ISSUE 67 January 24 - 30, 2014
WK67A/MCI(P)060/08/2013
ISSUE 67 January 24 - 30, 2014
tra v e l ation
hEAD TO a SCENIC getaway NEARBY DISCOVER WONDERS JUST ACROSS THE BORDER
E N T E RTA I N M E N T
IS THE NEW OR ORIGINAL robocop better?
wishes you a
happy lunar new year
Year of the horse 2014
Weekender will be on holiday next week - look out for our feb 7 issue!
WK67A/MCI(P)060/08/2013
w
events
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
PAGE 2
WEEKENDER
FUN-TO-DO
IDEAS
Great Fortune Zodiac Display Until 16 Feb Snap a photo with the lighted displays of the 12 Zodiacs at City Green (Outdoor Park). While you’re at it, learn more about each Zodiac sign and take a peek at your fortune forecast for the year ahead. City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Rd, #01-06, www.citysquaremall.com.sg
highlights in chinatown
Festive Street Bazaar @ Chinatown Until 30 Jan Feast on mouth-watering New Year delicacies, enjoy the brilliant lights and decorations of the stalls and shop for the many New Year traditional goodies from cookies, decorative items, waxed duck and preserved fruits to potted plants and clothings at Chinatown as you prepare to usher in the Year of the Horse. Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Sago Street, Temple Street and Trengganu Street
now on Check out these events over the next two weeks
Mass Reunion Dinner 26 Jan, 7pm–10pm Some 1,000 underprivileged families and elderly from Chinatown will be off to a healthy and joyous start in the Year of the Horse. Supported by Select Group and Singapore Flyer, the Mass Reunion Dinner, a community initiative organised by Kreta Ayer, Kim Seng Citizens Consultative Committee will enable the guests to enjoy a warm and healthy dinner and celebrate the Lunar New Year festivities as one big family in the community. Open field next to Banda Street, chinatownfestivals.sg
Noise Singapore – Recognise your cultural heroes Until 30 Jan Celebrate the contributions of our cultural heroes and recognise the potential of emerging artistic talents! Find out how you can nominate deserving individuals for Singapore’s highest award for arts practitioners at the website. www.nac.gov.sg/cultural-leadership
FREE! A Changed World: Singapore Art 1950s–1970s Until 16 Mar, 10am–7pm daily A Changed World explores the development of Singapore art in light of the rapid changes that took place in Singapore after World War II. It charts the artists’ own engagement with changes in Singapore’s political, economic, social and urban landscape. Exhibition Gallery 2, Basement, National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, www.nationalmuseum.sg Intricacy Exhibition @ Nikei Fine Art Until 30 Mar, 11am Bask in the vibrant art displays of three amazing young and emerging female artists all the way from Japan - Nieda, Kaori and Maiko, who present paintings that depict the various intricacies of their respective crafts. Nikei Fine Art, #01-34 Raffles Hotel Arcade, Raffles Hotel, 328 North Bridge Rd
Joy Blossoms @ AMK Hub Until 16 Feb, various timings AMK Hub is all set to usher in the auspicious Year of the Horse, with goodies, amazing holiday getaways and fabulous giveaways in store, as well as a series of exhilarating roving performances. In addition, 12 largerthan-life zodiac animals will make an appearance at the main entrance to welcome shoppers and get them into the festive spirit. Visit the website for more details. AMK Hub, 53 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3, www.amkhub.com.sg Follow the Drum Master @ Parkway Parade 9 - 30 Jan, various timings Herald in the year of the horse with a line-up of exciting activities at Parkway Parade such as the sure-win fortune dip and performances from ‘Follow the Drum Master’. This year’s widely celebrated annual festivity at the mall also includes ‘The Prosperity Reunion Lunch’ which will bring added merriment to the lives of 40 elderly residents living in the Marine Parade Constituency. Parkway Parade, 80 Marine Parade Road, www.parkwayparade.com.sg
WEEKENDER
ROMEO & JULIET
TICKETS GIVEAWAY Romeo & Juliet the Musical Toy Factory Productions is proud to present Romeo & Juliet, the world-famous tragedy of the star-crossed lovers who are determined to be together, even in death. While this is one of the most frequently performed Shakespearean plays and has evoked a range of emotions from audiences time after time, this particular production about these young rebel lovers will be presented in a trendy and bold manner, in order to update itself to the modern audience and to give it a fresh look. Benjamin Kheng of The Sam Willows and Therese Wee-Yenko take on the titular roles of the star-crossed lovers. This production will be running at the Drama Centre Theatre, from Feb 13 to 23, 2014.
Weekender is giving away 2 pairs of tickets (worth $104 per pair) to the Feb 14, 8pm show of Romeo & Juliet the musical. The show will run from Feb 13 to 23. TO WIN, SIMPLY: 1. Like & share our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/weekendersgp 2. Drop us a private message with the words “Romeo & Juliet”. 3. In the message, include your particulars: Name, NRIC, E-mail, Mobile No. ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASE. DEADLINE: Feb 3, 2014 *This contest is only open to residents of Singapore.
Coming Soon Mark your calendars for these events happening in three to four weeks
Photo: Averdeen Asset Management
iFly Singapore - Love is in the Air 26 Jan - 16 Feb Celebrate Valentine’s Day and Chinese New Year with iFly as first time flyers get more than 30 per cent off the usual price to experience indoor skydiving. Valentine romantics will get the unique opportunity to see water droplets suspended within the wind tunnel, before taking turns to encounter an exhilarating free fall experience. iFly Singapore, 43 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa Island, www.iflysingapore.com
weekender.com.sg
Catch the Extreme Sailing Series at Marina Bay
FREE! The Global and Annual Extreme Sailing Series 2014 20 - 23 Feb, from 11am Catch some of sailing’s legendary names as Singapore hosts the first Act to kick off the Extreme Sailing Series 2014 at The Promontory@Marina Bay. With nine teams from seven nations in contention this year, the eighth season of the professional stadium racing series promises even more electrifying energy as 45 elite sailors, such as Olympic legend Sir Ben Ainslie and Volvo Ocean Race winner Franck Cammas, battle it out on Singapore’s waters. The Promontory @Marina Bay, www.extremesailingseries.com
Chinatown Chinese New Year Walking Trail 2014 Until 26 Jan For the first time, heritage walking tours will be conducted at Singapore’s best-kept Chinese enclave – Chinatown, during Chinese New Year. Navigate your way through fivefoot ways and restored colonial shop houses as you take in the stunning sights of Chinese New Year decorations and the sounds, lights and ambience of the Festive Street Bazaar. Kreta Ayer Road, Sago Street, Pagoda Street and New Bridge Road, chinatownfestivals.sg Chinatown Wishing Tree Until 14 Feb, 11am–9pm Inspired by the renowned ancient banyan tree in Lam Tsuen in Hong Kong to which people travel to during Chinese New Year to leave their special wishes, a lucky banyan tree is installed at Chinatown Point where you can try throwing Mandarin oranges tied to your wishes onto it. If they stay on the tree, it is said that your wishes will come true! Buy a Mandarin orange wishing charm for $2 to toss it onto the tree. All proceeds will be donated to the Kreta Ayer Seniors Activity Centre. Chinatown Point, 133 New Bridge Road, www.chinatownpoint.com.sg FREE! Sentosa Celebrates Chinese New Year 2014 31 Jan – 2 Feb, 11am-9.30pm Celebrate Chinese heritage and culture on Sentosa this Chinese New Year with two renowned performing troupes from China – Zhengzhou Star Acrobatics Troupe and Baoding Flowers Lion Dance Team, as they perform traditional acrobatics and Northern lion dance routines. Have fun for the whole family this Chinese New Year at Sentosa. Sentosa, Merlion Plaza to Beach Station, www.sentosa.com.sg Singapore Red Cross Flag Day 2014 15 Feb, 1pm-4pm, 2pm-5pm, 3pm-6pm Make your Valentine’s Day extra meaningful! Join the Singapore Red Cross as a volunteer tin-bearer to raise funds for our local humanitarian efforts. Put the roses, gifts and candle-lit dinners aside and give your time and your heart to vulnerable people. Tin collection from Red Cross House, 15 Penang Lane, register at flagday2014.splashthat.com Singapore Rock Festival 5 & 6 Mar, 6.30pm, $118 (early bird), $128, $148, $198 (both nights) Rock out at the very first Singapore Rock Festival as six of the hardest and heaviest rock bands join forces for two nights, featuring the likes of Korn, Rob Zombie, Black Veil Brides and more! Tickets available at Sistic. Fort Canning Park, 70 River Valley Road, www.sistic.com.sg Continued on Page 16
L A ST C A L L
Sobe Soya Milk Giveaway on Jan 23 A favourite with the young and old, the humble soya bean is considered one of Nature’s healthiest gifts. Sobe Soya Milk comes in three different variants, Original, Trim and Unsweetened. Sobe Giveaway at Somerset MRT For one day only, Sobe is giving out 1,000 packs of Sobe Soya Milk 1L. Simply head down to Somerset MRT on Thursday,
Jan 23, from 5-7pm and grab a pack, while stocks last! If you don’t manage to grab one for free, you can always head to the nearest supermarket or hypermarket and get one. Sobe is releasing three new designs of its Soya Milk packs, to prepare for Valentine’s Day. Don’t forget to be at Somerset MRT on Thursday, Jan 23, from 5pm-7pm, to enjoy a free 1-litre pack of Sobe Soya Milk!
weekender.com.sg
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
PAGE 3 w
w
Sports
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
PAGE 4
weekender.com.sg
Giant-slaying &
the English game flailing about under David Moyes, especially after the 3-1 thumping they recently received from Chelsea. The English FA Cup has had a reputation of giant-slaying for years, and I’m hoping that the script sticks to tradition.
Will Arsenal sign young Julian Draxler from Schalke 04 to shore up their league and cup chances?
