRIL 19 - 25, 2013

OOD

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

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RECIPE

Finally,

Vermicelli Roll with Pig's Liver

The long-awaited Michelin-starred dim sum restaurant Tim Ho Wan has finally reached our shores

By Cheryl Chia Baked Bun with Barbecued Pork

Moelleux au Chocolat (Molten Chocolate Cake)

Also known as the molten chocolate cake, the Moelleux au Chocolat is a recipe that I tried over the weekend with deliciously decadent results

By Cheryl Chia Trust the French to know how to live it up. The French are famous for their cuisine but their desserts are sometimes overlooked. This is one reason why you shouldn’t.

Ingredients • 4 eggs • 200g of dark chocolate • 160g of sugar • 40g of white flour • 200g of butter • Ramekins or Chawanmushi cups (I replaced the white sugar with light muscovado and I used the Cadbury Old Gold dark chocolate.)

3. Pour the mixture into greased ramekins, or in my case, chawanmushi cups, and freeze it for at least 4 hours or until it sets.

4. Bake for 20 minutes at 210 degrees when ready to serve. I whittled down the baking time to 15 minutes for the chawanmushi cups, as they have a thicker ceramic base that retain heat longer. From experience, leaving them in for 20 minutes cooks the insides way too much.

5. Enjoy your Moelleux au Chocolat with a dollop of fresh cream or ice cream of your choice. Dust with powdered sugar for that gourmet touch.

Steamed Egg Cake

S

Method 1. Melt the chocolate in a bain-marie with butter and sugar. Stir with a wooden spoon until smooth. A bain-marie is a fancy way of saying hot water bath. Simply place the bowl inside a larger pot of hot (not boiling) water to help melt the ingredients.

2. Whisk the four eggs and pour it into the chocolate mixture, slowly. Stir.

Chef Mak Kwai Pui ensures that Tim Ho Wan's dim sum in Singapore are made-to-order. Just like in the Hong Kong Outlet

Taste delicious crab in the neighbourhood

ince it was announced a couple of months back that the one Michelin star dim sum restaurant Tim Ho Wan was coming to Singapore, the increasing media buzz created growing anticipation of its opening on Apr 10. The dim sum does not disappoint.

Located in the new extension of Plaza Singapura, you can definitely expect to see snaking queues much like the one in Hong Kong – patrons wait up to two hours to get a taste of Tim Ho Wan. The menu is not as extensive as the original outlet, but the signature favourites are in town.

Their famous Baked Bun with BBQ Pork ($4.50 for three) with its sweet polo bun-like crust and sweet char siew on the inside is heavenly. Another portion of that please! Under the Four Heavenly Kings section of the menu, apart from the bun, the section includes the Steamed Egg Cake ($3.80), Vermicelli Roll with Pig’s Liver ($5.50) and the Pan Fried Carrot Cake ($4.50).

The carrot cake is uniquetasting, with pieces of Chinese sausage and dried prawns encased within. Cut into it and pieces of soft radish actually break off. Not bad indeed. If you are a fan of chee cheong fun, give

Gourmet Delights

at Peony Jade

While Chilli Crab is a local favourite, and is often synonymous with opulent Chinese restaurants, you can get this delicious dish in the heartland too

Relish Cantonese and Szechuan delicacies with your loved ones this Mothers’ Day Signature Beijing Duck in Crepe

Uncle Leong Seafood bucks the trend, having been founded in an unassuming, modest coffee shop in the bustling Ang Mo Kio estate. Despite its humble beginnings, Uncle Leong Seafood has made a name for itself as one of the must-go places for crab.

Thanks to its signature recipe, it has fast been gaining popularity since its first public taste in 2002. Now, Uncle Leong counts among its clientele both locals and foreigners, including a group of IMF delegates who filled five tables recently.

Uncle Leong Seafood starts serving up its delectable offerings from 4pm daily. When you go, make sure you order Uncle Leong’s famous Shimmering Sand Crab Delight, which features succulent crabs drizzled with Uncle Leong’s signature sauce, topped with a sprinkle of oats.

Its inviting aroma alone already is mouth-watering. When you dig in, the taste of fresh crab flesh complements the wonderful combination of flavours, and will definitely leave you longing for more.

If your appetite for seafood has not yet been satiated, consider Punggol branch: 6 Tebing Lane, #01-03, Punggol East, Singapore 828835; Tel: 6441 1848 Toa Payoh branch: 15 Lorong 8 Toa Payoh, Braddell Tech, Singapore 319262; Tel: 6554 3453

ordering their Crab Bee-Hoon and Champagne Pork Ribs. If the queue is anything to go by, their seafood offerings will not leave you disappointed.

