WK43B / MICA (P) 144/08/2012
WEEKENDER august 2 - 8, 2013
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND filled with FUN AND HAPPINESS
DELIVERED FREE TO YOUR HOME
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lynn tan brightens our universe
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multi-flavoured mooncakes
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excite write is just right
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02 • WEEKENDER • august 2 - 8, 2013
VENTS
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS
For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
This week’s highlights
Until 29 Sep, 10am to 6pm, $10
Princely Treasures
from the House of Liechtenstein St Mark’s Square, Venice, by Antonio Canal
Portrait of a Man by Frans Hals
Experience 500 years of opulent European art through the eyes of the Princely Family of Liechtenstein. For the first time in Southeast Asia, rare paintings and artworks from the House of Liechtenstein that once graced palaces are on show at the National Museum of Singapore. Singaporeans are now able to view and appreciate beautiful,
Cupid with Soap Bubble by Rembrandt
= FREE
iconic art by Renaissance, Flemish and other renowned European masters, including Raphael, Brueghel, Hals, Rubens and van Dyck. Princely Treasures from the House of Liechtenstein features an exquisite selection of 91 masterpieces including paintings, prints and engravings, tapestries, sculptures, and rare decorative art objects from the late 15th to mid19th Century in Europe. Complementing the Princely Collection is a display of 16 oil paintings from the National Collection. These works draw links to portrait painting as an important representational mode in the late 19th and early 20th Centuries in Singapore. In conjunction with the exhibition, a series of special programmes inspired by the Princely Collections is lined up for visitors, from sketching workshops to chamber concerts. National Museum of Singapore, Exhibition Galleries 1 & 2, 93 Stamford Road, www. nationalmuseum.sg
All events are correct at time of print.
NEW! Modern Voices – Class of 1978 3 Aug, 7.30pm, $20, $25 A batch of students graduated from China’s Central Conservatory of Music in 1978, the beginning of reform after the Chinese Cultural Revolution ended. Now renowned Chinese composers, they will be presenting chamber music, providing a glimpse of contemporary Chinese music of the late 20th Century and beyond. Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive, www.esplanade.com
Karung Guni by Anthony Chen
Singapore Shortcuts 10 & 11 Aug, 2pm
Celebrations! (Gardens by the Bay) 5 Aug - 10 Nov, 9am-9pm, $8 (Child & Senior Citizen), $12
Singapore Panda by Sun Koh
Co-presented with The Substation Moving Images, the highly anticipated annual showcase will feature a diverse selection of recent Singapore short films from documentaries to animation and experimental work, and a rare collection of films previously showcased in the 1980s at the Singapore Video Competition. There will be post-screening discussions with the filmmakers. Collect tickets at the National Museum's Visitor Services Counter on 3 Aug. National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, Tel: 6332 3659, www.nationalmuseum.sg
Themed floral displays will be held in conjunction with our nation's birthday, as a tribute to the cultural festivals of Singapore's three main ethnic groups. They will be between 5 Aug to 1 Sep for Hari Raya; 9 Sep to 6 Oct for the Mid-Autumn Festival, and 14 Oct to 10 Nov for Deepavali. National Day will feature a floral display in red and white with flowers such as orchids, roses and begonias, and even the five stars of the national flag. Singapore residents also get a $4.80 discount on admission rates to the cooled conservatories between Aug 7 to 11. Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive
WEEKENDER FUN-TO-DO IDEAS Join the fun & win at 7-Eleven’s
Esplanade's National Day Celebrations
Mel & Joe
Big Gulp Mixology
7-11 Aug, various times
SWS Youth Winds
Esplanade celebrates National Day with arts events such as Peranakan music and dance performances by Main Wayang Company and 2012 Compass recipients of the Artistic Excellence Award, Mel & Joe, who will be playing 1960s, 1970s and 1980s hits. On National Day itself, symphonic band SWS Youth Winds will play nostalgic tunes such as Count On Me Singapore. Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive, www.esplanade.com/ nationaldaycelebrations
now on Check out these events over the next two weeks
“The first 50 who post photos of the artwork using the Hash tag will be given vouchers.” 7-Eleven launches ITS first 3D floor art for its Big Gulp Mixology campaign Don’t be surprised to see 3D sculptures of 7-Eleven’s iconic Big Gulp cups pouring sodas into a giant whirlpool outside the 7-Eleven outlet at Cineleisure Orchard from Aug 3 to 11. This creative floor art installation is part of 7-Eleven’s Big Gulp Mixology campaign, to encourage people to mix different flavours of soda to create their
own unique concoctions. This unique floor art installation comes from a collaboration with prominent local illustrator Mr B, or Ben Quek, and the campaign was conceptualised by homegrown creative start-up, Some Kind of Wonderful. During the campaign, there will be crews who will be with the Gulp mascot to hand out balloons between 11am to 7pm on weekends. The first 50 people, daily, who post photos of the floor art on their Instagram or Facebook accounts using the hash tag #gulpmixology will be given
Gulp vouchers. Another Instagram contest will be held from Aug 3 to 11, whereby three winners with the most creative posts will be selected and given a $100 choice voucher each. Visit Cineleisure Orchard between Aug 3 to 11 to catch 7-Eleven’s Big Gulp Mixology 3D sculptures and participate in its Instagram contest.
