t h e 3 6 0 m a l ay s i a n e x p e r i e n c e
APRIL-MAY • 2012 | wM rM8.80 eM rM9.80
master photocrafter The Backpacker Who Shot For NatGeo bikin cerita
The Malaysian Art Scene Comes Alive
an exclusive interview with bunohan director dain said
Great times With the bJs
No Fees, No Titles, Just The Love For Performance Rides KDN-PP 17360/03/2012 (029514)
Of Love, Blessing and Life’s Beautiful Fraglities A Tribute to Yasmin Ahmad
please visit 360celsius.com for more!
ed’snote tell you the experience
DROP A LINE TO THE EDITOR editorial@360celsius.com
THE FIRST SPREAD
For updates and more, visit us at www.360celsius.com
Good morning, good afternoon, and good evening, It has been an amazing year for us here at 360celsius, yet to describe it as being ‘a blast!’ would be equivalent to laughing at our own joke. Having said that, we are also aware of our teething problems, and we’ve listened closely to your feedback, so we’ve done our spring cleaning and taken out the trash. We now present you with saucier, more refined content in a classier package; a refresh that should be easier on your eyes (and hopefully make your bits explode with delight!). In conjunction with our first year anniversary and our first revamped issue, we here at 360celsius are proud to bring you an exclusive interview with Dain Said himself. Being extra supportive of our publication, the renowned filmmaker has opened up to us and gave us an insightful peek into his mind, sharing with us some of the most fascinating thoughts and stories we’ve ever heard. Apart from that, we also hunted down some of the most outstanding individuals from various fields. Our loot comprises the likes of a backpacking photographer whose pictures have been picked up by National Geographic and Readers Digest Asia. We even spoke to artists, doctors, and a supercar club catered to fun-loving supercar owners who choose to burn serious rubber with their rides instead of keeping them as stagnant trophies. That, and loads of other cool lifestyle cues. With that, we would like to thank you and extend a warm welcome into the second year of the 360celsius Malaysian experience. May the Sauce be with you.
• the editor •
If you have got something stirring in your mind like a whirlwind, send us a note to feedback@360celsius.com.
002
Kenneth Lim
theteam we share the experience
MANAGERIAL CEO - Publisher Farbod Sadeghian BOARD OF DIRECTORS Dato’ Seri Hj. Mohamad Radhi Abdullah M. Sofia Sai Darshan Gunasingam Editor in Chief R Bayat Director of PR M Sofia Executive Asst. to the Publisher Octavia Hardy Finance Director Alireza V Jahromi MARKETING Head of Business Development (International) Erwin Marcov Head of Business Development (Malaysia) Carissa Koh
THE TEAM we share the experience
Business Development Associate Soodeh Amirbakhtiary Circulation Octavia Hardy EVENTS Director of Events Joanna Chee EDITORIAL Managing Editor Kenneth Lim In-House Writer Azral Abdul Hanan CREATIVE Art Director Zhafry D’Haji Hasan Senior Designer Mim Abdullah Graphic Designer Iverson Leong Online Media Alfred Giovanni CONTRIBUTORS Editorial Kogi Vijay Feiy Linus Chung Jessin Wong Photography Suchen SK@www.suchens.com Marc Y, Marc Concept photography Asyraff, Zero Degree Studio Sabrina Anuar
OWNED BY 360celsius Sdn Bhd (933105-P) K-7-6 Block K, Solaris Mont Kiara, Jalan Solaris 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. T : 603 22 41 9440 F : 603-22 41 9441 DISCLAIMER Opinions expressed in this magazine are not necessarily those of 360celsius Sdn Bhd or its staff and no liability ever deemed accepted. No responsibility is attributed whatsoever for unsolicited material. All letters and materials forwarded to us are assumed intended for publication unless otherwise stated. Contents may not be reproduced in any form, in whole or part, without our prior written permission and consent. © All rights are hence reserved.
PRINTING BY I-Press Sdn Bhd No. 33 Jalan PBS 14/8 Kawasan Perindustrian Bukit Serdang 43300 Seri Kembangan Selangor Darul Ehsan. DISTRIBUTED BY Pansing Marketing Sdn Bhd (754387-H) Lot 557 A&B, Jalan Subang Jaya Industrial Estate, 47610 Subang Jaya Selangor Malaysia.
To subscribe : admin@360celsius.com To submit your events : events@360celsius.com To contact the editor : editorial@360celsius.com For advertising & business deveploment / enquires : media@360celsius.com For updates and more, please visit us at www.360celsius.com
004
Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/360celsius
360roundtable experience around us
THE ROUNDTABLE we earn the experience
COME APRIL / MAY 2012, WE HERE AT 360celsius IS PLOTTING TO BRING YOU A TRUE MALAYSIAN EXPERIENCE! A HIGH ENERGY INTERACTIVE SESSION WE WOULD LIKE TO CALL ‘360 Roundtable’, AND IT WILL BE HELD AT VARIOUS LANDMARK VENUES ON THE LAST FRIDAY OF EVERY MONTH WHERE YOU CAN EXPERIENCE AND EXERCISE THE KEY PRINCIPLES OF CRITICAL INTERACTION WITH THOSE WHO MATTER! That’s right! The 360 Roundtable will literally be a roundtable session. You’re invited to come join us with your imaginative ideas in order to help us achieve our visions and enhance the organization’s creative energy and goals. Of course, you also stand a chance to win some really cool prizes.
Let’s experience all you read. Relate your experience to us at: www.360celsius.com/experience
006
360mailman we want to hear word from you
The 360 malaysian experience Tell us about your Malaysian experience at www.360celsius.com/experience
EXCITING PRIZES AWAIT THE LETTER OF THE MONTH! We’ve got loads of free stuff in here to give to you, our valued readers, from grooming products to health spa vouchers to bottles of wine and dining invitations. All you have to do to get one is tell us how you feel about our magazine - love it or hate it, it’s all good, just be clever about it - and get your letter chosen as our favourite of the month. It’s that simple! You can also find our Facebook fan page at www.360celsius.com for exclusive updates and prizes. Be sure to include your full name, MyKad number, age, address, email and contact details. Don’t Miss Out!
SEND IN YOUR THOUGHTS, SUGGESTION & QUESTIONS OVER TO US AT feedback@360celsius.com OR BY POST TO 360celsius Magazine K-7-6 Block K, Solaris Mont Kiara, Jalan Solaris 1, 50480 Kuala Lumpur Malaysia.
THE mailman we want to hear from you! send us your words
For updates and more, please visit us at www.360celsius.com
008
APRIL/MAY’12 CONTENTS
Editor’s Note .............................................................2 Roundtable ................................................................6 Mailman .........................................................................8 Bulletin .....................................................................14 Scripts & Storiess Movies
Shooting in the badlands (The making of Bunohan) ..........................18
In the town of Murder, Killing is an Art ....................................20
Books ..................................................................................24
Soundscape Album Review .....................................................................25 Creative Photography
Shoot to Heal (Why Suchen is the Master Photocrafter) ......28
Art Moving as One SATU does it for the local Art Scene ............34 Art of Ages Two Extraordinary artists. Two Extraordinary Generations ...................36 Art Jamming in Malaysia The Studio @ KL Shows the Strokes ...........49
Aura Healthcare Spices, Herbs, and their Health Benefits .....................................58 Eating done Right Interview with a Dietitian ......................60
010
Tips Life in the Cube Office cubicle etiquette ............................64 Do it at the Desk Five ways to fit Exercise into your Hectic Lifestyle ................................66 The Odd Body Explained .......................68 Kick-start Munchies Energy snacks for a boost .........................70
Fashion Styleshoot
Camel Active SS12 ..............................74 Bally SS12 ..........................................82
Space The List Furniture and DĂŠcor ..........................106 Properties In Pursuit of Healthy Living with LakeView Residensy ........................112 Innotech Gadgets Reviews ...........................................120
Fashion Collection Trendspotting ......................................86
GPS Mobilize Cars
The Mini Rolls Over and On A brief history ........................................98
Travels Mersing The Little Town on the Way ....................124
Post Events Great Times with the BJS ...................102
A Recap of Noteworthy Events .......................................138
011
APRIL/MAY’12 FEATURE/CONTENTS
Features A tribute to Yasmin Ahmad Remembering the Legend ..........................................................44
Personalities Dain Said Making a Killing Interview with the Director of Bunohan .........50
Delectables Restaurant Review There is No Place Like House House @ G Tower ...............................130 Alcohol Review Martell Cordon Bleu Centenary Limited Edition ................................134 Product Meet Kaldi The Hottest Single Serve Beverage Machine in Town ................................136
012
ON THE COVER Raw, rugged, rustic, and relatable - our theme this month couldn’t have been represented more aptly than having Dain Said and his latest masterpiece Bunohan as the headliner. When it comes to Dain, what you see is what you get. The man is humble and simple as he is wise, this we can assure you that the picture of him on our cover is as candid as Dain can get.
360bulletin MAKE THIS your experience THE 9th INTERNATIONAL HALAL SHOWCASE (MIHAS)
calendar APRIL / MAY 2012
TWO Those who wish to update themselves on the latest happenings in the Halal market can do no better than to attend the THE 9th INTERNATIONAL HALAL SHOWCASE (MIHAS). Held in conjunction with Malaysia’s Halal Week, MIHAS serves as the best entry point for the world market The 9Th International Halal to penetrate into and flourish in Showcase (Mihas) the global Muslim the ASEAN markets. MIHAS is hosted by the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI), and organised by the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE).
Date: 7 April 2012 (for the public) Time: 10am to 7pm Ticket: The exhibition is open to both public and trade visitors. Admission is limited to above 18 years old only. All visitors must be in proper business attire no shorts, slippers or t-shirts. Registration is compulsory for all visitors.
one
The Cranberries LIVE IN MALAYSIA 2012
The Cranberries LIVE IN MALAYSIA 2012
ONE The Cranberries have performed for millions of fans across the globe. And now after taking a few years out to raise their families, the band is thrilled to be back with Roses, their sixth studio album.
Produced by the band’s old friend and collaborator Stephen Street (The Smiths, Blur and more recently Kaiser Chiefs) the songs on Roses sound like nuggets buried deep inside The Cranberries’ soul harking back to the freshness and acoustic originality of the band’s first two albums, Everybody Else Is Doing It, So Why Cant We? and No Need To Argue. The innocence is back in the melodies, which are given plenty of room to breathe while the words have matured to explore the twists and turns of life’s uncertain paths. The original Irish four-piece fronted by Dolores O’Riordan, who lit up the charts for over a decade with such impressive CV is back with a world tour! The band will kick off their long awaited Malaysia tour very soon! Date: 4 April 2012 Time: 8.30 pm Admission: Tickets start from RM113 Venue: Stadium Negara, KL
014
FIVE
PROFESSOR GLEN ARNOLD VALUEGROWTH INVESTING THREE Glen Arnold is a businessman, investor and a professor of investing at Salford University UK. He is the author of numerous finance and investing books including Corporate Financial Management, The Handbook of Corporate Finance and the Financial Times Guide to Investing, all published by Financial Times – Prentice Hall. His book “The Great Investors: Lessons on Investing from Master Traders”, is part of the Financial Times Series, and was published in December 2010.
Date: 14 April 2012 Time: 9.00 am – 4.15 pm Admission: Early RM 563, normal RM 723 Venue: Auditorium, Sime Darby Convention Center, Bukit Kiara, KL
FOUR
Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2012
Music Conference Asia 2012
Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair 2012
The Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair is the premier international book fair which enjoys participation not only from local publishers, but also from the ASEAN region as well as publishers based in India, the Middle East, Europe and the United States. four
Majlis Buku Kebangsaan Malaysia (MBKM), Ministry of Education (Malaysia) in partnership with six Industry association in the Country will be organizing the International Book Fair. The theme for this year is “World Without Borders”. This 31st Kuala Lumpur International Book Fair will start from 27th April 2012 to 6th May 2012 at Dewan Tun Hussein On, Dewan Tun Dr. Ismail, Dewan Tun Razak 3, 4 and Legar Putra Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur. The gates will be opened to the public on 27th April 2012, from 10.00am to 9.00pm daily. Admission is free. The opening ceremony will be held on 28th April 2012 (3.00pm) at Main Stage of Legar Putra, Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC), Kuala Lumpur. Date: 27 April – 6 May 2012 Time: 10 am – 9 pm Admission: Free Venue: Main Stage of Legar Putra, Pusat Dagangan Dunia Putra (PWTC, KL)
Music Conference Asia 2012
five The most highly anticipated musical event of the year is about to blast off on the 28th April as Music Conference Asia 2012 takes over Sepang International Circuit. Get ready as the energetic vibes and sounds of acts like talent extraordinaire Dash Berlin in his first outdoor appearance, as well as Germany’s most successful progressive house DJ/producer Jerome Isma-Ae woo revellers.
Richard Durand the artist producer who embraced ‘In search of sunrise’ series from Tiesto also makes his second appearance M.C Asia. Along with Julie Thompson, the angelic voice behind Durand’s ‘Diamond in the sky’. Making another welcome return is Patrick Oliver who will be churning out cutting edge sounds and eclectic vibes to shake the rafters. Joining in the fun will also be local heroes Mr Fluff, KL wonder boy misterAriffin and Trimix. Date: 28 April 2012. Admission: RM 68 (sold out), RM 88 (normal), TBA (at the door). Venue: Sepang International Circuit For further information: www.clubbing9ine.com
015
360bulletin MAKE THIS your experience
Kenny G ‘ Heart & Soul’
EIGHT The legendary world-class saxophonist, Kenny G is back on the scene and will return to the stage of Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands this May 19th, at 8pm for his brand new tour themed Kenny G ‘Heart & Soul’ Concert in Malaysia 2012.
six
With a recording career that spans almost three decades and more than 23 albums, Kenny G has grafted elements of R&B, pop and Latin to a jazz foundation solidifying his reputation as the premiere artiste in contemporary jazz which is well accepted the world over. This 56-year-old saxophone virtuoso with the signature corkscrew curls is the biggest-selling instrumental musician of the modern era, with global sales totalling more than 75 million albums and more than a dozen climbs to the top of Billboard’s contemporary jazz chart. Greatest hits include ‘Forever in Love’, theme song for ‘Dying Young’, ‘Miracles’, ‘Songbirds’ and many more. Date: 19 May 2012. Time: 8.00 pm. Ticket: RM 380 (VIP), RM 300 (PS1), RM 230(PS2), RM 170(PS3) and RM 130(PS4) (*exclude RM3 processing fee). Venue: Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands
iPeek PEEPHOLES
SIX If you haven’t heard about it already Klasiq has just rolled out an exciting new product that their new Digital Door Viewer that provides users with an unrivalled view through the peephole. Unlile traditional peepholes the Klasiq Digital Door Viewer displays a camera recorded view on an LCD screen. You no longer need to squint to view who’s at the door, just press, look, and see.
seven
For more information: www.klasiq.com.my
Borneo Jazz 2012
SEVEN Miri International Jazz Festival is now known as Borneo Jazz! This change is to reflect the growing stature of the festival among leading jazz festivals in the region. ‘Borneo’ gives a unique positioning of Sarawak among jazz music aficionados. With this, comes a reimaging to reflect the vibrancy of the festival and the destination. Be prepared for exciting things to come as we bring you a richer experience at the Borneo Jazz.
Alongside Malaysia’s own FVE Project will be Tropic Green from Singapore, Tangora from France, Koh Mr Saxman and Takeshi Band from Thailand, SLIXS from Germany, Nita Aartsen from Indonesia, the New Cool Collective from the Netherlands and Schalke Joubert’s 3 Continents sextet from South Africa, Norway, Sweden and the United States. Date: 11th – 12th May 2012 Time: 6 pm – 12 midnight Ticket: RM 30, RM 60, RM 80 Venue: ParkCity Everly Hotel, Miri, Sarawak. For further information: http://jazzborneo.com/ Borneo Jazz 2012
016
NINE
Video Games Live 2012
VIDEO GAMES LIVE
nine If you missed them the first time, here’s your chance to catch the Video Games Live 2012 in KL!! Video Games Live™ is an Orchestra-Rock Concert with a spectacular display of visuals, lights, lazers from the most popular video games of all time.
Video Games Live™ is an immersive concert event featuring music from the most popular video games of all time. Top orchestras & choirs perform along with exclusive video footage and music arrangements, synchronized lighting, solo performers, electronic percussionists, live action and unique interactive segments to create an explosive entertainment experience!
ELEVEN
If you appreciate music in general, and especially if your a gamer, enthusiast, or play music yourself, this is a must attend experience! The first concert was held on 17th April 2010 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre. Now VGL Returns to Kuala Lumpur.... May 2012 !! Get ready!! Date: May 26, 2012 Time & Ticket: TBA Venue: Istana Budaya
Pacific Regency Hotel Suites APRIL F&B Promotions
Sam Hui Concert Live in Malaysia 2012
ten Following the great success of his ‘08 concert, Sam Hui, the acclaimed ‘God of Songs’ will be back to Malaysia this 26 May to dazzle and enchant fans with a heart-moving live music performance at the Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands at 8pm.
This legendary singer-cum-actor’s career spanned over four decades starting from the 60s. Carving his name with his popular compositions and popularizing Cantopop with the infusion of Western-style music, Sam has great influence on the development of the Hong Kong music industry and bringing Cantopop into mainstream. He penned most of the compositions using humorous and down to earth Cantonese jargons which became popular slang that appealed to masses. His hilarious lyrics captured and clearly reflect the issues and pressures society was faced with, giving voice to the common folk to vent their frustrations. Sam recorded over 23 Cantonese albums and 4 English albums before he retired from the entertainment scene in 1992. In 2004, he decided to come out of retirement and held multiple come-back concerts filling out arenas across Hong Kong, Canada, Singapore and Malaysia. In these concerts, he paid tribute to the late Leslie Cheung and Anita Mui and claimed that their deaths had influenced his decision to come out of retirement.
APRIL F&b PROMOTIONS
ELEVEN April brings you the freshest catch from the sea, the King Prawn Promotion at Pacific Regency Hotel Suites. Available for lunch and dinner, our Chefs have whipped up a special menu of the month!
Savour the catch of the day with the King Prawn Tom Yum Soup, a tangy and spicy appetizer which is also our signature dish! Other dishes highly recommended by our Chefs are the Fried Freshwater Prawn Tom Yam Noodle, Freshwater Prawn Noodle Soup, Cantonese Fried Freshwater Prawn Noodle (Sang Har Meen), King Prawn Fritters and not forgetting the King Prawn Mussaman. All main courses are priced from RM18++ onwards for lunch or dinner daily throughout the month of April. Call +603-2332 7777 ext 6804 for reservations or simply email fnbadmin@pacificregency.com in advance for bookings.
Date: 26 May 2012 Time: 8.00 pm Ticket: RM 463, RM 583 Venue: Arena of Stars, Genting Highlands
017
SCRIPTs&STORIESMOVIEs content azral hanan
SHOOTING IN THE BADLANDS THE MAKING BUNOHAN
Swimming in snake infested waters are just some of the hazards the actors had to endure while filming Dain Said’s Bunohan. Here the cast and crew describe their experiences during the making of this bloody character driven tale. The Shoot
Bunohan is a blood and sweat-drenched family driven tragedy interwoven with cultural and supernatural symbolism. Now try and imagine actually having to film it. Thankfully for director Dain Said he already had a location planned and the story cooking away in his subconscious for the past few years. So when the time came to make his dream a reality, he was fully prepared for the necessary hardship it would entail.
More rain would also disrupt the night-time shooting of the final fight scene. But cinematographer Tong worked it all in stride. “Most of the scenes, we had rain, but we shot it anyway, and we ended up liking it. We were prepared to shoot it anywhere, any weather.” When it wasn’t pouring, it was mind-numbingly hot and humid.
Shooting began in the mangrove location he had in mind in Terengganu, and true to form it was never smooth sailing.
Wading through mangroves in the blistering heat and dealing with the incessant swarm of mosquitos wasn’t the least of Dain Said’s worries though; he also had to deal with the spooky supernatural.
The unpredictable weather wreaked havoc with production schedules. A freak rainstorm held up the shoot for three days. There was flooding which threatened the equipment.
At one time Dain found himself having to physically climb over the fence of a private residence and knock on the owner’s door, to ask why he had withdrawn permission earlier
018
given for filming inside the premises. Only to be told by the owner that he feared leaving the house as he said there was a penunggu, or spirit who “took care of the house.” Along with the vagaries of the weather, cast and crew also had to deal with the local wildlife. The fear was they would become too friendly. Zahiril (cast as Adil) was nervous about swimming in the river. “The villagers told me there were crocodiles.” Fellow actor Faizal Hussein (cast as Ilham) was more succinct, “We could’ve been crocodile food!” Dain knew the crocodiles were gone but kept his actual concern secret from the cast. “My biggest fear, which I didn’t dare tell the actors, was not crocodiles, but pit vipers in the mangroves…We had local doctors and local scouts on standby.” he added. “We made a lot of noise before going into an area to shoot. But
Zahiril Adzim as Adil aka Bunga Lalang
(From left to right) Assassins Ilham (Faizal Hussein) & Deng(Bront Palarae)
behindthe.veil
Soffi Jikan as Awang Sonar.
we were fortunate. Every time we moved to a new location, everyone recited some kind of mantra or prayer, from whatever faith.” For Zahiril and the cast injuries from sparring were a real concern as well. The fighting choreography had been fixed. Therefore the actors would be hitting each other take after take in the same spot repeatedly. And this was no play fighting. “Dain didn’t want a typical action movie fight. He really wanted us to hit each other, no faking it,” said Zahiril. Before shooting the cast had two months of training to endure. Even during the fasting month of Ramadan. “That was hardcore,” says Zahiril. “I was wiped out every day.”