For crab lovers living in the West who find it a hassle to travel to Punggol, Uncle Leong Seafood Restaurant will be opening a new branch at block 262, Jurong East Street 24, in mid to end-April.

“Uncle Leong Seafood has made a name for itself as one of the must go places for crab.”

Now is a good time to take your family there for a crab feast, since you can get $10 off for every $100 spent in the restaurant. 

WEEKENDER CUT-OUT VOUCHER

GET

$10 OFF

FOR EVERY $100 SPENT

@ UNCLE LEONG

SEAFOOD

Mothers’ Day is round the corner. If you are planning on a buffet dinner to show your appreciation for your mother, look no further - bring her to a sumptuous feast at Peony Jade.

With the first outlet in busy Clarke Quay and a second outlet nestled in the scenic Keppel Club, Peony Jade has been catering to picky eaters, and satisfying palates since it opened in 2004.

Their management focuses on providing a holistic culinary experience, so you can expect their seasoned chefs to serve up dishes that are not just a gastronomic experience, but also a visual feast.

If your mum is health conscious, this is a good place to dine at. With their distinctive style of making classic Cantonese cuisine, the team and chefs believe in letting the natural flavours of the ingredients shine through without using artificial flavouring like MSG. Besides allowing diners to enjoy the unadulterated taste of the food, they also use only the freshest and finest ingredients available. Their signature dishes include Double-Boiled Superior Shark’s Fin with Cabbage in Superior Stock, and Szechuan Camphor Wood-Smoked Duck.

Celebrate an early Mothers’ Day this year with their Divine Ala Carte with Durian Fiesta Desserts Buffet Dinner, which is available on May 3, 4 and 5. If mum favours a little Japanese food, an assortment of maki and sushi awaits.

Peony Jade Mao Shan Wang Durian Cake

After that, tuck in to their other specialty dishes such as Braised Premier Shark’s Fin Bouillon with Hand-Peeled Fresh Crabmeat.

If she prefers roasted meat, the Danggui Roasted Duck or Roasted Crispy Chicken with Chef’s Noble Sauce is sure to satiate her appetite.

After the mains, end off the feast with their glorious spread of lip-smacking durian desserts to leave a sweet aftertaste. This, after all, is the taste of home.

This menu costs $72.80++ per adult, and $36.40++ per child between six to ten years old.

You can also consider their Divine Dim Sum Brunch with Durian Fiesta Desserts Buffet on May 11 and 12 ($68.80++ per adult, $34++ per child). These two specials are exclusively available at the Keppel Club outlet, and not the Clarke Quay outlet.

Signature Liu Sha Bao Custard Buns

Peony-Jade @ Keppel Club Bukit Chermin Road, Keppel Club, Singapore 109918 Reservations Tel: 6276 9138 Operating hours: 11am-2.30pm (Mon-Fri), 10am-2.30pm (Sat, Sun & public holiday) for classic Cantonese lunch and haute dim sum; 6pm-11pm for Classic Cantonese Ala Carte and Set Menus Peony-Jade @ Clarke Quay Blk 3A, #02-02 (above Royal Selangor, coming in from Tan Tye Gate, opposite Novotel Clarke Quay), Clarke Quay, Singapore 129020 Reservations Tel: 6338 0305 Operating hours: 11am-2.30pm daily (Mon-Sun & public holiday) for Classic Szechuan-Cantonese lunch and haute dim sum; 6pm11pm daily for Classic SzechuanCantonese Ala Carte and Set Menus Dinner

APRIL 19 - 25, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 07

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

FOO

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Tim Ho Wan! “The menu is not as extensive as the original outlet, but the signature favourites are in town.”

Pan Fried Carrot Cake

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf's new bistro concept

Dine at the Beanstro The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf’s new dine-in concept makes for a good bite in town

By Cheryl Chia

Spring Rolls with Egg White

Prawn Dumplings

Pork Dumplings with Shrimp

the pig’s liver roll a try. I preferred the Vermicelli Roll with Shrimp ($5.50).

The soft, steamed cake – also known as ma lai ko, locally – tastes fluffier and lighter than the Singaporean or Malaysian version and is also worth a try.

Other dishes on the menu include crowd pleasers such as Prawn Dumplings ($5.50 for four), Pork Dumplings with Shrimp ($5) and fried Beancurd Roll with Shrimp ($5.50). The prawn dumplings remained springy and not tough or sticky, even after being out for some time Interesting additions include

the Dumpling Teochew Style ($4) filled with meat and chives and the Beef Ball with Beancurd Skin ($4.20) which is great paired with their own chilli sauce. More filling options such as Rice with Beef & Fried Egg ($6) and Rice with Chicken Feet and Pork Rib ($6) are also available.