It was an exciting football weekend last week but this weekend could see major hopes take a tumble in the English FA Cup By Brandon Era
Left photo: Fingerhut Right photo: Dziurek Photos from Shutterstock.com
E
verything seems to be going according to script. Arsenal is still ahead by a point at the top of the table. Manchester City has continued to dominate with their incredible goal-scoring record. Chelsea has the notion and capability to challenge for the league title as well. Liverpool are looking pretty at fourth with no more doubt in mind and a so-far resurgent Tottenham under Tim Sherwood seems to be using star striker Emmanuel Adebayor in the right way. And, of course, last season’s champions, the not-so-red-hot Devils of Manchester United, are still
Put All Your Eggs in One Basket? That old saying is something up for debate in the Arsenal dressing room. Sure, it has been a long time since the Gunners have won any silverware. It’s also true, and beyond a shadow of a doubt, that this season is Arsenal’s to lose. With the signing of Mesut Ozil and the possible signing of Schalke youngster Julian Draxler, we have seen Arsene Wenger recognise the recent talent surge in German players. Perhaps he’ll depart from the need to have a new French player each season. But should he focus all his energy on winning the league, or should he weigh his options in the FA Cup and the Champions League as well? Personally, I think that this is the season for Arsenal to bring home the league title. If not, there won’t be another golden opportunity like this. Arsenal is currently the only club in the running with a manager and squad that hasn’t been rocked by the
transfer market. We’ve seen Manuel Pellegrini take over City, Mourinho return to Chelsea, Moyes struggling at United and even Brendan Rogers has only helmed Liverpool for a short time. And, let’s be very, very honest, against a side like Bayern Munich, I really don’t fancy Arsenal’s hopes in the Champions League. Call me a pessimist but I like to think of myself as more of a realist. I love Arsenal to death, but Bayern will indeed be a true test. The Gunners face Coventry City at home and, as long as Wenger decides that he still wants to have the FA Cup as possible silverware this season, I don’t see why it shouldn’t be a routine win over the League One side. The Rest of the Chasing Pack Liverpool, Manchester City and Chelsea are all in action this weekend in the FA Cup as well. The Reds will travel to AFC Bournemouth in the fourth-round action of the FA Cup, while City hosts Watford at the Etihad Stadium. Pellegrini’s men will be looking forward to decimating Championship side Watford, especially with the return of Sergio Aguero. Last but not least, Chelsea probably has the toughest of all the draws here,
having to take on Premier League side Stoke on Sunday. Jose Mourinho will be looking to advance his standing with Chelsea as he seeks to mastermind his way past a very physical and dominant presence that Stoke will bring to Stamford Bridge. Will another giant fall?
Is Tottenham under Sherwood finally using Adebayor the right way?
Photo: Getty Images
Photo: Photosport.co.nz
“Road to Singapore” journey to WTA Championships launched Have you seen the stars pointing the way to Singapore?
With the addition of Singapore as the Championships host city, 17 events will be staged in the AsiaPacific market in 2014.
arlier this month, the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) launched the “Road to Singapore”. This is a season-long campaign which will see the WTA stars through their journey from the beginning of the year to its culmination during the season-ending WTA Championships in Singapore.
At the New Sports Hub The WTA Championships will be staged within the state-of-the-art $1.3 billion Singapore Sports Hub and will be transformed into an international sport entertainment spectacle, significantly upgrading the fan experience with the introduction of new events, including exhibitions between WTA’s Rising Stars and Legends, daily fan festivals, business conference, industry forums, music events and a VIP Experience that will provide the most inspirational and exciting WTA Championships experience in the history of the WTA. Fans of women’s tennis will have the opportunity to get closer to their favourite stars and the Championships via a season-long “Road to Singapore” journey. Throughout 2014, fans can be fully engaged with the Championships and WTA stars’ journeys to Singapore by visiting the newlylaunched Championships website at www.wtachampionships.com and becoming “A Road to Singapore Insider”. Through the dedicated platforms, fans will enjoy an unparalleled access to their favourite players’ season-long journey, including enhanced editorial coverage across all platforms.
E Ana Ivanovic at the ASB Classic in Auckland
Serena Williams kicks off the “Road to Singapore” with the WTA Championships Billie Jean King Trophy at the Brisbane International
First for Singapore & Asia Pacific For the first time in the 44-year history of the WTA Championships, a city in Asia Pacific will host the prestigious year-end event, which will take place from Oct 17 to 26, 2014, and through 2018. “I am really excited about the WTA Championships being held in Singapore for the first time as it’s an amazing city that I’d like to visit. Women’s tennis is definitely growing and becoming more and more global each year,” said Serena Williams, WTA World No. 1 and four-time WTA Championships winner. WTA’s strategic priority of growing the women’s tennis brand and tournament footprint in Asia started in 2008 with the opening of its first office in Beijing and upgrading the China Open to a Premier Mandatory event.
To further support the investment in Southeast Asia, the WTA is opening an office in Singapore. Official Launch on Jan 27 The WTA will host an official launch of the WTA Championships and “Road to Singapore” on Jan 27, during which WTA Chairman & CEO Stacey Allaster, in addition to a WTA Star and Legend, will officially kick off the Championships for local fans and commercial partners. The WTA is working closely with the World Sports Group, the Singapore Tourism Board and the Singapore Sports Council on the WTA Championships and the lead up to it. Singapore will become only the ninth city to host the WTA Championships since its inception, following Boca Raton, Los Angeles, Oakland, New York, Munich, Madrid, Doha and Istanbul. About WTA The WTA is a global leader in women’s professional sport with more than 2,500 players representing 92 nations competing for a record $118 million in prize money at the WTA’s 54 events and four Grand Slams in 33 countries. The 2014 WTA competitive season concludes with the WTA Championships in Singapore, from Oct 17 to 26, 2014.
weekender.com.sg
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
PAGE 5 w
w
Sports
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
PAGE 6
POWER 9 8 S PORT S Elliott Danker takes you through the most drastic of regulation changes in F1 history for the 2014 season
F
ormula 1 racing is a constantly-evolving sport. Rule changes occur practically every season, in order to make it more exciting. But that hasn’t been the only concern for the past few years. The environment, cost and excitement, just some of the things that have been on the minds of the FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) for the past few years, have all led to a major change in regulations for the 2014 F1 season. Let’s try to break down some of the major changes you can expect in 2014, and perhaps you can also start to imagine how a 2014 F1 car would look and sound like. Engine I’m going to miss the roar of the 2.4-litre V8 engines, as they get replaced by 1.6-litre V6 turbo engines, revving to a maximum of 15,000rpm (revolutions per minute). The current engines produce more than 750bhp (brake horsepower), whilst the 2014 units will produce around 600bhp, with additional power coming from Energy Recovery Systems (ERS). Energy Recovery Systems Basically what this will do is provide a large proportion of the car’s power. This is kind of cool because part of the function of the ERS will be to generate power using waste heat from the engine’s turbocharger. Unlike the KERS (Kinetic Energy Recovery System, which currently gives drivers an extra 80bhp for 6 seconds per lap), this ERS will give
weekender.com.sg
Cars, they are
a-changin’ Photo: sydeen / Shutterstock.com
The Red Bull car and all the others will have to go through a great transformation
again be reduced. This time, from 1800mm to 1650mm. Rear wing Another change, which will make the car look a little weird, is to the rear wing. The lower beam wing is being outlawed, and the main flap will be slightly shallower in profile. Based on these changes, you can imagine that the 2014 cars will look quite different from what we’re used to. One thing I will definitely miss is the roar of the old V8 or even V12 engines, that raw power that rips the track apart going down the straight. I heard a preview of the V6 engine from Mercedes, and it’s a more electronic-sounding engine. In fact, based on all the changes I’ve mentioned, you can expect a very electronic-based car. As we all know, electronics have their fair share of problems. I don’t expect a smooth start to the 2014 F1 season when the Australian GP comes along in March. Testing is still underway, and teams will have to go through some radical changes to their car designs. Lots of trial and error is expected as well. One things for sure, if there was ever a time to break Red Bull Racing’s dominance, it’s in 2014! Catch Elliot Danker on weekdays, from 10am to 2pm, on Power 98FM.
drivers 160bhp for 33 seconds per lap, and that’s a significant amount of power. To compensate for the extra power being generated under braking by ERS, teams will be allowed to use an electronic rear brake control system. Gearbox Another big change, gearboxes are to have eight forward ratios rather than the current seven, which each team must nominate ahead of the season. Fuel Here’s where the environmental
part comes into play. To promote fuel efficiency, fuel will be limited to 100kg per race. At the moment, fuel is unlimited but teams typically use around 160kg per race.
which must be angled upwards to prevent the exhaust flow being used for aerodynamic effect. Also, bodywork is not allowed to be placed behind the tailpipe.
Minimum weight To compensate for the increased weight of the 2014 powertrain, minimum weight has been increased from the current 642kg to 690kg.
Nose height Another aspect of regulation change is for safety reasons, and so the height of car noses will be reduced in 2014. The maximum height is currently 550mm, whereas next year it’s 185mm – quite a huge difference.
Exhaust We are used to two exhaust tailpipes but the 2014 regulations will only allow the use of a single tailpipe
Front wing Just like in 2009, front wings will
ABOUT ELLIOT DANKER
DJ Elliott Danker is an avid football fan, and the host of The Sporting Life and Lunch on Power 98.
Star fighters: Saffiedine vs Lim
Saffiedine vs Lim was an exciting match-up
The final showdown of the UFC Fight Night proved to be nail-biting
Photo: Sports Council / Sylvester Chin
The Ultimate Fighting Championship’s inaugural fight event in Singapore, UFC Fight Night on Jan 4 at the Marina Bay Sands, culminated in the main event of Tarec Saffiedine vs. Lim Hyun Gyu. Saffiedine, the Belgian Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) fighter, defeated Korean Lim Hyun Gyu, in the welterweight category. He now has 15 wins to his name. Nicknamed the “Sponge” for his propensity to pick up different martial arts quickly, Saffiedine subdued “The Ace” (Lim) in five rounds.
Grappling was part of the multidisciplinary action
“Saffiedine continues to attack Lim’s leg and two hard kicks send him buckling.”
