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ISSUE 113 DEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015
WK113A/MCI(P)119/08/2014
weekender.com.sg
FREE
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ISSUE 113 DEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015
C h ri s t m as spec ial
WEEKENDER Photo contest
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WEEKENDER’s NEw food PHOTOJOURNALIST?
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Bucket List
visit the dingoes & the largest sand island down under
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movie preview
catch the return of your favourite museum characters
WEEKENDER WILL BE ON HOLIDAY NEXT WEEK LOOK OUT FOR our next Issue on 9 JAN !
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8 PAIRS OF TICKETS
Worth $68 PAGE
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PER pair
to be won!
see bumper Boxing day & weekenD fixtures
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WK113A/MCI(P)119/08/2014
DEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015
Entertainment FUN @ SENTOSA
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Stephanie Sun
Sentosa PLAYcation Until 4 Jan 2015, 11am-9.30pm, FREE admission Come down for a host of fun-filled activities that’s bursting with the widest variety of Giant Inflatables and a spectacular Symphony of Lights show, and celebrate the season with great music and succulent grills at Grill N’Chill. Merlion Plaza, Beach Plaza & Palawan Beach
Kit Chan
Big Bang
Splashin’ Good Time
Underwater World Singapore, Siloso Point *Promotion is applicable to Singaporean citizens, Permanent Residents, and holders of employment pass, work permit or dependent’s pass with valid proof of identity.
Spuds & Aprons, Faber Peak 1-31 Dec
Join our playful, apron-clad crew and enjoy festive inspired 3-course set lunch and 4-course set dinner menus from $32++ per person! Call 6377 9688 or visit www.faberpeaksingapore.com to book now.
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Celebrate SG50
31 Dec, 7.30pm, from $28 What better way to welcome the new year than to bid the year goodbye next to our famed Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer? Feel the explosive energy from a galaxy of stars as Celebrate SG50 kicks off 2015 and Singapore’s 50th birthday celebrations in spectacular style with your favourite local artistes and K-pop super group Big Bang The Float @ Marina Bay, www.sistic.com.sg
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Gatsby Themed Party at LeVeL 33
31 Dec, 8pm, from $358 Usher in 2015 at exalted heights with celebratory dinner & drinks! Dress and welcome the New Year in Gatsby style. Soak in the theme and atmosphere while our DJ spins you back to the roaring 1920s. LeVeL33, 8 Marina Boulevard #33-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, www.level33.com.sg
Capella Singapore
Photo: Bryan van der Beek, Esplanade
Until 1 Jan 2015, 10am-7pm $7.50* per Adult (UP $29.90), $7.50* per Child (UP $20.60) Step into Underwater World Singapore and enjoy up to 75% off all admission ticket prices*! Head to the Underwater Water World ticketing counter and present this issue of Weekender with your local ID – it’s as simple as that!
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Marina Bay Countdown: Celebrate with the World
31 Dec, 12pm-1am (Carnival), 6pm-late (Party), from $10 Come one, come all to the hottest party in Singapore this New Year’s Eve. Celebrate with the World is back for a second year, and this time, the celebration promises to be bigger and better! The event will also introduce the first ever Celebrate with the World carnival with local food stalls, traditional game stalls and even a special photo booth to ring in our nation’s 50th year. The Promontory @ Marina Bay, 11 Marina Boulevard
31 Dec, 6.30pm-10pm Set the stage for a night of fun, fond memories and great cheer with an epicurean 5-course menu.
The Singapore Resort & Spa 31 Dec, from 6.30pm Gather friends and family and have a New Year’s Eve celebration at The Terrace with a decadent array of traditional festive goodies, charcuterie and cheese selections, BBQ station, Western and Indian cuisine and the not-to-be-missed dessert corner with a variety of cakes and tarts as well as the popular chocolate fondue.
To find out more activities and promotions on Sentosa, scan here
siloso beach party tickets GIVEAWAY
Marienette Flotildes Lee Chun Aik Ling Chee Wee Tan Ah Neo Lee Charlotte
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weekender.com.sg
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Foam Party on Ice: The Rink
24 & 31 Dec Come countdown at Singapore’s First Foam Party on Ice at The Rink! A “foam-tastic” time awaits you as you move to the beat of the latest music hits at The Rink’s Foam Party Christmas & New Year Countdown on Ice. The Rink, JCube
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The Fantasy Countdown: Zouk NYE with Quintino (NED) and Hong
31 Dec With a tick and a tock, tick, tock, time is only moving you closer and closer to the end of the year but no magical stroke of midnight will be complete without first having a Fantasy Countdown at Zouk! Let the final moments of 2014 be as perfect as your imagination has always made it to be, for soon it shall be 2015, and it will be time to dream a new dream, building new castles in the sky! Zouk Club
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Sentosa Siloso Beach Party
31 Dec, 6pm, from $68 Dubbed Asia’s largest beach countdown party, the Sentosa Siloso Beach Party is something you don’t want to miss – and spend a whole year wishing you went. Siloso Beach, www.silosobeachparty.com
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Attica’s Decadence
31 Dec, 10.30pm until late, from $30 (one drink included) This New Year’s Eve, Decadence will see Attica bring a close to a decade of pulse-pumping NYE parties. After one of its best years yet, following a major refurbishment and 10th anniversary, Decadence will deliver the wildest NYE party and yet another night to remember at Attica. Attica, 3A River Valley Road, #01-03 Clarke Quay, Singapore 179020
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Glitterati’s New Year’s Countdown Extravaganza 2015
31 Dec, 6pm until late, from $198 (inclusive of a glass of champagne) There’s no better way to end 2014 with a bang than to
Congratulations to the winners! Don’t miss out on more great giveaway prizes & exclusive lifestyle experiences. Like & follow us at www.facebook.com/weekendersgp
Winners will be contacted directly on the collection. Look out for more Weekender giveaways in upcoming issues.
celebrate 200 metres high at KU DÉ TA, with a selection of decadent Modern Asia cuisine! The restaurant brings in tidings of the season with a 5-course Festive Menu, against the backdrop of fireworks this New Year’s Eve. KU DÉ TA Club Lounge
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Mount Faber
31 Dec Get high on happiness this festive season with our
celebration menus, brilliant cable care joyrides and multiple fireworks display! Snap away as Faber Peak Singapore lights up with colourful festive decors and six-foot-tall ‘food trees’. 109 Mount Faber Road, Faber Peak, www. faberpeaksingapore.com
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Home
Isn’t your crash pad the most versatile location ever? You can hold
all of the above listed events at your place (well, very obviously except the foam party at The Rink), intimate gatherings and all – or best of all, do nothing at all and just For more interesting cuddle at home with a loved weekend ideas and one. No need to brave crowds entertainment stories, on the way home because like & follow us at well, you’re already there. That sounds like the www.facebook.com/ perfect plan. weekendersgp Your address here
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DEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015
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Entertainment
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music Classic Soft Rock Legend Leo Sayer Live in Singapore 17 Jan With more than 20 Top Ten singles and five Top Ten albums in his celebrated recording career, this live British performer, song writer, recording artist and Grammy Award winner will enthral the Singapore audience in a one-night concert. Fans of classic poprock shouldn’t miss this. Esplanade Concert Hall, www.britishtheatreplayhouse.com
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Writers Nicole Lee Pamela Chow Distribution Lawrence Tan Interns Eu Shuqi Alison Chu Contributors Igert le Roux Victoria Shareen Wong
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Jonathan Go
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Team Members Syarila Zainal Leonard Low Anabel Ang
RED CARD FOOTBALL FEVER
Juicy reviews & tips on the EPL & the best of world football
Premier League bumper weekend special
Coordinator Riki Zou Events Chris Chow
chris@weekender.sg
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St Jerome’s Laneway Festival 2015 24 Jan Prepare yourselves for the 2015 Laneway Festival line-up. Featuring a mix of Singaporean, Malaysian and international acts, the Singapore event will host perhaps its strongest line-up to date. The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay, singapore.lanewayfestival.com
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Every Friday morning peak period. Subject to weather and traffic conditions.
