Discover the AIS Early Learning Village, nestled within the Australian International School (AIS). Our ‘child-sized’ campus offers a unique educational adventure. Embrace inquiry-based learning, specialist classes, and a global community. With world-class facilities and flexible scheduling, your child’s journey to success begins here.
Ho Ho How has this happened?! In the blink of an eye, 12 months have almost passed again. I like to think the speediness of time is due to days well spent, although it’s likely more to be due to age! But what a year it has been. 2023 has seen all of ANZA’s groups and sports activities back in force. ANZA Cycling, Netball, and Wombats have taken their skills overseas, we’ve added new community offerings such as Pickleball, Singing, and Watersports to our portfolio, and our events have gone gangbusters. The ANZA Black Tie Ball 2023 - GLITTERBALL, celebrating our 75th birthday, was a total blast (see p20 for proof!). The ANZA Melbourne Cup Race Day 2023 on 7 November is set to be equally as fantastic. If you haven’t already, log onto anza.org.sg to join us as we raise money for Riding for the Disabled, Singapore. Celebrations continue as we enter the holiday season. First we have Deepavali on Sunday 12 November. Turn to p30 for an insight into how the ‘Festival of Lights’ becomes the busiest period of the year for some Singaporeans and expats. In the run-up to Christmas, we’ve got intel on where to find live music on the red dot on p28. Turn to p36 for excellent festive eating, drinking, and entertaining ideas from Singapore’s best chefs and sommeliers. Learn how to keep your cool this yule on p46 and - for more on the importance of maintaining a peaceful outlook - don’t miss the story of Hendrick ‘DK’ Phua on p34. His tale of going from troublesome teen to Buddhist monk is remarkable. Want to escape the frivolities? We reveal a beautiful under-the-radar travel spot on p60. (Even Santa may struggle to find you!).
As we round-up the year, I’d also like to send huge thanks to all of our members who continue to keep ANZA so unique, vibrant, and spirited. A special mention must go to our volunteers who always keep our community striving forwards. I can’t wait to see how we grow and evolve next year.
Meet the locals and expats whose busiest time of year falls around the festival 34 FROM BAD BOY TO BUDDHIST MONK
How a troubled teen turned his life around to promote peace and goodwill
36 SEASON’S EATINGS!
The food and drink lovers guide to feasting in style, with top tips from experts
46 ALL IS CALM
Stay cool this yule with these tips on coping with Christmas conundrums
58 NOW YOU SEE
See some of Singapore’s iconic landscapes and buildings from a different perspective
60 WOW, IT’S DAVAO!
This charming island in the Philippines might be the country’s best kept secret
From our stage to the world stage.
At Dulwich College (Singapore) we believe in nurturing global citizens and well-rounded future leaders who are equipped to create solutions to the world’s challenges. Our goal is to encourage our students to Live Worldwise – to make informed choices, take inspired action and create positive impact. Our innovative and world-changing education is wellbeing-focused and balances academic excellence with a wealth of co-curricular opportunities that enable our students to discover their individual talents and passions.
To learn more visit Singapore.dulwich.org or call admissions at 6890 1003
ANZA Office Xmas Closure
The ANZA office will be closed from Wednesday 20 December 2023 to Tuesday 2 January 2024. Please check the ANZA website for any changes to group meetups. We look forward to seeing you all next year for more events, sports, tours, and fun community happenings. Have a good one!
Meet A Featured Partner
YUJUN LIN CEO of Interactive Brokers Singapore interactivebrokers.com.sg
Who are Interactive Brokers?
We provide automated trade execution and custody of securities, commodities, and foreign exchange 24/6 in 150 markets across 33 countries. Our mission is to be a low cost, completely impartial and transparent broker that always acts in the best interests of its clients.
How do Interactive Brokers stand out from the competition in Singapore?
The company is 40 years old, and we were fintech way before fintech became a modern buzzword! We strive hard to automate everything so that we can keep commissions low, and we are extremely well-capitalised.
What’s your partnership with ANZA?
We have been happy sponsors of the ANZA Soccer
GOT SOMETHING TO SAY?
Email us at info@anza.org.sg or comment on our Facebook page facebook.com/anzasingapore
DID YOU KNOW?
The first Christmas Light Up, along Orchard Road, was in 1984 and lasted for 20 days. This colourful tradition now lasts for about seven weeks, stretching for over three kilometres from Tanglin Mall to Istana Park. Enjoy the atmosphere from late November until early January.
– Raelene Tan
Competition League since 2019. What’s it like working with the ANZA community?
We’ve found that the ANZA community (many of whom are our long-time customers) has a tremendous energy! This not only serves its own community but it’s also a huge benefit to the Singaporean society as a whole. It’s been a real pleasure to work with the irrepressibly positive members of ANZA.
What are you up to when not at work?
I spend time with my 4-year old son, mainly trying to figure out where his monkey DNA came from. Definitely not from me!
THANK YOU TO THE FOLLOWING ANZA PARTNERS, VALUED GREATLY FOR THEIR CONTINUED SUPPORT OF THE ASSOCIATION.
PREMIER PARTNERS GOLD PARTNERS
PARTNERS
PARTNERS
PLATINUM
SILVER
Wrapping Up 2023
A YEARLY ROUND-UP WITH HIGH COMMISSIONER GABBY RUSH
New Zealand High Commission Singapore One George Street, Level 21-04 Singapore 049145
Tel 6235 9966 Fax 6536 8180 nzhc.sin@mfat.govt.nz STAY CONNECTED
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/ NewZealandinSingapore Register when travelling: safetravel.govt.nz
Find out more: mfat.govt.nz/singapore
“2023 has been a big year for the NZ High Commission with some significant visits and policy achievements. We were delighted to host Minister Mahuta (Foreign Affairs) in February, both Minister Little (Defence) and Minister Tirikatene (Trade and Export Growth) in June, as well as the Asia NZ Foundation’s Honorary Advisers Group Meeting in March. We were also pleased to support the visit to New Zealand by Singapore’s Minister Gan (Trade and Industry) where he met with Minister O’Connor (Trade and Export Growth) and visited some of our world-leading businesses. The sharing of ideas and strengthening of trade and investment links is a key feature of the NZSingapore relationship.
Our two countries also recently signed a
GABBY GOES OUT! Sport, education and culture.
HC Gabby Rush was lucky to attend the opening ceremony and game of the Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and France in Paris. She enjoyed the sights and sounds of 78,000 very passionate (mostly French) fans. While the result didn’t quite go the way us Kiwis hoped for, it was a fantastic event, demonstrating the power of sport to bring people together.
Memorandum of Understanding on Scam and Spam, highlighting the importance we both place on accessible digital technology that is safe for all to use. We continue to progress initiatives in the Green Economy and Supply Chains under the New Zealand-Singapore Enhanced Partnership to help enable our sustainable, low carbon futures. For the High Commission, 2023 has also seen some staff changes. Since my arrival in January, we’ve said goodbye to Peter Kemp and welcomed our new Deputy High Commissioner, Keith Conway. Hannah Adams, our Second Secretary has welcomed the arrival of twins! Thaddaeus Cobb covered Hannah's role in her absence. We farewelled Disha Gurnani and Jenny Loveday in July and were pleased to welcome Catherine Soper and Rebecca Kremsky in Policy and Consular roles in August. Our team is now looking forward to a full programme in 2024 but for now, Mere Kirihimete and Happy Holidays!”
Back in Singapore, Formula 1 in September was an incredible spectacle. From the leadup events to the food, lights, music and finally the actual racing, HC Gabby Rush enjoyed her first time in attendance. Our very own Kiwi driver, Liam Lawson, made his Singapore debut for the AlphaTauri team placing ninth. Lawson revealed that when he played Formula 1 games online as a child, this night race was his favourite track!
As High Commissioner, Gabby gets the opportunity to meet a lot of interesting people, and none more so than these Kiwi kids at Singapore's Australian International School. They asked a wide range of questions, from what it means to be a High Commissioner and what Gabby was hoping to achieve in the role, to whether she’d tried durian and who her favourite All Black is! Head to our Facebook page to watch videos of the interviews created by the NZ Chamber of Commerce.
Some members of the NZHC: Jeremiah, Thaddaeus, Clara, Pauline, Katrina, Gabby, Catherine, Keith, Rebecca
Australian sport provided inspiration around the world and global embassies came together.
TAustralian High Commission Singapore
25 Napier Road Singapore, 258507
Tel 6836 4100 Fax 6737 5481
STAY CONNECTED
Follow us on Facebook: facebook.com/ AustraliaInSingapore
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/ company/ahc-sg
Twitter: @AusHCSG
Instagram: @AustraliaInSG
were highlighted throughout the tournament, with all nine host cities referred to in both English and Indigenous terms. They were: Tarntanya (Adelaide), Meanjin (written as Meaanjin; Brisbane), Naarm (Melbourne), Boorloo (Perth), Gadigal (Eastern Sydney; for Sydney Football Stadium), Wangal (Western Sydney; for Stadium Australia), Tāmaki Makaurau (Auckland), Ōtepoti (Dunedin), Kirikiriroa (Hamilton), and Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington).
he 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup may have taken place a few months ago, but the tournament inspired a new generation of athletes and supporters, and transformed the way women’s sports are seen around the world. Australia’s Matildas rode a wave of green and gold to the semi-finals and many firsts were achieved:
The 2023 FIFA WWC was the first coconfederation-hosted tournament. It was also the first time the WWC was held in the Asia-Pacific region, and the first ever WC held in the southern hemisphere
A record 1,715,000 tickets were sold throughout the month-long tournament
Australia’s Sam Kerr scored the longest goal of the World Cup against England in the semi-final from 29 metres out
From kick-off on 20 July 2023 until the final on 20 August 2023, women from 32 nations showed the world the very best of skilled competition.
Supporters held their breath through penalty shoot-outs, cried at missed penalties, and cheered and hugged at impossible goals.
The Matildas, Australia’s national team, made their nation very proud by reaching the semi-finals for the first time ever. Sam Kerr, Mary Fowler and Mackenzie Arnold become household names. “I want to be a Matilda when I grow up” echoed across playgrounds throughout Australia (and no doubt in many international schools too!).
Indigenous representation
Indigenous cultures of Australia and New Zealand
Indigenous representation in the FIFA WWC would not be possible without the appointment of a six-person cultural panel (featuring three First Nations Australians and three Māori from Aotearoa New Zealand) to provide advice to ensure that First Nations and Tangata Whenua voices were included.
Here in Singapore, the FIFA WWC matches drew crowds together at homes, local pubs, embassies and high commissions. It brought out our competitive side with the Swedish chargé d’affaires to Singapore H.E. Jenny Egermark and Australian High Commissioner H.E. Allaster Cox betting on the outcome of the Sweden-Australia semi-final. This resulted in our High Commissioner polishing off a plateful of Singapore’s favourite fruit - the durian! Australia and the UK also collaborated in an Instagram reel to promote friendly rivalry over soccer while reinforcing the strong AU-UK friendship through our economic and trade partnerships. The month-long tournament was a triumph for sport and we’re looking forward to the Matildas’ next opportunity to compete for the Cup.
H.E Allaster Cox with the UK High Commission in Singapore
Taking on the Durian challenge with the Swedish Embassy in Singapore
Meet our Doctors today! Meet our Doctors today!
DR. GARETH PEARSON
FOUNDING PARTNER/DENTAL SURGEON 5 FACTS ABOUT DR. GARETH
1. I'm a qualified, though massively inexperienced, hot air balloon pilot
Let’s explore Jurong Lakeside Garden. Our outing will start at one of the most Instagrammable Starbucks in Singapore before we take to the lake to witness some of the gardens by kayak. After drying off, we’ll enjoy a stroll while taking in the Grasslands, Rasau Walk, the Canyon, and the Forest Ramble. We’ll see the Lone Tree sculpture, enjoy a vast array of flora, and chat to locals in their allotment gardens. We may even see otters, monitor lizards, herons, kingfishers, dragonflies and butterflies. Our tour concludes with an optional meal nearby (at own cost).
DATE: Wednesday 15 November
TIME: 9.30am – 12.30pm, followed by optional lunch
MEET: 9.20am, Jurong Lake Gardens
EXERTION: High. Substantial walking is required. Expect to be on your feet for most of this tour with infrequent rest stops
COST: Member $15, non-member $20
Notes: This is an active tour, and you may get wet while kayaking. If we’re unable to continue due to weather conditions, we will be unable to issue refunds. There will not be a professional guide for this outing
Singapore Cityscapes
and Literary Inspirations - Author talk with Dawn Farnham
Following our June tour, where we walked in the footsteps of the characters from the book The Red Thread, we are fortunate that author Dawn Farnham will be back in town for a second book tour with ANZA. During this casual lunchtime talk, she’ll take us on a journey through the history, places and artefacts of old Singapore which inspired her first novel and her more recent book, Salvaged from the Fall.
DATE: Tuesday 21 November
TIME: 11am - 1pm
MEET: 10.50am, ANZA Office, 261A Beach Road
EXERTION: Low
COST: Member $25, non-member $30
Notes: Sandwiches and juice provided
The Peranakans of Joo Chiat
This tour will focus on Peranakan culture, a unique hybrid of Straits Chinese and local Malays, and take us to a part of East Singapore where coconut plantations became seaside retreats for the wealthy. Our guide will share stories about landmark shops from back in the day and we’ll visit a famous rice dumpling shop. We’ll see architectural styles of shophouses and beautiful murals, and learn about Nonya dishes, fashion, and Peranakan wedding traditions in the heritage house, Straits Enclave. This tour ends at Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen where we’ll find out about typical Peranakan food.