Chef Mak Kwai Pui, the artisan at the helm, will make it a point to return to the Singaporean outlet every quarter in order to ensure the quality of his brand. Chef Fung Kam Tim, a long-time friend of Chef Mak’s, who is taking care of the Singapore outlet, hails from a “high-end hotel” prior to this.

Rib Eye Steak

Seafood Wrapped in Cartoccio

Grilled Ahi Tuna Nicoise

Chef Mak says that despite Singaporean’s love for dim sum, there is not an eatery here that offers authentic Hong Kong-style dim sum. He hopes to bridge the gap while regaling Singaporeans with his dainty dim sum synonymous with Tim Ho Wan. The dim sum at Tim Ho Wan is made to order, not premade, and it shows in the texture and freshness of the ingredients.

Tim Ho Wan does not accept reservations, and customers are seated on a first-come-first-serve basis. To cope with the snaking queues, patrons can first have a walk around the mall and an SMS will be sent to them once their table is ready.

Their take-away counter offers express service, which allows you to pack your favourite dim sum and baked bun for breakfast or even tea time. If you like traditional Chinese desserts, try their Tonic Medlar & Osmanthus Cake ($3.50 for three), a firm jelly filled with fragrant osmanthus and wolfberries. They also have a hot dessert of Yam Puree with Sago ($3.50).

You’ll be stuffed at the end. W

D

If you’re craving for an affordable all-day-breakfast or a piece of steak, why not try Beanstro, a new concept from The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf?

Serving up western nosh, their second outlet at Takashimaya is a good place to catch up with friends over a meal.

When we headed down to Beanstro at about 1pm, the outlet was fairly packed with students and professionals working around the area. The extensive menu of Beanstro surprised us and you will definitely be spoilt for choice.

Their Breakfast-All-Day menu includes crowd-pleasers such as Eggs Benedict ($17) and Bagel with Smoked Salmon ($13). Even fans of Bangers and Mash ($18) can get their fix here. The pasta selection is also fairly large.

We tried the Seafood Wrapped in Cartoccio ($26) – fettuccine with spiny lobster, scallops and blue mussels in a spicy tomato sauce. The dish is then wrapped in parchment paper. This is one pasta with a kick; those who love spice would adore this dish.

We were also pleasantly surprised by their Rib Eye Steak

($26) – from Australian grassfed cows – served with a side of vegetables and baby potatoes. At medium doneness, the steak was tender and chewy.

It was a little bit fatty but it’s better than getting a steak that can break teeth.

You should also try their Salmon Skewer ($24) for cubes of grilled salmon marinated with soy and ginger, with corn on the cob and mescluns.

Dessert-lovers would be pleased by the large selection of sweet treats. We absolutely loved their Warm Apple Crumble ($10). It was incredibly… crumbly. The crumble pastry was flaky and the soft yet firm apples were seasoned with cinnamon.

If you love chocolate lava cakes, the Warm Molten Chocolate Cake ($10) will please with its side of whipped cream, strawberries and biscotti.

The standard array of drinks available at The Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf is also available.

The second Beanstro outlet is located at Takashimaya, #B1-37.

Tel: 6235 1610.

Molten Chocolate Cake

Tim Ho Wan, Plaza Singapura, #01-29A; Tel: 6383 2828; opening hours: Mon-Sun, 10am-10pm.

FOOD

W E E K E N DE R

MANIA

WEEKENDER REWARDS READERS WITH FOOD MANIA VOUCHERS AND DINING DEALS

SIMPLY CUT OUT THE WHOLE COUPON AND Bring IT ALONG TO HAVE A great dining experience WITH YOUR FAMILY AND FRIENDS 





YUMMY RECIPES

Yummy Recipes is a restaurant that serves local and traditional Cantonese food.

10%* off total bill

Yummy Recipes 47 Kallang Pudding Road, #01-08, Crescent @ Kallang, S 349318, Tel: 6343 1818

*Terms & Conditions: • Only valid on weekdays (Monday to Friday) • Not available for set meal(s) and promotion item(s) • Only valid for a la carte food menu, no drinks



AH DONG TEH HOUSE Situated in a serene park in the Northeast, Ah Dong Teh House is one of the first cha chan ting concept casual dining restaurants with a local twist. Savour curry chicken and butter kaya toast in a cosy setting, and wash the food down with a cup of yuan yang. It is open daily for lunch, tea, and dinner, as well as supper during weekends. Treat your loved ones to freshly prepared Hong Kong and local food with great service at this restaurant.