• Raffles Place • Chinatown • Dhoby Ghaut • City Hall • Clementi • Downtown • Orchard • Somerset • Newton • Woodlands • Admiralty • Sembawang • Yishun • Marina Bay• Yio Chu Kang • Khatib • Ang Mo Kio • Bishan • Toa Payoh • Labrador • Bukit Gombak • Tiong Bahru • Boon Lay • Tampines • Tanjong Pagar • Jurong East • Buona Vista • Queenstown • Serangoon • Lavender • Choa Chu Kang
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Will Diego Costa continue firing Chelsea to a historic quadruple?
It’s that time of season again with football matches galore – with teams playing two matches over Boxing Day and the weekend, there’s no excuse not to get your football fix It’s the holiday season! While all the other leagues around Europe take a breather for their winter break, the English Premier League is still buzzing with a bumper schedule of fixtures. The term “holiday” is actually meant more for fans than footballers. For fans, more matches mean more entertainment. For footballers and coaches, however, they have to deal with injuries, squad depth, fatigue and the cold weather on top of entertaining an expectant global audience. But let them worry about that while we ready ourselves for a busy weekend of football excitement! Let’s have a look at the matches the top teams have in store for them this holiday season.
CHELSEA vs West Ham (H) (Fri, 8.45pm); vs Southampton (A) (Sun, 10.05pm) Chelsea’s squad is by far the biggest in the league and the Blues should be well equipped to face two opponents in three days. It’s not going to be easy though, having to face two overachieving teams this season. But they should have the ammunition to come away with maximum points. Prediction: Chelsea 1-0 West Ham; Southampton 1-2 Chelsea
MANCHESTER CITY vs West Brom (A) (Fri, 11pm); vs Burnley (H) (Sun, 11pm) No Aguero, no problem! Manchester City has found form coming into the holiday season, and the squad is deep enough to cover Aguero’s injury too. It helps that City’s opponents won’t cause too many sleepless nights as well. Prediction: West Brom 1-2 Manchester City; Manchester City 3-0 Burnley
Can Wayne Rooney lead Man U to pip their city rivals to second place? Photo: Jaggat Rashidi / Shutterstock.com
MANCHESTER UNITED vs Newcastle United (H) (Fri, 11pm); vs Tottenham Hotspur (A) (Sun, 8pm) Manchester United seems to have the tougher opponents this weekend and, with the matches happening thick and fast, don’t be surprised to see more injuries coming the Red Devils’ way. At this rate, Wayne Rooney may even have to play in central defence! Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Newcastle; Tottenham 1-1 Manchester United
ARSENAL vs Queens Park Rangers (H) (Sat, 1.30am); vs West Ham (A) (Sun, 11pm) Arsenal is fortunate enough to have both its fixtures played in London but recent performances haven’t been all too encouraging. West Ham might just pull off a surprise result, with the Hammers’ physical play probably too much for the Gunners to handle. Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 QPR; West Ham 2-1 Arsenal
LIVERPOOL vs Burnley (A) (Fri, 11pm); vs Swansea (H) (Tue, 4am) Liverpool’s recent performances have been encouraging but the Reds need to be clinical in front of goal to translate playing well into points. They’ll have Daniel Sturridge back after the break, so let’s hope they can find a way to keep raking in the points until then. Prediction: Burnley 1-2 Liverpool; Liverpool 1-1 Swansea By Ahmad Khan Log on to www.RedCardConnect.com for exclusive articles, interviews, radio shows & videos of the Premier League, Singapore & the world of sports.
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weekender.com.sg Asia’s youngest Video DJ, JenniF’s set will be delivered in videos, giving audiences the best audio-visual experience
feat u r e d e ven t
Join in Asia’s largest beach countdown party! How are you going to spend the last few moments of 2014? Why not end the year and start a new one with a blast at the Siloso Beach Party?
DJ Shy has spun at sold-out shows for comics such as Damon and Marlon Wayans, George Lopez, Chris Rock, Dave Chapelle and more
DJ Charlotte started DJ-ing at age 12 and has had gigs with several clubs including Azzura, Supperclub, Zirca and TAB
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e are a mere five days away from bidding 2014 goodbye. How are you going to seize the moment and leap into the New Year? Here’s an idea: Get your dancing shoes and party on at the legendary Siloso Beach Party, Asia’s largest beach countdown party! Come Dec 31, the Siloso Beach Party will feature over 20 international and local DJs taking to the decks as party-goers gather over the five party zones. This is truly the party event of the year!
Female DJ Talents Among the highlights of the Siloso Beach Party are the female DJs. They include DJ Shy, DJ Charlotte, DJ Tinc and DJ Jenni-F. These hot young talents will be showcasing their feminine spunk and style, as well as bringing you hot rocking music throughout the night at the Siloso Beach Party.
DJ Shy Blazes a Bold Trail DJ Shy was the first female on-air mixer at Los Angeles’ No. 1 Top 40 radio station in
Top 5 epic Singaporean moments of 2014 We’re watching you, Singapore – have you been naughty or nice this year? Insanely-long Hello Kitty queues? That’s old news. There’s a lot more brewing in our sunny island that you may have missed, so we’ve drawn up a list and checked it twice. Now, let’s find out if you’ve been naughty or nice.
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Singaporeans, you’ve proven to be quite the dramatic bunch! The storm started with the highly-anticipated Hello Kitty Run in November. The skies chose this happy day to unleash their tears; so chaos descended upon the parade. Eyewitness accounts tell of people – some of whom weren’t even participants – taking off with entire boxes of the coveted Hello Kitty-shaped Finishers’ Medals. Shortly after, the medals were put online for sale. About a month after this Kitty fiasco, participants of the Standard Chartered Marathon were riled up when “non-finishers” received the finishers’ T-shirt and medal, despite not completing the full race. What really happened: Slower runners were diverted onto a shorter route, and were asked by the staff to take the prizes as awards for their participation.
The Hello Kitty-shaped Finishers’ Medals were so coveted that nonparticipants fled with boxes to sell
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Fiery Tracks from a Familiar Face DJ Charlotte C started DJ-ing at the young age of 12 and has had gigs with several clubs including Azzura, Supperclub, Zirca, TAB and Châteaux. Charlotte returns to the Siloso Beach Party for the third year, bringing with her a plethora of Top 40 music as well as her distinctive musical style. DJ Charlotte C is one of the youngest DJs in the event this year.
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K ayp o h Ko r n er
Stealing Race Medals
America, with more than 2.6 million listeners tuning in to her music each week. She has headlined and delivered a fresh stream of mixes every year at the Siloso Beach Party, and has spun at some of the finest clubs around the world. Shy got her start at the world-famous Laugh Factory comedy club in Hollywood, where she spun at sold-out shows for comics such as Damon and Marlon Wayans, George Lopez, Chris Rock, Dave Chapelle and others. She spins Top 40, ‘80s, pop, rock, house, hiphop, R&B and reggae music.
Horrors of Sim Lim Revealed
The year unearthed a series of debacles, all within this shopping complex specialising in the retail of electronic products. These scandals have shaken the nation. In late October, a customer had to plead for a $1,010 refund, which was met with ridicule from the shop owners and a shower of coins. (Apparently, they really totalled $1,010.) If that wasn’t bad enough, the very same shop was embroiled in another scam. They reportedly tricked Mr Pham Van Thoai from Vietnam into paying a ridiculous sum of $2,450 for the latest iPhone 6. Not learning from the previous incidences, the staff of MobileAir once again taunted the kneeling and begging customer. In the latest news, Sim Lim’s management has announced it will look into ways of clamping down on errant practices. A popular mall for the retail of electronic products, Sim Lim Square has been embroiled in various scandals this year
Catfighting over Stuffed Cats
There’s something about Hello Kitty that drives people to insanity. Long queues may be old news but the catfighting has gone to a new low. In the past few years, fast food chain McDonald’s has been bringing in Hello Kitty collector’s dolls to accompany its meals. With this came the ugly clawing and fist-fighting between members of the public. On some occasions, the police had to be called in to pull the rioters away. We wonder if the dolls were hauled in for questioning as well. Hey, they started it!
