fact magazine
1
AUGUST 2015 VOL 8. ISSUE 12 BD 1. SR10
2
fact magazine
contents It’s August and we’ve got your fashion, arts, culture, tech and, more importantly, dining, needs covered! This month, FACT is your official guide to Bahrain’s coolest events and best foodie deals.
21 Summer
Festivities
08 Fact Finds
Mark your diaries as Bahrain Summer Festival is back for another edition of exciting live events and activities.
29
Indoor Escapes
41 Arts Interview
August brings with it the scorching summer heat, but fear not. We have a ton of indoor activities to help you keep cool.
FACT caught up with UAEbased abstract artist Natasha Kowalski to learn more about her striking work.
If you’re a pro or amateur photographer who loves to take pictures of food - this might just be the competition for you!
55
Island Rides
Our resident motoring man takes the brand new Mini JCW for a spin. Read his verdict on how the car drives, here...
83 Foodie Corner
If you love Chinese food then you’ll want to know all about the fantastic new menu at Soie Restaurant in Sheraton Bahrain.
fact magazine
3
THE EDITOR
Summer Lovin’ “Summertime is always the best of what might be.” – Charles Bowden.
A
ah, every year (well, the past two that I’ve lived in the Gulf ) I try and mentally prepare for summer in the
Middle East. A wardrobe change to lighter and brighter colours, a list of salad and ice-pop recipes to try, and
Chief Executive Officer Greg Hughes Editor-in-Chief Shabana Adam (shabana@factlive.com) Group Regional Editor Tony Sidgwick Editor Pallavi Ramesh (editorial@factlive.com) Creative Director Paula Leal Graphic Designers Jyoti Rawat Rashed Bin Daina Photography Rashed Bin Daina Shobin Joseph Production & Distribution Neil Mahmood Ajit Kumar Regional Sales Director Chelsea Copenhaver
different. I have a plan. One that doesn’t involve hiding at home from the scorching heat, but, rather, planning appropriate activities and
Regional Business Development Director Rami Khalil
check out some of the best places for indoor fun this August, starting
Country Director Kirsty Edwards-Harris
being well-prepped for days out. If you’re onboard with this then p29 – there’s something for everyone!
To top this off, it’s that time again when Bahrain Summer Festival
(BSF) takes over the country for a month long of massive events and all-round fun times. Check out some of the things you can get up to
with a list of what BSF has to offer this year (p21). For those who are
getting a head start on the new academic term, turn to p20 for our Back to School offerings.
Our arts pages are also keeping the creative spirit alive. FACT
caught up with Natasha Kowalski, and abstract artist based in the
UAE, whose use of colour had us in awe. Read all about her work on p41. Apart from the heat, August also brings with it a huge number of
delicious dining deals. Starting p79, have a read of just some of the great venues you can be treating yourself to, this month!
Summer never felt so good! Make the most of the month ahead
and we’ll see you for more of the good stuff in September
Shabana Adam Editor-in-Chief shabana@factlive.com
fact magazine
Director Omar Shaheen
the possibilities of a natural glowing tan – these are all the things that qualify me for being summer ready (I think!). This year is no
4
FACT Magazine Bahrain Edition August 2015 Volume 8, Issue 12
☺
Cover Image Natasha Kowalski Contributors Yvonne Cole Christal Dennis Georgina Jennsen ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES Tel: +973 3632 0826 E-mail: kirsty@factlive.com PRINTED BY United Printing Press All Rights Reserved. Opinion expressed within does not necessarily represent the opinion of the publisher. All efforts have been made to ensure accuracy of the information within this publication. However, FACT M.E. Bahrain cannot accept legal responsibility for any erroneous content or omissions. FACT M.E. Bahrain Publishing W.L.L. Off ice 53, Building 872, Road 3618, Block 436, Seef. Ministry of Information. Subject Registration Number: CFB779
NEW
BD
7,999*
TAME THE CITY Master urban motoring in the newly refined OUTLANDER. Agile handling and spirited response put you in total control, while quiet riding comfort brings out the pleasure of city driving. Wherever you roam, you’ll feel refereshed in the new OUTLANDER. *Terms and conditions apply.
Ma’ameer Arad
+973 1770 3703 +973 1746 5533
www.zmotors.com
fact magazine
5
SOCIAL MEDIA
instagram @factmagazine
FACT BAHRAIN
2,338 followers
@FACTBahrain
Combining all three editions of FACT in Abu Dhabi, Bahrain and Qatar, keep up with us on instagram for the best behind-the-scenes photos from food shoots, local events and all things awesome in the GCC, plus loads more from the FACT team. AUGUST 2015 VOL 8. ISSUE 12 BD 1. SR10
Your one-stop culture fix for life in Bahrain| First for local talent, arts, fashion, dining and all the coolest events in the city | We’ve got tech, travel, motoring and exclusive interviews with all the industry and celebrityworld movers and shakers too | Get your copy of FACT Bahrain in local supermarkets now!
front.indd 1
7/27/15 9:39 AM
tweets
FACT Bahrain
7,809 likes
Blue Soap Music @BLUESOAPMUSIC Thanks to @FACTAbuDhabi @FACT_Qatar @FACTbahrain who have reviewed @winachitribe. bit.ly/1fqlaT8
Keep up with all things Bahrain as the FACT team posts the latest competitions, happenings and everything we’re getting up to for the monthly magazine. Send us a message – we love to hear from our readers!
win FIND RASHED?
Issuu @ISSUU A cultural explosion of #tech, #travel, and #fashion in Abu Dhabi. @FACTAbuDhabi bit.ly/1lEMIQZ JULY 2015 VOL 8. ISSUE 11 BD 1. SR10
He’s hidden somewhere in this issue, also available to download.
Sakina Mansoor @SAKINAAM Everything is updated but we still don’t have an ‘edit tweet’ option.
Ali Al Saeed @ALIALSAEED Drinking hot coffee with a straw. Can’t say I haven’t seen it all.
issuu.com FACT Bahrain
25,648 reads of the July issue If you need your FACT fix pronto, flick through our monthly online edition on issuu.com for all the best features, including local culture, arts, fashion, food, motoring, tech, travel and entertainment, in Bahrain.
Find FACT’s dapper designer chilling somewhere in this issue and you could Win a three-course meal for two at Bayti Restaurant. There will be three winners selected! Email editorial@factlive. com with the page number you think he’s on, and your contact details! Good Luck!
Follow us on twitter and maybe you’ll be here next month! @FACTBahrain 6
fact magazine
fact magazine
7
CHECK IT OUT
FACT FInDS
Photo Awards M.E Discover more of Bahrain with FACT Finds. Every month we’ll bring you a new hotspot, our favourite happening, eatery, activity, or interesting find from around the country.
About Photo Awards M.E is a GCC Food Photography Awards open for both professionals and amateurs, hoping to provide young and aspiring photographers a platform to get noticed, appreciated and be known. Based on the theme Celebrating good food, participants are invited to enter their original photographs depicting different forms, styles, preparations and occasions of food. The vision is to raise awareness on healthy eating habits as well as traditional and organic farming through photography.
Participation Participants must be 14 years and above, a citizen or resident of the GCC including Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the UAE. A maximum of nine images (three in each category) can be submitted online. The entry fee is $15 per entry form. Registrations open on August 1 and will continue until September 30, 2015.
How to Enter Follow these four simple steps: 1. Visit www.photoawardme.com 2. Complete the registration form. 3. Submit and upload your photos 4. Pay the entry fee.
Categories The competition consists of three categories: R5Food from the farms: Food shots from the natural settings; the farmlands. R5Market Scenes: Shots from the bustling environment of a local market. R5 Food Portraits: Submit the picture of a dish or a delicious spread of treats set up with or without props and styling.
Grand Prize The grand prize winner will receive, in addition to the title GCC Food Photographer of the Year 2015, a cash award of $1,000 and sponsored gifts. The first place winner in each category will each receive $333 and gifts.
8
fact magazine
GO: Visit www. photoawardme.com for registration and more information on the competition. Shortlisted entries will be available on the website after November 2, and winners will be announced at a gala event on November 14.
Weekly Dining Specials
Monday 2 for 1 Tuesday Gourmet Burgers Wednesday 40% Off Steaks Thursday Surf n Turf
Find us on
Join us in Links for award-winning dining experiences - everybody is welcome. For full details and table reservations, call +973 17 751262 today!
fact magazine
9
LISTEN UP
eat Happy For all you foodies in town, there’s a brand new app ready to connect you to your favourite restaurants. That ’s right, eat. – Bahrain’s ver y own real-time restaurant discover y and reser vations app – allows users to make instant restaurant bookings at a venue of their choice in just three clicks. If that wasn’t enough, eat. is not only making going out for food much simpler, but it ’s offering two fab deals as well. New users who book a table through the app will receive a discount on their meal with the Gimme BD5 Off My Bill campaign. Diners who make a restaurant reser vation through eat. for the ver y first time, at any Bahrain venue that is listed on the app, will be provide with a BD5 reduction on their bill. All you have to do to participate is download eat. onto your iPhone (search eat Bahrain in the iTunes app store); make a reser vation at a participating restaurant of your choice via eat. and finally, insert the promotional code GIMME5 in the special requests box… voila, offer redeemed! For those of you who want to make a real evening of it and don’t want to drive yourself, fear not, eat. has teamed up with U ber Manama to give its users two free rides to their dinner destination. The Gimme A Free Uber Ride To Dinner campaign will allow first time U ber users to take advantage of up to two complimentar y U ber rides, up to a value of BD8 each, when they make a restaurant reser vation in Bahrain through eat.. Once you’ve downloaded the app and made a booking at a venue of your choice via eat., click Ride there with Uber and insert the code EATAPP in the promotions field – it ’s as simple as that! Happy eating to you all. Both campaigns are valid until October 31. 10
fact magazine
Website | www.eatapp.co Facebook | www.facebook.com/eatapp.co Twitter | @eatappco Instagram | @eatapp
fact magazine
11
LISTEN UP
Voices Film Festival 2015
Turkish Airlines Rated Best in europe Turkish Airlines has scooped top awards at the 2015 Skytrax World Airline Awards. The airline received recognition for Best Airline in Europe, Best Airline in Southern Europe, World’s Best Business Class Airline Lounge, and World’s Best Business Class Lounge Dining, highlighting the company’s dedication to quality service in the air and on the ground. This year’s awards were based on 13.02 million survey questionnaires completed by 112 different nationalities of airline customers during the survey period from May 2014 to January 2015. The survey covered 550 airports worldwide. The awards mark a continued period of success for the airline, which has seen a significant rise in passenger numbers compared to the same period last year. GO: Visit www.turkishairlines.com to book your next flight.
Film fans, listen up! Voices 2015 is a brand new film festival organised by Naqsh Films and the Bahrain Deaf Society, in a bid to showcase the best films around the world about differently abled people. The objective of Voices 2015 is to encourage the making of more films that give an opportunity to the audience to hear the voices of various able-bodied people and look at life from their perspective. Voices Film Festival is a non-profit cultural event wholly owned and organised by Naqsh Films. The objective of Voices 2015 apart from honouring the filmmakers, is to screen films, that would expose the viewers to the challenges faced by people with different abilities and disabilities, in order to create awareness of their day to day life and more understanding about how to help, support and respect them. There is also a competition aspect to Voices 2015, and the criteria for the first edition of the competition is “films about the hearing impaired”. There are 17 films which are participating in the competition. Voices 2015 will be screening more than 35 films from across the world including the competition entries. GO: Voices 2015 will take place from September 10 to 12 with red carpet ceremonies and all screenings taking place at Dana Cinema, Dana Mall. 12
fact magazine
fact magazine
13
DIARY DATES
GCC GETAWAYS Thinking about jetting off around the region this month? We’ve rounded up some of the best hotels for you to stay in whilst exploring our neighbouring nations…
Abu DhAbi
QAtAr
OMAn
The Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche, a gigantic skyscraper with rooms overlooking the fabulous waters surrounding the city, is the epitome of pan-Arabic opulence with a French-inspired twist. The rooms here are more than impressive. They’re classy and inviting yet retain stylish contemporary touches. If you want to take the relaxation party outside, there’s a fabulous (and massive) outdoor pool on the 8th floor with sunbeds and refreshments waiting to be enjoyed. And So Spa is a prime spot for some peace and renewal with separate hammams and Jacuzzis for ladies and gents, and signature treatments too. GO: Call +971 2813 7777 for bookings and more information.
Towering above the West Bay business district and connected to City Centre Mall, this luxury hotel has 579 guestrooms including 122 contemporary Doha apartment suites with top notch conveniences to ensure a comfortable and productive stay for both business or leisure. Food is serious business here with a number of delicious on-site dining options such as Quick Bites (the burgers are a must try here!), Ipanema and Glo Cocktail Bar. There’s an enticing outdoor and indoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness centre, and the luxurious Saray Spa to make use of during your stay. GO: Call +974 4419 5000 for bookings and more information.
Experience stunning sunrises and spectacular sunsets at one of Muscat’s best beach resorts, the majestic ShangriLa resort. This is three hotels in one; Al Waha, Al Bandar and Al Husn. From Al Waha, there’s a man-made tunnel through the mountain leading you to a sanctuary facing the Sea of Oman. It also has several swimming pools merging to form a serene oasis. Al Bandar Hotel is akin to a town with a mélange of fine restaurants. The palatial Al Husn is indeed as its name implies: a suitably exclusive castle. Rooms and suites are amongst the largest in all of Oman. GO: Call +968 2477 6666 for bookings and more information.
