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ISSUE 83 MAY 30 - JUN 5, 2014
Life’s Beautiful photo contest at Sentosa 14 Jun PAGE 2 Great prizes to be won!
Weekender Alice Nine Tickets Giveaway
EN T ER T A I NMEN T
Magnificent maleficent
DON’T
WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS TO ALICE NINE SUPERNOVA SYMPHONIA ASIA TOUR PAGE 3
MISS!
DER EN K WEE MALEFICENT WAY GIVEA
ENT ERTA I NMENT
Who will WIN the world CUP? REVISIT the most epic world cup moments
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mAY 30 - June 5, 2014
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Entertainment
FUN @ SENTOSA
now on
Check out these events & activities happening this week
NEW! Free! Candy Unwrapped Ongoing until further notice, 10am-6pm, Science Centre admission fee applies The exhibition is an interactive, thought provoking, fun learning experience for the curious. Come on down to the Science Centre and uncover the anatomy of candy. Explore how your taste buds react to different kinds of sweets, and the many uses for sugar. Witness the power of your favourite candies, and learn the fascinating facts! Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Road, www.science.edu.sg
Take time off for some family bonding with your little ones and let them explore and learn through play! Storytelling with PLAYMOBIL Embark on a magical journey and find out whether the brave fairies can save the Queen in “The Search for the Magical Unicorn”; stop evil magician and his accomplice from stealing in “The Stolen Dragon Heart”; and join Prince Plucky in his adventure to search for treasures in “Prince Plucky and the Treasures of the Ocean”. Palawan Beach ‘Tell Us Your Story’ Contest
Weekly prizes
Be a comic strip writer in the “Tell Us Your Story” contest and stand a chance to win weekly prizes. Submit your entry at the “Storytelling Comes Alive!” event and receive a free gift. Download comic strip at www.sentosa.com
Sentosa 4D AdventureLand 31 May–30 Jun, 10am-9pm (Last admission at 8.15pm), $29.90*/child Go on a 4D adventure at Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, ride on the virtual 4D roller-coaster at the Extreme Log Ride and fire away at the interactive shoot out game at Desperados. Get the Kid Adventure Pass for UNLIMITED admissions in the month of June. Sentosa 4D Adventure Land, Imbiah Lookout Seabreeze summer PROMOTION 1 Jun–31 Jul, 10.30am–7pm, $50* for any 3 activities Endless water-sports fun for everyone with the Banana Boat, Bumper Tubes, Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddle Boards and more! SeaBreeze Water-Sports, Wave House Sentosa *Terms and Conditions apply
unlimited fun all year round. there is never a dull moment when you Are a sentosa islander! To find out more, scan here
FREE! NEW! The LaSalle Show 2014 Until 4 June, 11am-8pm The graduates from the Diploma, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) and Master of Arts showcase their best works from design, fine arts, music theatre and more. It marks the grand finale of an artistic education in creativity and imagination, and the transformation of these young talents to professional artists in the larger creative industries’ ecosystem. Lasalle College of the Arts, 1 McNally Street, www.lasalle.edu.sg
New! Under the Dragon Moon 30 May-1 Jun, $30 In an ancient era where magic ruled the word, the omnipotent full moon rose to reveal the dragon constellation at its highest point. Relive this traditional folklore with your kids and learn about the most mystical of ancient beliefs. Under the Dragon Moon is part of ACE! Festival 2014 that promises to give your whole family a fun-filled week. Central Public Library, 100 Victoria Street, www.itheatre.org
New! The Studios 2014 Until 19 Jul, 8pm (Thu), 8pm & 10.30pm (Fri), 3pm, 7.30pm & 10pm (Sat), 3pm & 7.30pm (Sun), $28 This annual celebration of the eclectic and eccentric side of performance art returns again with a series of works including the poignant RAW series. A man of fierce opinions, Rothko fires questions at his nervous assistant about art; which sparks a surprisingly intense philosophical debate on life, art, culture and Nietzsche. Esplanade Theatre Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive, www.sistic.com.sg
start your weekend with a bang Free! Singapore Food Expo 2014 29 May-2 Jun, 11am-11pm With so much food and provisions to indulge in, you’ll be spoilt for choices. While gratifying in good food and good value purchases, enjoy lots of entertainment and stage activities brought to you by both local and overseas artistes, as well as TV celebrities. The whimsical atmosphere is definitely a great way to spend your weekend. Singapore Expo, 1 Expo Drive, www.singaporefoodexpo.org.sg New! Live @ Jericho’s! 30 May, 7pm-10pm, $6 The Stage @ Jericho’s, the social enterprise branch under Uni-Y SMU presents Live @ Jericho’s! Home-grown and budding musicians perform to raise funds for social projects. Grab dinner on-the-go and have it at the rooftop while enjoying a monthly dose of great music
without spending a bomb. YMCA Singapore Building, One Orchard Road, www.facebook.com/ uniysmu
FREE! NEW! Asian Festival of Children’s Content 30 May-4 Jun, 2-4pm AFCC is a festival that brings together content creators and producers and anyone interested in quality Asian content for children around the world. Workshops and activities made available for both parents and children to enjoy, including one for children aged 5-12 years old to learn to have fun while reading. National Library of Singapore, www.afcc.com.sg
LIFE’S BEAUTIFUL AT SENTOSA PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST 14 Jun Snap a photo with your digital compact camera in the theme of “Life’s Beautiful at Sentosa” and stand a chance to win Canon products! Winning photos will be printed on special edition Beautex tissue boxes. For every pack sold, 20 cents will be donated to charity. 1st prize: Canon PowerShot SX 170 IS worth $249; 2nd prize: Canon Selphy CP 910 Compact Photo Printer worth $179. How to participate: Sign up at the Life’s Beautiful event at Palawan Beach; take your digital camera and snap photos on Sentosa; submit the digital copy of your photo where you registered; look out in Weekender to see if you’ve won! Rules: Participants can use any digital camera. All photos will be judged on relevance to theme, creativity in interpretation, use of colours & light/shadows, and photo composition. All photos must be taken on Jun 14, 2014. Palawan Beach, Sentosa
New! B.A.P LIVE ON EARTH SINGAPORE 2014 31 May, 7pm-9.30pm, $178 onwards Korean band B.A.P will will not only perform songs from the past but also their latest hits from the recent album. The concert has a revamped concept, bringing it to a whole new level. It’s set to be a memorable night for fans. The Star Theatre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, www. sistic.com.sg
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weekender.com.sg New! FREE! Justice League and Batman 75th Anniversary 3 Jun The limited edition MyStamp collection launches in style at the Singapore Philatelic Museum this June. Celebrating 75 years of Batman and Justice league. Fans can preregister their interest for latest updates and promo activities. Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street, www.batman75.sg New! NICKELODEON’S DORA THE EXPLORER LIVE! DORA’S PIRATE ADVENTURE 4-8 Jun, 3pm & 6.30 pm (Wed-Fri), 11am, 3 pm & 6.30pm (Sat & Sun), $38 onwards Join your favourite explorer Dora and her best buddy Boots the Monkey as they embark on an exciting trip to Treasure Island in search of the ultimate pirate party in Dora’s Pirate Adventure, Live in Singapore. The show helps to encourage and empower kids to communicate, solve puzzles and discover a diverse and exciting world through an interactive format. Resorts World Theatre, Resorts World Sentosa, www.rwsentosa.com We The Kings Live in Singapore 4 Jun, 7-10pm, $88, $78 for 4 tickets and above For their debut performance in Singapore, the American pop group presents their latest album “Somewhere Somehow” from last December. Prepare to rock on to runes like “Art of War” and classics like “Heaven Can Wait” The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel, Resorts World Sentosa, http://wethekings.peatix.com
COMING SOON
continued to receive remarkable responses every year. A fitting alternative sport making use of the many skyscrapers in Singapore. 1 Raffles Place, nvm.ntusportsclub.sg
Lion Dash 8 June, 8.30am Sprint, $75, 12pm Beast, $105 Summon the lion in you at the greatest mud feud in Singapore, with the return of the Lion Dash presented by Columbia! This June, get ready for more heart-pumping action alongside familiar obstacles and some devilishly challenging new ones including, the Python Pit, Escape Route, Push Up Poaches and Slippery Slope. Tampines Mountain Bike Park, www.liondash.com
preview
Book your tickets in advance for these choice picks
Beerfest Asia 2014 12-15 June The place to be this June for all beer lovers in Singapore! A day of beer, comedy, musical tributes and workshops. With over 400 beer exhibitors and 50 types of whisky, get ready for an adventurous night of sampling and enjoyment. Marina Promenade, www.beerfestasia.com
Mark your calendars for these events happening in two to four weeks
