AWA
MAR · APR
Bamboo Telegraph
2020
All women, All walks of life, All Nationalities
WHAT IT'S REALLY LIKE TO BE A MODEL IN THE AWA FASHION SHOW THE FASCINATING STORY BEHIND SINGLISH, LAH!
DISCOVER EASY WAYS TO COMBINE A GOOD WALK AND GOOD ART IN SINGAPORE
International Women’s Day 2020
d e n o tp
Monday, March 9th
s o P
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
The American Club - The Galbraith Ballroom Speakers:
Cost:
The Ambassador of Canada, Lynn MacDonald The Ambassador of the Netherlands, Margriet Vonna Claire Chiang, Co-founder of Banyan Tree Group
$55 member and $65 guest
Women
Shaping the World
Contents
AWA Singapore's Membership Magazine
MAR APR 2020 02
President's Message
Bits & Bites of Expat Life 04 06 08 09 10 11 12 14
Member Spotlight Exploring Singapore Watering Holes The Fork and Chopstick Writers' Block The Story Behind Singlish You’re Not Alone Let's Go
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AWA Group Scoop 16 Local Tours 19 Community Service 20 Photography 23 Beauty & Fashion 24 Arts & Culture 25 Book Group Update 29 Running 30 Tennis 31 Golf Shots
Smiles & Snapshots 26 28
Holiday Lunch Highlights Holiday Lights Tour
Cover Photo by Hey Gorgeous Photography featuring Shaily Patel Roberts at the 2019 AWA Fashion Show Editor-in-Chief Tori Nelson bt_editor@awasingapore.org Staff Managing Editor - Emily Oberton Technical Director - Celine Suiter Graphic Designer - Gina Vono Copy Editors - Helena A. Cochrane - Amanda Jaffe Local Tours Editor - Lorraine Graybill Advertising Katherine McCall bt_advertising@awasingapore.org
www.awasingapore.org
14 Visit us on the internet: www.awasingapore.org Facebook: American Women’s Association of Singapore - AWA Instagram: awaofsingapore Questions, comments and administrative issues, please email us: office@ awasingapore.org Printed by Xpress Print (Pte) Ltd 6880-2881, fax 6880-2998 von@xpress.com.sg MCI (P) 085/07/2019
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Please be advised that any names listed in this publication, the AWA directory or any other material published by AWA are for the exclusive use of AWA members only. Any commercial use is strictly prohibited. The Bamboo Telegraph is published 6 times per year. The American Women’s Association and the Bamboo Telegraph neither endorse nor take responsibility for the opinions expressed herein. Please address all comments and queries to the Bamboo Telegraph Editor. AWA does not endorse or promote any product or service offered through any advertisement that may appear in the Bamboo Telegraph.
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President's Message
American Women's Association Of Singapore
Going Green, Join the Team and other AWA Spring Highlights Every other month a Bamboo Telegraph (BT) is delivered into your mailbox. Sometimes, it seems it doesn’t quite make Mel Rice it for one reason or another. AWA President After much discussion, we have decided that to better ensure you receive your BT, we will be changing from the plastic packaging to a paper envelope. We feel that this will be more eco-friendly, better for the environment and hopefully ensure more timely deliveries. In March our nominating committee, led by Caitlin Fry, will be working on the slate for the 2020-2021 AWA Board. While some board members will be staying active, we do have some positions opening up. If you have been wondering about how to get more involved, how to meet like-minded people, or how to give back, I highly encourage you to volunteer with the AWA. We would love to have you join us at our Leadership Coffee on Monday March 9th from 10:30am-12:00pm, where you can meet current board members and learn more about the upcoming opportunities and board positions that we have to offer. April brings us the highly anticipated Fashion Show on Friday April 17th. The Fashion Show committee is led by Yvonne Blackwood, with support from our Major Events Chair Venta Norvilas, who has been an active part of the fashion show for several years. Joining Yvonne on her committee are Marcela Dragoiu-Luca and Melissa Marshall, who are coordinating all the behind-the-scenes activities. Cindy McCullough and Yamile Sain have been busy scouting out the designers and scheduling the fittings, while Erika Masiero and Sabrina Sikora have been working with our very own AWA
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member/models on how to walk the runway. We can’t put on a fashion show without giving you the opportunity to shop, so many thanks to Emily Ludwick, our Corporate Relations Manager, who has selected some fantastic vendors to be at the event. Tickets are on sale as of March 1st and this event WILL sell out!! The health and well-being of AWA members is important to us, and the AWA will continue to follow the recommendations of the MOH in planning our future events. Please make sure that you have joined the AWA Members Community group on Facebook so that you can monitor our most up-to-date policies, as we are checking the official government site every day for updates. Stay healthy :) Your President, Mel
American Women’s Association of Singapore 15 Scotts Road #03-01 Singapore 228218 General Manager: Sarah Cockerill Main: 6734-4895 Office Hours: Monday-Friday 9:30 am to 4:00 pm www.awasingapore.org
FAQ’s/Important Information • The AWA welcomes all nationalities, not just Americans. • AWA guest fees apply to Singapore residents. Out of town guests and family members pay the AWA member price. • Guests are entitled to attend 2 events (in total, not per year) before we ask them to join the AWA to continue participating. • You can register for membership and events any time on our website: www.awasingapore.org
AWA MISSION STATEMENT: The American Women's Association is a sisterhood of women from around the world, who come together to enhance their Singapore experience through fulfilling volunteer run events and activities.
Bamboo Telegraph - Mar/Apr 2020
www.awasingapore.org
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Member Spotlight
getting to know our members beyond the usual chitchat Written by Christin Gustafson Morgan Fogg Steinman is a Texas girl who came to Singapore two years ago with her husband. Last spring, they welcomed a son into their family. Before relocating, Morgan was living and working in New York City as VP Group Sales Manager for News Corp. Now her suit jackets are stowed away and she’s embracing life with her new baby in Singapore. She is co-chair of the AWA Playgroups. What have you enjoyed more about Singapore than you expected? The social aspect of expat life was a pleasant surprise. We each have something in common to instantly bond over. Compared to NYC, everyone has made us feel so welcome. When we first moved here, it was just my husband and me, but having a baby has made me fall in love with Singapore even more. I love how family-friendly the city and culture are.
What do you miss from home that you can’t find in Singapore? Swedish Fish, and Feta Egg White Bites from Starbucks. Did you live in a city before coming to Singapore? Do you escape into nature here? Where and how? I was living in Manhattan before moving here. I love city living, but I do enjoy a nice walk in the park or hike but only on occasion. Singapore fits my preferences perfectly.
Photo Credit: Kate Mitchell LittleOnes Photography
What have you struggled with living here? I left my career in order for us to move here; adapting to that life change was a struggle. Right before getting pregnant, I was considering going back to work. Needless to say, now I don’t have a spare moment, but I’m loving it. What has been your funniest or worst mishap while living in Singapore? When we were looking for a church, I decided we should try the one down the street from our condo. I quickly looked at the worship times and picked one… the entire service was in Mandarin! What advice would you give first time expats? Get out there and say yes to everything! For us, this included an impromptu “glamping” trip to Cambodia with 2 other couples we had just met. Now they are some of our closest friends. Do you have any Singaporean friends? How do you think they helped you adapt? One of the first friends I made here is Singaporean. She really helped me get the lay of the land and introduced me to people. We are still close and I always go to her for advice on cultural questions or where to find items. How do you treat yourself in Singapore? Lady lunches! I was working 50-60 hour weeks before we moved, and client lunches just aren’t the same as lunches with friends.
