Weekender #59 by Weekender Singapore

WK59B / MCI (P) 060/08/2013

10 sets

PAGE

of 200ml Auchentoshan American Oak whisky + 2 branded glass cups to be given!

WEEKEnDER

a Canon Powershot

sX270 hs!

P05 NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2013

Win

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND fIllED WITh fUN AND hAPPINESS

page

book your

DElIVERED fREE TO YOUR hOME

Lorde of music

fEstivE fEAst

disney’s new famiLy fiLm

02 • WEEKENDER • NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2013

EVENTS

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITh FUN AND hAPPINESS

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

sPeCiAl FeATURe

This week’s highlighTs

Mapex tells you all you need to KnoW about buying property in Malaysia

Own a home in

Malaysia of REHDA Johor said prior to the event, “Budget 2014 has been the talk of the town for the past month.” “Despite the recent announcements drawing mixed reaction among property developers and homebuyers, the real impact to the industry remains to be seen. However, we do expect some genuine market sentiment to be felt during the event,” he said.

 Mapex is a must-see fixture for property hunters

SingaporeanS have been growing more and more savvy about owning property in other countries, and some even buy a second home. MAPEX tells you all you need to know about owning your own property in Malaysia. MAPEX is a must-see fixture for property hunters of every tier, to make the right purchasing decision. The Real Estate and Housing Developers’ Association Malaysia (REHDA) featured the finest selection of top properties from over 30 reputable developers in Johor and Iskandar in Malaysia through its second Malaysia Property Expo (MAPEX) 2013 held from Nov 8 to 10. Back with a Blast Mr Koh Moo Hing, Branch Chairman

an Exciting city in thE Making This year’s MAPEX was a sell-out with all 100 booths taken up, two months ahead of the event. Mr KK Wong, Chairman of the MAPEX Organising Committee, said that a total of 34 developers confirmed their participation ahead of time. These included SP Setia, UM Land, Austin Heights, UEM Sunrise, Iskandar Waterfront, IOI, Mah Sing, I JM, Leisure Farm, MB Builders and many more. Updates on Iskandar Malaysia were delivered by Mr Ahyat Ishak, Founder of the Strategic Property Investor model and programme, as well as investment guru and property experts such as Milan Doshi, Samuel Tan and Elizabeth Siew. MAPEX 2013 was held at City Square, Johor Bahru on Nov 8 to 10. Visit mapex.rehda.my for more information on Malaysian property.

NEW! S.E.A. AquARIuM TuRNS ONE 23 Nov - 5 Jan 2014, 10am - 7pm (extended until 9pm from 13 - 31 Dec, except for 14, 27 and 29 Dec), $38 (Adult), $28 (Child, 4-12 years old), $28 (Senior, 60 years old and above) To celebrate the first anniversary at the world’s largest aquarium, S.E.A. Aquarium will be celebrating the year-end festivities with a series of education activities and public entertainment, including meet-and-greets with the aquarium’s Marine Mascots, roving marine-themed magician performances, acapella performers, Christmas carollers and chamber music quartet performances. S.E.A. Aquarium, 8 Sentosa Gateway, www.rwsentosa.com MICKEY’S MAGIC SHOW 26 Nov - 1 Dec, various times, $35, $55, $65, $85, $115 Favourite Disney characters join a professional illusionist live on stage in a captivating performance where Disney magic takes on a whole new meaning. Be amazed as Cinderella’s rags turn into a beautiful ball gown in a split second; Aladdin’s Princess Jasmine levitates into the air; and the enchanted dancing brooms in Fantasia help sweep Minnie off her feet. Mastercard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, www.marinabaysands.com, Tel: 6688 1029 FREE! DANISH CHRISTMAS BAzAAR 23 & 24 Nov, 11am-4pm, See and taste the best Denmark has to offer in this early Christmas event. Soak in the Christmas atmosphere with Danish design Christmas decorations, Advent wreaths and candles, and purchase pork for roast and other food items which Danes typically have for their traditional Christmas menu. Danish Seamen’s Church, 10 Pender Road, www.dkchurch.com, Tel: 6274 6344 CHRISTMAS WITH THOMAS & FRIENDS LIvE SHOW AND MEET & GREET SESSION 30 Nov - 15 Dec, daily except Mondays, Tue - Fri, 2pm & 7pm; Sat & Sun, 1pm, 4pm & 7pm Join Thomas and his friends as they embark on an adventure in Sodor and you never know as it may even snow. The kids will also get to pick up some eco-tips as Thomas and his friends teach them how to segregate waste for recycling. Shoppers can redeem an exclusive pass for the Meet & Greet session with a minimum spending of $50. Visit the website for more details. 180 Kitchener Rd, #01-06 City Square Mall, www.citysquaremall.com.sg

FROZEN MOVIE

GIVEAWAY 20 sEts OF DIsNEY’s FROZEN MOVIE ItEMs!

Win a set of items from Disney’s new family festive movie, Frozen. Disney’s Frozen will warm your heart with this adventure tale about family, love, and magic. Just follow these easy steps and you can get a set of a Frozen T-shirt, notebook, ice cube tray and keychain!

FUN-TO-DO

IDEAS Coming soon

Mark your calendars for these events coming very soon

NEW! CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS WITH DORAEMON @ DOWNTOWN EAST 8 Dec, 11am - 1pm, $8 (public) Downtown East will be celebrating Christmas with the loveable Doraemon and his friends from the popular anime series. Regardless of age, take part in attempting to set the Singapore Book of Records for the ‘Most Number of People Painting Clay Figurines’. Visit their website for more details. Courtyard, Downtown East, 1 Pasir Ris Close, www.downtowneast.com.sg ILLuMI RuN 2013 7 Dec, 8pm, $68 Join this 5km, non-competitive party run in which you will be splashed with neon illumi glow water as you pass various themed zones at each kilometre. There will be a dance extravaganza hosted by club DJs and other surprises waiting for you at the finishing line. F1 Village, Marina Bay Street Circuit (Republic Boulevard), www.illumirun.com THIS JOY - A CHORAL CONCERT 7 Dec, 7.30pm, $20, $35 There is no better way to ring in this festive season’s good tidings than with the merry performance of the Singapore Lyric Opera (SLO) Children’s Choir in This Joy - A Choral Concert. In concert with the Children’s Choir will be the Opera Chorus, The Expressos as well as guest choirs from SLO’s Singing For All outreach programme. Tickets available from Sistic. Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive, www.sistic.com.sg If you would like your event listed, please E-mail 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.

now on

WEEKENDER

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.