FREE! Bazaar Raya Utara 2013 Until 6 Aug, 10am-11pm Check out the bazaar stalls offering Ramadan goodies just before the festivities begin. This bazaar is organised by Sembawang GRC. Open space opposite Causeway Point, pa.gov.sg, Tel: 6365 6911 FREE! NEW! Beyond the Surface Until 25 Aug, 12-7pm (Tue-Sat), 126pm (Sun), closed on Mon & public holidays This group exhibition features works by Yayoi Kusama, Monir Shahroudy Farmanfarmaian and three other artists offering stunning artworks on canvas, paper, ceramic ware, or glass. Ota Fine Arts, Gillman Barracks, 47 Malan Road, #01-23, www.otafinearts.com/singapore, Tel: 6694 3071 FREE! NEW! Chapel Market 8 & 9 Aug, 5-11pm Come to the only flea market at City Hall, where you can look forward to sumptuous food and great shopping deals under a sky of twinkling stars. CHIJmes, The Lawn, 30 Victoria Street, Tel: 6336 1818, www.chijmes.com.sg ComChest Heartstrings Walk 2013 18 Aug, 7.30am, $10 Take a leisurely 4km stroll with your friends or family around the scenic Marina Bay area. There will also be a carnival with stage performances and fringe activities such as massages, face painting, sand art, and game booths. Register at www. comchest.sg/heartstrings by 14 Aug. Marina Bay Sands, Event Plaza, 10 Bayfront Ave
Fall Out Boy to Save Rock and Roll 6 Aug, 8pm, $110 After a five-year hiatus, American pop-punk band Fall Out Boy is back with their long-awaited fifth album Save Rock and Roll. In this one night only concert, they will be playing songs such as “My Songs Know What You Did in the Dark (Light Em Up)” and “The Phoenix” from their latest album. Tickets from Sistic. Fort Canning Park, Cox Terrace FREE! Glutton’s Square Food Fair Until 18 Aug, 11am-9pm daily A faithful recreation of Singapore’s most famous makan place in the 1960s, Glutton Square will be done to allow visitors to enjoy local favourites such as popiah, kueh pie tee and laksa. Orchard Central, Atrium, 181 Orchard Road, www. orchardcentral.com.sg, Tel: 6238 1051 Istana Building Guided Tour 4 Aug, 9am-4.30pm (Tours are every 15 minutes, except during 1.15pm & 3.15–4.15pm); $2 (Child), $4 (Adult) This tour interweaves interesting stories by the Preservation of Monuments Board volunteers and covers some architectural details of the neo-Palladian style building, including a visit to the function rooms that has hosted royalty and presidents. Register at the Istana Building Guided Tour booth on the day of the Open House. All proceeds go towards Community Chest. Istana, Orchard Road
FREE! NEW! Keen Variations: The Different Sides of Wong Keen’s Art Until 4 Aug, 12-7pm daily This exhibition features works completed in the 1990s and early 2000s by Singapore’s first Abstract Expressionist artist, Wong Keen. He is famous for his brilliant executions of lotuses, nudes and landscapes in oil and acrylic, and most of the works featured here have never been shown to the public. Bras Basah Complex, Blk 231, Bain Street, #02-43, www.artcommune.com.sg FREE! NEW! NEW WORD ORDER PRESENTS BALLI KAUR JASWAL 7 Aug, 7.30pm Join Balli as she discusses her journey in writing Inheritance, a novel about life in Singapore in the 1970s and 1980s through the eyes of a Punjabi Sikh family. The Arts House, Living Room, 1 Old Parliament Lane, www. theartshouse.com.sg, Tel: 6332 6900 NEW! Official National Day Pub Crawl 8-9 Aug, 7.30pm, $35, $60, $99 WATSinside & Singapore Pub Crawl present the inaugural Official National Day Pub Crawl! You will party in four happening bars and one club, with free shots galore and no cover charge. There will also be exclusive drink specials, party games, and you will get a limited edition Official National Day Pub Crawl T-shirt too. Email marketing@ watsinside.com for tickets. 80 Raffles Place, Fat Pigeon Statue (UOB Plaza), www.watsinside.com, Tel: 6933 9901
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YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
August 2 - 8, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 03
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04 • WEEKENDER • august 2 - 8, 2013
VENTS
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NEW! Project Happy Feet Slipper Race 2013 31 Aug, 8am (flag-off), $35 Inspired by the many school children in countries like Cambodia who walk more than 3km to school either barefooted or in slippers, Singapore’s only non-competitive walk in slippers is held to raise funds for the education of such underprivileged school children in Singapore and Cambodia. Walk 4km for a good cause. East Coast Park, Angsana Green, www.projecthappyfeet.org, Tel: 6297 6761 PARTING GLANCES: Singapore’s Evolving Spaces Until 31 Aug, 10am-9pm (Mon-Sun), Closes on public holidays, & 5pm on eve of New Year, Chinese New Year & Christmas Kampong Lorong Buangkok, Seletar Camp, Pulau Ubin, People’s Park, MacPherson and Queenstown are six iconic neighbourhoods on the
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS
For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
verge of disappearing. Their stories will be told through words and pictures at this exhibition. The book Parting Glances will be launched soon, and it will be reviewed in our upcoming National Day issue on Aug 8. National Library, Level 7, Promenade, 100 Victoria Street NEW! Songs of Teresa Teng 5 Aug, Mon, 10.30am, 3pm, 7.30pm, $12 Local songstress Yuan Jin will be playing tribute to nostalgic hits by the late Teresa Teng with her renditions of familiar hits such as Sweet as Love and Moon Represents My Heart. Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive, www.esplanade.com
FREE! NEW! The ArtScience of Sitting 3 Aug, 2.30-4pm This edition of the museum’s
ArtScience Conversations brings a distinguished panel specialising in furniture design, ergonomics, and the work of Charles and Ray Eames. This event will be stimulating and thought-provoking for people interested in design, with visual examples and new insights. ArtScience Museum, 10 Bayfront Avenue, www.marinabaysands.com/ singapore-museum, Tel: 6688 8328
NEW! EDQ! 7 Aug, 8pm, $12 (Concession), $15 EDQ!, an up and coming Singapore woodwind quintet will present a dynamic performance using five very different instruments: flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and horn. Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive, www.esplanade.com FREE! SOTA Arts Festival 2013 Until 6 Aug, various timings Themed me+ARTmorphosis, this
= FREE
arts festival traces SOTA's journey as Singapore's first pre-tertiary arts institution, offering a glimpse of their stimulating curriculum through dance, film, music, theatre and visual arts. Pre-registration on a first-comefirst-serve basis. SOTA Performing Arts Venues, 1 Zubir Said Drive FREE! NEW! The Damn Good Shop 2 Aug, 8pm-12am This pop-up shop features vintage goods, stationery, bags, art and sunglasses created by local companies like Books Actually, Fabrix, FLABSLAB and Mystic Vintage. Contact organisers for changes in event details. 30 Maxwell Rd, #01-02
Coming Soon Check out these events over the next two weeks International Cosplay Day Singapore 2013 25 Aug, 10am-8pm, $5 Check out this convention of fandriven cosplay and pop-culture that immerses convention goers in an eclectic fusion of Eastern and Western pop-culture elements. There will be a cosplay talent
showcase, Blizzard Cosplay Runway for fans of Diablo, Starcraft or World of Warcraft, and cosplay panel showing the history of cosplay in Singapore. Scape, The Warehouse, 2 Orchard Link
All events are correct at time of print.
VOLUNTEER EVENTS Lend a hand or spend your time meaningfully FREE! NEW! Karaoke & Entertainment Session 7 Aug, 2.45-4.45pm Karaoke lovers, gather your karaoke friends to volunteer for Bright Vision Hospital, which needs people to sing and dance to karaoke tracks with wheelchair bound patients to provide them social interaction and improve their cognitive and physical functions. Volunteers have to be 16 years old and above. Bright Vision Hospital, 5 Lorong Napiri
Preview Choice event picks coming in a month or more
FREE! NEW! Street Sales for YFC Team We Build Rainbows Spend a day of the National Day and Hari Raya weekend for a good cause, to help sell items such as Perler beads, keychains and badges islandwide for Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS), which is working with Citi-YMCA Youth for Causes (YFC) to raise funds and awareness of dyslexia. Island-wide, www.das.org.sg
NEW! Piano Guys Live in Singapore 2 Sep, 8pm, $88, $108, $128 Piano Guys, consisting of four American fathers from Utah, became famous on YouTube after their ingenious approach of performing One Direction's What Makes You Beautiful, and other subsequent original classical mashups. Catch them live in Singapore for this one-night-only concert. Tickets from Sistic. The Star Theatre, 1 Vista Exchange Green
NEW! Ramadan Special 2-4 Aug, 7-10.30pm, $55 nett
This Ramadan period, dine on a sumptuous MUIS Halalcertified buffet dinner under the stars and enjoy the ambience of the Promenade. You can choose from a wide variety of Malay and international favourites. There are prayer room facilities available. Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel, 392 Havelock Road, Tel: 6233 1188
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. All events listed here are accurate at the the time of print, or are listed as stated by the organisers. Please check with the relevant organisers and contacts for more information and to book tickets.
