Weekender #45 by Weekender Singapore

WK45B / MCI (P) 060/08/2013

WEEKENDER August 16 - 22, 2013

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YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND filled with FUN AND HAPPINESS

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02 • WEEKENDER • august 16 - 22, 2013

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

August 16 - 22, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 03

04 • WEEKENDER • AUGUST 16 - 22, 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

= FREE

Behind the Cannes prize 22 Aug, 12.30pm-6.30pm Having made cinematic history by being the first Singaporean feature film to win the Camera d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, Ilo Ilo's director and team will share the strategies, planning and revisions they made to create this ground-breaking film. By registration only; visit iloilo.eventbrite.sg to secure your seat. Textile Centre, The Axis, 200 Jalan Sultan, iloilo.eventbrite.sg

16-18 Aug, various times and prices

indulge for

a good cause This three-day inaugural charity festival features fund-raising events including charity auctions, gala dinners, dance performances, and Make-A-Wish dishes. Soak up the atmosphere with roving and live entertainment, such as jazz performances, Western and Chinese string quartets, stilt walkers, face painters and balloon sculptors. MBS' celebrity chef restaurants and some tenants are offering 21 Wish Dishes and half

Part of world’s largest art installation, in town Until 28 Feb 2014, all day

now on Check out these events over the next two weeks 4th Flute Festival Singapore 2013 23-26 Aug, 9am-10pm, $20-$50 The annual flute festival comprises master classes, workshops, a flute exhibition, competition and an orchestra performance. Visit www.flute.com.sg for tickets. The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, www.theartshouse.com.sg, Tel: 6332 6900 FREE! A Tale of Three Cities Until 22 Aug, 12pm-6pm (Sun -Tue); 11am-7pm (Wed-Sat) View abstract artworks in this exhibition on Tokyo, Paris, and New York by four well-known artists, namely Toko Shinoda and Yayoi Kusama from Tokyo, Paul Aizpiri from Paris, and Tom Christopher from New York City. Nikei Fine Art, Raffles Hotel Arcade, 328 North Bridge Road, #01-34, Tel: 6338 9073 FREE! Beyond the Surface Until 25 Aug, 12-7pm (Tue-Sat), 12-6pm (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 Celebrations! (Gardens by the Bay) Until 10 Nov, 9am-9pm, $8 (Child & Senior Citizen), $12 There will be themed floral displays until 1 Sep for Hari Raya, 9 Sep to 6 Oct for the Mid-Autumn Festival, and 14 Oct to 10 Nov for Deepavali as a tribute to the cultural festivals of Singapore's three main ethnic groups. Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive Devotion and Desire: Cross-Cultural Art in Asia Until 8 Dec, 10am-7pm (Mon-Thu, Sat & Sun), 10am9pm (Fri), free (citizen & PR); $2, $4, $8 This exhibition showcases a new acquisition of crosscultural art pieces created by people of different cultures and faiths throughout Asia. The themes include the importance of trade, transmission of religions, courtly art, and colonial networks. Many of these artefacts are being showcased for the first time. Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, www.acm.org.sg, Tel: 6332 7798 FREE! NEW! Flea Party Every Sat & Sun in Aug, 1-7pm Check out second-hand goods at the flea market opposite Jollibee over one of the weekends in August. Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Rd, Level 6, Tel: 6235 3294 Kampong Glam National Day Celebrations Until 31 Aug, various times Kampong Glam Division residents in the MoulmeinKallang GRC can join in a National Day Observance Ceremony cum Healthy Walk (9 Aug), Kampong Glam National Day celebration dinner (10 Aug), block parties, and a Hari Raya celebration dinner. Various locations, www.kampongglam.org.sg

WEEKENDER

FUN-TO-DO

IDEAS Coming Soon

Mark your calendars for these events happening in three to four weeks

the proceeds will go to granting the wishes of ill children with lifethreatening conditions at Make-A-Wish Foundation. MBS' designated charity, O School, will be staging a two-night only dance performance by 80 young dancers. ArtScience Museum and The Shoppes will also be donating over 20 signature artistic pieces for The Art of Shopping, a public silent charity auction. Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave, www. marinabaysands.com

Ilo Ilo by Anthony Chen

Absolut-ly fun!

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 mash-ups. Catch them live in Singapore for this onenight-only concert. Tickets from Sistic. The Star Theatre, 1 Vista Exchange Green

Preview

23 Aug - 2 Sep, various times Over the years, Absolut has collaborated with some of the most recognisable designers such as Andy Warhol, Keith Haring and Romero Britto. Part of the Singapore Night Festival, Absolut Canvas will feature beautifullydesigned bottles as well as an interactive area, and a pop-up bar serving Absolut cocktails. This event is part of the Night Festival. National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, www.nationalmuseum.sg

Choice event picks coming in a month or more Cold Storage Singapore International Triathlon 2013 28-29 Sep, 7.30am-4.30pm Organised by the Triathlon Association of Singapore, this edition features a new noncompetitive category called the Family Relay Challenge to promote healthy lifestyles and encourage bonding through exercise. East Coast Park (Area E2), www.triathlon.sg

See some of the biggest names in music 20-21 Sep, 6pm, $88, $98, $118, $150, $300, $500

VOLUNTEER EVENTS

Iggy Azalea

The world's largest Part of Love art installation, Love & Peace by & Peace by renowned Ana Tsarev artist Ana Tzarev is here. It is made up of 15 15-foot fibreglass poppy sculptures created in five colours, and one of three sculptures from the Amethyst edition will be in Singapore. Outside ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, www.lovepeaceflower.com

Idiotape

Moby

Metallica - Live In Singapore 24 Aug, 8pm, $148, $188 For the first time in 20 years, one of the most influential and successful rock bands Metallica is coming to Singapore. Their latest album Death Magnetic was certified platinum six weeks after it debuted at the top of the Billboard Top 200 in 2008. Shuttle buses to the venue ($5 per trip) will be provided for concert goers' convenience. Tickets from Sistic. Changi Exhibition Centre, 9 Aviation Park Road PARTING GLANCES: Singapore’s Evolving Spaces Until 31 Aug, 10am-9pm (Mon-Sun), closed on public holidays Kampong Lorong Buangkok, Seletar Camp, Pulau Ubin, People’s Park, MacPherson and Queenstown are six iconic neighbourhoods on the verge of disappearing. Their stories will be told through words and pictures at this exhibition. National Library, Level 7, Promenade, 100 Victoria Street Pesta Raya 29 Aug 1 Sep, various times & prices The annual Malay Festival of Arts festival held during Singapore's Hari Raya Puasa features vibrant traditional and contemporary Malay arts by Malay artists worldwide, be it in dance, theatre or music. Don't miss acclaimed director Erma Fatima's special theatre play I Am... and a concert celebrating the music and life of Kartina Dahari, one of the most celebrated Malay singers in the 1960s and 1970s. You can also check out free events such as Wayang Kulit from Kelantan, wau (kite)-making workshops and performances by Orkestra Sri Temasek. Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive, www.pestaraya.com 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 noncompetitive 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 FREE! NEW! Saturday Original Sessions (SOS) 17 Aug, 8pm This event features a stellar line-up of indie bands such as Jack and Rai, Ugly in the Morning, and DJ Ko Flow. Come support these local bands and chill out for the night with soulful tunes, and good vocals. Hood Bar and Cafe, Bugis+, 201 Victoria Street, #05-07, www.hoodbarandcafe.com, Tel: 5221 8846 NEW! Singapore Dragonboat Festival 2013 17 & 18 Aug, 1-5pm After being rescheduled due to the haze, the Dragonboat

All events are correct at time of print.