Setting
Dain Said had always wanted to film a story set at the crossroads between past and future, here and there. Also and because it reminded him of his own childhood growing up in the border town of Tumpat, that Dain decided to base his story in the real-life village of Bunohan. As he recalled: “There’s a place called Bunohan (meaning murder)?’ I asked. They said ‘Yes, Kampung Bunohan.’ It was really fitting.” The name and its connotations was just the icing on the cake. Located in the northeastern State of Kelantan; an area regarded as Malaysia’s ‘badlands’, the village of Bunohan may have gotten its name from a massacre during the years of conflict with the Thais. Others suggest it had to do with the bloodshed of the Japanese Occupation.
Crew
On assembling the right personnel the keyword was ‘chemistry’. According to producer Nandita Solomon, “We wanted people who wanted to work with us to tell this story.” And in
cinematographer Charin ‘Tong’ Pengpanich and editor Herman K Panca director Dain was sure he’d found the right people. Dain said of Tong, “He looks at paintings and landscapes and understands it. He decided to come on board because he loved the locations we were shooting.” For Tong it was all about letting the landscape and scenery tell the story. “I created a very simple look. I made it look so simple it looks as if I didn’t do anything”, he said. Throughout the shoot Herman Panca remained on location, editing the film as it was shot. By the time shooting ended 80% of the assembly cut was done. Dain was concerned about the overall sound of the film and instructed composer Tan Yan Wei to utilize local instruments indigenous to the area. “He achieved what we wanted, and more, because he devised a music soundscape,” said Dain. Sadly Tan passed away shortly after the completion of the film. Dain pays tribute to his late friend and collaborator. “His work is a celebration of his talent and immense gift.” Despite the hardships on location, the experience and the results were its own rewards. “I think it helps when you have great results,” Dain reflects. “It’s very inspiring to the actors and the crew and everyone is just pushing on, so it was really lovely.” This sentiment is echoed by Pekin (cast as Bakar), who thoroughly relished the experience. “It was very easy working with the cast and crew. A lot of us knew each other before, so it was like hanging out with friends.”
CREDITS
Writer & Director DAIN SAID Producer NANDITA SOLOMON Co-Producer TIM KWOK Director of Photography CHARIN PENGPANICH Editor HK PANCA Production Designer DAIN SAID Original Music TAN YAN WEI Script Editing & Translation JOE KIDD, WAN AZLI WAN JUSOH & HUSHAIRY HUSSIN Action Trainer & Choreography MARZUKI ISMAIL 1st Assistant Director KENNETH RAJ 2nd Assistant Director RAJA ZETI ALIA Production Manager SAM RAMLY Asst. Production Manager SHAHRIZAL AZIZ Production Accountant NIKKI TOK Wardrobe SHADA HAMID SHAHRUM KAMARUDIN Special Effects Makeup KAREN TAN Colorist ALLAN MITTLESTEAD VFX Supervisor ADAM KITINGAN Audio Post Production IMAGINEX STUDIOS VFX PIXELPOST BASECAMP VFX Film Out & Final Dolby Mix TECHNICOLOR (BANGKOK) MORE? Visit our website : 360celsius.com
019
SCRIPTs&STORIESMOVIEs content azral hanan
020
In the town of murder, killing is an art Bunohan has largely garnered positive reviews locally and internationally
Dain Said’s Bunohan is a somber and brutal meditation on the nature of family ties, regrets, betrayals and unspoken truths that would define the fate of three men and their dying father. It is also a tale of greed and deception against a backdrop of the seething change that is affecting rural communities the length and breadth of the land. It has already garnered international acclaim and recognition at the 2011 Toronto Film Festival where Variety’s John Andersen praises Dain for “serving up a feast of archetypes and violence amid a story that twines like a basketful of cobras,” and suggesting the highest possible compliment – “ripe as a mango for a U.S. remake.” Martin Scorsese would probably be the front-runner to direct. The film has also been screened at the Fantastic Film Fest held in Austin, Texas and at the Rotterdam Film Festival. To date it’s already won the Netpac Award at the Taipei Golden Horse Film Festival. As the Malay word for ‘murder’ and the name of the village from which the men originated and return to, Bunohan is an apt allusion to the unfolding tragedy. Situated close to the Malaysia-Thai border, an area rife with smuggling and where a simmering and bloody insurgency movement is underway, the setting lends an air of authentic lawlessness to proceedings. Lines on a map mean little around here. A place where the people prefer to use their own wits and fists to survive, rather than depend on the authorities.
Ailing dalang Pok Eng (Wan Hanafi Su)
021
SCRIPTs&STORIESMOVIEs content azral hanan
BUNOHAN Action!
bunohanactor
the cast
Ilham FAIZAL HUSSEIN Adil ‘Bunga Lalang’ ZAHIRIL ADZIM Bakar PEKIN IBRAHIM Deng BRONT PALARAE Pok Wah NAMRON Pok Eng WAN HANAFI SU Awang Sonar SOFFI JIKAN Jolok HUSHAIRY HUSSIN Muski AMERUL AFFENDI Jing JIMMY LOR Mek Yah TENGKU AZURA Cina Burung/Bird Man HO YUHANG Chart CARLIFF CARLEEL Bakri MAT SEMAN Kruba HARIRY ABDUL JALIL Gasi MD. EYZENDY Ketot & Tapa SUFIAN MUHAMMAD Adik ADIK SHARIDAN
022
And that is exactly what Adil (Zahiril Adzim) does. Literally using his fists to train and become involved in the cross-cultural sport of Tomoi or Kickboxing, we find him in the early part of the film involved in a death match somewhere in southern Thailand, one which he is losing badly. Rescued by best friend Musaki, they flee across the border headed for Bunohan. On their trail is dispatched assassin Ilham (Faizal Hussein), another native of the village who finds himself returning to the place he had abandoned. At the same time, Adil’s older brother Bakar (Pekin Ibrahim) is also making his way back home, ostensibly to take care of an ailing Pok Eng (Wan Hanafi Su), their father. Pok Eng is a noted master of the art of shadow-puppetry or Wayang Kulit. And as with most artists had a charm and twinkle in his eye that can be irresistible to the ladies. It is a play of shadows and light that unfolds as the seemingly separate narratives of Adil, Ilham and Bakar are woven together into a single overarching story with the Shadow Puppet Master Pok Eng at the very heart of it all. At once the master storyteller and its prisoner - as his own story, his own past binds his fate to his sons. For even as Adil returns he has no idea that his own half-brother Ilham was sent to kill him. And Pok Eng is unaware that Bakar the filial son has plans on the 30-acres of land
he wishes to bequeath to Adil. And Ilham is ignorant of Bakar’s connections with the man who hired him to kill Adil. Or that Bakar had moved Ilham’s mother’s grave to another location. A tangled web of secrets and bonds hidden by lies and silence. Even their names are significant. Adil is Malay for ‘Justice and Fairness’. Befitting his role and personality as he fights for what he believes to be his at the end. Ilham the killer is named for ‘Inspiration’. An ironic yet appropriate name for a man who eschews modern weapons; preferring to get in close and personal to savor the kill, while using a traditional Lawi Ayam knife. Experiencing each intimate act of extinguishing life as a work of art. And Bakar as his name implies, is a ‘burning’ bonfire of greed that will devour and destroy all that stands in his way. Even as his project will burn away the pristine landscape for redevelopment. In this film the women are almost never seen. But their presence is felt. In the promise Pok Eng makes to Mek Ani, Bakar and Adil’s mother to bequeath his land to the younger and thus stoke resentment and greed in the former; in the story of Mek Yah, Ilham’s mother and how his search for her grave is his own journey to the dark heart of his soul.
Top image: Deng (Bront Palarae) Middle Image: Awang Sonar (Soffi Jikan) & Pok Wah (Nam Ron) Bottom image: Muski (Amerul Affendi) Right Bottom image: Ilham (Faizal Hussein)
Mek Yah (Azura Awang)
Along the way Dain uses brief scenes of dreams and illusions to suggest that magic and mysticism form another layer on the metaphor of Bunohan as a crossroad between differing worlds, the boundary between mind and body, spirit and flesh, revenge and redemption. The acting is seamless and top-notch. The characters defy their archetypes with their struggles and complexities. Under the steady eye of DP Charin ‘Tong’ Pengpanich the look of the film is impressive. The mystical sequences are enhanced through riveting photography – specifically when Ilham interacts with a possessed bird and a scene of a ghostly woman wading through the reeds.
023
SCRIPTs&STORIESbooks content Azral hanan
Fallen Author Lauren Kate Publisher Delacorte Books Here’s Gothic style paranormal romance courtesy of Fallen. We meet Luce, a young girl who finds herself sent to a creepy boarding school after the her boyfriend’s death. Having been on anti-psychotics most of her life she befriends an assortment of weird characters at the Sword and Cross but is caught up with two hot guys (naturally), Daniel and Cam. Eventually she chooses Daniel. Cam gets all possessive, and we find out that Daniel is Luce’s OTL (One True Love) reborn over and over. Oh and everyone is a fallen angel. The premise may seem a little preposterous if it were not for Kate’s obvious talent to evoke the necessary atmosphere with her writing. Her strength is in immersing readers in all the melodrama. Her weakness is when she starts getting into the nitty-gritty of the plot.
Why Men What it was Held Captive: The Kidnapping Don’t listen Author and Rescue of George Pelecanos Elizabeth Smart and Women Publisher Little, Brown Author Don’t Read and Company Maggie Haberman and Jeane MacIntosh Maps Publisher Author Allan and Barbara Pease Publisher Three Rivers Press; 1 Reprint edition (Jun 19 2001) An approachable look at the age old question of the differences between the sexes. It mixes scientific data and biological studies with witty anecdotes and humor. This book is pretty much the bloke-ish version of ‘Men from Mars, Women from Venus’. Informative and entertaining, just don’t use it as a serious commentary on sexual politics or a guide to actual relationships!
A noir novel set in 1972 Washington where we again meet recurring character Derek Strange and his comrade Frank ‘Hound Dog’ Vaughn. Derek has left the force and set up as a private investigator. After a drug dealer is killed both Strange and Vaughn find themselves on the trail of ruthless killer, Red Fury. As the violence escalates, both know they have to get their man their own way. Pelecannos has an amazing eye for period detail and we find ourselves lost in the Washington of the streets, far away from the lofty heights of power. His stories are actually derived from real-life events of the past 40 years. It gives an air of authenticity to his fiction.
Avon Books, Imprint of HarperCollins
Given access to family members and official documents, this is a no-nonsense look at the events of Elizabeth Smart’s kidnapping one night in June 2004, her life in captivity and her rescue nine months later. Although there is little sensationalism or embellishment, one cannot help but feel engrossed by the account of these events. But the question remains. Does it qualify as informative or voyeurism? It’s up to the readers to decide.
crime-fiction writer
INFO George P. Pelecanos is a GreekAmerican author. Many of his works are in the genre of detective fiction and set primarily in his hometown of Washington, D.C. He is also a film and television producer and a television writer. He worked extensively on the HBO series The Wire.
George Pelecanos
024
SOUNDSCAPEalbum.review content kenneth lim
360PLAYLISTS
#01
Another You by The World Famous Tony Williams feat. Kanye West
#one Love After War #two - by Robin Thicke My Better Self #three - by Tennis DoYaThing #four - by Gorillaz x Andre 3000 x James Murphy Exhale #five - by Whitney Houston
so strikingly melodic albumRoses artistCranberries This is one of those comebacks that would revive the nineties kid in you BIG TIME, no kidding. Literally out of nowhere (and nearly after a decade of hiatus), The Cranberries are back. Not only they’ve released an all new album filled with fresh materials, they’ve also included Malaysia in their world tour – April 4, at Stadium Negara! Roses showcases the band in their finest glory, proving that they understand what their audience want and that they’re not too willing to change anything about their signature sound, which is great. They’ve basically picked up right where they left off and the album is nicely shaping up to be one of the most amazing albums of the year, especially for any hardcore Cranberries fans.
L.A. Woman 40th Anniversary Edition artistThe Doors
artistJamie woon
Mirrorwriting
Fans of The Doors, or rather, the lyrical genius that is Jim Morrison, would be delighted to know that the band’s legendary final studio album, L.A. Woman, has been reissued in celebration of its 40th anniversary. The rerelease offers alternative versions of several songs on the album, featuring none other than the late Morrison’s eternal voice. This gem of an album is one of those that deserve a second play in order to truly appreciate the enduring influence of the lizard king.
Mirrorwriting is an album filled with sombre harmonies, layered with soulful vocals and electronic styles in a way that defines the contemporary R&B sound of today. Woon wrote and produced the entire album, and has gone to great lengths to break out of the conventional singer-songwriter mould. You’d be glad to know that this young British artist, who is half Malaysian Chinese, was shortlisted as one to watch out for in the BBC’s Sound of 2011.
Live Your Life #six - by Yuna You Got Me #seven - by The Roots feat. Erykah Badu Immigrant Song #eight - by Karen O Linger #nine - by The Cranberries Sun Moon And Sky #ten - by OJ Law MORE? Visit our website : 360celsius.com
The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo OST artistTrent Reznor x Atticus Ross Like the movie, the score would haunt you in the strangest ways – Reznor and Ross managed to unveil a dark and sinister aesthetic, that not only does its job in fulfilling David Fincher’s vision for the movie, but also an important step into the on-going evolution of a restless musical mind. This one is guaranteed to provide you proper goose bumps.
025
360HIGHLIGHTS grab AND WIN your experience
THE AVENGERS Release Date: 27 APRIL, 2012 Genre: Action Adventure Sci-Fi
Button
set
iPho
ne 4
s ger
S ca
se
t
hir
t-s
n Ave
License plat
e
Marvel Studios presents “Marvel’s The Avengers”—the Super Hero team up of a lifetime, featuring iconic Marvel Super Heroes Iron Man, The Incredible Hulk, Thor, Captain America, Hawkeye and Black Widow. When an unexpected enemy emerges that threatens global safety and security, Nick Fury, Director of the international peacekeeping agency known as S.H.I.E.L.D., finds himself in need of a team to pull the world back from the brink of disaster. Spanning the globe, a daring recruitment effort begins.
Answer the question and complete the slogan below to stand a chance to win exclusive prizes Why are the Avengers called upon? A] To save the world from S.H.E.I.L.D. B] To save the world from aliens C] They were brainwashed to attack the city D] To save the world from Loki and his army Complete the slogan below in no more than 20 words: I love 360 because...
026
FOUR
lucky winners will each receive the following AVENGERS merchandize: 1x The Avengers T-shirt (RM250 each) 1x The Avengers License Plate (RM250 each) 1x The Avengers iPhone Cover (RM200 each) 1x The Avengers Button Set (RM180 each) Rules and regulations This contest is only open to Malaysian citizens and permanent residents aged 18 and above. The closing date for entries is. All winners will be notified by telephone by Monday, 30th April 2012 unless stated otherwise. Winners will be selected on their correct answer and most creative slogan. Prizes not collected by Friday, 11th May 2012 will be forfeited. Prizes are not exchangeable with cash. The promoter (360 celsius Sdn.Bhd.) reserves the right to substitute the prize with another of the same value should the prize for some reason become unavailable. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entertained. Employees of 360 celsius Sdn.Bhd., their sponsors and their advertising agencies are not eligible to participate.
++ Email your reply to our editor, kenneth@360celsius.com
A SLICE OF
I TALY 1 300 30 3333 www.urbanoefresco.com
creativePHOTOGRAPHY content kenneth lim / azral hanan images Suchen SKŠ
SHOOT TO HEAL Why Suchen is The Master Photocrafter
A stylish photographer and avid traveller whose works have been featured in the National Geographic and Reader’s Digest Asia, Suchen SK has an eye not only for capturing the light and detail of a shot, but the underlying reality and humanness behind it.
028
“Once I had to be on a tiny boat doing a shoot for an American brand. The boat sank and I had to swim to the jetty with the camera up in the air so it didn’t get damaged.”
MY MOMENTS Most risky Once I had to be on a tiny boat doing a shoot for an American brand. The boat sank and I had to swim to the jetty with the camera up in the air so it didn’t get damaged. Honestly I don’t know how I did it.
His range also includes shooting for the Malaysian Royal family and assignments with the Malaysian Government and the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. But he’s just as at home working for non-profit organisations, or working in the primeval jungles as the official photographer for the Rainforest World Music Festival in Sarawak, Malaysia. What was it like growing up with a dad who was also an avid photographer? Were you coached in photography since childhood? How early did you start? I guess growing up with a dad who was also an avid photographer made me comfortable holding a camera and I remember always thinking it was really cool. But he was into videos too. Unfortunately I stuck to still photography only. I guess my dad was my coach and I think I was the only one among my two other brothers who was more of a hands on person, so I was the one following my dad and asking him questions all the time. I can’t remember when I started, but I knew I was pretty young. I probably held my first camera when I was eight or so. But when I started backpacking in 1997 for ten years, I always had a camera with me without fail. How did you find the means to backpack for 10-years? Well I always took up any odd jobs just so my day expenses were paid for so basically my trip was free. Then later I figured out that by doing odd jobs I get to keep travelling and in the same time make some money along the way. So I managed to build up some savings while travelling. And later figured out that I could do this for as long as I wanted. After all I didn’t see the point of working 11 and a half months a year only to take a two week ‘stressful’ holiday and spending all the money you saved like most people do. This way I get to travel AND I get to make money at the same time.
How would you describe your style of photography? I really don’t know; I have many styles I guess depending on the object and clients. I don’t mind getting down and dirty and I’m kind of known to not follow the rules of photography and also laws or restrictions in places that you are not supposed to take pictures. But usually before I take a picture, I’m already thinking about how the end product is going to look. E.g.; on a canvas, Black and white, blown up, what kind of frame would suit it on a wall and so on. That’s also why I call myself a ‘Photocrafter’. It’s actually a word I created. I take a photo and in the same time I try and craft it out to be my style I guess. Hence Photocrafter (photographer + a craftsman). You’ve literally came up with a book about rubbish. Can you tell us more about that? It was a book called ‘Wonderland… beyond the bin’. The book was basically the idea of a guy by the name of Ib Larsen who was at the time working for the Danish International Development Assistant in Malaysia (DANIDA) in 2010. In colaboration with the Ministry of Housing and Local Government of Malaysia and they wanted to document the actual (true) state of Solid Waste Management in Malaysia.
Most mind-blowing Taking photos at an open air cremation. From the beginning until only the ashes remained. I think I took that some years ago but I can still remember every bit. Toughest gig Being the official photographer for the Rainforest World Music Festival (2008-2010). I think I only get a total of 4-5 hours’ sleep in the three days. I covered the entire festival on my own except for 2010 where I had someone to help me out. And it starts in the mornings and ends at midnight. And all the photos have to be ready by the next morning. So imagine taking about a 1000 pics a day and having to edit them all from midnight. All to be ready by 9am. But I think after the first year I managed to convince them to make it 12 noon the next day (laughter). www.suchens.com Email - info@suchens.com Office - +60 88 444 282 Fax - +60 88 280 282
029
creativePHOTOGRAPHY content kenneth lim / azral hanan images Suchen SK©
And they wanted a photographer’s eye on it and asked me if I was interested and I immediately said, of course. And I set about all over Malaysia documenting exactly that; capturing the state we live in in Malaysia. It involved visiting landfills, recycling plants, schools and many more. It was not only about the ‘bad’ but also the ‘good’ that we have and we do have a lot of both to be honest. It was an honest pictorial coffee-table book about the whole cycle of domestic solid waste in Malaysia in 2010. It was given a five-page coverage in the local newspapers including making the front page when it was launched, and the writer who did a cover-page on that book won an award for it.
“ My greatest achievement as a person to me is I managed to be where I am by being and believing in myself.”
How much of your luggage is usually made up of camera gear? Well I have a suitcase just for my equipment which is about 18kg. But depending on the shoot, sometime I just use one camera with one lens. Usually if I know beforehand what the shoot requires, then I can plan accordingly. If not I just bring the whole lot. While carrying so much camera gear around, have you ever been the target of robbery? I was actually part of the statistics of a snatch thief while I was travelling in Cambodia. Some guys came next to my tuk tuk on a bike and snatched my camera bag which was on the floor. But luckily I was holding my camera and the only thing in that bag was a small compact camera and a cheap lens. What do you love most about being a photographer? I guess having the best ‘seat’ in the house in festivals, weddings, concerts and many other events is what I love most. And also being able to capture the moments and sharing it with others. I also love capturing the ‘day’ or the event and being able to let people look back at the photos and being able to instantly ‘go back in time’ to that day. Works the same for portraits, kids, nude photography and also other shoots.