DATE: Thursday 23 November
TIME: 9:30am – 12.30pm
MEET: 9.20am, Katong V Shopping Mall, 30 East Coast Road
EXERTION: High. Substantial walking is required. Expect to be on your feet for most of this tour with infrequent rest stops
TOUR GUIDE: Sarah Lev
COST: Member $50, non-member $60
Discover the Tampines Heritage Trail
Come with us and our new guide on this fascinating Tampines Heritage Trail. Step into the beating heart of Tampines, the first regional town of Singapore, starting at Tampines Hub. Delve into interactive exhibits at the Tampines Heritage Gallery, soak up stories of the past, and witness the remarkable transformation that has shaped Tampines to the place it is today. On this trail, we’ll uncover a hidden oasis – an eco community garden, serene green space, and Tampines Central Park with its community garden and flourishing urban farming scene. The walk ends in the bustling town centre.
DATE: Wednesday 29 November
TIME: 9.30am – 12.30pm
MEET: 9.15am outside Tampines MRT Station
EXERTION: High. Substantial walking is required. Expect to be on your feet for most of this tour with infrequent rest stops
TOUR GUIDE: Diana Chua
COST: Member $65, non-member $75
Green Architecture in the CBD
Discover the unique architecture in the Central Business Centre (CBD). Learn about how Singapore became a “City in a Garden”, what defines a green building, and the architects and landscape designers behind various iconic award-winning buildings. We’ll visit the CapitaSpring building where we’ll take in panoramic views from the rooftop Sky Garden and walk through the cascading lush garden spread over three levels. After a short break at Lau Pa Sat (at own cost) we’ll head to Marina One, an integrated commercial and residential complex. Our last stop will be the skyscraping Oasia Hotel which looks like a giant living tree! This tour ends with an optional lunch (at own cost).
DATE: Thursday 7 December
TIME: 9.30am – 12.30pm
MEET: 9.20am, Raffles Place MRT
EXERTION: High. Substantial walking is required. Expect to be on your feet for most of this tour with infrequent rest stops
TOUR GUIDE: Sarah Lev
COST: Members $40, non-members $45
THE FLOAT, MARINA BAY
This annual crowd-pleaser will take place at Marina Bay once more, with this year’s celebrations pulling out all the stops. A kaleidoscope of colour is set to illuminate the Marina Bay skyline with fireworks, snazzy pyrotechnics, dazzling lights, and immersive sounds. From 25 to 30 December 2023, there will also be a Star Island prequel at the MBS Event Plaza, including pop-up stalls and family-friendly activities. It’s gonna be a banger!
The Float at Marina Bay, 20 R affles Ave, 039805 starisland.sg
NEW YEAR’S EVE PARTY AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS
Keep your little ones filled with festive magic here! A Universal Christmas at Universal Studios Singapore is always a next-level extravaganza as it transforms into Santa’s Spectacular Circus, featuring a parade, special live circus acts, acrobatics, meet and greets, themed photo booths and exciting rides. 8 Sentosa Gateway, 098269 rwsentosa.com
KINKI RESTAURANT + BAR
This stylish rooftop venue is a proper Singapore stalwart and the perfect place to soak up a party atmosphere on 31 December. Dine on their fabulous Japanese menu while witnessing the fireworks with top-notch views.
Siloso Beach Party has live performances, DJs, and non-stop music on this stretch of sand that turns into a gigantic dance floor. Revellers will need staying power for this one: the night-long bash doesn’t end until dawn on 1 January 2024. Siloso Beach, Sentosa
LEVEL33
LeVel33 go for it every new year. While the theme for 2023 is yet to be announced, you can bet it’s going to involve plenty of fun and sparkle. Enjoy fine dining, plenty of drinks, and a breathtaking vista.
Produced by the same producers of Coachella (which means it’s cool!), Zoukout Singapore returns to Siloso Beach for its 20th edition on 2 and 3 December 2023. Get sand in your toes from sunset to sunrise at this iconic electronic music festival which promises music, dance and culture against the backdrop of the beach. Siloso Beach, Sentosa ticketmaster.sg
ART IS LIFE
Even if you don’t know Yip Yew Chong, you’ll certainly know his art. Adorning many walls around the island, this local artist’s work keeps Singaporean heritage alive through lovely images of everyday life. A new book, The Art of Joy: The Journey of Yip Yew Chong authored by Woon Tai Ho is out on 18 November, and not only showcases Yip Yew’s art, but also gives an insight into the life and mind of the man himself. Yip Yew also has an art exhibition from 30 November - 1 January 2024 at Raffles City Convention Centre. For further information log onto yipyc.com @yipyewchong
THE WRITE STUFF
This year’s Singapore Writer’s Festival (SWF) comes with the theme “Plot Twist” and seeks to present the unexpected. Speakers range from cult academics and cartoonists, to best-selling authors and feminist critics, and festival-goers are invited to unpack unfamiliar themes through immersive programmes. One highlight is the session 50 Years of Bars, Flows and Beats which delves into hip-hop culture and features rappers, musicians, and cultural historians in action. 17 - 26 November. The Arts House and other venues singaporewritersfestival.com
LADIES NIGHT
Our Ladies Night hit the heights of 1927 Rooftop Bar at Hotel Telegraph. The conclusion? Discounted drinks and nibbles taste even better with a view!
SCOUTS CAMP
Almost 50 people joined our annual weekend jaunt to Sarimbun camp. Kids helped to pitch the tents, build constructions, and learned new skills and safety tips. The highlight was the hot tatties from the fire (of course!).
TOURS
ANZA Tours have been building up an appetite and learning about Singaporean food production with visits to hawker centres, local stores and iconic food factories.
Sparkle & Shine
The only place to be on 25 August was at the ANZA Black Tie Ball 2023 - GLITTERBALL.
Talk about putting on the glitz! ANZA’s GLITTERBALL, proudly presented by the Australian International School, was not just an excuse to break out the shimmer, but to also celebrate ANZA’s 75th anniversary in Singapore. And what a night it was. The crowds arrived in their throngs to walk our sparkly carpet, enjoy a 5-star meal and free-flow drinks, listen to a live didgeridoo player, watch a moving haka performance, bid on a plethora of charity prizes, and have a tipple at our tasting bars. We were honoured to welcome our co-patron H.E Allaster Cox, High Commissioner to Singapore, and Maggie Christie, New Zealand Trade Commissioner. Both gamely helped to cut ANZA’s birthday cake as well as distribute prizes to our winners.
The party really got started when The Countdown Band took to the stage and kept the crowd rocking the dance floor all night long. Thankfully, midnight pies were served to keep energy levels up (and hangovers down!). A brilliant time was had by all. We would also like to extend a very big thanks to our event sponsors for being an integral part of this incredibly special celebration. We couldn’t have done it without your support!
As the party season approaches, here’s where to find live music and bust a few moves in Singapore.
Judging by our annual ANZA Ball, The Melbourne Cup events, and monthly ANZA Ladies Nights, our community is one that likes to throw a few shapes on a dance floor! This is great news given that Singapore’s music scene is pumping with bars, restaurants and clubs offering a variety of live sets. Whether you want to enjoy a meal with a musical background, or strut your stuff with friends, from rock to pop and soulful jazz, here’s where to soak up some sounds this holiday season.
WHERE: HERO’S
WHO: Christo Alexander & His Nefarious Friends
MUSIC GENRE: 80s - 00s rock, pop, R&B
Those who came to our ANZA Black Tie Ball 2023 – GLITTERBALL will know just how talented singer and ANZA Executive Committee member Christo Alexander is. To see him in action head to Hero’s where Christo and his band deliver 80s, 90s and 00s rock, pop, and R&B tunes, with the occasional rousing singalong thrown in for good measure! This saloon-style bar is fun from the get-go, serves food, and guarantees a good time. As the band’s catchphrase goes: “You’ve died and gone to Heros”.
DETAILS: Every Saturday, 10pm. Booking is essential 69 Circular Road, #01-01, 049423 heros.sg
Doing Deepavali
The Festival of Lights falls on 12 November. We meet some of the community whose lives get extra busy around the Deepavali celebrations.
“Unity and bonding is what I enjoy the most”
Gayathri G. Sharma is the Artistic Director & Founder of Gayathri Dance Academy. She’s choreographs many Deepavali performances around Singapore on and off the screen.
As an artist in Singapore, I’m known for my signature style in Contemporary Indian Dance that’s largely based on Bharathanatyam. This Indian classical dance form originated in Tamil Nadu. Bha means emotion (Bhava), Ra means music (Raaga), Ta means rhythm (Taal), and Natyam means dance, therefore it encompasses music, rhythm and expression.
Due to being formally trained and dancing since I was four years old, I’ve performed in many major productions around the island. My team and I are often part of the events taking place in Little India during the run-up to Deepavali. You can also see us live on the Deepavali Countdown Show on television. (Amarkala Deepavali airs at 10pm every Deepavali Eve on Mediacorp Vasantham Singapore).
Rehearsals take place about three times a week for at least a month ahead of the show, but no matter how much I practice, I never feel like I’m ready. Sometimes we’re given very short notice from conception to performance, so it can get pretty chaotic, but it’s extremely rewarding when it all comes together.
Primarily, there are two famous tales behind Deepavali and this is noticeable during performances throughout the season. You’ll see dancers and theatre artists dressed as the characters of these stories: the iconic peacock feather tucked in the hair of Lord Krishna, or the ten heads of Raavan for example. The costumes are often colourful as it’s a celebration and specific to the characters. When it comes to hair and makeup for these performances, there are no-holds-barred. However, it’s tradition to stick to the iconic style of dressing and costuming so the characters are easily identifiable.
MAKING MEMORIES
Besides Bharathanatyam, I also studied the ancient classical Indian dances of Odissi and Kathak, and I use my collective knowledge throughout my dance choreography. I opened Gayathri Dance Academy (GDA) in 2005 when I was teaching a handful of students at temple spaces around the island. I slowly migrated my classes and taught under the People’s Association as a community club for over 15 years. The closure of all non-essential jobs during the pandemic devastated many art practitioners including myself, but in 2022 I incorporated GDA as a fullyfledged performing arts company.
We primarily teach Bharathanatyam and classes are open for all ages and genders. We also have a performing wing for professionals where we explore both traditional and experimental work. Everyone is welcome and I believe anyone can dance if they truly enjoy it.
While dancing is my passion and profession, my favourite part of Deepavali is making memories with family and loved ones. This includes all the preparations that begin at least one month before the festival begins including making sweets, decluttering, cleaning, decorating our homes, and shopping for new clothes. Everyone works as a team and this unity and bonding is what I enjoy the most. Oh, and there’s nothing like feasting together!
gayathrig.sharm & gayathridanceacademy
Gayathri G. Sharma & Gayathri Dance Academy gayathridanceacademy.com
“Family reunion dinners are my favourite part of the festival”
Singaporean Chef Annil Ravin highlights traditional Indian cuisine across his social media channels and with his pop-up food stalls.
From a young age, my mother welcomed my brothers and I into the kitchen to experiment with food and recipes. Indian food used to really intimidate me with its many ingredients and flavours, so I preferred cooking Italian dishes! Cooking together was how we bonded as a family and my skills and knowledge grew along the way.
It became clear that food was my true passion. I started my career training in Italian cuisine and as a host in a cooking studio which I loved, however, when the world was disrupted by the pandemic my work ground to a halt and my self-esteem plummeted. Thankfully, I had good friends who kept reminding me that I had so much to offer. They encouraged me to set up Chemmeen, a company where I sold a ‘Seafood-in-a-Bag’ concept which was trending at the time. I infused crab with an Indianstyle masala and it became an instant hit!
POPULAR STREET SNACK
Spurred on by lots of attention on social media, I was inspired to try new things. During a trip to India in January 2022, I noticed a lot of hype around Pani Poori, a popular street food snack of crispy, fried dough ball stuffed with potato, onion, or chickpea. I hated it, but everyone there raved about it!
I decided to come up with my own recipe for Pani Poori using a savoury potato filling, curry flavour and sweet onion gravy. In addition, I created some gourmet sauces using high-quality yoghurt and dates instead of sugar. My business, Party Poori by Chef Annil, went viral on TikTok and - in true Singapore style - queues began to form. My food is cooked in both central kitchens and my home kitchen depending on the scale. I call my dad and brothers my ‘procurement officers’ as they go to Marsiling wet market to get ingredients. Today I partner with six other brands including Ayam, and you can order my food through Grab and Food Panda.
Deepavali is one of my busiest seasons. This year I’ll be working at many events around Singapore which I advertise on social media. It’s very much a family-run operation where my mum is the unsung hero - she makes sure I don’t bite off more than I can chew. I love serving my online community and representing good quality Indian food on the red dot. So many Indian dishes here are heavily commercialised and stereotyped, and I’m proud to prove that there’s so much more to Indian cuisine than just standard curries and masalas.
When it comes to my own Deepavali celebrations, family reunion dinners are my favourite part. This is when we just unwind together, crack jokes and catch up. Biriyani is an essential dish that we always look forward to. Every family has a different recipe and method of cooking; my recipe is passed down from my mum. It’s completely natural with no flavour enhancements; she freshly picks her spices and sends them for milling. I might try and sell it myself in the future if she allows me to!
linktree/chemmeensg chefannil.com chemmeensg
TShalini Gupta is from Rajasthan, India, and moved to Singapore 10 years ago. Formerly an accountant, she is now a full-time art teacher and artist.
anjore art, also known as Thanjavur painting, is a classical South Indian art form often depicting intricate and vibrant paintings of deities, saints, and scenes from Hindu mythology.
Tanjore paintings are often considered auspicious and are prominently displayed during Deepavali celebrations. Their rich colours, intricate gold leaf embellishments, and vibrant depictions of deities or mythological scenes add a special touch to the festive decor. In some households, the paintings depicting Hindu gods and goddesses, especially Lakshmi (Goddess of wealth and prosperity) and Ganesha (God of wisdom and new beginnings), are hung or placed in prayer rooms as a symbol of reverence and to invoke blessings for wealth, knowledge, and spiritual growth.