Sofitel Abu Dhabi Corniche
14
fact magazine
Marriott Marquis City Centre Doha
Shangri-La’s Barr Al Jissah Resort & Spa
fact magazine
15
HAPPENINGS
Getting Out & About This Month in Bahrain
Say goodbye to boredom this month and mark your diaries with these all-important dates. We’ve put together a calendar packed with happenings just for you! This is what FACT recommends (and you can stil find more throughout the rest of the mag!)
040608 13 15
TUESDAY
THURSDAY
SATURDAY
THURSDAY
SATURDAY
CARTOON PLANET Illustration Workshops at Cartoon Planet Centre
MONTH-LONG Movie Night at Royal Golf Club
INDOOR FUN WITH Summer Kids Camp at Sitra Mall
COMPETITIVE PASTTIME with the BSPCA Quiz at Dilmun Club
DINE AT SELECTIONS at InterContinental Regency Bahrain
Learn some fun skills at Cartoon and Illustrations workshops, led by cartoonist Mohammed Al-Mahdi. This fourweek-long workshop will be at the Cartoon Planet centre in Tubli until August 22. Priced at BD85 including all materials. Visit www.cartoon-
Enjoy movie night in the country club gardens at the Royal Golf Club. Entry is free, and August is filled with exciting films. Watch Shark Tale on 6th, The Incredibles on the 13th, August Hotel on the 20th and finally August Mulan on the 27th. Screenings start at 6pm! Call 1775 0777 for more
This indoor summer camp runs until the end of August, and involves creative activities like camp art projects, team building activities, treasure hunts, clay modelling, singing and so much more. The camp also offers skate boarding, bowling and ice-skating.
Enjoy a fun quiz and raffle draw, organised by the Bahrain Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BSPCA). All proceeds will go towards the Cat House Extension Project. Participate for BD5 or buy tickets from the club at BD2 (nonclub members). Call 3312
This chic restaurant offers a wide range of delicious European, Asian and Middle Eastern dishes for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Indulge in a lavish breakfast buffet at BD13++ per person, and lunch and dinner at BD14++ per person.
planet.com or call 3679 1878 for more information. 16
fact magazine
information.
Call 3322 6402 for more information.
1769 for more information.
Call 1722 7777 for more information.
Bahrain: City Centre Bahrain- +973 16686212 & Seef Mall Muharraq +973 16639429 Saudi Arabia . Kuwait . Qatar . Oman . UAE
fact magazine
17
HAPPENINGS
17 21 2528 31
MONDAY
FRIDAY
TUESDAY
FRIDAY
MONDAY
WATER SPORTS AT The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa
HAPPY HOUR at Cellar 59, ART Rotana Amwaj
BANANA SPLIT DAY at T- Spoon, The Westin Bahrain City Centre
START THE WEEKEND with Friday Brunch at Bushido Restaurant
DINE AT CUT BY Wolfgang Puck at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
Enjoying the privacy of the lagoon with family and friends as the water sports activity counter has opened for guests. Visit the hotel’s beach between 9am and 5pm for an adventure sports experience. The activities include kayaking, seated pedal boat and standing paddle board. Call 1758
Prepare to be dazzled as DJ Sunny orchestrates her best collection of modern tunes every Friday at Cellar 59. Make sure you don’t miss the Happy hour between 5pm and 8pm where you can indulge in delicious tapas options and get 50% discount on house vino, spirits and ales. Call
Celebrate National Banana Split Day with T– Spoon from 3pm to 9pm with a special menu of classic and crazy banana split creations. If that’s not enough try the Swiss Felchin chocolate fondue with fresh berries and marshamallows, for BD6.5++, from 12noon onwards. Call 1717 1000 for
Indulge in a scrumptious brunch at the famous Japanese restaurant – Bushido. Don’t miss the freshly prepared sushi, salads, mains and more, as well as live-cooking stations. There’s live music and children’s activities too. BD22.2 net, and BD29.4 net for the alcoholic package. Call
Steak lovers, this one’s for you! Try the mouthwatering Japanese Pure Bred Wagyu 230g Rib Eye Steak; it melts in your mouth! This sleek, modern American steakhouse delivers innovation at every level through its unique culinary service and design combination. Call
6612 for more information.
18
fact magazine
1600 0111 for more information.
more information.
1758 3555 for more information.
1711 5044 for reservations.
fact magazine
19
SOCIETY
#City #Centre #Bahrain #Traditional #Gergaoun City Centre Bahrain, hosted a traditional Gergaoun event in conjunction with the Ministry of Social Development for over 700 children to celebrate the 14th night of Ramadan. Dressed in traditional attire of thobes and jalabiyas, the children were treated to a special tour around the mall, visiting selected stores along the way where store staff ‘gave Gergaoun’ by filling the children’s bags with handfuls of sweets, candy and gifts. The children and families sang Gergaoun songs along the way, led by the band with traditional instruments and drums. 20
fact magazine
BAHRAIN SUMMER F E S T I VA L
2015
It’s that time of year again when the scorching heat outside sends the country’s crowds indoors to enjoy some of the best stage shows and events as part of the annual Bahrain Summer Festival (BSF). FACT has the full programme of what’s coming up…
H
eld under the slogan Our Year of Heritage, this year’s festival is filled with artistic activities and creative workshops. The seventh edition of BSF, the country’s most anticipated festival, will have shows ranging from local, regional and international music performances, theatrical plays, art exhibitions, and so much more. Taking the meaning of festival to a whole new level, BSF has quickly become one of the country’s most anticipated annual fixtures, thanks to its spectacular line-up of live shows from renowned local, regional, and international artists and performers, and a wide range of activities which focus on multi-cultural, family-friendly entertainment. Aside from the coolest events, 2015 will see the return of beloved mascots Nakhool and Nakhoola, who will welcome
BSF at the Nakhool Tent near Sitra Mall. The tent will be open daily from 4pm to 10pm throughout the festival month, and boasts multi-cultural activities and workshops for all ages. Nakhool Tent has exceptional entertainment for residents and tourists. All activities, workshops and shows at Nakhool Tent are open to the public. Organised by the Bahrain Authority for Culture and Antiquities, the Bahrain Summer Festival offers a wide variety of exciting performances by international artists. The festival will yet again bring its action-packed family-friendly line-up of amazing shows and events that will entertain and educate audiences of all ages and facilitate cultural exchange and dialogue. The festival’s shows will be staged at both the Bahrain National Theatre, and the Cultural Hall near Bahrain National Museum. fact magazine
21
LISTEN UP
Nakhool Tent DATE: JULY 30 TO AUGUST 31 TIME: 4PM TO 10PM VENUE: NEAR SITRA MALL MINIMUM AGE: 2 YEARS GENRE: EDUTAINMENT Beloved Bahrain Summer Festival mascot Nakhool returns once again to accompany kids on a monthlong, fun-filled journey of discovery designed to educate the artistic young talents of tomorrow. Create lasting memories together and experience the splendour of cultural heritage, of countries from around the world, in a family-friendly atmosphere through a wide range of interactive activities, workshops and competitions held over the duration of the festival.
LalaLuna DATE: JULY 31 TO AUGUST 3 TIME: 4.30PM AND 7.30PM VENUE: CULTURAL HALL MINIMUM AGE: 6 YEARS GENRE: PHYSICAL THEATRE COUNTRY: AUSTRALIA What if, one evening, the light in the moon went out? This is the beginning of one very strange night called LaLaLuna, a surreal and whimsical tale of the moon’s caretaker as he struggles to re-light the darkened moon. Created by physical theatre playwright-actor Wolfe Bowart, this extraordinary journey appeals to adults and children alike, combining circus, theatre and film, woven together with a unique poetic and comical physical language. For more information visit www.lalaluna.com.
Barney Live! World Tour DATE AND TIME: AUG 10 TO 13: 4.30PM AND 7.30PM AUG 14 AND 15: 11AM, 4.30PM AND 7.30PM VENUE: CULTURAL HALL MINIMUM AGE: 2 YEARS GENRE: MUSICAL THEATRE COUNTRY: INTERNATIONAL Join Barney and friends on their brand new amazing adventure! Cousin Riff has sent Barney a special package in the mail – a beautiful globe of the world! Barney, B.J. and Baby Bop must use the globe and follow the clues to find cousin Riff and a list of very special items! As they travel to France, Japan, India, China and Mexico, Barney and his friends have a terrific time learning about the language and culture of each new country. For more information visit www.barneylive.me.
22
fact magazine
LISTEN UP
Master Pieces by Ballet Philippines DATE: AUGUST 11 TIME: 8PM VENUE: BAHRAIN NATIONAL THEATRE MINIMUM AGE: 8 YEARS GENRE: BALLET COUNTRY: PHILIPPINES For those who appreciate the grace of ballet, Ballet Philippines presents Master Pieces, a celebration of one of the Philippines most respected cultural institutions. Led by its artistic director Paul Alexander Morales, the show features a dazzling selection of the company’s most acclaimed works throughout its 45-year history, from timeless classical and neo-classical works, to modern and contemporary dance pieces, and excerpts from fulllength modern ballets; a true testament to the company’s endless versatility.
For more information visit www.ballet.ph.
Sesame Street Live Elmo Makes Music DATE: AUGUST 20 TO 24 TIME: 4.30PM AND 7.30PM VENUE: CULTURAL HALL MINIMUM AGE: 1 YEAR GENRE: MUSICAL THEATRE COUNTRY: UNITED KINGDOM Get ready for a musical event like no other - monsters making music! Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Big Bird and the whole Sesame Street crew share their love of music in this family-friendly show. Join the fun as they embark on starting a band and discover ‘instruments’ they never knew existed; pots and spoons, trash can lids, and even cookie jars! Everyone’s favorite fun, furry and feathered friends teach children that you can create and enjoy beautiful music together. For more information visit www.sesamestreetlive.com.
Titi Robin DATE: AUGUST 25 TIME: 8PM VENUE: CULTURAL HALL MINIMUM AGE: 8 YEARS GENRE: SONG COUNTRY: FRANCE Widely credited as a forerunner to the rise of the popular genre that became known as “world music”, French musician, composer, and improviser extraordinaire Thierry “Titi” Robin made his mark in the music world with his signature and highly personal style – known as fact magazine
23
LISTEN UP “Mediterranean music” – from the confluence of Gypsy, Oriental and European cultures. Since the early 1980s, this self-taught musical pioneer has continued to artfully weave these seemingly incompatible musical genres into brilliant and unique masterpieces. For more information visit www.titirobin.com.
Beat Bumper Wrecking Crew Orchestra DATE: AUGUST 27 AND 28 TIME: 7PM VENUE: CULTURAL HALL MINIMUM AGE: 5 YEARS GENRE: STREET DANCE COUNTRY: JAPAN Come and bear witness to Beat Bumper, the latest mesmerising show by innovative Japanese street dance troupe Wrecking Crew Orchestra. Blending dance and music, the Osaka-based, eight-member crew shot to global international stardom with their perfectly choreographed sets that are performed in the dark while wearing special futuristic illuminated costumes, creating a mind-bending showcase that must be seen to be believed. For more information visit www.wreckingcreworchestra.com.
Alka Yagnik DATE: AUGUST 28 TIME: 8PM VENUE: BAHRAIN NATIONAL THEATRE MINIMUM AGE: 8 YEARS GENRE: SONG COUNTRY: INDIA The signature Bollywood sound comes alive with Alka Yagnik, one of the most prolific and respected playback singers in the history of India’s film industry. A record seven-time winner of the prestigious Filmfare Award for Best Female Playback Singer, Yagnik will serenade the audience with a selection of some of her best-known classics and recent hits from her illustrious career which spans over three decades and well over 1,000 Hindi language films.
GO: BAHRAIN SUMMER FESTIVAL WILL RUN UNTIL AUGUST 31. CALL 8000 8089 OR 1756 9104 FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFORMATION.
Like on Facebook – www.facebook.com/BahrainSummer Follow on Twitter - @BahrainSummer Follow on Instagram - @moc_bh
24
fact magazine
fact magazine
25
BACK TO SCHOOL
back to school Turn plain and boring meals into fun, child-friendly treats with these super cool lunch ideas:
Get them to happily eat veGGies by cutting cucumbers and carrots into thin sticks and pairing them with your child’s favourite hummus or yogurt dip.
Use tortilla wraps instead of regular bread to put a fun spin on plain old toasties. This also means that you can change up the fillings – maybe try fajitas as well!
children often leave food that takes a lot of effort to eat, so give your child pre-prepared (peeled and chopped) fruit and vegetables in a variety of colours for a more vibrant lunch!
Use the previoUs niGht’s leftovers for delicious sandwich fillings. Mini meatballs, chicken mayo or even pasta salad can go straight from the fridge into the lunchbox.
let yoUr child have a say in the content of their lunch box - if they are proud of their lunch, they will enjoy eating it in front of friends.
try to keep yoUr child’s lUnch box excitinG and varied. Quick ideas such as filled pitta pockets, quiche and homemade pizza slices are simple and easy to prepare in advance.
26
fact magazine
H
BACK TO SCHOOL
HOUSE OF UNIFORM
This is the ultimate one-stop shop for schoolwear with everything from trousers, pinafores, t-shirts, caps, jackets and so much more apparel to choose from for the academic year ahead. Whatever your uniform needs – whether it’s getting the right fabric, adding a durable badge or rich embroidery, or getting snazzy accessories, House of Uniforms has you covered. GO: A’ali Mall (1758 1510), Old Palace Road (1753 2148) & Andalus (1724 4130).
