ISSUE 73 march 14 - 20, 2014
events
st paddy’s day parties, dali’s art & more P2 fun: movies
strange love between Brolin & Winslet P4 FOO D M A NI A
6 great tapas REStaurants to try P10 EN T E R T A INMEN T
fashion at the Oscars: YAY OR NAY?
FI L M FES T IV A L
be astounded and entertained by the world of hayao miyazaki
add colour to your life in a fun holiday Photo: Mikadun, Shutterstock
escape to magical adventures
T R A VE L at i ON
WK73A/MCI(P)060/08/2013
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events
March 14 - 20, 2014
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weekender.com.sg
ST PATRICK’S DAY STREET FESTIVAL 14-16 Mar, various times A St Patrick’s Day Street Festival, supported by Guinness, official beer of the event, will be hosted over three days at Boat Quay and the adjacent Circular Road. Kicking off on Mar 14, the festival will be a celebration of all things Irish, including traditional and contemporary Irish music, street performers and buskers. The weekend festivities will culminate in a St Patrick’s Day Parade, free for all to participate, on Mar 16 at 3.30pm, from the Asian Civilisations Museum to Circular Road. Boat Quay, Circular Road
Photo: JStone / Shutterstock
FUN-TO-DO IDEAS XXCaptionXX
DALI: THE PIERRE ARGILLET COLLECTION
22 Mar - 20 Apr, 9.30am-9pm Originating from the renowned Pierre Argillet Collection, the exhibition of over 100 works including etchings, drawings, and tapestries will be on for viewing and acquisition at Red Sea Gallery. All works from the Pierre Argillet Collection have been authenticated and signed by Salvador Dali and have never before left the collection. Red Sea Gallery, 10 Dempsey Road
St Paddy’s Day: Then & Now Dark Age Origins St Patrick’s Day or Lá Fhéile Pádraig [Day of the Feast of Patrick], on Mar 17, commemorates the death anniversary of a holy man who is credited with converting Ireland to Christianity. Patrick, or Pádraig to the Irish, lived in the period known as the Dark Ages. He was born circa 385 AD and died in 461 AD. This was the time when the Roman Empire was heading for decline as well as the advent of the Middle Ages and feudalism. The many legends of St Patrick include that he had banished all snakes from Ireland. Is this pure myth? Naturalists and biologists are still investigating. The date of St Patrick’s Day, affectionately known as Paddy’s Day, goes back many centuries. It is believed St Patrick died on that day. Colour & Symbols St Patrick’s Day is when Irish-style merrymaking paints the town green! Characteristic signs and symbols include the colour of Ireland, green, and the little shamrock. The three-leaf shamrock is a symbol of St Patrick as he supposedly used it to explain and preach about the Christian god of the Holy Trinity [God the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit]. Today, because of its link to the festivities, the shamrock may be more of a fun or party symbol than a religious one. The Celtic Cross, a stylised cross from Irish culture, is sometimes also used. The Celebrations Today It was only as recent as 1903 when St Patrick’s Day became an official public holiday in Ireland and 1931 when the first St Patrick’s Day parade was held in Dublin. Today, there is considerable fanfare wherever there are Irish communities, and in many cities around the world. St Patrick’s Day is celebrated, on different scales, in countries such as Argentina, Japan, Malaysia, Russia, Switzerland, the USA and even on the International Space Station! There has never been a better excuse for a party. By Jaya Prakash
now on Check out these events over the next two weeks
NEW! A Singaporean in Paris Until 23 Mar, 4pm & 8pm, various prices Directed by Hossan Leong, this must-see show revolves around the experience of a Singaporean artist who travels to Paris to pursue his life-long dream of performing in a cabaret. He navigates his way around a new city, language and culture and finds himself in the company of other foreign talents, each pursuing their own dreams and overcoming their own hurdles in this exotic new city. SOTA Drama Theatre, 1 Zubir Said Drive NEW! House of Bernarda Alba Until 29 Mar, various times & prices One matriarch. Five daughters. Eight years of mourning. To keep up appearances after the death of her husband, tyrannical mother Bernarda resolves to seal her family off from the world - a decision that effectively compels her five daughters to give up love and happiness for a life of duty and obligation. Within the oppressive confines of the Alba household, tensions swirl and emotions run high. The arrival of a seductive suitor lays bare the bitter rivalries and repressed sexuality that lie at the twisted heart of Bernarda’s family. Drama Centre Theatre, 100 Victoria Street, National Library Building, Level 3 NEW! FREE! You Only Live Twice: A collaborative exhibition by the Civic Museum Until 2 May, 5pm-9pm (weekdays), 10am7pm (weekends) Featuring the works of The Next Stop: A
Quarter-Life Collective and Joanne Jonk Kwok, You Only Live Twice is a celebration of the possibility of change and the courage to pursue new beginnings. A collaboration between The Civic Museum, The Next Stop and Joanne Kwok, this exhibition gives voice to those who faced private fears and public misgivings in their quest to take the road less travelled. As part of the exhibition, the youth group The Next Stop will showcase video screenings and a portrait series of young adults battling with the quarter-life crisis, capturing snapshots of their voices, concerns and aspirations. The Civic Museum by School Of Thought, 222 Queen St, #04-00
NEW! World Storytelling Day 2014: Dragon Tales & Monster Stories 15 Mar, 8pm-9.30pm Come join Singapore’s favourite storyteller, Kamini Ramachandran as she weaves her magic with tales of dragons and stories of monsters! Then make your own fantastical beasts as a family craft activity to celebrate World Storytelling Day. Blue Room @The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane
NEW! Ocean Art Charity 15-30 Mar, 10am-7pm
NEW! A TASTE OF GREATNESS MASTERCLASS 16 Mar, 11am World-renowned wine critic Robert Parker holds A Taste of Greatness Masterclass as part of his inaugural Wine Advocate’s Grand World Tour 2014 in Singapore. The masterclass will offer expert information on a selection of iconic wines from Piedmont, Italy, a region that is known to produce the most renowned, noble, and award-winning wines. It will also feature discussions with other wine critics such as Lisa Perrotti-Brown and Monica Larner along with Bruno Giacosa Barbaresco Asili Red Label Riserva 2004 and Bruno Rocca Barbaresco Rabaja 2010 wines. The Fullerton Hotel, 1 Fullerton Square
Fifteen shortlisted marine themed artworks by young budding artists, out of close to 60 artworks received, will be exhibited at S.E.A. Aquarium. Funds raised through a silent auction of the artworks will help realise the dreams of young artists and contribute to underprivileged children’s pocket money. SEA Aquarium, Resorts World Sentosa
NEW! FREE! WORLD TUBERCULOIS DAY PUBLIC EXHIBITION 2014 22 Mar, 9am-4pm Join us for a day of interactive booths and games to learn more about Tuberculosis in a fun and engaging way. In the meanwhile, find out what we as a community can do to provide support for people living with Tuberculosis as well as their family. Watch a video screening of interviews conducted with them and hearing their heart-felt narratives. You will then understand the difficulties patients face while battling to recover from Tuberculosis, a disease that is still misunderstood by many. Tan Tock Seng Hospital, Atrium Level 1, 11 Jalan Tan Tock Seng
NEW! Rapunzel 14 Mar - 20 Apr, various times, $22-$25 Get tangled up in this musical fairy tale with a twist, and join Rapunzel as she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, helped by her zany friends Montague the Prince, his sidekick, Chester the Camel, Hugo the Cactus and Harriet the Bird. Along the way, Esme the Witch, who has kept Rapunzel a prisoner in a lonely tower, also learns a lesson or two about parent-child relationship, friendship and love. DBS Arts Centre, 20 Merbau Road, Robertson Quay
weekender.com.sg
March 14 - 20, 2014
Coming Soon Mark your calendars for these events happening in three to four weeks