TK Kurikawa / Shutterstock.com
Rocking Young and Beautiful DJ Jenni-F is Asia’s youngest video disc jockey. She was also crowned the champion for the MAD DJ Competition, and has carved a name for herself in the bass music scene. Jenni-F’s unique and clean signature style of mixing encompasses Top 40, hip hop, K-pop, complextro, trap, dubstep and open formats, all delivered in videos designed to give her audiences the best audio-visual experience possible! What are you waiting for? Prepare to be impressed. Tickets on sale at www.silosobeachparty.com
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Local Actress Bares All & Another Wins International Award
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Singapore: Lonely Planet’s No. 1 Travel Destination
We have reasons to celebrate too. 2014 was a good year for many Singaporeans, in particular for actresses Esther Low and Angeline Yap. Low was awarded a Best Actress Award for her performance in Rosado Furia, a Costa Rican production. Her accolade was awarded by the Central American Festival Icaro. Back home, Yap daringly bared it all in one of the Singapore International Film Festival’s (SGIFF) feature screenings. The sold-out film, Lang Tong, features Yap’s character in a steamy scene with a notorious womaniser. Now, don’t you wish you’d paid more attention to local films?
Now this is truly worth a big whoop! Lonely Planet, one of the most heralded and comprehensive travel sites, has listed our little red dot as the top travel destination for 2015. According to the website, we’ve been selected because 2015 is our Golden Jubilee, and we’ll be packed full of exciting events under the umbrella programme of SG50. Also, the world is elated by our new developments such as the entertainment district on Marina Bay, the revamped National Art Gallery, and the expansions of our shopping centres and train network. I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty happy to be living in the heart of the action. Get ready for a sensational new year! By Pamela Chow
DEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015
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Entertainment
PEt Family
Advice on caring for your pet If your dog is suffering from the symptoms of allergy or parasites, make sure to get it to a vet immediately
photos Weekender presents the PET FAMILY PHOTOS contest. Here are our readers’ cutest snapshots!
This week’s best photo wins a special AVA umbrella worth $40!
Is your dog exhibiting skin discomfort? Here are common conditions in dogs you should look out for
Xiyao’s Bella Barrett is oh-soadorable, you just wanna kiss! :*
Issue 1: Atopic dermatitis
The condition of Canine Atopic Dermatitis is an inherited predisposition to develop allergic symptoms after repeated exposure to a usually harmless substance or some kind of allergen, such as dust mites or pollen. Dogs with this condition usually rub, lick, chew, bite or scratch their feet, muzzle, ears, armpits or groin, causing hair loss and reddening of the skin.
Issue 2: Food allergy
Submit your Pet Family Photo and get a chance to be published!
inly
erta Milo is c Jennifer’s friend t boy’s bes
Alicia’s Yoshi looks like such a sweetie here :)
Food allergy is one of the itchiest and most uncomfortable conditions for cats and dogs. Sometimes, proteins in the animals’ food get recognised by the body as foreign invaders. The resulting irritation or inflammation may affect the gastrointestinal tract or other organs, but in dogs and cats it is usually the skin that suffers the most. Often, many pet owners wrongly presume the pet’s itching from food allergy boils down to a recent change in diet of some sort. In fact, this usually takes time to develop. In most cases, the pets have been eating the offending food for years with no visible effect.
Are your pooches or kitties your family’s pride and joy? Then whip out those cameras now! Send us the very best photos of you with your beloved pets.
Issue 3: Fleas, ticks & lice
general@weekender.com.sg
To find out more about responsible pet ownership, visit: www.petsforlife.com.sg
Fleas bite through the dog’s skin, leaving behind saliva that can cause allergic reactions. Ticks and lice, on the other hand, will attach themselves onto the dog’s body and feed on its blood. If your dog is exhibiting the signs or symptoms of these skin ailments, make an appointment with the vet immediately to check on the condition.
The cutest PET FAMILY PHOTO will receive an exclusive AVA umbrella! Don’t miss this chance to show off your pets. Send your best photos to: with your Pet Name, Your Name, Date of Birth, Tel No., NRIC & Postal Code.
Winners will be contacted directly on the collection. Submit for the next one!
Tips from Fluffy, the rescued pooch, on caring for your furry friends and being a responsible pet owner
Catherine’s Nalla is such a cutesy little thing
Vanitha’s Revan kinda looks regal here, don’t you think?
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weekender.com.sg You have two children. Do you have expectations for your son to follow in your footsteps?
s tar o f t h e w eek
Definitely, I want him to be Kabuki actor. That’s a 100 per cent wish and expectation. But I don’t say that to him openly, because inspiration from top down is a little different from if the inspiration was from my son, himself. So, what I think is important is to encourage him and create an environment to elicit my son’s own will and interest in Kabuki until he starts thinking, “Hey, I want to be a Kabuki actor!”
What does it take to be a Kabuki star?
Kabuki tradition prohibits women from performing, so what if your daughter wants to become a Kabuki actor?
Weekender had a private interview with Ebizo Ichikawa XI, an 11th generation Kabuki actor, on his fame and plans to propagate the Japanese theatrical tradition It’s not easy carrying the weight of 600 years’ worth of Japanese theatrical tradition on one’s shoulders but Ebizo Ichikawi, 36, believes he was born to assume this yoke since he was two years old! And he does it gladly, with grace and dignity. But will modern times change the future of Kabuki? We find out in a private conversation with Ebizo-san.
What does it take to be a Kabuki Star? Well, on the surface… first of all, you have to be born into a Kabuki family. Not anybody can be a Kabuki performer. Secondly, the most important qualities – voice, face, and stature. These are the superficial aspects. But what it boils down to is how serious you are in pursuing this art form.
Please describe your fan base. My core fan base is women aged 30 to 60. But in terms of my recognition rate in the Japanese population, actually, everybody knows about me. From a young child to the elderly, almost everyone in Japan knows about me.
Ebizo Ichikawa XI, renowned kabuki master from Japan, shouldering the yoke of 600 years of theatrical tradition
If only a small proportion of Japanese people watch Kabuki, how would everyone know you? Interestingly, only 5 per cent of the entire Japanese population have watched Kabuki, but 90 per cent of the population knows about me. It’s my personality that makes me known and recognised by everybody. I live as a Kabuki performer. For example, reporters from a Japanese TV station filming me while I am on an overseas performance, trying to share the charms of Japanese tradition to people overseas. In this sense, I have much to share and I have very high exposure.
As a child, did you dream about doing something else besides Kabuki, and at what age did you realise you had to carry on the family tradition? I knew I was actually born to be a Kabuki actor. From the point that I was born, I was fated to be a Kabuki actor. So, if you ask me, when I realised I was a going to be Kabuki actor, well that would be when I was two or three years old... But, of course, I had a rebellious phase as well. I didn’t know my grandfather but on the 30th anniversary of my grandfather’s death – I was 17 years old – I took on a very huge role on the Kabuki stage. That was when my realisation was more certain. When I was born, the certainty was 100 per cent, but when I took on that role, I was 120 per cent certain that I would live and die as a Kabuki actor.
This final Night at the Museum movie isn’t just a wrap-up to the side-splitting series. It’s also Robin Williams’ swansong, filmed before his passing in August this year. So, here’s your chance to catch Williams in his final act. The late actor plays the
Frank and Weekender thank Ebizo Ichikawa XI and Hello! Japan, the Official Television Channel for Japan Theatre, for this private interview.
One Last EPIC Adventure
m ovi e pr e v iew
Reunite with your favourite Night at the Museum characters including Teddy Roosevelt, played by the late Robin Williams
Interview conducted by Frank Young in English with Japanese translation.