PAYLESS Picky kids will rejoice at this great shoe store where it’s options galore for footwear. Little ones and the teens can choose from a wide range of leather and non-leather school shoes to suit all ages. GO: City Centre Bahrain, Seef Mall and Bahrain Mall.
BHS
BHS
BHS
BHS
RIVER ISLAND
BHS
Marks & Spencer
Geox
Marks & Spencer
GYMBOREE Kids will love the colourful choices available at Gymboree. The US brand carries stylish, high-quality children’s clothing and accessories for kids up to the age of 12. It’s all about premium fabrics and colour coordinated outfits for a unique look at school. GO: City Centre Bahrain (1717 2318).
SACOOR KIDS If you’ve got quite the fashion-savvy young one, they’ll be pleased with a visit to this beautiful store. From formal suits, shirts, shorts, caps, and dresses (for girls), there’s uber stylish and trendy attire great for school wear or occasions and events. GO: City Centre Bahrain.
fact magazine
27
SOCIETY
#Sheraton #Bahrain #Hotel #Iftar In celebration of the Holy Month of Ramadan, Sheraton Bahrain Hotel hosted an Iftar for the members of the media. Guests had the pleasure of tasting the delicious Iftar buffet at the hotels Awali Ballroom. The buffet was a mix of traditional and international dishes, along with live cooking stations. Diners were seen enjoying the food offerings and the crepe station went down a treat with those who attended.
28
fact magazine
Bahrain is packed with awesome activities to keep you cool during the daytime. We’ve picked some of the best for you to check out and avoid the August heat...
fact magazine
29
SUMMER SURVIVAL
TEA TIME TR E N D b ore d of lu nches a nd bru nches? E m brac e the n e w d ay t i m e m o v e m e n t to c atch up w ith fa m i l y a n d f r i e n d s . We ’ v e p i c k e d f i v e o f the b est a fterno on tea opt ion s i n tow n to es c ap e the heat…
The Orangery Tea Room & Patisserie
The Orangery is an elegant tearoom and patisserie which is located on the grounds of the Palace Boutique Hotel. Once you enter this beautiful venue, you’ll feel instantly transported to an English garden on a summer’s day. Indulge in the Traditional Afternoon Tea which includes a selection of sandwiches, scones with cream and jam, cakes and pastries, and a pot of tea for two. This place is a real hidden gem boasting a pretty terrace and courtyard with water features, and the décor indoors is equally inviting. Try the egg-free gelato, served with whipped cream, chocolate or hazelnut sauce, homemade honeycomb and biscuits – yummy! Call 1736 9696 for more information.
The Westin Bahrain City Centre
T–Spoon at the Westin Bahrain City Centre serves the finest selection of teas and coffees and a delectable array of savoury treats and handmade baked goods. The afternoon tea features a selection of Jing tea blends, delicious finger sandwiches, and delicate pastries and scones. The special homemade Jing iced tea infusions combined with fresh fruits are sure to quench your 30
fact magazine
thirst during the summer. Call 1717 1000 for more information.
The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa
The Lobby lounge provides the perfect environment to relax and tuck into an elegant afternoon tea. The traditional high tea is served daily and boasts all the luxurious delicacies that you would expect. Smoked salmon and cucumber finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with Devonshire clotted cream and jam, and a selection of pastries are served with a choice of over 20 different types of tea. Classical music is performed everyday by a pianist in the morning and a trio from 4pm onwards. Call 1758 0000 for more information.
Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa
Light, airy and tastefully decorated in pastel colours, Tea Garden is the epitome of chic dining. This classy café is located just off the mezzanine level and offers a connoisseur’s collection cakes, pastries and macaroons, all freshly baked by the hotel’s very own pastry chef. Complimented by an array of irresistible teas and coffees, ice cream, gourmet sweets and chocolates, the restaurant stands amongst Bahrain’s finest for afternoon tea,
which can be enjoyed with a cup of your favourite caffeine drink! Call 1711 1999 for more information.
Café Amsterdam
Indulge in a traditional afternoon tea at Café Amsterdam, with a cup of hot tea and a variety of delicate sandwiches and attractive cakes, along with homemade scones and other baked delights - simply divine. The menu also includes a selection of premium Jing Tea, which captures the original quality and meaning of Asian tea. With a variety of brews on offer, including karak, green or herbal teas, you will be left revitalised. You must try the ‘Cream Tea’ option, for a great price of BD7.5. This offers diners homemade scones and clotted cream, as well as a selection of sandwiches and cakes. Call 1700 7404 for more information.
fact magazine
31
SUMMER SURVIVAL
RELAX, REJUVENATE, REPEAT. treat you rs el f to a d ay o f i n d u l g e n c e a nd p a mp eri ng where you slow dow n a n d e nj oy s o m e m e ti me. Su m mer i s the p e r fe c t t i m e t o h i t b a h ra i n’s p o ol s a nd sp a s, a nd here a re s ome of the b est…
ART Rotana
Beach Club at ART Rotana allows you to explore 150 meters of pristine beach front with stunning views of the Arabian Gulf before you challenge yourself with a variety of exhilarating water sports. You can unwind and revel in the seamless hospitality to satisfy your every need. Workout at Bodylines Fitness & Wellness centre or dive into any of the three temperature controlled swimming pools. The outdoor hot tub is perfect for a quick 32
fact magazine
chill-out moment, after which you can lounge around on any of the private cabanas. Call 1600 0111 for more information.
Moroccan Bath experience – it is fabulous! From the salon menu, the manicure and pedicure is a must-do. Call 1771 3999 for more information.
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay
Sparadise Spa & Salon
Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay is a paradise when it comes to relaxation and rejuvenation. Be spoilt for choice with the variety of recreational activities available. The SPA reflects modern Moroccan and Turkish influences, offering guests blissful treatments for head to toe. Lounge around or get a serious workout in one of the hotel’s five pools. Indulge your adventurous spirit with fun ocean activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and pedal boating. The hotel’s fitness facilities include a complete range of free weights and extensive cardiovascular equipment for your daily workout session. Call 1711 5000 for more information.
Dessange
Nuzzled in the busy area of Adliya, Dessange caters to women with the need for escapism. The spa treatments are extremely effective and appealing for busy bodies that need to slow down a little and de-stress. There’s also a fabulous salon that can cater for your beauty needs! Discover a tranquil experience that calms your mind, body and soul. From the spa menu we suggest you try the
Sparadise, at Elite Resort & Spa, takes you on a path to wellness through a sensory journey of oriental elegance. The handpicked therapists are highly skilled to deliver a wonderful spa experience that is unique and unforgettable. Sparadise offers a range of treatments and services to its guests which includes massage, tan, scrubs and wraps, oriental hammam and slimming. There are various luxury packages which include a mix of the treatments. Call 1731 3131 for more information.
Sofitel Bahrain Zallaq Thalassa Sea & Spa
This thalassotherapy complex offers a vast array of seawater-based treatments, including hydrotherapy, massage and wellness. There’s also a beach club with fitness facility So FIT, plus steam rooms, and tennis and squash courts, as well as an impressive pool. Maintain your fitness regime at So Fit gym, take a dip in the pool and then relax in the sauna and steam room. At La Plage Beach Club you may swim in the pool or challenge a friend or colleague to a tennis match or a game of squash in an air-conditioned court. Call 1763 6363 for more information.
fact magazine
33
SUMMER SURVIVAL
FOR THE FAMILY W i t h t h e k i d s o f f s c h o o l t h e r e ’ s n o b e t t e r c h a n c e fo r q u a l i t y fa m i l y t i m e t h a n t h e m o n t h o f Au g u s t . h e r e a r e f i v e e x p e r i e n c e s t h a t b o t h c h i l d r e n a n d p a r e n t s w i l l e nj o y …
and golf games will take place indoors and will be followed by exciting golf competitions on the Mini Monty par three course in the early evenings. The camp will take place every Wednesday and Thursday afternoon throughout August from 3pm to 7pm. Priced at BD20 per child for one day, BD30 for two days, and BD100 for a full month of eight sessions. Call 1775 0777 to reserve a spot or for more information.
Friday Brunch
If there’s one thing you can count on for summer in Bahrain, it’s Friday Brunch! There are so many great options to try, all offering variety of food and plenty of entertainment for families. One of our favourite indoor, family-friendly brunches is at Lemon Tree in Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa. As well as live entertainment, kids can keep occupied with activities like face painting, an arts and craft area, a popcorn station and everyone’s favourite purple dino, Barney, will be doing the rounds as well. The food is a delicious mix of the hotel’s four dining outlets including Italian, Indian, Japanese and International - yummy! Friday Brunch at Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa runs from 12noon to 4pm. Call 1711 1999 for more information.
Wahoo Waterpark
Waterparks don’t get any more fun than this! Predominantly indoors, Wahoo is 15,000sqm of pure slide and splash excitement. You’re guaranteed a waterfest with thrilling rides and attractions like the Master Blaster, Sidewinder, and Matt Racer, alongside a multi-level rain fortress, wave pool, toddler pool and lazy river – there’s something for everyone here, regardless of age. That’s why Wahoo makes the cut as one of the best places in Bahrain to cool off this summer with the whole family. Wahoo is located at City Centre Bahrain. Visit www.theplaymania.com for more information.
Games Day
There’s no better quality time spent than a few hours playing board games! Get out your Monopoly, Snakes & Ladders, Operation, Guess Who, Scrabble, Jenga, and anything else you’ve got in the toy room, to settle in for an afternoon of family fun! Get the kids involved by letting them keep score cards, and have little rewards at hand 34
fact magazine
Magic Island
for players (candy usually works), or go old-school with a game of charades and get into teams – the possibilities for crazy amounts of fun are limitless! Visit The Toy Store or Virgin Megastore at City Centre Bahrain to shop for board games.
Super Summer Golf Camp
Keep your youngsters entertained and occupied at the Royal Golf Club’s half day Summer Golf Camp - fun, exercise and golf specific games, all under the expert guidance of the academy team of PGA teaching professionals. Fitness sessions
As far as indoor games and rides go, Magic Island at Seef Mall is doing things right! This place is a labyrinth of pure fun, featuring numerous rides for both kids and grown ups, a dedicated play area for children and, one of our favourites, action-packed 4D simulator games. There’s the Crazy Raft, the Submarine Jet, the Side Winder, the Spring Ride, bumper cars and so much more. We personally recommend the dark and spooky Skeleton Cove journey, or some jumping fun on the trampolines, and even the good ol’ dance machines - every corner of Magic Island delivers an epic adventure for the entire family. Call 1758 2898 for more information.
www.bahrainsummer.bh
HOTLINE: 80008089
facebook.com/BahrainSummer twitter@BahrainSummer instagram.com/culturebah
Gold Sponsors
Creative Sponsor
Bahrain Culture App
fact magazine Silver Sponsor
35
SUMMER SURVIVAL
POCKET-FRIENDLY FUN
t h e r e ’s o n l y o n e t h i n g t h at c a n m a ke h av i n g a g r e a t t i m e ev e n more enj oya ble – t h at i s, s av i n g a few d i n a r s a l o n g t he way! We’ve picke d five awe s ome t h i n g s t o d o i n d o or s t h at won’t brea k t he b a n k…
Ice Skating
An indoor sport that was made for the hot summer months, ice skating is one of those pastimes that will never get old! Get down to the ice rink at Funland Centre, with entertaining music and neon lights to get you in the lively mood. Session timings vary and prices are BD3 on weekdays including shoe rental, and BD5 from Thurs to Sat. It might be blistering hot outside, but don’t forget to take a warm hoodie and dress appropriately for your time on the ice! Visit www.funlandbahrain.com for more information.
Gallery Hop
Bahrain is full of fantastic arts and culture to check out and one of the best ways to get in on the action is to plan a ‘gallery crawl’ for the day. Head to Arabesque Art Gallery, one of the oldest in the Kingdom, that specialises in antique art from the Gulf region. Stop by Albareh Art Gallery in Adliya, which plays host to plenty of great exhibitions and promotes contemporary Middle Eastern art. Staying in the area, pop into Al Riwaq 36
fact magazine
Art Gallery in Block 338 where local artistic talent is showcased. Here, you can browse the pretty gift shop and cool off at the café. Learn more about the country’s past through images at the Bahrain House of Photography, before ending the day at the charming La Fontaine Centre of Contemporary Art. Visit www.theculturetrip.com for a list of galleries in Bahrain.
Go-Karting
Ok, so we’re cheating a little with this one because it isn’t technically indoors. HOWEVER, once you’re suited and revved up to go, the fly-by breeze should keep the heat at bay. Go-karting can be tons of fun and bring out the competitive side in you so, go with a group of friends and enjoy it to the max. Go to Gulf Speed One in Seef, which has a great karting track with excellent safety measures. Here, 20 minutes in a single engine kart will cost BD9. Prices vary according to rider’s age and the amount of time you want to rent the kart for. Visit www.gulfspeedone.com or call 1759 3737 for more information.
Beit Al-Quran
This is a fascinating place to visit. Beit AlQuran houses a striking collection of Quranic manuscripts, ancient documents and calligraphy works, in a complex that includes a museum made up of 10 exhibition halls, an impressive library, a mosque, an auditorium and a school. There are artefacts, ornaments and other Islamicrelated pieces on display. Don’t leave without a wander in the bookshop which sells crafts and memorabilia. Call 1729 0101 for more information.
Spring Clean
Or shall we say summer clean? This is the perfect season to give the house a thorough sweep and empty out all those drawers to unload yourself of unwanted items. Everything in good condition can be put into bags or boxes and given to various organistaions in Bahrain. Everything from clothes, shoes, furniture, electrical goods, books and more can be given to groups like Helping Hands Bahrain or the Migrant Workers Protection Society. All items will be donated to a labour camp or person in need. A good spring clean also means that you’ll be left feeling a little lighter at the end of the day! Visit www.charitytree.me for more information.
