RØMP Magazine: May/June 2014

your definitive edutainment source

RĂ˜MP MAY / JUNE 2014

issue #15 craft

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ABOUT T O W N 08 Events Listing

NO W 10 Generation of Makers 15 Crafting A Legacy 19 O.P.E.N. Conversations 24 YESAH x Linda

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NOTE D 26 Who is: Sasha Christian 28 Soundtrack 30 Grooming 31 Homegrown Labels 32 Mother’s Day 34 [Review] hic’Juice 36 #tweedlebakes 39 [Review] R-Evolution 40 Get Moving 42 Father’s Fare 47 [Review] Sprigs

PE RSPE CT IVE 50 The Freestyle Photographer 55 Visual Movement

G L OBE TRO T TE R 58 A Rodeo Affair 62 A Lonely Guide to Satipo

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E D ITOR ’ S NO TE The creative community in Singapore is steadily growing, and it is a small, warm group with considerable support available for the passionate ones. Yes, we can sometimes be kiasu, materialistic and narrowminded, but we are young and ambitious, and learning. In spite of the competitive ongoing rat race, the makers of Singapore definitely do not compromise quality for monetary gains, as Jeremiah from J.Myers (pg.17) demonstrates. The size of our small country isn’t a factor either homegrown Haystackt (pg.12) is already gearing up to be a recognised global online marketplace.

Creation exists in other forms, too, as the artist-mentors of O.P.E.N. (pg.21) explores through their wandering journeys, as part of the upcoming Singapore International Festival of Arts. #tweedlebakes also creates through her bakes, driven by the desire to fulfill the preferences of each individual’s unique tastebuds.

You see, creation is in everything; it is in the process that makes it craft.

We hope that this issue will inspire you to put that extra bit of soul into whatever you do, no matter what it is – for that is your craft.

Xiangyun RØMP EDITOR

editor XIANGYUN LIM xiangyun@agapepublishing.sg

graphic designer XX TEO sheausee@agapepublishing.sg

contributors

publisher | sales director

NEU WEE TEE | ESTHER TAN ASHA GIZELLE | AISYA HISHAM

CALVIN LAI calvin@agapepublishing.sg

senior contributor

distributor

JOEY MURRAY

MEDIAWHEEL SINGAPORE

RØMP magazine is published bi-monthly by Agape Publishing Pte Ltd. Copyright is held by the publisher. All rights reserved. Opinions expressed or implied are not necessarily those of the editor and publisher.

Reproduction in whole or part without permission is prohibited, or else.

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Music Matters Live 2014 Bigger and better than ever, Music Matters Live brings more than 60 bands from 18 countries to perform over 170 shows at eight outlets in Clarke Quay, including Beer Market, Fern & Kiwi and China One, as well as a few venues around town like Timbre @ The Substation. A live stream of shows will accompany the epic music festival for those unable to make it on YouTube – visit www.youtube.com/musicmatterstome or www .musicmatterslive.com for more.

Music Matters Live 2014

EVENTS LISTING

Affordable Art Fair The second installment of Affordable Art Fair curates another exciting range of new works from more than 400 new and emerging contemporary artists on show alongside established, well-known names. Whether visitors are looking for traditional or contemporary and stylish, there are works of art for everyone that suits every budget.

Affordable Art Fair

When: 23-25 May 2014 (Private Viewing on 22 May, Thursday) Where: F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Boulevard

Audi Fashion Festival 2014

Genesis

Genesis

Audi Fashion Festival 2014

For the first time in Asia, world-renowned photographer Sebastião Salgado presents his sublime black and white images of our planet in an 8-year cumulative project from 2008 to 2011. Dramatic, moving and grand, these 245 photographs present powerful images of our fragile planet and the intricate association between Man, animal and the environment that we all have a duty to protect.

When: 10am – 6pm daily, till 27 Jul 2014 Where: Exhibition Gallery 2, Basement, National Museum of Singapore

Catch the likes of Asian male supermodel Godfrey Gao and Hollywood actress Kate Bosworth at this sixth edition of Audi Fashion Festival, which is internationally recognised as one of the top fashion weeks in the world. This prestigious highprofile platform brings together consumers to traditionally by-invite only shows for media and trade along with emerging and exciting Asian names alongside the best of the best in the international arena. For more information, visit: http://audifashionfestival.com.

When: 14-18 May 2014

[Contest] Fly to Las Vegas to catch Michael Jackson ONE Fancy an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas to catch the acclaimed Michael Jackson ONE

by Cirque Du Soleil? All you need to do is to submit a photo or video of your most creative impersonation of Michael Jackson with your Sony Xperia Z2, post it on Instagram with #DanceWithXperiaZ2, and the most creative impersonation of the King of Pop will be chosen. Winners will be announced via Sony Mobile SG Facebook Page and on 98.7FM on 13 June 2014.

When: 12 May – 12 June 2014

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When: 21-24 May 2014 Where: Clarke Quay

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Lord of The Rings Movie Concert Watch the first installment of Peter Jackson’s Oscar-winning film trilogy while an impressive 250 musicians from the Metropolitan Festival Orchestra, the International Festival Chorus and the Young Voices of Vocal Associates perform the Howard Shore’s Academy and Grammy winning film score live(!), in this uniquely immersive experience.

When: 6-8 June 2014 Where: The Star Theatre, Star Performing Arts Centre

Sustainable Seafood Festival Imagine if our oceans run out of fish by 2048. This is what will happen if we continue fishing at the current rate. By empowering suppliers, retailers, restaurants and consumers through the Sustainable Seafood Festival to ‘Pick The Right Catch’, WWFSingapore hope to create a new movement for sustainable seafood so that our future generations can continue to enjoy our favourite seafood in abundance.

Visit www.picktherightcatch.com for more information.

When: 8-15 June 2014 Where: Various

Opera in the Park Singapore Lyric Opera (SLO) once again brings opera to the outdoor in its 7th year at Singapore Botanic Gardens, performing favourite experts from opera classics such as Lehar’s The Merry Widow, Bizet’s Carmen, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, Puccini’s Tosca and Wagner’s Tannhäuser in the casual green setting, allowing audiences to picnic with family and friends for a beautifully relaxing evening of music.

Lord of The Rings Movie Concert

We: Defining Stories presents over 400 photojournalistic images of the iconic moments in Singapore’s post-war years from the 1950s till 2013. Collaboration with The Straits Times, the exhibition is an opportunity for everyone to revisit some of the more significant events in our nation’s history, and reflect upon our own experiences that were borne out of these moments. Beyond presenting historical events, the exhibition also explores our defining moments through the stories of everyday Singaporeans.

An emotional journey into her life and a testimony of her work over a 15-year period, the critically acclaimed international exhibition features close to 200 iconic photographs of famous public figures and personal photographs of family and friends taken by Annie Leibovitz. Highlights include portraits of celebrities and well-known figures such as Leonardo Di Caprio, Scarlett Johansson and Nicole Kidman, personal photos documenting scenes from Annie’s life, assignment and largescale landscapes.

When: Till Sunday, 19th October 14 Where: Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956

Annie Leibovitz: A Photographer’s Life 1990-2005

When: 6pm, 7 June 2014 Where: Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, Singapore Botanic Gardens

We: Defining Stories

Annie Leibovitz: A Photographers Life 1990 - 2005

Opera in the Park Substainable Seafood Festival

When: 10am – 6pm daily, till 31 Aug 2014 Where: Exhibition Gallery 1, Basement, And National Museum of Singapore

We: Defining Stories

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Generation of Makers: The Makers’ Marketplace text: neu weetee

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Today, purchasing a product is a more complex equation than just design and quality. The definition of luxury goods continues to shift as the global marketplace battles over mass-production and the real “luxurious” touch of goods.

Instead, there is an increasing focus on the process and personalities behind creation, fuelled by the desire to know the story behind each product. More than mere purchases, goods are becoming connections with the artisans and craftsmen.

Haystakt understands that. An ingenious crowdpricing platform, Haystakt allows the community to work with the craftsmen to produce. Customers who see a product they like commit to buy it, in turn lowering the prices via economies of scale and allowing designers to create without the worry of overproduction waste.

“Crowdpricing works when a maker has a new product, and launches a preordering campaign to fund their production. Where it’s unique is that the crowd gets to determine the final price of a project – the more orders made, the less everyone pays. Crowdpricing taps on the concept of economies-of-scale, and helps makers achieve volume in their production, “ explains Joel Leong, founder and director of Haystakt.

It’s a win-win situation. Not a difficult one to create, simply because it is, for them, always about the community.

Realising that people around him with ideas had trouble with pricing and production issues – limited buyers lead to high prices to recoup overheads, but at the same time the high prices put off potential buyers – Leong, with his co-founder, Melvin, sought to combine the two entities of this business, price and buyer response.

“More and more of our friends had chosen to pursue their passions as opposed to the nine-to-five grind. It’s largely attributed to the availability of information and tools today as opposed to a decade ago – a global phenomenon that’s broadly classified as the Maker’s Movement. While good ideas were plenty, it wasn’t easy to take a product to market,” Leong says.

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And so, crowdpricing was born, and it’s more than just win-win in monetary terms. By helping to realise the countless expanse of ideas that people have, Haystakt represents something more than just a business – it represents an intrinsic sense of innovativeness to solve and to build, and beyond that, working together in the process of actualisation.

Its launch has been garnering “amazing” response. Leong says most successful projects featured on Haystakt doubled their minimum order goal, pointing out local designers Shiok Collaborative, which achieved spectacular success for their Skinny Wallets. Their project, featuring sleek and easy-to-use wallets, not only maxed out their production run but also sold another 50 units in less than three days after hitting their goal.

It comes as no surprise that the founders of Haystakt are aiming to reach the world, for great ideas travel far.

Haystakt has always envisioned reaching out to the global stage, whereby anyone from anywhere can set up their projects and have a localised experience online. Haystack is currently also receiving orders globally, which is always good news for local designers with the issue of a limited market.

Great ideas also lie on the back of great beliefs. Leong believes that world-changing products will start to emerge out of their community of tinkerers and inventors. It is this conviction that defines Haystakt: that great ideas can come from the community with the right support and platform.

“We built Haystakt to solve problems for the community, and it’s still why we wake up everyday.”

Team From left to right: See Yee, Joel, Melvin, Melanie Images: Haystackt

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K O I SH The best designs are usually inspired by fulfilling personal needs. Unable to find a wallet that wasn’t too thick, messy, complicated, obtrusive, gimmicky and meaningful, architect student Leon made a prototype wallet that reimagined the wallet as a personal space.Together with his partner, Kelvin, Skinny Wallet was thus born, with a reorder the hierarchy of elements in the traditional wallet to evoke an intimacy between you and the things you care about, the moment you open it.

TARU Woodworks “It is a redefinition of one’s lifestyle.The slim profile allows one to bring only what is necessary.With a minimalist design, the wallet highlights one’s individuality by reminding him of what matters to his heart most.”