Catch electrifying performances at Marina Barrage with Tinie Tempah, Far East Movement, Orbital, Yuna, Iggy Azalea, Snoop Dogg, Moby and more. Tickets from www.ticketbooth.com.sg Marina Barrage, 260 Marina Way

Festival will finally be taking place this month. Watch participating teams row a 500m straight-line race comprising six racing lanes, and cheer for the teams. Bedok Reservoir, Bedok Reservoir Rd, www.sdba.org.sg, Tel: 6440 9763 Singapore Memory Project: Lives and Stories of 30 Singaporeans Until Oct 13, 10am-9pm daily This multi-sensory exhibition showcase brings to you the life stories of 30 Singaporeans through photographic portraits of their hands. At the Memory Table, visitors can draw or write their memories directly onto memory cards, which will be scanned and digitised, appearing immediately in the adjoining Remembering Room. National Library Building, The Plaza, 100 Victoria Street, www.nlb.gov.sg Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve Tour 17, 24 & 31 Aug, 9.30am, $0.50 (Child & senior citizen), $1 (Adult) Join this tour to see mangrove, mudflats, and other flora and fauna at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve. Limited to 15 people per tour, and will be cancelled if it rains. No prior registration is required; meet at the Visitor Centre. 301 Neo Tiew Crescent, Tel: 6794 1401, www.sbwr.org.sg FREE! Terms & Conditions Until 8 Sep, 10am-7pm (Mon-Sun), 10am-9pm (Fri), $5 (Non-citizen or PR senior citizens & students) $10 (Non-citizen or PR adults) Singapore Art Museum partners Barjeel Art Foundation to present Terms & Conditions, one of Southeast Asia’s first surveys of contemporary art by artists from the Arab world. The exhibition features 16 key works by artists selected to show audiences the emerging art scene in the Arab world, and the representation of history, identities and social realities. Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road FREE! URBAN MOMENTS – PHOTOGRAPHY COMPETITION Until 30 Aug Win up to $1,000 worth of prizes and stand a chance to be featured in an exhibition at Goodman Arts Centre by participating in a photography competition organised by them and Southeast CDC. The theme is Ecology – People, Nature and Architecture. www.goodmanartscentre.sg/urbanmoments FREE! NEW! Istana Art Event 2013 18 Aug, 8am-5pm, $1 (Non-citizens & non PRs) This annual outreach event held in conjunction with the Istana Open House seeks to cultivate appreciation of the arts and our national heritage. There will be activities such the On-the-Spot Art competition and the Arts and Heritage Village, which are available from 9am-5pm. Istana, Tel: 6332 3222, www.nhb.gov.sg

Lend a hand or spend your time meaningfully FREE! NEW! CABIN Club Leadership Camp 2013 5-7 Nov, overnight This year's camp for youths from partnering schools with Project Cabin focuses on developing leadership skills and qualities, and focuses on empathising and assisting people who are physically challenged. Volunteers are needed to be game masters, facilitators and logistics helpers, and they have to be 20 years old and above. The training date is 19 Oct. Camp Challenge, 8 Admiralty Road East, www. childrensociety.org.sg, Tel: 6276 5077 FREE! NEW! Games/Craft with St Luke's Elder Care 21 Aug, 10.30am-12.30pm Volunteer to help encourage and motivate the elderly during the art and craft session, and help carry out art and craft tasks. Blk 217, Serangoon Avenue 4, #01-166, www.slec.org.sg, Tel: 6285 6004

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.

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YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

august 16 - 22, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 05

06 • WEEKENDER • august 16 - 22, 2013

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS

NTERTAINMENT

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

Anthony Bourdain with KF Seetoh

Power 98 Music Review

Backstreet’s back, all right Zimmerman in the programme. He met food matriarch Violet Oon as well. Chef Anthony Bourdain is no stranger to Singapore and has been vocal about his love for chicken rice and soybean curd. Bourdain christens Singapore a place where “everyone is an expert on eating” and even was boo-ed “loudly and vociferously” by a crowd of Singaporeans when, by his third visit, he hadn’t tried our country’s iconic chicken rice. By the way, he recommends Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, the same one that beat Masterchef Gordon Ramsay in the recent Hawker Heroes challenge.

Chef Janice Wong of 2AM [right] is also featured in the series

Makan Gurus in Singapore TLC showcases the best of their programmes featuring our sunny city Media personalities and travel hosts such as Bobby Chinn, Samantha Brown, Anthony Bourdain, Ian Wright and, most recently, Gordon Ramsay have come to our sunny island to see what tantalising cuisine Singapore has to offer. This month of August, TLC presents Now Boarding: Singapore with an array of episodes from popular television programmes such as Invite Mr Wright, No Reservations: Anthony Bourdain and Bizarre Foods with Andrew Zimmerman, when they came

to Singapore to shoot their respective series. Bizarre Offerings Andrew Zimmerman’s episode of Bizarre Foods showcases local favourites such as Bak Kut Teh and Fish Head Curry. He describes Singapore as a melting pot with fusion food. “If you were to ask a local where the best food can be found in Singapore, it is most likely not going to be in a restaurant or hotel, but in a hawker stall in downtown Singapore,” says

All Aboard! Other shows featured in the series include Invite Mr Wright, Waterfront Cities of the World, The Food Surprise! and After 12. Celebrate our nation’s birthday all month long by salivating over the best food we have to offer. You can even satisfy your food cravings after. The series airs every Friday at 9pm, and repeats on Saturdays at 8am and Sundays at 1pm, on TLC.

“...Bourdain has been vocal about his love for chicken rice and soybean curd.”

