week ender.com.sg
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ISSUE 118 FEB 6 - FEB 12, 2015
WK118B/MCI(P)119/08/2014
weekender.com.sg
FREE
PAPER
ISSUE 118 FEB 6 - FEB 12, 2015
F o o d F e atu r e
want to try these top Dishes for
Chinese New year?
THEMED shopping & Dining
don’t miss the FEASTing & SHOPping AT “MONGKOK” AT JURONG POINT
see inside
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Movie preview
MILA the saviour of the universe?
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Valentine’s SPECIAL
5 VALENTINE’S FEASTS FOR YOUR ROMANTIC DATE
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derby delight for london & Merseyside
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WK118B/MCI(P)119/08/2014
february 6 - 12, 2015
Entertainment LOVE @ SENTOSA
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POP, PUNK, RETRO FUNK & a host of other experiences
staycation package ONE°15 Marina
Weekday (Sun–Thu): $350++ Weekend (Fri & Sat): $388++
Dining
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New Found Glory Live in Singapore 2015
6–15 Feb Get away for a romantic staycation with your special ONE. No need to board a flight, just retreat to ONE°15 Marina Club, a quiet enclave located within Sentosa Cove for that romantic escapade. Enjoy a couple’s massage, $100 worth of food vouchers, complimentary breakfast and Wi-Fi access during your romantic one-night stay.
TOP 4 EVENTS THIS WEEKEND 12 Feb, 8pm, from $68 Emerging as part of the second wave of pop punk in the late 1990s, music critics consider New Found Glory a key pioneer of the genre. Labelled the “godfathers of modern punk”, the band is also renowned for its energetic live performances and has garnered a cult following since its inception. SCAPE The Ground Theatre
il Lido, Sentosa Golf Club 13 & 14 Feb, 6.30pm onwards ilLido’s 4-course Valentine’s Day Dinner Menu (for $158++ per person, including a complimentary glass of Prosecco) presents elegant Italian flavours and fresh ingredients that will set lovers swooning into the night.
Wave House Sentosa 14 Feb, 7pm–10.30pm Charm your date with a romantic dinner by the beach, with a delectable selection of culinary delights for two. Set Dinner at $88++ per person Set Dinner with Free Flow* of Wine at $108++ per person *To enjoy the free flow wine option, it has to be ordered by each and every diner at the table
Skirt, W Singapore – Sentosa Cove 14 Feb Start your evening right and impress your date at SKIRT with a lavish dinner that is choc-full of aphrodisiac sweets. Bring back those special feelings you had on your first date as you tantalise your palates with a variety of decadent flavours and textures.
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Taeyang World Tour Rise in Singapore
8 Feb, 7pm, from $128 The melancholic crooner of Big Bang, Taeyang, will be bringing his RISE Tour to Singapore. Since the release of his second solo album, Rise, in June last year, Taeyang has been busy zipping about for promotions and concerts. Now, he’s finally bringing his solo stage to us! Singapore Expo Hall 3, www.sistic.com.sg
family
$298++ per couple
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Safari Zoo Run
7 Feb, 4-7pm (individual competitive), 8 Feb, 9amnoon (Fun Run), from $55 Come join the Safari Zoo Run this February in the 6km and 12km challenge. This family run caters to both parents and child, so there’s something for the young and old alike. Night Safari & Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Road, www.safarizoorun.com.sg
well-loved books including The Gruffalo, and The Princess and the Pea are enacted on stage. School Of The Arts, Drama Theatre, 1 Zubir Said Drive, www.kidsfest.com.sg
Aesop’s Fables
To find out more activities and promotions on Sentosa, scan here
Until 1 Mar, various times, $42-$62 Kidfest is an exciting festival for the whole family where compelling characters are brought to life and scenes from
Until 8 Feb, 10am-7pm (Mon to Sun), 10am-9pm (Sun), from $5 For the first time, the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) concurrently features three exhibitions dedicated to the image. With Still Moving, SAM continues its engagement with and presentation of contemporary art works from the region and the world, making room for new ways of thinking via art. Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road, www.singaporeartmuseum.sg
through the lives, lunches and misadventures of a band of scruffy, silly and sometimes stubborn creatures, as they learn life’s little wisdoms, and bigger secrets. Jubilee Hall, Raffles Hotel, www.sistic.com.sg
music Retrolicious 2015
Kidsfest 2015
26 Feb-21 Mar, 10am & 2.30pm (Tue-Fri), 10.30am, 2.30pm & 5pm (Sat-Sun), $30-$32 A show and tell of a selection of Aesop’s most famous, and most interesting stories, using marvellous mask, puppetry, live action and song. With a mixture of fun, excitement and silliness, be lead
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Still Moving: A Triple Bill on the Image
7 Feb, 8pm, $125 At this concert, both young and the young-at-heart can relive your first crush with songs like Tommy Page’s iconic hit “A
Shoulder to Cry On” or “I’ll Be Your Everything”, to jolly fun “I Adore Mi Amor” and “I Wanna Sex You Up”, hits by Color Me Badd, to sing-along hits by All-4-One. Fort Canning Park, www.fly.com.sg
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weekender.com.sg HSBC WOMEN’S CHAMPIONS 2015 – ENTER THE CLUB HOUSE
Celeste Siam at Attica Singapore
Christina Perri: The Head or Heart Tour 27 Feb, 8pm, from $118 With hits like Jar of Hearts, A Thousand Years and Human, there is hardly anyone today who hasn’t heard of Christina Perri. She brings her Head or Heart Tour to our shores this February, featuring songs from her second album of the same name. The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa, www.sistic.com.sg
Singapore Jazz Festival 5-8 March, $125 The festival returns to enthral music lovers with another thrilling programme of jazz and jazz-inspired music. With the iconic Singapore skyline once again providing the backdrop, more than 250 artists – international Grammy Award winners, chart toppers, regional stars and Singapore’s best will be set to take the stage. Marina Bay Sands Promenade, www.sistic.com.sg
Runninghour 2015 22 Mar, 7am, from $45 Run in complete darkness and without your sense of sight! Runninghour is a national event where participants will run alongside over 200 visually, intellectually and physically challenged runners. Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, Event Square, www.runninghour2015.com
exhibitions
Willing Hearts
Free! Tokyo Cinderella Dolls