Slow off the Blocks The match started slow, with the opponents sizing each other up before attacking. Round 1: Saffiedine starts on the outside while Lim remains in the centre. Saffiedine, who has a black belt in karate, throws a kick at Lim’s lead thigh and leg twice. Lim manages to avoid the rest of Saffiedine’s attacks and scores a few shots with his right hand, though Saffiedine counters most of it. Saffiedine wins this round. Round 2: Saffiedine starts jabbing his opponent quickly and attacking him in a flurry of kicks to the leg. Lim misses a flying knee, and a few shots.
The momentum changes as Saffiedine starts taking Lim apart. Saffiedine wins this round. Picking up Speed Things started to further accelerate from the third round. Round 3: Lim looks tired and he drops his arms. He almost slips after a kick from Saffiedine. As he gets on his feet, Saffiedine pushes him to the ground. He barely manages to get out of it and takes a hard leg kick. A second kick takes him to the floor. Saffiedine punches him more from the top. The referee stands them both up; Lim favouring his hurt leg. Saffiedine sees the weakness, kicks it again and he falls. Saffiedine celebrates briefly but the fight continues. Saffiedine wins this round. Round 4: Things don’t look good for Lim though he comes out guns a-blazing. He can barely stand. Saffiedine hits him with a leaping knee and Lim goes down. Lim is flailing to hold on to this round and is doing all he can to survive. Saffiedine manages a few shots before the round ends. Saffiedine wins this round. Round 5: The final round,
and the end is nigh. For Lim. Saffiedine continues to attack Lim’s leg and two hard kicks send him buckling. Saffiedine almost feels bad for his opponent as he glances at the clock. Perhaps with a sudden burst of adrenaline, Lim chases his opponent and beats him down. But the bell sounds. Lim wins this round, but Saffiedine wins the fight. Clear Cut At the post-fight press conference, Lim iced his battered and swollen face and said, “There was talk about stopping the fight in the fourth round. But my corner men kept me going and I tried my very best in the final round to come back.” “I think I was a bit too nervous and eager to prove myself in the early rounds,” he admitted. Saffiedine missed the press conference as he was being checked by the medical team. Nonetheless, he said that he is “ready to face Top 10” in the UFC. All in all, it was a nail-biting and eventful melee, and a good debut for UFC.
weekender.com.sg
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
Kyra may only be 12, but that hasn’t stopped her from achieving three Guinness World Records Interview by Lester J Wan Kyra attempting to break the world record with 68 backwards somersaults
BE HAPPIER / entertainment
Little high-flyer
I Kyra Poh (right) with her Team Firefly teammate, Choo Yi Xuan
PAGE 7
n December, iFly Singapore announced two new Guinness World Records achievements, and attempted another two more records. The first new Guinness World Record achieved was for the most number of people in a wind tunnel, which was set by 12 children and an adult in the wind tunnel at 193 km/h for over five minutes. Among them was 12-year-old Kyra Poh. The second record set was for the longest indoor freefall, by Alson Ooi, Joshua Tay and Muhammad Ezrielshah Bin Rahmat. The three flew continuously for four hours and two minutes. This is equivalent to freefalling for more than 700km. Two more record attempts were made, and have recently been confirmed by Guinness World Records. Young Kyra Poh has set the new record for the most backwards somersaults, with 68 performed in one minute. The previous record stood at 40. With 28-year-old Vernon Quek, Kyra has also set a new record for the most two-way verticals with 25 manoeuvres, where two persons flying side by side would take turns to
pass under each other without making any physical contact. Weekender’s Editor managed to catch this little high-flyer for an interview. Were you ever scared of indoor skydiving? I was never scared of it as I like very thrilling things like roller coasters! But I was really excited as I had never seen something that makes you fly! How supportive has your family been? My sister, parents and grandparents are very supportive as they are always encouraging me to try my best and never give up, and are always there to see me fly. My sister will always give me a thumbs up when she sees me in the tunnel, and kiss me when I get out.
I felt very excited but very nervous as well, as I was worried I would screw up.
How did you feel after having performed 68 backward somersaults in one minute? After I did 68, I couldn’t believe it as I did much better than I expected, and I still was under a lot of stress. And, I was really overjoyed and happy. What are some of your favourite things? Other than flying, I love to draw and paint and express myself through art. I also like to play Minecraft with my friends.
w
Who is the sportsperson you admire most? I admire my coaches at iFly the most as they are determined and fun, and always helping and teaching me. And, if they weren’t so keen to teach, I wouldn’t be as good as what I am today. What are your goals for the future? I would like to go to SOTA (School of the Arts), and I would like to try skydiving for real. If you had a time machine, when and where would you go? I would like to go back in time and see my parents when they were kids. And see what type of sports they did… and how indoor skydiving was originally made, and how did they come up with the idea. What famous last words can you give us? Well… All of you should try iFly!
Together with 11 other children and a “safety” adult, Kyra (extreme right) set the Guinness World Record for the most number of people in a wind tunnel
What do you love most about indoor skydiving? What I love most is learning new things as I can improve myself, and feel very happy when I can do it. How did it feel, attempting a world record? Just before it was my turn,
MO V I E P R E V I E W
RoboCop:
Rebooted & reloaded he year is 2028 and it is a multinational melting pot of robot technology. Drones have been used in the military for years, abroad, but have been forbidden to be used in law enforcement in America. When OmniCorp wants to bring its controversial technology to the home front, it sees a golden opportunity in Alex Murphy (played by Joel Kinnaman, seen in The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo), a critically-injured good cop, to build a part-man, partrobot police enforcer.
Verhoeven shot in 1987, about a cyborg (part man, part machine) cop that patrols the streets of a futuristic Detroit in the name of justice. The current director, José Padilha, is the man chosen to reintroduce this iconic character to audiences all over the world. Now, the science fiction that was depicted in the original movie in the 1980s is closer to science than to fiction. “Paul Verhoeven created an iconic character that embodied the philosophical concept that automated law enforcement could lead to fascism,” explained the Brazilian director. “Funnily enough, he did this in 1987 but now we are very close to this actually happening!” exclaimed Padilha.
Futuristic Vision OmniCorp envisions having a RoboCop in every city, and even more billions for their shareholders. But they never counted on one thing, the man within the machine. RoboCop is a remake of the popular film that Paul
Electric Dream Come True Joel Kinnaman, the Swedishborn lead, was thrilled when he found out about the remake. “I probably saw the original movie around 20 times as a kid!” he exclaimed.
RoboCop returns to theatres with this remake of a 1980s Sci-Fi action classic
T
He added, “Alex is a righteous cop and a family man that is trying to do the best he can in a flawed system, until some events completely change the course of his life. Then he has to learn to deal with this new reality that is put before him.” Veteran actor Gary Oldman plays Dr Dennett Norton, the scientist who helps to create RoboCop. Along the way, he has to compromise with decisions he wasn’t entirely sure or convinced about, as the corporation he works for corrupts him. “Yes, I get somewhat corrupted by OmniCorp through the unlimited funding that is offered for my research if I get on board the RoboCop project,” said the acclaimed British actor. “So, I go against my better instinct, although I do accept responsibility towards the end of the movie – which is a rare commodity,” he said. After nearly three decades [Has it really been that long?] RoboCop continues to attempt to provoke thought. Does this reboot succeed or does it fall flat in failed mimicry?
Even in the future, you can’t escape the long arm of the law
You decide. “The challenge is to make a movie that touches key ideas about politics and about what it means to be human while still reaching a broad audience,” said Padilha. “You have to strike a balance between the drama and the fun, which you do by finding the right tone. And that’s what we have done with RoboCop,” he said. Refreshing or not, RoboCop promises to be one hell of a ride.
RoboCop [PG] Director: Jose Padilha Starring: Gary Oldman, Joel Kinnaman, Samuel L Jackson and Abbie Cornish Genre: Sci-Fi Run Length: 121 min Release: Jan 30
How will this RoboCop compare to the original?
XXXRobocopXXX
w
entertaiment
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
PAGE 8
weekender.com.sg
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E
Eat, drink and watch
happy TV with the family Watch these entertaining Lunar New Year programmes with your family this festive holiday season, and enjoy good mirth and makan
Cavin Soh hosts Happy Foodie New Year
T
he Lunar New Year is almost here and instead of racking your brains trying to figure out how to entertain all your friends and family under one roof, why not tune in to Asian Food Channel’s (AFC) programmes to whet your appetite for your reunion feasts and to share funny moments together? Enjoy a marathon of great Lunar New Year programmes, including AFC Original Production
“Happy Foodie New Year” and the other New Year Specials of AFC Original Productions. Back To the Streets 2 (Lunar New Year Special) Fri, Jan 31, 9pm; Re-runs: Sat, Feb 1, 2pm & 8.30pm and Sun, Feb 2, 10.30am & 4pm Gong Xi Fa Cai! It is the festive season and watching Malcolm mark his students’ papers is not Zher’s idea of a good time. Refusing to waste anymore of her Chinese New Year holiday, she entices him away from work with the promise of a delicious feast. So, they pack up and head to Restoran Lee Hong Kee and enjoy a prosperous meal of Poon Chai and Lao Mei Fan. Malcolm incorporates the rice dish as his inspiration for the dish of the week. Will good fortune be on his side? A Party Affair (Lunar New Year Special) Fri, Jan 31, 9.30pm; Re-runs: Sat, Feb 1, 12.30pm and Sun, Feb 2, 10am, 4.30pm & 8.30pm It’s the Lunar New Year and Chef Willin’s closest friends are heading over to his place for a gathering. Chef Willin whips up a feast with three party dishes that pay tribute to classic Chinese cooking, with a modern twist. Incorporating the traditional and popular Asian preserved sweetmeat, Chef Willin serves the scrumptious Bak Kwa Spinach Salad, Yu Sheng Ceviche with Tortilla Corn Chips and a rich Foie Gras Ngo Hiang Parcel, which offers a twist to the typical five-spiced meat rolls. Happy Foodie New Year Sat, Feb 1, 9am-12pm; Re-run: Sat, Feb 1, 5pm-8pm
Join host Calvin Soh as he finds out what makes the perfect New Year feast. From visiting the factories of Singapore’s most beloved brands to meeting the creators of popular New Year dishes in Singapore, Calvin goes all out in exploring the true tradition and history behind this beloved holiday. Meet top chefs from popular Singaporean eateries and learn how to make your own Chinese New Year dishes. Restaurant Redemption Fri, Jan 31, 10pm; Re-run: Sat, Feb 1, 2pm and Sun, Feb 2, 11am & 9pm Changing the face of Asian food in the USA, one menu at a time, food entrepreneur ChingHe Huang travels across the country to help struggling restaurants update their dishes and make over their average businesses. Visit www.asianfoodchannel.com/lny2014 for more information. Asian Food Channel is on StarHub TV Ch 435. Ching-He Huang transforms restaurant menus in Restaurant Redemption
“Meet top chefs from popular Singaporean eateries and learn how to make your own CHINESE New Year dishes.”
