ISSUE 136 • September 25 - oCTOBER 08, 2015
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September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
ISSUE 136 • September 25 - oCTOBER 08, 2015
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movie feature de niro & hathaway the intern is set to amuse & amaze
weekender.com.sg
fashion feature click to brick e-tailers to stores
home inspirations charm & CHeer make YoUR home fun & Lively
savour the sip
gatsby-style bars transport you to a headier time
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Mid-Autumn travel feature
10 bella skin care sonic vitamin c infusion THERAPIES (worth $160 each)
10 sets of banyan tree e-vouchers (worth $20 each)
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Photo; mary416 / Shutterstock.com
maldives: in the lap of luxury
raise your lantern & have some fun
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be a connoisseur: learn to paiR mooncakes with tea
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WK136A/MCI(P)120/06/2015
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free! Mid Autumn Festive Bazaar & Carnival
mid-autumn festivities, saturday night fever, oktoberfest & more celebrations
family
3 Oct, 5-9pm, $20/family of 5 (NTUC member), $50/family of 5 (public), Free admission for children under 3 years old Singapore’s sold-out and largest family picnic is back! This year’s U Picnic takes on the theme of ‘Space Odyssey’, with highlights including cosmic LED and ultraviolet performances, ‘moon-walking’, bungee trampolines and stargazing. Marina Barrage, 8 Marina Gardens Drive, www.ufamily.org.sg/upicnic
Until 27 Sep Here your last chance to grab mooncakes before the season is over! Look out for old favourites and limited edition specials like the VivoCity-exclusive SG50 mooncake set and bird’s nest infused mooncakes. Vivocity Central Court, 1 HarbourFront Walk
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free! Mid Autumn Festival @ Gardens by the Bay 2015
25 Sep-4 Oct, 7-11pm See Gardens by the Bay light up with a dazzling display of elaboratelyhandcrafted lantern sets that celebrate the natural world, creating a kaleidoscope of light and colour as you enjoy a host of performances by local artistes. Gardens By the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive
Saturday Night Fever the Musical
Free! The Dark Knight Takes Over City Square Mall Until 4 Oct, 12pm-9pm Catch the caped crusader in action as The Dark Knight appears in an action-packed live show against his arch-nemesis The Joker. Spend $50 and above to get meet-and-greet passes to snap a photo with The Dark Knight. Complete an obstacle course and win exclusive DC Super Heroes stickers. Also, check out the exciting costume showcase and have the kids make their own Batman mask. City Square Mall, 180 Kitchener Rd
25 Sep-4 Oct, 1pm-8pm, from $95 Be treated to a brand-new production of one of the most loved dance stories of all time. The 2015 Asian Tour will feature a revamped script and completely re-conceptualised production, but retaining popular songs from the film such as “Stayin’ Alive,” “Night Fever,” “How Deep is Your Love” and “You Should Be Dancing.” MasterCard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands, www.sistic.com.sg
sports
Photo:pinkribbonsingapore.com
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free! Mass Lantern Walk
27 Sep, 7-10pm Head for a leisurely-paced lantern parade under the full moon and soak in the dazzling displays around Chinatown. Look out for impressive acts by dragon dance troupes, energetic cheerleaders and the percussion band along the way! The lantern walk will conclude with stage performances and a pyrotechnic display in the heart of Chinatown. From Kreta Ayer Square to New Bridge Road
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free! Lantern Making Competition
Until 27 Sep Have a neat idea for your own lantern? Showcase your creativity in this fun competition! And if you need some crash courses, check out lantern-making workshops at Kreta Ayer Community Club, Kim Seng Community Club and Kreta Ayer-Kim Seng Residents’ Committee Centres. Chinatown Point, 133 New Bridge Rd, www.chinatownfestivals.sg/lanternmaking-competition
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free! Chinatown 1960s Fancy Dress Contest
26 Sep, 7-10pm Watch these creative participants bring the old world charm back to Chinatown! They will dress up in their favourite 1960s outfit or costume on the first ever runway on Pagoda Street. From 5pm, Pagoda Street will be transformed into a bustling carnival, where non-participants dressed in attire reflecting the 1960s era will also stand a chance to bring home limited edition door gifts. Pagoda Street
others
Light Up Your Life Run 2015 3 Oct, 5-11pm, $35 This unique and non-competitive charity run organised by animal welfare organisation Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD) and Assisi Hospice is open to the public and their pets. Join in the individual 5km and 10km run, or 2km dog walk for dog owners. Participants will receive a goodie bag worth up to $250, and everyone can enjoy the mini-carnival on the sideline too. East Coast Park, East Coast Park Service Rd, www.lightupyourliferun.com
Space Odyssey U Picnic 2015
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free! TANGS MidAutumn Fair
theatre
EarthFest 26 Sep, 11am-3.30pm EarthFest is a festival with planet-friendly food fair, farmer’s market, live music, eco-carnival games, screenings, and more! Visitors will be able to discover more sustainable versions of the common products and foods they consume, while engaging directly with the business owners and supporting the local economy. Marina Barrage, www.earthfestsingapore.com
Until 27 Sep, 11am-10.30pm Bask in the burst of colour during this Mid Autumn season along the bustling streets of Chinatown, and shop for festive goodies. Be spoilt for choice as over 300 festival stalls will offer a dazzling variety of festive treats like mooncakes, pomelos, lanterns, tea and more. Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street, Sago Street, Smith Street and open space in front of People’s Park Complex
Entertainment W
September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
Pink Ribbon Walk 2015
3 Oct, 5pm, from $35 Join in the Walk to raise awareness about breast cancer and the importance of a healthy lifestyle. A carnival open to members of the public will be held at 2pm for all to enjoy local household products from Sufood, and Winx, Pangdemonium, and more. Marina Bay Event Square, Marina Bayfront, 2 Raffles Link, www.pinkribbonsingapore.com
Hello Kitty Go Around!! In Singapore 16 Oct-10 Nov, 10am, various prices Be treated to a spectacular line-up of entertainment and attractions all in the name of Hello Kitty. From carnival game kiosks to larger than life cutesy photo attractions, expect to see Hello Kitty and her entourage of friends in Ferris Wheel and Apple Temple. The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, www.hellokittygoaround.com.sg
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k ay p oh korner
Stay fit anywhere you want With an all-access membership, you can have your pick of classes from gyms nationwide — why limit yourself to just one gym?
Photos: chinatownfestivals.sg
Forget about signing up for a traditional gym membership, where your workouts are likely limited by boring treadmill routines or a small variety of exercise classes on offer — you may be better off with an all-access fitness pass. The latest trend to hit the fitness scene, such passes offer subscribers good alternatives to traditional gym memberships, providing access to a multitude of workout classes, including Crossfit, martial arts and yoga, across a wide range of gyms and fitness centres. Here are three that I sussed out for you.
Launched in April, Guavapass was one of the first to offer such all-access fitness passes in Singapore. Currently, members pay $139 a month and receive access to a whole buffet of fitness classes. With more than 65 studios island-wide, you’re bound to find something you like. Cardio enthusiasts, for example, can look forward to spin classes at Crucycle — an invigorating 50-minute session with a curated playlist, which will leave you wondering whether you’re exercising or partying. Alternatively, rev up your fitness game with pole classes from Milan Pole Dance Studio that’s bound to give you a rock-solid core with regular training. Unusual offerings include aqua spin and powerplate classes. Though there’s a limit of three classes per studio per month, you can still get out of your own fitness comfort zone by trying new activities every month.
Kfit
Oktoberfest Asia 2015 8-10 Oct, 5pm-late, from $88 Oktoberfest Asia 2015, will be held once again in the beautiful harbour-front area of Marina at Keppel Bay. This year, the only ticket option is for freeflow on 8 German beers in your complimentary Oktoberfest Asia stein mug and gourmet German food. Marina at Keppel Bay, www.oktoberfestasia.com
Singapore River Festival 2015 23-25 Oct The Singapore River Festival 2015 will offer visitors to the three quays at the Singapore River (Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Robertson Quay) a kaleidoscopic line-up of exciting activities, good food, trendy markets, imaginative art installations and stunning performances by renowned local and international artists. Singapore River, www.singaporeriverfestival.sg
Started by the founder of Groupon Malaysia, Kfit is said to be the Uber of the fitness world and is now available in many cities such as Australia, Hong Kong, Japan and Korea. For $99 a month — there’s an early bird promotion of $50 off your first month — the fee is quite attractive, especially for newcomers to the all-access pass trend. Kfit offers a whole gamut of classes at places such as Kate Porter Yoga, Yoga Inc and Aqua Spin. To whip your body in shape in double quick time, try Bootcamp yoga classes from Kate Porter Yoga, a high-energy workout that combines strength, flexibility and coordination exercises through circuit training and yoga stretches. Miss the comfort of a gym environment? Check out Physical ABuse, a gym with a whole plethora of high-intensity workout classes. Kfit, with 254 fitness locations and growing, is also mobile-friendly: You’ll soon be able to book classes on-the-go with its upcoming smartphone app.
Passport Asia The newest kid in town is Passport Asia, a similar fitness model which allows one to gain access to fitness classes via its mobile app. Entry-level membership is offered for $59 for four activities a month, and $99 buys you unlimited sessions of any activity per month. Every new user who downloads the app will enjoy one month’s free access to four classes. Partnering some 250 gyms and studios, Passport Asia gives you access to classes ranging from yoga and spinning to even boot camps. For starters, take your fitness up a notch with parkour lessons at A2 parkour or ADD (Art Du Placement) academy.
We noticed Passport Asia also offers laser tag and bubble soccer sessions, which do not seem to be typical fitness offerings — perfect for those looking for a wider range of fitness activities. Whichever you choose, remember, you have to sign up and make use of it to stay fit!
By Samantha Francis
Photos: Kfit Singapore
Guavapass
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Entertainment W
September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
Fe at ur e d Even t
Have a bouncing bonanza at BounceOFF!
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4 Leap onto Asia’s largest inflatable race and scale other bouncy playgrounds at Singapore’s very first BounceOFF! carnival Come October, you’re in for a big bouncy treat! Asia’s largest inflatable race, BounceOFF! is coming to Singapore and it’ll leave you bouncing for more. This exciting event takes fun and racing to a whole new level. Spanning across all three beaches at Sentosa, 11 gigantic inflatable obstacles have been laid out for the ultimate fun run. Put your skills to the thrilling test as you conquer courses that tower up to 13m and stretch up to 57m. Even if you’re a master marathoner, these bouncy obstacles may just give you a run for your money! Please note, the BounceOFF! Race has a minimum height requirement of 130cm.
A BIZARRELY FUN BAZAAR The fun doesn’t end at the finish line. Outside the race, more insane inflatable fun is waiting for you at the BounceOFF! Bazaar, suitable for all ages.
1. Launch into a bouncing fun run at the BounceOFF! Race
Launch high up into the sky with the Water Blob, where you can lie on a floating blob as your partner jumps from a 5m inflatable platform, sending you flying into the air! Or scale the inflatable version of “Mount Singapore” at the formidable 8m-high rock wall. If you’d rather ‘stick’ around, gear up in a Velcro suit and hang out on the Human Flywall – like an insect on flypaper. It promises to be an unusual and interesting experience. You can also get rolling with your friends in the Bumper Ball and Land Zorb Ball rides, hop onto the Bouncy Slider, or have a big splash with the Water Zorb Ball and Giant Foam Pool. Plenty of other carnival activities and stalls await as well, such as refreshment booths. It’s a whole day of silly and carefree fun for the whole family at BounceOFF!
2. Can you scale this 8m-high inflatable rock wall, all the way to the top?
Ticket prices
3. The BounceOFF! Race features fun obstacles like the towering Skyscraper
Plus! presents BounceOFF! Race
4. Roll around with your buddies like a happy hamster in the Land Zorb Balls at the BounceOFF! Bazaar
Individual: $98 Group Bundle: $400 for five pax
BounceOFF! Bazaar Individual: $48 Family Bundle: $140 for two adults & two kids (under 12 years old)
Organisers
Sponsors
Nucleus Events Production Mediacorp
Title Sponsor: PLUS! Official Apparel: Compressport Official Cereal Drink: NutreMill Official Energy Drink: Monster Energy Official Magazine: 8Days Official Online Media: Run Society Official Partner: Centurion Official Radio Station: 987FM Official Venue Partners: Sentosa & Scape
BounceOFF! takes place on Sat, Oct 3, from 9am-6pm. The Race is until 4pm and the Bazaar is until 6pm. Get your tickets now at www.bounceoff.com.sg.
Can You Conquer these Bouncy Giants?