Check out these events over the next two weeks

FREE! NEW! vIvOCITY’S 7TH ANNIvERSARY CELEBRATIONS & FIREWORKS 28 Nov, 9pm Be treated to a stunning display of fireworks in celebration of VivoCity’s 7th Anniversary. This year’s spectacle is choreographed by Japan’s renowned Josh Tamaya from Tamaya Kitahara Fireworks Co., Ltd., best known for using advanced computerised firing systems and flawless integration of music into fireworks. VivoCity, Promenade, 1 Harbourfront Walk, www.vivocity.com.sg FREE! NEW! THE ARTISTS vILLAGE SHOW 28 Nov - 10 Dec, 10am – 6pm, (except 1.30pm – 2.30pm, closed on Mon and Public Holidays) Experience an exhibition that seeks to explore the word ‘show’ in its various multiplicities and connotations. Curated by Urich Lau, Ezzam Rahman, Natasha Wei and Marienne Yang, this show features work spanning various media, including works by Tang Da Wu, Andrée Weschler, Ben Puah, Gilles Massot, Jason Lee, Lim Shengen, Kai Lam, Koh Nguang How, Woon Tien Wei and more. Lasalle College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street, www.lasalle.edu.sg/ FREE! HEDDA GABLER 27 - 29 Nov, 8pm Hedda Gabler is a modern woman who wants to lead her own life, just like the men around her. After a turbulent youth and many lovers, she marries Tesman. Hedda gets luxury and social status, Tesman gets a trophy wife. Bored and frustrated, Hedda dreams of the world outside. Tickets from website. Flexible Performance Space, Block F Level 1, F102 Lasalle College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street, eventbrite.sg FREE! NEW! THE SINGAPORE TEDDY BEAR SHOW 2013 23 Nov, 1pm - 5pm In the sixth installment of The Singapore Teddy Bear Show, guest artist Anna Filatova from Russia will be joining the event. This year’s show will also feature the latest collections from USA, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore in a new location at the Drama Centre, National Library Building. Drama Centre, Visitors Centre (Level 5), 100 Victoria Street, National Library Building, www.nlb.gov.sg

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Every Friday A.M. peak period. Subject to weather and traffic conditions. • Raffles Place • Chinatown • Dhoby Ghuat • Cityhall • Orchard • Somerset • Newton • Bugis • Woodlands • Bukit Gombak • Choa Chu Kang • Tampines • Admiralty • Tanjong Pagar • Buona Vista • Yishun • Khatib • Clementi • Redhill • Queenstown • Serangoon • Boon Lay • Jurong East • Tiong Bahru • Toa Payoh • Marina Bay • Ang Mo Kio • Mountbatten 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.

FROZEn [g] Directors:

Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee Starring: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Alan Tudyk, Ciarán Hinds Genre: Animated Comedy/ Adventure Run Length: 108 min Opening: Nov 28

TO WIN, SIMPLY

1. Like & share our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/weekendersgp 2. Drop us a private message with the opening date of Disney’s Frozen movie. 3. In the message, include your particulars: Name, NRIC, E-mail, Mobile No.

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: by guineVere soFer Sometimes it’s hard to see a difference, and sometimes it’s very obvious. Here are two photos, one taken with a Compact Digital Camera, the other with a phone cam. Can you tell which one was taken with which?

CLOSING DATE: 27 NOv 2013 • ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASE. The winner will be notified by E-mail. Terms & Conditions apply. SEE PAGE 3 FOR ANSWERS.

The difference is night and day

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

04 • WEEKENDER • NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2013

FOODMANIA

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

ChrIstMAs

feasting

parT 2

 mandarin orienTal

From log cakes, cookies, macarons and Traditional Dresdner Christstollen, Mandarin Oriental has something for your sweet tooth. We especially like the Mango Buche Noel ($70 for 1kg), a layered tropical version of the standard cream log cake. Other delights such as ham and turkey and foie gras are also available.

we bring you the Second part of the optionS you have to feaSt upon thiS feStive SeaSon

here can be never be too many options when it comes to food. We round up more for your dining and gorging pleasure this Yuletide season. W

The festive counter is open from Dec 1 to 25. E-mail mosin-festive@mohg.com for orders or enquiries.

 GoodWood parK hoTel

Putting a local twist on Christmas, Goodwood Park Hotel offers the Local Christmas Combo ($250) comprising a Rock Salt Baked Turkey with vegetable rice, ginger and chilli, Turkey Ngoh Hiang, D24 Durian Christmas Log Cake and Decorate-Your-Own Gingerbread house. We also like their Blonde Chocolate Florentine Log Cake ($68) for a sweet finish.

 BoaThouse

Boathouse presents a four-course Christmas Set Dinner ($98) from Dec 16 to 25. It prominently features wintry luxuries such as Smoked Salmon Parfait encased in a tart, Foie Gras Vol Au Vent, Slow Roasted Turkey Roulade with Chestnut Stuffing, and the decadent Hazelnut Praline Log Cake. Each course is also available as an a la carte order.

Email festive@goodwoodparkhotel.com for more information and to order.

The Waterboat House, #03-01, 3 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049215, Tel: 6538 9038

 aBsinThe

Bring the gourmet delights of Absinthe into your own home with Le Petit Hamper ($98) and Le Grand Basket Hamper ($188) which includes delights such as the Absinthe Homemade Country Style Patê with Penja Pepper, Fruit Cake, Christmas Cookies and Gingerbread with additional premium items in the latter. For orders of Absinthe's Christmas gourmet gift hampers, call 6222 9068.

da paolo GasTronomia  Christmas items and gourmet food hampers are available at Da Paolo Gastronomia from Nov 1. Be sure to try the lavish Boneless Sous-Vide Cooked Turkey stuffed with Cotecchino, Porchetta and Duck Leg Confit ($278, serves ten to 12 people) and their classic Three Logs Cake ($89) that comes in chocolate hazelnut, caramel cream and Valrhona chocolate.

Brasserie Les Saveurs’ Christmas buffet dinner ($98) serves a myriad of delights that range from East to West such as a Roast Muscovy Duck in orange sauce, Roast Prime Rib of Beef, Pineapple Fried Rice and Beef Rendang. Available on Dec 25.

To order, call the festive hotline at 6474 8411. Orders have to be placed three working days in advance.