NEW! Port of Lost Wonder: BBQ under the Stars 7 Jun, 6.30-9.30pm, $30 (Child), $35 (Adult), POLW and Islander members enjoy $5 off Every first Saturday of the month until 30 June, experience the beauty of the Port at night, enjoy the cool sea breeze and the calming, rhythmic waves. Treat your taste buds to a delectable spread of starters and barbecued meats. Let the little ones catch some pirate action, and cuddle as a family along our picnic grounds and catch a show under the stars. Palawan Beach, Port of Lost Wonder, www.polw.com.sg Le Noir 7 Jun, 7.30pm (Tue - Fri), 3pm & 7.30pm (Sat), 1pm & 5.30pm (Sun), $70 onwards Le Noir is an extraordinary evening of intimate cirque-style entertainment you don’t want to miss. A cast of world-class acrobats, musicians, specialty acts and comedians are the centrepiece of this cutting edge production. The Wheel of Death is one act that will have audiences on the edge of their seats. Mastercard Theatre, 10 Bayfront Avenue, www.sistic.com.sg National Vertical Marathon 8 Jun, various timings, various prices National Vertical Marathon (NVM) has been a part of NTU Sports Club since 1994, and has
New! FREE! RAW: The Boy Inside 17-18 Jun, 8-9.30pm The Boy Inside tells the story of Nicholas, a 15-year-old boy who struggles with eczema as he pursues his love for swimming. As the implications of his medical condition begin to set in, Nicholas realizes that things are no longer as simple as it seems. Inspired by the writer’s personal battles with eczema, this story will leave a great impact in your lives. Esplanade Theatre Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive, www.thestudios.com.sg Stefanie Sun 2014 Kepler World Tour 5 Jul, 8pm, $98+ onwards Singapore’s very own Mandopop queen returns after her 5-year hiatus kicking off her 2014 Kepler Tour with two sold-out shows in the Taipei Arena last February. Get ready for her one-night only performance at the National Stadium this July. Tickets now available. National Stadium, Stadium Road, www.unusual.com.sg Reebok ONE Challenge 6 Jul, 9am–5pm, $45 In this epic game of police and thief, everyone is a prisoner on a ‘death row’, trying to outrun guards all around. It has multiple elements. You’ll be made to go through countless fitness
weekender canon photo contest winner Congratulations to the Canon Photo Contest Winner: Spencer Heng! Weekender rewards readers. Canon Selphy CP910 Compact Photo Printer
Weekender Alice Nine Tickets Giveaway
Alice Nine Supernova Symphonia Asia Tour 28 Jun, 8pm (Doors open 7pm), $138 (VIP–SOLD OUT), $98 (Standard) Alice Nine will be in Singapore for one show only as part of their first-ever tour outside of Japan. Celebrating their 10th anniversary, the band will be touring Asia with their latest concert Supernova Symphonia and will be performing their newly-released single, Shining. Alice Nine as a five-part band has been topping charts in Japan with their music such as Vandalize, Jewels, Stargazer and GEMINI, and is easily recognised as one of the top visual-kei bands in Japan. Mixing music with style, Alice Nine’s concerts promise fans a visually impactful experience with elaborate wardrobe and makeup. The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa, www.redspade.sg
WIN A PAIR OF TICKETS (EACH TICKET WORTH $98) TO ALICE NINE SUPERNOVA SYMPHONIA ASIA TOUR Weekender is giving away a pair of tickets (each ticket worth $98) to the Alice Nine Supernova Symphonia Asia Tour at The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel, on Jun 28!
TO WIN, SIMPLY: 1. Like & share our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/weekendersgp 2. Drop us a private message with the words: “Weekender Alice” 3. In the message, include your particulars: Name, NRIC, E-mail, Mobile No. & Home Address
obstacles along the 5km route while keeping a lookout. If you finish the race with at least one life, you’re a winner and will bring home a finisher’s T-shirt! Gardens by the Bay (East), 18 Marina Gardens, www.reebokonechallenge.com.sg
Nanta (Cookin’) 10 Jul–13 Jul, 8pm (Thu-Sat), 2.30pm (SatSun), $48 onwards NANTA (COOKIN’) is a comic musical non-verbal performance derived from the traditional Korean instrumental performance “Samulnori“. The theatre is thrown into an explosive performance as aromatic smells of foods fills the kitchen and the chefs race against time to pull together a wedding banquet. Resorts World Theatre, Resorts World Sentosa, 8 Sentosa Gateway, www.rswentosa.com
Closing Date: JUN 4, 2014 The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa, www.Redspade.sg
NEW! Orange Ribbon Run 2014, Race Against Racism 16 Aug, 4pm, various prices Singapore’s only running event against racism. The Orange Ribbon Run is back for its second year, encouraging Singaporeans to embrace diversity and to stand against racism. A category in place for all ages and abilities. Registration closes on Jul 31. Marina bay Sands Event Plaza, 12A Bayfront Avenue, www.raceagainstracism.sg
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mAY 30 - June 5, 2014
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Entertainment
Do you have the
WO R L D C U P F E V E R
Can Spain do the impossible and retain the Cup?
coolest, most badass dad?
Germany Perhaps the most consistent performers in World Cup history, the Germans look stronger than ever. With the likes of young talent Mario Goetze and more, Germany is unwilling to settle for anything less than 1st place. With the recent strength of German football clubs such as Bayern Munich, that power could be translated to the international stage.
Ch an w ce to
in
lim ite d T-s edit fro hir ion t m Ku lt!
katatonia82 / Shutterstock.com
Tell us in what way your dad is the coolest and most badass (in a positive or gung-ho way) in your opinion, and you could win a limited edition pop culture themed T-shirt from Kult! Simply drop us an E-mail at general@weekender.com.sg with the subject: “Cool Badass Dad” and describe and explain to us why your dad is the coolest, most badass dad to you, in 300 words or less.
The top 2 winning entries will each win a limited edition T-shirt from Kult!
Who will rule the world? Here are some of the most exciting teams in the World Cup – who will emerge champions of the world? The stage is set for the grandest football tournament in the world as the best nations from the ends of the earth gather to battle.
Here are some of our favourites at the Brazil 2014 FIFA World Cup. See who we think could claim the ultimate glory.
Belgium One of the dark horses in the competition, Belgium is surprisingly strong, with stars such as Eden Hazard, Adnan Januzaj, Romelu Lukaku and English Premier League champions Manchester City’s Vincent Kompany. Belgium might live up to history and remain in obscurity but the squad is certainly an exciting prospect. It will remain to be seen if they can prove themselves to the world. Likely to Finish: Quarter-finals
Uruguay Shocking the world with their 4th place finish in the 2010 World Cup, Uruguay comes back even hungrier and more experienced. They are certainly poised to out-do themselves again. Keep your eyes peeled on the mouth-watering strike force featuring Edinson Cavani. However, Luis Suarez remains an injury doubt. Likely to Finish: QUARTER-finals
Brazil
Netherlands How well will the “best footballing nation never to have won the World Cup” fare this time? Can Louis van Gaal (who will be departing for Manchester United after the World Cup) lead the lions of the Netherlands on a final charge to the ultimate glory and achieve what no Dutch team or manager has yet to achieve? While the team is strong with the likes of Arjen Robben, Robin van Persie, Wesley Sneijder and many others, one can’t help but feel the odds may be against them. The world is looking forward to the opening game of the group - a rematch of the 2010 World Cup Final against Spain. Likely to Finish: Semi-finals
Spain Spain may be the reigning world and European champions but many have discounted the boys in red from the top four this time. What do you think? Given that the squad has aged and a few key players have left, the Spanish still play beautiful yet effective football with the new influx of talent. The big question is, will this be enough? Likely to Finish: Semi-finals
On top of home ground advantage, Brazil’s squad boasts the likes of Neymar, widely regarded as one of the very best in the world. A Seleção (the Brazilian selection) look to be fierce competitors in their fight back to the top. Still, questions remain about many big-name players having been left out. Will Brazil be able to reclaim the trophy that has most often been theirs? Likely to Finish: Quarter-finals
Will the German machine bulldoze everyone in its path?
Likely to Finish: 1st or 2nd
Argentina Lionel Messi. ‘nuff said. How could you rule out a team with the man who had been the best footballer in the world for a few years? More than that, Argentina appears to be a strong and cohesive side that will give its South American neighbours a run for their money. Argentina currently has the deadliest of attacking sides with Angel di Maria, Sergio Aguero, Gonzalo Higuain and Messi. Expect nothing less than a master-class of attacking football when you watch this side rise to the biggest stage. Likely to Finish: 1st or 2nd
As usual, we can expect many shocks and upsets and one can never be sure what will happen. Stay tuned to see how these teams fare! Will it be an ArgentinaGermany final? Who do you think will win the World Cup? Drop us a personal message at www.facebook. com/weekendersgp to tell us.