“The Miley”
“The Flusher”
“The Bounce Bounce”
“The Gladiator”
Just like its daring popstar namesake, this ride will hit you like a wrecking ball. Are you a match for the swings in “The Miley” and can you make it out? Or will you be ‘wrecked’?
Things will get urgent when you attempt to cross this obstacle without being flushed away into the depths of its ‘eye’.
Possibly the bounciest obstacle in the race, The Bounce Bounce is as close as you’ll get to walking on clouds. Boing all you want in this course, but don’t forget you’ve got a race to finish!
Put your warrior wits to the ultimate test as you run the gauntlet of netted walls, spongey pits and a towering slide. Bouncing bragging rights to all who succeed.
September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
Entertainment W
September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
F 1 c o nc erts
A sugar-sweet treat from Maroon 5 Closing the second day of the F1 Singapore Grand Prix, Maroon 5 gave an electrifying performance that kept the crowd begging for more It’s 7pm on race evening, Saturday. Although the scorching sun had already called it a day, the deadly combination of heat, haze and humidity hung thickly in the air. Nonetheless, these drawbacks did not deter the sea of fans that thronged the Padang to secure a spot in front of the stage where Maroon 5 would perform. Some had been camping out from as early as nine hours before, eager to catch Adam Levine and his American pop-rock band up close. Filipino fan Clarence Bautista, 33, had secured his tickets way back in April, just to make sure he could catch Maroon 5 here. “I couldn’t miss it; I didn’t even mind paying for the flight to Singapore just to watch them,” he gushed. It’s little wonder why. The band, which performed at the same venue in 2012 to a crowd of 50,000, is internationally loved for catchy and earworm tunes such as “Moves Like Jagger”, “Sunday Morning” and the recent chart-topper “Sugar”. These songs, as well as several older hits, were what fans had braved the elements for. Four long hours before Maroon 5 was set to appear, the fans had already begun screaming in anticipation.
SUGAR? YES PLEASE
MISSING THE CONVERSATION
Throughout its 15-song set, Maroon 5 delivered a highly-charged and emotional performance, turning out recent numbers such as “Stereo Hearts” and the moving “Payphone”. Fans who’ve followed the band from its humble beginnings were treated to older sleeper hits “Sunday Morning” and “Harder to Breathe”. At the end, relenting to our cries for an encore, Adam and guitarist James Valentine returned to the stage for a mellow acoustic rendition of “She Will Be Loved”, much to the delight of many a fan girl (and fan boy) in the crowd. For much of the show, Adam and the rocker-haired James displayed an adorable chemistry in showmanship. They weren’t shy to exhibit mischievous exchanges on stage. At one point, Adam swung a kick at James’ behind. The pair then made up by shredding on their guitars together in what seemed like genius ad-libbed instrumentals. One more winning performance to add to the shelf for these bad boys.
In one of their latest hits, “Maps”, Adam croons: “I miss the conversation”. Regrettably, so did I. Perhaps due to the relatively shorter set and their tiredness — Adam was drenched, as though he’d been perspiring from the minute he stepped into Singapore — there was rather limited audience interaction. With Adam taking the lead in speaking to the crowd, his conversations with the fans were largely restricted to the spiels concert-goers are familiar with: getting fans to chime in to popular lyrics, asking how everyone’s doing and the token “we love Singapore but it’s so hot here” statement. The last one was met with hoots for the pretty boy to “rip [his] shirt off”.
However, the audience didn’t seem to mind the thin conversations at all. Not especially when Adam finally decided the heat was too much to bear and pulled off his tank top, igniting a burst of frenzy and screams from captivated fans. Built like a beast, Adam then strutted on stage with a bare chest and hot pink guitar, belting out their sensual new hit, “Sugar”, while clenching his microphone stand like a stripper pole. He more than compensated with fan service — that the audience lapped right up.
By Pamela Chow Maroon 5 performed on Sep 19 at the Padang Stage.
THE grand entrance At 11.15pm, mysterious jungle sounds and the beat of tribal drums pulsated in the air, marking the grand entrance of Maroon 5. It was obvious from the get-go who commanded the crowd. Lead singer and guitarist Adam Levine was the boss, keeping the audience on an undulating high from the very first song, “Animals”. Like a herd of fanatic wildebeest, the fans were charged with frenetic joy and an infectious energy rippled through the crowd.
Clockwise from left: Adam Levine croons his way into fans’ hearts; James Valentine gave a rousing performance; Levine took off his shirt and gyrated with a hot pink guitar; Many of the fans had begun waiting hours before
Photos: Kwok Jia-Xin & Singapore Grand Prix / Action Images via Reuters Livepic
F1 S i ng apo r e Gr an d Pr i x
Vettel claims 4th Singapore win
Ferrari and Red Bull steal the show in the night race with the third-highest attendance Sebastian Vettel zoomed to victory in Sunday’s 2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix. Vettel had to fend off sustained pressure from Red Bull Renault’s Daniel Ricciardo to take his fourth Singapore win, this time for Ferrari. It was his third victory in his first year with Ferrari. ‘It was pretty intense,’ said an elated Vettel. Left: Race winner Sebastian Vettel of Ferrari celebrates on the podium after his fourth night race win
Photos: Singapore Grand Prix
Below: The F1 Singapore Grand Prix 2015 was an eventful race that saw crashes, early retirements and even a man on the track
Ricciardo lived up to his promise of a strong showing when he took his second podium of 2015, in 2nd place, with the “flying Finn” Kimi Raikkonen claiming 3rd place for Ferrari. Ricciardo also set the fastest lap time of 1 min 50.041 sec, an average of 165.701km / hour, on the last lap. World Champion Lewis Hamilton retired after 33 of the 61 laps as his Mercedes-Benz’s engine lost power. His teammate Nico Rosberg made it to 4th place but will still be looking behind him since Vettel’s victory puts him at only eight points behind Rosberg with six races remaining. Felipe Massa, for Williams, once again had bad luck in Singapore when Force India’s Nico Hulkenberg crashed with him as he exited the pit lane. Hulkenberg was adjudged to have caused the collision and will serve a three-place grid penalty in the next race in Japan.
Third-Highest Attendance This year’s F1 Singapore Grand Prix night race drew 260,912 spectators to the Marina Bay Street Circuit over the weekend. This is the third-highest attendance in the eight-year history of the night race. The figures also exceeded the average daily attendance of 85,704 in the previous seven years. The F1 Singapore Grand Prix took place over Sep 18 to 20 at the Marina Bay Street Circuit.
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F1 concerts
Up all night to ‘Get Lucky’ with Pharrell Williams The Grammy Award-winning singer got his fans dancing — on stage with him With haze in the air, beer in hand, and a pulsating thousand-strong crowd, I learnt it’s no easy feat trying to dance my way closer to the stage. Nonetheless, Pharrell Williams, with his catchy tunes that have graced everything from Despicable Me’s movie soundtrack to Apple’s advertisements, made me and many other concert-goers really “Happy” with the so-named hit. The Grammy Award-winning music producer and multi-talented singer — accompanied by a band, powerhouse backup singers and dancers — was an infectious burst of sunshine from the moment he took to the stage.
Lucky concert-goers turn backup dancers Call me lucky for being at the marquee night race event of the year — the 2015 Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix, but surely nothing beats grooving onstage with Pharrell himself. Handpicked from the audience, the first group was an all-male bunch, ushered onto the Padang stage during the performance of “Spaz”, a single from his band N.E.R.D. Compared to the men, the ladies who took their turn after fared much better in terms of enthusiasm and dancing. Dedicating N.E.R.D’s “She Wants To Move” to them, the charismatic singer serenaded his female fans up close, leaving one of them teary-eyed with gratitude. The most heartwarming of all had to be the children who were brought onstage for the finale anthem and encore of “Freedom”. The singer referred to them as “the future of Singapore”, to the applause of the crowd.
Photos: Reuters
The Baes (almost) stole the show
The charismatic singer serenaded some of his female fans up close, leaving them starstruck
All decked out in Pharrell’s collaborative fashion line with Adidas Originals, aptly called Dear Baes, four of his backup dancers, — also known as The Baes — were a class act of their own. As the singer showed off his vocal prowess to upbeat tracks like “Gust Of Wind”, “It Girl” and “Lose Yourself To Dance”, the
Pharrell’s backup singers — The Baes — shone
energy was clearly matched by the stunning dance routines of The Baes. While Pharrell took a short rest backstage, the limelight was on The Baes as they twerked, popped and gyrated to pop hits coproduced by the singer — “Hollaback Girl” and “Milkshake”.
Dynamic singalong It was clear that Pharrell knew exactly how to engage his audience, strategically sneaking in crowd favourites in between the slightly lesser known hits. The Padang arena erupted into thunderous cheers when he started singing “Blurred Lines”, a controversial hit co-produced with Robin Thicke. Soon, the venue had turned into a sea of gyrating bodies and swaying hands as everyone sang along to crowd-pumping favourites like “Get Lucky”, a song co-written by Pharrell and Daft Punk, and the highenergy “Happy”. It was an unforgettable night. By Samantha Francis Pharrell Williams performed on Sep 18 at the Padang Stage.
Entertainment W
September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
f o ot ba ll fever
Manchester clubs vie for supremacy as Liverpool struggles
Photo: AGIF / Shutterstock.com
Photo: melis / Shutterstock.com
After the David de Gea tangle, Manchester United’s manager Louis van Gaal has since expressed confidence in the keeper, especially in the last match against Southampton — but will the defence continue to struggle without Luke Shaw?
Will Spurs’ Song Heung-min continue his stellar form and condemn Manchester City to its second loss?
As Week 7 of the Premier League approaches, the Manchester clubs remain at the top while the others struggle — what will this week’s action bring? This weekend’s Premier League matches see Manchester United looking to make it three wins in a row, and Liverpool aiming to end a five-match winless run. I suss out the odds.
Tottenham Hotspur VS Manchester City The match of this weekend’s round of fixtures is an early kick-off on Saturday night, with title favourite Manchester City seeking to bounce back from a shock 2-1 home defeat to West Ham in the last match. Facing another London club, on the road, will provide a stern test for Manuel Pellegrini’s men who saw new boy Kevin De
Bruyne score his first Premier League goal in last weekend’s defeat to the Hammers. Spurs rode their luck against Crystal Palace before coming up with a late winner for the second week in a row. Korean winger Son Heung-min is certainly finding his feet quickly after last month’s move from Bayer Leverkusen, having scored the only goal. Son’s immediate impact is timely for Tottenham, given that Harry Kane has yet to find last season’s scoring touch. Meanwhile, City’s hopes of getting three points at White Hart Lane could hinge on whether key creator David Silva is fit. Prediction: Tottenham 2-2 Manchester City
Liverpool VS Aston Villa Club stalwart Jamie Carragher came to the support of manager Brendan Rodgers in the wake of Liverpool’s run of five matches in all competitions without victory. While Danny Ings’ goal against Norwich brightened the mood at Anfield, the fact that the Reds weren’t able to seal the game against a team in the bottom half underlined the inadequacies of the 2015-2016 squad. Given that Liverpool has away games at Chelsea, Everton and Tottenham in October, the team simply must win its home matches early in the season. Aston Villa has made a predictably shaky start to the season, with four defeats in the first six matches. This will be the day when the Reds get all three points. Prediction: Liverpool 2-0 Aston Villa
Manchester United VS Sunderland Anthony Martial may not turn out to be the new Thierry Henry but the teenage striker is proving to be a much better Old Trafford acquisition than last season’s flops, Radamel Falcao and Angel Di Maria. The 19-year-old Frenchman has the instincts of a natural finisher and has done so well that fans didn’t seem to miss the injured Wayne Rooney as much as they might have.
Manchester United has made a solid start to the season and would be delighted that Manchester City’s defeat means that the red part of the city is only two points behind the blue part at the top of the table. Sunderland manager Dick Advocaat said that the Black Cats should feel “ashamed” by their miserable start to the season that leaves them rooted at the bottom, with only 2 points from six games. This match is likely to be a one-sided affair. Prediction: Manchester Utd 4-0 Sunderland
Leicester City vS Arsenal It couldn’t have gone much worse for Arsenal in the London derby at Chelsea. The team was reduced to nine men as the Blues’ Diego Costa acted like a big bully — without any repercussion. The Foxes of Leicester, on the other hand, showed tremendous spirit to claw their way back for a point at Stoke City, after the Potters had raced to a 2-0 lead. This is a tricky test for Arsene Wenger’s side. But, given that the Foxes like to play free-flowing football, it could actually suit the attack-minded Gunners, who should return to the winners’ list. Prediction: Leicester 1-3 Arsenal
Newcastle United vS Chelsea The way that Chelsea has been playing this season means that the Blues are only one defeat away from crisis. Losing three of the first six games is not the form of a champion and the win against the Gunners — arguably with some assistance from the referee — only partially restored confidence. Despite Newcastle’s fourth defeat in six games under Steve McClaren, as the Magpies lost 2-1 at home to Watford last weekend, they have shown some encouraging signs. They will be expected to push the Blues at St James’ Park but to ultimately fall short against the pragmatism of Jose Mourinho. Prediction: Newcastle 1-2 Chelsea
By Jason Dasey
About Jason dasey Jason Dasey is Senior Editor for ESPN FC in Singapore, Southeast Asia’s No. 1 football website.
