Weekender #112 by Weekender Singapore

week ender.com.sg

FREE

PAPER

ISSUE 112 DECember 19 - 25, 2014

WK112B/MCI(P)119/08/2014

weekender.com.sg

FREE

PAPER

ISSUE 112 DECember 19 - 25, 2014

WEEKENDER Photo contest

are you

WEEKENDER’s NEw food PHOTOJOURNALIST?

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Getaways & Staycations

It’s not too late to take A break this holiday!

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movie feature

Bushido Bartending NEw ARTISANAL BAR EXCITES

battle of the five armies: End of an epic or good riddance to bad rubbish?

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KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS 15 boxes of original glazed doughnuts

WITH CLASS

wORTH $23.40 PAGE

per box

to be won!

will under-fire reds be gunned down?

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WK112B/MCI(P)119/08/2014

DECEMBER 19 - 25, 2014

Entertainment

Christmas at Changi Airport Until 5 Jan This Christmas, Disney magic will welcome travellers and visitors as Changi Airport transforms into a winter wonderland, bringing yuletide festivities to life. With captivating country-themed decorations, Christmas freebies and fun-filled activities and performances, be sure to soak in the Christmas atmosphere in Changi Airport! Changi Airport, www.changiairport.com

AMK Hub Sweet Season of Giving Until 28 Dec AMK Hub presents the sweet season of giving this Christmas! Shoppers can look forward to a Candy Luscious X’mas experience at AMK Hub! A world of fantasy awaits as shoppers will be transported to a land of delectable treats. AMK Hub, 53 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3

A Pair of Passes

Worth $136 (PER pair)

to be won

QUESTION: Name one of the 5 Party Zones at the Siloso Beach Party

PER week

SILOSO BEACH PARTY

THREE EASY WAYS TO ENTER: Look for pinned post on our Facebook page:

facebook.com/weekendersgp

and follow the instructions

Visit contest page to enter contest:  

Siloso Beach, Sentosa www.silosobeachparty.com

Scan the QR code for the answer!



31 Dec, 6pm-6am Looking forward to the biggest countdown party of the year? The Siloso Beach Party is the place to be! With 12 hours of non-stop party hits, and your favourite drinks at the bar, what better way is there to welcome 2015? Party 2014 away and celebrate late and into the first day of the New Year! Weekender is giving away a pair of passes per week to this exciting event! All you have to do is answer the question correctly, and you could be celebrating New Year’s Eve at this smashing countdown party!

weekender.com.sg/silosobeachparty

SMS to 85026567

CODE: : Siloso, answer, your Name, Age, Gender, NRIC, Postal Code, E-mail ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASE. CLOSING DATE: 24 DEC 2014 [1 question per week]

Good Luck!

No charge for SMS. Please check our Promotional & Contest Rules at weekender.com.sg for details.

Until 21 Dec, 10am10pm Popular’s annual mega book and stationery event is back this year. The festival will feature new book and product releases, educational talks and appearances by local and overseas authors as well as guest celebrities. Suntec Singapore Convention Centre, Halls 401-405, www.bookfestsingapore.com

Let’s Keep Christmas In Our Hearts – The 10th Edition of a Jazzy Christmas 2014

Christmas Wonderland @ Gardens By The Bay Until 1 Jan Featuring a myriad of firsts, visitors can look forward to a host of exciting programmes throughout the Gardens – from festive-themed acts and performances, Christmas treats and gifts, to winter escapades complete with the cold and ‘snow’. Gardens By The Bay, gardensbythebay. christmaswonderland.sg

FREE! BookFest@ Singapore 2014

Circle of Life: A night of Musicals 21 Dec, 7.30pm, $20$50 The Philharmonic Winds brings you an evening of musicals such as Miss Saigon and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera arranged for wind orchestra by Johan de Meij. Expect guest performances by Benjamin Kheng and Tay Kexin. Esplanade Concert Hall, www.sistic.com.sg

20 Dec, 7.30pm, from $30 Swing into the mood for Christmas and celebrate this festive season with Singapore’s King of Swing, Jeremy Monteiro and Friends in the annual Jazzy Christmas at the Esplanade – which has become a mainstay of the Singaporean Christmas calendar. Esplanade Concert Hall, www.sistic.sg

All I Rail-ly Want For Christmas Until 28 Dec City Square Mall has lined up a fun combination of playful trains, melodious bells and snow play for the whole family. Some of the key activities taking place include

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weekender.com.sg Editorial Director Frank Young

frank@weekender.com.sg

Until 28 Dec Discover the magic of a Whimsical Christmas this festive season for an Alice in a Christmas Wonderland experience. Highlights include the Speed Painting Transformation by worldrenowned painter Brad Blaze, and go hands on in Christmas workshops for canvas painting and snow globemaking. West Coast Plaza, 154 West Coast Road, #02-12, www.westcoastplaza.com.sg

Festive Revelry at Robinsons The Heeren 25 Dec, 10.30am-10pm Come join in the festive revelry this season with a host of Christmas activities and offers at Robinsons The Heeren, with Christmas Activities, the Christmas Trim Shop and Christmas Hampers. Robinsons The Heeren, 260 Orchard Road, www.robinsons.com.sg

W For more interesting weekend ideas and entertainment stories, like & follow us at www.facebook.com/ weekendersgp

Until 23 Dec, 8pm (Tue-Sun), 3pm (Sat-Sun), from $48 The Dollies take a mischievous peek at our recent history, starting from when we first gained our independence – it’s Singapore from 1965! Come celebrate a people’s history – every Singaporean’s role in shaping the Singapore we know today. Esplanade Theatre, www.sistic.sg

NEW! FREE! Noah’s Art Gallery presents: The Christ of God in a Christless Christmas Until 31 Dec Artist Larry James explores the existence and representation of Christ in the modern Christmas. Head down to this solo exhibition for a different perspective on the season! The Adelphi, 1 Coleman Street #04-48

An Ocean of Possibilities Until 28 Dec Featuring 250 photos by 30 artists from 20 countries, the exhibition comprises curated individual series that focus on social developments. The spotlight will shine on people who challenge themselves in search of unconventionalities to plot their own course and change the status quo. Art Science Museum

Head of Sales Karin Ng

Distribution Lawrence Tan

Over 200 selected 7-Eleven locations island-wide

Coordinator Riki Zou

NEW EXPANDED MRT AREAS:

karin@weekender.sg

Team Leads Erwin Lim

Interns Eu Shuqi Alison Chu

Dim Sum Dollies: The History of Singapore Pt 2

GETTING HARD COPIES:

Art Director Sabrina Cao

Writers Nicole Lee Pamela Chow

Whimsical Christmas at West Coast Plaza

Advisor James Yip

Editor Lester J Wan

Designer Zoe Lai

Chugg-ful of Fun At The Park, an outdoor carnival with rides and Christmas carolling by the St Bernadette Choir. City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Road, www.citysquaremall.com.sg

Sales Director David Phey

erwin@weekender.sg

Jonathan Go

Events Chris Chow

Team Members Syarila Zainal Leonard Low Anabel Chin

Victoria Shareen Wong

jon.go@weekender.sg

Weekender is delivered to hundreds of thousands of homes island-wide. You can also find copies (while supplies last) at: For actual locations, visit our website

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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 time of writing.

DECEMBER 19 - 25, 2014

Entertainment

RED CARD FOOTBALL FEVER

Juicy reviews & tips on the EPL & the best of world football

All is not well for Brendan Rodgers’ men. But the Gunners aren’t doing as well as they would have liked either. Which of these two under-performing clubs will emerge victorious?

Under-pressure Reds risk being Gunned down

Photo: EPA

This weekend sees another massive fixture between big clubs as Liverpool host Arsenal at Anfield

Manchester United is likely to reach 7th Heaven in the match against struggling Aston Villa

In a battle of two inconsistent sides, who will get their season back on track?

