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ISSUE 94 August 15 - 21, 2014
E n t e rta i n m e n t TR a v e l a t i o n
enjoy spas & more in japan
seymour hoffman’s Last HURRAH P7 foodmania
which drinks of the past do you miss? P11 t r av e l at i o n
how does a singaporean traveller behave? P13 5 sets of exclusive gift packs from Korea worth US$50
to be won!
WEEKENDER ONE TV “TEMPTATION”
GIVEAWAY Pg4
WEEKENDER
ASIAN NETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
GIVEAWAY
2 pairs of Season Passes to Mission Foods Asian Netball Championships worth $40
to be won! Pg 5
E n t e rta i n m e n t
FANN On being a new mom and her figure WK94B/MCI(P)060/08/2013
AUGUST 15 - 21, 2014
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Entertainment
FUN @ SENTOSA
catch magical feats & have lively fun New! Cavalia
Sentosa Spooktacular 2014 – Jointly produced with GTH 11, 17, 18, 24, 25, 31 Oct & 1 Nov, 7pm1am, $56.60* (Advance Ticket), $46.60* (Sentosa Islander Members) Get ready for a whole new extreme experience this Halloween! Experience the dark come to life in the new Spooktacular haunted village – Laddaland – with horror features from movies Alone, Countdown and The Swimmers.
Until 14 Sep, 7.30pm (Tue-Fri), 2pm & 7.30pm (Sat), 12pm & 5.30pm (Sun), $58 onwards A show unlike any other, Cavalia celebrates the dynamic relationship between humans and horses. Delightful, thrilling and poignant, Cavalia harmonizes beauty and nature and transports audiences into virtual environments, by displaying a vast array of equestrian and performing arts. Conceived by Normand Latourelle, one of the co-founders of the famed Cirque du Soleil. Bayfront Avenue next to Marina Bay Sands, www.sistic.com.sg
Fort Siloso *Valid until 30 Sep. TGIF Bazaar – Philanthropist Month 2014 Every weekend, 4pm-11.30pm (Sat), 2pm9.30pm (Sun) Celebrate the end of the work week with some retail therapy along the scenic Sentosa Boardwalk. Check out the wide variety of items, from the latest fashion and accessories to kawaii knick-knacks. Come, bring home some great bargains today!
Enjoy a perfect sunset by the waterfront with a live band whilst relishing succulent Sri Lankan crabs prepared in your favourite style. Pair this with delectable side dishes and gelato ice-cream in exclusive tropical flavours such as pandan and teh tarik. Level 1 by the Waterfront, Shangri-La’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa Spa Getaway Until 31 Mar 2015, $388++ for 2 persons (40% off U.P.) Enjoy a night of luxurious stay, buffet breakfast, and 90 minutes of Spa Treatment, inclusive of a 60-minute Swedish Spa Massage and 30-minute Steam Bath for two. Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa
To find out more activities and promotions on Sentosa, scan here
Singapore International Festival of Arts Until 21 Sep, various times, free and ticketed shows Since the inaugural biennial Festival of Arts in 1977, the Singapore International Festival of Arts is an annual celebration of performing arts. This year, it is themed “Legacy and the Expanded Classic”. The six week line-up includes Robert Wilson’s emotional re-spin of Peter Pan, and a hallucinatory, wordless universe in Mystery Magnet. Various venues, www.sifa.sg
music New! Free! IGNITE! Music Festival 15–16 Aug, 4pm–10pm (Fri) & 5pm–10pm (Sat) IGNITE! Music Festival is an annual Music Festival that provides an excellent, credible platform for local independent bands to showcase their music. Support the solely studentrun event and catch the best homegrown talents, including 53A, Aspectrum, Caracal, Gentle Bones, The Sam Willows and more. Republic Polytechnic, 9 Woodlands Avenue 9, www.rp.edu.sg
Crab Ah! Every Fri, 6.30pm-9pm, $138++ for 2 persons (includes free-flow house wines & beer)
theatre
New! Hotpants 14–30 Aug, 3pm & 8pm (Mon– Thurs & Sat), 8pm (Fri), 2pm (Sun), $40 onwards Set in the early 1970s, Hotpants is Dick Lee’s revival of his 1997 musical. It features 10 quirky and endearing characters coming to terms with the changing times. It focuses on the journey of three mother-daughter pairs whose lives take a turn when the three schoolmates decide to join an inter-school Talentime. National Library Drama Centre Theatre, 100 Victoria Street, www.sistic.com.sg
NEW! Digital DJ Battle 20 Aug, 7pm Watch a legion of promising young disc jockeys battle their heart out to claim the right to represent Singapore in the upcoming Asia Digital Battle 2014 in October. Brought to you by Pioneer DJ, they
will also be showcasing their DJ art collection at the event. Velvet Underground - Zouk, 17 Jiak Kim Street
family
tradition. This weekend, catch the KR Accapella and The KRX. There will also be great cultural performances by the Porcelain Girls Band, Face Changing Act and Roving Chang’er. The Clementi Mall, 3155 Commonwealth Avenue West, www.theclementimall.com
Sentosa Boardwalk
New! Free! Aliwal Arts Night Crawl 15 Aug, 6pm–late The Aliwal Arts Night Crawl is back and bigger than ever before. It showcases an eclectic lineup of performers and partners: From grooving to the beats of NADI Singapura and reminiscing the smashing 60s to learning traditional dance and vocal workshops, everyone is set to have a blast at Kampung Glam this Friday night! Kids aren’t left out either – they can also enjoy craft work at EatPlayLove Café and listen to stories told by Singapore I-Lien Drama Society. To top that all off, night crawlers enjoy exclusive discounts and promotions at boutiques, cafes and bars from the Kampong Glam district that night! Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal District, www.aliwalartscentre.sg New! Free! Bright, Bold & Brilliant @ The Clementi Mall 16 Aug-7 Sep, various timings Highlight your month of National Day and Mid-Autumn festivities with explosive deals, and enjoy exciting performances and cultural displays that celebrate
New! NTU Fest 2014 16 Aug, 2pm – 9pm, free & ticketed activities The inaugural NTU Fest is set to be the biggest extravaganza in NTU’s history. Jam-packed with exciting programmes throughout the day, there is something for everyone. The line-up includes Concert and Carnival, and 4.8km 5TYLO MILE-O Run. Watch out for Top 12 Project Superstar finalists and Running Man co-host Gary and K-pop Star Jung-In. Padang, Connaught Drive, Singapore 179861, event.ntu.edu.sg/ntufest
New! Singapore Garden Festival 16-24 Aug, 10am – 10pm, $5 onwards (Children & Senior Citizens), $10 onwards (Adults) Mark your calendars as Singapore goes into full bloom this August with the grandest gardens
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weekender.com.sg and finest floral displays, including award-winning gardening luminaries from around the world. Come and experience the magic and wonder of garden and floral design. Delight in festivities and programmes that will enthral your senses. Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, www.gardensbythebay.com.sg
New! Out of the Box Until 21 Aug, 9.30am &11.30am (Tue-Fri), 11am, 2pm & 4pm (Sat & Sun), $16 With a little imagination, a plain and ordinary box can become something splendid and extraordinary. Out of the Box brings children and their parents into a world of colours and imagination with its blend of theatre, movement and music. So, come along on a fun-filled and fantastical adventure. Esplanade Recital Studio, 1 Esplanade Drive, www. esplanade.com/playtime
sales & fairs NEW! FREE! SuperMom Bazaar 22-24 Aug For new moms and moms-tobe, join in the shopping fun at Suntec City this August. SuperMom Bazaar looks to provide the best deals on all things for babies. Also happening at the bazaar are sharing sessions from local and international experts. Suntec City, www.supermombazaar.com
Hanwell Longest Rally – Badminton Record for Charity 24 Aug, 11am Hanwell Holdings Ltd, a leading provider in consumer goods, is donating 10,000kg of rice to needy residents of the Cheng San-Seletar community in the Hanwell Longest Rally event, a badminton rally for a chance at breaking the world record of 113 unique hits. Former badminton star Ronald Susilo and MP Mr Ang Hin Kee will also be in on the action. There will also be other activities to entertain the crowd over Aug 23 and 24. The weekend-long event includes shuttle juggling, where one may try juggling a shuttlecock with two racquets and “Quick Reactions”, an unusual single versus doubles match. “Participants will play their parts in a record-breaking event as well as contribute to the needy”, said Hannah Hong, spokesperson for the organising committee. Changi City Point, register at www.hanwelllongestrally.com.sg
others New! Singapore Darts Masters 2014 15-16 Aug, 5pm (Fri), 4.30pm (Sat), $40 onwards In this incredible sporting event, the World’s top players will vie for the US$100,000 cash prize! Join in the fun with six hours of free-flow beer, packed with fun, music, comedy and darts action. You’ll be cheering every throw as the atmosphere builds to the evening crescendo. Friday is the quarter-finals, while Saturday will be the semifinals and the Masters Final with the prize ceremony. Singapore Indoor Stadium. www.sportshubtix.sg New! The Magic of Marilyn Monroe: The Seven Year Itch 16, 23 & 29 Aug, 7.30pm this week, Free with $15++ purchase of food/beverage Part of its tribute to screen siren Marilyn Monroe, The Screening Room will be
New! Free! The Design Supermarket Pop-up Store Until 20 Aug Naiise’s largest pop-up store to date features an exciting mix of original designs across home, fashion, artisanal food and kids’ categories from more than 80 brands. This weekend, shoppers are in for a treat as the artisanal food retailers come together to host all-day sampling session. Enjoy gourmet nougats, homemade granola and more delicious bites. Central’s Discovery Walk, 181 Orchard Road
Advisor James Yip
Editor Lester J Wan
Writer Cheryl Chia
Distribution Lawrence Tan
Art Director June Law
Designer Zoe Lai
Coordinator Riki Zou
Sales Seth Leow
