Weekender #35 by Weekender Singapore

WK35B / MICA (P) 144/08/2012

WEEKENDER JUNE 7 - 13, 2013

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND filled with FUN AND HAPPINESS

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

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AC ES TI VI TI

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02 • WEEKENDER • june 7 - 13, 2013

Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb

June activities 10am-10pm daily Through the Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb exhibition, a variety of unique activities promise to keep children engaged. The following activities are complimentary and open to Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb ticket holders.

Activity Quest As young Egyptologists, children get activity bags with jigsaw puzzles, creative games and magnifying glasses to complete a mission, which takes them on a journey through ancient Egypt. Recommended for ages three to 16. The Secrets of Embalming 1.30pm, 4.30pm (Sat & Sun), 4.30pm (Mon, Wed, Fri, throughout Jun) Visitors have many opportunities to participate in this hands-on demonstration that educates them about the scientific process of embalming that ancient Egyptians used to prepare the dead for their journey into the afterlife. Recommended for ages six and above.

free admission “Building People” Photography Competition Until 9 June The CapitaLand-National Geographic Channel’s “Building People” Photography Competition is back for the fourth year. Submit an original, captioned photograph according

to the double themes of “Best Building Moment” and “Best People Moment”. Prizes include an all-expenses paid trip for an overseas Nat Geo assignment under the mentorship of renowned photographer Michael Yamashita. Submit at www.capitalands.com/ ngcphoto DBS Marina Bay Sailing Programme Until 30 Nov, Sat, various times DBS collaborates with Singapore Sailing Federation to offer the experience of sailing to the

public on the last Saturday of every month from April to November 2013, with 7 sessions per Saturday. Four people are allowed on each boat, with a skipper to guide them. They will be able to see Marina Bay Sands, Singapore’s new financial downtown, Customs House, the Merlion and Helix Bridge during the sailing experience. Visit www.dbs.com/community/ dbsmarinabaysailing to register. Marina Bay Promenade, Pontoon

In Singapore's first washing marathon, Electrolux partners Singaporean charities MINDS and Blessings in a Bag in laundering donated clothing with the help of local communities to support local and regional charities. The freshly laundered clothing will be distributed to deserving causes in Singapore, Cambodia and Laos. Toa Payoh Lorong 6, open plaza next to Blk 192

Electrolux Washing-thon 13-15 June, 10.30am-8.30pm

Every Trick Only Needs One Truth Until 15 Jun, 11am-7pm (MonSat), closed Sun & public holidays Singaporean contemporary oil painter and sculptor David Chan presents oil paintings and sculptures in this solo exhibition. With his uncanny ability to create layers and textures through his artwork, he implores the audience to ponder the shortcomings of human perception and how our volatile and evolving judging criteria ultimately mars and forms our ‘truths’. ART SEASONS Singapore, 1 Selegie Road, #02-021/24, PoMo

A great teacher of music

over three decades Founded in 1983, Ossia Music School has since groomed 50,000 music lovers in over two decades From having just two studios for conducting music lessons in Singapore back then, today Ossia Music School has come a long way as a music school with seven branches around the island. Come July this year, Ossia Music School’s new main showroom at Beauty World Centre in Bukit Timah (#03-06A) will be open – with bigger, wider premises with new facilities, together with a slew of new and existing music programmes, courses and workshops to choose from, be it for traditional Western or Asian musical instruments for the young and young at heart. If you are a parent looking for a reputable music school to start your child on his or her music lessons, look no further. Ossia Music School has, among other things, helped more than 20,000 people obtain internationallyrecognised music certifications over the past 20 years, with staff strength of more than 100 teachers, and an enrolment of 3,000 to 4,000 students. New & Interesting Courses Ossia Music offers a range of courses from traditional violin to piano to the less traditional jazz piano, acoustic and classical guitar, keyboard and drums. Having undergone an ownership change earlier this year, it is now owned by Citystate Group, bringing with it new management techniques, new direction, and new course offerings.

Amulets for the Afterlife Workshop 3pm (Sat & Sun), 3.40pm (Tue & Thu) This interactive workshop allows participants to learn how amulets were made in ancient Egypt and allows them to create their own claybaked and painted amulets. ArtScience Museum, 10 Bayfront Ave

IKEA 25-hour Cook-off 14-15 Jun, 11am Create and upload a 25-second video entry with your spouse, friend or anyone above 18 years old about why you deserve to win an IKEA kitchen. The top 24 most creative entries will take part in some culinary challenges over 25 hours in Ikea's kitchens, and stand to win $10,000 in cash and prizes. Pick up culinary tips from guest judges - blogger Dr Leslie Tay of ieatishootipost. sg and HungryGoWhere's cofounder Wong Hoong An, or take part in the fringe activities. IKEA Alexandra, 317 Alexandra Road; IKEA Tampines, 60 Tampines North Drive 2

For example, the school is planning to offer new courses in string and wind instruments, and even singing, having engaged Mr Aaron Khaled – who acted in the locally-staged La Cage Aux Folles last year – to teach singing. Ossia Music School has even engaged Mr Darrell Ang, Young Associate Conductor of SSO and Music Director of Brittany Symphony Orchestra, as their Artistic Consultant, to raise the profile of the school. No matter what type of musical instrument catches your fancy, or what your age is, Ossia Music School has something for you. Even for senior citizens, the school is also rolling out short leisure courses for them, covering basic techniques in either piano or guitar. Music Education Talks Another unusual offering is the education talks they will be holding, with Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) lecturers and other experts speaking on

topics such as Impressionism in Music and Art, and ethnic traditional music. Music is not about rote practice but an immersion in culture and music. Ossia Music School recognises that and helps to enhance your music-learning experience to an experience greater than simple learning and practising. Other Exciting Events In Ossia Music School’s annual music competition, its students can compete in various categories in five types of instruments, and prizes are awarded. You can also catch Ossia Music School at the Kidz Academy 2013 exhibition at Singapore Expo Hall 6A (booths C22-23) from Jun 14 to 16, where anyone can sign up for music classes. Visit www.ossia.edu.sg or call 6469 5963 for more information.

Learning From Trees, From Chaos to Harmony Until 29 Jun, 10am-6pm Singapore's award-winning artist Yeo Shih Yun translates her understanding of the complexity and elegance of Chinese brush painting in a collection of three series. In this latest exhibition, she presents new pieces that reflect the lessons she has learnt from previous series, where she sought to replicate nature's movements. Art Forum, 82 Cairnhill Road Luciano Ventrone Sui Generi/s Until 9 Jun, 12-7pm (Tue-Sat), 12-6pm (Sun), closed Mon & public holidays Sui Generi/s, curated by Cesare Biasini Selvaggi, will feature more than 50 masterpieces by Roman artist Luciano Ventrone, a master of figurative art. Be awed by his extraordinary pictorial techniques, which show in his still-life works, portraits and landscapes. Gillman Barracks, Partners & Mucciaccia Gallery, Block 6, Lock Road, #02-10 MEET SHEN SHI'AN, AUTHOR OF THE AMAZING & AMUSING ADVENTURES OF SAM & SARA 8 Jun, 3.30-4.30pm Meet the author of this comic strip collection of 100 misadventures of Sam and Sara, which are playful, quirky and

contain counterintuitive and philosophical messages. There will be an introduction to the book and the making of it, a screening of book trailers, a 'live' drawing demonstration, preview of book two, and a quiz with limited edition Sam & Sara mugs with a complete comic story to be won. Please produce the relevant receipt upon request for autographs. Ngee Ann City, Kinokuniya, 391 Orchard Road, #03-09 Opera in the Park 15 Jun, 7pm Listen to various favourite opera classics at the Singapore Lyric Opera's annual event, Opera in the Park. Classics such as Rossini's Barber of Seville, Mozart's Marriage of Figaro and Bizet's Carmen will delight and entertain you. This year's theme is opera's influence on movies and advertisements. Singapore Botanic Gardens, Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage Singapore 24-Hour Comics Day Showcase Until 18 Jun, 11am-9pm This worldwide event celebrates the art of making comics. Come view the delightful works of the local comic community and perhaps even be inspired to take part next time. Sengkang Public Library, Exhibition Area, 1 Sengkang Square, Compass Point, #04-26/27

All events are correct at time of print.

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

events@weekender.com.sg 2 weeks before your event date.