Photo: EPA

The Big Match:

Liverpool vs Arsenal (Mon, 12am) Remember this fixture last season? Liverpool humiliated Arsene Wenger’s men, scoring four goals in the first 20 minutes to eventually emerge 5-1 winners. How the mighty have fallen. And how fast it’s happened! Manchester United served a measure of revenge last weekend after beating Liverpool at Old Trafford. Can Arsenal do the same? Don’t blame me for being so sceptical, Pool fans. The team has been so mediocre this season, and Rodgers can’t use his front men to bail him out. Now, his managerial capability has come to light, and he has to find a way to make his new signings perform. Here’s a stat that will give the Liverpool faithful even more cause for concern: Liverpool has won just two of its last 14 Premier League meetings with Arsenal (W2 D7 L5). But let’s be fair. I can’t just get carried away about Liverpool’s decline without looking at Arsenal’s Jekyll and Hyde season too. The Gunners have appeared unbeatable at times, playing scintillating football to back up some impressive results such as their recent win over Newcastle, but the manner in which they fail to perform at other times is just as concerning (such as their recent defeats to Manchester United and Stoke City). Either way, this game should be good to watch and, considering that there have been four 90th minute or later goals in the last six Premier League meetings between the two sides at Anfield, make sure you keep the television on right until the final whistle! Prediction: Liverpool 1-1 Arsenal

Other Fixtures:

Manchester City vs Crystal Palace (Sat, 8.45pm) Crystal Palace has not won since its victory over Liverpool last month. Manchester City will be too good for Neil Warnock’s men. Prediction: Manchester City 2-0 Crystal Palace

Aston Villa vs Manchester United (Sat, 11pm) Seven is the key number. Aston Villa has lost the last seven matches in a row against Manchester United United, meanwhile, can win its seventh game in a row in this match. Prediction: Aston Villa 1-2 Manchester Utd

Stoke City vs Chelsea (Tue, 4am) Stoke will do what it does best and make life difficult for the big club, but the Blues have enough to see them past that. Prediction: Stoke City 1-2 Chelsea By Ahmad Khan Log on to the all-new www.RedCardConnect.com for exclusive articles, interviews, radio shows & videos of the Premier League, Singapore & the world of sports.

About Ahmad Khan Ahmad Khan (@AhmadKhan12) is a presenter for #RedCardConnect. He has the potty idea that football makes the world go round and is convinced that the beautiful game forges greater bonds than the

United Nations. Call 6281 1898 and join him in his rant about football every weekend just before the EPL matches on #RedCardLIVE.

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Hands-on with the cutest selfie companion

Unique Squarish Format Everyone knows, your camera isn’t just a camera; it has to be a chic style statement too! The Canon PowerShot N2’s unique, squarish format is a stylish twist from the usual, with an accentuating circular rim. Brimming with new, exciting features, the fun-sized Canon PowerShot N2 is tailored for the selfie generation. Smaller than the size of your palm, this camera is compact, convenient and cute – ready at a moment’s notice. The sleek Canon PowerShot N2 comes in pretty pink as well as in flawless white.

Moreover, with Wi-Fi connectivity, that photo is definitely (and easily) going up on your social media accounts!

Coolest 360-Degree Shutter Release

Smile! The Canon PowerShot N2’s 180-degree flip screen helps you to better position yourself for a good selfie

The compact Canon PowerShot N2 camera comes with a selection of interesting functions – it’s selfie time! Imagine this: You are strolling along Haji Lane when you pass by a newly-opened café. The interior is gorgeously decorated with a canopy of small floral blooms, complete with vibrant fairy lights. What would you do?

In this new selfie age, one thing has become clear: it doesn’t matter how beautiful your shot is if you’re not in it. Why let a stunning backdrop go to waste without you in the photo? Get your selfie game on and pose for your next profile photo!

Notice the lens rim jutting out of the Canon PowerShot N2? It is actually a shutter release – all you have to do is to give a slight nudge anywhere on the rim to take a photo. This makes taking selfies easier, with either hand. Alternatively, you can tap on the screen. The camera will automatically focus on the area and snap a photo. Click away as you change your facial expressions or adjust yourself to your backdrop without worrying about the camera shaking!

The Canon PowerShot N2: Selfies will look more beautiful than ever

PHOTO TIPS

Handy 180-degree Flip Screen Now for my favourite feature, the 180-degree flip screen. With this feature on the Canon PowerShot N2, you need not compromise quality in your selfies anymore! You can look your best as you adjust your pose against a colourful backdrop of flowers.

WEE K E N D E R P h oto co n t e s t

WEEKENDER’s

are you NEXT food PHOTOJOURNALIST?

• DO make sure you frame your face comfortably, where you can capture both your best features and the interesting background

Ever taken a great food photo with your Digital Compact Camera and posted it online or on social media? Now you can share it with us and win a prize by doing so! Weekender is looking for our next Food Photojournalist and you could be the one! Simply submit your best food photos taken by your Digital Compact Camera to stand a chance to win. The winner will walk away with a Canon PowerShot SX600 HS and a chance for the photo to be published. That’s not all. You’ll stand a chance to go with us for a media tasting at a restaurant or cafe too! Here’s the part you’ve been waiting for. What will you stand to win? 1) A Canon PowerShot SX600 HS camera 2) The official title of Weekender Food Photojournalist with your photo published 3) A chance to go for sponsored media tastings with us at restaurants or cafes Terms & conditions 1) Photos must be taken with a Digital Compact Camera – photos taken with phones and DSLRs will be disqualified immediately 2) A person can only submit a maximum of 5 entries FOR A CHANCE TO WIN, SIMPLY: 

A canon Powershot SX600 HS (worth $309) & BE Published! Camera sponsored by Canon



enter to Win

Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/weekendersgp Look for this contest on our page - like & share it E-mail us at general@weekender.sg with the following: Subject: Weekender Photo Contest Entry (Attach your image) Name: NRIC: Phone no.: E-mail:

CONTEST PERIOD: 19 DEC 2015 - 18 FEB 2015 (Midnight) No charge for SMS. Please check our Promotional and Contest Rules at weekender. com.sg for details.

DECEMBER 19 - 25, 2014

weekender.com.sg

DECEMBER 19 - 25, 2014

Entertainment

ALS O I N T HE AT R E S

Smaug unleashes unbridled fury upon Lake-town

Annie [PG]

Academy Award nominee Quvenzhané Wallis (Beasts of the Southern Wild & 12 Years a Slave) stars in this reboot of Annie. A young kid is left in foster care by her parents as a baby, with the promise that they would be back for her someday. It’s been a hard knock life for her ever since with her mean foster mom Miss Hannigan (Cameron Diaz). STARRING: Quvenzhané Wallis, Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, & Rose Byrne GENRE: Drama, Comedy RELEASE: 18 Dec

Predestination [M18]

A temporal agent (played by Ethan Hawke of The Purge and Before Midnight), having travelled throughout time, embarks on a final timetravelling assignment to prevent an elusive criminal from launching an attack that will cost thousands of human lives. This film has been compared to Looper and Inception. STARRING: Ethan Hawke, Sarah Snook & Noah Taylor GENRE: Thriller RELEASE: 18 Dec

m o v ie f eat u re

5 facts about

The Hobbit

you’ll love Don’t get bored of the Rings – catch The Battle of the Five Armies equipped with these amusing facts

ith the last film of the Hobbit trilogy coming up, many of us have been struggling with a deadly mix of anticipation and dread. The Battle of the Five Armies marks the end of an epic fantasy series of films. It depicts the climax of JRR Tolkien’s novel The Hobbit, when the brave hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman) and a band of dwarves battle to reclaim their kingdom of Erebor. Standing in their way is the fearsome dragon Smaug (Benedict Cumberbatch) and an army of slightly less-frightening orcs. We can’t imagine a (movie) world without the dwarves and hobbits of Middle Earth. So, to tide you through this tough time, here are five facts shared by the talented cast of The Hobbit that will tickle your Hobbit toes!

1. The Battle of the Five Armies may not be the last Tolkien movie In an interview with the BBC at the premiere of the film, Sir Ian McKellen – who plays the mighty wizard Gandalf – reveals a surprising tidbit. He said, “I don’t believe, necessarily, that this is the end of the journey.” Oh, shining Shire! Do we sniff a movie or TV series in the making? There remains a wealth of literature by Tolkien that hasn’t been converted to the silver screen yet. McKellen explains his suspicion: “I was told by (director Peter Jackson) that, in 2001, that was the end, that it was all over. And now here we are, 13 years later.”

2. The Middle Earth universe started with an exam paper When Tolkien published The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings in the early 1900s, the novels

Sir Ian McKellen reprises his role as Gandalf the wizard, who aids in the dwarves’ reclamation of their stolen empire

gained colossal traction in the literary world, and their popularity has been snowballing since. But did you know that the idea started with examination papers? Tolkien once shared with the UK Telegraph in an archived interview: “It all began when I was reading exam papers to earn a bit of extra money… One day I came to a blank page in an exam book and I scribbled on it. ‘In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.’” It’s staggering to think that such a single, unassuming line has blossomed into a fantastical realm of adventure and magic! We complain that we hate exams but it seems like they’ve done the world a huge favour.