030
10-years of backpacking has brought Suchen to some of the most exotic places in the world, allowing him to capture breathtaking images along the way.
What do you dislike most? I guess it was to be when people ask you to take a photo and once you have taken it (and you are happy with it) they say repeatedly, “Take another one just in case”, without even looking at the previous picture. When shooting people, how do you make your subjects feel comfortable enough to appear candid while watching you take their picture? You don’t, that’s what candid means. Most of the time during shoots, the first few minutes are just ‘pretend time/shoots’ for me to get them to relax and feel comfortable. The best way to do it is have them bring a friend or have a situation where they are with someone they are comfortable with. And had them have a conversation while I’m in the background with a nice zoom lens. What would you consider your greatest achievements? I guess my greatest achievement as a person to me is I managed to be where I am by being and believing in myself, and not what someone else wanted me to do. I mean I have long hair in dreadlocks, tattoos, I wear shorts
and sandals most of the time and I’m still accepted even though all those are frowned upon in society especially in Asia. Also I did all this without making money the priority in life. I made ‘living life’ my priority in life. I always tell people don’t presume you won’t die tomorrow. Live and enjoy life as you only have this one (I guess I don’t believe in reincarnation). Don’t put off living in order to make money. As a photographer, I guess my greatest achievement was when I was contacted by someone in National Geographic in 2010 who wanted to use a few of my pictures in their publication. It kind of made me say to myself ‘ok maybe I do sometimes take good photos’ (laughter). Any interesting photography projects in the pipeline that you would like to share with us? I am trying out a new ‘travel photography introduction course’. This time it’s Nepal. It’s going to be in May this year. I’m doing it together with a fellow photographer Vishnu who is based in KL who is more the ‘technical’ guy and I’m the ‘artistic’ guy in the trip. Depending on the response, I might consider doing one every 2-3 months
031
creativePHOTOGRAPHY content kenneth lim / azral hanan images Suchen SK©
Most of the time during shoots, the first few minutes are just ‘pretend time/shoots’ for me to get them to relax and feel comfortable. to different locations. Only requirement is that you have a camera and like traveling. It’s more of a casual travel and in the same time learning a thing or two about photography and life. I’m not targeting professionals or people who want to be professionals, I’m targeting the average person who just wants to know the trick and tips on taking a picture. How to make it interesting, how to make it look more dramatic, more subtle, more alive and so on. To me composition of the picture is everything. I will also include basic editing on the last day of the tour. I am also expanding my picture rental business from Sabah in East Malaysia which is where I live, to West Malaysia. I will have an office here in KL and a team of people running it hopefully by May this year. What do you feel made you the person you are today? My travels, no doubt about it. I learnt more about life and spending time getting to know myself during the first 2-years in my travels then I ever did living and growing up in Malaysia. Also being brought up by very open minded parents who taught me to be a ‘thinker’ and not a ‘follower’ is a big part of who I am today.
032
Are there any words of advice that you would like to give budding photographers who aspire to be as established as you? I guess you have to dare to be yourself and do what YOU feel is right even though others may not like your style. Trust me, whatever you do, someone will like it and someone will not. Sadly this world is full of critics and not supporters. If you’re going to follow everyone else and all the rules in photography, you will be just like any other photographer. Know the rules, but dare to try out new things and technology. We live in the world of technology. USE IT! Combine it; don’t be afraid of creating sometime new.
033
creativeart content kenneth lim images SABRINA anuar
MOVING AS ONE SATU DOES IT FOR THE LOCAL ART SCENE It’s an unfortunate stereotype that artists are messy, eccentric, ‘emo’, and always dotted with paint, but it’s even more unfortunate that some artists feel the need to be that way in an attempt to fit that stereotype.
Truth be told, artistic inspiration doesn’t always have to come from such morbid origins, nor does looking like a hilltop hermit reflect the potency of one’s art. And for every successful artist who can make a decent living off their work, there are many more talented artists who are still struggling just to establish themselves. Meet the local collective art group who call themselves SATU. Founded by Elias Yamani Ismail in 2008, SATU consists of a team of members who strive with almost rhapsodic enthusiasm to propel the works of budding artists towards due recognition. SATU basically functions as an art support group, actively involved in organizing exhibitions and promotional campaigns to raise public awareness. When we met them back a couple of months ago, they were already holding
034
their eighth exhibition. Titled “Interpretasi: Pembinaan Bermula”, the exhibition was a collaboration with Malaysian Art Platform (MAP) at Publika in Solaris Dutamas. The exhibition featured the works Ady Ezwan Nordin, Annabelle Ng, Elias Yamani Ismail, Isnian Ibrahim, Jo Ghazali, Louise Low, Muhamad Rasfan, Muhd. Syafiq Fawwaz and Shahril. Elias stressed that SATU doesn’t belong to him, but every member of the team, and every member has a role to play in SATU. “It is important for artists to put themselves out there and do much more than just creating masterpieces if they want to succeed.” said Elias. “By getting involved in our exhibitions and campaigns, artists are able to learn the essential mechanics and get a better understanding of what it takes to properly market their works.”
creativeart
content kenneth lim / azral hanan images SABRINA anuar
ART OF AGES Two extraordinary artists. Two extraordinary generations If you’ve been to Publika at Mont Kiara, you might have noticed the extensive artworks that plaster the interior of the art themed mall. These masterpieces are the works of Adeputra Masri and Donald Abraham. 360celsius recently met them at their “Bikin Cerita” exhibition where they showcased some of their latest works. ADEPUTRA MASRI Instead of looking for an elusive certainty, the Adeputra of today cherishes simplicity of line and colour as forms to be filled and accentuated by his own soul. As well he now takes into account personal experiences forged in his own life journey, as well that of the world in which he lives in. Bold lines and colour are his modes of communicating his ideas. The world is his canvas and his muse. A soft-spoken man despite his rugged features, in his early days Adeputra was fixated on trying to find his own sense of identity and form of expression. In other words, Adeputra sought the core of his own individuality, the sense of who he is - to drive
036
his inner inspiration and art. He worked as a cartoonist and illustrator for a publishing house back in the day and considered selfidentity and individuality not only to be stable and coherent aspects but as necessary for the manifestation of inspiration and creativity. However he would later embrace the nature of fluidity in terms of his understanding of self and expression. He realised that change and transformation are the only constants in terms of artistic development. Individuality is not an ends in itself. It is rather, a never-ending quest for perfection. But perfection is unattainable as the artist is remade at every moment by new experiences, new thoughts, and new memories.
ON TOP : The influence of social commentary weighs heavy on Ade’s art right: Adeputra and one of his main pieces
037
creativeart content kenneth lim / azral hanan images SABRINA anuar
“...Every one of those skateboards bore the unmistakable marks of thorough wear and tear.”
DONALD ABRAHAM A hardcore skateboarder at heart, Donald left his hometown in Sabah and came to KL with the hopes of becoming a proskateboarder, but quickly realized that he wasn’t quite able to. Having forced to put his initial dream on hold, Donald had to look for other ways to make a living. After some soul searching, he found solace in art, and has been producing impressive pieces of work ever since. One of the pieces that first caught our eyes as he showed us around his side of the gallery was the row of skateboards that he painted on with acrylic. We thought it was a brilliant idea, but were blown away when we took a closer look to see that every one of those
038
skateboards bore the unmistakable marks of thorough wear and tear. It was then that we could feel this piece of art oozing with his passion for skateboarding and perseverance through life’s challenges, almost as if to symbolize every hardship he survived with every scrape and crack on those skateboards. The rest of Donald’s works were on the usual canvases. Sleepy yet vibrant, his street-themed strokes fluidly twist to create illusory interpretation of his seeming state of Zen. Whether it’s the refreshing take on street art or the fact that we know how this small town boy is trying to make sense of this big city life, we certainly feel a very sincere and personal connection between the artist and his creations.
on TOP: One of Donald’s earlier work from top to bottom (Right) : Donald’s work on the sprawling interior of Publika, worn out skateboards as the canvas, Donald standing next to one of his large paintings
039
creativeart
Art Jamming in Malaysia The Studio @ KL Shows the Strokes
The Studio @ KL has emerged as the Art Studio for all as it is Malaysia’s pioneer of Art Jamming. Ask KL-ites about Art Jamming and most won’t know much about it but this has only encouraged Jennifer Tan and Jonny Ishaque – the husband and wife team behind The Studio @ KL. Art Jamming involves coming together to paint in a social and relaxed environment to music. Hugely popular in Hong Kong, Dubai and London, it is a fun and therapeutic way to spend time and pitches itself as an alternative option to the usual mall, restaurant and bar scene. One regular Art Jammer puts it, “Art Jamming is a way of letting anybody have a go at painting and enabling them to express their own creativity in a social setting”. What’s more you get to take your painting away with you to hang up at home or give it to someone as a present. An Art Jamming session lasts for 3 hours with everything included – you walk in with nothing and walk out with a painting! The success behind The Studio @ KL is that they provide a warm and friendly setting – you really don’t have to be an Artist to Jam Art. It is all about fun, hanging out with others and using painting as a way to de-stress. After many years of running an Art Jamming studio in Hong Kong, Jennifer and Jonny believed it was high time that KL adopted this popular past time
040
too. After 20 years abroad, Kuala Terengganu-born Jennifer was amazed at the changes she found in KL. As a professional Artist Jennifer wanted to provide a way for Malaysians and expats to paint and overcome their misbelief that they do not have artistic talent. The mission was to encourage people to have fun with friends whilst painting and so the idea for The Studio @ KL was born. Located in the up and coming Publika – Mont Kiara, The Studio @ KL has definitely benefitted from the location. They believe that Publika is fast emerging as “the” Arts hub in KL. People are curious to check out this Arts oriented mall and now they have a place to paint for themselves. Jennifer and Jonny both understand the initial inhibitions that come at looking at a blank canvas. As a teacher by trade Jonny is aware that people tend to undersell themselves, “It is all about relaxing and realizing that you are here to have fun and that you can just let the paints flow – people are surprised that you can even alter what you have already
Participants can have fun socializing while enjoying complete artistic freedom
The Making of The Masterpiece
done on a canvas – in Art Jamming there are no rules or mistakes!”. Art Jammers can bring their own food and drink making the occasion ideal for social gatherings and birthdays. You can also come in a small group or on your own, whichever is convenient. Typical Art Jammers tend to be professional locals and expats – many being surprised by what they have achieved on canvas. Jonny is keen to point out, “It is as much about the process as the end product.” Corporate organizations are also using Art Jamming for staff training, often using their employees’ artwork to put up in their offices. Art Jamming can be used for exercises in communication and team building – essential skills needed in today’s workplace. “It has proven to be a fun end to a sales conference or even to launch products.” “Why not go for something different?! Get your employees to paint to a theme associated with that new product - that would get more attention than the usual product launches!” The Studio @ KL makes no secret that they are keen to leverage the fact that Art Jamming is a fresh, fun and creative concept in Malaysia.
Jennifer and Jonny both understand the initial inhibitions that come at looking at a blank canvas
Being new may be an asset but it is also a challenge to make people aware of the Art Jamming concept. Most people don’t think of casual painting as a pastime so The Studio @ KL has used social media, radio interviews and their website to promote themselves. “Making sure people find us in Google searches has been really beneficial but good old fashioned word of mouth is a boon. Also “word of wall” (Facebook) is great as people post their painting on their ‘FB’ account and their friends want to know how they did that – the rest follows as they view the Art Jamming video on our website” as for future plans, Jonny and Jennifer are confident that this is only the beginning and are excited about the future of Art Jamming in Malaysia. They have already gone mobile bringing Art Jamming to bars and restaurants whilst opening other outlets is in the pipeline. Tel: 012.321.0828 www.thestudioatkl.com
041
360HIGHLIGHTS grab AND WIN your experience
™ MEN IN BLACK 3 Release Date: 24 May, 2012 Genre: Action Adventure Comedy
Our favourite sci-fi superagents are back... in time. J(Will Smith) has seen some inexplicable things in his 15 years with the Men in Black, but nothing, not even aliens, perplexes him as much as his wry, reticent partner K (Tommy Lee Jones). But when K’s life and the fate of the planet are put at stake, Agent J will have to travel back in time to put things right. J discovers that there are secrets to the universe that K never told him -- secrets that will reveal themselves as he teams up with the young Agent K (Josh Brolin) to save his partner, the agency, and the future of humankind. And so they’re back from outer space. Answer the question and complete the slogan below to stand a chance to win exclusive prizes! Where must Agent J travel to save Agent K’s life? A] On Pluto B] In the future C] Back in time D] In another dimension Complete the slogan below in no more than 20 words: MIB reminds me of the MALAYSIAN EXPERIENCE because...
042
FIVE
lucky winners will each receive the following Limited Edition MEN IN BLACK 3 merchandize: 1x Car Sunshade worth RM 450 1x PU Leather Notebook worth RM 300 1x Neuraliser Pen worth RM 200 1x Car Sticker worth RM 50 Rules and regulations This contest is only open to Malaysian citizens and permanent residents aged 18 and above. The closing date for entries is. All winners will be notified by telephone by Monday, 30th April 2012 unless stated otherwise. Winners will be selected on their correct answer and most creative slogan. Prizes not collected by Friday, 11th May 2012 will be forfeited. Prizes are not exchangeable with cash. The promoter (360 celsius Sdn.Bhd.) reserves the right to substitute the prize with another of the same value should the prize for some reason become unavailable. The judge’s decision is final and no correspondence will be entertained. Employees of 360 celsius Sdn.Bhd., their sponsors and their advertising agencies are not eligible to participate.
++ Email your reply to our editor, kenneth@360celsius.com
Fashion of-the-moment soundscape classic cool Feature top 10 personalities aura fitness beauty tips style lookbook space home decors furniture innotech gadgets mobile apps launch move mobilize gps travel bug delectables recipes restaurant review scripts & stories featured movies artist Fashion of-the-moment soundscape classic cool Feature top 10 personalities aura fitness beauty tips style lookbook space home decors furniture innotech gadgets mobile apps launch move mobilize gps travel bug delectables recipes restaurant review scripts & stories featured movies artist Fashion of-the-moment soundscape Aprillookbook / May 2012 top 10 personalities aura fitness beauty tips style space home decors furniture innotech gadgets mobile apps launch move mobilize gps travel bug delectables recipes restaurant review scripts & stories featured movies artist
Feature
Featureyasmin.ahmad content Linus Chung images Various photographers
Photo Source: Fribourg International Film Festival
044
A Tribute to Yasmin Ahmad Of Love, Blessings and Life’s Beautiful Fragilities Remembering her life, love and selfless contribution Yasmin Ahmad has won numerous awards internationally for the numerous commercials and six feature films she made in her lifetime. Many simply love her commercials. Linus Chung shares his personal experience of the person who was so eager to spread love and compassion hoping to cure a world that has grown rather cynical and cold. In my hand, I rolled a clump of dirt around with my fingers. I felt it for all it was. Humility comes from the Latin word humus meaning earth. Earth is where we came from and where we will all ultimately return to. And yet, how often do we ponder the earth? How often do we have humility and just be there embracing everything God has blessed us with lovingly, and we in turn complete the cycle by giving our love completely. “Hi, my name is yasmin and I love your film,” she introduced herself to me. I was a rather naïve and slightly arrogant 21 year old then and I was just elated that I was in a stranger’s praise of my little film that was screening in the small film festival in Sarawak. It would be a few months before I eventually came to know that she was Yasmin Ahmad. It took awhile longer to for me to appreciate her first film ‘Rabun’ which on first viewing I thought was boring. One ordinary day as I walked around in my apartment, I received a phone call, “Linus,
this is Yasmin. Would you like to be a poetry reading VCD selling samseng in my film? ” Choo Seong worked in the same office as Yasmin. Sharifah Amani was exchanging quips with her sister Aleya backstage at a Jit Murad play that Yasmin attended. These chance meetings led to Choo Seong becoming Ah Loong, Sharifah Amani becoming Orked and me becoming Keong. Harith Iskandar’s casting as the lovable dad was no less casual. They passed each other at an escalator at KLCC and Yasmin just shouted out to him as he was going up the escalator if he like to act in her film. Unable to hear Yasmin, Harith had to run down the escalator to hear her, he accepted the offer. I confided in Yasmin my lack of confident in playing a speaking role in a film. Yasmin simply said “Just say the lines, I chose you because I like you. You’ll be great! ” Then she’ll give a light squeeze on my cheeks and add “Eeee…mata sepet…comelnya,” That’s
Yasmin for you, she’s always encouraging and she effortlessly sees beauty in everyone because she allows herself to. “We should love others in spite of all their imperfections as we ourselves expect to be love in spite of our imperfection.” Yasmin would say and as an artist she paints characters infused with a human awkwardness that is not chastised but celebrated, and it’s always wonderfully observed giving her character a poignant core that’s really a delight to watch; whether it’s walking into a window, stuttering, scratching his privates or a person’s moment of fragility being caught in sorrow. Yasmin’s acute observations on life delighting in character traits that often go unnoticed bless us with films that mirror our own hopes, dreams and fears. Her father’s laugh (an almost monosyllabic AAAAAHAHAHAHA with a perfect tonal curve) became M. Rajoli’s laugh in Rabun (M.Rajoli plays her father ‘Pak Atan’ in that film).
045
Featureyasmin.ahmad content Linus Chung images Various photographers
046
Left image: Yasmin Ahmad on the director chair, watching the days’ shot while her producer and friend Kak Ros looks on. Bottom image: A scene from Yasmin’s film Muallaf. In this film, Director Yasmin Ahmad explores the possibilities of emotional survival after being traumatised by loved ones. Through the wanderings of three lost souls who band together and console one another. Muallaf celebrates friendship, forgiveness, and coming to terms with the past.
047
Featureyasmin.ahmad content Linus Chung images Various photographers
In the midst of a working day, Yasmin will also ask people questions like “Are you in love? Do you have a boyfriend?” and follow it up with “Why not consider him, handsome what? ” pointing to a random guy in the distance. She also breaks out in laughter, song and dance. At first Yasmin’s demeanor may seem peculiar and out of place but when one eventually sees that in her action she is genuinely celebrating life and friends, the peculiarity becomes moments of sweet nuances. Yasmin once came up to me and placed fifty cents in my hand. She said it’s for me. I asked her, “what is it for?” She said that well she knows how much it meant to me to be working on my first film.
With a voice tinged with sweet sentiments: “Love the world and you’ll understand the world,” was Yasmin’s answer to me when I asked her how we can completely understand this world and all its vast intricacies. If anything, Yasmin is guilty of overusing the word ‘love’; but that is because many of us have largely forgotten its use in a world that’s growing ever more cynical and cold.
But as I received a cheque payment for my work on SEPET, there isn’t really anything personal in a cheque I can keep; so she gave that fifty cents to keep as a souvenir of payment for my first work as an actor. That gesture, that ordinary fifty-cent coin was blue-tacked on my wall for many years and as silly as it is I still smile fondly looking at it. Pete Abdullah, the assistant director for almost all of Yasmin’s film from Sepet to Talentime sums it up best saying that working with Yasmin didn’t feel like work. It feels like going on a holiday but making a movie while at it. Yasmin’s friends simple address her as ‘Min’ and many of us address Yasmin as ‘mah’(short for mother) on set and for good reasons. Yasmin with her friends, cast, and crew from SEPET
048
Yasmin, in all her work, was campaigning for a more loving world for all of us. If she ever lost patience, it was with people with no semblance of emotional sentiments. “Weren’t you hugged as a child?” she’ll quip to their face. Yasmin once invited my parents and I for an early viewing of SEPET in her office. After the screening, Yasmin asked me offhand if I love my mother and have I hugged her
(my mother). I was caught off guard without a response. It’s sad but true that I am more inclined to voice my anger towards my mother than loving her for all that she is to me.
the hospital. Talking to one another, we realized one more thing about Yasmin: While many of us hardly had time for friends, she had time for all of us despite her busy schedule.
I don’t know if something was wrong with me, but I couldn’t bring myself to say a big resounding “yes” as I should have; because I was actually shy to emote, especially in front of my mother.
Pete Abdullah once asked Yasmin: “Have you ever wondered if people are your friends because of who you are, or what you are?” She answered: “Does it matter? Never question the intent; it is for God to judge. For me, I am happy to have a friend.”
Yasmin was Muslim, but along with the works Rumi she read the Tao Te Ching, the Bible and other religious texts trying to understand God more. She’ll denounce any false prophet and their intolerance of other faiths by saying a simple line: “An old man on a buffalo was wiser than you are.” A true advocate of prayer, she had her telekung and prayer mat with her everywhere and frequently excused herself to pray. She prayed with so much enthusiasm that she could say “I want to pray again” just after finishing one. In my last conversation with Yasmin, I inquisitively asked: “Do you pray to ask for more blessings?” To which she answered no. I quicky responded with: “To thank God for all his blessings.” She smiled at me and said: “You finally got it.” That was the very last time I saw Yasmin. The next time I heard about her, I was told that she had collapsed. I dialled her handphone number immediately and her friend Muniandy answered. “Yasmin is not well now.” A few days later, all hope was lost. Her friends gathered at
is hoped that by reading this article, you can also share in her philosophy of love. If she does touch your heart in any way, do offer her a prayer, Yasmin, ever a pious Muslim would probably like that. I now hug my mum openly. Thank you, Yasmin, for everything.