Until 8 Mar, various times Japanese photographer Karin Shikata makes her Southeast Asian debut in this exhibition of 15 whimsical images that tell the story of two dolls who wished to be real girls. The dolls explore the city, experiencing the everyday lives of Japanese youths, eating street food, taking a selfie and riding the train. SPRMRKT, 2 McCallum St, www.sprmkrt.com.sg
free! Along the Golden Mile
6 Feb, 10.30pm, $30 including 2 drinks One of Asia’s hottest musical exports and an icon of Ibiza’s party scene, Celeste Siam made the move to Europe from her native Bangkok at an early age. Spending much of her career in the legendary party island of Ibiza, Celeste has played alongside Carl Cox in Space (2011 & 2012), secured residency at PukkaUp Ibiza for an impressive four years (2010-2014) and made debuts at both Pacha and Amnesia. Attica, 3A River Valley Rd, #01-03, www.attica.com.sg
6-8 Feb Join the excitement of the HSBC Women’s Champions with activities at the HSBC “Welcome to the Club House” roadshow. Participate in a photo shoot with a highspeed camera that captures each frame of golf swing, with the image tracing the entire 360-degree arc. Also, use your mind to control a game in Neurogolf, enter the Putt Putt Challenge to win prizes, and visit the Kids Corner or HSBC Club House Bar. Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road
Until 18 Feb, 7pm Photographer Darren Soh aims to blur the lines between art and architecture as he explores the district in this photographic exhibition. Details, façade designs and even explicit/implicit signs of human inhabitation and intervention in the built landscape are revealed to viewers as they immerse themselves in the floor-toceiling sized prints. Objectifs Gallery, 56A Arab St, www.objectifs.com.sg
Daily, 6am-4pm Come volunteer your time and energy at a soup kitchen and help prepare, pack and deliver meals to Willing Hearts’ many locations across the island. Be part of something special and make a difference today! 11 Jalan Ubi Blk 6, #01-51, Kembangan – Chai Chee Community Hub. www.willinghearts.org.sg
others
Sender: An Exhibition Until 1 Jul, 1pm-7pm (Mon), 9.30am-7pm (Tue-Sun) An exhibition celebrating the King of Rock and Roll Elvis Presley. The story traces the life of a man who launched a new music genre through his passion for singing. On display are objects from a private collector who started the collection around the same time as Elvis’ discovery. Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23B Coleman St, www.spm.org.sg
sports
Free! Extreme Sailing Series 2015
5-8 Feb, 11am-8pm Nine teams with 45 world-class sailors from ten nations will lock horns in Singapore for the opening act of the Series, which is set to bring the world famous Marina Bay alive with its pioneering Stadium Racing concept. The Promontory@Marina Bay, www.extremesailingseries.com
Until 28 Jun, 10am, from $9 The first ever Prudential Singapore Eye exhibition will be the largest survey of the country’s emerging artistic talent from a global perspective, as part of the Prudential Global Eye Programme – an initiative dedicated to supporting emerging artists both local and in the region. www.prudentialeye.com
15 Feb, 10am-6pm A clothes-repurposing carnival, expect lots of handson, learning and creativity – all for free! Come experience the many activities in store for you – silkscreen printing, block printing, embroidery, studding, and many more! IMM Mall, Level 3 Garden Plaza, 2 Jurong East Street 21, clothescallsg.com
show off your precious newborn or toddler
For more interesting weekend ideas and entertainment stories, like & follow us at www.facebook.com/ weekendersgp Photo: Lloyd images
Simply E-mail your cutest or sweetest photo of your baby to:
general@weekender.com.sg with your Baby’s Name, Date of Birth, Your Name, Tel No., NRIC & Postal Code
Submit your BaBy’S BEST Photo and get a chance to be published!
Editorial Director Frank Young
frank@weekender.com.sg
Sales Director David Phey Head of Sales Karin Ng
Editor Lester J Wan
karin@weekender.sg
Art Director Sabrina Cao
Team Leads Erwin Lim
Designer Zoe Lai
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10-13 Mar, 10am-6pm Maison&Objet Asia returns to Singapore for its second edition and will feature an expanded selection of the best of high-end decoration and home fashion by prestigious brands and designers in the Interior Design and Home Decoration sectors. Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre, maison-objet.com/en/asia
Weekender is bringing back our popular Hello, World! photo column for babies! Immortalise your precious baby in print by getting his or her photo published! What better way is there to celebrate your newborn or toddler than to show off your baby to the rest of the world?
Human Body Experience Until 31 Dec, from $15 Human Body Experience is an edutainment experience that teaches you about the human anatomy in a truly unique and interactive way. Larger-than-life exhibits will stimulate your senses in a journey through various organs in the body, combining special effects, tactile sculptures, optical illusions and educational programmes. Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081
27-28 Feb, 8pm, $28.50-$60 The 43rd Chingay Parade Singapore will be presented by 11,000 beautiful multicultural performers. A total of 1 million colourful “We Love SG Flowers” handcrafted from used plastic bags will form a spectacular sight at the grand opening of the Parade, with each Flower representing love and wellwishes for Singapore. F1 Pit Building, www.chingay.org.sg
MAISON&OBJET ASIA 2015
NEW! FREE! Clothes Call for Celebration!
Prudential Singapore Eye free! Return to
Chingay Parade Singapore 2015
volunteer
Writers Nicole Lee Pamela Chow Interns Eu Shuqi Alison Chu
erwin@weekender.sg
Jonathan Go
Advisor James Yip Distribution Lawrence Tan Coordinator Riki Zou Events Chris Chow
jon.go@weekender.sg
chris@weekender.sg
Team Members Syarila Zainal Anabel Ang
Contributors Igert le Roux Victoria Shareen Wong Basil Lee
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.
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february 6 - 12, 2015
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Entertainment
Far Left: Young England star Raheem Sterling has been doing well at Liverpool – how crucial will he be against Everton?
Photo: katatonia82 / Shutterstock.com
Photo: AGIF / Shutterstock.com
Left: Manchester City’s James Milner was spectacular against Chelsea last week – will he be in the starting XI again?
F o ot ba l l F e v e r
A tale of two derbies: North London & Merseyside The North London and Merseyside derbies are two longstanding feuds with a history of bitter rivalry and magnificent matches – be sure not to miss this week’s Premier League face-offs Chelsea failed to deliver a knockout blow to 2nd place Manchester City at Stamford Bridge, and Arsenal has been gaining stronger momentum by the week. Things are hotting up in this season’s Premier League title race. Make sure you don’t miss these matches!