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

performances, a comedy club, beer auctions and tasting workshops. This year offers a new Craft Beer Experience section where festivalgoers are taken through each step of the beer-making process by brewers themselves, taste unique home brews, and purchase a home kit to try at home. Tickets from Sistic. Tent @Marina Promenade, F1 tracks behind the Singapore Flyer Big Chef Little Chef: Fathers' Day Edition 15 Jun, 10am-1pm, $65 (1 parent & 1 child) Little Arts Academy’s signature culinary arts programme allows you and your child to enjoy a hands-on culinary experience as both of you learn to appreciate the different ingredients and come up with your own creations together. Call 6513 3013 or email enquireslaa@toph. com.sg PoMo, 1 Selegie Road, #05-01/02

Singapore Favourite Food Village 12 -21 July, 11am-11pm In conjunction with the 20th anniversary of Singapore Food Festival, this 10-day festival celebrates Singapore’s unique food heritage. The Food Village features numerous local favourites including chilli crab, carrot cake, rojak, laksa, roti prata, popiah, biryani, oyster omelette, Hokkien prawn mee, beef noodles and tau huay. Bayfront Avenue (Marina Bay), open field next to Bayfront MRT station SPROUTS Organised by the National Arts Council and co-presented by local dance company Frontier Danceland, SPROUTS is a dance competition like no other - participants have to go through a six-month training process, workshop sessions and a mentorship programme. Prizes include cash and a developmental grant. Visit www. SproutsSingapore.com. Email applications@sproutssingapore. com with your applications by Jun 15.

ticketed admission

RECYCLED PERCUSSION 20-23 Jun, Thu & Fri, 7.30pm; Sat & Sun, 3.30pm & 7.30pm, $40, $50, $60 (NTUC members $10 off) Recycled Percussion of America's Got Talent are here for the first time. "Junk Rock" with them. With drums, tools and unusual musical equipment, the show promises highintensity and interactivity suitable for the young and young at heart. Tickets from TicketBooth outlets or www.ticketbooth.com.sg D'Marquee, Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close, Singapore 519599

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 An Evening of Operatic Music with I Musici 9 Jun, 7.30pm, $35, $60, $80, $100, $125 Italian Chamber Orchestra I Musici returns with popular operatic music by Italian opera composers such as Verdi, Vivaldi, and a guest appearance of soprano Nancy Yuen. The programme includes G Rossini’s Overture from The Barber of Seville, and G Puccini’s O Mio Babbino Caro. It is one of the best baroque chamber orchestras worldwide. It is also the oldest active chamber group in the world diffusing 18th Century Italian music. Tickets from Sistic. SCO Concert Hall, 7 Shenton Way BE concert 8 Jun, 7pm, $68 Come for the inaugural BE concert, which will be launched by the Be Movement, a social enterprise founded locally. Blogger Mr Brown and his newly-formed band is the opening act, followed by poet Marc Nair, Wee Tzi Yi and Dalena Lee from Mosaic Dance, and more. An auction will also be held with part of the proceeds going to a non-profit organisation Healthy Mother Earth Foundation. Visit www.ticketmash. sg/bemovement Singapore Flyer, 30 Raffles Avenue, Megu Event Hall Beerfest Asia 13-16 Jun, 6pm-2am (14 & 15 Jun), 6pm -1am (13 Jun), 12pm-10pm (16 Jun), $15, $20, $28, $30, $40, $117, $130, $162, $180 This annual beer festival is back with a diverse selection of over 300 beers from all over the world. Unwind with live stage

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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.

WEEKENDER FUN-TO-DO IDEAS

june 7 - 13, 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. Chris Tucker - The Return Tour 2013 25 Jun, 8pm, $98, $128, $148, $168 Hailed as one of the funniest comedians in the industry, standup comedian and film star Chris Tucker has starred in Rush Hour 3 and Silver Linings Playbook, among other movies. Come enjoy an evening of pure comedy and side-splitting laughter with the manic, motor-mouth comedian as he makes his debut in Singapore. Only those aged 16 and above will be admitted. Tickets from Sistic. Kallang Theatre, 1 Stadium Walk

kids in workshops organized to the themes of Cars, Flight, Water Crafts and Green Energy, where they work in teams to conceptualize toy transportation models, build prototypes, test and fine-tune them until they meet the given challenges, using every day recyclable materials and small parts. Sign up at one.pa.gov.sg Various community clubs, including Sengkang, Punggol 21, Geylang, Ulu Pandan, Taman Jurong, Teck Ghee and Anchorvale.

Curry Tales 13-16 Jun, 3pm & 8pm (Sat), 8pm (Thu, Fri, Sun), $10 (Student), $16 (NSF & Senior citizen), $25 Curry Tales uses video projection filmed in India, Malaysia and the UK, and close-up live feed cameras let the audience in on what's cooking away as Ace cook Rani Moorthy takes to the stage her culinary skills, encouraging audiences to help to peel, stir, taste, give recipe suggestions, and eat what she cooks. There will be a postshow dialogue with Moorthy after the 8pm shows. Tickets from Sistic. Esplanade Theatre Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE Until 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 coproduced 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. Marina Bay Sands, Grand Theatre, 10 Bayfront Ave

HOSSAN-AH! Celebrating 20 LEONG Years! 1-4 Aug, 4pm (Sun), 4pm & 8pm (Sat), 8pm (Thu, Fri), $17 onwards Featuring musical montages in English and French, stand-up comedy, and even a master class in sitting down and playing piano, Hossan Leong celebrates his 20th anniversary in show business recollecting the influences and highlights of his life as a performer. Tickets from Sistic. Drama Centre Theatre, 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 Marina Barrage to Gardens by the Bay for a good cause. FairPrice Foundation will pledge $100 in FairPrice vouchers, for every participant, which will go to families who have qualified for assistance schemes. Register at www. whatsupatfairprice.com.sg/walk Marina Barrage, 260 Marina Way

Light v Dark: Star Wars & Singapore Philatelic Museum Until 30 Jun, Mon (1pm-7pm); TueSun (9.30am-7pm), $6 (adult), $4 (foreign child), Free (Singaporean & PR students, children & seniors) A Star Wars stamps and collectibles exhibition in collaboration between Star Wars memorabilia collectors and the Singapore Philatelic Museum. View an impressive array of Star Wars collectibles such as figurines, a fleet of model ships, costumes, and stamps. There will also be interesting programmes. Meet the Stormtroopers as they march in on Jun 16, 2pm to 4pm. Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street

Inventive Kids “Discover” workshops Until 28 Jun, various times, various prices This June holidays, enrol your

Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb Until 4 Nov, 10am-10pm daily, $8 (Child), $13 (Senior citizen), $14 This exhibition features more than 100 artefacts and six mummies from the collection of the British Museum, and has introduced interactive programmes and a 3D look to give the Egyptian Mummy a new lease of life. Without disturbing the cartonnage, cutting-edge CT scanning technology and computer visualization techniques were utilized to produce 6,500 images of Nesperennub, a mummified temple priest, and the findings were converted into a 3D film about his life and death. ArtScience Museum, 10 Bayfront Ave

Princely Treasures from the House of Liechtenstein 27 Jun - 29 Sep, 10am-6pm daily 91 artworks ranging from paintings, prints, tapestries, sculptures to rare decorative art objects will be in Singapore - the first time they will be in Southeast Asia. Works by renowned European artists such as Raphael and Lucas Cranach the Elder will also be featured to celebrate the High Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-Classical and Biedermeier. National Museum of Singapore, Exhibition Galleries 1 and 2, 93 Stamford Road

children. The line-up includes children’s theatre, innovative reading programmes, dance workshops and even parenting seminars to help parents learn skills to nurture and intelligent and creative child. For events and activities details, times and ticket prices, go to www.sicf.com. sg for more information. Various NLB Public Libraries The Lord of the Rings – The Fellowship of the Ring Until 8 Jun, 7.30pm, $58, $98, $128, $188 The Metropolitan Festival Orchestra is bringing back the renowned concert presentation of The Lord of the Rings, which is performed live onstage by 250 musicians. Come experience the awe of listening to the joint performance of Metropolitan Festival Orchestra, the International Festival Chorus, and The Young Voices of Vocal Associates. Tickets from Sistic. Visit www.metropolitan.sg The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green Workshops: SpeakINK and PublishINK 8 Jun, 9.30am-1pm, $240; 10-12 Jun, 10am-5pm, $320 This June, creative writing school Monsters Under The Bed will be holding enrichment workshops conducted by published writers. PublishINK will teach secondary students the basics of getting published locally and abroad (10-12 Jun). Visit www.mutb.com.sg/12/ post/2013/04/publishink.html The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane Yale-Julliard Historical Concert 9 Jun, 7.30pm, $15, $25, $35, $50 Don't miss this historic concert where Yale University’s highly acclaimed chamber choir collaborates with New York’s Julliard School’s early music orchestra to perform the monumental Mass in B-Minor by Johann Sebastian Bach. Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive

Singapore Innovative Children’s Festival 2013 17-23 June, various prices This collaboration with the National Library Board (NLB) Public Libraries is to nurture creativity and imagination in children through various events and If you like our Events listing, find more activities. It is the event-related posts and like our page first creative arts festival to inspire

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EVENT

Incredible savings at

Mega Expo Sale The GSS is in its 20th year and mega expo sale joins in the fray with greatly slashed prices for products the great singapore Sale (GSS) is back. Not to be outdone, the Mega Expo Sale from Jun 7 to 9, 10am to 10pm, brings you unbelievable savings of up to a whopping 90 per cent discount on a wide range of brands for sports, outdoor, golf and fashion. Most of these products are from World of Sports, which has more than 20 years in sports retail. World of Sports has over 24 stores islandwide. This retail giant prides itself on providing top notch serious performing products in an array of sporting categories, including road running, trail running, adventure racing, hiking, swimming, as well as racquet and water sports. World of Sports' longstanding success has been attributed to its emphasis on customising each shopper's experience. World of Sports is also a proud sponsor of various sporting events. The Mega Expo Sale is not to be missed. Sports brands available include Mizuno, Salomon, O’Neill, Teva, Elle Active and Lafuma. Footwear usually retailing from $89 to $299 will be sold at a promo price from $39 onward. For sports apparel (running tees to windbreakers and jackets) retailing from $35.90 to $500 will be sold at a promo price from