new! WWF’s LARGEST EARTH HOUR 29 Mar, from 5pm WWF-Singapore announced that the cast of the highly-anticipated motion picture The Amazing Spider-Man 2 will be coming to Singapore, the home of Earth Hour, to celebrate the largest lights-off event to date. This will put the country at the heart of Earth Hour celebrations worldwide. The cast of The Amazing SpiderMan 2 - Andrew Garfield, Emma Stone, Jaime Foxx, together with director Marc Webb, and the film’s producers, will come to Singapore to lead the world’s largest Earth Hour celebration. Andrew Garfield will lead the Official Lights Out ceremony across Singapore’s signature Marina Bay skyline on Saturday, Mar 29, 8.30pm at The Float@Marina Bay. In line with this announcement, WWF-Singapore has launched a huge on-the-ground and online campaign for the planet driven by the power of the civic society and the ordinary man on the street. The Float at Marina Bay, 20 Raffles Avenue NEW! Visiting Artists Series: Andras Schiff Plays Beethoven 31 Mar, 7.30pm, $120 Andras Schiff is renowned and acclaimed as a pianist, conductor, pedagogue and lecturer. He has worked with the major international orchestras and conductors, but now performs mainly as conductor and soloist. In 1999, he created his own chamber orchestra, the Cappella Andrea Barca, which consists of international soloists, chamber musicians and friends. He will be performing Beethoven pieces. Tickets from Sistic. Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music Concert Hall, NUS, 3 Conservatory Drive NEW! NIGHT WALK WITH THE STORYTELLER 2-4 Apr, 9pm, $10, $8 (students, senior citizens & The Arts House members) Master storyteller Kamini Ramachandran and friends will take you on a multi-sensorial experience of live storytelling – heightened by food, scent and sound – through secret crevices of The Arts House that were previously not open to the public. Let them captivate you with tales inspired by the spaces and the walls of the House that have kept silent till now… Each walk is limited to 30 people per night so buy your tickets today to avoid disappointment! The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane NEW! Ben & Jerry’s Free Cone Day 8 Apr, 12pm-8pm (6pm for zoo) Mark your calendars, it’s time to celebrate the Ben and Jerriest day of the year! That’s right, the iconic Vermont ice cream company is holding its annual Free Cone Day to thank ice cream-loving fans everywhere for their support. On Tuesday, Apr 8, from 12pm to 8pm,
Ben & Jerry’s will be dishing out free scoops to all in attendance at Vivo City, Dempsey Hill, Great World City and Ben & Jerry’s @ Zoo entrance. Various locations NEW! Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza Live in Singapore 2014 12 Apr, 8pm, $45 - $198 Popular Malay songstress Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza is set to swoon music fans in Singapore once again as she returns to our sunny shore for a long-awaited night of music extravaganza. With a refreshed array of music arrangements, costumes and visual performances, Dato’ Siti Nurhaliza will touch hearts with her powerful vocals and enduring renditions of her biggest hits at the upcoming Singapore concert. Tickets from Sistic. The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green NEW! HAPPINESS ACOUSTIC GUITAR CONCERT 18 Apr, 7.30pm Enjoy this acoustic finger style concert by two outstanding finger style musicians - Takeshi Sakasegawa (Japan) and Paolo Sereno (Italy). Takeshi is a new generation of finger style guitarist from Japan whose musical abilities capture the heart of the audience. Paolo is an established player who has worked with Jacqueline Perkins and Walter Lupi (winner of the New Sounds of Acoustic Music in Italy). The Arts House, Chamber, 1 Old Parliament Lane NEW! Ah Boys to Men the Musical 18-27 Apr, various times, $38 - $128 Falling in this April will be Recruits Ken Chow, Lobang, Aloysius Jin and I.P Man of top grossing local film Ah Boys to Men. This exciting new musical will be adapted from both Part 1 and 2 of the movie, and follows the adventures of Recruit Ken Chow as he enlists in the army, albeit reluctantly, as he has to say goodbye to his girlfriend who is leaving to study overseas. He goes on to develop a strong camaraderie with fellow recruits as they undergo their Basic Military Training (BMT). Tickets from Sistic. Resorts World Theatre, Resorts World Sentosa NEW! A TAPESTRY OF SACRED MUSIC 2014 25-27 Apr, various times Sacred music is perhaps the most primal music of all. It comes from a place deep inside us, and often leads us in our quest to transcend the “bonds of earth”, and to connect with the divine, whatever we perceive it to be. The sanctity of this desire has inspired man to create some of the most beautiful and entrancing music in the world. This quest, found in the sacred music of so many cultures around the world, is what the annual festival is all about. Esplanade Concert Hall/Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive
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F I L M F EST I V A L
Be spirited away into the enchanted world of Hayao Miyazaki
The World of
Hayao Miyazaki Don’t miss the famous director’s popular anime films
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ncore Films and Golden Village cinemas present “The World of Hayao Miyazaki”, featuring the renowned director’s well-loved Japanese anime films. From Mar 14 to 19, you can catch anime classics such as My Neighbour Totoro, Princess Mononoke and Howl’s Moving Castle. Do not miss Miyazaki’s otherworldly characters and fantastical lands. PRINCESS MONONOKE One of Miyazaki’s most-renowned works, Princess Mononoke is an animated historical fantasy between supernatural guardians of the forest and the humans who consume its resources. It tells of an attack on a Japanese village by a mythical demon and how it is thwarted by Ashitaka, the prince of that village. A curse befalls him that gives his arm superhuman fighting skills but it turns out short lived. The village’s wise woman tells Ashitaka that he may find a cure in Nago in the west. Ashitaka instead meets Jigo, a wandering monk who tells him of the Great Forest Spirit. Thematically, Princess Mononoke transits from the heroism of the opening shots, to the discovery of love and to how the heroism embodied in the pursuit of justice is portrayed in scenes of battles. SCREENING: 15 & 18 Mar, GV Bishan; 18 Mar, GV Marina
A FEW OF THE OTHERS MY NEIGHBOUR TOTORO In My Neighbor Totoro, Miyazaki tells a story of two young girls, Satsuki and Mei Kusakabe, who accompany their father to Tokorozawa City, so that the girls can be close to their convalescent mother. The forest spirits, or “Totoro” and dubbed the “keeper of the forests” have an uncanny way of appearing and disappearing. There is the discovery by Mei of two white, rabbit-like ears in the grass of their new-found abode; the hallucination of sleeping atop Totoro, to what finally happens on a rainy night when the girls, while awaiting their father, see Totoro in another totally, unimaginable visage. SCREENING:14 & 16 Mar, GV Bishan; 15 Mar, GV Marina NAUSICAA OF THE VALLEY OF THE WIND Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (1984) was the first of Hayao Miyazaki’s animated features as writer-director. The movie has proven to be one of his most enduring works and is of a story set in a postapocalyptic world. Miyazaki depicts the devastating effects of a destructive fire that wipes out much of human civilisation and the technology supporting it. Only a small pocket humanity remains in the Valley of the Wind, and from here the scenes switch to a warrior princess named Nausicaa who uses her empathic powers to communicate with an insect species to
preserve peace in the valley. SCREENING: 14 & 17 Mar, GV Bishan; 15 Mar, GV Marina PORCO ROSSO During the transitional years between World War I and II, Italian flying ace Marco Porcello (having lost his faith in human virtues) resides on a small Adriatic Island with just a single friend. But the loneliness does not stop him from keeping his eye on two women, one a thrice-widowed hotel owner and the other a plane mechanic eager to prove her worth. SCREENING: 15 Mar, GV Bishan; 15 & 16 Mar, GV Marina KIKI’S DELIVERY SERVICE Kiki is a 13-yearold witch. When a witch turns 13, it is customary for her to move away from home to spend a year in another city or town where there is no witch living. There, Kiki can learn to be independent and to ply her trade. SCREENING: 15 & 18 Mar, GV Bishan; 14 Mar, GV Marina “The World of Hayao Miyazaki” will be on from Mar 14 to 19. Visit www.gv.com.sg/ moviedetails/gv_moviedetails_the_world_of_ hayao_miyazaki.jsp for more. Also, don’t miss Miyazaki’s directorial swansong, The Wind Rises, to be released on Mar 20 in GV Cinemas.