Ohlala! Arabia Bringing style across The Middle East
ARABIA
THE ESSENCE OF STYLE
اجلاذبيـــــة بلون الذهب WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM NOVEMBER & DECEMBER 2014 | ISSUE 03
Follow us www.issuu.com/ohlalaarabia fact magazine
37
Beat The Heat Guide Stuck in Bahrain for the summer? Don’t sweat it (pun-intended!). Here are a few simple things you can be doing to keep cool in the scorching sun…
Popsicle Party Though you might be tempted, stop yourself from reaching for that supercold tub of ice cream in the freezer. A healthy and more delicious alternative is fruit popsicles – they’re just as cooling and contain half the calories.
Three Insanely Easy Popsicle Recipes
Method: - Blend the overripe bananas until completely pureed. - Add nutella, and blend until completely mixed in. - Pour into popsicle molds with sticks and freeze for three to four hours.
Strawberry Buttermilk Pops (Serves 8) Ingredients: 1 pound strawberries, hulled, 1 cup Virgin Piña Colada Pops (Serves 8) buttermilk, 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, Ingredients: 1/2 cup honey, 1/4 cup sugar, Pinch 1/2 large pineapple, chopped (about fine salt 4 cups), 1 15-ounce can cream of coconut, 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice, Method: - Puree the strawberries, buttermilk, Pinch fine salt yogurt, honey, sugar, and salt in a Method: - Puree the pineapple, cream of coconut, blender until smooth. - Pour the mixture into your ice-pop lime juice, and salt in a blender until molds, dividing evenly. Insert ice-pop smooth. sticks and freeze until firm, at least four - Pour the mixture into 10 3-ounce or hours. eight 4-ounce ice-pop molds, dividing evenly. Insert ice-pop sticks and freeze until firm, at least four hours and up to What to Eat in the Heat? four days. Fruit with Yogurt – As fruit has high Banana Nutella Fudgesicles water content, it will help maintain your (Serves 10) body fluid, by making you sweat – this Ingredients: is the body’s method for cooling down in 6 large overripe bananas, peeled the heat. Yogurts contain friendly bacteria 1/2 cup nutella which can help protect against food 38
fact magazine
poisoning – something that is more of a frequent occurrence in hot temperatures. Rice, Baked Potato & Pasta Salad – Eat regular, small, starch carbohydrate snacks or enjoy a weekend roast with ample potatoes or a pasta dinner, and how about a yummy risotto? Why? Well, carb-rich foods keep the body’s blood sugar and energy levels even, helping to combat heat exhaustion. Onions – Really? especially red ones! Red onions contain a chemical called quercetin which is believed to have an anti-histamine effect. So for those people who suffer from irritants like heat rash or bad reactions to insect bites and stings, eating onions daily could be the answer to these summer complaints. Eat Spicy Food – A vindaloo in the summer might sound crazy, but chillies and spicy curries can stimulate heat receptors in the mouth, enhance circulation and cause sweating, all of which cools the body down. Eat Small, Eat Often – The larger the meal, the more metabolic heat your body creates breaking down the food. Eat small portions but eat regularly!
Hot Tips For Cooling Down - Run your wrists under a cold tap for five seconds each every couple of hours. A main vein passes through this area, and it helps cool the blood. - Wear lightweight, light-coloured cotton clothes. Light colours reflect the sun’s radiation and heat is trapped by synthetic fibres, but cotton absorbs perspiration and its evaporation causes you to feel cooler. - Put your sheets in a plastic bag and stick them in the fridge a couple of hours before going to bed. Your body temperature lowers as you fall asleep, which is why it’s difficult to sleep in hot weather. Cold sheets straight from the fridge should help you get a better night’s sleep in summer. - Replace your usual body moisturiser with a cooling aloe vera aftersun product to use morning and night. This will help lower your skin temperature. - While you’re out, keep the house blinds or curtains drawn to stop it heating up like a greenhouse.
%FQBSUNFOU PG %FOUJTUSZ
fact magazine
Royal Bahrain Hospital
39
@RoyalBahrainHospital |www.royalbahrainhospital.com
SOCIETY
#Ramadaniyat #Souq #at #Bab #Al #Bahrain Bab Al Bahrain Souq hosted the ‘Ramadaniyat’ Souq during the first week of Ramadan. The souq had an array of family-oriented cultural activities that showcased the unique heritage of Bahrain. The souq also featured kiosks and stalls selling everything from Bahraini handicrafts, food items, clothing, jewellery, and much more. Traditional musical performances from local folk bands entertained and added to the festive atmosphere.
40
fact magazine
THE ART oF ABSTRACT ExpRESSIoN The Oxford Dictionary describes abstract art as “Art that does not attempt to represent external reality, but seeks to achieve its effect using shapes, forms, colours, and textures.” Staying true to this is a UAE-based artist whose creativity and colours had us in awe. FACT’s Pallavi Ramesh talks to natasha Kowalski to find out exactly what gets her artistic flair going… fact magazine
41
ARTS INTERVIEW
“I’m fascinated by the idea of tapping into the human psyche and being able to connect with the viewer on an emotional level.”
W
GO: Connect with Natasha Kowalski through her social media platforms. Visit www. natashakowalski. com or check her Instagram page; @natashadidit or send her a tweet on @natashadidit.
42
fact magazine
hen I think of abstract art, I think of art in its purest form – beautiful and raw. It’s more than just a painting; it’s the artist’s representation of what they see. An expressive message is brought onto the canvas, making the piece of art personal and with endless possibilities. The lovely artist we’re bringing you this month is Natasha Kowalski, who produces brilliant abstract pieces. Natasha paints abstract using liquid acrylic inks to create multiple layers in combination with intricate patterns. “It’s a sensory experience and a visual journey,” she says. Natasha loves to travel and finds her source of inspiration while she explores new places. “Recently I visited New York and stayed in Chelsea, an art-centric neighbourhood packed with inspiration,” she recalls. “I was lucky to have a local music producer introduce me to the underground jazz scene, where I spent a week exploring jazz clubs.” Natasha learned a lot about the music industry and left New York with a notepad of sketches and new project ideas. Strongly inspired by music and literature, you’ll see traces of Rachmaninov and Debussy in her paintings, fuelled by emotion and orchestral colour. “At the moment I’m obsessed with Rachmaninov’s Prelude in G Minor, Op.23, No.5, it helps me tune out from the noise in the world and focus on my creative process,” she explains. Natasha is originally from Australia and has been living in Abu Dhabi for the past six months. Her aunt, who is also an artist, had a great influence on Natasha
from a very young age. They would visit art galleries together and study the different techniques of influential artists. We’re not surprised to learn then, that Natasha has a traditional Fine Arts degree and Masters of Design Science from Sydney University, Australia. With immense knowledge of, and experience in, the field of art, was it tough for Natsaha to decide which creative
ARTS INTERVIEW
“each morning when I wake up, I add a huge dose of creativity, rebellion, and determination to my agenda. I also delete the words ‘fear’ and ‘self doubt’ from my personal dictionary. Fear will only inhibit you.”
style to choose? Her background in Fine Arts sharpened her skills at creating representational art as the years passed. “Representational Art is an essential tool for all abstract artists,” Natasha says. “After mastering those skills, I decided to explore alternate methods for interpreting the world, beyond literal representation.” Colours play a major role in abstract art, as much of the time they represent the emotions in a piece. Each colour has its own meaning and is used differently by each artist. And colour is one thing that is so vividly eye-catching in Natasha’s work, who reveals that she majored in colour theory during her Masters, and was always fascinated by the psychology of colour. She says: “Colour is integral to my compositions. My paintings explore the influence of colour on the human psyche. Colour greatly influences human emotions, especially when used in certain
combinations, the viewer gains a personal experience and has a unique connection with the work,” she says. Having a portfolio of such strong and characterful pieces, I ask Natasha if she has a favourite, and to my surprise, yes she does! “Inkscapes, my latest collection is a visual expression of my experiences in the Middle East,” she says. “Inkscape #1 is close to my heart.” It was the first large scale painting she produced, and the first piece she sold. “It was a beautiful moment when the client sent me a picture of it in her living room,” she adds. Natasha is an artist who adds a great personal touch to her artwork, with a note on the back of every painting, in the form of a puzzle. She writes it in a poetic manner which strongly shows her love for writing and literature, too. “In a recent painting of mine I wrote: ‘I wasn’t sure what I thought of you so I thought I should paint it.’ It’s a secret puzzle for the owner of the piece,” she reveals. This is definitely an endearing gesture by an artist. So, what would Natasha advise young, budding artists? “Determination is essential because you will get a lot of rejections,” she admits. “Giving up is only a missed opportunity. Ignore anyone who tells you to get a ‘real’ job. This is your real job! Many people don’t believe it’s possible to follow your life’s passion and make a success. Don’t let their insecurities inhibit your dreams,” she says. As far as abstract art goes, Natasha is one mega-talented woman with bucket loads of determination and love for what she does, and I love how she keeps her love for literature and poetry alive in her colourful creations – way to go! fact magazine
43
ARTS INTERVIEW
44
fact magazine
ARTS INTERVIEW
“Regular travel and immersing myself in new cultural environments is key to my creative process.” fact magazine
45
ARTS INTERVIEW
RAPID FIRE
FAVOURITE PIZZA TOPPING Buffalo mozzarella; visiting Italy ruined me. COFFEE OR TEA Lots of tea. FAVOURITE CUISINE AND DISH Japanese, and I love Sashimi TWITTER OR INSTAGRAM Instagram - a magical photograph is priceless. HEELS OR FLATS Definitely heels! Flats are for the gym. YOUR ROLE MODEL Diane von Furstenberg ARTIST YOU ADMIRE Wassily Kandinsky. His essay ‘Concerning the Spiritual in Art’ is my bible. FAVOURITE MOVIE Casablanca, I have an obsession for classics. IF YOU HAD ONE SUPERPOWER, WHAT WOULD IT BE? Teleportation, my first stop would be lunch in Paris. FAVOURITE PASTIME Listening to Rachmaninoff whilst painting. FAVOURITE DESSERT Salted caramel brownies
46
fact magazine
Supported by
Eat, drink and click photos... ‘CELEBRATE GOOD FOOD’ for tomorrow you might win. Come ye, all faithful photo lovers! PhotoAwards ME is inviting photography enthusiasts to take part to claim the title of GCC Food Photographer 2015. ONE THEME, three categories: 1. Food Portrait 2. Food from the Farms 3. Market Scenes Grown locally, known globally or grown globally, known locally. Anyhow, anywhere. If you are 14 yrs and above, living in the GCC you are qualified to contest. Log on to www.photoawardme.com and learn all about it. photoawardme GOLD SPONSOR
photoawardme TITLE SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
MEDIA PARTNER
Magic Hues Little magic of colors to enhance your business
EVENT ORGANIZER fact magazine THIS THAT OR the butterfly effect
47
REVIEWS
big ScrEEn
Straight Outta Compton What’s it about:
NWA was once considered the most dangerous group in the world, welcoming controversy and popularising gangster rap. This is the group’s story on the big screen, a biopic that looks back to how Ice Cube, Dr. Dre, Eazy-E, MC Ren and DJ Yella got together in the mid eighties and why their music movement is still significant today. DIRECTOR: F. Gary Gray CAST: O’Shea Jackson Jr., Corey Hawkins, Jason Mitchell, Paul Giamatti, and Lex Montgomery. WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING? Not only will fans of rap love Straight Outta Compton, but also anyone who knows their history and the revolution of pop culture will appreciate what has finally become a fullfledged motion picture. Helmed by director F. Gary Gray (Friday, Set it Off, The Italian Job), someone who knows and understands the group, this film shows the realities of what it was like growing up and living in the most dangerous place in America through the music and tales of NWA. Straight Outta Compton takes us back to where it all began for these cultural rebels who, armed with only a mic, their raw lyrics and street swagger, put their frustration and anger about life in the hood, into the only powerful weapon they had – rap music. NWA stood up to authorities that meant to keep them down; spoke the truth about things no one had dared to before; and exposed life in the hood - all the things that ignited a social revolution that still echoes today. We hope that when it comes to the big leagues, Oscar voters will stand up and take note.
48
fact magazine
Highlights “NWA stood up to authorities that meant to keep them down; spoke the truth about things no one had dared to before; and exposed life in the hood - all the things that ignited a social revolution that still echoes today.”
Masterminds What’s it about: David Ghantt is a bored security truck driver when his life gets a glimmer of excitement as he’s talked into stealing the money he’s been transporting, by two dubious and not-so-brilliant masterminds. His actions lead to one of the biggest bank heists in American history.