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Christin is a seasoned expat who enjoys learning how others adjust to their adopted hometown. She is a member of the AWA Writers Group, a busy mom of two sons and has lived in Singapore since 2018. Bamboo Telegraph - Mar/Apr 2020
Phuket Paradise awa foreign Tour may 2020
AWA GIRLS TRIP: Paradise in Phuket! Strap on your sandals and grab your beach bag for some fun in the sun with old and new friends at one of the world’s most iconic beaches— Patong beach in Phuket. Round up your friends for AWA’s next Girls Trip, where you’ll stay several nights at the exclusive Swissotel Resort. Enjoy Patong Beach’s golden sands and crystal-blue waves, then venture into the cultural heart of the beautiful island to admire some of its religious and architectural wonders. We’ll also shop ‘til we drop on a customdesigned shopping expedition. This trip is the perfect get-away, whether you want simply to indulge in some spa pampering and chill by the pool, or dial up the adventure with an optional tour, including a cooking class, a full-day trip to Phi Phi Island, and a VIP Cabaret show.
www.awasingapore.org
Highlights & Inclusions: -
Travel dates: May 13 – 16 2020
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Return economy airfares to Phuket from Singapore on Silk Air
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Private return transfers to and from Phuket airport
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3 nights at the Swissotel Resort Patong, including daily breakfast
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Clifftop dinner at the iconic Baan Rim Pa restaurant
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Morning sightseeing tour with English-speaking guide
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Sunset drinks and canapes one evening at the hotel
Cost: Twin share: S$1280 per person* Single room: S$1460 per person* * based on W class airfares available at time of booking Registration information: You can reserve your place by registering online at www.awasingapore.org no later than Friday March 13.
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Exploring Singapore
Written by and Photography by Amanda Jaffe
Singapore’s Art Spaces Whether you prefer your art on the street, along a river, on the side of a building, or in a garden, Singapore has it. While its art trails allow you to combine art with a good walk, Singapore also offers first-class spaces where art lovers can be visually refreshed (or challenged), free of charge, with a little less exertion and a bit more shade. The Ritz Carlton, Millenia Singapore On entering The Ritz Carlton, Millenia Singapore, you’re greeted by “Cornucopia,” Frank Stella’s three-ton, hanging fiberglass sculpture. To your left and right, Dale Chihuly glassworks, “Sunrise” and “Sunset,” face one another from opposing ends of the lobby. This stunning collection’s highlights can be found across the hotel’s public spaces on Level Three. In addition to several other larger works,
(EXCEPT WHERE NOTED)
known artists. Located inside, on, and in the vicinity of Marina Bay Sands, these pieces blend audacious art with iconic architecture. Antony Gormley’s massive “Drift,” comprised of over 16,000 steel rods, hangs in the Atrium above the gargantuan ceramic vessels of Chongbin Zheng’s “Rising Forest.” Meanwhile, Ned Kahn’s kinetic pieces “Wind Arbor,” “Rain Oculus,” and “Tipping Wall” capture wind and water in their powerful and playful forms. Descriptions of the works and their locations are available online (search for the PDF using the term “Marina Bay Sands Art Path”). Combined with The Ritz Carlton collection, plan on an enjoyable two to three hours. Parkview Square Museum Parkview Square is another special building in Singapore, known for its unique art deco-inspired design. Parkview Square’s plaza and lobby feature world-class works by Salvador Dali, Fernando Botero,
"Cornucopia": photo provided by The Ritz Carlton, Millenia Singapore
notably a pair of Stella wall sculptures (“Moby Dick,” on Level One), the collection includes other smaller pieces thoughtfully placed in the hotel’s public spaces across Levels One through Three. Expect to spend 30-60 minutes enjoying them all. A welldesigned Art Tour brochure is available from the Concierge (be sure to note Henry Moore’s “Floating Rock” sketches behind the desk) or online from the hotel’s website (in the “Hotel Design Inspiration” section of the Hotel Overview page). The concierge leads a complimentary art tour at 5 p.m. daily. Marina Bay Sands Art Path From The Ritz Carlton, it’s a short walk past the delightful artwork of Singapore schoolchildren at Youth Olympic Park (Singapore’s first art park) and over the Helix Bridge to the Marina Bay Sands Art Path, a collection of 11 installations by eight internationally -- 6 --
"A Rising Forest" vessel, Marina Bay Sands
Bamboo Telegraph - Mar/Apr 2020
Youth Olympic Park
"Wave," Mapletree Business City
and Roberto Barni. If you can tear yourself away, visit the third floor. There you’ll find the Parkview Museum, a flexible space tailor-made for exhibiting thought-provoking contemporary art – both large installations and smaller works that require more personal interaction. Past exhibitions have included works from the extensive collection of the Parkview Group, the building’s developer. UOB Art Gallery Anyone who’s spent time at UOB Plaza along the Singapore River knows “Bird,” Botero’s captivating sculpture of an outsized avian. Just inside the lobby of UOB Plaza 1 is another artistic jewel – the UOB Art Gallery, which champions Southeast Asian art and artists. The gallery features rotating exhibitions from works in UOB’s 2,300-piece collection, as well as winning entries in its Painting of the Year competition and special exhibitions by competition artists. While the gallery is compact, its art is impactful. Before leaving, take a moment to view the stunning watercolor by Ong Kim Seng on the mezzanine overlooking the gallery. Mapletree Business City Near the corner of Pasir Panjang and Alexandra Road, five minutes from the Labrador Park MRT, the Mapletree Business City (MBC) complex contains a lovely collection of outdoor art. While MBC features four commissioned pieces under the collective theme “Culture City. Culture Scape.,” eight more large-scale, exciting pieces await – half www.awasingapore.org
by Singaporean artists. If you like your art clever, colorful or whimsical, this is your place. While they’re outdoors, the pieces are accessible via covered pathways. From the Alexandra Retail Centre’s second (not ground!) floor, exit to one of the covered walkways leading to MBC. Beforehand, download a map showing the location of all pieces from https://www.mapletreearts.sg. Note: if you get to where the map says there should be art but can’t find it, look up, around and down over railings. The art is everywhere! More to Explore Singapore offers many other free art spaces that are accessible to the public and worthy of your time. Both the JW Marriott and the St. Regis Hotel, for example, boast collections available for viewing in their lobbies and surrounding public spaces. In the Bras Basah-Bugis arts district, visit the Lim Hak Tai and Ngee Ann Kongsi Galleries in the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and the Objectifs Centre for Photography and Film. At Marina Bay, view the installations in the tunnel connecting Esplanade to the Citylink Mall. This list is undeniably incomplete. Explore Singapore and expand it! In addition to exploring Singapore for Bamboo Telegraph, Amanda Jaffe writes about her travel adventures on her blog, Rambling Llama (www.ramblingllama.com). -- 7 --
Watering Holes
The best places in singapore to find coffee & cocktails Written by Silva Fernandez
The Fabulous Baker Boy
70 River Valley Road, #01-15, Singapore 179037 Have you been to Clarke Quay and felt like having a coffee in a place without tourists? Or have you walked around Fort Canning and needed a drink? Well, this is a hidden jewel near Fort Canning MRT. The name says it all: the stars of the place are the cakes; you add the coffee or the drink of your choice. The place is quietly chic, which is a good setting for the sparkly cakes known as “Diva Series:” you can have a Diana Ross (Valrhona Ivoire chocolate and raspberry swiss meringue buttercream), a Bette Midler (Earl grey sponge with Earl grey Swiss meringue), or for more pop, try a Katy Perry (orange sponge with yuzu buttercream and ganache). The brunch is a good option also. They make the sourdough daily and the menu has good vegan alternatives.
Photo by Elena Boyce
Smoke & Mirrors
Men, also known as “Divo Series,” are not forgotten here. My recommendation? Have a cappuccino with “George Clooney”, “Keanu Reeves” or the local celebrity “Hossan Leong”. All the single ladies, put your hands up and have a “Beyonce”!
1 St. Andrew's Road, #06-01 National Gallery Singapore, 178957 If I had a list of my favorite bars in Singapore, this one would be on it. But I don’t have a list because it would be too long. This place is a great way to end a visit to the National Gallery. Explore the amazing artworks for a couple of hours and then end the day with a cocktail on the rooftop. When you get there, make sure it is after twilight so you can enjoy the view of the marina and all the marvelous buildings that create the iconic landscape of the Lion City. Don’t worry about the seating plan: you will enjoy the view from
any corner of this small but well-designed space. After relaxing in your seat, take your time with the menu. The first time there, I would suggest talking with the bartender and letting him or her guide you through the options. When your drink arrives, put on your best smile and get ready for the “must-have” selfie. Even if you don’t post it on social media, you can send it to your family and friends, so on their next visit, Smoke & Mirrors will be on their list of favorite bars as well.