It’s difficult to say exactly when I became an artist. As a child I was always interested in doing artistic things and would paint and draw as a hobby. I’d often get praised for my artwork, but as with many Asian families, mine put more focus upon ‘traditional’ professional qualifications. So I took up painting formally much later in life.
I spent many years studying, including doing a Diploma in Fine Arts from Chand Shilp Shala, Jaipur and courses on Indian traditional paintings at The Prince’s Foundation School of Traditional Arts in London. This was a fantastic experience, as I not only learnt about the traditional art form practiced in India, but also how it evolved in other parts of the world, particularly Iran and Pakistan.
VISUAL STORYTELLING
Depending on the size and complexity of the composition, one Tanjore art piece can take anything from a few days to a few weeks. They’re typically done on wooden panels and stand out due to their embossing, rich use of gold leaf,
semi-precious stones and bright colours. The gold leaf over the embossing gives the paintings a unique threedimensional effect and adds a sense of radiance to the subjects. It’s a form of visual storytelling. Like most traditional arts, it’s important to approach them with patience to achieve a higher level of detail and quality.
This festive season is going to be really exciting for my journey in Tanjore and other traditional art as I’ll be holding beginner workshops for Tanjore painting at Singapore’s Indian Heritage Centre. I’ll show participants the steps of creating Tanjore art, like preparing the board, embossing, using gold foil, and decorating with special Jaipur gemstones. Hopefully, my workshops will inspire others to learn more about this art form in the future.
Back in my hometown in Jaipur, my extended family spend several days preparing for Deepavali. We try to recreate this here in Singapore in a smaller way. We start a couple of weeks in advance, spring cleaning the house, preparing it for Goddess Laxmi’s (the Goddess of Wealth) arrival. We make rangoli (handmade intricate patterns and designs on the ground using coloured powders, rice, flour, sand, or flower petals), and traditional sweets and snacks that are shared with friends who visit. On the day itself, we wear new clothes and offer traditional prayers at home. Then we gather with friends to light oil lamps and fire-crackers, and enjoy an elaborate traditional vegetarian meal together. The festivities continue until late, with lots of music, dancing, the exchanging of gifts, and card games.
indiaminiatures.com
indiaminiatures by Shalini Gupta indiaminiatures
Distinctive features of Tanjore Art
Embossing: Limestones are mixed with a binding agent like Arabic gum for a 3D look Gold leaf: Gold foil or leaf adds a luxurious quality
Embellishments: With semi-precious stones/ Jaipur stones/ glass beads
Rich colour: Vibrant colours create a visually striking contrast against the gold and contribute to religious depth
Religious & mythological themes: This spiritual focus sets Tanjore art apart Longevity: Durable materials ensure preservation over time
Traditional techniques: Specific techniques are passed down through generations, preserving the authenticity and uniqueness of this art form
From Bad Boy to Buddhist Monk to Business Owner
If anyone understands peace and goodwill, it’s a monk. But for Singaporean Hendrick Dhammakamo (‘DK’), life was not always so tranquil.
Tell us about your life before you became a monk?
I was a very self-centered young boy. I was violent towards my mother, and almost killed my father when I was 14. Not only did I wreak havoc at home, but I also got into fights at school and was eventually expelled. By 2011, I was 23 years old and spending my days in Singapore drinking, partying, splurging on luxury goods, street racing and meeting girls. One day, I quarrelled with my parents and got so angry that I tried to set fire to their bed. Fortunately, I used a cooking oil that I didn’t know wasn’t flammable.
How did monkhood come about?
That same year, I went on a short trip to the south of Thailand and was offered the opportunity to live in a monastery for a week. Since there’s a stereotype that Buddhist monks know the best way of life, I decided to try it out. I wanted to know why I was unhappy, angry, and dissatisfied with life. Also, a big part of me wanted to take photos of myself as a monk to show off to my friends.
Can you remember your first day?
On my first morning, I woke up in a foreign land where nobody could speak my language. The guest monk arrived at my door to help me with my robes - three big pieces of cloth with a sash to hold them together. I followed him into the
main hall, sat on a straw mat and looked at the Buddha statue - the only object of familiarity around me. More monks arrived, and a deep sense of comfort and excitement began to build up in me.
Your time in the monastery lasted longer than a week …
The spiritual calling was sudden and
strong, literally within the first few days. I continued living as a monk in monasteries around the world for five years with the Plum Village Community of Engaged Buddhism (plumvillage.org).
Given your unruly past, how easy was this? Not easy at all! My teacher rehearsed the formalities with me to receive alms.
Today, DK shares his knowledge of life as a monk at The Hermitage Zen
From planning and prepping to wining and dining, here’s ANZA’s guide to festive feasting, with tips from some of Singapore’s Little Helpers.
PREP LIKE A PRO
By Charles Nguyen, Chef De Cuisine, Intercontinental
Singapore “Plan dishes in advance.
It’s not just about deciding what food to serve, but also ensuring that ingredients are complementary to each other. Planning gives you the opportunity to test recipes out, get familiar with the cooking process, and improve time management, all of which are
crucial when preparing multiple dishes. I recommend making a great first impression with appetisers; they play such an important role in setting the tone for the entire festive meal. Take your guests’ preferences into consideration: a charcuterie board or a seafood bisque is often a popular and fuss-free choice to kick off with.
Importantly, don’t be afraid to ask for help. It’s key for the person cooking to enjoy the process, so rope in friends and family! If handling a roast turkey is too complicated, order it from a hotel or restaurant and focus on the dishes you enjoy making.”
singapore.intercontinental.com
THE ULTIMATE XMAS DUCK
By Chef Aaron Tan, Executive Chinese Chef at Man Fu Yuan.
Is duck a good alternative to turkey?
It’s excellent, and certainly one to consider. The key difference is the texture; turkey tends to be drier, particularly when compared to Silver Hill Duck, and the skin of turkey will not become as crispy as that of duck. Another consideration is size - a whole turkey may be too large for smaller families.
How do I cook it?
The method is relatively simple. We usually roast duck due to its texture. As it’s more tender, with a higher fat content, roasting will give the best results and ensure a crispy skin with juicy, succulent meat. Try seasoning with Cajun spices and black pepper to add a Cantonese twist to the meat.
What about the prep?
This is the most time-consuming part of the process, although seasoned chefs will enjoy it. First, stuff the duck with spring onion, ginger, and cinnamon before allowing it to marinate for a minimum of eight hours. Afterwards, poach the duck for 10 seconds, pour over a sauce if required, and fan dry for 8-10 hours. The oven should be set to 165 - 175 degrees Celsius, with the duck roasting for 45 minutes.
And the sides?
Grilled broccolini, glazed BBQ pineapple, and plum sauce. What about wine?
Red wine complements duck better. Try Pinot Noir, Merlot, or Bordeaux.
Any other tips?
If the duck is too large to fit into your oven, debone the breast and pan sear instead. Or order in – our Silver Hill Irish Duck will be available for takeaway over the festive season!
Man Fu Yuan is collaborating with the Irish Duck Company until 15 November 2023. singapore.intercontinental.com/dine/man-fu-yuan
WINE SHOPPING TIPS (+ HOW TO HEAL A HANGOVER)
By Louis Toh, Head Sommelier, Raffles Hotel Singapore.
Fizz is the biz
While connecting with friends and family over a meal, I recommend selecting champagne to pair with festive dishes. It’s so versatile that it can be paired with cured meats, cheeses, baked ham, and roast turkey. From November onwards, Raffles Hotel will be introducing Tarlant Champagne Brut Nature Zero
into our master wine list – a bubbly which is especially rare, and delivers a delicious complexity with multiple layers.
What a pair
A zesty white wine is brilliantly versatile as well. While it’s easy to go with the typical guideline of pairing white wine with white meats and red wines with red meats, it’s vital to consider the sauce and cooking method of the dish also. Stronger flavours require a heavier wine. More delicate flavours or cooking methods like steaming or poaching go best with more delicate options.
Perfect match
My personal favourite food and wine pairing for the year end is tender semi bone-in half gammon ham complemented with an approachable Barossa Shiraz such as Head The Blonde Shiraz.
So gifted
For those looking to gift a bottle of wine, consider the personality of the person receiving it, their drinking habits, and the occasion. For a Christmas dinner party, a beautiful sparkling such as the Idée Fixe Premier Brut Blanc de Blancs by Vasse Felix from Margaret River is bright, easy to drink and pairs with many dishes.
Port for thought
I love opening a vintage port wine for Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Crafted with notes of concentrated dried fruits, blackberry, cocoa, and spices, it complements chocolate log cake, panettone, cheese, and salted, smoked nuts. No pain, all gain
As with all parties this holiday season, avoiding a hangover can be hard! My cure is a pot of hot and strong black tea which helps rejuvenate the body thanks to caffeine properties which can relieve fatigue. I once decided to brew a pot of Pu-Er tea one morning after too much indulgence and found that it alleviated my headache and tiredness. Magic!
Raffles Hotel’s Bar and Billiard Room is hosting an exclusive wine dinner on Sunday, 3 December 2023. raffles.com/singapore
Do Happy Hour at Home
Funky Monks – Red Hot Chili Peppers By
Tippling Club.
STEPS :
1
Add 40ml of white rum (Rhum Agricole preferred), 15ml of fresh lime juice, 10ml of ginger syrup, and 10ml of crème de cassis into a shaker and shake vigorously.
2
Strain into a chilled tall glass, and top it up with chilled soda water and a lime wedge dipped in Togarashi spice for garnish. tipplingclub.com
Sticky Fingers
By Mel Chavez, Bar Manager, Smoke & Mirrors.
STEPS:
1
Prep time: Add sous vide dates into a whisky of choice for 30 minutes to an hour. Then strain the liquid and keep it aside.
2
For DIY-ers, create your own toffee syrup by melting 80g unsalted butter and combining it with 300g dark brown sugar and 400ml of heavy cream. Boil for 10 minutes until you have your preferred consistency. If you’re rushing for time, Monin Toffee Syrup from RedMart will do the trick!
3
Shake up 25ml of your date-infused whisky, 25ml of dark rum, 15ml of the toffee syrup, 5ml of sugar syrup, and one whole egg. Strain it into an iced glass.
4 Drizzle the toffee syrup on your drink. Enjoy with sticky date cake bites (store-bought or homemade)! smokeandmirrors.com.sg
MORE CHEESE PLEASE!
By Executive Chef, Kelly Tay, The Westin Singapore.
“If you’ve got cheese left over from Christmas parties, make cheese scones. Serve with fig jam and homemade honey truffle as the sweetness and subtle tartness of fig jam pair will pair perfectly. To make honey truffle drizzle, simply mix some truffle oil with good quality honey. The earthy taste of truffle and the natural sweetness of honey will add elegance to your cheese board or cheese scones.”
High Cheese runs at Lobby Lounge, The Westin Singapore, until 26 November. Festive Afternoon Tea is from 27 November - 4 January 2024. marriott.com
TIPS FOR WAGYU CARPACCIO
By the CÉ LA VI Culinary Team.
1 Purchase top-grade beef fillet such as A4 Miyazaki Wagyu Beef and thinly slice.
2
Sauce prep: Pickle small shimeji mushrooms in water, vinegar, salt, and sugar, and boil for five minutes (larger mushrooms at about 8-10 minutes). Leave to cool and infuse.
3
Dressing prep: Make your own ponzu dressing by combining soy sauce, dashi stock, mirin, rice
vinegar (preferred, but regular vinegar works too), lemon juice, and lime juice. Zest your lemon for an extra burst of tanginess.
4
Brush dressing over the thinly sliced beef, and serve with the pickled sauce.
5 Make it extra fancy by coupling with Nomad Kaluga caviar (a fine delicacy on its own).
celavi.com/en/singapore
THE PERFECT AUSTRALIAN ROCK LOBSTER
By
Chef Alynna Tan, Humpback.
“Christmas is a time for family and celebration. As chefs, we’re usually away from home during festive seasons, but on the rare occasion that I get to spend Christmas with my family, I like to cook a comforting, communal dish that my parents love instead of traditional Christmas staples. Since my mum loves my Japanese donabe cooking pot and my dad’s dream is always to have a huge lobster (inspired by watching Korean TV!), I created a Lobster Donabe using Australian Rock Lobster that is the best of both worlds. This way, they don’t fight over who is the favourite parent!”
Recipe INGREDIENTS | 4 PORTIONS
Japanese shortgrain rice Lobster stock
Rock Lobster, shells reserved for stock
Mizuna or watercress
Ginger, brunoise or pink oyster mushrooms
Lobster butter
Lobster Prep
Detach lobster head from its tail
Separate the claws
Canola or grapeseed oil
Mirepoix - onion, carrot, celery, leek
Tomato paste
Crushed garlic
Dry or cooking sake
Mirin
Water
Blanch the lobster in salted water for 1.5 to 2 minutes
Method
Step 1: Wash the Japanese shortgrain rice with cold water until the water is clear
Step 2: Soak the rice in water for 10 minutes
Step 3: Roast the lobster shells until golden brown
Step 4: Add in mirepoix and garlic, followed by the tomato paste. Stir so it doesn’t burn
Step 5: Once caramelised, reserve half of the ingredients and transfer to another pot
Step 6: Deglaze the first pot with sake and mirin
Step 7: Add water and simmer for two hours or until the flavour is extracted
Step 8: Season with salt to taste humpback.sg
CHEF AMMI’S PIE CORNER!
By Chef Ammie Khoo, Rosemead.
APPLE PIE
“I grew up spending the holidays enjoying my mum’s easy-to-make apple pie. She makes the shortcrust dough in advance, rolls it thin, then freezes it. The filling can also be made in advance - she premixes sugar, cinnamon, and flour before setting it aside. On Christmas Day, you just need to peel and slice some Granny Smith apples, mix with the sugarcinnamon mixture and assemble the pie. Bake it when your guests start arriving.”