Often overlooked but essential in completing an outfit, the bow tie has to be tied perfectly in the right shape and balance for that touch of classiness. Differentiate yourself from the rest with the Frank bowtie, which goes against the grain by using wood instead of common fabric. Made by bare hands and a few basic tooks, each bow tie acquires a texture detailed and warm unlike any other material, and every piece is unique in its shape and tiny imperfections, representing the human touch in creation.

Kelvin Ng

Singapore Icons Plates

Minus One

Ceramic Bamboo Tea Cups

These porcelain plates bear homage to Singapore Icons, such as our iconic HDB flats, as well as the majestic Tembusu tree that resides in the Singapore Botanic Gardens, which is famous for its distinctive sweeping low branch.

These super lightweight and water-resistant Minus One totes are made from parasol offcuts, with much thought put into patching the off-cuts to minimise waste and preserve each original shape. The construction of each bag depends on the varying shapes of fabric gathered, which explains the additional seams that reflect their unique origins.

A project by Weekend Worker featuring Ong Su Loon, these Ceramic Bamboo Tea Cups are moulded from bamboo stems: by casting the interior of bamboo stems, the resultant tea cups maintains the organic shape and texture of the bamboo stem interiors, making for beautiful companions to freshly brewed green tea and a tea cake.

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CRAFTING A LEGACY text & Photography: xiangyun lim

Nothing quite compares to the smell of leather. It is a rich scent – a result of the labourious tanning, oiling and crusting processes. It is a smell as distinct as its legacies of Harley Davidson riders, cowboy sheriffs, and feline superheros.

There is a touch of luxury inherent in leather, too – one recognises the whiff of lush upholstery, sleek accessories, car interiors. Over time, the smell develops into a subtle sturdiness, resilient as its make.

It is apt that this is the choice material for J.Myers. The bespoke leather-crafting establishment is a gem for those who love leather and value – standing at a stark contrast against mass-production, goods here are each painstakingly designed and handmade by craftsman Jeremiah Ang. The leather pieces including totes, pouches and watchstraps are minimalist and utilitarian; there are no distracting embellishments or loud logos. The end product is enough evidence of the J.Myers brand where the quality of the product is the star.

Quality and Compromise Jeremiah deems the integrity of the craft and product paramount. He is unwilling to compromise on the time of production, as that often ends up undermining quality. This can be a frustrating expectation to balance when customers desire personalised pieces without an understanding of the timeline, he explains. “There are customers who tell you they understand the length of time needed, but in the end, they get disappointed when you tell them it’s not ready before what they expect.”

The emphasis on integrity and quality also brings him to eschew the seduction of mechanising craft with a stable product line. There are definite downsides to this refusal: the tightness of time and resources makes it challenging to sustain J.Myers as a company, pursue the art of craft, all while championing the building of a leather-craft community.

“There are trade offs, such as having not enough time, being overworked, stressed, and not answering emails people sent me for two weeks… Right now, I’m still trying to find the balance to run a workshop successfully but at the same time craft things to that level, that I want. It’s easy to stop, to have my own line and get a factory to make them for me…but.

As a craftsman, you need to craft, and as a company, you need to grow.”

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All photographs were taken with 35mm film

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Tireless dedication To get a better sense of Jeremiah’s struggle, it is pertinent to understand his craft process. Each piece first requires constructing and prototyping. Next, the designs go through drafting, alteration and redesign – tasks only at the tip of the iceberg, for next comes procuring materials and the actual crafting. To ensure the make of their goods is perfectly aligned to their own design renders it almost an impossibility to outsource for small detailing from local manufacturers, which require huge quantities of orders. It thus entails far more effort in searching and shipping from overseas merchants, which is justified by the superior quality of the product.

For example, a recent project for the Sultan of Brunei necessitated a particular piece of hardware – the buckle of a commissioned binoculars bag – that could not be found within the given time frame. It was the impetus for Jeremiah to look into hardware making, and he ended up crafting the buckle with his own hands from a solid block of brass. This venture into hardware continues as an integral part of developing his leather crafting skills.

“There is a lot of depth in leather crafting. My belief is that as a craftsman, I should go more than that, to expand into different processes and really go in-depth. When knowledge gets to a certain level and popularity, there is the danger of staying at the comfort zone, making what they are good at – what they already know.”

Evidently, Jeremiah’s level of dedication goes above and beyond. It’s easy to see how much Jeremiah feels for his craft. His sketchbooks of designs and ideas remain pristine through the years, neatly kept amongst his workspace with towers of rolled leather and tools. Stepping into the small space at Banda street is like entering a place quite removed from the city buzz: two lush green vintage Chesterfield chairs welcome visitors along with the strong scent of leather.

Music dances quietly in the background. It is an organised mess of metal tools and material, ready to be used to their best. Here, attention is paid to fine details; time has a different quality. There is no doubt that each piece of good here is crafted with deep thought and precision, no matter how small it may be.

Quite simply, it is a love for the craft of creation keeps him going, along with a healthy dose of “foolishness” - he “wake[sic] up every day wanting to make things.” Juggling a family and freelance corporate photography jobs is challenging, but ultimately, no dampener to a passionate spirit.

Seldom do we think much of the process behind the creation of our possessions. Brands seduce, design hooks, but the craft is often given less thought to. After all, no one sees the tedious labour behind production. To see so much pride given to the process of crafting is a blissful dose of optimism that this local brand may just change the face of leather craft not just here, but in the world.

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OPEN CONVERSATIONS text: xiangyun lim

Think “Art” is atas, distant and incomprehensible? Nah. Art festivals in Singapore have been steadily moving in a direction more interactive and participatory – think Singapore Night Festival, Singapore Biennale, and Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA). After all, art is organic and inseparable from our existence, as the Oxford dictionary documents:

Art /a;t/ Noun: the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination, typically in a visual form such as painting or sculpture, producing works to be appreciated primarily for their beauty or emotional power.

The nature of art is such that it is constantly in flux, existing in any and every form; perhaps more meaningful in its process of creation rather than its product. As a part of our everyday lives, it is a way to make sense of what we experience and know, to enrich our lives which, in turn, enrich the arts experience.

In this vein, SIFA brings us O.P.E.N., which engages the public in exploring and questioning humanity and our world, four weeks before the opening of the Festival. Through a curated selection of events in a casual and intimate setting, we are invited to dip our toes and enter SIFA at a comfortable pace for a journey that doesn’t aim to end with the festival.

One of the highlights include Ways of Wandering, a unique promenade-style public performance that involves individuals from all walks of life in the creation of a one-of-a-kind performance in two heritage/ legacy sites of Singapore. These individuals, who sign up of their own accord, wander with six artistmentors: Theatre Artist and Arts Educatior Noorlinah Mohamed, Visual Artist Jason Wee, Dancer and Choreographer Joavien Ng, Actress Sharda Harrison, Music Director and Composer Phillip Tan, as well as Theatre Director and Producer Jeremiah Choy.

Bringing together a total of over 160 people with these artist-mentors from different genres and art backgrounds is taking wandering to a whole new level, and we certainly can’t wait to find out what is in store.Meanwhile, the artist-mentors meanders with RØMP through the intricacies of art and getting lost in the search for meaning and direction.

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What is Ways of Wandering about?

N: Ways of Wandering, or affectionately termed as WoW, is a participatory arts project. It involves about 160 people from the ages of 17 – 75 working with six different artists, myself included, to create a response to the theme, Legacy and the Expanded Classic. With the theme, we are keen to explore our personal footprints – how do the footprints of the past affect our lives today? And how do the footprints of today leave marks and traces that impact the future? We work with memories, text, objects, sounds, stories – things we hold dear, things we want said, things we wish we could say and have that be part of the material for our creation.

How have participants reacted to the experience thus far?

N: Well judging from the overwhelming response at The O.P.E.N. Call on 15 February, which 275 people responded, I would say extremely well.

There is a hunger out there to engage with the creative process. There is less intimidation of the arts and I think The O.P.E.N.’s varied programme is an experiment on how far we can go with engaging the public – the public being a non-homogeneous group have different wishes and wants. So we have something like the WoW, which offers a more experiential approach to arts egagement and then we have other events in The O.P.E.N. such as talks and performances and they too offer a different kind of engagement with the arts. So with WoW, the responses have been good. And what I hope is that the WoW folks would also venture to the other events at The O.P.E.N. – to openly engage at the talks, to attend discussions exploring issues and yes, to even speak up and express their opinion on issues too.

JN: During the Taster workshops in February, when I blindfolded and ear-plugged the participants to walk around the city, I think a few were apprehensive initially. After all, it was in fact quite an intimidation into each personal comfort zone. Nobody likes to have their senses taken away from them. However, I was glad that majority was gamed and took the risk. The sharing after each session was quite rewarding. Almost all bypassed the superficiality of their bodily movements, but rather shared how the process ignited memories, sensitivity, and importance of trust for the counterparts.

How do you think you wander through your art genre of choice?

JC: I love walking a lot. I am basically a kaypoh when I walk, being curious about the things around me. For this project, I was particularly inspired by the clothes that were hanging on the clothes poles at Tiong Bahru. I stopped for a full 10 mins examining these clothes, wandering who were the people who wore them, why were they wearing them and if there was a story behind the clothes.

JN: I always wander while I create. Sometimes, not voluntarily, and it’s often frustrating because we do not usually have the luxury of time to wander too long. I think working on new creations is all about taking this risk with one’s own mind and imagination, to allow it to run somewhere far and hopefully returns at some point.

JW: I work with more than one kind of material or outcome; sometimes I make photography, other times I make an installation, or a paintings.

And still other times, I write. In the words of the writer Adam Phillips, accidents are the best way, indeed the only way, of doing some things.

PT: For me: this journey is all about discovering that every sound has its place and time in our lives, i.e. it is about exploring the connection sound has with place and time. At different points of our lives, we experience sounds that comes and goes, and at different places, they mean different things to us.

SH: I like to move from acting, to movement, to being within a frame and I usually enjoy cross-collaborating and inter-disciplinary work. Actors I work with know that I could be moving with them for a while as we improvise a scene, and suddenly I might push them along in the improvisation to play some music with the musicians involved. I think my art genre of choice, isnt just one choice – being an artist means being open to all genres and being free to collaborate with as many as we would like to, or rather, wander through the various art forms.

SH: One of the participants told me, after our movement workshop, that she had always felt that her mind was a shrine but she had forgotten that her body houses the shrine, being her temple.

She had forgotten how to move her body or feel alive by moving and awakening all her senses. I enjoy engaging with people on this personal level, helping to evoke certain things that we have left buried inside us, for a little while.

From top-bottom: Jason, Joavien, Jeremiah and Philip

by Oneclickwonders

N: I privilege wandering a lot – not just the physical act of wandering but also the mental act of wandering. Dreaming to me is wandering. Hence the title Ways of Wandering – not just the act itself but the different means that such an act can be carried out. I do my wandering sometimes with a purpose, and sometimes, midway of that purposeful wandering, I meander and allow the discoveries to lead me to the next point. I think we all do our own “wanderings”, and perhaps we should do more of that. Say once every day!