Everton vs Liverpool (8 Feb, 1.30am) Some may argue that the fixture between Liverpool and Everton still remains one of the most exciting and passionate match-ups in world football today. Neither team has managed to hit top gear this season and both seem set for a mid-table finish. Nevertheless, the Merseyside derby has never failed to invoke great passion and hard-fought games. It is always tough for a manager to motivate his squad when there is nothing to aim for in mid-table, but the passion-filled derby may just be the best chance for Merseyside fans to see their beloved teams in full-flight, and fight to the very last whistle. Will there be a sending off this time? Prediction: Everton 0–1 Liverpool
Tottenham hotspur vs Arsenal (7 Feb, 8.45pm) The Gunners are in the finest shape they have been in for a very long time, boasting goals not only in quantity but also in quality. Fresh off a 5-0 win against Aston Villa, they travel to White Hart Lane to face long-time rivals Spurs. Spurs will be hoping to show some kind of good form after a 3-0 win against lower-half team West Bromwich Albion. Arsenal Manager Arsene Wenger will be sure to look out for Spurs’ man in form and former Arsenal youngster Harry Kane, who looks to be the only threat Tottenham has in its squad. Prediction: Tottenham 1–3 Arsenal
Aston Villa vs Chelsea (7 Feb, 11.00pm) Around the 80th minute against Arsenal last week, Aston Villa hit a new record it could do without – ten hours without scoring a goal. It faces current table toppers the Blues, who will be hoping to pick up three points after an abysmal performance against runners-up Manchester City last week. The Blues will be hoping to pick up more than just three points during the clash, seeing as the reverse fixture provided a galore of fine goals. Chelsea looks like it has one hand on the trophy at this point, but going back to last season, bottom of the table Sunderland put an end to Mourinho’s unbeaten home run. Could there be an upset on the horizon? Prediction: Aston Villa 0–5 Chelsea
Manchester City vs Hull City (7 Feb, 11pm) Manchester City beat the Hull City 4-2 in the reverse fixture earlier in the year. The runners up will be hoping to add even more their goal tally, at the Etihad Stadium. Chelsea was unable to knock City out of the title race last week but perhaps strong underdogs, or the Tigers, will do the job. Prediction: Manchester City 2–0 Hull City
By Basil Lee
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Compact, fun & powerful for daily use Compact and Stylish Major fashion labels have declared 2015 to be the year of the minihandbag. With bags getting smaller and their designs getting more streamlined, it becomes more vital than ever to have your gadgets compact and streamlined as well. Enter the Canon PowerShot N2 camera, which is palm-sized and light, assuring a snug fit into a mini-handbag or pouch. Because of its convenient shutter ring and touchscreen, the camera has no unnecessary protruding dials and knobs, making it an easy fit onto selfie sticks!
180-degree Tilt-Screen Keeping your lenses clean guarantees sharper, more vibrant photos
Small, stylish and sleek – the Canon PowerShot N2 is every girl’s must-have accessory and gadget! The Canon PowerShot N2 camera is one of the most versatile Digital Compact Cameras from Canon so far, with a selection of splendid functions despite its small frame.
From the extraordinary 360-degree shutter ring to the easy 180-degree tilt-screen, this camera is designed to impress in functionality. We highlight some choice features – the ones that set this nifty gadget apart from its peers and make it the ideal camera for the ladies, for daily use.
In this day and age, the tilt-screen is a must-have function in any camera. Selfies have taken the world by storm and tilt-screens facilitate them, providing happy selfie-takers with a preview of their photos before they click the shutter. The Canon PowerShot N2’s tiltscreen goes up an impressive 180 degrees and is fully touchscreen, making it easy for the user to switch between functions, such as from ISO to flash.
WEE K E N D E R P h oto co n t e s t
The screen also optimizes Canon PowerShot N2’s unique Creative Shot mode – with each shot, you get one original image plus five variations of the shot with different creative filters. You can then easily flip through the different variations of the photos and share the one you fancy the most onto your social media platforms, with easy Wi-Fi connectivity!
The most outstanding feature of the Canon PowerShot N2 has to be its 360-degree shutter ring. Breaking the tradition of using buttons and dials, Canon has invented this unique, easyto-use shutter ring. Want to take a photo? Simply nudge lightly against any part of the shutter ring that goes all around the base of the lens. Taking a photo with the Canon PowerShot N2 is a breeze! Selfie-stream takers would welcome this function as the user can effortlessly adjust the angle of the camera and easily press any part of the 360-degree shutter ring – say goodbye to selfies with your forearm accidentally captured! The Canon PowerShot N2 is this season’s must-have.
WEEKENDER’s
are you NEXT food PHOTOJOURNALIST?
The Canon PowerShot N2
360-degree Shutter Ring
PHOTO TIPS
DO make sure you keep the camera lens dry and clean. Clean it with the microfibre cloth provided or with lens cleaning tissues only!
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
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CONTEST PERIOD: 19 DEC 2014 - 18 FEB 2015 (Midnight)
No charge for SMS. Please check our Promotional and Contest Rules at weekender.com.sg for details.
february 6 - 12, 2015
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Entertainment
Mov i e f e at ur e
Jack O’Connell plays ItalianAmerican Olympian Louis Zamperini, the youngest qualifier in the 1936 Berlin Olympics, who endured great tribulation during World War II
Angelina Jolie
unleashes Unbroken The star had to fight to make her film, based on the epic struggles of u.s. olympian louis zamperini during world war II, come to realisation
B
reaking from her mould, A-lister Angelina Jolie (Maleficent, Mr & Mrs Smith, Salt) has set out to prove that she can do more than act (and adopt kids). Late last year, Jolie unveiled a shocking revelation: she hates acting. “I’ve never been comfortable as an actor – I’ve never loved being in front of the camera,” she told Du Jour magazine. Jolie went on to direct Unbroken, which was released on Christmas Day in the USA. Although it broke through as the third-biggest Christmas Day debut ever, it has received mixed reviews.
InspirING real-life Experience or uninspired story? Unbroken traces the life of American Olympian Louis Zamperini (played by Jack O’Connell), from his rebellious youth to his time of service in World War II. Zamperini is the youngest American qualifier (at 19 years old) for the Olympic 5000m race, when he entered the 1936 Berlin Olympics. Apparently, Zamperini shook hands with Adolf Hitler, whose personal flag he later stole. [Not depicted in the film.] During World War II, Zamperini’s bombardier plane crashed and he was marooned on a raft for 47 days. Spoiler alert
From Top: Angelina Jolie had to fight hard to make Unbroken come to realisation but it is worth all the effort; (Left to Right) Mac (Finn Wittrock), Phil (Domhnall Gleeson) and Louie survive in a raft for 47 days after their plane crashes but their nightmare doesn’t end when they are picked up; Takamasa Ishihara brilliantly portrays POW camp commander Mutsuhiro “The Bird” Watanabe; War veteran and former Olympian Louis Zamperini died aged 97 in July last year – his record as the youngest American qualifier for the Olympic 5000m race still stands
If that wasn’t torture enough, his nightmare was not to end as he was picked up by the Japanese Navy and sent to a prisoner-of-war camp. The suffering he endured was hard to swallow, to say the least. The film is a powerful and inspiring account of Zamperini’s personal journey, both in adolescence and in war. Its score fittingly heightens the situations and emotions encountered in the film. Nonetheless, Unbroken has not been warmly received by everyone. One critic commented that it’s “an inspiring truth, but an uninspired film”. On Monday, at the Singapore premiere, Unbroken opened to a highly-positive response. We recommend that you watch the film and make up your own mind about it.
Jolie “had to fight for the job” Whether or not you walk away inspired by Unbroken’s telling of Zamperini’s legacy, Jolie’s journey towards this directorial role is another tale of bravery. “I had to fight for the job,” Jolie told the London Evening Standard (LES). But that was only the beginning of the challenge. Jolie shared, “There were many days where I had my head in my hands, but the one person who told me I could do it was Louie.” War veteran and former Olympian
Zamperini passed away in July last year. He was 97 years old. Unquestionably, his story is one that has to be shared with the world. Jolie passionately believes that. She said, “I can’t possibly understand what it would be like to come out of a war… but I think it is important to think about.”