POT PIE
“Our family also loves pot pie. You can make the bechamel filling in advance and buy frozen puff pastry and good quality frozen vegetables. On the day of eating, simply cook your preferred protein (we love using lobster, turkey or chicken thigh), and mix it with the bechamel and vegetables. Put all the filling in a porcelain baking tray and top it off with puff pastry. Final step: brush some egg wash on top and bake it off. Easy!”
rosemead.sg
MERRY MINDFUL EATING
By Tiffany Wee, In-house Naturopath & Nutritionist, SuperNature at COMO Dempsey.
Yes, we all want to dive into the Quality Street, but for maximum enjoyment, it’s wise to approach festive food mindfully. Here’s how:
1
Before you eat, bring yourself into the present moment with three deep breaths. Beyond the food, take in and delight in all aspects of the dining experience.
2
Consciously give yourself permission to indulge a little. Not only is this liberating, it allows you to facilitate a happier and healthier relationship with food in the long-term.
3
Eat slowly. Pay attention to the look, smell, sound, texture and taste of the food. Eating with all our senses help us to better appreciate our food, and we tend to eat less.
4
Begin each meal with gratitude and acknowledge the effort that has gone into its preparation. After all, the holiday season is a time to count our blessings and give thanks.
5
Fully savour the moment. Set aside time for yourself to connect with loved ones while dining by opting for a fussfree celebration.
comogroup.com/food-retail/supernature
When is the best time to buy Australian property?
Here are tips to help you maximise your returns.
If you’ve been contemplating the idea of investing in Australian property, you’ve likely encountered the question: “When is the best time to buy?” That’s often met a wink and a nod followed by with the reply, “NOW!”
But before you jump in feet first, let’s dive into some of the intricacies to consider.
START WITH TAX ADVICE
First and foremost, let’s talk taxes. In the realm of property investment, understanding tax implications is crucial. Australia offers a range of tax benefits designed to support property investors. It’s important to be well informed about buying structures, negative gearing, capital gains tax, and to have a robust property investment strategy.
It’s also essential to remember that tax laws can be complex and subject to change. Seeking advice from a tax
professional who specialises in property investments and expatriate taxation is key to ensuring that you’re maximising your tax advantages.
As a leading provider of Australian taxation, finance, and property services to Australian expatriates and foreign investors, SMATS Group has assisted thousands of clients to purchase property using tax effective and reduced risk investment strategies that are geared towards long-term success.
NAVIGATING HOME LOANS
As any experienced investor will tell you, securing mortgage pre-approval is pivotal. Unfortunately, when you’re an expat or non-resident buyer, you’re often faced with decreased mortgage options, reduced borrowing capacity and higher rates. However, this doesn’t always have to be the case.
ANZA Pickleball Clinics
Pickleball is taking the world by storm! It’s fast moving, heaps of fun and will get your fitness levels up.
The ANZA Social Pickleball group plays at centrally located courts on various days of the week. Join us for a fun hit in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere. All level of players are welcome.
Register at anza.org.sg/sports/pickleball
Mixed Social Tennis
The ANZA Mixed Social Tennis groups get together on Friday mornings 9am - 11am and Sunday evenings 7pm - 9pm. Players of all abilities are welcome.
Register at anza.org.sg/sports/tennis
Help for prostate health
As we head into the men’s health awareness month of ‘Movember’, we highlight an essential issue to be aware of.
We know men don’t think much about their prostate … until they must. But early intervention leads to more positive outcomes. Here’s what men (and their partners) can be aware of.
What is the prostate gland?
This small gland only exists in males. Around the size of a walnut, it sits just below the bladder and surrounds part of the urethra, the tube that carries urine from your bladder. It helps to make some of the fluid in semen so it’s also part of the reproductive system.
What problems can it cause?
1
Prostate enlargement
This is the most common issue. In most men the prostate starts to slowly enlarge from their 40s, but symptoms are rare in those under 50. As the prostate enlarges, it can compress the urethra and cause symptoms in around 30% of men such as:
Difficulty initiating urination and reduced flow
Needing to pass urine more frequently (most noticeable at night)
Needing to pee more urgently
Having to stop and start peeing
A feeling of a full bladder
Treatment for prostate enlargement varies. In many men we can simply do nothing and see how things progress over time. In others, lifestyle changes such as changing the timing of fluid intake and adjusting caffeine and alcohol intake can be enough. A number of medications can control symptoms.
2
Prostatitis
Inflammation of the prostate is called prostatitis and it’s usually caused by infection. Some men with chronic prostatitis can identify triggers and adjust their lifestyle accordingly. Common symptoms are difficulty passing urine, pelvic pain and fever/ chills. Bacterial prostatitis needs prompt management as it can become serious if left untreated. Prostatitis can be sexually transmitted but is often caused by bacteria in the urinary tract. Symptoms include:
Pain or burning sensation when urinating (dysuria)
Difficulty urinating, such as dribbling or hesitant urination
Frequent urination, particularly at night (nocturia)
Urgent need to urinate
Cloudy urine
Blood in the urine
Pain in the abdomen, groin or lower back
3
Prostate Cancer
This is one of the most common types of cancer in men. Risk factors include increasing age, having a relative with prostate cancer, Afro-Caribbean ethnicity and obesity. Symptoms overlap with prostate enlargement and include reduced urine flow, frequent urination as well as blood in the urine, erectile dysfunction, weight loss and back pain. Screening for prostate cancer should be discussed with your doctor at around 50 years old, or younger if you have symptoms mentioned above.
Prostate testing
A number of tests can be performed to check the prostate. A digital rectal exam is a quick examination which causes minimal discomfort (please be reassured that for doctors this is completely routine and nothing to be embarrassed about). A blood test can check PSA, a blood antigen that is specific to the prostate gland. In cases of suspected cancer, a biopsy or scan can also be undertaken.
Stop the shame
Prostate issues are common, but many men feel awkward discussing symptoms. All of the conditions here are treatable if caught early. If you’re worried, please share concerns with your doctor, who can help you to decide the best course of action.
FACING FACTS
• Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide (after lung cancer)
• The 5-year survival for early stage prostate cancer is nearly 100%
• According to the American Cancer Society, 42% men say they are not familiar with the warning symptoms of prostate cancer
• 25% men say they have never discussed a prostate screening with their doctor
Dr Neil Forrest is based at Osler Health Star Vista. If you have never visited Osler Health before you are welcome to go to Google Business reviews to see what others think.
With expectations around the festive season higher than ever, here’s how to embrace the celebrations, rise above pressure, and keep your Christmas cool.
We don’t want to be all ‘Grinchy’, but for the most wonderful time of the year, the holiday period sure does seem to pile on the stress. Perhaps it’s the post-pandemic attitude that we have lost time to make up for. Maybe it’s because talk of Christmas now starts in September. It could be that social media is making us all a little bit more competitive regarding the festivities (where exactly are your snaps of your jaunt to Lapland?).
Smita Singh, Senior Lecturer (Psychology) at James Cook University Singapore (research.jcu.edu.au/portfolio/ smita.singh) understands the pressure. “The holiday season can often bring about anxiety, particularly in relation to the financial burden of purchasing gifts and food. The expectations and traditions associated with this time of year can certainly create a level of stress to meet specific standards,” she says. Indeed, the cost of living has risen
globally. For expats, the price of visiting family for the celebrations can be especially high. “With inflation and the aftermath of Covid-19, travel expenses have become even more burdensome,” Smita continues. “This means that people who must pay for travel to see loved ones are facing even greater monetary strain than ever before.”
With this in mind, Smita takes us through some common scenarios that might make your yule feel less than cool.
“It’s helpful to plan and save ahead of time. Create a budget for Christmas, which can help prevent overspending,” Smita suggests. “This might involve setting aside a portion of your earnings throughout the year and sticking to a predetermined shopping list to prevent impulse purchases.” Too late? Start your shopping now! If you’re someone who dislikes the hustle and bustle of crowded places, reduce angst by avoiding Singapore’s busy malls and buy online instead. “Next year, consider spreading your shopping out over the course of 12 months, starting with post-Christmas sales to take advantage of the discounts,” Smita says.
Also, remember that gift-giving doesn’t necessarily require splashing your cash. There are alternative ways to show someone your appreciation and love, such as offering your time and expertise as a present.
Plants in DIY pots are unique presents, which can make families and friends feel valued
Make your own gifts. DIY crafts and online tutorials are great for ideas. For instance, a photograph displayed in a picture frame can be done in various creative ways
Passing your favourite book of the year to a friend with similar interests shows you’ve taken their preferences into account
You want to return the generosity to your neighbours, but it’s inconvenient and you know your platter of Tim Tams won’t cut it. Smita says that it’s crucial to share your worries with close neighbours who may have similar concerns. “Engage in honest conversations with them,” she says. “Rather than organising individual events, it may be beneficial to work together as a community to plan a group gathering, allowing for a collective effort where everyone shares the cost.”
You love them, but two weeks with them?! Smita recommends assigning household chores to members of your household to keep running a smooth ship. By doing so, everyone can be accountable for their responsibilities, and it also fosters a sense of fun and sharing within the household. Additionally, organise activities such as picnics in public spaces which can be an excellent way to bond, but also gets everyone out of the house.
From the husband who hogs the TV remote, to the sister-inlaw who demands attention, it’s common for families to experience tension at this time of the year when harmony is expected. Keep expectations realistic: if your family members typically argue a lot, it’s likely that they will also argue on Christmas Day. “To avoid conflicts, consider breaking up the celebrations and keeping contentious family members apart,” says Smita. You could plan separate gatherings
on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. After-lunch activities, such as playing cricket in the park or heading to the coast can also help distract from potential rows. And try to avoid excessive alcohol consumption. We all know what happens when Uncle Jim has too many Eggnogs …
From the food shopping to present-buying, decorations to the entertaining, it all comes down to you. Here’s how to manage:
Firstly, it’s important to decide early what you’d like to do for Christmas, and ensure that any children have a say in the plans. This will help to avoid any last-minute changes or disappointments
Listen to your body. Be mindful of overindulging in rich foods, and if you feel tired, prioritise a nap
Remember that Christmas is not the time to sort out long-standing grievances. Wait until the new year before discussing any unresolved issues
Seeking support from friends or a counsellor can be helpful to sort through difficult feelings that may arise during the holiday season. Remember that it’s okay to ask for help, and there are resources available for those going through challenges
Take time out alone to rejuvenate. Sometimes a coffee on the beach might be all you need for composure
Know that it’s okay if things around you are not perfect!
The Counselling Place has an international team of Therapists experienced In serving Expats in English, French, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Thai, Indonesian, Malay, Mandarin, Teochew, Hokkien & Cantonese.
Counselling for:
Children’s & teens’ issues
Parenting concerns
Relationship/marital conflicts
Sex, sexuality, identity issues
Anger & stress management
Anxiety & depression
Grief, trauma & loss
Relocation & adjustment
Psychological testing
New! TCP welcomes new therapists to our team. Check out their bios!
Learning challenges , e.g., Dyslexia
Behavioural issues, e.g., ADHD, Autism
Career guidance
www.thecounsellingplace.com
AM I TOO YOUNG for a hip replacement?
Gone from sprightly to stiff? Stay savvy about hip pain with this advice.
Hip pain is a common problem. It can restrict your ability to stay fit and active and reduce function, especially when basic daily activities and regular exercise feels less easy and effortless. If the intensity is severe and persistent it can significantly affect quality of life beyond sport and fitness. Indeed, chronic pain causes a limitation in physical activity which can have an impact on the mental wellbeing of you and those around you. But all is not lost. There are ways to understand symptoms and reduce the impact of hip pain.
Hip replacement surgery has advanced dramatically over the past twenty years
What are the most common causes of hip pain?
The hip is a complex joint with many surrounding structures which means it can sometimes be difficult to determine exactly where pain is coming from. Discomfort can arise from within the hip joint, from the muscles and tendons around the joint, or from other areas such as the base of the spine. Irrespective of the cause, most cases can be resolved with rest, time and physical therapy.
Why is the pain not improving?
If your pain isn’t improving, you may have osteoarthritis (wear and tear) of the hip joint.
Dr Gavin O’Neill is an Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in hip and knee conditions. He trained in the UK and Australia. If you’re having issues with hip or knee pain contact us at Altius Clinic, Sports and Orthopaedic Surgeons for an appointment. altiusclinic.sg
This can begin much earlier in life than you may realise. Those in their forties and fifties commonly suffer from osteoarthritis, especially if they’ve had previous injuries or surgery to the hip.
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage (the smooth surface of the joint) wears away. As it progresses, the level of pain experienced increases. You might also feel stiffness and a decreased range of motion.
How do I know if osteoarthritis is causing my pain?
An x-ray of the hip joint and an MRI scan is routinely performed to diagnose osteoarthritis.
Can I keep exercising with hip osteoarthritis?
Yes, you can and should continue to exercise, but you may need to alter your exercise routine, moving away from high impact and endurance activities to more resistance and cyclical activity. Doing this can reduce pain, help maintain a good range of motion, and keep muscles and tendons in optimal condition.
Aren’t hip replacements just for the elderly?
Age is not a limitation. Many younger people have replacements due to the severity of their symptoms and the impact pain is having on their life. They’re designed to stop the problem, boost mobility in the joint and enhance day-to-day living. Hip replacement surgery has advanced dramatically over the past twenty years, with a significant improvement in the quality and longevity of the implants, many lasting over twenty years.
Today there are many different types of hip replacements and ways to perform the surgery. It’s important to have an informed discussion regarding which is best for you and what the long-term implications are. Choosing the right surgeon with an applicable amount of experience has been shown to be essential for receiving the best outcome. The good news is, most people return to a high level of function, including sports, within six months of undergoing surgery.