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Art – a result of personal legacy, or a conglomeration of legacies?

N: Personal legacies – I see it as plural. Your legacies are conglomerations of many different legacies.

I suppose the layers of life journeys and the people you meet affect you in different ways and you, in turn, affect others, too, differently. For some, your legacy may be a building with your name on it. And to another your legacy is the love you offer them. And yet to another, you would have left a different legacy, perhaps an organ.

thus, had never left a legacy behind in the context of arts history.

Craft. Is there a difference between art and craft?

N: I think there is artistry in everything you do, but an artist is one who chooses to be so professionally, however you define professional these days. For some, you are only professional if you have a degree and that you make tons of money from it, but for others, it means the way you work, your ethos of life and attitude to your work. What makes something artful for me is the time, JW: To use Freud’s words in his letter to his passion, commitment and personal investment NOORLINAH MOHAMED friend, one has to allow for a multiplicity of in making something with great thought, care, voices, even an alloy with such-and-such per love and skill. The journey of making art is equally cent nonsense. important if not more important than the product at the end. I sometimes feel, if the journey of making is PT: I think and believe that no man is an island and we rich, the product you offer will be equally rich and meaningful. all need each other to live, thus our lives are constantly affected, shifted, jostled and evolve around people. Hence, I feel that Art JN: This will be defined by the person who owns it. This ownership is both a result of personal legacy as well as a conglomeration of can be a private art collector, or people who are inspired and legacies. It is first, a personal legacy because of our cultural moved by the work. Some good arts are also goods background, upbringing & personality, skills, ethics, essentially. values and beliefs, artistry and then it is also a conglomeration of legacies because art does JC: There is not difference between art and craft not live alone. To benefit the fullness of Art in my opinion. Both can be as demanding or and its beauty, it needs to be viewed, listened as leisurely as one make it to be. to, thought through, observed with and appreciated with the other fine arts. For What stories of Singapore do you think example, Drama by itself may be interesting should be told? yet with the addition of the right effects, N: Personal stories – conflicting stories sounds and music etc will become more – any stories for that matter – even those alive, believable and exciting! we think are too small and insignificant.

Each story adds to our understanding of JC: I think it is a bit of both. What the artJASON WEE Singapore. And we realise not one story is maker makes is of course his/her own personal more important that the other. legacy, but that is usually informed by what he/ she would like to comment on the society at large – JW: I wouldn’t want to tell someone else what stories hence it becomes a conglomerate of legacies. But the they should tell, but there are many stories that are still society “consumes” the art-maker’s art and thereby making untold, about our maids, our laborers, our sex workers, our it personal to the consumer. prisoners, our detainees.

“ I think wandering gives us time to ruminate, think, reflect, and these processes are highly important for creating work, any work – art or otherwise.”

“ Art is an extension of us, and if it is anything like us, then it is never always consistent, or always good.”

SH: I don’t like to define things, but I do strongly believe that the way in which we view our lives today as humans, have been shaped by a conglomeration of legacies, left behind by our great ancestors and so on. I believe, art is like a social ‘meme’ passed on and shaped throughout the years, influenced greatly by the past and in the present, we are either consciously or subconsciously, building or deconstructing the lego blocks of what was before and the potential of the present moment.

JN: The people. I think Singaporeans and residents, the people who chooses Singapore as their place to live and work, is a unique breed of people.

“ We are all art-makers/ craftsmen in varying degrees.

Some are more exacting than the others. Those who can, create.

Those who cannot, consume.”

JN: We have great artists who have created great works, which inspire many. I believe there are also great works from great artists whom we might not even have heard about in our lifetime, and

JEREMIAH CHOY

SH: The barber shops that are dying and the beauty saloons. Also, the older generation of men and women who lived in the old kampungs. I think we need to remember a little more, what our past is, because we have moved at such rapid pace from one generation to the next.

PT: Stories of our past, present and the future.

History is there for a purpose, to remind us of the good and weaker areas for improvement.

There are great lessons to be learnt.

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Noorlinah Mohammed

by Jeannie Ho

JC: Who we are, what we are doing, where we came from or heading towards. What are our thoughts? Our reflections, our aspirations and our worries. The then, now and the future.

These are the stories that I think should be told.

And in the context of Singapore; in building an identity that is understandable to strangers and resonates with Singaporeans?

N: I think identity is a complex concept, especially when you talk about a Singaporean identity. I am not sure if we could ever decide on a monolithic response to a Singaporean identity. Especially now, when the situation in Singapore is far more complex and life is layered with a variety of global and local expectations.

How important is leaving one’s personal legacy behind? To whom; and to what effect?

JW: The more stories we tell, of all kinds of people who live on our little island, the more strangers and Singaporeans will know and love this city.

JN: You can never choose if you will be able to leave behind a personal legacy, or rather the validity of it. It is for the other people to decide if your legacy is worth remembering.

N: We all leave something behind – just which legacy gets announced and known to the public. I think my mother for example has left a legacy in the form of who I am and the kind of person I have become.

In that respect, the way I wander through life and the way I respond to circumstance would have in some way represented her responses too. In some small way. So yes, everyone leaves their legacies behind – just some bigger than others. Nothing has no trace.

On top of that we have a political construct of what identity is in terms of race and language. Personal identity or what I would consider ‘self-hood’ is often sidelined by the need to have a larger, unified consensual identity which I don’t think works. So if I say I’m a Singaporean to a stranger, and if his response is, “wow you are not like the rest of the Singaporeans I have met” and I might say, “Really?

Is there one kind of Singaporean? And if I’m not that kind, am I less of a Singaporean?” Yes there is probably a stereotype but is that a clear identity or is that just an easy reference of a category for us to shelf in our brain?

But when we probe deeper, is that category “identity”? And is this identity unique?

“ Imperfection is necessary for love.”

SH: It is important to build a community of understanding. I am not so interested in personal legacy as a topic but I am very keen on involving myself throughout my life to create a strong community that understands the craft and what we can do with theatre/artists to keep shifting perspectives of our local and global communities.

JASON WEE

PT: If one has no memory of whatsoever, he/she tends to appear to have apathy and even ‘root-less’ to the nation, and that could be dangerous because he/she will have no connection to anybody or anything. To leave behind a personal legacy is like leaving behind a diary of one’s life to benefit the next generation, like the Chinese proverb that says that the ‘one generation plants the the trees, another gets the shade’. This is a beautiful mind and beautiful attitude that our next generation must learn and possess so that more other generations will get the benefits.

JC: Everyone of us leaves being our personal legacy – no matter who we are, or what we are doing. To whom and to what effect? I don’t think that is truly important. It is for the people in the future to look into what we leave behind and decide what to make of it.

JC: What is a Singapore/Singaporean identity? We have been searching since 1965. We have no answers and yet the answers lie within us. We are the Singapore identity – whoever we are at the present. It is ever-evolving. We are just who we are because we just are.

How can wandering contribute to personal legacy and/ or creation?

JN: I think of wandering as an empty canvas for the mind to doodle. And in this case with WOW, it is an empty canvas for 160 minds to doodle their personal legacies. And it does not matter whose legacy it is, or how loud the voice is being heard. When you put 160 minds together onto a single canvas, it should be a beautiful creation.

SH: Wandering is a way to allow the self to have no self-edits or doubt. It is a state where everything is in creation and is in freedom. In creation, this is excellent, as we think less, use intuition more.

JC: Just because we wander, doesn’t not mean we are lost. Wandering is a state of being. The moving forward to search, reflect, record, examine, rethink, and the cycle goes on. It becomes the legacy.

It is the creation.

Ways of Wandering is one of the highlights of O.P.E.N. (Open, Participate, Enrich, Negotiate), the public engagement initiative under SIFA. Aside from Ways Of Wandering, the programme will also include film screenings, talks and performance demonstrations. O.P.E.N. runs from June 26 to July 12 at 72-13 Mohamed Sultan Road, while SIFA runs from Aug 12 to Sep 21. For more details on O.P.E.N., please head to: http://theopen.sifa.sg/index.html.

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ISSUE 13 | RISE UP / audiophile

Fashion from our little island?

Fashion designer and DJ Linda Hao brings her eclectic and unapologetically sunshiney spirit to her YESAH brand, showing us just how one should be fearless, individualistic and fun. We’re sure glad that the brand has evolved into a fashion label entirely her own, a mark of our local scene no lacking in personality. photography: john tan

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hello! could you tell us more of what yesah is about?

The name Yesah was formed from my daily pet phrase ‘Yes-ah!’ which is an expression of excitement and euphoria. That’s what the brand’s all about – and through my designs, I wish to bring people joy and excitement. My past collections have never been once dull, it’s always bold colourful and full of youth. That’s something I think everyone should celebrate for in fashion! how did the journey start?

I first started Yesah in 2012 as a multi-label online store where I bring in other independent designers from China. Coming from Shanghai, I thought that more people should promote indie designers from there. However, I have always wanted to design my own collections, so after Yesah kicked off, I launched my debut collection-YES TOTES. Ever since, the brand slowly changed into a designer brand, and right now I’m only focusing on designing my own collections. has it been easy being a local fashion designer in Singapore?

One of the main challenge I face until today is the fact that people are not adventurous enough. The local consumers tend to follow trends a lot and when they see something too different, they are not open to give it a try.

It’s also a form of education thus if I have to spend a few years educating people, it’s a lot more years till I start earning money. That’s the very sad truth, but there’s always alternative plans like venturing overseas and breaking into international markets – which is what I’m working hard on at the moment. being such a small island, it’s indeed more challenging for local designers and entreprenuers to survive.

However I believe this is only a matter of time and as long as I can build my own cult following, I can start the trend myself.

It is very difficult I have to say because I hear things like “I can never pull that off!” almost everytime I introduce new products and this mentality is not going to change overnight. we’re rooting for you – it will change! What would you advise others who are hesitant to break the mould to pursue their passion?

The one thing I really learnt is to be flexible. Opportunities come all the time, if you’re not willing to take it spontaneously, you’re losing something that might change your life forever.

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ISSUE 15 CRAFT / noted

wakeboarding professionally was always something I have wanted to do ever since I was 11 years old. When the opportunity finally came, I took it :)

being out behind the boat. It drowns out the sound of everything and it’s pretty much just me and the waves.

i love

with wakeboarding,

I am always trying to progress to the next level in terms of tricks. However, learning a new trick is not always easy and can get pretty frustrating because of all the falls I have to take. whenever I feel discouraged, I go back to the core reason of why I wakeboard – the love for the sport.

- wakeboarding has given me the opportunity to travel to some pretty cool places such as Italy, South Korea, Australia and Spain.

travel

the best part of it is that I get to travel with my team mates and I get to meet fellow wakeboarders from around the globe. apart from wakeboarding,

I rock climb and do yoga.