WEEKENDER ABOUT US We are a Social Enterprise! Besides enriching the lives of our readers, we provide training and employment for disadvantaged Singaporeans from CDCs, ISCOS and IMH. Our humble team:
Editorial Director Frank Young frank@weekender.com.sg Editor Lester J Wan Writer Cheryl Chia Contributor Chia Hui Jun Art Director Nicodemus Aw Graphic Designer Foo Dun Jie Sales Director David Phey Senior Manager Seth Leow CONTACT US: Advertising Sales: seth@weekender.com.sg Enquiries: +65 6493 2001 general@weekender.com.sg Weekender Group Pte Ltd 80 Playfair Road, #02-03, Blk A, Singapore 367998 CRN# 201212438E MICA (P) 144/08/2012 Disclaimer: The illustrations, photographs, views and statements expressed by our contributors, bloggers, illustrators, or writers do not necessarily reflect the views of Weekender Group Private Limited. Weekender Group Private Limited does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of those views or statements and do not accept any legal liability whatsoever arising from any reliance on the views, statements and subject matter. © Copyright Weekender Group Pte Ltd. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all rights including those in copyright in the content of this publication are owned by or controlled for these purposes by Weekender Group Pte Ltd. Copyrights to photographs, Illustrations, or any other forms of work which appear in this publication provided by non-Weekender Group Pte Ltd contributors are owned and controlled their respective creators.Except as otherwise expressly permitted under copyright law or Weekender Group Pte Ltd, the content of this publication may not be copied, reproduced, republished, downloaded, posted, broadcast or transmitted in any way without first obtaining our written permission or that of the copyright owner.
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
T Music of the Night AUGUST 2 - 8, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 05
ENTERTAINMEN
Be captivated by the
MOVIE PREVIEW
The Phantom of The Opera returns, as captivating as ever The Phantom of The Opera, one of the most successful and longestrunning shows on Broadway, has returned to Singapore and begun its run at the MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands.
Will an unlikely hero be able to fight his way to Elysium and save mankind?
Elysium:
Future worlds In a post-apocalyptic world, the rich reside in the space station Elysium and the rest on a ruined planet
I
t is the year 2154, and only two classes of people exist: the very wealthy and the rest of the world. The very wealthy live on a pristine man-made space station called Elysium and the rest live on an overpopulated, ruined planet. The people of Earth are desperate to escape crime and poverty that is now rampant throughout the land.
Unlikely Saviour The only person with the chance to tip the scales is Max (played by Matt Damon), an ordinary person who is in desperate need to get to Elysium. He reluctantly takes on a dangerous mission – one that pits him against Elysium’s Secretary Delacourt (veteran actress Jodie Foster) and her hard-line forces. If he succeeds, he will save not only his own life, but the rest of
the people on Earth as well. Sci-Fi Meets Real Life Director Neill Blomkamp of District 9 fame returns to the realm of science fiction, drawing two distinct and separate worlds. “The idea of taking up stone, and mortar, and concrete, and swimming pools – and everything you’d need to build these mansions in a space station – is satire,” says Blomkamp. “In that way, Elysium is the reverse of an alien invasion story – it’s still about human beings trying to protect a way of life, but instead of fighting for Earth, they do it by going into space,” he says. Action and Politics Producer Simon Kinberg says that the non-stop action of Elysium and the political subtext of the film mesh well together. Blomkamp agrees, and says,
“I want to blow things up as much as I want to make films that are about serious topics.” He adds, “I’m more of a visual artist than anything else. I’m interested in politics, so once I’ve set up the world and start getting into character and story, the political ideas that intrigue me work their way in there…” Watch this unique futuristic film to find out the fate of Max, Elysium, and the planet. W
27th Year Andrew Lloyd Webber’s critically-acclaimed masterpiece is currently in its 27th year and will run until Sep 1 in Singapore. Producer Kerry Comerford of The Really Useful Group – owned by Webber himself – says, “The Phantom of The Opera is an exceptionally unique musical for so many reasons and it sits in a class of its own. It has received incredible acclaim over the years, and to this day remains unrivalled by other musicals in its world-wide successes.” One of the most famous Broadway incarnations featured Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. Haunting Plot The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a disfigured genius who haunts the Paris Opera House. Mesmerised by the talent and beauty of Christine, a young soprano, the Phantom
Don’t miss this haunting tale, especially if you’ve never seen the musical
lures her to be his protégé and falls in love with her, unaware of Christine’s love for Raoul, her childhood friend. The Phantom’s obsession sets the scene for a dramatic turn of events where jealousy, madness and passions collide. Some of the memorable songs from the musical include “The Phantom of The Opera”, “Music of
The Night”, and “All I Ask of You”. Tickets start from $55, up to $230, and exclude a booking fee of $3 a ticket. Book your tickets through www.BASEentertainmentasia.com or www.MarinaBaySands.com/ Ticketing, or call 6688 8826.
BE HAPPIER
Elysium [TBA] Director: Neill Blomkamp Starring: Matt Damon, Jodie Foster and Alice Braga Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure Run Time: 109 min Release: Aug 15
Power 98 Music Review
Listen to Robin Thicke & his Blurred Lines Skirting the fine line between Pop and R&B, Blurred Lines delivers a mix of both worlds, in a very enjoyable way By Charmaine Phua Smooth, sleek, sexy. These are the words that come to mind when I first heard Blurred Lines, the latest album from Robin Thicke. Robin Thicke is by no means a new name in the music industry, but it’s the first time the R&B singer-songwriter has really made me sit up to have a listen.
which sounds like a part two of “Give It To Me”, Timbaland’s pairup with Timberlake. Still, I think Thicke has made a strong case with this album, and I hope his revamped sound stays! Tune in to Charmaine Phua on Eats & Entertainment as she shares her love for food and movies, on Saturdays from 5pm9pm, on Power 98FM.
HAVING FUN Eight out of the ten tunes on the album are vastly different from his old soulful-sappy love songs: he really sounds like he had a ball of a time recording them. How can one not, with fancy big-name producers such as Timbaland, Will.i.am and Pharrell lending their support? Leading the parade of Pop and R&B hits is the title track, “Blurred Lines”, which features T.I. and Pharrell Williams. It’s one of the biggest tracks this summer, hitting No. 1 in almost 20 countries (US and UK included), possibly with the help of the risqué video (that has been banned) when it was released on YouTube. Other songs to look out for include “Get In My Way” and “Feel Good”, which are both great to listen to before you head out for a party, as well as “Top Of The World” to wind-up the night. TIMBERLAKE VS THICKE I’m sure Justin Timberlake and Robin Thicke are tired of the comparisons between them but with the same high notes and producers, and similar R&B styles, it’s almost unavoidable. This is especially apparent in “Take It Easy On Me” with Timbaland’s signature sound,
Lynn Tan has used her role to help charities
The Miss Universe Singapore with a difference Lynn Tan may have recently passed down her Miss Universe Singapore crown, but her work is just beginning By Lester J Wan Lynn Tan was a popular Miss Universe Singapore [having won in 2012], whom many liked, for her beauty as well as her wisdom. Sadly, she has very recently handed her crown to the next winner. She reveals that this isn’t the end and shares with us the meaningful endeavours she has been involved in, and what makes her happy. What have you been busy with of late? Mostly work and charity. I’ve been raising awareness and helping to raise funds for my adopted charity, the Singapore Guide Dogs Association for the Blind. What are some challenges you faced as Miss Universe Singapore? I had to strike a balance between events, work, and trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
About Charmaine Phua Charmaine Phua is Executive Producer / Presenter of Power 98. She is thankful that she often gets to blur the lines between work and play, because they are “same same, but different”. Tune in to her on Power 98FM.