Discover Singapore on foot with ANZA Kill-o-Metres. Walking groups depart from all over Singapore. ANZA Kill-O-Metres anza.org.sg/groups/walking
NEW ANZA GROUP
Singing Group
We cover pop, rock, musicals, old favourites, classical, karaoke –you name it! Don’t be shy, all abilities welcome.
Group host, Bernadette Nagy, is an opera singer and a passionate music educator.
Find out more at anza.org.sg/ groups/singing-group
Improve your swing in 2023!
VENUE:
Mandai Executive Golf Course
NEW ANZA Group
ANZA Watersports Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Kayaking & Sailing
Looking to kickstart your golf game? This relaxed group of females meet on Tuesday mornings. Other activities include group lessons and social events. Suitable for beginners and those seeking a handicap.
anza.org.sg/sports/golf-9-hole-ladies Ladies 9 hole g o fl
Whether you’re new to watersports or experienced, come along and join the various Stand Up Paddle Boarding, Kayaking and Sailing sessions we have on offer.
Find out more at anza.org.sg/groups/watersports
ILANA KRAMAROV, Director of Tax for
Select Investors Australia, advises on areas to concentrate on when it comes to tax planning.
What are the key focus areas for tax planning?
It’s tax time. As the mad rush of Christmas approaches, it’s the perfect period to get your 2023 Australian tax returns in order. Before you ‘copy and paste’ information from previous years, note the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) has announced three key focus areas; Rental property deductions
Work-related expenses
Capital gains tax (CGT)
What does this mean? Keep accurate records. Common mistakes can include amounts of rental income not being reported, overclaiming expenses such as those which have not yet been paid, or claiming improvements to a property which is used for private purposes.
Within the scope of rental property deductions, the ATO is taking a closer look at interest amount claimed. Interest on a mortgage associated with an investment property is permitted as a deduction only when the mortgage was used to purchase the property or to improve/repair the property. If borrowings were used for any purpose unrelated to the property itself, the interest on those borrowings is not permitted as a deduction against the rental income from the property.
The ATO now have data matching capabilities which extend to rental property related data, including investment property loans data. This allows them to obtain interest and loan repayments from various financial institutions to identify discrepancies in tax returns lodged.
If you have salary income subject to Australian tax, the flexibility for the way we work now has resulted in a fresh set of ATO eyes assessing the legitimacy of work-related expenses. The shortcut method of 80c per hour, initially brought in during Covid, has now ended. This leaves only the fixed rate or actual cost methods available for use.
Taxable events
The revised fixed rate method allows a 67c per hour claim without a requirement to have a home office set aside for work. Depreciation of furniture and equipment is allowed in addition.
The application of CGT on all assets is being highlighted by the ATO. This includes, for example, an impact on a main residence exemption due to an Airbnb arrangement at the property or where a business is operated from home. The sale of shares or crypto currencies whilst overseas that were purchased when resident in Australia, are also taxable events that people may not be aware of.
Lastly, be aware of scams alerting you that you have an outstanding tax refund to claim. If you’re contacted by someone claiming to be from the ATO and are unsure as to their authenticity do not engage. Instead call the ATO directly on 1800 008 540. In summary, it’s important to take time to work on your tax return, as individual circumstances are unique. Ilana Kramarov works closely with Australian expatriates, through their Singapore journey and beyond. If you would like to discuss your personal circumstances and get assistance with tax planning, please contact Ilana via email at ilana@selectinvestorsaustralia.sg
This information has been prepared in good faith, is in the nature of general comment only, and neither purports, nor is intended, to be advice on any particular matter. You should not act or rely upon any matter or information contained in or implied without taking appropriate professional advice which relates specifically to your particular circumstances. Select Investors (Australia) Pty Ltd expressly disclaim all and any liability to any person (whether a reader or not) who acts or fails to act as a consequence of reliance upon the whole or any part of this information.
If you would like to reach out for a complimentary review of your personal financial situation, please email ilana@selectinvestorsaustralia.sg to arrange a consultation.
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7November Tuesday
Enjoy exclusive drinks deals & bar bites from $8 nett onwards
DIRTY BLONDE
After Party ANZA MELBOURNE CUP
The party doesn’t stop when the races end! Join us at Dirty Blonde from 4pm as DJ The Iceman gets us pumping, followed by live band The Vibes who’ll keep the good times going until late.
4pm onwards EVERYONE WELCOME!
3 Temasek Boulevard, Sky Garden, #03-308/309 Suntec City, 038983
COME PARTY WITH US Register at anza.org.sg
L ADIES not just ladies NIGHT 13 Dec Muddy Murphy’s 7 - 10 PM
It’s the season of goodwill so we’re opening ANZA’s December Ladies Night up to lads as well! Join us for the last hoorah of the year. Not only will there be 3-hours free flow of spirits, wine, and beers for $45nett, but also a Prize Draw and music from live band, 10.seconds. See you there gals and guys!
Orchard Road, #01-02 to 05 Claymore Connect, 238879
Register at anza.org.sg/ groups/ladiesnight
Sharing Christmas
December is the season for time-honoured activities and traditional food and drinks enjoyed with family and friends, says RAELENE TAN.
When we are away from home and family where almost everything is familiar and probably taken for granted, much-lookedforward-to festive traditions become even more important. This is especially so when friends, colleagues, neighbours or school mates ask us pertinent questions about our specific festivals. Inviting and getting together with our new-found contacts on Christmas Eve or Day can be a wonderful way to have fun introducing and sharing our customs, building bridges of friendship. This works both ways, as we also look forward to learning about festivals here in our adopted country of Singapore which are possibly new to us, like Lunar New Year, Hari Raya Puasa and Deepavali, thereby deepening our knowledge of one another’s customs. As with all major festivals, globally, food plays an important role. One of my family’s best Christmases was when we hosted a Singaporean student at our home here for Christmas Day lunch. It was at
the request of her university as she was researching various festivals for her final year thesis. We learnt much that day when we experienced Christmas through our guest’s eyes as she celebrated certain traditions and food for the first time.
CHRISTMAS THOUGHTS
The story of Christmas, decorations, and distribution of gifts from the Christmas tree might be all-new to our guests. Roast turkey (or chicken) with trimmings, mince pies, eggnog and Christmas pudding, looked forward to by many Aussies and Kiwis, may be unfamiliar tastes to others. It is a time for light-hearted sharing of Christmas activities. Requesting guests to wear red or green and bring a generalised wrapped gift (chocolates, biscuits, stationery or similar) to place under the Christmas tree, will help them feel part of the joyful mood when each person receives a gift from Father Christmas.
INTRODUCING FESTIVE TREATS
With the main course, accompaniments of roast potatoes, boiled Brussels sprouts
and glazed carrots represent Christmas colours; green for everlasting life, red for love, plus gold. Traditionally, one mince pie is eaten on each of the 12 days of Christmas, up to 5 January, with each one representing one month of good luck. The spicy aroma and taste of gingerbread is symbolic of the spices given by the Three Wise Men as gifts to the new-born baby in Bethlehem. We likely all have our own family traditions that we incorporate into the celebrations, making for happy sharing. In our home, when children and grandchildren arrive, they anticipate the alluring aroma of warm, spicy, mulled wine to assail their finely-tuned noses. Younger folk enjoy the sprinkling of nutmeg which enlivens their eggnog (sans alcohol of course!).
We can all share and learn much about others, and ourselves, through interaction at festive celebrations, in particular related to much-loved culinary treats.
“Merry Christmas!”
five
Born in Adelaide, Raelene Tan is an etiquette consultant and a food and travel writer. She has authored
books and has been a regular guest on radio and television.
Photograph of turley: Courtesy of Pan Pacific Singapore
KERRY LOW was transported to the heart of Italy with pizza that presented exquisite flavours, a whole lotta soul, and a side-order of storytelling.
LA BOTTEGA ENOTECA
346 JOO CHIAT RD, 427596 labottega.sg
At La Bottega Enoteca, pizza is not just a dish, but an art form. ChefOwner Antonio Miscellaneo, the maestro behind the famed Newpolitan and Doublecrunch pizzas, has unveiled an exciting new menu that promises to excite, intrigue, and leave you craving for more. With a commitment to using the finest and freshest ingredients, prepared according to traditional Italian recipes, each pizza is a masterpiece that tells a story of passion and craftsmanship.
La Bottega Enoteca’s recognition as the only pizzeria in Singapore to make the prestigious 50 Top Pizza Asia-Pacific list also crowns it as the undisputed number-one pizzeria on the red dot. With this in mind, we loosened our belts and prepared to be transported straight to the heart of Italy via a slice of the good stuff.
Mix & Match
We started with the Arrosticini, a true taste of Abruzzo with succulent lamb skewers, grilled to perfection ($7 each). For seafood aficionados, the Calamaretti Alla Griglia is a must-try, featuring tender grilled baby calamari accompanied by the vibrant flavours of pea, mint, and citrus zest, which made for a refreshing and delightful combination ($25).
If you’re in the mood for a true Italian classic, La Focaccia Di Recco Classica hits the spot. This handmade focaccia boasts a creamy homemade mozzarella fondant folded into its layers, creating a sumptuous treat that’s perfect for sharing ($52).
Now, let’s talk pizza - the soul of La Bottega Enoteca. Their signatures are a marvel. Fermented for 72 hours and cooked at a scorching 460 degrees Celsius, they each deliver a uniquely flaky and chewy crust that forms the canvas for an array of delectable toppings. For lovers of good ol’ greens, try the Broccolini, featuring san marzano, broccolini, taleggio, lemon breadcrumbs, oregano, and chilli. Alternatively, savour the Mortadella pizza with parmesan fondue, mortadella, red pesto, pistachios, and sweet potato chips. The best bit? You can mix and match with half-and-half options.
For pasta fans, indulge in the Pappardella Al Ragú D’ Anatra, a homemade pappardelle dish with tender goose, parmigiano
Reggiano aged for 24 months, and a hint of orange zest ($34).
If you’re craving something from the grill, Pluma Alla Griglia, featuring grilled Spanish pluma iberica adorned with Sicilian capers and red capsicum ($58) is your go-to. Meanwhile, we recommend that seafood enthusiasts opt for the Caciucco E Fregola, a flavourful medley of monkfish, gambero rosso, Japanese scallops, Australian mussels, and squid ($68).
Of course, we had to end our meal on a sweet note with Sfogliatella Riccia E Gelato Al Parmigiano 24 Mesi, a unique combination of parmigiano reggiano gelato and handmade Neapolitan “Sfogliatella Riccia” ($16). This was accompanied by the satisfying Sardinian delicacy Seadas, a fried raviolo with cow’s cheese and honey ($14).
Just when we thought we couldn’t possibly manage anymore without the risk of rolling home, we could not resist the I Bombolini “Fai Da Te”, a DIY delight of fluffy daily baked doughnuts presented with our very own mini piping bag of lusciously creamy mascarpone filling. Doing so means the diner can decide just how big - or how small - they want to go ($18).
VERDICT: La Bottega Enoteca promises pizza with passion that will linger in your memory long after your meal. Buon appetito!
½ Mortadella ½ Broccollini Pizza
Gelato Al Parmigiano Reggiano 24 Mesi
Caciucco
Pluma Alla Griglia
Bedrock
Bar & Grill celebrates its 15th anniversary with two special menus. RAF DALMAU
not only fell for the steak, but the sides, sweets, and more!
Choosing a favourite steakhouse in Singapore is a matter of personal taste, but what’s indisputable is Bedrock Bar & Grill’s unwavering reputation as one of the finest spots for steak on the island. It also scores high on my list of great grilled beef experiences.
Established in 2008, Bedrock has earned numerous awards for its commitment to timeless dishes crafted with the finest cuts of meat from around the world. Now, as Bedrock celebrates its 15th anniversary, it’s unveiling two exciting new platters. The menus, both $299++, are available until 30 November 2023: in its Somerset location the
“Steak Connoisseur’s Platter” and its Sentosa restaurant the “Fields & Oceans Feast”. Since we were at the original Bedrock Bar & Grill, I had the pleasure of sampling the “Steak Connoisseur’s Platter,” a meticulous selection of cuts including Irish Grass-Fed Salt-Aged Ribeye, a tender succulent 28-day salt-aged ribeye sourced from Ireland’s pastures; an Australia Pureblood Wagyu Chuck Tail Flap, a pureblood breed cut that melts in the mouth; Prime Corn-Fed Dry Aged Striploin from the States, which is dryaged for 21 days, resulting in a deep flavour profile that offers a delightful contrast to the grass-fed and Wagyu selections. Mangalica Pork Tomahawk, the “Wagyu of Pork” is first sous-vide cooked and then perfectly grilled to achieve the ideal balance between tenderness and succulence.
Melody of textures
A steak dinner would not be complete without some Bedrock classics. The Mac and Cheese ranked amongst the best I’ve ever had. This Mac features a rich gorgonzola cheese sauce, infused with a house-made truffle compound butter, generously enveloping al-dente maccheroni tubes and topped with shredded parmesan cheese. Another stand-out side was the Mediterranean Zucchini: green and yellow zucchinis marinated in garlic oil, salt, and pepper before being delicately grilled. Toppings of olive tapenade, pine nuts, sundried tomatoes, and feta cheese make for a melody of vibrant textures.
A full assortment of sauces is presented
Mangalica Pork Tomahawk achieves the ideal balance between tenderness and succulence
with the platter featuring Bedrock Chilli Oil made with slow-cooked bacon, shallots, garlic, and dried chili padi, and the table’s top choice. Other sauces included a classic Bearnaise sauce, a wholegrain whisky mustard and a red wine sauce adding a touch of sophistication.
Speaking of wine, Bedrock collaborated with Brothers In Arms to bring its No.6 2019 Shiraz Cabernet ($16++/glass or $90++/ bottle). While it boasts a bespoke label commemorating Bedrock’s 15 years, it’s all about the wine. This Shiraz and Cabernet Sauvignon blend complemented seamlessly with the wide range of food presented.