Ah Dong Teh House, 10 Tebing Lane, #01/03-04, S 828836

1 FOR 1 Main Course

*Terms & Conditions: • Valid for all main courses • Valid for dine-in only • Not applicable with other promotions and discounts • Only 1 coupon is to be redeemed per visit • The main course with the lowest cost will be the free one • Valid until end-July 2013 • Not valid on eve of, and on public holidays, and other special occasions • Original coupon must be presented prior to ordering.

• All prices quoted are in Singapore dollars (S$) and are subject to 10% service charge and 7% GST • Ah Dong Teh House reserves the right to change the terms and conditions without prior notice.

WILD OATS @ PUNGGOL PARK Wild Oats @ Punggol Park is located along Hougang Avenue 8. It serves local and western food and is open every day from 4pm. The last order for mains is at 10pm, and for drinks at midnight, from Sunday to Thursday. The last order for drinks is at 1am on Friday and 2am on Saturday.

Wild Oats @ Punggol Park, Hougang Avenue 8, Tel: 6858 2087

For information on how your restaurant could be featured, please contact Yu Cheng at yucheng@weekender.sg

YAM'S KITCHEN

FREE*

Yam’s Kitchen serves authentic local and Chinese food.

$2*

Soup of the Day & Dessert

(Monday to Thursday Dinner) Order a Meatball Tomato Spaghetti or Carbonara Linguini with Bacon and get a soup of the day and dessert of the day free, upon presenting of coupon.

*Terms & Conditions: • Valid until 31 May 2013 • For Mon to Thu dinner only

only for 500g fish dish Yam’s Kitchen, 1 Pasir Ris Close, #04-101, E! Hub Downtown East, S 519599; Tel: 6584 5884

*Terms & Conditions: • Strictly for dine-in only • Only one voucher is allowed per table • Valid from 2 to 31 May 2013 • Minimum spending of $30 to qualify • Not applicable for beverage, towel and rice • Not valid on Mothers’ Day and Fathers’ Day • Price subject to 7% GST. No service charge • Not applicable for “Local Favourites” dishes order • Valid from Monday to Friday, except Public Holidays • Not valid in conjunction with other promotions, discounts or set menu

F

08 • WEEKENDER • APRIL 19 - 25, 2013

AMILY & FRIENDS

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

June’s daughter, Vera, playing dress-up

June and her family

Playing with pebbles: coloured ones are more fun

20

5. Put on some fun music and dance with the kids. (Have you tried the Rhinoceros Tap? Hilarious fun!)

PART

ways to play at home

Play is non-negotiable for kids. It’s a need, not a want. It’s the first thing on their minds when they wake up and the last thing on their minds before they sleep

By June Yong

A

s Prime Minister Lee himself acknowledged in the last National Day Rally speech, we can and should let our children play during these precious pre-school years of theirs.

However, due to the hurried lives we lead today, the odds seem to stand against play. The increasing attention being paid to academic development and enrichment activities goes against the grain of free and easy childcentred play.

All of that sounds pretty gloomy, but here is the good

6. Make funny faces in the mirror and see who’s the funniest.

(Capture these on camera and recap for a good laugh after.)

ONE

news – in spite of the competitive environment, you can make a choice to let your kids play. It’s easy and there are so many psychological, cognitive and social benefits to play.

As psychologist Lawrence Cohen points out, play is a child’s way of exploring the world, communicating feelings, bonding with their care-givers, and dealing with stress and anxiety.

Most of all, I think play is a child’s special love language.

So, the more you play with them, the more love they’re receiving from you.

You don’t need state-of-theart toys or the latest gadgets to entertain your children. You don’t need to invest hundreds of dollars either. All you need is to put on your play-hat. Here are some ideas to get you started: 1. Alphabet workout – Get your children to do the alphabet using their body. Allow them to use other props if necessary or even an accomplice, especially for letters like “H” (two people standing facing each other and joining hands). This is easy fun for the family!

9. Explore nostalgic games with your kids such as five stones.

Adjust the rules of the game according to your child’s age.

For example, you can place a small hoop or draw a square on a paper, and ask your children to throw as many stones as they can into the hoop / square as possible.

Not sure where to get them?

Visit the Munch Munch store at Fusionopolis Way.

7. Create a colourful “sand pit” with a large plastic container, some rice grains and food colouring, and give the kids scoops and pails. You can easily turn this into a craft session with some glue and drawing paper, but you may want to lay newspapers on the floor before doing this, or do this at the balcony or outdoors.

(Tip: Go easy on the colouring, as a little goes a long way. Let the coloured rice dry before playing.)