How did it feel, passing down your crown? I had a fulfilling time; I used it as a platform to give to society. I hope I have inspired others to use this leverage to give to society too. Have there been strange proposals? I get tons of messages on
Facebook. I mostly just laugh it off.
cause to support. The Color Run is donating $1 for every participant.
What do you look for in a man? Confidence, reliability and trustworthiness. And he should be fun and exciting.
What is your role in The Color Run? I will be running. I would also like to raise awareness about The Color Run and the donations to the disadvantaged children in Asian countries.
What makes you happy? Many things: personal fulfilment, the sense of achievement, doing things for others, and giving back to the community. When I see people happy, I’m happy. How did you get involved in The Color Run? I was approached to be an ambassador. The charity, Project Happy Feet, is also a worthy
Any famous last words? I hope these won’t be my last words! A lot of girls win pageants and after they give back their crown, that’s it. To me, it doesn’t stop there. The Color Run Singapore takes place on Aug 17 and 18.
About The Color Run The Color Run, known as the Happiest 5k on the Planet, is a unique colour race that celebrates healthiness, happiness, individuality, and giving back to the community. It is a 5km, un-timed race in which thousands of participants are doused from head to toe in different colours at each kilometre. The fun continues at the finish line with a rousing Color Festival.
F
06 • WEEKENDER • august 2 - 8, 2013
OODMANIA
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
The good
Unique mooncakes from Bakerzin
Spend teatime at The Providore
the bad, and t
Newly-established The Providore Café showcases quality wares for you to have a good teatime
Moonca
By Cheryl Chia
The time for mooncakes is upon US once again. We taste some that are good, bad or literally look butt-ugly. Enjoy!
Tomato Toast with Goat's Cheese The meatballs are a satisfying treat
Apart from bringing quality goods and products into their grocery store at Tan Boon Liat Building, The Providore Café has opened its airy doors at Mandarin Gallery. Started by the former owners of Jones the Grocer, Bruce Chapman and Robert Collick, the distinctly modern Australian joint serves some good nosh. Experienced Chef The café’s kitchen is headed by Chef Saffry Rahim, whose 20 years of culinary experience spans a wide spectrum of cuisines in top restaurant kitchens across Singapore and the United States. “We have worked with Chef Rahim in the past, and he shares our passion and vision towards food,” says Bruce Chapman, cofounder and managing director of The Providore brand. “When the idea of The Providore came to us, we couldn’t think of a better man for the job,” he says. Sharing Portions The extensive menu ensures something for everyone. We loved the Lobster Mac & Cheese ($22.50) with shaved fennel and dill baked in a cast-iron pan. The moreish quality of this dish left us asking for seconds. The Tuna Tartare ($14.50) is a plate of fresh, raw tuna atop chopped avocados, and topped with a quail egg yolk. The Tomato
By Cheryl Chia Man Fu Yuan's Snowskin Mooncake Combination includes the new Pulut Hitam Mooncake
The Tuna Tartare is refreshing
Toasts ($14.50), with slow-cooked cherry tomatoes and meridithmarinated goat cheese and Meatballs ($18.50), should also be given a try. There are also solid milkshakes and an assorted array of cakes, baked in-house with their very own products from The Providore. They also carry vienoisseries from BAO, a bakery initiative by the former chef of Canele Patisserie Chocolaterie. Future Plans The owners plan to launch a brunch menu with dishes such as Ricotta Pancakes. There are also plans to bring The Providore to Japan. Visit www.theprovidore.com for more information.
There are many variations of the origins of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Legend has it that in the ancient past ten suns shone in the sky, burning crops and causing drought. Hou Yi, the mythical hero, shot nine out of the ten suns out of the sky and earned the gratitude of an immortal. The immortal then sent him an elixir of immortality. Hou Yi, who married Chang-e, did not want to be immortal without her. Thus, he let her keep the elixir. Unfortunately, his apprentice attempted to steal the elixir. Chang-e swallowed the elixir to prevent it from falling into the wrong hands. What happened next was that she became immortal, and the Goddess of the Moon. Since then, the Mid-Autumn Festival has also included activities such as lantern riddles – the unmarried daughters of the rich used this occasion to show off their single status by walking around with a lantern – and mooncakes for luck. For you, we have braved the
good, the bad and the butt-ugly and we give you our review.
off on online orders. Visit www. bakerzin.com
Bakerzin Bakerzin has five collections to suit every taste. They have also introduced the brand new Sweet Pleasure Snow Skin ($88 for eight) – a miniature version of the Sweet Pleasure cake from Bakerzin – that comes in a fine coat of cocoa powder, decadent Valrhona chocolate and a base of pailleté feuilletine, a French biscuit. Customers enjoy 15 per cent
Din Tai Fung Traditionalists, look no further than Din Tai Fung for your traditional baked mooncakes. The small size also makes this treat less cloying. They comes in two flavours of White Lotus Seed Paste with Taiwan Songshan Pineapple Filling and White Lotus Seed Paste with Pine seeds, Orange Peel and Quarter Yolk ($23.80 for four).
Eat to Live is an insightful documentary on Singapore during World War II and wartime food
WORD OF MOUTH Seen and heard of the best of local SingaporeAN food
Superb Satay Satay, easy-to-eat pieces of smoky barbecued meat, is a popular local food for lunch or dinner. Here are some superb ones
Eat to Live: Musings
There are two types of satay sold in Singapore: the Chinese style, which uses five-spice powder in its marinade, and the sweeter Malay style of satay. Either way, both are equally tasty. Satay is also great for sharing with friends and family. Here are a few stalls to try this weekend. • Chai Ho Satay & Dried Pork If you live in the West, you would have smelt the fragrant, slightlycharred meat from Chai Ho. During the festive season, this stall switches to selling bak kwa [Chinese dried and barbecued pork] instead. This one is nonhalal and sells pork and chicken satay. Clementi Food Centre, Block 448, Clementi Avenue 3, #01-10 • Fu Dao Homemade Satay This one carries black pepper satay with smoky and spicy chunks of chicken or pork. The standard satay sticks are also tender and nicely glazed with honey. Also non-hahal. Old Airport Road Food Centre, 51 Old Airport Road, #01-97
• Warung Sudi Mampir If you like beef tripe, you’d like this zesty satay flavoured with lemongrass. Indonesians may find this close to what they have at home. They also use chicken breast meat in their chicken satay. Haig Road Food Centre, 14 Haig Road, #01-19
• Haron 30 Satay Haron 30 Satay is authentic satay that uses chicken pieces instead of mince, resulting in substantial portions with a homemade peanut sauce. East Coast Lagoon Food Village, 1220 East Coast Parkway, Stall 55
on wartime food The National Museum of Singapore presents Eat to Live: Wartime Recipes, a documentary on food musings of wartime Singapore
“Satay is also great for sharing with friends and family.” Lobster a la Bystander
A
august 2 - 8, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 07
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
ood,
Raffles Hotel's mooncakes are always highly sought after
FOODMANI RECIPE
Making macarons
the ugly:
akes
Macarons are a challenge for any home baker. This recipe from Bakerzin breaks it down for you
Din Tai Fung's traditional baked mooncakes
Cherry Garden has a variety of mooncakes including snow skin ones with unique ingredients
Goodwood Park Hotel's Fruit Snowskin Mooncakes
There is a 10 per cent discount with a minimum purchase of two boxes, until Aug 15. Visit www. dintaifung.com.sg Goodwood Park Hotel These fruit snow skin mooncakes are unconventional and highlydifferent from the usual type. Their new flavour of Pink Guava with Passionfruit and Rambutan ($26 for two, $46 for four) is a refreshing balance of tropical fruit flavours. They have also included a limited edition Red Prawn Durian ($37 for two, $62 for four) in their durian treats. From Aug 5 to 11, buy any box and get the second at 50 per cent off. The second box must be of equal or lower value. Cherry Garden Cherry Garden at Mandarin Oriental Hotel has a new Homemade Mooncake with Green Tea Paste and Japanese Kyoho Grapes ($62 for four). Signature favourites such as the Snow Skin Mooncake with Lychee Martini Truffle ($62 for eight) are also back to tantalise. Call 6885 3541 for orders. Available until Sep 19.