Straight Outta Compton
Win 2 Free Cinema Tickets Redeemable for any film at any Cineco cinema Answer the following question:
Which actor in straight outta compton is rapper Ice cube’s son? Email answers to: editorial@factlive.com
DIRECTOR: Jared Hess CAST: Kristen Wiig, Zach Galifianikis, Jason Sudeikis, and Owen Wilson. WHY IT’S WORTH WATCHING? Why would you not want to see some of the funniest in Hollywood trying to get stupid rich? Masterminds is an action comedy based on real-life events, where a security guard discovers the true meaning of adventure – anything beyond his wildest dreams – and gets stuck in a rut with a group of dim-witted criminals who take the $17 million in cash and set him up to take the fall. It’s doesn’t help that these double-crossers are blowing millions and leaving a crystal-clear trail. Now, David has to shirk authorities, dodge a hit man and turn the tables on his once trusted accomplices. Expect annoying accents, silly jokes and hilarious humour!
fact magazine
49
REVIEWS
On thE rEcOrD
FuLLy bOOkED
FICTION
Armada: A Novel By Ernest Cline
FOLK/ALT-ROCK ECLECTIC POP
Sound Asleep EP By The Pinstripe Pigeon Band
The Pinstripe Pigeon Band began as a modest, yet ambitious studio project, incorporating production values inspired by Jon Hopkins, Nile Rogers and Cut Chemist, but this quickly developed into a seven-strong pop force, releasing five well-received EPs throughout 2013/14. The band’s latest material showcases intelligent sophisti-pop, electronica, funkadelia and anthemic rock. The lyrics lovingly articulate personal experiences while finding humour in political and social despair. Kirsty Harvey’s impassioned vocals hark back to Aretha at her most bombastic and Dusty at her most delicate. The band has the benefit of two keyboardists, one melodically inventive Stevie Wonder/Oscar Peterson-esqe pianist and another more classical, akin to Ludvico Einaudi, both complimenting each other perfectly. Live sets at The Ferret, 53 Degrees and Night & Day left a lasting impression in the north west of England, and last August The Pinstripe Pigeon Band smashed it at Kendal Calling’s Woodland Stage with new fans and old describing their set as one of the festival’s highlights. Sound Asleep is the perfect intro to this energised pop collective. 50
fact magazine
Positive Songs for Negative People By Frank Turner
Zack Lightman has spent his life around those numerous science-fiction; books, movies and video games, which he dreams the real world could be like. A little escapism form reality is not wrong, as Zack knows the difference between reality and fantasy. And then he sees the flying saucer! It is reality - the alien ship he’s staring at is straight out of the videogame he plays every night, a hugely popular online flight simulator called Armada - in which gamers just happen to be protecting the earth from alien invaders. Now, it’s Zack’s chance, at last, to play the hero. What will he do? Armada is an adventurous roller-coaster ride, a classic coming of age adventure, and an alien invasion tale like nothing you’ve ever read before!
We remember when Frank Turner burst onto the music scene and wowed the live show crowds. His energy, his lyrics and his all-round musical prowess earned him new fans everywhere. Now the folk-punk singersongwriter is back with his sixth LP, titled Positive Songs for Negative People (we love it!). This is a record about defiance and picking yourself up when you’re down, with songs like Get Better, The Angel Islington, Out of Breath, and more, bring the live, raw sound of Frank Turner to your stereo. We love that he plays electric guitar on over half the songs on the album, and turns his attention to folkier, more acoustic music. Oh yeah, here’s a fun fact for you – Frank Turner was born in Bahrain!
“We love that he plays electric guitar on over half the songs on the album, and turns his attention to folkier, more acoustic music.”
COMEDY
Modern Romance: An Investigation By Aziz Ansari
This one is a must-read book for the youth of today! How romance works in the digital age – pen down aptly with irreverent humour and cutting-edge social science, to give us an unforgettable tour of the new romantic world we have created. People marry later than ever and spend years of their lives on a quest to find the perfect person, a soul mate. Aziz Ansari has created this comic insight after teaming up with NYU sociologist Eric Klinenberg. They designed a research project with loads of interviews and targeted focus groups around the world. The result is the book; be prepared for a hilarious take on Modern Romance – with a scientific backing!
Gimme 5! Grab a BD5 discount off your meal with eat! Simply make a reservation at a restaurant of your choice using eat, Bahrain’s real-time restaurant reservations app, and get BD5 off your bill for your first time booking. Follow these simple steps: Download eat by searching 'eat Bahrain' in the iTunes app store Make a reservation at a restaurant of your choice via eat Insert the promotional code GIMME5 in the Special Request box www.eatapp.co
Terms and conditions: This offer is exclusively for customers making a first time reservation through eat, at a restaurant currently included in the app listing. This offer is valid until 31st October 2015, and can be extended or cancelled at any time at the discretion of Eat App E-Promotion W.L.L.
fact magazine
51
Q&A:
52
fact magazine
A zIz A AL - BA Lo uS H I
Q&A
YO U m I G h T h Av E h E A R D I T m A n Y T I m E S B E F O R E – A PA R T Y G I R l TURnS TO A mORE mODER ATE lIFEST YlE AFTER An ImPORTAnT lIFE ExPERIEnCE. In hER nEW BOOK, ThE l.A. GIRl GOES TO S AU D I , A z I z A A l - B A l O U S h I B R I n G S O n E S U C h S T O R Y T O l I F E …
H
i Aziza! How would you describe The L.A. Girl Goes to Saudi to someone who has not read the book yet? It’s a mix of culture clash and a diversion of the mind and subconscious, a cathartic ramp of defiance and non-conformity, repressed emotions, rebelliousness, and then ultimately spiritual awakening, acceptance, and embracement of something different, exotic and richer. A cross cultural, fun, and adventuruous ride through Saudi society from the perspective of an L.A girl. What was the most challenging aspect of writing this book and how did you overcome these? The challenges were to not get in the way of the ebb and flow of my writing style. I feel that God inspires me to write, that he puts the ideas in my head. My late father Ibrahim Al-Baloushi, God rest his soul and enter him into paradise, told me I could do anything I wanted, and that I was capable of anything I set my mind to. My father exemplified courage, and he influenced me to be courageous, in both my writing styles and in my personal life. He always taught me to take the plunge and to be bold. That courage allowed me to overcome any challenges in the process of writing. That is why 50 per cent of the proceeds of my book which are sold on Amazon.com will go to the Ibrahim & Fatema Al-Baloushi foundation, towards aiding disabled children worldwide and funding literacy and Islamic education worldwide.
expresses; when she’s unnerved she means it, when she’s confused she says this is confusing. She’s resistant to change, but she finds something richer and deeper than what she expected. But she’s not a follower and she’s not a people pleaser. What sort of feedback have you received? There is a lot of positive feedback, I must say that the book’s character is interesting and most of the female readers want to see if she marries the prince. Are there any authors that influenced you? My mother Fatema Al-Balooshi is a writer, Baluchi cinema actor, and singer. She is the author that influenced me the most. She had all the master’s around our house while we were growing up; Steinbeck, Tolstoy, Mahfooz, Kafka; she read everybody. Our house was a library, and she would sit me down as a kid and read to me her writings. I was too young to understand the depth of her emotions or the characters and plot lines and I wasn’t that interested in writing. Later in Santa Monica College I read Nobokov’s Lolita and wrote an essay on the book. My professor was impressed with my writing and offered me a writing scholarship, I didn’t take it and again writing or literature was not my interest , but as fate would have it, a book was written.
“...the whole book’s essence is about culture clash and resistance to change, and the fears that come with feeling vulnerable in any society.”
Where did you find the inspiration for writing this book? It’s based on real life when I left L.A. after college to go to Saudi Arabia and be with my father and family. The book was inspired by life in America, and written in Bahrain. The shops and the streets, this island is a haven for writers - you can get easily lost in yourself and your imagination. Tell us more about the main character, Dina Ahmed, what makes her interesting? She’s interesting because she speaks her mind. She’s not politically correct when she hates something she
How much did society in both the western world and the Middle East influence the story lines? They influenced the book completely; the whole book’s essence is about culture clash and resistance to change, and the fears that come with feeling vulnerable in any society. And then finally acceptance to change, like cooking and enjoying Arabic food, and wearing abbayas. The heroine starts embracing her Arab side and has a lot of fun doing it. But it also states that no society is perfect, and that you have to deal with those imperfections as well, and hope for improvement.
GO: BUY THE L.A. GIRL GOES TO SAUDI ON WWW.AMAZON.COM TODAY. FOLLOW AZIZA ON INSTAGRAM: @LAGIRLGOESSAUDI TWITTER: @LAGIRLGOESSAUDI AND FACEBOOK: THE L.A GIRL GOES TO SAUDI FOR MORE INFORMATION. fact magazine
53
SOCIETY
#ART #Rotana #Amwaj #Islands #Iftar ART Rotana Amwaj Islands hosted their first annual Iftar for members of the media at Choices Restaurant. Guests were served a buffet which included traditional Arabic specialties, as well as a huge variety of international and oriental dishes too, including appetisers, mains, and desserts.
54
fact magazine
THE MINI JOHN COOPER WORKS
fact magazine
55
FACT’S MOTORING MAN, TONY SIDGWICK, PUTS THE MOST POWERFUL PRODUCTION MINI, EVER CREATED, THROUGH ITS PACES ON THE YAS MARINA CIRCUIT. HE ISN’T DISAPPOINTED…
S
ome of you may remember our review of the MINI Cooper S a couple of months ago ( June 2015 issue, to be exact), in which we lauded the fantastic style and great features of the Cooper S, but bemoaned the fact that it felt just a little too soft around the edges for a hot hatch. We said at the time that if you’re looking for true driving thrills from a MINI, you should
56
fact magazine
probably take a look at the John Cooper Works ( JCW ). Well, this month, we can confirm that we were dead on the money. In a driving event where both cars were provided for us to experience side by side, we were able to make a true comparison between the two, and the JCW outshone its sibling in practically every way possible. So what is it about the JCW that makes it so much better? Well, for
starters, there is the car’s snarly 2.0l TwinPower Turbo four-pot, a superb little engine that also happens to be the most powerful ever fitted in a serial production MINI. It puts out 231hp and an impressive 320Nm of torque through the six-speed automatic transmission, taking the JCW from standstill to 100km/h in just 6.1 seconds, and on to a top speed of 246km/h. The six-speed auto box is excellent, with snappy gear changes and the option of manual paddle shift. In manual mode, the gearbox in the JCW is less invasive than in the Cooper S. When you’re pushing the red line, the Cooper S has a tendency to shift automatically before
CITY RIDES
you have the chance, which proves quite frustrating. Not so with the JCW, which gives you much more leeway before it intervenes. It’s not the difference in power that really makes the JCW stand out from the Cooper S, though; the handling is greatly improved too. With less roll, less understeer, and more overall grip, the JCW feels much firmer and more planted than the Cooper S. This is largely thanks to the various stability and traction control systems, partnered with MINI’s exclusive 18-inch John Cooper Works Race Spoke light alloy wheels and a newly-developed Brembo sports brake system. However, what also makes a real difference is how the traction control
interferes less in the driving experience. When you floor it coming out of a corner, the Cooper S will wait until it has gathered itself and all wheels are firmly planted before it lets you lay down the power. Again, not so with the JCW, which obeys the accelerator immediately, scrabbling and growling out of the corner like a whippet, and allowing the high levels of grip and stability to do their job instead. All of this adds to the MINI’s cool retro styling and plush interior that we already love, which is also enhanced by JCW-specific details like the improved aero kit, wheel arch flares, sports seats and more. What it all adds up to is a MINI, which is harder, faster, meaner, and a whole lot more fun to drive. fact magazine
57
MOTORING NEWS
MERCEDES SCOOPS ARAB LUXURY WORLD AWARD Luxury automotive brand Mercedes-Benz has earned the Luxury Automobile & Services award at the Arab Luxury World PR Awards held last month at Pacha Ibiza in Dubai. The award recognised a two-stage PR campaign comprised of a media event featuring the winning Mercedes AMG Petronas team, followed by the AMG Performance Tour 2015 driving experience.
Commenting on the award Dirk Fetzer, Director Sales and Marketing at Daimler Middle East & Levant, said: “Ensuring our brand is always in the lead entails hard work, planning and continuous investment. We would like to extend our gratitude to Arab Luxury World and the panel of judges for recognizing our work. To receive this award is indeed an honour for Mercedes-Benz.”
LAND ROVER’S SAUDI ADVENTURE In a rather unique exercise, a team of two Saudi nationals, Faisal Binladen and Salman Sultan, embarked on an expedition in a Land Rover LR4 to trace the route of the historic Hejaz Railway. The expedition is captured in a three part documentary series highlighting some truly stunning, albeit challenging terrains across the Kingdom. Spanning 1,320km, the Hejaz railway was built by the Ottoman Empire under the supervision of a German engineer over 100 years ago, and connected Damascus in Syria with the Holy Cities of the Hejaz in KSA. Speaking about the adventure, Salman Sultan PR, Social Media and Events Manager for Jaguar Land Rover MENA and one of the explorers on the journey, said: “Trailing the Hejaz Railway in the Land Rover LR4 allowed us to tackle environmental obstacles and conquer often challenging terrain to really embark on an extraordinary adventure tracing this unique project’s history.” The Hejaz Adventure footage is now available on myland.landrover-me.com, and is well worth a watch! 58
fact magazine
MOTORING NEWS
VOLVO XC90 NAMED CAR OF THE YEAR The Volvo XC90 has been named Car of the Year 2015 and Large SUV of the Year at this year’s Auto Express New Car Awards. The XC90 is already close to selling out its entire first year’s planned production run of 50,000 cars, with over 44,000 ordered. Steve Fowler, Editor in Chief of Auto Express, said: “We’ve been waiting a long time for the XC90, but it was well worth the wait – it’s a sensational SUV. It not only sets new standards for Volvo, but for the car market in general.” A blend of rich Scandinavian design elements, both inside and out, makes the XC90 stand out from the crowd. The interior is the epitome of Scandinavian design; a serene and relaxing environment combining the finest natural materials available such as leather and wood, and at the same time being a practical seven-seater SUV.