Jamillie Chia
Erwin Lim
Contributors Igert le Roux Victoria Harry Tan
Christine Winters Freda Saunders
Interns Basil Lee Lim Wan Ling GETTING HARD COPIES:
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erwin@weekender.sg
Weekender is delivered to hundreds of thousands of homes island-wide. You can also find copies (while supplies last) at: Over 200 selected 7-Eleven locations island-wide
For actual locations, visit our website
New! Free! A National Geographic Channel And Capitaland Photography Competition 15-19 Aug, 10am This exhibition features the selection of the best entries from the CapitaLand-National Geographic Channel “Building People” Photography Competition, held earlier this year. They revolve around the theme of “Happiness”, and were captured against the backdrop of CapitaLand properties in the Asia Pacific region. ION Station, 2 Orchard Turn, www.capitaland.com/ ngcphoto
For more fun and interesting weekend ideas and entertainment stories, visit us at weekender.com.sg
Sales Director David Phey
seth@weekender.com.sg
exhibitions
K
Editorial Director Frank Young
frank@weekender.com.sg
showing The Seven Year Itch, most famous for producing the iconic image of Monroe standing over a subway grate in her billowing white dress. The film follows the exploits of Richard (Tom Ewell), who is having a mid-life crisis and trying to have an affair with his new neighbour (Monroe) while his family is away. The Screening Room, 12 Ann Siang Road, www.screeningroom.com.sg
WEEKENDER www.facebook.com/weekendersgp www.weekender.com.sg NEW EXPANDED MRT AREAS:
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Disclaimer: The illustrations, photographs, views and statements expressed by our contributors, bloggers, illustrators, or writers do not necessarily reflect the views of Weekender Group Private Limited. Weekender Group Private Limited does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of those views or statements and do not accept any legal liability whatsoever arising from any reliance on the views, statements and subject matter. © Copyright Weekender Group Pte Ltd. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all rights including those in copyright in the content of this publication are owned by or controlled for these purposes by Weekender Group Pte Ltd. Copyrights to photographs, Illustrations, or any other forms of work which appear in this publication provided by non-Weekender Group Pte Ltd contributors are owned and controlled their respective creators. Except as otherwise expressly permitted under copyright law or Weekender Group Pte Ltd, the content of this publication may not be copied, reproduced, republished, downloaded, posted, broadcast or transmitted in any way without first obtaining our written permission or that of the copyright owner. Information accurate at press time.
f e at u r e d e v e n t
Rise & Shine 2014: The largest parenting event to raise brighter & happier kids! Explore. Learn. Have fun. From Aug 22 to 24
If you’re looking for an awesome weekend of fun and learning for the whole family, Rise & Shine 2014 is the event of the year not to be missed. Let your kids enjoy three days of enriching activities from rock climbing to toy building, free play at the Intelligent Toys Play Area, art & craft sessions, Brainy Moves with Dr Jia Jia and more! Parents too can look forward to learning the secrets of raising brighter and happier kids from leading early childhood education experts at the Rise & Shine Parenting Workshops.
Parenting Workshop 1:
Raising an Independent Learner 23 Aug, 3.30pm-6.30pm
Confidence, self-motivation and independence. These are key attributes to succeed in life and the attributes of an independent learner. Find out how you can encourage your child to learn independently and think critically in this hands-on workshop by Modern Montessori International, Singapore’s leading Montessori education provider.
Parenting Workshop 2:
Creative Thinkers of the 21st Century – How you can help your child to be one 23 Aug, 10am-12pm Develop your child’s creative and critical thinking skills through interesting and practical activities presented by Lorna Whiston Academy. Programme highlights: 1. Easy guide and step-by-step problem solving and brainstorming approaches designed for children 2. Principles of logic and reasoning 3. Thinking out of the box concept 4. Interesting and practical activities you can get your child to be involved in to nurture a creative thinker Sign up from just $15 and receive a goodie bag worth $90! Suntec Convention Room 312, http://2014. riseandshine-expo.com/parenting-workshops/
Programme outline using Montessori teaching methods: • Environment, both Physical & Emotional – which supports or hinders your child from learning? • Practical Life skills – How to build selfconfidence in your child to become an independent individual. • Sensorial skills – Help your child develop fine and gross motor skills which lay the foundation for your child’s future academic learning. • Language skills – Find out how phonics and phonograms can be made easier for your child to learn when combined with objects and pictures. • Mathematics skills – Prepare your child for Primary School life; find out how numeracy can be taught in simple steps. Sign up from just $15 and receive a goodie bag worth $50! Suntec Convention Room 300, http://2014.riseandshine-expo.com/ parenting-workshops/
Kids Contests to Look Out For at Rise & Shine 2014! For more info and to sign up: http://2014. riseandshine-expo.com/kids-contests/
Tot’s Bike Race 23 Aug, 6pm Get your toddler’s gears ready and ride on! This is the only event where speed limit does not matter! For children aged 15 to 28 months.
J Colour Chuck Glider Championship 24 Aug, 3pm Does your child have what it takes to out-fly the rest of the Junior Gliders and emerge victorious? For children aged 5 to 6 & 7 to 9.
Bobby Car Race 24 Aug, 4pm Your child may be too young to race in the Formula 1 Grand Prix but he’s welcome to join his peers in the Rise & Shine Bobby Car Race. The winner gets a Bobby Car worth $160! For children aged 15 to 28 months.
AUGUST 15 - 21, 2014
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Entertainment
F o ot ba l l F e v e r
Big stars for the big boys mooinblack/Shutterstock
Here are possibly some of the best and worst pre-season transfers as excitement mounts for the new season of the English Premier League Football fans have been drooling with delight in the build-up to the new football season of the English Premier League (EPL). So far, momentum has been building, especially with a frenetic amount of transfers taking place, for managers and players alike. Big stars have been purchased by big clubs, and more big names are being thrown around. Here are a few of the most promising, possibly most exciting and undoubtedly most shocking transfers that have gone down so far.
Alexis Sanchez brings his skills from La Liga to the EPL
the deadline, Gunners all around the world are filled with elation at the new signing of Alexis Sánchez from Barcelona for a fee of about €32 million. Alexis Sanchez starred for Chile in the recent World Cup. With him on board, will the Gunners be championship contenders once more?
Cesc Fàbregas [Barcelona to Chelsea] Arsenal fans are not pleased. Former club captain Cesc Fàbregas has joined Chelsea for a fee of about €26 million. Did Wenger pass on the chance to re-sign the Spaniard?
Diego Costa [Atletico Madrid to Chelsea] Alexis Sánchez [Barcelona to Arsenal] Nobody can predict what goes on inside the mind of Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. After the pleasant surprise fans got last season with the transfer of Mesut Oezil, on
Diego Costa impressed last season at Atletico Madrid and earned himself a transfer to Chelsea for a fee reported to be around €32 million. With so many big names coming to Stamford Bridge, is Chelsea the new champions-elect?
Luis Suárez [Liverpool to Barcelona] Leaving the EPL is none other than Luis “Jaws” Suárez. Last season’s top scorer leaves his bad memories behind for greener pastures. Although Barcelona paid a fee reported to be in the region of €75 million, some Barca fans are not too pleased about taking “the biter” in. Barcelona will also be without former captain and defensive stalwart, Carles Puyol, who retired at the end of last season. Not only has it been a busy transfer window for players but for managers as well. Most significantly, Manchester United hope to put their on-pitch troubles behind with their new manager, who led the Netherlands in the recent World Cup, Louis van Gaal. If United’s strong showing against big European clubs in their pre-season tournament is anything to go by, United’s future looks promising. From the looks of things, the teams look stronger, the players are hungrier, and the managers have something to prove. Get ready for possibly the most interesting and competitive EPL season in recent years. By Basil Lee
WEEKENDER ONE TV “TEMPTATION” GIVEAWAY 5 sets of exclusive gift packs from Korea worth US$50
to be won!
New Korean drama “Temptation” “Temptation”, the hot new Korean drama series on ONE, starring Choi Ji Woo and Kwon Sang Woo, who both shot to fame in the classic K-drama “Stairway to Heaven”. Cha Seok-hoon is a man who grew up in a rural village. His intelligence enables him to enter the country’s top university in spite of his poor background. He takes on all sorts of jobs in order to pay his college tuition fees. Later, he meets Hong-joo, also from a poor family. She’s resigned to a miserable life until Seok-hoon enters and brings hope. They become happily married but Seok-hoon finds himself in immense debt. Yoo Se-young is an heiress who, on a business trip, meets Seok-hoon and Hong-joo and makes them a licentious offer. In exchange for paying off Seok-hoon’s debts, she asks for “ownership of his body”. What will happen next? What further complications will arise?