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movie preview
Be prepared for magic and wonder
Maleficent’s woodland creatures battle the king’s army
Maleficent: Maliciously magnificent 16th Century materials, finishes and furniture. An army of 250 people took 14 weeks to build this leviathan architecture replete with ornate interiors.
Artisanal Thatchers Imelda Staunton, Juno Temple and Lesley Manville portrayed the three pixies. To capture all the actresses’ nuances, the visual effects team used 150 markers on each of their faces to track their facial expressions into CG characters.
Disney updates a classic fairy tale and places an iconic villain as the star
R
emember this devious character, Maleficent, that put a spell on young “Sleeping Beauty” in the old animated feature released by Disney? Academy Award-winning actress Angelina Jolie is perfectly cast as the new incarnation of this vile character and brings to life her fierce desire for revenge and to protect the moors in which she presides. Maleficent also intends to place an irrevocable curse upon the king’s new-born infant, Aurora (played by Elle Fanning from Super 8). As the princess grows, she is inevitably caught in the middle of a conflict between the forest kingdom she adores and the human kingdom that holds her legacy. The plot thickens when Maleficent realises that Aurora may hold the key to peace in the land,
so she’s compelled to take drastic action that will forever change the fate of both worlds.
A Power Team
Believe it or not, the film took ten years to make. It is directed by two-time Oscar-winning production designer Robert Stromberg (Avatar and Alice in Wonderland) who, in his directorial debut, is led and produced by Joe Roth. Jolie is also an executive producer. The film’s beautiful costumes are handled by none other than Anna B Sheppard (Schindler’s List and The Pianist). The movie cost US$6 million to make and it is the most expensive movie the studio had made up to that point.
Amazing Sets
An astonishing 40 sets had to be built, such as a 12-foot square room to a 5,000-sq ft Great Hall. The most challenging was erecting the castle – think grand-scale marble floors and
Another feat was erecting the thatched cottage of Aurora’s childhood which was actually built on the back lot of Pinewood Studios in London. Traditional thatchers had to be roped in to build the authentic thatched roof and timber frames, and there are only 1,000 bona fide, full-time thatchers at work in the United Kingdom. Sadly, it is an artisanal skill that’s fading. The film has renewed interest in preserving historic buildings and deploying more sustainable building materials, especially in the UK.
WEEKENDER MALEFICENT GIVEAWAY 5 sets of Disney’s Maleficent movie items to be won! Win a set of movie items from Disney’s new film, Maleficent. Each set is worth $270.
WIN 1 SET OF: • Ladies T-Shirt
• Hoodie • Colour-Changing Tumbler • Horns Headgear
Hats off to Milliners
A more painstaking task was sewing all the 2,000 costumes by hand. That was a challenge relished by Sheppard and her team. Jolie even had a go with working with milliners who helped design the six headdresses she wears in the film. With that much dedication and passion, it’s no wonder the trailers are gripping. Don’t miss it in theatres this weekend. MALEFICENT [PG13] DIRECTOR: Robert Stromberg STARRING: Angelina Jolie & Elle Fanning GENRE: Fantasy, Adventure RUN LENGTH: 98 min RELEASE: May 29
ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASE. TO WIN, SIMPLY: 1. Like & share our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/weekendersgp 2. Drop us a private message with the words: “Weekender Maleficent” 3. In the message, include your particulars: Name, NRIC, E-mail, Mobile No.
CLOSING DATE: 4 JUN 2014 The winner will be notified by E-mail. Terms & Conditions apply.
mAY 30 - June 5, 2014
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Entertainment
Skincare and beauty brand Estetica unveiled the leggy Jesseca Liu as their new spokesperson – we ask her about her latest aspirations
TV star Jesseca Liu has come a long way from being a mere kampong girl from Langkawi to the glamorous actress we now see in various Channel 8 dramas. Jesseca talks to us on her new role as Estetica’s new spokesperson and her aspirations. For her, the sky’s the limit.
How do you like your new role as spokesperson for Estetica? I am extremely honoured to be Estetica’s brand ambassador! I have tried many facials and treatments but Estetica has set themselves apart, as their services and products are top-notch. Their therapists are extremely well trained and their treatment techniques are simply the best I have ever experienced. I’m also really grateful for Estetica’s understanding and support for me, especially for accommodating my busy schedule. It is heartening to find partners like this.
allows for it. In addition, my mum was a beauty therapist and would use me as her model, and I often ended up having to spend half a day on the treatment bed! So, I developed a ‘resistance’ towards beauty treatments, especially long ones, and focused on quick beauty fixes instead. My favourite Estetica Signature Facial consists of a 32-step acupressure facial massage, which is very relaxing. It’s definitely something I look forward to after a long day at work.
be happier
Director Jesseca Liu? Do you have any personal skincare tips, as an artiste? When I was a lot younger, I used to take the easy way out, thinking that doing the minimum was enough. But since I came into the entertainment industry, so many stylists and makeup artists are shocked that I’ve never put on sunscreen. They keep telling me the same thing: sunscreen is essential for the face! I place great emphasis on my diet too. I eat mainly fish and vegetables to maintain my figure and complexion. I also exercise whenever time permits. It is not only about looking good; it is also about being healthy.
Any future plans that you can share with us? Recently, I embarked on a new challenge by cowriting the script and overseeing the production for the drama series “Who Killed the Lead”, which premieres on May 5 onwards on XinMSN and on May 25 on Channel U. I’m also currently filming another drama series, “Blessings”, and it will keep me occupied for the next few months
What are your favourite treatments from Estetica? I never thought I would become a fan of treatments, because, in my mind, they require long hours, and my schedule seldom
new movie
Hugh Jackman was a live one at the conference
The gorgeous Fan Bing Bing
X Men: Days of Future Past in Singapore Hugh Jackman, Peter Dinklage and Fan Bing Bing delighted all with their charm at the X-Men: Days of Future Past movie press conference.
Could you describe your role in the new film?
Hugh Jackman: You see a whole different side of Wolverine in this movie. He is more of a diplomat and a mentor in this movie, which is not really his skill set…
I have always been very blur, so there are actually quite a number of funny moments on set. Walking into the Gents and tripping over things happens frequently! The trick is always to recover gracefully as if you always meant for that to happen! More recently, during the shooting of “Who Killed the Lead”, I mixed up and saved some of the names and numbers of my co-stars wrongly on my phone. We had a group chat and I asked in the group chat why Jayley isn’t in the chat at all, and she replied saying she was in the group all the time. The situation turned out to be quite embarrassing!
What do you like to do on in your time off? Since production for “Blessings” began, my schedule has been really tight. I hardly have time for myself. I have fallen in love with scriptwriting, after my first attempt in “Who Killed the Lead”. I am now learning more about it, and hopefully I’ll be able to take on the role of a director as well in time to come. Jesseca’s new series “Who Killed the Lead” premiered on May 5 on XinMSN & May 25 on Channel U.
A L S O IN TH E ATR E S and it takes me really long to get in shape. Jackman reminisced the day the assistant director decided that the sexy scene that was supposed to be shot on May 21 was to be pushed back to a later date. Jackman replied, “Here’s the deal: you can do whatever scene you want on May 21, but I will be naked.”
To promote the new blockbuster X-Men: Days of Future Past, Hugh Jackman and gang came to visit
Any funny or memorable moments on set?
What advice do you have for Channing Tatum as he joins the X-Men as gambit? Jackman: I’m thrilled for Channing. I’ve never really heard of him before this and it is going to be a great break for him! For someone of his success and stature to join the X men team, it really speaks volumes about the X-Men story.
Did you do any special work out for that sexy back-shot scene of Wolverine?