The Backstreet Boys have grown 20 years older since they started out but has their music grown with them? By Charmaine Phua

20 years after we were first introduced to Nick Carter’s floppy blond locks, Backstreet’s back with all five members. The Boys managed to persuade Kevin Richardson to return for an 8th album and a world tour. But can they reclaim the charts with their efforts? From Boys to Men Not many things are more embarrassing than a group of old men trying to sound young. That’s why I think it’s commendable that the Backstreet Boys (out of which four are proud fathers), have decided to tone it down from their teeny-bopper pop past to the adult contemporary sound that’s heard in their latest album, In A World Like This. It’s a brave move, and yet an essential one, because their fans have grown up, and so have they. A Change in Sound That said, The Backstreet Boys may have steered a little too far from what they (and

we) are familiar with. Most of the songs are ballads, with no stand-up anthems – great to listen to on your average day but not pumped-up enough to spur me to my feet. In fact, many of the songs do sound a little similar to one another. The tracks that stick out would be the slightly more upbeat “Permanent Stain” and the acoustic “Madeleine”, an inspirational anti-bullying track that does a great job of putting AJ McLean’s crooning centre-stage. “Show ‘Em (What You’re Made Of)” is another song you should look out for, with a chorus that’s probably the catchiest of the lot. Overall, it’s a respectable and listenable album but as a 20th anniversary comeback, I wouldn’t say that it’s as strong as I had hoped it would be. Tune in to Charmaine Phua on Eats & Entertainment as she shares her love for food and movies, on Saturdays from 5pm9pm, on Power 98FM.

About Charmaine Phua Charmaine Phua is Executive Producer / Presenter of Power 98. She is proud to say that she’s never screamed at the top of her lungs for any boy-band or girl-band (or hair-bands). Tune in to her on Power 98FM.

FASHION FASH SNIPS

Salvatore Ferragamo Salvatore Ferragamo’s Autumn/Winter 2013/14 shows off feminine silhouettes and sombre colours of navy, off-white and black.

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

Pretty in

Preenk New local blog shop Preenk sells well-made and pretty frocks By Cheryl Chia

Mizuno You can run in style with Mizuno’s colourful Prima Cantabile collection for its Autumn/Winter 2013 season. Inject a pop of colour into your outfit as you shed the pounds. Visit www.mizuno.com

Timberland Timberland Earthkeepers On The Go features durable, stylish footwear and outerwear for men and women on the move. Each style is crafted with only four materials that include organic cotton, premium barefoot full-grain and nubuck leather uppers and accent pieces that come from renewable sources. Visit www.timberland.com.sg

Valisere Lingerie Valisere Lingerie is steeped in opulent designs and passionate themes that reflect the lavish glitz and glamour of the Venice Film Festival. This new ensemble by Valisere presents the ultimate scene of feminine sensual allure, cultural delights and sublime luxury with the sparkling decadence of Swarovski. It will be launched from August to October in stages. Valisere Lingerie is located at 313@Somerset, Ion Orchard, Tangs Orchard and available in select stores.

Sloggi Sloggi Zero collection uses heat to bond the breathable material together. The Zero collection is practically seamless and moulds perfectly to your curves. Available at Sloggi counters from $29.90 to $79.90.

Blog shops have a bad reputation for producing cheap and low quality goods but local blog shop Preenk has found a place between affordability and luxe designs. The limited amount of stock on Preenk helps to reduce the chances of someone else wearing the same outfit as you. Cheap & Luxe A spokesperson for Preenk says, “While luxury brands can leverage on their edge in quality and craftsmanship, their price tags can be disheartening for many of us. On the other hand, one of the most significant competitive edges blog shops have over larger competitors is that they offer cheap products.” “However, their quality is often compromised and you risk bumping into someone who wears the same clothes as you. So we try to find that sweet spot between cheap and luxe,” says the spokesperson. Minimalist Designs Preenk has a small collection of dresses online featuring simple designs, bubble skirts, toga dresses in filmy material as well as skater dresses. They are minimalistic pieces with a stoic colour palette of blacks and creams with the occasional pop of red or pastel yellow. Preenk was started by two like-minded individuals. The duo comes up with the designs, mostly inspired by designer labels, before sending them to their factory in China for manufacturing. “We travel overseas and perform quality checks on their workmanship before deciding on which

manufacturers to work with,” they say. Greater Plans for the Future Preenk also intends to expand into more styles to include more quality and selected items such as blazers, tops, skirts, pants and denim. They are also working on a line for children. “‘Less is more’ is definitely the core tenet of the brand. Elegance, class, sleek [sic] and simplicity should be in perfect harmony,” they say. The two of them are trying to change the perception of blog shops being low quality to build a truly great online fashion experience. Visit www.preenk.com for more.

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

august 16 - 22, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 07

08 • WEEKENDER • august 16 - 22, 2013

OODMANIA

Chef Benny Se Teo training an aspiring chef

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

Chefs with Heart:

To launch Aug 16 Youths train under celebrity chefs and hone their skills with the Chefs with Heart programme

The food and beverage (F&B) industry in Singapore is heavily dependent on foreign labour, especially in recent years. With government restrictions, many businesses are now facing a shortage of chefs and manpower. With such an acute shortage of resources, Chefs with Heart was created by Josephine of Just Cinnamon. Chefs with Heart

is a practical hands-on skills training programme that not only empowers local youths but also makes it easier for them to obtain employment in the F&B industry.

employers to hire the contestants. Audience participation is also encouraged, to vote for their favourite trainee chef to win the contests.

Training in Progress Chefs with Heart will give priority to youths from marginal and disadvantaged backgrounds to provide them with the opportunities they might not have. Chefs with Heart has been produced into an eight-episode reality production. The programme will work closely with potential F&B

Where to Watch Chefs with Heart will be hosted on YouTube and free-to-air channels to make it accessible to anyone, at anywhere and at any time. The pilot episode of Chefs with Heart will be launched on Aug 16 and posted weekly, every Friday. Each episode will showcase each youth chef’s training, the classes and the food challenges.

Indulge in cheese and

chocolate

fondue

Peranakan indulgence Orchard Café revamps its buffet line with Peranakan delights By Cheryl Chia

A delectable spread of Peranakan dishes is all set to entice at the Orchard Café in Orchard Hotel. New Executive Chef Paul Then’s Baba Theatre Kitchen features an array of piquant appetisers, traditional Peranakan delights and sweet, tempting desserts. Chef Paul introduces his own heritage with dishes such as Pork Neck with Chincalok, Kueh Pie Tee with Langoustine, Babi Pongteh, Ayam Buah Keluak and Itek Kiam Chye. The buffet line just got better with these Straits Chinese additions. Gorge Yourself The Orchard Café’s intercontinental buffet still includes favourites such as a sushi, seafood and sashimi counter, so you’ll be spoilt for choice. We especially liked the otak – a rich piece of fish curd that is well blended with spices and coconut milk and wrapped in banana leaves. We couldn’t stop eating it. The Ayam Buah Keluak left a solid impression with tender pieces of chicken in the flavourful sauce. The buah keluak is stuffed with minced chicken and the already soft and easy-to-eat insides of the earthy nut.

sweet treats to its dessert counter with kuehs such as lapis sagu (colourful layered snack), ang ku kueh (peanut or bean paste filled), kueh dardar (a pancake roll filled with gula Melaka and desiccated coconut) and peanut pancake. Chef Paul has also prepared pungent treats such as Durian Pengat with Pandan Jelly, Cempedak Crème Brulee and Panna Cotta Chendol. If you love durian, you’ll love the unique take on the Durian Pengat. Do check out the Peranakan additions to the buffet. We certainly had our fill.