“Temptation” Gift Packs There are 5 limited edition “Temptation” gift packs from Korea to be won, worth US $50 each! Each gift pack consists of: • Limited Edition A4 Temptation folder • Limited Edition Temptation post-it set • ONE TV Asia umbrella • ONE TV Asia felt pouch
TO WIN: Either 1. Visit the website at www.weekender.com.sg/Weekender Temptation and fill in the form; or 2. Like and share our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ weekendersgp and look for this giveaway on our page and follow the instructions to fill in the form. Pass Code: Weekender Temptation ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASE. CLOSING DATE: 20 AUG “Temptation” premiered on Aug 11 and continues every Mon & Tue, 8.55pm, on ONE, SingTel mio TV Ch 513 and StarHub TV Ch 820.
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weekender.com.sg
Asian Netball Championships 2014: Bigger & better Involving the Community
Will Singapore be able to defend its title as reigning champion?
Lin Qingyi is set to star again for Singapore
OCBC Arena. They include Brunei, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), Hong Kong, India, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, Myanmar, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Thailand and host Singapore, the defending champion.
Most Important Tournament in Asia Don’t miss the premier netball competition in Asia with 12 teams competing for glory and a spot in the 2015 World Cup The Mission Foods Asian Netball Championships is almost here, with the most number of competing teams in the history of the competition. At least 12 teams will be battling it out from Sep 7 to 14 at the new Sports Hub’s
The Asian Netball Championships is the premier netball championships in Asia. The 2014 edition is set to be the most competitive yet as it is also the qualifiers for the 2015 Netball World Cup. Singapore won its first-ever Gold in 2005, thanks in part to excellent spectator support. This year’s tournament will also be a great platform to build interest and engagement in the lead-up to the SEA Games in 2015.
Netball is still the sport with the highest female participation in Singapore, with over 300 schools and 60 clubs involved in the sport. The Mission Foods Asian Netball Championships also provides an opportunity for Netball Singapore to further engage schools and the community. Netball Singapore has been operating a Schools Outreach Programme, which consists of ten clinics at selected primary and secondary schools across the island. Led by members of our National Opens Squad, it aims to educate and inspire the next generation of players. The Mission Foods Asian Netball Championships takes place from Sep 7 to 14 at the Sports Hub. Tickets can be purchased from Netball Singapore office at 6 Stadium Boulevard, Singapore 397797 during office hours or online at www.netball.org.sg.
WEEKENDER
ASIAN NETBALL CHAMPIONSHIPS
GIVEAWAY
2 pairs of Season Passes to Mission Foods Asian Netball Championships worth $40 to be won! The Mission Foods Asian Netball Championships takes place from Sep 7 to 14 at the new Sports Hub, OCBC Arena. There are two pairs of season passes for all games, worth $40, to be given away.
TO WIN:
Special Offers • Local students (aged under 23) and senior citizens (aged 60 & above) enjoy concession rates of up to 50% off. • Schools who register for the Schools Incentive Programme can get free entry to specific matches. For more information or enquiries, E-mail enquiries@netball.org.sg
Either
1. Visit the website at www.weekender.com.sg/weekenderasiannetballchampionship/ and fill in the form; or 2. Like and share our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/weekendersgp and look for this giveaway on our page and follow the instructions to fill in the form. Promotion Code: Weekender Asian Netball Championships ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASE. CLOSING DATE: 20 AUG
AUGUST 15 - 21, 2014
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Entertainment Was Soekarno smart or naive?
A L S O IN T H E ATR E S Boyhood [NC16] A kind of movie the world has never seen before. Filmed over 12 years, the story of Boyhood revolves around Mason, who is portrayed by Ellar Coltrane. He literally grew up making this movie. From childcare to road trips to partying, it is impossible to watch this heart-warming tale without reflecting on your own journey.
STARRING: Patricia Arquette, Ellar Coltrane, Lorelei Linklater & Ethan Hawke GENRE: Comedy, Drama RELEASE: 14 Aug
WER [M18]
movie preview
Soekarno: The Father of Indonesia for directing religious drama hits such as “Ayat-Ayat Cinta” (The Verses of Love) and “Sang Pencerah” (The Enlightened One) hoped to allow the present generation to witness Soekarno’s struggle for the country’s independence. While Soekarno is remembered for his fight for independence, the stories of him were confined to short pages in local history books during the 32-year rule of Suharto, who took over.
Soekarno undoubtedly had a great hand in giving Indonesia its independence
This film is based on the life of Indonesia’s first president, from his childhood to the defining moment in which he declared independence for Indonesia
S
oekarno (Sukarno) is a biopic about the “Father of Indonesia”, who freed his nation from the oppression of the Dutch colonial powers and became the first president of Indonesia. Under the wings of Cokroaminoto (the nationalist and first leader of the Islamic Trade Union), the young sickly boy, Soekarno, grew up to be a strong, sharp man whose vision and tact helped to propel the country to independence in 1945.
A Nation’s Fight for Independence Soekarno is an effort to keep the history alive for future generations of Indonesians. It cost more than $2 million to produce, making it one of the most expensive productions in the history of Indonesia’s nascent film industry. Director Hanung Bramantyo, known
People mostly had to rely on private accounts and recollections from their elders. The Indonesian government only officially recognised Soekarno as a national hero in 2012, a long 42 years after his death. The film also relives the defining moment in which he declared independence for Indonesia. Most Indonesians may have heard the sound clip of Soekarno reading the text but have probably not seen the real footage from the historic event.
Rising Heart-throb The choice of Ario Bayu to play Soekarno has sparked controversy, most famously from Soekarno’s daughter, Rachmawati Soekarnoputri. Rachmawati, who assisted the film’s research and creative process, walked out of the production when she felt that Ario wasn’t nationalistic enough. In reply, Hanung said that he needed someone who could bring the character to life. Nationalistic sentiment was not the only quality required to play Soekarno. One has to admit that Soekarno’s great oratory skills and presence is difficult to replicate on the screen but Ario seems to have pulled that off effortlessly. His words, charisma and stupendous delivery are likely to captivate audiences.
A Great Yet Imperfect Leader? Apart from the choice of actor, the film has also stirred discussions and controversies for other reasons. For one, Soekarno was portrayed as a womaniser. Others have also said that some historical facts have been exaggerated. In defence, the filmmakers said that it was never their intention to make it a documentary. The question is, can a film that involves a major historical figure be completely objective? After all, many previous biopics have dramatized some facts for impact. Furthermore, they chose to show Soekarno’s flaws as a leader. His preference for diplomacy over use of the military had sometimes also drawn criticism. In the film, Soekarno trusted the promises of the Japanese, of an eventual independence for Indonesia, and thus was willing to collaborate in full. Some may deem this decision to have been naive. “All we’ve heard about Soekarno was how great he was but not many really know his human side,” said Aris Muda, spokesman for Multivision Plus Pictures that produced the movie. “He’s a great man, a legend, a cult figure, but not a superman,” he said. SOEKARNO [TBA] DIRECTOR: Hanung Bramantyo STARRING: Ario Bayu, Maudy Kusnaedi, Lukman Sardi Hatta, Tanta Ginting & Tika Bravani GENRE: Biography RUN LENGTH: 137 min RELEASE: 14 Aug
An American defence attorney comes to the aid of a man whom she believes is innocent of the crimes he is being accused of. Through a scientific approach, she discovers the horrific truth about the man and what he is actually capable of.
STARRING: AJ Cook, Sebastian Roché, Collin Blair & Brian Scoot O’Connor GENRE: Horror RELEASE: 14 Aug
The Possession of Michael King [M18] Following the sudden death of his wife, film maker Michael King decides to probe the underworld in the search for supernatural existence. He seeks demonologists, necromancers and other dark artists to invite their gods and demons into him. If you invite it in, it will never let you go.
STARRING: Shane Johnson, Ella Anderson & Cara Pifko GENRE: Horror RELEASE: 14 Aug
Expendables 3 [PG13] Back with another action packed sequel, the team is ready for their toughest opponent yet; Conrad Stonebanks (Mel Gibson), co-founder of the expendables turned arch-rival. With new faces, higher jumps and bigger guns, look out for a clash of old school versus modern-day warfare.
STARRING: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham & Antonio Banderas GENRE: Action RELEASE: 14 Aug
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Much Fann-fare “I’d like to spend some time to bond with my baby before I get back to work.” Fann Wong has just given birth to baby Zed but she was named Marie France’s new spokeswoman before that Fann Wong has been the darling of Singaporeans (especially the men) since her days as a model for Oil of Olay products. She has since come a long way, with countless television programmes and a number of movies under her belt, including her famous turn alongside Jackie Chan and Owen Wilson in Shanghai Knights. Now, she embarks on her latest and biggest journey yet – becoming a mother. She has just given birth to baby Zed but we caught up with her just before she popped.