Peter Dinklage: I was actually his stunt double for that scene… Jackman: For a scene like that you need to be ready on the day
I’d like to speak to Wolverine…
A DJ/reporter: When you have your rib eye, do you use cutlery or do you just stab the rib eye? Wolverine: You makin’ fun of me? The two proceed to take their ‘fight’ outside and leave Dinklage and Fan to answer the questions. They returned after a short while. X Men: Days of Future Past premiered on May 22, featuring the characters from the older X-Men movies joining forces with their younger selves to fight a war of survival across two dimensions of time. By Basil Lee X-Men: Days of Future Past [PG13] DIRECTOR: Bryan Singer STARRING: Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy & Jennifer Lawrence GENRE: Sci-fi, Action RUN LENGTH: 131 min RELEASE: May 22
Overheard 3 [TBA] The latest instalment of the series of thrillers brings back the element of audio evidence in the corporate world. With an influx of a few new stars, Overheard 3 is set to take the audience on the most exciting stock market thriller yet. STARRING: Lau Ching Wan, Louis Koo, Daniel Wu GENRE: Thriller RELEASE: 29 May
The Canyons [R21] An illustrious filmmaker discovers that his beautiful girlfriend (Lindsay Lohan) is cheating on him with an actor. A tale of love, revelry and vengeance starring the most exciting of cast members. STARRING: James Deen, Lindsay Lohan GENRE: Romance, Thriller RELEASE: May 22
Grace of Monaco [PG] The biographical film of a star and her choosing love over career success. At the peak of stardom, Grace Kelly gave up her career to marry Prince Rainier of Monaco. Six years after, she faced a crisis threatening
Monaco and her marriage. STARRING: Frank Langella, Nicole Kidman, Milo Ventimiglia, Tim Roth GENRE: Drama, Biography RELEASE: May 22
Godzilla [PG 13] The famous creature of gargantuan proportions comes to humanity’s salvation and protects the earth from other monsters with powers that humans thought they could control. The Japanese classic is given new life in this incarnation and looks pretty promising. STARRING: Aaron TaylorJohnson, Elizabeth Olsen, Bryan Cranston GENRE: Action, Adventure RELEASE: May 15
Mindscape [PG13] A man with the rare talent of entering into people’s minds takes on a client he will never forget. The troubled teenager throws our hero headlong into a series of mind games and seduction. Will this turn out to be a mind-screw? STARRING: Mark Strong, Taissa Farmiga & Brian Cox GENRE: Thriller RELEASE: May 15
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Yak & Crow
Elsa of Frozen is one of Disney’s new, strong women
No more cleaning floors, Cinderella
We solemnly swear to yak about local hot- topic issues or crow about our opinions on Singaporean culture
Animated women have evolved greatly over the years from the damsel in distress to strong characters women can emulate
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ho’s your favourite Disney princess? Growing up, mine used to be Aurora from Sleeping Beauty but, as I grew older, I started to prefer Mulan. Now, I can confidently say that my favourite Disney princess is Mulan. Why? Well, I’m not saying she’s my favourite because we have the same skin tone. Mulan didn’t need a prince to save her; she saved China. She’s no damsel in distress, nor did she get married and live happily ever after. Her life was not perfect but, even after all her heroics, she came out a better person for it. Now, that is a cartoon role model I would like my child to emulate. This is no first-world feminist rant. This is merely my observation of how the portrayal of female characters has changed throughout the years in Disney and other animated movies.
True to Life? The character that really irks me to this day is Snow White. My goodness, the naivety of this girl. If Snow White was a character in real life, she would be a girl who ran away from an unhappy home, lived with seven strange men, and had strong inclinations to accept food from menacing strangers. The original Disney princesses may bring nostalgic and beautiful memories for most people but the truth of the matter is that their characters leave much to be desired. For instance, Belle from Beauty and the Beast has signs of Stockholm
Mulan’s the man!
How Real Are syndrome – where she becomes loyal to someone who has essentially held her against her will, and severely threatened to kill her father. Men, if you ever came across these Disney princesses-type girls in real life, I’m quite sure you would end up running for the hills. No prince charming to be found there.
In Distress No More Nonetheless, in the recent Disney animations such as Tangled, Princess & The Frog, Brave and, most recently, Frozen, the female characters have become stronger and perhaps more updated with the times to impart better values to the young. For the most part, anyway.
True love or infatuation?
fairy tale women? Rapunzel fell in love with the thief, who scaled her tower shortly after robbing her parents, Tiana had to become a frog as well before the Frog prince realised he loved her, Merida (from Brave) turned her mother into a bear in a fit of childish pique, and Elsa nearly killed her sister with frost. However, apart from these quirks, they are exponentially more powerful than their predecessors had ever been. I especially loved the part in
Frozen where Elsa exclaims to her sister, “You cannot marry a man you just met!” as well as Merida taking a stance on being able to choose her own husband. These women are much more ‘real’ than before, and a sign that Disney is moving with the times. The female characters in Disney films and movies are slowly moving away from the weak and naïve damsel in distress personalities to ones with more heart and soul; which is appears to be a turn for the better.
Sorry, Elsa, your ice castle is great and all but Mulan still owns you. Level of Disney Princess: Asian.
What starts as a delightful offer to come to dinner soon changes when tension between the two men develops. Just who is the target in this suspense thriller: the girl or the allure of cheating a rich couple out of thousands of dollars?
1962, the filmmaker Hossein Amini makes his directorial debut with a series of chilling lessons that resonate today. Far from a tale of love and conflict in an exotic European nation, The Two Faces of January is a gritty look at what can happen when one decides to leave the safe shores of home.
Highsmith is the author of the Talented Mr Ripley and other related novels in the series. It is not surprising that The Two Faces of January echoes some of the same dark themes. What can be described as a story that sometimes lacks logic and rationality gets under the skin and hangs on tightly. Whatever happens when you see the film you can guarantee the images of Rydal, Chester, and Collette will stick with you.
Do you agree? Do you think the women in Disney and other fairy tale animations are becoming more real? Drop us a personal message at www. facebook.com/weekendersgp and share with us your thoughts. By Cheryl Chia
movie review
The Two Faces of January: Be careful who you believe Warm and welcoming, a tour guide shows a darker side when he meets a glamorous American couple on holiday in Athens A dream trip to Athens takes a more sinister turn when the charismatic Chester Macfarland (played by Viggo Mortensen) and his sexy young wife Collette Macfarland (played by the ravishing Kirsten Dunst) meet cheeky tour guide Rydal (played by Oscar Isaac).
Holiday Gone Wrong Rydal is forthright and charismatic. He’s everything anyone could ever want from a tour guide. However, the Greekspeaking American hides a darker side to him. As things begins to brew under the surface, Chester starts to become suspicious about the man who has a strange attraction to his wife. Although set in the comparatively simpler time of
When the Light Goes Out Amini takes Patricia Highsmith’s original novel of the same name and replicates the descent into darkness. Despite the luxurious surroundings, the plot soon transforms into something deeper and darker. When Rydal is seen hiding the body of an unconscious man, Chester discovers there’s more than meets the eye.
THE TWO FACES OF JANUARY [PG13] DIRECTOR: Hossein Amini STARRING: Viggo Mortensen, Kirsten Dunst & Oscar Isaac GENRE: Suspense, Thriller RUN LENGTH: 97 min RELEASE: May 29
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Foodmania
Hooray for Halal!
Photo: Yellow Submarines Cheesesteaks Facebook
Ottoman Kebab & Grill
Yellow Submarines Cheesesteaks
Halal food is not restricted to merely Malay, Indonesian or Indian food – here are a few more worldly options With the Ramadan season coming up, here are a few options you can choose for buka puasa – the break fast – with your Muslim friends.
Carousel The food at Carousel is prepared in halalcertified kitchens. Carousel brings in Spanish chef Esmeraldo Oteruelo from Jun 29 to Jul 27; just in time for Ramadan. His Spanish specialties include the classic Paella Mixta, a fragrant mixed rice dish with fresh seafood, and Agnolotti di Aragosta e Scampi, a ravioli-like pasta stuffed with lobster and shrimp. Aside from seafood, diners can also look forward to feasting on a popular French dish known as Magret de Canard. It is seared duck breast, sliced and served with a piquant sauce made with honey, orange, and thyme. Visit www.carouselbuffet. com.sg for reservations.
Fluff Bakery So, this really isn’t for a meal but it’s for dessert! This halal bakery uses mascarpone and cream cheese instead of fondant or buttercream. It has unique flavoured
Tang Teahouse Hong Kong Café Photo: Tang Teahouse Hong Kong Cafe Facebook
delicacies such as Lemon Lemongrass and Honey Cupcakes, Teh Tarik Cupcakes, and Deconstructed Baklava Cupcakes. There is usually a long queue here, so be prepared to wait for your delicious dessert Fluff Bakery, 12 Jalan Pisang, Singapore 199079
Yellow Submarines Cheesesteaks Who knew that a Philly cheesesteak could be found in Toa Payoh? And did we mention that it is halal? Yellow Submarines Cheesesteaks does an Asian rendition of the cheesesteak sandwich. They place beef slices cooked a la minute topped with melted cheese in between fluffy buns.
Fluff Bakery
1Market Photo: 1Market Facebook
Carousel
Also, you should try their Torpedo Fries, which is their version of cheesy fries. They also have an assortment of submarine sandwiches. Visit www. yellowsubmarines.com.sg for more information.
Fika Swedish Café & Bistro Fika, a quintessential Swedish coffee break, is also a halal Swedish café in Singapore. Up until Fika, your only exposure to Swedish cuisine might have been from Ikea. Try the traditional Pickled Herring Platter or the Swedish Homemade Meatballs in a creamy sauce with a side of parsley potatoes and lingonberry jam. All the authentically
Swedish items on the menu are marked with the logo of a moose. Visit www.fikacafe.com for more information.
