your definitive edutainment source
BOLD & BEAUTIFUL
MAY/JUN 2013 the makeover issue Issue #9
mtv vj:
HANLI HOEFER
24: D IREC T
FROM
CONTENTS
BARC E
LONA
CHOICES 10
SEAING IS BELIEVING
12
TEACHING STALWART
SLOUCH 14
COVER STORY: THE UNPRETENTIOUS STAR
20
WHO IS: WENDY KWEH
22
APPLES DON’T FALL FAR FROM THEIR TREES
24
DIRECT FROM BARCELONA
26
SUMMER PICKS
AUDIOPHILE
R FL AI UE G :V O
] RY TO RS
E OV
34
R [C STA
37: GLAMOUR MAVERICK
US TIO
4/72
TEN
PRE
N EU
: TH
14
RØMP
28
STEPH GONE VIRAL
30
ALBUM REVIEWS
32
LARGER THAN LIFE
GADGETS
33
PIQUED SENSES
STYLE JOURNAL
34
VOGUE FLAIR
36
HAIR CULTURE
37
GLAMOUR MAVERICK
42 SPOTLIGHT 44
HOMME: SLEEK AND SPRUCE
46
FEMME: IN TOTAL CONTROL
48
LOOK MA, ALL YOURS
54:
STR
EET
SNA
PS
50 :O
FE GG S
AN D
MU SH
RO
O
MS
58: BUONA FORTUNA
26: SUMMER PICKS
CONTENTS SAVOUR 50
OF EGGS AND MUSHROOMS
51 DISYLLABIC GASTRONOMIA
PERSPECTIVE 54
STREET SNAPS
GLOBE TROTTER
58
BUONA FORTUNA
60
10 DAYS, A SHOE STRING BUDGET AND A LITTLE HELP FROM MY FRIENDS
WORK IT
62
SORE LIMBS & CRAMPED TOES
63
MARATHON MYTHS
64 HOTFOOT
RØMP 6/72
SELF 66
BEAUTY GLOOM
COMMENTARY 68
TO EACH HIS OWN
69
WE HEAR YOU / ONE TO WATCH: THE GREAT GATSBY
RØMP
Makeovers have this sense of empowerment; this issue (pg 22 and 48), while a little dose of overwhelming fresh, novel and even radical. This issue, no cuteness (pg 32) wouldn’t hurt. We’re also proud to continue matter how clichéd it sounds, is a makeover drumming up the talents of our home-grown acts, Edwin (pg 24) issue. It’s still RØMP, but bigger, better and bolder. and Steph (pg 28), for they are lighting up their respective scenes. When we talk about makeovers, we think cosmetic Sadly, at the time of writing, news of the Boston Marathon surgery, the aesthetic side of things. It’s not wrong but attacks were filtered through. It reinforces my belief that life there’s more to it. Makeovers can in fact have varying itself can be supremely unpredictable. I may not know any effects on different people, from home makeovers to of the victims and though thousands of miles separate us, I a wardrobe overhaul, there’s something for everyone. dedicate (pg 62) to all who were affected. May the claws of justice reach out and find the perpetrator(s) soon. We’re not proclaiming this copy of RØMP to be lifechanging. We’re just setting higher standards for ourselves, On a lighter note, I hope with all my heart that you’ll enjoy to tiptoe out of our comfort zones and give you - our valued this issue as much as we enjoyed putting it up. We’re reader - an added spectrum in terms of quality and design. reaching the halfway mark of 2013 and time does The cold, harsh world out there doesn’t allow anyone to rest indeed throttle by. on laurels, and it goes the same for us. It’s imperative that we continue to work our socks off, to stay ahead of the pack And for those who are embarking on respective (*insert purposeful grunt) and continue to thrive on the beautiful sojourns during the holiday period, Godspeed. support no less. Signing off, Hanli Hoefer’s our cover personality and boy, are we thrilled. Bold and beautiful in her own right, read about her take on new-found fame (pg 14). Also, some parental love is lodged within the pages & the team
Mcken
Editorial
Advertising
editor
advertising sales executive
mcken wong mcken@rompmagazine.com writer
elizabeth moreira elizabeth@rompmagazine.com senior contributor
joey murray
sharon tan sharon@rompmagazine.com advertising sales executive
venus neo venus@rompmagazine.com Publisher & Sales Director calvin lai calvin@rompmagazine.com
contributors
joyce naomi | pearly cheong | chow liying | aloysius chow
Distributor MediaWheel Singapore
Art Direction graphic designer
stephanie koh steph@rompmagazine.com On The Cover: Photography: Julie Choo & Kevin Cordeiro Hair & Makeup: Yanping Model: Hanli Hoefer from MTV Asia Apparel: Karen Millen Location: White House Living, 17 Mohamed Sultan Road
RØMP 8/72
RØMP magazine is published bi-monthly by Agape Publishing. 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. Printed by Toppan Security Printing Pte Ltd MICA (P) 062/11/2012
CHOICES
SEAING BELIEVING IS
sea asia youth tour 2013 To reach out to youth and increase their awareness of the maritime industry as well as the myriad of career opportunities that the industry can offer to young people, the Singapore Maritime Foundation (SMF) organised Sea Asia Youth Tour 2013.
In its fourth edition, this special guided tour tapped on one of Singapore’s iconic maritime mega-events, Sea Asia Conference and Exhibition, to provide students majoring in business, maritime studies and engineering a platform to mingle and interact with industry professionals. Approximately 200 youth from five institutes of higher learning participated in the show and were able to experience the breadth and depth of the industry, with the presence of 385 participating maritime businesses from 36 countries at the show. Companies which participated in this year’s tour include the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS), EMS Energy Solutions Pte Ltd, GAC Capital (Singapore) Pte Ltd, General Insurance Association of Singapore (GIA), IMC Industrial Pte Ltd, Jurong Port Pte Ltd, Keppel Offshore and Marine, Lloyd’s Register, London Offshore Consultants Pte Ltd, PSA Corporation Ltd, Sembcorp Marine Ltd, Singapore Telecommunications Limited and Wartsila Singapore Pte Ltd. For 23 year-old Wong Ee Wen, a third-year mechanical engineering student from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and 25 year-old Swenson Chen, a third year economics and finance student from the Singapore Management University (SMU), the Sea Asia Youth Tour 2013 could not have arrived at a better timing as both of them were on the look-out for possible internship and job opportunities. Coincidentally, both Ee Wen and Swenson were introduced to the maritime industry by their family members. Ee Wen’s father is currently working as an engineer in the oil and gas sector in the maritime industry while Swenson’s grandfather started a maritime-related company. We sat down with both to find out more about their perceptions of the maritime industry as well as their take on the tour.
Ø CHOICES 10/72
WONG EE WEN, 23
How has your perception of the maritime industry changed after the SEA Asia Youth Tour 2013? Ee Wen: After the tour, I realised the actual magnitude of the Singapore maritime industry. Initially, I assumed that the maritime industry revolves mostly around offshore oil and gas technologies as well as being on board ships and transportation of goods via ports. Swenson: I presumed the maritime industry to be very engineering centric. However, after today’s tour, I witnessed that the industry has so much more to offer, especially the diverse spectrum within the ancillary services sector of the industry. Were there any internship or job opportunities from the various maritime companies that attracted you? Ee Wen: During my guided tour, Jurong Port stood out. I am impressed that it is Singapore’s only international multipurpose port operator and that it handles a wide array of cargo, such as different types of bulk, break-bulk, palletized and project cargo. The other company that attracted me was the American Bureau of Shipping (ABS). I like the fact that a job at ABS gives me a lot of responsibility as I have to provide my professional judgment when assessing the compliance of a vessel in terms of safety approval. Swenson: During my guided tour, I was told that there were companies in the ancillary services sector present in the exhibition area. I hope to learn more about the job scopes of a shipbroker and a ship charterer, hence I would probably visit these companies after the tour.
Swenson Chen, 25
Tell us one new thing that you’ve picked up from the event. Ee Wen: I didn’t know that there is a specially designed platform by Singapore Telecommunications Limited for internet surfing while on board a vessel. It’s definitely a perk as I can remain contactable and continue to keep in touch with my family members and friends. Swenson: I learnt that the maritime industry is an important pillar to the Singapore economy as it contributes to over 7% of the country’s GDP and comprises over 5, 000 maritime establishments which employ over 170, 000 people. What would be your ideal maritime job, and which company would you hope to work for? Ee Wen: Due to my course and interest, I hope to be an engineer. Of all the booths that I’ve visited, I will hope to work for Jurong Port. The new development plan to expand existing facility sounds exciting and I wish to be a part of it! Also, as key international carriers and regional feeder operators call at Jurong Port, I believe that a job at Jurong Port will provide me with invaluable learning opportunities and exposure. Swenson: SMU offers two maritime modules, Maritime Economics and Shipping Finance as well as Maritime Industry Economics. I read both modules and my inclination would be an analysis job, perhaps in the ship finance sector or a career as a shipbroker and a ship charterer. The maritime industry offers a myriad of job opportunities and I wish to keep my options open.
CHOICES
What do you hope to see in the next edition of the tour? Ee Wen: I hope that the future tour will include maritime companies that offer jobs out at sea or even overseas. Swenson: It should continue to be a large scale event, like the one I experienced! However, the organiser of the tour might wish to conduct a sharing session, whereby the HR personnel from the participating companies can share with us possible internship opportunities. MS NG SHUTING DIXIE
MR ROYSTON LEK
What do industry professionals have to say about Sea Asia Youth Tour 2013? We speak to Sembcorp Marine’s Recruitment Officer, Ms Dixie Ng, as well as the Senior Vice President for Special Terminals, Jurong Port Pte Ltd, Mr Royston Lek. In your opinion, what do you think the Sea Asia Youth Tour can bring to the participants? Ng: With over 380 exhibitors participating in Sea Asia 2013, the Youth Tour is a good platform to increase participants’ awareness of Singapore’s maritime industry as well as the different companies that make up this dynamic and vibrant sector. Through this, we hope they will be drawn to the many exciting careers within Sembcorp Marine and contribute to Singapore’s continued success as a leading international maritime centre. Lek: Sea Asia Youth Tour 2013 allows its participants to gain a broader perspective of the maritime industry. Participants will be able to better understand and appreciate the significance of the industry to the Singapore economy and hopefully, be attracted to build a career in it. How do you try to capture their attention at your booth? Ng: We engage our visitors through our interesting exhibits and models as well as a multimedia showcase which provide an overview of our core capabilities, track record and our network of yards in Singapore and overseas. Our colleagues are present to interact with students and provide insights into the diverse range of technical and non-technical careers available in Sembcorp Marine, ranging from Engineering, Project Management and Safety to Commercial, Offshore, Finance and more. Lek: Our booth has a miniature port model that allows the youth to visualize the type of projects that we undertake at our terminal. We provide a short narrative on
how a typical day feels like at our facility, explaining the operational intricacies that take place in handling heavy cargoes and structures for the offshore & marine sector. We also help to illuminate our company’s overall role in helping to develop Singapore’s industrial landscape by fielding the students questions on how they think cement, sugar, steel and other commodities get imported into Singapore.
that we get to assess them for future career opportunities within Jurong Port, as well as provide these interns a chance to assess their fit within the organisation/ industry during their internship. Over time, our employees have many opportunities to grow within the company as our good performers are sponsored to attend prestigious executive education programmes at Harvard, INSEAD and Stanford.
What does your company offer in terms of scholarship and job opportunities? Ng: We are constantly on the lookout for promising talents to join our wide variety of PMET (professionals, managers, executives and technicians) positions. We are committed to nurturing talents through a range of scholarship programmes for students in tertiary institutions and sponsorship schemes for employees who wish to further their education. To develop employees to their fullest potential, structured training programmes as well as professional and personal development courses are provided, along with opportunities for job rotation and overseas postings. Lek: Jurong Port actively supports the MaritimeONE scholarships programme, which is a key initiative co-led by the maritime community to nurture talents for the Singapore maritime industry. Last year, we sponsored two students under this programme to pursue their undergraduate degrees in Singapore. We remain very interested in continuing to identify future candidates for the MaritimeONE scholarship programme. In addition, we take in a handful of interns every year to provide them with meaningful work experience so
Why should young people consider a career in the maritime industry? Ng: The marine and offshore industry is a natural choice for young people who are on the lookout for a challenging and fulfilling career. Singapore may just be a tiny red dot on the world map, but our shipyards are world-renowned in their capabilities in the marine and offshore industry. With our expanding global operations and the Phase I Integrated New Yard coming on stream in the second half of this year, those joining us can expect even more exciting opportunities ahead within Sembcorp Marine. Lek: The maritime industry, with its longevity, dynamism as well as the significant role it plays in international trade, offers to youth a rewarding and exciting career. It is sometimes not well understood by youth, but for those who do, they will find that it’s an industry that they will grow to love. For us at Jurong Port, there is hardly a dull moment as we look to enter new markets and sectors, embrace new technology to improve our business and provide to our staff a life-long platform for them to hone their skills and develop their careers.
CHOICES
Ø 11/72
CHOICES Kaplan Learning Institute, Singapore, has been the leading provider of quality educational and career services for students of all ages. Kaplan Financial, one of its departments, is renowned for producing some of the best accountants and auditors for the industry.
Teaching Stalwart
You have a Bachelor in Accountancy from NTU. Could you share with us what are some of the career options for an accountancy graduate? An accountancy graduate can look forward to a myriad of career opportunities such as an audit/tax associate in a public accounting firm, Integral to this process, are the an accountant/finance executive in a multinational corporation/government Kaplan lecturers who see to it that the students excel and understand ministries/statutory boards, a tax the relevant concepts. One of them is officer in Inland Revenue Authority of Mr Tommy Yee, who is currently an Singapore (IRAS) or a finance/audit examiner for a corporate tax module executive in financial institutions like banks, wealth management firms. for ATTS, and teaches all taxation modules at Kaplan Financial. The Accredited Tax Adviser shares with Mcken Wong about his rewarding profession.
Ă˜ CHOICES 12/72
Is there any stereotype(s) of accounting students, or the accountancy course in general, that has to be corrected? The conventional thinking is that accounting students are just number crunching creatures. However, this may not be true as they are definitely capable of further qualitative analysis of the numbers beyond the number crunching. How would you describe a good taxation student? A good taxation student is one that strives to understand tax principles and hence being able to put their learning to apply to their work experience and functions as opposed to memorizing them. He is also conscious that tax rules are subject to changes from year to year (due to annual Singapore budget changes).
CHOICES How is the working environment in the campus? We have a robust programme management team in Kaplan and this actually relieves me from administrative matters to concentrate on the preparation of teaching materials and lecturing. How do you build rapport with your students? It is important for me to have a two-way relationship with my students by asking them questions during class to ensure that they’ve fully understood the contents, and reassuring students with the notion that no question asked is a stupid one. This open environment makes it less intimidating for them to raise questions and indirectly builds rapport between the students and myself.