At eight months pregnant, are you looking forward to being a mother or do you feel daunted? I am so looking forward to meeting my baby and being a mother. It has been a long honeymoon and I couldn’t be happier.
You don’t seem to have gained a lot of weight during your pregnancy. How will your new role with Marie France help you with your figure? Fann Wong before she gave birth to baby Zed, when she was named spokeswoman for Marie France Bodyline
“You need a minnow to catch a barracuda, and a barracuda to catch a shark.” – the late Philip Seymour Hoffman puts on a riveting show in his last major role A half-Chechen, half-Russian torture victim resurfaces in the Islamic community of Hamburg and lays claim to his father’s illgotten fortune. Both Germany and the USA’s secret agencies race against the clock to unmask the true identity of the most wanted man – be it an oppressed victim or a destructionbent extremist.
I hide it well… Actually, I have already gained 17kg in my eighth month! But I am not worried about this extra weight as I am confident that Marie France Bodyline’s post-natal treatments that use advanced technology will be able to help me achieve my slimming and body contouring goals after my delivery.
Were you nervous or self-conscious for the Demi Moore-esque semi-nude shoot you did with Marie France Bodyline? Not at all! The Marie France Bodyline team and the shoot crew were very professional and made sure I was totally at ease. And we are all very happy with the photos!
What are your future plans for your career after having your child? Well, I’d like to spend some time to bond with my baby before I get back to work. So, I am not in a hurry to return to work after my delivery.
Would you consider having another child? I am open to it for sure!
How has this pregnancy been for you? The first three months was awful, I felt nauseous all the time and I spent most of my time in bed. But after the first trimester, everything changed! I felt energetic and I started to really enjoy food. So much so that I started to eat like a dinosaur.
You have a very supportive fan club. What would you like to say to them? I have been getting so much love and wonderful support from my fans and I’d like to thank them all for it. I can feel that they are also sharing my joy and happiness and for that I feel very blessed. Congratulations to Fann & Christopher on baby Zed! By Cheryl Chia
movie preview
A Most Wanted Man: Seymour Hoffman’s last hurrah Don’t miss Seymour Hoffman’s riveting performance
The Team of Spies Philip Seymour Hoffman raises the bar to a new level, even when measured against his unparalleled heights. He also leads a group of amazing cast members in his last hurrah. Rachel McAdams (The Vow), Willem Dafoe (The Grand Budapest Hotel), Robin Wright (House of Cards), Nina Hoss and Daniel Brühl star alongside Hoffman. Be sure not to miss what many are calling the most exciting spy-thriller film of the year, and Philip Seymour Hoffman’s last big hurrah.
A Minnow to Catch a Barracuda… As the group of German intelligence agents led by Gunter Bachmann (Philip Seymour Hoffman) look deeper into the mysterious resurfacing of this man, they identify him as Issa Karpov, an escaped jihadist militant. But a part of Bachmann believes in the innocence of Issa Karpov and wants to use him as a means to hunt down the true criminals residing in the Islamic community. In a game of crazy chess with lives and professional reputations at stake, Bachmann and his team race against the clock to find out who Issa really is, and what his intentions for resurfacing really are, while simultaneously uncovering the dirty work of Germany and the USA.
variety of roles as an insufferable antagonist, witty anti-hero and even unintended scenestealer. The greatest showcases of Hoffman’s brilliance lay in his diversity. Said director Anton Corbijn, “I could not believe that the guy sitting next to me was the same person as the one on screen.” Corbijn is renowned for having directed various U2 and Depeche Mode music videos. This is only his third full-length feature film, yet he has long won critical acclaim.
Seymour Hoffman’s Last Major Role Earlier this year the talented Philip Seymour Hoffman, star of various films such as Capote, and the Hunger Games: Catching Fire and Mockingjay, passed
away from accidental acute mixed drug intoxication, making his major role in A Most Wanted Man his final gift in an incredible legacy. The Academy award winner boasts many other awards in his illustrious career, in a
A Most Wanted Man [NC16] DIRECTOR: Anton Corbijn STARRING: Philip Seymour Hoffman, Rachel McAdams, Nina Hoss & Grigoriy Dobrygin GENRE: Thriller RUN LENGTH: 122 min RELEASE: 14 Aug
AUGUST 15 - 21, 2014
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Foodmania
“The accoutrements complemented the fish well with touches of sweetness and slight spice.” The Seared Albacore Tuna was our favourite dish from the Americas
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Fresh new Seasons from the Americas A fresh new bistro replaces Applebee’s at Triple One Somerset
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ome may be disappointed that American diner chain Applebee’s has quickly bowed out but, not to worry, a better and brighter bistro has taken its spot at Triple One Somerset. Serving dishes originating from the Americas, you’ll find gems such as fish tacos from the South to poutine from the North, inspired from the chef’s own travels around the American continent.
American Dream
My dinner started off from the South. The Seared Yellowtail Tuna Taco ($14) came with avocado mayonnaise, pickled onions, crispy shallots, cotija cheese and cilantro
jalapeno watercress salad on tortilla shell. This is a great dish to whet the appetite as the pickled onions lighten the dish, making it a fairly light appetiser. The second dish that arrived is a little unorthodox but surprisingly it worked. Pan Seared Foie Gras ($16) arrives atop a sliced pain de mie with chocolate ganache, accompanied with bacon jam, caramelised bananas and granola crumbs. I know it sounds like an odd dessert but the dark chocolate ganache went well with the foie gras, masking the gamey scent with a bittersweet flavour. Very surprising, indeed.
Food for the Soul
My journey turned into New Orleans with Seasons’ Surf & Turf Gumbo ($27). Its version of the gumbo is a mix of shrimp,
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Worth its Salt Luke Mangan’s Salt Grill & Sky Bar is back with a new menu
Baby Vegetables also has goat curd, ginger bread crumbs & dried black olives
After a month-long closure due to renovations, Salt Grill & Sky Bar by celebrated Australian chef Luke Mangan, unveils its new interiors and fresh Spring menu to boot. Salt Grill & Sky Bar’s executive chef, Matthew Leighton, places great emphasis on the provenance and freshness of their ingredients, as well as on allowing the natural flavours of these ingredients to shine through.
chicken and sausage in an okra tomato stew with dirty rice, pickled onion and cilantro. It also contains chow chow relish (a salsa-like relish) and French bean salad. This comforting dish comes in quite a large portion so, if you’re not a big eater of rice, perhaps this would be better for sharing. Moving on to Kansas City with the Buttermilk Fried Chicken ($22), the golden fried succulent chicken arrived with a side of succotash – tossed corn and beans, devilled ranch dressing and a homemade ketchup with a touch of mangoes and passion fruit. Nonetheless, my favourite dish had to be the Seared Albacore Tuna ($26). The tuna slab came rare with Asian pear, avocado, jicama, watermelon with chipotle mojo
Seasons’ Surf & Turf Gumbo was rich and with interesting flavours
and salsa verde. The accoutrements complemented the fish well with touches of sweetness and slight spice. Desserts are also not to be missed at Seasons Bistro. I suggest the Mojito Tart ($12), a toasted coconut tart with mint lime curd & rum cream. Take a refreshing food trip to the Americas at Seasons Bistro. Seasons Bistro, Triple One Somerset, 111 Somerset Road, #01-11/12, Singapore 238164, Tel: 6836 5841 By Cheryl Chia
Aussie Delights
Grill Out
For a refreshing start, try the signature Sashimi Kingfish with ginger, shallots, and goat feta ($33++). The pristine slices of fish paired well with the slightly spicy ginger, for an almost Japanese twist. The Baby Vegetables ($31++) also features heirloom vegetables with goat curd, ginger crumbs, and dried black olives. The goat curd was a little strong for me, but I did like the fresh and crisp bite to the heirloom vegetables. My favourite, however, was the Tea-Smoked Quail ($31++) with almond cream, prunes, grains, grilled shallots, and sorrel (a type of herb). The quail is boneless, which makes it easy to eat. The smoky flavours really took centre stage for this dish.
From the grill comes juicy and tender meats, typical of Australian cuisine. The Sirloin 250g Ranger Valley, New South Wales ($74++) is 300-day grain-fed, with Moroccan spice, sauteed spinach, a side of eggplant puree, and red wine sauce. Apart from that, they also offer Portuguese Baby Chicken ($49++) with char-grilled corn, chorizo, chillies, and olives and fish dishes, should you not want beef. End off your meal with Luke’s Liquorice Parfait ($18++), a cylindrical confection of liquorice cream with lime and tuile (a thin crisp wafer). Salt Grill & Sky Bar, Ion Orchard, Level 55 & 56, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801, Tel: 6592 5118 By Cheryl Chia
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weekender.com.sg
Durian Mobilization 2014: Fleshy golden goodness!
Canvas Singapore has plans to bring in a slew of international DJs, starting with Eton Messy from the UK, who came for the official opening
About 350 people wore contented smiles after dining on the “King of Fruits” in this durian degustation session Now into its seventh year, the Durian Mobilization was first initiated in 2008 by popular food blogger Dr Leslie Tay, of ieatishootipost.sg, to help durian lovers gain a deeper appreciation for the different varieties of durian. In the annual gathering, people from all walks of life come together to pay homage to the “King of Fruits”. This year’s event was co-organised by the Singapore Kindness Movement (SKM) and Dr Tay.