1Market Malaysian celebrity Chef Wan’s halal-certified buffet restaurant has proven a big hit with the Muslim community here since its grand opening in 2012. 1Market has an array of food ranging from sashimi to casseroles, hot pots and desserts, made from Chef Wan’s recepies. 1Market, Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Road, #04-45 to 49, Singapore 238839, Tel: 6341 9159
Ottoman Kebab & Grill Turkish food can be found in the heart of the new
Bedok Mall. Who would have thought that? Ottoman serves authentic Turkish platters such as Iskender Mutton Kebab, a tender mutton dish with homemade croutons, and a popular Turkish snack called Cheese Borek that is a filo pastry containing cheese. Trust us when we say you will not be getting an odd mixture of MiddleEastern food at this place. Ottoman Kebab & Grill, Bedok Mall, 311 New Upper Changi Road, #01-75, Singapore 467360, Tel: 6702 4031
teahouse) Tang Teahouse is cooking up a storm in Simpang Bedok. Apart from staples such as fried Hong Kong noodles and chicken rice, they also have a dim sum menu with signatures such as har kow, golden buns, chicken char siew paus, and crispy Vietnam rolls. Tang Teahouse Hong Kong Café, 357/359 Bedok Road, Tel: 6445 9100, Singapore 469545
Tang Teahouse Hong Kong Café Even tze-char and dim sum stalls are getting into the fray. Halal cha chaan teng (Hong Kong-style
The best Malay food in town Since not all food stalls are created equal, we’ve narrowed the search down to types of food so that you know where you can get the best dishes available. Here are a few of our choice picks.
Nasi Lemak Kukus If you’re hankering after some local Malay food, look no further than these Singaporean favourites
Serving good nasi lemak and Ramly burgers, this is an excellent place to go for sinful Malay hawker food. They also sell side dishes such as fried chicken skin and chicken wings.
The steamed rice has a grainier texture, and the chicken wings are marinated with kaffir lime for a tangy flavour. 908 Upper Thomson Road, Singapore 787111
Selera Kita There is always a queue at Selera Kita, even before the stall opens at 8.30am! Its mee rebus is so good that it usually sells out by 1pm. Also, the yellow noodles are served in spicy gravy with small
dried shrimp for a punch in the flavour. Blk 58 New Upper Changi Road, 01-182, Singapore 461058
Super Power Satay Part of the well-recognised Al Azhar brand, Super Power Satay serves lamb, chicken, beef, and beef tripe satay. They utilise boneless chicken legs, lamb leg meat, and beef sirloin in the satay to achieve the best tasting results and texture. www.superpowersatay.com
Warung M Nasir Located in the heart of Singapore along Killiney Road, Warung M Nasir opens later than most nasi padang stalls. It serves some of the best dishes in town such as beef rendang ayam gulai, ayam goreng, and sayur lodeh. The begedil, or potato patty, is also something you shouldn’t miss. 69 Killiney Road, Singapore 239526
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Ethnic Eats Grab some of the most interesting ethnic food in town
High West Campfire Whiskey, Sangue Morlacco, Cocchi Vermouth di Torino, and Ferrand dry curacao. The entire thing is topped with a cinnamon stick and orange peel. After a long day, there’s no better way to wind down than with this drink.
Manhattan speakeasy Regent Singapore’s new speakeasy bar Manhattan has opened Hotel bars and lounges tend to have reputation for being boring but not the Manhattan located in the Regent Singapore. Inspired by the 19th Century’s Golden Age of cocktails and fine drinking, this gothic and spicy bar will transport you back into the Prohibition Era of the USA.
From the Barrel The bar contains the world’s first in-hotel rick-house for the head bartender, Ricky Paivo. The rick-house features over a hundred American oak barrels from a small cooperage in Minnesota, and is used to finish whiskies and other delicacies.
It is also used to age bitters and single-cask cocktails. Guests can savour a rotating “From the Rickhouse” section when the delicious drinks are ready. There is also an apothecary of sorts filled with jars containing different types of pickles and rare ingredients such as wild cherry bark, shisandra berries, and dandelion root. Two private spaces are also available, and one of the rooms has an impressive amount of Czech crystal ware on display. Apart from the impressive décor, the drinks feature 25 seasonal cocktails that are inspired by the history of Manhattan’s neighbourhoods, from Wall Street to Spanish Harlem. Personally, I loved the Eighth Ward, for $24, the best. Eighth Ward contains
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The Taste of New York For those who prefer a less biting option, the Princess Cut for $23 is for you! It has G’Vine Floraison Gin, June fleur de vigne liqueur, house-made hibiscus syrup, fresh lemon, rosewater, and champagne. This mixture is served in a pretty, thin crystal glass. It’s not the most masculine drink, but we won’t judge you if you order one! Besides the cocktails, this bar has amazing food. You definitely won’t want to miss the Rebellion Burger for $20 and the Maine Lobster Roll for $26. The lobster dish is a carb-free roulade version of the traditional meal. So make like Jay Gatsby with this new addition to the night scene. You won’t regret it! Manhattan, Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Road, Level 2, Singapore 249715, Tel: 6725 3377
Burmese: A unique blend of cultures Burmese cuisine is characterised by its distinct flavours of sweet, sour and mildly spicy. Thanks to growing demand, there are now a number of places where you can satisfy your Burmese cravings.
Inle Myanmar Inle Myanmar takes pride in serving authentic Myanmar cuisine that has been lovingly prepared according to treasured family recipes, with the inspiration drawn from Inle Lake. Both newcomers and fans love the Mohinga and Hpa Luda ‘rose scented’ dessert. No wonder it’s one of the most famous Burmese eateries in Singapore. Peninsula Plaza, 111 North Bridge Road, #B1-07 (A/B), Singapore 179098, Tel: 6333 5438
Loi Nine Myanmar Cuisine Taste authentic Shan cuisine here, an ethnic minority indigenous to Myanmar. Don’t miss the Shan potato rice that has a soft texture and comes with a killer tomato-based minced meat sauce. Warm tofu with rice noodles served with hot and sweet savoury tofu cream makes a great comfort food, especially on a rainy day. Excelsior Shopping Centre, Sidewalk Eating House, 5 Coleman Street
Mandalay Style Mandalay Style sits humbly in an old basement of a mall. Its low tables and chairs remind us of an archaic Burmese teahouse. This place specialises in food from Mandalay. Mandalay Mee Shay is a musttry, as the translucent, gluey sauce complements the white thick bee hoon really well. Excelsior Shopping Centre, 5 Coleman Street, #B1-29, Singapore 179805, Tel: 9183 3546
Ye Yint Café This little café does not succumb to the trend of serving exotic and ostentatious dishes to the adventurous foodies. Instead, Ye Yint offers a modest, original variety of delicacies at steal prices. Sip the rich Burmese milk tea and experience the after-work life of Burmese tradition. Peninsula Plaza, 111 North Bridge Road, #03-36, Singapore 179098, Tel: 6339 2420
WE ARE GIVING AWAY 3 SAMSUNG GALAXY TABS! Just help us to complete a short online survey (about 7-10 minutes) to help us to get to know you better and what you like, and stand to win a prize. Please bear in mind that you need to complete the entire survey to be eligible.
DEADLINE: The deadline for submissions has been extended to Mon, Jun 2, 12 noon. Our winners will be announced by late June. Only 1 submission per person will be considered. It’s less than a week till the deadline so, hurry, fill in the Weekender Readers Survey and stand to win a Samsung Galaxy Tab!
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VOTE FOR YOUR FAVOURITE RESTAURANTs AND WIN! Do you love good food? Are you a foodie who loves to blog about what you eat or hunt for great deals? Do you have discerning taste? The search for Singapore’s favourite restaurants and eateries is now on.
In our Weekender Foodmania Awards 2014, readers can vote and win! Just let us know which of these restaurants is your pick and you stand a chance at walking away with valuable prizes.
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n e w R e s ta u r a n t
Kanpachi Carpaccio
Kuro: Identity crisis? We had mixed reactions to the food at this new restaurant Behind Clarke Quay fixture Le Noir is another bar with a similar name, in another language: Kuro. Both mean “black” in their respective languages. Opened in April, new Japanese restaurant bar Kuro struggles slightly with its identity, even with the menu being directed by famed chef Hide Yamamoto. However, there is almost no
mention of Yamamoto’s involvement in any of the restaurant materials, which we found a tad unusual.
Hits and Misses The Kuro head chef trained at Hide Yamamoto to add the famed chef’s touch to the humble bar bites menu. However, I felt that some items were over complicated and would have been better off left alone, such as the Shishamo Goma Age ($12) – capelin fish coated in black and white sesame seeds
before being fried. The fish came encrusted in sesame seeds, which overpowered the natural taste of the shishamo. But, I did like the lighter options such as the Tofu Avocado Salada ($12), a light salad of fresh mesclun leaves, tofu, avocadoes, homemade sesame dressing and horseradish olive oil with truffle oil. However, I’m not sure how many people would go to a bar and order a salad. The fried chicken wings ($15) are a much better bet as the familiar taste of prawn paste chicken fills your palate, and are always a safe option when paired with beers.