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Tampines Rovers will hope to do well against the Young Lions
Photos: S.League
! s ingapo re fo otball
Big guns must avoid banana skin against young teams Balestier Khalsa’s youngsters such as Ignatius Ang (left) have repaid the faith of their coach
The Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League is coming to a climaxing end, as the battle at the top is matched by the determination of the teams below This Sunday will see the likes of Tampines Rovers and Balestier Khalsa in action, hoping to keep alive their fading hopes of winning the Great Eastern Yeo’s S.League title. In their way will be two very young Under-23 teams, the Courts Young Lions and Harimau Muda, who have shown in recent weeks that what they lack in experience is compensated by their never-say-die attitude and tireless running.
Tampines Must Improve Bite Against Young Lions It was meant to be the start of Tampines’ final push for S.League glory but V Sundramoorthy’s men were humbled on their own ground in a 1-0 loss to the Courts Young Lions. The two teams are set to do battle once again, in the reverse fixture this Sunday, with a slew of subplots adding to the excitement. Rodrigo Tosi and Mateo Roskam had numerous chances against Syazwan Buhari, so a repeat of their profligacy won’t do their impending contractual talks any good. Adam Swandi is into his final month of football before swapping his Nike Mercurial Vapors for the shiny black boots of National Service. Add to that the pressure on Sundram to finish in the top three and you have a classic David vs Goliath matchup.
Krajlevic on Track to Be Coach of the Season Again While watching his fellow S.League coaches recruit heavily in the off-season, Balestier Khalsa’s Marko Krajlevic put his faith in youngsters such as Ho Wai Loon and Ignatius Ang, along with his star striker Miroslav Kristic. That steadfastness has helped Balestier to the League Cup final, and also a comfortable fourth-place in the league standings currently. Up against Razip Ismail’s Harimau Muda team in Malacca, the Singaporean outfit must be wary of the Young Tigers’ unpredictability. If Balestier play to its full potential from now until the end of the season, Kraljevic could be one of few men to win back-to-back “Coach of the Season” awards in Singapore. Prediction: Harimau Muda 1-2 Balestier Khalsa
Prediction: Young Lions 1-3 Tampines Rovers
Editor Lester J Wan
CEO David Phey
lester@weekender.sg
david@weekender.sg
Senior Editor (Digital) Geraldine Ling
Head of Marketing Solutions Karin Ng
geraldine@weekender.sg
Art Director Sabrina Cao Designer Zoe Lai Writers Pamela Chow
pamela@weekender.sg
Samantha Francis
karin@weekender.sg
Team Lead Erwin Lim erwin@weekender.sg
Team Members Anabel Ang Kevin Sim Joseph Tang Shafizah Ahmad
Advisor James Yip Distribution Lawrence Tan Coordinator Riki Zou Contributors Geralyne K Ong Shareen Wong Jason Dasey Kelvin Leong Interns Jaime Chua Natalie Kwan
By Kelvin Leong
About kelvin leong Kelvin Leong is Associate Editor for ESPN FC, and a former media officer for the Singapore national football team.
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Entertainment W
September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
m ov ie f eatu re
ALS O I N T HE AT R E S
The Intern:
ATTACK ON TITAN 2 [NC16]
Old dog, new tricks Robert De Niro and Anne Hathaway in a humorous take on The Devil Wears Prada?
Attack on Titan Part 1 ended with a botched mission to impede the monstrous Titans’ attack, and the revelation that Eren could transform into a powerful Titan. Now, the mystery surrounding mankind and the Titans will be revealed. STARRING: Miura Haruma, Hasegawa Hiroki & Mizuhara Kiko GENRE: Action, Adventure RELEASE: 24 Sep
EVEREST [PG] In this docudrama inspired by real-life events, two groups of climbers set out on an expedition up Mount Everest. The climb quickly veers into life-threatening territory when they are hit by one of the fiercest snowstorms encountered by mankind. STARRING: Jake Gyllenhaal, Josh Brolin & Keira Knightley GENRE: Drama, Thriller RELEASE: 24 Sep
D
on’t be misled by the movie title — The Intern isn’t about some clumsy fresh graduate who turns out to be the next Bill Gates or something like that. This movie is also not to be confused with The Internship, a 2013 comedy about middle-aged guys who Googled their way out of their mid-life crises. This new film, The Intern, looks like a refreshingly unconventional take on office comedy. Robert De Niro (the very legend from Raging Bull, The Godfather Part II, etc.) is Ben Whittaker, a 70-year-old widower who isn’t enjoying retirement as much as he would like. He jumps at the opportunity to work for an online fashion portal. The thing is, Ben is joining the company as an intern for a young editor. This spells an interesting scenario about to unfold.
HOTEL TRANSYLVANIA 2 [PG]
TOUGH ACT TURNS TOUGH NUT
Photos: Warner Bros
Robert De Niro stars as 70-year-old retiree Ben Whittaker, who becomes an intern in an online fashion magazine
De Niro’s appearance as a gentle and caring worker is a big change from his usual toughguy act, firmly established in his roles as an aggressive boxer in Raging Bull (1980), a frustrated ex-Marine in Taxi Driver (1976) and a merciless mafia kingpin in The Godfather Part II (1974). Now, imagine this surly man working under a fashionista for an online magazine. The website in question is run by style icon Jules Ostin, who is played by the elegant and talented Anne Hathaway (of Les Misérables, The Devil Wears Prada and Interstellar). In the movie’s trailer, De Niro’s character Ben explains his decision to join the publication: “I tried yoga, learned to cook, bought some plants, took classes in Mandarin… I’ve tried everything. I just know there’s a hole in my life and I need to fill it.” So, in turn, Ben is recruited to fill a hole in the publication. Comically, he becomes the sage intern who imparts wisdom to everyone in the office and turns out to be an invaluable asset — especially for leading lady Jules.
THE BEST MAN FOR THE JOB? Anne Hathaway stars as Jules Ostin, who runs into many obstacles as the founder of her own online fashion magazine
Eschewing his usual roles as the tough guy, Robert De Niro stars as gentle and caring intern Ben Whittaker
Filmmaker Nancy Meyers — who has directed comedy hits like The Parent Trap (1998) and It’s Complicated (2009) — paints a sobering but realistic backstory to the character of Ben. “This one is about retirement, when you’re 70 but you’re fully healthy, but you don’t have that thing you do every day anymore. You don’t have that purpose,” Meyers told Entertainment Weekly. Meyers also shared that Ben is her favourite movie man ever. She said, “I think he’s the best guy I’ve ever written. He’s a really good man, and he comes to the aid of our girl Jules in many ways.” In the trailer, he is seen swooping to Jules’ rescue when she runs into ‘roadblocks’, such as the doubt of investors, relationship problems and a sloppily-dressed editorial team. Sounds like many of us could use a gentlemanly advisor like Ben in our offices too.
SETTING THE OFFICE APART Aside from its uncommon take on office drama and comedy, The Intern continues the trend of stylish settings and coveted rooms that Meyers’ movies are known for. The publication’s office, for one, is a show stopper with its big and bright communal space that channels a modern monochrome aesthetic. Jules also owns a gorgeous kitchen in her Brooklyn brownstone home, which I’m sure many an urbanite will be drooling over. Meyers’ research for the film included visiting the office spaces of fashion brands Nasty Gal and Moda Operandi — where she “fell in love” with what she saw — as well as collecting wardrobe ideas on Pinterest for her characters. No wonder the set and costumes are so alluring. On the whole, for office, career and fashion goals, or even for a good laugh and cry, this is one movie for everyone look out for.
By Pamela Chow
The Intern [PG13] Director: Starring:
Nancy Meyers Robert De Niro, Anne Hathaway, Rene Russo & Adam DeVine Genre: Comedy Run length: 121 min Release: 24 Sep
Dracula’s (voiced by Adam Sandler) monster-only hotel policy has been relaxed, opening doors to human guests. But he’s worried that his grandson, Dennis, isn’t showing signs of being a vampire. When Dracula’s grumpy dad, Vlad (Mel Brooks), pays a visit at this time, things might get batty. STARRING: Adam Sandler, Selena Gomez & Mel Brooks GENRE: Animation, Comedy RELEASE: 24 Sep
THE MARTIAN [TBA] After a mission to Mars met with a fierce storm, astronaut Mark Watney was presumed dead and left behind. But he survived and is now stranded on Mars. He must now rely on his ingenuity and spirit to signal to Earth that he is alive and survive long enough to be rescued. STARRING: Matt Damon, Jessica Chastain, Kristen Wiig & Chiwetel Ejiofor GENRE: Adventure, Science Fiction RELEASE: 1 Oct
PAY THE GHOST [TBA] After losing his son during a Halloween parade, Professor Mike Lawford (Nicholas Cage) is haunted by eerie images and unexplainable messages. He resolves to unravel the mystery behind his son’s disappearance. STARRING: Nicolas Cage & Sarah Wayne Callies GENRE: Action, Drama RELEASE: 1 Oct
PAGE 11
s tar o f t h e w eek
Big changes for Singapore’s big brother Homegrown star Li Nan Xing’s popularity now spans even Taiwan — Weekender finds out the veteran actor’s thoughts on filming overseas and the secret to his youthful looks Buying into Li Nan Xing as a bad boy is easy. Sitting before the press, Nan Xing ge [meaning “brother”, as he’s known for his seniority as an actor] commanded the crowd with his quiet charisma, which has become well known in his tough anti-hero roles such as gambler king Yan Fei (from “The Unbeatables” trilogy) and ex-convict Tian Yibang (“On the Fringe”). His on-screen personas have also earned him popularity with Taiwan viewers. His first Taiwanese drama, “Justice Heroes”, recently debuted with him in the same bad-boy role that many viewers have grown to love. Nonetheless, once our interview started, his stoic silence gave way to candid and animated laughter. Nan Xing spoke to us together with Constance Song, the only other artiste under his talent agency, LNX Global. They recently signed on as ambassadors of beauty brand MU. Nan Xing may share the same age as Singapore (50) but the dashing actor still looks as young as ever. Could this be linked to his endorsement of MU products, or does he have other health or beauty secrets? I quizzed the youthful TV legend about his looks, his life and his years in showbiz.
You still look handsome after so many years. How do you take care of your skin? I use hydrating gel that helps to hide my wrinkles. [laughs] I also pack loose powder. I don’t really like using a lot of products — I’d rather look rugged and masculine than soft and supple. I also drink MU’s collagen drink a lot. I drank it three times every day when I was filming in Taiwan. There’s a peach flavour that I kept thinking about.
What do you miss about your younger days? In my younger days, there were certain places with food stalls that had a distinct aroma. When I walked past these places, I would smell it and think, “I’ve reached.” That feeling is gone now. Except for Chinatown, where I can sometimes still catch that nostalgic scent from the past, a lot of places have changed. I think it’s important to preserve that kind of nostalgia.
At first glance, veteran actor Li Nan Xing (right) channels the same stoic demeanour as his usual characters on TV
Do you have any indulgences? After every project, we usually have a break of three weeks to a month when we go all out and feast. I eat a lot — like with durian, I must try from D24 all the way to Mao Shan Wang. I especially cannot resist curry chicken. It’s hard to control. There are temptations everywhere!
How do you manage to keep fit then? I go running for one-and-a-half to two hours to sweat it out. Sometimes people recognise me and run together with me! When I feel lethargic and unfit, I remind myself to cut down on unhealthy food, and not eat oily stuff for all three meals. After all, I’m ‘SG50’ too, so my metabolism isn’t as good as before!
Nan Xing: Not yet! For now we’re both very busy with our own schedules. I’ll be filming “Dream Makers 2” until November. After that, from December, I’ll be filming in Taiwan for half a year. I might be filming in China as well.
By Pamela Chow
Photo: Marie Chia Group
Has your acting changed throughout the years? When I was younger, I would always act more mature. When I first started acting, I also came across as an ‘uncle’. But now it’s the reverse — I need to act young! The struggles of growing old have caught up to me.