$10 onward. Sports accessories (water bottles, running pouches, backpacks) retailing from $16 to $300 will only be from $3 onward. There will also be products from brands such as Rollerblade, Etnies, Dakine, Birkenstock, Papillio, Dupe, World Industries, AND1, Spalding, Thorlos, Nike, Adidas, Tyr and Bodymaster. For golfers, you can choose from products by Kasco, Tourstage, Bridgestone, Loudmouth, Hitec and more. Fashionistas can peruse items from Springfield, Baby Phat and Tally Weijl. Don’t miss this Mega Expo Sale. Like the World of Sports Facebook fan page to receive exciting promotional updates on the Mega Expo Sale! Mega Expo Sale, 7-9 Jun, 10am10pm, Singapore Expo, Hall 4B, 1 Expo Drive, Singapore 486150

 American Tourister American Tourister’s popular collections - Cube Alfa and Elite Pop are at a discounted rate from May 15 to Jul 31. The Elite Pop ranges from 59cm to 82cm, and is 30 per cent off. The Cube Alfa ranges from 55cm to 77cm, and is 20 per cent off. Visit www. americantourister. com.sg for more.

 The Emporium Pop-up store The Emporium is having up to 50 per cent off on selected items until the end of June. Located at Millenia Walk and Wheelock Place, the latter outlet will have more discounts as the store is moving out. The Emporium houses brands such as AsiaFashionInc, Gaia Living, Triology and Emblem.

 Goldheart Goldheart is having a storewide discount of up to 50 per cent. A plethora of new designs, grouped into a palette of Passionate Pink, Gorgeous Green, Bewitching Blue and Winsome White, feature earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings and pendants from Goldheart’s Colourella, Mode, Perolé, Prestigio, Elise, Glitz and Regalia collections. Visit www. goldheart.com.sg for more.

GSS: Savings Great Singapore

TM Lewin Getting spiffy can now cost less with these discounts at menswear label TM Lewin. Their GSS Mega Sale features 50 per cent off suits and 30 to 40 per cent off for shirts, cufflinks and ties. The offer is valid for regularpriced items only. Visit tmlewinsg.wordpress.com for more info.

 Celio Celebrate the Great Singapore Sale with these basics that go up to 50 per cent off selected styles. They are also giving away cash vouchers in their instant sure-win lucky dip. Simply swing by any Celio store to try your luck from now until Jun 9. No purchase is required. Visit www. celio.com for more.

The GSS is here once again. It is time to shop until you drop with these great savings!

With the Great Singapore Sale (GSS) afoot, many retailers are taking part in the GSS with special deals and offers. We have gathered promotions from a few retailers to show you the deals around town.

Depression

 Citigems

 Threadbare & Squirrel Get boutique labels at up to 60 per cent off at Threadbare & Squirrel. Threadbare & Squirrel curates unique labels both locally and internationally sourced. Brands such as Alister Yap, YouYou, Ober.blunck Denim, Happy Socks and Mosstories are just a few that can be found there. It is located at 660 North Bridge Road.

From May 17 to Aug 1, Citigems is having a storewide discount of up to 80 per cent. All-time popular and feminine pieces from the Avoire, Perfect Love and Bennetto range will be on sale during the GSS period. Visit www.citigems.com.sg for more.

Local brand Depression turns 20 this year and to celebrate this momentous occasion, they are having $20 deals until Jun 30. The brand has also recently launched its Autumn/Winter 2013 collection, Dysmorphia. Depression is located at Cineleisure Orchard. W

04 • WEEKENDER • june 7 - 13, 2013

PECIAL FEATURE

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

How to raise a woolly mammoth

Dirty Dancing oozes sexiness

Have the

YOUR

Can the mammoth rise from the dead? A new National Geographic Channel special follows scientists as they work to bring the prehistoric creature to life

TIME OF

LIFE

About 10,000 years ago, humans shared the planet with mammoths – giant creatures that roamed the Northern hemisphere. In Siberia, they numbered in the hundreds of thousands before becoming extinct.

Classic film Dirty Dancing gets the musical treatment with bigger dance moves and more antics

“As they practice, the two fall in love as they teach each other what they know about life.”

By Cheryl Chia Dirty Dancing, the classic dance film starring the charismatic Patrick Swayze, gets a modern update with flashier, albeit ‘dirtier’, dance moves. The original film that was released in 1987 seems almost sedate in modern times as Johnny and Baby come alive on stage in a whole different way. Dirty Dancing the Musical, featuring a mostly South African cast, started its run in Singapore on May 24 and ends on Jun 16. When we went, Luigi Vigliotti played Johnny instead of Gareth Bailey, and he played the bad boy role to perfection. At times, the dialogue did seem a bit stilted but the perfectly executed dance moves more than made up for it. For those who have not watched the film, Johnny Castle is a bad boy dancer that meets the innocent and sweet Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman, a frequent patron of the Kellerman resort with her family. She helps his pregnant dance partner out of her sticky situation and also replaces her as Johnny’s dance partner in the mambo competition. As they

Many moves were not easy to execute

practice, the two fall in love as they teach each other what they know about life. Bryony Whitfield played the innocent Baby well with her googly eyes for Johnny, well-timed giggles and awkwardness, before blossoming into the consummate dancer who’s had her eyes opened. However, Mila de Biaggi (who played knocked-up Penny), blonde and leggy, stole most of the

MOVIE PREVIEW 1

show with her flaming red dress and dance moves. I have one gripe, regarding the placement of the microphones. Up close, the actors look strange with beige buds stuck to the top of their heads. However, I do understand the difficulty of concealing a microphone when dancing and not having it fall out. There were the hit songs such as Hey Baby, Do You Love Me,

Man of Steel:

The costumes have a different, intriguing look

A young boy learns that he has extraordinary powers and is not of this Earth. As a young man, he journeys to discover where he came from and what he was sent here to do. However, the hero in this youth must emerge if he is to save the world from annihilation and become the symbol of hope for all mankind. Interesting Cast Henry Cavill, of The Tudors fame, plays Clark Kent or Superman. This is an odd choice, choosing someone who cannot be more Brit to play an all-American hero. The film also stars fourtime Oscar nominee Amy Adams (who is another unusual choice considering her previous roles in films such as Enchanted and Night at the Museum 2) as Daily Planet journalist Lois Lane. Veteran actor Laurence Fishbourne is her Editor-inChief, Perry White. Martha and Jonathan Kent, Clark Kent’s adoptive parents, are further surprising choices. The evergreen Diane Lane and Kevin Costner are back on screen again as the earthly parents of Superman. Apart from the cast, Man of Steel promises to be uniquely different yet still an epic with Director Zack Snyder of 300 and Watchmen at the helm.

Extra-Terrestrial Beings Squaring off against the Man of Steel are two other surviving Kryptonians. The villainous General Zod is played by Oscar nominee Michael Shannon, whose acclaimed film about the hit man with the highest body count, The Iceman, is yet to be released here. Faora, Zod’s evil partner, is played by Antje Traue (of the upcoming film, The Seventh Son). Also from Superman’s native Krypton are Lara Lor-Van, Superman’s mother, played by Ayelet Zurer (of Angels and Demons), and Superman’s father, Jor-El, portrayed by Russell Crowe. The aspect of the home planet of Krypton and its benevolent and malevolent Kryptonians have always held a mystical hold on viewers. It is interesting to see how these Kryptonians are portrayed as compared to that of previous editions. Once again, there are Kryptonian villains

Dirty Dancing runs until Jun 16. Visit www.marinabaysands. com for tickets.

Extinct to Existent? “If Insung (Hwang, project leader from South Korea’s Sooam Biotech Research Foundation) gets this to work, it’s one of the biggest scientific achievements in this century,” says Dr Love Dalen. “We would have brought back an extinct species to life,” says Dr Dalen. Mammoth: Back from the Dead premieres on 8 Jun, 10pm, National Geographic Channel

The giant woolly mammoth lived more than 10,000 years ago

MOVIE PREVIEW 2

Monsters University:

scaring competition In this prequel to Monsters Inc, the two familiar monsters are back and compete with each other until they get expelled. They then try to make things right Mike works hard while Sulley is lackadaisical

In a world full of terrifying monsters, Mike Wazowski (voiced by Billy Crystal) has dreamt of studying Scaring since he was little. Confident and hardworking, he believes that as long as one works hard, the sky’s the limit. But he is a cute little monster, so he compensates for it with knowledge and bravado. Once he sets foot in the prestigious Monsters University, he is raring to go but his journey becomes more complicated than he thought.