29 Tanglin Road, Singapore 247911, Tel: 6506 6888

WORD OF MOUTH Seen and heard of the beSt of

SPECIAL FEATURE

Celebrate the festive season

 sT reGis

local Singaporean food

Sobe Soya milk iS great at any time, with new feStive packaging for the yuletide SeaSon

Ya Kun KaYa ToasT This well-known chain is known for their brown, thin toast with a thick slab of butter and pandan kaya. The original outlet at Far East Square is the best, in our opinion. Far East Square, 18 China Street, #01-01, Singapore 049560

with Sobe chrisTmas comes early to the supermarkets in Singapore with local pasteurised soya milk, Sobe. Fortune Food Manufacturing Pte Ltd, a subsidiary of Hanwell Holdings Limited, has given each pack of Sobe soya milk a refreshing twist with a playful elf on the “Unsweetened” pack, Santa Claus on the “Trim” pack and a red-nosed reindeer on the “Original” pack. a drinK for anY oCCasion Mr Danny Tang, Assistant Vice-President of Fortune Food, says, “In line with the year-end festivities, we feel, we could generate some buzz to an otherwise unexciting chilled product category with festive packaging.”

“As the pioneer of pasteurised soya milk, we constantly devise innovative ways to improve both our product quality and its packaging. This novelty packaging will give consumers who love the natural taste of pure soya milk another reason to buy Sobe,” he said. Sobe’s festive packs will be available at major supermarkets from Nov 11.

"...another reaSon to buy Sobe."

ToasTed bread wiTh butter and kaya jam, together with some soft-boiled eggs, is a popular breakfast choice for many Singaporeans. Most locals have had that at one point. With kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs being our version of a hearty breakfast, here are some places where you can get them for breakfast, or as a timely snack.

KillineY KopiTiam One of the oldest and most renowned coffee shops around, the shop’s name was once known as Qiong Xin He. It has been in business since 1919 and it is now also a chain. The coffee and toast are good here. 67 Killiney Road, Singapore 239525 Good morninG nanYanG Café This shop not only has the standard toasts, it also has scones and orange ciabatta! Try it. The coffee here is also known to be good. Telok Ayer Hong Lim Green Community Centre, 20 Pickering Street, Singapore 058284

Filling breakfast

or timely snack

Chin mee Chin ConfeCTionarY This is one of the most famous names as far as coffeeshops go. Everything is homemade in this stall. They make their own buns and scones and the buns contain a thick slab of butter. It is also famous for its hot cross buns, touted to be the best in Singapore, which sell like hot cakes just before Easter. 204 East Coast Road, Singapore 428903

French arTisanal pastry house, House of Albert Ménès, specialises in festive goodies such as candied fruit, smooth cocoa, fragrant almonds and rich pastries. sinful TreaTs Indulge in House of Albert Ménès’ rich Sliced Pure Butter Cake with Candied Fruit (RRP $22). A blend of rustic English tradition and French luxury, this simple dessert hides a host of candied fruit and macerated raisins that are soaked overnight in Caribbean rum. They add a honey zest, juicy Amarena cherries, tarte citron and candied orange peel to make it a truly rich and fruity snack.

Win more WiTh soBe submit your recipe using sobe as one of the ingredients, together with a photo of your dish, to corpcomms@hanwell.com.sg before nov 29, 2013. one lucky winner will win a three-month supply of sobe soya milk!

hurrY, enTer noW details at

www.hanwell.com.sg

Celebrate the festivities with gourmet cakes

BY pâTissiers of Visan House of Albert Ménès also has Gâteau de Visan, created 50 years ago by two pâtissiers in Visan. This flourless cake melts in your mouth. Made from almonds from Valencia and fresh butter, the natural sweetness of the almonds balances the cocoa nicely, resulting in a lovely gluten-free dessert.

chriStmaS juSt got a little Sweeter with theSe cakeS from houSe of albert ménèS

Both cakes are available at Paragon Market Place, Jasons the Gourmet Grocer, and The Providore at Mandarin Gallery or Tan Boon Liat Building.

NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 05

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

The "Traveller" - sambalmarinated roasted pigeon

reciPe

The Fabulous Baker Brothers

Tri-Pie

The "Turducken"

ingredients For the suet crust pastry: • 500g plain flour • 250g beef suet • Pinch of salt • 250ml cold milk

wiTh mammoTh porTions, inCluding The “TurduCken”, you jusT Can’T say no To This FeasT

A mammoth festive feast by brandon era

Famous For their “Mammoth Signatures” and communal dining concept, Spathe’s Christmas menu continues to impress. The familial touch makes the dining experience even more excellent. “These are flavours I’ve grown up with, and this menu was inspired by all the food I’ve seen during my Christmas celebrations back home,” says Executive Chef Claudio Sandri. “I’ve put this menu together with a distinctive Singaporean touch so that local diners may relate to their roots, as well as mine,” he says. Mindboggling ProPortions True to Spathe’s tradition, Chef Claudio introduces two Christmas Mammoth Signatures which will easily feed up to six diners. The “Turducken” ($159) is a delightful poultry portmanteau of a quail in a chicken in a duck in a turkey. These birds of a feather are then wrapped in a sinfully good layer of bacon, accompanied by Brussels sprouts sautéed in brown butter, finely-roasted chestnuts and garlic potatoes and finished with cabbage braised in cranberry juice and red wine. A side of homemade

cranberry sauce also adds the finishing touch to this delectable dish. The Seafood Stack ($178) is every bit as towering as the name suggests and chockfull of whole lobsters, oysters, sousvide octopus, baby squid, greenlipped mussels and prawns. “FroM the sky, Fields & sea” The classic French roasted pigeon is given a piquant Asian twist in The "Traveller" ($28), which features pigeon marinated in a local homemade sambal paste for 24 hours before roasting it to perfection, giving the diner a bursting mouthful of juiciness and tenderness, with a surprisingly crisp exterior. Another winsome dish is Beef in the Soup ($19), which had always been a wintry comfort food for him when he was younger. Enjoy a slow-cooked oxtail in a flavourful broth paired with onions, Brussels sprouts and celery. The tender meat falls off the bone and does indeed warm the stomach. The 3 Kings Smoked Salmon ($18) is undoubtedly incredible. With the smoked Scottish king salmon with capers and red onions, the flavour of the salmon is preserved in the smoking

technique used. Finish the meal with an exquisitely Singapore-inspired Durian Log Cake ($18), which proudly showcases a velvety puree of premium durian rolled between layers of vanilla sponge, topped off with a drizzle of caramel sauce. This is a dessert worthy to top off an amazing Christmas menu. Spathe Public House, 8 Mohamed Sultan Road, #01-01, Singapore 238958, Tel: 6735 1035 All mammoth signatures require a minimum of three days’ advance order.