Li Nan Xing and Constance Song are the new ambassadors of MU beauty products. Nan Xing’s Taiwan drama, “Justice Heroes”, airs on VV Drama on Demand, StarHub TV Ch 857.
How was filming in Taiwan different from in Singapore? When I was filming overseas, I was more impatient. A lot of decisions were made at the last minute, so I had to be prepared and ready to go at any moment. It was like going to war! It made us cherish time more, as we only had a few seconds to think of how to do the scene. There were no NGs. [Short for “No Good”, or out-takes.] Filming in Singapore is a lot more comfortable.
To you, what makes a good actor? Every actor has to be willing to learn in many different aspects. He or she cannot be scared of failure, and must dare to always try new things. Even if it’s something you’re not good at, you can still improve by trying again. Some actors don’t take criticism very well — they start to feel uncomfortable, hurt or sick. We shouldn’t be like that.
What criticism do you receive the most? People say I don’t know how to dress. When I go for events, people tell me to dress a certain way but I am who I am! I don’t want to dress myself to look like a bird of paradise. [laughs] I believe in being natural and, to me, a T-shirt and jeans is the most natural. I don’t like going for events where I have to squeeze myself into a tuxedo.
How do you deal with criticism at work? When I get feedback that I didn’t perform a role very convincingly, I tell myself it’s okay; if I get a similar role next time, I’ll do a better job. We shouldn’t be afraid of criticism. Instead, we should be open to it and use it to improve.
Is there a new role you would like to try next? I would like to play the role of a go-between in a relationship. [laughs] A mediator who gives advice to a couple.
Photo: Pamela Chow
Can fans look forward to any collaboration between the two of you?
Constance, how is it working with Nan Xing under his agency? Constance: He’s very funny! It’s very comfortable working with him. I’m very well taken care of.
Despite being the same age as Singapore, popular actor Li Nan Xing manages to retain his youthful looks
Li Nan Xing (right) and Constance Song (left) with the writer, Pamela
PAGE 12
Foodmania W
September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
Chef Chimkit Khampuang is part of the team at Patara Fine Thai Cuisine
Tasting of Mushroom is an unusual combination of masala cappuccino mushroom soup, grilled tandoori mushrooms and a spoonful of frozen masala mushroom ice cream
F oodmani a Awa rd s Cat e go ry W i nne r
Fo o d m a n ia Awar ds Category Wi nner
Innovative fine dining at Saha
Innovative Cooking Styles However, the next amuse bouche, a thin, icy mango popsicle, set the tone for the rest of the meal. Savoury instead of sweet, the popsicle was an interesting departure from the usual sugary versions many are used to. Made with a tinge of cumin, the ice pop’s flavours were complex and even a little spicy, which we liked. Next up was the Kerala Vegetable Stew Espuma ($16), where blended Kerala stew was dispensed from a liquid nitrogen cylinder, foam-style, into a Margarita glass and garnished with homemade banana chips, garlic crumbs, black olive powder and extra virgin olive oil. While the Kerala spice flavours were kept in the avant-garde dish, its textures were refreshingly light and not as dense as regular curries, making it seem like an almost guilt-free experience.
Patara impresses with authentic Thai cuisine and great service At times I’ve found the idea of fine dining rather unappealing, considering I’ve had the misfortune to experience overpriced food paired with bad service, and yet in a restaurant that demands prim and proper manners. Thankfully, Patara is a welcome respite in the sea of stifling and disappointing fine dining restaurants. Loved for its authentic and classic Thai cuisine, Patara is an elegant restaurant with warm and hospitable service.
Fusion dishes and molecular gastronomy play a key role in this Indian restaurant’s dishes Put aside any stereotypes you may have about Indian food when dining at Saha Signature Indian Restaurant & Terrace Bar, because the restaurant’s unconventional cuisine will surprise your palate. The Indian fine dining restaurant, headed by chef Abhijit Saha, prides itself on serving “innovative” Indian cuisine which integrates modern culinary techniques (read: molecular gastronomy) with non-traditional ingredients, like exotic mushrooms. But how does that really translate into actual food? I would find out soon enough. My dining companions and I started our meal innocently enough with a complimentary appetiser of papadum (thin, large crackers) and dried bananas with freshly-made tangy mango chutney and sweet papaya relish. Still not too far off from traditional Indian cuisine, we thought.
Traditional Thai with a touch of elegance
Even the porcelain vessels look regal
Fit for Royalty Situated in the cosy enclave of Tanglin, Patara’s interior is classy without trying too hard. Traditional wood carvings greet you in the lemongrass-scented ambience. The refined décor is fitting of the royal Thai cuisine it serves.
The Esteemed Chef’s Creations Kerala Vegetable Stew Espuma
Mushroom Mania The next dish, the Tasting of Mushroom ($18), an unusual combination of masala cappuccino mushroom soup, grilled tandoori mushrooms and a spoonful of frozen masala mushroom ice cream — again, made with liquid nitrogen — fared well with us too. While the soup had the comforting, earthy taste of mushrooms, the star of the dish was the grilled mushrooms, comprising shiitake, button, shimeji and gucchi mushrooms. The mushrooms were flavourful and had a nicely-balanced, fiery kick. Gucchi mushrooms, as we found out from the chef, are exotic mushrooms from the Himalayas, costing about $1,500 per kilogramme. Our meal ended on a sweet note with the Gulab Jamun Cheesecake ($15), where the popular Indian sugary ‘doughnuts’ were given a Western interpretation and baked within a dense, velvety cheesecake. Saha Signature Indian Restaurant & Terrace Bar, 9A Duxton Hill (2nd floor), Singapore 089593, Tel: 6223 7321
By Geraldine Ling
When we were told that new and exquisite additions — specially created by renowned chef Chumpol Jangprai — were made to Patara’s menu, we were excited to give them a try. The Kaeng Lueng Pla Hima, a dish of Southern Thai style yellow curry with black cod, scored highly for its freshness and rich flavours. The yellow curry was mellow in heat, and paired well with the delicate and mild taste of the cod fish. Served in a Thai Benjarong, a porcelain bowl traditionally used for royal banquets, we couldn’t help but feel luxurious as we dug in. We also enjoyed the Tom Som Pla Krabok, a sweet and sour soup with mullet, where the piquant flavours of kaffir lime came through nicely. One of the appetisers, Koi Pla Tuna, a spicy tuna tartar salad in Thai style herb dressing, was palatable but nothing remarkable. We found the tuna’s texture a little too mushy for our liking, while the dressing did little to lift the dish. Stuffed as we were, we had to indulge our sweet tooth at the end. The chef’s interpretation of the durian dessert, Mor Kaeng Durian, was served in the form of a baked Thai-style durian cake with coconut milk. Balanced in its sweetness, and a great match for the accompanying scoop of coconut ice cream, the dessert was a satisfying end to our meal.
Look forward to a sweet end to the meal
The Devil’s in the Details Apart from Chef Chumpol’s delectable creations, some of the regular items on Patara’s menu stood out. The attention to detail, even in these dishes, was obvious. The See Krong Kae Yang, a Pan-seared Lemongrass-marinated Rack of Lamb was perfectly charred on the outside and tender on the inside. The use of lemongrass gave it a subtle fragrance that highlighted the meat’s natural jus. The unlikely pairing of the lamb with Glutinous Rice Pancake resulted in a dish that was surprisingly well-balanced with sweet and savoury flavours. Afterwards, we couldn’t help but wish that the pancake was also served together with the coconut ice cream! Finally, merit must be accorded to the humble glass of Thai Iced Tea that accompanied my meal. With cubes of frozen Thai tea in place of ice cubes, my drink was kept rich and refreshing throughout. This was truly a meal fit for royalty. Patara, Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Road, #03-14, Singapore 247933, Tel: 6737 0818 By Samantha Francis
September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
Foodmania W
September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
The TWG Autumn Celebration Tea, blended with a hint of sweetness and candied violet, complements the full-bodied flavours of traditional mooncake fillings
Fo o d F e atu r e
Mooncakes & tea Match made in heaven Weekender teaches you how to find the perfect tea to match your favourite traditional or snowskin mooncakes
Tea also comes in beautiful packaging these days, such as these from 1872 Clipper Tea Co.
Tea and mooncakes is a classic combination that piques our interest each time the midautumn season comes around. Like pairing cheese with wine, some might be intimidated by the complexity of combinations; but we’re here to show you that it’s not rocket science. With tips from the experts of The 1872 Clipper Tea Co, TWG tea and Goodwood Park Hotel, you’ll be a tea connoisseur in no time.
With Baked Mooncakes Traditional baked mooncakes are a staple during the Mid-Autumn Festival and usually feature crusts baked to golden brown, with fillings that typically consist of smooth lotus seed paste, sweet bean paste and / or a variety of crunchy nuts and seeds. As such, these rich and intense flavours tend to complement stronger teas. Rehan Amarasuriya, Director of The 1872 Clipper Tea Co, suggests pairing traditional baked mooncakes with black tea or oolong such as Alishan Oolong, Tie Guan Yin or Pu’er tou cha. He says that these teas go well with the buttery pastry and heavier fillings, helping to refresh the palate by cutting through the dense and sweet flavours. Another black tea you can consider is the TWG Autumn Celebration Tea, which is blended with a hint of sweetness and candied violet. Maranda Barnes, Director of Corporate Communications & Business Development and Co-Founder of
TWG Tea, suggests this tea as the perfect accompaniment for the full-bodied flavours of traditional mooncake fillings.
With Snowskin Mooncakes Perfect for dessert, snowskin mooncakes are loved for their delicate glutinous rice skin, and are especially delicious when served cold. Flavours run the gamut from lotus paste to fruits and even chocolate. To complement the highly-popular durian snowskin flavour, Michael Cheng, Director of Food & Beverage at Goodwood Park Hotel recommends “Long Jing” (Dragon Well tea), as the flavours of this pan-roasted green tea are able to measure up to the pungency of durian. Cold brews like Osmanthus Oolong or Ding Dong Oolong are also possible, as these cleanse the taste buds while allowing you to enjoy the fragrance of the durian.
With dessert-inspired mooncakes gaining popularity, you’ll want a tea that complements these creamy and nutty flavours. Lau Pat Sat, a tea blend from 1872 Clipper Tea’s City of Flavours collection, is said to counter such saccharine flavours well, with the fragrance from its real coconut flakes. Barnes also shares that snowskin mooncakes are a wonderful match for iced teas instead of the usual hot teas, as their refreshing finish does not overpower the non-traditional, sweet or fruity fillings that typically accompany these cold confections nowadays.
Interesting and Unexpected Pairings With restaurants and hotels outdoing one another with their adventurous mooncake
flavours — that can vary from jalapeno to truffles — one wonders what teas would match up to these. A good rule of thumb, according to Rehan, is that the tea should always complement the flavours of the mooncake instead of overpowering it. The mooncake and tea should thus have similar taste profiles. He cites the example that a mooncake with lemon or mandarin infusion would pair well with citrus-flavoured tea. Thus, in pairing with mooncakes with new-fangled ingredients, one should look out for teas with similar taste profiles. Another way is to familiarise yourself with the general characteristics of Chinese teas, says Goodwood Park Hotel’s Michael Cheng. For instance, he points out that black teas like Pu’ er are generally stronger tasting, while green, white and flower teas tend to be lighter in flavour. As such, one can then make a decision based on the main ingredient profile in the mooncake. To take out the guesswork, Barnes recommends TWG’s exclusive blend, Silver Moon Tea, which was specially conceived to pair with any variety of snow skin or traditional baked mooncakes. As a light and fragrant melange of green teas, it finishes with a hint of sweet vanilla, which subdues the sweet overtones of snowskin mooncakes and balances the rich notes of traditional mooncakes. Well, now you know. I hope this tea and mooncake pairing guide comes in handy for you.
By Samantha Francis
PAGE 15
Cel ebri ty ch e f re ci p e
Miso-ginger roast beef, mushrooms & garlic fried rice About Sarah Benjamin
F e at ur e d Mo o n cak es
TungLok’s mooncake offerings bring together familiar flavours and new, refreshing ones
Classic flavours meet new delights at TungLok TungLok unveils new snowskin flavours and elegant gift sets this mid-autumn Loved for its innovative yet comforting Chinese cuisine, the TungLok group is unveiling some exquisite mooncakes this mid-autumn season.
Tradition at Heart With tradition at the heart of its creations, TungLok’s signature golden brown baked mooncakes remain true to the occasion. Great for family and friends, the petite bitesized gems are back this year to nestle in the hearts of the young and old alike. The flavours include Pandan Lotus, Red Lotus, Red Bean with Sesame, Green Tea Lotus, Grains with Brown Sugar and more. Be sure to try the all-time favourite, White Lotus with Yolk Paste, comprising white lotus and yolk paste wrapped in delicate snowskin. With its melt-in-your-mouth smoothness, it is an exquisite must-have this season.