To end, we splurged on one of Bedrock’s classic desserts, the Bombe Alaska ($24). This combination of raspberry white chocolate ice cream, butter cookies, meringue, and flambé with rum was the perfect finish.
VERDICT: Bedrock’s limited-time platters offer outstanding quality at an excellent price and mouthwatering flavours. Don’t miss the chance to indulge as it celebrates its 15th anniversary.
Some people used the pandemic lockdown to bake sourdough. Photographer Peter Zaman built a unique portfolio of unseen landscapes in Singapore.
Proof that the Covid restrictions were not all bad is no better reflected than in the photographs of Peter Zaman. While some people headed into the kitchen, and others ramped up their fitness, Peter, who moved from the UK to Singapore seven years ago, created The Black & White Project. As an amateur photographer for more than 10 years, Peter already had a good eye, but admits; “Landscape photography in Singapore is quite difficult. It’s mostly a metropolitan and highly developed city-state, and being located near the equator it’s not a place for soft golden hour light at sunrise or sunset. I set myself the challenge to overcome these limitations which is how I decided to shoot in black and white.”
Peter has always been a fan of the old black & white houses in Singapore, but
‘The Great Banyan’ is one of Peter’s most challenging but memorable shots
he noticed that although there are many photography books of black & whites, the images focussed on the house or its interior. “It struck me that part of the reason why I loved these estates was the juxtaposition of the black & white house in that specific landscape. The Black & White Project is a play on words because each black and white image taken includes at least one black & white house.
Memorial record
Armed with his trusty Canon camera, and spurred on by the challenge of finding a unique perspective that made a landscape composition possible, Peter visited various estates such as Alexandra Park, Mount Pleasant, Sembawang, Botanic Gardens, Changi, Seletar and the Wessex Estate, seeking images that fitted his criteria. “It was a difficult exercise given the pandemic restrictions. Many of my photos were taken from public areas, but some of the best images were made possible when the rules lifted slightly and some tenants generously allowed me to invade their privacy and wander around their grounds.”
The project took place between June 2020 and July 2022, in which time Peter had over three hundred images in his portfolio. He also faced the harsh reality of constant change and development in Singapore. “There used to be about 800 black & white houses here, but today there only are about 450 or so left,” he says. “Although many are protected properties, they’re progressively being lost to land developments.”
“Each black and white image includes as least one black & white house”
While the landscapes on which these houses sit are not protected, Peter fears that in time they will disappear. “My purpose of capturing these landscapes, together with the houses, is to ensure there is some memorial record of how these homes were meant to be seen. If my work inspires their further conservation, then I will have succeeded in something.”
Twenty-three of Peter’s images form the basis of the new exhibition, Black & White Project: Unseen Landscapes of Singapore, which takes place at The People’s Gallery exhibition spaces of the Singapore Botanic Gardens until 30 November 2023. His book of the same name ($65) features over sixty images and is available to buy from Kinokuniya Orchard Road, Gardens Shop Singapore Botanic Gardens, and amazon.sg
pozaman.myportfolio.com/work peter_o_zaman
hotography by Peter Zaman
Samal Island
Our escapades wouldn’t have been complete without a Samal Island Hopping Adventure. Known for its white sandy beaches, snorkelling sites, caves, and waterfalls, Samal Island is a tropical dream just a stone’s throw from Davao City. Anchoring offshore for a few hours of snorkelling the extensive coral gardens, we discovered the vibrant marine life unique to the island, setting the stage for a day of exploration.
Fresh fruit and local snacks fuelled the remainder of time on the island, where we spent the day relaxing on its peaceful shores. We ate fresh barbecued seafood, and even witnessed the more daring members of our group climb cliffs and plunge into crystal-clear waters.
To note: Samal Island is prone to typhoons, so the best time to visit is during the dry season, from December to May. The island is also known as the “Island of Festivals” and celebrates events like the Kabasan Festival in May and the Caracoles Festival in April.
Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation
Our final destination in Davao was the Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort (dusit. com/dusitthani-lubiplantationresort), an island retreat surrounded by coconut trees, white sand beaches, and extraordinary marine life. This luxury resort, located in Davao de Oro, offers a wealth of activities, including both water and land sports comprising a fully equipped gym, tennis courts and mini golf. For those who prefer to stay indoors, there's an e-games centre.
On recommendation from our resort hosts, we set our alarms for a 5am wakeup call to catch the sunrise from the jetty. The sun coming up from behind the mist shrouded mountain tops of the mainland gave Davao an ethereal glow that inspired our group to take extra time out for a yoga session. Once the sun was nestled in the sky, we took advantage of the bright morning light and explored the gin-clear waters and coral reefs around us; the shallow depths made it an ideal spot for snorkelling. For those wanting to stay dry, the elevated jetty provided amazing views of all the happenings in the underwater world.
The villas and grounds at Dusit Thani Lubi Plantation Resort are nothing short of fabulous. Our premier room with an Ocean Balcony allowed us to relish the ocean vista and gave easy access to the beach, just a few sandy steps out from our private beach patio.
Dining options at the resort are many, from Thai cuisine at Ga-Ti Thai Restaurant to casual dining at the Burger Bar and Steak Room. My favourite, Tarictic Grill,
GETTING THERE
offered a blend of international and Filipino dishes.
As the day turned to night, we indulged in after-dinner karaoke, belting out tunes from the 80s and 90s in one of the resort’s two dedicated karaoke rooms.
Our trip to Davao was a whirlwind of culture, adventure, and chill. From the rich cultural tapestry of Davao City to the adrenaline-pumping activities at Eden Nature Park, the underwater wonders of Samal Island, and the luxurious tranquillity of the plantation resort, Davao delivered a relaxing yet adventurous getaway less than a 4-hour flight from Singapore. It was a getaway filled with memories of this remarkable corner of the Philippines.
We flew Cebu Pacific (CEB), the nation’s leading airline. Since its inception in March 1996, CEB has consistently championed the “low fare, great value” strategy. Setting itself apart, CEB operates one of the youngest jet fleets globally, ensuring not only reliability but also a commitment to sustainability. With creative pricing, this airline strives to provide affordable fares year-round, making your dream destination more accessible than ever.
CEB aligns with global sustainability goals by operating the greenest aircraft in the industry, the A330NEO, contributing to a greener future. With an extensive network of 34 domestic and 25 international destinations, served from hubs in Manila, Cebu, and Clark, your journey with Cebu Pacific promises to be the perfect start to your Philippine adventure.
Above: The Sky Swing at Eden Nature Park (so much fun!)
Below: Kerry's villa at Dusit Thani Lubu Plantation Resort
SOMETIMES YOU JUST NEED A STRONG CUPPA AND A FRIENDLY WELCOME.
Whether you’re new to Singapore, new to ANZA or have been here a while, Casual Coffee mornings are a fantastic way to meet new people and pick up tips for living in Singapore. ANZA Casual Coffee meets at various locations around the island.
Register at anza.org.sg/groups/ casual-coffee
Secret Men’s Business
For men who want a bit of male bonding
Secret Men’s Business (SMB) is an exclusive ANZA group for men of all ages looking to catch up with like-minded, friendly blokes. The group’s main activity is golf. They also play squash and tennis, and enjoy cycling together. Sport not your thing and you just fancy some man-chat over a few beers? Drinks and lunch events are also on the agenda.
ANZA Mahjong meet up on various days and locations around the island. It’s a great way to learn this brain boosting Chinese tile game. From beginners and beyond, all levels are welcome! anza.org.sg/groups/mahjong
ANZA Stitches
Join ANZA Stitches and work on your own needlecraft project while you make new friends. Plus, discover the best spots in Singapore to purchase crafting materials.
It was quite the celebration when the Nippers community finally reunited on the beach to resume the second half of the 2023 season. There was a buzz in the air and lots of smiling faces during and after the session as children and parents mingled with all age groups.
As we bid farewell to some of our families, Nippers welcomed many newbies too; constant change is part of living in a transient place like Singapore. Once again, we kicked off the second half just how we finished the first - with a sausage sizzle in true Aussie style! Any excuse to fire up the barbie, especially when our sponsors so generously support our events (thank you!).
TRAINING RAMPS UP
As we begin again, it’s time for our Nippers to focus on the upcoming club championships. The children will compete in key Nippers disciplines such David Lau
The Beach is Back!
It started with a sizzle, and now sights are set on Nippers’ skills developing well into 2024. By KAT GILZMER.
as swimming, wading, beach sprint, board race and flags. Nippers can place first, second and third in their respective age groups and going by last year’s championships, some of our Nippers wait all year to show their competitive side on the day of the event.
Our Age Managers and assistants ensure that by the end of the season everyone has acquired the skills to move on to the next age group. All Nippers receive a certificate of completion and are being cheered on by their mates, regardless of how they rank in the races. At the end of the day, Nippers is about gaining confidence in the water, learning life skills and making friends.
SIGN UP FOR MARCH 2024 HERE!
Many families say they feel blessed to be part of the ANZA Nippers community, and we agree! To experience just how special our group is, from March 2024 we’re opening up the U6 age group to children born in 2018. Make sure you place your child on the ever-growing waitlist by emailing info@anza.org.sg or signing up via the ANZA website at anza.org.sg/sports/nippers/registration
For press and media inquiries please contact Kat at sgnipperscomm@gmail.com Stay up to date with ANZA Nippers news by following us on @sgnippers @SingaporeNippers
David Lau
BIKING IN BATAM
The 2023 Tour de Batam unfolded over three adrenalinepacked days in September. Participants battled it out over various distances, experiencing fantastic achievements, personal bests, and unparalleled endurance and spirit.
Day 1: Individual Time Trial
The competition fired up with a 15km Individual Time Trial, where Wesley Elder led the pack in the Men’s 40-44, clocking 22:43.4, followed by Russell Van Der Water with a time of 23:35.4 in the 45-49 category. Gillian Li set a strong pace to secure the top position in the Women’s 50-54, and Reina Murai finished second in the 45-49 category.
Day 2: Gruelling Gran Fondos
Saturday escalated the challenge with the Men’s 149km Gran Fondo. Martin Herbrich claimed the top spot in the 55-59 category, trailed closely in 3rd by Jock Hughson. There were impressive performances by the women in the 120km Gran Fondo, with Reina Murai claiming the top step in her category. A special mention goes to Gillian Parker who, after witnessing a fellow rider from a different team crash behind her, turned around to offer assistance. This meant that she lost time in the GC, but her act of kindness embodied the spirit of true sportsmanship and camaraderie, reminding us all that the essence of these events goes beyond just competing to win.
Day 3: Century Challenge
Attrition was high with less than half the field of Saturday willing or being able to go through another gruelling day, however the 104km Century saw Russell Van Der Water and Wesley Elder clinching significant positions in their categories. The Women’s field saw an impressive ride from Gillian Li who came out on top in the 50-54 category, followed by riveting performances by Gillian Parker and Reina Murai.
The wonderful efforts and stories from this tour continue to inspire us until we hit the tracks again.
A MALAYSIAN ESCAPADE
A group of 25 spirited cyclists from ANZA Cycling embarked on a thrilling two-day cycling journey to Malaysia, and it was nothing short of spectacular! Saturday morning was a buzz of excitement at the cosy hotel near to Batu Caves, Kuala Lumpur. Early risers, Matt D, David J, Marcin B, and Mike P pedalled 40kms north to Batang Kali, where the rest of the group joined them. Together they faced Frasers Hill, a winding 4% average climb stretching almost 32kms, with a strenuous 6km push to the summit. Colin Robinson smashed records, becoming the fastest rider up Frasers Hill in the 65-69 age group of all time! Gilian P secured a spot as the top 7th woman of all time, and Eva M, 14th woman of all time.
The "recovery" day on Sunday involved 20 of the gang heading to Genting Sempah where they were greeted by another 15km, 4% average climb. The morning was serene, the ride invigorating, and they were back in Singapore by Sunday evening relishing memories made.
Why it’s good to give back
Our wonderful dedicated parent volunteers are integral to the smooth operation of the ANZA Netball programme. We meet a few of them.
When it comes to ANZA Netball, it couldn't happen without our volunteers. Many parents in our community pull on their runners and get involved in the sporty side of things; others take on more of an organisational role; many mums just love wearing an outfit to match their daughter’s! However they get involved, we are forever grateful and couldn’t function without their help.
CATHERINE LYGOE
VOLUNTEER ROLE: Age Group
Coordinator
YEARS WITH ANZA NETBALL: 2
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER? It’s good to give back to the club and get to know the other volunteers and families. Community and volunteering is at the heart of Aussie sport, so it’s great to recreate that inclusive vibe here in Singapore.
WHAT DO YOUR DAUGHTERS THINK ABOUT ANZA NETBALL?
The girls find it great fun to see their friends at netball and to play games. The group do really good bake sales with brownies, too!
NATALIE LEE
VOLUNTEER ROLE: AGC Age Group Coordinator 2015 YEARS WITH ANZA NETBALL: 3
WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER? I love feeling like part of the ANZA community and I thought I'd put my communication and organisational skills to good use. I enjoy meeting the parents and making sure the kids are happy. I also want Lauren to see that I’m involved and that it’s nice to give back.
BEST BIT? I’ve made so many friends through ANZA Netball and these are memories I’ll always cherish. I’m extremely grateful for the support I received when I first joined and how well-run ANZA Netball is. Big shout out to Sally and Karen! DOES LAUREN LIKE YOU VOLUNTEERING? My daughter loves it. It’s very special starting the weekend together. She enjoys being involved which I hope will encourage her to be a volunteer further down the track. Plus, Lauren absolutely loves netball. This is the first team sport she’s played and she always looks forward to training.
Catherine and her daughters Zara, 11, and Chloe, 8
Natalie and her daughter Lauren, 8
GLEN CHUA & NATALIE ZENG VOLUNTEER ROLE: Coaches YEARS WITH ANZA NETBALL: Joined in 2023 WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER?