There were people around me, but at that moment I felt alone in my grief. I put my hand into a bag filled with a potpourri of sliced pandan leaves and little jasmine flowers, to be scattered on her grave.
Yasmin Ahmad has just passed away in July of that year. It came as a shock to many who love her. I am glad to say that today, her family and friends still gather in her memory trying to keep her spirit alive.
I told myself Yasmin is okay, she’s with God whom she loves. Yasmin always said: “One day when I die, it’ll be okay as I have lived and I have loved.” But remembering how she had no qualms about holding someone in a warm embrace, had no reservations about telling you how beautiful you are, and never forgot to tell you how much she loved you; tears streamed from my eyes. I wrote this article over two years ago in December 2009. Yasmin Ahmad has just passed away in July of that year. It came as a shock to many who love her. I am glad to say that today, her family and friends still gather in her memory trying to keep her spirit alive. It
YASMIN’S UNCONDITIONAL LOVE IS TRUE
Yasmin holds true to the most important basis of humanity, one that a lot of us have forgotten. “she had no qualms about holding someone in a warm embrace, had no reservations about telling you how beautiful you are, and never forgot to tell you how much she loved you,”
INFO
049
PERSONALITIESdain.said content kenneth lim / Azral hanan images courtesy of dain said / asyraff zero
050
making a killing an interview with dain iskandar said It isn’t often that an award-winning director invites interviewers over to his house and serves them coffee and biscuits. But Dain Iskandar Said would have it no other way. A genial man of simple means, his demeanour suggests quiet stoicism. But this is belied by the passion in his voice as he opens up to us about life, love, art and his newest film, Bunohan. What inspired Bunohan?
I wanted to do a film that deals with things on a personal level. You know you’re tucked back into your memories as a kid. I wanted to explore the relationship between men without being homoerotic or the buddy movie thing that Hollywood does so well. I wanted to do a family drama, except one where they have strange jobs like an assassin, a kick boxer and an evil businessman.
How did you find the place?
place is virtually borderless, it’s so porous. People usually just go across the river for grocery shopping, meet their relatives or even for whore houses. So there are a lot of these larger than life things that go on of which we; who are defined by borders, and by who we are in Malaysia, are not accustomed to.
Was there any social commentary that you were trying to highlight in this movie?
Whenever you see good cinema, there is always a tradition of things being iconic since it’s a visual medium, be it the character or the place. When I write I like to do my research, and I take my research seriously. What I do is I go off to the villages where kickboxing is still practiced, so I already had an idea of where I was going to shoot and went there to spend a lot of time in the East Coast in Setiu.
It’s very simple, I mean for me it was the destruction of relationships, and how it is mirrored in the destruction of our connections and ties to all else around us. Whether it’s between our fellow human beings, or between us and Mother Nature. For me in particular most importantly are the traditions that are tied to the landscape and to the land. The land and our memory of who we are, our identity, is tied to our stories.
When I was there I was talking to some old people in the villages, they told me stories and kept mentioning the place called Bunohan. I stopped them right there and asked them what it was, and they said that it was a town on the Thai border. I felt that this might be an apt title.
I did another story with another artist which was taken to the Sydney Bienale, representing Malaysia. We worked on it for two and a half years or so. The theme of that relationship was landscape, how the land affects memory and how memory affects the land.
There are towns all over the world with interesting names. In America, there’s a town called Paradise. And Michael Ondaatje, a novelist, wrote a book titled ‘Driving Through Slaughter’, and Slaughter is also a town in the States. Towns always have some kind of resonance depending on the names they are given. So then I wanted to see the place, and ironically it was just ten minutes away from where I grew up in. Yet I was unaware of it. Bunohan is one of those one-horse-towns. It’s like a cowboy town, and that border has lots of cowboy towns. It’s pretty much the badlands of Malaysia. Nobody carries a passport there because they are so poor. The
As an example, I met two very old people, one a masseur, the other a midwife. The midwife was almost a hundred and she could barely speak. She said that in the old days when you give birth, you cut the umbilical cord and bury it beneath the coconut tree. The old masseur told me how the roots and herbs that he used to get to heal people are all gone now. He can’t find them anymore. He had a jar that contained oil that he takes from this rare bird, and explained to me how they would stake it out until it got into a tree and laid eggs. When those eggs hatched, they would break the legs of those hatchlings when they get
older. The mother will come, and will feed it herbs and line its nest so that the bones are mended again. So they will take that bird, kill it, and put it into oil. They would then use that oil to help heal anyone with broken bones. I did another project with a British ethnographer who came here to research on fish listening. We checked it out, and found that there was no other race in the world that does it save the Malays. These ‘fish listeners’ dive and listen to fish. I tried it for the first few times and didn’t hear anything. They told me what it would sound like and I eventually managed to hear fish for the first time. I was extremely fascinated. We did some research and found out that fish do make sounds, because why wouldn’t they? We could hear them when they were hauled up in the net. These fish listeners could even tell you what kind of fish it is, where the fish is located, and whether they are young spawns or adults. These people hate trawlers because trawlers scrape the seabed and pick everything up regardless of whether or not they need it and leave a trail of damage. Stories like that tell me the symbiotic relationship between Man and the land, and people would only take what they needed. My themes are about our own spirituality. And how back then we were tied so closely to our land, and how that bond has been broken. The reasons behind the break can be many. In this particular area, the Malay culture is a beautiful one. That culture to me is not a culture that is prescribed from above, but rather one that is organically cultivated. It’s not whatever anyone defines it as, but one that originated and is cultivated from the local communities and societies. In Bunohan, that is what is being lost because of greed, lust and corruption for power. It is destroying our traditions, narratives and connection with the land.
051
PERSONALITIESdain.said content kenneth lim / Azral hanan images courtesy of dain said / asyraff zero
The Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) Bank has been phenomenal in being behind us all the way, fully supporting and pushing us in a professional manner.
What did the actors have to go through in preparation for their roles in the film?
We got a couple of guys who are filmmakers and writers, and they did this thing called ‘Budak Kelantan’. I loved the way they used Kelantanese because it was so natural. It was effortless. Because of that I called them on board to coach the actors on the Kelantanese accent for 3-months. The actors themselves were very committed and they spent hours every day on their own practicing it. If not for the budget, I would’ve liked them to have spent a month or so up in Kelantan because I saw a lot of boxing clubs and culture up there. Not only would they get the feel of the language and everything else, but they would also be getting the feel of how people behave and the way people are. Because when you’re in the ring it’s like acting. You’re not the same person outside the ring.
052
Despite spending 26-years in England, Dain wanted to return to Malaysia because it was the stories here that he wanted to tell.
I noticed an absence of women in Bunohan. Was it deliberately done to convey a particular message?
It was deliberate. The main story was about the mother, and she was the only one I wanted to feature in that because I really wanted to build a small universe in the corner of Malaysia. A universe where the story is predicated on the violence between men; where sibling rivalries and ‘Father complexes’ take centre stage. I actually wanted to emphasize the presence and impact of women by focusing on just one woman. Who just happens to be a half woman half-crocodile, and who rises from the swamps to give her final lament on the land, the relationship with her husband, and love. And I think that is enough. But the absence is also reflected in the situation we in Malaysia are currently in. I do believe that many of today’s women are not the women I used to know. My mother, my aunts, and my cousins - none of them wore tudungs. And especially in Kelantan, the women are strong. My father was a policeman there. When I was a kid, he’d tell me that 90% of what he had to investigate back then involved the ‘kapak kecil’, which was a little axe which women carried in their bags or tucked into their bras and clothes. The ‘kapak kecil’ is small and extremely sharp. It’s a weapon, and sometimes they even keep it in their buns. And he says that most of the cases were love triangles. So women in Kelantan are very, very strong. When the men went out to sea the women stayed ashore to run their households and family businesses.
So it is not officially a matriarchal society, but organically that’s how it happened. I don’t know if it’s still the case today. Even though there is the cloak of religion over that these days, I think elements of it still survive. So to go back to the film Bunohan, I really wanted the absence of an overt female role.
Bunohan seems to deviate from the general trend that the bulk of local films tend to adopt. How do you think it will do?
We’re in the cinema now, and it’s only been two days. This is going to be a real test as to whether it works. The Malaysian audience has been really formed and shaped by a kind of formulaic cinema, and it’s a dumbing down of culture. We’ve taken the film this far, we’ve even got Universal Studios; the Americans are pushing it for the Oscars. It’s very hard for me to judge my own work but I don’t think it’s that great. I think America is hard to break into because the people don’t like to read, but they are trying to push it. The company that is trying to buy it is small, but they do niche films, very niche films. So that’s kudos to us.
What are youR thought on the local film industry?
To answer your question; I think a lot of my concerns are on how we can improve our cinema, how we can improve our story telling. I think that there are still a lot of aspects in Malaysian film making that still need to be looked at and improved. If we don’t, it would be very detrimental to our own cinematic
development because Thailand has already overtaken us. Indonesia has always been strong, and they will continue to be strong, and we’ll get left behind. And the Philippines, gripped by poverty as they are, have always had a very strong tradition of cinema.
Is selling out a necessary evil for budding film makers?
I guess so because at the end of the day, you’re getting funding. And it’s not really funding, unlike Europe which has a grant system. If it’s a grant, it’s yours, but if it’s a loan, it’s from the bank. So the way the government set up this system is that you have to pay the bank back if you want that choice. For us, we take it on as a business, but it’s a long-term business. We are working in such a way that, it’s important for us to go outside and for Universal to take it on board. The returns that we are looking at will take at least two years to come in. So we are looking to recoup it in the next two years, so then the banks can be happy because they’re getting their money back. The Bank Simpanan Nasional (BSN) Bank has been phenomenal in being behind us all the way, fully supporting and pushing us in a professional manner. And we’re quite proud of it. We did this together with BSN and without anyone else helping, and we’ve taken it internationally. Two individuals that have been instrumental in pushing us are the good folks of BSN. These are the unsung heroes that I would personally like to mention.
053
PERSONALITIESdain.said content kenneth lim / Azral hanan images courtesy of dain said / asyraff zero
You spent most of your young days in England. What brought you back?
Growing up by the beach, with ‘Wayang Kulit’ (shadow puppets), with the healing rituals of ‘Mak Yong’, and all these things. People always say that you are formed as an adult in your teens. But I was growing up surrounded by these things at around five, six or seven? I believe you are already being formed at a young age, because your consciousness is forming and it is absorbing things by the time you’re two or three. I remember still when I was three, and I think that’s what it is. I also feel that growing up in that area does have an impact. People ask me why I came back after 26 years in England - it’s because I always knew that the stories I wanted to tell would be here. A lot of the films that I admire in England were a type of social realist cinema, and it’s known as the ‘kitchen drama’. England is a class-based society, therefore, much of their TV and screen output deals with issues of class. And I knew there would be no entry-way into that as a Malaysian, but strangely enough, growing up, especially in terms of telling stories in cinema, there was always a sense of looking in from the outside. Then I come home, and to a large degree I thought I could slip right into the culture. You know, my friends loved me and everything, but I still felt that even though I took on the culture and literature. But I realized that I couldn’t go back to those times, because I am Malay but not quite Malay. I am not sure how to be with them at times. I’m not trying to over-intellectualize it, but it is something I am very aware of, and I think that this goes for people who do creative work as well, that this exists if you straddle many cultures. Right image: (From left to right) Zahiril Adzim (ADIL) & Dain Said
Left image: (From left to right) Dain Iskandar Said with actors Zahiril Adzim & Carliff Carleel
Right image: Dain Iskandar Said with actor Faizal Hussein
054
055
PERSONALITIESdain.said content kenneth lim / Azral hanan images courtesy of dain said / asyraff zero
(From left to right) Director Dain Said & DoP Charin ‘Tong’ Pengpanich
Apart from film, what else would you love to do?
I would really love to get back into reading, reading, and more reading. I can discuss with you Dostoevsky’s novels, the French novelists, even the Russian and American novelists, and the brands of existentialism that run right through them, and their differences. And discuss Germans from critics to philosophers. I’m not boasting but that was my passion as a kid. I think it’s due to the fact that my mother was a school teacher and she threw books at us. So it’s actually a pleasure for me. And I would love to write, but there is just no time. There’s one more thing I would like to do. I would like to throw away everything I have, pack a few clothes and clean underwear, and hit the Silk Route. I’ll disappear for two years and just go from country to country because I think that would be just fascinating. It’s a part of the world that exists in a way that you don’t know about. Because it’s an area which I like to call the ‘grey area’ which is between Borneo, Sulawesi, and the Philippines. I’d love to travel across Central Asia, pass through Iran and find my way to Europe. I feel that there is so much that is stunning and beautiful in these places. I actually love Middle Eastern music anyway. A lot of it has to do with travel, because there is a certain romance with travelling.
Do you have any plans in the pipelines? My first love is actually literature and painting, but I’ve always thought as a kid that I would one day make films. And I thought to myself, after about fifteen years in commercials that I would get into films. It isn’t easy doing it in Malaysia, so I said to myself, “let’s see, if I
056
really feel like it, I’ll do it. If not. I’d rather just go back to the East Coast. I’ve got a small plot of land there where I can do gardening and sell plants and stuff.” But I did get to do a film, Dukun, which didn’t see the light of day, but I thought – yep, I’m going to do film. So our next project is actually a documentary, which is really being funded by the Koreans and the Dutch. And next week I’m in Hong Kong to pitch again because there are a lot of companies from the West and I hear that two or three companies might be interested in funding. This one needs a lot of money. If it comes in then we are looking at Suharto’s cinema and propaganda cinema, and it talks about men and women who were brutalized in the cinema building. They turned studios and cinemas into torture chambers, and I’m taking that idea and connecting it to the propaganda film that was made by Suharto. Secondly, we have two feature films on the horizon, and our plans are really to find a co-production on the art side. We already have a US co-production partner on our next project, but that’s not my project. I’m not the director but we’re tying up our production so it becomes a US-KL coproduction for the next 2-3 projects.
Right image: (From left to right) Director Dain Said and Zahiril Adzim (ADIL)
Fashion of-the-moment soundscape classic cool Feature top 10 personalities aura fitness beauty tips style lookbook space home decors furniture innotech gadgets mobile apps launch move mobilize gps travel bug delectables recipes restaurant review scripts & stories featured movies artist Fashion of-the-moment soundscape classic cool Feature top 10 personalities aura fitness beauty tips style lookbook space home decors furniture innotech gadgets mobile apps launch move mobilize gps travel bug delectables recipes restaurant review scripts & stories featured movies artist Fashion of-the-moment soundscape classic Aprillookbook / May 2012 top 10 personalities aura fitness beauty tips style space home decors furniture innotech gadgets mobile apps launch move mobilize gps travel bug delectables recipes restaurant review scripts & stories featured movies artist
Aura
aurahealthcare content kOgi vijay
A FRIEND OF PHYSICIANS AND THE PRAISE OF COOKS SPICES AND HERBS AND THEIR HEALTH BENEFITS Man has had a long and loving relationship with herbs. Thousands of years ago, they gained the knowledge of its healing power. The ancient Egyptians prescribed coriander, fennel, juniper, cumin, garlic and thyme, cardamom, mint. Greeks and Romans used herbs more than spices. Chinese often used herbs and spices such as Ginseng, Ginkgo biloba, galangal, nutmeg and cinnamon. In traditional Indian medicine, herbs and spices were used for various ailments – turmeric for jaundice, basil to protect the heart, mace for stomach infections, cinnamon to stimulate circulation, and ginger for relieving nausea and indigestion.
anti-clotting, anti-hypertensive (lowering blood pressure), anti-cancer, antiinflammatory, decongesting, hypoglycaemic and even immune-boosting properties. Polyphenols, a type of plant compound, provide one of the main health benefits associated with herbs and spices. Polyphenols are also abundant in certain fruits and vegetables, tea, and red wine.
Until this point of time, many of these herbs and spices are still being used for their therapeutic benefits despite the emergence of modern science and medications. Given the long history of use of herbs and spices, they may be considered one of the first ever recorded functional foods.
Everyday herbs and spices may do more than enhance the flavour of food. It turns out that relatively small amounts of dried and fresh herbs and spices may have health benefits. Liberally seasoning your food with herbs and spices may also help if you use them in place of other flavor boosters. So, spice up your life, tickle your taste buds and boost your health.
What make herbs and spices so special are their high antioxidant concentrations. It is still not very clear how these constituents work in the body, however, they certainly possess anti-oxidant, cholesterol lowering,
The following culinary herbs and spices show particular promise for promoting good health.
6 to 9 Allspice Antiseptic; anesthetic; balances blood sugar Anise Star Diuretic, reduces gas Basil Anti-inflammatory; antioxidant, strengthens defenses against asthma, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis Coriander Anti-inflammatory; reduces cholesterol; prevents gas; alleviates cramps and gout Cardamom Reduces heartburn and helps digest grains
058
Cayenne Anti-inflammatory; improves circulation; enhances memory; opens respiratory passages Chili Peppers Anti-inflammatory; provides pain relief; improves circulation; enhances memory; opens respiratory passages; may fight prostate cancer and ulcers
Cloves Painkiller; alleviates diarrhea and nausea
Cinnamon Antibacterial; balances blood sugar; lowers cholesterol; alleviates congestion; sedative
Bay Leaf Balances blood sugar and retards weight gain; sedative; may help reduce high blood pressure
Chives May decrease risk of prostate cancer, and reduce cholesterol
Cumin Antiviral; anti-inflammatory; memory enhancer
Cilantro Used to regulate digestion and remedy bladder problems; antibacterial that may be an effective natural means of combating salmonella
Fennel Relieves congestion, stomach cramps and headaches
Liberally seasoning your food with herbs and spices may also help if you use them in place of other flavor boosters. So, spice up your life, tickle your taste buds and boost your health.
15to 21 Fenugreek Lowers cholesterol; prevents gas; relieves sore throat and congestion; laxative Garlic Antibacterial; antifungal; antiviral; lowers cholesterol and blood pressure; reduces water retention
Lavender Used to treat burns, insomnia, anxiety, migraines, symptoms of menopause and to balance blood sugars Mustard Alleviates congestion, bronchitis, sore throat and arthritis Oregano Antibacterial, antioxidant Paprika Helps heal canker sores; improves circulation; alleviates symptoms of colds and kidney infections
Peppercorns Improves digestion and promotes intestinal health; anti-inflammatory; antioxidant and antibacterial; stimulates the breakdown of fat cells Peppermint Muscle relaxant; digestive aide; antibacterial; antioxidant; antiinflammatory
Parsley Antioxidant; helps neutralize certain carcinogens; improves eyesight; promotes kidney and liver health; prevents buildup in arteries
Tarragon Anti fungal; anti-oxidant; sedative
Red Pepper Anti-inflammatory; improves circulation; enhances memory; opens respiratory passages
26to 30 Rosemary Stimulates the immune system; improves circulation; improves digestion
Ginger Antibacterial; improves circulation; stimulates lymph glands; alleviates motion sickness and nausea
Sage Aids digestion of oily and fatty foods; antioxidant, antiinflammatory, improves brain function
Thyme Antioxidant; anti-inflammatory; antimicrobial; helps digest fatty foods; can kill MRSA infections (staph bacteria)
Turmeric Antioxidant; reduces cholesterol, inflammation, and indigestion; may block the formation of some cancers Source: www.smithandtruslow.com
059
aurainterview content kenneth lim images marc concept photography
EATING DONE RIGHT LISTEN TO A DIETITIAN With all that great Malaysian food tempting us to commit gastronomic sin around the clock, healthy diets are commonly taken for granted. Then there are the risky ‘quick fixes’ for weight problems. But where do we draw the line? Datin Farah Diba Khan, the Chief Dietitian of Prince Court Medical Centre and Head of the Lifestyle Modification speaks to us about eating healthy. What do you tell clients who want to lose weight?
As far as weight loss is concerned, we first need to see if there are underlying psychosomatic problems. For example in cases of anorexia or bulimia, it is best to refer to the clinical psychologist or the psychiatrist. Most of those who come in for weight issues are women. And most of the time, their weight loss target is rather drastic. We always stress that losing weight should be a gradual process. We are not permitted to prescribe weight loss medication. Our program is more slanted towards making is a healthy lifestyle change. There are no shortcuts or easy way outs. We want our clients to understand what is healthy eating, so we put them under a 2-month program and we teach them what is good to eat, what isn’t, and portion control.
Is there a diet program out there that you actually agree with? From a dietician’s point of view, the Atkin’s Diet is relatively acceptable. But there must be a cut-off point. No-one can go on a diet that lasts forever. It’s a short term thing. Unfortunately far too many people engage in fad diet programs with no understanding of how it adversely affects their nutritional intake or how it may damage them in the long term.