The Autumn Blossoms gift box comes in a classy tin with Chrysanthemum motifs
Classy Gifts from the Heart Whether you’re looking for a corporate gift or something to touch the hearts of your family and friends, TungLok has something to offer. Pick from a variety of signature designs including the Autumn Blossoms classic tin box, embellished with chrysanthemum motifs and complete with an embossed logo, or the Four Seasons box with four vibrant compartments featuring orchids for Spring, bamboo for Summer, chrysanthemums for Autumn and plum blossoms for Winter. This year, the restaurant group has also introduced two new and attractive sets of packaging.
Ingredients (Serves 6 people) • 2 kg Beef fillet • 5 tbsp Vegetable oil • 2 tsp Sea salt • 2 tsp Coarse ground black pepper • 2m Butcher’s twine • 2 tbsp Ginger, grated • 6 tbsp Miso paste • 2 tbsp Mirin • 1 tbsp Sesame oil • 1 cup Shimeji mushrooms • 1 cup Shiitake mushrooms, sliced • ¼ cup Garlic, thinly sliced • ¼ cup Spring onions, sliced • 4 cups Japanese rice, cooked • ¼ cup Japanese soy sauce
Method 1. Preheat oven to 210 deg C. 2. Using the butcher’s twine, tie a loop around the beef at every 5cm. 3. Rub oil on beef, and season with salt and pepper. 4. Roast in the oven for 30 minutes until the beef’s internal temperature reads 52 deg C. Once ready, take the roast out of the oven and let it rest. 5. Prepare the dressing for the fried rice by adding ginger, miso, mirin, and sesame oil in a pan. Stir occasionally. 6. To make the fried rice, heat vegetable oil in a wok. 7. Fry garlic until crisp, then remove. 8. Fry mushrooms, spring onion, then add the rice. 9. Add soy sauce and stir. Serve with sliced beef and pour the dressing over.
Cooking for Love: Culinary ideas for gatherings These bite-sized gems are a cute alternative
This brand new cooking show will inspire you to create delightful dishes for events with family and friends, or even dinner dates Forget about that overpriced gift; the best way to a person’s heart is through the stomach. Join “Food Hero” winner Sarah Benjamin and television personality and Chef Nik Michael Imran as they pit their culinary skills against each other to create affordable dishes for special family events. Watch for ideas and tips from their new show, “Cooking for Love”, to plan your very own scrumptious gathering.
Celebratory Meals
The King of Fruit By popular demand, TungLok has also brought back the King of Fruit. Durian fans can expect distinctive aroma and incomparable smoothness in these mini delights. The addition of delicate chestnuts also adds that extra oomph to each bite.
This is a delicious fried rice recipe with a tangy and flavourful dressing that blends perfectly with the well-seasoned roast beef and garlic chips.
F ood on TV
Fruity New Flavours For those who fancy a touch of sweetness, be delighted by TungLok’s two new snowskin mooncake flavours under the Tutti Frutti collection. The Banana Milk with Salted Caramel mooncake is a luscious combination of sweet and savoury — a tasty tribute to banana milkshake lovers. Paired with salted caramel, you’ll be indulging in the best of both worlds. Also, try the Orange Apricot with Chocolate. The zesty contrast of the orange and the sweetness of the apricot makes this treat a delicious surprise. Furthermore, with bits of chocolate encapsulated within, you’ll be enjoying every bite.
Born in Singapore to a British father and a Peranakan-Chinese mother, TV host Sarah Benjamin is one of the two winners of the first season of Asian Food Channel’s “Food Hero”. Catch her in her latest series, “Cooking For Love”, where she and co-star Nik Imran compete to create affordable dishes for special family events.
You can have mooncakes that come in vibrant compartments representing the seasons
The TungLok Perfect Duo, consisting of the Double Yolk White Lotus and Double Yolk Red Lotus, comes in an elegant box which exudes vibrancy and elegance with its floral orange exterior and wooden lid. Delicate drawings of Peony flowers adorn the box, signifying good fortune and prosperity. Those who like mini mooncakes can try the TungLok Bite-Sized mooncakes — an assortment of petite delights, presented in an eye-catching red box with gold embellishments. TungLok mooncakes are available at all TungLok restaurants from now until 27 Sep or while stocks last. Brought to you by TungLok. By Samantha Francis
Get inspired as Sarah and Nik concoct mouthwatering and show-stopping menus for various occasions as fun as a birthday bash, down to an intimate and romantic dinner for two. After each meal, the celebrating family will vote for the chef that won their hearts and their stomachs. If you’re looking to replicate the showcased dishes, fret not about taking notes — “Cooking for Love” will be accompanied by an exclusive digital series on the web (at www. asianfoodchannel.com/CookingForLove/ with instructional clips on preparing the dishes on the show), which features Sarah and Nik teaching viewers how to recreate their dishes at home. Looks like you’re all set for your next savoury soiree!
Win Bosch Goodies Mark your calendars and watch the episodes of “Cooking for Love” each week on the show’s
Top: These dishes are excellent for a gathering Above: “Food Hero” winner Sarah Benjamin & Chef Nik Imran show you how to cook up a party
microsite(www.asianfoodchannel.com/ cookingforlove) and you might just win some prizes for yourself. Each week, viewers stand to win kitchen appliances from the show sponsor, Bosch, through an online contest that runs from the show’s premiere on Sep 8 until Oct 30. Brought to you by Asian Food Channel. “Cooking for Love” airs every Tuesday, 10pm, on StarHub TV Ch 435.
Foodmania w
September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
More Art Deco-style bars have popped up, with creative and classy cocktails to match Some bars are taking cue from 1920s American aesthetics, channelling the era of flapper dresses and the Great Gatsby with Art Deco interiors and luxe bars. We weigh in on their cocktail offerings in these classy joints to see if they match the beautiful interiors.
Savour the Si p
Glamourous Gatsby-style bars transport you to a headier time
House of Dandy Modelled like a stylish bachelor pad with all the opulent fittings of pop art paintings, leather couches and gold barstools, House of Dandy is a feast for the eyes. The setting is dark and rather sexy, channelling the look and feel of old-fashioned gentlemen’s clubs — and you’ll be hard pressed to find a shabbily-dressed patron in this Gatsbyesque establishment. In line with the bar’s hedonistic vibe, the drinks are a curious mix of classic favourites and new concoctions. Award-winning bartender Zac Mirza is a charm to watch, as he whips up bespoke cocktails, dressed like a dandy himself too. A noteworthy cocktail is the Dandy Threesome ($22), a tipple bursting with Asian flavours like ginger, kaffir lime and lemongrass, topped with an interesting touch of egg white for a creamy finish. If you prefer knocking back a straight pour, be spoilt for choice with boutique spirits like the VIP Truffle Vodka ($23).
Regent Singapore, 1 Cuscaden Rd, Level 2, Singapore 249715
The Powder Room The Powder Room, also the glamorous mezzanine lounge of Black Swan, is back with a revamped drinks menu. Set in a 1930s Art Deco space with Jazz Age-inspired decor, The Powder Room draws us in with its plush interiors. Invention and creativity, with a touch of theatricality, are hallmarks of the cocktail menu. Groups of well-dressed ladies were seen gushing over The Flying Swan, a photogenic, pale pink-coloured cocktail served in an absinthe fountain. Its stunning presentation was matched by its taste — a gin and sherry combination finished with some refreshing lycée puree. Another fascinating cocktail worth a try is Thank You for Smoking ($21), an alcoholic interpretation of your midday caffeine fix with barrel-aged coffee whiskey, chocolate bitters and notes of tart cherry.
74 Tras St, Singapore 079013
Manhattan Nestled in the heart of Regent Singapore, the Manhattan bar is a hidden gem reminiscent of the 19th century’s Golden Age of fine drinking. Swanky and visually-stunning, with long rows of glowing bottles lining the bar, the set-up is a modern twist on old New York.
Left: The Powder Room’s “The Gatsby” suits the bar’s theme
In the days when I was a lad, the wines that were available were mostly European or, specifically, French — how things have changed. Since then, the USA appears to have dethroned France as the top producer of fine wines and, thereafter, this opened the floodgates for many other countries to enter the fray. Now, the world is thirsty for all types of wine from every corner of the world.
By Samantha Francis
Middle: HOD’s Shooting S.t.a.r.s is intriguing Above: The decor helps to set the scene
Rising Wine from the Rising Sun From the Land of the Rising Sun where sake rules, Japanese wines are gradually ascending to the world stage. I was surprised to find that Japan has a long heritage of winemaking. Tomi Farm, now called Suntory Tomi No Oka Winery, was started in 1909. Yamanashi Prefecture, where the winery is located, is home to Japan’s Kosyu grapes — a white varietal that has been cultivated for 1,000 years. Tomi is also home to a local red varietal called Muscat Bailey A, created by the “father of the Japanese wine grape”, Zenbei Kawakami, in 1936. I had the pleasure of tasting from two of Suntory’s Japanese wine labels. The first is Tomi No Oka Winery and the other is called Japanese Premium, which uses grapes from select vineyards across Japan.
new w i n e s
Better known for sake than wines, Japan offers some unique varietals for the adventurous
19 Cecil Street, Singapore 049704
Top: House of Dandy (HOD) oozes luxe and class
Tomi No Oka Winery has an auspicious view of Mt Fuji
Japanese wines on the rise
Thankfully, the drink selection behind this grand facade is excellent, including Ocho tequila and quality rye and bourbon. The well-curated cocktail menu reflects the influence of various Manhattan neighbourhoods. For instance, the Box Office Smash ($23) is adorably served with a side of popcorn, as a tribute to the Theater District. Apart from the cocktails, we recommend saving your appetite for some classic bar bites. The Maine Lobster Roll ($26) with avocado butter was well-executed and delicious, as well as a good complement for any night out with drinks.
The Three Whites
Kosyu grapes, widely used in Japanese wines, have been cultivated in Yamanashi for 100 years
The Muscat Bailey A grape, created by the “father of the Japanese wine grape”
Japan Premium Shinshu Chardonnay 2012, produced in Nagano Prefecture, is a very clear and mild white wine with hints of white flower, pear and citrus notes. It has a smooth, light, watery texture in the mouth and nicely-balanced acidity. It would easily go with many white meat and fish options. The Japan Premium Kosyu 2013 and Tomi No Oka Kosyu 2012 are both white wines made from Kosyu grapes from the Yamanashi region. The former, made from the juice of frozen grapes and aged using the sur lie method (being aged on lees or yeast deposits), is fermented and aged completely in stainless steel tanks. It has a pale yellowish colour, smooth and delicate texture, and carries a hint of Japanese citrus. The latter is from Kosyu grapes picked three weeks after ripening and blended from 50 per cent stainless steel batch and 50 per cent French oak batch. It is stronger in flavour, with peach and white flower notes, and is pleasant and mild with a nice rounded flavour. The oak imparted a
Some of the wine in Suntory Tomi No Oka Winery left to mature in casks
delicate butterscotch aroma, which makes this my favourite between the two.
The Three Reds Tomi No Oka also grows other grape varietals. In its Red 2011, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon and Cabernet Franc are blended together to bring out the subtleties of blueberry and prune aromas with a definitive scent of vanilla from the oak barrels. Of the three reds, this is perhaps the most robust and full-bodied. While both the Japan Premium Muscat Bailey A 2012 and Shiojiri Muscat Bailey A 2013 use the same varietal, the former, lighter in body, was blended with barrelaged wine to add more complexity. The slightly heavier and more intense Shiojiri is tank-aged and preserves the fruitiness of the grape. Both of these wines had a slight somewhat herbal bitterness, which didn’t suit my taste. But it’s always a pleasure to experience something new. By Frank Young These wines are available from The Beam Cellar, 229 Mountbatten Road. Weekender would like to thank Beam Suntory for the wine tasting and Lewin Terrace for the food pairing.