Why did you choose to teach at Kaplan? Kaplan is one of the leading private education institutions in Singapore and it is my privilege to be part of the teaching team in Kaplan. In addition, Kaplan advocates continuous learning for academic staff and supports various training programmes to enhance our skills and knowledge to provide better quality education for Kaplan students. Can you share with us some of the more rewarding moments in the school you’ve had thus far? It motivates me as an educator when my students have a good understanding of the subject and show their appreciation for my teaching through feedback. It is also
rewarding when students complete their examinations with good grades and several of my students have received nationwide ACCA book prizes for their excellent grades. Can you tell us more about Kaplan’s selection criteria for lecturers? In my opinion, one of key criteria of being a Kaplan lecturer is to deliver lectures and conduct discussion topics that engage students through ease of understanding the subject. Complete this sentence. A good lecturer is someone who... Is able to deliver lectures that explain sophisticated technical contents in a simple layman manner that is easily comprehended by students.
What would u do to help students who tend to have more difficulties with coursework than the rest? I make it a point to remain in the classroom during the break and after class so that these students who need help can come forward for clarification. We have an email route of answering questions as well in Kaplan and it also serves as an efficient way of addressing these students’ questions - when face to face consultation time is not possible. I’ll also advise students – those who can’t copy notes and listen attentively in class at the same time – to just listen and understand the contents first. They can then proceed to download hand written lecture notes from Kaplan’s e-learning portal.
For more information you may visit www. kaplan.com.sg/kli or drop a line at 6733 1877 or email kli.sg@kaplan.com
THE
UNPRETENTIOUS PHOTOGRAPHY: JULIE CHOO & KEVIN CORDEIRO HAIR & MAKEUP: YANPING
STAR
SLOUCH
Hanli Hoefer epitomises more than just eloquence and beauty on the small screen. Blessed with a charisma reserved for a select few, the freshly minted VJ has taken to her role at MTV like a fish to water. Mcken Wong finds out more. Her hair danced like little satin waves, as Hanli Hoefer strides through the doors with a reassuring smile. She isn’t the least bothered by the sweltering heat brewing outside, and her demeanour spells more unassuming than crotchety. This is always a good sign. There are many examples of celebrities and famous people who turn towards fame and morph into their own diva caricatures. In the case of Hoefer, the MTV starlet’s feet are glued firmly to the ground and it’s partly due to her close circle of supporters – blood related or not. “I have an amazing group of friends and family who will tease me and bring me back to earth, if I show even hints of big-headedness,” the 20 year-old enthuses.
Leopard Print Dress, $389, by Karen Millen
Indeed throughout the covershoot, held within the premises of White House Living, an elegantly restored shophouse-turned-furniture gallery, Hoefer neither showed any signs of petulance nor was she impatient. Born to a German dad and a Peranakan mum, her natural effervescence had a conniving partner, her smile, which has a natural ability to captivate people and disarm cameras. In fact, Hoefer’s past modelling experience produces a professionalism that only served to highlight her charm, as the hours whittled by with no fuss.
slouch
Ø 15/72
Ă˜ SLOUCH
16/72
SLOUCH
Peach Embellished Dress, $489, by Karen Millen
SLOUCH
SLOUCH
“
I look up to all women who have great achievements to call their own. Never second-guess yourself. .
Ø SLOUCH 17/72
”
SLOUCH
How is life now different from about a year ago? Life is very different. I’m a lot busier! This time last year, I got to sleep in most days, go out most nights and work a couple of days a week. Now I’m actively preparing for The MTV Show and connecting with people on social media. I hope by the time the show goes on-air on 20th April, I’ll be poring over the viewers’ Instagram music video requests and scheduling The People’s Chart according to their preferred music from the past decade.
What do you do to stay psyched up and motivated? Listen to music. I’ll listen to some loud, hyped up beats to wake myself up before an interview or a full day of shooting. I keep myself motivated by simply enjoying what I do. I also love my new co-workers so going to work and getting to hang out with them is a definite plus. How has your modelling experience aided you thus far in your MTV career? Modelling has given me a sense of confidence and accomplishment, as well as being comfortable before an audience. This helps me to be more natural when in front of a camera, and I am grateful for it (modelling). It’s a foot into the entertainment industry and I’m so thankful it has led me down this path. Complete this sentence: A brilliant VJ should have… An open mind and a positive attitude. Are there any specific emotions that you want viewers to feel when they watch your shows? I want our viewers to feel welcome when they watch The MTV Show. I want them to view me as someone they will feel comfortable going up to anywhere to strike up a conversation. At the end of the day, the show is truly for the audience, so I hope as they watch it, they’ll feel connected and can relate to Alan (co-host on the MTV Show) and I. It would be awesome if our viewers write to us on our walls or send us a tweet whenever they feel like it.
Ø SLOUCH 18/72
If you were granted a makeover in anything, be it life or the arrangement inside a fridge, what would it be? Without a doubt, I would like a fridge makeover! I want to be able to open my fridge and have inspiring options. I’m too busy to cook these days and I am ready to sing for ready-to-eat full meals. Usually when I open my fridge, I stare at it for a minute and then walk away disheartened because I’m too underwhelmed to assemble anything. What are the must-haves in your music player? I love all genres. To better understand the evolution of music, I make an effort to know the oldies of each genre. Old school hip-hop, some of the Beatles, jazz and funk. This doesn’t mean I don’t listen to anything current. I’m very into trap, hip-hop, alternative and acoustic. My top three songs at the moment are “Mirrors” by Justin Timberlake, “Locked Out of Heaven” by Bruno Mars, and “Forrest Gump” by Frank Ocean. It is said that kids usually take after their parents in peculiar ways. Do you mimic your mum or dad in any form? The older I am, the more I see my parents in myself. From a young age, I felt I took a bit of my father’s creative flair as well as his nonchalance to being different. He really wouldn’t mind acting silly in public even if people stared. I think I can be like that sometimes too, all in good fun. And as for my mum, it is all in the food. I love organizing social gatherings revolving around good meals, and we tend to over order outside. This is something we have in common.
You’ve listed Kimora Lee Simmons as one of the people who inspires you. Why? I look up to all women who have great achievements to call their own. With a modelling background, I know the competition pool is very large and especially so given the short-lived life span of our careers. Kimora was able to branch out from a common modelling path, and make herself a household name. This is also why I like Tyra Banks. However, I don’t only look up to models-turned -businesswomen. I also like Tina Fey and Lena Dunham for their talents. Could you share with us some details of what happened that day, when you realised you’ve clinched the coveted VJ role? I think I was in shock initially and I didn’t really freak out till a few days later when it sunk in. I was talking about what my job entailed to my friends and as I was saying it, it became more real, and of course their enthusiasm caused me to be crazy happy. You did Arts and Psychology in school. Do you have any future plans that might involve those two? I did take art and psychology in high school but I have yet to further pursue either. I have an IB diploma in art and psychology. About future plans, I can’t say right now as I’m more focused on my immediate future here at MTV. I do, however, still draw and always will. It’s been a hobby of mine since I was a child so I don’t think I’ll ever stop drawing. I am a self-admitted serial doodler. Any words of wisdom for wannabe VJs and models? Never second-guess yourself. For the models out there, conventional beauty isn’t what’s in anymore, and natural beauty is highly coveted. As for the VJs, be positive and be yourself. Take risks in order to live! Catch VJ Hanli on The MTV Show on StarHub Ch 533, Saturdays at 11am. To follow her, go to www.facebook.com/ mtvvjhanli
SLOUCH From Zalora: Kitty Silk Dress, $59.90, by Zayan
slouch
Ă˜ 19/72
SLOUCH
WHO IS:
weNDY KWEH
image: sir michael culme-seymour
It’s no mean feat portraying the character of Desdemona in Othello. London-based Wendy Kweh tells Elizabeth Moreira what it’s like to be acting, as well as being involved in Singapore Repertory Theatre’s Shakespeare in the Park. What have you been up to lately? I’ve been doing some writing, developing new work and travelling around Asia! How do you feel about being able to perform at this year’s Shakespeare in the Park? Great! There’s nothing like it. This will be my third Shakespeare in the Park in fact, and my first that isn’t a comedy. I’m really ready to tackle something chunky and powerful.
Ø SLOUCH 20/72
How has living in London changed your perspective or influenced you with regards to acting? That there is more to life than acting, but life without it is unbearable. Plus, London is so socially diverse and open that you’ll come across plenty of different ideas, people and challenges. Yes, there is plenty of arts, theatre and culture over there, but they all feed off so many other diverse things such as their politics, history, food and people. It shows you that there is a lot more to life than acting.
How long have you been acting for, and how did your love for acting arise? Seventeen years. I can’t tell you exactly how it arose. Everyone acts as a child; some of us carry on doing so. Eventually you come to realize that you can’t live without it, which is one definition of love. Tell us what it’s like when you got your first “big break”. Every job is a break. Big breaks? To be honest, I’m not too sure if I believe in them – big jobs and little jobs, they all have something going for them and even the shortest jobs can shake you up in a good way or change your perspective.
SLOUCH
What do you love most about acting/performing? Being immersed in creating the real but utterly intangible. Other than acting, is there anything else that you particularly enjoy doing? I enjoy rootling around second -hand charity clothes shops looking for bargains. Throughout your acting career, which experience was the most memorable? I’ve forgotten everything. Constantly moving forward!
If you could choose one thing about yourself that makes you different from other actors, what would it be? I am who I am. Also, I can move both my ears. Highly doubt everyone can do that. With that said, it hasn’t got me any parts. Well at least not yet.
celebrity or a legend, who would it be? & why? The Dalai Lama. Isn’t it obvious? Any future plans in store for your fans based in Singapore? That would be telling. If anyone tells me, I’ll tell you!
What keeps you motivated within the industry? The ‘always increasing socially and politically aware work’ and writing. Every play and every job you stumble upon, you’ll be learning something about the world and about yourself. New works like that makes the process a whole lot more rewarding each time. If you could meet just one
slouch
Ø 21/72
SLOUCH
Apples Don’t Fall far from their trees As the expression goes, we are walking and living caricatures of our parents (as much as we hate to admit it sometimes). Not only do we have their freckles and long lashes, but we also get their big bumpy noses and receding hairlines. But it doesn’t end there. We’ve picked up the useful; how to walk like them, totting up spoons like them as kids, but we have also learnt the annoying and dreadful, as Joey Murray discovers.
Joey Murray Are you like mum or dad? This might sound strange, but I consider myself to be a male version of my mum. People take one look at us and they can see it. How’re you and mama? We’re great. We do plenty of things together – from hot yoga to going for doctor’s appointments. Our basic instinct is to follow or be followed. But we can both be really stubborn, and average a huge fight yearly where we have a cold war for a week or two (but we patch up eventually!). Any similar behaviours? We are huge klutzes, and we laugh about it all the time. We can drop anything – pills, pieces of paper, coins. We share a love for dogs and parrots and being grossly healthy (we have been clean from McDonalds for 3 years!). Complete this sentence: “My relatives always say I take after my ____” They used to say I looked like my dad when I was a fat kid (not that he’s fat) but now all they say is mum.
Ø SLOUCH 22/72
SLOUCH
Gerrit Kruger So, mum or dad? I think I take after my father. How’re you and your folks? Strangely, I have a better relationship with my mum. My dad is quite distant from me, relationship-wise. As a result of this, I can be aloof with other people as well. Any papa-like qualities? We are both very detailed people and we like things the way they are supposed to be. I am not sure if there is a story behind it. My dad was always working when I was a kid and we didn’t have much of a relationship. Maybe it was this distance that made me aspire to be like him. Similar behaviours? I think I mimic my dad very much in posture and I’m trying to correct that! I don’t have many memories of mimicking them intentionally. I used to flare up easily, just like my dad – we were both very loud when mad. However, I managed to become more patient with age, just like he did.
justine amanda koh Are you like mum or dad? I love my parents to death but somehow; I seem to have inherited all their worst qualities! But if I had to pick, I’d say my mum. How’re you and mama? I’m very close with her and always make it a point to share about my day. I’d go into her room and we’ll just talk - sometimes for one to two hours. I’ll tell her about the on-goings in school, and she’ll maybe share with me about her journey on the train. Any similar behaviours? My mum and I are both very into TV shows and are pretty knowledgeable regarding Hollywood celebrities. We also dabble in ‘running commentaries’ on how TV actors look or what they wear, or the way they’re speaking. We tend to talk a lot and really loudly and get frustrated really easily too! My mum shared how she’d cry and stomp into her room when she was a kid if she couldn’t solve a math problem. That’s exactly like me!
Debi Seah So, mum or dad? Dad, definitely. We’re both stubborn, hot headed and hate sitting around for things to be done. How’s things with paps? I get along well with my dad. Sometimes we fight due to misunderstandings but we always make up in the end. I enjoy talking to him about everything. So do you take after him? We like to put in as much as we can and worry later. Another quirky behavior we share is that we absolutely refuse to squeeze lime on to our food that many people like to do. Once my brother accidentally squeezed some onto our hokkien mee, both of us refused to even take a bite, so we shared another plate together. And I heard your mum and you have something in common too? My mum has a very strong fear for dogs so when I was young, I would always run away from dogs because that
was what my mother would do. Once when I was a kid, my mum and I were near a coffee shop when we saw a puppy coming. Both of us ran for our lives hand-in-hand and everyone in the coffee shop was laughing at us. Complete the sentence: “My relatives always say I take after my ____” My mum in terms of looks but dad, personality-wise.
slouch
Ø 23/72
SLOUCH
Direct from
Barcelona
It’s always a good idea to step out of your comfort zone, to break boundaries and look past the horizon. What do we mean by that? RØMP steps behind the silver screen to find out more about the adventurous Edwin Ho, writer, co-producer and director of ‘El Gris Perfecto’ (The Perfect Grey), a film that not only had us on tenterhooks, but also the judging panel of the Cannes Film Festival. What made you decide to co-produce internationally? Firstly, all of us in the team have a really international outlook as we’ve lived in Sweden, Hong Kong, Japan, Spain and Mexico previously. We were really inspired by a combination of our overseas experiences, and being able to utilize it on an international scale. As a Singaporean filmmaker, I strongly believe in co-production of a high value as it is essential in today’s film market - to promote film as an art and craft. Films are also becoming more globalized with highly intercultural themes that appeal to the audiences today.
the Spanish cinema which reflected a lot on their culture and attitudes which I infused into the film.
How did the idea for the story come about? The idea came when I was living in Barcelona and how I was looking at the city from an outsider point of view. There is a lot of freedom of expression among the Spaniards, a lot of experimentation and sexuality. I was a little taken aback but was really impressed with its sense of liberty and openness as well. For instance, when I was out with my friends (who are a couple), a gay guy hit on my friend and his girlfriend was really cool and told him he could go for it if he wanted to. All these little things inspired me. I was also influenced by different elements of
Why did you choose Barcelona, Spain, as your setting? Barcelona is a happening city with a magical charm, a very transient city where everyone from around the world comes and goes. I got to know plenty of interesting stories of how people from all over the world fell in love and decided to stay in Barcelona. This quality really helped push the story as part of a journey of a young man. Of course, I too fell in love with this city and I wanted to tell a story about it.