4. Being in The Hobbit was Benedict Cumberbatch’s childhood dream Who wouldn’t want to be a part of the stories we grew up with? Cumberbatch, who plays the fury-fuelled Smaug (the dragon), listened to his father read The Hobbit as a “bedtime treat”, he told online site Hero Complex. “My dad read this to me when I was a kid… I can remember his Smeagol, his Gollum, was brilliant,” Cumberbatch said. And when he auditioned for The Hobbit, he wasn’t having any elf or dwarf business. He said, “It was always Smaug for me, always, always. He’s just such an extraordinary creature in the book. He’s got a lot of personality.”

5. The films almost didn’t happen Martin Freeman: From “Sherlock” to The Hobbit trilogy

3. Martin Freeman and his sweaty hobbit feet You may recall that hobbits trudge about barefoot on their superbly hairy feet. Don’t worry though; Freeman doesn’t really have the feet of a Sasquatch. He wears prosthetics on set and they take eight minutes each to put on. Freeman shared on Late Night with Seth Meyers last week: “Once you have them on for four minutes, they are full of sweat. And then when they come off, the sweat flies… it would go everywhere.” That’s one moment when we don’t wish we were in Middle Earth with them!

A lot of things went awry with the filming of the Lord of the Rings triptych. Earlier this year, Viggo Mortensen – who portrayed Aragorn – revealed the mess behind the saga. “They were in a lot of trouble,” he said. “The second and third ones were a mess. It was very sloppy – it just wasn’t done at all. It needed massive re-shoots, which we did, year after year.” It’s a good thing The Fellowship of the Ring did so well, Mortensen said, or Jackson would not have been funded for the next two instalments. And we wouldn’t be crying over the end of the Hobbit trilogy. It’s a beautiful problem, folks.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies [PG13] Director: Peter Jackson Starring: Martin Freeman, Sir Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage & Benedict Cumberbatch Genre: Fantasy Run Length: 144 min Release: 18 Dec

Paddington [PG]

One of the most beloved icons of English children’s literature – Paddington Bear, is coming to big screens! Follow the comic misadventures of the bear throughout the land of the English. Along the way, Paddington squares off with a teddy bear’s greatest nemesis: A determined and sinister taxidermist named Millicent. STARRING: Ben Whishaw, Nicole Kidman & Hugh Bonneville GENRE: Comedy RELEASE: 11 Dec

Exodus [PG13]

Acclaimed director Ridley Scott brings to life the epic adventure – the story of one man’s daring courage to take on the might of an empire. Using state of the art visual effects and 3D immersion, Scott brings new life to the story of the defiant leader Moses (Christian Bale) as he rises up against the Egyptian Pharaoh, Ramses, and sets 600,000 slaves on a monumental journey of escape from exile and the terrifying plagues. STARRING: Christian Bale, Joel Edgerton, John Turturro, Aaron Paul, Ben Mendelsohn, & Sigourney Weaver GENRE: Action, Adventure RELEASE: 11 Dec

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weekender.com.sg

sta r o f t h e week

Rendezvous with Juliette Binoche

Musings by Fluffy, the rescued pooch, on her new life as a beloved pet and other furry tales

No matter how much your dog begs for it, do not give them any sugary treats – try fresh fruits instead Left: Juliette is the face of French cinema and has starred in English films such as The English Patient, Chocolat and Godzilla Right: Juliette with Clouds of Sils Maria co-stars Chloe Grace Moretz and Kristen Stewart, and director Oilvier Assayas Photo: cinemafestival / Shutterstock.com

Photo: Jaguar PS / Shutterstock.com

You might have last seen her in Godzilla - the legendary French actress was in town for the screenings of her latest films, Juliette Binoche: Sketches for a Portrait and Clouds of Sil Maria Juliette Binoche is often recognised as the face of French cinema and she is among the European actresses in highest demand. You may know her from her roles in The English Patient (1996), Chocolat (2000) or even the recent Godzilla (2014). Recently, she was in town to grace the screenings of two of her films in the 4th Rendezvous with French Cinema. One of them is acclaimed director Olivier Assayas’ Clouds of Sils Maria, France’s selection for Festival Cannes 2014. The sold-out documentary Juliette Binoche: Sketches for a Portrait, directed by her own sister, was also screened here. We spoke to this classy lady about her thoughts on French film, growing up, and co-stars Kristen Stewart and Chloe Grace Moretz!

What’s the story behind you and the Film, Clouds of Sils Maria? I was in my grandmother’s summerhouse, in her bedroom actually, where I have often made decisions on films. It just happened that I was sitting on the bed and feeling, we need to have a film with women! So I found (director Assayas) and I told him a little bit about the idea I had… And then, a year and a half after, he gave me the script.

How Was it working with Kristen Stewart and Chloe Moretz? They have a way of working very differently. With Kristen, she doesn’t like rehearsing! It’s not her method. In the morning, she would read some of the lines in the scene and she would know it! I’m not like that, I would have to work a month before and train like crazy. And Chloe: She works a lot. She travels with her whole family, so you have a family gang coming on set. She’s very open to suggestions.

How did you prepare for your role in Sils Maria? Did you derive any muse from your personal experiences? Maria doesn’t have children, and I have two kids – that changes a lot of things. Also, she lives in America, and I live in France. But there are things that are very (similar) to me as well – Olivier took some of the details of my life and put them in the film. I said to him, “This is very vicious!” Because I did play The Seagull (a play by Anton Chekhov), and he put it in the film! I said, “You’re wicked! People are going to think it’s me and real!”

Christmas bakes & crafts for your pets Christmas is coming – are you including the furry ones in your festivities this year? Here are some bakes and crafts ideas!

You work wonderfully in both European and Hollywood cinema – how do your methods differ between the two? How do you choose your projects? Playing in English requires more work because when you have an accent you have to pay more attention. English is very specific, and I enjoy that because I love languages and sounds. The mystery of life is that (things) come to you, and you don’t know why. So when I say “Yes”, it seems so obvious but I don’t know where it comes from. There’s always a mixture of mystery as well as choice. The relationship that I can develop with directors is really my passion. I would say that life takes me.

What’s your secret for ageing so gracefully? I don’t feel time when I work – and that’s probably why I work all the time! [laughs] When you enter a creation, you’re beyond space and time. It takes you into another world – a magical world – because you forget yourself. By Pamela Chow Juliette Binoche: Sketches for a Portrait and Clouds of Sils Maria were screened at the Rendezvous with French Cinema this month.

NEW WEEKENDER PET COLUMN

Submit your Pet Family Photo and get a chance to be published! Weekender has started a new Pet Family column and we’d like you to be a part of it. Simply E-mail your photo of your pet with you or your family to:

general@weekender.com.sg with Pet Name, Your Name, Date of Birth, Tel No., NRIC & Postal Code

Step1: Prepare an unused belt, glue and decorative ornaments

Step 2: Pierce holes into the belt

Recipe for yummy treats Do not be fazed by the daunting task of baking for your pets! If you’re not sure which ingredients are safe for your pets, here’s a recommended list for homemade dog treats: • Butter • Eggs • Whole wheat flour • Sugar (a small proportion) • Salt (just a pinch) If you have concerns about what your pet can or cannot eat, you should consult the vet about dietary suitability before preparing any festive treat for your pet. When making them, simply add a bit of your pet’s favourite ingredient – it could be chopped bacon or creamy peanut butter – as a special treat. The method of preparation and baking process remain the same, except that it will be your pets who’ll be enjoying the final product!