Chef Paul Then of Baba Theatre Kitchen

Tucked away in a corner of hip enclave Dempsey Hill is a charming cottage-like unit that houses unique Swiss restaurant La Fondue. What makes La Fondue peerless is that it is Singapore’s only restaurant specialising in cheese and chocolate fondue. It thus offers a dining experience like no other in Singapore. European Decor Wood is central in the décor of the restaurant with a beautifully-lined wood panel ceiling and pretty wooden tea light holders adorning the tables. Its walls are also decked in antique Swiss bells.

Buffet Lunch: 12pm-2.30pm, adult $46, child $23; Buffet Dinner: 6pm-10pm, adult $64, child $32; Sunday Brunch: 12pm-3:30pm, adult $68, child $34. Prices exclude prevailing taxes. Call 6739 6565 for reservations.  The new Straits Chinese dishes in the buffet will send you to food heaven  The Cempedak Creme Brulee is unique and refreshing

Chocolate Heaven We felt the Chocolate Fondue was much better in terms of flavours and richness. It was served with assorted fresh fruits, toasted marshmallows and cake. The Yin Yang was interesting and yummy, though more for those with a preference for sweeter things. The Orange Chocolate fondue made our day and was the best part of the meal. The taste was rich and delightful and it had an invigorating effect on my entire being. The chocolate and cheese varieties at La Fondue are of top quality, imported straight from Switzerland. There is also a wide selection of good Australian, French and Italian wines to complement your fondue feast. La Fondue is perfect for a special evening with the family or a tete-a-tete with a loved one. It is also open to bookings for birthday parties, company dinners or anniversary celebrations for up to 50 guests. W La Fondue, 25 Dempsey Road, Singapore 249670 Go to www.lafondue.com.sg for more information.

Kirin’s KoRyuKai kicks off

SPECIAL HIGHLIGHT

Silk Road mooncakes for Mid-Autumn Festival Whether you are a mooncake purist, or someone open to Adventurous flavours, The Silk Road Restaurant has something that will appeal to you is a must-try. Another tantalising creation is the Mao Shan Wang Durian Mooncake ($59 for a box of eight), which comes with generous portions of luscious, mouthwatering durian pulp. This is perfect for those who cannot get enough of the intense bittersweet taste of Mao Shan Wang durian. These mini snow skin mooncakes are diminutive, so you don’t have to worry about piling on the pounds, or having to finish up a mooncake in a flavour you don’t like.

Creative Mooncake Debuts Check out Silk Road Restaurant’s brand new Yuzu Vodka Cello Truffle Mooncake ($55 for a box of eight pieces). With sweet lotus paste and decadent white chocolate truffle blending wonderfully with refreshing yuzu and vodka flavours, this novel mix

Dining Options There is cheese fondue with a standard serving of freshlyprepared seasonal greens and ham, sausages and bread and a Meat Fondue with a quality selection of beef, pork or chicken, to be grilled, or cooked using a traditional technique of fondue - dipped in a pot of oil (bourguignon), broth or cheese. We tried the recommended items including beef tenderloin and venison. Both were succulent and tender, with excellent flavour. The seafood such as scallops, prawns, sea bass and salmon were also fresh and tasty.

Cheese to Please Cheese fondue is a traditional dish made known by the Swiss

Sweet Endings The buffet also adds nostalgic

This year’s Mid-Autumn Festival brings you Silk Road Restaurant’s repertoire of exquisite mooncakes. Whether you prefer traditional baked favourites, or classic snow skin mooncakes, Amara Singapore’s Silk Road Restaurant offers a range of mooncakes that will please every palate.

Indulgent Menu With an indulgent fondue menu filled with seemingly bottomless cheese and chocolate fondue, the restaurant’s guests are spoilt for choice. Ravinder Pal, owner of La Fondue, says, “Here at La Fondue, we hope to offer guests an authentically Swiss experience. Apart from our chocolate and cheese, a good amount of décor was imported from Switzerland.”

Cheese Union in the 1930s to increase cheese consumption during the World War II. Made of ingredients found during the winter season, the dish comprises cheese, wine and bread. Over the years, variations arose from original cheese fondue, and so came the chocolate fondue. La Fondue’s cheese fondue offers a broad selection of cheeses to choose from, including traditional cheeses such as the Gruyere, Emmental and Cheddar. For those who prefer a little something different, there is the Chilli Cheese which packs a punch (perfect for most Singaporeans), the Garlic Cheese with its rich flavour and the curious Smoked Black Pepper Cheese.

Taste and experience Singapore’s only cheese and chocolate fondue specialty restaurant

Classic Favourites Ardent fans of the perennial favourite, sweet white lotus paste and egg yolk mooncake, will not be disappointed. Silk Road Restaurant’s Plain White Lotus Paste ($55 per box of four), Single Yolk with White Lotus Paste ($62 per box of four) and Double Yolk with White Lotus Paste ($64 per box of four) Mooncakes are baked to perfection, and no less enticing than the new kids on the block. The Perfect Gift To complete the package, choose from three exquisite gift boxes embossed with elegant floral motifs to make the perfect gift for family, friends and

business associates. If you are unsure which mooncake flavour they prefer, get them an exclusive gift voucher so that they can redeem their desired mooncakes from Silk Road or the mooncake counter at 100AM. Hurry, Silk Road Restaurant’s mooncakes are available at Silk Road Restaurant (Amara Singapore, Level 2) and 100AM shopping mall (100 Tras Street, Level 1). Credit Card Privileges ANZ, CIMB, Citibank, DBS, Maybank, HSBC, Standard Chartered, OCBC and UOB Credit and Debit card holders will enjoy 15 per cent savings on all mooncakes from Aug 12 to Sep 19. Terms and conditions apply. Call 6227 3848 or e-mail silkroad@amaraholdings.com

Kirin beer has launched an interesting series showcasing Japanese craftsmanship

Tenko drum group and DJ Tomu meshed the traditional with the modern

other great craftsmen of Japan, at the same time. The KoRyuKai series kicked off at Club Kyo. The year-long Kirin KoRyuKai event series has been recently re-launched as a platform to celebrate the mastery and craft that produces Japan's oldest beer. The Kirin Ichiban is the only beer in the world that is made from the “first press” process. Kirin’s KoRyuKai series is aimed at showcasing

TRADITIONAL & mODERN BEATS Japanese Taiko Drum group Tenko started the evening’s entertainment with lively traditional drumbeats. Tenko introduced various styles, from pieces with only Taiko drumming to pieces with other instruments such as a bamboo flute. Later on, DJ Tomu came on and spun to complement Tenko for

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE Salak. It is the pangolin of fruits, and is weird and wonderful to look at. That’s why it is the subject of our first-ever “Spot the Difference” game. One picture is taken with a phone cam and the other with a compact digital camera. Can you tell which one is which? How?