Pitt and Jolie got on too well on the set of Mr & Mrs Smith and that she was the “third party”. Apparently, that’s all a “petty kind of silliness” now, Aniston said, amidst her praise for Unbroken. On top of this praise, if the response at the premiere is anything to go by, it’s a good sign!
Support from Old RIVAL jennifer aniston? Whatever the other critics have to say about Unbroken, the film has received high praise from some, including an unexpected source. Jolie’s former love rival, fellow actress Jennifer Aniston, told ET Online, “That movie is so beautiful and wonderful, and she did such a gorgeous job.” The two of them were embroiled in one of the biggest scandals in Hollywood history, when Jolie began dating Aniston’s ex-husband, Brad Pitt. It was speculated that
By Pamela Chow
Unbroken [PG] Director: Starring:
Angelina Jolie Jack O’Connell, Takamasa Ishihara, Domhnall Gleeson & Garrett Hedlund Genre: Biography, drama Run length: 137 min Release: 5 Feb
p remi ere up dat e
Unbroken opens on inspiring note Angelina Jolie’s directorial opus, Unbroken, based on the true story of American Olympian Louis Zamperini and the horrors he endured during World War II, opened on a positive and inspiring note on Monday evening.
Inspirational Figures VIPs at the premiere at Shaw Lido included Singapore’s top para athletes. Among them were Dr William Tan, the first man in the world to complete the North Pole Marathon and the Antarctica Marathon in a wheelchair, Sharif Abdullah Peters, Singapore’s very own ‘blade runner’, as well as several others who have faced unimaginable odds in their lives. “This movie is really awesome! It amazes me what the human spirit can do. So indomitable against all odds,” said Dr William Tan. “This is a great opportunity for us to share the inspiring true story of Louis Zamperini with equally-inspiring Singaporeans, in hope
Some of the VIPs at the premiere including Asian Para Games medallist Theresa Goh (front, second from left)
that Zamperini’s spirit of ‘Never give up, never give in’ will resonate with people who are facing challenges in life,” said Nicholas Yong, Managing Director of UIP Singapore, distributor of Unbroken.
Glowing Reception Nominated for three Academy Awards including Best Cinematography, Unbroken’s premiere in Singapore was to a glowing reception. Based on comments after the movie, most viewers seemed to have enjoyed the show and found it inspiring. The para athletes seemed to like it too. They will next be seen taking part in this year’s ASEAN Para Games, which will be hosted in Singapore for the first time, from Dec 3 to 9.
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weekender.com.sg Jupiter Ascending is a visual buffet of epic proportions, like the Wachowskis’ previous work in The Matrix
Mov i e pr e v iew
Jupiter Ascending: Big splash or big dud? Helmed by stunning visuals and popular actors, this space opera bears resemblance to the Matrix and Star Wars universes From first glimpse, Jupiter Ascending promises to be a visual buffet – and I’m not just talking about its attractive cast. Colossal futuristic metropolises, larger-than-life planets and spectacular costume design have all helped to create a marvelous universe that parallels classics like the Matrix and Star Wars series of films. Of course, having the lovely Mila Kunis (Friends with Benefits, Ted, “Family Guy”) and Channing Tatum (Step Up, Magic Mike, 21 Jump Street) as the main stars helps. But, visuals aside, here are more reasons to watch Jupiter Ascending.
A Fantastical Story Imagine Mila Kunis as a janitor, mopping up alien trash. Her name is Jupiter Jones and, in a twist of fate, she discovers that she’s genetically-marked as the royal heir to Earth. The harbinger of this news is Caine Wise, played by the strapping Channing Tatum. Caine is an ex-military hunter with a defective genetic splice that makes him half-wolf. But, don’t worry, this story isn’t veering anywhere near Twilight territory! Along the way, Jupiter and Caine must battle through a galaxy in turmoil, and struggle against the reigning family of elite rulers – the House of Abrasax. Will Jupiter, a simple janitor, be able to rise to the occasion and conquer the universe?
Channing Tatum and Sean Bean are part of the stellar cast
expecting a grand concerto of stunning interplanetary landscapes and mind-blowing soundscapes. Jupiter Ascending’s first screening was in secret at the Sundance Film Festival in the USA, where screenwriter Neville Kiser was hopeful that sci-fi fans – and geeks of the Star Wars franchise – would enjoy the film. From what we see, Jupiter Ascending sure looks promising and we hope it will not disappoint.
From the Minds Behind the Matrix The ensemble production of Jupiter Ascending extends beyond its star-studded cast, which includes Eddie Redmayne (The Theory of Everything, Les Misérables) and The Lord of the Rings’ Sean Bean (Boromir). Behind the scenes, a host of great names have come together for the making of this movie. Directors Andy and Lana Wachowski are known for their work on the Matrix series, V For Vendetta (2006) and Cloud Atlas (2012). Several longstanding Wachowski collaborators also contributed to Jupiter Ascending in the creation of visual effects, costume design and score composition. So, we’re
Jupiter Jones (Mila Kunis) is an Earth-bound janitor who was made for greater things – like being the heir to Earth
By Pamela Chow
Jupiter Ascending [PG13] Director: Starring:
Andy Wachowski & Lana Wachowski Channing Tatum, Mila Kunis, Sean Bean & Eddie Redmayne Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure Run length: 127 min Release: 5 Feb
In a race against time and the rest of the universe, Jupiter finds her only ally in Caine Wise (Channing Tatum)
ALS O IN T HEATRE S Still Alice [PG13] Alice Howland, happily married with three grown children, is a renowned linguistics professor – until she starts to forget words. Her world comes crashing down when she receives a diagnosis of early-onset Alzheimer’s Disease. Alice and her family soon find their bonds thoroughly tested and her struggle to stay connected to who she once was is frightening, heart-breaking and inspiring. STARRING: Julianne Moore, Kristen Stewart, Kate Bosworth & Alec Baldwin GENRE: Drama RELEASE: 5 Feb
Meet Miss Anxiety [PG13] Four years ago, Qi Jia’s beloved college boyfriend Liu Chong planned to work in Beijing, while she would rather stay in her hometown. At their graduation, Qi Jia proposes to Liu in public, only to be rejected immediately – and that puts their love story to an end… until a new man enters the picture. STARRING: Zhou Xun, Tong Dawei, Han-Liang Chung & Zhang Zili GENRE: Comedy RELEASE: 5 Feb
A Most Violent Year [NC16] Set in New York City during the winter of 1981 – which also is statistically one of the most violent years in the city’s history, A Most Violent Year follows the lives of an immigrant and his family trying to expand their business and to capitalise on opportunities as the rampant violence, decay, and corruption of the day drag them in and threaten to destroy all they have built. STARRING: Oscar Isaac, Jessica Chastain, Albert Brooks, Christopher Abbott & David Oyelowo GENRE: Drama RELEASE: 5 Feb
Wild [M18] After years of reckless behaviour, a heroin addiction and a divorce, Cheryl Strayed makes a rash decision. With absolutely no experience, she sets out to hike more than 1,000 miles on the Pacific Crest Trail all on her own. Join Cheryl on this journey of self-discovery. Wild powerfully reveals her terrors and pleasures – as she forges ahead on a journey that maddens, strengthens and ultimately heals her. STARRING: Reese Witherspoon, Laura Dern, Thomas Sadoski, Gaby Hoffman, Kevin Rankin & Michiel Huisman GENRE: Drama RELEASE: 5 Feb
Mortdecai [NC16] This quirky comedysuspense film follows debonair art collector Charlie Mortdecai (played by Johnny Depp), who crosses the world for a stolen Goya painting. But it’s not the painting he’s really after – the art piece is rumoured to contain the code to a Nazi goldmine. STARRING: Johnny Depp, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor, Olivia Munn, Jeff Goldblum & Paul Bettany GENRE: Action, Comedy RELEASE: 29 Jan
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february 6 - 12, 2015
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Entertainment
“Mongkok” in Jurong Point is the first and only Hong Kong-inspired shopping and dining street in a retail mall in Singapore
weekender.com.sg
THEMED shop p i ng & D i ni ng
Singapore’s 1st & only Hong Kong themed shopping & dining street Revel in the hustle and bustle of Mongkok, Hong Kong, here at Jurong Point – with over 50 shopping and food offerings including authentic Hong Kong delicacies
Welcome to Mongkok in Hong Kong, in Jurong Point!