Robin Williams (left) in his final act as Teddy Roosevelt, alongside Ben Stiller (right) as protagonist Larry Daley
Expect familiar characters and new ones in the final instalment of Night at the Museum
Secret of the Tomb: Don’t miss Robin Williams’ heartfelt swansong
Kabuki today, it is physically impossible for ladies to practice. Because of the movement, or probably the costume they are wearing. It’s almost impossible for ladies to take on a role. Because, Kabuki, by nature, is very masculine, manly. In order for Kabuki to look good, the actor needs to be a perfect match for the character. So for a wild character, a slim skinny actor will not fit the bill. It will not bring out the character to the fullest. However, if my daughter shows a great interest in Kabuki, one of the best solutions is to establish a new school of Kabuki for ladies. Danjuro, my great, great, great, great… well, many generations back, he tried to establish a Kabuki school for ladies for his daughter to perform. I am prepared to take that on (again), to establish, develop, and cultivate a new school for ladies, if my daughter shows interest in Kabuki. If she is serious, I am ready to fight for it!
Secret of the Tomb will unite all your favourite Museum characters with new ones in a last epic quest
animated statue of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the USA. Titled Secret of the Tomb, this final part of the series sees protagonist Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) traversing the world to unite the characters, in an epic quest to save the magic that keeps the museum artefacts alive. It promises to be a wild adventure!
Strange Happenings In New York’s American Museum of Natural History, Larry is the new head of the night watch, keeping vigil over the mischievous exhibits that come to life at night. However, they soon start to behave strangely. It turns out that the Tablet of Ahkmenrah, which brings the museum pieces to life, has begun to decay. Larry discovers that the secret to eternal
life for the Tablet and his museum pals may lie in the British Museum. Together with his son, Nick, and the more mobile of the exhibits, he journeys to London to save the day.
Museum of Magic How timely it is for this movie to be released on Christmas Day. With the whole series coming together to save the enchanted museum, it’s a tale full of miracles and magic. Director Shawn Levy explained, “We aren’t just going to a new museum – we are fighting for the life of the magic itself.” Stiller said, “When the idea came up about everything possibly ending, and there being a finite amount of time these creatures can actually come to life, and how people deal with that, it felt like a story you wouldn’t quite expect to see.”
As Robin Williams’ last movie appearance, Secret of the Tomb would hold a special place in the hearts of many. On his role as Teddy Roosevelt, co-star Steve Coogan (who plays Roman Centurion Octavius) said, “There’s a real warmth to his character, and I think this movie’s a fitting epitaph.” Levy expressed a similar heartfelt sentiment. Speaking to news site The Hollywood Reporter, he said, “Robin was such a joy every day. I used to love how much he enjoyed making Ben Stiller laugh. I loved that here was this legend who was also still a fan.” Secret of the Tomb is a must-watch – if not for its amusing quips and slapstick humour, then as a final goodbye to one of the greatest actors of our time. By Pamela Chow
Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb [PG] Director: Starring:
Shawn Levy Ben Stiller, Robin Williams & Owen Wilson Genre: Comedy, Adventure Run Length: 97 min Release: 25 Dec
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DEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015
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Entertainment
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ALS O I N T HE AT R E S
m o v ie f eat u re
The Pact 2 [NC16]
The Jude, the Brad & the bubbly: the best & worst movies of 2014
As a woman struggles to come to come to grips with her past in the wake of her mother’s death, she is plagued by nightmares of a serial killer and learns that her dreams have a horrifying connection to the real world. Meanwhile, an unsettling presence emerges in her childhood home. STARRING: Camilla Luddington, Scott Michael Foster & Patrick Fischler GENRE: Horror RELEASE: 25 Dec
We take a look at the hits and misses of 2014, and what made us clap, coo or cry
I
t was a good year for cinema, with plenty of remarkable movie moments to be remembered. We’ve made a list and checked it twice – here are the best and worst movies of 2014.
Saint Laurent [R21] Directed by Bertrand Bonello, this controversial film depicts the struggles of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent (Gaspard Ulliel). It competed for the Palme d’Or at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, and will compete at the 87th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film. STARRING: Gaspard Ulliel, Jeremie Renier, Louis Garrel & Lea Seydoux GENRE: Drama RELEASE: 25 Dec
Most Lovable: Big Hero 6 With his giant bouncy belly, Baymax is hands-down the most huggable character of the year. Big Hero 6, by touching gently on the issues of loss and revenge, has won over the hearts of both children and adults alike. You can’t pretend that you didn’t tear – or at least feel a tinge of sorrow – at certain points in the story. Despite that, the rest of the show is too cute to resist. We erupted in guffaws watching Baymax totter across the screen, wishing we each had our very own Baymax to cuddle with.
Love on the Cloud [TBA]
Most Tastefully Violent: Fury What’s with Brad Pitt and artistically brutal films? Like his 2009 hit Inglourious Basterds, Fury is generously peppered with bloodshed and army eye candy. This time, Pitt takes on a not-so-comical role as a hardened sergeant battling through World War II. But Fury isn’t just about explosions and guts. It also exposes a different, more insidious kind of violence – one that shows why there are neither winners nor innocent fighters in war.
Biggest Tease: The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 For all the anticipation that The Hunger Games has built up, its latest instalment sprang us a big surprise – kind of like opening a shiny new Playstation box but finding a boring mug inside. Half the movie promised heart-stopping action by pumping out bomber planes, rumbling underground tunnels, and threatening messages from the corrupt Capitol. The next half only delivered heroine Katniss Everdeen climbing poignantly through debris and shooting a total of one rage-filled arrow. Perhaps the whole point of Mockingjay – Part 1 was to craft the calm before the big storm. But I feel like I’m the titular “jay”, and the producers are mocking me.
Which was your favourite film of 2014?
the end, Gone Girl made me feel dazed and shocked – like a gong girl. Tied with Gone Girl is an understated contender, Nightcrawler. The twists aren’t so much in the plot than in your gut. The uncanny performance of Jake Gyllenhaal as the psychopathic protagonist made many stomachs churn. Is Nightcrawler a superhero vigilante flick? By the end of the movie, you’d be wishing it was that innocent.
The Most Hyped: The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies and Interstellar Both of these films received a lot of attention. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is the last film depicting JRR Tolkien’s Middle Earth. It’s a paradox of anticipation and dread. On the other hand, Interstellar, in typical Christopher Nolan style, was kept a big secret up until its release, drawing hordes of curious critics. Its mind-bending concept has kept tongues wagging way after its run was up.
Most Twisted: Gone Girl and Nightcrawler
Mainstream-Yet-Obscure: The Grand Budapest Hotel
When Gone Girl was released, many were expecting a predictable murder-thriller – but the movie uprooted everyone’s expectations. That alone was half the shock. Audiences were clutching the edges of their seats the whole way through, hoping to catch the true criminal (and catch sight of the scenes that gave Gone Girl its R21 rating). By
This film garnered high ratings for its dark comedy, and it sports an A-list cast – Sherlock Holmes’ Jude Law, Harry Potter’s Ralph Fiennes, Jurassic Park’s Jeff Goldblum and Hanna’s Saoirse Ronan – but not many people caught it. It’s no wonder; this film is almost impossible to understand. Its synopsis seems
simple enough: a hotel concierge (Fiennes) must work to prove his innocence after being framed for murder. But the film opens with peculiar music and rushed, accented dialogue. Many oddball characters come and go, and perhaps the comedy is slightly too eccentric for the global audience. The film is shot in wonderfully pastel settings. In case your eyes get droopy, it’s okay to gaze at the colourful interiors and think about repainting your home.
Biggest Let-Down: Penguins of Madagascar Primed to be one of the most-anticipated movies of the year, Penguins of Madagascar promised a clever and mischievous backstory of the four crafty penguins from the main Madagascar movie series. However, many fans flipped over the fact that Penguins of Madagascar didn’t deliver. Instead of bringing an origin story, the movie picked up where Madagascar 3 left off. And, despite being notorious for their comical banter, the penguin quartet paled in comparison with other characters. Villain Dr Octavius Brine’s amusing puns were funny only the first three times. And we wanted to see more baby penguins, darn it!