Ø SLOUCH 24/72
Could you elaborate on the concept of ‘menage-a-trois’? ‘Ménage-a-trois’ basically means a three-way relationship with three people emotionally involved. It is one of the grey issues explored in the film, where there isn’t a standard notion of what might constitute a relationship, thus engaging audiences to think and reconsider. Is sexuality an issue in it or is it more about 3 people coming together and feeling comfortable with each other?
Are there any plans for the film after that? We hope that the film could travel around for a while more in the film festival circuit, as each film usually has 2 years of festival life cycle. Besides Cannes, it is also going to other places like Ukraine and Hong Kong for now. We hope more people would be able to see the film around the world. What is the impact you hope or wish that the film would have on its audience? I wish for the audience to take away from one of the quotes from the film, “Life does not have to be black or white, grey can be perfect too.” The concept of grey is the overarching theme of the film, and the message that I want audiences to take away after watching the film is to go beyond the stereotypical thinking of how everything should be in clear black and white terms. I really wanted to focus on life’s grey areas, where people are in situations of ambiguity and unsure about which step to take, and yet be comfortable in that “greyness”. How does co-production aid in your film’s dynamics and quality? We had a pretty big crew with us from everywhere around the world, from Singapore to Spain, and from UK to even Australia. It was amazing to have everyone working on this same vision. They were really helpful and eager to help us, a small four-person team from Singapore, to create this piece of work. There were good dynamics within the whole team, very professional and I think that helped.
SLOUCH
How does it feel to know that the film is being selected to be part of the Cannes Film Festival? I am really happy and excited about it, including my team mates and the rest of the people who made this film possible. In most cases, films that have successfully entered into Cannes, including those under the short film category, were made by seasoned filmmakers. Having our student FYP short film being showcased at the festival is a feat and an honor. It is a small step up for an emerging filmmaker like myself to get some experience in the international film industry platform, and to see how things really work at such a high level. I’m a little nervous but I’m pretty sure it will be an eye opener. What were some of the difficulties you had to overcome while attempting to shoot the film? One of the biggest difficulties for all independent productions would be with funding. This being a student FYP project, it might seem harder to convince people to put in the money or work with us. We were all prepared to chip in our own and were not even sure if we would break even. In the end, all our grants for funding were approved after we wrapped production. We are also very grateful to the people who believed and had faith in us. Another difficulty that we faced was with the planning prior to arrival in Barcelona. It was tough to be coordinating from both sides of the globe, coupled with the challenge of time difference. Occasionally, some instructions and conversational meanings were lost on set due to our language barrier (between Spanish and English).
About El Gris Perfecto: Tells the coming-of-age story of a Singaporean-Spanish boy who embarks on a journey of self-discovery to Barcelona after the untimely death of his mother. He meets different people along the way and subsequently finds a different meaning to life. To find out more about the film, go to www.elgrisperfecto.com
What do you think of the current local films scene? Singaporean filmmakers are developing, and being selected for this category of such a prestigious festival shows that Singapore definitely have substantial talents in the film industry. This shows that the local film scene is still blossoming. We’re still at a pretty young stage, and we need time to grow and mature. However, I do see the potential especially with international collaborations, such as the upcoming big co-productions like Serangoon Road and Mister John. What would you have to say to other emerging filmmakers like yourself? Acclaimed director Werner Herzog once said, “You have to have a vision and don’t be afraid to stick to it. Be loyal to your dreams.” I think that really expresses how I feel about myself and what I would say to other emerging filmmakers. You have to constantly push yourself to try to break out of your own boundary, to create more works and develop your own style. Even if the whole world seems to be against you or you might think that it is just too crazy, stick to your vision.
slouch
Ø 25/72
SLOUCH
SUMMER PICKS Elizabeth Moreira sifts out eight nifty events for you to plan in advance.
shakespeare
in
the
park
TEGAN & SARA
SingaporeRepertoryTheatre’s (SRT) Shakespeare in the Park is back with a bang, with the likes of actress Wendy Kweh (pg 20) and director Bruce Guthrie bringing to you the darling of literature - Othello. After past successful productions of Twelfth Night, Macbeth, Much Ado about Nothing and A Midsummer Night’s Dream, the SRT is determined to up the ante with this latest instalment of jealousy helming love. Be intrigued by the darkness and deceit of the bearded man’s world, as you soak up the tragedies while sitting on the greens of Fort Canning. Latte or lover in hand, it’s time to spiral into literature bliss. Where: Fort Canning Park When: 24 April to 19 May 2013 Price:$45 to $88
Ø SLOUCH 26/72
Red Bull Curates: The Canvas Cooler Project After touring the likes of Italy, US and Japan, the Red Bull Canvas Cooler Project will be launched in Singapore for the first time. Giving wings to 20 of our very own aspiring student artists, would be mentors who are established artists themselves. The students’ final pieces of functional art (on Red Bull coolers wrapped in canvas) will then be showcased at an art exhibition that is open to the public. If you miss the chance to set your eyes on the coolers, you can always find them in their after-digs at Homeclub, Broadcast HQ, Loof, etc. Buy yourself a cooler maybe? Where: TBC When: 5th May 2012 Price: Free More details can be found online at www.redbull.sg/ canvascooler
bonia
Shakespeare In The Park: Othello
inspires
RED BULL CURATES BONIA Inspires
Tegan & Sara
BONIA is opening their first ever pop-up store in the heart of Orchard Road, showcasing a 10-day fashion and design fiesta in May. Held within 4,305 square feet of prime space, the project - themed ‘Chapter 39: BONIA Inspires’- is a collaborative effort between BONIA and Raffles Design Institute (RDI) students. Tapping on both sides’ passion for the arts, as well as the design fortitude of the students, the store will celebrate BONIA’s 39 years of local heritage and its identity as a brand that merges culture and fashion.
Now/Live Singapore is proud to present to you, Tegan & Sara, the very talented indie-pop Canadian twin-sters. Recent tours with The Killers and the Black Keys have cemented their platinum reputation, with the duo slated to perform live on our shores for the very first time. 1 million career albums sold later, fans will be familiar with their outstanding ability to bridge both pop and indie flavours. Having just released their seventh album (Heartthrob) in January 2013, they’ve already had it debuted at third position on the Billboard 200, and sold 49,000 copies in its first week. Book those tickets early, and yes, it’s safe to have high expectations.
Where: Orchard Green When: 10th – 19th May Price: Free
Where: Esplanade Concert Hall When: 13 May 2013 Price: $68 to $148
family duet
SLOUCH
AUDI
image: esplanade theatre
DIRTY DANCING FASHION FESTIVAL Audi Fashion Festival 2013 Stealing the spotlight once again for the fifth year in a row, the Audi Fashion Festival (AFF) struts back with aplomb. Aiming to attract more than 20,000 visitors (13,200 last year), this year’s festival would be held at a grander location against the Singapore skyline, as well as having a tent that is 40% larger – proving that size indeed matters. International pop star Azealia Banks will be present, while a designer list containing the likes of Tsumori Chisato, Carolina Herra and Hussein Chalayan will notch up the charm. Of course, also flaunting their 2013 collections would be Singaporean gems Raoul (Autumn/Winter) and Ashley Isham (Autumn/ Winter), together with fast -rising label Zardoze (Fall/ Winter) – which is unveiling a glorious diamond dress. Stay tuned. Where: Tent@ Marina Promenade When: 15-19 May 2013
Dirty Dancing – The Classic Story On Stage Mamboing its way into Marina Bay Sands’ this May is the much anticipated global smash hit – Dirty Dancing. Adapted from script-writer and producer Eleanor Bergstein’s acclaimed movie of the same name, this musical features an eye-candy cast as well as the promised land of passionate romance and yes, sexy dancing. The musical holds the record for being a complete sellout globally, with songs such as ‘Time of My Life’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and ‘Hungry Eyes’ hooking fans all over. Where: MasterCard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands When: 24 May to 9 Jun 2013 Price: $55 to $175
image: esplanade theatre
cloud Family Duet (The Studios 2013)
Cloud (The Studios 2013)
What better way to learn of the past and the future than from a family? The Family Duet is a cast consisting of three generations from a 6 year-old to one who’s 66. Step into various life events enacted in this play, and unravel the common uncertainties we all share together. Instantly recognisable, eccentric and one of a kind, this is a family autobiography that enthrals.
We will always have an inquiring mind for causes. Part of the Esplanade’s signature programme titled ‘The Studios’, Cloud presents to you an experimental performance that is constructed from memory, about geographical movement across space and time. A remarkable performance piece that examines the way we remember, with a built environment that engages with the audience.
Where: Esplanade Theatre Studio When: 31 May to 1 Jun 2013 Price: $25
Where: Esplanade Theatre Studio When: 22 Jun 2013 Price: Free Admission (email raw@esplanade.com for tickets)
slouch
Ø 27/72
AUDIOPHILE
Sgone teph viral Image courtesy of zachariah jones
Countless YouTube channels have always been trying their hardest to jump on the viral bandwagon. Not Stephanie Koh (aka Steph Micayle). The former 98.7FM DJ, well-known for her Gangnam Style cover, tells Mcken Wong what it’s like to be a local YouTube sensation, as well as her panda obsession.
Ø AUDIOPHILE 28/72
When you’re free from gigs and work, what do you spend your time doing? Playing World of Warcraft (WoW)! To readers who play WoW, I play on JubeiThos and my character name is Nebulia, you could come and join me in my Guild!
Do you have a thing with pandas? YES. I have a whole lot of panda items at home! I have a panda cushion, panda slippers, two round pandas, one panda on fours, one sitting panda, two panda puppets, panda glasses, panda tumbler… that’s all I can remember now, I’m pretty sure I have much more than that! Describe your style of music and what you want to bring to the fans. I want them to hear something new, like what they listen, and put it on replay over and over again. I want them to go, “oh this is so amazing”. That’s what I feel when I hear people like Christina Grimmie and Boyce Avenue singing on YouTube. I get goosebumps. That’s how I want my listeners to feel when they hear me.
When growing up, who inspired you the most and why? Growing up, Christina Aguilera. She has this really powerful voice and she sings with so much soul. I take vocals very seriously since young, not that I’ve taken any singing lessons, and to me, the vocals in a song is what makes good music.
As of now, there are more than 100,000 subscribers and almost 11.5 million views on your YouTube channel. Are you surprised by it? Yes, I’m pretty surprised. I was super happy when my Gangnam Style cover hit 80,000 views. Within a night, the views amazingly went up to over a million, and it just kept growing and spreading from then on. What made you want to cover the song? One day I was playing my usual four chords, and I went “Oppa Gangnam style”. I thought, “hey, Maybe this could work!” So I went on to learn the song, and sang my rendition to a few people. Everyone who heard it told me I should put it up on my channel, So I did!
What other music genres do you like? I like post-hardcore, and alternative music! Even though the covers I do are always mainstream pop songs, I listen mostly to bands like Tonight Alive, Mayday Parade and Escape the Fate just to list a few. I also enjoy Paramore but I think they’ve gone down a little bit after the Farro brothers left.
At what age did you staRT singing? If you count singing twinkle twinkle little stars and jumping on the bed pretending that I’m headlining a concert, seven years old. My younger sister and I used to push our beds together to form a stage. We’ll then place two little chairs on the floor and get our parents to ‘come to the concert’ at 7pm.
Can you share with us the sacrifices you’ve made, the hard work that people do not see to be where you are right now? I wouldn’t consider what I’ve done as hard work, as I enjoy what I do. Althought I have spent countless hours practising on the guitar, and hours and hours on singing, all that probably contributed to where I am now.
How do you try to stand out from the increasing number of local musicians in Singapore? I believe it is in the form of my music arrangement. Whenever I do a song or cover, I’ll always try to imbue a personal touch to it and make it sound different from the original song, so that listeners will recognise that it’s a rendition of a song done by me!
Any awkward moments with a fan-boy or fan-girl yet? There weren’t any awkward moments thus far, but probably fans who may behave a little awkwardly and being shy. I’ll always try to find a way to break the ice, which is usually a lot easier with the help of my boyfriend who’ll be around too. Most of the time, fans who turn up at my performances are well behaved, and I’d accept their Facebook requests too (if I see and recognise them). I feel it’s a nice gesture.
audiophile
AUDIOPHILE
How does it feel to be recognized on the streets? Pretty awesome. There was this once at VivoCity, this girl was like exclaiming, “Oh my god, Steph it’s you! Can I take a picture with you?” It’s one of those moments when you think, you know what? Maybe I’m not that small after all. Really motivates me to keep doing what I do, as there’re people who love me for it.
Ø 29/72
AUDIOPHILE
Album Reviews Mcken Wong sieves out the albums that deserve to enter your playlist.
One Kiss Ends It All Saturday Looks Good To Me
Polyvinyl Records
Ø AUDIOPHILE 30/72
Saturday Looks Good To Me has gone under the radar for a couple of years, but is set to return with a revelling bang, introducing One Kiss Ends It All – their fifth proper studio album. It seems like the breaking up and then patching back of the band in 2012 has reinvigorated their desire to birth a frothy concoction of impetuous charm and lo-hi marvels of the breezy summer tracks way back in 2000. As ruthless as the music industry can be, this experimental indie pop act has proven to be a tougher cookie, which will serve to guide Fred Thomas (bandleader and songwriter) and his fellow mates well. If you listen to Are You Kissing Anyone?, chances are the sporadic hollow chasms within the track will rekindle memories of the band’s rocky journey – bittersweet and subtly melancholic.
June Gloom Big Deal
Mute This issue’s reviews seemed to be headlined by London-based groups, but it’s no coincidence that they are starting to rev their own engines and climb up respective charts. Big Deal is well, pretty big a deal, and a duo to be exact. After their extravagantly emotive Lights Out, a previous album that flung them a few rungs up the reputation ladder, they’re back on 4th June with June Gloom – emitting a sundown sort of aura surrounding their melodic nous. Unveiling maturity that is surely beyond the age of both members, Kacey Underwood and Alice Costelloe, June Gloom is befitting of its title – donning a dark suit of angst and emotional longing that is invariably sharp. Listen to Golden Light, and you’ll feel yourself gleefully stepping on colourful rubber mats before plunging through an abyss that gets you hooked abruptly on a phenomenal ending. Brilliant.