L: We love seeing Natalie in action and interacting with the other players. Volunteering is a great way to network with other parents, too. ANZA is such a supportive and inclusive community.
WHAT DOES NATALIE LOVE ABOUT ANZA NETBALL?
G: She’s incredibly excited to join a team of a similar age group. Having pro-coaching will ensure she acquires the correct fundamentals from the get-go. Hopefully, being in ANZA Netball will fuel her interest in playing at a higher level in the future!
LIANA ATTARD
VOLUNTEER ROLE: Coach YEARS WITH ANZA NETBALL: 4 WHY DO YOU VOLUNTEER? I really enjoy and appreciate the ANZA community and team spirit. The encouragement and focus on fitness and sport in a team environment is tailored for the girls across all age groups whilst fostering the spirit of having a go regardless of ability.
WHAT DO YOUR DAUGHTERS THINK OF YOU VOLUNTEERING? My daughters Allegra,12, Sophia, 9, and Olivia, 8, are all involved. They love that I’m active in their development and growth, and supporting their friends and teams. Each of them enjoys the sport, playing alongside their friends, and the opportunities this affords them. Allegra was fortunate to go to Perth with ANZA in June which was an experience she will never forget.
WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF ANZA NETBALL? The team bonding is great. Also, stretching the girls in terms of their capabilities and skills has benefited each of my daughters. It’s been wonderful to see their confidence grow.
Liana and her daughter Olivia, 8
Lynette, Glen and daughter Natalie, 6
Parent volunteers acted as organisers, coaches, and referees, and the league tripled in size quickly. At the end of the first season, it was decided that the league should gain official status. Gerachty suggested asking ANZA to accommodate them, so IJSL became ANZA-IJSL, then ANZA Soccer.
Landmark location
As the group continued to grow, the league had to move pitches several times, often
helped by the Singapore Sports Council, which recognised ANZA Soccer as a valuable recreational resource for expat families. Games took place at Portsdown Road (pre-AYE), Minden Road, Farrer Road, and Loewen Road. In the 2000s ANZA Soccer settled at Turf City, where they've remained ever since.
As a landmark location, Turf City owed its unique layout to once being a premier horse racing venue in Singapore. The narrow road to the pitches still traces the curve of the old race track today.
Girls joined the Saturday Club League in the 1990s playing in mixed teams. The
numbers grew steadily over the next decade and in 2011 the girls-only ANZA Matildas teams were formed. Today, more than one hundred girls make up the ANZA Matildas League, and they also field strong competition teams in the girls’ Singaporewide leagues. (Of course they do, they have excellent national role models!).
ANZA Soccer has been truly fortunate that volunteer committee members were able to secure the new CIS venue. Located at 7 Jurong West Street 41, it's well-served by the MRT and bus network, and has more parking than Turf City. It’s also near the Jurong East Swimming Complex, so families and teams can head for a dip post-session.
We thank all the volunteers who helped with the search process, and look forward to starting at CIS in 2024. As for Turf City, it's a place that will forever stay in our hearts and remain a significant part of ANZA’s rich community history.
Keith Thorn, ANZA Soccer Treasurer (2010 - 2020) with the JSSL 7s 2019 Overall Paul Parker Trophy
Matildas G10 JSSL NYL Champions 2023
Head Coach Yakob (2009 - present day) with the JSSL B16 Superleague Champions Cup
What A Weekend!
164 overs of cricket, more fun than tears, and a very close result as ANZA Cricket played the Johor Bahru Jolly Wallabies in a two-day test.
BY GRAEME GARDINER.
DAY
1
What a game it was! Akash Dogra started early, heading over to Johor Bahru at 1am to arrive in good time! The rest of us went early on Saturday morning with an easy drive across the Causeway.
Drew Norris won the toss. Being unfamiliar with the Johor Bahru wicket put us at a slight disadvantage, so we chose to bat. The field was slippery, but we didn’t know it would be a sticky, low-scoring wicket, and that the Jolly Wallabies (JW) had their “fab 4” bowlers all ready.
Akash and Andrew Eagan stuck to their guns with a very good opening partnership. Thirty-seven off 13 overs it was looking good, but then there was a collapse. The openers visited each other in the shed within two balls and others joined them quickly. By the 18th over we fell to 4-57.
Constant wickets falling, the innings
fell to a nervous Dheeraj Bhardwaj and Nathan (Nate) Whitehall to save the day. Maybe Nate had an unfair advantage being British and using ‘slow and low’, but he demonstrated the right way to play. Dheeraj fretted his way to an innings saving 26 off a whopping 93 balls. At the end of the 50th over, ANZA was all out for 120 and we didn’t lose the test in the first three hours!
BAMBOOZLED
The Jolly Wallabies top order rode their luck and had several good 30-odd run partnerships. At the end of the first day, they were 6-142 (40 overs) and looking to return the next day and grind ANZA into the ground. It could have been worse but a youthful Anton Padar bamboozled with his spin, and Dheeraj chipped in with very accurate on-the-stumps bowling and wickets in the last hour.
SCC Youth Development
The first day was well skippered by Drew, but with 5-6 dropped catches, you’re never going to get a performance bonus. His taxi arrived as play stopped, and he hadn’t even cracked open a Tiger!
DAY 2
Day 2 saw Dave Vu take over as skipper. Flying blind, he was given a bunch of old, opinionated, hungover men to manage, and a game that was threatening to get away. To ANZA’s credit, Dheeraj continued picking up wickets. The JW’s finished after 50.4 overs on 167, a lead of 47 which was below expectations. During 2nd innings, ANZA had to bat well. Our confidence didn’t last long. Another collapse and we were 4 down when we wiped off the 47-run lead. Luckily Sandesh Gavade, who got a peach in the first innings, wasn’t having any of it. With his wristy cut shots and flips around the corner, he went to save the innings. Falling in the last few balls before lunch, Sandesh scored a quick 66 off 47. With a 60-run lead and 5 down, the game was back on!
BRILLIANCE
By now we knew a 120 lead would be enough. However, another collapse and we quickly got down to the last pair: Aman Juneja and Dheeraj. Aman batted excellently for his 19 off 17, and Dheeraj added a few. The last wicket partnership of 20 was invaluable, but with only a 90-run lead after two innings, we left ourselves short.
The Jolly Wallabies came to bat and started poorly with 1-3 after the first over. There was some good bowling from Dheeraj, Aman, and Sandesh, but it all came down to fielding as JW nerves became ours. Ayush, visiting Aman from India, showed commitment with a brilliant face plant. Anton, adamant he wouldn’t get a catch, caught the first wicket and later a screamer on the boundary. Racing across the outfield, like a streaker running for his life, he snatched at the ball full throttle and held it just like a baby.
Ben Frost kept well and made everyone take note when he flipped a wide-ish return, MS Dhoni style, behind his back and into the off stump, taking JW’s third last batsman out. This led to their secondlast batsman coming out with scores tied. The final single was knocked and JW only just won the match.
Gav goes for it!
When you’re 4-12 after 5 overs and in a hole, you don’t expect the next batsman to walk in and play a tune, but Gavin Parker does not do it any other way. Wham, Bam, Ooof, Booooom, Grunt and Ka Ching! 69 Balls, 11-4’s, 8-6’s, and not many runs, his total hit of 111 was the biggest single-handed innings this year. ANZA amassed 264 innings, Tuskers 189 in reply. Great work, Gav!
As yet, ANZA doesn’t run a junior team, but Singapore Cricket Club offers a youth development programme for kids aged 5-10. With a variety of sessions running weekends and mid-week, the Cubs Cricket environment is “all about fun and enjoyment through our brilliant game." To find out more contact David Bennett at JuniorCricket@scccricket.com
Fit For Champs!
The ANZA Wombats and Wombettes had a blast participating in the 2023 AFL Asia Championship in Chon Buri, Thailand. KOTOMI MORI reports.
The 2023 AFL Asia Championship is an annual tournament that sees Asian national sides face off to contest for the title of champions of Asia. Also known as the ‘Champs’, the event has been taking place since 1999 and now sees over 20 teams and 500+ players attend. This September, our ANZA Wombats and Wombettes were some of them!
ANZA Wombettes
ANZA Wombettes went in as a defending AFLW Asian champion to the women’s division which comprised eight teams - the biggest number of participants ever! The Bettes absolutely smashed Pool 1, winning against Indonesia Volcanos, Hongkong Dragons, and Cambodia Apsaras. They proceeded to go into the semi-final as a runner-up and played against their rival, Malaysia Warriors Women’s team, completing the 4th clean sheets victory of the day.
The Grand Final was held as the last game of the championship and the Bettes played against Vietnam Lady Swans. We fought strong until the end, and came very close to a back-to-back victory, but the title wasn’t ours to take this year. Despite this, our mighty captain Catherine MacLean was awarded the well-deserved title of AFLW Asia Best Player 2023. Well deserved, boss!
Champs Scores (Total):
Singapore vs. Indonesia: 14 to 00
Singapore vs. HongKong: 45 to 00
Singapore vs. Cambodia: 09 to 00
Singapore vs. Malaysia: 16 to 00
Vietnam vs. Singapore: 24 to 21
ANZA Wombats
ANZA Wombats participated in the men’s division and played against Vietnam Swans, PNG, and Indonesia Volcanos. The Bats gave it their all and played some close games, but unfortunately lost out on the victory. Despite this, the team proved real strength throughout the 2023 season winning some international matches and both games in the Changi Cup. They’re looking forward to returning even stronger in 2024!
Champs Scores (Total):
Vietnam vs. Singapore: 38 to 00
PNG vs. Singapore: 27 to 06
Indonesia vs. Singapore: 15 to 13
The All Asian 2023 Players from the ANZA teams
WOMBATS
Stewart Gray
Jethro Hurle
Josh Horton
WOMBETTES
Catherine MacLean
Anita Fox
Mallory Colys
INTEREST GROUPS
ANZA SCOUTS
Open to everyone aged 5-17, ANZA Scouts is about meeting new friends, developing leadership skills and being outdoors. They meet every Saturday at various locations from 2 - 4pm.
ART AND CRAFT GROUP
Join up and learn new craft skills, such as silk painting, bookbinding, candle making, sewing, card creation, beading, batik, and more.
ANZA ACTION
The community affairs arm for ANZA supports charities in Singapore through fundraising and volunteering activities. For info visit the ANZA website.
BOOK CLUBS
We have a number of social book clubs that meet monthly in the morning or evening. Contact us to be connected with a group.
INVESTORS INTEREST GROUP
This money-minded group meets monthly to connect and discuss investments and important financial matters for expats.
CASUAL COFFEE
Sometimes you just need a good cuppa and a friendly welcome. Casual Coffee catch ups are being held on various days and locations around the island.
MAHJONG
Join our group mahjong sessions on Monday evenings and various days in different locations. It’s fast paced, social and great fun.
Join the Community!
ANZA members are an active bunch, which is why we offer a plethora of interest groups. Find out more and register at
SECRET MEN’S BUSINESS
Secret Men’s Business (SMB) is an exclusive ANZA group made up of men of all ages looking to catch up with like-minded, friendly blokes. The group’s main activity is golf twice a week. There’s also squash, cycling, tennis, lunches and drinks.
STITCHES
Interested in any type of needlecraft? All levels are welcome to join this relaxed group who sew, chat, and share creative tips.
SET LUNCH
We seek out great value set lunch deals around Singapore to enjoy together in group outings. Discover new restaurants and cafes, meet new friends, and enjoy Singapore’s delicious food scene.
CLICK PHOTOGRAPHY
The group meets regularly to share knowledge and advice as well as embark on photowalks across the island. Everyone is welcome.
KILL-O-METRES
Join ANZA’s walking group to get moving around some of Singapore’s great nature reserves and interesting neighbourhoods.
EASY RIDERS
This cycling group explores Singapore’s Park Connector Network (PCNs) and off-road bike paths. Participants will need their own bike and a helmet.
LADIES NIGHT
ANZA organises monthly girls-only get togethers at various hotspots in Singapore. They’re a great way to widen your social circle, and always a good night out.
WRITERS’ GROUP
This group of writing enthusiasts, word-lovers and published authors meet monthly to read and discuss their creative work.
SINGING
Join our host opera singer Bernadette Nagy to sing a wide range of songs from pop to choir to musicals. Don’t be shy - all singing abilities are welcome.
SPORTS GROUPS
ANZA CRICKET
Three cricket teams. Two leagues and one social side. 1-2 teams play every week. NETs are on Wednesday evenings.
ANZA CYCLING
Join our keen cycling group and you can get out on two wheels every morning of the week. Suits most skill levels and includes road, racing, MTB and also triathlon disciplines.
ANZA GOLF / 9 HOLE
ANZA Golf is a great way to get outdoors, meet new people and learn how to play the game. The 9-hole golf group is aimed at beginners and is very friendly.
ANZA NETBALL
ANZA Netball offers a fun, inclusive and competitive netball programme for players aged 6-16. Teams play Saturday mornings at Tanglin Trust School, with a mix of parent and professional coaches.
NIPPERS
Children aged 5-14 learn ocean awareness through fun surf lifesaving activities, including paddling, running and swimming. Sunday mornings at Palawan Beach, Sentosa.
ANZA SINGAPORE WOMBATS AND WOMBETTES (AFL)
This welcoming Aussie Rules Football programme is open to men and women aged 18+. Training is on Thursday evenings and Saturdays, with regular social catch-ups.
RUNNING
Looking for some running buddies in Singapore for regular casual runs? The ANZA Running Group meets on Monday evenings in the Botanic Gardens.
SOCCER
Get your kids kicking with ANZA Soccer! Our well-known programme is open to children aged 2-18, focusing on fair play and community. Saturday games and mid-week training.
CASUAL TENNIS
Join our social tennis group. Sessions run Friday mornings, 9am - 11am and Sunday evenings, 7pm - 9pm. Six-week clinics that focus on the fundamentals of tennis run throughout the year.