BOLD NEW MODEL HERALDS RENAISSANCE O F R E N A U LT
Renault recently unveiled their new compact executive saloon, the Talisman, and it looks very promising. With status enhancing styling that ticks all the boxes that D-segment customers expect, the Talisman builds on these cues to deliver an even higher standard of wellbeing and driving enjoyment for its class. It boasts a raft of new features and innovations, including a digital seven-inch instrument display under the dashboard cowling, R-Link2 with 8.7-inch screen, colour head-up display technology, BOSE Surround Sound and hands-free parking, as well as multi sense technology to match the mood of the driver. The Talisman is the only D-segment car to combine 4Control four-wheel steering with active damping, allowing it to deliver unique road manners, plus safe, dynamic, agile handling, and outstanding ride comfort. The Talisman hits markets at the end of this year. fact magazine
59
PLUGGED-IN
T HE A I RWHEEL
SO WE WERE AT THE YAS MARINA CIRCUIT recently, at an event, which involved driving around in a car park at speed dodging traffic cones. Some of the cones, inevitably, weren’t dodged quite well enough, and required the event staff to run out there and upright them. To everyone’s amazement, the supervisor glided rapidly past us and off out into the car park at speed on what can only be described as some kind of electric unicycle. Being the intrepid tech journalists that we are, we had to find out more! Accosting the poor man, we discovered that this was the Airwheel X3, and that they were now available from Virgin Megastore if we wanted to try one for ourselves. The Airwheel X3, as well as the rest of its range of personal mobility devices, uses 60
fact magazine
the same kind of gyroscopic balancing system as the famous Segway. In fact, Airwheel make two-wheeled versions with handlebars much like the Segway, but this was old news. We were more interested in their range of hands-free, single wheeled devices like the X3. You control it much like the Segway, leaning forwards and backwards to go…
Well, forwards and backwards, and left and right… you get the idea. It takes a little getting used to, specifically as to how much leaning is actually required, and controlling
X3
speed and so on, but once you’ve got it, you’ve got it, like riding a bike. This particular model impressed us so much because of its convenience. Weighing in at only 10kg, it can be carried around in a backpack (which also boasts space for other items), and then whipped out when needed. It is fully charged in just 90 minutes (not much more than a mobile phone), and boasts a maximum speed of a brisk 18km/h, and a range of 23km. The added bonus – you look like a robot from the future, and EVERYONE will want to ask you about it! VERDICT: While we have reservations about technology that can only make people lazier by giving them alternatives to actually walking, if you have a practical or occupational application for this gadget as with the gentlemen we came across, you will simply never regret buying something that is so useful and fun at the same time!
SOCIETY
APP-LICIOUS Today’s tech-savvy generation of smartphones and tablets means the world is at your fingertips, literally! FACT has three great apps to download for your device, keeping you plugged-in to all the best techie help for every area of life...
SOCIAL MEETUP A superb app for someone who is moving to a new place, or simply someone who wants to get out and be involved in more interests and activities, Meetup is an app which brings like-minded people together. There are a wide range of subjects covered in the app, from outdoor activities to cultural, dining, social, and even sci-fi and movie-related groups. You simply select your interests on the app, and Meetup will select nearby groups for you, which you can then join. Activities related to the group are then organised between members, and all you have to do is show up and have a good time!
DRIVING WAZE A social media app for drivers, Waze’s philosophy is “Outsmarting Traffic, together”. It does this by providing a user-maintained navigation service, in which users can update the app on the location of all things driving related, such as speed cameras, petrol stations, hazards, accidents and traffic, to name but a few. Like Google Maps, the app uses GPS to monitor your location, and can warn you about upcoming hazards. There are also ranks, from Waze Baby to Waze Royalty, and the more you drive and update, the higher the rank you will earn. It becomes surprisingly addictive. And before the safety conscious start ranting and raving, it won’t let you update while you’re on the move.
GAMES THE ROOM If you like puzzle games, then this is the app you have been waiting for! The Room is a superb ‘locked-in’ style puzzle game in which you have to search a room and figure out complex objects and devices within the room in order to progress to the next. The game features a fantastically spooky and ambient environment complete with eerie music, and the quality and level of detail in the graphics is breathtaking. At this stage, we must include a warning: This app will dominate your waking life until you’ve finished it, and there is a sequel too!
#Al #Rashid #Group #Ghabga #At #Bushido ARG hosted a ghabga at Bushido restaurant for esteemed guests and members of the media. Along with the traditional Ramadan setting and delish buffet at Bushido, guests had a sneak peek of the collection from various ARG stores. fact magazine
61
SOCIETY
#Ramee #Grand #Hotel #& #Spa #Iftar Ramee Grand Hotel & Spa hosted a lavish Iftar gathering at the Acacia Ballroom. The buffet had an exciting array of Arabic flavours with a great selection of beverages and desserts. Live music, henna artists and fun games were available for guests to have a pleasant evening.
62
fact magazine
PLUGGED-IN
SONY SMARTWATCH 3 Sony recently launched the latest generation of their Android
watch, the SmartWatch 3, and it really gives the Apple Watch a run for its money…
While there has been much pomp and fanfare surrounding the launch of the Apple Watch, Sony have actually been making a SmartWatch for Android since 2012, although few among us would recall hearing about the original SmartWatch. This is because it was, to all intents and purposes, a quiet soft launch for the product range, and wasn’t pushed in a big way, globally, as Sony was really testing the water for both the product’s usability and the market’s reception. The SmartWatch 2 was the one they pushed in a big way, and while it was a decent offering, poor display quality and buggy software held it back somewhat. The SmartWatch 3, however, is where everything comes together nicely, and all issues are addressed. In case you’re not up-to-date with these things, a smart watch is a device that links up to your smartphone to provide instant updates and functionality with a glance at your wrist. It will notify you through tones and/or vibrations when you receive messages, set reminders, and so on. With the SmartWatch 3, you can fully personalise the screen’s display, going for a digital readout, with a customisable selection of information displayed alongside the time, or a more classical analogue display, again with a range of watch faces to select and download.
One of the downfalls of the SmartWatch 2 was a limited choice of apps to download. However, as with any new product, the choice only increases with time, and by now the SmartWatch 3 has a much wider range of apps to choose from. Another improvement is in the exterior styling. The SmartWatch 3 looks much more like a watch than its predecessor, improved greatly by an integrated design, with a new choice of metallic and leather straps, which look as good as many formal dress watches. And the best part? The straps are interchangeable – you can remove the watch from the strap, which means that you can have a range of straps to suit your day-to-day style. The SmartWatch 3 boasts a 4GB memory for songs and apps, and the in-built Bluetooth 4.1 means that you can stream music from the watch to Bluetooth speakers or headset. It also boasts built-in GPS, WiFi and NFC, as well as a micro-USB port.
VERDICT: Initial complaints with the previous generation SmartWatches have all been addressed. It’s more functional, less buggy, and offers more than its rivals. It also now competes in terms of style, especially with the new metal and leather watchstraps. In our humble opinion, it’s the best Android smart watch on the market right now, and at about half the price of the Apple Watch, it’s great value too! fact magazine
63
Q&A
CALISTHENICS WORLD CUP 2015 H A P P E N I N G I N N O V E M B E R I S S O M E T H I N G T H AT I S A F I R S T F O R B A H R A I N, TA K I N G S P O R T S T O T H E N E X T L E V E L . W I T H E I G H T C O U N T R I E S, R E P R E S E N T E D B Y A T E A M O F F O U R , T H E C A L I S T H E N I C S W O R L D C U P 2 0 1 5 W I L L S E E E L I T E I N T E R N AT I O N A L AT H L E T E S C O M E T O O U R S H O R E S. W E C A U G H T U P W I T H S H E H A B S A E E D, T H E L O C A L LY- B A S E D O R G A N I S E R O F T H I S E X C I T I N G E V E N T, T O L E A R N M O R E …
no one has ever done a team competition with representatives from each country and that’s what we decided to do together when we formed the CWC. Who is organising the event and why Bahrain? Together with Gallure and the World Calisthenics Organisation (WCO), we decided to put on this event. While the sport is already very popular around the world it is rapidly gathering momentum in Bahrain, with athletes finding the flexibility of it attractive. How can people take part? Qualification for the event involves teams registering online with a video of their skills – organisers and judges then shortlist the team per country. Fans can then go on the CWC website and vote for their favourite team. The event is open to men and women aged 19 and above.
W
hat is Calisthenics – tell us more about the idea, where it started and what you hope to achieve with it? Calisthenics is a form of exercise that consists of a variety of movements, often rhythmical, generally without using equipment or apparatus. They are intended to increase body strength, body fitness, and flexibility through movements such as bending, jumping, swinging, twisting or kicking, using only body weight for resistance. I started an organisation called Big Up Sports to pursue my passion for this sport and bring it to Bahrain in an organised way. What can people expect from the Calisthenics event and how will it stand out from other happenings in Bahrain? WCO is known for doing individual competitions called Battle of the Bars 1-7 around the world but 64
fact magazine
“I started an organisation called Big Up Sports to pursue my passion for this sport and bring it to Bahrain in an organised way.” GO: THE CALISTHENICS WORLD CUP TAKES PLACE FROM NOVEMBER 12 TO 13. VISIT WWW.CALISTHENICSWORLDCUP.COM FOR MORE INFORMATION.
fact magazine
65
SOCIETY
#Elite #Seef #Residence #Iftar Celebrating the Holy Month of Ramadan, The Elite Hospitality group held a special Ramadan Iftar for media representatives at the Il Giardino restaurant, Elite Seef Residence & Hotel. Guests indulged in the authentic Arabic buffet which had an array of starters, mains, desserts and beverages.
66
fact magazine
Topshop ss15: Mix & MaTch
Calling all Topshop lovers, the new ss15 collection is packed with fashion trends worth knowing about!
fact magazine
67
FASHION FOCUS
68
fact magazine
FASHION FOCUS
T
opshop did an incredible thing at London Fashion Week (LFW) last year. After its SS15 Unique Show, the high street brand single-handedly made LFW way more accessible and somewhat democratic, in a bid to engage their core customers and really involve them in the inner workings of the usually elite LFW goings-on. Topshop’s big wigs made the bold decision to not only share their collection on social media as soon as it hit the runway but, in a fashion week first, they also gave die hard style-fans the chance to own a piece of the new collection straight after the show ends. As you can imagine, the brand’s Oxford Circus London store was rammed, while online shoppers from far and wide were rest assured that their SS15 orders from Topshop.com will be delivered in a matter of days. It’s this vision of bringing fashion week to the masses that makes us love the SS15 collection from Topshop even more. The brand has had a number of campaigns throughout the season, involving the likes of Cara Delevingne and Hailey Baldwin, but this beautiful look book showcases some of the top trends you can find in the Middle East stores for summer. This collection hints at 70s styling, with metallic platforms taking centre stage, while suede plays a key role in the form of cropped jackets and A-line micro skirts. Stripes and denim, naturally, make an appearance, as does the floaty florals on tops, shorts, skirts and trousers. We also see the return of the all-in-one jumpsuit, pretty dresses, and high-waist shorts. Soft ruffles assume a tomboyish attitude when layered with slouchy tuxedoinspired separates, chic jumpsuits, sleeveless jackets, longline trenches and duster coats. Whereas beautiful florals are modernised in unusual asymmetrical hemlines, soft layering and contrasting colours of minimalistic black and white to pops of pinks, nudes and camels. Take inspiration from the artfully styled campaign shots, and mix and match your prints, or work denim on denim, off-theshoulder tops, or flared bottoms with an undone messy hair do to recreate the Topshop girl look. GO: SHOP TOPSHOP’S SS15 COLLECTION AT CITY CENTRE BAHRAIN, LOCATED ON THE GROUND FLOOR. fact magazine
69
FASHION FOCUS
SHOP THE BRAND HERE IS OUR WISHLIST FROM TOPSHOP’S SPRING/SUMMER 2015 COLLECTION.
for her
THIS WOMEN’S COLLECTION TAKES THE FASHION STAKES TO A WHOLE NEW LEVEL THIS SEASON.
70
fact magazine
JULY 2015 VOL 8. ISSUE 11 BD 1. SR10
Get your daily dose of FACt online now
front.indd 1
6/23/15 4:09 PM
CheCk out our new website www.fact-magazine.com fact magazine
71
STYLE
Chloe
centRe couRt STYlE Chloe
Debenhams
Anne Klein Salsa
WhAT WOUlD BE YOUR ChOICE OF WARDROBE IF YOU DECIDE TO WATCh A lIvE SPORTS GAmE lIKE TEnnIS? lOOK FOR COlOURFUl DRESSES AnD mODERn QUIRKS In OCCASIOn WEAR, lIKE FlORAl AnD YEllOW - ThE PERFECT TOnES TO GIvE An InSTAnT TROPICAl EDGE TO YOUR lOOK. PUT On A STYlISh hAT, ADD lIGhT ACCESSORIES AnD CARRY A ChIC hAnDBAG – YOU’RE GOOD TO GO! ARE YOU READY TO GET ThE KIm mURRAY STYlE? H&M
Hobbs
Hobbs Salsa
72
fact magazine
Marks & Spencer
STYLE
oFF DUTY
H&M
Salsa Lacoste
Next Debenhams
CAPTURE SOmE OFF-DUTY mOmEnTS WITh ThE GOOD WEAThER AFTER WORK. PICK ThE RIGhT EASY PIECES TO COmPlETE ThIS lOOK. ShORTS ARE PERFECT FOR RElAxInG A FORmAl lOOK, AGAInST A ROllED SlEEvE OR hAlF SlEEvE CASUAl TEE – PASTElS OR DARK ShADES. FOR A SPORTIER TAKE, jOGGERS ARE PROvInG POPUlAR, PARTICUlARlY WhEn TEAmED WITh lIGhTWEIGhT jACKETS AnD lOOSE TEES. Gap Salsa
Salsa
Marks and Spencer
H&M
fact magazine
73
Coming soon... ... to Abu Dhabi ABU DHABI
THE ESSENCE OF STYLE
CHEAP
OVER 65 LOOKS TO
THRILLS
LUX FOR LESS
MAKE YOU FEEL PHENOMENAL
YOUR STAR BUYS FOR SPRING CATWALK REPORT
GUCCI
Anja Rubik’s
FOR THE EFFORTLESSLY ELEGANT WOMAN
MODEL STYLE
BEHIND
THE ANIMAL HEART NINA PERSSON
MEGAWATT FASHION
www.ohlala-magazine.com
OHLALA!