Photo provided by Smoke & Mirrors
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Bamboo Telegraph - Mar/Apr 2020
The Fork and Chopstick
To highlight the off the beaten path, heritage, or just plain fun chomping grounds
Written by and Photography by Jenni & Eric Lee
The Coconut Club
28 Ann Siang Rd, Singapore 069708 Tuesday and Saturday Lunch Chomp: What - are you kidding me - $12.80 for a nasi lemak?! Yes, we waited in line for 30 minutes for an expensive nasi lemak. The American equivalent of this would be waiting in line for 30 minutes for a $20 hot dog. So what would make you want to do this? The chance to enjoy one of the finer examples of local Singapore/Malay everyday food. It is definitely possible to get nasi lemak in hawker centres for less - way, way less. But the nasi lemak at The Coconut Club is the kind of dish that shows you how something should taste if you pay attention to the details. What are those details? Freshness of the creamy coconut milk used for the rice; close attention to the cooking of the rice so it's fluffy and not sticky; frying the ikan bilis so they are crispy, not hard; roasting the peanuts so their flavor stands out; and creating a balanced sambal that is spicy, salty and sweet - even taking care that the yolk on the fried egg is still runny. These finer points are before we've even gotten to the juicy and crispy fried chicken! For sides, the Kang Kong was excellent, with wellpartnered spicy and salty sambal belacan. The squid (sambal sotong $8.50) was very fresh and served with sambal. The cendol certainly gave the nasi lemak a run for its money. Again, you can get a cendol just about everywhere, but the care and attention to ingredients by The Coconut Club chefs makes all the difference. Gula melaka had a natural, slightly smoky molasses sweetness while the cendol had a natural green, with a distinct pandan flavor. Their smooth local kopi (coffee, $2.50) also provided a satisfying finish to the meal. www.awasingapore.org
Ambience/Decor/Service: Vibrant ambience; contemporary and nostalgic at the same time. Attentive and friendly service. Servers are happy to explain the dishes and make recommendations. Rant & Rave: Their passion certainly shines through. The chef was inspired to perfect the dish after attending a nasi lemak convention in Kuala Lumpur a few years ago. (On a sad note, the co-founder passed away only recently at the young age of 40.) During peak times, the wait can be quite long and the noise level very high. The Coconut Club shot to fame after Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong hosted a foreign visiting dignitary there, and it is included in the Michelin Guide’s Bib Gourmand. What Others Are Saying: 4.3 on Google reviews and 4 on Yelp (out of 5 stars). “You know those restaurants that do just one dish, but do it phenomenally well? This is one of those places.” “Super fragrant rice with rich coconut taste.” “The skin is crispy and meat is tender.” Pre/Post Meal: There is no shortage of watering holes around the corner on Club Street. The Singapore City Gallery is on the same street. Explore Chinatown and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, along with Sri Mariamman Temple nearby. Happy Chomping! Jenni & Eric Lee live to eat and explore local eateries and bars. Originally from New York, they have lived in Singapore since 2012. -- 9 --
Writers' Block
a monthly contribution from our AWA Writers' Group Written by Cy Roden
150 Typewriters Tom Hanks is a great collector. Typewriters his special thing. Keyboards, ribbons, spools and levers, Type tap, type tap, type, ping ping!
Tom doesn’t want them buried with him. He’d never get a cemetery. Can’t find it in his heart to leave them, Already he’s in purgatory.
Remington and Olivetti, Underwood and IBM, Smith Corona Selectomatic, Royal Safari, Hermes 10.
But hot-dog, gee-whizz, They mustn’t be a burden to his kids. So would you like an old typewriter? He’s clearing out and getting rid.
Every one a classic beauty, Each machine a work of art, Each one with its special features, Magic in each moving part.
How weird the world of life’s possessions. How strange the power of get and give: Half a life in acquisition, The final part in parting with.
The permanence of type in paper: The ink indented in that way. But permanence is sadly fleeting While transience seems here to stay.
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The AWA Writers’ Group meets the second and fourth Thursday to discuss their work. For more information, send an email to writers@awasingapore.org
Bamboo Telegraph - Mar/Apr 2020
The Story Behind Singlish a word to the wise, Lah!
Written by Emily Oberton sometimes prepositions are used as verbs, as in, “Can you off the light?” And while Singlish’s sentence structure may irk an English teacher, the lingo can help build rapport with Singaporeans. Words You Should Know Kopi means coffee, and if you like less sugar in your cup of Joe, you would ask the kopi kia (coffee barista) for a kopi siew tai. The kopi kia would likely say an enthusiastic, “can” or “can, can!” Leh, lor, and lah are discourse particles used at the end of sentences, meaning they direct the flow of conversation or reflect an attitude. Leh indicates uncertainty, lor shows a sense of resignation, and lah can express affirmation, exasperation, or exclamation, depending on how it’s used. Want to Learn More Singlish? If you’re spooning mounds of sticky rice onto your plate at your favorite lunch buffet and someone behind you says, “Chop chop kali pok!” should you: A) kindly tell them the time B) pass them a pair of chopsticks, or C) hurry up? Chances are, if you don’t speed up your spooning, you’ll hear another common Singlish phrase, “Alamak!” Although English is the official language of Singapore, Singlish is the local lingo. This fun, snappy hybrid language reflects the Lion City’s unique history and multiculturalism as it fuses words originating from several languages, including Malay, English, Hokkien, Mandarin, and Tamil. Many Singaporeans can switch easily between Singlish in informal settings and Standard English at school, work, and other formal settings.
Singlishdictionary.com is your go-to place for the etymology and definitions of Singlish words. If you want to test your knowledge of Singlish and other Singapore facts, download the SG Trivia app. Another fun, must-have app is Hello Singlish Stickers, which lets you send colorful Singlish stickers in your text messages. It’s guaranteed to make your texts so shiok, lah!
Uniquely Singaporean The Singaporean government recognizes Singlish as a cultural marker for many Singaporeans, but it encourages citizens to speak and write in Standard English. Despite campaigns like the Speak Good English Movement, Singlish persists. It has permeated pop culture and is used increasingly in movies, books, and music. Singlish defies many rules found in English grammar books. Plural words, verbs, and prepositions are often omitted, and When Emily isn’t out exploring beautiful Singapore or playing tennis, she’s writing her novel, magazine articles, or blog posts on emilyoberton.com. www.awasingapore.org
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You're Not Alone... Really
coping with the ups and downs of being an expat Written by Andrea McKenna Brankin
Lights, Cameras…Acceptance! It's a Process I’m sure many of us don’t think of ourselves as models. But one of the uber cool things about the AWA is that once a year, you can be one, as part of the AWA’s Fashion Show, which features us ladies in local designers’ clothing. The best part of the show is the process, especially if you’ve ever felt you weren’t thin enough, beautiful enough or graceful enough to walk the catwalk.
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“fighting weight.” But after I had my baby, well, my body changed and I’ve had to accept the fact that, well, I’m just bigger now. Certainly, many women struggle with body image and just hating how we look. Overall, I was happy with myself, but I didn’t know if doing the fashion show would be good for my self-esteem. But I was way wrong!
Certainly, many women struggle with body image and just hating how we look. Overall, I was happy with myself but I didn’t know if doing the fashion show would be good for my self-esteem.