PICKLEBALL CLINICS
This ANZA Pickleball group meets on various days and times, at centrally located courts for a friendly hit in a relaxed atmosphere. All levels of players are welcome. ANZA Pickleball clinics also run throughout the year.
ANZA WATERSPORTS
Get out on the water with this group that includes SUP, kayaking and sailing. SUP and kayaking take place on various days at Sentosa and East Coast. Sailing is at various Marina clubs quarterly.
NEW MEMBERS
WE ARE DELIGHTED TO WELCOME NEW MEMBERS EVERY MONTH TO THE ANZA COMMUNITY.
Melissa Johnston
Andrew Butcher
Patrick Carr
Andrew Tony Jacobs
James Instone
Jacqueline Rinda Siow Instone
Greg Hargrave
Storm Hargrave
Beverley Ernst
Benjamin Ernst
Charles Taylor
Wei Shyan Siow
Enkhtur Maini
Sanchit Maini
Boutin Xavier
Estrada Celine
Carina Crinion
Philip Crinion
Nick Jacobs
Sherine Jacobs
Christopher Tanchou
Anne-Charlotte Henriot
Guy Futcher
Michaela Futcher
Saakaar Jajoo
Nadi Jajoo
Clemence Avril
Brice Derouet
Nicole Bithos
Peter Bithos
Evan Jones
Antonia Fattorini
Leo Fattorini
Diana Rose Del Rosario
Rene Angelo Macahig
Sharlene Britton
Wilson Tan
Pim Altena
Claudia Artz
Chi Man Wong
Phuong Nguyen
Ed Lewis
Lucia Lewis
Lihi Sinai
Gadi Sinai
Trent Keliher
Haruko Keliher
Joel Baker
Hamifah Baker
Nicola Mifsud-Houghton
Rob Moody
Harrison Brown
Arulini De Silva
Senura Abeywardena
Ng Beng Khiaw
Noah Ng Wei Hern
Dominic Carroll
Amber Patterson-Ooi
Ooi Wei Yap
David Pynt
Katrina Wheeldon
Victoria Nicholson
Andrew Nicholson
Jessica Little
Krishna Murthy Bhatta
Anjali Bhatt
Louise Taylor Digby
Craig Digby
Alan Taylor
Dalveer Kaur Sidhu
Kirpal Singh Sidhu
Sheryl Schmid
Stephane Schmid
Gerdo Schrijver
Astrid Schrijver
Nicole Gooding
Chris Laidlaw
Ainslie Thiele
Sven Thiele
Ruth Kerr
Hilda Herterich
David Emmerson
Glen Fey
Gabrielle Choy
Nathalie Ramirez
Joe Wadakethalakal
Samantha Wee
Andrew Tangye
George Keatinge
Jen Keatinge
Robert Winkelmann
Emily Craig-Wadham
Jacques Rousset
Sukie Williamson
Matt Williamson
Samuel Steele
Teljya Oka-Pregel
Katarina Ucchino
Fabio Ucchino
James Bayly
Matthew John Hughes
Maria Cristina Esparza Garcia
Mathew Clarke
George Davison
Jenna Davison
Florian Klouda
Emi Klouda
Bhupesh Upadhyay
Sajala Upadhyay
Wang Qin
Elizabeth Wright
Matt Dennis
Antonia Dos Santos
Donovan Dos Santos
Naila Djidjelli
Braham Djidjelli
Tippi Mak
Shelley Boland
Christopher Bredbury
Anouska Driver
Christopher Driver
Sophie Towers
Jornt Moerland
Ho Lye Hock
Veron Cheng
Arvin Gul Mansukhani
Chelsea Annisa Binti Mohd Azhan
Sunil Lama
Shanti Lama
Gary Lim
Bee Gee Lim
Katherine Reilly
Robert Reilly
Shum Sze Keong
Thong Pao Wen
Alaa Jaffari
Lesley Charlotte May Nicholson
Emilia Miller-Wilson
Gabi Cooper
Johnson Chen Qiangsen
Chu Huiee
Ahu Cankorel
Irfan Turgut Cankorel
Oliver Braun
Wei Ming Leong
Nicola Kelly
Andrew Macintosh
Priyanka Agarwal
Ambrish Jain
Peter Herbert
Rohaiyah Herbert
Elizabeth Lewis
Ralf Oenning
Janice Tsang
Derek Ma
Joel Cotter
Lucy Moran
Craig Hudleston
Marina Hudleston
Kristi Mackintosh
Drago Djourov
Chris Herrick
Lucy Beaumont
Alex Turnbull
Yvonne Wang
Romain Voog
Raphaelle Voog
Anita Fox
Michael Uhlmann
Christine Helen Davies
Martin Lloyd Davies
Glen Chua
Lynette Zeng
Jo Cox
Andrew Cox
Chloe Berger
Lagaye Jerome
Tadhg O’Callaghan
Guixian Zhang
Jenny Baker
Gregor Baker
Lisa Sinclair
Casee Ahrens
Andrew Clarke
Sean Moran
Anthony Downie
Rebecca Downie
Michele Ferrario
Ludovica Bianco
Tommaso Fiani
Maria Giovanna Vivoli
Leung Wai Hoong
Fang Hui
Natalie Brisset
Cedrick Brisset
Simon Weller
Amy Beckingham
Christina Smedley
Noel Denton
Nicola Denton
Laura Byrnes
Tim Stevens
Paul Aherne
Judy Aherne
Alexandra McGuigan
Linus Stigsby
Gal Guilhem Luc Marie
Catherine Dahlem
Victoria Clayton
Richard Clayton
Cecilia Verrocchi
Sebastien Cabanel
Lohette Benson
Wayne Benson
Marion Becker
Adrien Humbert
Valentina Conchie
Stephen Conchie
Martin Brehm
Van Le
Sarah Bailey
Chase Bailey
Pamela Tunstall
David Sotta
Victoria Quak
Natalie Everaert
Pierre Chabran
Teresa So
Andrea Casali
Sayjal Karsan
Menand Karsan
Julien Cayla
Tanvi Mehta
Marieke Boomsma
Eelco Boomsma
Jeferson De Souza Costa
Daniele De Oliveira Rosa Costa
Prad Wadhwa
Akshata Shanbhag
Nicholas Pelliccione
Pamela Hidajat
Randal Barker
Loralie Barker
Sasha Didenkowski
Janet Didenkowski
Joel Bevans
Wilbur Li
Shaun Bernier
Darren Massara
Nizam Kamarraj
Julia Meyer
Eric Meyer
Nazri Bin Sinin
Rohanah Bte Mohkreh
Roohi Azhar
Usman Siddiqui
Rebecca Wokes
Richard Wokes
Delphine Voeltzel
Andy Romains
Michelle Romanis
Ben Coles
Joep Dijkhuis
Lenneke Dijkhuis
Rohini Rao
Michael Lord
Myles Klynhout
Trish Oliver
Brett Oliver
Yuka Kojima
Masato Kojima
Kulbir Sandhu
Elizabeth O’Connell
John O’Connell
Matthew Trim
Iannis Brahic
Seo Minjung
Clément Brahic
Jai Mirpuri
Kaajal Shivdasani
Linh Rowland
Charles Rowland
Nina Harvey
Nick Smith
Anuroop Bajwa
Joanna Dudman
Robert Dudman
Byren Higgin
Eleanor Borg
Sharon Higgin
Toufic Akle
Antoinette Akle
Wang Laurent
Léa Courbet
James Todd
Christine Todd
Jennifer Partington
Gary Partington
Sacha Salamon
Jamie Salamon
ANZA NEW MEMBER GIVEAWAY
Congratulations to JAMES BAYLY
Winner of a $125 Gift Voucher from Locaba
NEW MEMBERS PREMIER PARTNER
NEW MEMBERS SILVER PARTNERS
ANZA members enjoy 15% online discount from Locaba
THE LAKEHOUSE, CAMERON HIGHLANDS bit.ly/Lakehouse-ANZA
Special room rates with complimentary Mojito-making class for two people. Minimum three consecutive night stay at the link above
CASA DEL RIO, MELAKA bit.ly/CasadelRio-ANZA
18% off Bed & Breakfast offer. Minimum two consecutive night stay at the link above
CASA DEL MAR, LANGKAWI bit.ly/CasadelMar-ANZA
15% off when you book a consecutive night stay at the link above
HERO’S heros.sg
10% discount on all nonpromotional beverages
MOGAMBO BAR & RESTAURANT mogambo.sg 10% discount on all nonpromotional beverages
BQ BAR bqbar.com
15% off the total bill and 20% off during your birthday month
MOLLY MALONE’S molly-malone.com
15% off the total bill and 20% off during your birthday month
CAFE MELBA cafemelba.com.sg
15% off the total bill and 20% off during your birthday month
THE EXCHANGE theexchange.com.sg 15% off the total bill and 20% off during your birthday month
AMÒ amorestaurant.sg 10% off the total bill
GINGER www.panpacific.com/en/hotelsand-resorts/pr-beach-road/ dining/ginger 20% off the total bill
RAFFLES HOTEL
SINGAPORE anza.org.sg/raffles-hotel-anzaoffer/#myaccount Great deal exclusive to ANZA members. Log in to your ANZA account for more
SI CHUAN DOU HUA panpacific.com/en/hotels-andresorts/pr-kitchener/dining/sichuan-dou-hua-restaurant.html 20% off the total bill
YIN BAR yinyang.sg/yin
Complimentary classic cocktail upon dine-in
Locaba create low-carb, diabetic friendly and gluten free products with vegan, nut free and keto options available. Our product range includes whole cakes, sliced cakes, cupcakes, jar desserts, cookies, custom cakes, gelato, bread, pre-mixes, and more.
Log in to your ANZA member account and head to our link below to find out more: anza.org.sg/member-discounts
CLUB 5 panpacific.com/en/hotels-andresorts/pr-beach-road/dining/ club-5.htm 20% off the total bill
BEVVIES bevvies.sg 10% off all products online
MISS FITZ missfitzsg.com 10% off drinks, 5:30pm - 7:30 pm daily
THE MEAT CLUB themeatclub.com.sg $12 off total order with no minimum spend
SANTI’S santis pizza 10% off in-store and online
HARRY’S harrys.com.sg 15% off total food and beverage bill and 10% off spirit bottles when registered using the Harry’s mobile app e-card
1-ARDEN 1-arden.sg $11++ for selected cocktails and 10% off the food and beverage menu
SARNIES sarnies.com 10% off in-store and online
BRACI braci.sg 10% off the total bill
LEVANT levant.sg 10% off the total bill
SOUTHBRIDGE southbridge.sg 10% off the total bill
LUCE BY DAVIDE GIACOMELLI singapore.intercontinental.com/ dine/luce-davide-giacomelli 20% off à la carte menu 15% off Semi-Buffet Lunch
THE LOBBY LOUNGE singapore.intercontinental.com/ dine/lobby-lounge 15% off à la carte menu and Weekdays Afternoon Tea
CLUBHOUSE SG clubhousesg.com 20% off the total bill (food and beverage and simulator rental, if applicable)
GOODMATES goodmates.sg
20% discount using the code ‘GMANZA20’ with a minimum purchase of $120
LOCABA locaba.sg 15% off online purchase
KNOTS CAFE knotscafeandliving.com 10% off the total bill
10 MINUTES WITH...
BELINDA CHAPPLE
In 2000, Belinda was a member of one of Australia’s biggest girl bands, Bardot.
Her new book The Girl in the Band reveals what life was really like in the limelight.
Please give us some background on Bardot …
Bardot was one of the first bands to be created from the now beloved TV reality show format in a show called Popstars. A cattle call notice went out across Australia looking to find Oz’s answer to The Spice Girls. I was one of the girls chosen alongside Sophie Monk, Tiffani Wood, Katie Underwood and Sally Polihronas.
You hit fame fast …
We were the first ever group to debut at number one in the Australian charts with both our first single and first album. We completed several national and international tours, and what a ride it was! Life in Bardot was full on for two and a half years.
What was Bardot’s first hit?
Poison went straight to Number One in the Australian and New Zealand charts. It also went Gold here in Singapore. I can vividly remember fans lining up on Orchard Road to meet us!
Tell us about The Girl in the Band ...
It’s somewhat of a cautionary tale; a look behind-the-scenes of the entertainment industry in the 90s until the demise of Bardot. I’m as honest as possible about the psychological effects of fame and the highs and lows of such an incredible experience.
Away from the public glare, were things not as they seemed?
As we all know, any success comes with a lot of hard work and sacrifices. I wasn’t prepared for the notoriety and the public scrutiny. Fame is not for everyone and it sure isn’t what it promises to be. You’ll have to read the book to find out more!
Why publish now?
I started journalling back in 2004 as I needed to process some things I’d been through, and was going through. I wouldn’t have had the courage to release a book back then. True stories should be shared and my book is a love letter to other performers, so they don’t feel so alone in such a cut throat industry.
What will most surprise readers? Maybe how the band disbanded overnight. And the hardships that came with all the amazing times. If I had to give my 24-year-old self any advice, I’d say this with a smile: get a good lawyer! And don’t be too trusting!
What are you up to these days? I’ve recently returned to Sydney from Singapore with my Swedish husband.
I would tell my 24-year-old self to get a good lawyer!
Alongside being an interior designer, I’ve just created a TV concept called Paper Dolls. It’s an eight-part scripted drama that will air on Paramount + later this year.
Are you still singing?
Yes! I’ve also been in the recording studio with my fellow band member Katie Underwood. We released a fun dancepop track called ‘FOLLOW’ which has been on all streaming platforms since September. As for a Bardot reunion, never say never!
As we approach Christmas, how will you be spending it this year?
I’ve been thinking about this a lot recently. My husband and I are considering escaping to Fiji!
The Girl in the Band by Belinda Chapple is out now. @belindachapple
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