Raffles Hotel Apart from the highly sought after Snow Skin Mooncake with Champagne Truffle & Ganache ($68 for eight), this year, they have added the Snow Skin Rum and Golden Raisin Mooncake ($64 for eight) and the Snow Skin Kaffir Lime Mooncake ($64 for eight). Online orders have commenced. Visit www.rafflesmooncakes.com to order. Hua Ting Restaurant Hua Ting’s Masterchef Lap Fai has created a “healthier” mooncake with their Mini Snow Skin Purple Sweet Potato Paste ($8 a piece, $56 for eight) and the Mini Snow Skin Purple Sweet Potato Paste with Chocolate ($9 a piece, $64 for eight). Other flavours are available. The sales counter will be at Orchard Hotel until Sep 19. Haagen Dazs Since 1997, when the ice cream mooncake was introduced, Haagen Dazs has continued to make ice cream mooncakes in four flavours – Chocolate, Strawberry, Macadamia Nut and Cookies & Cream – with a mango sorbet ‘yolk’, and encased with a praline base and lush chocolate coating ($48 for two, $68 for four). Available until Sep 30 at all Haagen Dazs outlets.
Au Chocolat Okay, these aren't the traditional mooncakes. These are actually cheesecakes but we love the Rum & Raisin White Lotus ($18 a piece, $68 for four) with a rich lotus paste swirled with rum. Other flavours include the Pandan Kaya, the 5 Nut Au Chocolat and the Double Salted Yolk that was pretty good. Man Fu Yuan Man Fu Yuan at Intercontinental Hotel launches a brand new Pulut Hitam mooncake, available as part of their four-piece collection of Snowskin Mooncake Combination ($53.80 for four), with other flavours such as the aromatic Green Tea Paste with Dragonball Jasmine tea infused snowskin, smooth White Lotus with Macadamia Nuts and rich Sesame Paste with White Sesame Seeds. They are available for online order at www.facebook.com/ ICSingapore or at the Teahut at the hotel.
“For you, we have braved the good, the bad and the butt-ugly and we give you our review.” with a single salted egg yolk ($14.50 for a piece, $52 for four). You can place orders in advance, from Aug 23. Email singapore@ goodsofdesire.com to order. When getting your mooncake, remember not to judge a book, or butt, by its cover. W
Goods of Desire These mooncakes from Goods of Desire are literally butt-ugly. These mooncakes are butt-shaped and “moon” us from the box. Produced by Mei-Xin Fine Goods, these butt mooncakes contain velvety lotus seed paste
Packaging for Goods of Desire mooncakes
This is a recipe for Basic Macarons with Butter Cream, and makes up to 75 macarons. Ingredients • Red food colouring (optional) • 1kg of butter cream • 1kg of icing sugar • 750g of sifted ground almonds • 750g of egg white • 370g of sugar • 70g of powdered egg white Method • Prepare the basic macarons. Combine icing sugar and almonds in a mixing bowl and mix well. Set aside. • Combine egg white and sugar in a mixing bowl. Place in a bain-marie [warm water bath] and whisk constantly until sugar is completely melted. Remove from heat and whisk on medium speed for 3 minutes. Add powdered egg white and increase to high speed. Continue to whisk until mixture is light and fluffy with soft to medium peaks. • Spoon half the egg white
mixture into another bowl and set aside. Gradually fold icing sugar mixture into remaining egg white mixture until fully incorporated. Fold in reserved egg white mixture until batter has a slightly watery base. • Spoon batter into a piping bag and pipe out 3cm circles about 1cm apart on lined baking trays. Leave to dry in a cool, airy place for about 30 minutes. Sprinkle some food colouring, if desired. • Preheat oven to 160 degrees Celsius and bake macarons for 10 minutes. Macarons should start rising after 5 minutes. Reduce heat to 120 degrees Celsius and continue baking for another 15 minutes. Remove and set aside to cool. • Spoon butter cream into a piping bag. Pipe some cream on an overturned macaron, then sandwich with another macaron, and repeat. • Store macarons in an airtight container. This recipe is from Bakerzin.
Caribbean Breeze
Baked Fish Custards Sotong Masak Kiam Chye
A unique Caribbean restaurant opens its doors on Jiak Chuan Road By Cheryl Chia
Baby Back Ribs with Trinidad BBQ Sauce
During the Japanese Occupation of Singapore, from 1942 to 1945, food was scarce. The burning hunger then still leaves a mark almost 70 years later. Those who had lived through that terrifying era will be able to relate. Despite the wartime circumstances, Singaporeans had managed to turn tragedy into ingenuity by planting crops in order to sustain themselves and to survive. This documentary, Eat to Live: Wartime Recipes, shows the poignant and heart-breaking tale of war and the toll it took on Singaporean families. It also gives insight into what was eaten during those dark days.
Lime House is quite a sight to behold, housed in an old Peranakan shop house. This Caribbean joint introduces the laidback culture from Trinidad & Tobago – Liming. “Liming”, the national pastime of all the Caribbean islands, simply means hanging out in a casual atmosphere at a beach, bar, river or under a lime tree. “I was born and bred in Trinidad & Tobago and some of my earliest memories are of liming with family and friends, listening to great music and enjoying the delicious food my
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War spares no one The interviewees in this documentary come from all walks of life, and are of all ethnicities. Some come from well-to-do families pre-war. Their descent into hunger and how they dealt with rations that were meagre, and even rotten, is well documented through their anecdotal accounts. There are also a few heartwarming stories of love, and attempts at festivities during the war. Food Dreams Christopher Tan, a writer and food consultant, demonstrates the ingenious recipes that were invented during and just after the war, such as Kang Kong and Sweet Potato Lemak and Tapioca Vadai, between each anecdote. This makes it a completely novel
2
3 viewing experience. The DVD comes with six recipe cards of wartime dishes. Eat to Live: Wartime Recipes retails for $23 at Objectifs Films, Books Kinokuniya, Books Actually and the National Museum.