To be continued…

8. Play dress-up!

From mamawearpapashirt.com

10. Bedtime silliness! Daddy or mummy gets to piggyback the kids to bed. Alternatively, you can try making a bedtime sandwich – where kids take turns getting squashed in between mummy and daddy. (Caution: Only try this with pre-schoolers and not infants.) W

2. Play bowling with recycled drink bottles and a soft ball.

3. Pitch a tent in the living room and pretend you’re going camping. (See my blog for the link to a good resource for kids’ camping activities that includes songs and books.)

4. Take out an old muffin tray and let your toddler have fun scooping pebbles from one part to another. You can also try sorting by colours.

Bowling with empty bottles is easy and fun

Youssef Bin Mohamad Mazlan Born Feb 18, 2012

Javier Huang Born Jul 8, 2012

About Mamawearpapashirt It gives June great joy to share her stories of parenthood with other young mums who are on the same journey. She lives in Singapore with her “hubs” and their two little blessings: Vera, a bubbly threeyear-old and Javier, a curious one-year-old.

The name “mamawearpapashirt” was inspired by Vera who, one morning, shouted those words in glee, when she saw her mama wearing her papa’s shirt. How the fact amused her, June can only guess. She was only wearing “papa’s” shirt because she could hardly fit into her own, being heavily pregnant at the time.

To June, the phrase is also symbolic of the many shirts that women wear: as wife, mother, worker, homemaker, and so on.

June is also proud to be working with Focus on the Family in its mission to help families in Singapore thrive.

Mamawearpapashirt was a finalist in the Singapore Blog Awards 2012 Best Family Blog category.

Thinking of

going

back

to the

workforce?

Sng Kai Jun, Jayden Born Sep 3, 2012

Samyukta Chutkay Born Mar 25, 2012

Gabrielle Yen Born Jun 12, 2012

HELLO

Babies - aren’t they the cutest things ever? That’s why Weekender dedicates a section to your adorable darlings in diapers. Send us your favourite photos of your newborn, so the rest of us can coo and ‘ahh’ over him / her too! What better way is there to celebrate your child than to share him / her with the rest of the world?

WORLD Email your photos to

Gabriel Ng Born Feb 28, 2012

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!

Leong You Wei Born Feb 11, 2013

Alyxa Soo Jing Wen Born Nov 20, 2012

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Nur Qayla Felisha Binte Muhd Fadley Born Jan 20, 2013

Jessica Law Born Nov 23, 2012

APRIL 19 - 25, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 09

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

Cute food

HOBBIE

Half-eaten doughnut cufflinks can give a quirky twist to your oufit

S

you’ve got to wear

The adage, “Fashion need not be costly”, may be true with this adorable food jewellery you’ve got to have, at a highly-affordable price!

By Chia Hui Jun

The journey wasn’t smooth sailing either. When she first started out, she found it difficult to balance her budget, and often bought the wrong materials.

Heart-shaped chocolate earrings

These intricate doughnut rings can jazz up any outfit

S

tand out from the crowd with these handmade jewellery mimicking food items. These cute, whimsical accessories came into being when Samantha Tee combined her love for desserts and savoury sweets with her desire to craft unique jewellery.

Food you would want to wear The result was a repertoire of bracelets, brooches, earrings, mobile chain accessories, key chains, and rings. What is special about them is that they are made to look like macarons, cupcakes, waffles and even adorable little half-eaten donuts and cookies.

“My aim is to make these delightful pieces look as realistic as possible, compared to the many factory-made, mass-produced plastic-looking pieces that I’ve seen,” Samantha says.

These adorable and trendy accessories are guaranteed to put a fun, quirky twist on any fashionista’s look. Better still, they won’t burn a hole in your pocket!

Each pair of earphone jacks costs only an affordable $5, ear studs from $8, and a ring from $10. A necklace will only set one back by $25, with an additional charge of $3 to $7 for a customisation of colours and size, depending on its complexity and the time taken to make it.

Birth of Bewitched Food Jewellery Samantha stumbled upon a Christmas market while on holiday in Sicily in 2011, and she saw a stall selling cute miniature clay food jewellery.

“I was so amazed by how realistic and delicious they looked; I ended up buying several pieces for family and friends back home,” she says.

Back in Singapore, Samantha wondered if she was artistic enough to create pieces like these to match her outfits, or as gifts for her friends.

Some research and hours of clay miniature classes later, she launched

Yummy ice cream cone earrings

new ideas Websites such as Etsy and Pinterest, and suggestions from customers, family and friends, help her find ideas for new designs. She also checks out the offerings in bakeries and dessert shops on her travels.

Her inspiration also comes from her observations of how others accessorise their outfits.

When asked about her most difficult orders, she replies, “When customers show me a photo of something that they want and insist on that colour or design.

Sometimes, it takes me up to a week to get it right, especially if the items they want are particularly tiny (i.e. 0.3cm). Just one sneeze and the entire thing could be destroyed!”