Durian Lovers, Unite! Besides devouring the delicious durians, it was also a good opportunity for Singaporeans to rekindle the “Kampung spirit” by bonding over a common love for this unique fruit. Participants were also given the opportunity to become better connoisseurs by learning more about the different durian cultivars. By Lim Wan Ling
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Sweet times at the Sugarhall
I suggest the Broken Pork Sausage ($14) for a starter. The chef’s secret recipe sausage is made of coarse pork, which comes atop grilled cabbage in bonito butter and a few pieces of stone-baked baguette. The sausage was cooked well and tasted good but, oddly enough, the grilled cabbage stole the show with its fragrance and smoky flavour. For a lighter option, I recommend the Roasted Beetroot ($10), which is a slightly more healthful option with fried kale, pickles, and mascarpone cheese.
The Porterhouse steak can feed more than one person
Sugarhall offers excellent dishes and ice cold cocktails If you’ve been to Jigger & Pony on Amoy Street, you should be familiar with its potent rum cocktails. If you take that exact same concept and add grilled meats to it, you get Sugarhall! Sugarhall, the sister restaurant of Jigger & Pony, houses over 60 cane spirits under one roof. They are categorised according to origin and style, and they have one of the largest varieties of cane spirits in the country. Helming the kitchen is Chef Polo Seah, previously with W Hotel’s steakhouse, SKIRT.
Chill Grill Start off your meal with a nice aperitif such as the Bumbo Old Fashioned ($22) with El Dorado 12-year-old rum instead of the typical whisky. It is a smoky and lightlyspiced drink to prepare your palate for the grilled goodness ahead.
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Canvas Opens with a Bang “Canvas Singapore aims to provide a space where art will converge with
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Young and old gorged on the golden treasure
Participants were treated to a decadent durian feast with two main types of the spiky green fruit – the Mao Shan Wang and D24 varieties, supplied by the highly sought after Ah Seng Durian. The limited variety was due to a less fruitful harvest caused by the recent dry spell. The feast kicked off with the popular D24 durian. Despite the limited range this year, the quality was premium. Participants were even allowed to exchange the durians if they weren’t too ripe, or even if they weren’t satisfied with the taste. The participants, young and old, couldn’t resist popping the thick and creamy D24, piece after piece. Finally, we were struck by the strong aroma of the Mao Shan Wang. Needless to say, the intense and buttery flavour tantalised even the most discerning taste buds of picky Singaporeans. Mangosteen was also served at the end, as it was traditionally known to reduce “heatiness” after the consumption of durians.
For more yummy options & the latest lifestyle tips, visit us at weekender.com.sg
Aromatic and Fleshy
entertainment and the amazing Singapore nightlife.”
Protein-Rich Meal If you’d like a steak for good value, I think the Hanger Steak ($24) is amazing. The Cape Grim grass-fed, 240g steak is a lean cut with hardly any fat. It’s cooked to a perfect medium-rare with a mild sprinkling of salt and pepper. It also comes with a homemade chimichurri sauce, but I found it unnecessary. You should also not miss the Pork Chop ($28). This hefty 300g pork is put in salt brine, which brings the sweetness out from the meat. The accompanying orange and parsley dip also adds a nice tang to the dish. The main meals come without side dishes, and the sides we’d recommend are the Chunky Pumpkin ($12), which is a grilled pumpkin with mozzarella and rum raisin, and the Grilled Leek ($14) topped with an onsen egg. There are only two desserts at Sugarhall, and to be honest, we’d rather gorge on the sides instead. Sugarhall, 102 Amoy Street, Singapore 069922, Tel: 6222 9102
art will converge with entertainment and the amazing Singapore nightlife. Canvas Singapore officially launched on Jul 30 with artists such as Alvin Tan of PHUNK and known photographer Russel Wong, who presented 20 photos from his works over the years.
Artistic Inclinations Russel Wong is the first Singaporean to break into the Hollywood movie industry, and he belongs to an exclusive group of photographers that shoot the covers for Time magazine. “The launch of Canvas Singapore is really to showcase the flexibility that will be made available for artists to exhibit in. From installations and murals to short films and photography, we can demonstrate how much of a blank canvas the venue can be,” said Mahen Nathan, the co-owner of Canvas Singapore.
Party Nights
Canvas is a great new arty place to chill out and for drinks
Taking over the old Home Club is art -inspired club, Canvas Singapore The space that used to house Home Club at the Riverwalk has been given a fresh makeover, making it seem larger as the current Canvas Singapore. The once platform-filled floors of Home Club have been smoothed out, creating the illusion of more space. A joint collaboration between Bed Concepts and Home Club, Canvas Singapore aims to provide a space where
The club also intends to bring in a slew of international DJs, starting with Eton Messy from the United Kingdom, who came for the official opening. The inhouse team at Canvas Singapore plays a cross between underground music and commercial music on normal days. Clubbers may also see the return of Singaporean drag-queen Kumar for fortnightly stand-up shows at Canvas Singapore. The cover charge of $20$25 to enter includes a complimentary drink. Admission is free during the day, should you wish to view the exhibitions. Canvas Singapore, The Riverwalk, 20 Upper Circular Road, #B1-01/06, Singapore 058416, Tel: 6538 2928 By Cheryl Chia
AUGUST 15 - 21, 2014
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Foodmania
Neighbourhood Food Feature
Tagliolini al Nero di Seppia con Uova di Pesce Volante (Tobiko) e Ricci di Mare
10 Delicious bites in Tiong Bahru part 2 of 2
As soon as you turn off from the main road and into Tiong Bahru estate, you are literally hit by a plethora of delicious food aromas
5. Other Heavenly Delights More old-style local food can be found at Por Kee Eating House (69 Seng Poh Lane), for good, inexpensive zi char dishes such as steamed fish, hot plate tofu and champagne pork ribs; Ting Heng Seafood Restaurant (82 Tiong Poh Road), an open-air restaurant with good fresh steamboat items and fried dishes; and Old Tiong Bahru Bak Kut Teh (58 Seng Poh Road), a perennial favourite that serves tender pork ribs in a fragrant broth that is rich, garlicky and packs a peppery punch.
6. Tiong Bahru Bakery
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Truffles galore at Truffle Gourmet If you have a penchant for truffles, head down to Truffle Gourmet If the fragrance of truffle oil entices you, you might find a dream of a restaurant in Truffle Gourmet. The restaurant has recently revamped its a la carte menu with hearty Italian dishes. Sister establishment of Michelin-starred Guido da Costigliole Restaurant, Truffle Gourmet is nestled along the row of bars and restaurants on Club Street.
Homemade Goodies Truffle Gourmet’s breads, pastas, spreads – including butter – are all made in-house. I especially like the entrée dish of Plin Agnolotti ($29), homemade beef ravioli served with beef reduction sauce and sprinkled in black truffle oil. It is also tossed in black truffle cream. Mmm! Homemade pastas usually have the pitfalls of being way too soggy, but the raviolis were perfectly al dente and meaty. The Taglioni Al Nero ($28), the squid ink tagliolini with sea urchin and flying fish roe also showed much control in the pasta with the same al dente texture but the dish was let down slightly by the oddly-bitter sea urchin. The bottarga – salted cured fish roe – might also be a little fishy to some.
Summer Specials For the summer, Truffle Gourmet’s menu showcases seasonal goodies such as the Battuta Di Carne Wagyu ($24), an anti-pasti dish. This Wagyu beef tartare is served with white asparagus salad and black summer truffle. If you aren’t squeamish about raw meat, the tartare is fresh and the texture firm. For the main course, I recommend the Tagliata Di Maiale Iberico Pluma ($45), grilled Iberian pork on a bed of sautéed potatoes, onions, peas, Marsala sauce and black truffle. The Iberian pork is tender and juicy. It filled the mouth with just the right amount of fat for the fragrance yet lean enough to stomach easily. End off the meal with its signature homemade ice cream covered in Oreo powder, to simulate a whole black truffle. It also comes with macerated berries for a tart finish. But if you are a chocolate lover, try the Chocolate Mousse ($12) with passion fruit and mango coulis. Make this your next stop for a business lunch or romantic dinner. Truffle Gourmet, 49 Club Street, Singapore 069426, Tel: 6222 5996 By Cheryl Chia
One Fresh Cup to start Like the taste and freshness of a filtered cuppa but don’t have the time to brew your coffee fresh every morning? Perhaps all that will change with the introduction of One Fresh Cup.
Fresh Dripped Coffee One Fresh Cup shakes instant coffee up with an attached filter within. With beans such as Arabica and Robusta, simply set the filter on your cup and pour hot water in. The filter
7. Orange Thimble More cafe culture is found at Orange Thimble (56 Eng Hoon Street), which is quiet and cosy. If you want conversation and quiet reflection then this is the place. The coffee here is good and all-day breakfast items are very popular.