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I felt that way, too. I am a plus-sized American woman. Size 16. I wasn’t always this size, as I was a competitive athlete and constantly maintaining a
A neighbor, Thea, who worked the back stage of the show, strongly encouraged me to attend last year’s model call. I was really busy but I thought I should at least go and talk to them. Maybe they wouldn’t want me because I’m an XL size…. I didn’t know what to expect. I was more than pleasantly surprised at how ACCEPTING the organizers were! Immediately, the head of the show said, “I know exactly which designer could work for Andrea.” This gave me a huge boost of confidence. I was just floored and even survived having my measurements taken without cringing at the numbers. The next few weeks involved several fittings. This was not nearly as scary as I thought because the clothes actually fit me--very well in fact. The styles and looks were dresses I would not have considered for myself. I definitely had the idea that no designer clothes would ever fit me in Singapore because of my size. Again, it was nice to be wrong. I ended up buying two of my outfits, which I have worn many times since at events around Singapore, all with many compliments.
Both photos of Andrea on the catwalk at last year's AWA Fashion Show by Hey Gorgeous Photography
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After some catwalk training, which was fast and fun with Erika, Yvonne and Singapore-based, American supermodel Sabrina Sikora, I was surprised how confident I was striding down the tape-covered dance floor at the YMCA. I felt like I belonged there and all the organizers made me and others feel special. Bamboo Telegraph - Mar/Apr 2020
At the show rehearsal, it was a bit surreal to think we were part of this, such a big-deal event. But on the day of the show, we really were treated as special, having professional makeup and hair done by the famed makeup artist Samina Malik’s team, including her fabulous Sceptre lip color. I was a little nervous but they made me look so amazing, it was hard NOT to be confident. I’m more of game-day player and got quiet and seriously focused on the task, whilst others were more prone to nervous laughter and chatting. Nonetheless, we were all ready to go! Perhaps the greatest feeling was that not only did the Fashion Show team make me feel special, but I also got cheers and heartfelt acceptance from our audience—fellow AWA members and some of our husbands. In the end, nothing looks as good as acceptance feels. I was lucky I had both that day. I hope you all enjoy the show this April and cheer loudly for our AWA ladies! You will indeed be part of the process of our believing we are truly beautiful models that day. Thanks in advance for your support!
Andrea runs the AWA Listen Ladies Group, providing confidential support at monthly meetings. listenladies@awasingapore.org
A WA Board 2021
If you have the time and ability to help steer this fantastic group from July 2020 to June 2021, we would love to hear from you! Join us for a no-strings leadership coffee
Monday, March 9th 10.30am till 12 noon or complete a Board Interest Form, details & registration via the AWA website
www.awasingapore.org
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Let's Go!
Travel, tours and fun itinerary ideas around southeast asia Written by and photography by Meg Sine April is Songkran in Thailand, the Buddhist New Year Festival also celebrated in Myanmar, Laos and Cambodia. While young people (and tourists) engage in friendly water-throwing battles, their elders go to temple to make offerings and gently sprinkle water as a blessing. However, if getting alternately sunburned and soaked is not your thing, April is a great month to visit Vietnam. This vibrant slice of Southeast Asia has rebuilt itself from a divided country and decades of war into a thriving tourist economy in one generation. Today, visas are electronic, airline connections are numerous and English is widely spoken. Vietnam is nearby, a great value for the dollar and a great holiday destination.
phò and fresh baguette? Our first meal was a bowl of richly flavored broth, fresh herbs and satisfying beef. This iconic Vietnamese meal is truly the best of East meets West! My favorite place in Hue was the XQ Embroidery Museum. Impossibly delicate silk thread and the finest of stitches make the museum’s embroideries look like the brush strokes of a painting. It’s not uncommon for this kind of artistry, a 700-year old tradition, to take six to eight embroiderers several months to finish one masterpiece.
Having already made several trips to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, my husband and I decided to visit the central part of Vietnam. We were eager to try more fantastic food, witness some recent history, tour imperial tombs and temples, relax at a beach and find places without an endless tide of motor scooters!
A pho-tastic typical Vietnamese meal
Meg and a local woman at Tien Mu Pagoda
If you haven’t experienced Vietnam outside of the two main cities, consider this itinerary: Hue and Hoi An via Da Nang.
We took a dragon boat tour down the Perfume River to Tien Mu Pagoda, a 17th century, seventiered Buddhist temple. While there, I met a local woman who wore a red ao dai to pay homage to the celestial lady for whom the pagoda is named.
Hue, Vietnam’s ancient imperial capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We flew into Da Nang, central Vietnam’s modern gateway, and connected to Hue by train. We stayed at the Saigon Morin Hotel, a charming and stately colonial era building on the south bank of Hue’s Perfume River. The hotel offers a full menu of local tours. Peaceful lanes of shops, many restaurants and genuinely friendly local people lie within walking distance. What could be better than a breakfast or lunch of -- 14 --
Tien Mu Pagoda also contains an unusual modern relic – the car a local monk drove to Saigon in 1963 to call international attention to government oppression of Buddhists. The monk set himself on fire, and a photo of his body encased in flames next to the car instantly became iconic. A short distance from Hue are the royal tombs of the emperors who built Hue’s massive, 19th century Bamboo Telegraph - Mar/Apr 2020
19th century Imperial Palace in Hue, Vietnam
Street scene in Hoi An, Vietnam
citadel and imperial palace. The tombs did not suffer the ruinous damage the war inflicted on the citadel. Emperor Minh Mang’s tomb is a large complex of 40 monuments arranged along a central axis. This royal estate is a peaceful garden fringed by lotus ponds, frangipani and pines.
even has a nighttime electric light parade -- this former ancient trading port is a lively melting pot of architecture, history and culture (and nothing like a theme park). “Must see” items include a riverboat cruise, eating cao lao noodles, the Japanese Pagoda Bridge, and the Museum of Trade Ceramics. Our favorite activity was an evening stroll past the shops of Old Town festooned with colorful, lighted lanterns.
Where Minh Mang’s tomb presents a peaceful garden setting, Khai Dinh’s tomb emphasizes grandiosity. Built on the side of a mountain, it’s a tiring stair climb to reach the main hall’s terrace. Inside, the walls and ceiling canopy are decorated in elaborate ceramic mosaics surrounding the emperor’s image encased in gold. To reach Hoi An, our next destination, we traveled in a vintage American army jeep remodeled to modern standards. For us, this jeep symbolized the heroic and heartbreaking memories of the Vietnam War. We rode along listening to 1960’s music, feeling like characters in a movie. The winding road up and over a misty mountain pass added to the drama. While Hoi An Old Town might feel like it could be Vietnam’s exhibit at Disney World’s Epcot -- it www.awasingapore.org
The bonus of Hoi An as a destination is an appealing selection of boutique hotels only 3 km away at An Bang Beach. We stayed in one within walking distance of the beach and rented bicycles to pedal back to Hoi An Old Town. The beautiful white sand beach was remarkably uncrowded and a great place to relax before heading home. Meg lived and traveled all over Asia for almost 25 years before moving to Singapore in 2018. She enjoys biking, walking and quilting with AWA Creative Hands. -- 15 --
AWA Local Tour Policies
Viva Funky Singapore
Fascinating Street Life of Waterloo Street
• Complete detailed tour descriptions are found at www.awasingapore.org. • You must register to participate in an AWA Local Tour. Registration begins on the first of the month at www. awasingapore.org.
• All AWA tours include a $5 nonrefundable cancellation charge. • You may transfer your registration to another AWA member, no less than seven days prior to an event for no fee by emailing office@ awasingapore.org. • Only adults over 18 years of age may attend AWA tours unless otherwise designated in the description. • Tour attire: If your tour includes a visit to a place of worship, please be certain to cover your knees and shoulders. Comfortable shoes and an umbrella are always a good idea. • All tour end times are approximate.
BUS
ART/CULTURE
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NIGHT
Go off the beaten track to check out this vibrant and eclectic neighborhood and visit the hidden gems. Join us on a voyage of discovery around the up and coming hipster 'hood of Jalan Besar. Explore the site of the former New World Amusement Park where in the heady days entertainment offerings included the Queen of Striptease. Admire and visit Petain Road shophouses in all their architectural glory. Find spiritual solace in a colorful 24hour Tibetan-Buddhist temple that never sleeps. Feel the new hipster vibe brought by popular coffee roasters and dessert joints.