A half-eaten cookie necklace

Half-eaten doughnuts look adorable

These waffle cufflinks can take you from work to a leisurely evening

The macarons look both delightful and delicious

her blog shop, Bewitched, in November 2012.

“I find every item I’ve made interesting because each piece is unique in terms of design and colour,” she says.

Her favourite items are the half-eaten pieces as she feels that they look a lot more delicious and tempting.

Not all play, and no work Maintaining her blog shop and Facebook page and researching on and crafting jewellery takes up to three or four hours a day.

In the pipeline Samantha’s latest pieces include ang ku kueh and rainbow cake jewellery. Moving forward, she hopes to launch a men’s collection of collar or tie pins and cufflinks. She has sold a few pieces thus far. She also hopes to branch out into wedding favours.

Many couples are searching for that unique door gift for their weddings and she believes that her pieces could be ‘it’. W Bewitched Food Jewellery has a stall at the National Museum on 27 and 28 Apr. For more, visit www.bewitchedsg.com

DISCOVERY What’s cool about Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery is that it has undergone a lot of restoration recently. They’ve hired artisans from Fujian, China, to restore everything in the Fujian style.

What amazes me is how much attention has gone into the detail, including the tiles, drain covers, windows, etc. Even the dustbin has been given as much attention, and looks really beautiful!

It’s rare to find places in Singapore where so much attention has been paid to small things; nothing as complex as the patterns that you see here.

They’ve got special rainwatercollecting pipes. What’s cool about this design is that it makes rain water flow gently from one section to another, so that when they collect the water in pails, it does not splash all over. It’s a very efficient way to collect rain water!

They built a huge wall to block out the Pan-Island Expressway (PIE). The entire outside world is cut off. Even though the familiar secular world is just next door, you really don’t get a sense of it.

You suddenly forget that you’re in modern Singapore. It’s quite a nice feeling, like a getaway from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

There is great attention to detail by the artisans, from the door to the ceiling of the sheltered walkway, to the roof, etc. I cannot imagine how many hours of loving labour (and resources) went into making this entire place so beautiful!

As you enter this part, you’re greeted by another courtyard. If you enter by the side, you’ll find a little room with a lot of history and interesting artefacts.

The room on the right houses a huge bronze bell. The words on the bell are from a Sutra (scripture). It is believed that

PART TWO

A Trip to Mediaeval China: Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery This is Part Two of the story first published on Mar 22.

Our blogger brings us back to Mediaeval China in a visit to Lian Shan Shuang Lin Monastery

By Jonathan Sim hitting the bell is equivalent to reciting that Sutra. When you hit it, those words are broadcast in the form of the bell-sound.

A long time ago, a Chinese merchant in Singapore had a dream. He dreamt that the Goddess of Mercy (Guanyin – she’s actually a Bodhisattva i.e.

One who has been enlightened but who’s chosen to stay behind to help others) appeared and told him that a boat will arrive with a few monks. They are to help set up the first temple in honour of her, so that others may be saved.

He went to the harbour at the appointed time and, true enough, met three monks – brothers from China who went to Sri Lanka to study Buddhism.

They agreed to stay and to help set up the temple.

The merchant was able to find other benefactors to donate, and they were able to begin construction.

That’s how Shuang Lin

Monastery came into being.

Recently, they added one more building. Immediately after the car park, you’ll find a really tall pagoda. Just behind this pagoda is the brand new building dedicated to the Goddess of Mercy. As you climb the stairs, you suddenly realise the presence of flats again.

Notice how you weren’t able to see any blocks before? That’s how big this place is! The only reason why you can see the flats now is because you’re at the edge. Wow...

The experience was surreal.

After walking through the temple grounds and seeing nothing but Fujian architecture, I forgot which era and country I was in. The sight

“one thing that amazes me is how much attention has gone into the detail, including the tiles, drain covers, windows...”

of the tall yet plain, pre-fabricated flats was like a huge wakeup call.

Again, I’m impressed by the amount of attention that went into all the fine details of the entire place. The door has wooden carvings painted in gold. Gosh...

There’s so much detail in the carvings. It’s amazing!

There’s another quiet exit at the other end of the temple grounds, that leads back into the familiar modern world. For a back door, I’m impressed by the amount of detail that went into the design.

As I was about to leave, I spotted an elderly man jogging. This was the first sign that I was leaving this sacred little haven, this little place detached from the modern world, this little time machine that brought me back to Mediaeval China, to a place of quietude.

It’s amazing what you can find hidden quietly within a residential area surrounded by so many flats!