PAGE 17
Since 2001, At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy has been continuously producing globallyrecognised chefs and F&B professionals
F e at u r e d co o k in g sc ho o l
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Quality Culinary Education & Real Experience As with any established school, the critical factors to measure excellent education are the quality of teaching or imparting of skills, the broad and relevant spectrum of its programme, as well as its fruit — the successes of its alumni. At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy was founded upon such values, with a vision to advance the culinary arts and food and beverage profession with integrity and meaning. Its courses and training are holistic, professional and highly helpful to anyone who wants to be a professional chef. Since 2001, At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy has been continuously producing globally-recognised chefs and F&B professionals. The food and cooking know-how includes that of skills and knowledge of East and West, Old and New World techniques, the understanding and use of herbs and spices, as well as innovation and technology as it is related to the culinary field. To help students expand their horizons beyond their training environment, AtSunrice also incorporates real-life work experience via a one-week study and two-week apprenticeship rotation, so that the transition from trainees to skilled professionals in the trade upon graduation would be seamless.
possibilities. You will be given opportunities to venture into culinary nutrition, entrepreneurship and even to further your education for higher-level opportunities. With agreements with renowned universities such as Johnson & Wales University (USA), University of West London (UK) and William Angliss Institute (Australia), At-Sunrice’s degree pathway programme stands apart with a good balance of academic studies and work experience. Furthermore, in line with the SkillsFuture initiative, At-Sunrice also offers modular lifelonglearning programmes such as baking basic bread, preparing French éclairs and choux pastry, studying about wine, and much more. As an EduTrust-certified institution, conferred by the Singapore Workforce Development Agency (WDA) to develop and manage the integrated Continuing Education Training (CET) Centre for Culinary and F&B Management, you can be assured of quality education at the Academy. For Singaporean citizens or PRs, you will be entitled to up to 70 per cent subsidy for diploma programmes and up to 90 per cent subsidy for certificate and lifelong learning modular programmes. Fulfil your culinary dreams today. Brought to you by At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy. Visit www.at-sunrice.edu.sg or call 6416 6688 for more information.
Open Doors to Various Opportunities Taking the first step of enrolling in At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy not only grants you the option of pursuing a career in culinary arts but also opens doors to various career
Learn to create dishes that satisfy palates and culinary knowledge to empower you as a professional chef
SHOPsavvy W
September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
Fa s h i o n F eatu r e
Check out your favourite online fashion labels in stores now Don’t call them blogshops anymore. After all, these four homegrown e-tailers — Love, Bonito; Her Velvet Vase; Klarra; and Eight Slate — have successfully moved beyond the e-commerce space to set up physical shops, like pop-ups or brick-andmortar stores, both here and overseas. Weekender finds out the reasons behind their transformation.
Eight Slate A rising star in the local e-tailer scene is Eight Slate, a women’s e-clothing brand established last year by fashion “influencer”, Savina Chai. Loved for their tailored and edgy aesthetics, and equally matched by their stylishly-shot campaign look books, it’s no wonder that they’ve grown so fast in so little time. In the short span of a year, Eight Slate has already popped up in various venues, including women’s fashion store Soon Lee and more recently at cocktail bar Bitters&Love, as part of a collaboration with Cointreau. While the brand has no plans for a brick-and-mortar store in the near future, it is working to expand overseas as a huge bulk of its customer purchases come from abroad.
Klarra Homegrown womenswear label Klarra held its very first pop-up retail space in the heart of town, at Robinsons The Heeren, in August. One may wonder what took them so long, seeing that their label has been around since 2012. Nonetheless, we think the pop-up, which also launched the brand’s pre-Fall collection, was worth the wait. The collection featured sleek and tailored work-appropriate styles, with a touch of emerald and sea foam. We hear that these designs were inspired by Singapore’s architectural icons, which explained the asymmetrical lines and structured cuts. As for whether they’ll be opening a retail outlet anytime soon, they revealed that they were keen on the idea but don’t have concrete plans yet.
Love, Bonito Founded in 2010, Love, Bonito has grown to become one of Singapore’s leading online fashion stores. Its fast-selling pieces are testament to how much customers love the brand’s chic, trendy and quality designs — no wonder that its first flagship store at Mid Valley, Malaysia, opened to much fanfare. While some may be surprised that the fashion retailer chose to open their first store in Malaysia instead of Singapore, there is a good reason for doing so, say the brand’s cofounder Rachel Lim. “We noticed that Malaysians were more comfortable buying clothes from physical stores. So we decided to open our first flagship store there to cater to the Malaysian market,” she added. Last year, the local label also launched its first pop-up store at Tangs Vivocity. But whether there are plans to open a full-scale store in Singapore is another question altogether. Regardless of what happens, there’s always the reliable Love, Bonito website to shop from.
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Fight the ravages of time with Bella’s Sonic Vitamin C Infusion therapy, which pampers your skin with the antioxidant properties of Vitamin C. Renowned for its ability to prevent damage induced by UV radiation — the main cause of premature skin ageing, Vitamin C also works to improve skin’s natural defence and elasticity as well as prevent skin damage caused by free radicals. With more than three decades of experience, Bella has been providing professional skincare and hair removal services to help clients achieve beautiful and younger-looking skin.
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A popular homegrown online fashion retailer founded in 2007 by sisters Clare and Mag Chan, Her Velvet Vase is known for incorporating tailored femininity in their designs. Fast forward eight years, their success has now led them to open an international office in New York as well as an American shopping portal. The reason for setting up shop in one of the world’s fashion capitals? To address a market need. Clare said, “We believe that there is demand for our approach to fashion from other markets. With Mag focusing on design while I drive up business operations, we are keen to further extend Her Velvet Vase to other markets. “Singapore remains a core focus and as much as we bring Her Velvet Vase to the world, we bring international styles back to Singapore too.” In line with their foray into the Big Apple, they have also launched a New York Collection inspired by the street styles of fashionable cities such as Paris and Stockholm. We’re in love with the minimalist stripes and monochrome palette, which are perfect for work and play. Her Velvet Vase’s United States’ office will consist of a showroom that doubles as the occasional pop-up store. Though its current operations appear to be without any frills, we’re keeping our fingers crossed for when the growing Singaporean brand will actually open a full-fledged retail store there. By Samantha Francis
PAGE 19
Fash i o n ne ws
Beauty i n Br i e f
Ignite your training with Puma One shoe for all your workout needs — take it from gym to pavement It’s not often that I find myself in a gym at 4pm on a work day but I did just that at the launch of Puma’s all-new Ignite XT training footwear. There, clad in a pair of black Ignite XT running shoes, I took part in an hour of crossfit, courtesy of the System Gym.
Rebirth your skin Revitalise and exfoliate your skin with these gentle and non-invasive peels — our beauty writer Samantha Francis shares her experience
Get your running kick with these other products
From gym gear to street wear Call me vain, but I was delighted that my Ignite XT in Black Periscope matched my navy dri-fit T-shirt and black shorts. With the sleek silver trademark Puma stripe sweeping across one side of the shoe, and a leaping puma mascot on the other, these shoes could easily pass off for street wear. Available in four colours, two of which are already available in local Puma stores, the shoes we especially liked were the Cloisonné-Poseidon-Sulphur Spring, donned by Jamaican sprinter Usain Bolt in his Puma campaign.
South Bridge Aesthetics Clinic’s Carbon Laser Peel Asics Gel-Quantum 360 Asics’ new running shoe ($279) has maximum shock absorption and its reinforced stretch mesh aims to offer extreme comfort and a custom, glovelike fit. Available at select specialty and sporting goods stores
New Balance Vazee Pace This lightweight running shoe ($179) is engineered for faster running and aims to deliver a responsive ride for long runs. Available at New Balance stores
Perfect partner in crosstraining Throughout my hour-long highintensity workout, I experienced first-hand the virtues of the Ignite XT. With additional heel thickness on the media and lateral sides, I found that my side-to-side movements were nicely supported, especially when I had to diagonally swing a 5kg weight. My feet also didn’t feel restricted by the shoes even as I performed various side and forward lunges, thanks to the full-length Flex Groove, which enabled fast and dynamic multi-directional movement.
One shoe, various workouts As someone who dabbles in a variety of workouts, be it running, yoga, or spin classes, I found that the Ignite XT made a great all-rounded training shoe. Puma’s signature Ignite foam also offers high-rebound cushioning, which is suitable for both high-intensity workouts as well as track running. Seeing how my current shoes have already suffered the brunt of my nightly jogs, resulting in uneven sole wear-outs, I’m curious to see if Ignite’s EverTrack high-abrasion resistant rubber outsoles offer as much durability in high-wear areas as it claims. Time will tell. The Ignite XT retails for $149 and is available at Puma outlets.
Above: Puma Ignite XT Women’s training shoes in various colours
If the thought of exfoliation conjures images of your poor skin being vigorously scrubbed by a cleanser with micro beads, think again. These days, shedding your dull skin to reveal a glowing façade is no longer such a chore. With non-invasive lasers, gentle peels and overnight masks, you can attain a revitalised complexion without much trouble.
By Samantha Francis
For softer and brighter skin, try South Bridge Aesthetics Clinic’s popular Carbon Laser Peel. This non-invasive treatment is said to enhance the skin’s radiance and promote a smooth, glowing complexion. All the better for your makeup to glide on. As a newbie to laser treatments, I had some apprehension about the process. Thankfully, it was as simple as removing my makeup, having a thin layer of carbon solution applied to my face, before the lasers started to zap. The entire process took about 10-15 minutes and it felt like tiny bursts of bearable concentrated heat on my skin; almost like mini fireworks going off. Don’t be alarmed if you smell smoke, it’s only the carbon being burned off. Unlike traditional facial extractions, this left my skin with little to no redness and, immediately after, I noticed that my pores were slightly reduced. South Bridge Aesthetics’ Carbon Laser Peel is priced at $120 per session, or $850 for 10 sessions.
CNP Laboratory’s Invisible Peeling Booster As a gentle peeling product that requires no rinsing or washing after, CNP Laboratory’s Invisible Peeling Booster ($48.90) won us over with its convenience of use. The peeling booster aims to boost dead skin cell removal, refine skin tone and provide long-lasting hydration. After a week of nightly use, I found my skin smoother with less bumps. Followon skincare, like toner, also seemed to be absorbed better. Available at Guardian Health & Beauty Stores and the CNP website.
Philosophy Microdelivery Overnight Anti-Ageing Peel A two-step, leave-on anti-ageing peel ($129), this one micro-exfoliates your skin, allowing it to receive the restoring benefits of the youth-extending gel. It also doubles as an overnight mask to deeply hydrate and nourish the skin. Available at Sephora and Philosophy stores.
SHOPsavvy W
September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
T e c h F eatu r e
Fast track to fitness Pump up your workouts with these fitness wearables It used to be difficult to calculate the amount of calories you burn with every gym session or workout, but not any more. These specially designed exercise gadgets, which allow you to see the technical breakdown of your workout, will help you train better, harder and smarter.
Sony Smart B-Trainer Sony’s latest training headset (right) is the best running companion you can ever dream of, especially if you love music as much as your run. The Sony Smart B-Trainer ($399) measures your heart rate, calories burnt, and even the angle of elevation as you run. To top it all off, the gadget doubles as an MP3 player and has an in-built GPS to track your running distance. Also, the Smart B-Trainer automatically plays music according to your heart rate. It will play songs with a faster tempo to encourage you to run faster to meet your pre-set target and vice versa. The Smart B-Trainer is also waterproof and washable. Now you don’t have to ever worry about your fitness wearables spoiling when it starts to pour in the middle of your run. Available at Sony stores and Sony retailers
T e c h B y t es
Plug and play
The Mi Band has an in-built pedometer
Xiaomi Mi Band
Stay up to date in the digital world with these gadgets and apps
Sony a7R II
Nakamichi Bluetooth Speakers The Japanese brand’s three newly launched bluetooth speakers includes the “My Taiko” BT speaker ($29), a splash-proof speaker that’s perfect to bring along for any outdoor or water-related activities. Available at Challenger Superstores
Who says you need a full-fledged DSLR for excellent image quality? Mirrorless cameras can do the job too. Sony’s new a7R II ($4,099, body only) offers high image resolution, high sensitivity and high-speed responses. You’ll also be able to shoot easily in lowlight conditions thanks to its high ISO (up to 102400). The a7R II also includes the ability to record movies in 4K quality (QFHD 3840x2160) in either Super 35mm crop mode or full-frame mode.