For the First layer: • 1kg shin of beef, diced • Good pinch of plain flour • Salt and pepper • Knob of butter • 1 carrot, diced • 1 stick of celery, diced • 5 shallots, peeled • 2 sprigs of rosemary • 2 sprigs of thyme • 1 bay leaf • 250ml beef stock • 250ml ale

For the second layer: • 3 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and cut into chunks • 3 turnips, peeled and cut into chunks • Knob of butter • Salt and pepper • Pinch of thyme leaves For the third layer: • Knob of butter • 2 heads of spring greens, shredded • Zest of 1 lemon • Salt and pepper to Finish: • Egg wash – 1 egg beaten with a pinch of salt • Pinch of fresh thyme leaves

Method Mix the flour, suet and salt together in a bowl. Add the cold milk and bring it all together into

FOODMANIA

a dough. Wrap in cling film and chill in the fridge for 30 minutes. For the first layer of

The Fabulous baker broThers From TlC reCenTly Came To singapore. They show us how To make Their Tri-pie filling, dust the shin of beef with flour, and then season it. Put the butter into a large, hot pan and add the carrot, celery, whole shallots, rosemary, thyme and bay leaf, and fry for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the seasoned meat and fry until brown, turning it over once to brown the other side. Add the beef stock and the ale, season again, cover and then leave to simmer gently for 3 hours. For the second layer, cook the potatoes and turnips until soft. (Separately, because they won’t take the same amount of time). Test with a knife point for tenderness, then drain, put them in a bowl and add butter, salt and pepper and thyme. Mash them well. For the final layer, melt the butter in a frying pan. Add the greens, lemon zest and seasoning. Wilt for 5 minutes until soft. Heat the oven to 200°C/ Gas 6. Roll out the suet crust pastry to 5mm thin and tease it into a cake tin of 22–23cm

diameter, covering the base and extending up the sides. Now layer the pie – beef, then potato, then the greens. Fold the pastry in over the top, brush with egg wash and sprinkle with thyme. Bake for 1 hour until golden and you’re done. This recipe is taken from the second Fabulous Baker Brothers book, “Glorious British Grub” by Tom and Henry Herbert, published by Headline Publishing Group.

American Oak:

New whisky impresses maTuraTion in ameriCan oak Cask brings proFound Flavours in This new whisky

uchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky has unveiled a new addition to its range – American Oak. Created from only first-fill ex bourbon American oak casks, American Oak sits alongside Auchentoshan 12 Years Old and Auchentoshan Three Wood in the core range.

Seafood Stack

sPecial oak brings sPecial Flavours A special focus is given to the casks, which significantly contribute to the final taste of Auchentoshan whisky. The American Oak casks are constructed from 100-year-old oak trees (of the Quercusalba species) grown in the North American mountains. The trees are felled, with the logs quarter-sawn, and the inner heartwood is cut into staves. Following slow drying, the staves are raised into oak barrels and charred over a gas burner to create a layer of charcoal on the inner surface of the cask as well as heat-activating deeper layers inside the oak staves, releasing flavour layers of vanilla, caramelised sugars, coconut and oak spices. the Process to PerFection The oak barrels then hold American bourbon whiskey, which breaks down the oak further to release even more vanilla, coconut and silky maturation oils. The casks are then emptied and shipped to Scotland to be filled with the triple-distilled Auchentoshan new-make spirit. Following rigorous sampling of different casks, Auchentoshan’s Master Blender, Rachel Barrie, decides which ones to hand-select for Auchentoshan American Oak based on the different flavour dimensions and then marries the casks together for several months to achieve layers of complexity. Iain McCallum, Master of Malts for Morrison Bowmore Distillers, says, “This exciting expression is the first ever from Auchentoshan to be matured only in first-fill bourbon cask.” “First-fill casks deliver lashings of creamy oak lactones that will take you on a sensorial journey of discovery,” he says. Auchentoshan American Oak is retailing for $121 at The Beam Cellar, Mountbatten Square, 229 Mountbatten Road, #01-03 to 07 / #01-17 to 19, Singapore 398007.

Nostalgic bakes nosTalgia Can be Found anywhere, even in baked goods by Cheryl Chia Quite a number of Singaporeans love going to an old school bakery selling local confectionary such as creamfilled cornets, Swiss rolls, large cookies or even sugar-coated doughnuts. A sentimental wave of nostalgia will wash over you, whenever you visit one. Dong Po Colonial Cafe on Kandahar Street, which opened earlier in the year, reintroduces pre-independence era cookies and cakes that are familiar to most Singaporeans. Kelvin Soh, owner of Dong Po Colonial Cafe says, “I started Dong Po Colonial Cafe to introduce cakes and pastries from pre-independence Singapore (from the early 1950s to 1960s) to the public.” “The cakes and pastries in our cafe are based on family recipes from Dong Log Wee Confectionery, which was my family bakery during the preindependence Singapore era,” he explains. blast FroM the Past Dong Po Colonial Cafe serves nostalgic pastries such as ThreeHole Cookies ($1.90), Almond Macaron Tarts ($1.90) and Lamingtons ($1.90). The store also has old-school Swiss rolls, cream puffs, pound cakes and

cream-filled cornets. It’s no surprise that there seems to be some British influence in the confectionary. Nonetheless, Kelvin’s personal favourite is their Bostock ($2.40). “When I’m in need of a hot, toasty, baked-to-order item, I like the tasty and fragrant Bostock, which is a French almond frangipane toast made with our own bread, topped with warm tangy almond paste and freshlytoasted almond slices,” he says. econoMical For all Prices at Dong Po Colonial Cafe start from $1.20 for a slice of pound cake to $3.20 for a Cornish pie. They also have set meals comprising two pastries and a drink, at $5.50. Kelvin says, “At Dong Po Colonial Café, we try to price our items reasonably so that these cakes and pastries from Singapore in the ‘50s to ‘60s can be enjoyed by the masses.” The rustic decor at Dong Po Colonial Cafe also adds an extra dose of wistfulness with items from the past such as cups, shells and memorabilia decorating the glass-top tables. Dong Po Colonial Cafe is also intending to expand their beverages list in the near future.