From www.themyriadthoughts. wordpress.com About The Myriad Thoughts Jonathan Sim is a young man with a great love for philosophy, who is taking steps toward one day becoming a professor of philosophy. He has many other interests – calligraphy, religion, drawing, cooking, tea, kungfu – and a zest for life.

“Through sharing the myriad things which I delight in, I hope that you too may come to see the beauty and joys of life,” he says.

Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister of Environment and Water Resources, is a fan of his blog.

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10 • WEEKENDER • APRIL 19 - 25, 2013

RAVELATION

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

Focal Travel brings you to rediscover Hong Kong, including Lamma Island

Great promos for

June holidays

In the blink of an eye, the June school holidays are almost upon us. Book your package early, before the best deals and your preferred dates are gone

W

eekender brings you some of the best deals and promotions for the June holidays.

Let your kids have a nice break to refresh their minds and bodies.

AirAsia – Fares from $65 AirAsia has fares from $65 for flights taking off from Singapore to destinations such as Bandung, Bali, Kota Kinabalu, and Phuket.

With these fares and destinations, you can truly have a cheap yet good holiday in the Southeast Asian region.

This promo fare is available for booking only from Apr 15 to 21, so hurry! This is valid for travel between Apr 15 to Sep 30.

Check out www.airasia.com ASA – Citibank & package promos Whether a tour package or free-and-easy, ASA Holidays has

promotions you’ll like.

Spend at least $500 for a chance to win the Mercedes-Benz B-Class. You have up to three times the chances of winning with Citibank Credit Card. The 1st Prize is a Mercedes-Benz B-Class; the 2nd Prize is a 7-Night Mini-Suite Alaska Cruise on Princess Cruises; and the 3rd Prize is a 3-Night Penang-Phuket Cruise on the Superstar Virgo.

Exclusive premiums for cardmembers include: Free cabin hard-case trolley luggage with minimum charge of $2,800 and free 28” hard-case trolley luggage with minimum charge of $5,500; and a free Candy Floss Maker with a minimum total spend of $5,000 on group tour.

The exclusive Star Cruises Promo is until Jun 30. Book any Star Cruises package and stand a chance to bring two friends free!

ASA gives you lovely experiences in Australia *Terms and conditions apply for all these promos. While stocks last.

The Best of Australia Packages include 7-Day Sydney & Melbourne from $1,688; and 7-Day Gold Coast + 2 ‘Worlds’ & Byron Bay from $1,088.

Call 6303 5303 (worldwide tours) or 6303 5318 (free and easy), or visit www.asaholiday.com Focal Travel - Mid-year sale Focal Travel’s mid-year sale includes these deals and more.

The 3-Day Phuket Free & Leisure + 1-Night Hotel Free package includes a stay at 4-star Patong Beach Hotel. The price is from only $249 and includes a roundtrip Economy class airfare via SilkAir and three nights’

accommodation at the Patong Beach Hotel, daily breakfast and roundtrip airport transfers.

The 4-Day Hong Kong Rediscovery + 1-Night Hong Kong Free is from $898. This includes Lantau Island, the Avenue of Stars and Stanley Market.

You’ll experience the vibrant nightlife of Hong Kong on the Big Bus, and the outlying Lamma Island on a ferry ride. You’ll also savour the famous Hong Kong Roast Goose delicacy, “Poon Choi” cuisine and seafood on Lamma.

There are many departures in May, June, and other months.

AirAsia has cheap flights to Bali

For more, call 6536 3033 or visit www.focaltravel.com.sg Five Stars - celebrity & MORE Five Stars Tours has celebrityled packages including 4-Day Laketown + Genting with MediaCorp artiste Ben Yeo. The first 50 who sign up get a free upgrade to SVIP Deluxe Coach.

This includes dinner with Ben Yeo, entertainment and a lucky draw.

The special departure date is Jun 20, and the price is from $385.

The 9-Day I love Hokkaido Go! Go! Go! package includes Sapporo, Otaru, Lake Akan, Asahikawa and Hokodate, among others.

Hop on a romantic train ride to the Lavender Farm, see the Tuo Mamu Cloud natural wonders, and experience Hokkaido’s World Heritage Shiretoko Peninsula.

Stay at a deluxe hotel throughout.

The special departure date is on Jun 22, going from $2,988.

SingExpress – Family DEALS SingExpress Travel has great deals for families. These are just some of the many packages available.

There is the 4D3N Rhythm Taiwan (Free & Easy) package, or the 6D5N Touch of Taiwan (Master Bear Resort + Light Up Sky Lantern). There is also the 5D Hong Kong Ocean Park & Disney Fun or 4D3N Hong Kong Disneyland Escapade.

For somewhere more scenic, how about the 6D5N Vibrant Kyushu or 6D5N Honshu Retreat?