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E
Positive Psychology comprises factors such as mindfulness, gratitude and flow to help us find joy and fulfilment
TSPP also promotes research and training in Positive Psychology, Psychotherapy, Positive Business Psychology and Hypnotherapy
Happiness can be more achievable with a fast-emerging field – Positive Psychology
Happiness is not common sense
I
f you are leading a happy, fulfilling life right now, good for you! For the rest of us, happiness might seem elusive and fleeting. The good news is, there is recent research on how happiness can be made more achievable with a fast-emerging field – Positive Psychology. What is Positive Psychology? Positive Psychology is a scientific study of the factors that enable people and communities to thrive and to lead more fulfilling lives. Contrary to what you might think, Positive Psychology is not a fluffy subject based solely on motivational self-talk and positive thinking. It looks into psychological theories, research and intervention techniques used to understand the more adaptive and emotionally-fulfilling aspects of human behaviour. Professional practitioners of Positive
Psychology seek to find and nurture talent, and to help the average person to move up from merely surviving in life to a thriving state. In contrast, conventional psychology studies primarily focus on languishing individuals. This “positive” branch of study complements without the intention of ignoring or substituting traditional areas of psychology. It brings attention to the possibility that only focusing on the disorder may result in a limited understanding of a person’s true condition. Like other fields of psychology, Positive Psychology can be used to develop an individual on a personal level in addition to being used as a professional tool. “Psychology is applicable to everyone; some of us use it to help others, some of us use it to help ourselves,” explains Stephen Lew, Director of The School of Positive Psychology (TSPP).
Applying Positive Psychology to our own lives can help in cultivating confidence, finding meaning and achievement, and forging better relationships, amongst other things. HOW TSPP HELPS Although Positive Psychology first took root in Singapore seven years ago in the form of TSPP, our nation of highly stressed-out fellow Singaporeans have yet to fully tap on this emerging discipline as a resource to improve productivity, life fulfilment and general happiness. TSPP is the first school in Asia that promotes the art, science and practice of Positive Psychology. As a CPE-registered higher education training institute, it aims to increase Positive Psychology’s exposure to the public and to encourage its use. Other than psychology-centric education and credentialing, TSPP also promotes
research and training in fields such as Applied Positive Psychology, Psychotherapy, Positive Business Psychology and Hypnotherapy. It incorporates positive psychology into other branches of psychology, inculcating students with the skill to cultivate meaningful, fulfilling lives and to enhance life experiences. This month, TSPP is launching three new certification programmes – Certificate in Psychology, Certificate in Counselling and Certificate in Psychology and Counselling – that can be completed within three to six months. E-mail info@positivepsych.edu.sg to enquire.
TSPP has the following upcoming events. • Positive Psychology workshops, Mar – May (Different time slots per class available. Please enquire for availability.) - Human Development - The Science Behind Pro-Social Behaviour and Aggression - Understanding Prejudice and Discrimination - Cultivating Forgiveness and Gratitude - Mindful Psychology - Physical Abnormalities • Carve Your Niche in Counselling with Hypnotherapy talk, Feb 11, 7.15pm-8.45pm, $28 Weekender readers who quote “Weekender” upon registration get an additional $10 off. • Hypnotherapy Course Preview, Feb 11, 8.45pm-9.15pm, FREE • What it Takes to be a Therapist talk, Mar 27, 7.15pm-8.45pm, $28 Weekender readers who quote “Weekender” upon registration get $10 off. • Psychotherapy Course Preview, Feb 20, 8.45pm-9.15pm, FREE Enquire by E-mailing info@positivepsych.edu.sg or call 6884 5161 / 6884 5162.
weekender.com.sg
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
PAGE 9 w
w PAGE 10
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
weekender.com.sg
weekender.com.sg
PAGE 11 w
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
S P EC I A L F E A T U RE
Thinking about investing in Iskandar? Here are some of the questions that you may have, and we have the answers for you.
Venice in the city
1) What is Iskandar? The Iskandar Malaysia is set to become Southern Peninsular Malaysia’s most developed region, where living, entertainment, environment and business seamlessly converge within a bustling and vibrant metropolis. It is almost three times the size of Singapore. The five flagship Zones are found in the “Special Economic Corridor” (SEC) of NusajayaJohor Bahru-Pasir Gudang. 2) How much investments have been invested in Iskandar? Between 2006 and October 2013, Iskandar recorded cumulative total investments of RM$129.42 billion. 3) What is Capital 21? Capital 21 is the Mega Retail Mall within Capital City. It will contain approximately 1,500 units with over 1 million sq. ft. of space. Capital 21 is a Thematic Destination Mall featuring 21 of the world’s top capital cities in one mall, including a world museum on the 11th floor of the mall. 4) Who are the developers? Capital 21 is a joint venture between three renowned developers: Hatten Group, Sunbuild Development and Gadang Holdings Berhad.
5) Where is Capital 21? Capital 21 is located along Jalan Tampoi, in Flagship A of the Special Economic Corridor, 15 minutes from the Woodlands-Malaysia causeway. 6) What is Flagship A? Johor Bahru City Centre is Flagship Zone A, which includes development of a new financial district, the central business district, the waterfront city of Danga Bay, a mixed development in Tebrau Plentong and the Malaysia-Singapore Causeway. 7) What is the Tenure of Capital 21? Freehold. 8) When will Capital 21 be completed? Early 2018. 9) Why buy commercial? Good commercial spaces have a track record of faster capital appreciation and better rental yield. 10) What is guaranteed yield? The developer will take up the responsibility of leasing out the retail lots on behalf of the owners. Therefore, owners of Capital 21’s retail lots will not have to worry about engaging an agent to lease out their unit. Owners of the retail lots at Capital 21 @ Capital City are guaranteed a compulsory leaseback @ 15% for 2 years, with an optional period of another 2 years in which they can rent it for you at minimum 8% yield.: 7% for the 1st year 8% for the 2nd year The guaranteed yield will be paid every quarter to the retail lot owners. 11) What are the sizes of the retail lots? 120sq. ft. to 1,200 sq. ft. 12) How many car park lots are there in this development? 5,000 car park lots. 13) Can Singaporeans buy the commercial unit in Capital 21 @ Capital City? Singaporeans are regarded as foreigners investing into Malaysia, thus will be eligible to purchase a commercial retail lot above RM$1,000,000 (approximately S$390,000) per unit, subject to State Consent.
USA-themed part of the mall
14) How can I buy a unit below RM$1,000,000? The purchaser must be a Malaysian. Or, the ownership of the company that you are purchasing under must be at least 51% owned by a Malaysian. 15) Can a few purchasers share and jointly purchase a unit? Yes. 16) Can owners of an HDB flat buy a commercial unit in Capital 21 @ Capital City? Yes.
Hong Kong theme
17) What is the maintenance cost? The maintenance cost is RM$1.50 per sq. ft. but in the first two years, it will be covered by the developer. 18) Is there any other cost to be paid by the owners? Quit rent, assessment, insurance and sewerage charges, calculated at the total rate of approximately RM$15.00 African Food Court per sq. ft. per year. State Consent calculated at the rate be unable to secure such a loan, progressive of 2% of the purchase price or such higher payments made for this project will be amount as to be determined by the State refunded to the purchaser. Authority and/or any other charges to be imposed therein are to be borne by the foreign 23) Is Johor a very dangerous place? purchaser. After Johor was identified as a “hot spot state” for crime in 2009, with Kuala Lumpur, 19) What about the legal cost? Penang and Selangor, RM$2 billion (S$784 The legal fees and disbursements for the million) was pumped into Johor by the preparation of the Sale Documents shall be Malaysian government to beef up the police borne by the developer. force. Legal fees and disbursements to secure the As of 2013, crime rate in Johor on State Consent shall be borne by the developer. Singaporeans has fallen to less than 0.00003% Loan legal fees and disbursements shall be of the 17 million Singaporean entries to Johor. borne by purchasers. 20) How much is the booking fee? S$5,000. 21) What is the payment scheme like? During the signing of the Sales and purchase agreement, purchaser will pay the balance 10% of purchase price. The remaining 90% will be according to the progressive payment scheme. 22) Can I take a loan? The developer guarantees a minimum of 50% loan for all foreigners. Should the developer
24) Can I visit your show gallery? Yes, we are located at Midpoint Orchard, #01-01, next to Courts and across 313 Somerset. We are open from 10am to 10pm. Join us this Saturday and Sunday, Jan 25 and 26, for our free workshop, lucky draw and complimentary food. 25) Is there a number to call? Yes, please call our hotline at 6100 6611, for all enquiries. – Hatten Group
w
FOODMANIA
Muffins, Marmite & more breakfast goodies Orange Cream Cheese Tart
This new café with an interesting name delights with muffins and other breakfast food
D
o you know the muffin man who lives on Drury Lane? You might be familiar with the catchy nursery rhyme that goes something like that. Named after the actual street in London, UK, we now have our own Drury Lane in the form of this quaint new café in the historic Tanjong Pagar area. New Kid on the Block Drury Lane opened its doors about five months ago, in July, and is run by five partners. One of the owners, Chia Hwee, says, “Three of us are long-time friends and we met the other two at a previous job. Sensing each other’s passion for coffee and culinary [sic], we decided to set up our own place, where we can have full control of what we want to do.”