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FUN: MOVIes
March 14 - 20, 2014
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weekender.com.sg
F A S H I O N P O L I CE
M O V I E P RE V I EW
LAbor Day: strange love
Oscars Fashion:
Yay or Nay? Will James Van Der Beek’s Officer Treadwell break up their semblance of family?
Diane Kruger
Chris Hemsworth & Charlize Theron
Reese Witherspoon
Brie Larson
While we can’t all be Joan Rivers with her quips, here is our summary of the fashion dos and don’ts at the Oscars and Vanity Fair after-party
to Adele and Henry. However attractive the idea of this ‘family’, the fact remained that Frank was a man on the run. Adele (Winslet) becomes a willing prisoner
A strange tale of love, tension and destiny
A
n unexpected encounter unleashes momentous outcomes. Labor Day is based on the novel of the same name, written by award-winning author Joyce Maynard. It is told through the eyes of Henry looking back at 1987, when, as a 13-year-old, he had lived with his mother Adele (played by Kate Winslet). Adele was something of a recluse who had been shattered by the events in the run-up to her divorce. The most heartrending part is of Adele relying on her son for just about everything; that the young boy is somewhat ‘forced’ to grow up a lot quicker than his peers. With the approach of a new school year, Henry persuades a hesitant Adele to leave the house and to
take him shopping. While shopping, Henry encounters Frank (played by Josh Brolin), a wounded man who asks for help. Henry is initially reluctant. When Adele tries to politely decline, it becomes clear that Frank is no pushover. A Strained Relationship? Later on, Frank confesses his inglorious background, of being an escaped convict. When the news reports on his escape plays across television screens, he reacts impulsively by tying up Adele. Yet, there is something gentle about Frank. He prepares breakfast for Adele and Henry and takes on household chores. Subsequently, a bond grows so taut that what was a chance encounter was turning serendipitous. Frank had begun to be a surrogate husband and father
M O V I E P RE V I EW
An Interesting Cast Winslet is best known for her role in Titanic. She is also famous for her stellar performances in a myriad of diverse roles, such as in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind. Many would recognise Brolin, who recently starred in the Hollywood remake of Oldboy and was the young agent K in Men in Black 3. Look out for James Van Der Beek and Tobey Maguire (Spiderman). The tension and suspense is enough to keep you on the edge of your seat but many might find this an odd tale of strange love.
Labor Day [TBA] DIRECTOR: Jason Reitman STARRING: Kate Winslet, Josh Brolin & Gattlin Griffith GENRE: Drama RUN LENGTH: 90 min RELEASE: Mar 13
Car chases, crashes & explosions galore
Need for Speed: Carchase cliché? Need for Speed, based on the video game of the same name, struggles to be original
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obey Maguire (Aaron Paul of “Breaking Bad” fame) is an honest, hardworking auto mechanic. When his father died, he was left with a pile of bills. On the weekends, Tobey and the guys would race on the underground street circuit, where a victory can mean substantial cash. But it is the rush of adrenaline that’s the real attraction. Adrenaline Dream or Nightmare? When Tobey’s former nemesis, the pompous Dino Brewster (Dominic Cooper, who will also appear in Captain America: The Winter Soldier), stops by the garage, Tobey is resistant to him and his business proposition. However, Dino offers
Cate Blanchett The SKII spokeswoman looked ravishing in a nude Armani Prive gown covered in petal-like embellishments. Those glittering embellishments must have brought her luck as she won Best Actress for her role in Blue Jasmine. In her own words, “#suckit Julia Roberts”. YAY! Brie Larson Oh dear, we aren’t sure what to make of Brie Larson’s Miu Miu gown at the after-party. The length, midnight blue sequins and velvet-like material made her look schoolmarm-ish. NAY! Chris Hemsworth & Charlize Theron Thor star Chris Hemsworth is a head-turner in a deep purple jacket with black lapels but it also makes him look like an usher. Charlize Theron’s Dior dress hugged her curves in all the right places and showed off just enough skin to get us hot under the collar. The Harry Winston necklace didn’t hurt either. NAY/YAY. Editorial Director Frank Young
frank@weekender.com.sg
Editor Lester J Wan Writer Cheryl Chia Art Director June Law Sales Seth Leow seth@weekender.com.sg
Sales Director David Phey Advisor James Yip Designer Zoe Lai Coordinator Syarila Zainal Distribution Lawrence Tan Steve Lye steve@weekender.sg
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a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to build the fastest Mustang in the world and a financial windfall, which could save his shop. Tobey agrees, albeit reluctantly. Following the completion of the Mustang and its sale to a big-time car broker via his beautiful but opinionated British colleague, Julia Maddon, Tobey agrees to a race with Dino and his close friend, Little Pete. When the race turns deadly, Dino flees and frames Tobey, sending him to prison. Two years later, he is out of prison and out for revenge. High Speed & High Stakes Tobey’s best chance is defeating Dino in the high-stakes race known as The De Leon. The Super Bowl of underground racing, it takes place once a year and only a few select drivers are invited. To get there in
time, Tobey will have to break his parole and travel from New York to San Francisco within 48 hours. Along the way there are car chases aplenty and even a few explosions. This film made from a game is pretty much what anyone would expect. Julia is played by Imogen Poots, who also stars in Filth. Look out for a not-soyoung Michael Keaton as Monarch. We’re not sure if the chases and action sequences can save this film, with so many clichés.