Tiong Bahru bakery has French breads, pastries and good coffee
8. Drips Bakery Cafe Drips Bakery Cafe (82 Tiong Poh Road) is also cosy and tranquil with well-spaced seating areas. The cherry brandy tart is a favourite which contrasts sour and sweet with the heat of the liqueur and the texture of the pastry.
9. Other Hip Eateries
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Start your day right with a easypeasy cuppa
While these old coffee shops and hawker centre with their delicious local food are together the heart of Tiong Bahru’s local heritage, other pre-war shophouses have been transformed into European-style niches offering continental cuisine. Tiong Bahru Bakery (56 Eng Hoon Street), under the helm of Gontran Cherrier, is decidedly French with its croissants, brioche, patisserie, creative buns, breads, as well as good espresso.
brewer drips fairly quickly into the mug, resulting in a cup of freshlybrewed coffee with an aroma. After wrap up the filter nicely and throw it away with no fuss or muss. They also have sachets of two-in-one unsweetened café latte, Rooibos tea latte and Dutch Dark Hot Chocolate. Each sachet of One Fresh Cup coffee is meant for one-time use only, to retain its premium quality and taste. A box of 50 servings (S$60) can be purchased directly from its website, www.onefreshcup.com.sg.
For more continental fare and hip eateries, there is Social Haus for beer, burgers and pizza (11 Yong Siak Street), Open Door Policy (19 Yong Siak Street) for more pricey (somewhat fusion) items such as braised duck with pappardelle pasta, which costs about $25; 40 Hands (78 Yong Siak Street) with good sustainable coffee, breakfast platters and tau sar pau; Potbellies (16 Kim Tian Road) for beers and ales and St Louis pork ribs.
10. Foodie Market Place Foodie Market Place (225 Outram Road) is a specialist grocery store with exclusive cheese, seafood, and other products, at relatively attractive prices. If you like cooking, this is the place to stock up on ingredients and produce. Make sure to explore the aesthetic and gastronomic wonders in Tiong Bahru estate. By Freda Saunders
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weekender.com.sg
Sip on nostalgia & roll back the years
and perhaps more so in the past, most children only had fizzy drinks on somewhat momentous occasions. Now, as adults, we remember certain drinks that seem to have disappeared completely from our shelves, or have become so elusive that finding the Loch Ness monster would seem easier. Here are a few that we fondly miss.
Sinalco
Photos: popsop.ru, Ebay, the Coca Cola Company, weeklyfizz.blogspot.sg and www.vernonsales.com
Some may remember the pink cans and red logos of the Sinalco can, deceptively holding an orange-coloured fizzy drink that tasted nothing like orange. Confusing, we know. Sinalco seems to have completely disappeared off our shelves, though we did seem to have been able to get them just a few years ago. The company is still producing a wide range of Sinalco drinks and tonic water in Germany though. Nonetheless, we think one or two mamak-shops here and there might have the odd can of Sinalco. Status: Elusive
Green Spot Green spot was a fizzy orange drink that was invented in 1934 in the USA. It used to come in glass bottles and with its iconic green logo. Today, the drink is no longer popular in the USA, or even here, but it still can be found in Thailand and Venezuela. You might find a few Tetra Paks (strange, we know) in Hong Kong, where it was once the “it” drink. Status: Elusive
RC Cola
We reminisce some drinks we remember from our childhood, that have gone missing from the shelves Sodas and soft drinks are frequently a fond memory for many children because they are so shiok and yet often forbidden by parents to be consumed at will. This means,
Now, this is retro! Royal Crown Cola, commonly known as RC Cola, used to be manufactured by the National Aerated Water Co. Ltd here back in the day. To some, RC Cola tasted somewhat like a slightly bland version of Coca-Cola. If you remember those bottles with the crown and the “RC” logo, we’re sorry to tell you, you’re not that young anymore! RC Cola can still be found in some states in the USA, where it was created in 1905. Anyone want to try to bring it back here? Please do! Status: Elusive
Cherry Coke We all know the ubiquitous and globally-popular Coke (or Coca-Cola) and some of its variations such as Diet Coke or Coke Light, and Coke Zero. Some may even remember Coke Lime or Vanilla Coke, which are no longer on the shelves. But way before that, there was Coca-Cola Cherry, or Cherry Coke. As far as we know, the first time they tried to enter the market was in the ‘80s but it wasn’t so popular and the taste was a little funny. It re-entered Singapore in the ‘90s (with a techno jingle), and was fairly popular. We wonder why it departed, and we’d love to have it back. Status: Extinct?
Anything & Whatever “If you give me anything, I will give you whatever.” We recall that tag line of these sodas quite vividly. A variety of drinks were unmarked and came with one generic design for each label (“Anything” or “Whatever”), resulting in a surprise each time either of these canned drinks were bought. “Anything” was carbonated and there were six types of drink, ranging from lemonade to root beer, while “Whatever” had flavours such as peach tea and lemon tea. The marketing, though cheesy, made quite a mark with its quirky visual ads at bus-stops with actual aluminium cans framing the poster. It made further (unwanted) headlines from the resulting harvest of tin collectors. Status: Extinct
Heaven and Earth Orchid Tea, etc Remember when Heaven and Earth first launched in 2001? Yes, it’s been that long! They seemed to have a multitude of flavours including exotic options such as Quince Tea, Mandarin Orange Tea, and Orchid Tea. We recall liking the Orchid Tea quite a bit. Now, they have boring flavours like Jasmine Green Tea, Iced Lemon Tea, and the recent addition, unsweetened Ayataka Green Tea. Yawn. Status: Extinct By Cheryl Chia Discovered any of these lately? Know of more extinct drinks? Drop us a message at www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
Rachael vs Guy S3: Star-studded celebrity cook-off “Which celebrity will be chopped first? Tune in to the excitement and find out.”
Popular TV chefs Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri return as team captains to take on celebrities in a weekly showdown for a coveted US$50,000 prize Food lovers and celebrity fans can be excited over the return of Rachael vs Guy: Celebrity Cook-Off. In Season 3 of the show on the Food Network, TV chefs Rachael Ray and Guy Fieri return to battle it out over who’s the best celebrity cooking mentor and the US$50,000 donation to charity. Both will lead a team of four celebrities with little cooking experience. While Rachael brings her quick and easy style to the table, Guy brings the spice and style gleaned from his Italian roots. With one celebrity facing elimination each week, the battle is fierce and competitive.
field. Here is who will compete for Team Guy in Season 3: • Rapper Vanilla Ice, who’s playing for the Make-A-Wish Foundation • Comedian Chris Kattan, who’s playing for The Chrysalis Foundation • Singer Tiffany, who’s playing for The Caring Place • Former NFL player Herschel Walker, who’s playing for Patriot Support
First Beginnings
Team Guy: Famous Celebrities
The series starts by throwing the celebrities into the deep end. Immediately, they are thrust into a mediaeval-themed kitchen, where they must prepare a meal befitting the royalty of the time. Furthermore, from the mediaeval era to the shores of Hawaii, the celebrities must then complete a meal for a luau. Which celebrity will be chopped first? Tune in to the excitement and find out.
Team Guy opts for a team in which everyone is involved. Rather than being TV stars, his team of celebrities come from the streets, the stage, and even the American football
Season 3 of Rachael vs Guy: Celebrity CookOff premieres on Thu, Aug 21, 8pm, on Food Network Asia, StarHub TV Ch 433.
Team Rachael: Unlikely Star Chefs Team Rachael embraces the idea of bringing together as many different personalities and styles as possible. Here is who you are going to meet on the team at the start of Season 3: • TV bachelor Jake Pavelka, who is playing for the Tag the World charity • Stand-up comedian Judy Gold, who plays for Project ALS
• Illusionist Penn Jillette, who is playing for Opportunity Village • TV sitcom star Florence Henderson, who is playing for City of Hope
AUGUST 15 - 21, 2014
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SHOPsavvy
weekender.com.sg
Singaporeans may not be known for their style, but we do have excellent designers changing that opinion, bit by bit
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he common gripe about the Singaporean fashion sense is the propensity to err on the side of being too casual or being dressed inappropriately for the setting. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t care about fashion at all. We have many home-grown, talented Singaporean designers changing the perception of style, one thread at a time.
Depression Designers Andrew Loh and Kenny Lim created the brand Depression, postadvertising career, after hitting a low point in their lives. The duo has certainly reached a high point with recognition from local and international celebrities alike. Taboo of the Black Eyed Peas once even called them when he was in town, for directions to their store! www.depression.com.sg Depression
ARC
N a t io n a l P r i d e
Loco for Local Max.Tan Funny enough, local designer Max Tan, the brains behind the brands Saturday and Max.Tan, seems to have gained more traction abroad in Nordic countries such as Norway, as well as in the Middle East such as Kuwait, than in Singapore. More stores carry his brand abroad, and he has plans to tackle the Big Four of fashion (Paris, Milan, New York and London) as soon as possible. www.max-tan.com
Dzojchen Pronounced “do-jen”, this freckled beauty, Chelsea Scott-Blackwell, is the mastermind behind the high-fashion street brand Dzojchen. She whips up well-fitted jeans, jackets, and footwear made of quality leather and denim for both men and women. She has presented her collection in Paris and Seoul, as well as in Singapore fashion weeks. www.dzojchen.com Dzojchen
Statement
Statement Kae Hana
Kae Hana
Arc Islean Valath is not merely a pretty face. As it turns out, she has a knack for accentuating a woman’s curves with her own edgy sense of style, resulting in flattering panelled dresses, unique hemlines, and contrasting shades. www.arcival.com
If you’re a fan of oriental-inspired prints and want to stand out in the crowd, look to Kae Hana. She’s taken part in the Audi Fashion Festival and #DigitalFashionWeek. Unfortunately, the brand seems to have gone MIA after Parco Next Next wound down. We hope to see it again soon!