Drury Lane serves customer favourites such as eggs Benedict, muffins, tarts and baked eggs. There is also an All-Day Breakfast & Brunch menu. The Big 94 ($14) is their take on a big breakfast, with eggs, sausage, mushrooms, honey-cured turkey bacon, baked beans and toast. The Eggs Benedict ($12) comes with honey-cured turkey ham, poached eggs, homemade hollandaise sauce and toast. Fans of the Australian breakfast can also get their fix of Marmite with Cheese Soldiers ($8) – Marmite cheese toast and two half boiled eggs. Wake & Bake Drury Lane’s baked eggs come in various types. Apart from the Bacon Baked Eggs ($12) and Sausage Baked Eggs ($12), they also have heavier Potato Leek Baked Eggs ($10) with potato, leeks, mushroom, homemade baked beans and cheese, and Salmon Baked Eggs ($12) containing smoked salmon, capers and rocket leaves. They also have specials every week for lunch, dinner and brunch. Says Chia Hwee, “Some items would be Green Curry Prawn Pasta, Asparagus and Smoked Salmon Miso Spaghetti, Creamy Tandoori Chicken Pasta, Truffle Eggs Breakfast and more.” Everything in the display is also made fresh in store, every morning. There are also plans to expand the coffee selection as well as the desserts. Drury Lane, 94 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088515, Tel: 6222 6698
WORD OF MOUTH Seen and heard of the best
of local Singaporean Food
Heavenly Hokkien Mee There are quite a few elements that make up an aromatic plate of Hokkien Mee. Each ingredient alone is enough to make your mouth water. The crispy lard bits, fresh seafood and moreish gravy are held together with a mix of yellow noodles and coarse vermicelli, pleasuring your taste buds with each bite. Hokkien Mee is also a dish with different variations, so the style of the dish from one stall may differ from another. Here are some great Hokkien Mee options for you this weekend. Nam Kee Fried Hokkien Mee Nam Kee Fried Hokkien Mee has droves of people lining up for their Hokkien mee. Take a number, walk around, and then come back for your order. The fragrant wok hei and the fresh seafood used make this stall highly popular. Clementi 448 Market & Food Centre, #01-12, Singapore 120448 Geylang Lorong 29 Fried Hokkien Mee The owner of Geylang Lorong 29 Fried Hokkien Mee has been frying
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
PAGE 12
your guide to
CNY eats
I
f you haven’t booked a restaurant for your Chinese New Year celebration, you’re running a little late. Here is the final part of our Chinese New Year round-up to help you. Hai Tien Lo Toss up a year of good fortune with one of Hai Tien Lo Prosperity Yu Sheng Platters (from $38++) which comprise ingredients ranging from vegetarian Sea Grapes and Black Moss to meaty Hokkaido Scallops, Norwegian Salmon, Abalone, Tuna Fish and fresh Lobster. There is also Wok Fried Rice with Foie Gras and Suckling Pig. E-mail celebrate.sin@panpacific. com for enquiries.
Hai Tien Lo’s Wok Fried Rice with Foie Gras & Suckling Pig
Singapore Fried Hokkien Mee The sambal from this stall is not overly spicy and complements the noodles and the fried lard perfectly. There is a queue during meal times and most of the night, but it usually moves fairly quickly. 90 Whampoa Drive, #01-32, Singapore 320090
Noodlestar From Jan 10 to Feb 16, Chinese New Year sets will be available at Noodlestar. The star feature is their signature Snow Pear Salmon Yu Sheng ($13.80++ to $38.80++). Their set menus range from $48++, $58++ and $68++ per person (with a minimum of two persons per set menu). Visit www.noodlestar.com.sg for more.
In this third and final part of our Chinese New Year round-up, here are other options if you have yet to book. Hurry before they’re fully booked! Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259569, Tel: 8444 1148 Putien Putien’s “Pot of Goodies” contains whole abalone, sea cucumber, fish maw, dried clam, pork tendon, roast pork, Japanese flower mushrooms, black moss, dried scallops, Chinese cabbage and homemade bean curd. The broth should be consumed with Putien’s handmade mee sua for the best effect. With every purchase of the “Pot of Goodies”, customers will receive a complimentary box of Putien’s handmade mee sua, while stocks last. Order at least three days before. Available from Jan 1 to Feb 14. Visit www.putien.com for more. The Halia’s Dragonfruit Pudding served with Mandarin Granita, Orange and Sesame Crunch
The Halia, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore
Pierogis at Everton Park The Provision Shop is a nice addition to the Everton Park enclave, with interesting food
W Ah Hock Fried Hokkien Noodles There doesn’t seem to be any (or there is little) lard in this version of Hokkien Mee. If you are the type that veers more on the health-conscious side, why not try this one? There are some who say that it used to taste better in the past. Chomp Chomp Food Centre, 20 Kensington Park Road Stall 27, Singapore 557269
Noodlestar’s Lobster Coldcut Platter
The Halia The Halia at Singapore Botanic Gardens celebrates the Lunar New Year with its own Halia Yusheng, a combination of ginger marinated salmon, kumquat and plum sauce, shredded vegetables and roasted peanuts ($26++ for one, $88++ for ten people). For an additional twist, order the Dragon Fruit Pudding served with Mandarin Granita, Orange and Sesame Crunch ($14++). Available from Jan 20 to Feb 13.
By Cheryl Chia
noodles for more than 40 years and he uses a charcoal-fire wok to create a more fragrant dish. 396 East Coast Road, Singapore 428994
weekender.com.sg
ho would’ve thought we’d get our pierogi fix at Everton Park? A pierogi is essentially the Polish version of our jiaozi. This delectable morsel is a sort of dumpling filled with potatoes and cheese, and eaten with sour cream. The Provision Shop, managed by the same people who take care of Cocotte and Keong Saik Snacks, is one of the newer additions to Everton Park. There, they serve a selection of hot food, sandwiches and salads made in house as well as pastries and cakes. Yummy Eats A must-try is definitely Belinda’s Perogis ($5), a large curry puff-sized dumpling stuffed with potatoes and ricotta cheese, topped with sour cream, bacon and onions. It was my absolute favourite. Also in the hot food section is a Smoked Salmon Quiche ($16). The pastry is slightly sweet, with gruyere cheese and smoked salmon with a dollop of crème fraiche. However, they microwave the quiche to heat it up, so don’t leave it sitting around for too long as the
quiche will get a little rubbery after a while. We also loved the Reuben Sandwich ($14) filled with corned beef, Russian dressing and Swiss cheese. The slightly piquant and creamy Russian dressing complemented the salty corned beef well, making this sandwich The Pierogi at The Provision Shop hard to beat. Also available is a Croque Monsieur, a ham and own panna cotta shots and ice cream Swiss cheese sandwich topped and sorbets. with creamy béchamel sauce and a The Blueberry Lemon Cake is gratinated top. surprisingly soft and moist, and a tad We would also suggest a glass sweet due to the dusting of powdered of Sea Salt Lemonade ($6) to wash sugar. The panna cotta disappointed it all down. The salty, sweet and with it being too pudding-like and sour tastes combined is a thirstsweet, especially the honey one. quenching combination. Altogether, it is a decent place to grab a quick lunch and has some Light Nosh and Desserts uncommon options but it still needs If you’re there for a light meal, try a few improvements here and there. their Burrata & Homemade Walnut Pesto ($16) with a side of toasted The Provision Shop, Block 3, Everton bread, a pouch of fresh creamy Park, #01-79, Singapore 080003, Tel: mozzarella with a sprinkling of sea 6225 9931 salt, extra virgin olive oil and walnut pesto. They also have an assortment of cakes such as the Blueberry Lemon Cake, Cherry Almond Cake and Cheese Cake. They also make their
weekender.com.sg
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
PAGE 13
FOODMANIA
w
Romantic dinners Fit for a & candlelit ravenous whispers gourmand part 1
Valentine’s Day is fast approaching. Don’t miss out on the romance. Book your dinner date early with our assistance.
O
ne of the most unforgivable crimes is for a man to forget or not to plan for Valentine’s Day. Surprise your beloved with a romantic dinner and whisper sweet nothings by candlelight. We’ve rounded up a few options to help you to make your choice.
Fleur de Sel’s Le Cabillaud
Fleur de Sel Chef Alexandre from Fleur de Sel has curated a special Diner a Deux ($398++ per couple) and a Diner aux Chandelles ($888++ per couple). The latter menu comes with a complimentary bottle of Magnum Delamotte Brut NV. Expect French fare such as Le Cabillaud, a cod fish dish, foie gras and poached lobster. Visit www.fleurdesel.com.sg for more.
Absinthe’s welcoming interior
Absinthe Cosy up with your partner at French restaurant Absinthe. The intimate environment in the shophouse as well as the al fresco dining by the Singapore River will set the mood for a romantic evening. Their specially-designed, fivecourse Valentine’s Day dinner ($128++ per person) features delights such as the Marinated Scampi with Semi-Ripe Mango and Citrus Scents; Pan Fried Foie Gras with Warm Blinis and Marinated Cherries; and Sirloin of Wagyu Beef, Mash and Truffle Sauce. To end the evening on a honeyed note, savour the “White and Red Heart” dessert. Absinthe, 71/72 Boat Quay, Singapore 049860, Tel: 6222 9068
The Lobster Thermidor from Clifford
Clifford Capture the heart of your special someone with a luscious six-course dinner amidst the sophisticated French interiors of Clifford. Savour delectable brasserie fare including Cured and Smoked Salmon Gravlax, Garden Pea Tendril with Scallop and Caviar, as well as Lobster Thermidor on Rose-scented Potatoes. The dinner is priced at $350++ per couple, with two flutes of PerrierJouet Blason Rosé Champagne or $398++ per couple, with a bottle of Perrier-Jouet Blason Rosé Champagne. E-mail clifford@fullertonbayhotel. com or call 6597 5288.