I also love photography. In particular, I really like taking pictures of animals.

keeping myself fit and injury-free is the most important physical aspect for me. I head to Altitude Gym twice a week to condition myself. however,

I can’t say no to a good burger.

i grew up with wakeboarding

so it has become a part of me so it’s hard for me to imagine my life without it. Wakeboarding has taught me a lot and I am very grateful that I got into the sport.

You don’t shortcut your training. I live by the words of surfing legend Frosty Hesson: Your peace comes from knowing you’ve done all the things you could have done.

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who is: sasha christian text: xiangyun lim

At age 11, Sasha Christian became Singapore’s National Female Wakeboarding Champion. It was the start of several championship wins and competition awards, including a Gold Medal at the South East Asian Games 2011. This is no ordinary 21 year old – and with the support of her Sports Excellence Scholarship as well as sponsors like Rip Curl and Red Bull, Sasha is literally making waves as she trains full-time for the next two years.

No. of players : 3 to 6 Difficulty : 4 / 5 stars 27 / 72 | RØMP

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SUMMER LOVIN’ TEXT BY JOEY MURRAY

WITH LIGHT AND WITH LOVE

OH, COMMON LIFE

WOODS

FIREWORKS

Woodsist

Wood’s newest five LP’s are all just as good – their impeccable consistency makes one wonder how they manage to always produce sustainably marvellous.

With Light and With Love might not be a bold reinvention, but there’s an unmistakable focus and determination. With a Magical Mystery Tour-like charm to it, “Twin Steps” shows the band tightening up their riffs as well as their sonic intentions, proving that they pack just as much musical punch within a short 2 minute-ish psych-pop ditty as they displayed brilliantly in their sweeping title track. “Full Moon” is built upon a sparkling guitar riff, as well as an atmospheric texture that swells tastefully as the nostalgic track builds in both emotion and impact.

Woods haven’t quite packed the sort of emotional punch that, say, Beck did on Morning Phase, but they have provided further evidence that they’re slowly emerging as masters of their mellow-pop craft.

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Triple Crown

Detroit five-piece band Fireworks’ third Long Play is punk and pop for the same reasons that determine most genre affiliations – pedigree and presentation. While the tambourine-shaking hook of “Bed Sores” beams with the summer sun clarity of Jimmy Eat World’s Bleed American, the call-and-response between the ascending vocal lines and descending guitar leads during the verse could be outsourced from a Squeeze song. Gigantic instant sing-along tunes are present on Oh, Common Life, so catchy that they could trigger gag reflexes, but they unify a record of expansive range and clever writing. Shoegaze dissonance drones caustically through the slippery-when-wet power balladry of “The Back Window’s Down”, while “The Only Thing That Haunts This House Is Me” manages the lyrical and melodic bite of Elvis Costello. It still hits the same teen-friendly pleasure centers of Oh, Common Life’s more puritanical predecessor Gospel, but this isn’t “try this at home” stuff for novice musicians. This offering doesn’t quite live up to genre-busting, career-defining predecessor, Gospel, but engaging, inventive albums like this are yet more proof that pop punk’s renaissance won’t fade away any time soon.

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EDUCATION, EDUCATION, EDUCATION & WAR KAISER CHIEFS Fiction, Caroline, Universal Music

On Education, Education, Education & War, Leedsbased Indie Kaiser Chiefs sound as if they were representing every UK rock trope of the past 15 years, and some from even further back. So many of the sounds in which the Kaiser Chiefs traffic on this record are vaguely anachronistic, so to hear them played with dedicated aplomb is sure to be satisfying for classic Britpop fans. Album opener “The Factory Gates” fares well in this regard, charging forward with spittlelipped anger and propulsion, ultimately sounding like it could inspire a mosh pit at any point from the turn of the millennium until now. Other anthemic bangers like “One More Last Song” and “Ruffians on Parade” play the same tricks on listeners, but to a less impactful effect. Education, Education, Education & War only gets increasingly better on repeated listens, as the best bits increasingly obscure the mediocre parts.

It’s not quite the triumph you suspected the Kaisers so desperately wanted, but there’s only one direction from here, which is up; and they’ve created a platform which, given some more experimentation and daring, might take them places next time round.

IT’S ALBUM TIME TODD TERJE Olsen

Even though Todd Terje recycled a third of its tracks from previously released singles and Extended Plays, It’s Album Time has a linear, cohesive feel. Instead of trying to top “Strandbar” or “Inspector Norse”, Terje ties them together with short interstitial tracks— valleys that give perspective to the mountains. Most of the music on it could be classified as disco, with shades of cocktail lounge, exotica, surf instrumentals, and other styles that favour whimsy and novelty over sober artistic expression. If he ever capitulates to the conventions of making a full-length album, it’s already in structure, which here is less redolent of disco than classic-rock pranksters like Paul McCartney or Frank Zappa: an introduction that features men whispering the words “It’s album time” repeatedly, peaking with a ballad halfway through; closing with the joyous “Inspector Norse”, and dying away to the sound of distant applause. The title sets the tone: Casual, confident, and unburdened by the imagined need for significance that scares so many good dance producers into losing their cool when given a bigger platform.

Although putting “Inspector Norse” at the end is a nice touch, that song’s strong melodic backing and focused chorus make it stand out over some of the more meandering Album tracks. Its encased plasticity doesn’t mask any novelty.

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GROOMING

PUCKER UP Put a pop on your pout with The Body Shop’s new Colour Crush Shine Lipstick Range, which guarantees a stunning gloss effect and fresh sorbet shine. Pucker up with sheer pigments and rich moisture from this range, which is available in a full array of poppy spring shades and coated with the silkiest Community Fair Trade marula oil to seal in moisture and condition your lips.

Price: $22.90 Available at: All The Body Shop stores

LESS SHINE, MORE MOISTURE! Keep cool and stay fresh with Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Oil-Free Gel Cream Fresh Hydration - formulated to achieve the fine balance necessary to keep skin looking virtually shine-free for 24 hours, this new innovation also maintains essential skin moisture for a full 24 hours of fresh hydration. Sounds like a complete godsend to battle dry workplace climate!

Price: $48.00 for 50ml, $82.00 for 125ml (Jumbo sizes are available for the period of June 2014 only, in limited quantities) Available at: Kiehl’s stores

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OUTWIT YOUR ZITS Our temperamental weather and the constant switching from the humid warm outdoors and dry indoor airconditioning is a great formula for skin degeneration and the formation of zits, especially for skin prone to acne.

Thanks to Benzac® Daily Facial Care Range, those with combination skin types can ensure the removal of impurities of their skin while leaving it nourished, soothed and not overscrubbed.

Price: Various Available at: Guardian, Unity and Watsons stores

LIGHTNING CARE

Human+Kind’s new Hair Care and Lightening & BB Cream range has finally set foot in Singapore! The allnatural multi-tasking products address one of the biggest frustrations amongst city dwellers today – a lack of time to invest in a lengthy grooming regimen. These deeply moisturising and blemish-eliminating facial products deliver salient and beneficial nourishments to your skin whilst repairing and irradiating the hyperpigmentation and age spots, while the hair care range are formulated to be gentle on the hair, scalp and body with natural healing and restorative ingredients.

Price: Various Available at: available at leading Watsons stores, Superberry.me outlet and online store (www.superberry.me).

D E P R E S S I O N / Contrary to its name, Depression might very well be the fashion cure for depression. Sure they feature a fair few classic monochrome apparels and footwear, but their last Spring/Summer 2013 and 2012 collections - Blackout and Clouding Of Consciousness respectively - were breaths of antidepressant with its tasteful and dreamy colours that came into play. There’s no telling where the next collection will be with these guys, thus making Depression a cult favourite among men and women alike.

FOR

FOR

HOMEGROWN LABELS

A M E N / Born and bred art and students from Singapore’s very own Laselle College of the Arts, Clinton and Nicole’s humble AMEN label have much to brag about. From punk and mod-inspired fashion statements to the humble monochrome, AMEN is one subcultural crowd pleaser.

FOR

M A S H - U P / Nothing captures the Singapore spirit quite like MASH-UP. The independent men and women fashion label have got to house the most impressionable, eager-eyed fashion designers. Seriously, it looks like the quirky, fun folks at MASH-UP, almost literally, consumed a box full of pop culture reference and ethnic eccentricity cereal and proceeded to spew them all over their clothes line; a dangerous combination which would make Katy Perry, LMFAO and Icona Pop take a second glance.

O N G S H U N M U G A M / Who says you need to compromise cutting edge fashion when it comes to embracing the vintage style of Asia? Okay, combining the two might sound practically sacrilegious, but the ateliers at Ong Shunmugam combats this beautifully with their artful strokes. From re-worked chic Chinese Cheongsums to bold fashion statement pieces made out traditionally bright fabric, Ong Shunmugam is definitely the place to go for wearable, bold fashion wear.

K E V I N S E A H / Meticulously handcrafted by the man himself, the bespoke tailor has been notoriously known to handpicks his materials from the world’s finest mills to create an ensemble of 4-piece suits, polo shirts, pocket squares, unique four-way neckwear, all snugged along with his trademarked rabbit emblem, which will whet that secret haute couture palette of yours.

F R E D E R I C S A I / Initiated into the fashion world by his simplistic minimalistic shirt, Frederic Sai has garnered quite the name since he was first awarded as one of the Top five upcoming designer nominee at the Fashion Asia Awards 2011. Unpretentious and minimalistic chic, Federic Sui features a range of everyday user-friendly menwear from casual tees and shoes to smart casual shirts and jeans, all earmarked by the signatured block colours.

S A U G H T / “Jewelry with a heart of gold”pretty much epitomises what the good people at Saught represent. When you buy a piece of saught jewelry, you’re really buying a handcrafted handiwork by with international and singaporean designers alongside international and Cambodian de-mining NGOs to raise awareness of landmine issues through the supply of safely deactivated war remnants. To top things off, the profit gets channeled back into supporting sustainable development back to post-conflict countries.

How’s that for ethical purchasing?

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This coming Mother’s Day, treat yourself and your mother to a different kind of bonding through these activities.

There’s no better time to try something new together!