See Page 9 for answers.

a while, before taking over and opening up the dance floor. Tenko Drum Group Each musical piece by Tenko, the featured Taiko Drum group, is unique in its own rhythm, tempo, style and mobility. They would like their audience to discover that Japanese Taiko is not just static or powerful; there are different sides for different occasions, moods or celebrations. The Kirin beer was free flow for guests until midnight. Kirin’s KoRyuKai series will continue with further events and performances.

By Guinevere Sofer

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

Nostalgic dining at

W39

Newly opened café W39 has tasty, moist cakes and other good nosh

From the breakfast menu

Seared Tuna

When you enter W39 for the first time, you’ll get a shot of nostalgia with its vintage décor and little souvenirs from your childhood sold at the counter. These knick-knacks include erasers with flags printed on them, Push-Pop lollies and goldcoin chocolates. Apart from this, the café also serves good grub. The brainchild of Jasmine and Jamie Lu, sisters who both have training from At-Sunrice Global Chef Academy, W39’s menu comprises European-style dishes as well as fluffy cakes and bread.  Some of the freshly baked wares from W39  The al fresco area is charming and W39 is set in a quiet neighbourhood

WORD OF MOUTH

august 16 - 22, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 09

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

Off to a Good Start We liked the Seared Tuna topped with Avocado Salsa, Soy Glaze, Wasabi Mayo and Trout Caviar ($12.50) for sharing. The tender, well-seared pieces of tuna went well with the accompanying accoutrements. They also have a very tender Steak & Fries ($28.50). Ours, medium rare and with mushroom sauce, was great. The fries were also excellent. We polished them off in mere minutes and hankered for more. You should also try the Sake Mussels with Fries ($20), tossed in olive oil, garlic and sake for a potent flavour. The juicy Roasted Spatchcock, Mushroom Gravy and Roasted Vegetables ($24.50) also make a hearty meal. Mouth-watering Cakes The cake-counters show off an impressive array of cakes from their signature chocolate cake to popular favourites such as Red Velvet Cake and Salted Caramel Cake ($3 a piece, $58 for a whole cake). They also have cheesecakes and tiramisu. A breakfast menu is served from 9am to 3pm on weekends and public holidays, with the works. Expect fluffy pancakes, bacon and eggs, and eggs Benedict. W39 has an extensive beer, cider and wine section as well.

FOODMANI RECIPE

Double-Topped Butter Cupcakes INGREDIENTS Cupcake: • 1 ½ of cups of butter • 2 ½ cups of granulated sugar • 5 eggs • 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract • 3 cups of all-purpose flour • 3/4 teaspoon of baking powder • 1 cup of milk • 1/4 teaspoon of salt Frosting: • 500g of icing sugar • 95g of butter • 55ml of milk • 2 drops of natural vegetable colouring METHOD Cupcake: • Set the oven to 180 degrees Celsius and prepare paper cups in cupcake moulds. • Cream the butter and sugar for 4 minutes until soft and smooth. Then, slowly add in the eggs, one at a time, and do not split the butter mixture. Add the vanilla extract. • Sift the flour and baking powder, then it add to the mixture. Mix in the milk until the texture is smooth.

Seen and heard of the best local Singaporean food

Frosting: • Cream the butter with the icing sugar. Slowly add the milk in. • Add colouring if you wish. Recipe from Da Paolo Gastronomia.

Answers to Spot the Difference perform better with smoother tones. [right photo on page 8]

W39, 39 Jalan Mas Puteh, Singapore 128637 (near Clementi Stadium), Tel: 6779 7050

“W39 has an extensive beer, cider and wine section as well.”

• Scoop the mixture into the cupcake mould and bake for approximately 20 to 25 minutes. • Ensure the cupcakes are cooked before taking them out of the oven. Leave them to cool before piping the frosting onto the cupcakes. • Note: To ensure that cupcake is cooked, insert a toothpick in the centre of the cupcake. It should come out cleanly.

Noisy shadow area: Phone cams usually have difficulty rendering low light areas and it comes out grainy or dirty. [left photo on page 8] Compact digi cams •

•

Highlight area: The right picture holds the details of the salak skin better. Notice each individual ‘scale’ on the skin. Digi cams retain the highlight areas better.

•

Sharpness: The one on the right is sharper due to the digi cam's quality sensor and lens.

Stand a chance to win a

Savoury Chwee Kueh Chwee Kueh is so simple yet so yummy. How do you explain the popularity of this little savoury cake? It’s hard to fathom but there is no doubt that Singaporeans love to have Chwee Kueh for breakfast. This traditional Teochew steamed rice or starch cake comes with a dollop of salty-sweet preserved radish on top. Together with a bit of chilli, it is a great way to kick-start your morning. Here are a few places for good Chwee Kueh that you can try.

preserved radish is a little on the salty side with a distinct garlic taste. The Chwee Kueh flour is hand-milled, creating a soft texture. Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre, 30 Seng Poh Road, #02-05, Singapore 168898

Bedok Chwee Kueh Apart from their original outlet at Bedok Interchange, this Chwee Kueh is also sold at Clementi Market and Food Centre. The cakes are soft and the preserved radish is on the sweeter side. These are quite cheap too at $1 for four pieces. Bedok Interchange Food Centre, 207 Upper Changi Road, #01-53, Singapore 460207

Chye Kee Chwee Kueh The Chwee Kueh from this stall has a smooth and pasty texture with drier preserved radish. It is also less oily than most. 89 Pipit Road, #01-129, Singapore 370089

Jian Bo Shui Kweh Well known for fighting with a similarlynamed stall in Tiong Bahru Market, the

Bishan Vegetarian This stall is tucked in a corner of Bishan Interchange. The preserved radish here contains less oil and is a slightly more healthy option. Blk 514, Bishan Street 13, Singapore 570514

“...There is no doubt that Singaporeans love to have Chwee Kueh for breakfast.”