You get to sample the yummy pineapple tarts before you cast your votes in the Best Pineapple Tarts competition!
Jurong Point Shopping Centre, the largest suburban mall in Singapore, has the first and only Hong Kong-inspired shopping and dining street located in a retail mall in Singapore. Named “Mongkok”, it houses over 50 retail and food and beverage (F&B) shops. Visitors will be spoilt for choice with a multitude of offerings, such as City Mahjong Centre and 8 Treasures, as well as many F&B options such as Legendary Hong Kong.
Enter the Best Pineapple Tarts competition or simply cast your votes and stand to win attractive shopping vouchers and SMH Food’s Prosperity Pack
Authentic delicacies “Mongkok” will be home to the brand new Legendary Hong Kong. Specialising in serving authentic Hong Kong cuisines including the iconic roast duck, suckling pig, dim sum dishes, noodles and Hong Kong style bread and tarts, it has a unique, four-in-one setting for the ultimate “Pearl of the Orient” experience. Helmed by eight famous chefs from Hong Kong with decades of experience under their belt, Legendary Hong Kong is a must-visit eatery for those craving for the real taste of Hong Kong roasted meats and delicacies. Undoubtedly, it is also the perfect place for family and social gatherings with something to please everyone’s palate, young and old alike.
Best pineapple tarts contest Apart from offering a piece of ‘Hong Kong-action’ without having to step out of Singapore, Jurong Point is also searching for the best homemade pineapple tarts in Singapore. Now, in its third run, the iconic Jurong Point’s Search for the Best Pineapple Tarts is back by popular demand! Online registration for the Pineapple Tarts Contest has closed but you can still bring your pineapple tarts down on the event day, Feb 8, between 12pm to 2pm, for on-site registration at Jurong Point 1 Centre Stage. Stand a chance to win the top prize of $880 worth of Jurong Point Gift Vouchers and SMH Food’s Prosperity Pack! Can’t bake? Fret not. You still stand to win great prizes when you vote! Just present a single same-day receipt of a minimum spending of $10 on Feb 8, 2015, and you will receive two voting slips. You get to sample these yummy pineapple tarts before casting your votes! On top of that, one lucky voter will be rewarded for each of the top 3 winning submissions, with attractive shopping vouchers and SMH Food’s Prosperity Pack. Jurong Point Shopping Centre, 1 Jurong West Central 2, #03-07, Singapore 648886 www.jurongpoint.com.sg
february 6 - 12, 2015
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february 6 - 12, 2015
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Foodmania Antoinette’s Queen Yu Sheng makes a unique experience as a dessert to end the meal
Mitzo’s Koi Fish Nian Gao is a work of art
Up: Cherry Garden’s Pen Cai bursts with luxurious goodness Below: Min Jiang’s Kanpachi & Tuna Yu Sheng is a different take, with wasabi and lime juice sauce
F o o d F e at ur e
top dishes for
Chinese New Year Looking for a sumptuous, regal feast this Chinese New Year? Here are our choice picks for the best and most creative dishes
C
hinese New Year is approaching quickly – less than two weeks away! We are looking forward to the festive songs, the generous ang paos and, most of all, the food. With an endless selection of Chinese New Year feasts to choose from, it can be daunting to separate the choices. To help you, here are our choice picks for the best dishes in a Lunar New Year feast.
Min Jiang’s Kanpachi and Tuna ‘Yu Sheng’
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A loving tribute to fine European coffee and pastries, Tuxedo is Singapore’s chic destination for those who appreciate fine coffee, cakes, pastries and sandwiches. The ideal spot for casual morning meetings or business associate chats, Tuxedo is also great for takeaway snacks and light meals. Enjoy a selection of classic items such as delicate French croissants and rich baked cheesecake, and signature specialities such as the freshly-baked chicken pie and indulgent Tuxedo cake made with Valrhona chocolate. The open kitchen allows you to watch the bakers at work, making everything fresh daily from scratch and by hand. 76 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189558
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This platter features a lofty stack of mesclun greens, strips of radish, carrot, red ginger, jellyfish and fried silver cod fish, pine nuts, topped with sweet potatoes and yam chips and finished off with ground peanuts, sesame seeds as well as “pok choy” (crunchy crisps) tossed in a balanced wasabi-lime juice sauce. The unique characteristic is the juice sauce. Most yu shengs taste similar save for the different add-ons, such as the fresh kanpachi (Greater Amberjack) and tuna in this case. They also offer a refillable teapot of wasabilime juice.
Brizo’s Golden Fortune Prawns
Using the freshest Tiger Prawns, the Golden Fortune Prawns with Sweet & Spicy Mandarin Orange & Kumquat Sauce are first marinated with the chef’s special sauce before being fried and coated with a homemade Kumquat sauce. These Golden Fortune prawns have uniquely rich and zesty flavours that make each bite a pleasure. It is definitely one of the best dishes around, for the Lunar New Year. Brizo Restaurant & Bar, Park Hotel Clarke Quay, 1 Unity Street, Singapore 237983
Mitzo’s Koi Fish Nian Gao Can you bear to tuck into this? Crafted with great finesse from fins to scales, Mitzo’s Koi Fish Nian Gao is a work of art. Mitzo’s chef pulled out all the stops for this piece, taking painstaking effort to ensure each detail is intricately done. Just a gentle slice reveals the slightly-chilled nian gao. This exquisite dessert tastes as good as it looks, with a nice, chewy texture, complete with a sweet aftertaste. Mitzo, 270 Orchard Road, Grand Park Orchard, Singapore 238857
ANTOINETTE’S QUEEN YU SHENG
Cherry Garden’s Luxurious Pen Cai is supposedly Singapore’s largest traditional ‘basin dish’, weighing more than 25kg and measuring up to 45cm in diameter. We are not kidding! Overflowing with an abundance of fortune, the pot is filled to the brim with braised eighthead abalone, lobsters, scallops, sea cucumbers, prawns, dried oyster rolls, conpoy, dace fillet, roasted duck, soy chicken, crispy pork belly, waxed sausages, mushrooms, cabbage as well as black moss to represent a year of endless wealth and prosperity.