FOOD
NATURE
SHOPPING
End with a mini art tour at the stylish Vagabond Club with its Parisian salon decor.
12 Thu
TIME: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm PLACE: Bus Stop in front Fu Lu Shou Complex COST: $45 Member $56 Guest
ED
MAR
EL
LIMIT: 14
Hear the cheers of fans at the Jalan Besar Stadium, the birthplace of Singapore football.
Tour Menu:
WALKING
5
Thu
TIME: 9:30 am – 1:00 pm PLACE: Farrer Park MRT Exit I COST: $60 Member $75 Guest
LIMIT: 14
Waterloo Street is a microcosm of Singapore’s street life where the locals come to shop, play, eat and worship.
NC
• Unless otherwise stated you may cancel your attendance on a tour by emailing office@awasingapore.org no less than seven days prior to the event. We regret that cancellations received after that time cannot be refunded.
MAR
CA
• If a tour is full, please complete the Waitlist Form. There is no charge to be on the waitlist; you will be charged only if you are added to the tour. (This often happens!)
Witness the multiracial and multireligious character of Singapore where different places of worship are situated along this colourful street: Buddhist and Hindu Temples, Churches, and a Jewish Synagogue. The day of the tour is the Birthday of the Goddess of Mercy, when you can witness the devotees in their veneration of one of the most popular goddesses in Buddhism and how they seek the advice of the divine. Hear about the shenanigans of the infamous Bugis Street of the bygone era; muse on the things sold at the "Mall of Feng Shui" and the shop-temples. We will also visit the oldest surviving synagogue in Singapore and Southeast Asia. As the tour falls on a Thursday, we will have a chance to purchase the fresh and yummy challah bread that is baked at the synagogue for Sabbath.
Bamboo Telegraph - Mar/Apr 2020
Southern Islands
14
LIMIT: 40
EL
Sat
TIME: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm PLACE: Marina South Pier COST: $95 Member $118 Guest
ED
MAR
CA
NC
Do you know Singapore is actually an archipelago with more than sixty smaller islands in addition to the main one? Amazingly, over 40 islands lie to the south of the main island. Most people don’t venture beyond the mainland and Sentosa. There are other islands that are worth exploring, and a cruise around them is one of the more interesting ways to spend a morning in Singapore if you’d like to get out of the city. Some of the islands can only be accessed by chartering a boat, which can be extremely troublesome and expensive, so take this opportunity to come onboard and join us on a cruise of the Southern islands of Singapore. We will be going ashore to visit some of the islands during the cruise. Our stops will include Saint John’s Island, Lazarus Island and Kusu Island. The Southern Islands offer peace and tranquillity away from the bustle of Singapore. This is a non-refundable tour.
www.awasingapore.org
Tanjong Pagar Walk
MAR
19 Thu
Street of Harmony Walk on Sea Goddess' Birthday
TIME: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm PLACE: Tanjong Pagar MRT Exit A, street level COST: $51 Member $63 Guest
LIMIT: 14
Although shiny office towers dominate the Tanjong Pagar area now, it is still considered by local heritage experts as "one of the most important places in the history of early 19th-century Singapore." It is home to a few historically important places of worship, some of which may be in danger of going under the wrecking ball. On this tour, learn about the heritage of the area, visit places of worship and at the same time, marvel at the awardwinning architecture of some of the new buildings. And amidst all the modernity that characterized the vicinity, hear about the macabre practice of ‘ghost marriages’ that used to be conducted at the City God temple. We also will learn about the family that Singapore's National Flower is named for. Visit the first shophouse to be conserved in the late 1980s, which in turn spurred the conservation efforts for the rest of the shophouses in Singapore. We will end the tour at the famous Maxwell hawker centre.
APR
15
Wed
TIME: 9:30 am – 12:30 pm PLACE: Telok Ayer MRT Exit A, street level COST: $36 Member $45 Guest
LIMIT: 14
Telok Ayer or ‘Bay of Water,’ marked the original coastline in the city center. Now it’s six blocks inland! This is where different races of people arrived with the monsoon winds, stepped ashore and visited their respective places of worship to give thanks for a safe arrival. That is why Telok Ayer Street is also known as the "Street of Harmony," showcasing Singapore’s wonderful religious diversity. Join us on a very special walking tour that celebrates Ma Zu’s birthday. She is the Goddess of the Sea and believed to protect fishermen and sailors. Our guide will share some of Ma Zu’s legends as we witness the colorful birthday celebrations. We also will visit the Indian Muslim Heritage Centre and hear stories about this little known Indian community. As we pass by various clan associations, you will learn why they were known as "one of the pillars of the Chinese society." There will be a refreshment stop at a popular Hawker Centre.
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Local Designers 2
APR
30 Thu
TIME: 10:30 am – 1:30 pm PLACE: Telok Ayer MRT, exit B, street level COST: $33 Member, $43 Guest
LIMIT: 14
This tour is a follow up to the popular Local Designers Tour 1. For this outing, we will meet three of Singapore’s most promising textile and jewelery designers. They will share with you their design journey and philosophy. Of course, you can take the opportunity to do some shopping at the same time. Young, passionate and with lots of enthusiasm for Singapore’s heritage, places and cultures, these designers are mostly self-taught with no business background. Thanks to their talent, grit and determination, they overcame initial obstacles to become successful in their own right and their products are loved by Singaporeans and tourists alike. Inspired by Singapore’s diversity, two of the designers have incorporated our rich multi-racial culture and history into their gorgeous product offerings. The third is a charismatic young designer who upcycles old vinyl records to make jewelry! While this is a walking tour, please bring your EZ Link card for a transfer.
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Vesak Day
MAY
5
Tue
TIME: 9:00 am – 1:00 pm PLACE: Newton Food Centre COST: $45 Member, $56 Guest
LIMIT: 21
Vesak is considered the most holy day observed traditionally by Buddhists in this part of the world. Informally known as "Buddha's Birthday." it actually encompasses the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha. The first temple, Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, popularly known as Bright Hill Temple, is the largest monastery in Singapore and South East Asia, and is comprised of 11 sections. The next stop is the Burmese Buddhist Temple, the only one built in the traditional Myanmar style. It houses the largest pure white marble statue of the Buddha outside of Myanmar. Hear the story of how one man’s determination led to the building of this temple. Our final stop is the Tibetan Buddhist Temple, the first Tibetan temple, built in Singapore in 2001. The small but colorful temple is very involved in charity work including providing free traditional Chinese medicine.
Singapore Public Housing (HDB)
MAY
14 Thu
TIME: 9:00 am – 12:30 pm PLACE: Newton Food Centre COST: $68 Member, $85 Guest
LIMIT: 19
Ever wonder where most Singapore citizens live? Join us on this tour to find out more about HDB Flats. Our guide will tell you all there is to know about the Housing Development Board (HDB) apartments! You will learn how HDB won the United Nations’ World Habitat award. Additionally, you will discover how 85% of the local population acquires their HDB apartment and we will visit the HDB Heritage gallery. The gallery showcases the different sizes and types of flats. The tour will also take us to various HDB neighborhoods and precincts to see how local HDB towns are planned and built. And there's more… the tour includes a visit to the iconic development, the Pinnacle at Duxton, in Chinatown. Here we will get to experience panoramic views of Singapore from the 50th story Skybridge. Be sure to bring your EZ-link card in order to gain access to the Skybridge.