By Pamela Chow
Love on the Cloud explores life and love in modern Beijing where, for better or worse, this age of mobile connectivity only magnifies life’s unexpected encounters and surprises. STARRING: Angelababy, Chen He, Tong Dawei, Wang Baoqiang, Jiang Wu & Wen Zhang GENRE: Drama RELEASE: 25 Dec
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies [PG13] The film brings us through the climax of JRR Tolkien’s novel The Hobbit, when the brave hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman of “Sherlock”) and a band of dwarves battle to reclaim their kingdom of Erebor. The company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. The enraged dragon, Smaug, rains his fiery wrath down upon them. You don’t want to miss this epic finale, including the titular Battle of the Five Armies! STARRING: Martin Freeman, Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage & Benedict Cumberbatch GENRE: Fantasy RELEASE: 18 Dec
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Foodmania
weekender.com.sg
5 Christmas C h ri s t m as special
Feasts
to Top the season Christmas is finally upon us! Let’s top the season with a fantastic, jolly feast – make your reservations now
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e hope you’re celebrating this season of Christmas with plenty of feasting, gift exchanging and merrymaking! Bring this festive season to a close with a feast truly worthy of kings – whet your appetite with our final Christmas recommendations for this month. Cast away your diet plans and tuck right in. Eat well and prosper!
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Cold Storage Dinner Deal Deluxe, $89.90+
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Celebrating Christmas at Universal Studios? Complete the experience! Guests can choose to stay in the park for a Christmas feast complete with festive goodies like turkey and traditional sweets at Santa’s Kitchen. For the first time, Sound Stage 28 will be transformed into a festive dining hall serving up a delectable Christmas dinner buffet with a special appearance by Christmas characters.
Hungry Heroes Festive Platter
Ring in the yuletide cheer with Special Festive Platters for both dining in and takeaway! Delight in their Oh, What Fun It Is To Ride In A One Horse Open Sleigh – a hearty feast for nine to ten people, including half a turkey, honey glazed ham, lamb rack, ribeye, sausage trio, half rack pork ribs, pulled pork, beef stew, veal osso bucco, truffle mash and a festive dessert.
Santa’s Kitchen, Universal Studios
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Westin Joyous Traditions
Start the Christmas celebrations right with the Christmas Eve Lunch Buffet at The Westin Singapore’s interactive dining venue, Seasonal Tastes. With a wide range of decadent offerings such as lobster au gratin, pan-fried goose liver, and an extensive selection of seafood, it will be a grand festive feast. Top off the gastronomic experience with a free flow of champagne, beer and wine, as well as mouth-watering desserts such as the Classic Christmas Yule Log, Christmas Cupcake, and a D-I-Y gingerbread station.
Hungry Heroes, 33 Tessensohn Road
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Universal Studios Santa’s Kitchen
Osteria Mozza Feast of the Seven Fishes
For a traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner, head over to Osteria Mozza for the “Feast of the Seven Fishes”. The feast is a customary meal served in Italian households to celebrate La Vigilia or Christmas Eve, where seafood is served instead of meat. Complete the festive feast with the vanilla panna cotta and coconut tapioca.
The Westin, Sentosa Singapore
Osteria Mozza, Marina Bay Sands Osteria Mozza Feast of the Seven Fishes, $128+
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Cold Storage Dinner Deal Deluxe
Having a house party? Plan ahead and treat your family and friends to a sumptuous meal that is quick to organise and assemble with the extensive range of affordable festive offerings at Cold Storage supermarkets. Whet your palate with Dinner Deal packages, speciality platters, roast turkeys, prime cuts of Wagyu and Angus roasts, gourmet hams, beautiful packaged gift ideas and festive candies. Available at Cold Storage outlets
The Westin Joyous Traditions, $250+
DEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015
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Foodmania
new C H EES ECAK ES
Christmas cheesecakes over log cakes at Geek Cafe This would better cater to a broader range of people with its good mix of cream cheese and chocolate. Both are created atop a gingerbread crust, adding a touch of spice and crunch to the decadent, velvety goodness of the chocolate cream cheese.
DecoratiONS for Christmas – right down to the cake
The cheesecakes can be personalised
Purr-fect treat
With an array of flavours to choose from, take your pick!
The Cat and the Fiddle introduces new limited edition Christmas cheesecakes at the Geek Cafe Already tired of log cakes for Christmas? How about cheesecakes in place of the festive tradition of log cakes? Cheesecake aficionados, rejoice! This Christmas, Cat and the Fiddle introduces two new exclusive limited edition Christmas cheesecakes at the Geek Cafe at Marine Parade.
Desserts are the perfect treat for any festive gathering, and what better way to bring everyone together than with these two exclusive Christmas themed Cat and the Fiddle cheesecakes? With feel-good ingredients, the cakes are bound to have you all set for the coming festivities. Love all things chocolate? Have a Meowy Christmas ($38.90) would be perfect for your taste buds. The chocolate cake leaves you with a mouthful of chocolate creaminess with brownie bits. Personally, however, the cake was a little heavy for me – chocolate cream and brownie wasn’t exactly the best combination. If Have a Meowy Christmas was at an extreme, Snowy Christmas would be on a more balanced level. Snowy Christmas ($38.90) combines chocolate-ly richness with cream cheese and brandied cherries.
While you put up decorations for Christmas at home, how about decorating the food you put on your plate? With the option of personalisation here, no two cakes should look the same. Personalise your own cheesecake with exclusive Cat and the Fiddle stencils and ornaments. From Christmas greeting stencils to Santa Claus figurine add-ons, delight your guests with your fancy decorations before they sink their teeth into these scrumptious cheesecakes. Each stencil set comes with a Christmas stencil, sieve and either chocolate or snow powder, while the Christmas decorative set includes a figures like a mini hut, Santa Claus and snowmen. Talk about jazzing up your spread for Christmas! Both the stencil and decorative set are priced at $5.50 each.
The sky’s the limit Have a Meowy Christmas and Snowy Christmas not your cup of tea? Fret not, Cat and the Fiddle has a whooping 12 other flavours of cheesecakes (from $19.90 to $35.90) for your selection. From the King Cat of The Mountain, a creamy Mao Shan Wang durian cheesecake to the Maneki Neko,
a tangy and refreshing yuzu cheesecake, there is something for everyone, no matter your taste preference. I would recommend the Maneki Neko, which is very refreshing and different from the usual cheesecake. It was flavourful in every bite. The Sweet and Smokey Taffy cheesecake, a combination of salted caramel and an oreo biscuit crust, was a match made in heaven. Still can’t decide? For all you fickle-minded and indecisive eaters, the Fickle Feline is tailored just for you. The cake is a combination of ten slices of different cakes on the menu, including the Queen of Hearts, a strawberry cheesecake, and the Sicilian Wild Cats, the Modern Duke’s Pudding – a classic oreo cheesecake.
The Geek Cafe & CAT AND THe FIDDLE Cat and the Fiddle (by Daniel Tay, founder of Bakerzin) cakes retail exclusively at the Geek Café and online at www.catandthefiddle.com. The Geek Cafe, as its name suggests, is the perfect place for computer geeks who love coffee. More than a cafe, it is also a computer shop selling all sorts of gadgets and accessories. The Christmas exclusives were launched from Dec 8 and are priced at $38.90 each.
Geek Café, 81 Marine Parade Central, #01-644, Singapore 440081 By Eu Shuqi
n e w Restaurant
KRISPY KREME DOUGHNUTS
The Joie of inventive meatless cuisine Meatless cuisine for fine dining – not as intimidating as it sounds
15 boxes of original glazed doughnuts wORTH $23.40 per box
Tucked in Orchard Central’s rooftop garden, Joie presents a refreshing take on modern meatless cuisine. Using only the freshest vegetables, fruits and herbs, be treated to a feast by Executive Chef Sherwin Sim, formerly of Coriander Leaf Restaurant. The highlight of Joie lies in the elaborate sixcourse set lunch ($38.80++) and seven-course dinner ($68.80++) menus. Be spoilt for choice as Joie offers ample variety with four to five options per course.
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.
A feast for the eyes and palate
Win a box of Krispy Kreme Original Glazed doughnuts for yourself now!