Boathouse As a special gesture for couples who make their Valentine’s Day dinner reservations before Jan 30, Boathouse proffers a complimentary “Valentine Love” cocktail which can be enjoyed as an aperitif at the Prelude rooftop bar which overlooks the Marina Bay skyline. The set menu ($88++ to $98++) includes a smoky Tomato Soup featuring succulent crab meat and a piquant confit of green capsicum. The tempting selection of the main course comprises a panseared Salmon with grilled spring vegetables and tapenade, and a braised Beef Cheek accompanied by baked bone marrow, carrot puree, crispy potatoes, and Bordelaise sauce. Complete the night on a sweet note with the Rose and Lychee Tiramisu, presented atop a bed of raspberry coulis, or the Chocolate Pave which is served with summer berries and cassis granite. E-mail enquiries@boathouse.com. sg for more, or to book.
cocotte with caviar or “your way”, and “pot-steamed” Australian mussels in sauce à la Mirepoix, alongside appetisers and succulent seafood such as Boston lobster, Alaskan king crab, tiger prawns, mussels and scallops. Two of my personal favourites are the delectable Foie Gras and the vast charcuterie station, which includes leg of Jamon Iberico de Bellota (aged 30 to 36 months), San Daniele ham, chorizo sausage, wagyu, beef pastrami, artisan blood sausage, air-dried salami, air-dried beef, and smoked pancetta. Steamed mussels
Intercontinental Singapore has recently restarted its weekend brunch and it’s filled with heavy-weight offerings
S
et under the grand sweeping ceilings of the InterContinental’s iconic hotel lobby is a new champagne brunch experience called “The Art of Sundays”. At the heart of their new menu, crafted by Executive Chef Eric Neo, are Asian-infused specialities including Chilli Crab Linguine, handcrafted dim sum from InterContinental’s signature Cantonese restaurant Man Fu Yuan and Peranakan Tapas. Those are just the starters.
Desserts from Lime’s Valentine’s menu
Lime Treat your beloved to an exquisite dinner at Lime ($168++ per person), complete with romantic delights and surrounded by the greenery of Park Royal on Pickering. The five-course menu includes Foie Gras, Truffles and Wagyu Beef, and a special Valentine’s Day welcome cocktail concocted by their resident mixologist to start the dinner. There will also be complimentary Piper Heidsieck Rose Champagne for you and your beloved, and lovely mementoes such as a stalk of a red rose for the ladies upon departure. E-mail ime.prsps@parkroyalhotels. com for reservations and enquiries.
The Art of Sundays – Intercontinental Hotel Singapore’s Lobby Lounge Every Sunday, 11.30am to 3pm. $158++ per person including unlimited Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label Champagne (served for a limited period in Magnum bottles), bespoke cocktails by dedicated mixologist and various other drinks. $128++ per person includes unlimited soft drinks and juices. $58++ per child, aged three to 12 years. Call 6825 1008 for more details or updates to the promotion.
The Epic Brownie from Jamie’s Italian
Jamie’s Italian Have an affordable Valentine’s Day at Jamie’s Italian. Available from Feb 10 to 16, the two or three-course ($120 ++ to $135++) menu contains mains such as a hearty slow-cooked pork belly with mustard fruits, spices, breadcrumbs and rustic herbs, then served on a plank with seasonal roasted vegetables. The other option is a rustic Sicilian whole lobster broth: 450g succulent Boston lobster, with pasta made in-house, Italian vine tomatoes, chilli, fennel, white wine and almonds, dressed up with fresh basil & cinnamon. End the feast on a romantic and indulgent note with the dessert plank, chock full of sweet treats: Gennaro’s tiramisu, creamy pannacotta, their epic brownie and warm raspberry frangipane. Visit www.jamiesitalian.sg for more.
Amour by Boathouse
Roving Mixologists For $158++ per person, a dedicated mixologist can create bespoke cocktails according to your mood or preference. But, if you prefer simplicity, perhaps free-flow Veuve Clicquot Brut Yellow Label Magnum Champagne or refreshing Pink Elephant Rosé is more to your liking. For people, like me, with large appetites and a taste for the good things in life, this brunch was definitely worth the price.
Foie Gras
A Wide Range of Premium Classics What’s a brunch without popular favourites? Some of the classic favourites available include panseared grain-fed US beef, freshlyshucked Fine de Claire, Tasmanian and Fanny Bay oysters, eggs en
Oyster Bar
“Capture the heart of your special someone with a luscious six-course dinner amidst the sophisticated French interiors...”
w
HEALTH & BEAUTY
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
PAGE 14
weekender.com.sg
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E
For a healthier and more radiant you Learn more about the benefits of Hyaluronic Acid and collagen and how it could help you achieve the flawless skin you’ve always wanted
L
ooking at models, celebrities and other personalities in the limelight always leaves us wanting more. Their porcelain, clear and radiant skin is achievable, and you won’t need to go under the knife to get a healthy and natural glow for your skin.
The Breakdown Hyaluronic Acid is a substance that is naturally present in the human body. It is found in the highest concentrations in the fluids of the eyes and joints. People take Hyaluronic Acid for various joint disorders, including osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease. It has other various uses as well, especially in surgery. Many healthcare professionals use Hyaluronic Acid during certain eye surgeries, including cataract removal, corneal transplantation, and repair of detached retina and other eye injuries. It is injected into the eye during the procedure to help to replace the natural fluids. One of the main methods of usage of Hyaluronic Acid is to apply it on the skin, which has been proven to heal wounds, burns, skin ulcers and to even work as a moisturiser. There is also a lot of interest in using Hyaluronic Acid to prevent the effects of aging. In fact, Hyaluronic Acid has been promoted as a “fountain of youth.” Hyaluronic Acid Holland & Barrett Hyaluronic Acid is a glycosaminoglycan, which attracts water and has high polarity, proving it to be an excellent catalyst for the body as a lubricant or shock absorber. The glycosaminoglycan is distributed widely in collagen and epithelial tissues (skin). The base components of Hyaluronic Acid are derived from rice fermentation instead of an animal source and the main use of the acid is to help with tissue hydration, lubrication and cellular function. Say goodbye to the days of dry skin due to unpredictable Singaporean weather and long hours in the office by taking Holland & Barrett Hyaluronic Acid. It’s All Good What you need to know about Hyaluronic Acid is that it has been regarded by doctors and skincare professionals as largely safe for most people.
“The supplement helps to pump up the skin, reduce lines and improve the skin’s elasticity.”
The only cause for concern with the product is during surgery because it may cause redness and inflammation at the location of the injection. However, there is nothing to fear with Holland & Barrett Hyaluronic Acid and you can look forward to continued days of youthfulness with this incredible product. Stave Off Those Wrinkles It may not even be caused by the natural aging of your body but the formation of wrinkles around areas of our eyes, mouth and cheeks do tend to appear accordingly with our age. Wrinkles tend to be a source of insecurity for many people and here’s where collagen comes in handy. Collagen is a complex structural protein. Holland & Barrett Hydrolysed Collagen is 100 per cent pure protein in a soluble amino acid form, which allows effective utilisation by the body. Holland & Barrett Hydrolysed Collagen is made from porcine tissue, which is widely used for producing collagen sheet for a variety of cosmetic surgical purposes. Porcine collagen is also temperature stable. This means that it does not require refrigeration and is efficacious at room temperature. The Hydrolysed Collagen tablets are pre-digested to increase absorption rate. These Hydrolysed Collagen tablets also contain the important antioxidant, Vitamin C. Vitamin C contributes to normal collagen formation for the normal function of skin, bones and cartilage. The daily intake of Vitamin C can be supplemented with this product. Everyone knows the importance of Vitamin C in our daily diet. With this supplement, not only are you ensuring that you get the daily dose of Vitamin C for your body’s requirement but you’re also helping to enhance the collagen-forming properties within your body. For the Youthful Radiant Look It’s always good to look good so that you feel good and brim with confidence, knowing that you’re looking in tip-top condition. Holland & Barrett Hydrolysed Collagen can help you on
your way to a glowing and more radiant look. The collagen supplement by Holland & Barrett helps to promote healthy teeth, nails and the strengthening of hair. Say goodbye to premature hair loss and toughen up your nails and teeth with this supplement, adding on to the strengthening garnered from taking calcium. Don’t forget that as you grow older, natural collagen formation and production will decrease due to the “wear and tear” of our bodies. When the goodness of collagen starts to decrease, our bodies start to form wrinkles, which of course give us a more aged look. Stay radiant by taking Holland & Barrett Hydrolysed Collagen as it helps to smooth out those wrinkles. The supplement helps to pump up the skin, reduce lines and improve the skin’s elasticity. Have a firmer and better toned skin with the intake of the Hydrolysed Collagen and keep your skin healthy and youthful, giving you a glowing complexion regardless of age. Of Natural Produce Another important thing to note about Holland & Barrett Hydrolysed Collagen is that it is made of porcine collagen, giving it the properties of stability in temperature, unlike its cousin, plant collagen. Plant Collagen requires refrigeration and may degrade in its natural state when not kept in a cool temperature. What most people do not know is that the liver produces collagen and is actually one of the main manufacturers of natural collagen in our body. Do remember to take care of your liver as well, by taking alcohol in moderation and keeping your liver healthy. If you’re undergoing treatment or medication that affects the functions of the liver, do check with your specialist or doctor on whether collagen supplements interact with those medications. Holland & Barrett supplements are available at all Holland & Barrett stores, subject to item availability. Visit any Holland & Barrett shop for more details on health supplements and promotions.