The Cambodia 4D3N Siem Reap with Kulen Mountain Tour may be a different experience for you.

You can also choose a cruise so you won’t need to rush or to wake up early, and the kids will have their own activities and programmes. W

Call 6533 5555 or visit www.fivestarsonline.com

Call 6438 2221 or visit www.singexpress.com.sg You can take the Ngong Ping Cable Car with Focal Travel’s package

“Let your kids have a nice break to refresh their minds and bodies.”

Five Stars has celebrity-led tours, including by TV artiste Ben Yeo

APRIL 19 - 25, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 11

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

The dolphins occasionally do a Free Willy leap

Ultimate Auckland: Dolphin safari Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour and Hauraki Gulf Marine Park area is one of the world’s most biologically-diverse maritime national parks. Here you can encounter dolphins and possibly whales

TRAVELATIO

Waitemata Harbour in Auckland, where the Whale and Dolphin Safari sets off

A view of part of Hauraki Gulf Marine Park

By PassportChop Over 25 of the 37 Southern hemisphere marine mammals have been identified in Hauraki Gulf Marine Park, making up almost a third of the world’s population of species.

Explore NZ’s Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari cruise allows visitors from around the world to experience the Gulf from their comfortable whalewatching vessel – the Dolphin Explorer. The Dolphin Explorer catamaran cruises into the expansive Hauraki Gulf – sparkling sheltered waters scattered with islands of every size – in search of common dolphins, Bryde’s whales, orca (also known as killer whales), bottlenose dolphins, as well as various species of birds and fish.

While every adventure is different, dolphins are seen on more than 90 per cent and whales on 75 per cent of trips, so your chances of getting up-close and personal with the most beautiful creatures on the planet are very high. And on the off-chance that

you don’t see dolphins or The playful dolphins whales, Explore swim right NZ will invite near your feet you back for a second sailing trip at no extra charge under their “Lifetime Whale/ Dolphin Viewing Guarantee”.

The cruise duration is four-and-a-half hours and departs at 1.30pm (summer) or noon (winter) from the conveniently-located Viaduct.

Enjoy the cool breeze as you take in the sights of the Gulf and its islands. Do keep a lookout for the penguins and seagulls that roam around the Gulf.

There is a fully-licensed bar on-board – light snacks and refreshments are available for purchase.

Our lunch was a boxed set of a chicken sandwich with a yummy brownie, and a small orange for dessert – nicely-prepared by Kermadec restaurant.

Situated in Auckland’s Viaduct Harbour, Kermadec specialises in premium fresh seafood, selected daily.

The highly-experienced and knowledgeable crew will not only take you to the most populated corners of the Gulf, they’ll also give you a running commentary of the culture and history of Auckland’s magnificent Hauraki Gulf Marine Park. There are also guidebooks, maps and pictures of marine life you can expect to see in the Gulf.

After about an hour of cruising around the Gulf, we spotted dolphins! With all the excitement and buzz (you’ll hear shouts of joy: “Dolphins, here!”, “Wow!”, etc.), we pretty much forgot what we read about the dolphins – who cares whether they are common or bottleneck dolphins.

We were just glad to see this school of dolphins swimming around the catamaran – they were just as glad to see us as they swam playfully around the Dolphin Explorer, occasionally doing a smaller

N Chances are, you will spot many dolphins

version of the Free Willy leap out of the water – to the delight of many of us on board.

The best part to check out the dolphins is at the bow of the catamaran (in layman’s terms: forward part of the hull of a ship or boat; the point that is most forward when the vessel is underway). Get into your spot early and get your cameras ready. N.B. Video or multi-shot mode might be the best method to capture them on film, as they swim quite quickly.

Unfortunately, we did not see any whales this time and the captain invited all of us back for a second sailing trip at no extra charge, under the Lifetime Whale/Dolphin Viewing Guarantee, as he had also felt that we did not see enough dolphins this time.

Voted “Best Day on the Water” by Metro Magazine, Explore NZ’s Whale and Dolphin Safari gives you the opportunity to explore one of the most biologicallyand geographically-diverse marine parks in the world. Experience a feeding frenzy involving sea birds, whales and dolphins, or gaze at small schools of dolphins playing around the boat.

Explore NZ’s Whale and Dolphin Safari tickets cost NZ$155 for adults and NZ$105 for children.

You can also enjoy a discounted rate for a family day out on the cruise for NZ$399, for two adults and two children. The duration is approximately four-and-ahalf hours. For enquiries, contact Explore NZ at 0800 397 567 or www.explorenz.co.nz, or book online at explore-x.ibisnz.com.

From www.passportchop.com

12 • WEEKENDER • APRIL 19 - 25, 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.