Sushi and Beer If done well, raw fish and beer can actually go together nicely as seen in the case of the Kanpachi Carpaccio ($18) – thin slices of yellow tail with salmon roe and truffle oil. The fish was pristine fresh and palate cleansing, but then it all went
HOW THE WINNERS ARE DECIDED: - After 4 weeks of voting by readers, the top 3 restaurants with the highest amount of votes from readers will be the finalists. - There will be a 1-week break for vote consolidation. - The Weekender Foodmania Awards panel of judges will then visit the finalist restaurants. This will take place over a period of 2-3 weeks. - One restaurant in each category will be selected as the favourite in that category. - Finalists and winning restaurants will be announced in Weekender in July 2014. - The winning readers for voting will be picked by lucky draw from all votes received and announced in July 2014. - Readers may vote only once in each category per week. The more categories you vote in, the more chances you have at winning. - Get more chances to win with the Weekender Foodmania mobile app. See the app for more details.
wrong when I ordered the Rainbow Roll ($20). Although the staff told me that both fishes came from the same batch that had just arrived that day, the salmon, tuna and Hamachi was a little fishy and had a dry texture to it. The colours of the purported rainbow roll were missing with the lacklustre colour of the fish. Despite the training from Hide Yamamoto, it is odd that the best items on the menu are still local bites such as prawn paste chicken. Perhaps they might improve with the food given time, but it is not too shabby a place to pop in for Japanese whisky. Just avoid the complicated-sounding bar bites.
n e w n ota b l e s
Kuro Restaurant + Bar, Block 3C, Clarke Quay, The Cannery, #01-11, Singapore 179022, Tel: 9733 6669. Opens from 5pm daily.
Ottoman Kebab & Grill
Some of the newest eateries and menus in town for you to check out
Red House Seafood Reviewed in May 22 issue Red House has launched a new lunch menu and has specially hired a dim sum chef for that. Kick off your lunch with a yummy Dim Sum Basket comprising of siew mai, mixed mushroom dumpling, ovenbaked char siew pau and more. 68 Prinsep Street, Singapore 188661, Tel: 6336 6080
Kuro Restaurant & Bar Reviewed in this issue Kuro’s concept marries old world charm with modern eclecticism. Go for the safer bets on the menu like the fried chicken wings and Kanpachi Carpaccio, and enjoy the great live entertainment and music. 3C River Valley Road, Clarke Quay, The Cannery, #01-11, Singapore 179022, Tel: 9733 6669 Review in Jun 6 issue Find authentic Turkish delights, served by Chef Ali Kose who worked as a sous-chef at Gordon Ramsay’s Michelinstarred Maze restaurant in London.
The Falafel had a fresh fried scent and a good texture from the ground chickpeas and fava beans. Bedok Mall, 311 New Upper Changi Road, #01-75, Singapore 467360, Tel: 6702 4031
Nam Nam Noodle Bar Reviewed in May 16 issue Nam Nam features iconic street favourites of Vietnam along tantalising snacks and desserts. Though not entirely authentic, the Pho Beef Steak Slices are excellent. A new range of bites, noodles and sandwiches has also been introduced. Visit www.namnamnoodlebar. com.sg for various locations.
Medzs Reviewed in Mar 14 issue Every weekend, Medzs adds an all-day brunch menu to its existing array of dishes to keep things fresh. Pick from a range of cuisines from France, Spain, Morocco, Greece and Turkey, at reasonable prices. Visit www.medzs.com.sg for various locations.
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SHOPsavvy
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Princess please?
beauty in brief
Channel your inner Disney princess with the help of these products Splash a little Disney fun on your day-to-day look, minus the fluffy dresses and damsel demeanour.
M.A.C
SK Jewellery The Disney Princess collection at SK Jewellery a d ds subtle p ri nce s s charm with a glass slipper inspired necklace or tiara inspired rings. Available at SK Jewellery.
Who says you can only look like a princess? Sometimes, a villain is more fun. These dark shades inspired by the upcoming Maleficent movie will help you attain a femme fatale look, fit for a villainess. Available at M.A.C.
Laneige For Snow White’s lips as red as a rose, perhaps try this new K-Secret Cushion Tint from Laneige. The lipstick comes with a sponge tip at the end for a gradation effect, creating that bitten look for a pure and innocent effect. Available at Laneige Boutiques.
Clio Clio Waterproof Pen Liner in Kill Black is how most Korean pop stars get their cat-eyed look, but closer to Arabia would be the smoky-lined eyes of Princess Jasmine. Line the top and the bottom with gentle flicks at the outer corner of your eyes for a mesmerising gaze. Available at Watsons.
A u d i fa s h i o n f e s t Interesting Mesh of Glamour & Classic
Ashley Isham makes a victorious return
A combination of the elements revealed a touch of femininity and strength, true to his fashion motto. The Autumn/ Winter collection was devoid of heavy wool fabrics; instead, we witnessed plenty of lightweight chiffon and lace. Perhaps the designs had Singaporean shoppers in mind.
In celebration of all things beautiful, Ashley Isham’s Autumn/Winter 2014 collection featuring womenswear and menswear took to the runway Ashley Isham’s label is inspired by the genteel yet wild English countryside, in the country where he is based. His distinctive blend of high-octane glamour and contemporary styling has won him an army of followers devoted to his vision. Even Lady Gaga, Kylie Minogue and Angelina Jolie count among the celebrities who have carried his designs. Translated into painterly winter florals, luxurious tweeds and glistening gems, the theatrical effect was complete on the runway of the Audi Fashion Festival at the Tent@Orchard by stunning models— with dramatic makeup, powerful strutting and strong gazes.
They all fall for Godfrey and Ashley
Winter florals shone through in Ashley Isham’s new collection
A Dramatic Finale While SK-II ambassador Godfrey Gao was an important highlight of the fashion show, he only made his appearance at the very end. Just before his entrance, all the models collapsed on the runway during the final catwalk, much to everyone’s surprise. The applause grew louder when he, together
with our home-grown designer, Ashley, strode towards the flashing cameras. “We wanted to create something that wasn’t just a fashion show, where you go up and down. We wanted something more dramatic,” Ashley said. Indeed, it was an unconventional and memorable finale to a fantastic show!
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SHOPsavvy
home inspirations
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Get ideas for transforming your home
A personal touch Despite its small size, the kids’ room has more than enough space for a full-length mirror, a bookcase, study desk and a bed frame with a second pull-out bed.
Despite working with a small floor size, the Egg3 designers made this family home fit just right
T
he renovation journey is such a harrowing process, where relationships are either made or broken along the way. Some homeowners come back with distressing stories of nightmarish contractors and designers while others have nothing but glowing compliments for the people they’ve worked with. For Elaine and Timothy Tan, their relationship with stylist and designer Mike Tan proved to be a rewarding one. The partnership came about when Mike designed the couple’s first home seven years ago. Over the years, their working relationship soon blossomed into a friendship.
A Trustworthy Connection So, it came as no surprise that when Elaine and Timothy moved into their brand new apartment in Dakota, they approached Mike for help. “They’re one of my very first clients, and there’s no way I would have turned them down,” said Mike.
A small apartment is made more comfortable with optimal use of space
A streamlined bedroom makes full use of the windows. Instead of a
bulky wall-feature, the designer simply used a wallpaper as backing behind the bed.
By keeping the number of furniture to a minimum and removing unnecessary accessories, the family keeps the home looking neat, organised and, more importantly, spacious. The designer complemented this look by utilising layers and textures to create depth.
“We enjoyed working together on the first home, and we’ve always kept in close contact after that. We understand each other, and the collaboration was fruitful,” he said. Having an existing friendship already in place further helped as Mike was very familiar with what the family’s lifestyle needed. As such, designing this three-room condominium unit came naturally to him.
Building for the Future “I already knew that this needed to be a family home for them to raise their two young children, so I made sure that the rooms could last through the years and grow and evolve along with the kids,” said Mike. One of the biggest
considerations was the lack of space. The active children need a lot of room to play, and Mike didn’t want to crowd the home with unnecessary furniture. As such, he made do without a coffee table in the living room and customised a compact dining table. He even opted for wall treatments instead of building bulky feature designs. When asked for another example, Elaine pointed to the piano tucked away in the corridor. “We wanted to bring in a piano, but we had no idea where to put it! Luckily, Mike came up with a plan to push it up against the niche in the corridor, and it fits perfectly,” said Elaine. With the piano in place, the designers built storage cabinets,
and even a study desk, around the instrument.