Chef Pang Kok Keong of Antoinette always felt sorry for his daughters who couldn’t join the lo hei because they were too young to stomach raw fish. Thus, his Queen’s Yu Sheng is a dessert at the end, not a raw fish salad at the beginning, and arrives in the form of a beautiful golden egg on a ‘nest’ of auspicious chocolates, five-spiced almonds and cashews, Mandarin orange butter cake and meringue kisses, and yam and sweet potato chips. As you take a hammer to the chocolate shell, out pours a ‘birth’ of Asian fruit: pineapple, Thai green mango, red dragon fruit and pomelo. Finally, a Mandarin orange, plum and gula melaka dressing is poured on the mix. The Queen’s Yu Sheng is available for dinein and take-away from Feb 9 to Mar 2015 at $88++. A one-day advance order is required.
Cherry Garden, Mandarin Oriental, Marina Square, 6 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039797
Antoinette @ Penhas, 30 Penhas Road, Singapore 208188
Available at Min Jiang, 22 Scotts Rd, Goodwood Park Hotel, Singapore 228221
Cherry Garden’s Luxurious Pen Cai
PAGE 11
weekender.com.sg
Val e n t i ne ’ s SPEC IAL Heart-shaped dishes at D'Bell help to set the mood
Even the churros at Breeze have fallen in love
Skirt has a yummysounding Chocolate Indulgence menu
Even food has bling at 1-Altitude
5 Feasts for Valentine’s Day is just around the corner have found a suitable place to bring your significant other? To ensure you have a more diverse range of choices for this Valentine’s, we’ve included restaurants of various cuisines, from North Indian to Japanese. We’ve got you covered for your meal, now plan the rest of your date!
1
Chocolate indulgence – Skirt
Celebrate your special day at Skirt for a taste of the good life and savour the fivecourse Chocolate Indulgence menu, featuring succulent steaks and aphrodisiac sweets. You can tantalise your palates with a myriad of flavours and textures while reminiscing on how both of you first met. Or, you can dare to be different and surprise your beloved with an exclusive dining experience – ditch your day suits and head down to Wet for an extraordinary romantic aquatic dinner! W Hotel, 21 Ocean Way, Sentosa, Singapore 098374
These items include a Chocolate and Rose Petals heart-shaped Tandoori Bread and a heart-shaped Rose Petal Rasmalai for dessert. 43 North Canal Road, Singapore 059299
3
M o d e rn japane s e – Breeze
Rekindle the romance this Valentine’s Day with The Scarlet Singapore’s romantic
4
E a st & w e st – Nuvo
Nuvo invites lovers to an intimate and casual dining experience. While fine dining seems to be de rigeur on Valentine’s Day, Chef Richards chooses to defy this norm. He explains, “With the trend moving towards casual dining, we would like to recreate the Valentine’s Day experience with an informal sharing menu. In keeping with the contemporary Italian-Japanese style of cuisine served at Nuvo, diners can expect an exciting marriage of Italian and Japanese flavours, presented in a unique combination to excite their palates.” Level 39, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 2, 10 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018983
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ATA S “ EAT, DRINK, LOVE ” – 1-Altitude
With an overarching “Eat, Drink, Love” theme, 1-Altitude presents a Valentine’s Day fantasia with each level promising to outdo the other in terms of romantic offerings for you and your partner. Guests will be spoiled in a lavish, fairy-tale inspired dining experience at Stellar, speciallyconcocted love potions on the rooftop and, to top off the evening, think Dita Von Teese and all things alluring at Altimate. 1 Raffles Place, Singapore 048616
5 HUNGRY HEROeS dining VOUCHERS WORTH $100 EACH
TO BE WON! HUNGRY HEROES
Hungry Heroes is a restaurant and bar specialising in hearty meats. The restaurant follows an eclectic interior style featuring superhero memorabilia collected over the last two decades, and quirky decorative pop art from new retailer Art Art And Away. Come savour the menu highlights such as the twice-cooked Pork Ribs, which come in three flavours, and grill favourites like the 150-day Grass-fed Tenderloin, and the 100-day Grass-fed Ribeye and Lamb Rack. For a hearty communal feast, go for the Hungry Heroes Platters, such as the “Nice to Meat You” ($59+ per platter, serves 2-3 guests) and the “Steak-Out” ($116+ per platter, serves 5). Each platter features a combination of meats, and is served with fries or roasted potatoes, caramelised onion and sautéed corn. 33 Tessensohn Road, Singapore 217656
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Chef Satish Madan has carefully crafted the menu using chocolate, strawberries and raspberries – that are said to be aphrodisiacs – and edible rose petals, also symbolic of love.
The Scarlet, 33 Erskine Road, Singapore 069333
2
eth n i c ap h ro di s i a c – D'Bell
packages and Valentine’s Day menu. Pamper your loved one with The Scarlet’s packages starting from $288++. Breeze, The Scarlet Singapore’s exclusive rooftop bar, will also be offering a Valentine’s Day menu including dishes such as Cereal Crusted Salmon in Yuzu Shoyu and Golden Lime sauce served with Seasonal Vegetables. Priced at $160++ per couple, the menu is one that promises to titillate your taste buds.
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february 6 - 12, 2015
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SHOPsavvy
Fash SNIP S
Beauty i n Bri e f
Dazzle them Power-up your Valentine's outfit
Dazzle your peers and your love interest not only with your brilliance but your physical radiance – these are our top luxe pick-me-ups for the woman on the go
Take a cue from runways and fashion shows – here is the sizzling, ultra-stylish guide for your perfect outfit White on white is no overkill Model of the moment Cara Delevingne struts her stuff in a white number, complete with delicate, colourful details cascading from her shoulders down. She opts for a pair of lace-me-up heels and a matching, innocently-white headband to complete her look. Oh, you can never have too much white. Channel innocence!
Astalift Formulated with a unique optical powder called “Sakura Aura Powder”, with lightcontrolling properties, the new Astalift Lighting Perfection Base Makeup gives a more flawless and radiant complexion in any lighting condition. A proprietary ingredient newly-developed by Fujifilm, the new “Sakura Aura Powder” replicates the unique light-controlling characteristics of cherry blossoms, which have the ability to reflect and diffuse light that gives its petals a soft, bright and translucent appearance. To achieve the desired effect on skin, the Astalift Lighting Perfection Base Makeup harnesses the power of red light (the most flattering wavelength) to give a translucent, natural finish, comparable to beautiful bare skin, and an instant healthy glow. Available at Astalift boutiques
Silver is a girl’s best friend Tearing your tresses over the perfect outfit? Stop worrying your pretty little head over it and go for a silver number – the colour of sheer class and glamour. It is a colour hard to pull off but it guarantees one thing: that no one else would be able to outshine you. Set to stun; choose silver.