Max.Tan
Okay, this isn’t really haute couture. Instead, it is a slightly more young and hipster idea. Statement started out as a mere T-shirt template with slogans on it from Facebook but gradually printed quintessentially Singaporean phrases such as “Please Revert.”, “Uh Uh Siol” and “No Lah Where Got” on plain white or black crew-neck tees. There are a couple of more rude phrases that we can’t print but feel free to explore their website. www.statement.sg
Beauty In Brief
A neon-bright summer
Urban Decay
Summer is in full swing and it’s time to let the colours come out to play
Known for its highlypigmented eyeshadows and excellent colour pay-off, Urban Decay shocks with its Electric Palette ($72). It contains ten eye-popping shades such as the deep purple Urban, the bright blue Chaos and neon matte-pink Savage. Available at Sephora
Etude House The Play 101 Pencil ($12) from Etude House comes in varied finishes matte, glossy and shimmer and glitter. It comes in 13 different shades, from pastels to rich dark shades, perfect for multi-usage as an eyeliner, lip-liner and even blusher. Available at all Etude House outlets.
Clio
Tarte Escape to the rainforest with this Golden Days & Sultry Nights Limited Edition ($65) from US brand, Tarte. The set contains the Lights, Camera, Splashes mascara, Amazonian clay eye shadow palette with warm shades, and a brightly-printed scarf. Available at Sephora.
The Clio Gelspresso Pastel Upper Liner ($16.90) is quite a mouthful but it comes in four pretty shades ranging from a bright red, pastel pink, mint and purple. Go red for a slight punk look with black eyeliner. Available at Watsons.
Nails Inc Follow the likes of supermodels on the Chanel runway or style icon Victoria Beckham with these bright Festival ($20) nail polishes from Nails Inc. The British brand features Hyde Park (vibrant orange) and Sloane Street (bright pink), for summer. Available at Sephora.
AUGUST 15 - 21, 2014
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TRAVELation
weekender.com.sg
7 Ways to spot a Singaporean traveller Websites can give you tips on best places to eat
3. Eating & shopping are priority
#butfirstletmetakeaselfie
Singaporeans are known to be world travellers but how do you spot a Singaporean in the crowd?
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s Singaporeans, we tend to carry our traits or Singaporean-isms wherever we go, like our identity card or ‘badge of honour’. The following are just a few of the characteristics that make us conspicuous.
Shopping for bargains is top of the list for Singaporean travellers
2. Pro bargain hunting 1. We snap photos of everything Singaporeans stop every few metres to snap photos on their compact digi-cams or DSLRs. It’s also mandatory to take a selfie with anything nice in the background. Our definition of “nice” here is pretty broad. Popular settings include the Eiffel Tower, a restaurant signboard, a different-looking sky or sea waves that we don’t see back home. In selfies that aren’t so great, you can barely see anything in the background. Our propensity for being trigger happy can probably only be rivalled by Japanese tourists. Have you ever seen them take a selfie with a traffic light?
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.
Surabaya – Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park For anyone with an interest in volcanoes, this remarkably scenic park should be on your bucket list. Check out the majestic Mount Bromo. Its landscape is so surreal that it could pass for the backdrop of a sci-fi movie. Some endangered and protected animal species are inhabitants of the
By bargain hunting, we don’t simply mean being on the hunt for huge sales and discounts. The term “fixed price” doesn’t quite exist in our dictionary. A true Singaporean would have mastered the skill of bargaining or haggling, and there is no better place to use that talent than at the expansive markets we find abroad. We bargain to get a good price and to avoid getting ripped off. However, I suspect that some Singaporeans actually enjoy the haggling and arguing more than satiating their appetite for shopping. However, do control yourself. Sometimes, this can backfire when sellers refuse to budge, or get so annoyed that they chase you away. park, including the marbled cat, long-tailed macaque and Asian wild dog. From $69, Tigerair. Promotion ends 17 Aug. $68, Jetstar. Promotion ends when sold out.
Miri – Gunung Mulu National Park Gunung Mulu Park is home to one of the longest networks of caves in the world. Here lies the world’s largest underground chamber, the Sarawak Chamber; the world’s biggest cave passage, the Deer Cave; and the longest cave
Eating and shopping appear to be more interesting to Singaporeans than exotic cultural experiences. The wonders of the ancient world can wait if Prada is just down the road. After all, we need all this stuff to look better or cooler or to make our friends and colleagues “jelly” [jealous]. Apart from bulging suitcases, the other sign of a good and fruitful trip is when you develop a slight (or greater) bulge at your tummy. Eating tends be a highlight of a Singaporean’s vacation, especially if we find it hard or expensive to get such food back at home. Well, isn’t eating local cuisine part of the cultural experience as well?
4. We are perpetually on the lookout for Wi-Fi Singaporeans are uber-(and over-)connected. Every aspect must be logged and blogged, or photographed and uploaded and shared on social media. (Our friends need to know!) Most of us have also become social media addicts of varying degrees, and we’d probably feel more than a bit uneasy if we don’t log in to Facebook or Twitter for more than 12 hours, to check what’s going on back home or in our social-verse. Nevertheless, data roaming is far too expensive for the average Singaporean. Thus, we can forever be spotted with phone in hand, checking for free Wi-Fi. in Southeast Asia, the Clear Water Cave. The massive caves are home to millions of bats and cave swiftlets that swarm into the jungle in great clouds every day. From $88, AirAsia. Promotion ends 17 Aug.
Hat Yai – Hat Yai Municipal Park Visit the all-in-one Hat Yai Municipal Park where the King Rama V statue, four-faced Buddha, Cable Car Complex, the Planetarium, the Standing Buddha Complex, the Happy Buddha and the Guan Yin Temple are all located. While walking up to the gigantic Guan Yin statue, you will be rewarded with a formidable sight – a panoramic view of the city of Hat Yai. From $76, Tigerair. Promotion ends 17 Aug.
5. “Why laddat one?” Yes, the easiest way to identify a Singaporean is by the way he or she speaks! This is one tell-tale sign. As Singaporeans, we are usually unembarrassed by the way we speak, even though others may consider it broken English. After all, language is meant to make communication easier, right? Even being in other English-speaking countries, from the UK to the US of A, doesn’t necessarily mean we need to speak “the Queen’s English”. Overheard Singlish phrases include: “Why laddat one?”, “Wah, got sale leh!”, “OK, lah…” and “Abaden?”
6. Freebie Nation If there’s one thing that makes some Singaporeans embarrassed about other Singaporeans, it’s their penchant for freebies, giveaways or almost-free souvenirs. It may be harmless to take free stuff but being naive or obsessed with free stuff can cause problems. Singaporeans have been known to be suckers to people [especially in Europe] who give ‘free’ things such as birdseed, only to turn around a moment later and demand an exorbitant fee. Don’t be conned! Some extreme Singaporeans have been known to “kope” (nick) larger items from hotel rooms such as bathroom towels, bathrobes, leather file binders, and so on. Please, don’t embarrass us and yourself!
7. We can be careless & complacent Coming from a mostly safe and sanitized home country, Singaporeans tend to be complacent, naïve or plain foolish. Many Singaporeans like to leave personal belongings such as phones or bags lying around, or glam up their dressing while on holiday. Some of us may have been watching too many Hollywood movies. In Singapore, we may use our belongings to “chope“ (save) our seats. But do that in many places overseas, and you shouldn’t expect your belongings to still be there when you return. We are also unfamilliar with the amazing skills and deceptive cons of the pickpockets overseas, and we really need to be on the alert at all times. Please be wary of anyone shoving something in your face (whether a map or something to buy), squeezing close to you on the metro train, brushing against you, or even tailing you for a distance. The complacency or naivety of a Singaporean can sometimes stretch quite far. In any case, when you travel, please be a savvy Singaporean and not a silly one. The easiest way to level-up on that? Google for travel tips and glean more knowledge on the country you’re visiting! Now, that’s very Singaporean too. By Lim Wan Ling
AUGUST 15 - 21, 2014
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TRAVELation COVER STORY
Off the beaten path: A journey to Kansai, Japan Part 1 of 2
It’s time to try travelling somewhere off the beaten touristy path – the scenic Kansai region has much to offer
F
rom sandboarding to soaking in an onsen (hot spring) tub carved from trunks of thousand-yearold trees, I explore the Tokushima, Iya, Tottori, and Hyogo prefectures in the Kansai region and highlight some of Japan’s favourite destinations at home. My journey begins with a direct flight from Singapore to Kansai International Airport (KIX), about 500km south of Tokyo.