2

1

3

4

Happy 5

Mother’s Day

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1 running with the wind / Singapore is not a “City in a Garden” for nothing. The second edition of the Green Corridor Run starts at the historic Tanjong Pagar Rail Station, and winds its way along the beautiful green corridor, finishing 10.5km down at the old Bukit Timah Rail Station. Enjoying this historic stretch of land amongst nature’s beauty will only leave you both feeling rejuvenated – and ready for a day of pampering! when: 18 May / Race starts at 9am where: Tanjong Pagar Rail Station, 30 Keppel Road, Singapore distance: 10.5km

2 dance the night away / If your mother is a fan of this mass dancing that hit our shores years ago, drop your excuses and accompany her to the Line Dancing session organised specially for Mother’s Day. There’s no better way to cap off a day indulging her than dancing in the cool air of Gardens by the Bay along with fun-filled performances. when: 10 May / 6.30pm – 10.30pm

3 knitting memories / If your mother is nifty with her hands (aren’t all mothers?), sign her up for MOMSHOO’s Knitting Party at The Substation in communal art making. Shu Ning and her mother is carrying out Singapore’s first yarn bombing, a type of street art that employs colourful displays of knitted or crocheted yarn or fibre rather than paint or chalk. During these sessions, participants will knit swatches that will then be sewn together to an installation adorning the foyer and pillars of The Substation as a combination of each memory in tangible form. when: 11 & 25 May where: The Substation price: Admission is free, but prior registration is required by emailing registration@substation.org or calling 6337

7535. Knitting materials and light refreshments will be provided.

4

peaceful rejuvenation / Starting the day with an invigorating Yoga session led by True Yoga will definitely leave you both with feel-good vibes the whole day. It’ll be hard to find many better gifts than the opportunity to slow down, breathe in fresh clean air and connect mind, body and soul. It might just help alleviate the aching backs of your mum, too.

when: 11 May/ 8am–11am where: Supertree Grove

5 fun hunt / For mums who love keeping their minds sharp and active, this Fruit Loop Scavenger Hunt will keep them hunting around with a uniquely designed map for clues and fun facts. If you complete the hunt with the correct answers, both of you stand a chance to win a special gift for her! when: 17 & 18 May/ 10am - 5pm (last collection of sheets at 4pm) where: Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and Outdoor Gardens

6 To enjoy a 10% discount at Missystella.com, enter code at checkout: ROMPMS The code will be valid till 30 June 2014.

dress her up / Not a fan of crowds but wish to bring some girly pampering to your mum? Why not treat her to some wardrobe loving with Missystella.com – with a wide variety of fun and stylish workwear pieces at attractive pieces, it’ll be hard for her to settle on just a few outfits. It’s her day, so don’t stop her!

Check out their blog for inspirational stories specially catered for women as well!

Website: www.missystella.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/missystella.co Instagram: @missystella_co

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Juice Cleanse?

Curious about the juicing and smoothie trend that has washed up our shores? Our editor, Xiangyun Lim, gives up coffee, solid food and alcohol for three days to check out if juice cleansing is really as good as it’s supposed to be.

How it works:

How it went:

DAY

1

Despite preparing myself physically and mentally by trawling through online reviews and abstaining from recommended food items (I succeeded for meat, not for coffee), I honestly felt like crap by midday. The juices were yummy, honestly. No caffeine, mounting workload, cold juice that froze my insides further from rainy weather… not a good combination. Perhaps it was the drink the night before. Or inadequate sleep. Or…too much toxins in my body. Being horizontal was definitely my favourite position of the day.

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The choice of juice cleanse is hic’ Juice, a newly launched juice cleanse company in Singapore founded by a group of juice enthusiasts. Working with a certified nutritionist to design the various juice cleanse recipes ensures each healthy raw, organic and cold-pressed juice harbours a bountiful of phytonutrients, trace minerals, vitamins and living-enzymes.

Each cleanse programme requires the consumption of 6 bottles of juices per day, and there are choices of 5, 3 or 1 day programmes. The 3 day programme seemed just right to try the cleanse out proper and reap benefits - but not pleased with depriving her of her daily dose of caffeine, the team challenged Xiangyun to undergo Level 2: RESTORE, the intermediate cleanse.

Before the cleanse: I must say I was very impressed by the service. Upon confirmation, I received emails with details and advice in preparation, such as slowly switching to a raw diet two days before to accustomise your body to the cleanse. The juices, packed into individual cooler bags for each day, were then delivered by courier service a day before the cleanse with clear labels for the order of consumption. There was even a cleanse manual to help record your progress while serving as reminders to take your juices at the recommended times (about 2-3 hours apart).

DAY

2

I felt way better in the morning after sleep and a quick workout, though my energy level was a little lower than usual. Hopefully, perspiring meant some toxins could be flushed out.

Unfortunately, it also meant that I was hungry throughout the day. I never thought of myself as someone who had a particularly large appetite, just a penchant for snacking, but man, my stomach was on a roll with that growling. Thankfully, it was a Saturday and it was easier to try to ignore the gnawing hunger without the need to be alert or efficient.

Sadly, Level 2 also meant there was no yummy Nut Milk, only fresh Coconut Water to sip at whilst friends shared beer and bites around me during a post-concert gathering :(

DAY

3

The reason for the lethargy came to light – my period was here. What better time, right? All the cold juices intensified cramps, whilst my nose ran like an irresponsible tap. One thing I did notice, though, was that my skin looked clearer and glowed in a way I rarely experienced.

I lasted till evening...and ended up drinking some hot soup to warm my insides, although I did obediently drank up the juices, which had gotten greener.

It included two bottles of the one I had most trouble with: Lemon & Spice – I suppose the programme took into account the body having adjusted to only consuming juices, for further cleansing.

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Verdict:

I’m not proud for caving in for hot soup near the end, though my white flag was due to physical unwellness. I was pleasantly surprised to find that my perspiration had no odour whatsoever for the next few days, which I attribute to a good amount of toxins flushed out. It wasn’t an easy experience giving coffee and food up, but given the chance, I would actually do it again. It also felt like such a personal achievement to have lasted so long; it inspired me to take the steps to make other positive changes physically and mentally for the better. Thank you Hic’Juice for the experience!

About hic’Juice The team at hic’Juice is made up of two owners/founders and two other co-founders: Li Lihui, Managing Director/ Former lawyer, Dashel Liong, Biz Relations Director/Former engineer, Matilda Goh, Marketing Manager/Aspiring Pianist, and Lim Xinhui, Customer Relations Manager/Former Air Stewardess.

What was the motivation to bring hic’Juice to Singapore?

After witnessing the trend and benefits of juicing and juice cleansing in Los Angeles, we were miffed that such products and services are not readily accessible to Singaporeans, and thus wanted to bring the concept and make it in Singapore – for Singaporeans.

How has the journey been in setting hic’Juice up?

A lot of reading, sampling, juicing, testing! With the help of our lovely nutritionist, as well as many gung-ho friends and family who were assisting us with the trial process, we think we have got the best juices out there in Singapore! Best in quality, nutrient level and taste, that is.

It also wasn’t easy for us to get the AVA license for our kitchen (to the best of our knowledge we are currently the only juice company with an approved AVA license as of April 2014) as this concept is also new to the authorities. It is also still a relatively new concept and many Singaporeans still think that green juices taste yucky or are only for health freaks!

What are the factors that may affect hic’Juice, and how are these overcome?

Depending on the juice, a bottle of 500ml juice can have 1-2kg worth of produce, with the green juices having more! With unpasteurised juices and organic ingredients, the handling, cleaning and temperature of the juices are very important.

With our AVA-approved kitchen, we put in place a comprehensive HACCP system from the receipt of the organic produce to the juicing process, and down to the packing and delivery of the juices.

For more information, visit their website at http://hicjuice.com.sg, or their shop (opening soon!) at The Juice Room, 27 Boon Tat Street.

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#tweedledum bakes :

CHIFFON CAKES It is pretty easy to get chiffon cakes in Singapore, usually commercially produced, very affordable and pandan-flavoured. Soft, fluffy and light, they are great for breakfast or tea, savoured plain or with a dollop of cream or jam.

I was, however, shocked when I went on a price-recce trip. How can the classic Bengawan Solo pandan cake cost just $12.80? That is perhaps the price of three to four cupcakes or halved-loaves of artisan bread. It wasn’t simply about cost price vs. selling price – chiffon cakes were, in my years of baking experience, the hardest thing I had baked. It just didn’t seem right that it cost so much less than fancier, richer cakes that were, to me, easier to create and assemble.

To achieve the even fluffiness in chiffon cakes, egg whites have to be whipped to incorporate air – but not too much. However, unlike angel food cakes, chiffon cakes also contain whipped egg yolks, which imbues soft richness that isn’t cloying or jelat. If not done with the right techniques – folded with the right gentleness and speed to mix everything together yet retain the beaten air, or baked at the right temperature and amount of time, with the right ratio of ingredients, the cake will fall or turn out overly dense. Upon baking, it has to rest overturned to cool completely, or risk collapse. Even unmoulding the cake can leave an ugly tear if not done skillfully.

It took me a total of 15 cakes and two sleepless nights to get it right.

I was holding a bake sale for Mother’s Day, with a menu inspired by my own mum. She preferred light, healthy tastes and textures, such as crispy biscotti (no oil, no butter), granola and chiffon cakes. Test bakes for the menu launch went smoothly, yet right there and then, with orders to fulfill, cake after cake was collapsing.

Frustration mounted as I tried unsuccessfully to figure what went wrong. Multiple rounds of research and tweaking wasn’t working, and due to the long time it took for the cakes to bake and cool down before unmoulding, I had to bake tweaked recipes at one go to save time.

Double the heart break. Essentially, that was about 6-7 failed attempts, but I had orders to fulfill. I only stopped for a short nap when eggs ran out, and when the sun started to awaken, I was already up and running to NTUC for more.

In the end, the problem was not baking the cakes long enough, at a steady temperature that allowed slow rising without collapse. Thankfully, every cake after that turned out beautifully despite slight tweaks to create different flavours (think gula melaka, black sesame, teh terik).

Throughout the nights baking, I couldn’t help thinking about mothers. How many sleepless nights had we given them, how much heartbreaks? Often taken for granted, their unspoken love and everyday actions were silent foundations on which families built upon.

No matter how old their children may be, how badly or neglected mothers may be, there is no doubt that they will sacrifice all, without hesitation.

My mother asked me, Is it worth it? So much trouble, for so little money? No sleep? Worth it, not?

Because chiffon cakes are what you like, and because I’m hoping to send some baked with love to mothers around the island, there is no doubt it is.

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ISSUE 13 RISE UP / slouch

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RECIPE

EARL GREY CHIFFON CAKE (21cm tube pan)

3 Earl Grey tea bags 95g milk 60g egg yolks (about 4) 40g caster sugar

60ml vegetable oil 100g cake flour 1 tsp baking powder ½ tsp salt

200g egg whites (about 5-6)

50g caster sugar

Heat up milk, steep earl grey tea bags for at least 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 170c. In a large mixing bowl, beat egg yolks and sugar until slightly thickened and darkened in colour. Slowly drizzle in oil (while continuing to beat and ensuring each addition is well incorporated and smooth), 100ml milk, Earl Grey teabags content, and salt. Sift in cake flour and baking powder, and mix awell till smooth.

In another large mixing bowl (it is essential to have no bits of yolk or oil present), beat eggs whites till foamy. Gradually add caster sugar, and beat till just before stiff peaks. The mixture should hold its shape when scooped up, but have a little curl at its tip.

Fold in 1/3 of the egg white mixture into the egg yolk mixture. Don’t worry if it’s not completely mixed in at this point, it is to help soften the texture of the egg yolk mixture, making it easier to fold in the other 2/3.