Holland & Barrett Hydrolysed Collagen, 180 coated caplets
Holland & Barrett Hyaluronic Acid, 30 coated caplets
weekender.com.sg
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
PAGE 15 w
FRIENDS & FAMILY
w
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
PAGE 16
weekender.com.sg
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E
3
2
Quality clicks
for your kids Phone cams may be convenient but Compact Digital Cameras give you the best quality to preserve those precious fleeting memories
I
t’s amazing how fast children grow. Thankfully, there are many options when it comes to capturing their growth. Phone cams may be convenient, but Compact Digital Cameras offer both the convenience and the quality that your most precious moments deserve. Here are a few simple ways to do so with a Compact Digital Camera. 1. Zoom in for Intimacy With a phone cam, zooming degrades the photo quality. A Compact Digital Camera, with its superior optical zoom and sensor, allows you to capture the details and texture that phone cams can’t. In this example, the Compact Digital Camera’s optical zoom was able to get close to capture this tender moment without disturbing the baby. Also, notice the quality of
the sharpness and details on the face and the fabric, which enhance the “feel” of the photo. 2. Dramatic Low Light Scenes We have all seen poor photos from phone cams when the lighting condition is poor – grainy, noisy, unattractive images with severe colour distortions, which are too embarrassing to show. Whether it’s blowing out birthday candles or lantern festivals, Compact Digital Cameras can capture quality images in low-light situations better than phone cams. Their larger sensors and larger aperture equal superior picture quality. 3. Isolating the Most Important Elements Quite often, it is important to keep the background blurry while your loved ones remain sharp.
By Guinevere Sofer
Notice how, in the example above taken with a Compact Digital Camera, the background foliage is pleasantly out of focus and creates a painterly backdrop for the mother and the two girls. The Compact Digital Camera’s unique lens and the “portraiture” setting allow it to create a blurred backdrop more effectively than a phone cam.
e v en t s
Celebrate Chinese New Year and Science 30 Jan - 2 Feb, various timings Dr Ken Farquhar, a world juggling champion and soap bubble chemist well-known for his science circus shows, is having a special Chinese New Year performance. His circus shows reveal the science behind his tricks and audiences can expect to see familiar CNY objects in novel and fun ways. Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Road, www.science.edu.sg Singapore Design Week 10 - 16 Mar, various timings The Singapore Design Week will make its debut at the new National Design Centre and various venues. Organised by the DesignSingapore Council and supported by the design associations and partners,
Conclusion Never let precious memories go without capturing those tender moments in good quality photos. Years from now, you’ll be able to look back at these great photos and be glad that you did!
CANON CAMERA GIVEAWAY
Editorial Director Frank Young Editor Lester J Wan Writer Cheryl Chia
Sales Director David Phey
Cameras to be won!
Win a Canon
$399 ea.
PowerShot SX270 HS
compact digital camera! CLOSING DATE: 10 Feb 2014 Canon PowerShot SX270 HS The Canon PowerShot SX270 HS has a 12.1 mega pixel CMOS image sensor, a maximum ISO speed of 6400, and a 20x Optical Zoom lens that allows users the versatility to zoom from a 25mm wide shot for near wide-angle capture to a 500mm telephoto shot for subjects.
For actual locations visit our website
NEW EXPANDED MRT AREAS:
Every Friday A.M. peak period. Subject to weather and traffic conditions. • Raffles Place • Chinatown • Dhoby Ghaut • City Hall • 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
Designer Zoe Lai Distribution Lawrence Tan
Weekender Group Pte Ltd 80 Playfair Road, Blk A, #02-03, S367998 Tel: +65 6493 2001 E-mail: general@weekender.com.sg CRN# 201212438E MCI (P) 060/08/2013
Coordinator Syarila Zainal Advisor James Yip Steve Lye
seth@weekender.com.sg
steve@weekender.sg
SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: Dozing on the details BY GUINEVERE SOFER See Page 20 for ANSWERS.
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.
Dozing pandas are adorable. But is your camera dozing on the job? Here are two photos of the same panda. One was taken with the Canon Compact Digital Camera G15, the other was taken with a popular phone cam. Which camera performed better? And why?
HOW TO ENTER THE FINAL GIVEAWAY & WIN
*SMS to 9056 2958 with the message
<CanonWeekender> <Name> <Home Address> <Postal Code> <Age> <Gender> <NRIC>
*Only ONE SMS per week is allowed. The winner will be notified by post. Terms & Conditions apply. Visit www.weekender.com.sg/terms for Terms & Conditions.
Photo A
Have you liked us on Facebook?
Over 200 selected 7-Eleven locations islandwide
Senior Designer David Tiang
Sales Seth Leow
/weekendersgp
Besides delivering to hundreds of thousands of homes island-wide, you can also find some copies at these locations (while supplies last):
Cheryl Lim Redzwan Mohamed Mohd Asri
Value :
Disney On Ice Presents Treasure Trove 19 Mar 2014 – 23 Mar 2014, timings and prices to be confirmed Audiences will enjoy a gem for every generation when “Disney On Ice presents Treasure Trove” skates into Singapore for 11 performances. Disney On Ice sets the gold standard with a magical medley of Disney tales spanning the years from the first animated film, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, to the 50th film, Tangled. Tickets will go on sale from Dec 14. Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, www.sportshubtix.sg/
GETTING HARD COPIES:
www.facebook.com/weekendersgp www.weekender.com.sg
frank@weekender.com.sg
3
the Singapore Design Week features a collection of local and international design activities that will inspire and excite the design community, businesses, design students and the general public. www.designsingapore.org
WEEKENDER
Junior Writer Brandon Era
Weekender
Continued from Page 2
1
Photo B
weekender.com.sg
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
PAGE 17 w
w
TRAVELATION
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
PAGE 18
weekender.com.sg
Ipoh: A land of inspiration
Photos: T.Kavi
journey, our group found ourselves in the almost empty station of Ipoh that lazy morning. Our driver who met us there, and who was smiling from ear to ear, eagerly helped us to load our luggage and to take us on our journey through this small but naturally amazing town.
We basked in the lush and beautiful setting in Ipoh
Departing from the traditional hotspots of JB, KL and Malacca, Ipoh promised to be a scope into the world of less commonly seen Malaysia By Brandon Era
I woke up with a start, with my room’s phone going off like a siren. It seemed like an eternity before I realised, I was already almost late for the train ride to Ipoh! I took a quick shower, got dressed like a madman and randomly stuffed clothing and my laptop into my luggage, and dashed to the lobby of the hotel I was staying in, in Kuala Lumpur. It was a late night the night before and that was due to the amazing launch of the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 that a lucky few of us got to experience first-hand. But I must add that it was still an ungodly hour to
wake up, getting ready to depart for the train station before six o’clock in the morning. Rural Beauty The train carriage was filled with commuters who were still groggy from their slumber the night before, and I was among them. I did try my best to stay awake, however, to take in the natural beauty of Malaysia. Plantations flourished on both sides of the track, with an occasional panoramic view of hills and lakes that seemed to appear out of nowhere. After a not-so-long two-hour
Mystery of the Unfinished Castle Our first stop was Kellie’s Castle, also known as Kellie’s Folly. It wasn’t a castle of Hogwarts proportions but a castle nonetheless. It is in ruins and unfinished, built by Scottish planter William Kellie Smith. According to slightly differing accounts, this castle was meant to be a gift for his wife and son. I have to give Kellie credit, that he sure knew how to pick a spot. Words can hardly describe the view that you can get when you are at the top of the castle. Kellie had humour to boot, with a tennis court, albeit unfinished, on the very same roof on which we were standing. The castle was never finished due to his untimely passing in Portugal, in 1926. He contracted pneumonia and died while sourcing for supplies to complete his castle. The spread of a strain of the Black Death also wiped out the majority of his workers. This gave rise to the belief of hauntings of the castle. I was unable to confirm any of these suspicions due to the incredibly sunny day. I wonder why the supernatural and “beings from beyond” seem to only enjoy the darkness.
the Lost World of Tambun, in Ipoh, and we had an excellent dinner of barbecued seafood and various meats. The hotel itself was an exciting change from the city. The place was a theme park resort that probably had one of the best views in town, with the hotel being at the foot of the mountain. I managed to try jumping off a 40-foot ledge and propelled down with nothing but a rope attached to my harness. I must admit that I felt a lot more confident on the ground as compared to when I was up there, to say the least. The day had started early, and I was well and truly exhausted by the end of it, but the adventure had yet to reach its conclusion. Look out for the next part of the story on the Malaysia trip in our Feb 7 issue (no publication next week), on Penang. This trip was made possible by Tourism Malaysia. Kellie’s Castle is unfinished yet magnificent
A Lost World & Paradise Our lodging for the night was in
S P E C I A L F E AT U R E
Visit Malaysia Year 2014: Top 5 events to check out this year
values, affordability, variety and friendly services.
ethnic cultures. Be sure to tantalise your taste buds with the delicious cuisine available everywhere in Malaysia. 2. Colours of 1Malaysia This event is the biggest cultural extravaganza in the country, showcasing Malaysia’s multi-ethnic communities and their colourful cultures. Feast your senses on visuallycaptivating parades and processions, and a myriad of cultural shows and exciting programmes lined up.
2014 promises to be a year of fun and excitement in Malaysia and here are five big reasons why
F
un, excitement, breath-taking scenery, thrills and spills – these are but some of the adventures awaiting you when you visit Malaysia this year. Over 200 events and festivals have been lined up for Visit Malaysia Year 2014 (VMY 2014), ranging from cultural events, food festivals, sports, adventure and music to arts festivals
and, of course, shopping. Check out these five not-to-bemissed events: 1. National Open Houses Chinese New Year, Hari Raya, Deepavali, Christmas, Gawai festival and Tadau Kaamatan festivals – these are just a few of the festivals that Malaysia celebrates and, being a multi-ethnic nation, Malaysians are great hosts to tourists. This is a perfect time for tourists to visit and to experience Malaysia’s gracious hospitality and to sample traditional cuisines ranging across all
3. World-Class Sports and Adventures Malaysia is home to a host of sporting events including world-class sports and adventure activities, such as the Formula 1 Petronas Malaysia Grand Prix, Malaysian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Sarawak Regatta, Malaysian Open Kuala Lumpur ATP World Tour, CIMB Classic PGA Tour and many more! With state-of-the-art facilities and a wide experience in hosting international sporting events, Malaysia is all geared up to be the perfect host for these events. 4. Mega Sales Events An evergreen attraction of Malaysia has always been its many shopping opportunities. This year, gear up for the 1Malaysia GP Sale, 1Malaysia Mega sale Carnival and the 1Malaysia Year-End Sale. As the world’s fourth-best shopping destination, Kuala Lumpur offers the world shopping convenience, great
5. Magic of the Night Magic of the Night promises to be vibrant and refreshing, with a note of magic in the air. Watch the transformation of the Putrajaya Lake into a magical fairyland with brightly-lit and beautifully-decorated floats from Malaysia and many other countries cruising along the lake. With a dazzling display of fireworks and colourful cultural performances, the nights will be more than memorable – it’s going to be magical! For more information or enquiries, please contact the Visit Malaysia Year 2014 Secretariat, at 1300 88 5050 or log on to www.vmy2014.com
“Over 200 events and festivals have been lined up for Visit Malaysia Year 2014...”
weekender.com.sg
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
PAGE 19 w
w
travelation
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
PAGE 20
P OWER 9 8 T r a v e l
Top 3 new restaurants
in Bali About Shareen Wong
Shareen Wong is Programming Consultant of Power 98FM. She calls Bali her “spiritual home” and travels there at least twice a year to get away from hectic city life. She is already dreaming of her next getaway and feels that she should have been considered for the role that Julia Roberts played in Eat, Pray, Love. Tune in to her on Power 98.