1. Betik Masak Titek 2. Tapioca Vadai 3. Kang Kong Sweet Potato Lemak
mother would prepare. I wanted to bring that experience to Singapore,” Chris Morris, Lime House owner, explains. Spice is Nice The diverse menu has been created by Trinidadian chef Hasan DeFour. We loved the Baby Back Ribs with Trinidad BBQ Sauce ($24-$34, available in full or half-rack). The smoky and slightly sweet Trinidad barbeque sauce was a great condiment for ribs that were so soft that the meat fell off the bone. The Jerk Chicken ($24) – originally a Jamaican dish – is piquant and had a spicy kick to it. Accompanied with a pillow of sweet potato puree, this is a great starter dish if you have not been exposed to Caribbean cuisine before. Cocktail Breezers No Caribbean meal is complete without rum-infused cocktails. To
get the full liming experience, grab some of their potent cocktails such as the Lychee Ooh-la-la ($17), a refreshing white rum cocktail with mint leaves, and the Caribbean Life ($16) – dark rum with lime and orange juice. Warning: these cocktails have a tendency to make you feel a little sleepy after a few rounds – perfect for unwinding after a tough day. Sweet Endings Try the Deconstructed Pina Colada ($12) – coconut custard topped with fresh pineapple and tart lime sorbet. Chocolate fiends will love their “Piton” Choc Cake ($12) which is essentially a molten chocolate cake paired with vanilla ice cream, almond flakes and spiced fruit compote. All prices are excluding taxes. Lime House is closed on Mondays. Lime House, 2 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore 089260, Tel: 6222 3130
H YOUR OWN cinema 08 • WEEKENDER • august 2 - 8, 2013
OME
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
at home Why go to the movies when you can bring them to you? Time to spruce up your home entertainment system with these nifty devices
Epson EH-W6100 & EH-TW8100 3D Projectors The Epson EH-TW6100 and EH-TW8100 replace the older Epson EH-TW6000 and EH-TW8000. Both new models are full HD 1080P capable, and are able to deliver the brightest 3D images of any projector in the world, thanks to their unique Epson 480hertz frame refresh rate that is twice as fast other 3D projectors, and minimises the “blackout time” between 3D image frames. The TW-8100’s lens shift capability optically corrects distortions if the projector is placed off centre from the screen. The TW8100W is the world’s first projector with an integrated Wireless HD receiver that allows it to receive HD content streamed wirelessly from the transmitter. Epson EH-TW550 3D Projector The Epson EH-TW550 is a highlyaffordable 3D home theatre projector that brings movies and games to life. It is excellent value for budgetconscious buyers as it is packed with many useful features that include a 720P HD resolution, and a convenient horizontal keystone correction slider that allows users to quickly correct distortions when the projector is placed off centre to the screen.
TECH Toshiba Tablet:
Toshiba Excite is affordable and useful for any tablet user
The right choice
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n this present day, it is common to watch movies at home. However, this often compromises the cinematic experience. With these nifty pieces of technology, you can power-up your home entertainment system and have a cinematic audio-visual experience in the comfort of your own home.
Sony Bravia KLV-R452A & KLVR402A Sony has added two new backlit LED TVs to its 2013 range of Bravia TVs, displaying breath-taking colour and detail. The new KLV-R452A and KLVR402A are also ideal for any budgetconscious homeowners looking for impressive picture and sound quality. The two new R-series Bravia TVs employ Sony’s unique Clear Resolution Enhancer technology. This technology boosts image clarity with heightened contrast and depth that you will not find on most televisions. A feature usually only found on higher end models, the R452A and R402A are MHL- (Mobile High-Definition Link) ready, meaning that movies, music and apps stored on your smartphone can now be viewed on the large screen. Sony BDV-N9100, BDV-N7100W & BDV-E3100 Home Cinema Systems With two new 4K and 3D Blu-ray Home Cinema Systems, the BDV-N9100 and BDVN7100W, as well as a 3D Blu-ray Home Cinema System, the BDV-E3100, Sony provides home owners with an authentic cinema experience in the home. The N-series speaker units feature Sony’s Magnetic Fluid Speaker technology by using an advanced ferrofluid material developed by NASA for its space programme. These ground-breaking speakers are able to achieve more accurate, revealing sound – even at high volume levels. For those looking for a simpler yet powerful model, the BDV-E3100 is the ideal choice, with its 1,000W of total power output, Dolby True HD and DTS-HD Master Audio features. Visit sony-asia.com for further functions and features.
Low-Light brilliance The Excite Write is equipped with 8 MP autofocus rear camera with LED flash and 1.2 MP front-facing camera. For those who demand better photo quality, the rear camera is equipped with a F2.2 aperture camera which allows you to capture better images in low-light romantic restaurants or night time shots!
Toshiba Excite Pure Toshiba Excite Write
wacom pen creativity Enhance your creativity and productivity with the Wacom Digitiser and stylus, capable of supporting 1024 levels of pressure sensitivity. Toshiba’s exclusive app TruNote allows easy-touse note-taking task that emulates real-life pen and paper handwriting experience. A home theatre in your hands Industry-renowned Harman Kardon speakers project sounds excellently, allowing you to hear every nuance and chord perfectly. Given the great sound and video capabilities, they offer a cinema-like experience on a compact, ultra-mobile tablet screen.
Bringing the tablet experience to the next level, Toshiba Singapore’s Digital Products and Service Group announced its new Excite Write tablet. The new 3G-enabled Excite Write and Pure tablets are available in stores now, starting from $599. Processing muscle Powered by the latest NVIDIA Tegra 4 Quad-Core mobile processor and NVIDIA GeForce GPU, the Excite Write offers multitasking performance, sublime graphics and power efficiency. The PixelPure (2560x1600) display has an astounding 4.0 million pixels (300ppi), four times more than previous generation REGZA tablets. Paired with the PLS display, Toshiba reports that on-screen images are 10 per cent brighter and 30 per cent richer as compared to IPS display. Whether for fast web browsing, capturing HDR images, consolequality gaming or watching video content in Full HD, this highperformance processor handles all tasks with ease. The Toshiba Excite Write is also equipped with Corning Gorilla Glass 2 to provide extra screen protection against careless scratches and knocks.
Excitement in a package Toshiba Excite Write tablets come in an aesthetically pleasing silver finish with textured dot patterns for a steadier grip. It is slim – a mere 10.5mm – and weighs a light 645g. It comes with an ample 10.1 inch capacitive screen, which supports full 10-point multi-touch, and an average battery life of 9 hours. Given its processing power, luxurious screen, branded speakers and pen - all in all - it’s a compelling package worth looking at. Alternatively, the Excite Pure is available with a speedy Tegra 3 processor, crisp HD display and offers up to 11 hours of non-stop entertainment.