Gently fold in the rest of the egg white mixture in portions, making sure it is well combined. If unsure how to fold, watch Youtube videos.

Tap the mixing bowl hard on the table top once or twice, to help air bubbles rise to the top. Pour the batter into the tube pan gently. The air bubbles should be gone during the pouring. Run a chopstick around the edge to remove any air bubbles and smoothen the top with a spatula.

Bake in preheated oven for 35-45 minutes.

When the cake rises enough to almost crack, tent the top with aluminium foil (about 15-20minutes).

When done, remove from oven and invert the pan immediately. Let cool completely before unmoulding.

To unmould, run a thin-bladed knife around the inside of the pan and the centre core. Release the cake and run the knife along the base of the pan, and invert to release.

For more information, contact tweedlingdum at tweedlingdum@gmail.com, or check out the hashtag #tweedlebakes on Instagram.

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REVOLUTION & R.I.O.T.

A different kind of riot is brewing in Singapore at the new 8,200 square feed complex on top of VivoCity mall’s scenic SkyPark – the R-Evolution gym provides an integration of exercise, nutrition and recovery programmes that are effective and efficient, catering to the needs of the busy working crowd. R-Evolution’s classes range from 60-minute TRX suspension training and yoga sessions to 20-minute high-intensity sessions. We have to say, one R.I.O.T. session, consisting of various exercises in a looping, intense circuit (think squat-jumps, pistol squats, burpees) is quite enough to leave you aching for the next few days.

Intrigued? Programme Director of R.I.O.T., Julian Tan, reveals more about this specially designed programme for maximum impact in minimum time.

WHAT’S R.I.O.T. ABOUT?

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF R.I.O.T.?

R.I.O.T. is a 30-minute high-intensity workout that aims to improve your overall fitness by engaging every part of your body in targeted activity. This 3-dimensional workout features 5 – 6 sets of exercises, aptly named “Pro-Tests”, that use a combination of cardio, calisthenics and weights to strengthen your body and redefine your fitness level. There are over 50 Pro-Tests which can be executed either without equipment or with gym rings, club bells, kettle bells, medicine balls, jump boxes and TRX to give you a total workout.

And with 3 different levels in each set of Pro-Tests to suit various levels of fitness, no one is left out.

R.I.O.T. workout helps to improve your overall fitness by building your core, strengthening your body and helping to increase mobility.

It also works to enhance psychomotor skills by improving coordination, and increasing agility. This complete and intense workout also helps to build your mental threshold as it pushes you to reach your fullest fitness potential.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE FLOW AND EXERCISES FOR EACH SESSION? The concept first came about while I was serving in hostile environments as a security consultant, with limited space, time and nature of the environment. Thus utilising the different equipment we had and only the space of a yoga mat, I started to create exercises that would sufficiently cover all parts of the body, with or without load.

Our fitness levels increased and improved because of “movement”, weights were simulated with our bulletproof vest (armour vest), weapons, attire and other operational loads we had. It has evolved from then to R.I.O.T. today with proper equipment and facilities to encourage better range of motion, flexibility, mobility and core strengthening.

HOW DO YOU KEEP THE SESSIONS INTERESTING AND NON-REPETITIVE? Participants are put through rigorous sessions dependent on fitness levels. R.I.O.T. fitness programmes are created with 3 different levels. Exercises changes on a daily basis; the programme challenges individuals with different movements for all parts of the body. Participants do scale the different levels as they improve; it challenges them both mentally and physically.

WHO IS R.I.O.T. MOST SUITED TO? R.I.O.T. is suitable for all ages, from young to mature adults (but only if medically cleared by doctors).

Unlimited packages for fitness classes start from $249/month. Also available is a package for R.I.O.T. at $300 for 10 sessions. In addition to these active high-intensity interval classes, Revolution also houses a spa for massages and infrared saunas, as well as a café for healthy nosh to recover and recharge from your workouts. For more information, please visit: http://r-evolution.com.sg/

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GET MOVING text: esther tan

Despite knowing that regular physical activity is vital for our health and well-being, many of us hold careers that literally peg us down on the office computer chair – and when we finally get out of our work spaces, it is hard to find the time or the energy to do anything else but plop right back down on the couch. While this sedentary part of our lives might seem hard to alter, there are other reigns we can grab onto to shift our weight around.

The first step: Make time. Better yet, join a gym or a class near to where you work so you can hit it whenever you have some spare time.

It is, however, important to find an activity you enjoy. It might take a while to find the one, but just remember keep an open mind to trying out different things for the fun of it. Not sure what your endorphin churning poison of choice might be? Here’s a collection of homegrown gyms and classes in Singapore to check out.

Onsight Climbing Gym

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Located at the old Singapore Badminton Hall, Onsight Climbing Gym is the largest indoor climbing gym in Singapore. The large well-ventilated climbing facility is decked out in colourful rock climbing walls and bouldering surfaces for various climbing levels, ranging from beginner to intermediate. If you are not sure where to start, check out various climbing programs the gym has to offer. A good introduction would be the Sport Climbing Level 1 course, a 7-hour course where you get to learn about the equipment, climbing techniques, belaying for top-roping and climbing calls.

Address: 100 Guillemard Road Guillemard Village, Singapore 399718 Website: www.onsight.com.sg Opening Hours: Mon - 2:00 to 10:00 pm Tue, Wed, & Thur - 2:00 to 10:30pm Fri - 2:00 to 10:00pm Sat & Sun - 10:00 to 9:00pm Rates: $16 for Non-members, $80 for 1 Month Season Pass

2 The Yoga Movement With two studios under one big mantra, The Yoga Movement promotes the notion that yoga can be a form of therapy for all. This mantra falls neatly in place with their accessible rates: $25 for a single class, and $190 for a package of 10 classes. Minimalistic and clean with expansive windows and full-wall mirrors, both their studios are conveniently located in central areas: one along Carpenter Street in the heart of Clarke Quay, and the other just 4 minutes away from Tanjong Pagar MRT. A perfect sanctuary within the hustle and bustle of the CBD, it can provide that mind-cleansing you need during lunchtime or after work.

Address: 31A/33A New Bridge Road S059394 (Entrance on Carpenter St) & 21 Tanjong Pagar Rd, #02-01 S088444 (Entrance on Murray Street) Website: www.yogamovement.com.sg Opening Hours: $25 for a single class, $190 for 10 classes, $350 for 20 classes

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Juggernaut Fight Club

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What better way to let out all your office-borne stress and repressed frustrations than at one of Singapore’s most reputable fight gyms?

Occupying two levels in a shophouse along Boat Quay, Juggernaut Fight Club is a no-frills gritty styled Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) gym that offers hard-hitting no-nonsense classes stretching from Muay Thai, Boxing, Brazilian Jiu-jitsu, MMA, and Strength and Conditioning.

Worried that it might be a little daunting? Fret not – the instructors at Juggernaut might look lean and mean, but they are actually uber friendly and more than happy to welcome newbies. The gym also has a dedicated beginners day every Wednesday.

Address: 50B Boat Quay Singapore 049839 Website: www.juggernautfightclub.com Rates: $30 for a daily drop in, $100 per week for unlimited classes (across all disciplines)

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Exclusive Fitness Gold’s Gym If you have specific fitness goals such as weight loss or muscle gain, this is the place for you. The brainchild of 24-year-olds Johnson Chen and Mitchell Folkoff, Exclusive Fitness Gold’s Gym is a spanking new gym set near the CBD in Tanjong Pagar. Johnson and Mitchell are both armed with years of experience and certified in Physical Training by National Council on Strength and Fitness. Their philosophy: creating customised exercise regimes that cater to your individual body type and lifestyle. If you are keen on finding out more about your body and their personalised training programs, the gym now offers free 1-hour trial sessions. Head over to their website below to book yourself a slot!

Address: 86 Tanjong Pagar Road Singapore 088507 Website: www.exclusivefitness.sg Rates: Standard - $900 for 10 sessions, Super Savers - $2880 for 36 sessions, Buddy Standard - $1100 for 10 sessions (for 2 people), Buddy Super Savers - $3600 for 36 sessions (for 2 people)

T.H.E Dance Co.

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Need to let your hair down for the night? Forget squeezing with the club crowds and go for the real thing instead with the open dance classes at T.H.E Dance Company. Their large and expansive studios will give you all the space you want to move and feel the music coursing through your body. Their open classes are catered for both Beginners and Intermediate levels, and you can take your pick from Classical Ballet, Contemporary Dance, Pilates and Body Conditioning through dance.

Feel the stress flow out your body as you lose yourself in the music!

Address: T.H.E Dance Company Ltd (Singapore) 90 Goodman Road Goodman Arts Centre Block M, #01-51 Singapore 439053 Website: www.the-dancecompany.com (Find out about their classes under the Outreach tab) Rates: Enrollment Fee : $20 (One time fee), Course Fee : $144 for 8 sessions, 1 – time trial class : $25 (Need not pay enrolment fee)

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Father’s Fare text: joey murray

Fathers are often the practical and stoic figures in the family, preferring kaya toast and economy rice over Eggs Benedict and risotto. If you’re having trouble thinking of a gift for Father’s Day, why not treat the man in your life to a meal he won’t splurge on himself?

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Waterfront Indulgence Surprise your dad with Singaporean dishes that have been reinvented with a twist. The fruit of the partnership between Belgian born Chef Emmanuel Stroobant and long-time friend and F&B veteran, Ricky Ng, Blue Lotus has been gaining major foodie-cred with its signature dish, Chilli Pomelo Crab. What sets it apart from other Chilli Crabs, is in its sauce – the more-than-generous portion is cooked with fresh and whole tomatoes, rather than ketchup, and skips the flour, taking out the starchiness. Add delicious dollops of fresh pomelo and you have a brand new dish that is not only able to bring back the taste of nostalgia, but also administers a fresh jolt of modernity into this age-old Singaporean classic. Dishes also include the Crispy Salmon Skin Coated with Salted Egg Yolk – a definite favourite with its crispy richness.

Blue Lotus / 31 Ocean Way, Quayside Isle, #01-13, Singapore 098375 / Tel: +65 6339 0880

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The Heart Of Classic French Cuisine If your dad loves hearty fare, he will delight in the 4-course dinner set based on seasonal produce at this elegant brasserie.

Classic French entrees such as D’escargots de Bourgogne (Burgundy snails served with homemade garlic butter & herbs), and mains such as Bar de ligne du Chili rôti (pan seared, oven baked Chilean black cod with herb crust), Poulet Rôti au 40 Gousses d’Ail (hormone-free whole chicken, roasted with 40 garlic cloves & served with crispy potato wedges) and Fillet de Bœuf Rossini (fillet of beef served with seared foie gras, truffled mash & seasonal mushrooms) will satisfy any appetite. For desserts, indulge in treats such as the Gateau au Fromage Blanc (homemade baked cheesecake infused with Madagascan vanilla pods & served with mixed berry compote).