New Stylised Look Zack Snyder’s team includes Director of Photography Amir Mokri of Transformers: Dark of the Moon; production designer Alex McDowell of Watchmen; multiple Oscar-winning costume designer James Acheson of the Spider Man films; and costume designer Michael Wilkinson of Twilight: Breaking Dawn, Watchmen, and 300. This crew and their experience unhealthy rivalry mean a new and different look James P Sullivan, or Sulley for the characters and the film, (voiced compared to by John the previous Goodman), incarnations. returns as In fact, Man a talented, of Steel arrogant might be Have you liked us on Facebook? and athletic the sexiest scarer who Superman is a bit of film yet. a show-off – not quite the big teddy bear of a monster from Man of Steel [TBA] the previous instalment. As a Director: Zack Snyder natural scarer, he expects to Starring: Henry Cavill, Amy effortlessly succeed in college. Adams, Laurence Fishbourne and Diane Lane All sorts of Genre: Action, Thriller monsters entertain Run Time: 143 min Release: 13 Jun

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The new Superman may be the sexiest

A Tremendous Task Working with the Russian government, they have been given unprecedented access to search

for deep-frozen tissue in some of the biggest mammoth graveyards on the planet. But with only three weeks to search, the race is on. Even if the search is successful, the team will have to defrost their samples; find an elephant to provide a donor egg and another to act as the surrogate mother to carry the embryo; and, most importantly, locate viable DNA from an intact nucleus that can be used to start the cloning process.

Hungry Eyes and of course the show-stopping Time of My Life that had the audience whooping in delight. All in all, the musical is an entertaining show not to be missed. Catch one of the last few shows before they leave!

Superhero makeover Another film about Superman, Man of Steel is an interesting take that goes back to its roots yet with a different look

Bringing a Mammoth to Life Mammoth: Back from the Dead follows a team of international scientists as they race to revive the long-extinct species in one of the most expensive, ambitious and audacious undertakings ever. Premiering on Saturday, Jun 8, at 10pm, on the National Geographic Channel, the show follows the expedition team as they abseil down ice cliffs, search in unstable caves and work on trying to harvest the DNA. All with the singular aim of cloning a living, breathing mammoth.

A tremendous task

This time it’s Sulley v Wazowski

His lackadaisical nature gets under Mike’s lime-green skin, whereas Mike’s excelling through sheer hard work makes him the first monster that made Sulley doubt his abilities. Their competition brews all semester and culminates in spectacular fashion witnessed by Dean Hardscrabble, their aweinspiring head of the school. She has 30 legs, spectacular wings, and a wealth of experience. Out of control, the pair gets kicked out of Monsters University’s elite Scare Programme, and they have to work together to fix the situation.

Cue the Misfits Their partnership leads them to a group of misfits, also Scare Programme rejects, who want to prove to Dean Hardscrabble that they belong in the Programme. This bunch of oddballs have to work together if they hope to make things right. From Personal Experience Director Dan Scanlon drew from his experience in art college. “All of that awkward selfdiscovery really appealed to me for this story and contributed to the emotional and dramatic implications of this film,” he says. This prequel is an emotional story that is relatable, provides big laughs, has fun characters, and pushes the drama far enough to challenge how the audience feels about the characters. Monsters University [PG] Director: Dan Scanlon Starring: Billy Crystal, John Goodman, Steve Buscemi, Helen Mirren, and Alfred Molina Genre: Comedy, Animation Run Time: 111 min Release: 21 Jun

june 7 - 13, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 05

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

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COVER STORY

Power For these two firebrand DJs, their postbreakup plan is a brand new radio show. with The Ex-Factor, revenge is sweet radio By Lester J Wan

Jacqui T and Mister Young can still get along when they want to

Jacqui T and Mister Young aren’t afraid to have a go at each other

ound the alarm and prepare the arsenal. Two DJs who once were a couple are going to war, on radio. Lifestyle radio station Power 98FM has revealed their brand new Evening Drive Time show will feature a power ex-couple, DJs Jacqui T and Mister Young. Once romantically involved, they will now be hosting a juicy, no-holds-barred show to rock the airwaves.

First of its kind in Singapore The Ex-Factor on Power 98FM is the first radio show of its kind in Singapore. This former couple knows every dirty secret, bad habit and button to push, and they aren’t afraid to use it. You’ll get to hear Mister Young and Jacqui take it out on each other, especially in the quirky and fun games they have lined up for the show. Listeners will be encouraged to join the slug-fest.

98 FM

All-new battle of the ex-es on

“It’s must-hear radio, as the chemistry is definitely there but so is the drama! I think it’ll be interesting because we can’t bull**** with each other. It will be us at our most raw and unfiltered,” quips Mister Young, who is also Assistant Programme Director of Power 98FM. He guarantees, “This is definitely a show where sparks will fly!” We spoke to Jacqui and Young about this revolutionary show. Are you insane? Why are you hosting with your ex? Jacqui: We’re not the sanest individuals and some would think it to be crazy putting us in the same station, much less on the same show. But who better to do a show with, other than someone you know so well? Young: I’ve never been one to

shy away from a challenge and, quite frankly, we were great when we were together. I don’t see any reason why we can’t recreate that magic. She’s someone I’ve always respected in the industry, and together we can do a great show together. Either that or it’ll be a train wreck. Either way, it’ll make for a lot of interesting radio. What is one thing you can’t stand about each other? Jacqui: How many pages do I have? I kid. If I had to choose just one, I would have to go with him being way too logical. When it comes to Mister Young, he uses his head much more than he uses his heart. To some extent I guess it’s a good thing because when it is time to use your brain and not let your emotions get in the way – Mister Young comes in handy. Young: Jacqui just gets so damn

emotional! She’s a creature of pure emotional reaction, so things get heated up way too fast with her, and she reads too much into things. Please reveal one secret about the other. Jacqui: He’s actually socially awkward, which I find ironic considering the business or industry and position he’s in, but now he’s come out of his shell! Young: Jacqui may come off as confident, secure, boisterous, tomboyish and even belligerent sometimes... but deep down inside, she’s insecure and vulnerable. Is there anything that you might be afraid will be revealed? Jacqui: Not at all. The beauty about The Ex-Factor, I feel, will be the freedom for us to do and talk about what everyone was or maybe is concerned about –

putting ex-es together on a radio show. But it’s never been done before, so fear shouldn’t prevent innovation. Can’t wait! Young: I say, just bring it! You know, that’s exactly what I’m sick of hearing on radio. Safe, standard, ‘professional radio DJs’. I’m tired of having to hold back, and tiptoe around my co-hosts’ ego. The great thing about our relationship is that we’ve seen it all. The ups and downs, and all the nonsense in between. There is no bull******** each other and, in turn, no bull******** the people to join us on the show. It’s us at our most raw. It’s going to be one heck of an experience! W

The Ex-Factor premieres on Jun 10, weekdays, 5 to 8pm on Power 98FM. Website: www.power98.com. sg ; Facebook: facebook.com/ power98online ; Twitter: @Power98

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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With all these awardwinning treatments, FIL Skin, Body and Spa Intelligence is the place to get your facials done. There is no better time than now to experience their awardwinning results, as they are offering an attractive GSS Promotion. Choose any one of these award-winning facial treatments for just $32 and get a free awardwinning Neck Reviver and a free revitalizing eye treatment (worth a total of $520).

The Gold standard for mature skin FIL’s Premium Gold Face Therapy can lend a golden touch to fight premature ageing. This quick-acting treatment reactivates cell tissue metabolism and promotes collagen reinforcement while whitening and fighting free radicals at the same time. To maximise its effectiveness, a Miracle Gold Mask – soaked with the goodness of pearl, ginseng, Vitamin C, Pseudoginseng Root (Tianqi) and alginic acid is applied to brighten the complexion and reduce wrinkles and pigmentation.

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06 • WEEKENDER • june 7 - 13, 2013

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YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

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New chef, new menu, new pleasures

Ready yourselves for Duan Wu Jie, the Dragonboat and Rice Dumpling Festival, with this tasty array of bak changs to gorge on

Masons at the lush Gillman Barracks enclave recently launched its new menu with a new chef at the helm. The magnificent food matches its grand setting By Lester J Wan

It’s time for a By Cheryl Chia

banquet!

uan Wu Jie, the Chinese Dragonboat and Rice Dumpling Festival, is upon us in a mere week’s time. Those tasty rice dumplings, commonly known as bak chang, are rapidly growing in seasonal popularity. Historically, bak chang is eaten to commemorate Qu Yuan, a renowned and respected poet who drowned himself in a tragic incident. He took his life at the time when the ancient city of Chu was taken over by the Qin. Villagers hoping to retrieve Qu Yuan’s body threw the rice dumplings

or bak chang into the river in order to distract and fill the fish, while they raced to his body on their narrow boats. Thus began the tradition of dragonboating and feasting on bak chang. Since the olden days, the fillings for bak changs have evolved and have been getting more and more varied, and more and more bold. While there are a few common types of chang, there have been an increasing number of experimental or novel fillings and flavours over the years. W

Here are a number of bak changs that we’ve found and tried for you Daun Pandan Rice Dumpling

Hua Ting Restaurant

With outlets dotted around Singapore, the closest one to the city would be the one located in the basement of Bugis Junction. We tried the Nonya Chilli ($3.20) bak chang and the traditional Cantonese ($3.20) dumpling. The Cantonese dumpling was filled with lean pork, a salted egg yolk and covered with white glutinous rice. But, we liked the Nonya Chilli bak chang, as the spiciness from the chilli paste cut through the sweetness of the traditional nonya bak chang, giving it an aromatic kick.