Still Corners Sub Pop
AUDIOPHILE
Strange Pleasures Fans of ethereal wave and dream pop can look forward to a fabulous month of May, when London-based Still Corners swipes in with a new album called Strange Pleasures on the sixth. The mellifluous vocals of Tessa Murray forms a flawless synthesis with the dreamy orbit of the ‘80s Euro avantpop movement, as the group continues its ascension through both electronic and new wave spectrums. Perhaps the best description is on Still Corners’ own bio on Sub Pop’s website, which describes Strange Pleasures as ‘navigating a sinuous trajectory between velveteen Angelo Badalamenti noir-pop, torch song sophistication and ethereal Cocteau Twins beauty’. Quite a mouthful, but a luxury for the tasteful.
Heart of Nowhere Noah And The Whale
Mercury Records
The party of five from Twickenham, London, has done it again. Noah and the Whale is set to release their fourth album in five years, a live and laudable effort recorded in West London’s British Grove Studios. Titled Heart of Nowhere, the album attains a higher emotional intensity than previous ones, with new single There Will Come A Time showcasing a fetching drumbeat laced with trademark Charlie Fink vocals. Newcomers to the English band will not be disappointed if you like indie folk/rock, as Fink and gang (Tom Hobden, Matt Owens, Fred Abbott and Michael Petulla) continue to retain previous influences within their music. Their tantalising style has thankfully been maintained, untouched by modernity. Stay tuned for the album’s 6th May release.
Modern Vampires of the City Vampire Weekend XL Recordings
American indie rock and baroque pop band, Vampire Weekend, is slated to unleash their brand of supposedly ‘more organic’ form of music on 6th May, with Modern Vampires of the City their third album since debuting. New singles such as Step highlights the subtle nuances and flexibility of the band members, protecting their worldbeat ideals and incorporating catchable synthpop vibes to the surreal vocal pitches of Ezra Koenig. Since sashaying down the red carpet of international fame, and having had previous album Contra nominated for Best Alternative Music Album in the Grammys, Vampire Weekend hasn’t rested on their laurels. For starters, they didn’t meet through Columbia University’s matriculation for nothing.
audiophile
Ø 31/72
AUDIOPHILE
Larger Life TEXT BY MCKEN WONG
He’s better known as that impish kid in PSY’s insanely popular Gangnam video, chatoyant shades-totting, hips-gyrating, little dynamite. In town recently to promote the launch of LG’s latest
Than
smartphone, the Optimus G, Hwang Min-Woo (aka Little PSY) sat down with yours truly for an exclusive interview.
Seven years young and choke full of boundless energy, Hwang darted from chair to chair, unable to choose a spot to settle down. His minder was flustered, but I was intrigued. Between us, we had a language barrier, but through his interpreter, a connection was gradually fashioned. What could possibly be going through his mind? Surely, there must be some pinch of bewilderment with all the media attention he is getting. Suited up and with his facial expression suddenly taut, Hwang’s tone was earnest. “After I appeared in the Gangnam Style music video, my schedule became really busy. I may appear on two to three different programmes a day, but for only 10 seconds each. I was surprised that those blocks of 10 seconds would gain me so much fame.” Given that he’s such a young lad with enormous expectations placed on his shoulders, one would expect someone so young to either crumble or grow snotty. Instead, the child idol’s innocence was evident for all to see.
Ø 32/72
AUDIOPHILE
He cited being able to eat grilled beef and pork (sponsored by Dad) after each performance – amidst guf-
faws of laughter from his entourage – that gave him the strength to cope with stress and fatigue. Besides his adoration for dancing, Hwang also relishes being able to draw and yes, wrestle, during his free time.
Just when you thought that being a star sounded like a piece of fluffy chiffon cake, Hwang shakes you back to reality. “Sometimes, I’ll be practising till three or four in the morning. It’s hard work.” When pressed to elaborate what fans can do so as to emulate his success, the boy’s sincere response was refreshing even if you’ve heard it countless times. “It’s very important to practise dancing and singing every day. You just need to keep going, to keep learning, and to never stop.” You can’t help but admire Hwang’s fledgling will to succeed, aided by his admiration for some of South Korea’s biggest stars – PSY, Big Bang and Super Junior. Perhaps, through his fast-tracked road to stardom, he is already well-versed in being diplomatic and genuinely grateful. Asked to choose a favourite between PSY and Big Bang, he opted for the latter initially. Seemingly uncomfortable with his decision, he declared PSY to be his favourite. A dedication to his ‘mentor’ perhaps? Anyhow, Hwang is someone who knows what he wants. His burgeoning reputation has seen him being awarded South Korea’s ‘Multicultural Youth Award’, for enhancing the nation’s cultural diversity. And like all superstars, he wants to be original. Eager to break free from the tag of ‘Little Psy’, he had this to say. “I want people to know me as Hwang Min-Woo, and be even more famous than PSY!”
It’s that page again for the cold, hard, metallic stuff. Chow Li Ying guides you through a whole new assortment of appealing gadgetry.
HTC BUTTERFLY Emerging from its chrysalis, the HTC Butterfly is a sight to behold with its smooth glossy finish and race car-inspired micro-grill pattern. But beauty isn’t all this smartphone has to offer - with its full HD 1080p display, Qualcomm Snapdragon quad-core processor and Android Jelly bean interface - promising an unprecedented in-hand HD experience paired with seamless application usage. A perfect match for the narcissist, this phone also comes with a best-in-class 2.1megapixel, ultra wide-angle front camera so you don’t have to compromise on quality when taking the desired selfie. While the cellphone market seems saturated with similar models, peek closer and you’ll realise the Butterfly comes embellished with a curved glass display and a slightly higher gig of RAM - delivering a major difference when it comes to the ideal user experience. Price: $928
GADGETS
PIQUED SENSES
LOGITECH WIRELESS RECHARGEABLE TRACKPAD
We’ve found a new best friend for your Apple devices, and we’re certain this potential friendship will make you very happy. MacBooks rarely disappoint, but Logitech attempts to bring out the best in them with the introduction of the Wireless Rechargeable Trackpad - featuring a multi-touch control that allows you to work your favourite gestures and shortcuts. Besides being clad in a stylish aluminium exterior that makes it a worthy Mac companion, it also features a large surface area that frees up your fingers for movement and creativity. Rechargeable (meaning no worries of battery replacements) through a USB cable, the trackpad also possesses fingerprint resistance and scratch proof qualities. Price: $169.00
BLUEBUDS X Besides being draped with a futuristic and wireless design, the BlueBuds X earphones by Jay bird also has a whole lot of dynamism packed within its tiny form. While usual Bluetooth earphones have a significantly inferior sound quality due to packet loss during transmission, the BlueBuds X does not compromise on music essences — which is why their Bluetooth Shift technology delivers sounds that are pure and clear. Appearing nothing like your usual in-ear studs, its sleek grille-inspired design provides a secure fit and an essential lock in for sporting activities. Users can also cast aside all worries about tangled wires and falling earphones. The BlueBuds X are so comfortable to use, you’ll forget you ever had them on. Price: $169.95
LG OPTIMUS G Wearing medals on its chest like a proud winner, the LG Optimus G has been garnering compliments from the Korea Electronic Show, CES Innovations and the iF Product Design Awards ever since it made its long awaited debut in January. What really makes this smartphone stand out? For starters, it features a Zerogap Touch Technology that eliminates air gaps found in the screens of competing models, thus improving the overall durability and clarity of displays. Also, touted as one of the most featurerich smartphones, UX features like the QSlide Function and Dual Screen Dual Play will further enrich your overall user experience. Backed with a Snapdragon processor and 2GB of RAM, the Optimus G not only looks sublime with its patented Crystal Reflection design - it’s pretty impressive too. Price: $798
SONY XBA-20 HEADPHONES Celebrating the success of its first CBA range in-ear headphones, Sony releases a successor that comes decked out in ostentatious gold and sexy silver. Featuring the same micro-sized Balanced Armature driver that reduces unwanted vibrations, the new range of XBA headphones now come with an added PCOCC copper wiring that minimises sound transmission loss, as well as keeping your earphones tangle-free. Sony’s also paying a little more attention to iPhone users by creating an “iP” version of their latest headphones, which are equipped with the ability to remotely control digital music players. With earphones that are so thoughtfully designed, we’re betting that music sounds heaps better on the XBA-20.
gadgets
Ø 33/72
JOURNAL
STYLE
Vogue flair.
An aspiring and spirited individual, Chloe Choo exudes beauty and boldness in crafting out her originality. A style advisor to many, she is the lady behind chloechoox.blogspot.sg - a blog that has been gathering a huge following due to her flair for fashion. She speaks to Elizabeth Moreira about her growing popularity, as well as the challenges of juggling multiple roles within her life.
Ă˜ style journal 34/72
STYLE
JOURNAL
Who or what inspired you to be a fashion blogger? It was really unexpected. It happened rather spontaneously and it’s hard to point out whom or what exactly led me to fashion blogging. Over the years, I’ve read some fashion blogs but I didn’t really subscribe to one. I was never into high fashion or even dressing up, preferring oversized tees, denim cut-offs and havaianas. It wasn’t until recently that I saw what a difference dressing up makes. My self-esteem was lifted and I got this sense of satisfaction when people started complimenting me on my dressing style. I am no professional in this field but I look for fashion inspirations every day, How would you describe your fashion style? I’d describe mine as ‘monochromatic minimalistic’. However, fashion is all about colours and patterns, which are difficult to avoid. I’m learning to adapt as I go along, although I’m still sticking to the basics (being minimalist). What are some plus points for being a fashion blogger? The very generous sponsors! They’ve decked my wardrobe with an abundance of clothes, to the point that my mother complains about the overcrowding. A fashion blogger is also a trend-setter, so in that sense, I do not have to follow the fashion trends outside. It’s also a wonderful feeling when readers ask me for fashion advice, especially so when you know you’re doing your part to help. When did you start blogging? I started blogging during my secondary school days, although I wasn’t that avid. ‘Chloechoox’ has so far been the sole blog I’m being faithful to, after I decided to commit and give it my best. I stepped in with an open mind and a strong heart, but who knew that this blog would play such a significant role in my life today. Who is your favoURite designer, and why? The one and only Alexander Wang. I adore his androgynous cuts and minimalistic style - something that he has expertly imbued within his collections.
What do you think of the current slew of blogshops that are sprouting up all over the net? I think it’s great as it provides consumers like myself with a wide variety of apparels and accessories to choose from. Besides, it’s another avenue for me to get more modelling assignments, as well as putting up advertorials on my blog. However, the limited variations of apparels make it difficult to tell the difference between one blogshop from another. Other than blogging, do you have any other interests or hobbies that you indulge in during your free time? I love baking! I used to take poledancing lessons as well, besides drumming, piano and kickboxing. However, once school term starts, I barely have time for all these anymore. Even getting a good night’s sleep is difficult. It’s one huge effort juggling being a student, a blogger, a blogshop model, and myriad other roles, all into one. Nonetheless, I’m thankful.
What do you think makes your blog diffeRent from other fashion bloggers? I don’t think my blog is any different from the other fashion blogs. I represent my blog, so I guess it’s me who makes the difference. What would be your fashion pet peeve? My fashion pet peeves are anything that has animal fur. It’s a massive NO for me, no matter how soft or gorgeous they may seem. Other than that, I think ‘FitFlop’ sandals are repulsive. No offense to those who wear them! I understand that there are some health benefits to wearing them but to parade it out in the open? Gracious. What are your plans for the future? I hope to land a job in a fashion magazine agency and if I can, be based in Japan, Britain, New York or Los Angeles. I have dreams of pursuing law, as well as opening a brownie bakery. My mind’s swirling with thoughts and ideas, so much so that I can’t pin point for sure which route I’ll take. Come what may!
style journal
Ø 35/72
JOURNAL
STYLE STYLE JOURNAL
HAIR CULTURE What do you think are the essential qualities that a good hairdresser should have? Black: Patience, as well as being a good listener and adept at building trust. It’s also about finding the client who shares your aesthetic, whom you can bounce ideas off and doesn’t get offended. Dinis: Education. I’d be taking a hairdresser who takes classes. I think it’s important to continuously improve yourselves and be at the forefront of what you’re doing. Can you share with us one difficult moment that you have to overcome during your career? Black: Probably disgruntled customers. I’m a hair colourist and I usually get clients in London and New York telling me that they want to have their blond hair turned black. The problem is, they want to have it happened by the time they step out of the salon. It pretty much comes down to how I communicate with them, and being able to convince them that it’s impossible.
Ø style journal 36/72
Snip snap: Ricardo Dinis in action.
Aveda Advanced Academy’s technical and creative directors, Ian Michael Black and Ricardo Dinis, were in town recently for Aveda’s Catwalks for Water campaign. They sat down for an exclusive chat with Mcken Wong, amidst coffee and confessions.
Dinis: Sometimes, people want to look more like another person. When I see someone who’s unhappy on the inside, it’s very difficult to make them happy. I’d try to talk them through, and get them involved in the process, especially when it comes to a new look. What do you do to seek inspiration and feel motivated? Black: I love fashion, and it helps that I travel frequently to see what’s going on. I get my inspiration from this mixture of cultures, experiences and discovery. Dinis: I have great people around me who aid my creativity. Ian for his
fashion sense and my wife for her flair for art. Sometimes, even watching cartoons and playing video games would inspire me. The trick is to stay open. What do you think about Aveda’s Catwalks for Water campaign? Black: It’s a great thing, admirable, unique, and that our products are made via 100% wind power. It’s quite remarkable as the campaign brings together a lot of values that Aveda stands for. Dinis: It’s a great cause. It’s essentially a human right to have drinking water.
PHOTO BY BROOKE NIPAR
STYLE
JOURNAL
GLAMOUR MAVERICK In the land of Lady Gaga, she feels out of place. Which is why Chow LiYing aims to bring out the best in you in the most delicate of ways. All that sparkles is not gold, which is why when it comes to glamorous makeovers, we’re staving off the bling, glitter and the tumbling silk. Instead, channel your energy into uncovering the chicest pieces on the market that can make you shine the brightest with subtlety. Think classy silhouettes with a pop of colour, and monochrome pieces with a surprising cut out — sometimes less is more. With just a tiny bit of refinement and a gigantic appetite for change, everyone has the potential to amaze.
style journal
Ø 37/72
JOURNAL
STYLE
HAIRSTYLES Whether it’s the cotton candy pink hair Effie Trinket sported in The Hunger Games or the a-line bob made ever popular by Rihanna, there’s one thing fashionistas can never deny — you can’t complete an outfit without a proper hairdo. While ombre seems to be achieving it’s full blown effect here in Singapore with every other woman flaunting their boldly coloured locks, sometimes we forget that there is beauty in simplicity and that a minor change from a skilled pair of hands can make a stunning transformation. Here are some of our recommendations (ombre salons included too):
SALON VIM
SHUNJI MATSUO
313 Orchard Road #04-07/08/09 313 Somerset Singapore 238895
313 Orchard Road #03-26 313 Somerset Singapore 238895
D.A HAIRDRESSING
LET’S MAKE IT UP!
No.14 Scotts Road, #03-58 Far East Plaza Singapore 228213
http://www.youtube.com/user/LetsMakeitUp1
Ø style journal 38/72
You don’t always have to spend a bomb to sport a fabulous do — DIY with hairstyle gurus can work wonders too!