The Interview session with Datin Farah
060
What else should we watch out for as far as weight loss diets are concerned? The decrease in weight is far too rapid and drastic which could have further adverse
effects on the body. Also, any weight loss program will have to go hand in hand with physical exercise. Or the loss will not be sustainable. Abstaining from fatty foods might see a decrease in weight, but binging for a day after will only pile on the sugar and carbs. People think that we do not need fats, but our organs need fats to function. It’s all about eating the correct proportions.
Organic food, are they worth it?
For me it’s always according to our budget. The nutrients are all there, they are all the same. Pesticides can be washed off. But we have to consider the long term. At significantly higher costs, organic food is not easily sustainable. Even if it can be, there is no guarantee that it will bring any benefits.
How should we manage our daily meal portions ?
Avoid eating large portions. Try eating smaller portions, but more frequently. However weight increase can still occur even if one cuts down on the portion size if it’s the wrong type of food. My advice then is to eat more complex carbs in small portions throughout the day. Also it’s better to eat your meal slowly. Always take the opportunity to chew your food, it will digest more properly and you will feel full faster. Because it takes time to trigger your brain to register that you are full. By eating slowly, you are less likely to overeat. As dieticians, our motto is moderation. You can have your occasional Nasi Lemak, and it will be okay as long as you have a balanced diet.
“AVOID EATING LARGE PORTIONS. TRY EATING SMALLER PORTIONS, BUT MORE FREQUENTLY.”
061
auraadvertorial by Dr Yong Chee Khuen, consultant Orthopaedic surgeon @PRINCE COURT
acl injury of the knee IT’S ALL FUN AND GAMES UNTIL SOMEONE TAKES AN ARROW TO THE KNEE Zhafri was worried. His right knee was swollen and painful. He couldn’t move his knee much. It was painful when he tried straightening or bending it fully. “There was a loud pop coming from my knee!” He recalled the moment he was tackled by an opponent in a Futsall club match the night earlier. “Can I still play?” As he was being pushed into the consultation room in a wheelchair, poor Zhafri wondered whether he would ever be able to walk again. After bed side examination, and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the knee, Zhafri was informed he had sustained a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament (ACL). He was advised of an arthroscopic surgery. “There will be good chance you will play again with surgery, but of course I can’t promise you will play better”. The subtle reassurance was enough to brighten Zhafri’s mood. Had it been during the 70s, Zhafri might not have been so lucky. Back then an ACL spelled the death knell for many a sportsperson’s career. Today with more understanding of the functions of the ligaments and the knee, along with advancements in surgical techniques, patients can achieve recovery and return to sports in six months. The anterior and posterior cruciate ligament crosses each other inside of the knee in an X-shape. That’s why they are named “cruciate” ligaments. Together with the medial and lateral collateral ligaments holding up both sides of the knee, the cruciate ligaments are the main stabilizers of the knee for all athletic pivotal activities involving cutting, and jumping. As the central pivot, ACL is the most vulnerable ligament in our knee. About 80% of ACL injuries were non-contact and occurred during jump landings, quick changes in direction while running, or sudden deceleration. An injury to a knee ligament disrupts the function of the joint, immediately destabilizes the knee, and long term may lead to degenerative arthritis. It is just like with an unstable wheel, a car will shake and the chassis will be rickety soon enough. Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction is the sixth most common procedure performed in orthopedics, with approximately 100,000 ACL
062
reconstructive procedures performed annually in the United States alone. There is no official Malaysian statistic but since we’re a football mad nation, odds are the statistics may be high. Malaysians may be passionate about the beautiful game, but many may not know how to kick as beautifully, or very well. That makes it a potent combination for sports injuries to happen. The price for such an injury is not just physical. There is an economic cost involved that is a burden especially on the young. According to Griffin in the year 2000, up to 50,000 ACL reconstructions were performed - costing about $US17, 000 per procedure; and incurring $US850 million a year in medical bills just in the United States alone. On a personal level, two thirds of patients who continue to be athletically active from five to ten years after sustaining injuries, experience some relapse with one third reporting symptoms of pain or the ligament giving away even with activities of daily life or ADL.
have been shown to result in faster recovery of quadriceps muscle strength, less donor site pain, and less interference with kneeling and crawling. Hamstring tendon grafts are the autogenous graft of choice for patients whose occupation, life style, or religion requires kneeling or crawling. The chance of successful ACL reconstruction is reportedly high at 80-90 percent. In cases of failure it may be related to poor surgery, poor rehabilitation, re-injury and so forth. Proper follow-up and rehabilitation may reduce failure rate. If needed, re-operation can be performed. After a few months of convalescence, Zhafri was thrilled to finally be able to kick a ball around the park. He currently attends Futsal camp as he now fully appreciates the importance of having proper technique trained by professional coaches. He is in no rush to return to serious competition, and is happy just being able to still play his favourite game.
Worst still, lack of ACL stability eventually leads to additional injury in the knee. For example 80% of patients may also sustain meniscus tear, or cartilage injury within two years. Loss of the meniscus contributes significantly to knee pain and swelling, and may bring on premature osteoarthritis of the knee. The modern treatment of an ACL tear involves extensive knee rehabilitation before and after surgery. With the advent of arthroscopic (keyhole) surgery, and uses the patient’s own tendon grafts to reconstruct the usually frayed ruptured ligament stump. It allows quick return to normal activities and a return to sports within six months. While patellar tendon autograft is strongest; ACL reconstructions performed with hamstring tendon autografts,
Acute ACL tear right knee.
Raising Standards. Committed to a Culture of Excellence. About Malaysia Geographically, Malaysia is as diverse as its culture. From cool hideaways in the highlands to warm, sandy beaches and rich humid mangroves, the capital city of Kuala Lumpur also offers a lively nightlife scene and a fascinating art and performance culture, which blends contemporary and traditional styles from many backgrounds. One of Malaysia's key attractions is its extreme contrasts. Towering skyscrapers look down upon traditional wooden houses built on stilts, and five-star hotels sit several meters away from ancient reefs. About Prince Court Medical Centre Prince Court Medical Centre is a 300 bed private medical facility located in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. Born of a Malaysian vision to be the forerunner in the provision of clinical services and patient care delivery, we are internationally accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI). We aim to be the leading healthcare provider in Asia. We provide a comprehensive range of familycentred healthcare services. International Business Lounge Prince Court Medical Centre is fast becoming a hospital of choice for our international patients. Over the years, we have seen a steady increase in patients coming from all over the world. Our International Business Center is specifically designed to ensure all the needs of our international patients are met. A dedicated team has been appointed to respond to requests, co-ordinate with agents, arrange the admission and discharge of patients and follow up post-discharge to ensure our services are of the highest possible standards. Services for interpreters and visa extension can also be arranged on the patient’s behalf. We are here for you Heal yourself in our naturalistic appeal, comfort and ambience of our environment with our doctors and staff trained to heed to your every need. While at our hospital, you can be assured that you have the latest state-of-the art services and facilities to diagnose, treat and cure your illness efficiently and effectively at a competitive rate. We work closely with leading insurance companies and thus, it’s hassle and stress-free with our insurance desk taking care of all the calls and paperwork. Give us a call and we will take care of you as we assure satisfaction and happy hearts.
24 Hours Toll FREE :1-800-88-PCMC email: ibl@princecourt.com website: www.princecourt.com Prince Court Medical Centre 39 Jalan Kia Peng 50450 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Tel: +(60)3 2160 0000 Fax: +(60)3 2160 0010 Services -
. ONCOLOGY . HEART & LUNG . WOMEN & CHILDREN . PLASTIC RECONSTRUCTIVE, DERMATOLOGY & BURNS CENTRE . UROLOGY, NEPHROLOGY, MEN’S HEALTH AND WELLNESS . EMERGENCY ROOM . EXECUTIVE HEALTH SCREENING . RADIOLOGY & NUCLEAR MEDICINE . DIGESTIVE DISEASE UNIT . PHYSICAL & REHABILITATION MEDICINE . LIFESTYLE MODIFICATION CENTRE . PATHOLOGY . MEDICAL SPECIALTIES . SURGICAL SPECIALTIES . ORAL HEALTH 0622/2011/C
Malaysian Society For Quality in healthcare 2010
Asian Society for Quality in Healthcare
Winner Best Brands Wellness Hospital 2009 - 2010
Frost & Sullivan Healthcare Services Provider of the Year 2010
Member of Association of Private Hospitals of Malaysia
Member of Medical Tourism Association
Halal certification for Food & Beverage Category
auraTIPS content kOgi vijay
LIFE IN THE CUBE OFFICE CUBICLE ETIQUETTE Sometime back, I worked in a cubicle and I kind of liked it. To be honest, it felt as if I had my own personal space –I was queen and the cubicle was my fortress. Sadly, it was in the middle of a ruckus, but within my boundaries, it was all good. My cube had photos of family and friends and the cats pinned up (a limited number of it…I wasn’t in jail), my bobble-head dolls and my lucky-bamboo plant. Yes, the cube and I were living the life! Then, one fine morning, some smarty-pants decided that we should “re-organize” our workspace. Well, I was thinking, “Hey, new neighbours”! I mean, there’s nothing wrong in that right? Well, I was so wrong! I wasn’t just surrounded by new people, I was surrounded by inconsiderate, obnoxious people who clearly did not understand cubicle etiquette. Each morning, I listened to the neighbour on the left crunching on dry cereals and crackers and by noon, he would have moved on to sunflower seeds. The neighbour on my right, well, she wasn’t half as bad as the one on the left – at least not until she starts planning her wedding (“I think the bridesmaids should stand tallest to shortest. Oh wait, no…no. Shortest to tallest…what do you think?”) And I swear, behind me, I heard sacred chants playing over the speaker all day. The office cubicle –personally, it’s the most annoying invention to ever enter the mainstream office environment. With their false sense of privacy and flimsy illusion of personal space, the cubicle has become one of the causes of worker rivalry in many organizations. Little is written about office cubicle etiquette but it surely exists. It’s a set of basic guidelines that ensure each individual’s privacy and personal space is respected as much as possible. Here are a bunch of basic rules that will go a long way in creating goodwill in the office.
Practice Volume Control
It’s easy to get overly excited and not even realize that your voice is way over the top. So keep your voice down when speaking over the phone and instead of yelling across the room, get up and go see your colleague or use the intercom. Competing voices can be very distracting. Other cringe-worthy cubicle sounds include nail clipping, cracker munching, loud music on the stereo, and slurping liquids! THE GENERAL RULE OF THUMB - It’s best to leave personal hygiene in the
064
lavatory, food in the break room, music to the headphones, and personal calls outside the office.
please keep your shoes on (and if you’ve ever thought about it –keep your pink fuzzy slippers at home where they belong!)
THE WALLS HAVE EARS
EYE CANDY
No matter how cautious you are, all of your conversations are probably still being heard. So, it’s advisable to keep any negative comments about work or your co-workers to yourself — and do we have to remind you that foul language is strictly forbidden? The biggest danger with cubicles is the illusion of privacy. Anyone can hear anything you say or do in a cubicle. THE GENERAL RULE OF THUMB - If you need to have a private or personal conversation, take it outside the office.
KNOCK-KNOCK. WHO’S THERE?
Just because there isn’t a door on your cubicle doesn’t mean people shouldn’t “knock”. To signal your presence before entering you can knock on the side of the partition or ask “Do you have a minute?” Even though a cubicle is not a private office, there are still a few rules regarding entry. THE GENERAL RULE OF THUMB - When you approach someone’s cube, stand at the entrance and make your presence known. Ask if they are available to chat before simply launching in on the discussion.
SCENTS AND SENSIBILITY
Perfume is nice but in close quarters with poor air circulation, it can be downright stifling. When it comes to food on the other hand, although it’s your right to eat what you want, just be mindful that the wonderful aroma you’re savoring is being shared by everyone else in the room. Keep in mind that certain smells can be distracting, even dangerous – especially when allergies are involved. THE GENERAL RULE OF THUMB – Never eat hot food at your desk and go slow with that splash of cologne. And yes,
Free expression is a need best met at home. Do not display anything that may be perceived as offensive or degrading to any individual or group. This includes religious or political material. A photograph of you in a string bikini and downing tequila shots, now that’s something you wouldn’t want the CEO to see! THE GENERAL RULE OF THUMB - Small pictures, plants and colorful desk accessories are a tasteful way of representing yourself in the workplace. Cute as they may be, filling your cube with kitschy decorations can make you appear juvenile and undermine your credibility. Consider the image you wish to project before decorating your office cubicle.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
A person’s workstation becomes an extension of themselves and it’s natural to feel territorial. Respect a person’s space and do not lean on their dividers or sit on their desk when conversing or waiting for others. THE GENERAL RULE OF THUMB - If you have to use someone’s workstation, leave everything exactly as you found it and do not take anything with you. We often disregard the fact that we could be the one doing something that bugs our colleagues. Moi? A nice way to bring up your complaint is to first ask your neighbors if you’re doing anything that bugs them. You might be surprised at their response. That should slowly allow you to you bringing up your peeves. Don’t be too fussy about things. Cut each other some slack – you aren’t trying to annoy each other on purpose (I hope). Start building some communication, self awareness and initiate the good neighbouring policy.
The office cubicle –personally, it’s the most annoying invention to ever enter the mainstream office environment. 065
auratips content kogi vijay
DO IT AT THE DESK five WAYS TO FIT EXERCISE INTO YOUR HECTIC LIFEstyle
You do a nine-to five at the office and right after; you’re rushing home wanting to beat the traffic just so that you can attend to your family’s needs. As for some of us, we attend to our social life – we’re not talking about the gym here. Then comes the weekend and you tell yourself, “I would much rather laze on the couch and watch Glee.” When you’re juggling long days at the office with family commitments and a busy social life, gym sessions and exercise classes tend to fall by the wayside. Alas, the exercise our fingers get from typing, clicking a mouse and texting is not enough.
lower to shoulder height. Repeat 10 to 20 times. Keep your arms in front of your head on extension and don’t lock your elbows.
back of chair, making sure to keep back straight. Hold for five to ten seconds and repeat three times.
2. Bicep curls – Buff biceps
The key to fitting exercise into your hectic schedule is all about being creative with your time. It’s ok if you can’t workout at the gym daily or go for your jogs in the evening. Since we can’t all fit in an hour at the gym every day, here are five easy exercises you can do at (or near) your desk.
Get two 600ml water bottles (filled). Sit on the edge of your chair with your abs in tight and spine straight. With a bottle in each hand, curl them towards your shoulder and slowly lower down. Repeat 10 to 20 times. Move slowly with your elbows close to your sides and control the upward and downward motion.
4. Tricep dips – Banished bingo wings
1. Overhead press – Sculpted shoulders
3. Seated abs crunches – Flat stomach
5. Chair squats: Buns of steel
For this you’ll need to raid the stationery cupboard. Sitting on your chair, hold a ream of copy paper with both hands. With your elbows bent, extend your arms overhead and
Sit on the edge of your chair with your arms extended out in front of you. Keeping your back straight, contract your abs and slowly lower your torso towards the
Sit upright and place your hands on your chair hip-width apart with your fingers pointing forward. Place your feet firmly on the floor. Slide your glutes off the chair with your elbows slightly bent. Lower your body by bending at the elbows until they are at 90-degree angle. Return to start position and repeat 10 to15 times. Begin sitting on your chair and clench your butt cheeks together. Lift your bottom off the chair and hover over the chair in a squat position for 10 to 15 seconds then stand up and repeat two to three times.
Source: www.huffingtonpost.co.uk
066
When you’re juggling long days at the office with family commitments and a busy social life, gym sessions and exercise classes tend to fall by the wayside
067
auratips content kogi vijay
THE ODD BODY EXPLAINED THE TRUTH BEHIND PHYSICAL QUIRKS AND HOW TO EASE THEM Brain freeze. Hiccups. Eye twitch. These are some of the little body quirks that you’re certainly familiar with. What’s the mystery behind them? Here’s some explanation on the quirkiness of the quirks. Disclaimer: It’s not rocket science. Brain Freeze
Ice cream gone to your head? “Ice cream headaches” happen when something cold touches nerves in the roof of the mouth, triggering blood vessels in the front of your head to swell. This rapid swelling causes the familiar, jabbing pain of a brain freeze. An easy solution? Try eating ice cream or other cold foods more slowly to avoid getting a headache.
Excessive Sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
Sure, it’s a mood killer, but this problem is very common and happens to completely healthy people. While it can occur on the face, sweating is usually worse on the palms, soles, and in the armpits. Treatment may include aluminum chloride antiperspirants or oral medications.
Vertigo: On the Move
Whoa! If it feels like the room’s moving when it’s not, it could be vertigo. Sometimes caused by inner ear problems or nerve damage, vertigo can last minutes, even hours. To distinguish vertigo from dizziness, there must be a feeling of motion; other symptoms that may occur include hearing loss, ear discomfort, and unusual eye movements. Treating vertigo depends on the cause.
Does Your Arm or Leg Go to Sleep?
Ever get that dull feeling in your arm or leg like it’s asleep? This temporary and harmless sensation is caused by constant pressure on nerves, leaving them unable to transmit messages to your brain.
Hyperhidrosis is an excessive sweating problem
Handling Hiccups 068
Hiccups are an uncontrollable contraction of the diaphragm (the breathing muscle under the lungs). Eating too much or too fast, overdoing alcohol, or swallowing air can all cause the hiccups. They usually go away on their own but you can try remedies like holding your breath, quickly drinking water, and breathing in a bag to help hasten hiccups away.
Source photo: Elizabeth Gallagher
“Ice cream headaches” happen when something cold touches nerves in the roof of the mouth, triggering blood vessels in the front of your head to swell.
The cure is simple – change positions. As feeling starts to come back to the area, you may experience a tingling sensation (“pins and needles”) for a little while. Chronic tingling indicates a more serious underlying condition that should be evaluated.
Tonsil Stones
Although those bad smelling lumps can be uncomfortable, tonsil stones (also called tonsilloliths) are generally harmless. Hanging out in the tonsil pockets, they form when bacteria and debris get trapped, forming a hard piece of matter and a bad taste in your throat. You can remove small stones with a swab, but if they’re not bothering you, no treatment is necessary.
Ear Popping
We’ve all yawned on a plane trip to “pop” our ears. What we’re doing is equalizing the pressure between the inside and the outside of our eardrum as the altitude changes. That “pop” means a tube connecting your middle ear to the back of your throat has opened, relieving pressure. To help, you can also close your mouth, hold your nose, and blow gently; or try chewing gum or yawning.
Ear Wax Buildup
Keep fingers and cotton swabs out of your ear canals. Earwax helps fight infection, keeps ears clean, and our bodies naturally get rid of excess earwax through the ear opening. Problems like impaction often start when we try to clean our ears with a swab or another object. Impaction symptoms include pain, itching, ringing of the ears, or hearing loss. Your doctor can remove excess ear wax with irrigation or manual removal.
Eye Twitching
Eyelid spasms are unpredictable, bothersome, and harmless. Eye twitching can be caused by stress, fatigue, eyestrain, caffeine, and dry eyes, though more serious twitching may be caused by neurological disorders, like Tourette’s syndrome. Eyelid spasms usually go away on their own, but if they are severe, Botox injections may be recommended.
Excessive Hair Growth
Few women enjoy excess hair on their face and body, but while hirsutism can be embarrassing, it’s generally harmless. Hirsutism affects about 5% of women. It may be genetic or caused by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a condition characterized by an excess of androgens (male hormones).
In rare cases, hirsutism is caused by hormonesecreting tumors. Treatment depends on the cause and can include bleaching, electrolysis, hormone therapies, and laser hair removal.
Discolored Nails
Curious about color changes in your nails? About 50% of nail problems are caused by fungal infections. Greenish nails may come from pseudomonas bacteria and are easily treated with antibiotics. Yellowish nails are often a sign of fungus. And red, purple, or black under nails may be caused by blood resulting from injury. Changes can also be related to medical treatments or signal a more serious condition. Unsure? Get those nails checked!
Canker Sores
Canker sores are small ulcers inside the mouth. They are also called aphthous ulcers. Unlike cold sores, which appear as painful, small blisters and are very contagious, canker sores are not caused by a virus. Certain foods or nutritional deficiencies may trigger a canker sore, as can emotional stress and a mouth injury. When needed, treatments include topical medication and mouthwash solutions.
Source: www.medicinenet.com
069
auraTIPS content kOgi vijay
KICK-START MUNCHIES five ENERGY-ENHACING SNACKS THAT IS SURE TO GIVE YOU A BOOST
Certain snacks enhance energy levels, while some just leave us feeling wornout. The key to choosing an enjoyable snack that can provide you with the energy to burn is by understanding how certain foods fuel energy. Not all calories are identical. High-calorie processed foods can certainly provide a quick boost, but the result is fleeting and inevitably followed by a low period when blood sugar plummets. Energy-efficient snacks, on the other hand, balance high-quality calories with the nutrients needed to convert calories into enduring energy. If that’s not enough to appeal to your appetite, consider this: Increased energy naturally improves your mood. Try these five energy-enhancing snacks for a happy high.