WWW.OHLALA-MAGAZINE.COM
ISSUE 1
1
ABU DHABI AED20
Follow us Facebook: Ohlala! Magazine | Twitter: @ohlalabahrain | www.issuu.com/ohlalabahrain 74
fact magazine
SHIMMERING BODY OIL
PINK GLOW EYE/CHEEK PALETTE
BEAUTY MASHUP
GOLDEN PEACH EYE DUO
BLACK OYSTER EYE DUO
TOM FORD BEAUTY ROSE SOLIEL - LIPSTICK
PINK GLOW EYE/CHEEK PALETTE
PARADISO - LIP & COLOUR SHINE
The Summer 2015 Tom Ford Soleil Collection captures the sensuality of the season. Eyes smolder in burnished tones or metallic shades while cheeks glow with luminous warmth. Completing the captivating effect, Tom Ford Shimmering Body Oil veils the skin in golden light. The collection includes various shades of eye colour, cheek compact and colour, lip colour, bronzing powder and shimmering body oil. We love it! It’s time you add this collection to your beauty routine, today.
MIDNIGHT SEA EYE DUO
NAKED BRONZE EYE DUO fact magazine
75
Every Friday
Weekends will never be the same again. Awesome bar-b-que, simple stars under the dark blue sky – a combination that will make you come back for more. Enjoy pizzas, pastas, kebabs and tandoor while you watch soccer on the huge screen or take a dip in the refreshing temperature-controlled pool. With the Kids Club open until 10 pm for your special ones, we are sure you will enjoy the music. And cherish the moment ! Experience the Difference. For groups and family bookings, please contact M : 36020733 or Email prasanna@elitegroup4u.com BD 12 net per person | BD 10 net per child Children under 3 ft go FREE !
SEEF RESIDENCE & HOTEL
Conditions apply. 76
fact magazine
BEAUTY
✓
BEAUTY
CHECKLIST
HAVE YOU STOCKED UP ON THE BRAND NEW PRODUCTS FROM THE WORLD OF BEAUTY? FACT BRINGS YOU A NEW LIST OF BEAUTY ESSENTIALS EVERY MONTH. SO LADIES, WHAT IS ON YOUR CHECKLIST THIS MONTH? MAKE SURE TO TICK THEM ALL OFF…
CLINIQUE pop LIp CoLouR & pRImER
mISSIoN pERFECTIoN SERum
GUERLAIN TERRACoTTA TERRE d’éTé
A rich colour lipstick and smoothing primer in one – now that’s unique and we love it! Clinique’s new product has fun, flirty colours with a built in primer that smoothes, defines and nourishes lips to keep them conditioned throughout the day. With a longwearing velvety finish, the colour stays true and doesn’t fade over time. Nudes, Tawnies, Pinks and Violets - pick any shade and get a bold lip look.
With Clarins’ new product, fight pigmentation disorders and restore a luminous complexion without altering your natural skin tone. This fine, refreshing emulsion with a correcting affect instantly smoothes the skin and leaves behind a beauty-enhancing veil of light. If you have dark spots, dyschromia, shadowy areas, acne marks, a dull complexion or redness – this is the product you need for effective results.
In an irresistible XXL format, two shades come together to warm all skin tones with an exceptionally natural-looking radiant glow, which adapts seamlessly to a developing tan. As summer passes, the soft coral shade, ideal for the start of the season, gradually makes way for the universal bronzing shade. Swoosh from forehead to cheekbones, and chin, then down towards the neck, and you’re done!
MAYBELLINE NEW YORK
MAKE UP FOR EVER
BOURJOIS
CoLoRSHow SwEET ANd SpICy poLISH CoLLECTIoN
CUT HERE
CLARINS
Maybelline ensures you’ll have the prettiest feet this summer. Step into the spotlight with exclusively curated bright summery shades that are hot to trot. With twice as many pigments, a new ColorShow brush for more precise application and a quickdry formula that’s ready-to-go in 60 seconds, ColorShow gets your feet ready in a flash.
AquA mATIC Aqua Matic is a new addition to Make Up For Ever’s Aqua range, combining long-wear and easy application. Aqua Range is ideal for women who want quick-to-apply makeup that is both flawless and long-lasting. The new gliding waterproof eye shadow pencil is light, creamy and ultra-smooth texture making it simple to apply and easy to blend. The range has ten wonderful shades to pick from.
CoLoR BooST Available in three shades, this jumbo crayon has a light, non-sticky texture, keeping your lips moisturised and smooth, thanks to the silk extracts. The luscious formula leaves a veil of perfectly even, shiny, and slightly transparent colour. Bourjois Color Boost has SPF 15 sun protection and guaranteed waterproof colour hold. There are three fabulous colours to choose: Nude, Macchiato or Pink. fact magazine
77
SOCIETY
#Crowne #Plaza #Bahrain #Iftar In celebration of the Holy month of Ramadan, Crown Plaza Bahrain hosted an exclusive media Iftar at Spices restaurant, featuring mouth-watering Ramadan delicacies; from kebabs to cold mezzeh and desserts. Guests were seen having a good time as they relished each dish on their plate.
78
fact magazine
“Love is the most important ingredient of cooking. I am pushing my team now to prepare everything with love.” - Chef David Miras
An Indulgent Treat FACT had the pleasure of meeting with, and tasting the fabulous dishes prepared by new Executive Chef, David Miras, at the Crowne Plaza Bahrain. His unparallel talent for taste and presentation impressed us from the get-go. Here, we learn more about the new man in the kitchen…
fact magazine
79
CHEF’S TABLE
“With all of our outlets, we offer something different. Whether it be the taste, flavours or the atmosphere, we can guarantee that you will enjoy every moment when dining here.”
C
hef David Miras hails from Northern France and has recently joined the Crowne Plaza family as the Executive Chef. Professionally trained at Jesse de Forest culinary school in France, Chef David has 22 years of culinary experience. All set to serve us a fine dining meal, Chef David says: “I hope you enjoy the meal, as I wish to serve you some of my personal favourites.” Yes Chef, we are ready! As Chef prepares our meal, he talks about what he hopes to improve at 80
fact magazine
Crowne Plaza Bahrain in the upcoming months. “I am very happy with the current menu of all the outlets,” he says. “At present, we are just working on revamping the Bahrain Conference Centre menu, which is our banquet service menu.” We ask Chef David, what according to him is the standout factor of Crowne Plaza’s dining outlets? “With all of our outlets, we offer something different,” he says. “Whether it be the taste, flavours or the atmosphere, we can guarantee that you will enjoy every moment when dining here.”
We began our dinner with a light but tasty starter; Italian seared beef carpaccio with truffle oil and pecorino dressed with parmesan shavings and herbs. Sliced, paper-thin cuts of beef are simply delicious, dressed in all these lovely flavours! The meat melts in the mouth. Next, Chef David presents us with Belgium’s popular fish soup; seafood waterzooi. A mix of seafood delights available in the Gulf including shellfish, clams, mussels and red mullet, are poached in a creamy vegetable broth. It’s an exquistiely smooth soup that tastes healthy and yummy at the same time. “For our seafood restaurant Waves, we make sure that the fish is sourced and caught locally,” Chef David adds. Next up is the veal with asparagus and maroilles - our personal favourite. The milk fed veal tenderloin was cooked, perfectly, to our desired preference. The asparagus was beautifully plated with vanilla potato puree and cream of
CHEF’S TABLE
Menu Italian seared beef carpaccio Seafood waterzooi soup Veal with asparagus and maroilles Orange and almond polenta cake Poiree bourdaloue
maroilles. Chef David advises: “Take a piece of veal, and a little bit of the mashed potato and dip it into the mix cheese sauce.” We did just that and it blew us away! Our sweet tooth was quickly awoken as a full-sized round cake arrived on our table; an orange and almond polenta
cake. How are we supposed to finish this? Chef David replied: “Try it, you might not stop eating it.” He was right – we savoured every last bite! We finished with poiree bourdaloue, the classic French pear dessert, baked in a filo basket and drizzled with Yemini honey. It is a sweet sensation of crunch and flavour – we love it! Chef David treated us to a delightful meal and his genuine passion for cooking is what we admired most. “Love is the most important ingredient of cooking,” he says. He’s definitely a great addition to the Crowne Plaza Bahrain team. GO: Visit Crowne Plaza Bahrain to try Chef David and his team’s foodie delights at all dining outlets. Call 1753 1122 for bookings and more information. fact magazine
81
82
fact magazine
AN AUTHENTIC CHINESE FEAST DO YOU LOVE CHINESE FOOD? WE CERTAINLY DO! THERE’S A BRAND NEW MENU OF ALL THE ORIENT’S FAVOURITES AT SOIE RESTAURANT IN SHERATON BAHRAIN HOTEL. SOIE’S TRADITIONAL APPROACH TO COOKING AND FINE-DINING ATMOSPHERE IS WHAT MAKES IT STAND OUT FROM ITS COMPETITORS. FACT WENT TO CHECK OUT THE NEW FOODIE OFFERINGS AT THIS BEAUTIFUL VENUE…
fact magazine
83
FOODIE CORNER
84
fact magazine
FOODIE CORNER
I
t doesn’t matter if you’re a dumpling fan or simply love the classic chilli beef and crispy duck; Soie has all the Chinese food you could crave for! With the perfect, dim-lit ambience, Soie is just the place to celebrate a special occasion like an anniversary, birthday, date night, or an evening out with friends, and the new menu gives even more of a reason to make it your choice of place to dine. First thing first, we glance through the menu and see what’s on offer! It’s full of surprises, and will surely whet your appetite. Chinese cuisine is diverse and has distinct regional cuisines. Soie’s menu offers five regional cuisines, including Cantonese, Szechuan, Beijing, Hong Kong and South East Asia. Go any route you like, from Hong Kong to Beijing - you will not be disappointed at all. We decided to explore each section and ended up ordering a variety food (it was definitely worth it). The staff at Soie moves at lightening speed and service is fast, friendly and efficient. Though it was a tough choice, here are some of our recommendations of the best dishes to try from the new menu. OUR RECOMMENDATIONS All the vegetables served throughout
the evening are incredibly fresh, and the quality of meat and seafood is consistently exceptional, making each dish taste exquisite. Begin your meal with the chicken and sweet corn soup – piping hot and tender chicken; love it. The butterfly prawns are fried to crispy perfection and are a must (the chilli garlic sauce is the highlight here). Meat eaters, you will absolutely love the taste and texture of the shredded steamed chicken soi mai for starters and the chilli beef to follow. If you want something a little different, try the next two dishes. The crispy mango chicken is unlike anything we’ve tried
Menu Stir-fried chilli beef Poached hammour fillet Crispy duck pancake Chicken Soi Mai Fried butterfly prawns Mango crispy chicken Combo Special – Braised chicken in fresh mushroom with sautéed Chinese cabbage and steamed rice Lychee salad with mango sorbet
before – just delicious. Crispy coated succulent chicken and luscious ripe mango in a tangy sauce - it’s a must-have. The poached hammour fillet is another dish you just can’t afford to miss – healthy and flavour-packed with veggies – this is a dish that every palate can appreciate. From the combo special we had the braised chicken with sautéed mushroom and Chinese cabbage, which came with steamed rice. Order some garlic fried rice to elevate the flavours even more. Desserts are a must to end your meal and unlike other Chinese restaurants, Soie has a good choice for sweet-lovers. Either you go for the toffee banana where you dip the crispy coated banana into the ice-cream and relish it. Or, try the lychee salad with mango sorbet – it’s irresistible! So much so that we ordered a second helping. We thoroughly enjoyed this diverse menu of tasty and affordable authentic Chinese fare. We highly recommend you all to try this wonderful venue – you wour readers to visit Soie for an authentic Chinese dinner.
GO: Visit www.soiebahrain.com for bookings and more information. fact magazine
85
BAHRAIN BITES
Scrumptious
Trio of
Time for
Indulgence
Decadence
Lunch!
o
The Bay View Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay showcases stunning views of the Manama skyline with floor-to-ceiling windows. Savour light international fare or afternoon tea while enjoying live piano music. Offering a vast variety of desserts, The Bay-View Lounge is the perfect place to relax and enjoy your afternoon tea with stunning views. The mouthwatering Dacquoise Chocolate Sphere is the best-selling dessert served with homemade rustic praline ice cream and rich hot chocolate sauce. Indulge in a special summer dessert ‘Macaroon Ice Cream Taster’ – it’s out of this world! GO: Call 1711 5500 for reservations and more information.
o
Indulge in a ‘Trio of Decadence’ at Flames restaurant at the ART Rotana Amwaj Islands. Treat yourself to a f ine dining experience unlike any other at the hotels signature steakhouse and seafood restaurant with the outdoor terrace. Guests can choose from a selection of three delicious appetisers, three entrees and two dessert options then round the meal off with an amazing glass of vino from our specialty menu to complement a great dinner. The ongoing offer is available until September 7, so relish in the opportunity to sample various interesting menu options for BD22++ per person in addition to a live DJ keeping you entertained throughout the evening. GO: Call 1600 0111 or email res.art@rotana.com for more information.