Barbacoa’s suckling pig sizzling on the roast
Bali and the first to offer a casual “fine dining” experience. I think that means you’ll eat well but you can still dress down.
Shareen relaxing by the poolside in Bali
Choose from the set menus with wine pairing or from the a la carte menu. Either way, be prepared to be impressed. The Coral Trout and Black More Wagyu were standout dishes, and the service was excellent. The best part is, it’s helmed by an awardwinning Indonesian chef. Teatro Gastroteque is highly recommended for special occasions. Catch Shareen Wong on the only travel show on local radio, “Getaways”, on Wednesdays from 7pm to 8pm, on Power 98FM.
You may have been to Kudeta in Bali or had seafood on the beach in Jimbaran. Time for new discoveries! Bali is one of Asia’s top dining destinations By Shareen Wong
C
hic accommodation, stylish boutiques and a never-ending array of affordable new restaurants. For a ‘travel-holic’ foodie like me, it’s paradise. On my recent trip to Bali, I was determined to eat only at new establishments, which was really tough as I have many old favourites. I’m glad I did, because many more fabulous eateries have popped up and here’s my pick for the Top 3. Barbacoa This place is so new, its website is still under construction but it is already getting rave reviews! If you enjoy a spot of barbecue and love your meats, head to Barbacoa and try their suckling pig and slow-roasted pork. The grill is a sight to behold and the place has a great vibe. Call ahead for reservations. It is only open for dinner. Merah Putih This is a breath of fresh air – a restaurant that offers Indonesian food in a gorgeous setting. From the outside, you would never guess that a stunning dining room awaits. Walk in and your attention is drawn to the white columns and high ceilings, which give the restaurant a really spacious feel. I felt like I was in a big greenhouse! The menu is separated into two sections. One that offers traditional dishes, and the other with modern interpretations. Lunch is a good time to sample the Babi Guling (Balinese suckling pig) menu. The three-course set lunch from 95,000++ Rupiah (about S$10) is a real steal!
Teatro Gastroteque The name, “Teatro Gastroteque”, means a theatre where the culinary team shows its finest cooking techniques. This is very apt, considering I discovered this restaurant quite by accident. Every time I walked past that row of shops, the open concept kitchen with its busy chefs captivated me. Teatro is one of the latest additions to the vibrant restaurant scene in
Babi Guling for lunch
weekender.com.sg
Best In Travel. Recommended by Our Discerning WEEKENDER Readers Coming soon in the Feb 7, 2014 issue of Weekender, we will be giving recognition to Singapore’s favourite travel agencies. These reputable travel agencies will be recognised for their excellence in service as well as their itineraries for Singapore’s most popular travel destinations. The information to decide the winners will be gathered from readers as well as our editorial team.
WEEKENDER INVITES YOU TO CHOOSE Simply SMS to 9375 8706 <DESTINATION CODE> <AGENT CODE> <NAME> <NRIC> <E-MAIL> to take part and vote for the best travel agent for the destination. SMS and help to decide the winners now!
Closing Date: 28th January 2014 DESTINATION & CODE
NOMINATED TRAVEL AGENCIES & CODE 2 Nominated Travel Agents for Each Destination (Either or)
Australia (AU)
Qantas Holidays (QT)
Farmosa Holiday Tour (FA)
China (CN)
ASA Holidays (ASA)
M-Asia Travel (MA)
Europe (EU)
CTC Travel (CTC)
EU Holidays (EUH)
Japan (JP)
Ho Wah Travel (HWT)
SingExpress Travel (SET)
Korea (KR)
S Travel (STR)
ASA Holidays (ASA)
Malaysia (MY)
Konsortium Express and Tours (KET)
Grassland Express & Tours (GET)
New Zealand (NZ)
Jetabout Holidays (JAH)
Diners World Travel (DWT)
Taiwan (TW)
Nam Ho Travel Service (NHT)
New Shan Travel Service (NST)
Thailand (TL)
Giamso International Tours (GIA)
Asia-Euro Holidays (AEH)
USA (US)
EU Holidays (EUH)
Chan Brothers (CHB)
Best International Cruise Line (ICL)
Costa Cruises (CC)
Star Cruises (SCR)
Best International Cruise Travel Agent (CTA)
Citystate Cruises (CSH)
Stamford Travel (STL)
NOMINATED AGENCIES:
ANSWERS TO SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: See Page 16 for question. Photo A
Photo A has better details. It was taken with a Compact Digital Camera, the Canon G15. Notice how much more details there are, such as the twigs on the floor, compared with the photo taken with the phone cam. The Canon G15 has also captured more details of the fur! So, when you want clean crisp details, bring along a Compact Digital Camera.
NOTE: 1. Travel agencies and operators are nominated from Weekender’s travel advertisers and partners. 2. For more Terms & Conditions, please visit www.weekender.com.sg/terms
weekender.com.sg
JANUARY 24 - 30, 2014
Fash Snips
PAGE 21
fashion
w
Stirrings in the fashion world that you would want, need and love to know about
Larry Jewelry Larry Jewelry has launched two romantic lines in time for Valentine’s Day. The Mon Coeur Collection comprises the Affinity series and the Infinity series. Get something sparkly for your loved one this Valentine’s. Nixon + Kate Spade Saturday Nixon pairs up with Kate Spade Saturday – the brand’s casual wear arm – to create The Nixon for Kate Spade Saturday Time Teller P. Available at Ion Orchard in four colours for a limited time; it comes in Star Cluster, Electric Blue, Signature Zig Zag and Smokey Lavender.
Charles & Keith Spring/Summer 2014 Sombre colours with pops of silver adorn Charles & Keith’s Spring/Summer 2014 palette. Expect panelling, veneers and block shapes giving the flat-form lace-up and the wedge a slight update. Shades of pastels also make an appearance.
La Martina Argentinean brand La Martina also started out as a polo brand but has also extended its reach into casual wear. It is also open at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
iRoo Complimentary with a minimum spending of $288 from Jan 15 to Feb 15, iRoo’s “Love Power” T-shirt will be free for customers. Visit www.iroo.sg for more.
S P ECIA L FEA T U RE
Gotta LovethatBag Luxury items for cheap? And by an award-winning company too
M
ulti-luxury brand company LovethatBag was recently awarded a Singapore Brands Award. The Singapore Brands Award is given to companies that are well known in the region. Nominees have to meet the criteria for the award to be bestowed. LovethatBag, a fine purveyor of luxury brands, organises large sale events at first class hotels, resorts and exhibition halls. Upmarket brands such as Prada, Gucci, Chanel and more are featured, at prices up to 75 per cent off retail prices. Thus, LovethatBag has been attracting shoppers from far and wide. Each LovethatBag event draws over 10,000 shoppers. “We are deeply thankful to all our supporters who have helped make us Asia’s leading
multi-luxury brand company in this thriving industry, and our company is honoured to receive the Singapore Brand Awards 2013 & 2014,” says Ken Douglas, LovethatBag’s official spokesperson. The award acknowledges LovethatBag’s prominent commercial success and recognisability in the industry.
The Shopping Club LovethatBag, which is a regular fixture on the shopping itineraries of many, is also a contributor to Singapore’s 14,082,000 annual visitors in the city’s flourishing tourism industry. Shoppers can join the company’s exclusive mailing list via the official website for updates and tips. LovethatBag was even featured on Channel NewsAsia’s television programme, “Obsessions”. They were featured in other various media, numerous times.
Founded in 2009, the company currently has more than 83,000 fans on Facebook. Fans are treated to exclusive sneak previews, giveaways, juicy information on bag care, cleaning and more. LovethatBag’s exclusive Gold Members Club is an elite invite-only club. The list of Gold Members comprises big spenders and even Lovethat Bag sells luxury bags at up to 75 per cent includes celebrity off the retail price at boutique stores in Singapore shoppers. There is no need for you to trek all the way The company is also known for their service. down to a warehouse outlet for a sale when All LovethatBag employees go through a locations such as Mandarin Gallery or Suntec compulsory training programme before they City are easily accessible. can serve customers, leading to customer LovethatBag imports bags and accessories service excellence. only from the brand names. To reinforce the authenticity of the items, LovethatBag secures Good & Authentic Luxury Products each of the items with a LovethatBag Red LovethatBag has paved the way for Authenticity Tag. This comes with a 100 per affordability with the thrill and prestige cent money back guarantee. of owning luxury goods. It is the Other brands they bring in include, Miu Miu, first registered company to hold Burberry, Prada, Fendi, Celine, Versace, Tod’s multi-brand luxury bag sales at and Bottega Veneta. various locations in Singapore. LovethatBag understands that this highExpect to see up to 2,000 end style of coveted luxury is not an everyday pieces of brand new, 100 affordability, thus they sell the bags at up to 75 per cent authentic luxury per cent off the retail price at boutique stores in bags and accessories at huge Singapore. discounts. Indulge yourself Own your very own luxury bag now at a with high-end brands such as more affordable cost with LovethatBag. Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Kate Spade at the one-day sale, held Visit www.lovethatbag.com.sg for more. in good locations in town.
ADVERTISEMENT