STYLE
JOURNAL
OUTFITS A makeover doesn’t always mean you have to end up shining a giant spotlight over yourself. Instead, all you need is an outfit chic enough to evoke a double take. While stripes, florals, metallic and edgy hemlines are particularly in trend this year; we’re planning to stealthily creep on the style-wagon by incorporating these into our desired looks while preserving an air of subdued enchantment.
Top from H&M Price: $39.70 Wrap Mini Skort from ZARA Price: $69.90
Floral Print Shift Dress from Forever 21 Price: $19.90 Double Bow
Peplum Top from The Editor’s Market Price: $45.00
Palazzo Pants from nana & bird
Look who’s bringing back the bell bottoms? It doesn’t always have to be flowy dresses or bold colours when it comes to being glamorous.
style journal
Ø 39/72
JOURNAL
STYLE
SHOES Marilyn Monroe once said, “Give the girl the right shoes, and she can conquer the world.” Which is why when it comes to dressing up your pretty feet, throw caution to the wind. We’re aware we’ve been playing it simple when it comes to hair and clothes, but now that we’re down to the ground, it’s time to kick things up a notch with outrageously ostentatious shoes.
Black Chuck Taylors from Converse Price $69.90 Pair a skater skirt or body con dress with a pair of classic Chuck Taylors and watch as the heads turn. A daring approach to contrasting styles, the sneaker trend’s been working well with celebs like Kristen Stewart.
Jamma-Black Crinkle from Vince Camuto Price: $171.57
Ø style journal 40/72
Pammyy M – Aztec Multi from Steve Madden Price: $122.54
Spiked Ankle Neon Tan Flats from Soeurs Price: $38.90
STYLE
The final touch to a near perfect outfit lies in its accessories, so when the time comes to picking out the right pieces, make sure you exercise utmost care. Never choose your accessories in a haste though, ‘cos even though they seem small, a tiny misstep can break your look. This season, we’re left torn between the flamboyant and delicate so here’s our best attempt at balancing both.
JOURNAL
ACCESSORIES
G-SHOCK x MEDICOM TOY from Casio $259 While this might seem a little more befitting seen on the wrist of a kid, attract all kinds of good attention with the unorthodox pairing of an elegant outfit with a Casio G-shock. We’re taking the lead from Rihanna and Ke$ha when egging you on to try this new look.
Transparent Clutch from Stradivarius $75.90
Large Turnlock Leather Bracelet from Marc by Marc Jacobs $121.64
Bird Ring from Solange Azagury-Partridge $2894.51
style journal
Ø 41/72
CK Undulate
STYLE
JOURNAL
Calvin Klein’s latest incursion into the jewellery market remains a poised and nifty one. The CK Undulate collection is all about being elegant, swiped with minimalistic shades and simplistic hues. Available in either stainless steel with yellow or pink gold, the collection includes a pair of earrings, a necklace and ring, each combed with sleek curves. A feminine and modish choice, the CK Undulate fits cagey first dates and formal evenings. Price: $140-180 Available at: Tangs, Robinsons and authorized retailers
SPOTLIGHT
TEXT BY ELIZABETH MOREIRA
CK Surround
Now, here’s a little something for the men to indulge in. Calvin Klein’s CK Surround timepiece will attract and pull with its versatile and classic design. Still living up to a very “reptilicious” year, the fine watch comes with a black crocodile pattern leather strap that subtly accentuates each wrist. Simplistic and quintessentially vintage, the ticker comes with varying cases (stainless steel, yellow gold or rose gold) and matching dials in either silver or black. Price: $360 Available at: Tangs, Robinsons and authorized retailers
Audel Art Loudspeakers: Fred and Ginger Here’s to those who love music! Combining great aesthetic value with possibly the highest audio quality one can have, Audel Art Loudspeakers has indeed brought together the perfect “couple” of sound diffusers. Carefully hand-made in laminated multi-layered birch wood and finished off with the sweetness of beeswax, it culminates with the compelling Fred & Ginger speakers. Dress up the ‘couple’ with one of six different colours that would better suit your home. If you’re looking for the one charming Mother’s Day gift, look no further.
GUESS Colour Chic
Wrap your wrists this summer with GUESS Jewellery’s new “Colour Chic” collection of bracelets - a splashy range of pigments that you can mix and match. The collection’s twisted metal chain leather halos will be perfect for those who prefer simplicity, with each having its own distinct stitch topped by GUESS’s classic 4 “G” logo on the cuffs. Price: $79-99 Available at: all GUESS outlets and leading department stores
Ø style journal 42/72
Price: $5500 Available at: 68 Orchard Road, Plaza Singapura #04-65
Yankee Candle® Spring Water
Do your bid for charity and purchase a Yankee Spring Water Charity Candle, where $10 of each sale will go to the Hope Villages Fund. The proceeds will aid in the efforts to provide clean water to the villagers of Kampong Speu, Cambodia, under the ‘Light up a heART’ inititiative. The candle emits a light mix of spring blossoms and driftwood, canvassing a clean and fresh feel that is of renowned Yankee Candle® quality. Price: $39.90 Available at: www.puresenses.com.sg
Puma Mobium Elite
Aigner CESENA
Blending Italian culture and architecture, designer brand Aigner has brought forth Cesena, an exquisite ladies watch. A combination of classy colours and historical slenderness has given this timepiece a feminine splendour that few can rival.
STYLE
Price: $179 Available at: all Puma outlets
JOURNAL
It’s good to keep in shape each season, and all the more so with the release of Puma’s Mobium Elite. Ultra-lightweight and possessing ingenious aerodynamics, the shoes ensure a productive, nonexerting run – especially after a two-year development period. Enthusiastic runners will be keen to know that the footwear adapts with their running transition, inducing an efficient mid-foot strike. It’s not just about comfort, but an adaptive capability meant to boost performance.
Lomography Smartphone Film Scanner
Even though its heydays were in the 80’s, analogue is still pretty much all the rage today. To lap it all up, head down to the Lomography Gallery Store and get your hands on the Smartphone Film Scanner. Just scan your 35mm films, edit and relive memories, or even create your own to share with the world. Snap it, Scan it and swoon over it! Price: $114 Available at: Lomography Gallery Store
Price: $535 Available at: ROBINSONS Raffles City, Centrepoint, The shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, TANGS Orchard & Vivocity
H&M Tie-Dye Beach collection
Join H&M in their humanitarian and conservation efforts with WaterAid, which will benefit some of the world’s poorest communities with clean water. Since 2002, H&M has been working constantly to improve its internal water efficiency, as well as supporting better management of river basins in China and Bangladesh. This summer, it has created the tie-dye beach collection – awashed with the colours of the sea – where 25% of the sales will head to WaterAid. So do contribute, and let your act of kindness flow through. Price: $7.90 (fringe bikini top $17.90 (scarf) Available at: all H&M outlets
THE COFFEE BEAN & TEA LEAF SPECIAL
This year, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf celebrates 5 decades of brewing passion. In commemoration of their 50th Anniversary, they’ve introduced a revolutionary trio of tea cappuccino flavours for you to savour. Explore the soothingly spicy Chai flavour, the delectable Scottish Breakfast or their unique Anniversary Blend Tea – a combination of white, green, Oolong, and black premium tea with Acai Berry. Layered with silky milk foam and drizzled with yummy vanilla bean sauces, the trio are available only till 25th May. Price: $6 Available at: All Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf outlets
style journal
Ø 43/72
HOMME SLEEK
AND SPRUCE
TEXY BY MCKEN WONG
JOURNAL
STYLE
Ø style journal 44/72
Vich-torious On the back of its raging popularity in the European market, Vichy is set to take on this part of the world. Introducing its Normaderm TotalMat, this innovative hydrating facial gel absorbs both sebum and perspiration, combating the pesky oily finishes that so often plague us. Offering a unique ‘blottingtechnology’, the gel contains Perlite and mattifying fibres that reduce shine, as well as the ritzy Vichy Thermal Spa Water for a comprehensive 24-hour hydration cycle.
Price: $29 (30ml) Where to get: at all Guardian, Watsons and independent
pharmacies
Scandinavian Influence Aesop has done its reputation no harm by unveiling its latest collaboration with Finnish design and fashion house, Marimekko - the very pleasing SAUNA DUET. Taking inspiration from Scandinavian bathing culture, the ‘duet’ comprises a body scrub that kicks in an exfoliating effect via finely-milled purnice and Bamboo Stem (it seems to be the in thing right now), and a body balm that moisturizes and mollifies your skin with vitamins (E, F, D), and botanical extracts. A touch of class exudes from the aromatic essential oils of Fir Needle, Sage Leaf and Pine Needle, revealing Aesop’s close connection and expertise with plant-based ingredients. Ihana! Price: $100 per set
Where to get: Aesop at Millenia Walk, #01-43 and Ngee Ann City, #B1-50
Kiwi Scrub-off Hailing from New Zealand, evolu’s EXFOLIATING BODY POLISH ticks all of the right boxes for a fulfilling shower experience. Like what its name suggests, the exfoliating duty will be carried out by crushed walnut shells and kiwifruit seeds embedded within. Chamomile botanicals will also aid in the hydration and nourishment of your skin, while the presence of eucalyptus and menthol weaves a trace of refreshing vibe - leaving you in a state of calm and balmy contentment. Price: $40 (200ml) =Where to get: at all Beauty by Nature outlets
Aerial Prowess
JOURNAL
STYLE
If oily scalp and hair are your main concerns, brood no longer. Secret Professionnel’s AERIAL SHAMPOO has been specially formulated to cleanse and regulate sebum flow, allowing the qualities of its ingredients such as White Nettle, Burdock and Grapefruit extract to keep your scalp revitalised and sane. Other key active ingredients include the Sage extract (astringent and revitalising properties), and Saponaria (provides gentle Price: $35 (200ml)
serum is
Where to get: at all
Beauty by Nature
outlets
Chew on This
cleansing while being
broken
up).
You’ve probably seen bamboo being used in multiple ways from building furniture and musical instruments, to cooking purposes and inside the chewing mouths of pandas. Lierac Homme
has found a new purpose for it, right within its ANTI-BRILLIANCE antishine oil control mattifying moisturizer. For this, bamboo powder acts
as a mattifying agent, while substances like white pepper and ginger purifies and balances your skin condition. Furthermore, it doubles up as an after shave, as well as notching up an ante with its exfoliating function and non-sticky quality. Price: $48 (50ml)
Where to get: at all Beauty by Nature outlets
Primp and Pitera Not that SK-II needs much
introducing. Its vault into the men’s market with the FACIAL TREATMENT ESSENCE is as much calculated as it is clever. With a lotion that houses an extensive blend of vitamins, amino acids and minerals -
dubbed Pitera® - your skin has never been subjected to so much goodness. Surprisingly gentle, the skin felt a distinct suppleness and shades more radiant after use. Besides,
ZALORA has recently collaborated with SK-II and
launched their first e-commerce store. Getting
your hands on those fancy maroon bottles
has never been easier, plus it’ll be the
Aesthetically intriguing, fashion house Viktor & Rolf has come
only online platform where you can
up with a new fragrance, SPICEBOMB, to match the release of its
book spa treatments from the
Power Frenzy
female version. It is one of the few perfumes to produce a balance
SK-II Spa Boutique. Price: $99
between fiery and icy tangents, intertwining the flaming(75ml) accords of chilli
Where to get: atwww.zalora.sg,
and saffron with chilly compositions of pink pepper and elemi. Framed within
and all SK-II counters at
a grenade-style bottle, the fragrance emits hints of bergamot, grapefruit, and
major department stores
even base notes of vetiver – generating a composed spicy scent. Price: $89 (50ml)
Where to get: Tangs Beauty Hall
style journal
Ø 45/72
TEXY BY ELIZABETH MOREIRA
JOURNAL
STYLE
FEMME In total control
Miraculous Control Lifting It Up
All of us go through days of witnessing a random blemish, or at least developing one. And nothing seems to work no matter what It’s never too early to start using anti-ageing you do or use. This is when Klair’s AC products. Whether its solely for your skin CONTROL RANGE steps in. Powerful, or shared between a mother-daughter pair, fast-acting and convenient, the miracle L’Oreal’s REVITALIFT LASER X3 is your answer team consists of a cleanser, toner, lotion to anti-ageing musketeers. Comprising a and serum. By controlling sebum and serum, cream and eye cream, the battle against calming the skin, the range works from wrinkles has never been easier. Test results within to treat and prevent acne. Completehave been impeccable, and will endeavour ly raw and natural, the exterior is also as to show you the efficacy of laser treatment in adorable as it gets. terms of skin quality and enhanced transformation. The presence of Pro-Xylane will also aid in Price: $29.90 (AC Foam Control Cleanser, 150ml) $29.90 (AC Control Mist Toner, 100ml) correcting wrinkles and replumping your skin! $29.90 (AC Control Lotion, 100ml) $26.90 (AC Control Spot Serum, 10ml) Where to get: Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, #03-29.
Ø style journal 46/72
Marvellous Mat’ness Singapore’s weather is just unbearable most of the time. Ladies, don’t you just wish for makeup that would simply stick, not turn cakey, or make your face seem overtly oily? Lancôme has produced its 1st environmentalproof foundation for Asian women, the MAT MIRACLE 24H. Perfect for this country’s climate, it resists heat and humidity (three cheers!). In essence, it’s a 24hour lasting foundation that will give your face the sparkles every second of the day. Price: $66 (30ml) Where to get: at all Lancôme counters
Price: $39.90 (New Skin Anti-Aging Cream, 50g) $49.90 (Renewing Anti-Aging Serum, 30g) $37.90 (Anti-Aging Transforming Eye Cream, 15g) Where to get: at all L’oreal Paris counters in Watsons and selected department store
Glossy pouts Exceedingly popular with their gourmand category of 3-in-1 shampoos, shower gel and bubble bath products, Philosophy unveils its HIGH GLOSS, HIGH-FLAVOUR LIP SHINES. Basically, it’s lip gloss that aims to cradle your luscious pair. Able to quench them with six mouth-watering flavours and colours, the hydrating and softening qualities are enhanced by each candied flavour. Sunflower seed oil and embedded vitamin E also help to nourish and hydrate, encouraging a sophisticated and calorie-free indulgent finish. Price: $18 Where to get: at all Sephora stores
STYLE
JOURNAL
Explosive Flora Aptly named and designed, this pretty pink diamond ‘grenade’ detonates with whiffs of floral positivity. Viktor & Rolf’s FLOWERBOMB fragrance is your perfect everyday perfume, combining addictive sweet-smelling scents with floral whiffs – engaging gentleness simultaneously. Contained within a uniquely designed bottle that exudes class and elegance, this is one fragrance that emits femininity and calming consciousness. Prices: $139.00 (50ml) Where to get: 310 Orchard Rd, TANGS Beauty Hall, Level 1
Headsterminator Drop the blackhead extractor and step away from the mirror girls. It’s B.Liv’s OFF WITH THOSE HEADS to the rescue! This light cooling gel creates a slight tingling sensation that is extremely soothing. Other than removing stubborn blackheads and whiteheads PAINLESSLY, it also provides a multi-delivery system: controls acne, unclogs pores, and provides gentle exfoliation, just to name a few. You’ll never have to worry about those heads popping up again. Price: $69.95 (30ml) Where to get: At all SASA outlets and selected Guardian stores
Lips Mayhem Launching this May is 24 new shades of lip gloss from Shu Uemura’s GLOSS UNLIMITED collection. Along with 5 special modulator colours, you can mix and match to achieve a range of different shades. What makes this gloss so different you say? The 3D shape-memory gel technology creates unlimited mirror shine – despite lip movement – providing a non-sticky gloss finish. An added lotus flower extract aids in nourishment and protection, with botanical oil for accompanying comfort. Price: $39 Where to get: at all shu uemura boutiques and counters
Unlocking Youthfulness Yves Saint Laurent (YSL), has been a major force and proponents in backing their products with science. In fact, the FOREVER YOUTH LIBERATOR is one such testament. After 20 years of research, YSL has unveiled its findings with regards to Glycobiology. They’ve identified a blend of glycans (complex molecules that are vital for the membranes within and between cells), and formulated a blend of the said molecules that helps to unlock cells and reactivate functions. The end result? A youthful liberation at all levels of the skin. Price: $149 (30ml) Where to get: Tangs e-store
style journal
Ø 47/72
JOURNAL
STYLE
Look Ma, All Yours This mother’s day, Elizabeth Moreira spins out five gift ideas that you can adopt.