Other Features The joinery work continued with a full-height divider that separates the living and dining room, and a TV-feature wall. The bedroom also features streamlined carpentry (specifically along the windows) where Mike built bay shelves that make use of the wall-to-wall window span. “We basically left the design up to him,” says Timothy. “Our main concern was the space, and we knew that Mike is amazing at space-planning. As you can see, the place is exactly what we need.”
Article first published in Lookbox Living #29, Nov/Dec 2013 Lookbox Living out now! Available at major bookstores and newsstands. For more interior projects, visit www.lookboxliving.com.sg
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TRAVELation
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T R AV E L F E AT U R E
A road trip adventure with the family
Road trips are great opportunities for family fun and bonding time – start with a short trip Down Under
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estern Australia’s coastal roads fringing the golden outback are great for a scenic road trip. The balmy weather Down Under in June helps make the journey an enjoyable one. What better time to do so than during this school holidays? A week’s road trip makes an ideal holiday break for the whole family, with the kids and perhaps even grandparents in tow. To avoid disappointment, book your flights and accommodation ahead, and rent the vehicle for your road trip before flying off.
Yallingup as a Base Pick up your rental car at Perth airport. There, handy road maps are provided. Your proposed destination is Yallingup, where your family can lodge for a few nights. Yallingup is 260km south of Perth and a three-hour drive on the Kwinana and Forrest freeways. Get a good night’s rest at a hotel in the city; this will perk up everyone for the actual road trip the next day. You need to get on the road early. Decide also if you need one or two breaks en route, bearing in mind that you have
adventure with visits to the nearby Serpentine Dam (where parrots and kangaroos will come join your picnic!) and the Millbrook Winery in a picturesque orchard farm, which doubles as a setting for wedding receptions. Indulge in the free wine tasting, and consider replenishing your wine stock back home. Soon, it will be time for the group to pack up. Simply return the car at the same airport pick-up point, and then check in at the airline counter to catch the flight home. On board the plane, you and your family will undoubtedly say a reluctant goodbye, which such a scenic adventure for a road trip holiday. It is likely that you’ll all wish you could visit again soon!
to reach Yallingup before dark. Mandurah and Bunbury are two good stops for meals, grocery shopping and fuel tank top-up.
Grandparents and Cook-in Dinners Unlike in Singapore where coffee shops are ubiquitous and open until late, Australia’s outback eateries are few and close early. You will thus need to visit the supermarket and stock up on groceries for cookin dinners. Here, the grandparents can help out and do justice to the well-equipped kitchen and refrigerator in the chalet!
By Harry Tan
Nearby Attractions With Yallingup as your base, you can lead your group to explore nearby attractions. Among these are Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park’s limestone caves and Canal Rocks, a coastal rock formation; Yallingup Maze, an inland amusement park with a restaurant which serves healthy meals; chocolate and nuts factory outlets and the beautiful beaches. From Yallingup, you can do a side trip about 40 minutes south to Margaret River to surf, go on a cave adventure, or savour the wine from the vineyards in the region. After checking out from Yallingup, it’s time to head back north. Stop by coastal town Mandurah for lunch and then
Get acquainted with Australia’s picturesque outback
Welcome to kangaroo country
ZRyzner / Shutterstock.com
detour inland to Peel Zoo as a surprise treat for the kids. Lots of furry mammals await them. Resume your northbound route on the South Western Highway to arrive 40 minutes later at Jarrahdale’s stately brick-timber lodge, Ballakup House, for a two-night stay.
Jarrahdale Highlights Jarrahdale is just 45 minutes from Perth airport. With time to spare, you can climax the
Be careful to stay awake on the long and winding road, or take rest breaks
L OW- COS T G E TAWAY S If you need a short holiday but your budget for your flight is $100 or less, look no further Don’t miss out on these promotions for budget airlines and low-cost carriers.
Visit Patong, the nightlife centre of Phuket – the heart of the bar scene where people, neon lights and deafening music compete for your attention. From $49, Tigerair. $50, AirAsia. $68, Jetstar. All promotions end Jun 1.
most travellers. Make sure to buy your tickets early if you wish to catch a show at the Golden Dragon Water Puppet Theatre. From $64, Tigerair. Promotion ends Jun 1. $64, Jetstar. Promotion ends when sold out.
Phuket
Ho Chi Minh
Medan
Phuket Fantasea showcases the charm and beauty of Thailand. It is a stunning 140-acre theme complex, including a Carnival village with games and shopping, a 4,000-seat theme restaurant, and a breathtaking Las Vegas-style theatrical show.
In a quiet corner of bustling downtown Ho Chi Minh City stands the Notre Dame Cathedral, most famous for its neoRomanesque style architecture and a sacred ambience. Traditional Vietnamese water puppet shows remain a key cultural draw for
Medan may not have a wealth of tourist attractions but this city has true Indonesian character, something which many North Sumatran tourist towns lack. Get over the culture shock, give Medan a bit of time and discover an amenityfilled, leafy and booming town with more
than a hint of crumbling Dutch-colonial charm. In fact, Medan also has many shopping facilities including malls, and even antique shops which sell all kinds of Batak, Acehnese, Minang and Javanese antiquities. $58, Jetstar. Promotion ends Jun 1. Have you any low-cost getaway destinations that you would like to share? Drop us a personal message at www.facebook.com/weekendersgp Prices are correct at time of print.
mAY 30 - June 5, 2014
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TRAVELation
T R AV E L F E AT U R E
Fun rides are part of the Disneyland magic Photo: Hong Kong Disneyland
Welcome to the Magic Kingdom! But which one? The wonderful world of Disney has become much more than simply the original Disneyland in Anaheim, California, which was established back in 1955 and Disney World in Orlando, which followed shortly afterwards in 1971. Disney has gone global.
Tokyo Disney
When the Disney Company saw the amount of Japanese tourists flocking to the two Disney parks in the US, it decided to branch out overseas. Not surprisingly, Tokyo Disney was the first park built in 1983. Attracting more than 25 million guests every year, the park is so successful that Disney opened Tokyo DisneySea, with three hotels and a shopping area that is similar to Downtown Disney in the two US parks. Like the two US parks, Tokyo Disneyland boasts Tomorrowland, Adventureland, Critter Country, Fantasyland and Toontown; however, it also has the World Bazaar, which is encompassed by a glass roof, and Westernland, which sports a unique Wild West feel.
Disneyland Paris
First established in 1992 under the name Euro Disney, the park became Disneyland Paris in 1995, and by 2008, it became the largest tourist attraction in the whole of Europe. It has two separate parks: Adventureland, Fantasyland, Discoveryland, Frontierland, and Main Street USA, which can be found in the main park. Walt Disney Studios Park is based on a movie theme and the visitor can attend shows with stunts and special effects or enjoy rides that highlight the animated personalities from their beloved Disney movies.
Disney Theme Parks Around The World The park also contains two hotels and a lake where people can use a paddle boat or go jogging. The park has two distinctive hotels - Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel, which evokes visions of the Victorian era, and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel, which brings guests back to 1930s Hollywood with its Art Deco design.
Shanghai Disney Resort
China is the most recent country to hold a Disney park. The park is schedule to open in 2016, in the Pudong district of Shanghai. Like many of the other Disney parks, Shanghai Disney Resort will offer a hotel, restaurant and retail store. Unlike the other Disney Worlds, however, Shanghai Disney will not have an equivalent to Main Street USA; instead, it will have an 11-acre green space that will be the centre to Storybook Castle, which is the park’s main attraction. Shanghai Disney Resort will also have a distinctive Asian flair. In the opening ceremony, Mickey Mouse and Donald Duck wore red Tang suits, and the park will try to attract more Chinese visitors by incorporating unique features of Chinese culture in different aspects of the park.
Hong Kong Disneyland
The second overseas park opened in Hong Kong in 2005. Presently, it has just one theme park with Main Street, Fantasyland, Adventureland and Tomorrowland; it also offers Pirateland and Toy Story Land, and three more lands should open up by the end of this year.
DisneySea has seven ports visitors can stop at, including Mermaid Lagoon and American Waterfront. Established in 2001, its rides are known to be faster and they are seemingly aimed more at adults than Tokyo Disneyland’s more familyoriented rides.
Photo: Hong Kong Disneyland
Top: Disneyland is known as the happiest place on Earth Left: Dine with your favourite characters
Photo: ShaunWilkinson’s/Shutterstock.com
The fairy tale castle of Disneyland Paris
Photo: Hong Kong Disneyland
It is clear that none of these parks are exactly the same, as each park has its own unique features and flavours. However, there is no doubt that all of them hold the same Disney magic for all the children - young and old who visit them. By Christine Winters
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weekender.com.sg
EXOTIC GETAWAYS
Aquatic Pursuits
Romantic Escapade Once a US military supply base, the remote island atoll of Bora Bora is now an exotic resort which appeals to newlyweds Due to its far-flung site, the island resort of Bora Bora is rarely packed with tourists or visitors. Native Polynesians number about 9,000 and most of them reside on the main island and around Vaitape, the village hub. Amid the dense vegetation, an extinct volcano dominates the landscape, rising to about 730m, the highest point on the island.