Philips Fidelio 9000 Series Blu-ray Player Indulge in total audio-visual entertainment that rivals reality in spectacular 3D. Experience vivid and crystal-clear images matched with detailed quality sound from this sleek Philips Blu-ray Disc player. Qdeo video processing technology produces an image that reduces noise, enhances colour, and improves contrast, fine detail and enhanced sense of depth, resulting in a quiet, pleasing and immersive viewing experience. Full HD 3D provides the illusion of depth for a heightened, realistic cinema viewing experience. Philips HTL5120 Soundbar Speaker Unleash the full sound potential of all your media devices with the Philips HTL5120/12 soundbar speaker. With its integrated subwoofer and orientation sensor, it gives you the freedom to place it just the way you like. Because Dolby Digital, the world’s leading digital multi-channel audio standards, makes use of the way the human ear naturally processes sound, you get to experience superb-quality surround sound.
Visit www.pc.toshiba-asia.com for more details.
“Whether for fast web browsing, capturing HDR images, console-quality gaming or watching video content in Full HD, this high performance processor handles all tasks with ease.”
Pioneer XDJ-R1 For purely audio, Pioneer has unveiled the XDJ-R1, the first all-in-one DJ system to feature wireless control functionality through an iPad, iPhone or iPod Touch via Pioneer’s specially-designed “remotebox” app. The versatile system features Wireless Direct (to enable reliable wireless connectivity with an iOS device even when a WiFi network is not available), Auto Beat Loop, Beat Sync, USB device connectivity, built-in CD players and MIDI control. By utilising the “remotebox” app with an iOS device such as iPhone or iPad, the XDJ-R1 can be remotely controlled wirelessly, giving DJs the ability to continue their music-mixing performances even when they move away from the system. Visit pioneerdj.com to find out a host of other features and functions. These toys will certainly please the boys. W
august 2 - 8, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 09
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
HEALTH & BEAUT
to Harvard University’s The Nutrition Source, you should look for a multivitamin that has 100 per cent of the Dietary References Intakes (DRI, or daily recommended intake) for most vitamins, rather than supplements that have greater than 200 per cent or 300 per cent, or even 1,000 per cent of the DRI of fat-soluble vitamins. The body can excrete excess water-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin C but may experience liver damage or other harmful side effects when a person is taking excessive fat-soluble vitamins such as Vitamin A. High-potency multiples That said, people who may be at risk of or have vitamin and mineral deficiency diseases should be taking the high-potency multiples mixtures. They provide higher amounts of certain nutrients, and are sometimes designed for specific goals, such as heart health, which is helpful for the elderly. Depending on formula, these combination vitamin products are designed to be taken as caplets or tablets in divided doses, and they distribute nutrients evenly in the body.
Get
good
Low-potency or one-a-day multiples These mixtures are among the most common in the market, as
nutrition Busy lifestyles make it hard for us to get the vitamins we need in our diet. Multivitamins are a panacea
I
n an affluent society, we have more than enough food to keep our tummies full but we may not be getting sufficient nutrition that our bodies need. Sometimes, it is the sheer difficulty of incorporating the required vitamins into our daily diet, or it could simply be poor food choices, or negligence. Multi-vitamins hence become a stop-gap measure which, although cannot replace the role of nutritious food in our diets, can be a close substitute to get adequate levels of vitamins and minerals we are lacking in our diets.
The jury is still out on the recent debate about whether multivitamins are good for “otherwise healthy” people but if you feel that you are lacking in certain nutrients or not getting adequate amounts of them, you may want to consider taking a multivitamin-mineral supplement. Choosing the right multivitamin The market is flooded with different brands and types of multivitamins, fulfilling different needs. According
many of them contain 100 per cent of the daily requirements for most vitamins and some minerals that our bodies need. Even though this is a convenient way to get a variety of nutrients from a single source, they cannot replace a healthy diet as they cannot “cover all bases” the way high-potency multivitamins can. Timed-release Timed-release vitamins work on the principle of consistently releasing vitamins into your blood stream over the course of a day. However, unlike some timerelease prescription medications, they may not be useful and end up costing more. Vegetarian Since most capsules are made of animal gelatine (protein), vegetarians need to read the supplement labels carefully to ensure that they are getting a vegetarian product. There are vegan multivitamin products which benefit vegetarians, as they contain iron, calcium, zinc, Vitamin D and Vitamin B12. One example is Holland & Barrett’s Vegan Multivitamin.
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these supplements sometimes cause. When exposed to heat or moisture, B vitamins sometimes react with the other ingredients in the multivitamin and cause discolouration and a bad smell. Even though the multivitamin is still safe to take, the taste and smell often puts people off. To avoid this, take liquid multiples that come in the form of soft gels, or capsules, as they are kept dry and cool. Compared to tablets, capsules are usually easier to swallow since they are smoother. The third type is chewables, and sweeteners are usually added since they are less palatable. Properly made tablets and capsules will dissolve readily in the stomach, allowing the nutrients to be absorbed. Consider buying from Holland & Barrett, as taking multivitamins of good quality matters, and they are committed to providing products of good quality. W
Forms of vitamins and ways to take them Supplements are best taken with meals to allow the body to absorb the nutrients better, and avoid the stomach upsets that
“Supplements are best taken with meals to allow the body to absorb nutrients better, and avoid the stomach upsets these supplements sometimes cause.”
Radiance Multivitamins & Minerals
Radiance Multivitamins with Iron
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10 • WEEKENDER • august 2 - 8, 2013
EALTH
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS
For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
The new Ecopolitan Executive Condominiums in Punggol
The latest development of Qingjian Realty (South Pacific) Group Pte Ltd is open for public booking
Ecopolitan LIVING
BLOSSOMs in PunGgol CoSpace is a unique concept that offers homebuyers the rare opportunity to re-configure space according to lifestyle needs
The ultra-modern Lake House, which serves as a club house for Ecopolitan
Ecopolitan Executive Condominiums is an eight-block, 512-unit, eco-inspired residence located in Punggol. It is a mere walking distance away from the MRT station, bus interchange and the future Waterway Point. The Ecopolitan boasts connectivity and quality housing in the heart of Punggol, making it the “Waterfront Town” of the 21st Century. “Singapore’s Punggol 21 Plus Masterplan underscores the growing attractiveness of Punggol as an eco-town, offering potential homeowners an unbeatable combination of a cosmopolitan lifestyle and nature’s biodiversity,” says Mr Li Jun, General Manager, Qingjian Realty (South Pacific) Group Pte Ltd. He adds,” The Ecopolitan sits at the heart of Punggol’s redevelopment, providing Singaporeans with the security of a quality family home enveloped in the richness of nature for future generations to come.” Digital Connectivity Qingjian is also partnering SingTel to provide free fibre broadband, home line and mio TV service
for two years at the Ecopolitan. The Home LiveCam service is also available at every unit at the Ecopolitan for two years. The wireless broadband camera will be installed in the living room or dining area, and can be used to monitor the activities of children or the elderly at home. “Fibre is the future of communications and entertainment in the home. SingTel is encouraging more consumers to enjoy the superfast Internet connectivity of fibre and the innovative services and applications it enables,” says Mr Johan Buse, Vice-President, Consumer Marketing, SingTel. He adds, “With our comprehensive fibre-enabled bundle of broadband, voice, TV and Home LiveCam service, we are excited to enhance the lives of residents of Ecopolitan.”
utility and study rooms into a harmonious space for various purposes. The efficient use of space allows buyers to have better usage of the space at different stages of life. “CoSpace is an innovative feature that will continue to appeal to buyers who are looking for spacious and luxurious living. Qingjian will continue to build new concepts and ideas to meet the demands of buyers in an ever-changing environment,” says Mr Li.