WHOLE WHEAT SNACKS
Whole grains — especially whole wheat — are full of essential nutrients that energize both body and brain, including fiber; manganese; magnesium; iron; protein; carbohydrates; and vitamins B1, B2, and B3. Whole wheat is loaded with energizing B vitamins, which fight fatigue, maintain energy levels, stabilize blood sugar, improve sleep patterns, coordinate nerve and muscle activity, and boost mood. Simple carbs like white bread and sweets provide a quick surge of energy, but the results are temporary. What’s more, the energy comes courtesy of a spike in blood sugar; once that subsides, you’ll feel depleted and fatigued. The complex carbohydrates in whole wheat, however, are absorbed more slowly, which translates into stable blood sugar levels for hours at a time and gradual, lasting energy. Carbs are also full of tryptophan, the amino acid precursor to the feel-good chemical serotonin produced in the brain. Too much tryptophan can trigger a spike in serotonin that leads to drowsiness, though, so the key is to pick healthy carbohydrates such as whole grain toast, which is full of fiber, to slow digestion and regulate the flow of serotonin. That way, you’ll get a happy mood boost without the drowsiness. FOR A HAPPY HIGH: Try whole-wheat crackers dipped in low-fat cottage cheese.
070
The complex carbohydrates in whole wheat, however, are absorbed more slowly, which translates into stable blood sugar levels for hours at a time and gradual, lasting energy.
ALMONDS
Almonds are packed with a potent combination of energy-enriching nutrients, including manganese, vitamin E, magnesium, tryptophan, copper, vitamin B2 (riboflavin), and phosphorus. Magnesium has been called a miracle mineral because of its multifunctional capabilities: In addition to being an essential part of more than 300 biological processes, magnesium aids in the production of energy, supports the immune system, improves sleep patterns, relaxes muscles, relieves stress and anxiety, and boosts mood.
YOGURT
Yogurt is full of calcium, phosphorus, protein, tryptophan, molybdenum, and zinc. It’s also a great source of vitamins B2 (riboflavin), B5 (pantothenic acid), and B12 (cobalamin). Thanks to its liquid-like state, the nutrients in yogurt are assimilated quickly and easily during digestion, which means you get an immediate boost of energy. Yogurt’s high protein content means that energy also has staying power. Protein-rich snacks like yogurt can even pump up your probability for ditching the pounds. Since protein takes time to digest, you’ll feel satisfied for longer — which means less snacking and fewer calorie splurges throughout the day.
Yogurt also supplies the brain with tyrosine, an amino acid that boosts blood levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine, resulting in a mood and mental boost. In a number of studies, tyrosine has also been effective at fighting fatigue. FOR A HAPPY HIGH: Control your sugar intake by opting for unsweetened yogurt, and up the energy ante by adding chopped walnuts or ground flaxseed — both will add protein and omega-3 fatty acids for extended energy. Sweeten to taste with a drizzle of raw honey or pure maple syrup.
The protein and fiber in almonds stabilizes blood sugar and slows digestion, which helps regulate energy, so you have steady reserves over time. Healthy fats like the kind found in almonds have been found to curb appetite and prevent overeating that can result in weight gain and its accompanying feelings of fatigue. The fat and fiber in almonds also contribute a feeling of satiety that helps prevent mindless snacking. For these reasons, almonds and other nuts are frequently recommended as part of a healthy diet for people looking to lose weight. FOR A HAPPY HIGH: Grab a handful of raw almonds with unsweetened dried fruit for a satisfying snack full of fiber and protein.
071
auraTIPS content kOgi vijay
PINEAPPLE
Pineapples contain a rich source of manganese, vitamin C, vitamin B1 (thiamin), copper, fiber, and vitamin B6, making this juicy fruit a super snack for fueling energy. Thanks to high levels of naturally occurring sugar (fructose), dietary fiber, and water - fresh pineapple is nature’s equivalent of a kick in the pants. The carbohydrate-rich fructose breaks down quickly for an immediate energy boost, while the fiber slows digestion for longlasting results. Pineapple’s energy-extending capabilities don’t stop there: Manganese and thiamin are both essential in energy production and help metabolize carbohydrates. And the vitamin B6 in pineapple plays a part in converting tryptophan into serotonin in the brain for a natural mood booster. In terms of energy, digestion is one of the costliest bodily functions. The good news: Pineapple contains bromelain, which contains a number of enzymes that help improve digestion. In addition, eating fluid-filled foods like pineapple can help prevent dehydration, one of the most common culprits of zapped energy. Water is necessary for every bodily function, including converting calories into energy, and even a slight dip in fluids leads to physical and mental fatigue.
FOR A HAPPY HIGH: Pair pineapple with protein-rich yogurt or non-fat cottage cheese. The combination of carbs and protein is ideal for stable and enduring energy.
EDAMAME
Edamame, or boiled soybeans, are a great pick-me-up because they’re easy to make, easy to transport and fun to eat right out of the shell. Soybeans are full of nutrients that contribute directly to a boost in energy as well as mood. A single cup of edamame provides 116 percent of the recommended daily amount of tryptophan, which helps regulate appetite, enhance sleep, and improve mood — three factors that play a significant role in affecting energy levels. In the same serving, you’ll get 57 percent of the recommended amount of protein, 43 percent of your daily omega-3 fatty acids, 41 percent of fiber, and 49 percent of your daily iron — all important contributors to sustained energy.
blood sugar levels. All of these functions are crucially linked to the production and sustainability of energy. Molybdenum also helps prevent anemia, a common culprit of iron-deficiency-related fatigue. Plus, soybeans are packed with folate, a natural mood booster that’s been shown to increase serotonin levels and improve symptoms of depression. FOR A HAPPY HIGH: Combine half a cup of soybeans with equal parts shredded carrots, presoaked sea vegetables such as hijiki or wakame (two types of seaweed), and a tablespoon of rice wine vinegar for a savvy salad loaded with protein, fiber, minerals, and antioxidants. As an option, you can sprinkle black sesame seeds over the salad.
Soybeans are also super-rich in molybdenum, an essential trace mineral that helps cells function properly, facilitates the use of iron reserves, aids in metabolizing fat and carbohydrates, enhances alertness, improves concentration, and helps balance Source: www.care2.com
072
Fashion of-the-moment soundscape classic cool Feature top 10 personalities aura fitness beauty tips style lookbook space home decors furniture innotech gadgets mobile apps launch move mobilize gps travel bug delectables recipes restaurant review scripts & stories featured movies artist Fashion of-the-moment soundscape classic cool Feature top 10 personalities aura fitness beauty tips style lookbook space home decors furniture innotech gadgets mobile apps launch move mobilize gps travel bug delectables recipes restaurant review scripts & stories featured movies artist Fashion of-the-moment soundscape classic Aprillookbook / May 2012 top 10 personalities aura fitness beauty tips style space home decors furniture innotech gadgets mobile apps launch move mobilize gps travel bug delectables recipes restaurant review scripts & stories featured movies artist
Style
styleshoot
camel active takes well-trodden paths in a new and innovative way Few apparel brands are as synonymous to masculinity and rugged adventure as camel active. Come Spring/Summer 2012, camel active offers their latest collection which focuses on the maritime vintage looks of sailors, drawing inspiration from the discoverers of Southeast Asia and their dreams of finding a completely new world.
074
Protective, compact cotton textiles in drill, gabardine and canvas “military weaves” present a matt look with real marks of wear and tear – including dust, dirt and patched areas.
075
styleshoot
To match the vintage look, the colours royal blue, indigo, ink, khaki, military and olive look as though they have been washed in sea water or bleached in the sun. All tones are mixed with light neutrals and white. Maritime ringlets and tonal colour compositions are apparent in every product segment. Light, bleached colours, natural-toned contrasting seams, stitching and cords, leather labels as well as leather zipper pullers interplay throughout the entire collection.
076
The shirts also present a modest look. While classic designs such as pinpoint, chambray and Oxford are clearly at the forefront, check patterns remain natural must-haves. The style remains military and sailorinspired. Modest and simple bomber jacket styles shine with wellpositioned spray effects. Field jackets are no longer alienated as in previous seasons: They are cut shorter and also have a cleaner style.
077
styleshoot
Linen and linen mixtures give the textiles a light, summery feel and make them comfortable to wear, while lightweight technical cotton materials and cotton-nylon mixtures provide functional, protective outerwear qualities.
078
styleshoot
Simple, smart cargos and worker styles are the two most important themes for trousers. The new cut in a 5-pocket style is given a modern, relaxed look through the slimmer hips and legs, as well as the pockets that have been shifted forward. Maritime impressions are created by straps and small leather patches. The roll-ups and pleated chinos in classic natural tones such as beige are just as casual, but a little rougher.
080
081
styleshoot
Bally SS12 Ladies and luxury are equally deserving of each other, and Bally commemorates that timeless connection once again with this effortlessly luxurious collection.
082
LEFT IMAGE: Leather Coat RM22,000 Top RM1,500 Leather Skirt RM5,200 Shoes Grevas – RM2,900 Bag Moritz Madrielle-SM.EC (croco skin) RM52,000 RIGHT IMAGE: Leather Dress RM13,000 Clutch – Ponga-SM.EM RM9,500 Shoes – Stredas RM2,200
083
styleshoot
Embracing Mother Nature’s splendour, the collection features natural motifs of leaves and petals along with summer-dashed colors and tones. Natural fabrics like soft nappa leather, mercerised cotton and silk lace complete the picture.
084
LEFT IMAGE: Leather Coat RM20,000 Dress RM7,000 Shoes – Grevas RM2,400 RIGHT IMAGE: Dress RM38,000 Clutch – Ponga-SM.EM RM9,500 Shoes – Stredas RM2,200
085
styletrendspotting content feiy
Colour Blocking
ONE
Colour-blocking is once again a big trend for this spring as seen all over the runways! In fact, it’s bolder and brighter than ever. It’s an amazingly fun way to dress up, and pretty easy to work with as well; any gal with a sense of style can rock a block party. Remember, it’s basically mixing a combination of colours in one outfit, depending on how adventurous you want to be – can the colours be clashing? By all means! Feel like throwing in metallics in the equation? Go on! These are some of the pieces that can give you a hint on what to get when going on your next shopping spree.
TWO Three
1. Green Coloured Sailor Lady Earrings Chic Chic www.zalora.com.my | price: RM26.90 2. Swapp Shopper Bag ALDO www.asos.com | price: RM242 3. Multi-Coloured Bonnie Pencil Skirt by Motel Topshop www.topshop.com | price: RM184 4. Mocassin Platforms in Blue x Green Chic Yamada www.chicyamada.com | price: RM299 5. Candy Striped Cape Kimono in Black x Pink Flapper Wings www.rarablack.com | price: RM109.90 6. Colour-Block Rubber Bangle Etro www.net-a-porter.com | price: RM599
four five
six
086
ONE
TWO
Floral Prints four
Another hot trend off this season’s runway is none other than clashing of floral prints, and it’s not about a few blooming rosebuds here and there; we’re talking about a garden of lush, fully-blossomed flowers of many kinds! A floral explosion, if you will. This trend may be overwhelming at first, but it is in fact surprisingly wearable and adds a feminine flirty touch to any fashionista’s wardrobe. Go all the way by wearing the trend head to toe, or you may play safe with it as just one part (or two!) of your ensemble. Power to the flower, ladies! 1. Jacqui Clutch Nine West www.zalora.com.my | price: RM329 2. Colourful Stacked Bangles Le Ann www.zalora.com.my | price: RM179 3. Floral Peplum Skirt Caron www.rarablack.com | price: RM114.90 4. Havana Printed Silk-Satin Dress Marc by Marc Jacobs www.net-a-porter.com | price: RM2530 5. Carlina High Platform Peep Toe Shoes Ted Baker www.asos.com | price: RM657 6. Floral Perfume Bottle Pendant Gogo Philip www.asos.com | price: RM58
Three
five six
087
styletrendspotting content feiy
TWO
ONE Three
Blue
With the recent looks off the men’s runways featuring a more vibrant palette, 2012 is shaping up to be the year where menswear begins to really accept colours. The key colour of this season is one of familiarity; the stereotyped boy’s colour – blue. The cool colour has been exhibited as a versatile colour, which appeals to everyone and not difficult to pull off, at all. In fact, the trend has it that you may even now mix varying hues of blue to create a really sharp and put-together look, like an all blue suit. Work this and you may establish your ability in the department of style.
1. Slim Fit Cotton-Twill Blazer Maison Martin Margiela www.mrporter.com | price: RM2799 2. Bright Wax Retriever Messenger Bag Barbour www.asos.com | price: RM484 3. AAA Blue Leather Belt Topman www.topman.com | price: RM87 4. Brogues Zign www.zalora.com.my | price: RM272.95 5. Steve McQueen Folding Sunglasses Persol www.mrporter.com | price: RM1265 6. Leather Billfold Wallet Paul Smith Shoes & Accessories www.mrporter.com | price: RM644
four five
088
six
ONE
TWO
Prints
One of this season’s hottest trends is prints and stylish men all over the world have been looking wildly attractive with clever mixings of this trend, using bold and unique patterns. Whether you’re mixing plaids with stripes, prints with plaids, solids with prints, or prints on prints, there are no limits to what you can do; alternatively, you can maintain a base colour scheme when creating your ensemble to avoid looking OTT.
Three
four
1. Blue Fairisle Pattern Shirt Topman www.topman.com | price: RM155 2. Navy Marrakesh Micro Tailored Shorts Topman www.topman.com | price: RM155 3. Silk Billfold Wallet Fred Perry www.asos.com | price: RM266 4. Aztec Print Messenger Bag Eastpak www.asos.com | price: RM179 5. Mario 36 Floral Lace-Up Shoes B Store www.asos.com | price: RM1066 6. Flamingo-Print Cotton Blend Pocket Square Drake’s www.mrporter.com | price: RM177
six five
089
styletrendspotting content kogi vijay
Girard-Perregaux Paying a new tribute to its heritage, the profile of the Girard-Perregaux Vintage 1945 XXL’s case was redesigned in a spherical form, with the crown discreetly integrated into the middle; the dial boasts dual curves and is enhanced by elegant Dauphine-style hands. Its generous dimensions give it a strong presence, while its curved shape makes it especially comfortable to wear. The fabled brand also pays tribute to women with a version of the Vintage 1945 Lady featuring a rectangular case which has been stretched widthways. Delicately curved, it sits perfectly on the wrist, offering optimal comfort. Its original proportions are enhanced by a perfectly integrated bracelet and a panoramic dial with a subtle sunray decoration which beautifully complements its alluring character.
090
styletrendspotting content feiy
1
Men’s
2 3
5
4
Bags
No longer just a woman’s accessory, men’s bags have become a necessary everyday tool; and to take matters sartorially, any fashionable man would tell you that an appropriately selected men’s bags can be masculine, attractive and an ideal addition to any contemporary wardrobe. Not too sure how to pick one that would suit your needs best? Follow this rule of thumb and you can never go wrong: stick with the classics. In this issue, we’re going with the messenger bag that exudes an urban sophistication, while keeping its laidback casual flair – in other words, it’s the perfect man’s bag. 1. Jeremy Waxed-Cotton Messenger Bag in Gray Ally Capellino www.mrporter.com | price: RM966 2. Twill Messenger Bag in Khaki Ted Baker www.asos.com | price: RM737 3. Messenger Bag with Check Embossing in Brown Fred Perry www.asos.com | price: RM300 4. Bree Messenger Bag in Brown thirtyfour www.zalora.com.my | price: RM1080 5. Messenger Bag with Leather Trims in Olive Banana Republic www.bananarepublic.com | price: RM299
Image credits: Net-a-Porter, FashionValet, Zalora, ASOS, Shopbop.com
091
styletrendspotting content feiy
2
Ladies’
Footware
Just like the little black dress, strappy heels are a must in every woman’s shoe closet. They’re sexy as they show off those pretty feet and provide the illusion of longer legs – now who would say no to a few extra inches in height? Not to mention they’re super sassy and are totally versatile to work with almost any outfit; you literally could wear them to work and prance onto a dance floor right after, no problem. We say embrace your inner diva and take centre stage, my lady. 1. Party Barely There Sandals in Metallic Blue Topshop www.topshop.com | price: RM375 2. Platform Heel Sandals in Black Schutz www.zalora.com.my | price: RM699 3. Camila T Strap Sandals in Red Dolce Vita www.shopbop.com | price: RM550 4. Rouleaux Grevas Heels in Nude Bally Spring 2012 www.bally.com | price: N/A 5. India Mirrored Leather Sandals in Gold Jimmy Choo www.net-a-porter.com | price: RM1388
Image credits: Bally, Net-a-Porter, Shopbop.com, Topshop, Zalora
092
1 3
4
5
1
Ladies’
Handbags
2 3
4
5
A chic no-brainer albeit fact for you: one of the easiest ways to instantly glam up almost any kind of outfit is by accessorizing – in this case, I’d like to urge you to simply take your everyday-handbag to a new level with a trendy envelope clutch, and BAM! you’re ready to go. Envelope clutches are perfect for a day-tonight look – they’re casual enough for a second date; formal enough for a dinner meeting with the associates – and are usually spacey enough to hold all of your important belongings (an iPad, anyone?). Plus, they’re such a classic which only means they’re essential. 1. Quinn Envelope Clutch in Python Michael Kors www.shopbop.com | price: RM3044 2. Paulle Clutch in Carbon thirtyfour www.fashionvalet.net | price: RM580 3. Colour-Block Leather Envelope Clutch DKNY www.net-a-porter.com | price: RM1212 4. Suede Large Envelope Clutch Bag in Royal Blue ASOS www.asos.com | price: RM191 5. Clutch to Fit An iPad in Mint ZIP www.zalora.com.my | price: RM79.90
Image credits: Net-a-Porter, FashionValet, Zalora, ASOS, Shopbop.com
093
styletrendspotting content feiy
Men’s
Footware
There’s something about men in them derby shoes – they never look bad! In fact, they are always in style, they add a certain distinguished sense of chivalry to the man wearing them, and most importantly, they are the final, most delicate touch to a gentleman’s outfit. Derby shoes are dressy, yet they provide optimum comfort – which explains its significance to every Mad Man walking in them every day, especially those in the corporate world where first impressions matter, stylistically speaking. Derby shoes can be found in all shapes, sizes, and in all imaginable colours. And no surprise here, dear sir, that the ladies simply cannot resist a properly suited up gentleman, complete with the most elegant pair of derbies. 1. Leather Derby Shoes A.P.C. www.mrporter.com | price: RM1499 2. Leather Lace Up Derby Shoes in Brown ASOS www.asos.com | price: RM192 3. Clove Lace-Up Derby Shoes in Black Base London www.asos.com | price: RM356 4. Contrast-Sole Suede Derby Shoes Pierre Hardy www.mrporter.com | price: RM1256 5. Derby Shoes in Black Tim Felton www.zalora.com.my | price: RM272.95
Image credits: Zalora, ASOS, Mr Porter
096
1
2 3
5
4
styletrendspotting content kogi vijay
ToyWatch ToyWatch has rolled out for its fans what it touts to be its most innovative collection yet. Having already played with plastics and silicone, now ToyWatch turns to alternative styles, as much ironic as usual. The new collection takes a more slightly more formal approach to the design language. Featuring Steel in the leading role, the trendy Mesh collection plays with the vintage forms of the round case, flat, pure and essential, and the metal strap in thick mesh giving the winning look. These are great options to consider if you are looking for more versatile timepieces that you can wear for both work and play.
097
MOBILIZECARS content azral hanan
The Mini Launched in the UK iN
1959
098
The Mini rolls ever on and on Celebrating an era of iconic automotive excellence Few eras can be symbolized by a car. But even fewer cars can symbolize an era. The Mini is one of them. Launched in the UK in 1959, the Mini would become the quintessential pop culture icon of 60’s Britain the world over. It was conceptualized in 1957 when Leonard Lord, head of the British Motor Corporation, grew annoyed at the abundance of German made cars on British roads. Reported to have said, “God damn these bloody awful bubble cars. We must drive them off the road by designing a proper miniature car.” This led to the revolutionary design of the Mini as Sir Alec Issigonis and his team had the engine mounted transversely, implemented a four-wheel drive layout that was boxy yet efficient – saving up to 80% of the floor-space for passengers and luggage storage. And used cones for suspension rather than springs. Originally to be called the Austin Newmarket the new car was marketed under two names, the Austin Seven and the Morris Mini Minor. Later the name was shortened to Mini from the Latin ‘minimus’.
In 1961 the Mini Cooper was launched for the competitive racing circuit. It gained victories in the 1964, 1965 and 1967 Monte Carlo Rally. But the notoriety of the 1966 decision by French judges who disqualified the first, second and third placed Minis on a technicality, and awarded victory to the Citroen even though they too committed the same transgression, granted more widespread publicity than any victory could have. The 1960s saw the Mini become a fashion accessory and pop-cultural statement as celebrities wanted to be seen owning and driving one. This led to considerable variation in the Mini’s external look as celebrities tailor designed their Minis to suit individual tastes and preferences.
In the beginning it was poorly received by the public when it first rolled out in 1959. But that soon changed. Noted trendsetters and celebrities like Princess Margaret, Lord Snowdon and the Beatles purchased and helped boost the Minis’ popularity.
099
MOBILIZECARS content azral hanan
The Beatles also drove a psychedelic Mini in their movie ‘The Magical Mystery Tour’.