Above the Rest Bora Bora stands out as an exclusive tourist destination from among the cluster of 130 islands in French Polynesia. The
palm-fringed island’s features such as the peaceful lagoon, turquoise blue waters and white sands, and intimate beachfront chalets suggest the perfect setting for a honeymoon. The island is also a choice venue for weddings among the wellheeled. To get to Bora Bora, connect with Air Tahiti, which flies five to six times daily from Papeete in Tahiti to Bora Bora Airport (also called Motu Mute Airport) located on Motu Mute, north of the main island. Boats or ferries facilitate transfers between the islands. Like the local folk, you get around by ferry, car or bicycle. You can also rent two-seater buggies at Vaitape.
For tourists, there is no lack of aquatic activities around the lagoon: jet skiing, para gliding, snorkelling and scuba diving. A couple of diving agencies on Bora Bora conduct shark and manta ray diving trips. Just ask around. Rent-a-boat cruises for couples are also available. Nonetheless, if all you want is to take it easy, then sunbathe by the beach or lie all day on a hammock and sip on cola with the ocean breeze caressing your cheeks.
Intimate Chalets Naturally, Bora Bora’s main source of revenue comes from tourism, supplemented by its coconut cottage industry. Several hotel chain resorts have sprung up lately around the lagoon, providing a range of accommodation from the basic to the very luxurious. Most of these resorts offer private chalets on stilts over the water and they are linked by suspended boardwalks. The furnished units look out to the wide expanse of blue waters and beyond to lend an aura of romance. Pamper yourselves here with life’s comforts, even if it is just a brief getaway.
5 Ways to look like a seasoned traveller Nobody wants to look like they’re nervous in a strange country, so read on for how you can look like a pro and stay safe! It always amazes me how tourists have no qualms about letting everyone know that they are foreigners in a strange land. They stand out not only in the way they dress, how loudly they talk or the map that they’re holding but also with how they stop every few metres to snap photos on their mega cameras. It’s like an open invitation to the locals by saying, “Jack-up the prices and rob me if you want to... I’m a tourist!” That might sound harsh but, really, why look like a tourist when you can look like a pro? Here are some simple ways to look well-seasoned.
5. Fill up that Form Beforehand We’ve all met these people... usually the ones right in front of you in the queue who choose to leave it to the absolute last minute to complete their immigration forms. They either don’t know they have to do it, don’t know how to do it, or leave most of the form blank.
This makes them hold up the queue with all their questions and annoy everyone else. Please, please, please, fill out that form beforehand and ask someone if you’re not sure what to do! Do it before you join the queue.
Sure, you get to see all the sights on a tour and there’s safety in numbers but I’ve heard the horror stories about how you’re rushed through most of the sites and hardly get to fully explore. Plus, following a flag around on a holiday really isn’t appealing, is it?
faces the front so that no one can sneak up behind you. If you have to carry a backpack, make sure it’s locked and don’t store all your valuables in one place.
3. Study the Route
Hop on and off sightseeing buses for an easy way to visit attractions
4. Go Free & Easy With the number of hop-on and hop-off buses now available all over the world, there’s no better time to give in to your sense of adventure and go free and easy.
Look up where you’re going beforehand and how to get there. Find out which modes of transportation to take and jot it all down so you don’t have to keep pulling out that map and burying your face in it. Also, you can always get the concierge to write down the name of the place you’re going to and the address in the local language. This will save you so much trouble if you take a wrong turn!
2. Watch Your Bag It always amazes me how Singaporeans leave their bags, or even laptops, unattended at cafés and restaurants. You need to be aware of your bag at all times when you’re travelling! Put it on your lap, not on the seat next to you. When you’re carrying it, make sure the zipper
About Shareen Wong Shareen has made many new friends, including Justin Timberlake
1. Look Like You Know What You Are Doing As in life, confidence is everything. So what if you take a wrong turn? Stay calm, look confident and approach the sanest-looking person. Most of the time, they’ll be happy to point you in the right direction, and you might even end up making a new friend! By Shareen Wong
Shareen Wong is a travel-holic, retailer, and former radio presenter. After numerous wrong turns and travel disasters (including several missed planes), Shareen has learned to be more calm and has become a more seasoned traveller. Shareen caught the travel bug when she was three, and has travelled the world solo by visiting 15 different destinations. She now travels every other month, curating the world’s best designers for her jewellery boutique: Embrace Jewellery. Follow Shareen on Instagram @ShareenWong98
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SHOPsavvy
weekender.com.sg
Picket&Rail’s Modern Classics Made Better Carefully curated – and crafted – beautiful midcentury designs rendered in superior materials
F
urniture designs that have shaped 20th Century design continue to endure and be very recognisable, thanks to film and television. These iconic, celebrated designs still fit into today’s decor world as naturally as they did mid-20th Century. What are considered the ‘originals’ are few and far between now; most originals today reside permanently in museums and galleries. Licensed brand holders have since also taken liberties to modify the original designs, incorporating the use of modern manufacturing technologies and improved materials, and pricing them prohibitively high. Although the designers of these significant furniture designs once held patents, these patents have expired for decades and the designs have
as the addition of more shock mounts in the Elcid Lounge Chair and more plywood layers in the Eames’ Molded Plywood Chair-inspired (1946) Uform and Vermina Chairs – and little structural tweaks that have been made possible with today’s technologies. Picket&Rail’s perfectlybalanced modern classic pieces boast superior quality and are engineered to last, with custom details.
High-Quality Productions Orbit Lounge Chair with white fiberglass shell & upholstered in red fabric. Inspired by Eero Aarnio’s Ball Chair (1963)
become accessible for replication.
Picket&Rail’s replicas are more equal than others Specific to the smallest details of proportion, angle, stitch and build, Picket&Rail’s wide range of replicas abides by the utmost precision, faithful to the designers who conceived the designs. Uncompromised in quality and feel, held to engineering standards and using only materials of premium grade, Picket&Rail crafts superior reproductions.
Hatch Lounge Chair in pony skin. Inspired by Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair (1958)
Most of Picket&Rail’s modern classic pieces are still hand-finished. The legs, for instance, are professionally finished and perfectly flush with the ground. The Charles and Ray Eames-inspired Elcid Lounge Chair (1956) unerringly boasts the original design’s threaded glides in the base, which allow for the height adjustment of each foot of the chair. Picket&Rail doesn’t merely reproduce designs; it improves on the original designs by way of more choices and better construction – such
Picket&Rail has an impressive range of materials, including an array of high-quality leather and fabric options in saturated colours so customers can customise their own modern classic pieces. The choice of upholstery blend is the user’s, to maximise the individual user’s utility and comfort in his or her lifestyle. The choice of premium wood is also the customer’s, from sustainably-sourced wood such as American walnut, white oak, ash, beech, American maple and more. Picket&Rail also uses fiberglass instead of plastics such as polypropylene for its shell chairs – it feels better and
you can tell. Similarly, it uses stainless steel with increased rust resistance for exposed surfaces and cast aluminium and powder-coated steel instead of mild steel or plastic. The attention to detail is showcased in its products such as Harry Bertoia’s Diamond Chairinspired (1952) Rhine and Kevina Lounge Chairs where the lattice work of electronically-welded steel is polished to both enhance its brilliant looks as well as catch and smoothen the ends of the individual wires for the user’s comfortable seating. Picket&Rail also uses high-quality and densityinjected structural foam, such as in Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair-inspired (1958) Hatch Lounge Chair, whose dramatic structure consists of a single piece of foam other than the leg base. This ensures longevity of the chair’s structure. The hand stitching is impeccable and just like in the original Egg Chair. Almost all of Picket&Rail’s modern classics come fully assembled. Picket&Rail’s Modern Classics Made Better’s factory-direct programme also means
that these modern classics are made more affordable through the company’s commitment to the best production methods and stringent quality control. Picket &Rail has just opened the doors to its Modern Classics Made Better flagship boutique in City Square Mall, an easily accessible eco mall that is directly connected to Farrer Park MRT station. This flagship boutique showcases the largest collection of mid-Century modern designs in Singapore. By Nur Khairunnisa Ismail of Picket&Rail Picket&Rail Modern Classics Made Better Gallery, City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road, #0348/49, Singapore 208539, Tel: 6643 9666 Rhine Lounge Chair in white powder coated steel with seat pad. Inspired by Harry Bertoia’s Diamond Chair (1952)