One of the World’s Largest Whirlpools
My first stop was in Japan’s fourth-largest island, Shikoku, where Tokushima is located. En route, we stopped by the Onaruto Bridge to see one of the world’s largest whirlpools. These natural whirlpools in the strait between the Kii Channel and Harima-nada Sea occur because of changing tidal currents, causing swirling waves spanning over 20m in diameter! You can view the whirlpools from the Uzu No Michi Walkway of the Onaruto Bridge, 45m above sea level, through tempered glass floors. They take place four times a day, with every changing tide, so please inquire in advance for the day of your visit. (www.uzonomichi.jp)
Enchanting Awa Odori Dance
As a signature of Tokushima, the Awa Odori dates back to the AD 1500s, celebrating the newly-built Tokushima Castle. The dance is characterised by irregular steps, as though inebriated, while chanting in a festive, upbeat
Flying Kois Gifts from well-wishers, the koi windsocks grace the sky during spring as boats cruise below in Oboke
Mythical Monsters Yokais, meant to deter children from dangerous areas, can be seen everywhere. Here are two of them!
Precarious Crossings A vine bridge, designed by the Samurais of yore to be cut upon retreat, is now lined with steel cables
Living Heritage A tradition dating back 400 years, the graceful and enchanting Awa Odori Dance is still practised today.
Exclusive Luxury A private cable car shuttles spring by the river in Iya
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YUMMY JAPAN! manner, “It’s a fool who dances and a fool who watches! If both are fools, you might as well have fun dancing!” Although the annual Awa Odori festival takes place city wide from Aug 12 to 15, involving all residents, the dance is performed daily at the Awa Odori Kaikan Hall by professional dance troupes. I was completely enchanted by the grace and elegance of the female dancers with their folded straw hats and beautiful costumes, with their finelypitched voices lilting jovially. It’s a rare sight to see tradition in such a captivating and engaging encounter.
“We feasted on sumptuous Japanese sushi and sashimi, pickled mountain vegetables and grilled local fish from the gorge.”
Oboke-Iya Hot Spring Town
Our final destination for the day was at Kyokokunoyuyado Obokekyo Mannaka, an onsen hotel. This quaint hotel is situated on the side of a gorge slightly above the flowing river. The town is so quiet that one can hear the rushing water downstream. We took a sightseeing boat ride down the emerald green Yoshino River, located five minutes from the hotel, to see the full foliage of the ravine and the distinctive limestone rock formations. The best time to come is during autumn, when leaves explode with yellows and orange hues. The day ended with a night’s stay at the Hotel Obokekyo Mannaka with their sulphur hot spring baths and full Japanese dinner and breakfast. It’s a charming hotel with exceptional hospitality and service. For me, the best part of the Obokekyo Mannaka experience was their dinner and breakfast. We feasted on sumptuous Japanese sushi and sashimi, pickled mountain vegetables and grilled local fish from the gorge. It was the best I’ve ever tasted. See the sidebar for more on the meal. (www.mannaka.co.jp)
Iya Valley
The next day, we journeyed to the Iya Valley, a short distance away. It is a remote and mountainous region with narrow winding roads. Historically, it was a place of refuge for some of the defeated warriors in the 12th Century. These days, Iya offers refuge of a different type.
Retreating into a Refuge of Luxury
For those seeking refuge from stress, you can spend the night at Nanoyado Hotel Iya Onsen. Perched high on a steep slope, Iya Onsen has rooms with outdoor hot tubs and balconies with spectacular views of the valley. It has a private cable car which takes guests 170m below the hotel, to the source of the hot spring. Carved out of the hillside, and yards from the Iya River, it offers privacy and exclusivity, for the discerning few who are seeking meditation and relaxation. (www.iyaonsen.co.jp)
Peeing into the Valley
A few minutes’ walk from Iya Onsen Hotel is the iconic “Statue of the Peeing Boy”, which depicts a naked boy perched on the cliff, urinating into the ravine. According to lore, travellers would climb upon this cliff and pee into the valley as a testament of their bravery. Though the display of bravery is no longer popular, the statue now serves as an iconic marker for the breathtaking views of the ravine below.
When in Japan, do as the Japanese do. Indulge in the onsen’s inclusive dinner and breakfast experience. For the Japanese, onsen dining is a display of artistic experience as each dish is presented as a work of art. Much of the ingredients come from the local market and are absolutely fresh. We were served specialty dishes such as smoked Awa chicken, Naruto sweet potato, grilled river fish “Amego”, and pork and vegetable hot pot.
Cross like a Ninja
Another attraction in Iya is the Kazurabashi Bridge. According to local legend, a samurai constructed the vine bridge across the Iya River as an escape route during a battle. If they needed to flee, they would cross the bridge and chop the vines to prevent the enemy from pursuing. Well, that’s the story, and it certainly sounds exciting. The bridge stretches 14m above the river, spans 45m and is visited by many tourists trying to get on. It’s still made of vines attached to large cedar trees, and rickety floor boards with large gaping gaps, but there’s been one modern improvement – reinforced steel cables hidden in the structure! These are just among the many examples of the attractions that await tourists willing to explore more of Japan’s wonders in the Kansai region. In next week’s article, I will share more about Japan’s onsen custom and highlight some unusual attractions such as the sand dunes of Tottori as well as Japan’s latest attraction: The Harry Potter Pavilion at Universal Studios Japan. By Frank Young
Loo for Loons onsen bathers to this exclusive hot
Onsen Dinner at Mannaka Hotel
A statue to commemorate those brave (or foolish) enough to pee at the precipice overlooking the valley
Cooking 101 Salt-encrusted fresh fish piked and roasted on charcoal fire is ready to be served.
Tokushima Ramen at Men-Ou A signature Tokushima ramen served with raw egg on top, the locals typically have both the ramen and a bowl of rice topped with another raw egg. This is comfort food at its best. (www.uma-e.net/ramen/2659)
Iya Soba at Iya Bijin Made mostly of buckwheat and with less gluten, the texture is less chewy and more brittle compared to the average soba. The perfect place to have Iya’s favourite soba is at Iya Bijin, where you can have soba and traditionally-grilled salt-encrusted fish. (Iyabijin.jp/soba)
Fancy a Dip? Countervailing tides create these 20-metre whirlpools four times per day under the Onaruto Bridge
AUGUST 15 - 21, 2014
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TRAVELation
Spotlight on Malaysia
The big catch in neighbouring Malaysia If you love fishing or if you’d like to pick up a fun and challenging sport, Malaysia is just the place for you For a country with a majority of its borders enveloped by coastal waters, it comes as no surprise that fishing is a natural pastime in Malaysia. While it may have once been the lifeline of Malaysia’s inhabitants, it has, today, become a thriving leisure industry serving domestic and international visitors alike.
‘Secret’ Spots For amateurs to professional anglers, there’s always a sweet spot or a hidden gem of a mangrove or a ‘secret’ area off many of the country’s scenic coasts that continue to entice fishing enthusiasts back each time, regardless of tide or season, day or night. Whether they are 24-hour commercially-operated saltwater or freshwater fishing ponds throughout the length and breadth of the country, prawn or squid jigging or even deep-sea trolling, there is a large interest in sport fishing here, often drawing foreign anglers, especially during competitions.
Water Treasure While commercial ponds offer anything from average barramundis and carps to snakeheads, more exotic species that were once indigenous to the Amazonian region such as the teeth-baring pacu and even 30kg Amazonian redtail catfish are now readily available around the clock to satisfy
weekender.com.sg
Be the king of the catch in neighbouring waters
the cravings of avid anglers. Daily, weekly, monthly and annual competitions are also held. Not surprisingly, you’ll find fishing enthusiasts who are practically glued to their rods and reels into the wee hours of the morning, whether at manmade ponds in the cities or afloat on wooden platforms known as “kelongs” that are located a few kilometres out to sea, or even alongside piers, esplanades, mangroves and beaches. The options are almost limitless. Private boat charters for shallow waters and deep-sea fishing or trolling are also vastly popular with anglers making repeated visits to Malaysia around the year for the big boys in sport fishing – the marlin and the sailfish, located along the coasts of Cherating and the islands of Langkawi, Tioman and Pangkor.
Fishing Frenzy Malaysia’s sports fishing scene becomes frenzied each year, thanks to one of its most popular and renowned sports fishing competitions – the Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge. Held at the idyllic Kuala Rompin beach area in the state of Pahang, this competition draws scores of professional and amateur Malaysian anglers as well as from the neighbouring countries of Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Australia and New Zealand. This three-day-long team competition offers more than just the excitement and challenging battle between the angler and fish or the landing of hundreds of billfish or even the prize money and trophies. Rather, its biggest prize is that of bragging rights to having caught the largest, heaviest and meanest of fighting billfish. That, as they say, is priceless. For more information on the Royal Pahang Billfish International Challenge, log onto www.rpbic.com.my. For more information or enquiries, please contact Visit Malaysia Year 2014 Secretariat, at +601300885050 or log on to www.vmy2014.com.
AUGUST 15 - 21, 2014
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