THREE EASY WAYS TO ENTER: Look for the pinned post on our Facebook page:
Cheekily served in an escargot plate, the button mushroom is a clever substitute!
facebook.com/weekendersgp
and follow the instructions Visit contest page to enter contest:
weekender.com.sg/krispykreme 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
Slurp up some soup in between the courses and cleanse your palate. The snow pear and Napa Cabbage Consommé is already popular. Creatively presented on a Chinese tea tray with a clay teapot, the robust-flavoured doubleboiled vegetable stock is poured over a tender poached baby pear and Chinese almonds. The soup was light and comforting with a hint of sweetness from the baby pear. It had elegant flavours yet tasted homely.
Indulge without guilt Before diving into the desserts, I tucked into the final savoury course – the Trio of Spheres including a creamy butternut pumpkin risotto ball, a flaky puff pastry stuffed with fresh wild mushroom, onion and truffle, and a crispy fried mozzarella cheese ball. Honestly, the taste of this particular dish seemed mediocre to me, and its only saving grace is the flavourful puff pastry ball. Having eaten all the veggies earlier, I could indulge in the desserts without feeling guilty. You can end your meal on a sweet note with an array of sweet treats such as macarons, mini tarts and candies. You can choose five sweet picks and round off your meal with a cup of tea, coffee or a glass of refreshing mocktail.
Joie by Dozo @ Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, #12-01, Tel: 6838 6966
By Alison Chu
Good luck! No charge for SMS. Please check our Promotional & Contest Rules at weekender.com.sg for details.
For a start, the Mushroom Gratin is a brilliant choice. Give it a go and you’ll not be disappointed. The juicy button mushrooms are sautéed in herb garlic butter and generously enveloped by crisp and gooey mozzarella, served with Tennessee heirloom potato puree and caramelised Belgian endives on the side. I couldn’t tell that it’s actually meatless! Specialities such as Spring Vegetable Terrine are not to be missed. While not strictly a terrine in traditional terms, the meatless version is a great alternative. The assorted vegetables of aubergines, carrots, mushrooms and peppers are delicately layered and gelled together with the flavourful vegetable broth. Served with the sides of pistachio crumble and parmesan crisps, the dish is enlivened by the savoury garliconion emulsion.
Soup for the soul
You can never have too many desserts
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Cele b r i t y C h e f R e c i p e CHEF WAN The celebrity chef was in town to greet fans and sign copies of his book, 400 Resipi Terbaik Chef Wan, at BookFest 2014.
Johor Laksa INGREDIENTS • 4 tbsp • ½ inch • 10 • 3 cloves • 5 tbsp • 8 stalks • 4 tbsp • 300g • 1 litre • ½ inch • 1kg • 5 pieces • 70g • 500g • 10
Cooking oil Ginger, peeled and finely minced Shallots, peeled and mashed skin Garlic, peeled and mashed skin Dried shrimp, soaked, drained & pounded Lemongrass, exhaust tip and blend to a paste Fish curry powder Prawns, cleaned, peeled & finely minced Milk cream Ginger, peeled and crushed Mackerel, boiled & chopped Tamarind Toasted coconut paste (kerisik) Cooked spaghetti Limes, halved
Sambal Belacan (Chilli Paste) • 2 • 1 tsp • ½ tsp •
Red chillies Shrimp paste, roasted Lime juice Salt to taste
Garnish • 1 • 8 stalks • 100g • 2 • 100g
Cucumber, thinly sliced Laksa leaves (daun kesum), chopped Bean sprouts with tails removed Shallots, thinly sliced Green beans, sliced
METHOD 1. Combine all chilli paste ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside. 2. Heat oil in a large pot. Sautee ginger, onion, garlic and dried prawns until fragrant. Mix the curry powder and fry for a further 2 min. 3. Add shrimp, coconut cream, lemon grass and galangal. Bring to a boil. 4. Add mackerel and tamarind. Cook for another 20 min. 5. Add toasted coconut and let it cook for an additional 2 min. If the sauce is too thick, add a little hot water. 6. To serve, put the spaghetti into a serving bowl. Garnish with cucumber, laksa leaves, bean sprouts, onions and beans.
8 PAIRS OF TICKETS Worth $68 (PER pair)
to be won
Toast the macallan
Look for the pinned post on our Facebook page:
facebook.com/weekendersgp
and follow the instructions
Visit contest page to enter contest:
For more information, visit www.toastthemacallan.sg
THREE EASY WAYS TO ENTER:
Be a part of The Macallan’s most unique whisky appreciation event in Singapore! The Macallan is heralded as one of the world’s most precious single malt Scotch whiskies. From 17 to 18 Jan 2015, The Macallan will be hosting an exclusive ticketed event, Toast The Macallan, at Marina Bay Sands. Be immersed into the world of whisky appreciation with top-notch Macallan drams, and find out what makes The Macallan the world’s most precious whisky. Celebrate in style with The Macallan Brand Ambassador from Scotland, Kieron Elliott, and local celebrity hosts Allan Wu and Randall Tan.
Win a pair of tickets to Toast The Macallan for you and a partner now!
http://bit.ly/macallangiveaway
SMS to 85026567
CODE: Toast Macallan, your Name, Age, Gender, NRIC, Postal Code, E-mail ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASE. CLOSING DATE: 7 JAN 2015 Good Luck!
No charge for SMS. Please check our Promotional & Contest Rules at weekender.com.sg for details.
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SHOPsavvy
weekender.com.sg
When was the last time you received a quaint present from the past? We rewind to the ‘80s (or beyond) for these funky gift ideas
Part 5
The gift of Nostalgia
Ever realised that everything you own will one day be antiques for future generations? The cassette player you used to carry around, the phone cards that you used to make calls from public phone booths – all these and more will be slowly forgotten, then revived as part of an antique show one day. So, let us take a journey back to the past. Check out our nostalgic gift guide this Christmas.
We Like It Vintage Watches, price upon request
VinyLucky Records, from $25
VinyLucky Singapore’s most extensive record store, VinyLucky is proud to call itself a place where music lives on. Transport yourself back to the good old years of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s with the endless selection of records. The collection of more than 13,500 LPs is sure to rekindle fond memories of those growing-up years. Vinylucky.blogspot.sg
Because We Like It The owner behind Because We Like It started his business out of love for vintage watches. He hopes that his watches can find new owners who have the same passion for them as he does. The store stocks a range of highly collectible watches from Rolex to Omega. Because We Like It first rose to fame for its vintage, closeto-mint Rolex watches. Becausewelikeit.com
Dejavu Vintage Dresses, from $65
Dejavu Vintage
Like That One
Lorgans
Everything in Déjà Vu Vintage is stylish, oneof-a-kind and heart-achingly precious. There exists only one of each precious piece at Déjà Vu Vintage – each item is personally selected and imported from the US, Europe, Australia or Japan. They have since extended the catalogue beyond vintage pieces and now stock handmade and designer items too.
For Like That One, restoring vintage Singapore furniture goes past nostalgia and moves into the realm of creating a sense of place in a city that prizes the new. They take the “reduce, re-use and recycle” mantra very seriously. One of their proudest products is the reinvented classic “Tolix” chairs, normally found in dull colours, repainted in vibrant colours to enliven any home.
A proud collector of vintage items, Lorgans stocks an impressive array of authentic vintage products. It carries original retro furniture as well as reproduced Danishdesigned furniture. It has recently been featured in Louis Vuitton City Guide Singapore.
dejavuvintage.com
H o m e s o lu tio n s
Brand new colours for a fresh start to the New Year A new year, a new colour, a new experience. How about for you?
likethatone.com
Do you wish to welcome the new year with brand new colours for your home but have no idea where to begin? Take this opportunity to refresh your home to start the year afresh and to welcome visitors to your new home. A new paint job doesn’t have to be a hassle or expensive, when the Dulux team is here to provide its professional painting services.