Bamboo Telegraph - Mar/Apr 2020
Community Service
awa members contributed over 1,900 volunteer hours last year AWA’s Community Service supports 5 featured charity organizations where we’ve designed programs so members can choose from a variety of schedules and volunteer options. In this issue, we highlight Willing Hearts. Willing Hearts - 1 year in review Willing Hearts is AWA’s newest featured organization. Since the fall of 2018, AWA has been a constant presence in the kitchens at Willing Hearts, with volunteer shift opportunities that include mornings, afternoons and weekends. In that time, over 180 hours have been donated by AWA members as well as by their friends and family. Willing Hearts operates a soup kitchen that prepares, cooks and distributes approximately 6,000 daily meals to over 40 locations islandwide, 365 days a year. Beneficiaries include the elderly, the disabled, low-income families, children from single parent families or otherwise poverty stricken families, and migrant workers in Singapore (source:http://www. willinghearts.org.sg/about-us/)
An example of some of the fresh food prepared at Willing Hearts
AWA members in the Willing Hearts kitchen This amazing organization does all this with the work
of a handful of big-hearted paid staff, and the rest is 100% volunteers. AWA members volunteer alongside people from across Singapore working with their own organizations, schools, offices, families or a group of friends. All who have volunteered their time have learned new ways to chop vegetables, marinate food, make dumplings, cook in giant woks and have seen the workings of a huge industrial kitchen. The kitchen aunties and uncles who are there nearly every day keep us occasional volunteers in line, and teach us the skills needed as we go along. Anytime we arrive, there is anticipation of what is to come. In the past 1.5 years, we have experienced
www.awasingapore.org
just about everything! Some days we arrive to get the jobs in the wet kitchen of cutting, marinating and prepping the protein to be cooked the next day. This is always busy and active, and often an interesting challenge to the senses. Otherwise we head out to the back area where there are rows of tables for chopping and shredding veggies for the next day's stir fry. It’s a slower pace and allows for chatting. The regular volunteers know when and where people are needed and keep people moving throughout the day. Working in kitchens is not clean work; all the clothes we wear that day (and sometimes our shoes) are thrown in the laundry when we get home. However, the reward far exceeds the messy clothes for the day. You will leave knowing without question that you made a difference in the lives of those less fortunate. Additionally, Willing Hearts shifts are a great way to get to know fellow AWA members. As you are busy preparing foods at your station, you can chat with your fellow volunteers, often exchanging stories of travel, expat life and home. You will definitely make new friends in the process. AWA schedules monthly shifts for members to gather and prepare food for those less fortunate. Let's get cooking! For more information, please visit http://www.willinghearts.org.sg or email willinghearts@awasingapore.org. -- 19 --
Photography Group
The awa Photography group welcomes both new and returning Members
Highlights from the Intan Event Last November, the AWA Photography Group enjoyed a wonderful visit to a unique shophouse in the Joo Chiat neighborhood. The Intan is both a home and a museum for Alvin Yap, the owner and collector of all things Chinese Peranakan. With an introduction to the challenges of indoor photography, Karen Lucas led the group in creative ways to compose both wide angle and close-ups of unique items. Alvin’s mother was there to provide some friendly Peranakan hospitality and serve our group some nonya kueh snacks and tea.
All photos by Karen Lucas
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Bamboo Telegraph - Mar/Apr 2020
Photography Group
The awa Photography group welcomes both new and returning Members
Highlights from the Haw Par Villa Walk The Photography Group, including many new members who have only just moved to Singapore, explored the unique Haw Par Villa in January. Formerly known as the Tiger Balm Garden, the outdoor art gallery was built in 1937 and was the brainchild of Aw Boon Haw, the man behind Tiger Balm. We discovered weird and wonderful, garish statues depicting moralistic tales from ancient Chinese folklore.
The Ten Courts of Hell section was rather gruesome but also somewhat amusing; severe punishments in hell await for crimes such as being ungrateful, misusing books and disobeying parents. This unique theme park truly is a photographer’s paradise.
Photo by Katrine Baggesen
Photo by Alison Stanton
Photo by Katrine Baggesen
Photo by Alison Stanton
Photo by Katrine Baggesen
www.awasingapore.org
Photo by Alison Stanton
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Photography Group
PHOTOGRAPHY OUTINGS FOR ALL SKILL LEVELS ... upcoming events
Marina Bay Sunset Photo Walk Join the AWA Photography Group for an exciting evening of photography during the magical "Blue Hour". Capture Singapore’s iconic scenes: the Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands, Merlion and CBD. Suitable for: All levels of photographer with any camera or mobile phone What to bring/wear: - Comfortable walking shoes - Camera with a range of lenses. Wide-angle will be the most useful - Water & snack - Tripod
photo by Karen Lucas
Date: Thursday, March 12 Time: 6:30pm to 8:30pm Meeting Esplanade Outdoor Theatre Point: (with the white ‘sails’) Cost: Free
Tulipmania Photo Walk - Flower Dome Join us at the Flower Dome for a romantic stroll in the “countryside,” surrounded by tulips of every color, shape and size. Enjoy taking wide-angle shots of the fields of flowers or zoom in for some dramatic close-ups. Suitable for: All levels of photographer with any camera or mobile phone What to bring/wear - Comfortable walking shoes - Sweater (it can get very chilly in the dome) - Camera with a range of lenses from wide-angle to telephoto Volunteer Walk Leader: Alison Stanton
photo by Karen Lucas
Date: Monday, April 13 Time: 9:30am to 11:30am Place: Flower Dome in Gardens by the Bay Meeting Point: Entrance to Flower Dome Cost: Free (Please purchase Flower Dome ticket in advance)
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Bamboo Telegraph - Mar/Apr 2020
Beauty & Fashion Looking good while having fun
Beauty and Fashion chair Florence Sorgini had the opportunity to sit with the founder of Amplio Beauty, Nmita Doak, for a little Q&A on how to keep our makeup looking fresh in Singapore. What are some tips for keeping eye shadow in place? “I always start with my eyes. An advantage of Amplio Eye Shadow is that it can be used wet or dry; wet for liner, or dry for intense and longer-lasting color. After taking the product on your brush, make sure you tap the brush before applying it to your eyelids. This will reduce fall out. Symmetry is key! Clean up and move on." What should we look for in a long-lasting lipstick? “It is wonderful having a lipstick that will last most of the day, but having dry lips after is just not worth it. The key is to start by using a lip scrub to remove any dry skin and then use a Lip Stylo to line the lips and color them in. This also acts as a soft protector for your lips as it has plant-based oils and waxes, natural mineral colorants and Vitamin E. Follow this with a slower drying lipstay such as Amplio Lipstay, which takes 45 seconds to dry, giving you time to get it perfect, and then finish with filling in any lines with the Lip Stylo.”
What’s the one thing that makes the most difference? “Blushers and bronzers. If you don’t usually wear foundation, this is something that can give your face just a little pop. With the deep light-reflecting textures, it can provide a stunning glow. Some shades can even be used as a contour, eye shadow or bronzer.” Beauty and Fashion invites you to learn more fantastic tips by joining us for a Master Class make-up session with the founder of Amplio Beauty, Nmita Doak. Designed in Singapore but manufactured in USA, Amplio make-up is created to withstand hot climates throughout the whole day, and easily lets you transform your look from day to night. In this session, we will focus on an overall look using Amplio Eyeshadows, Blushes, Contours/bronzers, Lip Stylo and Liquid Lipstays. We will also share tips and tricks for quick and effortless makeup application for an overall look.
Date: Monday March 9 Time: 10:30AM – 1PM Location: 57 Grange Road (specific details will be shared once ticket is purchased) Cost: $35.00 for Members $25.00 gift voucher will be given back to spend on the day of the event $40.00 for Non-members $25.00 gift voucher will be given back to spend on the day of the event Coffee, Tea and light beverages will be served; let’s get ready to play!
All photos provided by Amplio Beauty
www.awasingapore.org
Sign up at our website: www.awasingapore.org For questions, email: beautyfashion@awasingapore.org -- 23 --
Art Gallery
rotating professional art displays at AWA The latest professional artwork displayed in the AWA office conference room is by photographer Sandra Macheroux. She creates uniquely compelling works by capturing the beauty of the moment. Her photographs of Singapore scenes tell a complex story and showcase the island’s beauty, heritage and personality. Sandra shared the technique and inspiration behind her work at a talk at the office in mid-February. A selection of her artwork will be on display and for sale to AWA members until mid-March.