If you are new to fitness wearables and can’t quite decide on which specific one you are looking for, then the Mi Band ($19.90) could be it. The Mi Band, which is worn on your wrist, has an in-built pedometer and measures your sleep cycles. The gadget, which can run for up to 30 days with a single battery charge, also doubles as an alarm clock and can notify you when you have an incoming call on your smartphone. Available at www.mi.com/sg
Garmin Swim
Available at all Sony Stores, Sony Centres and selected Sony authorised dealers
Wear the Misfit Shine as a necklace or clip-on
Misfit Shine
Nike+ Running Pace Station If there’s one thing that eases the sweat and pain of a cardio-intensive run, it’s got to be music. Nike+ Running’s latest app update, developed in partnership with Spotify, has introduced the Pace Station. The updated free app now allows users to input their target pace and favourite artist or genre to create a personalised 100-song playlist designed to help them reach their goal pace when they step in-beat to the prescribed songs. Exclusively available on Apple iTunes
Noontec Hammo S Over Ear Headphones These lightweight headphones ($149), weighing only 240g, are an ease to bring around. Once folded, the headphones even reduce space utilisation by 50 per cent and fit easily into your luggage. Available at Sprint-Cass outlet (Changi International Airport)
The Garmin Swim records stroke count
This is possibly the most glammed up version of any wearable. Shine ($179) is elegant, vibrantly coloured and tastefully crafted for the trendy. What sets Shine apart from the rest of the wearables is that you get to choose how you want to wear it. The gadget is actually just a pendant, so you get to choose if you want to wear it as a necklace, a clip-on or as a wrist accessory. Shine measures steps, calories burnt, distance, automatically monitors the quality of your sleep and duration. It also has a watch function that the Mi Band lacks. For those who prefer to wear their fitness wearable as a fashion statement, Shine has a Swarovski edition that has got all the bling. Available at the Apple Store
The Garmin Swim ($239) is, as its name suggests, a wrist-wearable specially designed for swimming. Just strap it on, hit start and plunge into the pool while this wearable measures and records your performance. Concentrate on perfecting your swimming strokes while Garmin Swim measures and records distance, pace, stroke count and stroke type. The device is water resistant up to a depth of 50m, making it safe for pool or open sea swimming use, but not deep scuba diving. Available at authorised retailers, including Best Denki and Lazada
By Geralyne Kaye
Tech Storm is a brand new avenue for you to get plugged in to addictive tech trends, reviews on gadgets, apps and be inspired by the coolest start-up stories. Check us out at: www.techstorm.tv
PAGE 21
home inspirations
Get ideas for transforming your home
Red brick walls define the dining area
A sunshine-yellow coloured wall brings a touch of happiness
Bring on the Cheer Our popular section continues with more inspiring ideas and home makeovers
C
harm and cheer are the hallmarks of this apartment for a young couple — and aptly so. Designed by D’Initial Concept, the home exudes a laidback café-like vibe that is boosted by vibrant colours and a well-curated mix of materials and furniture.
Cosy Up
Winding Down
The dining area takes up a cosy corner in the home, and is defined by red brick walls. On one side, a chalkboard panel lets the owners personalise the space on a day-today basis while an internal window provides sneak peeks into the kitchen for some cooking entertainment.
A mellow mood takes over in the master bedroom where a deeper palette of walnut timber laminates was used for the cabinets that framed the bed. The bed is backed by a dark niche that has been dramatically lit, creating a cosy cove of sorts. A bright spot of cyan colours the wall beside the entrance to keep things feeling young.
Sunshine State Much effort went into keeping the living area bright and lively. But instead of design gymnastics, the designers opted to keep things simple. The TV console is a playful configuration of wooden boxes, each providing a niche for displaying personal mementos. Behind, a sunshine-yellow coloured wall brings a brilliant burst of cheer to the space.
Cooking Options Function reigns supreme in the galleyconfiguration kitchen. Here, laminates have been used on both the cabinet fronts (a subdued cement-like finish) and counter top and backsplash (a warm timber finish). The laminate counter top, especially, is an economical but hardy alternative to other materials like stone or quartz.
Light Work
A carefully-composed colour palette made for a pleasant space
The easy, light attitude of the home continues into the study where a carefully-composed palette of bright yellow, baby blue and grey timber creates a pleasant space to be in. The designers built in a full cabinet on one side of the room — a neat study is, after all, a conducive one.
Article first published in Lookbox Living #39 May/Jun 2015
Lookbox Living #43 is out now! Available at major bookstores and news stands! For more interior projects, visit www.lookboxliving.com.sg
By Redzman Rahmat www.lookboxliving.com.sg
Walnut timber laminates help create a mellow mood in the bedroom
TRAVELation W
September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
darting around a sea anemone, a giant tuna and even a rare sea turtle. There were so many activities to do in Niyama that I clocked very few hours in my Beach Pool Suite. But just in case you wanted to spend more time relaxing indoors, the villas are fully-equipped with high-quality entertainment — including movies and novels — with complimentary ice cream and popcorn. I soaked in the view of the beach and the lagoon from my private infinity pool, and the unit also comes with an outdoor waterfall shower. (Don’t worry, there is an indoor bathtub and shower too!)
Huvafen Fushi has only 44 units and is largely surrounded by greenery
LUXURY FOR LESS
Trav e l f eatu r e
Luxury living in the Maldives
You may be able to see rare sea animals if you’re lucky
a clear coral reef, and you can jump straight into the sea for a dip or a snorkel. The waters around Huvafen are safe for swimming, and all water activities, except motorised sports, are complimentary. If you’re lucky, stingrays may glide by your villa. It’s safe to swim with them but if that’s too close for comfort, head down to the lagoon at around 6.30pm for a supervised stingray feeding session. Speaking of feeding, Hufaven’s dining offerings will delight any palate. The cooling sea breeze creates the perfect atmosphere for romantic meals — be it fine dining at Raw or seafood feasts at Salt. There are also private destination dining options like Cardamom Lounge, an al fresco boudoir grill set amid rich flora. If you and your partner love massages, head over to the world’s first underwater spa, Lime, where you can watch the calming marine life meander around you. And there’s no rush at all when your session ends — you can linger for as long as you’d like.
Jetabout Holidays is offering a three-night Honeymoon Special at Huvafen or Niyama, covering daily breakfast, seaplane transfers and a romantic beach dinner planned out for you. The package starts at $4,910 per couple, a rate that helps save on the expensive transfers from Male, which can run up to US$560 ($800). Those looking for a slightly longer stay at Huvafen can consider the four-night Summer Special package for $6,570. Families can consider the four-night Niyama stay for two adults and two children, where kids stay and eat for free. Starting from $6,420 per family, this package covers daily breakfast and dinner, and seaplane transfers. Weekender readers can receive a US$350 or US$550 resort credit with a minimum of 4 nights booked with Jetabout Holidays at Niyama and Huvafen Fushi respectively by Oct 16, 2016. Terms and conditions apply. After all, why settle for less than the best?
By Pamela Chow
This feature was brought to you by Jetabout Holidays. Weekender would like to thank Jetabout Holidays and Per Aquum for making this trip possible. For booking and enquiries, contact Jetabout Holidays at 6734 1818 or E-mail e_retail@jetabout.com.sg.
WHERE KIDS AND ADULTS CAN PLAY Maldives is home to hundreds of resorts, and each one has a different charm to offer — our travel writer compares two different premium experiences and shares what each is best at With their crystal clear shores, lavish overwater villas and boardwalks that stretch into the blue horizon, resorts in Maldives seem to be similar to one another. I learnt otherwise after my recent stay at two Maldivian resorts under the hospitality group Per Aquum. There, I discovered that each resort has its own personality and colour. The Huvafen Fushi, which means “dream island” in Maldivian, is a highly-private islet, while Niyama is bigger and more familyfriendly. Here’s an intimate look at the different offerings from Per Aquum in the Maldives, and what makes staying with them so worth it.
IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU No matter which resort you opt for, Per Aquum’s Maldivian hospitality is ready for you from the minute you clear customs. A guide is there to take your luggage off your hands and lead you into a private lounge. Sip on a refreshing beverage of your choice — I had apple juice — while you wait for your
transfer to whisk you away to your Per Aquum resort. Huvafen is a comfortable 35-minute speedboat ride from Male’s airport jetty, and Niyama is accessible through a 45-minute eye-opening seaplane ride. Once you arrive at your resort, you are warmly greeted by a welcome reception and drinks, after which your butler will drive you to your villa on a buggy. You read that right: you’re served by a butler, or “Thakuru” in Maldivian. He or she will take care of arranging your resort activities and dining reservations. And in the Thakuru’s absence, the other resort staff will be able to relay your requests. You’ll feel important, comfortable and at peace every step of the way — almost as if you’re the only one in paradise.
A CHANCE FOR ROMANCE Huvafen has everything set up for the ultimate couple’s retreat. The island has only 44 units and is largelysurrounded by greenery, with its facilities sitting on the water’s edge. It’s like discovering a hidden cove away from the rest of the world. I stayed in the Lagoon Bungalow, an overwater villa with an astounding view of ombre turquoise waters. The patio opens up to
Niyama sports an entirely different atmosphere from Huvafen. Unlike the latter’s plush serenity, Niyama radiates liveliness and adventure, perhaps because it spans a whopping 2km across two islands, offering more areas to explore. The resort’s offerings cater to both the young and old. Until 6pm, the Children’s Club will keep your young ones busy with supervised activities like football, snorkelling safaris and Master Chef classes, complete with meals around the resort. While the kids are away, you can take in the entirety of Niyama in carefree mode. Like in Huvafen, a Thakuru can take you around on a buggy, but I hopped on the vintage bike in front of my villa and explored Niyama with the wind in my hair. Niyama may be expansive, but its facilities are close to one another. After indulging in a hearty breakfast at Epicure, I cycled over to the Mediterranean-styled Blu to relax in the infinity pool before lunch. These beachside areas are dotted with numerous deck chairs and cabanas, and there are absolutely no crowds to contend with. I then took my exploration out to sea on a snorkelling trip about 15 minutes from the island. There, the teeming ecosystem is larger than life. An experienced guide led my group to several sights, like a family of clownfish
From top to bottom: No matter which resort you choose, you will be well looked after with Per Aquum’s signature Maldivian hospitality
PAGE 23 like a starry night sky, with the light emanating from the glow-worms resembling the iridescence of the cosmos. Black water rafting is another activity that you absolutely must not miss during your visit to the Waitomo Caves. Not for the faint of heart, the activity involves swimming and crawling through passages, allowing you to get closer to the glow-worms than you would on a boat ride. You can even zip down a flying fox or even abseil through the darkness and climb up rushing waterfalls for a surge of adrenaline like no other. Do note that these activities require you to be at least 45kg due to safety requirements.
Bucket List
Exceptional ideas to experience in your lifetime
Photos: www.waitomo.com
Interesting attractions
Inside part of Ruakuri Cave in Waitomo
Enter a glowing paradise Sail through the Waitomo Glowworm Caves and bask in the beauty of twinkling glow-worms If you thought you’d never pay to see insects, the beautiful creatures at Waitomo might just change your mind. The name Waitomo is derived from the Maori words “wai” and “tomo”, which mean “water” and “hole” respectively but these caves aren’t just simply watering holes. Instead, they contain a complex system of underground rivers and the Arachnocampa
luminosa, also known as the New Zealand glow-worm.
All aboard A boat ride is perhaps one of the best ways to enjoy the remarkable sights at the Waitomo Caves, a solutional cave system made of limestone that formed over 30 million years. Some guides will sing lilting and beautiful Maori songs as your boat drifts slowly down the underground Waitomo river, creating a unique and captivating atmosphere. The roof of the cave can look surprisingly
Waitomo is located in the Northern King Country region of the North Island of New Zealand and is easily accessible by rail or shuttle. The caves are located just outside the main Waitomo township. Auckland is a three-hour drive away. Two other caves you may want to visit during your stay in Waitomo include the Ruakuri Cave and the Aranui Cave. The former, a sacred ground, has an entrance that was previously used as a burial ground. The latter is one of the most luxuriously decorated caves in New Zealand, adorned by Mother Nature with stalagmites (icicle shaped formations created from the precipitate of minerals dripping through a cave ceiling), flowstones and other decorative formations. At least once in your life, you have to experience the mystical paradise of Waitomo.
Some guides will sing Maori songs as you drift down the river, creating a captivating atmosphere
For more information on the tours available, visit www.waitomo.com. By Samantha Phey
The light emanating from the glow-worms can resemble the iridescence of the cosmos
TRAVELation W
September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
sh o rt h aul tr avel
Koh Samui:
No trip to Thailand is complete without a visit to a local wat — Big Buddha, the most famous attraction in Samui, awaits
Escape to beach heaven Looking for an alternative beach paradise to Phuket? A short hop to Koh Samui could be your ticket to a perfect beach vacation For the well-seasoned traveller looking for beach vacations, Phuket and Krabi in western Thailand are always good choices. But, over time, their appeal may wane. A less frequented beach, on the eastern side of Thailand, may provide a respite from Phuket’s or Krabi’s maddening crowds. Its name? Koh Samui. Like its cousins in western Thailand, the island offers a variety of activities from scuba diving in marina parks to rock climbing. However, Koh Samui is less crowded with cooler and drier weather.