Hua Ting's interesting array includes an Assorted Bean Dumpling with Stewed Venison and Tendon ($12.80), and the Five Grains Dumpling with Wild Mushroom ($8.80). The tendon was a bit slimy in texture, but altogether it is quite flavourful. We also liked their Rice Dumpling with Roasted Meat Hong Kong Style ($17.80) with roasted duck, salted egg, scallops, meat, mushrooms, chestnuts and lotus seeds.

Bugis Junction, B1-K13, Tel: 6884 9973

Kim Choo Kueh Chang

Eastern Rice Dumpling The original outlet is located in Balestier but Eastern Rice Dumpling can be found in various malls and supermarkets. You can even order online, if you would like to place a bulk order. This dumpling stall is more than 30 years old and has updated its menu to include Black Pepper Chicken ($2.70) dumplings, Mini Nonya ($1.30) dumplings and Vegetarian Nonya ($2.30) dumplings. The vegetarian dumpling was a good find, with the mock meat within lightly-spiced for a slight kick that complemented the sweetness of the ‘meat’. The minisized meat dumplings were also a great alternative to the large ones. Visit www.easternricedumpling. com for more.

Hua Ting Restaurant, Orchard Hotel, Level 2

With a rich history, having been open since 1945, the Peranakan Kim Choo Kueh Chang has steadily grown from their main outlet at Joo Chiat Place. They have since branched out into East Coast Road, and have also become a fixture, greeting tourists, at Changi Airport. 'Kueh Chang’ is actually the Peranakan version of the term ‘bak chang’. Peranakan kueh changs have their own unique character and taste. Try Kim Choo Kueh Chang's XO Bak Chang ($7) and the Chilli Prawn Chang ($4.50). Kim Choo’s rice dumplings are a bit oilier than the rest, but the rice was softer and less chewy as compared to the other dumplings. We also liked the Nonya Chicken Chang ($3), a less fatty take on the pork-filled nonya bak chang.

Set amidst lush greenery, Masons at Gillman Barracks, just off Alexandra Road, is New Chef Jack Woolner somewhat a hidden gem. Nevertheless, the patronage has been steadily increasing as its reputation has grown. With its colonial architecture and simple yet grand décor, Masons has also been growing in popularity as a setting for corporate and intimate events. New Chef and Menu To take Masons on the crest of a new wave, new Executive Head Chef Jack Woolner presents a whole new menu with new pleasures. Formerly the Executive Head Chef of the respectable sister restaurants The Greene Oak and The White Oak in the UK, he had been trained by Michelin-star chefs in his younger years, influencing his standards and culinary style. A strapping and affable gent, his approach in cuisine is to harmonise “traditional classics with a modern twist”. The epitome of this approach is evident in the very first course of Masons’ Gastronomique Tasting Menu. Incomparable Creations I was first greeted by the golden, regal-looking Seared Foie Gras with Roasted Orange and Cointreau. Truthfully, my instinctive reaction to the taste was, “Wow!” This version of the foie gras dish has amazing flavour with plenty of mouthwatering zing. Together with the smooth, creamy texture of

the foie gras, it was a beautiful sensory experience. In fact, it is miles better any other foie gras dish I can remember, in other restaurants. The sweet, citrus and mildlyroasted taste of the orange is pleasing and strong. On the whole, it was warm, nourishing and comforting. If you choose the wine pairing option, the Cloudy Bay Late Harvest Riesling is sweet, dessert-like, and has hints of apricot. It might be a tad sweet for some, though. The texture is also a bit nectar-like. The Classic Lobster Cognac Bisque truly was a pleasant surprise. Rich, smooth, dark and flavourful, with a lot of character in flavour, it was much better than expected, even compared to that of a recent French restaurant I had dined in. The Lobster Cognac Bisque was not thick or pasty, the lobster or shrimp taste was not overpowering, and there was no aftertaste. If you are not a fan of lobster bisque, you might well be after this. Gastronomic Adventure To go with this or the next course, the Odyssey-sounding Trilogie de la Mer, the Louis Moreau Petit Chablis 2010 is a light Burgundy wine that would go well with most dishes. It has a pleasant taste of fresh grapes and would be ideal for a casual glass at any time. The Trilogie de la Mer comprises seared scallop, lobster tail and cod tortellini with mussel sauce. I’m not big on peas but the pea paste base was sweet, even tasting a little like an oriental-style dessert. The dish tasted nice and was visually attractive, but perhaps I had expected just a little more with its epic-sounding name.

Pinnacle Banana Split Cocktail Having featured various types of vodka, this recipe is timely Add a cheeky spin to the good ol’ Banana Split with this Pinnacle Banana Split Cocktail. Pinnacle Vodka is small-batch crafted and made with pure spring water and the finest wheat grain from Brie, France. The Pinnacle Whipped Vodka is whipped cream flavoured vodka, and is especially great for cocktails. This Pinnacle Banana Split Cocktail is great as a dessert drink to end a meal, or as an appetiser to an evening of drinks. Few ingredients are required and it is pretty simple to make, so why not try it out?

RECIPE

Visit www.kimchoo.com for more.

Cherry Garden This year’s selection from Cherry Garden at the Mandarin Oriental tantalises the taste buds. The Wild and Red Yeast Rice Dumpling with Chicken ($16) has a pungent scent of ginger and pieces of tender chicken. If you like the taste of ginger chicken, this one is for you. For a unique filling and flavours, try the Glutinous Rice Dumpling with Lychee and Yorkshire Pork Belly ($16). The sweet taste of the dried lychees cuts through the fattiness of the pork belly. It is definitely a change from the usual meat and groundnut-filled dumplings. If you prefer something a bit more traditional, a signature classic of Cherry Garden, the Golden Pearl Dumpling ($20), has an extravagant filling of premium ingredients such as slow-braised abalone, dried scallop, pork belly, mung beans, mushrooms, chestnuts, salted egg yolk and lotus seeds. You can imagine the range of flavours within this unique bak chang. Cherry Garden is located at Mandarin Oriental on Level 5.

Ingredients

• Chocolate syrup • 1 part Pinnacle Whipped Vodka • A splash of Bols Crème de Banana Liqueur • A splash of Half & Half • 1 preserved cherry

Method

• Swirl a chilled Martini glass with chocolate syrup. • Shake all the ingredients together with ice. • Strain the mix into your prepared Martini glass. • Garnish with a cherry, and you’re done.

Whether for a date night in or a gathering of friends, your Pinnacle Banana Split Cocktail is now ready to add some pizzazz to your evening. Pinnacle Whipped Vodka is available at The Beam Cellar, 229 Mountbatten Road, #01-03/07, Mountbatten Square, Singapore 398007.

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Seared Wagyu Beef

PasarBella opens with

Trilogie de la Mer

homegrown produce

Masons is set amidst lush greenery and has a colonial appearance

The best part of the Gastronomique menu would be the Seared Wagyu Beef Fillet with Roasted Duck Breast. This is an ingenious combination of two equally-great dishes on the a la carte menu. The duck skin was crispy, which added to the delight. The Wagyu beef was, of course, tender with a good texture.

Fresh and artisanal produce can be found all under one roof at farmer’s market PasarBella, at the Grandstand on Turf Club Road

Seared Foie Gras with Roasted Orange and Cointreau

By Cheryl Chia companion was held in awe by the setting, the cuisine and the charming ambience. Masons is a place you have to experience.

Parting is Sweet Sorrow As the meal drew to a close, the Rustic Lemon Tart with Raspberry Salad gently eased me toward the final lap of my gastronomic voyage. Served with a dollop of fresh ream, the tart had a soft, gel-like quality and a robust zest, at an amount that was just right. To further dissipate the melancholic wave that was beginning to wash over me at the end of this experience, the Moscato with Fresh Raspberry was effervescent and had an interesting taste that was a lot more fun than formal. The Petit Fours of chocolate with chocolate ganache and a choice of coffee or tea, prepared me to part ways, albeit reluctantly. The Gastronomique Tasting

Menu is priced at $98++, or $150++ with wine pairing. The a la carte menu has more options. The Executive Set Lunch is priced at $28++ for two courses or $38++ for three courses. This is fantastic value for magnificent cuisine. From start to finish, my

Masons, 8 Lock Road, Gillman Barracks, Singapore 108936, Tel: 6694 2216 Masons is part of the Verve Restaurant Group. This is the first time the new menu is being featured in the media.

“From start to finish, my companion was held in awe by the setting, the cuisine and the charming ambience.”