Hearts On Fire Marking the occasion with a sparkling authenticity, is the world’s most perfectly cut Hearts On Fire diamond. One of the world’s fastest growing diamond brand, TianPo Jewellery is bringing it onto our shores and we can hear some women yelping in delight (while men frown). Hearts On Fire showcases the Illa Collection by Director of Design, Illaria Lanzoni. Inspired by the night sky and shooting stars, the collection steals pieces of the sky and craft them precisely into immaculate diamonds. The biggest star of them all would be the Illa Constellation Bracelet, set with 537 diamonds and weighing at least 70 carats set in 18K White Gold. Who can deny, that diamonds aren’t a girl’s best friend?
Shanghai Tang Ginger Flower Reed Diffuser A classy gift with benchmark quality, Shangai Tang’s Ginger Flower Reed Diffuser will be as apt a gift as any. Not only does the diffuser emit a refreshing tropical aroma, Ginger Flower is also highly sought after for culinary and medicinal uses. Delicately placed in their new bold red packaging, the intricately designed bottle is engraved with a dainty floral motif that captures the beauty in all things floral.
Ø style journal 48/72
Sony Nex-3N Pink What better way to capture the highlights in life than with a camera? Snap those special moments with Sony’s pretty in pink Nex-3N interchangeable lens camera. Its 180° tilting LCD screen makes self-shooting effortless, a lot easier for taking high-resolution photos with mum! Besides offering a range of 15 photo filter effects, there are various other functions such as the ‘two-person’ portrait mode, face detection and object tracking, to help create very professional-looking images. No worries too if you think it’ll be too bulky to tot it around – the Nex-3N is the world’s smallest and lightest camera. Bingo.
Lierac Premium Cream The Lierac Premium Cream targets dry skin with visible signs of aging. What this magic in a tube does is to re-texture, re-densify, nourish and protect. Supplying the skin with pure hyaluronic acid solution, it instantly smoothens and restores volume. Liquorice leaf extract and botulinum fill in and reduce deep wrinkles, while its floral scent comforts. Packed within are extracts of black orchid, black baccara rose and black poppy, rare ingredients that contain anti-oxidant properties.
Bosch MCM 4 Food Processor For the convenience of mothers who love cooking, the Bosch MCM 4 Food Processor series is the perfect helper for all food and beverage preparation. This savvy appliance is compact, with inbuilt drawers that allow storage of the various accessories. It also includes a mixing bowl with assorted attachments for multiple uses such as cutting, shredding and whisking. An attached juicer, a plastic blender and an adjustable speed setting mean it’s never difficult to make your own fruit smoothies. What a great addition to the kitchen!
TIC TAC FRUIT ADVENTURE
This explosive range of fruit assortment will certainly max out your brain’s Fruit-O-Meter. (Yes, you have one). And it’s a Tic Tac has ventured into fruity territory, by given, that you’re bound to enjoy the experience packing in a whole lot of plummy options into of having these limited edition delights. one lucid box. Featuring an assortment of Some of the less adventurous however, should zesty flavours - apple, orange, passion fruit steer clear as we don’t call it Fruit Adventure and cherry - you’ve got a compact winner for nothing. Anticipate and be excited, as the right in your hands (and in your mouth). vibrant contents will make you gush with joy!
SAVOUR
Of Eggs and Mushrooms
Balzac Brasserie’s Executive Chef, Jean-Charles Dubois, has created something really splendid for you to try making at home. Whether it’s for the young or the old, it’s as classy as it is simple.
Egg cocotte & Soup of White Button mushroom topped with Emmental chip For 4 kids: Good for protein
1-Put each egg in a small jar
Mushroom Soup with Emmental cheese
with a bit of butter 2-Add the sour cream
1- for the mushroom soup,
3-Cook in the oven bain marie
chop the mushroom and sau-
10minutes at 150˚c
téed until golden colour
and calcium
2-Add the chicken stock and
4 Eggs
cook over slow fire for 10mins
20g Butter
3-Blend until soft and when
20g Crème Fraiche
you’ve achieved a creamy
9nos. White button mushroom
texture. Add salt and pepper
¼ l Chicken stock
to taste.
50g Emmental cheese
4-Grate the Emmental cheese
Pinch of salt and pepper
then put it in a baking tray and
Oven bain marie* (Water Bath)
cook for 8mins at 150˚c.
10mins at 150˚c.
Ø savour 50/72
Egg Coccotte
SAVOUR
Disyllabic Gastronomia Ever met a restaurant’s name that was so lengthy that it would take you much less time to stroll there from home than actually enunciate it? Cut it out! Joey Murray gives you a tour around the five most delicious places to cut your steak! La this, le that. Oh wait, it’s too simple-sounding – let’s put Maison in front of it to make it sound more attractive. Who cares if we don’t even serve anything remotely Gallic! Yes, we’re sick of pretentious places that dish out largely average dishes... but enough about them, let’s get on to the good stuff!
KILO Everything about Kilo is perfect – from its dynamic four-lettered moniker, the impressive un-clichéd fusion of Japanese, French and Italian, its old toy factory facade, its situation on the banks of the Kallang River, and the fact that it’s naturally ventilated (that’s another way of putting no airconditioning). The menu’s brimming with ingenuity and plays on textures and flavours – whether it’s cooking sweet-salty squid ink and chilli padi juice
into rice and serving it with fresh tender seafood, or if its the Roasted Pumpkin & Goat’s Cheese Quinoa that accompanies the generous slab of Tenderloin with Herb Butter & Cabernet Reduction. Every second in Kilo is a highlight, and service is a delight (so is their chocolate gelato – with the consistency of dough!). 66 Kampong Bugis #02-01 TURE Tel: 64673987 Mon - Sat: 18:00 - 00:00
savour
Ø 51/72
SAVOUR
plops special pasta, kuey, withhis ragout make The
TI
NO
Why do the good Italian places come with the cheesy (ha!) peeling floral wallpapers, and the ones that actually look futuristic and minimalistic come with dreadful deconstructed food? Noti, thankfully, is one not to conform, dishing out good ol’ Italian soul food from mamma and looking chic-er than most of the Club St with its stony brick walls and tasteful designer furniture. Chef Toni puts his family’s recipes to fantastic use, firing up the stove for Arancini de Riso, deep fried risotto balls filled with fluffy risotto rice and a melted cheese centre and placed on of tangy arrabbiata sauce. Toni’s the thick Sagne (think mee hoon out being cut into pieces) with sauce will also definitely your eyes roll back in pleasure. Stuffed Aubergine with Minced Meat is also oh-so-divine. Toni’s Noti has set new highs for Italian cuisine in Singapore. 54 Club Street, Tel: 62220089 Mon - Sat: 12:00 - 00:00
HANSANG Whenever it comes to barbeques, I need a week’s worth of mental preparation for the ‘cooking smell’ and enduring the journey home before I can wash it all off, but Hansang’s hi-tech barbeque machines take that load off my shoulders – they suck the smoke away from me! A new addition to Turf Club’s The
Ø savour 52/72
Grandstand’s lineup of great restaurants, owner Mi-jin ensures all the dishes are to her lofty Korean housewife-ly standards. Her Korean Ginseng Chicken Soup is simple, delicious, and nutritious, while the meats are choice cuts. Her kimchi is homemade and fresh because she introduced it to a Singaporean
farmer and the cabbage doesn’t have to endure the flight. And best of all, the Bimbimbap is made with whole marbled barley grains and vegetables, all served in a stone bowl. There’s only one word for Hansang – Korea-tastic! 200 Turf Club Road #02-14 The Grandstand Tel: 64636508 Daily: 11:30 – 22:00
SAVOUR
SHUNJUU Not just another bar, Shunjuu never fails to live up to the definition of Izakaya, which means ‘place of comfort’. And in this case, the Japanese never cease to find solace in a hot cup of sake and delicious barbequed meats. With over 70 selections of skewered yummies, the Foie Gras, Kaki Buta Maki (oysters rolled with pork) and Chicken Meatballs are the ones that are so deviously scrumptious, and if you’re not feeling like charred sumiyaki, there’s always Tofu with Century Egg Sauce topped with Ebiko for something soft and flavourful. The Fish Porridge is a standout for being two steps up from the typical Singaporean hawker fare, with lots and lots of salmon and mackerel cubes, and a whole lot creamier (and a tad sweet!). 30 Robertson Quay, #01-15 Riverside View Condominium Tel: 68873577 Daily: 12:00 - 14:30 Sun - Wed: 18:00 - 22:30 Thu - Sat: 18:00 - 23:00
TWOFACE What’s a yong tau foo and mee pok stall in the day and a buzzing pizzeriaslash-taproom after the uncles and aunties ‘close shop’? Twoface is the newest, snazziest addition to the array of cafes and bookshops in Tiong Bahru – and it takes the cake for the most unconventional – with its open air coffee shop concept and pizza ovens firing up $12-16 12-inch thin-crust pizzas. The Smoked Duck Pizza is thick slices of tenderly smoked duck, with a dollop of truffle mayo, with
a generous handful of arugula on top. The unlikely Twoface Concoction (pineapple juice, caixin, sourplum) is also the most innovative thirst quencher in the entire district. Other must-orders are the Har Cheong Gai and Pan-fried Foie Gras on top of Fries. Pub grub never got more fusion-er and chaotic. #01-48 56 Eng Hoon Street Tel: 65360024 Tue - Fri: 17:00 - 23:00 Fri - Sat: 17:00 - 00:00 Sun - Sun: 10:00 - 22:00
savour
Ø 53/72
NEW YORK city
PERSPECTIVE
S
treet naps
Ă˜ perspective 54/72
Some people have likened New York to a conclusive cauldron that makes or breaks a dreamer’s dream. Billy Graham protects it, Hugh Jackman loves it, and Michael Bloomberg champions it. For Katherine Goh, her maiden steps around the Big Apple were unconsciously, a wide-eyed initiation into the world of photography. Mcken Wong finds out more.
PERSPECTIVE
LONDON hanoi, VIETNAM
Chimgan, Uzbekistan
MELBOURNE,
Australia
washington dc
perspective
Ø 55/72
PERSPECTIVE How did you stumble upon photography? My love for it began in July 2005 in Manhattan, New York. I decided to take a two-week personal trip there as I was going through a dark patch in my life - and a break was what I needed. Prior to the New York trip, I was neither interested nor exposed to photography. In fact, I didn’t even own a camera and had to borrow my sister’s. It was hardly exciting, even by the standards back then; just a 3.2 megapixel Kodak digital compact that ran on AA batteries! I started to roam the famed streets (after getting bored with the touristy stuff), and armed with my camera, told myself not to take average tourist shots. I was shooting and enjoying myself so much that I had to constantly buy new batteries to fuel this new interest.
Ø perspective 56/72
KATHERINE GOH
Image of Katherine courtesy of Desmond Goh
Ho Chi Minh City,
What happened next? After returning back to Singapore, I developed the photos and thought nothing much about them, although they were really well received by my friends. A year later, I was finally persuaded by a photography enthusiast friend to purchase my first dSLR camera – two days before another holiday to London and Paris. I’ve never looked back since. Tell us who inspires you the most and why. I love street photography and for that reason, I admire the works by Henri Cartier-Bresson and Steve McCurry. Recently, I came upon the works done by Carol Allen-Storey, a UKbased female photojournalist who specialises in chronicling humanitarian and social issues, especially amongst women and children. I truly admire the efforts of Carol Allen-Storey in using her images to bring worthy causes to public attention. Like her, I want my photographs to tell stories and be a positive influence.
Vietnam
What were the difficulties that you had to overcome in order to pursue this career? I am still new in this industry, although I have been a photography enthusiast for more than seven years. Largely, this industry is a male-dominated one and there are plenty of talented photographers out there. The challenge lies in believing in yourself and in your own works. Photography, by nature, is physically demanding. I have lost count of the number of times I had to kneel, climb, and get into various contorted postures just to get the shot I want. Lugging a bulky camera and a bagful of heavy lenses is not exactly a walk in the park for a woman of my frame (1.6 metres tall). What do you think are the attributes required to be a successful/good photographer? You need to have a good “eye”. As with any art form or creative work, one needs to have a natural talent and passion for it. You may be studying for years and even get a post-graduate degree, but it’ll still not be as good as a self-taught artist who possesses natural flair.
Uzbekistan
PERSPECTIVE
Bukhara,
A photograph can evoke many emotions. What do you aim to portray in an image? I want my photographs to be able to tell stories. My perspective of life, my attitude and my feelings all play a part in creating the photograph at the point when I am taking the shot. For instance, friends have commented that they could feel sadness when they looked at the photos that I took in New York. Photography is subjective and it is ultimately what the photographer sees. You can say that my photos become an image of myself in a way.
I also prefer a more candid and honest approach to my photography. Candid moments are real and uncontrived, as opposed to posed photographs. Any advice for budding photographers out there who wish to make it big in the local/international scene? While I am not in a position to dish out advice on how to make it big in the local/international scene, I think it is important for any budding photographer to define his or her own style.
japan
HOKKAIDO,
I asked if I could take photos of her through my gestures, given the language barrier, and she happily obliged. Subsequently, through a translator, she said that she was very happy that she finally lived to see the day when the local government was making improvements to her village. We did not tell her that it was in fact a corporate company that was aiding the village.