SAY No to human food No dog can sit quietly by a Christmas feast! It is tempting to melt under your dog’s soft whining and hand him bits of food from your plate but keep in mind the food that they cannot have under any circumstance. The list of food that dogs cannot have includes avocado, alcohol, onions, garlic, caffeine, grapes, raisins, milk, candy, peaches, plums and chocolate. However, it is fine to feed them lean meat, fresh fruit, vegetables, and cooked white rice and pasta. Tips from Fluffy, the rescued pooch, on caring for your furry friends and being a responsible pet owner

Step 3: Use glue to stick the ornament onto the collar

Crafts for YOUR Pet’s wellbeing It is Christmas for your pets too! Instead of buying them a new toy, why not make your own? Be it a pet collar or a cat cardboard playhouse, you know your pet will love it! One of the ideas that are great for both cats and dogs would be the pet ID tag. Print a pet ID tag template, fill in the details, cut it out and seal with a matte clear-coat spray before attaching it to the collar. There you have it, your pet’s chic new accessory! Now you’ve got the pet ID, time for the pet collar! Simply gather up an unused belt, a pair of scissors, one button, glue and some decorative ornaments (such as old earrings) for this easy craft. First, measure your pet’s neck with the belt and cut it accordingly. Second, pierce holes into the belt with a nail. Thirdly, cut and file off any sharp edges in the decorative ornament you have chosen. After that, glue the ornament to the centre of the collar. Tada! Have a merry furry Christmas! To find out more about responsible pet ownership, please visit: www.petsforlife.com.sg

Don’t forget that Christmas should be celebrated with your pets too!

DECEMBER 19 - 25, 2014

Foodmania

S avo ur t h e Sip

Bushido Bartending new artisanal bar excites with CLASS

exit from a heavy winged chair may not be as easy as it appears. So, brownie points for the attention to service. The cosy bar can handle 28 lucky patrons at any given time, getting the full attention of Head Bartender and Owner, Daiki-San Kanetaka.

Commanding Performance

The antechamber is the gateway to a bespoke drinking experience

Encounter a whole new bar experience as the exclusive ambience and elite skills of Ginza-style bartending take you to a higher echelon

he entrance to D.Bespoke, located along Bukit Pasoh Road, is understated. So much so, the only sign of an exclusive enclave within is a small plaque with the monogram “DB” delicately engraved upon it. Clearly, D.Bespoke intends to cater to clients with an eye for detail.

Enigmatic Entrance

A certified venenciador (an expert at drawing sherry from barrels using a venencia – cylindrical cup at the end of a long shaft), Daiki-San Kanetaka, Owner and Head Bartender of D.Bespoke, demonstrates that Ginza-style bartending is all about skill, style and sophistication

When I entered D.Bespoke, I wasn’t sure if it was a bar. I stepped into what appeared to be a small little curio shop containing fantastic works of Japanese crafts. Artfully displayed in the 400 sq ft of space were beautifully-handmade artisanal cocktail glasses, metal-knit wares, jet-black bamboo woven wallets, and various other works of exquisite crafts from renowned Japanese family brands, such as Kohchosai Kosuga, Kimura, and Kanaami-Tsuji, who have perfected their craft over generations. Though the names didn’t ring any bells for me, I instantly recognised the quality and I realised that I’m not likely to find these in Takashimaya’s household department! But before I could pull out my “plastic” to make a purchase, my host arrived to usher me through a small side door into the bar. Just like in the speakeasies during the US prohibition era, hidden bars were fronted by a retail establishment. The feeling of being discreet, secretive and exclusive is intriguing!

Old World Cosiness In the bar, we are surrounded by lots of dark wood. The low ceiling is encased with wood, as were the walls, except for the silk panels which break the monotony. The grand centrepiece in this railroadshaped space is a 15-metre long teak wood bar running along its length. The combination of low ceiling in dark wood and lots of teak made me feel like I was in the galley of a 19th Century schooner. Instead of the usual bar stools by the counter, D.Bespoke has a row of chestnutcoloured leather winged chairs for its guests. There is a dedicated member of the staff whose job is to shift the chair in and out for patrons’ easy access. I guess, after the guests have had a few drops too many, a graceful

Sporting a pin-stripe, double-breasted suit, Daiki-San Kanetaka, in his mid-30s, has a Van Dyke beard, like the swashbuckling actor Errol Flynn, which makes him appear much older and more sophisticated. And, like Flynn, he commands attention behind the bar like a performer on stage. Unlike Tom Cruise’s juggling performance in the 1988 movie Cocktails, Daiki-San, mixes his bespoke cocktails with the ritualistic precision of a Japanese tea ceremony. Each twist of the lemon, turn of a cap, wipe of the glass is a display of control and finesse.

Ginza-Style Bartending Philosophy Daiki-San has been in the bartending business for over a decade, starting with Star Bar Ginza in Japan. When asked why he decided to do this in Singapore, he said he wanted to “make new culture” and “make new style” in Singapore. Therefore, he fashioned D.Bespoke after the classic Ginza-style bars and wanted to bring that bar culture into Singapore. I asked what the difference is between the Japanese Ginzastyle and Singapore bars. In Japan, he explains, retail space is very expensive and having tables is a luxury. More commonly, long counters save space and allow patrons to interact directly with the barkeep. Another difference is that bartenders in Ginza are very “hospitality-oriented”, and they believe “bartending is their life”, so they dedicate themselves to perfecting the craft.

He cuts his own ice cubes on demand with a special ice cleaver! Crazy, But impressive. Perfect Ice, Handmade Glasses When it comes to perfection, very little is left to chance in Daiki-san’s craft. Even the quality of ice is scrutinised. At D.Bespoke, the ice is specially made. Water is meticulously filtered to remove impurities and specially frozen to enhance clarity. The result is a crystal-clear block of ice, hand-cut with a special chopper into large cubes for each drink. That’s right, he cuts his own ice cubes on demand with a special ice cleaver! Crazy, but impressive. Ironically, inconsistency is welcome in his Kimura glassware. Each cocktail glass is handcrafted, is thinner than machinemade glassware, and is unique in details. He affirms that the Kimura glasses enhance the drinking experience.

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Recipes and tips from local chef Violet Oon! Singapore’s fish farms adhere to stringent safety guidelines to ensure that the fish they rear are safe for consumption and provide greater quality assurance. Locally-farmed fish is also fresher since the supplies reach our supermarkets faster.

Steamed Golden Pomfret with Salted Soya Beans & Ginger

Method

2. Steam the whole pomfret over high heat for about 6 min until cooked.

INGREDIENTS (Pic 1) • 1 whole Golden pomfret (500g to 600g)

Topping for Fish • 1 tbsp

Salted soya beans (tau cheo)

• 5 cloves Garlic, peeled and chopped roughly • 5

Shallots, peeled and sliced Red chillies, sliced

• 3 tbsp

Vegetable oil

FOR THE FRESHEST, GO LOCAL Choose locally-farmed fish supplied from farms that are certified under the Good Aquaculture Practice for Fish Farming (GAP-FF) Scheme. Look out for the GAP-FF quality assurance logo and be assured of buying the best.

Food safety tips

3. In the meantime, for the topping for the fish, heat a wok, add oil and, when hot, add garlic, shallots and ginger (Pic 3) and stir fry for 2 min until fragrant. Add chilies and stir fry until fragrant. 4. Add salted soya beans and stir fry well for 30 to 40 sec.

• 5 slices Young ginger, cut into strips • 2

1. Cut open the belly of the fish and remove its stomach. Make 2 slits on each side of the fish (Pic 2) and pat dry with paper towels.

5. In the meantime, the fish will be cooked. Pour the hot topping over the fish (Pic 4). Remove the plate (Pic 5), and serve with steamed rice as part of a meal.

5 This is the final recipe of our 10-part series. If you would like to see more local produce and frozen meat recipes, do E-mail us at: public_edu@ava.gov.sg to share your feedback.

• Buy fish that is properly iced or refrigerated.

Brought to you by:

• Head home immediately after buying seafood so that they will not be left unrefrigerated for too long.