Sandra giving a talk at the AWA office
Place: AWA Office, 15 Scotts Road, #03-01 Thong Teck Bldg, 228218
An example of Sandra's Singapore scenic photography
For more information, contact curator@awasingapore.org
Arts & Culture
Discover new worlds in and around Singapore
Join a workshop on Kathakali, a classical Indian Dance. Kathakali is a “story play” genre of art, but one distinguished by the elaborately colorful makeup, costumes and face masks that male actordancers traditionally wear. You will gain a deeper understanding of the ancient art of Kathakali, its characteristics, the significance of the face colors, as well as the musical instruments used in a Kathakali performance. Be amazed by the facial muscles that can be controlled by a Kathakali artiste in a demonstration of the eye movements and Navarasas (9 emotions) by Kathakali exponent Kalamandalam Biju. Participants will also get hands-on experience by trying some Kathakali movements. The session will end with a question and answer workshop.
ED L E C CAN
Date: Tuesday March 3 Time: 10:30am to 12:30pm Place: Bhaskar’s Arts Academy 19, Kerbau Road S, 219158 Cost: $20 Members & Guest/$15 Children
Limit: 50 -- 24 --
A Kathakali actor/dancer
Sign up at our website: www.awasingapore.org For questions, email: artsandculture@awasingapore.org Bamboo Telegraph - Mar/Apr 2020
Book Group Update
For awa members who love a good book and good discussions
About AWA Book Groups If you love to read and want to meet some interesting new friends, join an AWA book group today. We have a total of six groups; each group meets monthly and members take turns hosting at their homes, function rooms, or even at local cafes. We have groups that meet in the morning, afternoon and evening to accommodate all types of schedules. And even if you can't finish the book, you're still welcome to attend the meeting and hear what's sure to be a lively conversation about the book and a lot more!
What we’re reading in 2020 Looking for a good book? Here’s a selection of the books we’re reading so far this year! A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles A Place for Us by Fatima Farheen Mirza Factfulness by Hand Roling Girl, Woman, Other by Bernardine Evaristo (2019 Booker Prize)
AWA's Wednesday afernoon book group
Sarah’s Key by Tatiana de Rosnay
New AWA Evening Book Group!
The 7 (1/2) Deaths of Evelyn Hardcastle by Stuart Turton
We are excited to announce the start of a new evening book group. Our new group formed in January and meets on the 2nd Tuesday evening of each month. It’s growing fast, but there are still a few open spots. If you’d like to join, please register (it’s free!) on the AWA Book Groups page. We also have a few open spots in some of our morning and afternoon groups.
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett The Overstory by Richard Powers (2019 Pulitzer Prize) The Secret History by Donna Tartt
www.awasingapore.org
For more information contact Kate at bookgroups@awasingapore.org.
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Smiles & Snapshots highlights of the awa 2019 holiday lunch
Photographs by jeremiah lee of Hey Gorgeous Ph One of our most popular events of the year is the AWA Holiday Luncheon and this past year was no different. We had 220 ladies gather in the Ballroom of the Shangri-La Hotel on December 6. The event started with a glass of champagne and time to shop for holiday presents. We had 40 vendors set up in the room adjacent to the Ballroom, selling everything from candles to Christmas decorations, shoes to fine jewelry, and food platters to kids toys. The lunch included a three-course sit-down meal with wine and a holiday table favor for each guest, a specially designed Singapore-themed ornament for the Christmas tree. We also
Emily winning the grand prize
Lunch setting and a free ornament
Britt and Tiffany purchasing some special gifts
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Bamboo Telegraph - Mar/Apr 2020
collected toys to donate to the Marines' "Toys for Tots" program. There were plenty of lucky draw prizes too. It was a lovely day. All the ladies came dressed in their holiday finery and enjoyed the food, wine and laughter to kick off the season together. It’s now become a must-attend AWA event!
The 18-hole golf ladies looking lovely in holiday attire
Dayna, Jody, Sarah and Youmi
Jeanne and Karen checking out some holiday items
AWA friends enjoying a good laugh over lunch
Kristin, Kristi and Nancy
AWA tennis team Over Served and friends getting festive!
www.awasingapore.org
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Smiles & Snapshots
highlights of The awa 2019 Holiday Lights tour
Photographs byMoving Stills
(EXCEPT WHERE NOTED)
The Holiday Lights Tour kicked off the festive season for the whole family Singapore-style! From hot cocoa and cookies, plus wine for adults, to a special photo opportunity with Santa, a fun evening was had by all! AWA had 6 buses, and all were sold out. There were Christmas carols on the radio so everyone could sing along while driving down Orchard Road to see all the lights lit up at night. As an extra bonus this year, there was a scavenger hunt that had kids on the look-out for specific decorations along the route as well as some fun trivia questions and fabulous prizes. A big thanks to all the AWA ladies who helped organize the event!
The AWA volunteers who helped make the Holiday Light Tour a success
Kids of all ages enjoying a visit with Santa Claus
Playing in the "Snow" outside Tanglin Mall: photo by Gina Vono
-- 28 --
Enjoying the lights from the open-top bus: photo by Toni Wills
Bamboo Telegraph - Mar/Apr 2020
Running
Running Around SIngapore... And Beyond The AWA Running Group is embarking on a new challenge this year. We usually participate in two road races throughout the year, but in 2020 we have decided to mix it up a bit and enter a TRAIL run. Ten members are running the Vietnam Jungle Run on May 23. The race will be held at the Pu Luong Nature Reserve. This reserve in Vietnam is home to ancient jungle, soaring limestone peaks, vibrant paddy fields and small ethnic minority villages. Although the group already started training at the end of January, we took some needed time out that month to celebrate our traditional New Year's Dinner. We met at FOC, where we feasted on Spanish tapas and held our customary gift exchange. It was a memorable night and two months later we are still talking about it.
At Singapore's Botanic Gardens: a rare moment of standing still
The AWA Running Group is a dynamic and wonderful group. Come join us for a 5K run on any Tuesday. We meet at the Botanic Gardens and you’ll be able find out first-hand what everybody is raving about! For more information, contact Marangeli Wouda running@awasingapore.org The Running Group's New Year's Dinner at FOC
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Tennis
Fun, Friendship and Fair Play
Tennis Activities in the last 2 months Doubles Event: We had 13 ladies participate in a fun doubles event last season. The overall winner was Tina Walton and runner up was Jeanne Craig. Congratulations ladies. Rookie Round Robin: We had a full house on Friday January 17th at the Savitar Tennis Centre, Fairmont Hotel. 20 ladies played a mini round robin tournament. The winner was Karen Bordas, in 2nd was Laura Cavanaugh and in 3rd were Stacie Price and Gemma O’Flaherty. Naughty Girls : Jennifer, Angela, Lena
ADVANCE TEAM TENNIS 1st Place: Chase My Ace Laurence Clements, Joyce Padfield, Margie Powell, Stephanie Monteith, Sue Marsh, Teresa Burgess, Suzanne Snowdon Runners Up: Naughty Girls Angela Pera, Beck Dahl, Deepel Persaud, Jennifer Houff, Laurie Dunn, Lena Barkman Qvars, Paige Coleman-Rodgriguz INTERMEDIATE TEAM TENNIS Rookie RR Winners: Stacie, Laura, Gemma, Karen
Thank you to Frank of Savitar for providing some goodies for the event. The ladies received goodie bags from AWA including a wine cooler, tennis balls, rosin bags and jewelry.
1st Place: Splendid Pineapples Boon Eng Lim, Doris Ming, Gemma O’Flaherty, Mel Rice, Neha Yadav, Tiffany Sukay
Team Tennis runs in the off season of WITS and LTS. We had 84 ladies sign up this season, split into two groups of Advanced and Intermediate, with six teams in each group. Over six weeks each team played each other in a round robin format with the final week being a play-off for 1st, 2nd and 3rd place.