Silhouettes and colour contrasts seem to play a prominent role in your work. Can you share with us more about your style? Many of my photographs are in black and white. I like black and white photography because I feel that colours distract. When I take photos of people, I want to draw the attention of the viewer to the faces of the people in the photos. Black and white photography helps me to tell the stories in a stronger way.
paris, france
Can you describe to us, what are some of your more memorable experiences while doing street photography? I went to Hanoi, Vietnam in September 2010 for work. The company I worked for at that time had chosen Phuc Xa Village, one of the poorer villages in Hanoi, to do some community work by painting a school. It was at the village that I came across this 90-year-old lady when I ventured into one of the small lanes off the main road.
More often than not, photographers start out doing what everyone else is doing. While it is alright to seek inspiration in the works of great photographers, it is more important to find out what clicks for yourself.
perspective
Ă˜ 57/72
TROTTER
GLOBE
u t or
F a n o u B
From mesmerizing Milan to ravishing Rome, Pearly Cheong writes about her Italian experience – the things you wouldn’t want to miss, and the things you ought to know.
Ø globe trotter 58/72
a n
This is a vacation of my many ‘firsts’ – it marks my first trip to Italy, first meeting with my Italian boyfriend’s family, first home stay with an Italian household, attending my first Italian wedding and, of course, the first time I feel jittery walking through what I usually see as my gateway to paradise - the doors to the airport’s arrival hall. Looking back, my worries were definitely unfounded. Mr. Guccio Snr. exudes such warmth and sincerity that he was a soothing presence to my whirling and jet-lagged mind. And the exceptional hospitality continues on in the family - his mom was showering me with kisses before I even had the chance to greet her! I have been to many a fine dining places in Singapore, but trust me, I met some of the most entertaining and welcoming restaurant managers in the small cafes lining the streets of Italy.
Despite the language barrier, the boyfriend’s family and friends kept me in the loop of their lives so earnestly; that all I have to say to anyone who seeks my advice before a trip to Italy is to “stay with an Italian family and you will see this country at its best”. That said, my first day was still to scour the streets of central Milano – think Prada, Chanel, Celine and I swear I was tempted to dress a little Carrie Bradshaw. It was everything I have pictured it to be, or more – the grandeur of Piazza Duomo, the preened up fashionistas in boutique cafes with majestic chandeliers, the top-notch customer services in exquisitely decorated shops and the best darling white smiles (even from the men on the streets who will pretty much force everyone to buy a 1 Euro wristband – no advice on how to avoid that, it will happen before you even know it, in a good way though!).
GLOBE
TROTTER
A somewhat dismaying advice kept me away from the coveted Chanel and Prada, and here I am imparting this wisdom to you; there are many handmade leather bags in Italy that costs one-quarter the price of your lust. Sad but true, ladies. To brighten up your day, take a leaf out of my book: drop by Villa Café, a minute away from Milano train station, and you’ll feel better over a cuppa’ by the bar and an array of snacks you will no doubt swoon over. A stone’s throw away is the famous Castello Sforzesco, a castle that has been through many glorious days and catastrophes of Italy’s history, destroyed and rebuilt after the unification of Italy. Lying behind the castle is a breath-taking garden that houses the landmark triumphal arch, Arco della Pace, “The Arc of Peace”. The craftsmanship, I assure, will leave you in a state of awe as it did to me. But I was to learn that there were more of these intriguing, mystifying and grand structures waiting for me in Rome. The Colosseo was one of them. Walking through the stands and looking down into the arena where one of the most gruesome, for a lack of better word, sport was played, the emotions boiling within me were inexplicable. I looked through the exhibits which chronicled how people, like mere pawns in a chess game, were trapped in a maze with bloodthirsty animals and forced to battle their way out, dead or alive, in front of thousands who did not care if it was the former. After centuries, this place might have been stripped off its splendors of yesteryears, but the intimidating sense of grimness lingers.
At the Fontana di Trevi, in true Hollywood fairytale fashion, I threw my coin in, wished for true love, opened my eyes, saw my grumpy boyfriend and yes, we are still together! We spent our last day in Rome queuing in the 40 degrees heat for more than an hour at the doors of Cattedrale San Pietro, before tottering up the painfully narrow steps to the dome of Piazza del Popolo. Be warned, the journey can be unforgiving – many gave up halfway - but the sights you take in from the Piazza would be more than rewarding. Pilgrims are believed to have touched and kissed the foot of Saint Pietro’s statue since the Middle Age, to pray for mercy and a pathway to heaven should they die in their quest. The statue’s feet have reportedly worn thin.
Forget about big restaurants in Rome. I could have enjoyed every single day just feasting and people-watching at quaint little cafes in Piazza di Spagna or traditional trattorias in Trastevere. Do try not to order out of the menu though – my boyfriend ordered a melon he saw through the display – delicious as it was, we were charged 20 Euros for four slices! We rushed out of Rome amidst a surprise transportation strike, which later saw us running across train tracks to catch our train back to Milan. It’s good to travel light just in case. I definitely have not done justice to the rich history and beautiful architectures of Milan and Rome with this piece. But the highlight and purpose of my trip, was to attend a wedding that showcased the culture I was immersed in, and showed all I wanted to know about Italy. I wish you readers will have the same buona fortuna – or good fortune. Ciao!
globe trotter
Ø 59/72
TROTTER
GLOBE
10 Days, a Shoe String Budget and a Little Help From My Friends The land of the Beatles take centre stage as joyce naomi reminisces about her gratifying sojourn in London.
As I took my time with my now-ritualised habit of writing postcards to friends worldwide, I still couldn’t believe that I was sitting at a café, Covent Gardens, savouring my last Pimm’s Cup. Gotye’s Somebody That I Used to Know was playing in the background, created by a tambourine-tapping, guitar-strumming busker. My 10-day escapade in London was officially over and it would remain etched in memory as my first ever solo trip away from home. Granted, I was here as a bridesmaid for my best friend’s wedding, and as expected, my once 8-yearold friend was fretting over making her childhood dream come true. It played right into my plans for a much-needed breather away from work.
For someone who doesn’t drive, the city was surprisingly accessible via the London Underground train system. With an Oyster Card (think Singapore’s ezlink), my daily travel expenses amounted to roughly 12 pounds (SGD$24), inclusive of bus rides. Thanks to my inability to sleep despite my morning flight, I was up and about covering the major tourists’ attractions on the first day. Turns out, the Rick Steve’s Audio Europe 2012 iPhone App made it easy for me to get around; at my own pace, without the hassle of booking an actual guided tour. By the end of the second day, I had covered pretty much every quintessential landmark there was in London: from Big Ben to London Eye, Westminster
Ø globe trotter 60/72
Abbey to Buckingham Palace, I’ve seen them all. I also managed to stop by the first ever House of Twinings, and was fascinated by the fact that tea was a better alternative to coffee upon its introduction to the English. Reason? Coffee places were historically touted by prostitutes! Of course, a lot has changed since then but tearemainsasignaturefavourite. With those done, I could finally move on to the ‘real’ sightseeing that I was interested in. Standing in front of a nondescript road that is a short walk away from St John’s Wood Station, it was hard not to miss the cult-favourite zebra crossing – popularised by one of the most famous Beatles album of all time – Abbey Road. Here, photographers came by
the dozens, with many fellow tourists freezing mid-way upon crossing, much to the annoyance of impatient drivers. Rumour has it that authorities might remove the crossing completely, so I considered myself extremely lucky to have seen it before a possible demise. Abbey Road Studios wasn’t open to the public, but as a self-confessed music buff, it was just surreal to be standing before the beloved studio with its scrawled graffiti gates. My next stop was the enigmatic Camden Town. Widely known for its alternative culture, I found myself surprisingly misplaced in the land of colourful dreadlocks, cosplayers and intricate
TROTTER
Food-wise, London will never be short on offerings. I caught up with a university friend at Jamie’s Kitchen (at Covent Gardens), where the pasta did live up to my expectations of famous celebrity chef, Jamie Oliver.
GLOBE
GLOBE
TROTTER
tattoos - even though I prided myself on being somewhat indie. As recommended, I headed to the Stables Market which paid homage to its original architecture as a horse stable. Walking along the street markets beside the Regent’s Canal, I was tempted to buy an entire stall at one point but eventually settled for some vintage postcards.
Jamie probably didn’t cook my meal but the ambience alongside the decadent food was nevertheless divine. Another noteworthy place was Bumpkin, at South Kensington. I may have been a little bias since the room was booked for my best friend’s wedding rehearsal dinner, but aside from its tantalising rabbit terrine and sticky date pudding, it was where I first tasted the delightful Pimm’s Cup. Pimm’s is essentially a brand of fruit cup liqueur popular in the UK, used
Ø globe trotter 61/72
to make a cocktail called the Pimm’s Cup - a mix between Pimm’s liqueur and stuff like lemonade, cucumbers, mint leaves and any conceivable fruit that you fancy. To the unacquainted, Pimm’s tastes of a cross between a mojito and fruit punch, something that I simply cannot get enough of. Without a doubt, I had to bring a bottle back home! Nearing the end of my trip, and just like any typical Singaporean, it was souvenir shopping time. I had promised my mother
and a bunch of her friends the Longchamp bag from Harrod’s, and since it was possibly the only day that I could do my shopping, I went for a good comb down Marble Arc - the “Orchard Road” of London. After all that, my feet had their rest by the pond within Hyde Park. As I took my last sip of Pimm’s, I could understand why my friend had readily embraced London as her home, despite its cloudy and erratic rain. London’s charm is irrefutable.
globe trotter
Ø 61/72
WORK IT
SORE LIMBS & CRAMPED TOES
When running long distances, it’s more than just plain endurance and crashing through mental walls. Mcken Wong takes a look at some of the painful obstacles that may hinder your personal bests. Taking part in a marathon has always been on the bucket list of most, due to personal health reasons, peer pressure, or for the novelty of it (I know). Think about it: completing a full gruelling asphalt challenge of 42.195 km, or even 21, requires more than just grit and stamina. It’s a mental struggle, a solemn promise between you and your pride to at least crawl to the end if you must.
Injuries, both mild and severe, are something that marathoners grapple with. The way you deal with it, the prior preparation and training sessions, are sometimes overlooked and thus spawn regrets. Also, the header for this article was a gist of my own personal marathon tortur... experience back in 2009, but thankfully, I’m still hooked on the challenge of finishing one.
Runner’s Knee
Also known as the Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome, the symptoms for having a Runner’s Knee are feeling pain when you use the stairs or climb up hills, as well as feeling pain coursing along the inner aspect of the kneecap. It’s attributed to the softening of the cartilage, or the roughening of it under the patella (kneecap) caused by friction over the thigh bone.
I.T. Band Syndrome
One of the symptoms of the Iliotibial Band Syndrome is when you feel pain on the outer side (lateral) of the knee, as well as the lateral thigh or hip areas. It can range from a very sharp pain to a dull aching sensation, usually occurring within the first 10 minutes of your run.
With that in mind and with the help of Dr Ng Chung Sien, a sports medicine practitioner in Singapore Sports Medicine Centre and Changi Sports Medicine Centre, you ought to at least know some of the potential injuries that might plague runners. The pain that jolts on the outer side of your knee for example, you’ll know it by name today.
Shin Splints
Shin splints are attributed to both pain (more of an ache) felt along the front of your shin, and along the medial (inside) part of the lower leg. Shin splints develop gradually over weeks or even months, due to overuse of a specific part of the lower leg (anterior, lateral, superficial posterior and deep posterior). Examples include Stress Fracture and Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome – a common pain when you place too much stress on the muscles along the front medial side of the shin (running down slopes for example).
PHOTO: Franck Camhi
Heel Pain
Ø work it 62/72
Achilles Tendonitis
This form of injury is due to the inflammation of your calcaneus (tendon that connects the calf muscles to the heel bone). Usually, swelling of the Achilles tendon (about 1-3 inches) and the presence of pain within that region are symptoms of an Achilles tendon injury. If you feel stiffness when you try to raise yourself up on your toes, it’s a sign as well.
Or Plantar Fasciitis, this problem arises when there is inflammation of the connective tissues that are present at the bottom of the foot. When one gets Plantar Fasciitis, he will experience pain under the heel or along the arch of the foot – which can progress from a dull intermittent pain to a sharp persisting one.
EXPERT SOURCE
WORK IT
m
arathon yths
Dr Ng Chung Sien is the first physician in Singapore to complete the Sports Practitioner training program for sports medicine in Changi General Hospital. He was the Medical Director for numerous international events such as Singapore Osim International Triathlon as well as ESPN Asian Mixed Martial Arts Competition. Recently, he was appointed Team Physician for the Singapore Contingent to the upcoming 2013 SEA Games.
As a matter of fact, prevention is better than cure. Each individual believes in different methods that aid them prior to a big run. To set the record straight, Dr Ng reveals some marathon myths.
Myth 1 :
“No pain, no gain, More pain more gain.” When training for a marathon, pain or discomfort is a warning that something is wrong. Rather than try to “run if off” which runners tend to do, they should listen to their bodies and seek treatment early.
Myth 2 :
“Keep the training simple, keep running until you can cover 42 km at one go.” 60% of running injuries are a result of training errors. Sticking to a good training plan which incorporates gradual mileage increments, conditioning and flexibility programs and setting of realistic goals are vital to stay injury free. For novices, it’s good to engage professional help (sports physicians, fitness professionals, and running coaches) to develop a sound training plan.
Myth 3 :
“Doctors say I have mild high blood pressure but I feel fine, so I should be able to run a marathon.” Individuals intending to participate long distance running should undergo pre-participation health screenings. This has been shown to reduce the risk of sudden cardiac death. For most individuals this can be done by simply filling up a Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire (PAR-Q) that is widely available. Those who answer a YES to any of the questions should seek medical clearance first before participating in a marathon.
tREATMENTS “Runners can treat most acute running injuries by following the mnemonic, RICER,” says Dr Ng.
R I C E R
Rest (24-48 hours) ICE (apply ice 15-20 minutes three to four times per day to the injured area) Compresses (apply compression with bandage or Turbogrip stocking) Elevate the inflamed area/ limb Rehabilitation or Refer yourself to a physician or physiotherapist for evaluation if condition does not improve
work it
Ø 63/72
WORK IT
HOTFOOT
Running isn’t as dry an activity that some people proclaim it to be. Elizabeth Moreira reveals some clever apps that may just be what you need when you pound those pavements.
runkeeper (free) Developer: Fitness Keeper Inc.
Available on: iPhone & Android One of the most popular, Runkeeper is utilised by more than 12 million users, and it is essentially your very own mobile fitness diary. It allows you to view detailed statistics such as your pace, distance covered and calories burnt. Post your pictures online and even let supporters watch live on their screen your running route and progress. You can also review your past races and be notified of new personal bests and distance milestones. Simplistic and user-friendly, it more than explains the 12 million.