The Grandstand – formally known as Turf City – has changed so much with gourmet food places such as Omakase Burger, Maison Kayser, Grill-out! and Pies and Coffee opening in the enclave. PasarBella, a farmer’s market, is the most recent addition. Offering an extensive range of fresh produce, cooked foods and other personal services, the 30,000 sq ft space houses over 30 tenants such as Bonheur Patisserie, Dutch Colony Coffee, Oceans of Seafood and The Great Beer Experiment. Derived from the local term for market, ‘pasar’, and the Italian word for beautiful, ‘bella’, the place aims to emulate the other famous farmers’ markets from around the world such as London’s Borough Market and Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Market. Started by The Soul Group Pte Ltd, co-owner Clovis Lim says, “After visiting farmers’

such as craft beers are available at The Great Beer Experiment, Little Provence (retailing gourmet products and wines from Provence), and Merchants, which has partnered boutique winemakers and hosts pop-up wine workshops and tasting sessions. Oceans of Seafood mimics the Tsukiji fish market in Japan with fresh seafood in both Western and Japanese style. There is even an attached sushi bar. Household items are also available at Pantry Magic and Pixie Dust, and spa services can be found at Auum, and Poika & Tytar – a child salon. All the stalls will be fully open by mid-June.

markets overseas, I always dreamt of opening a similar concept in Singapore where grocery shopping is a happy affair for the entire family, in a space that is inviting and lively, and where there is a sense of warmth through the personalised interaction between stall vendors and their customers.” PasarBella, unlike other farmers’ markets in temperate countries, is located in the comfortable air-conditioned PasarBella, 200 Turf Club facility in the Grandstand. Road, The Grandstand, Level 2, If you’re into organic produce, Singapore 287994, 9.30am to The Organic Grocer stocks 1,000 7pm daily (some stalls open until different organic and natural 10pm), Tel: 6887 0077 products and SG Organic provides Australiancertified organic produce. Cheese lovers would also love the Cheese Ark, which brings in unique cheeses Have you liked us on Facebook? from around the world. Artisanal alcohols

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Stamp your individuality with Dzojchen

FASH SNIPS Here are some stirrings in the fashion world that you would need, want and love to know about

Local brand Dzojchen aims to inject a touch of individuality with high street fashion pieces By Cheryl Chia

e like to applaud local designers when they’ve done well and Dzojchen (pronounced doh-chen) is one that joins the list. Based in New York and in Singapore, Chelsea ScottBlackhall, creator of the high street fashion wear label Dzojchen has made waves in the industry with a cult and celebrity following. Singaporean-born Chelsea Scott-Blackhall, started up Dzojchen in 2009 with almost no experience in the fashion world. She says, “‘Til today, if you look at

as Johnny Depp, Lenny and Zoe Kravitz, and Mickey Rourke have been seen wearing Dzojchen. “Initially, I thought selling to celebrities was really important. But there is also an equally large following of people who do not want to wear what the celebrities are wearing. You kind of lose the cult effect when you oversell to celebrities,” she says. Dzojchen is stocked in Sydney, Zurich, London Paris, Dubai, Istanbul, New York, Los Angeles and Miami. However, Chelsea has chosen Singapore to be the base. In Singapore, Dzojchen is stocked exclusively at Coda-Co and pieces range from $150 to $1,000. W

my sketches, they are mediocre. I always have to add descriptions so the factories know what I want. So, for two years, I took courses.” Dzojchen means “wholeness” in Sanskrit, which Chelsea took to mean that there are no preconceived notions of what a brand should be. She says, “Clothing is automatically a judge of what we see, what we consider to be complete. Our persona Coda-Co is located at Scotts or style is completely up to the Square, 6 Scotts Road, #02-03, wearer.” Singapore 228209. Starting out as a mainly denim label as it “transcends through the seasons”, Chelsea eventually /weekendersgp expanded into high-end street wear with leather Have you liked us on Facebook? pieces in 2011. Since then, Hollywood celebrities such

Audi Star Creation

The three winners of last year’s Audi Star Creation launched their debut capsule collections. Roderic Wong, 28 (China), Ko Youngji, 33 (Korea) and Soravit Kaewkamon, 24 (Thailand) developed their collections under the mentorship of Douglas and Odile Benjamin of leading fashion retailer FJ Benjamin during a one-year internship with the company, which was part of their prize.

Charriol

With the 30th anniversary of Swiss watch and jewellery brand Charriol, they mark their anniversary with a showing of their new and signature accessories. “Everything we do at Charriol is conceived in the same spirit… This means having the courage to listen to your dreams and the audacity to see them through. This passionate mindset is expressed in all Charriol creations, from timepieces to jewellery and is how our customers live, too,” says Phillipe Charriol, founder of Charriol.

IWC Schaffhausen

Triumph

IWC Schaffhausen has appointed two new brand ambassadors: Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg of the Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula One Team. The Swiss watch manufacturer became the Official Engineering Partner to the team. Lewis Hamilton says, “I love wristwatches, and it seems to me that those made by IWC have a lot in common with Formula One drivers: they’re unique, highperformance watches and are among the best in their field.”

The new Triumph Body Makeup range comes in soft shades and natural tones for complete comfort and smoothness. The body wear moulds to your curves making it a great wearing experience for women of all sizes. Comes in five pastel shades, Vanilla, Light Rose, Soft Blush, Cappuccino and New Nude.

HOME

8 tips

Picture-perfect Featured sofas for your Home item for this home week

to make your APARTMENT

executive living’s elegant and pleasing sofas can make your home picture-perfect Ideal furniture is pleasing to the eye, soothing to the touch, and restful when used. Every piece of Mastrotto Italia leather that Executive Living uses is specially selected, and treated in a strict 18-step process to bring you that perfect sofa.

BIGGER

Apartments have been getting smaller and smaller. With some optical magic, you can make your home more spacious

Not everyone has the luxury of owning landed property or having a large home, especially in land-scarce, apartmentdominated Singapore. So, sometimes we need a little bit of optical trickery and clever furniture choices to help. Here are eight tips to help you fake the space you do not have.

Light Colours & Clever Contrasts

Cream colours and pale blues can seemingly convert a small interior into a more spacious area. It is generally known that light colours make a room look bigger and brighter due to their reflective qualities, which make space feel open and airy. Paint your wall trimmings a lighter shade than your walls to make them appear further back, creating the optical illusion of space.

Invest In Multi-Purpose Furniture

De-clutter your living room of magazines, toys or newspapers by buying furniture with storage, such as stools that open up to reveal a storage space or coffee tables that come with an additional shelf to place your magazines and newspapers neatly without adding to the clutter.

Place Mirrors Strategically

Putting mirrors in places where they reflect light or the scenery from outside (instead of the apartment block wall or corner). This creates the illusion of depth. You can also get glass-topped tables to help the light flow better in the house.

Space out your art work and family photos

Remove Unnecessary Objects

Get Furniture With Exposed Legs

From the floor, measure 145cm up the wall. Then hang your art or photo at that focal point. That is the rough eye level for most people, which helps to open up more space above the object; thus, increasing height of the room.

You may have souvenirs and knick knacks from each country you’ve visited that you want to display. But in a small space, less is more. Pick only one or two pieces for display.

Instead of getting a heavy couch with a massive skirting or a leather sofa with a divan base, opt for furniture with exposed legs for greater flow of light and space. Plus, the elevation of the furniture off the ground also makes it easier when cleaning.

High Quality & Durability Executive Living uses leather with a minimum thickness of 1.4mm for enhanced durability. Every frame is made using robust, durable, top-end materials, so the sofa retains its sturdiness for years. Electronic Reclining Sofa These soft, well-crafted sofas have

Pick Sensible Drapes

Try picking drapes that are in the same shade as the walls to avoid a contrast, which can dwarf the windows. Also, avoid noisy prints, heavy patterns and frilly fabric to keep a minimalist and clean focus. You now have a cleaner, leaner, more spaciouslooking home.

Hide Those Wires

With your television most likely hooked up to the cable box, your game console, your DVD player and in some cases the home entertainment system, you are likely to have wires dangling every which way. Bundle them up nicely with cable ties or tape them together with duct tape to avoid a tangled, wiry mess.

double-stitching, and come in many colours to match the image of your perfect home. What’s more, these sofas are built using smart technology. With just one touch of a button, these sofas recline to a comfortable position. For this elegant, state-of-theart sofa and more options, go to Executive Living for a timeless sofa piece that you can be proud of owning. Executive Living, 5 Harper Road, #01-02 (Next to Tai Seng MRT), Singapore 368186, Tel: 6280 6188

“Every piece of Mastrotto Italia leather executive living uses is specially selected, and treated in a strict 18-step process...”