Journey Through the palate While other bartenders serve drinks, Daikisan offers a journey into the world of flavourful libations. He begins by asking the patron a few questions regarding the alcohol of choice, taste preferences (such as dry, sweet, sour, fruity, floral, etc.) and factors in strength (from aperitif to heavy). Then, he designs the cocktail for you to explore. For me, I chose whisky as a starter and requested sweet and strong. He turned a thoughtful gaze to me, looked up ponderously, and began. After hearing a short series of fridge doors shutting, the chiselling of ice and clinking of crystal glasses, I was served. Before me sat a beautiful crystal tumbler containing a large hand-cut, crystalline cube of ice, bathed in a golden elixir made from 12-year-old Yamazaki whisky and 15-yearold Drambuie, commonly known as a “Rusty Nail”. With one sip, I could taste the smooth, wonderful Yamazaki mixed with cool honey sweetness! A sweet journey, indeed. These journeys come at a price. Each customised cocktail starts from $27. Perhaps a small price for those seeking the ultimate bespoke bar experience in Singapore. As I savoured the sip, I marvelled at how this man made a bar experience exude character and sophistication. It is a world apart from the usual taverns and pubs that I’m used to. It’s time for me to move up to D.Bespoke, now that I know where it is. D.Bespoke, 2 Bukit Pasoh Rd, Tel: 8141 5741, www.dbespoke.sg, Mon-Sat, 6pm-12am; closed on Sun Reservations are highly recommended, and a minimum spend of $60 per person applies.

n ew MENu

Scrumptious sashimi & izakaya at Sumiya Sumiya impresses with a range of premium offerings at value-for-money prices – we highlight our picks from the selection Japanese food has become increasingly common in Singapore. It has found a place in every shopping mall in Singapore and on almost every tongue (and tummy) of Singaporeans. The challenge is to be creative and to stay ahead of the game. Sumiya has gone through a major revamp recently, choosing to turn its rooftop restaurant into a fishery port inspired establishment. It felt as if the dishes served were straight from its fishing haul!

Japanese with a touch of Western

Top: The chunky Fresh Bluefin Tuna Sashimi ($58) is shaped after the Western steak Bottom: The Signature Kaisen Mori ($38) changes day by day, depending on what the kitchen has that’s freshest on that day

The first dish made me raise a brow. For a minute, the place feels like your regular steakhouse, except that instead of serving a mean steak, it served shapely chunks of tuna. The best parts of the tuna lie in the Chutoro (middle fat) and the Toro (fatty tuna) but, as a suggestion, always start with Akami (lean meat) so that you would be able to slowly savour the quality as you proceed to the next part of the meat. The Akami was slightly tough and more raw than the other portions of the tuna. My choice pick is the Chutoro – it was soft and chewy, remarkable when lightly dipped in soy sauce. To me, the Toro tasted not too different from the Chutoro.

Value for money The dish that is the most value for money has to be Sumiya’s Signature Kaisen Mori. The exact offerings change day to day as the kitchen will put together the freshest ingredients they have on that day for your individual Kaisen Mori. On some days you may get five types of sashimi instead of the usual three! My pick here would be the Sweet Amaebi Prawn. The shell slid off easily and the flesh had encased a sweet, savoury flavour that oozes into your mouth upon a bite. The salmon and scallop were incredibly fresh and generously cut.

Soup for the soul Nothing complements sashimi quite as well as warm, soothing soup. I always had a distaste for miso soup because it is often too salty and overpowering. I was expressing my miso woes when I was told that the Tin Can, a fond term for Sumiya’s Mixed Seafood Value Can, would have a soup base that I might find to my liking. I have not found a dish where the soup outperforms the accompanying ingredients but this one took the cake, or the can! Each spoonful was utterly core-warming and packed with a variety of appetising flavours from the snow crab to the oysters. Sumiya Charcoal Grill Izakaya, Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, #12-02, Singapore 238896 By Nicole Lee

By Frank Young

DECEMBER 19 - 25, 2014

PAGE 12

Foodmania

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ne w O ut l e t

Chri stmas sp e c i a l

The yummy at Ricciottino

Perfect Christmas cookies Baked With Love Cookies

God-sent for my craving The pasta looks plain upon first sight, but the great aroma of the crab meat and sauce promised more. I took a bite and, oh, was I sold. It was a delectable dish with a generous helping of crab meat bits peppering it – irresistible. The cream sauce had elements of spice, eliminating any complaints that cream-based pasta gets tiresome quickly. Ricciottino’s 9-inch pizzotto is a formidable match for its linguine. It was fantastic with a great crust and bacon bits spread across the pizza, providing a great crunch against the soft and chewy mushrooms. One slice was simply not enough.

Antoinette Cookie Christmas Tree, $48.15

Bakedwithlove.wordpress

NomNOM.SG Secret Santa Box

Dessert decides the meal The star of my meal, the Linguine Al Granchio

My love for pasta is obsessive so, believe me, I regularly scour Singapore for the best – Ricciottino made the list Eager to satiate my pasta craving, I came to Ricciottino looking for their signature dishes. Now, I had not intended to find a gem in Star Vista but I do thank my lucky stars that I found them in time for their 1-for-1 promotion. Trust me, one is not enough.

I believe strongly that grand meals deserve equally excellent desserts. I was happy to have not just one, but three in this case! Ricciottino’s tiramisu is a non-alcoholic one, making it a hit among the kids. Its soffiato is a moist, molten cake that went splendidly with the ice cream. But it was the lemon meringue tart that stole the show. The fluffy meringue went perfectly with the soft tart. It was a perfect mix of sweet and savoury. Ricciottino, 1 Vista Exchange Green, #01-33 & The Star Vista, #01-K2, Singapore 138617

A surprising appetizer

By Nicole Lee

I am not a salad person, so it was surprising for me that I enjoyed their Caprese Salad. Skipping past the tomatoes and basil, I dived straight for the eggs. It was a wonderful pairing with the mozzarella cheese, providing the right pinch of flavour for the fluffy eggs. The olive oil made the dish taste much lighter too.

15 boxes of original glazed doughnuts wORTH $23.40 per box

We round up some of the most adorable Christmas cookies – can you bear to eat these adorable offerings? What makes you happiest during Christmas? It could be the festive gifts, the jingly songs but food has to be among the top choices. We’ve covered log cakes, gingerbread houses and turkey. Now for the smaller goodies, the cookies! These are our choice picks.

Antoinette Cookie Christmas Tree Transforming Christmas cookies into a centrepiece, Antoinette’s Cookie Christmas Tree features almond and candied orange cookies with subtle flavours of gingerbread spice. These edible decorations look as good as they taste, and might just make the perfect centrepiece for your Christmas parties.

Win a box of Krispy Kreme Original Glazed doughnuts for yourself now!

Embrace Italian Rose Gold

Cinque Necklace in Green or Purple, $145

  

Uno Ring, $75

SMS to 85026567

CODE: Krispy Kreme, your Name, Age, Gender, NRIC, Postal Code, E-mail ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASE. CLOSING DATE: 31 Dec 2014 Good luck! No charge for SMS. Please check our Promotional & Contest Rules at weekender.com.sg for details.

Usher in the festive season with a collection of eye-catching merry offerings from The Westin Singapore. Indulge in sugary treats shaped as adorable creations. The cookies are soft with perfectly-puffed edges and a crisp, golden base. The Westin Singapore By Nicole Lee

Looking for a gorgeous and classy gift? This Christmas season is looking rosy! Embrace Jewellery, the new multi-brand designer jewellery boutique at Orchard Gateway by former Power 98 DJ Shareen Wong, offers a broad range of contemporary handcrafted jewellery pieces from around the world. This Christmas season, Embrace presents the Italian Rose Gold collection. Tasteful and chic, these sterling silver pieces are plated in rose gold and crafted in Italy. Starting from just under $50, they make a stylish yet affordable gift for your loved one.

About Embrace Jewellery

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The Westin Gingerbread Boy

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THREE EASY WAYS TO ENTER: Look for the pinned post on our Facebook page: and follow the instructions Visit contest page to enter contest:

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SHOPsavvy

TO BE WON! Doughnut aficionados are in for a treat this festive season! Indulge in an array of new delectable creations at Krispy Kreme’s newest store in Great World City. This will be Krispy Kreme’s fourth store in just over a year, having sold more than 2.5 million doughnuts since its inception in 2013. The new outlet deviates from the brand’s usual pick-and-go concept – the store is designed to encourage dine-ins. The storefront has an extensive selection of over 20 flavours.

The Secret Santa Box is a great idea for those who want to surprise their friends and loved ones with a gift of sweetness and indulgence. Filled with the yummiest festive treats lovingly baked by top cafes and bakeries in Singapore, from the classic gingerbread man to a chocolate truffle tart, expect much yummy-ness!

Available at Antoinette outlets

w KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS

Baked With Love is a designer cookie brand based in Singapore. Each cookie is lovingly baked and hand-crafted by the cookie artists. Every cookie is individually wrapped and comes with a Christmas tag. They can last up to two months from the time of purchase.