Dong Po Colonial Café, 56 Kandahar Street, Singapore 198904, Tel: 6298 1318

"...suCh as Three-hole Cookies, almond maCaron TarTs and lamingTons."

"...layers oF vanilla, Caramelised sugars, CoConuT and oak spiCes."

WEEKENDER AMERICAN OAK WHISKY

GIVEAWAY 10 sets of Auchentoshan American Oak whisky sets to be given! Get an Auchentoshan American Oak whisky mini set. There are 10 nicely-packaged 200ml bottles, together with 2 Auchentoshan branded glass cups. auchentoshan aMerican oak First-fill North American Oak casks are used for maturing Auchentoshan Single Malt Scotch Whisky. After maturation, the casks are married to create the smoothness of Auchentoshan American Oak. On the nose, there is bourbon vanilla and coconut with layers of zesty citrus fruit. On the tongue, it is refreshingly smooth yet lively with vanilla cream, coconut and white peach.

to Win, siMPly 3-Hole Cookie

1. like & share our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/weekendersgp 2. drop us a private message with the words “american oak”. 3. in the message, include your particulars: name, nric, e-mail, Mobile no.

closing date: 27 nov 2013 The winner will be notified by E-mail. terms & conditions apply.

only For those aged 18 & above, and only 1 entry Per Person Please.

06 • WEEKENDER • NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2013

ENTERTAINMENT MoVIE PREVIEW

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

A Frozen tale to warm the heart

PoWER 98 MUSIC REVIEW

Lorde of the music realm she’s smart, opinionateD, an outspoken feminist... anD she only just turneD 17 this month

FRozEN: Family & love overcome Fear

Celebrate the festivities with Disney’s year-enD family bloCkbuster as it serves up an extra-white Christmas But the magic gets out of Elsa’s control and injures Anna, causing Elsa to live each day in fear that she’ll hurt Anna again.

Will Elsa learn to control her powers and warmth be restored?

mbracing core elements from Hans Christian Andersen’s The Snow Queen, Frozen brings to life a tale of adventure, emotions, laughter and unforgettable characters. This year-end family extravaganza by Disney weaves a lovely tale about the power of family, the struggles of fear and the true meaning of love.

An Icy Quest Anna, the fearless optimist, sets off on an epic journey. She teams up with Kristoff, a rugged mountain man, and his loyal reindeer, Sven, to find her sister Elsa. Elsa’s icy powers have trapped the kingdom of Arendelle in eternal winter. Encountering Everest-like conditions, mystical trolls and a hilarious snowman named Olaf, Anna and Kristoff battle the elements in a race to save the kingdom. Elsa’s inability to handle her power to create snow and ice is revealed during her childhood. Elsa’s magic delights young Anna and the girls create a snowman, whom they name “Olaf”.

FAmIly to overcome FeAr Elsa has isolated herself from society and spends every waking moment trying to suppress her powers. Her mounting emotions and inability to control her powers accidentally set of an eternal winter in Arendelle which sets the scene for this epic tale of fear, love and the powerful bonds of family ties. Jennifer Lee, a director and the screenplay writer, says, “We realised that fear is so often the very thing that gives us a negative outlook that threatens our relationships.” “Every single scene, in its own way, supports our themes of family and love, and real love versus fear. And it is fear that drives Elsa and, in turn, love that drives Anna,” she says. Catch Frozen, Disney’s yearend blockbuster, with your family and loved ones from Nov 28. W See Page 2 for the Frozen movie premiums giveaway!

INTERESTING FACTS • “Wait, what?” – One of Anna’s favourite phrases, “Wait, what?” was added to the script compliments of Kristen Bell. • Sami inspiration – The character of Kristoff was influenced by the Sami people, who are indigenous to parts of northern Norway. • All the way to Norway – Art Director Mike Giaimo and his team travelled to Norway to soak up the atmosphere, check out the architecture, research the local culture and mythologies, and garner inspiration for their fictional kingdom of Arendelle. • Reindeer Day – Filmmakers invited a real-life reindeer into the Walt Disney Animation Studios, observing the animal’s physical make-up and mannerisms, which were later caricatured in the making of Kristoff’s reindeer, Sven.

Ella Maria lani Yelich-O’Connor, better known as Lorde, could be considered a prodigy. Her debut album, Pure Heroine, is an overwhelming success. A sAtIrIcAl success For all her constant ragging of pop, fame and the Hollywood life (as heard in her chart-topping first single, “Royals”), it’s ironic that she’s been thrown into the limelight to deal with all of the above. Only ten months after she first released her debut EP online for free in New Zealand, she’s taken the world by storm. Lorde’s music is topping charts worldwide, she’s feuding with Selena Gomez, she’s turned down the opportunity to be a supporting act on Katy Perry’s world tour, she’s the first New Zealand solo artiste to have a number one song in the US, and she’s also the youngest artiste (at 16 years old) to hold the US No. 1 spot on the Billboard charts in more than 25 years. GOOD WRiTiNG & MuSic Having been brought up in a home where writing was always important (her mother’s a prize-winning poet in New Zealand), Lorde says that writing is bigger for her than music itself. Her no-nonsense nonchalance, paired with a finger-snapping beat in “Royals”, managed to enrapture her audience. A good pick for a followup single is “Tennis Court” as it’s intoxicating and draws us in. “Team” is also ‘laidback cool’. If she continues on this route, it’s no doubt that we can expect more support and allegiance (pun intended) to Lorde.

FROzeN [G]

DiRecTORS: Chris Buck & Jennifer Lee STARRiNG: Kristen Bell, Idina Menzel, Josh Gad, Alan Tudyk, Ciarán Hinds GeNRe: Animated Comedy/Adventure RuN LeNGTh: 108 min ReLeASe: Nov 28

Ender’s Game:

by Charmaine phua

TElEVISIoN

Tune in to Charmaine Phua on weekdays, from 2pm to 4pm. Send in your pick for the Top 8 Most Requested Songs of the Day! Only on Power 98FM.

“lorDe says that writing is bigger for her than musiC itself.”

ABOuT chARMAiNe PhuA Charmaine Phua is Executive Producer / Presenter of Power 98. She can’t remember any huge achievements she had when she was 16, except for surviving it. Tune in to her on Power 98.