Need for Speed [PG13] DIRECTOR: Scott Waugh STARRING: Aaron Paul, Dominic Cooper & Imogen Poots GENRE: Action, Drama RUN LENGTH: 131 min RELEASE: Mar 13
Cate Blanchett
Diane Kruger The face that launched a thousand ships in Troy has, unfortunately, a dress sense that sunk this time. Diane Kruger’s Valentino Haute Couture dress looked like a doily over her bra and girdle. The Dowton Abbey-esque hairdo didn’t help. NAY! Reese Witherspoon Sexy in a black and grey pailletteembroidered silk dress from the new Autumn/Winter 2014 Boss runway collection, Reese Witherspoon shone. YAY! Look out for more fashion police moments.
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SPOT THE DIFFERENCE: Capturing nature at its best BY GUINEVERE SOFER When nature presents a wonderfully clean and clear photo opportunity, make sure you have the right camera for the job. The right one is a quality Compact Digital Camera. These two photo samples illustrate the difference. Can you tell which was taken with a phone cam and which was taken with a Compact Digital Camera? How?
See Page 6 for the ANSWERS
Photo A
Photo B
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March 14 - 20, 2014
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tech / family & friends
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Nurturing the photography
genius in your child
March 14 - 20, 2014 Part 2 of 3 In this second part of a three-part series, we explore the environment, which fosters your child’s creativity; Guinevere Sofer shares some ideas
I
n last week’s article, we suggested that an entry-level quality Compact Digital Camera and a small tripod are all that are necessary for your child to explore his or her creativity in photography.
Kids love nature and that’s an opportunity to unleash their creative genius
HELLO WORLD
What Does Using the Right Equipment Teach? For kids under ten years old, choosing a smart phone, with mobile data and monthly subscription fees, as a camera is not ideal. At that age, they may not have developed the maturity to use smart phones wisely, thus resulting in shocking monthly phone bills. Giving them a Compact Digital Camera to develop their creativity averts that disaster. A Compact Digital Camera is not just a tool for taking pictures. For the young, it’s a very sophisticated learning tool. Aside from creativity, a child who “owns” his/her own equipment feels empowered with the responsibility to take care of the equipment. All the adjustable functions on the Compact Digital Camera also give the child control over images. It also allows him/her to tinker with the images, to adjust the shutter speed, aperture, or filters. He/she quickly learns about cause and effect, and develops a more sophisticated decision-making process to help to achieve better images. Because it’s digital, any mistake can easily be deleted and the child can try again. This also helps to develop a sense of resilience in overcoming failure. The Right Attitude for Creativity All the right equipment isn’t enough if the parents don’t reflect the right attitude about creativity. It’s essential to participate in his creative endeavour by encouraging your child with positive reinforcement. This doesn’t mean that every photo taken must be considered “good”. Encouragement can be as simple as showing an interest in the photos, or talking about the merits of each one, or printing your favourite photos and framing them in the child’s room. This is positive reinforcement, which encourages the child to try harder and better.
Rewarding with Recognition One of the reasons why photography is good for kids is because photographs are easy to display. For the young child, the recognition is the reward. With a simple printer such as one of the Pixma printers from Canon, display-size photos can be easily printed at home at the fraction of the cost of printing at the shop. Whether it’s in the small 4R size or A3 poster size, a Canon Pixma printer will be able to deliver the quality that the Compact Digital Camera captured. And, with some of the Wi-Fi enabled printers and cameras available, it’s simpler than ever. Over time, as your child’s skills become more sophisticated, the range of Canon Pixmas and their capabilities will grow to meet their demands. Show how proud you are of your child by framing these photos up, and displaying them prominently on the wall of your home for all to see! In our next and last article in the series, we will explore other ways to unleash his or her creativity and inner shutterbug. Increase your child’s self-esteem as a junior genius!
ANSWERS TO SPOT THE DIFFERENCE:
Photo B
See Page 4 for question Photo B had the better colour rendition and smoother tones - two key attributes of a quality Compact Digital Camera. In Photo A, the image is rough and jagged. It’s clearly noticeable on the edges of the lotus pads.
Zacchaeus Yeo Feb 10, 2013
Lim Shen Wen, Neal Sep 7, 2013
Isabella Adia A Noel Aug 8, 2013
Jayden Ng Jun 1, 2013
Babies - aren’t they the cutest things ever? That’s why Weekender dedicates a section to your adorable darlings in diapers. Send us your favourite photos of your newborn, so the rest of us can coo and ‘ahh’ over him / her too! What better way is there to celebrate your child than to share him / her with the rest of the world? E-mail your baby’s photos to general@weekender.com.sg . Please make sure to include your baby’s name and surname, gender and date of birth, as well as your own Name, NRIC and mobile number. We look forward to receiving photos of your beloved one!
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Daria Daniaa Alexis Jul 11, 2013 Shakira Aliyah bte Sha’ari Mar 19, 2013
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hdb inspirations
HOME MAKEOVER TIPS
A bachelor pad like no other
get ideas for transforming your flat in our 8-week series!
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Big ideas for small spaces
All the comforts of an extended bedroom
Make the most of every inch of your home with savvy styling tips
Living Room Clear factor Acrylic and glass furniture give the illusion of space and light, visually opening up your room and allowing you to add function while not seeming to take up too much space.
Photo: Design Intervention
Kitchen - Trolley dolly Mobile storage units are perfect for kitchens especially when they look so retro. Raskog kitchen cart, $89, from Ikea
Colours Wow factor Wallpapers, curtains and upholstery are a great way to add pops of colour into small spaces. Kyoto Koi cotton canvas, $60 per metre, from Korla.
make your flat
A loft
Bright and cheery dining area
A four-room HDB flat becomes a loftinspired studio apartment that’s perfect for a sophisticated bachelor
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COLOUR PLAY “The choice of colours was a main consideration,” shares Crestin. “The homeowner wanted a darker masculine base for most of the home, and we then interspersed the interior with bright accent colours.” As such, the design team gave the home a palette of deep neutral colours like shades of brown and grey running through all the rooms. This was then contrasted with bursts of lively colours, like lime green on the wardrobe and cheery yellow upholstery on the sofa. The colour combinations work well, and even factor in future trends as the homeowner can easily change the accent colours over the years. OPEN SPACE In keeping with the requests of the owner, Crestin’s team wanted to maintain a natural flow from room to room. “The living room is the centre of the home. From there, we wanted to have a clear line of
Furniture – Neat folds Foldable or stackable chairs are a good dining solution that enables you to put them aside when not needed. The Real Good Chair combines cutting-edge design with practicality. Real Good Chair $251, from Grafunkt
sight into the other areas of the apartment. So we took away the bedroom doors and replaced them with black metal frames and clear glass,” adds Crestin. The same treatment was given to the kitchen entrance for a consistent look. THREE-IN-ONE Being the only occupant in this house means that the homeowner has no need for three bedrooms. Instead, he requested for the rooms to be combined into one luxuriously large area. The newly-formed room now stretches across the apartment and incorporates the en suite bathroom, a raised sleeping area, a walk-in wardrobe and a corner dedicated to the study room. Crestin reveals that the design was really a collaborative effort with the client. “He really knows what he wants in terms of the look and feel of the home, and that really helped with the process.” Home Design by Chew Interior
Storage - Tall and slim Vertical storage units make use of wall space that often gets forgotten about. Occa modular shelves, $695, from Bo Concept
typical family of five living in a four-room HDB flat may feel the tight pinch of space, but for the bachelor staying here, the apartment size with a floor area of 1,000 sq ft is a luxury. Inspired by lofty studio apartments, the homeowner approached Chew Interior with an idea to liven up the home and give it a stylish makeover. The main idea, reveals chief designer Crestin Tan, was to integrate the design with the owner’s expectations and lifestyle. From the choice of colours to the spatial layout, the design team was always aware that the result should be sophisticated and stylish.