Embrace Jewellery, by former Power 98 DJ Shareen Wong, features stylish, unique jewellery curated from designers worldwide – this Christmas season, Italian Rose Gold is the highlight

“Embrace Jewellery was set up to embrace the goodness of life and celebrate the beauty of jewellery. Each brand and piece is carefully curated to ensure that they are unique and stylish, yet highly-affordable to our discerning shoppers,” said Shareen. The brands found at the boutique are exclusive to Embrace Jewellery, comprising a variety of necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings. The brands and designers include Spanish designers Jorge Revilla and the award-winning Daniel Vior; Canadian Leah Alexandra, whose pieces are worn by Hollywood A-listers including Jessica Alba and Reese Witherspoon; Daisy London’s Chakra bracelets; Joy Jewellery by Dutch designer Eugenie de Blecourt; Oia Jules from USA, Singapore label Eli J; and Janna Conner designs, worn by celebrities such as Diane Kruger, and Mary Kate and Ashley Olsen. Embrace Jewellery, Orchard Gateway, #01-15, www.embracejewellery.com

DECEMBER 19 - 25, 2014

PAGE 13

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Be an angel: Grant the wish of a child with a lifethreatening condition

WWF Adopta-baby Turtle, $30 onward

World Wide Fund for Nature How about doing something special for our little friends? Adopt-a-baby turtle hatchling this Christmas! The turtle population is still threatened, so give this critically-endangered species the support it needs by donating $30 to adopt one hatchling, or $250 to adopt a nest of them, where WWF can look after and care for them on-site.

Make-A-Wish Make-A-Wish grants the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions to give them hope and joy. In Singapore, more than 900 wishes have been granted since April 2003. If you want to help in granting a child’s wish, sign up to be a wish granter. Makeawish.org.sg

Available at Giftcatalogue.wwf.sg

Part 3 Part 4

The gift of Charity Are you looking to do more this Christmas? For this part of our guide, we touch on a simpler joy – giving to the underprivileged Christmas is the season of giving. Instead of simply thinking of your own wants, or being primarily concerned about buying things for your loved ones, how better to celebrate this selfless season of love than to help the underprivileged? You can shop and help.

Risis Pendant by Anita Kapoor, $50

The 1872 Clipper Co. A Season of Magic, $38

Ikea Soft Toy, $5 onward

The 1872 Clipper Tea Co.

IKEA

A participant of Tangs’ Shop For Good movement, Clipper Tea Co. enchants with its latest collection. “A Season of Magic” is a trio of exciting tea blends named after iconic Christmas characters – the shoemaker’s elves, the nutcracker and Rudolph. Expertly blended using the finest quality teas and ingredients, tea aficionados will relish this limited edition gift set.

For every IKEA soft toy purchased, the international IKEA Foundation will donate €1 to fund education programmes supported by UNICEF and Save the Children. Spread the Christmas cheer to underprivileged kids in Singapore too – donate an IKEA soft toy to children’s beneficiaries by placing it in special bins in IKEA stores. These toys will go toward their celebrations and monthly birthday parties.

Available at Clippertea.com.sg

Risis The SG50 Storytellers range is designed by five local storytellers spanning nature, the arts, business, travel and food. All proceeds of the pendants will be donated to Community Chest SG50 project. This limited edition pendant is designed and inspired by TV host Anita Kapoor’s memories of collecting saga seeds. Available at RISIS.com By Nicole Lee

Available at IKEA Singapore

N E w T i m e Pi ec es

Alexandre Christie: Sporty with style

Blaze the trail for your peers with this striking timepiece

AN Alexandre Christie

With over half a century of expertise, Alexandre Christie weaves the sporty with style, introducing its Sport series Alexandre Christie prides itself on high-quality timepieces, winning high praise for excellent finishing and modern designs. The new series brings sports timepieces to a new level, introducing the element of effortless style. Intricate and meticulous, Alexandre Christie’s Sport series is tailored to those looking for a tasteful, unique design that doesn’t compromise on its primary functions as a sports watch. All the watches in this stylish series use Japanese movement. For the uninitiated, this means that the internal operating mechanism of the timepiece is Japanese-made. Each watch face is made with mineral glass and with an accompanying 316L steel or ceramic band. The watches are resistant up to 3ATM or 30 metres. Here are our picks from their series.

2445-BFBTGSL

watch

The STRIKING Choice: 9202NMALIPBAGN The 9202NMALIPBAGN model is classified as “H3 Tritium Nightvision Infinite Illumination at Zero Lux” and is known as the “World’s ultimate self-illuminating automatic watch”. What differentiates it from other sports watches is its leather watch strap. In a blaze of sport meets smart, this watch captures both essences in one striking timepiece.

worth $200

to be won! The Go-Getter’s Choice: 2445-BFBTGSL Alexandre Christie’s 2445-BFBTGSL model is a power watch. Thicker and bigger than the rest, this timepiece is tinted in gold and immediately striking. The wide face offers a spotlight on three smaller dials, allowing the wearer quicker access to a complete time and date check. Please note: Last week’s giveaway is for this watch as well. Win one for yourself now!

Fan of black? This is the one to watch

For those who prefer an asymmetrical shape

THREE EASY WAYS TO ENTER: Look for pinned post on our Facebook page: 

The variation on the face of this watch make it highly attractive

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Done in a single colour, stylish black, 6308MCLIPBA, or “Speed of Light”, exudes mysterious charm. The circular face set against subtle octagon framing adds dimension to the stunning timepiece. The hour and minute hands light up with an LED light, transforming it into a classy yet handy companion for night runs.

The Asymmetrical Choice:

6368MCLBRBA

While most watches pride themselves on balance, the 6368MCLBRBA challenges that fundamental by adding a curve to the right side of the watch, resulting in a surprisingly creative timepiece. The stylised hour and minute hands emphasize the sportiness of the watch.

The MULTI-FACETED Choice: 6348MTBIPBAOR

At a glance, this squarish timepiece separates itself from the usual with its quilt-cut strap design and divided clocks. Two dials dominate the left side of the watch, sharing the attention with the larger watch face on the right.

 

The Sleek Choice: 6308MCLIPBA

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CODE: Alexandre Christie, your Name, Age, Gender, NRIC, Postal Code, E-mail ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASE. CLOSING DATE: 17 Dec 2014 Good luck! No charge for SMS. Please check our Promotional & Contest Rules at weekender.com.sg for details.

DECEMBER 19 - 25, 2014

SHOPsavvy

home inspirations

Get ideas for transforming your home

The master bathroom is decked out in glass and mirrors

The walls that flank the television panel feature a leaf motif created by die-cutting MDF boards and giving it a spray paint finish – these are back-lit by strips of LED lights for a 3-D effect

Our popular segment returns to bring you more creative ideas for your home

he couple and their three teenagers staying in this 4-bedroom apartment at The Floridian expected a certain standard of luxury when they engaged Wincy Tang from Rhiss Interior to design their home. On the family’s list of requirements was a contemporary design that is sleek and modern, with design features that would set the home apart from its neighbours. Wincy’s plan was to give the apartment a streamlined design but also imbue the rooms with a sense of luxury by using lights and customised design features.

Cool to be Square A mirror feature wall is common in many dining rooms, which explains Wincy’s decision to come up with something more unique. Inspired by “futuristic designs”, she created a geometric pattern made up of concentric shapes which made the feature piece an immediate focal point in the home. Complementing this is the use of LED lights that accentuates the feature wall.

Down the Line Most homeowners tend to neglect spaces like corridors and leave them bare or untouched. Wincy, however, wanted to highlight the walkway that leads into the bedrooms. A display shelf was built into the walls, immediately adding a bit of personality into the otherwise bland walkway. She also installed cove lights on the ceiling to soften the long expanse.

Autumn Delight Notably, the walls that flank the television

panel in the living room feature a leaf motif that Wincy created by die-cutting MDF boards and giving it a spray paint finish. These boards are back-lit by strips of LED lights for a three-dimensional effect. When the main lights are turned off, these feature walls emit an alluring glow that throws beautiful shadows on the ceiling and floor.

MASKED From View A large clear glass wall separates the master bedroom from the attached bathroom – an existing feature of the apartments in this condominium. The homeowners however, were uncomfortable with the lack of privacy. In response, Wincy created a built-in bedhead against the glass, ensuring privacy without having to replace the entire wall.

Glass and Mirrors

Same But Different Each of the three teenagers staying in this home has their own room. Wincy wanted each room to be distinct but, at the same time, have a common thread running through the design. As such, each of the three rooms has the same basic design – cushioned headboards above the bed, cove lights on the bay window and a built-in study desk – but embellished with different accent colours for a spark of personality.