The Doctor’s look has evolved over the years

Not so epic Asa Butterfield and Hailee Stenfeld star as Ender and Petra

baseD on a sCi-fi novel about repelling an alien invasion, enDer’s game is interesting but Doesn’t quite live up to expeCtations by lester j wan

in a cataclysMic invasion by an alien species known as the “Formics”, Earth is fortunate to repel them with the sacrifice of Commander Mazer Rackham. Ender’s Game is a science fiction action adventure that takes place in this tumultuous future, with the young Andrew “Ender” Wiggin (played by Asa Butterfield) being the “chosen one” to help to rid Earth of this pestilence once and for all. The space battle scenes are nothing short of spectacular. Unfortunately, the movie does not turn out to be quite as epic as hoped. uNReALiSeD POTeNTiAL Among the Achilles heels of the film were a slowdeveloping story, a fairly cliché plot, and thin and predictable dialogue. Ender’s Game does not live up to the potential of its concept, and characters. Battle School was slow-moving and not particularly interesting. With the cadets donning a similar suit and helmet to the characters in Tron: Legacy, much, much more was expected. Ender’s Game is certainly not in the same league as Tron.

Even the futuristic Audi cars seemed to have limited screen time. LiKeABLe STARS Butterfield was the lead actor in Hugo, and The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas. He is convincing as Ender, the child prodigy and strategist. With his brilliant mind and unrivalled strategies, Ender is selected for Battle School by Colonel Hyrum Graff (Harrison Ford). He has to overcome several challenges, including violent ones. His own streaks of violence are disturbing but you can’t help but root for him. Hailee Stenfeld, who came to prominence as Mattie Ross in True Grit, stars as Petra. She is pretty and likeable. Both are believable as their characters, and one would look forward to seeing more of them. NOT FLeSheD OuT Many of the characters appear one-dimensional or suffered from not being well fleshed out. Veteran Harrison Ford had been outstanding in his past roles, including as Han Solo in the Star Wars trilogy, as the titular character Indiana Jones in the series of films, and even in The

Fugitive. As the Colonel, his character lacked depth. The same could be said for Ben Kingsley, most famous for his role as Gandhi. For a major character, the legendary pilot and commander of the fleet who sacrificed himself to save Earth, his character appears to be but a mishmash of stereotypes. Even Abigail Breslin, lauded for her role in Little Miss Sunshine, seems to have been side-lined. Those who’ve watched “Hannah Montana” [starring Miley Cyrus] will recognise Rico [Moses Arias]. You’d think that he would be less annoying. You’d be wrong. On the whole, Ender’s Game is fairly interesting. A sequel is to be expected. I just hope that it’ll be better.

Dr Who 50th Anniversary: Time & tide wait for one man

the inimitable time-travelling DoCtor Celebrates his 50th anniversary with a global simulCast of the episoDe in over 75 Countries John Hurt is one of the prominent actors who star in Doctor Who

Put asidE your time machine. “Doctor Who” will be tearing through space and time to your TV screens. The special 50th Anniversary episode of “Doctor Who”, the world’s longestrunning and most successful Sci-Fi series, will be broadcast to millions of viewers around the world in a global simulcast on Nov 23/24.

POPuLAR SeRieS & AcTORS In addition to Matt Smith and Jenna Coleman, the lead actors, this one-off special, entitled “The Day of the Doctor”, stars former “Time Lord” David Tennant and popular actors John Hurt and Billie Piper. Tim Davie, CEO of BBC Worldwide, said, “Few TV shows can still lay claim to being ‘appointment viewing’ but Doctor Who takes this to another level.” “We wanted to create a truly international event for Doctor Who fans in as many countries as possible and the simultaneous broadcast and cinema-screening of the special across so many countries will make for a fitting birthday tribute to our ‘Time Lord’,” he said.

WORLD’S FAvOuRiTe DOcTOR Fans in over 75 countries spanning six

Across tIme Zones Steven Moffat, Executive Producer of

This review was possible thanks to Audi & GV. eNDeR’S GAMe [PG] DiRecTOR: Gavin Hood STARRiNG: Asa Butterfield, Hailee Stenfeld, Harrison Ford & Ben Kingsley GeNRe: Sci-Fi, Action LeNGTh: 114 min ReLeASe: Nov 7

continents will be able to enjoy the episode in 2D and 3D*, at the same time as the United Kingdom broadcast. The simulcast will take place in numerous countries across Europe, Latin America, Africa and Asia, including Singapore.

the 50th Anniversary episode said, “The Doctor has always been a time traveller, now he’s travelling time zones. On Nov 23 or 24, it won’t be the bad guys conquering the Earth – everywhere, it will be ‘The Day of the Doctor’!” Since 1963, “Doctor Who” has been one of the best-loved dramas and is certified by the Guinness Book of World Records as the most successful Sci-Fi series ever. The global premiere of “Doctor Who: 50th Anniversary Special” airs on Nov 24, 3.50am on BBC Entertainment, StarHub Ch521, with a repeat at 7.30pm. *3D television broadcast is subject to availability within global region.

DOcTOR WhO’S AWARDS • Five BAFTA TV Awards, including Best Drama Series • “Doctor Who” star Matt Smith won Best Actor in the 2012 National Television awards alongside Karen Gillan, who won Best Actress • “Doctor Who” has been nominated for over 200 awards and has won over 100 of them

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

spEciAL fEATUrE

BEAUTY THAT goEs BEYOND

skiN DEEp

Xin Beauty’s treatments fade scars and heal your skin from the inside out

here are many facial and beauty parlours on the market that claim to remove marks and scars from the face. We tried Xin Beauty’s treatments and are pleased with the results. Xin Beauty specialises in a Bio-Active Treatment ($138) utilising Skin-Logical products from Germany. Bio-cells that are found in the Bio-Active Treatment are plant cells that merge together with the skin cells to help phase out unhealthy skin cells. This process helps to bring new and healthy cells to the fore. Clearer & Flawless skin The Bio-Active Treatment is suitable for people with acne scarring, marks such as chicken pox scars, pigmentation, freckles, age spots and even surgery scars. One of Xin Beauty’s previous clients includes a woman who was involved in a knife fight, resulting in severe scarring to her face. After three months of continuous treatment, her scars healed almost perfectly. The treatment itself is soothing and relaxing, with mostly cold gels and masks. The treatment gets rid of bad scars in three months, with bi-weekly or monthly treatments. It can take up to six months for those with deep-seated pigmentation problems such as age spots.