Free triple dining benefits Triple Benefits await members of Starwood Preferred Guest, a loyalty programme that allows members to enjoy dining benefits at home or abroad

Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG), the loyalty programme from Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc., has launched its new Triple Benefits dining offers for members. Membership is free. For three months, starting from July, 2013, SPG members will enjoy three exclusive benefits whenever they dine at one of 650 participating restaurants and bars in Starwood hotels and resorts around the globe. Participating Worldwide Of the participating restaurants

worldwide nearly 160 participating hotels and 336 restaurants, which account for more than half of total participating venues worldwide, are located in Asia Pacific. This includes Prego, a chic Italian restaurant currently available in 12 participating Westin hotels across the region, as well as Feast, Sheraton Hotels’ signature all-day market concept eatery which offers fresh and authentic tastes of international cuisine available in 41 participating hotels in the region. Great Discounts Each participating venue will offer three F&B benefits, including a standard venue discount of 15 to 30 per cent discount. During this promotion, SPG members enjoy additional two other perks ranging from a free meal for kids under six years old, 50 per cent savings for kids under 12 years old, bonus Starpoints when dining in a group, 15 per cent discount on a

relaxing spa treatment, and a complimentary glass of wine or cheese platter. Year-Round Benefits SPG is the only loyalty programme in the travel industry offering comprehensive F&B related benefits to its members worldwide. Anyone can register to join the SPG programme, which offers free membership, to enjoy Triple Benefits and more. SPG gives members all-year-round savings of up to 30 per cent at more than 1,000 restaurants and bars in more than 400 Starwood hotels around the world. SPG members will also earn Starpoints when dining at these venues. Visit spg.com/triplebenefits for more information, or the list of participating F&B venues.

1-year supply of

Royal Umbrella Rice

& cooking oil Golden Circle

sponsored by Topseller Pte Ltd!

Look out for the lucky draw contest in our upcoming issue!

10 • WEEKENDER • august 16 - 22, 2013

RAVELATION

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

Escapades in alluring

rural Taiwan The rural paradise of Taiwan’s farm-stays makes it a great escape for a memorable escapade. Darren ng shares his experience

 Fairy Lake Leisure Farm has thickly-fleshed and tiny-pitted lychees

 Natural spring-bred bream grilled to perfection

efore bubble tea usurped Taiwan’s cultural exchange to the world, agriculture ruled Taiwan’s domestic market as well as foreign exports.

Evolution of Industry As the allure of industrialisation seduced the country’s economy towards manufacturing and information technology, “farm fresh” withered under the burgeoning “tech rash”. To rub salt into the wound or, in this case, to feed fertiliser to the weed, the acceptance of Taiwan into the World Trade Organisation in 2002 opened up the domestic market to imported produce that is much cheaper. Faced with the loss of younger hands to urban jobs and price competition from overseas imports, local farms were forced to evolve to survive. Taiwan Farm-stay, a Unique Vacation Instead of torching the fields and calling it quits, surviving farms

 Chicken stewed with wine and herbs wrapped by cinnamon sweet bread

have risen out of the ashes to become the next big thing in Taiwan’s tourism by offering unique farm-stay vacations. I’ve never experienced kampong life or milked any cow so I regarded a farm-stay holiday in Taiwan with trepidation. I was prepared to sweat a lot, bathe very little and be a buffet on legs for mosquitoes. Comfort, I thought, had to be left at home. I couldn’t be more wrong. Luxurious Establishments Taiwan’s farm-stays, or at least the nine farms I’ve been to, are not the attap villages or makeshift bunkers in the boondocks that I had in mind but rather luxurious establishments that took me to the bountiful bosom of nature yet with elaborate meals, airconditioned rooms and heated showers. Above all, each of these farms wore a distinct personality that made my seven days and six nights of vacation a surprise at every turn!

Cangjiu Winery My journey began with an exotic dinner at Cangjiu Winery (126-50 Kenghish Road, Toucheng, Yilan) where wine is an ingredient in every dish. Using mountainous spring water in its distillation of wines and spirits, Cangjiu is famous for its various fruit-flavoured vintages. If you dare, ask for a shot of Wuliangye with 52 per cent alcohol and pray that your drunken state doesn’t end up on YouTube. SanFu Leisure Farm After dinner, the entourage headed to SanFu Leisure Farm (82, Ln. 161, Xinliao 2nd Road, Zhongshan Village, Dongshan, Yilan) to spend the night. Our arrival was welcomed by a local guide who took us on a night tour of the premises to meet the other residents. To my surprise, the residents that the guide referred to were not human but nocturnal bugs, frogs and snakes! It was quite the experience. To complete this experience in the cradle of nature, in the morning, I woke up to bird calls and countless Striped Blue Crow Butterflies dancing around bushes. It’s truly surreal. GuangShing Duck & Pig Leisure Farm Departing SanFu, we arrived at GuangShing Duck & Pig Leisure Farm (12, Lane 132, Guanhua 3rd Road, Kelin Village, Dongshan, Yilan) for their specialty: not duck or pork but grilled bream fish raised in terrestrial spring water. I could hardly hold the chopsticks after the first bite because my thumbs were perpetually up in approval. Zhuo Ye Cottage Our second night was spent

at Zhuo Ye Cottage (1-2, Bengshanxia, Sanyi Township, Miaoli), an immensely charming micro-village with thick SinoJapanese architectural flavours. For a moment, I felt like I’d walked into a movie set instead of a ‘hotel’. Zhuo Ye’s period setting is great for photography while its educational tour on traditional dyeing processes with natural colourants such as onions, persimmon and lan cao (blue grass) highlights the owners’ dedication to preserve the cultural art form. Hualu Flower Leisure Farm For some serious flower power and healthy cuisines, we headed to Hualu Flower Leisure Farm (43-3, Xiping Village, Zhuolan Township, Miaoli). Neatly manicured with a wide variety of decorative as well as curative flora, one of Hualu’s key attractions lays hidden in the male restroom, where urinals are creatively shaped as a sunflower, slipper orchid or pitcher plant, among others! Rollin Leisure Farm Moving on from Miaoli, we arrived in Taichung where Rollin Leisure Farm (1, Xueshan Road, Zhongkeng Lane, Heping District, Taichung) calls home. Here, we got a taste of harvesting gigantic pears before being whisked up a nearby mountain to where our accommodation awaited. Each room is decorated with an individual theme and offers a breath-taking aerial view of Taichung city. Musinchuan Leisure Farm Bidding an unwilling goodbye to Rollin Leisure Farm’s matronly ah ma who is a well-respected figure in the farming community,

we stopped by Musinchuan Leisure Farm (60, Jhungsing Village, Sinse District, Taichung) to admire hillsides coated gold with a staggering bloom of day lilies and to enjoy the farm’s mouth-watering hotpot and bento sets created with the freshest ingredients. Long Yun Holiday Farm Our next farm is something of a showstopper, perched 1,700m above sea level on the slopes of the famous Alishan (Mount Ali). Long Yun Holiday Farm (Shizhuo No. 1, Zhinghe Village, Zhuqi Township, Chiayi) offers a cool respite into the ancient forestry of Alishan where clean air and tranquillity refreshes the senses. As an added bonus, the farm’s highly-animated owner drove us to a prime spot to catch an aweinspiring sunrise over the misty mountain ranges. Fairy Lake Leisure Farm The final stop in my whirlwind visit of Taiwan’s farm-stay destinations rests at Fairy Lake Leisure Farm (No. 6-2, Neighbour 1, Nanshi Neighbourhood, Tongshan Township, Tainan), a farm well-known for its thicklyfleshed, tiny-pitted lychees. We donned the farmer’s hat and harvested these sweet globes before checking into our hillside cabins and checking out the beautiful sunset framed by lush mountains on the sides and Tainan County in the distant background, from the farm’s viewing deck.