11D 哈比 WINTER DONGBEI 随
DJ BEN 11天冰雪东北 哈比游
Charming Samui Airport
Chillin’ in Chaweng
Like going to Phuket, the one-hour and 45 -minute flight from Singapore to Koh Samui is a breeze, with direct flights operated by Bangkok Airways and SilkAir. One of Thailand’s “boutique” airlines, Bangkok Air offers free lounge access for most economy class passengers. Be sure to try their signature banana sticky rice treat at the lounge, which is popular among frequent fliers. At first blush, Koh Samui’s airport, may seem small. But what it lacks in size, it makes up in charm. The building is stylishly built with tropical orchids accentuating its high conical ceilings. The prominence of hardwood timbres also gives the airport a nice warm, welcoming feel — your vacation has begun.
The longest and most famous beach in Samui, Chaweng beach is as straight as a ruler, stretching about a kilometre on the eastern coast. Its fine sand is alabaster white and the water is nice and blue. Chaweng has everything you’ll need for a laid back vacation. Resorts catering to different budgets line the beach along with bars and restaurants. Best of all, you don’t have to cross any street to access the beaches. They are located just in front of the hotels’ property line. The Ozo Chaweng Samui, for instance, a four-star hotel minutes from the airport, has a modern stylish design and a large refreshing pool in the centre. But who needs the pool when a wonderful white sand beach is one step away? After sunset, the Chaweng strip comes to life.
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Special Christmas Dep: 24 Dec 2015 Special Christmas Dep: 22 Dec 2015
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Special Christmas Dep: 19, 21, 23 Dec 2015 DEP: 31 OCT 2015
DEP: 10 DEC 2015 Islandwide Hotline:
+65 6392 5000
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Golden Mile Tower
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PAGE 25
10 SETS OF
BANYAN TREE E-VOUCHERS (WORTH $20 EACH)
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Since the beach is straight, it’s easy to stroll up and down the strip and not get lost as restaurants start serving dinner and the bars begin to wake from their daylight slumber. But don’t expect to see the sun set — you’ll only see that on the western shores of Samui. There is also a bit of a wild side to Chaweng at the Soi Green Mango district, where scantily-clad girls and cabarets spice up the nightlife in a number of bars and clubs.
where a 12m tall golden Buddha sits atop a small hill overlooking the island. The area is peaceful and quiet and you’ll be able to enjoy the vista and look into the bay. When you’re there, be sure to admire the sculptural objects of devotion and tap the numerous large brass bells. Then, visit the little quaint town and market below the hill, where you can buy charms and souvenirs.
Fridays at Fisherman’s Village
Over by Lamai, a rocky beach about 6 km from Chaweng, lie two interesting rock formations called Hin Ta and Hin Yai, or Grandpa and Grandma rocks. A local folklore tells of an old, loving couple who lost their lives when their boat capsized in the sea nearby. Their bodies were found at this beach. Miraculously, the boulders by the shore formed in the shape of a male phallus, representing Hin Ta, and female genitalia, representing Hin Yai. I’ve seen my share of pareidolias such as cracks in caves which looked like Jesus Christ (if you look really hard) and rocks that resembled Egyptian queen Nefertiti. But Hin Ta and Hin Yai left almost nothing to the imagination. Well, at least to me. Now, I don’t know if these rocks formed naturally or were made a long time ago but one thing’s for sure, the locals sure made a great tourist attraction out of this.
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No vacation is complete in Southeast Asia without visiting a local wat or temple. So take a break from the blazing sun and visit Samui’s most famous destination: Big Buddha shrine at Wat Phra Yai on the northern tip,
Cheeky Samuians
Peace and quiet
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Located on the northern side of the island, a short drive away, is the town of Bophut, which carries the Chinese-Thai atmosphere of its original settlers. Like Chaweng, Bophut has many hotels along its stretch but the latter’s focus is more on families and children [Read: no raunchy bars]. Apparently, Bophut has great sunset views from its beach but the water is murkier than at Chaweng. Every Friday at Bophut Beach, the Fisherman’s Village closes its streets and transforms into a big night market selling local food and trinkets. There are also a good number of western restaurants and bars around, adding to the village’s vibrant atmosphere. Definitely a must see in Samui.
Koh Samui has fewer tourists and its weather is cooler and drier
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TAIPEI & YILAN MINSU TOUR 469 4D Dep: Oct 8, 15, 22, 29; Nov 5,12,19,26; Dec 3,10,17,24,31
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Weekender thanks the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Bangkok Airways and OZO Chaweng Samui for making this trip possible. For more information on Bangkok Airways, visit www.bangkokair.com/eng. For information on OZO hotels and reservation, visit www.ozohotels.com/chaweng-samui.
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Charming trolleys ferry passengers from the planes to the terminals at Samui Airport
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A shopping gallery with a difference, the Banyan Tree Gallery showcases products that are made by traditional village craftsmen from countries like China, Thailand and Indonesia, helping to sustain these artisans’ livelihood and skills through gainful employment. With these vouchers, shoppers can look forward to purchasing exclusive, eco-friendly crafts that minimise the use of environmentally-harmful materials. Products on sale include the Banyan Tree Bamboo Towel ($68), made from organic bamboo, and the Banyan Tree Mini Spa Gift Set ($54), which includes a mini oil burner and a bottle of essential oil.
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September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
PAGE 27
TRAVELation W
September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
A dv e rto rial
Tropical therapy
for the soul Getaways to Bintan are about to get even better with soothing spa packages that rejuvenate your body and soul Sip on fresh juice, wriggle your toes in the sand and listen to the sound of waves crashing gently onto shore. For many Singaporeans, Bintan is a popular choice for a relaxing beach holiday. And now, you can get even more out of your retreat, by capping off your stay with one of Banyan Tree’s spa packages, available at Banyan Tree Spa Bintan and Angsana Spa Bintan.
TREATMENT OF TRADITION Nestled within the lush and natural beauty of Bintan’s flora, Banyan Tree Spa is accessible by a one-hour high-speed catamaran ride from Singapore. It is an intimate and serene sanctuary surrounded by a tropical garden — the perfect haven for physical and spiritual rejuvenation. Choose between a private spa pavilion and a spa suite, where you will be pampered and recharged with the signature Royal Banyan treatment. This indulgent experience features the Royal Banyan Herbal Pouch Massage, where your body will be soothed by warm sesame oil, complemented by East-meets-West massage techniques. (See side story for exclusive Weekender promotion.) The Royal Banyan treatment is said to greatly improve blood circulation and relieve muscular tension — perfect for stressed out bodies in need of a break. If this is your first visit to Banyan Tree Spa, you can also consider the Harmony Banyan, a massage where two adept therapists work in unison to give your body the ultimate invigorating experience.
NEW-AGE FUSION THERAPY Distilling the best of Banyan Tree Spa, Angsana Spa Bintan is a contemporary spa that offers massage treatments which combine a refreshing blend of aromatherapy and sense of touch to recharge the body, mind and spirit. Set amid the picturesque Tanjung Said Bay, Angsana Spa places special emphasis on the use of natural ingredients such as flowers and fruits native to the region, making for a wholesome and authentic Bintan spa experience. If you and your travel companions are looking to indulge in holistic treatments, the Angsana Spa’s Duet package is your best choice. One of its highlights is the flower petal body polish, which incorporates fresh and fragrant petals into a full body scrub. For the ladies, the Duet package also treats you to the signature soothing Angsana Massage. Feel the therapist work on your body’s key pressure points, as your inner “qi” (energy) is strengthened, inducing deep relaxation, tension relief and better blood circulation. Men will be pampered with the Fusion Massage, which blends Thai and Swedish techniques to ease the muscles and energise the body. A 30-minute face refresher brings the indulgent spa experience to a close, leaving you recharged and ready to enjoy the rest of your Bintan getaway. Brought to you by Banyan Tree Spa and Angsana Spa.
By Pamela Chow
Exclusive offers for Weekender readers Banyan Tree Spa Bintan Enjoy 150 minutes of the relaxing Royal Banyan treatment with round-trip ferry tickets and two-way land transfers for US$199 ($279) / person* (UP: US$330 / person). Valid until Dec 20, 2015. For reservations and more information, contact Banyan Tree Spa Bintan at +62 770 693 100 or E-mail spa-bintan@ banyantree.com and quote “Weekender”.
Angsana Spa Bintan Treat yourself to a 150-minute Duet spa package, accompanied by a two-way ferry ticket and two-way land transfer, at US$129 / person* (UP: US$235 / person). Valid until Dec 20, 2015.
Main image: Indulge in outdoor massages with Banyan Tree’s spa packages Inset: Relax in an intimate sanctuary while indulging in treatments that use natural ingredients like flowers and fruits
For reservations and more information, contact Angsana Spa Bintan at +62 770 693 111 or E-mail spa-bintan@ angsana.com and quote “Weekender”. *Terms and conditions apply.
PAGE 28
TRAVELation W
September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015 The ship has activities and facilities for everyone, including a full-sized sports court
where kids will also have a chance to meet and take photos with Santa Claus on-board. On Boxing Day, let your imagination soar with the many magical myths and legends surrounding the 99 islands of Langkawi. Replete with ancient geological wonders like mysterious caves and mist-shrouded mountains, Langkawi is a nature lover’s tropical paradise. The cruise’s final stop will be at Phuket, Thailand on Dec 27, where you can look forward to the island’s white powdery beaches, tranquil broad bays and limestone cliffs. As you sail back to Singapore, don’t miss the breath-taking ice-skating performance “Ice Under the Big Top”, a stunning show put up by professional skaters from different parts of the world.
Brand new cruise ships Keen to set sail on a brand new cruise ship? Royal Caribbean International will debut the Harmony of the Seas, said to be the world’s largest cruise ship, in May 2016. It will be the first to feature the longest slide at sea, Ultimate Abyss, a ten-storey heart-pounding plunge on a re-imagined sports deck. Harmony of the Seas will also be the first in a new generation of Oasis class ships where groundbreaking architectural innovations are combined with breakthrough technologies. New innovative features include the Bionic Bar dancing robot bartenders; virtual balconies that offer real-time views of the ocean; and Voom, the fastest Internet network at sea found exclusively on Royal Caribbean ships. The ship’s debut sailings will showcase Europe’s most popular cruise destinations on seven-night Western Mediterranean itineraries calling on Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Spain; Provence, France; Florence or Pisa, Rome and Naples, Italy. Catering to every craving, Harmony of the Seas will offer dining options, including new specialty restaurants Izumi Hibachi & Sushi, Sabor Taqueria and Tequila Bar. Brought to you by ASA Holidays. Exclusive tour programmes, which include cruising on Harmony of the Seas, will be launched in October. For more information, visit asaholiday.com or call 6303 5303.
Enjoy duty-free shopping at the Royal Promenade
Endless activities on offer
A dv e rto rial
All aboard on Christmas Day
Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas is the largest ship based in Asia
Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas promises fun and relaxing activities for everyone Celebrate Christmas this year on board Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas with ASA Holidays’ exclusive 6D5N Spice of Southeast Asia Cruise package that sets sail on Dec 24. In addition to having an un-ununbelievable time sailing with Mediacorp artiste, Chen Tian Wen, another cruise highlight is the exclusive DreamWorks Experience. Guests of all ages can interact with DreamWorks characters like Shrek and
Fiona of Shrek, Alex the Lion of Madagascar and Po of Kung Fu Panda. On sailing day, you can even catch an exclusive DreamWorks parade taking place on the ship’s main shopping street, the Royal Promenade. Those staying in the Promenade Stateroom will be able to view the parade from their room.
Good mix of destinations Apart from exciting on-board activities, the cruise itinerary also offers a wonderful mix of major cities and laid-back towns among the Mariner of the Seas’ ports of call. Christmas Day will see the ship docking at Port Klang near Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia,
On-board, the Mariner of the Seas has something for everyone. The 15-deck, 3,807-guest Mariner of the Seas is the largest and most exciting ship based in Southeast Asia, with a wide range of innovative activities and entertainment facilities, such as the Royal Promenade — a boulevard of duty-free shops — an iceskating rink, a full-sized sports court, an inline skating track and a rock-climbing wall. In addition, there are also a three-tier theatre, themed bars and lounges, and a nightclub. Feeling peckish? There are also numerous dining options on board, including the threetier main dining room, buffet restaurant and specialty restaurants, namely Steakhouse Chop Grille and the rustic-style Italian restaurant, Giovanni’s Table. Accomodation-wise, vacationers have a wide range of choices including luxurious suites and the unique staterooms. For those unable to go for the Christmas Eve sailing, there will also be a special Chinese New Year sailing date on Feb 9, 2016.
Stay fit on board with the many activities on offer
You’ll never run out of activity ideas onboard
September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015
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