Beyond the surFaCe The bio-cells also go into the deeper layers of the epidermis, which in turn prevents darkening and restores the balance in the skin to help the skin regulate oil and pigment production. Skin-Logical updates their formula every year and Xin Beauty has been distributing these products for the past 20 years. Xin Beauty is currently running a promotion for the BioActive Treatment, at a 50 per cent rate of $68 Nett. Xin Beauty, Blk 826, Tampines Street 81, #01-118, Singapore 520826, Tel: 6785 0118; Blk 218, Bedok North Street 1, #01-25, Singapore 460218, Tel: 6245 0138 & Midpoint Orchard, 220 Orchard Road, #02-09, Singapore 238852, Tel: 6737 0128. Call the enquiry hotline at 6441 3128 to find out more about treatments available. Before

Before

After

“the treatment itself is soothing and relaXing, with mostly cold gels and masks.”  Xin Beauty’s range of products for better skin

NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 07

HEALTH & BEAUTY

08 • WEEKENDER • NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2013

HEALTH & BEAUTY

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

A HEALTHY LivEr Know what you can do to help protect your liver in order to live a longer and healthier life

for better living O

ften side-lined in terms of importance, the liver has always played second fiddle to the likes of the heart or the lungs. However, protection of the liver is quintessential to living a healthier life. Functions oF the Liver The liver regulates most chemical levels in the blood and secretes a product called bile, which helps to carry away waste products from the liver. All the blood leaving the stomach and intestines passes through the liver. The liver processes this blood and breaks down the nutrients and drugs into forms that are easier for the rest of the body to use. More than 500 vital functions have been identified with the liver. Some of the more well-known functions include the following: • Production of bile, which helps to carry waste away and to break down fats in the small intestine during digestion • Production of certain proteins for blood plasma • Production of cholesterol and special proteins to help carry fats through the body • Conversion of excess glucose into glycogen for storage (glycogen can later be converted back to glucose for energy) • Regulation of blood levels of amino acids, which form the building blocks of proteins • Conversion of poisonous ammonia to urea (urea is an end-product of protein metabolism and is excreted in the urine) • Clearing the blood of drugs and other poisonous substances • Regulating blood clotting • Resisting infections by producing immune factors and removing bacteria from the bloodstream Liver Disease While the liver is the only organ

in the body that has the ability to regenerate itself, excess neglect of the organ could lead to various diseases that are harmful to the body. 1. hepatitis Hepatitis is a medical condition defined by the inflammation of the liver and characterised by the presence of inflammatory cells in the tissue of the organ. Hepatitis may occur with limited or no symptoms, but often leads to jaundice, anorexia and malaise. A group of viruses known as the hepatitis viruses causes most cases of hepatitis worldwide, but hepatitis can also be caused by toxic substances, notably alcohol, certain medication, some industrial organic solvents and plants, other infections and autoimmune diseases. Although it can be self-limiting as the liver can regenerate itself to essentially rid itself of the disease, certain strains or even weaker immune systems may cause Liver Cirrhosis in more severe cases. 2. Liver cirrhosis Liver Cirrhosis is a condition of severe damage to the liver that impairs its ability to function normally. In the United States of America, the most common cause of Liver Cirrhosis is chronic alcoholism, a pathologic condition resulting from the habitual use of alcohol in excessive amounts. If severe, Liver Cirrhosis may lead to liver failure and even death. In the Western world, Cirrhosis is the third leading cause of death in people aged between 45 and 65 years old. It may also cause a dangerous brain abnormality called portal-systemic encephalopathy (PSE), which may lead to a coma. the remeDy Although the condition of Liver Cirrhosis is irreversible, early

detection and treatment will help to slow down the degeneration of your liver. Fortunately, Holland & Barrett has a range of supplements that act as liver tonics that helps to treat those afflicted with various liver diseases and also helps to protect the liver against such diseases. 1. milk thistle Milk Thistle has potent liverprotective activity due to its silymarin content, more commonly known as silybin. The protective effects are related principally to its antioxidant effects that are many times more potent than Vitamin E. Nature’s Garden Milk Thistle is a popular product with sports people to ensure their liver is functioning at optimum levels. It comes in 30 rapid-release capsules and is suitable for vegetarians and vegans. Silymarin may also protect the liver from damage caused by viruses, toxins, alcohol and certain drugs; and encourage liver cell renewal and repair. However, do not take this product if you have an allergy to the daisy (Asteraceae) family of plants. 2. L-carnitine Carnitine is derived from amino acids. It is made in the liver and kidneys, and then stored in the skeletal muscles, heart, brain and sperm. Red meat and dairy produce are the primary dietary sources of Carnitine. It is utilised to transport fatty acids into the cells, and carnitine supplement is mainly used to support energy production in the cells.

L-Carnitine is the active form and can be taken as a safe supplement with positive benefits. Ideal for weight loss and perhaps cellulite, due to its action of converting fats to energy, Carnitine also protects against liver damage. Holland & Barrett’s L-Carnitine (500mg) provides Carnitine in its natural ‘L’ form. 3. Branched-chain amino acids Holland & Barrett helps you in enhancing your liver by developing Precision Engineered BranchedChain Amino Acids capsules. BCAAs are essential amino acids needed for the formation of proteins. BCAAs include leucine, isoleucine, and valine. BCAAs promote repair and building of lean muscle and may help reduce stress and, through their conversion to glucose, provide muscle energy during intense exercise. Muscles use more BCAAs than they do any other amino acid. BCAAs also represent a good protein source for people with cirrhosis. Prevention Better than cure Prevention of the various liver diseases is the best form of treatment. Remember to take all things in moderation and that a healthy liver means better living. Holland & Barrett supplements are available in all Holland & Barrett outlets, subject to item availability. Visit www.hollandandbarrett.com. sg for more details on promotions and store locations.

  Milk Thistle - suitable for vegetarians and vegans

 L-Carnitine 500mg - suitable for vegetarians and vegans

NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 09

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

9 OuT Of 10

TRAVELATION as well as chinaware.