Zombies, Run! (S$4.98)
Developer: Six To Start Available on: iPhone The zombie craze has indeed gone viral. ‘Six to Start’ has created the ultimate running app that makes training a whole lot more thrilling. Zombies, Run! features more than 30 missions that you can accomplish, ensuring that you try to live through a zombie apocalypse with the provided audio instructions. For fanatics of the pale, listless creatures, the game incorporates a sense of edginess and fun as you embark on your running sessions.
endomondo (S$5.98)
Ø work it 64/72
nike + running
Developer: Endomondo Available on: iPhone/Android/ Windows Phone Established in September 2008, Endomondo is the first fitness network that incorporates community and social media features. This app allows you to not only meet like-minded people, but to also motivate friends and loved ones to start living a healthier lifestyle. It can also double up as a calorie counter and features an audio coach that keeps you posted on your running performance. Take up the challenge and display your clocked timing online!
(free)
Developer: Nike Inc. Available On: iPhone & Android Phones It’s all about improving when one exercises, as well as to test our limits and strengths. Nike+ Running instils added motivation by enabling users to activate a Powersong as you set about breaking your personal records. The app gears you up for a productive work out by mapping your runs and tracking progress, counting chalked off calories and revealing your route and elevation. Test yourself by beating previous records to earn badges and achievements. If you need the extra push, post it on Facebook and get cheered on by friends!
RĂ˜MP WANTS YOU TO LIKE US ON FACEBOOK
www.facebook.com/rompmagazine and check out our new website!
www.rompmagazine.com
SELF
Beauty gloom
Within a year, I have little “makeovers” of myself every 3-6 months. I’m a girl who is always interested in trying out a new hairstyle, new fashion sense, hair colours, or even my nails. I’m not sure which look suits me the best, as I’m pretty happy with all the looks I’ve tried on so far - but have not found who/what I really am. Is it even a good thing that I’m changing looks so frequently? Or is it a tell-tale sign of low self-esteem and insecurity?
Dear reader, it is perfectly normal to have these little “makeovers” every 3 to 6 months. Even Mother Nature goes through her own makeovers which we call Spring, Summer, Autumn and Winter; though arguably the island we call home doesn’t necessarily go through these seasonal changes. In any case, you are not alone when it comes to having such makeovers. There are several factors why people change their looks every now and then. Firstly, it could be the trend. We are so exposed and influenced (consciously and unconsciously) by what the media shows and
Ø self 66/72
tells us. So the “colour of this season” or the hairstyle everyone wears on television or the movies could be silently influencing you to make that change yourself. Secondly, it could be peer influenced. This is not an accusation that you follow your friends because you want to fit in. Again if it is, then it is not something you ought to be upset about so long as you are not trying to do it unhealthily (e.g. stealing money from your siblings to buy that new pair of Manolo Blahnik heels). Many studies show that humans, being the social creatures we are, tend to conform and try to fit in
with everyone else. Can you imagine someone dressing up for a night out at a posh restaurant looking like he stepped out from an Eighties movie? I guess as much. Thirdly, it could be boredom. Not in the sense that you have nothing better to do, but more of you being bored of what your usual outfits are. This again is neither wrong nor odd. Our moods can affect what we ‘feel’ like wearing; in a good mood, maybe a bright happy coloured top with butterfly prints and if in a foul mood maybe an Iron Maiden tee shirt and ripped jeans. So I hope this convinces you that nothing is wrong
and actually encourages you to have more “makeovers”; so long as you spend within your means. And these “makeovers” do not show that you are feeling insecure or have low selfesteem. On the contrary, it shows a girl who is keen to try new things and has a keen eye for style. Furthermore, since you are happy with these new looks, keep it going. Especially if the shopping makes you (like many girls) happy. The important thing is that you are happy and that you feel good when you carry your new look out to school or to the office.
Mr Aloysius Chow gives us advice on the most pressing issues at present. Troubled? Send in your questions to editorial@rompmagazine.com
SELF
Advisor AL REAL IDENTITY: ALOYSIUS CHOW, PERPETUAL LEARNER OF PSYCHOLOGY. ADVOCATE OF SCIENTIFIC KNOWLEDGE AND LOGICAL EXPLORATION FOR THE GOOD OF MANKIND.
attractive does not mean that her future boyfriend will not leave her. Affirm this by giving examples of celebrities she is familiar with, who are physically attractive but have been in and out of bad, distasteful relationships (note that Taylor Swift does not count if the rumours are accurate). If you find that your friend is in no mood to negotiate her thoughts, try to distract her from entertaining these negative thoughts and emotions. Bring her out for a light-hearted movie (try to avoid romantic comedies if you can), a nice delicious yet fun dinner or even just a day out and about (e.g. cycling or taking a walk in the park or seaside). Doing this will improve her mood and lessen the likelihood of her entertaining and developing any negative emotions brought about by the breakup.
My close friend has gone through a really tough breakup recently, and she has been blaming it on her looks - that she isn’t good-looking enough and doesn’t have a slim body. Of course, I’ve tried to tell her that it is superficial to be in a relationship just because somebody fancies her for her outer appearance, but she dismisses it. Recently, she has been talking about going under the knife plastic surgery - in order to look better and gain confidence. I’m not sure if that is a good idea, but I don’t want to be a wet blanket either. What should I do?
Dear reader, for starters your close friend is fortunate to have a concerned friend like you. You are right about being concerned and you are by no means a wet blanket. But what you might be is a temporary security blanket for her. Make no bones about it, having a plastic surgery is a big decision to make since it is costly and there are risks. There are a couple of things you can consider doing for your friend. Firstly, talk to her about her emotions and her thoughts about the breakup. She might express emotions and thoughts of sadness (e.g. I feel down because I am ugly that’s why he dumped me), guilt (e.g. if I was skinnier and had a nicer nose then he would not have dumped me) or anger (e.g. I want to change my body so no one will dump me again). Try to address these thoughts by reframing these negative thoughts, for example, tell her that being physically
The second thing you can do is to discuss with her about the risks of plastic surgery. Do not discount the point that there are successful cases as she might have read about those and is encouraged. Discuss with her about the unsuccessful cases (e.g. looking like a rhinoceros after rhinoplasty) and explain your concerns about the possibility of her surgery having an unfortunate unsuccessful outcome. Showing her that you honestly care and are concerned about her will contribute to the support she needs during this difficult time. Last but definitely not least, if you notice that your friend starts having unusual eating habits (i.e. binge eating, purging after eating, not eating at all), talk to her about it. If you notice that this unusual eating habit is severely affecting her (e.g. falling ill, having fainting spells), bring her to the doctor as soon as you can.
self
Ø 67/72
And then there are those who dabble in charity work, volunteer their hearts out and toil for free. Noble causes can also range from politics to personal allegiances, selfrighteousness to differing opinions. It’s all within the complicated sphere of human nature. The feelings of compassion, greed, selflessness and generosity, are emotions we choose to feel. We do what we think is correct, and we make sacrifices for what (or whom) we think is worthy.
TO EACH HIS OWN RØMP 68/72
I’m not one to profess change, and that’s not because I’m feeling too comfortable in my own bubble, or that I’m easily contented. You see, I have yet to fully explore my current space, nor have I done exceedingly well (or badly enough) to warrant change. Yet, there is a yearning for a pinch, or should I say, a tempting claw at a perceived beautiful life, a bold dance into a somewhat sequined existence. Different people have varying perceptions of living beautifully. Some liken it to driving behind extravagant wheels, staying in palatial homes, and perhaps just being plain flushed. No matter how immaterial materials may be, its stake in making something better will never go away. Money doesn’t just make the world go round, but sometimes rather haphazardly and dangerously. It’s a pretty vicious snake which has slithered into the lives of some and wrecked so much havoc, that only miracles can help.
Really, there’s no point judging what others are fighting so hard for. To each his own, is a well-known adage that has sprouted into some form of simplified democracy. I believe in being assiduous, in the old-fashioned teeth-grinding sort of work that will pay dividends and add gravy to your rice. It’s not just about grasping at those tangible rewards, but also an eased conscience that cannot be pricked. Fulfilment, satisfaction, and vindication can only wait in line and follow, no? As I sit before my computer, typing and halting, squinting and darting at the wall clock ticking away, I can only count myself blessed. I made an audacious move during university, swiftly clocking in a Skype shift with my parents miles away, confessing that I adore journalism more than I’ll ever do with engineering. To cut the chase, I decided to be bold. My life made a turn that puts rollercoasters to shame, and then I was freed from the shackles of physics equations and gleefully tying myself up with laces of words. It was a crossroad that had forced my hand, when a choice simply had to be made. And I’m glad I did. All of us have just this one life to live, or give. Living it up doesn’t mean lapping up fancy Vodka trains or downing pints of frothy liquids. It’s a tricky thing, life, but one thing is certain: there’ll always be room to make mistakes and then make some more. There are various ways to gather boldness – even an ounce – and then applying it on something to make it beautiful. I’m not justifying my expertise on this matter, far from it. But I’m just somebody who knows what I want, and I’ll give everything to reach it. -M.W.
WE HEAR YOU Random individuals reveal the kind of makeover they’ll opt for.
Jagpreet Kaur
Shumin Leow
Mervis Yeo
I think I would do a full makeover of my house. Like the superstition saying “When you’ve gone through a difficult situation in life, you should get rid of all the old things”. I guess somehow, the makeover means starting anew.
On my looks of course. It’s probably the most sought-after right? With constant reminders from the media on what a “perfect look” is, it’s difficult not to get caught up in it. I’d want to alter my nose, and maybe do some fats grafting!
I would love to have a makeover of my mum’s place. It’s in such a mess created by her grown children!
ONE TO WATCH COURTESY OF GOLDEN VILLAGE PICTURES
The Great Gatsby Let’s face it, F. Scott Fitzgerald’s most charming novel is probably The Great Gatsby. To be released in Singapore theatres on May 16th, will Baz Luhrmann’s onscreen adaptation (remember Moulin Rouge! and Australia?) be as stupefying? RØMP’s got some exclusive sneaks as we countdown to the big screen festival of 1920s flapper culture, exquisite suits and glamourized bootlegging.
Ø 69/72
HURRY UP! GRAB YOUR OWN COPY OF RØMP! 15-minutes Cafe @ LASALLE - 1 McNally Street LASALLE College of the Arts Blk D #01-01
Awfully Chocolate - Holland Village 40 Lorong Mambong
The Broers Cafe - 3 Petain Road, Residence@Somme
The Butter Factory - 1 Fullerton Road #02-02/03/04
Frolick
Oriole Cafe
- Lot 1 Shopper’s Mall, 21 Choa Chu Kang Ave 4 #B1-23 - Hougang Mall 90 Hougang Ave 10 #B1-K11 - Tampines 1 10 Tampines Central 1 #B1-32 - Bugis Junction 80 Middle Road #01-K1 - Cathay Cineleisure Orchard 8 Grange Road #B1-07 - Bukit Batok Central Blk 630 #01-158
- 10 Jiak Chuan Road - 617 Bukit Timah Road - 96 Somerset Road, MakeShake Pan Pacific Serviced Suites - City Square Mall #01-01 180 Kitchener Road - 9 Raffles Place #B2-K2/K11 Republic Plaza #01-23/23A
Haagen-Dazs
- Holland Village 21 Lorong Mambong, - 348 Tanjong Katong Road - Esplanade Mall - Tampines 1, #02-01/03, 8 Raffles Avenue 10 Tampines Central #03-22 - Springvale 907 East Coast Road #01-05 The factory - 22 Lim Tua Tow Road Once Upon A Milkshake
Cupcakes with Love
J CO Donuts - Bugis Junction 200 Victoria Street #B1-24
chota - The Cathay 2 Handy Road #03-03
-
Raffles City #B1-51 Pasir Ris SRC #01-09 Ion Orchard #B4-74 Maxwell Chambers #01-08
RETAIL
STAGE - SCAPE 2 Orchard Link #02-08 - Far East Plaza 14 Scotts Road #02-60
Collage - 61 Haji Lane
Threadbare & Squirrel - Bali Lane 660 North Bridge Road The Only Place - Far East Plaza 14 Scotts Road #04-131B
Spellbound
- Far East Plaza 14 Scotts Road #03-24
Reckless Ericka - Orchard Central 181 Orchard Road #02-08/09
Leftfoot - Orchard Cineleisure 8 Grange Road #02-07A - Far East Plaza 14 Scotts Road #03-94 - The Cathay Gallery Handy Road #01-19/20
POLYTECHNICS Nanyang Polytechnic
Republic Polytechnic
180 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 8 - Blk E, Level 4, Room E407
9 Woodlands Avenue 9 - One Stop Centre
Ngee Ann Polytechnic
Temasek Polytechnic
535, Clementi Road - Blk 1, Level 2
F&B
21 Tampines Avenue 1 - Student Development Centre
Island Creamery - 10 Jalan Serene, Serene Centre #01-03 - Holland Village Shopping Mall #01-02 - No. 3 Lorong Liput - 11 King Albert Park #01-02 - Great World City, Basement (Cold Storage), 1 Kim Seng Promenade
LICK - 258 Tanjong Katong
The Sauce Bar - 8 Raffles Avenue, Esplanade Mall #01-10/12
SelfISH Gene Cafe - 40 Craig Road
Sogurt
Marble Slab Creamery - Bugis+ 201 Victoria Street, #05-02 - Plaza Singapura 68 Orchard Road, #03-89 - The Central 6 Eu Tong Sen St, #01-27 - Causeway Point 1 Woodlands Square #B1-22 - 112 East Coast Rd, #B1-25 - Junction 8 Shopping Centre 9 Bishan Place, #02-52
Pies & Coffee - Rochester Mall 35 Rochester Drive #01-02
Tango’s Restaurant & wine bar - 35 Lorong Mambong
Jurong Point
DeSoul
- Jurong Point (Cust. Info) Shopping Centre #03-07
- Far East Plaza 14 Scotts Road #03-24A
FLESH IMP
Praise
- SCAPE 2 Orchard Link #02-20/21/22
LOMOGRAPHY GALLERY STORE - 295 South Bridge Road
- Bugis Junction 200 Victoria Street #03-22A - Orchard Cineleisure Grange Road #02-04
Femmex
- Orchard Cineleisure Egg3 8 Grange Road #03-05 - Tong Yuan Industrial Building Level 5 85 Playfair Road #07-01 - Vivocity - The Cathay 1 Harbour Walk #02-201 2 Handy Road #01-18 - 33 Erskine Road #01-10/11/12
Singapore Polytechnic 500 Dover Road - Main Library (Opposite Admin Building) - Hilltop Library (Next to Teaching Block 22) - Student Service Centre (Building T16, Level 1)
Our University Partners:
Present this magazine to enjoy 1-for-1 frolick yogurt.* *Terms and conditions apply. Original copy must be presented. Multiple redemptions of any one time are not allowed. Valid till 30 June 2013