june 7 - 13, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 09

FAMILY & FRIEND

Buy and

Donate

clothes with PriviKids

Online children’s wear label PriviKids sets out to style your children and give back to society at the same time By Cheryl Chia

ressing your child in expensive yet stylish clothing may be fun but it is definitely not wallet-friendly at the rate kids grow these days, which is exactly what PriviKids is striving toward – providing stylish clothing at affordable prices. Founders Darren Yang and Cheryl Tan, a married couple, started Privikids in April as they faced issues finding clothes for their first child, Aiden. Cheryl says, “We found it a challenge to find stylish, comfortable, unique and affordable clothes for Aiden, even in a cosmopolitan city like Singapore. It was during our travels and after trawling the Internet that we eventually found more choices. To share our finds with like-minded busy parents, we decided to start our own kids’ apparel business through our online concept store.” The best for every kid The name PriviKids is a portmanteau of the words “privileged” and “kids”. The couple believes that every parent strives to provide the best for their kids, “whether they are rich, just

getting by or poor”. stylish yet affordable They say, “We want to help The clothing on the PriviKids site as many kids as possible feel ranges from $15 to $35 and the privileged by dressing them up couple sources the clothing from in high-quality yet affordable suppliers in Korea, Taiwan and apparel. At the extreme end of the China. spectrum, we cannot ignore the “The online children’s wear existence of under-privileged kids industry is probably at least who do not even have access to five years behind the more clothes in good condition as they sophisticated adult wear. grow up.” The children's wear industry PriviKids also collects prein Singapore can largely be loved clothing in good condition segregated into two segments; from their customers to help there is the high-quality, unique, donate them to charitable causes stylish but very expensive brands. such as The Salvation Army and On the other end, there is the Movement for the Intellectually cheap but low-quality and run-ofDisabled of Singapore (MINDS). the-mill clothes that you can find Cheryl says, “As Aiden outgrew everywhere,” they say. his clothes – as first time parents “At our store, you will realise you can imagine how much that stylish, comfortable, unique clothes we bought and received as and affordable clothing is gifts, with some not even worn – not a rare find but rather our we donated them to The Salvation commitment,” they assure. W Army and we thought this is a good way of helping other kids www.privi-kids.com and teaching our own about the important values of consideration and love.” They collect donated clothing when customers leave a note for them during the checkout Have you liked us on Facebook? process on their site. They then personally collect it.

/weekendersgp

Jayden Ang Born Nov 2, 2012

Elijah Lee Song Nuo Born Jul 21, 2012 Kieran Boo Born Jan 4, 2013

Lucas Ng Jia Le Born Jan 2, 2013

HELLO Vihaan Tonk Born Aug 11, 2012

Harvey Chew Born Oct 31, 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 Email your photos to

general@weekender.com.sg .

Low Jun Yan Born Jul 30, 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!

Cayden Chew Born Oct 22, 2012

Wang Soo Kee Born Dec 31, 2012

Matt Jakob D. Sasuman Born Jul 24, 2012

Kayden Lim Born Dec 5, 2012

Elliot Tang Born Dec 31, 2012

10 • WEEKENDER • june 7 - 13, 2013

RAVELATION

The sailboat

getaway of your life Experience FIVE days of sun, sea, sailing and Partying as you cruise through Thailand’s stunning natural playground, in an epicurean voyage If you’re up for something more

You can sunbathe or explore the coasts

The Sail Spin is a hot lifestyle travel brand that has hit Southeast Asia, and is all about celebrating the best things in life against the breathtaking backdrop of the sparkling blue Andaman Sea. The Sail Spin is a flotilla sailing event happening ten to 12 times a year, which gathers up to 15 yachts cruising together on a fiveday, four-night journey through Phuket, Thailand. Ports of call include Phang Nga Bay, Koh Yai Noi, Koh Yao Yai as well as Phi Phi Island. A Relaxing Adventure This would make the ultimate escape from your urban life – each morning, you wake up on your own majestic yacht with the crystal blue sea swirling at your feet. Relax and unwind with your favourite cocktail as you sunbathe in the tropical weather on deck.

adventurous, opt for a kayak to explore the hidden caves around pristine islands, cliff dive into a blue lagoon, swim or snorkel in the calm waters of a sheltered bay and marvel at the underwater marine life. Wake up in a lovely bay; watch the sun set in another. Every day is a new experience. Insiders Itinerary With The Sail Spin, you will avoid the masses that flock to Phuket and instead follow an insider’s itinerary of the top spots in the area. Your yacht will bring you to some of the best kept secrets in the Andaman Sea, including Thailand’s most exclusive resorts and secluded, untouched beaches that look like they are right out of a postcard. Spend time with your friends and meet other like-minded travellers wanting to enjoy the best things life has to offer. Party under the stars and set off floating lanterns

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

Party by the Sea The perfect day ends off with a secluded beach dinner. Dance and let loose to the tunes of an exclusive DJ line-up, hand-picked by the music enthusiasts at The Sail Spin. Or, just chill out with other sun-and-sea hedonists under Thailand’s starlit sky. Expect the unexpected as The Sail Spin strives to surprise its guests every time with unique experiences such that no two trips are exactly the same, especially if there is a birthday boy or girl on board! Hassle-Free Voyage The Sail Spin understands that holiday time is precious and the team will make sure that you only need to focus on having the time of your life. Sailing is an exclusive experience which requires a lot of preparation, but The Sail Spin will make it hassle-free for you. From the moment you arrive at the Marina, or the pre-Sail Spin party, to your departure, everything will be taken care of without you having to lift a finger. Each yacht is captained by a skipper who will ensure your journey is, literally, smooth sailing The Sail Spin caters to everyone from novices to expert sailors. The brand’s impressive range of 35 yachts accommodates both the fuss-free travellers and the ones seeking something a bit more lavish, with packages starting from $150 per person, making it the perfect option for a longer weekend getaway that is truly unique.

a first for Asia, it’s emblematic of the rise of the global South which encompasses much of Africa and Asia, as well as South America,” concludes Dr Yuwa Hedrick-Wong, Global Economic Advisor for MasterCard and author of the report.

Bangkok & Asia top destinations Bangkok and other Asian cities are within the top global travel destinations, with Asian cities making up nearly half of the top 20

For more information or reservations, please visit www.thesailspin.com

Journey by boat with like-minded travellers

In its third annual Global Destination Cities Index, MasterCard announced that Bangkok is this year’s number one city for travel. The study looked at the highest international visitor numbers in 2013, with London, Paris, Singapore, and New York rounding out the top five. A noticeable trend in this year’s report was the dominance of Asia. Of the 132 cities ranked, 42 are Asian. Apart from Bangkok, which tops the list, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong, Seoul, Shanghai, Tokyo and Taipei are in the top 20.

“With the rise of the AsiaPacific region, this year’s index reflects the re-balance that the globe is undergoing in large part because of the rise of emerging markets,” said Ann Cairns, President of International Markets, MasterCard Worldwide. “This shift is further underscored by electronic payments, which are enabling more people from more places to participate in the global economy than ever before,” said Cairns. “Bangkok brought with it great momentum from last year. Its ascent to number one is not only

Overview of Asian Region The rise of Asia is strongly reflected in this year’s index. Bangkok is the top-ranked city in Asia which is the region with the largest number of Destination Cities this year at 42. Also notable is Tokyo, which has shown a strong recovery in 2012, bouncing back to 20 per cent from a severe contraction of 20 per cent in 2011 as a result of the earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear disasters. Tokyo is also gaining momentum in regional crossborder spending, moving up from seventh in arrivals in the region to third in spending. MasterCard Index of Global Destination Cities The MasterCard Index of Global Destination Cities ranks cities in terms of the number of their total international visitor arrivals and the cross-border spending by these same visitors in the destination cities, and gives visitor and passenger growth forecasts for 2013. Public data is used in deriving the international visitor arrivals and their cross-border spending in each of the 132 destination cities, using custom-made algorithms; paying special attention to eliminate the hub effects for destination cities such as Singapore, Amsterdam and Frankfurt. Amazing Thailand Mr Thawatchai Arunyik, Deputy Governor for Domestic Marketing, Tourism Authority of Thailand said, “The Thailand tourism slogan – ‘Amazing Thailand Always Amazes You’ – is certainly apt as its capital, Bangkok, has emerged at the top of this year’s index.” “What a tribute this is to our city’s hospitality industry, the transport industry and food and beverage and catering industry and more,” he said.

Off the beaten path: Japan’s nature routes If you want to venture from the usual destinations of Tokyo or Kyoto when in Japan, these nature routes may be the antidote

See Mount Fuji from a nature trail

For experienced travellers who are already tired of Tokyo or Kyoto, visiting charming nature sites, seeing peaches and seasonal flowers at scenic Mount Fuji, or trekking the Japanese Alpines may inject a sense of novelty into your travel experience. Road Trip & Mount Fuji Take a scenic road trip to Mount Fuji 5th Station, to enjoy majestic views of Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain. It is also the focal point of the sprawling Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park. At 2,300m above sea level, be awed by the view of the mountain and chomp on a barbecue lunch of grill-andeat beef, pork, vegetables, and mushrooms, under a romantic grapevine trellis.

Pick your own Japanese peaches

PICK Peaches & Experience Blooms At Japan's produce centre of peaches, you can handpick your own peaches and cherries. Pluck your own sweet treasures and be pleased by their rich, sweet taste and fresh, crunchy texture. Try to travel between June to August as it is the season for flowers and herbs, so you can see truly postcard-worthy lavender fields. Nevertheless, if

you are travelling after August, you can still see cosmos, jasmine, bergamot and basil. There will even be lucky draws in the coach and everyone will get something special. How delightful is that?