Tarte
Vibrant’s the word Can’t commit to a colour? Wear them all! Exciting girls tend to wear daring, colourful things, so pick out the most vibrant piece and rock it. Pair it with matching bracelets, comb your hair back in a wind-swept style and match with the prettiest pair of heels you have. Be the world’s much-needed splash of colour!
This sleek palette is all about the tartlet and features 12 full-size, clay infused shadows in all matte shades: free spirit (cream), force of nature (nude), dreamer (warm brown), multi-tasker (chocolate), caregiver (pale pink), natural beauty (mauve), best friend (mulberry), bombshell (dark plum), super mom (ivory), wanderer (light brown), power player (taupe) and fashionista (black). Its skin-perfecting Amazonian clay formula balances and nourishes the eyelids, while keeping oil at bay so that powerful pigment won’t budge, back down or fade. Available at Sephora
Algenist Algenist launches “Genius”, a scientificallyadvanced formulation to address the accelerated signs of aging skin. Youthful suppleness and radiance will be restored. Deep wrinkles are visibly minimised and the skin appears firmer, softer and smoother. All of this is made possible with a scientific formulation that combines Aleuronic Acid with the first breakthrough Microalgae Oil harnessed from Microalgae.
Red is the colour of passion Fiery, feisty and free? Meet your girlfriends in this colour of desire and paint the town redder! Who says you need a man on Valentine’s Day? Your gal pal can be the perfect valentine too! Treat yourself to a luxurious night out as you light up every room with your brilliant red dress. Little black dress? Oh please, move over!
Available at Sephora
Kate Somerville
Wear neutral and betray nothing Still undecided about your dress for your big day out? No matter, simply put on your most neutral colours – peach, light pink and mellow browns. And wait. These colours are subtle, flattering and intensely-mysterious. Nothing is more alluring than a girl in a beige dress who sees everything and shows nothing. Which will you choose to be? By Nicole Lee
Beautify your complexion and see firmer, younger-looking skin with Kate’s innovative cooling gel mask. After just one use, hydration and moisture levels are boosted for up to 24 hours, resulting in skin that looks plumper, softer and glowing. Advanced Matrixyl 3000 significantly reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles over time, while fast penetrating Hyaluronic Acid delivers deep hydration and instant wrinkle-smoothing action. Available at Sephora
PAGE 13
weekender.com.sg A wall made from strips of wood was handcrafted, and a full-height chalkboard hides the entrance to a storeroom
Bookshelves built against the wall double as a focal point
With the kitchen entrance wall removed, light from the living room window brightens up the newly-created open-concept space
Two rooms have been combined to create the master bedroom, complete with a walk-in closet
home inspirations
Get ideas for transforming your home
Letting Light In Our popular section continues with more inspiring ideas and home makeovers
G
etting a bright, light-filled home was the number one priority for the new owners of this resale flat. Designer Kalyn Guo from Home Journal spent two months renovating the home to achieve the look that they wanted. “We hacked down a lot of walls to create more space and to make sure that light from the windows can reach different corners of the home,” said Kalyn.
Out In The Open Kalyn and her team tore down the walls of one of the spare bedrooms and integrated it into the living room space. This instantly created a larger living area that also incorporates a sofa from Cuscino, a study table and a bookshelf. In designing the home, Kalyn also considered the homeowner’s future plans. “We left a low wall around the room in case the owners plan to have children in the future. When that happens, we can easily install foldable windows and doors to cordon off the space,” she said.
Dining View
Mood for Books
Like most of the other rooms, the dining hall benefits greatly from having the walls removed. As a textured backdrop to the dining space, a wall made from strips of solid wood was hand-crafted. The pieces of wood are arranged in an asymmetrical, staggered pattern, leaving little niches that can be used as display shelves. A full-height chalkboard panel stands in the centre, and hides the entrance to a storeroom.
The homeowners stressed the importance of having ample storage in their new home, and Kalyn went out of her way to comply. In the study room, she built a large bookshelf against the wall. This doubles as a focal point in the shared living and study area. Additionally, Kalyn also hid a compact storeroom behind this wall.
Double Bed Two rooms have been combined to create the enviable master bedroom, complete with a spacious walk-in closet. In this space, Kalyn used wood and black steel trimmings to recreate a modern loft style, then complemented the look with warm drop lamps that hang dramatically from the ceiling to the bedside table. Should more privacy be needed, the installed foldable doors can separate the bed from the wardrobe.
Off The Wall
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
With the kitchen entrance wall removed, light from the living room window brightens up the newly-created open-concept space. An island counter was another homeowner request, and Kalyn easily incorporated it into the design. As an additional design element, Kalyn created a “slanted feature wall” out of craftstone and cement. “We didn’t want a common craftstone wall,” she explains, “so we came up with this design that has a textured, faux worn look to it.” By Redzman Rahmat
H o m e M ak eover Ideas
The efficient kitchen Turn your kitchen sink into the perfect food preparation and washing-up zone with Rubine’s stainless steel bowls and accessories Rubine has established itself in the market for more than ten years with its wide collection of kitchen and bathroom fixtures. The Italian brand, which is distributed by Casa, helps homeowners create efficient kitchen workspaces that ease everyday chores such as preparing food and washing the dishes.
Pick a sink that works for you Kitchen sinks come in different shapes, sizes and combinations. If you’re looking for a more efficient kitchen, the double-bowl sink is better for multitasking. For example, one bowl holds the dirty dishes while the other is used for washing. If you have a smaller kitchen, you can opt for a one bowl or a one-and-ahalf bowl combination. Other things to look out are the thickness of the material and whether it comes with soundabsorbing pads on the bottom. Brushed or satin finishes are preferable as water marks and scratches will be less visible.
Find a mixer that suits your home Single-lever mixer taps allow you to control the water flow and temperature with one hand. Rubine faucets come in stainless steel and chrome, and have undergone stringent tests to ensure maximum water efficiency. Check that your water pressure is compatible with your tap. For optimal performance, many taps require a minimum flow pressure of 1.0bar.
Add a colander for maximum efficiency If you do a lot of fresh cooking at home, then an attachable colander might be a useful addition to your kitchen set-up. The perforated base of the colander means that not only can you use it for straining food but you can also use it as a makeshift dish drainer. Rubine’s custom-designed colanders are available in stainless steel and plastic.
february 6 - 12, 2015
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TRAVELation
Ever wondered what strange and unique traditions other countries have? We take a look at how Chinese New Year is celebrated elsewhere Gifting red packets, loud lion dance performances and popping (fake) firecrackers are all Chinese New Year (CNY) traditions we’re used to in Singapore. These are fairly common sights throughout Asia but there are some other interesting practices that we hardly get to see here. So what exactly are our neighbours up to that we absolutely must fly to try?