TRAVELLERs

fooD Unlike any other I’ve always been a big fan of Katong Laksa and the plethora of authentic cuisines that Katong offers, and I think I’ve found yet another food gem in Katong. Located within the hotel premises, Katong Kitchen features a contemporary and chic Peranakan design and an array of dishes reflective of the area, including fare from Nonya, Macanese, Japanese, local Chinese and Western cuisine. Coupled with excellent service from the staff, I had an immensely enjoyable lunch. The highlight of the meal had to be the laksa, a definite must-try during your stay.

use mobile devices a survey reveals that nine out of ten travellers use mobile Devices while on holiDay to access social meDia anD to stay connecteD

espite the popular belief that holidays are supposed to be a time to unplug, nearly nine out of ten travellers globally (87 per cent) and in Asia (88 per cent) admit to being attached to mobile technology while they are on holiday. These findings emerged from the TripAdvisor TripBarometer Mobile and Social survey. The desire to stay connected with family and friends at home and the fear of missing out are the principal reasons driving this growing attachment to mobile connection and social media usage while on holiday. The survey reveals that travellers are also using social media to shout about their holiday joy, with nearly one in five global travellers showing off to others via social media updates. In all, 8 per cent of

travellers admit to using social media while on holiday to “make friends jealous”. staying ConneCteD Globally, 18 to 24-year-olds are the most avid users of mobile devices while travelling (94 per cent) and women (88 per cent) are slightly more attached to their mobile devices while on holiday than men (85 per cent). While calling and texting remain the key reasons for travellers to use their smartphones while travelling, a significant portion is using mobile technology to access social media and to look for recommendations on the go. The data also highlights travellers’ preference for smartphones over tablets.

relied on social media to plan their last trip, to get recommendations, see pictures and videos of where they’re going, find inspiration for what to do and see while they’re there and to look for deals. More Asians turned to social media to plan for their last trip than the average global traveller.

Peranakan designs influence each room in their own special way

Peranakan getaway

in Singapore village hotel Katong upholDs the beauty of peranaKan heritage in a slicK anD contemporary enclave by branDon era VIllage Hotel Katong has recently opened in Marine Parade. What makes this hotel unique is that it stays true to the rich Peranakan culture deeply entrenched in the neighbourhood.

planning with soCial meDia A quarter of global travellers

traDition refresheD I was lucky enough to get a sneak peek at the 229-room hotel,

boasting the strong Peranakan heritage of the surrounding Katong and Joo Chiat districts in Singapore. “The Peranakan culture is unique to the Southeast Asia region and synonymous with the Katong precinct, and is one that fascinates both locals and travellers,” says Mr Arthur Kiong, CEO of Far East Hospitality. I liked the fact that each level in the hotel is adorned with Peranakan-inspired paintings and the slight and subtle Peranakan designs influence each room in their own special way. The rooms had different coloured themes but they all stayed true to a consistent design scheme, with each room decorated with a unique painting

panoramiC View The view from the rooms was really refreshing. With some of the rooms facing the sea, I was able to get a fascinating view of the horizon, and the other buildings. The hotel is situated in a location where the cultural heritage oozes in abundance, and from a simple view from the hotel room, I could pick out all the interesting sightseeing options around the neighbourhood. With the opening promotion, room rates start from $178++. Other amenities include complimentary Wi-Fi access, complimentary airport shuttle service for tourists, cable TV, a mini-bar, a swimming pool and a 24-hour gym. Village Hotel Katong is an interesting and culturally-rich staycation option. Village Hotel Katong, 25 Marine Parade, Singapore 449536 Visit www.stayfareast.com/en/ hotels/village-hotel-katong.aspx for more information on opening promotions and room rates.

Skip the queue, head “Straight to Gate” Queues are eliminateD anD checK-in experiences are much faster with this new initiative by a low-cost carrier Jetstar asIa Is the first Singapore-based low cost carrier (LCC) to introduce “Straight to Gate”, a brand new check-in service that will redefine the travel experience by putting time back into the hands of customers. Heading “Straight to Gate” will give travellers extra time to do the things that are most important to them, as queuing at the check-in counter is now a thing of the past. QUiCk & easy proCess With trials having commenced on Nov 6 at Jetstar Asia’s hub at Singapore Changi Airport, customers on selected routes with no check-in baggage and visa requirements can now bypass check-in counters, allowing for

Are your cherished photos noisy? Despite their convenience, phone cams proDuce pictures that are “noisier” than compact Digital cameras. guinevere sofer shows why. ImagIne goIng to a romantic, candle-lit place for a special occasion. Naturally, you’d take many photos with your phone cam. You might then realise that the pictures appear grainy and have small colour speckles all over them. This is why. Unsightly noise Say hello to camera “noise” – the unsightly texture that covers the whole image. [See Photo B] Photos simply don’t look nice when they are “noisy”. For all the advances in phone cam technology, this problem remains its Achilles heel. Technically, the noise comes from tiny sensors, within the phone, struggling to capture the incoming light. This is similar to static noise from a radio in areas

with poor reception. The static noise is the sound equivalent of the noise in a photo. CompaCt Digital Camera QUality Compared to phone cams, Compact Digital Cameras use higher quality sensors, larger sensors, larger lenses and better processors. here’s how it works: • Quality sensors are more sensitive at capturing very little light, with minimum noise. • Larger sensors allow more light to be captured, • While the larger lenses allow more light to go through to the sensor. • The superior processors help to minimise the noise in the image.

Photo A: A great photo with smooth, beautiful tones in the sky and glass. This could only be possible with better sensors

Benefits of Better QUality images To get better pictures with better noise control, bring your Compact Digital Camera along. Their larger sensors and better processors help to reduce the noise, making the images look smoother. As an example note how smooth, appealing and sensuous the tones are in Photo A. These qualities are also great for skin tones for portrait shots in indoor, twilight or low-light scenarios. The next time you want to capture beautiful photos with these qualities, bring your Compact Digital Camera along. It’s just as portable as a phone, and produces much better quality photos.

Photo B: With a phone cam, the sensor struggles with low-light situations, adding unsightly noise into the image

a hassle-free pass direct to the transit area. Customers travelling on selected routes can simply check-in online, print the boarding pass, proceed to immigration and head straight to the departure gate. Customers with checked baggage or those who require visa verification will still need to visit any of the Jetstar check-in counters to get their boarding passes endorsed. Instructions will be provided during the online check-in process, and indicated on the self-printed check-in document. “straight to gate” Customers can check in online between 48 hours and 120

minutes before the flight’s scheduled departure, select seats and print the boarding pass. The document will indicate whether the travelling passenger can proceed directly to immigration and departure gate, or will need to visit any of the Jetstar counters to drop checked luggage and have the visa verified. Visit jetstar.com for more.

10 • WEEKENDER • NOVEMBER 22 - 28, 2013

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITh FUN AND hAPPINESS

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