Professional Colour Consultation Services Is your biggest worry picking the wrong colours for your walls or colours not turning out has you had perceived? Fret not. Let Dulux help you in colour selection, with either a free colour consultation, or with the Dulux Visualizer app. With the new Dulux Visualizer app, you can see your room live in any colour before you paint it! Using the very latest technology, the app gives you an instant, realistic impression of how your room could look. As passionate blogger The Loving Mum explained on her blog, “It is very important to pick the colours at home and not in stores or at your Interior Designer’s studio.” Using the app, you can experiment with as many combinations as you want. For her, redesigning her toddlers’ playroom was a breeze. With Dulux’s help, her choice of colours magically brightened up the space. Download the Dulux Visualizer app for free on your smartphone or tablet, and you’ll never have to play it safe again. Tastes may differ but quality should never be compromised.
KidProof Your Walls
Left: The kids loved their new, vibrant playroom Right: You don’t have to worry about shifting furniture as the Dulux team will take care of everything for you Photos: The Loving Mum, www.thelovingmum.sg
Kids see walls as a stretch of canvas to unleash their creativity. This, of course, launches moms into panic mode. Now, moms need not worry about spending hours scrubbing the wall only to find out their child’s work of art is permanent. Dulux Wash & Wear with the new KidProof TechnologyTM effectively repels tough stains. Rather than seeping into the paint, most liquids form beads on the surface, making cleaning
Lorgans.com
By Nicole Lee
a piece of cake. The Loving Mum’s little girls, Ayra and Zara, love their new playroom. Brightly coated with Dulux Wash & Wear, it is the perfect place for them to freely express their imagination even without the mother’s watchful eye. Dulux Wash & Wear is also equipped with the Colourguard Technology which keeps colours looking fresh longer. The newlypainted walls will also be low in odour, even when freshly painted. This makes the entire painting experience safe, bearable and environmentally friendly.
Well-Rounded Services Apart from providing professional consultation and painting services with actual colour visualisation before painting the walls, Dulux also provides a 1-year warranty. The painting is done swiftly and cleanly, with the furniture shifted and covered by the experienced painters. This means hassle-free, minimal disruption to the family! With Dulux’s Professional Painting Services, there is no reason to hold back on revamping your walls. Visit www.dulux.com.sg to request for a hard copy of Dulux Colour Inspirations 2015 to be mailed to you. You can also request for a free colour consultation service. Paint now with Dulux and save more than $550! Let your colour inspirations come alive when you engage our colour and professional painting experts.
For more information on the Dulux Professional Painting Services promotion, visit www.dulux.com.sg or call 6265 0677.
DEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015
weekender.com.sg
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SHOPsavvy
home inspirations
weekender.com.sg
Get ideas for transforming your home
Floor Area: 700 sq ft The dining room has been repositioned to take full advantage of the pool view
Before:
We look at apartment overhauls that go above and beyond your average renovation
T
here is perhaps nothing more enticing for a bachelor than to have his very own pad – hidden corners, transforming pods and all included. This is certainly what the owner of this studio apartment got when designer Adrian Lai of META reworked this home. “I never used to like transformative projects until I encountered this space. I don’t want to be clever for the sake of being clever... until you really need it,” Adrian said. Indeed, this apartment needed it. He first removed the original mezzanine level of the home because it lowered a portion of the ceiling and made the home feel tight and closed in. But once the apartment was gutted, the designer noticed structures and service ducts that cut into parts of the 4.2mhigh space. Instead of fighting it, he adeptly harnessed these protrusions to create what he calls the “Object” – a multi-functional, white, pod-like structure in the middle of the space. Various spaces are planned around the Object: the walk-in wardrobe is housed within it, as is the guest bedroom-cum-study while the owner’s bedroom sits simply atop the Object. The staircase to the private perch can be conveniently stowed away within the glossy white pod as well. Adrian likens the irregular facets and niches of the Object to the cave villas in Santorini, Greece. It is an apt reference given that the apartment rests just beside the common pool, much like a poolside cabana – it certainly points to easy, languid days at home.
In trying to maximise usable space, the original layout ended up feeling small and confined
After: + 0.3 m plan The designer conveniently perched the sleeping area atop the “Object”
+ 1.0 m plan
The insertion of a pod-like structure in place of the mezzanine helped consolidate more spaces within a smaller footprint
Ho m e M ak eover Ideas
Article first published in Lookbox Living #36 May/Jun 2014
Furniture marvels
Lookbox Living #39 is out now! Available at major bookstores and news stands.
Move It, Move It Here’s a clever way to maximise what little space you have at home. The Raumplus Mobile system is a relocation-friendly piece of furniture that combines sliding door technology with a closet interior system. It fits perfectly into niches of all sizes, so you’ll finally know what to do with that empty corner in the bedroom. Raumplus Mobile, price on enquiry, from Ewins Home
For more interior projects, visit www.lookboxliving.com.sg
Pretty Playful The Spring 2014 collection from Mondi Lifestyle is all about making a statement in your living room. The pieces in the series are bold but functional, and have been designed with a playful disposition in mind. For something a little more understated, check out the Sunflower table with its intertwining base and a natural marble top. www.mondilifestyle.com.sg
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TRAVELation
weekender.com.sg
Brought to you by:
Better close-up selfies & outfit looks
The Canon PowerShot N2
The great features of the Canon PowerShot N2 will help you to take better selfies
See Yourself from Any Angle The Canon PowerShot N2 has a 180-degree tilt screen, which means you can get a clear preview of the photo before you click. This is especially important for selfies – now you can make sure your best side is properly framed within the shot! With the self-timer function, you could grab your teddy bear or a bouquet of full blooms to pose beatifically with. No more worrying about bad angles when you are in full control. The self-timer is good for one-shot poses, but if you want multiple shots with different poses to choose from, then the app is definitely better!
control your camera wirelessly
Tell me, are you a selfie person or an OOTD (outfit of the day) person? The Canon PowerShot N2 caters to both! What is the hottest hashtag right now? Yes, it is #selfie! But can you guess which is second? It is #OOTD. Many people are obsessed with uploading their “outfit of the day”, also known as OOTD.
In fact, they don’t call it a day until they’ve uploaded their fantastic, envy-inducing outfits onto social media. It is also the ideal way to show off your presence at the coolest music festival or the latest café. This is where the Canon PowerShot N2 would be perfect – it makes taking selfies or OOTD shots much easier.
This is brilliant for OOTD takers, who want to ensure that the camera captures all the right details before the perfect photo is posted online. Also, there is no more need to ask strangers with shaky hands for photo-taking help!
Tailored to smartphone users, the Canon CameraWindow is an app you can download onto your mobile device. Simply connect your mobile device to the Canon PowerShot N2 via Wi-Fi. Then, remotely preview and control the camera with your smartphone. Imagine this scenario: Put the Canon PowerShot N2 onto a wide window ledge and position yourself against the background that you are trying to capture. Adjust your hair and get a cheeky pout ready. Preview the picture on your smartphone and click on the shutter from your phone to wirelessly capture the image. Now you can capture as many poses as you want!
WEE K E N D E R P h oto co n t e s t
WEEKENDER’s
are you NEXT food PHOTOJOURNALIST?
PHOTO TIPS •DO face the light source (i.e. the sun or window) when taking selfies. When your face is well lit, the results will always be better!
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:
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TRAVELation
Among the exciting things you can do around Fraser Island is whale watching
Bu c k e t L i s t
VISIT THE HOME OF THE DINGOES & A NATURAL PARK When people think of Australia, its cities, the Sydney Opera House or theme parks AT the Gold Coast come to mind. Forget that – discover Australia through her hidden gems Fraser Island in Australia is a combination of pristine beaches, a spectrum of vibrant flora and fauna and, guess what, dingoes! A dingo is a free-ranging dog native to Australia, believed to have been descended from semi-domesticated dogs from Southeast Asia, that had turned wild over a few thousand years. It might be difficult to imagine a lush destination with creatures like these but Fraser Island is an interesting microcosm. This heritage-listed island along the southern coast of Queensland, is considered to be the largest sand island in the world – and a hotspot for eco-tourism and casual camping.
the great outdoors
unspoilt nature Fraser island remains largely uninhabited. There aren’t many paved roads here, just sand tracks. This makes Fraser Island an inviting place for off-roading. The general vibe of the island comes off as very laid-back and that there’s no need to rush anywhere. Fraser Island is a paradise not only to beach goers and outdoor enthusiasts but the diverse range of habitats makes it paradise for birdwatchers and whale-watchers as well. Hundreds of different bird species and wildlife have been recorded – and some are even considered rare or at risk. Come and see Humpback Whales off 75Mile Beach – best between June and October. The island provides the shelter for some of the best calm water whale watching anywhere in the world. Also not to be missed would be the climb up Indian Head for spectacular views of both northerly and southerly views of the coast. At a height like that, be treated to a stunning bird’s eye view. Watch as whales, dolphins and sharks splash across the turquoise blue waters against a stunning backdrop of a sunset or sunrise.