Incomparable Alpine Route For those just slightly more adventurous, consider taking the Tateyama Kurobe Alpine Route to see the Tateyama Mountain Range, part of the Chubu Sangaku National Park, and the 2,450m-high spot, Murodo. In the summer and autumn, there are alpine flowers. In spring, the snow corridor can stretch up to 20m. Kurobe Dam & Gorge Train If you are travelling some time from late June to mid-October, you can see the 186m-high Kurobe Dam – Japan's tallest – discharge up to 15 tonnes of water per second. Take the Kurobe Gorge Train between Unazuki and Keyakidair, where you can appreciate nature as you cross bridges and tunnels as you travel along the V-shaped gorge.

An onsen or spring bath

Open-Air Onsen & Hoto Hotpot Some tourists eschew onsen, or hot spring baths, due to nudity or the water being too hot. Nonetheless, if you would like to experience the soothing luxury of soaking in mineral-rich water from geothermal-heated springs, try an outdoor onsen with magnificent views of the great Mount Fuji. After that relaxing soak, pamper yourself with a mouthwatering lunch of Yamanashi’s speciality – hoto hotpot. It is believed that the daimyo (samurai warlord) Takeda Shingen and his samurai ate this hearty hoto hotpot before riding into battle. Or, you can check out the Gotemba Premium Outlet, one of the biggest malls in Japan, and shop to your heart’s content.

Less Common Routes To begin these adventures off the beaten path in Japan, book your tour with HIS International Travel. There is a full and exciting itinerary planned for you, to various picturesque sites in Japan via routes that are lesscommonly traversed. See and experience the real character of Japan. HIS International Travel, 100 Tras Street, 100 AM, #02-26, Singapore 079027 (Former Amara Shopping Centre), opening hours: Mon-Sun, 10am7pm, web: www.his.com.sg, FB: www.facebook.com/HISTRAVEL. SG, Email: travel@his.com.sg

Part of the Japanese Alpine route

june 7 - 13, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 11

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

TRAVELATIO

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

Kuching:

Part

At the China-Malaysia Friendship Garden

THREE

The Purrfect Getaway ‘Kuching’ means ‘cat’ in Malay but our intrepid travel blogger never knew where the place was until he went there. This is part three of his experience

By Darren Ng

fter the cultural museum, it was to the China-Malaysia Friendship Garden, other prominent sites, and the tastes of Sarawak. China-Malaysia Friendship Garden Built in 2004 to commemorate 30 years of diplomatic ties between China and Malaysia, this outdoor garden is unofficially known as the Zheng He Garden to the locals. With the presence of a China Embassy in Kuching, you can guess that the Chinese population there must be pretty sizeable. Justin drove us there so I have

The legendary Admiral Zheng He

no idea about its location but it must not have been very far off from the city centre and it seems to be nestled within a residential area. I think it is one of the nicest gardens in Malaysia. There’re two entrances to the park – one side with a Sarawakian influence, the other in ornate Chinese style. Amongst pagodas, rock gardens, and weeping willows over a pond are huts of indigenous Sarawakian fashion; and the friendship between the two countries is cleverly represented by a 20-foot statue of the Admiral Zheng He facing a fountain with seven pillars representing the seven major ethnic groups of Sarawak.

One of the traditional-style huts in Sarawak

Sarawak has many nature trails to explore

Legacy of Admiral Zheng He Admiral Zheng He was credited for being China’s ambassador during the 15th Century to extend the dynasty’s influence and build relations with many countries in the Indian Ocean basin. Born into a Muslim family, he was made a eunuch at age 11 and was given the name, San Bao (meaning Three Treasures). In his lifetime, Zheng He led several voyages and expeditions to Southeast Asia, South Asia and East Africa, collectively known as “The Travels of Eunuch Sanbao to the Western Ocean”. It is also believed that the admiral gave the hand in marriage of Princess Hang Li Po to a Malaccan Sultan, which greatly spurred the rise of the Peranakan culture.

Kuching. The feline couple can be found at a roundabout junction that marks the city centre, while the white cat stands in front of the gate to Chinatown. The white cat changes costumes with each festive season. I took a photo of it wearing traditional garb, to herald the upcoming Gawai Festival. The two sets of statues are within walking distance. We also passed by a pretty interesting and iconic building in Kuching, the Boulevard Bandaraya Kuching Selatan.

Cat Statues & Other Sites How can a visit to cat city be without photos of cats? There are two famous sets of cat statues in

Tastes of Kuching In terms of the tastes of Kuching, here’s a binary feast on some of the local favourites for you:

More cats at the Kuching North City Hall

BE HAPPIER A date with

Kate Australian-born deejay Kate Elsworth, a statuesque ex-model, has been at the turn tables and in the music scene since 2006. Cutting her teeth in Ibiza, she developed an ear for house music and has collaborated with people such as Thomas Gold and Dirty South, and has worked with singers Emma Bunton of the Spice Girls and French Idol Christophe Willem. Her latest single, Eyes Wide Open, was launched on Phazing Records in January. We find out more about the latest.

“At the moment, I’ve spent the last four months in New York writing a more indiestyle record.”

What’s in the pipeline? At the moment, I’ve spent the last four months in New York writing a more indie-style record. It is not really house music, but it is really exciting and I can’t wait to share it with everyone! Who would you like to work with in the future? I think Thom Yorke from Radiohead is amazing. That would be a dream come true [laughs] if I got to work with someone as great as him! You’ve spent some time in Ibiza. How was that experience like? Ibiza is amazing! I’ve lived there for the past two years over the

6. Sweet-Sour Mutton Ribs This tastes just like the Hong Shao Pai Gu (Sweet-Sour Pork Ribs) in Singapore, except with mutton ribs. This dish graced my tongue beautifully and had me going back for more, though it is quite fatty.

The Kuching Laksa is different from our version

The unique Stir-Fried Fern Shoots

Do you ever get tired from all the jetting around? Yes! Extremely. I’m in a different time zone every three or four days! In ten days I went from New York to Tokyo, Hong Kong, London and Amsterdam, China and then here. Then Ibiza, then Brazil. I’m like… [makes exhausted face] I can imagine. What do you do the moment you get a day off? Anything that is not a club! I love chilling out and spending time with friends and family as I don’t get to do that often. Any memorable moments thus far? There have been so many, but the best one was performing for 15,000 people in Chile. Stepping up to that many people is insane. The Chileans were so lovely and wonderful. I’m living the dream!

3. Hinghwa Pa Mee Hinghwa is my dialect group and in Singapore it’s rare to find the traditional Pa Mee at local hawker centres or food courts. Every Chinese New Year, my recentlydeceased Ah Ma would cook this dish. So, when I had it in Kuching, I was expecting ang pows! This is by far my favourite. Not because it stems from my childhood but because the soup was light yet flavourful, and the noodle was soft but not gooey. But the key difference between this version and the home-cooked one is this - my Ah Ma fried the seaweed until it’s crispy. That's still the best!

5. Stir-Fried Fern Shoots I don’t remember what the name of the fern is but it’s a species native to Sarawak, so you probably can’t find the dish elsewhere. Its availability is also seasonal and unpredictable because it is harvested in the wild.

By Cheryl Chia

summer and I have been going there for the past eight, nine years. Ibiza is a very special island and I guess it is definitely got something magical about it that draws people there. The experiences that you have, I can’t even describe it!

2. Kuching Laksa This tastes like a watered down version of Curry Mee. Again, not a big draw for me as I prefer the heavier broth of Nonya Laksa.

4. Mussel Cracker Omelette I tried a version of Kuching’s OrJian (Oyster Omelette) made with mussels. The presentation was pretty interesting as the egg was made into a cracker bowl with the shellfish stuck to it. If only it tasted as interesting as it looked. The egg lost its flavour and the mussels were too cooked.

Britain-based house deejay Kate Elsworth was in town to spin at W Singapore Sentosa Cove. We catch up with her on her latest

You were previously here spinning at Filter for an Anna Sui event. How do you like the crowd in Singapore? Singapore is such a beautiful city. The people are great… The event went really well. It was a good opportunity. They were responsive, which is what a deejay really needs when they’re playing. You can see that they were really having a good time!

1. Kolo Mee Supposedly a culinary signature of Kuching. It is somewhat like Wanton Noodles without the char siew and dumplings but with prawns, pork and other condiments. Nothing very unique. I preferred the bak chor mee in Singapore.

A version of the Kolo Mee

“the soup was light yet flavourful, and the noodle was soft but not gooey.”

7. Claypot Braised Fish Head All I remembered was that a thick layer of oil floats on the dish. Elizabeth said it’s the omega oil from the fish head but I doubt it. This little amount of fish can’t produce that quantity of oil. After all the exploration and gastronomic adventures, late on our last night, Siow Har and I bought two cans of Stella Artois, headed down to the waterfront, and lit the sparklers she brought from Singapore. Don’t ask me why she brought sparklers there but it was a great way to mark the end of a spectacular trip! W This is an excerpt of an article on Kuching, Sarawak. For the full article, go to explorelah. blogspot.sg/search/label/ Kuching

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