86
fact magazine
o
La Med at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa offers a wide choice for lunch. Indulge in the Saturday Family Lunch Buffet at La Med with international specialties, live cooking pasta, barbecue and a huge dessert buffet at BD15++. On weekdays La Med offers an International lunch buffet with a wide selection of salads, cold seafood, main courses, fresh fruits, cheese and pastries at BD12.5++. Try the Express Lunch with a three-course menu offering salad or soup from the buffet, one main course from the grill station as well as dessert buffet at BD9.5++. GO: Call 1758 6499 for reservations and more information.
BAHRAIN BITES
Tori
Dining
Seafood
Menu
Perfection
Night
o
o
Explore the Chef ’s creative menu this August at Bushido as they serve the special Tori Menu. Chef presents the versatility of the second most widely eaten type of meat across the globe, poultry. Poultry dishes are nutritionally benef icial due to being a high-quality source of protein, while land-based poultry offers a low and lean proportion of fat. Dishes on the menu, available exclusively throughout August, include Teppanyaki style Chicken with Asparagus in Home-made Kimchi sauce, Japanese Duck Curry, and Robata Quail in Tonkatsu Orange Honey sauce.
Links Restaurant at the Royal Golf Club is a one-stop destination for food-lovers. Indulge in the yummy Links Friday Brunch with unlimited selected soft drinks at BD18 net per person, and BD27 net with unlimited selected beverages. Every Monday enjoy the two for one deal - for every main course ordered, receive a second main course of equal or lesser value for free. Tuesday is the Gourmet Burgers Night, offering a delicious selection of unusual burgers at BD5.5 net each. The Links Business Lunch is available on weekdays, including a starter or dessert, main course and soft drink at BD8 net per person.
GO: Call 1758 3555 or email reservations@bushido. com.bh for more information.
GO: Call 1775 0777 for more information.
o
Experience a unique medley of super succulent seafood delicacies and taste the freshest catch every Monday at Silk’s Restaurant, Movenpick Hotel Bahrain, with seafood night. What makes it an ideal night out for seafood lovers? The best selection of popular and traditional seafood dishes. On the buffet, a vast range of aquatic delicacies, from sushi, sashimi, seafood dim sum, tempura, oysters, slipper lobster and tiger prawns to popular fish like grouper or red snapper. Our talented team of chefs will prepare your favourite catch, just the way you like it. The seafood night is priced at BD22 net and BD27 net per person including unlimited selected wines, beers and soft drinks. GO: Call 1746 0017 for more information.
fact magazine
87
SOCIETY
RAMADAN GHABGAS The Holy Month of Ramadan brought with it the shared tradition of Ghabgas, a must of Arabian hospitality. Along with Iftar, Ghabga is a tradition celebrated on the island. PGhabgas are hosted for corporate clients, media, and family and friends to celebrate Ramadan in a relaxed setting.
#Batelco #Gulf #Air #Media #Ghabga #at #Sofitel #Bahrain
#Euro #Motors #Ferrari #Ghabga #at #Trader #Vic’s 88
fact magazine
SOCIETY
#Al #Hawaj #VIP #Ghabga
#Qatar #Airways #Ghabga #at #Four #Seasons #Hotel fact magazine
89
SOCIETY
#E.K #Kanoo #Ghabga #at #Gulf #Hotel
#Four #Seasons #Hotel #Bahrain #Bay #Media #Ghabga 90
fact magazine
SOCIETY
#Euro #Motors #Jaguar #Landrover #Ghabga
#VIVA #Media #Ghabga #at #The #Ritz-Carlton #Bahrain fact magazine
91
SOCIETY
#Ranin #2015 #at #Trader #Vic’s Ranin 2015 is the Ramadan concept of Trader Vic’s, wherein the whole setup of the restaurant is changed especially for Ramadan. Guests enjoyed the delicious menu with starters and desserts served at the buffet and mains specially prepared for guests as part of the a-la-carte menu.
92
fact magazine
THE GREAT SPA ESCAPE There’s nothing like a relaxing massage after a hectic month. FACT’s Pallavi Ramesh was treated to a luxury escape at The Spa, in the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel Bahrain Bay. The experience was one she won’t forget for a long time…
fact magazine
93
SPA REVIEW
t
he Four Seasons brand is synonymous to luxury living. With that comes the cool, contemporary and light-filled The Spa, a pride of the Bahrain hotel. I was taken into a completely different world, the minute I stepped into The Spa. The bright and shiny space has subtle tones that enhance the ambience. Delicately designed, The Spa offers an airy and elegant style of dĂŠcor that represents the hospitality brand very well. The Spa treatments are inspired by traditional holistic healing therapies from Asia, India and the Middle East. Using only ethically sourced ingredients reflecting the power of nature as a source of wellness - they promote a deeper sense of connection and wellbeing. The team at The Spa graciously gave me a warm welcome and offered me a quick tour, for which I happily agreed. I was ushered through the interconnected buildings, woven together with pathways and gardens that boasted more of the beautiful modern designs and filled with natural light, reflecting modern Moroccan and Turkish influences. The Spa is a private retreat that includes luxury lounges, state-of-the-art treatment rooms, an indoor spa pool, a children and adults pool, fitness centres, the famous saltwater experience and a variety of water sports outside. After the tour, the Spa Manager escorts 94
fact magazine
SPA REVIEW
THE SPA TREATMENTS ARE INSPIRED BY TRADITIONAL HOLISTIC HEALING THERAPIES FROM ASIA, INDIA AND THE MIDDLE EAST. me to the locker room to slip into a plush robe. Sipping my ginger tea, I wait for my therapist. Not to exaggerate, but I was more excited for the next 120 minutes than a child opening Christmas presents during the holidays! I was ready to forget about the bustle outside and fall into the spirit of the Ratnakar Ritual – The Gate of Vitality massage. The therapist explains the benefits of this massage, which involves the detoxification of the kidneys, with the help of a herbal pack.
The pack will be applied 30 minutes into the massage, on your stomach area and wrapped with a stretch band to keep the belly still. We begin the ritual with a foot exfoliation that opens the connection and helps calm the mind, after which begins the body massage… 10 minutes in and I’ve drifted off to sleep.
Ratnakar Ritual - The Gate of Vitality (120 minutes) A full body meridian flow massage with inner peace oil enables the release of physical tension, the activation of energy channels, the clearing of blockages while also bringing warmth and vitality to every part of the body. The main focus of this ritual is the application of an adaptogenic herbal pack which flushes the kidneys of all their impurities. The use of warm poultices on significant acupressure points along the central channel reduces
stress and fear, balances the digestive system, boosts energy levels and calms the spirit. Zone therapy to the feet, hands and four central points, closes the Gate of Vitality leaving you restored and at peace. It was clear from the treatment chosen for me, that my therapist knew exactly what I wanted - the perfect recipe for deep relaxation. This was 120 blissful minutes that I will remember (and highly recommend) for a while. The massage will surely keep me going for the next month ahead, and help with avoiding stress. I believe one of these is required on a monthly basis – what say you? Get booking today! GO: Visit www.fourseasons.com/bahrain or call 1711 5000 for reservations and more information on The Spa. fact magazine
95
PEP TALK
Commit To You Your Fitness Are Journey Creative Yvonne Cole, Personal Trainer, believes that when you eat clean, train hard and trust the process, your consistency and patience pays off…
Christal Dennis, Personal Performance Coach and Hypnotherapist, is dedicated to helping people overcome life’s hurdles and tapping into their deepest potential...
The moment you decide you want to embark on a health and fitness journey that will change your life you need to make sure you’re mentally committed otherwise you’ll be on a journey to failure. Whether you’re setting a programme yourself or employing the help of a personal trainer, your mind needs to be in the right place for everything to come and this means commitment and consistency. This journey like any change in life is not an easy one and there will be obstacles, doubt and mistakes along the way but this doesn’t mean you should give up. Just remember the reasons you started. I’ve had clients in the past that have not been 100 per cent mentally committed. WIthout fail, at least two to three times per week, they would cancel their session about an hour before it was due to start with all manner of excuses. There was no change in eating habits and when it came to assessment time they were still in shock
Creativity is something that exists in our core. It is part of us and an integral part of being human. It may not seem like it to many of us. If you don’t consider yourself to be a creative person, it’s not because you are not creative, it’s just because you are not aware of it. It is all there just waiting to be uncovered. Now when I talk about creativity, it is not limited to painting or works of art. This is maybe a conventional idea of what creativity means. Creativity can be expressed in so many ways in all facets of life. When you are busy with work and you come up with a bright idea, this is an expression of your creativity. Have you ever noticed when you tend to come up with wonderful new ideas or are able to find solutions to problems in the spur of the moment? Well if you are aware next time, it
96
fact magazine
that the result was not the one they were looking for. Once you realise your health and fitness goals are 100 per cent mental and your body won’t go where your mind won’t take it, when you lose all the excuses and finally figure out if it’s important to you, then you will find a way and you will start to see the results that you have been looking for. You won’t see changes overnight - it’s just a matter of time… GO: Email ymcfitness@gmail.com or call 3935 9105 for more information.
will normally be when you are in a particularly good mood. When you are feeling happy and energised this is when you are most able to access the vastness of what you truly have to offer. So being creative means that so many facets of your life can be enriched in so many ways. Work can be more fulfilling and fun. You can expand your horizons. The trick is to get you into a place that feels good. This can be done by being in control of the way you think; that is the key! GO: For a personal consultation call 3669 6666.
Art in Public Spaces IF YOU’RE WOnDERInG WhAT ThE WORD On ThE STREET IS, ThE COUnTRY’S OWn BlOnDE In BAhR AIn, GEORGInA jEnnSEn, hAS hER FInGER On ThE PUlSE. ThIS mOnTh ShE’S DISCUSSInG ART In PUBlIC SPACES…
Georgina Jennsen Georgina Jennsen is the blogger behind the popular lifestyle blog, Blonde in Bahrain. Georgina loves all things beautiful and luxurious. A few weeks ago, while driving out of the Gulf Hotel car park, I saw a young girl happily winding her way through the legs of a rather large camel, her mother watching with a smile, her father photographing the scene. Wasn’t I worried that this enormous beast would crush her like a worm? On the contrary, it made me so happy to see such a simple but public appreciation of local art. The camel, you see, was one of the thirty wonderfully colourful fibreglass statues, painted by artists and volunteer students as part of the Wihda Wahda (Let’s Unite) campaign a few years ago. And therein lies the importance of art in public spaces. Apart from adding beauty and unique character to our towns, art that is accessible allows us to enjoy it everyday. It’s not hidden away in the homes of the rich and famous. We don’t have to go to a gallery to see it, whispering as we walk between the stark white walls. It becomes part of our everyday life, brightening up the background, asking us to become more aware of our surroundings. It brings us together, it creates a sense of belonging, it inspires, and it makes us proud. And of course, it helps us to make memories - just like that little girl, swinging around the camel’s legs, with a huge smile on her face.
Smile with Confidence RoyAL BAHR AIN HoSpITAL’S (RBh) ORThODOnTIST dR R AjESH R AdHAkRISHNAN TEllS YOU mORE ABOUT EmBR ACInG InvISIBlE BR ACES.
Gone are the embarrassing days of unsightly braces. Now with invisible ones, you’re secret is safe and you can smile with confidence. The general perception of dental braces, also known as orthodontic braces, is that they are only used to align or straighten teeth. However, they also help to improve your bite and dental health at the same time. Braces are often used to correct malocclusions like under bites, over bites, cross bites, open bites, deep bites and various other flaws of the teeth and jaw. “Braces are required to correct the position of the teeth, aiding in achieving a better smile, reducing food impactions and gum infections,” says Royal Bahrain Hospital’s Orthodontist Dr Rajesh Radhakrishnan. “They are also often used in the correction of jaw positions. “If left untreated, these problems can result in tooth decay, gum disease, headaches and earaches as well as speaking, biting or chewing problems,” Dr Rajesh adds. Patients with orthodontic problems can benefit from treatment at nearly any age. An ideal age for getting braces is between 10 and 14 years but braces aren’t just for kids, as more and more adults are also wearing them to correct minor problems and to improve their smiles. Most adults tend to shy away from orthodontic treatment, mostly because of the common perception that braces are for children. “Now at the Royal Dental Studio, we offer concealed or lingual as well as clear path invisible braces that are well hidden from the sight of others. Only you and your dentist would know that they are there,” says Dr Rajesh. GO: RBH is offering a 15% Discount on all Orthodontic braces between August 15 and September 15. Call the Royal Dental Studio on 1724 6800 or visit www.royalbahrainhospital.com for bookings and more information.
fact magazine
97
SOCIETY
#Jaguar #Land #Rover #unveils #New #JaguarXE Euro Motors, the exclusive distributor of Jaguar cars in Bahrain, hosted the launch of the new Jaguar XE sports saloon featuring advanced lightweight construction, dynamic design, innovative technology and exhilarating performance. The XE launch was followed by a private evening event held at The Glow – Ramadan Lounge by Jaguar Land Rover at The Ritz-Carlton, Bahrain Hotel & Spa, attended by some of Bahrain’s most notable VIP guests, media personnel and loyal Jaguar customers. 98
fact magazine
fact magazine
99
100 fact magazine