Sail away from the hustle and bustle of city life with the only year-end cruise to bali, lombok, semarang and koh samui

Entertainment for ALL Costa Victoria is also ideal for

Some sources include: Shinny Chiu, Chief Operation Officer, International Marketing, Taiwan Leisure Farms Development Association; go2taiwan.net/ monthly_selection.php?sqno=22 and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ Economy_of_Taiwan#Agriculture This trip was made possible by CTC Travel.

beaches of Koh Samui or Bali as ports of call. The enchanting waterfalls at Lombok, or the colonial buildings in Semarang also await. Find respite from daily life and have your own adventure in a corner of paradise that is Costa Victoria. Experience a classy, passionate Italian holiday without the need for a long-haul flight and all the hassle. Prices start from $422 per person for a three-night trip to Malacca and Penang and from $707 for a seven-night trip to Semarang, Bali and Lombok. Both come with a free upgrade from inside cabin to Oceanview.

Sail on the Costa Victoria for your dream holiday

Comfort in Italian STYLE Lounge on a private balcony with a glass of red wine, tuck into hearty gourmet, or work out at the gym. You can do all these and more with your family or loved one on board a cruise ship. You can even soak in a Jacuzzi or sauna, or try your hand at a game of roulette at the casino. All this and more can be experienced on board the grand Costa Victoria. By October, the Costa Victoria will be renovated, and Singaporeans will be the first to experience this re-styled Italian class. Without stepping off this relaxing cruise liner, you can experience an authentic allItalian experience, be it in the plush décor and classy design, or the unbelievably delicious gourmet fare, or even in the fun activities lined up for you.

Darren Ng is a travel blogger whose blog can be found at www.explorelah.blogspot.com

“...luxurious establishments that took me to the bountiful bosom of nature...”

The Costa Victoria has been revamped for a more relaxing yet passionate holiday

Watch the glorious sun set in the horizon, listen to the sound of waves lapping against the ship and inhale the salty sea breeze. Your dream holiday is not difficult to attain. Why not set sail on an idyllic holiday at sea with your loved ones? The best part is that this can be done without forgoing the city dweller’s comforts.

A Great Escape After spending about a week in Taiwan’s outback, we returned to Taipei and suddenly, city life felt like an intrusion. I missed the less frantic pace of life at the farms, the chance encounters with beautiful bugs and fragrant fields, listening to a choir of crickets while looking up at a heaven of stars, and improving health with exotic culinary delights almost direct from the soil to the stove. A rural escapade with Taiwan farm-stays can make for an unforgettable holiday, except that getting to the farms can be a challenge as they are off the beaten track. When booking a stay, most farms provide pick-up services (separate charges apply) from the nearest train station. CTC Travel offers farmstay packages that include accommodation, transfers, meals and activities at great savings. The Taiwanese themselves are flocking to these rustic destinations during the weekends and many of these farms are fully booked. It is only a matter of time before the world wizens up and comes knocking at Taiwan’s unique farming communities! W

a family holiday, as you need not rack your brains for ways to keep your children occupied. The Squok Club and Teen Zone will provide the kids with hours of entertainment. While they are having fun, have your own with your spouse as you lounge at the open air pool deck, or go shopping in the shopping centre carrying premium European brands. There is also a library if you need some wellearned peace and quiet, or to lose yourself in a book. Exclusive Itineraries What’s more, you can take your pick from exclusive itineraries from Nov to Dec with the pristine

Special Deals Teenagers between 13 to 17 years old cruise for free if you book before Aug 31, while children below 13 years old cruise for free all year round. Terms and conditions apply. Enjoy a free cabin upgrade from an inside to external cabin, as well as up to US$400 on-board credit for selective sailings. Don’t miss these promotions and book a cruise holiday with Costa Victoria soon. Visit www.costacruisesasia.com or their NATAS booths 4H08 and 4H13 at Expo Hall 4.

NATAS PromotionS OCBC credit cardholders receive extra US$200 on-board credit for booking Balcony or above category cabin - limited cabins only. (Only applies to selective sailings.) Spend min. of $2,400 worth of Costa Cruise packages at NATAS on OCBC card and receive a FREE 20” Travel Luggage.

Have fun with the family on board a cruise

august 16 - 22, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 11

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

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12 • WEEKENDER • august 16 - 22, 2013

RAVELATION

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

SHORT HAUL

Part

One  The luxury of privacy surrounded by lush greenery

Going luxe T When you stay at luxurious resorts such as Kayumanis in Indonesia, the myriad indulgent choices become the most difficult part. Eunice Yap and Frank Young tell us why

in Bali

REASONS FOR A LUXURIOUS CELEBRATION City-state residents, such as Singaporeans, tend to travel abroad frequently. Sometimes, the impulse is to dive into the hustle and bustle of other vibrant cities such as Tokyo, Bangkok or Sydney, or to experience an off-road adventure in the likes of India or Cambodia. Nevertheless, there are other times when we need to seek serenity. Even then, it’s unlikely that the average Singaporean will spend lavishly on every resort holiday. So, when should a couple spend lavishly? We offer some excuses… er… ideas: Honeymoon This is an obvious reason. Since a wedding is a oncein-a-lifetime affair, make it as memorable as possible. Fortunately, many resorts have honeymoon packages to

choose from. Those generous red packets come in handy. Promotion/New job Unless it’s a promotion in lieu of raises, take the time to reward yourself and your spouse for a job well done. The serenity will help to clear your mind for the challenges ahead.

Major Anniversaries 10th, 15th, 20th, etc., anniversaries are great opportunities to splurge on a resort vacation to rejuvenate your relationship with your dearest. It’s also a great time to show your appreciation for your better half.