Article first published in Lookbox Living #34, Nov/Dec 2013 Lookbox Living #35 is now on sale at major bookstores and newsstands
By Chloe Elkerton Article first published in Lookbox Living.
weekender.com.sg
March 14 - 20, 2014
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FOODMANIA
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ethnic eats Some of the most interesting ethnic food in town Pad Thai, one of Thailand’s national dishes, is a favourite of Singaporeans
6 great
TRADITIONAL Catalunya Catalunya not only has authentic tapas, but the joint is also approved by molecular cuisine extraordinaire Ferran Adria himself. The Spherical Olive ($3 each), a specialty from Adria’s famed elBulli is also included in its tapas selection. We also like the Bikini ($20), a flat jamon and cheese toast and the Croquetas de Jamon ($15), the authenticity of which takes us back to Spain. Other fancier dishes such as their Octopus a Feira ($24), octopus and pork belly smothered in signature elBulli potato foam. The Fullerton Pavilion, 82 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049327, Tel: 6534 0886 Jamon Iberico Croquette from Catalunya
tapas
Restaurants Thai High Pad Thai, tom yum goong, green curry and green papaya salad are just a few things that come to mind when you think of Thai food. Going to Bangkok every other time you have a craving is not an option but luckily for us, we have a wealth of Thai cafes and restaurants available to satisfy the said craving. Most of them are opened by Thai immigrants, which results in an authentic taste. Ah Loy Thai Opened by an old couple, Ah Loy Thai is a nice little café. Their popular dish of butter calamari is crisp and dipped in chilli sauce for a slight kick. The pad Thai and tom yum seafood soup are also must-tries when you visit. Shaw Tower, 100 Beach Road, #01-39/40, Singapore 189702. Opens 12pm-8pm Aroy-dee Popular with students from the many institutes in the area, the dishes at Aroydee are cheap and good. The pineapple rice is fragrant, topped with pork floss and shrimp. There is also fried olive rice as well as other signature Thai dishes such as basil leaf chicken or pork with rice. Sunshine Plaza, 91 Bencoolen Street, #01-12, Singapore 189652 Diandin Leluk Thai Restaurant Located in Golden Mile Complex, the Little Thailand of Singapore, this restaurant has been serving the Thai community here since the 1980s. Apart from the usual, the specialities include Catfish Salad, Nam Tok Beef and the mini fruit-like kuehs, Look Choob. Visit www.diandinleluk.com for more.
Photo: Edsmond Cheong
Iberico Selection Platter from Vida Vino
King Crab from East 8
Mejillones ole Triana from Sabio
Come catch the latest tapas wave with this selection of eateries in town as your guide
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he food trend in Singapore comes in waves and, lately, I noticed a renewed influx of small plates and tapas joints popping up. As far as can be seen, the cuisine is not necessarily traditional Spanish but also goes modern at some of the eateries.
Yakitori gem in Tiong Bahru Chicken Hearts
Tsukune (Chicken Meatball)
Thai desserts, Look Choob (green bean miniature fruits)
Northern Thai Food People working in the Tai Seng industrial area know this gem in a rundown coffee shop. Be prepared to wait during lunch hour as there is only one chef preparing the dishes. It has cut down a little on the variety to help to ease the lunch crowd. One of its specialities is the different kinds of tom yum soup, one with coconut milk, one clear and one that’s not spicy at all. 145 Upper Paya Lebar Road, Singapore 534848 Nana Original Thai Nana Original Thai can be found in Golden Mile Complex. There is a similarlynamed shop in Far East Plaza but it has no relations with this outlet. The food here is affordable and it also serves the popular snack of grilled pork (moo ded dio) which is great for sharing. Golden Mile Complex, 5001 Beach Road, #01-51/52, Singapore 199588
The old Hua Bee coffee shop in Tiong Bahru gets a new life at night as Bincho, a Japanese yakitori omakase joint Bincho is tucked behind a car park with a tiny sign indicating its presence, behind chill-out café Flock. This latest dining concept by Loh Lik Peng is a unique amalgamation of the old and the new. The old Hua Bee mee pok stall becomes the modern open-concept yakitori chic joint Bincho at night, opening for dinner. “Bincho is influenced by two traditional concepts – a yakitori-ya we fell in love with in Osaka and Hua Bee, an integral part of Tiong Bahru’s heritage. We thought it would be interesting to work with a concept that not only preserves history and tradition but introduces a modern approach at the same time,” says Lik Peng. Resident chef Asai Masashi is well-trained in the art of charcoal grilling and brings his skill to the menu.
Unexpected Surprises Do not expect the traditional yakitori sticks you get at a run-of-the-mill yakitori place. Bincho does it omakase style with an $80++ and a $120++ menu available. There are also plans to add a $60++ menu. The meal kicked off with an assorted platter of three appetisers, which change daily except for the chicken liver pate. Don’t expect a strongsmelling French pate; this one is sweeter. Next came a refreshing salad with slices of pork and goma dressing. The third course was a silky-smooth chawanmushi with a chicken meatball within. The yakitori selections here are a little foreign to most Singaporean palates but the chef’s deft skills amazed me when he cooked up a selection of chicken tail (the butt), chicken breast and chicken gizzards. I don’t take the odd parts of the chicken but, somehow, the well-cleaned and tender chicken tail and the well-seasoned chewy gizzard won me over.
“The old Hua Bee mee pok stall becomes the modern openconcept yakitori chic joint Bincho at night, opening for dinner.”