Toots Brasserie / 101 Jalan Sultan The Sultan Hotel / Open: Monday to Sunday / Tel: 6723 7117 Breakfast: 7.30 – 10.30 am, Lunch: 11:30 am - 3:00 pm, Dinner: 6:00 - 10:30 pm

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Appetising, Artful, Amazing For those dads who appreciate simple, wholesome dishes, A For Arbite to a T is the place for them – a restaurant that pays indelible attention to the delicate pairing of flavours, textures, colours, and arrangement. Escargot Provencal (1/2 Doz) ($8) features 6 deshelled snails covered in provencal crust and saffron, served with savoury mushrooms, combining crunch with the juicy snails as well as the special umami saffron gives. Pork Vol-au-vent ($10) is their take on the classic French puff pastry, adding Japanese curried-pork, shaved apples, and Spanish onion salad for a lovely starter. Portobello and Lentil Stack ($10) might just surprise your dad with deliciously grilled vegetables (eggplant, zucchini, capsicums, lentil ragout) against brie and Portobello, with just a pinch of truffle oil to enhance the dish’s overall palatability. Of course, don’t forget wonderful draft beers and Belgian pilsners that will keep your dad bubbly and happy. With the affable staff and unpretentious food crafted with precision, it’s safe to say you will never leave disappointed. Bon appétit!

A For Arbite / #01-01, 28 Aliwal Street Tel: 83212252 / Open: Tue - Fri: 11:30 am – 11 pm Sat: 11 am – 11 pm Sun: 9 am – 9 pm Closed: Mondays

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A Culinary Revolution If your dad is an adventurous gourmet, rejuvenate his tastebuds with the sumptuous cuisine Italian cuisine with a Japanese touch at Caffé B – the place to be for leisurely dining, wining and dining in a comfortable, chic and snazzy setting.

Delectable new creations have been added to their menu, which flaunts artfully-plated Italian nosh specially concocted from signature old-world and Japanese ingredients. The Grilled Artichoke with Balsamic Pearls intrigues with its faintly smoky, yet tart flavour, while the in-house smoked Tofu with Teriyaki Powder & Italian Coriander Salad topped with Parmesan Cheese combines the crispy exterior and pillowy sweetness of Japanese Agadeshi tofu with the distinct saltiness of two unlikely ingredients, teriyaki and parmesan, to exquisite effect. The restaurant cum bar is also introducing a nouveau selection of exciting Japanese-inspired cocktails and fine wines specially air-flown from Nippon to join their exquisite offering of Italian wines from the il Pollenza estate.

Caffé B / B1-15 & 01-83, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands / Tel: 6887 3311 / Open Lunch: 12– 2pm, Dinner: 6– 11pm, Daily

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Address 12 Purvis Street, Singapore 188591 Opening Hours Mon-Sat: 12:00-2:30pm, 6:00-10:00pm

Contact 6338 5844 / enquiries@sprig-sg.com http://www.sprigs-sg.com

SPRIGS Truth to be told, we’re really happy to have Sprigs. It is possible to eat at very low prices in our hawker centres, but difficult to find quality and affordable contemporary fare. Joining the eclectic offering at Purvis Street with names like Garibaldi Italian Restaurant & Bar, Chin Chin Hainanese Chicken Rice and Saveur, Sprigs offers continental fare at prices that are almost unbelievable for its quality you get. With a focus on utilising herbs for that special flavour twist, their menu subtly reinvents classics into simple and elegant dishes – take for example the Pumpkin Carrot Soup with Chicken ($5.90), which pairs everyday ingredients into a moreish and wholesome appetiser, trussed up with baby spinach, crisp garlic croutons and herb oil. We particularly loved their Confit Scandavanian Salmon ($16.90), which was uniformly fork tender, having being baked sous vide, and served with cous cous, glazed zucchini and dill emulsion. The Forest Mushroom Tagllatelle ($14.90) was comfortingly satisfying with the soft perfume of truffle and dried forest mushrooms, while their Crispy Chocolate & Caramel Crumble ($12) was a well-executed sweet ending to the meal, with chocolate truffle mouse delicately balanced with sea salt hazelnut crumble.

Despite its wealth of flavours, the dishes are not cloying and leave one satiated without the sluggish and heavy feeling often accompanying a rich meal. Definitely a good choice for dates and business meals with its clean, modern interior and lovely wooden details (love the spoons!), not to mention impeccably warm service, Sprigs is a breath of fresh air in the heart of Singapore.

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Following 11 days of culinary festivity and gastronomia, the curtains came down on the 18th World Gourmet Summit with the 2014 World Gourmet Series Awards Of Excellence (AOE), which recognises the very best in the Food & Beverage (F&B) industry in Singapore and the region. These prestigious awards include the GlobalChef© Award, which presents global chefs who are adept in both Eastern and Western cuisines and have travelled widely. Conferred by At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy, the award has to date presented more than 50 chefs with this honour for their wealth of global culinary experience, multi-cultural experience and remarkable accolades.

This year, a total of five chefs join the ranks of other esteemed GlobalChef© Award recipients: Chef Pierre Burgade (Executive Chef of Raffles Hotel, Singapore), Chef Ryan Clift (Chef / Owner of Tippling Club, Singapore), Chef Massimo Pasquarelli (Executive Chef of The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore), Chef Cassian Tan (Executive Pastry Chef of Montreux Patisserie, Singapore) and Chef Sang Hoon Degeimbre (Chef / Owner of L’air du temps, Belgium).

Hailing from the UK, Chef Ryan Clift is a prime example of the conglomeration of global culinary exposure and inspiration. Over the course of his 20-year career, he has worked with renowned chefs including Marco-Pierre White, Peter Gordon and Emmanuel Renaut, bringing his wealth of experience to his restaurants Tippling Club, Open Door Policy and DING DONG.

For more information, please visit http://www.at-sunrice.com/

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On receiving this award, he says,“I am extremely honoured to have received the At-Sunrice GlobalChef Award alongside such exemplary chefs! I firmly believe in training young talent here in Singapore and to be acknowledged for my contributions is greatly appreciated. I have always believed in the global exchange of knowledge and the building of relationships between chefs and restaurants from across the world. Cooking, to me, is a release of one’s own personal life experiences, and traveling the world just adds a multitude of depth and dimension to it. It is a great way to grow not only as a chef but also as a person holistically.

Never give up. When you think you can’t go on, work harder. When you think something isn’t working, try harder. Never accept second best from any one, including yourself. The key to being a great chef is to never allow your personal standards to drop even when those around you are.”

In addition, At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy was also inducted in the World Gourmet Series (WGS) Awards of Excellence Hall Of Fame 2014 for winning the Culinary Institution of the Year award for 3 years (2008, 2011 and 2013) for its excellence. With a rigorous study and work rotation as well as a global learning environment, At-Sunrice continues to advance culinary arts and the F&B profession while offering both open access and degree articulation pathways with established universities for new entrants and working professionals.

“We are truly honoured to be an inductee into the World Gourmet Series Awards Of Excellence Hall of Fame 2014. It validates our vision to advance culinary and F&B profession with integrity and meaning. It also gives us the mandate to continue doing what we have been doing best – our synchronised study & work pedagogy and focus on both Asian and Western cuisines, applying old world and new world techniques. We will continue to search for passionate and committed talents and to offer relevant education and training.”

Chief Executive of At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy, Mr Lawrence McFadden

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The making of Witono’s own tilt-shift lens

Craft is the pursuit of being the best at what you do. Indeed, whatever your passion may be – building condos or Nanoblocks, writing poetry or financial reports, running for the bus or watching the world go by with a coffee in your hands – do it well, and love it well. For Witono Halim, it was his love for photography and constructing physical solutions that led to this DIY tilt-shift lens, at a total cost of S$27 dollars.

Ever since I bought my first DSLR, I have always been very careful about selecting the most cost-effective gears that could expand my vision and exploration in the world of photography.

A tilt-shift lens could easily have cost me the total sum of my entry-level gears.

It has always in my blood to make things on my own. With the little understanding on optics and engineering I posessed, I decided to make my own lens.

I decided to push boundaries. Basing my experiment on a Youtube video, I adopted adifferent method that allowed me to retain the electronics inside the lens for aperture control.

Duct tape is definitely the choice as a quick prototyping material – every NS man will know this.

This prototype was completed in 2010, but has survived with me through countless adventures, including one major field repair at 600m vertical distance away from Everest Base Camp!

With a little tweaking, you can always find your way to better your craft and find new perspectives.

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text: xiangyun lim | photography: witono halim

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Photographs taken with DIY tilt-shift lens

VISUAL

Lomography allows me to act on my own free will; I set my own rules, have my own preferences, and along the way, I get to know myself better. As a person of wanderlust, having a camera in my hands allows me to capture unforgettable and breathtaking memories. You never know what magic lies ahead.

Halimah Melissa, 23

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It’s not difficult to create magic in your hands. Global analogue movement Lomography ignited a new style of artistic experimental photography accessible to anyone, combining lo-tech and hi-tech for creative visual expression. There are no boundaries in creation with Lomography, as these Singaporean lomographers show through their visual adventures.

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text: xiangyun lim

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Ian Poh aka Chunky, 27

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I feel like my eyes are truly opened with an analogue camera in my hands. I stop more, breathe longer and ponder at the most mundane objects. I become more aware of the moment and my surroundings, and hence morph into a visual interpreter and communicator; framing subjects and clicking away to an imaginary rhythm. The world as I perceive with my naked eyes becomes an array of visual vocabularies, and I feel obliged to form visual sentences with my 36 exposures. I feel empowered, and I feel like I am participating in that energy that is going around. And it shows in your pictures. You can create anything!

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You can create pretty much anything if you let your imagination go wild. Those happy accidents and not knowing what you shot beforehand is always a beautiful surprise. I feel that there are infinite possibilities whenever I have a lomography camera with me.

Hanna Varela, 27

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Aloysius Lim, 35

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Lomography is fun and uninhibiting. There are no rules, you make your own rules. Don’t think. Just shoot and have fun. Loads of fun.

With it, I feel free, happy and ready to take on the world.

Meerly Wang, 29

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To me, Lomography is about forgetting the rules of photography – set free and be in that moment between you and your photography subject.

It’s a totally new way of taking photographs by having coincidence a part of memory making; the outcome is totally dependent on your imagination and creativity.

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A Rodeo Affair text: asha gizelle m

Find out what happens when woes of a city girl get bartered for some serious galloping fun.

My grip on the reigns tightened with effort to reveal paled knuckles as I bopped to the beat of my newly acquainted 12-year-old hoofed friend. My field of vision was all but filled with brown, well-kempt mane and pointy ears that twitched rather sporadically. I couldn’t believe that I had waited half my life to do this – I was 40 kilometers away from home, to be on a horse’s back here in Pasir Gudang, Johor Bahru.

A little less than two hours ago, the sky was a hounding grey and I thought nothing could be done except to turn back.