Flexibility by CoSpace Concept The Ecopolitan also features CoSpace, a unique concept that offers home-buyers the rare opportunity to re-configure space according to lifestyle needs. Homebuyers can combine both
Eco-Themes The eco-theme was inspired by Qingjian’s efforts in achieving a high standard of green living. At Ecopolitan, there are seven themed zones to reflect ecoinspired living. The zones are The Blue Lagoon,
The Trail of Rainforest, Blue Harmony, Moon Island, Water Gardens, Adventure Forest and Forest of Mist. At the different themed zones, residents can indulge in facilities such as the Poolside Pavilion, Chill-out Lounge, Moon Deck Pavilion, Forest Cloud Pavilion and Lake House. Other facilities include a 50m Lap Pool, Kids Pool, Misty Spa Pool, Gymnasium, Candlelight Trail, Kids’ Adventure Playland and Tennis Court. There is something for everyone. The Ecopolitian offers a wide selection of units. An 893 sq ft three-bedroom unit and a 1,141 sq ft four-bedroom unit will cost approximately $700,000 and $900,000 respectively. Familyfriendly units with five bedrooms are available as well. W
“there are seven themed zones to reflect eco inspired living...”
The Ecological Moon Deck, overlooking the Lake House
Bookings for eligible Executive Condominium buyers will open on Aug 4. The Ecopolitan Sales Gallery will be open from 10am to 7pm daily. For enquiries, please call 6858 5777.
FAMILY & FRIENDS Dalia Fatin Grillo Born Apr 26, 2012
Naura Qeesya Bte Rohaizad Born Nov 18, 2012
Here is the third part of a series of questions and answers on teenagers
Part THREE
Dealing with Teens:
Cyber-bullying Here is another question on teenagers, with some answers from Focus on the Family.
Atticus Jax Pang Born Jan 21, 2013
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 Charlene Ang Yee Teng Born Oct 6, 2012
Email your photos to
Klaryss Ng Born Oct 25, 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!
Athreya Srinivasan Born Feb 27, 2012
Question:
I’ve been hearing horror stories about the devastating effects of “cyber-bullying” among teens and younger kids. What’s worse, I have reason to believe that my child may be a victim. How can I know for sure? If it is true, what can I do to help?
Answer:
If you suspect your child is a victim of cyber-bullying, we strongly advise decisive action through the following steps: 1. Approach your child directly with your concerns. You can start by asking if they enjoy the social networking websites they visit. Don’t be surprised if your child is reluctant to talk though, as victims of any form of bullying may not reveal their distress because of shame, embarrassment or fear of further mistreatment if they raise the situation with authority figures. If this is the case, look for any of the following signs: • Unexplained emotional changes • Depression or nervousness • Withdrawal or secrecy • Sadness or tearfulness • Overeating or a refusal to eat • An obsession with the phone or computer • Listlessness or loss of interest in favourite activities Uncharacteristic behaviours such as stealing or lying could mean your child is a victim of extortion. If you conclude that your child
is indeed dealing with cyberbullying, broach the subject frankly. Let them know that they are not alone and you are there to listen and support. Help your child see the injustice of the mistreatment and not blame themselves for it. Say something like, “This situation is not okay. No matter what others are saying, you’ve done nothing to deserve this abuse. We are going to put a stop to it somehow.” 2. Work with your child to establish appropriate boundaries for future online and texting activity. Insist that your child takes a break from activities of this nature for a designated period of time, to heal emotionally and repair any damage to their social reputation. If the bullying escalates, becomes physical or involves threats of violence, seriously consider finding a new school or moving your child into a new environment. But don’t jump at this option too quickly, as it may reinforce any withdrawal
The relative openness of social networking can translate into vulnerability, and the anonymity it affords easily becomes a convenient cover for abusers. [continued below]
symptoms and emphasise your child’s feelings of weakness, inadequacy, and fear. Ultimately, your child will be a stronger and better person from learning to face adverse circumstances with courage and confidence. 3. Draw on the help of other trusted adults, such as school authorities, counsellors or a family friend. Acquaint yourself with the culture of your child’s school and identify the teachers who have the most direct contact with the students. Don’t leave yourself and your child to face this threat alone. Used by permission of Focus on the Family Singapore. For more parenting resources, visit www. family.org.sg. © 2010 Focus on the Family. All rights reserved. International copyright secured.
august 2 - 8, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 11
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
INFANTS
FLY FREE T
o mark the birth of the royal baby, British Airways is offering complimentary flights for all infants travelling from Singapore to London or Sydney. Parents travelling with children under the age of two can take advantage of this celebratory offer, which is valid for travel before Nov 30, 2013. Please visit ba.com for terms and conditions. Promotional Flights British Airways is giving everyone the chance to get involved in the royal celebrations by also offering special fares to London and Sydney. Return fares to Sydney in World Traveller
In the 1950s, infants travelled in hammock “skycots”
British Airways celebrates the royal birth by offering free flights for infants
economy class start from just $688, while return flights to London start from $1,688. The fares are valid for travel before Nov 30, 2013. Exclusive fares are also available in the popular World Traveller Plus cabin with return flights to Sydney from just $1,188 and return fares to London from $2,688. Terms and conditions apply for all promotions. Serving Young Customers Over 1.5 million children travel with British Airways every year and the airline prides itself on the fantastic service it offers to families. In the 1950s, infants travelled in revolutionary hammock-type “skycots” which were clamped
to the luggage rack. Now, British Airways helps children to enjoy their flight in a range of ways. On long-haul flights, for example, the airline offers a special child-friendly menu, which parents can book free of charge in advance. Children are also given entertainment packs. All British Airways flights from Singapore now arrive at the state-of-the-art London Heathrow Terminal 5. This enables families to take advantage of the fantastic facilities that the terminal offers children, including a selection of ‘Kids Zones,’ aviation toys and games. W For more information, please visit ba.com.
Tips for travelling with kids Whether going on a weekend getaway or planning for the SCHOOL holidays, DO keep these tips in mind
Father of two and senior cabin crew member of British Airways, Justin Cox, says, “I have found that flying can be made more comfortable and even fun for kids by following a few simple pointers.” for travELLING WITH KIDS: • If you plan to bring your own child car seat, check with your airline before travelling to ensure it fits the airline’s criteria.
• Before your child’s first flight in their own seat, sit them on the sofa at home with a cushion between you as the armrest, explaining how it’s going to be. • Bring a small compact travel pushchair for easy cabin stowage – regular-sized pushchairs or strollers have to go as hold luggage. • Pack their favourite teddy, pillow or comfort blanket – to help them get to sleep
more easily and make it feel more like home. • Sometimes waiting for take-off or leaving the aircraft can be boring – a bag of treats can work well as a distraction.
• While visiting the flight deck when in mid-flight is no longer allowed, if you ask the crew, they are usually happy to arrange for children to see the flight deck after landing. • If you are flying somewhere with a big time difference, allow yourselves two days when you get back to give your children time to get back to local time and their normal routine, before they go back to nursery or school. Tips from British Airways.
TRAVELATIO
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12 • WEEKENDER • August 2 - 8, 2013
YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS
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