100
A family in Arlington, Texas, receiving the first Morris Mini-Miner sold in Texas (1959).
Peter Sellers had a Mini with a wicker side-panel built by Hoopers who were the coachbuilders for Rolls Royce. He featured it in his 1964 film A Shot in the Dark. Ringo Starr and John Lennon both had custom designed Mini hatchbacks, as did Britt Eckland, wife of Peter Sellers. In 1967 on hearing of Brian Epstein’s death, John Lennon drove his Mini de Ville hatchback to Apple Studios. Even Twiggy, the iconic model of the 60s, did a series of ads with the Mini. The cool factor was further enhanced with cinema appearances in films such as The Italian Job in 1969. The chase scene through stairs and roof tops and Michael Caine giving a legendary performance propelled the film and the car to cult status. The Beatles also drove a psychedelic Mini in their movie ‘The Magical Mystery Tour’. By the 1980s the Minis popularity began to wane and production finally ceased in 2000. The last Mini rolled out on October 4th of that year. But salvation was at hand. BMW would purchase the iconic brand and revamp it for a new modern customer base. One that had been weaned on an appreciation of 60s retro-chic. The BMW version is named the
MINI. Although component and parts wise there are no similarities, the general shape and aesthetic still harkens back to the originals. Enhanced further by dynamic curves giving a more cartoonish appearance and appeal to a younger, hipper crowd. In Malaysia the Mini still has an avid following. Enthusiasts used to hold unofficial (as in illegal) racing competitions on various highways. Nowadays most trek to the tracks in Sepang or engage in organized motor-cross and autocross events. There are even clubs and a Mini Vintage Auto carnival where proud owners buff and wax their classic Minis to a mirror shine and compete and parade in public. The classic Mini has sold five million units since 1959. Becoming Britain’s most popular car in the process. It’s now become a timeless legend of the roads and a sought after collector’s item. The Mini was a wonderful example of affordability and style. A car that was cheeky, charming and cheap with a bulldog attitude that bespoke of optimism and plucky self-confidence. The perfect vehicle that captured the upbeat spirit of a generation and encapsulated an era.
101
MOBILIZECARS content kenneth lim
GREAT TIMES WITH the BJS No fees, no airS, just the love for performance cars and good times
Most supercars and luxury vehicles spend their lives safely tucked away in garages and clock showroom mileage, only to be taken out for the occasional stroll, but not for those in the Blue Jackets Society (BJS). These guys ride their performance stallions the way they were made to, covering more ground and getting more paint chips in a year than what most trophy cars get in a lifetime, and they aren’t stopping there. Blue Jackets Society founders Erwin Dato’ Azizi and Ray Hong formed the club out of their love and passion for luxury performance cars while holding true to the spirit of camaraderie and good fun. It’s all fun and games, but they take it very seriously with an impressive activity portfolio to show for and an emphasis on good behavior. When I met Erwin and Ray for the first time, we arrived just time to see them roll up in their luxury performance rides after taking some lucky winners of a local radio station contest for a spin. They gave some inspiring advice to a young boy after his exhilarating experience and exchanged a few jokes with his equally adrenaline-pumped dad before extending a warm greeting to us. There is no pecking order or emphasis on formality as far as the Blue Jackets are concerned. There are no membership fees, nor are there priorities on wealth or titles. And while anyone who wants to be a member needs to be interviewed first before being granted membership and the interview is only done to see if an applicant is within the mental frequency of the club.
102
103
MOBILIZECARS content kenneth lim
“These guys really love driving, and are no strangers to wear and tear.” Since they started almost a year ago, the Blue Jackets have consistently held events and activities on a weekly basis schedule packed with corporate events, casual drives, charities, and community work, the BJS has already established themselves a steadily growing following online. They’ve even got a physical following by groups of fans who would unofficially follow their convoys around.
104
The BJS are also very passionate about giving back to society, especially when it comes to inspiring people, especially kids, to work towards a successful future. Some of the BJS supercar owners came from humble beginnings, including a self-made success who started out selling fake perfume at a street stall and another who made a fortune from a simple hawker stall selling char kuey tiau. Ask anyone who has met the BJS and you’ll find that these guys are some of the most friendly, approachable, and down to earth local supercar owners around. “It doesn’t matter who you are, we just want to make sure that our members can get along with each other, represent the BJS appropriately, and possess the same mentality when it comes to being in our club.” said Ray. “The Blue Jackets Society is, in a way, a social club where like-minded individuals who share the love and passion for driving and supercars get together and take part in engaging activities where they can do away with formality and just be themselves.”
According to Erwin, the club’s spike in popularity has led many to associate non-BJS related supercar activities with them. “I even got a call from someone asking me if we had anything to do with the recent supercar pile up in Japan,” said Erwin. To maintain a good image, the BJS stress emphasis on good behavior amongst members and do everything they can to keep things under control. For most of our drives, we normally have police escorts, technical support, a compulsory walkie-talkie in each car, and any necessary measures that would ensure a safe and smooth trip. “It’s not for glamor or showing off,” Ray assured us. All these measures are taken just want to mitigate the safety risks, maintain good coordination, and avoid looking like a bunch of troublemakers on the road. They even had a helicopter escort on one of our major tours.
These guys really love driving, and are no strangers to wear and tear. They have no qualms about utilizing their rides to the fullest. Ray even showed me a photo taken of a member’s Ferrari which had the paint on its front lip completely scraped off from all that driving. “For us, it’s the journey and the company that matters,” said Ray. “The sight of chips on the paint job would be heart wrenching at first, but we’ve come to a point where we have accepted them as ‘war scars’ which are part and parcel of the journey, plus they do bring back memories.” The Blue Jackets Society has big plans lined up for the near future, including a drive in Hong Kong that includes the likes of big names like Jackie Chan in their convoy. Most of their activities will be local though, so keep an eye out for them.
www.facebook.com/bluejacketssocity www.bluejackets.com.my
105
Fashion of-the-moment soundscape classic cool Feature top 10 personalities aura fitness beauty tips style lookbook space home decors furniture innotech gadgets mobile apps launch move mobilize gps travel bug delectables recipes restaurant review scripts & stories featured movies artist Fashion of-the-moment soundscape classic cool Feature top 10 personalities aura fitness beauty tips style lookbook space home decors furniture innotech gadgets mobile apps launch move mobilize gps travel bug delectables recipes restaurant review scripts & stories featured movies artist Fashion of-the-moment soundscape classic Aprillookbook / May 2012 top 10 personalities aura fitness beauty tips style space home decors furniture innotech gadgets mobile apps launch move mobilize gps travel bug delectables recipes restaurant review scripts & stories featured movies artist
Space
spacethelist content kenneth lim
Norman with Metal Arm by Interfal Tune in to a relaxation mode at home. That what HOME means, back to your comfort zone. Away from the hustle and bustle of KL, there is always a space of peace and silence, of your own. At a place you are most comfortable with, why not make it even comfortable? By choosing furniture wisely, there is no reason to stay out all day and night. You could invite family and friends over, call it a gathering, spend time at home and make them comfortable, including yourself. Or perhaps, just spend quality time with your close ones. Even, selfishly have it your own, enjoy the tranquility to rejuvenate yourself. Yes, there are too many brands to choose from. Yes, it’s always difficult to pick just once piece of furniture for the entire house. And yes, we know it’s hard. So let us assist you in choosing the furniture which suits your lifestyle. After all, it is all about comfort and style. Here’s a Norman with Metal Arm chair by Interfal to start with. It looks comfy and stylish. The cushy and
108
cozy headrest, towards your spine and down under towards your feet, it just makes you want to lie down once you are at home. So where to put it? Suggestions are in your bedroom or at your living room. These are the two places you will be spending most of your time at home. Just to have a power nap, to have a cup of freshly brewed coffee, to read before bedtime, to watch your favorite channel on TV, or just sit down and chill. Recline the seat, put on the footstool and make yourself comfortable. Norman would be great furniture, and soon, a favorite spot of yours at home. The stylish black and metallic arm is just about to fit in anywhere, despite to have to think about whether it suits your current theme or colour of the entire house, it is already a good looking chair by itself. Flip through the pages and view the furniture. Perhaps there are a few furniture that caught your eye, try to place them somewhere in your house, you might just want to have it there.
01Cabinet Butterfly by Molecule 02Mirror Involuto by Molecule 03Hanging Lamp Wind Chrome by Molecule 04Vegas Desk Alu by Molecule 05Commode Butterfly Drawer by Molecule
THREE ONE
TWO
FOUR
Reflective surfaces do not always have to be limited to mirrors and cutlery. Occasionally exposing the glint of cold, hard steel allows the framework to flaunt its structural rigidity. FIVE 109
spacethelist content kenneth lim
01Brochure by Linds 02Regina by Xtra 03Bar Upper Class Icecubes by Molecule 04Isidoro Drinks Cabinet by Xtra 05Atollo Twin by Molecule
ONE TWO
THREE
FOUR
White is synonymous to purity and simplicity, and just like how a white bed of snow can make even the most rustic towns look fluffy, white can effortlessly create a sense of clean, elegant innocence.
110
FIVE
01Shipping Trunk Elegance Black by Molecule 02Archibald Gallery by Xtra 03Masters by Xtra 04Brochure by Linds 05Camp Mini V Fair by Xtra
ONE
TWO
THREE
FOUR
FIVE
A bold color theme of red and black on sensual curves and feisty edges evokes a passionate aura. Flirting with a serious and almost sinister demeanor, pieces like these were made to nest comfortably in any lair.
111
spaceproperties content azral hanan images country heights
IN PURSUIT OF HEALTHY LIVING LAKEVIEW RESIDENCY HAS IT ALL The increasing importance that is being placed on healthy living these days cannot be timelier, especially amongst urban folk who live the high octane rat race. A plethora of products and services that range from organic food to fitness programs are being marketed in response to the pursuit of good health, yet none of these ‘solutions’ sufficiently address one of the most important aspects of healthy living, and that aspect is the very environment we call home.
INFO The 3 ten story blocks consist of 117 freehold corner units, each measuring between 938 sq. ft. to 1,145 sq. ft., with only three exclusive lake view penthouses which measures at 3,152 sq. ft. each. In line with the emphasis on nature, the LakeView Residency offers six types of units to suit young professionals and small families.
**Artist impression only
112
113
spaceproperties content azral hanan images country heights
The developers at Country Heights Holdings Berhad (CHHB) have perfected the art of assimilating health aspects into their design philosophy for their new homes and residencies. Located in their development hub of Cyber Heights Villas in Cyberjaya; their latest offering the LakeView Residency offers ideal locations and modern amenities combined with a design aesthetic that is conducive to providing physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing. At the core of their new conceptual framework is the integration of the ‘Ceiling Queen’ Negative Ions. “Lakeview is the first negative ion residence in Malaysia. It is a home built not only with the environment in mind, but also the health of the residents in it,” said Ms Dianna Lee, Group CEO of Country Heights Holdings Berhad. For the first time in Malaysia, home owners can enjoy an innovation that utilises Japanese and Korean bio technology to enable air purification and ionization by generating negative ions and Far Infrared Rays (FIR) throughout every corner of the home. This purification process improves air quality by helping to purge air-borne particulates such as dust and germs. With cleaner air comes higher oxygen levels, and with higher oxygen levels, occupants of LakeView Residency will also enjoy health benefits such as enhanced blood circulation and cell repair. Such measures provide for an essential relief for stress-related disorders which include fatigue
114
and insomnia. The luxury of knowing that you are breathing purified air is an assuring thought, but the developers didn’t just stop there. The promotion of relaxation, both body and mind is further enhanced with the tranquil setting and location of the surrounding area. The blue, crystal clear waters of Putrajaya Lake contrasting with the natural greenery of the foliage, fosters not only calmness, but also re-invigorates the weary soul. For those that seek a more outdoor active approach you can run, jog and power-walk amidst the lush scenery and revitalizing breeze. “Purchasers nowadays are not only looking for quality, but a good concept and philosophy of the building.” said Dianna. “LakeView is designed not only to meet the space, ceiling heights and facilities expectation, but most of all; it is designed to be genuinely good for you and your body, health wise.” In LakeView Residency, the developers of Country Heights Holdings Berhad once again prove themselves to be leaders in their field. Their holistic fusion of design aesthetics, concern for personal and individual development, and emphasis on your physical, mental and spiritual health makes LakeView Residency an outstanding synergistic triumph of style and philosophy. For further information, visit www.countryheights.com.my
Lakeview Residency is the first negative ion residence in Malaysia
**Artist impression only
ADVANCED CONTROL & AUTOMATION
one-touch simplicity
Now also available with
w w w.no xel .co m
Prodigy by Crestron, the most respected and trusted name in home automation, is control without compromise. Installed in more homes worldwide than all other brands combined, Crestron is the global standard in luxury homes. Backed by Crestron quality, expertise and support, Prodigy provides the power and scalability you’d expect at a price you can afford. Now every house can be a Crestron home with Prodigy. Prodigy offers affordable, simplified control of your home and entertainment from any room in your house or any place on the planet. Keep all your music, movies, lights, thermostats and security at your fingertips wherever you are and wherever you go. You are always in touch and in control with Prodigy. Make your home the perfect sanctuary where you can escape everyday stress. Just a simple tap of your finger brings you serenity, comfort, convenience and pleasure. Prodigy does all the thinking so you don’t have to. For more information please contact us at prodigy@noxel.com
spaceadvertorial content azral hanan images Snaidero
KITCHEN PERFECTION Snaidero does it again with Ola 20
116
The Pininfarina design language embodies almost a century’s worth of automotive design excellence fusing technical acumen with stylish sensibility exemplified with the introduction of the work top support for island and peninsula units. With its sleek and eloquent contours it is reminiscent of the aerodynamic form of a supercar.
An elegant marriage of art and functionality, the Ola 20 is the latest kitchen design range brought to you by world renowned kitchen specialist Snaidero in tandem with Pininfarina, the design house behind iconic auto-couture masterpieces like Ferrari, Maserati and Alpha Romeo to name a few. Snaidero’s classic signature design ethos is now complemented by curves and smooth lines. Space is enhanced with cutting edge chic. Cupboards, kitchen bases and cupboard handles are all customizable for your individual satisfaction. New features ensure the highest quality in terms of materials and finishing. Mica lacquering provides fine reflective surfaces and along with the new finishing Dark Ash Wood, adds to a long list of customizations in designing your ideal kitchen. The Pininfarina design language embodies almost a century’s worth of automotive design excellence fusing technical acumen with stylish sensibility exemplified with the introduction of the work top support for island and peninsula units. With its sleek and eloquent contours it is reminiscent of the aerodynamic form of a supercar. Innovative designs complemented by technical sophistication, Snaidero once again proves the leader in providing tastefully functional solution to your personal kitchen aspirations.
Interfal Marketing Sdn. Bhd Lot 158, Jalan Maarof, Taman Bandar Raya 59100 Bangsar Kuala Lumpur Malaysia. Tel : +603 2093 9588 Fax : +603 2093 6588 Mobile : 012 268 7766 (Angie)
117
INNOTECHGADGETS content kogi vijay
SMART IS AN UNDERSTATEMENT We have witnessed a wide range of new smartphones emerging this year. And if you noticed, the smart is getting smarter – and definitely more capable. Here are some of the smartphones that are so striking that the phrase “smartphone” just don’t seem to do them justice.
1.TAG HEUER RACER Engineered without compromise, the TAG Heuer Racer is a fusion of luxury and performance inspired by TAG Heuer heritage in GT cars and Formula 1. TAG Heuer’s strive for excellence is also expressed in the high speed processor and latest Android software. 2.The NOKIA 808 PUREVIEW is the first smartphone to feature Nokia PureView imaging technologies, bringing together high resolution sensors and a high-resolution 41 megapixel sensor with high-performance Carl Zeiss optics. 3.The HTC SENSATION™XL WITH BEATS AUDIO gives you an audio experience just like the artist intended. This incredible smartphone also features a 4.7 inch screen, SRS surround sound and it records amazing HD quality video. 4.MOTOROLA’s DROID RAZR MAXX is designed for customers who spend their days and nights multitasking. With a talk-time that stretches up to 21 hours straight on a single charge, it’s the longest-lasting smartphone on the block, and at just 8.99 mm, the device is still impossibly thin.
120
MUSIC MATTERS THE AURAL JOINTS OF TODAY
Are there other makers of good headphones and speakers? Sure, but even though furious debates rage on in audiophile circles, these are some of the names that have been making the rounds in recent times. As to which brand is best, it depends on your needs but we’re pretty sure that they pack a sonic wallop. They’re quite a looker too.
1.The MONSTER iSPORT™ IN-EAR HEADPHONES are constructed with super durable build materials that allow users to enjoy an uninterrupted, world-class music experience while they run, jump or cycle. Most importantly, they are fully washable so, sports enthusiasts can easily clean them and be prepared for their next work out session. 2.The iHOME iP4 Portable FM Stereo Boombox for the iPhone an iPod features SRS TruBass digital signal processing technology and 5 band EQ coupled with 4” carbon composite woofers and 1” ferro fluid cooled tweeters for sound that has to be heard to be appreciated. 3.ALTEC LANSING’S inAir 5000 WIRELESS AIRPLAY® SPEAKER (MA5000) allows users of iTunes, iPad, iPhone and iPod touch to stream music wirelessly over their Wi-Fi network to any room in the house. The dual 3-inch mid-range drivers are constructed of super strong Kevlar to deliver true vocals and mid-tones with minimal distortion. Triple amplifiers drive the system, with dedicated power to the mid-range drivers, the neodymium tweeters and the thunderous 4-inch subwoofer. 4.SONY MDR-V55 HEADPHONES Be it on the streets or in the club – you’re sure to show off your Sony MDR-V55 headphones. Stylish and colourful, the DJfocused MDR-V55 features comfortable earpads that fit over the ear for excellent sound isolation. Reversible earcups give extra flexibility when you’re monitoring mixes on the dancefloor.
121
INNOTECHGADGETS content kogi vijay
capture MORE THAN A MOMENT Be it a compact point-and-shoot, a DSLR or a video camera – they all come equipped with eyepopping features such as Full HD recording, high Optical Zoom, and all kind of smart features . With so many features and hundreds of models for sale, it can be a bit bewildering trying to pick the best. We don’t have a step-by-step guide on how to pick a camera but we have lined up 3 cameras and a video cam that caught our attention.
1.The SONY CYBER-SHOT TX20 features a top-notch 16.2MP Exmor R CMOS sensor and Full HD 1080/60i video capture. Waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, this tough little camera stands up to the elements and your active lifestyle to capture the action as it unfolds. 2.CANON EOS 5D MARK III brings forward a newly designed 22.3 Megapixel full-frame Canon CMOS sensor, Canon DIGIC 5+ Image Processor, and shooting performance up to 6.0 fps provide exceptional clarity and sharpness, even when capturing rapidly-unfolding scenes. With additional technological advancements, the EOS 5D Mark III makes it possible to capture beautiful cinematic movies in EOS HD quality. 3.The miniature MINOX DCC ROLLEIFLEX AF 5.0 features an autofocus lens, a 1.1” inch monitor in the waistlevel viewfinder as well as an image resolution of up to 5 megapixels ensure more photographic fun and maximum performance within the smallest space. Weighing just 100 grams, the camera comes with a strap, a 256 MB miniSD Card as well as a CR-2 lithium battery. 4.JVC’s GZ-EX250 is a Wi-Fi equipped Full HD Memory Camcorder that allows you to send video feeds direct to your smartphone. With JVC’s free app for iOS® and Android™ devices, your phone or tablet can be your critical viewfinder during shoots, your camcorder’s remote control, or your home security alarm.
122
gpstravels content azral hanan images suchen SK
Š
The Little Town on the Way WHY MERSING IS MORE THAN A MERE TRANSIT POINT
124
Not only does it serve as a gateway to sun, sea and fun, Mersing is itself fast becoming THE place to visit and explore. A fascinating destination that provides a microcosmic glimpse into the experience that is Malaysia. Travelling through the state of Johor, certain locations stand out. Sometimes due to some historical or cultural significance. Sometimes due to its proximity to something grander. And for a few, it is because of their position as a crossroads or meeting point for journeys converging and beginning. Mersing belongs to the latter. Mersing is not only one of only two towns situated in the eastern Johor (Kota Tinggi being the other one), but also sits on the main highway that connects eastern Johor to the south as well being the main route towards the state of Pahang, including its capital Kuantan. Mersing used to be a sleepy, quiet fishing town. But the influx of tourists both local and foreign, and renewed appreciation of the area’s natural scenic wonders meant that its’ location as a gateway to the islands now make it a major transit point for visitors sailing the seas. It functions as the main departure point for travellers wishing to visit Malaysia’s ‘Jewel of the Sea’, Pulau Tioman (Tioman Island) as well the other islands in the archipelago.