The heavens decided to open up whilst the city landscape shrivelled into a distant vision on the red taxi’s rear view mirror. As soon as the winding rocky path came to a close, two canine breeds eyed us dubiously before their caretaker reassured them of our harmlessness. We were chatting with Mousaloo, the proud owner of his six stunningly brilliant horses with tricky names to match: Shadow, Shiba, Ranger, Shiro, Soheil and Murano the Sexy Chocolate, as I would personally like to remember it.

Mous, as known affectionately by all, is an Iranian who is also a charismatic horseman and his decision to establish a riding academy in Johor Bahru a decade ago has done many a great service. The rain held up at long last. The gentle beast personally picked by Mous for me was all bridled and saddled. The time had come for me to put my best foot forward; my breath hitched for a moment as I perched myself on this wildly breathing gelding.

Soaking in the surrounds of the idyllic, unspoilt beauty of the jungle, I looked up to see the evening sun through the palm trees of looming heights, producing silhouette effects that resembled cutouts from The Jungle Book. I knew where the cheeky chatters were coming from. To the untrained eye, the plantation’s topography seemed endless. I watched my equine wonder brace the unforgiving terrain as I instinctively brought a figurative hand to my heart to remind myself that I was descending into an entirely different world.

A tad dose of adrenaline rush is absolutely excusable in my case. I wanted to be away from the luxury of smart phones that was making me look no less than a cross-eyed damsel, away from the comfort of my swivel chair that made me analogous to Kim Kardashian’s infamous rear, and away from the concrete wilderness of everyday waking life. I did away with my organiser and chose to live by my bucket list for the day. A classic case of exchanging one’s kingdom for a hut. Bouncing to the tail-swishing gait of Murano who vaunts the honour of being an ex-race horse, I grew accustomed to his mosey that switched to foxtrot every now and then.

Of course, I wasn’t on my own, as the groom of the day Naveed hailing from Pakistan led the way like a pro. I grudgingly accepted the occasional grunts of chastising from this former polo player about me not holding on to the reins.

The air grew crisper as the sight to behold drew closer. A blue speedboat zoomed into the distant ribbons of orange and blue like a zephyr. There I was experiencing the clichéd Malaysian sunset. Horseback riding couldn’t have been any authentic elsewhere. My favourite part came: emboldened, I finally released my grip on the reins and started working my pouts. It was picture time, with Pulau Ubin as my backdrop! Even after much shutter attack, I did feel that my day ended too quickly when Naveed declared it was time to head back to the stable. The 45 minutes I had been on Murano attested that life does amble at its own measured pace here at Amigos Horse Riding – and this is exactly why I would love to see myself there again.

I certainly wasn’t the most elegant when dismounting, and had to feel the ground under me to still the temporary shake in my legs. I patted the brown sweaty cheek of Murano, which felt like soft velvet under my fingers before he sauntered to his shower spot for some fierce hose spraying. I was just in time to see my fur pals, Boy and Girl (dangerously generic names for dogs, I know) wolf down their dinners. Sweet.

The road passed beneath us in a blur. We were chauffeured into the heart of the city and away from this little Kampong planet while I sat in my seat, all spent, but over the moon. I will return very soon, this time with some generous helpings of apples and carrots for the darlings and mozzie repellents for the boys. Some experiences can never hold a price tag – this being one of them.

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ISSUE 13 RISE UP / globe trotter

The Lonely Guide to Satipo text: aisya hisham

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Here’s how not to travel: book a trip before seeking the advice of local friends, especially when you’re travelling alone.

Peru is a geographical wonder of coastal plains, mountains and grasslands. There lies also the Amazon rainforest, king of all kings, stretching its majestic feet by the edge of Peru; feet that eventually led me to the province of Satipo.

Unlike its more popular counterpart, Iquitos, Satipo does not exactly inspire wonder and excitement. When the name came up in a conversation with a Peruvian colleague, she said that there was little to see in Satipo, and that the towns were generally dull and unorganised. The province, however, is not to be confused with the district town of the same name.

Made up of eight districts, Satipo is more than just the sum of its towns. It has within reach the beauty of the rainforest.

Things were made worse when I found out that there is a certain stigma attached to travelling alone among Peruvians; they tend to bring it up often in conversations. A petty point, it might seem, except this fear of going to places alone had been building over time since arriving in Lima. Here, you hear a handful of horror stories. You’re constantly told to be extra careful, to not travel to certain places at particular times...the list goes on. Discovery of this stigma did not fuel confidence.

I got on with it, anyway. The next night, I took the coach: a spacious double-storey bound to a 10-hour drive to Satipo.

When we set off, it was too dark to see outside; you could only hear the mad chaos of the traffic leaving Lima. I chose to join an expedition group, and over the next three days, we covered the following: mild jungle trekking that involved identifying silvestre (wild) plants; river swimming all to ourselves; and a visit to the villages of Tsomontonari and of the Ashaninka ethnic group.

Actually, we didn’t exactly visit the Tsomontonari village. To get to the waterfall, we had to pass through the village but entry was limited strictly to the permitted route, which was right by the entrance. So we only did huddle under the tropical shade at the entrance to listen to a local native’s story. He spoke about his younger days, when the waterfall was inaccessible to outsiders, especially women. In his native language, he added how proud he was of his heritage, but he was also glad that times had changed. He was happy to share; you could tell he meant it.

He seemed to be the only one. At the Ashaninka village, two guards stood at the entrance, each with a rifle in a hand.

Another man, carrying a bow and arrow, patrolled the rest of the area. As unfriendly as it sounds, this was merely a mild precaution, and nothing compared to all those years of having to ward off external threats – threats dating back to the Spanish invasion.

So no arrow was released that day. The visit was premeditated, organised as part of a wider movement to promote their culture and to support the local economy. The set-up was simple: in the middle was a plain field and at the top edge a stage stood erected. Important men, I assumed, took up the seats on the stage that overlooked the entire field. Younger men in kushma (long orange robes) were on the field, playing a volley sport of some sort. Elsewhere, the ladies stood under tropical shades serving local cuisines and selling handicrafts.

Despite its rich diversity, however, Satipo remains largely in the periphery, stained by its dark past. Many, from beyond the region, believe that terrorism, which once characterised the province in the late 80s, continues to exist. There was no way to be sure, of course, but if terrorist activities were happening, it was hard to tell. Sitting amongst the Ashaninka women that day, I had my attention on one thing only – the local fried fish that came with white rice. Well, me and pretty much everyone else under that shade.

It seemed odd then that the area should be that unpopular. History, however, is powerful, and Satipo is one of the many places in Peru that is still trying to move away from its dark past. Those not from the region believe that terrorist activities, which once characterised the region throughout much of the 80s and 90s, still exist – and they do, our guide admitted, but beyond Satipo’s borders.

There was no doubting Satipo’s beauty and diversity. Even so, it was hard not to miss the comfort of home and familiar company. Travelling can be a lonely and scary business, and I see why the Peruvians stand by this mantra. By then, I was pretty much ready to return to Lima – and that was when I saw her, a little girl eyeing me from behind her mother. I called her over. What’s your name? I asked. Emily. How old are you? Nine.

No friendship or story developed from the conversation but there was no need for a great lesson, just a matter of putting things into perspective. Travelling alone is a scary business sure, but a lonely one? Maybe, but not always.

FASHION FORWARD WHY DID YOU CHOOSE MDIS SCHOOL OF FASHION AND DESIGN? Noelle Foo: I chose this institution over all the other arts school in Singapore as it partners Nottingham Trent University, which is a very established and reputable university notable for its successful graduates. Their school fees are relatively lower as well.

Eve Lin: Their Fashion Marketing and Branding course is new and intrigues me. I had studied graphic design for my diploma, but wanted to do something different.

WHAT DO YOU ENJOY ABOUT THIS COURSE? N: I enjoy the freedom of creativity that the Fashion Design course offers.

We are given assignments that allow us to innovate freely. After which, we are taught to take our creativity and sense of style and make our designs commercial, which I feel really gave me the opportunity to discover myself and what I want for my future.

E: Indeed, we have a lot of live projects that give us exposure to the industry – take for example the upcoming Audi Fashion Festival, which we can get involved in different roles as volunteers, wardrobe dressers, or even marketing interns!

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N: I also enjoy the fact that we learn a little about marketing and branding in addition to illustration and technical skills, which will come in really handy when we have the opportunity to start a business. We also get to learn to analyse images and study their cultural meanings, which really broadened my mind to the issues happening around us.

There’s a mixture of rich cultures and nationalities amongst the cohort.

HOW ARE THE FACILITIES AND TEACHERS? N: The lecturers are well-versed in their domain knowledge and beyond. Coming from different parts of the world, they give us more exposure, which is very precious given Singapore’s small market. They come from related fields and environments, like marketing, business and fashion, and offer extremely relevant knowledge.

E: The fashion studio is comfortable and well maintained with a great atmosphere for creative work. The lecturers are always willing to go all out to make our learning experience a memorable and fruitful one.

Although assignments and deadlines can sometimes be stressful, they are always cheerfully giving motivation and inspiration, which really help us emotionally as well as academically.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR MOST MEMORABLE PROJECTS/MODULES? N: My most memorable projects are probably the ones that I had to work in a group as they allowed me to understand teamwork, mutual contribution and communication, but also about personal qualities like leadership, patience and acceptance. Through these group projects, we are forced to step out of our comfort zone and experience the sense of accomplishment from group achievements.

E: I agree; our multinational cohort has enriched my overall learning experience and I really like the cross-cultural exchanges offered by the school!

N: Another memorable project was a charity initiative called Project Runway to Hope. We collaborated with NUS School of Medicine for a Christmas event for children with cancer, creating garments for the children to wear and walk down a runway made specially for them.

These garments were sponsored by Bossini Kids and modified to the children’s requests through a process of getting to know them.

WOULD YOU SAY MDIS SCHOOL OF FASHION AND DESIGN BRINGS YOU CLOSER TO YOUR DREAMS? N: Yes. The modules are relevant and teach us a lot about the fashion industry; there are also a lot of collaboration, competition and fashion events planned for us to establish connections within the industry– something very essential for my future career.

WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO THOSE CONSIDERING THIS SCHOOL? N: Create and have fun! The lecturers are very friendly and approachable. There’s never a dull moment with plenty of room for creativity, selfexpression, as well as guidance and inspiration – all of which help you to grow and understand the kind of designer you wish to be!

E: Be open to projects and self-learning, and come with an overwhelming dose of passion for fashion!

The Management Development Institute of Singapore (MDIS) has a new cuttingedge and exciting addition to the repertoire of disciplines offered – its new School of Fashion and Design aims to nurture a new generation of creative professionals specialising in both Fashion Design and Fashion Marketing and Branding by delivering a globally recognised creative education through teaching excellence.

As ROMP spoke to students Eve Lin, 21 and Noelle Foo, 21, we clearly see the dynamism and passion that bind these students to create and challenge themselves in fashion and design.

Management Development Institute of Singapore Reg No. 201001793H 20 May 2014 to 19 May 2018

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