The spacious master bathroom is a thing of beauty, all decked out in glass and mirrors. Although the homeowners considered cutting

Ho m e M ak eover Ideas

Red red fine

down the floor size to enlarge the bedroom space, they decided against it when they realised how luxurious a roomy bathroom could be. Instead, the designers emphasized the room’s luxe factor with polished surfaces and flattering light sources.

Pour for Me

Heat things up (and keep them hot) with this firetruck-red vacuum jug. The sleek silhouette and smooth finish make this a welcome addition to any home. Vacuum jug, $97.48 from BI&L

Beauty And The Bath The Wynk collection of bathroom accessories from Geesa comes from the Netherlands. The series includes shelves, a toilet brush stand, a soap dish, towel rails, a paper holder and a soap dispenser. The designs were awarded the Good Industrial Design accolade during the Dutch Design Week. Geesa Wynk bathroom accessories, price on enquiry, from Hafary

Flipping Out

Completely utilitarian and yet so well made, these turning trays were designed in 1956 by Finn Juhl using curved teak wood and laminates. In keeping with his functional design, there are no handles, screws or bolts. Depending on the food you’re serving, or the mood you’re in, just flip the tray accordingly. Architectmade turning trays, $220, from Supplies & Co

By Redzman Rahmat

Article first published in Lookbox Living #36 May/Jun 2014 Lookbox Living #39 is out now! Available at major bookstores and news stands. For more interior projects, visit www.lookboxliving.com.sg

PAGE 15

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H o m e s o lu tio n s

New colours to spruce up your room? It’s this easy!

No more fretting over painting – Dulux has got you covered with great professional services to help you with a home makeover Want to give your room a facelift, but have no idea where to begin? A new paint job doesn’t have to be daunting, especially when the Dulux team is here to help. With Dulux Professional Painting Services, sprucing up your home is a breeze. Just a simple change in colour, and home can be an inspiring new place for you and your family!

Transformation Made Easy You don’t have to worry about getting messy – or even lifting a finger – to get that pictureperfect paint job done. The professionals at Dulux will take care of everything for you, from shifting and covering your furniture to making clean finishing touches in all corners. Dulux Professional Painting Services covers a free colour consultation with true colour visualisation. First, they conduct a personal inspection of your home, and the painters will provide professional advice on the painting. If you’d like the Colour Consultation Service, you can simply E-mail them. Then, you can also download the free Dulux Visualizer app, which will let you see your room live in any colour before you paint it! They’ll even do a great job of fulfilling special creative requests that you may have, such as painting stripes and ombre effects. (Please note, for services such as this, mural painting or special artwork, there might be additional charges. Please enquire for more information.) Painting is done swiftly and cleanly, and you can soon enjoy living in the home of your dreams. It’s that easy!

Unique murals give the rooms added dimension and make them a lot more interesting (There might be additional cost - enquire for more information)

Services for help on refreshing her son’s room. Blogging about Hiroshi’s room previously, she said it was “too much clutter, too practical and too boring!” So, they decided to go with a fun travel-themed makeover. The results were fantastic, with Hiroshi’s room looking much brighter and more interesting than before. The clever touch of porcelain white against the sea-blue walls created the illusion of wider space. For Irene, this makeover was also a journey of discovery and adventure. “We’ve always been the typical play-it-safe kind of homeowners who prefer sticking to ‘safer’ shades,” she wrote. “But, through our colour transformation journey with Dulux, we’ve learned so much more about using colours to renew and reenergise our homes,” she said.

Inspiration Come Alive If you have a vision of your ideal room, now’s the time to make it happen! You can request a hard copy of Dulux Colour Inspirations 2015 to be mailed to you. You can then simply E-mail in the photo of your room for a colour scheme recommendation to be E-mailed back to you, with your preferred colour choices. If you have kids to look out for, have no worries with Dulux Wash & Wear with Kidproof TechnologyTM. With this coating, you don’t have to fret about getting dirt and drawings on the walls – they are much easier to clean. Paint your home with love, with Dulux. With its latest promotion package, you can save more than $550. There’s never been a better time to get that makeover!

Photos: Irene Soh, www.singaporemomblogs.com

Positive Changes for the Home Splashing on a fresh coat of new colours can introduce positive change in the home. Blogger Irene Soh from Singapore Mom Blogs, consulted Dulux Professional Painting

Beau t y s o l u tio n s

Save your skin

In the beauty world, snail creams have rapidly scaled the pedestal in the past three years, long after the first discovery of its incredible healing and moisturising properties. Snail cream products have blossomed in the market, most notably The Skin Concept’s Miracle Snail Cream. It has consistently received rave reviews online. But what is the hype all about?

Repair, Remove & Renew The Skin Concept’s Miracle Snail Cream can be used as a moisturising primer to achieve flawless skin. It smoothens out the surface of the skin, allowing foundation to glide on evenly, extending the wear of your foundation. You can also use it as your moisturiser at night for skin nourishment. The Miracle Snail Cream also promises to renew, restore and repair the skin, while providing whitening and antiaging effects too. It blends easily into the skin and has a soft, light scent.

Healing Properties

This Christmas, The Skin Concept is giving a 30% discount to customers. Call our consultants at 6871 8781 for enquiries.

Its snail mucin formula not only prevents wrinkles and uneven pigmentation but it also contains regenerative properties which help in the healing of scarred or blemished skin. Additionally, the marine collagen maintains elasticity of your skin and prevents wrinkles from forming. There’s no reason not to get this miracle beauty product! Visit www.facebook.com/ theskinconcept for more information.

For more information on the Dulux Professional Painting Services promotion, visit www.dulux.com.sg or call 6265 0677.

DECEMBER 19 - 25, 2014

TRAVELation

t rav e l f e atu r e

We scout the best parts of New Zealand that have appeared in the Tolkien universe What do you think of when someone mentions New Zealand’s Hobbit trail? Many would imagine freely frolicking in the fields of Hobbiton, or gazing up at the dramatic stone fortresses of Helm’s Deep, set in the mountains. But you can’t really do those things. For example, the rolling hills of Matamata – where Hobbiton was set – will cost you a hefty sum (about $75) to enter. And Helm’s Deep was just a set, which has long been torn down. So where in New Zealand can you feel like you’re magic-folk from Middle Earth, and not disillusioned tourists? We let you in on the less-frequented destinations along the Hobbit trail.

G e taway s & Stay catio n s

5 Last-minute getaways & staycations

Family friendly: Tis the Season Celebration at Bintan Lagoon Resort Just an hour’s ride by ferry and you could be reclining on the soft sands of one of Indonesia’s most beautiful islands. Make it even better with this deal, which bundles a stay at the resort packed with festive activities. Indulge in a sumptuous traditional buffet and live entertainment, surrounded by festivities during Christmas. Or, if you’re travelling here over the New Year, be treated to a dazzling Dinner and Dance on the Eve, followed by a comforting brunch the next day. Even Santa would sleigh all the way from the North Pole for this steal. Package starts at $280 per person per night, available from 23 to 31 Dec, MozaicHotels.com

A vintage Festive Retreat Package at Goodwood Park Hotel

Top: Bintan is an island paradise, especially when you’re here on a great offer

Photo: So Spa

Bottom: It’s not too late for a break to rejuvenate yourself

Officially gazetted as a National Monument, Goodwood Park Hotel is our go-to for a charming old-cottage treat. Its limited deluxe rooms are fitted with plush décor and lined with warm colours, transporting you to the cosy white Christmas of your dreams. This package comes with a host of hotel perks too. For starters, it comes with a buffet breakfast for two. And, if you book two nights or more, you will be upgraded to a Deluxe Mayfair Room with a balcony and garden view. Package starts at $325 per night, available from 21 Dec 2014 to 28 Feb 2015, GoodwoodParkHotel. com

No more dealing with sold-out rooms for a Christmas vacation, and no need to hunt for a manger – here are five getaways or staycations you can book now! Are you caught in a mad scramble for a last-minute getaway this season? Look no further – we’ve got the top tips for the best packages still available. You could use a few lazy days away from all your worries, accompanied by your favourite people, living it up without the hassles of travelling long haul. Time to start booking these staycations before they’re sold out!

A relaxing Christmas Special massage at So SPA The Singapore Resort & Spa Sentosa has put together a So Spa Christmas Special to pamper you this year-end. It features a So Relaxing Massage and a premium Caviar Facial, perfect for the ultimate therapeutic retreat.