The fireworks display over Victoria Harbour is one of Hong Kong’s most popular Chinese New Year attractions
Hong Kong: a Festival to Last the Year This bustling city’s CNY celebration is ranked among the world’s best festivals, starting with the extravagant International Chinese New Year Parade on the first day. Dozens of floats cruise down the streets, accompanied by an entourage of dancers, jugglers, bands and more. It’s similar to our Chingay Parade in Singapore. The second day is ushered in with fireworks over Victoria Harbour, and the third day is packed with CNY horse races. Malls stay open and even extend hours throughout these few days. Gifting flowers and plants holds a lot of significance, with specific types denoting specific wishes.
San Francisco’s Chinese New Year parade includes a Miss Chinatown USA beauty pageant
USA: Parties and Pageants With quite a sizeable population of ethnic Chinese people living in the US, the major cities – such as San Francisco, New York and Chicago – have taken to throwing largescale parades for CNY. However, the most remarkable one has to be in San Francisco, home to America’s largest Chinatown. CNY celebrations have taken place here at least since the 1860s, and draw almost a million spectators every year. The evening parade is a kaleidoscope of bright floats, stilt walkers, dancers, and more. The centrepiece is an 82m golden dragon that glides gracefully through the streets. San Fran also throws together a CNY Flower Market and – get this – a Miss Chinatown USA beauty pageant. I would jet there just to see who gets the big ang pow for that!
Acrobatic Lion Dancers leap across the poles in Trafalgar Square
travel F eature
Chinese New Year
Place to be: Chinatown in San Francisco
around the world
England: Empire of Excitement The English know how to throw a good party! Hundreds of thousands throng to West End to witness the spectacle of events over CNY. A colourful New Year’s Parade passes from Charing Cross Road to Chinatown, with a sensational midday opening ceremony held at Trafalgar Square. Acrobatic, traditional dance and song recital acts fly in from China for the occasion. During this time, Chinatown bursts into life with craft stalls, food stands, calligraphy booths and martial arts performances. The London Eye is usually lit red and gold, and surrounded by various events that take place. The iconic wax museum, Madame Tussauds, is also bathed in auspicious red light and – if you dare brave the insane crowds – you can witness lion dance performances, customary decorations and festive music.
Place to be: Along Nathan Road’s Golden Mile
Vietnam: Visiting Graves The Vietnamese celebrate Vietnamese New Year – or Tet – with a tradition not many of us may be used to. Some families visit the graves and family altars of their ancestors, and clean the grave as a sign of respect. Of course, it’s not an entirely sombre affair. The Vietnamese know how to have fun too. Families can spend days before Tet preparing an extensive repertoire of delicacies. On the eve, fireworks erupt over major cities such as Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon). The Vietnamese also get seven days of public holiday. Now that’s a tradition we wouldn’t mind adopting!
Place to be: Trafalgar Square & Chinatown, London It’s fascinating to see how other places and cultures celebrate CNY, with some familiar traditions and some unfamiliar too. Don’t you want to go there to experience it for yourself?
By Pamela Chow
Place to be: Saigon district, Ho Chi Minh City A child wears a mask for the Tet festival in Vietnam
Princess Cruises, a premium cruise line under Carnival Corporation & Plc, has set up homeporting season in Singapore for the first time. It has also created 25 new itineraries across 16 round-trip journeys, especially tailored to the diverse travel demands in Southeast Asia. Until March, the fleet will call at nine countries and 21 ports over various cruise lengths ranging from three to 16 days. Upcoming itineraries include five days to Thailand and Malaysia (Feb 23), seven days to Vietnam and Thailand (Feb 16), and a 17-day Grand Asia tour (Mar 24). In coincidence with Singapore’s Golden Jubilee, the Princess Cruises’ fleet has also introduced a range of special promotions to
celebrate its own 50th Anniversary. These include a commemorative food menu, keepsakes and an exclusive 50th Anniversary micro-brewed beer. Based on the response to this inaugural homeporting season, Princess Cruises’ will launch its second homeporting season in Singapore next year.
The Sapphire Princess
Photo: Princess Cruises
Interior of the Sapphire Princess
50th Anniversary & 1st homeporting season in Singapore
Luxury cruise line Princess Cruises will sail around Southeast Asia through March, with special offerings to celebrate its 50th
PAGE 15
weekender.com.sg
Bucket List Exceptional ideas to experience in your lifetime
Reading while floating in the Dead Sea The Dead Sea has the highest concentration of salt in any body of water in the world
Can’t swim? Fret not – no one ever sinks in the Dead Sea At the lowest point of Earth in any landmass, the Dead Sea holds the title of having the highest concentration of salt in any body of water in the world. This gives it interesting properties and makes it a must-experience destination. The Dead Sea is actually a salt lake, bordered by Jordan to the East, and Israel and the West Bank (Palestine) to the West.
Float every time! The Dead Sea’s unusually-high salt concentration grants people natural buoyancy, and enables those who ‘swim’ in its waters to effortlessly float. Every year, hordes of visitors throng from all over the world to experience this unique natural phenomenon. In fact, in the Dead Sea, it is practically impossible to swim or dive. Like many visitors do, why not bring a book, a magazine or a newspaper, and lay back and enjoy reading and soaking in the sea?
Healing properties But why the ominous-sounding name of the place? The Dead Sea got its name because its salinity prevents the existence of any form of living organism in the lake. The high salt and mineral content, on the other hand, provides healing properties for many of the visitors who come to benefit from its natural revitalising qualities. This has, inevitably, made the Dead Sea area a major centre for health research and treatment. Together, the mineral content of the water and the location of the Dead Sea – more specifically the higher atmospheric pressure at this great depth – have provided specific positive effects on health. Visitors (especially tourists) plastering the healthy black mud onto the skin of their entire bodies is a common sight!
Culturally diverse land The Dead Sea isn’t all about idling around in the water all day. There are in fact other activities in the region. Many people like to visit the natural mountain amphitheatre to watch the sound and lights show of Masada – itself a wonder and a story to be told another time [and another bucket list destination]. Also, the Masada National Park offers hikes to a stunning view of the Dead Sea and its surroundings.
Getting there The Dead Sea is situated at a relatively accessible location, being just over an hour from Jerusalem, Jordan and Israel. You can join a day tour from Tel Aviv (if you’re in Israel), or get there via rented car or taxi. As you make your journey there, you can even track your descent towards the lowest point on Earth with a series of meterage signs along on the road. By Eu Shuqi
Aleksandar Todorovic / Shutterstock.com
Anton_Ivanov / Shutterstock.com
It is common to see visitors plastering their bodies with healthy mud
Those who visit the Dead Sea always bring reading material for that photo-worthy scene
february 6 - 12, 2015
weekender.com.sg
february 6 - 12, 2015
weekender.com.sg
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