125
gpstravels content azral hanan images suchen SK
©
Nowadays though still a relatively small town with a population of less than 22,000, Mersing has become a bustling cheery little place, and along with the surrounding area offers visitors many places to visits, sights to see and things to do. It even has an airport. Technically it’s just an airstrip that runs 1200ft along seashore. Neither MAS (Malaysia Airlines System) nor Air Asia fly there. But local pride insists on referring to the place officially as the Mersing Airport. Traditional activities such as fishing and craft-making still dominate working life here in Mersing. One can walk along the quays and seafronts. The air smells of dirty salty sea water blown in by the ocean winds. Fishing boats line the docks, their sail posts all marching together like a forest of white trees. On the verandas of wooden houses nets are still woven the old-fashioned way. That is by hand. Men while away their time between making catches by playing games of dam with their buddies. In the town itself there are eatery outlets serving local and international cuisine. There’s even a Kentucky Fried Chicken branch in among the throng of restaurants and stalls. Colonel Sander’s reach is long indeed. If one has had enough of processed foods then take stroll through the fish markets where visitors are greeted by rows of still gawping fish freshly hauled out of the salty sea. Then check out the
126
stalls and local eateries where the fresh fish of the morning is served as ikan bakar (roasted fish) along with lemon and asam juice combo or soy sauce and a plate of rice for lunch and dinner. Prawns, cuttlefish, oysters, mussels are also available for those that prefer a wider selection of sea food. To work off all the fish, prawns and other assorted delicacies consumed, there are many leisure and outdoor activities available. The beaches at Mersing itself are too dirty for anyone to swim in, but from Mersing one can travel up to the scenic villages of Air Papan and Kampong Penyabong, where everything is much cleaner. Both are relatively unspoilt seaside settlements. Both are blessed with incredibly beautiful beaches of crystal clear water and fine sand. Travellers can walk along the picturesque sandy beaches with swaying palm trees overhead and stay overnight. Others may also engage in snorkelling, checking out the wildlife under the waves. Water sports enthusiasts can pursue surfing, sailing and even kayaking to the neighbouring islands.
The storefronts could easily be relics from the 1950s, with the owners and merchandise coming from the here and now.
At Kampung Penyabong which is located 45 minutes’ drive from Mersing, guests may stay the night at the many available chalets on offer. Also every year on March 1st, the village of Air Papan holds a beach festival. The ‘Pesta Air Papan’ is an annual attraction that draws in major crowds with cultural shows, games and general partying and merriment. For those looking to explore some of the oldest rainforests on earth, Endau Rompin National Park lies in close proximity. Experience a glimpse of the boundless and precious heritage nature has provided. The Park is an irreplaceable reserve of bio-diversity almost unrivalled anywhere. If one is looking for a more cultural excursion hotels and resorts do provide guided tours to places of interest. But, there is nothing stopping the enterprising visitor from making his or her way to the many hamlets, by streets and alley ways of the district. Here they can stumble across small family-owned groceries.
In another door the sights and sounds of craftsmanship waft outwards into the street. The age-old art of making batik is still practiced by many in Mersing. It is a booming cottage industry as well as cultural heritage of high artistic merit. The process of rendering the beautiful effervescent colours and patterns of batik are time-consuming and require a high degree of precision. Wax outlines are meticulously laid on silk or cotton. The design motif is dominated by flowers and geometric patterns. Once laid, the dye is applied. The wax keeps the dye within the outline. It can take many hours as new layers are added, one on top of the other. From these humble beginnings will be drawn batik cloth of scintillating brilliance. A stunning and descriptive testament to the artistic legacy flowing through the veins of the people of Mersing. So for those thinking of getting to their destination, whether it be the sunny paradise of Tioman island or the jungles of Endau Rompin, rest awhile at Mersing. It may not be your intended destination, but it will surely be a journey in itself.
127
gpsadvertorial content azral hanan images borneo highlands resort
A Journey Back to Nature, Back to Basics BORNEO HIGHLANDS RESORT
High on a mountain plateau a thousand feet above sea level overlooking some of the oldest forests in the world, Borneo Highlands Resort offers plenty of attractions, from the enchanting Jungle Spa to the spectacular Hornbill Golf Course. Guests can enjoy the cool mountain air, with temperatures between 18 and 28 degree Celsius all year round, while indulging in the Annah Rais Café which serves healthy cuisine featuring vegetables, fruits and herbs grown in the resort’s very own organic farms.
Here guests have a choice of 30 rooms at the clubhouse and ten rooms at the jungle cabin, all with spectacular views offering a glimpse of the amazing flora and fauna, a visual feast for the eyes. Avid golfers will relish the opportunity to swing their clubs high amidst the clouds.
The brain child of visionary developer Tan Sri Lee Kim Yew, Borneo Highlands Resort is a joint venture between Country Heights Holdings Berhad and the Sarawak Land Custody and Development Authority (PELITA).
Surrounded by cool mists and stunning mountain views, the Hornbill Golf & Jungle Club of Borneo Highlands Resort offers this and much more. Designed by Neil Carver and cyber launched by Tiger Woods, this 18-hole 6,249 meters, Par 72 course offers golfers a truly amazing experience.
Today, the pristine resort is still relatively fresh as when it was officially launched in 15 July 2000 by Tun Dr. Mahathir Bin Mohamad, the then Prime Minister of Malaysia.
To soothe away the aches of modern living, the aptly named Jungle Spa provides rejuvenation as spa and wellness programs
specially tailored to replenish your body, mind and soul. For those wanting to experience the thrill of nature, Borneo Highlands Resort offers among others mountain biking, guided highland tours, nature walk, jungle trekking, mountain climbing, longhouse visit, bird watching and horseback riding. Those looking for a more easygoing experience can witness the majesty of the mountains at Kalimantan View Point. Or let your cares wash away as you enjoy the relaxing sights and sounds of the Simangas Waterfall. Take pleasure in the finest natural wonders and find luxury in the simple things. At Borneo Highlands Resort, it is a fulfilling journey, “Back to Nature, Back to Basics”.
Contact Information Sales & Management Office Address: Ground & 1st Floor, Lot 11607-11608, Block 16, RH Plaza, Lorong Lapangan Terbang 1, 93250, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Tel: (+60) 82-573 980 / 578 980 Fax: (+60) 82-576 690 Resort Address: Jalan Borneo Heights, Padawan, 94200, Kuching, Sarawak, Malaysia Tel: (+60) 19-828 0790 / (+60) 19-829 0790 Email: enquiry@borneohighlands.com.my
128
Website: www.borneohighlands.com.my
Right image: The rustic appeal exudes a refreshing sense of comfort that puts you both physically and mentally at peace.
129
delectablesrestaurant.review content azral hanan images courtesy by house
THERE IS NO PLACE LIKE HOUSE HOUSE @ G-TOWER
130
ON top (from left to right): House’s vast simplistic and neat dining areas/The juice bar/ Corporate events held at HOUSE. left: The wine bar as seen from the first floor.
When going out for a meal, whether it’s grabbing a bite during lunch from the office or a romantic dinner for two, three major aspects define the eating experience. Good food, comfort and ambience. When any one of these fails, the whole thing is ruined and becomes a cautionary tale to be repeated at dinners and among friends and acquaintances for years to come. With that in mind, knowing how invaluable word of mouth can be in breaking or making a restaurant’s reputation, the owners of House restaurant and bar set out not only to fulfil the three criteria’s of a good eating experience, but to exceed them. Located in G Tower, House was established in 2010 and was designed to integrate the three major eatery themes together into a more synchronous flow. The restaurant, the winery and last but not least, the bar. An undertaking fraught with difficulty at the best of times. Since they each cater to a particular clientele and each comes with its own atmosphere and subculture, if you will.
131
delectablesrestaurant.review content azral hanan images courtesy by house
“Flavors come from homemade stocks and seasonings. There is strictly no msg in our food” The lowest level is where the Bar is set. To contrast the soothing tones of the other areas, a dash of colour is added to the interior. The bar itself is in dark wood as are the stools and pub tables. Lighting is kept at a minimum, adding to the cosy intimate atmosphere. To complete the feel another pair of trees is positioned in sight of the bar. The exterior of the bar still maintains the dark furnishing, but other than that it keeps to the same tones as the other floors with light creamy floor panelling and walls. Emphasising that despite the separation into levels and sections, House is a unified whole and is all about casualness and unimpeded flow.
On top: The top floor can be a dining area that can be closed up for private functions.
The menu is described as ‘an assimilation between East and West’. Taking into account the eclectic nature of the Asian palate, where some do not consume beef while others prefer fish, it was necessary and even desirable to mingle and fuse together different dishes and cuisine styles in the process creating something original, yet capable of appealing to all tastes and preferences.
RIght : There bar provides for a soothing environment to unwind and have a good time.
Prepared by chefs with previous experience working in five-star Singaporean hotels, House prides itself on having virtually no artificial preservatives or flavour enhancers in their dishes. Flavours come from homemade stocks and seasonings. The natural sweetness of the sorbets is allowed to flourish in juices and smoothies, undiluted by added sugar. This nod towards casual eclecticism is not only apparent in style, décor, instruments and menu served but also in the range of their clientele. During the working week House primarily but not exclusively caters to office workers nipping in for their mid-day daily lunch. And is just as accommodating to them when they come in to unwind along with the after hour crowd after a hard day’s work in the evening. At the weekend House welcomes families and those just looking for a great place with great food to eat.
House is already garnering a reputation for its well-made smoothies. The Mango & Lime Lassi mixes sourness and sweetness in a creamy froth. The restaurant’s signature drink is the Homemade Social Iced fruit Tea. A delightful fruit ice tea combo with a dollop of icecream added on top.
This three-in-one philosophy is reflected in the layout of the restauran with the major theme being of laid back casualness. The Winery is set at the middle level. A broad and varied selection of wines is on offer. The bottles are neatly displayed standing up with their labels facing outwards. To enhance the ambience and décor, two trees were placed, allowing a sense of nature to accompany the sipping of the wines. To further promote the culture of wine drinking House even offers classes on wine to members of the public.
132
The restaurant also hosts corporate functions and important events such as product launches. And its location makes it ideal in attracting not only local patrons but also those from the expat community. The threein-one concept and commitment to fulfilling the three aspects of the dining experience ensures House attracting greater interest as word of mouth spreads. In the end what patrons’ value are delicious food; comfortable surroundings and facilities to eat them in, and a suitable ambience to make the meal a truly memorable one. The House restaurant and bar offers these in spades.
delectablesalcohol.review content kogi vijay
UNVEILING THE MARTELL CORDON BLEU CENTENARY LIMITED EDITION COGNAC PERNOD RICARD CELEBRATES 100 YEARS OF MARTELL
Cordon Bleu Centenary Seal
Martell is celebrating its 100th anniversary of renowned high-quality cognac perfection with the launch of the Martell Cordon Bleu Centenary Limited Edition. This rare and evocative cognac reveals Martell’s true nature and is a blend of eaux-de-vie whose unchanging style, like an invisible thread, has linked connoisseurs the world over for a century in the finest traditions of the legacy of Martell.
134
TASTING NOTES Cradled in a tulip glass in the hand, Martell Cordon Bleu presents a deep, golden copper hue. On the nose, it reveals its vivacious and rich complexity: fruits of the orchard – plum and apple – combine with roasted notes of mocha, grilled almonds and vtiver, and aromas of candied orange, cinnamon, honey and beeswax. In the mouth, Martell Cordon Bleu offers an outstanding round, mellow sensation, amplified by the elegant Borderies eaux-de-vie and a long finish marked by fruity, spicy notes of plum, candied orange and cinnamon.
CK Tan, Managing Director, Pernod Ricard Malaysia (PRM), said, “Martell Cordon Bleu Centenary Limited Edition reaffirms Martell’s status as a luxury Cognac brand. It visibly personifies the epic nature of the Martell brand and Martell Cordon Bleu in particular. It will enhance our profile to provide connoisseurs with a wondrously evocative homage to a fine tradition that continues to this day. “This limited-edition bottle celebrates the rich history of the Martell brand while updating the expression in a contemporary way.” he continued. “We are confident travellers through the Asia duty free region will welcome the opportunity to engage with Martell and experience something special from the past, made significant for the present” Martell Cordon Bleu is the result of a blending process conducted by creator Edouard Martell and his cellar master, Auguste Chapeau, from 1910 to 1912, resulting in a composition of over one hundred eaux-de-vie, marked by the elegance and finesse of Borderies eau-de-vie. Cordon Bleu has remained true to the original style ever since, reflecting the consummate skill and consistency of each generation of Martell cellar masters to ensure Cordon Bleu’s enduring and timeless quality. Whilst the extraordinarily complex blend of Martell Cordon Bleu won instant acclaim
the gift case is engraved with key historical dates relating to Martell Cordon Bleu and is decorated with 100 silver metallic squares in honour of the occasion. in 1912 amongst the world of cognac connoisseurs, its success has never faded. Its blend is the mark of its timelessness, hence its supremely contemporary character. It is a veritable reference in the world of cognac, and is emblematic of Martell’s organoleptic style: expressing all of Martell’s hallmark expertise and audacity. The Martell Cordon Bleu Centenary Limited Edition features the centenary’s visual code, the infinity sign, which also represents the figure 100. A limited-edition gift case has also been released, embodying the ultimate collectors’ item for Martell connoisseurs. Presented in a wooden silver-chequered, velvet-lined gift box adorned with Cordon Bleu’s key dates and a magnetite opening system, the gift case is engraved with key historical dates relating to Martell Cordon Bleu and is decorated with 100 silver metallic squares in honour of the occasion.
The gift case contains a blue lacquered and silver bottle of Martell Cordon Bleu which pays tribute to the emblematic “Blue Riband” colour of the House and a montre - a miniature bottle traditionally reserved for cellar masters’ tastings containing a selection of 100% Borderies Cognac, the most select cru in the Cognac region blended by Martell’s cellar master Benoit Fil. The montre bottle serves to illustrate the unique qualities of eaux-de-vie from the Borderies region and will educate consumers on how these confer on Martell Cordon Bleu its finesse and elegance. The launch is supported by premium, eye-catching merchandise displayed in key duty-free locations across Asia, drawing on the distinctive blue and silver design and the classic infinity sign. For more information on the Martell Cordon Bleu Centenary Limited Edition, please contact
Pernod Ricard Malaysia at 03-7953 8800
135
delectablesProduct content azral hanan
MEET KALDI THE HOTTEST SINGLE serve beverage machine IN TOWN
Making a cup of coffee or tea in the morning has never been so easy. Functioning as both a coffee/tea maker and espresso machine, the CBTL Kaldi Single Serve Beverage Machine maximises convenience for coffee and tea lovers in delivering fresh brews with the press of a button. Easily providing the perfect start to the day. Utilising beverage capsules for coffee and tea, preparing your brew simply requires slotting in the capsules into the allotted slot at the top of the machine. The consistency in taste is maintained through automatic proportioning ensuring little to no diffusion of flavour and texture. The drain tray is tailor-made to fit the cup. By flipping the tray it allows for adjustments to the cup size and the height. Maintenance is hassle free and merely requires removing and cleaning the capsule drawer and re-inserting it.
136
The compact design of the Kaldi makes it slot perfectly into any kitchen table where space is a premium. Colour wise it comes in Metallic Red, Metallic Black, Metallic Blue/Silver, Metallic White/Silver, Metallic Gold/Silver. Each is a stylish and sleek accompaniment to any Kitchen table. The CBTL beverage capsules are drawn from a selection of the finest international espresso, coffee and tea recipes available from any of their Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlets. From the expresso range, there is the Italian with its smoky aroma, deep roasted flavour and chocolaty finish. Then there’s Premium and Premium Decaf which has an earthier flavour accompanied by a caramellike aroma and finally the Continental blends a smoky aroma with a sweet yet earthy taste. We coffee lovers can now have our favourite beverages conveniently at our fingertips, in the comfort of our own home and office.
For more information please visit www.cbtl.com.my Dimensions 14.75” x 7” x 10.5” Comes in Metallic Red/Silver, Metallic Blue/Silver, Metallic White/Silver, Gold/Silver Price RM980.00 Beverage Capsules Box of 10 Capsules RM21.00
® POST-EVENTsguinness happenings in town
Main image: The VIPs launch the Guinness World Record attempt to make 17 March the biggest Guinness St Patrick’s celebration globally with the ‘Friendliest Day of the Year’ title Left to right: Shane Stephens, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Ireland, Peter Khemlani, Marketing Manager of GUINNESS®, Yap Swee Leng, Marketing Director of GAB, Charles Ireland, Managing Director of GAB
Guinness® St Patrick’s Day Guinness World Record Launch March 17th, 2012 @ Pavillion Left image: The GUINNESS® St Patrick’s talents showing off their impressive skills and also got the crowd to join in and have a go! Right image: Shane Stephens, Peter Khemlani, Yap Swee Leng and Charles Ireland with the GUINNESS® St Patrick’s entertainers, talents and of course, the GUINNESS® bike!
138
It was green shamrocks, ruddy cheeks and flowing pints as Guinness launched The ‘Friendliest Day of the Year’ a Guinness World Record attempt to make March 17th the biggest Guinness St Patrick’s day celebration globally. This annual religious holiday commemorates St Patrick the patron saint of Ireland. Also known as St Paddy’s day it is a national holiday in Ireland and is regarded as a wonderful hallmark of all things Irish. The launch was held at the Pavillion, where revellers mingled with clowns and entertainers in bright multi-coloured costumes. Many showed off their grooves and dance moves to the delight of the crowd. But the real fun began when hundreds of Mad Hatters wearing the distinctive and massive green-black Guinness hats appeared and whipped up the onlookers into frenzy. Even the Guinness bike makes an appearance! The event was opened by Shane Stephens, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Ireland, Peter Khemlani, Marketing Manager of GUINNESS®, Yap Swee Leng, Marketing Director of GAB and Charles Ireland, Managing Director of GAB. The Guinness Book of World Records was the brainchild of Sir Hugh Beaver, Managing Director of Guinness during the 1950s. When it was first published in 1955 Sir Hugh envisioned it as the final arbiter and reference book to decide the outcome of the countless discussions held in pubs up and down the land.
139
POST-EVENTsphoto happenings in town
Held in conjunction with International Women’s Day, the 16 ladies sought to bring across the message that cancer affects everyone, and that everyone had a role to play in helping patients as well as their families. Also in attendance was YB Hannah Yeo and celebrity Dennis Lau.
‘BALD IS EMPOWERING’
@ A Cut Above, Mid Valley 16 brave ladies from ages 24 - 76 made a scene today at A Cut Above, Mid Valley by going bald for charity. Through the message that being “Bald is Empowering”, Shamaine Ho together with her mom and friends are pushing a message of love with a bold goal of raising RM200,000 for cancer patients in all around Malaysia.
All funds collected from 15 Jan 2012 till 7 March 2012 will be donated to the MAKNA Bursary for cancer patients. Funds collected solely during the March 8 event were donated to the National Cancer Society of Malaysia and the Breast Cancer Welfare Association.
140
Even the staff of Veemers joined in providing their blood for this most worthy of causes.
‘GIFT OF LIFE’ BLOOD DONATION DRIVE @Veemer Motors
Veemer Motors, an authorised dealer of Volkswage, in conjunction with Pusat Darah Negara (PDN), held the ‘Gift of Life’ blood donation drive to help replenish blood supplies in hospitals and medical centres throughout the country. Concerned and generous Malaysians that included office personnel from the neighbourhood and charitable customers were welcomed into the premises to donate blood and were attended by the crew from PDN.
141
POST-EVENTsphoto happenings in town
Twenty schoolchildren were challenged to prepare the most creative, nutritious and delicious sandwich they could conceive of. Young Shahirul Azri, aged ten emerged as champion with a tasty chicken filling sandwich.
‘MASTERSKILL SANDWICH CHALLENGE’
@ Prince Court Medical Centre In conjunction with March being the nutrition month, a ‘Masterskill Sandwich Challenge’ for kids aged between seven and eleven years was held by Prince Court Medical Centre. . Datin Farah Diba Khan, Chief Dietician for the Lifestyle Modification Centre at Prince Court said the contest was held to teach children not only how to make their own yummy and nutritious breakfast, but also as a fun activity in and of itself. Parents also joined in attending cooking demonstrations on March 11, 17 and 24 conducted by chefs showing how to cook easy to make well balanced dishes for the family.
142
To enhance both the shopping and brand experience in Penang, visitors to the OMEGA boutique will be warmly greeted by staff who are specialists in the 161-year-old watchmaker’s product line, and who are passionate about sharing their knowledge on one of the world’s most respected watch.
OMEGA GLOBALCONCEPT BOUTIQUE OPENING
@ GURNEY PLAZA
Swiss luxury watchmaker and official timekeeper for the London 2012 Olympics, OMEGA, officially launched its first OMEGA boutique in Penang recently. Located on the Ground Floor of Gurney Plaza and operated by Swiss Watch Gallery, owned by luxury retailer Valiram Group, the boutique measures 900 square feet and carries the brand’s full collection of timepieces comprising Constellation, Seamaster, Speedmaster and DeVille. Featuring the same architectural and design DNA as its largest global concept store in Kuala Lumpur’s Starhill Gallery and conceptualised by Japanese architect Kazuo Adachi together with his partner Hiroshi Yamashita of design Fresco Inc, the OMEGA boutique in Penang pays homage to the perfect craftsmanship of watchmaking with painstaking attention to quality, fine detailing and contemporary architecture.
143