You can choose from ambient indoor and outdoor suites, as well as between Couple Treatment Rooms and Single Treatment Rooms. Share the joy with a family member, friend or partner, or simply have an indulgent staycation on your own for some me time. Package starts at $380 per person, available from now to 31 Dec, SingaporeResortSentosa.com/spa

Family friendly: Sail the high seas with Costa Cruise What’s the best kind of vacation? I reckon it’s one where you can go places without moving and planning too much. Cruises do exactly that – and Costa goes all out to please you. From short getaways to neighbouring cities in Malaysia and Thailand, to longer trips in far-flung regions like the Norwegian fjords, you can relax with your loved ones as your whole vacation is organised for you. Never worry about your meals, entertainment options, and tour itineraries. Packages start from US$469 per person, CostaCruiseAsia.com

Family friendly: Happy Holidays at The Ritz-Carlton Millenia If your family is a fan of cosmopolitan elegance, put on the ritz and have an award-winning holiday along the scenic Marina Bay. With its Happy Holidays package, this luxury hotel will make you feel very jolly indeed. Enjoy a night in the luxurious Premier Room, followed by a breakfast buffet spread for two adults and a child. And with $50 hotel credit thrown in, you can add a splurge to your staycation itinerary. The line-up of freebies includes a Ritz-Carlton lion beanie, and a children’s daily ice cream pass! Package starts at $480 per night, available from now to 29 Dec, E-mail: rc.sinrz.reservations@ ritzcarlton.com By Pamela Chow

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Lake Pukaki, with Aoraki Mt Cook in the horizon, was the prime setting of Lake-town in The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.

Lake Pukaki, Mackenzie

If you caught the last Hobbit film, The Desolation of Smaug, the image of Lake-town (or Esgaroth) may still be fresh in your mind. This town was filmed right here on Lake Pukaki at the base of Aoraki Mt Cook, the highest peak in New Zealand. The set of Lake-town itself was filmed in a studio, so you won’t get to trawl through the fishing village like Bilbo and gang. But imagine staring in wonder across the lake, on watch for the angered Smaug to come swooping across the glistening waters. The sprawling sheen of Lake Pukaki and the grand alpine peaks in the horizon were also used many times as a scenic backdrop in The Lord of the Rings movies.

Fernside Gardens, Wellington

Having housed many film sites from The Lord of the Rings saga, Wellington is known as “the middle of Middle Earth”. Fernside Gardens, which lies just outside the town of Featherston, played host to an important area of the elven realm Lothlorien. Fernside’s lake is the iconic setting where the hobbit Smeagol (now Gollum) fought his cousin, Deagol, for the Ring, launching the Hobbit’s narrative. See if you can spot Fernside’s white bridge, where the elves of Lothlorien bade the Fellowship farewell in The Fellowship of the Ring. Walk through the stunning nature trails here, listening to serene waterfalls cascading within the foliage. It’s as if the elves have left some magic behind. Fernside isn’t open for casual visits, so you must go through a tour company to come here – but at packages from $175, we’d scramble as fast as Smeagol!

Pelorus River, Marlborough

Remember how, in The Desolation of Smaug, Bilbo and the dwarves tumbled in barrels down a tumultuous river? You can have a similar experience right here along the Pelorus River (barrels and bloodthirsty orcs not included) if you wish. In truth, the Pelorus River is an oasis of calm, with very few rocky whitewater bends. You can drift safely, like the dwarves did, as you paddle down the river in a guided kayak tour. Packages average at $165 for adults. Or, if you prefer a more dry riverside experience, you can take a leisurely stroll among the rocky banks along the path that the brave dwarves took.

Wairarapa, Wellington

While you’re in Wellington, why not pay a visit to the vineyards in the area? In particular, Wairarapa’s wineries were immensely popular with the cast and crew of The Lord of the Rings. Castlepoint Lighthouse is famous for its panorama of the Wairarapa Coast. Also look out for the Putangirua Pinnacles Scenic Reserve, where the chilling Paths of the Dead sequence from The Return of the King was filmed. Don’t worry, it’s not scary in real life!

S potli g h t on M alay sia

Pelorus River is actually a serene stream, unlike in the chaotic barrel-tumbling scene in The Desolation of Smaug

Homestays are perhaps one of the best ways to get to know Malaysia, our neighbours just across the causeway. The unique homestay programme, an initiative of the Malaysian Ministry of Tourism & Culture, offers visitors the rare opportunity to experience first-hand the authentic charms of rural life. Live with a local family and enjoy a fascinating spectrum of culture and traditions in a casual yet traditional setting. Each homestay offers a different experience. Savour local food and participate in a host of delightful activities throughout the day, from harvesting crops to playing traditional games. With things moving at a slower pace than in the city, relish the quiet calm of the rustic life. Homestayers will get to immerse themselves in the lifestyle of the locals and experience the full spectrum of colourful village life.

True to its name, this sky-scraping mountain chain is incredible. The jagged snow caps pierce into the blue sky, making for a regal appearance as the Misty Mountains in the Hobbit films. In The Lord of the Rings trilogy, they featured as both the Snowy Mountains and the fearsome terrain of Mordor. To get the best vista of The Remarkables, trek up the 900m-high Queenstown Hill or board the Skyline Gondola up to Bob’s Peak. Whether you feel like the all-powerful Gandalf or like a brave little hobbit, this tremendous view is sure to make you believe that the magic of Middle Earth is alive. By Pamela Chow

If you need a short holiday but your budget for your flight is around $100 or less, look no further Don’t miss out on these promotions for budget airlines and low-cost carriers.

Bangkok – Pratunam Market

A DIFFERENT Travel EXPERIENCE

What’s it like to live in a collective kampung? Once an intricate aspect of Singapore’s character, kampungs have become part of our history – thankfully, there are homestays across the causeway

The Remarkables, Queenstown

LOW- COST GETAWAY S

Relive the kampung days with homestays in Malaysia

Experience living in a kampung just across the causeway

The Remarkables was used as the landscape of the frightening Mordor in The Lord of the Rings trilogy

At Kampung Homestay Lonek, experience “the kampung days” as you might have heard of from your parents, with local hosts. Located in the state of Negeri Sembilan, Kampung Lonek, once a champion for the most beautiful village competition, is home to a group of industrious folks who work the paddy fields, tend to fruit orchards and run several small industries producing handicrafts made of rattan, pandan, mengkuang (screw palm) and bamboo. It also has a small industry producing soy sauce, chilli sauce as well as a local delicacy made of soy bean, called tempe. Some of these products are produced at home, while others are housed in small, mini-factories in the village. During your stay, there will be activities such as traditional games, cooking demonstrations, natureexploration activities, fishing, cultural shows and handicrafts. You can even experience making traditional Malay delicacies from scratch or step into their paddy fields to experience what it’s like to be a farmer.

HEARTWARMING AND WELCOMING

The locals at Kampong Homestay Lonek allow visitors to experience true blue Malaysian hospitality. I was welcomed with open arms and treated like a VIP throughout my stay. I left not only with precious memories but also new friendships, and I know the local family will always be ready to welcome me back to Malaysia with open arms. Rates at Kampong Homestay Lonek begin at RM130.00 per pax for a 2D1N stay and includes a traditional homestay welcome reception, an orientation session with the foster family, a village tour, local traditional games and a traditional delicacy cooking demonstration. By Eu Shuqi

From $79, Jetstar. Promotion ends when sold out. As one of the top shopping destinations amongst Singaporeans, Bangkok never disappoints. Pratunam Market – a major market offering the best discounts and bargains for clothes, shoes and fashion accessories – contributes to Bangkok’s name as a “shopping paradise”. You name it, they have it. MJ Prototype / Shutterstock.com

Bali – Kuta Art Market From $98, Tigerair. Promotion ends when sold out. Looking for craft items to bring home a piece of Bali? This small beach-side bazaar compound sells Balinese souvenirs and handcrafted items. The Art Market reveals the best of Bali and as usual, visiting tourists are expected to bargain so do go ahead and do so.

Hanoi – Halong Bay From $99, Tigerair. Promotion ends when sold out. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site, Halong Bay is undoubtedly Vietnam’s pride. Halong Bay features thousands of limestone karsts, together with breathtaking islets and caves. Stay overnight on a Chinese junk boat, or visit a floating fishing village and interact with locals. All prices are correct at time of printing.