Mother’s Day It’s tough being a modern mother. Not only might you be pursuing a career, you want to be a perfect mother at the same time. Heck, even being a homemaker

is tough! It’s time someone rewards you. Ship the kids to their grandparents and head for a break for some serious pampering. Major Birthdays We may not always want to remember our age as we grow older but perhaps if it were a celebration in a luxurious resort it would be worth remembering – especially if this is a gift.

here are many reasons why we take a vacation: the adrenaline rush from shopping in a vibrant city like Bangkok; savouring affordable local delights such as in Kuala Lumpur; experiencing awe-inspiring journeys in Turkey; spending quality family time on a cruise; or simply soaking in the sun, sand and surf on the beaches of Krabi or Koh Samui. We recently took a vacation to Bali. The aim of it was to get away from the daily mad and mundane grind, and to indulge in a quiet sojourn to recharge and rejuvenate ourselves. Having been to Bali several times, we chose to stay away from the tourist-traps of Kuta and Seminyak, and decided to be spoilt and pampered in more secluded areas such as Jimbaran and Ubud. We stayed at the Kayumanis Jimbaran Private Estate & Spa with its 19 private villas set in a sprawling and well-manicured property amidst a grove of coconut trees, two minutes’ walk from the beautiful golden sands on Jimbaran Bay, 15 minutes South of the airport by car. Space & Tranquillity Entering a hotel room or a private villa is like unwrapping a gift: there’s a moment of suspense just before expectations meet reality, and you hope everything works out. Kayumanis did not disappoint. We were greeted with a beautiful large pool with only

Resist the  temptation to cook even though there is a full kitchen in each villa

two poolside lounge chairs (a sign of privacy and luxury), an exceptionally generous open-spaced living or dining pavilion tastefully decorated to complement the purist Balinese architecture, a bedroom pavilion complete with a four-poster kingsized bed veiled with white fabric, a massage pavilion study room, and an open-air bathroom and garden, all in what appears to about 5,000 sq ft of space. The luxury of space is aweinspiring! Luxury of Doing Almost Nothing Sure, we could have visited their two beach facilities nearby, explored by bicycle the area accompanied by our private butler, relaxed with their signature Chocolate Indulgence spa (footbath, massage, body scrub, body wrap, facial, hot chocolate bath and beverage – I wonder whether if it works as an aphrodisiac but I dare not ask), experienced the Enchanting Moments Floating Dinner or gone to the Hideaway Picnic Lunch at Nusa Dua. These were tough decisions to make; so many things to prioritise, consider and plan. Instead, we chose to laze around the villa, lounge by the pool, and took refreshing dips in

Capturing sunsets on vacation

Should you use a phone cam or compact digital camera to capture the best images on vacation? By Guinevere Sofer You just spent $1,000 on a travel package to somewhere exotic with breath-taking sunsets. It’s a shame all you brought back was lousy pictures taken with your phone cam! Sure they are convenient and multi-functional but when you need quality for those wondrous experiences, it’s best to bring along a compact digital camera. Since it’s compact and can easily slip into the front shirt pocket, it’s just as convenient as a phone. But because it’s a ‘specialist’ in capturing precious images, it does a much better job than a phone cam. Here are three ways how you can come back from your vacation with awesome photos the next time. Phone Cam

compact digital camera

Scenario #1: Backlighting & Landscape Poor Exposure Control

Capture Shadow & Light Better

Most phone cams are terrible at balancing the light areas and dark areas. In this picture, the sun ‘disc’ is correctly exposed. Unfortunately, this has made everything else dark and muddy. You could help it by adjusting the backlight but the trade-off is: the sunset may become too bright and washed out.

In quality compact digital cameras, the internal processors are much smarter than those on the phone and it automatically fine tunes the lighting conditions to bring drama alive. In the photo above, look at how the details in the monuments are still clearly visible even though it is strongly backlit.

Scenario #2: Capturing something in the distance Most quality compact digital cams come with decent zooms. This is essential for zooming into the subject matter while the sun lingers in the background. Compare the effects of the both images below. Which would you say is more captivating? The image is passable if you intend to show generous amounts of uninteresting space. But, clearly, it lacks an engaging focal point. With most phone cams, the zoom is inadequate for scenery. The digital zoom technology is inferior because the more you zoom, the image quality gets exponentially grainer and more blurry.

With a compact digital cam, the basic zoom is enough to bring the subject matter closer. It makes for a more engaging image. The superior optical zoom on a compact digital cam also captures more details such as the figures on the boat and the sharp crisp details of the glistening ripples.

Scenario #3: Backlighting & Portraiture Whether it’s a sunset or sunrise, inevitably, we want to pose in front of it. The trick is to be able to balance the light in the background with the subject in the foreground. That’s when the flash comes in handy. As mentioned above, sunsets are very challenging for phone cams. Subjects standing in front of sunsets are often dark or, sometimes, they are correctly exposed and the background is too bright. Some phones have a flash but quite often they are underpowered or produce very unflattering lighting which makes the face look garish. Good luck in setting it on automatic. Getting a good image occurs as often as striking 4D. Apart from draining the battery, the sun will disappear by the time everything is ideal.

Alternatively, compact digital cams’ better exposure control and superior flash easily balance the images between the background and foreground. Many of the compact digital cams allow the user control the intensity of the flash manually to either make the flash appear subtle or powerful, depending on preference. Or, you can just let it automatically produce the best balance.

Four-poster beds - just like in the romance novels!

complete privacy while indulging in long breakfast served in-villa, high tea and mini-bar snacks and drinks – served free as part of the package! My all-day favourite is the well-stocked homemade cinnamon cookies which are fresh, crispy and yummy. For added pampering, I did go for the complimentary neck and back massage. Sheer bliss! However, we did manage to venture out to Jimbaran Bay beach. We enjoyed the stroll on the beach, particularly when there is more beach to see than tourists. We had a Bintang beer overlooking a million-dollar view of the setting sun over the ocean. As the sun sets, pushcart vendors begin selling barbecued “corn on the cob” slathered with local sweet soya sauce – a delectable treat for only US$1! To cap the evening, we had dinner in one of the beachside restaurants with strolling Balinese guitarists serenading diners in various languages. We were wondering whether they could sing in Mandarin and, sure enough, they spontaneously sang Teresa Teng’s “The Moon Represents My Heart” to overjoyed Chinese diners. Un-Urbanise On the second day, we rid ourselves of all familiar comforts except in the uploading of the photos of our experience onto Facebook to make our friends jealous. We started to embrace our natural surroundings. As the sounds of roaring bus exhausts, strains of Chinese TV dramas from the neighbours and buzzing of motorcycles fade from memory, we rediscovered the enchantment of birds singing, the scent of the sea, the rustling of palm fronds from passing breezes and the sound of one’s breath. Serenity attained. For that alone, it’s worth every cent. It’s no wonder resorts are so popular among urban PMETs [Professionals, Managers, Executives, and Technicians] the world over, who’re trying to escape the urban crush. Next week, Eunice and Frank describe their adventure in Ubud. W

AFFORDABLE LUXURY Luxury resorts like Kayumanis are highly recommended as the rates include many freebies: return airport transfer, daily breakfast, daily afternoon tea, 30-minute massage, fruit basket and mini-bar replenished daily, and transfers to the resort vicinity. Rates start from US$275++ or check out their website at www.kayumanis.com for other promotions and packages. The best time to go is just before or after their peak season (with inbound tourists from international markets) where rates are usually 20 to 40 per cent lower. For such a short 2 1/2-hour flight, check out the low cost carriers such as Tiger Airways, Air Asia and Jetstar for deals. Lastly, walk around and try out the local eateries.

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