Filling Dishes We also had more filling dishes such as grilled sweet potatoes, carrots and mushrooms, a chicken neck tsukune with raw egg yolk drippings, another platter of chicken thigh, chicken heart and chicken liver and the piece de resistance of a mini bowl of oyako don. I loved the tsukune. The mark of a good yakitori place certainly lies herein as most tsukunes in so-so yakitori places turn out too hard and dry. Desserts at Bincho are limited. It serves a single cake from Restaurant Andre. The dessert for the day was green tea cake with a side of fresh orange. If you’re lucky, you get the illusive “cheese cake cloud” dessert. Bincho is indeed an interesting eatery in an interesting enclave. 78 Moh Guan Terrace, #01-19, Singapore 162078, Tel: 6438 4567 By Cheryl Chia cheryl@weekender.com.sg
Vida Vino Opened last September, Vida Vino’s take on Spanish tapas is offered on its Iberico Selection Platter ($20), an assorted cold cuts platter with Iberico ham, pork and chorizo. It also has the tapas staple Spanish Tortilla ($10), an egg omelette filled with potatoes and Bravas Fries ($8), the outlet’s version of the famed patatas bravas. 29 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089136, Tel: 6222 1963 Sabio Named after King Alfonso X of Spain who popularised the tapas dish, Sabio (Spanish for ‘wise’), continues this tradition with its dishes. The Mejillones ole Triana ($14), or mussels in tomato sauce, is one of the many tasty tapas on the menu. We particularly like the Albondigas en Salsa Espanola con Tomate ($12), a beef meatball in a spicy tomato sauce. 5 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089591, Tel: 6690 7562
Don’t miss the Durian Fiesta Goodwood Park Hotel’s Durian Fiesta has kicked off with a potent bang
Mini Durian Charlotte
Goodwood Park Hotel’s Durian Fiesta makes its annual return with an even more impressive array of durian goodies using only the best D24 durians known for their aroma and intense flavour. You’ll be bowled over by the Durian Malay Cake ($42 for 700g). The large slice of ma lai kao is slathered in durian puree and coated with grated coconut. Very potent indeed. Goodwood Park Hotel also introduces the Durian Gula Melaka Roll ($62 for 1kg), a Swiss roll boasting luscious D24 durian mousse enveloped within a vanilla sponge and drizzled with gula Melaka syrup. Another new addition is the Mini Durian Charlotte ($20 for four) and the Mini Durian Donut ($9 for two). The former is an adaptation of the Charlotte Russe with ladyfinger sponge and cream. Of course, the signature Durian Puff ($8 for two) and the Durian Mousse Cake ($117 for 2.5kg) remain on the menu. Goodwood Park Hotel, 22 Scotts Road, Singapore 228221, Tel: 6737 7411
Mini Durian Donut
PAGE 11 MODERN &SONS Italian small plates, anyone? &SONS ‘tapas’ has a wide range of Italian cheeses and is the only place in Singapore that makes its own salami and cured meats on site. Its homemade artisanal pasta such as Spaghetti Sea Urchin Carbonara ($16) and Pumpkin Tortelli, Capers and Almonds ($8) are popular with customers who seek something more filling. For lighter bites, the Prawn Cioppino, Capers ($12) and Veal Ossobuco, Orzutto ($19) are good options as well. China Square Central, 20 Cross Street, #01-19, Singapore 048422, Tel: 6221 3937 &SONS has a wide range of Italian cheeses
BAM! Tapas-Sake Bar Pig Ear Burrata Sake and tapas complement each from BAM! other so well at BAM! Chef Pepe Moncayo creates dishes such as Pasta a la plancha with Prawns and Sake butter ($24) and the BAM! Gyoza ($12), a large dumpling filled with chestnuts and foie gras. BAM! also does a Roast Suckling Pig ($78 for two to three people) with a satisfying crunch to it. Don’t be shocked when the waiter tells you to place the Joselito Ham ($25) into the MAR range of sake, exclusive to BAM! The sake tenderises the meat further and brings out the taste of the ham even more. Fans of dessert sake can also try a bottle of Katsuyama-gen ($380), which reminds one of a less acidic moscato. Talk about a unique twist to the typical tapas. 38 Tras Street, Singapore 078977, Tel: 6226 0500 East 8 East 8 certainly has brought a touch of New York tapas with an Asian flair to Singapore. The Kimchi Fuji Apple Salad with rocket, bacon and gruyere ($12) and the Soy Yuzu Infused Torched Sliced Argentine Tenderloin ($20) are good representations of East 8’s menu. Its desserts, such as the Rich Chocolate Pot with Macerated Mixed Berries ($12), also entice the taste buds. Grand Park City Hall Hotel, 10 Coleman Street, #01-21/22, Singapore 179809, Tel: 6338 8289 Chilean Sea Bass from East 8
By Cheryl Chia cheryl@weekender.com.sg
Eggs Benedict
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The alternative menu features a croque madame, which is a croque monsieur topped with a sunny side up. Depending on the dish, the side of eggs might turn up easy, scrambled or poached. The Italian and Spanish dishes featured a Stacked Brunch Torte ($14.90), a layered dish of puff pastry, eggs, ham, mushroom, cheese and bell peppers, and a Toasty Tortilla ($14.90), a Spanish omelette with potatoes, a side of stewed beans, chorizo and brioche toast.
“Medzs offers a range of cuisines from France, Spain, Morocco, Greece and Turkey.”
An affordable brunch Brunch is not just for the chichi; Medzs makes it affordable I’m sure you’ve read about fancy options for an indulgent brunch in many lifestyle guides, including Weekender, but brunch doesn’t always have to leave a scorching hole in your pocket if you’re on a budget. Every weekend, Medzs adds an all-day brunch menu to its existing array of dishes at reasonable prices. True to its casual dining concept, Medzs offers a range of cuisines from France, Spain, Morocco, Greece and Turkey. Brunch menu prices range from $12.90 to $14.90. Intercontinental Fare Medzs has an alternating menu every week to keep things fresh. When I was there, the French courses were Bouncy Benedict ($14.90) and the Le Jolly Monsieur ($13.90) which was, of course, a dish of eggs benedict and croque monsieur. Out of the three platters of eggs benedict we had, the first two were runny on the inside and complemented the hollandaise sauce, cured salmon and English muffin well but the last one came almost hard boiled. Perhaps, the eatery still has a few consistency issues to work out. The croque monsieur fared a little better with a sweet brioche covered with béchamel sauce with ham and cheese on the inside. It came with a cocotte of scrambled egg, pork bratwurst and bacon.
More Brunch Options I loved the Greek dish, the Poseidon’s Wrap ($14.90), a seafood-filled wrap that came with a side of eggs, tzatziki, and Greek salad. The filling had generous amounts of shrimp, fried fish and squid, and the side of Greek salad did not disappoint with cubes of feta cheese, and olives. If you want a taste of Africa, the Moroccan options will be for you. I found the Egg-crowned Shakshouka ($14.90) incredibly gamey with the lamb kefta – a kind of meatball. The kefta was soaked in a tomato and egg tagine, and served with a side of garlic toast. The alternative Spicy Chicken Tagine ($13.90) was better with tender chicken, hard-boiled eggs and a side of potato pancake, which reminded me of a doughy chapati. The Turkish specials – such as Chicken Ottoman ($14.90), adana chicken with yoghurt dip and mixed salad and the Velvety Dips & Toasted Bread ($12.90), an assorted bread platter with hummus, babaganoush and carrot and cumin dip – are only available at the Orchard Central outlet. The dessert was disappointing as the Berry Pancake Gala ($12.90) was pretty to look at but absurdly dry and thick. You’re better off choosing from the cakes of the day, should you want sweets after a meal. All in all, improvements could be made but it’s still quite a worthwhile place to go for brunch if you’re on a budget. Medzs is located at Orchard Central, #B2-01/03 & Millenia Walk, #01-46/47/55/56. Tel: 6238 9028 & 6337 7507 By Cheryl Chia cheryl@weekender.com.sg
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Classic US eateries stay evergreen Join Food Network’s Guy Fieri on a road trip to visit 35 of America’s all-time favourite restaurants – without bursting the wallet Travelling the length and breadth of the land, Guy Fieri goes in search of classic “greasy spoon” eateries across the USA in the 13-episode series “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” (Season 14). On his visits, Fieri eyeballs ethnic menus, befriends the chefs, invades their kitchens and reveals his favourite dishes. Such food “institutions” have been around for decades and are now run by a new generation of chefs who apparently still uphold the tradition of cooking up delicious and affordable meals. We highlight here some interesting ones from the series. Fieri has shortlisted Nook, a small burger joint at Hamline Avenue in St Paul, Minnesota, which has been at it for years. He recommends the cheeky freshly-made Spanish Fly Chorizo Burger.