Splendid Pineapples: Boon, Gemma, Tiffany, Doris
Runners Up: Alley Cats Jamie McGrath, Alice Clark-Platts, Denise Burchette, Linda Shearer, Sayuri Akagi, Stacie Price, Teresa Padgett Girls Night Out: We had a full house for GNO in November to celebrate Thanksgiving at the Hyatt Hotel on Scotts Road with Coach James from Savitar. All enjoyed some fun tennis drills, lots of yummy food and funky music, all washed down with free flow bubbles. Chase My Ace: Margie, Sue, Suzanne, Stephanie
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Bamboo Telegraph - Mar/Apr 2020
Tennis
Fun, Friendship and Fair Play
Tennis Activities in the next 2 months The always popular Girls Night Outs will be held on the following dates: March 12 and April 9 at the Hyatt Hotel on Scotts Road Felicia Burch Tournament: This fun three-day event for intermediate players will be held on Monday March 30 through Wednesday, April 1. AWA Open: This is a four-day advanced tournament open to members and non-members. It will be held Monday May 11 through Thursday, May 14. Assessment dates: Check out our tennis pages on AWASingapore.org for the latest assessment dates.
Girls Night Out celebrating Thankgsiving 2019
End of Year AWA Tennis Party will be on Friday May 8 at the American Club. Join your AWA Tennis Committee for a lunch and awards ceremony filled with lots of fun games and lucky draw prizes. It is our time to give back to our members. Mark your calendars now so you don't miss it! To register for all events or for full details please see the tennis page on the AWA website Joyce and Suzanne enjoying some team tennis
Golf Shots
The AWA Golf Group Welcomes Both New And Returning Members
The AWA Ladies meet every week for a round of golf at a local golf course. Whether it is at the iconic Marina Bay golf course, the chameleon haven at Warren or the breathtaking Orchid Country Club, we all just want to have a great day (or night) out, spending time with each other. Of course, we also dine in style. So dig out your clubs and come join us. An evening round at Marina Bay Golf Course
For more information, contact 18holegolf@awasingapore.org AWA golfers having fun during an outing in Malaysia
www.awasingapore.org
A farewell to Hanna & Jina with High Tea at the Atlas Bar
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A WA Events and Activities Social & Special Groups
After Ni Hao – Mandarin conversation every Thursday at 10am. Hyesung Laffey & Manju Banka, afternihao@awasingapore.org
Arts & Culture – Monthly talks and events focusing on Asian arts &
culture. Kristi Miller & Seema Shah, artsandculture@awasingapore.org Bar Night – Ladies’ nights, couples’ nights each month. Kristin Bemowski, barnight@awasingapore.org Beauty & Fashion - From fashion talks to workshops, there’s no age limit to brilliant beauty & unlimited style. Florence Sorgini, beautyfashion@awasingapore.org Book Groups – Morning, afternoon & evening books groups, held monthly. Kate Breslin, bookgroups@awasingapore.org Bunco – Play this simple dice game once a month in the evening at Boomerang Bar, Robertson Quay. Anne Roberts, bunco@awasingapore.org Cancer Support Group – Meets the third week of the month, with a focus on mutual support and information sharing. Rosa Liu, cancersupport@awasingapore.org Christian Connection - Provides information and resources to help you connect with local Christian community groups. Barbara Winkler, christianconnect@awasingapore.org Couples’ Bridge – Meets monthly on a Saturday evening. Spouses are welcome. Amy Starling, couplesbridge@awasingapore.org Creative Hands - Bring your handiwork project to work on and share with other creative women every 2nd, 4th & 5th Thursday. Charisse Litteken, crafters@awasingapore.org Cultural Cooking – Ready to learn your way around the international kitchen? Monthly cooking classes are for you! Donna Bose & Sarah Beutelschies, cooking@awasingapore.org DISH – Monthly lunches at a variety of interesting venues. Caitlin McNeal & Alison Coriel, dish@awasingapore.org Drop-In Coffees – Meets at Orchard Tangs Providore Café, on the 2nd floor every Wed & Fri from 10.30am - 12.30pm. Open to everyone, no need to register. Laurie Day, coffee@awasingapore.org Duplicate Bridge – American Standard five-card major rules every Monday. You don’t need a partner to join. Esme Parish, duplicatebridge@awasingapore.org High Tea - Enjoy monthly teas at Singapore’s top hotels. Debra Minnock, hightea@awasingapore.org International Choir – Rehearses every Wednesday. Performances in the spring & winter. Michiko Kinoshita, intlchoir@awasingapore.org Listen Ladies – A compassionate group of ladies who have a confidential and supportive meeting every 2nd Monday. Andrea McKenna Brankin, listenladies@awasingapore.org Local Tours – Professionally guided tours of Singapore, multiple times each month. Cathy Barshop, localtours@awasingapore.org Mahjong - International style in a low stress FUN friendly atmosphere on every Monday afternoon & 3rd Tuesday evening at Boomarang Robertson Quay. Siew-Wei Ngiam, mahjong@awasingapore.org Mixology & Mingle - Learn to make cocktails and mingle with new friends, 1st Friday of the month. Lisa Smith mixology@awasingapore.org Movie Lunch – Monthly lunch followed by a movie in the Orchard Road area. Michelle Reeb, movielunch@awasingapore.org Photography – Meets once a month to have fun practicing and improving our photography. All levels are welcome. Alison Stanton & Karen Lucas, photography@awasingapore.org Playgroup - For moms with kids under age 3. Meets every Firday morning at a member's home plus a monthly "Moms Night Out". Ashley Fagan & Morgan Steinman, playgroups@awasingapore.org
Podcasting – Meets every 3rd Wednesday to share information & ideas on the podcast process. All levels welcome. Anne Morgan, podcasting@awasingapore.org Quilting – For new or experienced quilters on the 1st & 3rd Thursdays of the month. Jo Sochi, quilting@awasingapore.org Trivia Night – Trivia Night is a fun way to make new friends while testing your trivia knowledge! Meets monthly on a Monday night. Karla Popper, trivia@awasingapore.org Workshops - Expand your mind and learn something new about yourself, about Singapore or about the world - the possibilities are endless. Leezibet Heinzraiden, workshops@awasingapore.org Writers’ Group - Beginner and published writers discuss their work the 2nd & 4th Thursday of every month. Anne Morgan & Elissa Viornery, writers@awasingapore.org
Sports
Golf - The 18-hole group plays on Wednesday & the 9-hole group
on Thursday. Hanna Appelt, 18holegolf@awasingapore.org Health and Fitness – A variety of health and fitness activities & informative seminars to help everyone stay fit. Stacey Raza, fitness@awasingapore.org Hiking – Meets at MacRitchie Reservoir every 1st & 3rd Thursday morning. Tori Nelson & Christine Schooling, hiking@awasingapore.org Pilates - Mixed ability classes bookable monthly. Jo Cockerill, pilates@awasingapore.org Running - Group runs for all levels on Tuesday & Thursday mornings at locations around Singapore. Marangeli Wouda, running@awasingapore.org Tennis - A variety of singles and doubles play including tournaments, and team tennis for players of all levels. Georgina Webster & Gigi Scott, tennischair@awasingapore.org Walking - Walk all over this amazing island. Mondays are 10K, Wednesdays are 5K. Andrea McKenna Brankin & Mercedes Bainbridge, walking@awasingapore.org
Community Service
Community Service - Connecting AWA members to volunteer opportunities with AWA’s featured organizations and more. Christa Boncimino, commservice@awasingapore.org Ronald McDonald House Charities - Support the families of children at Singapore’s National University Hospital. Sheila Weidner, rmhc@awasingapore.org Humanitarian Organization for Migrant Economies
Volunteer to assist residents at HOME’s shelter for migrant workers in Singapore. Christa Boncimino, home@awasingapore.org Food From The Heart - Help pack and/or distribute food bags to families in Singapore who cannot afford to feed themselves. Janet Stride, ffth@awasingapore.org
People’s Association (A Singapore Government Body)
Connecting AWA members to government volunteer opportunities. Christa Boncimino, outreach@awasingapore.org Willing Hearts - Monthly shifts to prepare food for the less fortunate. Allison Burden, willinghearts@awasingapore.org kidsREAD - Help local children develop a love of reading. Rekha Kumar, kidsread@awa.singapore.org For more information, visit our website: www.awasingapore.org
2020
Fashii Show Friday, April 17