Wild dingoes roam Fraser Island
Whether you are an active adventure seeker or a nature lover, Fraser Island is an ideal destination. Rent a four-wheel drive automobile and explore the island, or hike through the vegetation and witness the splendour of nature’s work. There is a wellkept 90km trek known as the Fraser Island Great Walk. A cool climate and a largely untouched landscape make Fraser Island an ideal camping spot. Many families and couples come on guided tours ranging from one to five days, with either camping style accommodation or luxury stays. Why not wake up to a whole different view each day? Apart from nature on the island, there are whale watching tours off the coast too.
How to Get There Inhabitants of the island Despite the rich ecosystems and plethora of fauna and flora, the dingoes are still the stars of Fraser Island. In fact, to prevent crossbreeding, domestic dogs are not allowed on the island. Fraser Island is popular for tourists as a camping spot, as well as a place to watch the roaming dingoes around the island. This is a unique experience unlike in any other place. Nonetheless, some safety precautions must be taken as the dingoes are feral. It is best to keep a safe distance and not to feed them. Also, it is advisable not to bring very young children as the dingoes have been known to attack them.
A three-hour drive North of Brisbane would bring you to Hervey Bay. From there, there are ferries at various times. Signing up for a guided tour would help you to settle what you need, including park and vehicle permits. By Eu Shuqi
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weekender.com.sg
TO P L OCA L H AU N T S
5 Singapore tourist spots that will surprise you
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National Orchid Garden
Hidden in the heart of the Botanic Gardens, the National Orchid Garden surprisingly trumps all other attractions in Singapore, ranking top on TripAdvisor.com. Many tourists praise it for its manicured pathways, colourful collection of orchids, and tranquility. This floral haven is so extraordinary that one visitor highly recommends a visit even if there was a torrential rainstorm! The next time you head to the Botanic Gardens, pop in and rediscover the natural beauty of Singapore. Pulau Ubin is loved for its rustic charm and serene environment, away from the urban cityscape
You would never expect these local sites to be top tourist picks on travel websites – agree or disagree? No matter how familiar we are with our own country’s treasures, there are many places that we would proudly agree are bucket list-worthy. For example, Marina Bay Sands’ infinity pool and the Gardens by the Bay have rightfully drawn international adulation. But did you know that these two stunning destinations aren’t even in Lonely Planet’s top picks for Singapore? We take a look at some of the most unexpected must-see sites here, as listed on various travel sites.
The National Orchid Garden boasts an array of colourful blooms
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We bet you didn’t know that there was a Peranakan heritage house tucked between the charming shophouses of Outram! Baba House is another one of Lonely Planet’s top choices. Built way back in the 1890’s, in the very early days of Singapore, Baba House has been beautifully preserved down to every minute carving. Be transported into the local life of an affluent Peranakan family a century ago, and admire the delicate motifs engraved into the walls. To enter, visitors must book a guided tour by phone. And here’s the best part: It’s free!
Hidden deep within Changi, this museum and chapel provides a poignant look into the wartorn past of the country
P ulau Ubin
To many of us, this far-flung island may just be a forested mass of untamed wildlife. To travellers, however, these are grounds of discovery – both of nature and of the self. Pulau Ubin is peppered with old kampong buildings, and cycling paths twirl throughout the island. These routes range from easy dirt tracks to more challenging routes, and bicycles can be rented here for cheap. Compared to St John’s Island and the Sisters’ Islands, Pulau Ubin is more unspoiled and untouched by the hands of modernity. Tourists come here for its precolonial village ambience and back-to-basics living. Who would’ve guessed that, in travellers’ hearts, these humble attractions could beat our award-winning metropolitan buildings? It just goes to show that our little island has many hidden gems.
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Singapore’s S.E.A. Aquarium is the biggest one in the world
5
S.E.A. Aquarium, Singapore Zoo, Night Safari
It’s no surprise that animals draw big crowds, but did you know that our creature features are amongst the top of their kind? Lonely Planet lists all three of these parks as its top Singapore destinations, and showers praise on each of them. The S.E.A. Aquarium, located in Sentosa, is in fact the world’s largest aquarium, and houses more than 800 marine species. The Singapore Zoo is famous for being one of the world’s best, and was named “Travellers’ Choice 2014” on TripAdvisor.com. The Night Safari programme is lauded as “a must”, especially for kids. I’m definitely starting to appreciate these award-winning parks with more than just nostalgia for primary school excursions.
By Pamela Chow
L OW- C OST GETAWAYS
Singapore travellers’ purchasing swayed by rewards
Recent research in October has found that over two-thirds (68 per cent) of Singaporean travellers look to the quality of rewards on offer when making travel purchasing decisions. However, travel operators are failing to meet reward expectations with over half (56 per cent) of Singapore consumers claiming they are not satisfied with current programmes. The study, from reward and ancillary revenue provider Collinson Latitude, shows that 76 per cent of travellers’ purchase decisions in Singapore are sometimes, often or always influenced by their programme. This highlights the big impact that reward programmes now have on revenue generation and customer retention, with around three quarters of travel customers potentially choosing a competitor if reward programmes are not up to scratch.
Changi Chapel and Museum
A small and unassuming structure within a residential enclave, Changi Chapel and Museum wouldn’t strike you as a world-class travel destination. But it was awarded TripAdvisor.com’s “Travellers’ Choice 2014” title. This museum features exhibits that document the plight of our people during the Japanese Occupation, and a quiet chapel where visitors can choose to pay their respects or make a kind offering. It’s a simple building with a deep, moving story to tell – thus earning its spot in many tourists’ hearts. That and the bistro nearby that serves killer chicken wings and fries.
Tr av el T r e nd s
Based on research in October, Singaporean travellers’ purchasing trends depend on what rewards are attractive to them or the most they perceive they can get
Baba House
Where Travel Reward Programmes Fall Short A Guide to Reward Programmes: The Traveller’s Review, which polled 4,000 consumers globally, also showed that despite being the first sector to introduce reward programmes in the 1970s, travel is now falling behind the curve. The retail, food & beverage and finance sectors all ranked higher than travel in terms of consumer satisfaction and quality of reward programmes. Moreover, in 52 per cent of cases a rewards programme can be the tipping point between a customer choosing one brand over the other. “Today’s connected traveller expects benefits from travel brands that are tailored to their individual needs,” said James Berry, e-Commerce Director at Collinson Latitude, a leading technology provider of products that deliver enhancements for reward and loyalty programmes. “If the user journey is poor, the transaction is too complicated or they can’t find the reward they want, members will rightly look to other suppliers – waiting is not an option and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t fly anymore,” he said. He concluded, “To genuinely improve the way rewards members perceive travel programmes, it’s important to understand who customers are and what it is that they are likely to find rewarding.”
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Phuket – Old Phuket Town
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Krabi – Railay Beach
From $56, Tigerair. Promotion ends when sold out. Railay Beach is a coast in the south of Thailand regarded as a luxurious tropical paradise. However, the area is rather isolated and only accessible by boat because of the high limestone cliffs that cut off access to the mainland. That being said, Railay is a popular destination among families, especially with much to do for both the adventurous – such as rock climbing and white water rafting – and those seeking just to relax.
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From $111, Tigerair. Promotion ends when sold out. Kasawan Falls, located near the southern tip of Cebu, consists of three main falls, all from the same source but of varying heights. Cottages are available for rent for overnight stays at the falls. A must-try is the “shower massage” – rent a raft and get under the waterfall for both a shower and a massage. All prices are correct at time of printing.
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