TEXAN PICKINGS Over in Richardson, Texas, Fieri uncovers a gem in the form of Afrah Mediterranean Restaurant. This place offers a mix of diner meals complemented by a rich pastry selection. It can also dish out quick and easy bites, like the Shawarma Pita Sandwich. Another great Texas diner is Noble Pig Sandwiches [What a name!]. This Austin eatery’s specialities are Knuckle Sandwich, Duck Pastrami and its signature Noble Pig options. Follow Fieri across the Sun Belt east to South Carolina’s Charleston. Here on State Street, Dixie Supply Bakery & Pie banks on its prized Southern Fried Chicken for lunch orders and its Bourbon Bacon Pecan Pie for a satisfying dessert. QUIRKY NAME Hawaii has excellent casual dining too. Take this Caribbean joint in downtown Honolulu with the quirky name on its signboard –
Guy Fieri features interesting food from 35 of America’s all-time favourite restaurants
Jawaiian Irie Jerk. But don’t write it off. This diner is an instant hit with many regulars because they love its blend of Big Island cuisine with Jamaican influence. The Jamaican Goat Curry and Jerk Chicken Wings are irresistible. Watch Fieri jesting with Chef Simmonds. Be sure to catch Fieri on the trail of evergreen eateries on “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”. What a way to go and what a smorgasbord, American style!
People covered in paint on Holi, the festival of colours that marks the arrival
Bucket list
Watch “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives”, Mondays at 9pm. Food Network is on Starhub TV Ch 433.
About GUY FIERI At age 10, Guy Fieri sold pretzels from a tricycle cart and washed dishes. His earnings after six years were enough for him to go to Chantilly, France, and become an exchange student. There, he developed an interest for international cuisine. Fieri launched his culinary career in 1996 with the opening of his first restaurant, Johnny Garlics, with business partner Steve Gruber. Today, Fieri hosts the top-rated show, “Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives” and guest judges on “Next Food Network Star”. He also collaborates with Rachael Ray in the starstudded series, “Rachael vs Guy Celebrity Cook-off”. He is chef of seven acclaimed restaurants and also a cookbook author. Fieri graduated with a degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Nevada Las Vegas.
Exceptional ideas to experience in your lifetime
Pan for Gold: Bendigo, Australia Photo: Chris Jenner, Shutterstock
SURE BETS IN VEGAS Fieri’s list of good old eateries includes a few in Las Vegas like the Naked City Pizza Shop at Arville Street which delivers gourmet pizza to die for. And, like Fieri, you too will drool over its Sicilian slice with Garlic Sauce and Meatballs. The show’s host drops in on Yayo Taco at South Maryland Parkway to meet Chef Yiu. The latter shows off his fancy Fusion Tacos creations. In the end, Fieri picks the Shanghai Taco, which adds a kick of wasabi, and the Pollo (chicken) Taco. Across the parkway, Fieri’s alma mater, the University of Nevada Las Vegas, houses a restaurant whose awesome menu is unlike any other typical campus diner’s. His choice entree is the Thai Shrimp, which has a nice blend of texture and spice.
The Year of the Horse might be your lucky year. Why not try your hand at panning for gold in Australia? One place where you can hunt for gold is in Bendigo, Victoria, with the Gold Prospecting Australia company. A typical tour package includes access to mining and pastoral leases while on tour, personal lessons in the use of metal detectors, GPS, map reading and panning techniques. You’ll be guided by some of Australia’s most experienced prospectors and bushmen.
Take a gastronomic journey around the USA with Guy Fieri
GOLD PROSPECTING AUSTRALIA (GPA) Whether you are brand new to detecting or an old hand, GPA can give you good advice and training. They don’t offer gold guarantees or any other
gimmicks. Their guarantee to you is that, by the end of your time, you will have all the necessary skills to find your own gold and it won’t cost you a fortune. TRAINING DAYS 2014 Know what to do first. Here are a few points to note about training: 1. Training days are held in Bendigo, Victoria. 2. Training days are perfect for the complete beginner, or those more experienced looking to fine tune their skills or settings. 3. The company tailors training to what each person needs. 4. Clients are also welcome to do any number of days with the company, as they go to different destinations
around Bendigo each day, so clients get to experience different goldfields. This is ideal for international and interstate clients wishing to extend their stay. 5. GPA is a Licensed Parks Tour Operator. 6. It has a Tourist Fossicking Authority and this means that when you are with GPA on training days, you do not need a Victorian Miners’ Right. You are covered by the Fossicking Authority. 7. GPA teaches you where to look, which coils to use, and what equipment is best for the area you are detecting in. 8. And, of course, any gold you find is yours to keep! COST The cost is A$250 per day, per person detecting. This includes travel in 4WD vehicle from the meeting point, detector hire (the latest Minelab machine, the GPX 5000), all accessories (harness and pick) and full tuition in how to prospect for gold. Join the gold rush on your next holiday. www.goldprospecting.com.au By Freda Saunders
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Holi Festival, India good over evil, when Lord Vishnu destroyed the demoness named Holika. The festival also marks the end of winter and the abundance of the upcoming spring harvest season. HOLI REGIONS Although Holi is celebrated throughout the whole of India, there are places that do so more fervently. These include:
Every full moon in March, you will be transformed from an ordinary traveller in India to the most bizarre-coloured work of art on Earth
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f you’re stressed out with work or are feeling a little down, pack your bags and head for India during the Holi season around Mar 17. I guarantee you will forget everything and you will laugh your head off for a week. There, you will get caught up by the rhythms, the colours, the merrymaking, the singing and dancing, the sweets and food. And, most of all, you will be smeared from head to foot in colour! From head to foot, you’ll be dusted and smudged with psychedelic pink, purple, yellow and every other colour you can think of. This is the Holi festival in India which celebrates the victory of
Barsana – Women Beat up Men with Sticks Here’s your chance to get back at your boyfriend or husband for being a lazy bum. The women of Barsana village near Mathura in Uttar Pradesh beat up men from neighbouring Nandgaon village with sticks, in what’s known as Lathmar Holi celebrations. The following day, the celebrations move to Nandgaon village. Sweets are thrown around and spiritual songs related to Radha and Krishna are sung. Mathura and Vrindavan – Temple Fervour These are traditional temple towns that hold passionate week-long Holi festivities. Mathura is where Lord Vishnu was born. Jaipur – Elephants galore If you like elephants, this is where to be. Jaipur celebrates Holi each year with elephant beauty contests, elephant parades, folk dances and tug of war contests between these large beasts and humans.
PREPARE TO GET COLOUR BLITZED! The whole day is spent smearing coloured powder all over each other’s faces, throwing coloured water at one another, having parties, and dancing under water sprinklers. Bhang (a paste made from cannabis plants) is also traditionally consumed during the celebrations. Remember to wear something you can throw away later, and forget about getting your hair done on that day. Everything will be covered from head to toe in coloured powder and coloured water. If you don’t want your hair getting too messed up, wear a waterproof cap. THE ESSENCE OF HOLI Holi rituals centre upon the burning of the demoness Holika. On the eve of Holi, large bonfires are lit to mark the occasion and to burn evil spirits. This is known as Holika Dahan. SAFETY TIPS There will be a lot of drunkards and unruly men about, so single women should avoid going out alone in public places during Holi. If you plan on going out into the streets on Holi, do so early in the morning. Be back in your hotel by midday before the men get too inebriated. By Freda Saunders
Play with the adorable elephants as they bathe
Fun day with the
elephants You can go on elephant rides
Your visit to Malaysia’s only elephant orphanage sanctuary promises an eye-opening experience, plus thrills and spills
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part from the great shopping and its popular beach resorts, Malaysia boasts several natural wildlife attractions. One such attraction which you and your family and friends would not want to miss out on is the National Elephant Conservation Centre, also known as the Kuala Gandah Elephant Orphanage Sanctuary. This attraction is located near the town of Lanchang in Pahang. WHAT BIG EARS YOU HAVE! You can easily spend at least half a day here at the sanctuary. Indulge in fun and recreational activities as you go about learning all about these pachyderms. You will gaze in awe at the giant adult elephants and
fall for the cute baby elephants, all of which are believed to be orphans. They have been relocated here, and cared for and trained by the mahouts (elephant trainers). A scheduled tour for visitors to the centre starts at 2pm with a 25-minute educational video presentation on ‘The plight of the homeless elephant’. Visitors will have the opportunity to get up close to the giants and feed them, all under the watchful eyes of the alert mahouts who are close by. SPLASHING TIME If you are gung-ho and brave, and are all set for a memorable (and thrilling!) experience, try opting for an elephant ride through the jungle, with the mahout as your personal guide of course! With you on top of it, the elephant trudges down to the river nearby. While bathing in the river, it draws water into its trunk… then turns
around and cheekily squirts on you! So remember to bring along an extra set of clothes and be prepared to get all wet. Meanwhile, enjoy the fun! (An adult elephant can hold up to 8.5 litres of water in its trunk.) The centre opens daily from 10am to 4.45pm. Weekdays are probably the best days to visit for a few reasons. Weekends are peak periods and crowded. It is closed on Friday afternoons until 3pm to allow the Muslim mahouts to attend prayers. It is also closed on major public holidays. ABOUT THE CENTRE Initially set up many years ago to relocate elephants which have been ravaging the banana and oil palm plantations across Malaysia, the National Elephant Conservation Centre today serves to provide the displaced pachyderms a safe sanctuary in the wild and to also raise awareness in elephant conservation among the public.
Many of these adorable babies are orphans
For more information or enquiries, contact: Tourism Malaysia (Singapore), 80 Robinson Road, #01-01 B/C/D, Singapore 068898, Tel: 6532 6321, Fb: Facebook.com/ TMSingapore
GETTING THERE Depending on your transport mode, there are a few ways to get to the National Elephant Conservation Centre, which is located in the Malaysian state of Pahang. • If you are driving and coming from Kuala Lumpur, take the E8 Karak Highway which winds its way up north, then east on the E8 Pantai Timur Highway towards the town of Lanchang. • If you are taking the train, board the one heading for northeast peninsular Malaysia. Alight at Temerloh and continue the journey on a taxi for about another hour to Lanchang. • If you are taking the bus, alight at major town Karak (if from Kuala Lumpur) and Temerloh (if from Kuantan or Taman Negara), where you can transfer to a local bus or charter a taxi to Lanchang.
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March 14 - 20, 2014
weekender.com.sg
weekender.com.sg
March 14 - 20, 2014
Presentation at
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NATAS 2014 1A & B
ASA Holidays: Best Travel Agency for China + Korea – Receiving on behalf of “China” – Lily Zhou Li, Senior Manager, China Division & Chris Wong, Manager, China Product. Receiving on behalf of “Korea” – Janet Bong, Product Manager.
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Continued from page 4
MOVIE PREVIEW
Do we really need another? The young Tarzan has to learn the laws of the jungle
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Asia-Euro Holidays: Best Travel Agency for Thailand – Sam How, General Manager 3
Citystate Cruises: #1 Agency for International Cruises –Albert Ho, Executive Director 4
Costa Cruises: #1 International Cruise Line – Eunice Lee, Marketing Director of Costa Cruises, Pacific Asia Operations & Gina Teo, Managing Director of Stamford Discovery Cruise Centre
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EU Holidays: Europe + USA – Wong Yew Hoong & Alan Ang 6
Konsortium Express and Tours: Malaysia – Joe Lim, Director 7
New Shan Travel Service: Taiwan – Alan Ong, General Manager 8
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Weekender congratulates all the winners in our inaugural Travellers’ Choice 2014 Awards, recognising Singaporeans’ favourite destinations and travel agencies. Weekender was at the NATAS Travel 2014 event to present the awards.
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SingExpress Travel: Japan – Ng Bee Yen, Product Manager for South East Asia Look out for more exciting travel and adventure coverage in the pages of Weekender!
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These travel agencies were recognised for being the top in Singapore for their service excellence as well as quality in itineraries for the respective countries and destinations. The travel agencies and operators were nominated from Weekender’s travel advertisers and partners, and the winners were voted by readers who SMS-ed their choices.
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n the remote African jungle, Greystoke and his wife investigate a meteorite that crashed onto Earth 70 million years ago. He finds a glistening stone – the meteorite’s ‘heart’. XXCaptionXX As he chips off a piece, the volcano comes to life. [Really?] They manage to take off at the last second [Seriously?] but the helicopter becomes uncontrollable in the storm and crashes. [Surprise me more.] As we know, a group of gorillas raise their son and Tarzan grows up learning the laws of the jungle. When Greystoke’s successor travels to Africa to further his greed, Tarzan must use his skills and intellect to defend those he loves. Tarzan vs Tarzan This latest incarnation can’t measure up to the Disney one from 1999. Even the supporting cast of the previous one had well-known names like Rosie O’Donnell. Then, Phil Collins singing “You’ll Be in my Heart” helped to win the hearts of audiences. I can’t tell you what edge this one has. Tarzan [PG] DIRECTOR: STARRING: GENRE: RUN LENGTH: RELEASE:
Reinhard Kloos Kellan Lutz & Spencer Locke Animation, Adventure 95 min Mar 13
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