Weekender #33

WK33B / MICA (P) 144/08/2012

WEEKENDER MAY 24 - 30, 2013

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND filled with FUN AND HAPPINESS

DELIVERED FREE TO YOUR HOME

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FROZEN TUNDRA: INUKA’S BACK!

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relish THE LUXURY OF THE

ROYAL DRAGON

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fAst & furious 6: more cars & stunts

VENTS

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp

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Frozen Tundra with

All events are correct at time of print.

Opera

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1-30 Jun, various timings, $14 (Child), $22 (Adult)

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02 • WEEKENDER • may 24 - 30, 2013

Inuka

15 Jun, 7pm

Pom and Poko the Racoon Dogs

Inuka the Polar Bear is the star attraction

Singapore-born polar bear Inuka, also the only polar bear born in the tropics, is making a comeback in the Frozen Tundra, its new home at Singapore Zoo, together with new friends the wolverines and raccoon dogs.

As part of the Zoo's 40th anniversary

celebrations, Inuka's house cooling party includes guided walkthroughs, token feeding sessions, glitter art and ice sculpture demonstrations.

Also, don't miss the following exciting, free activities available during all weekends in June with your children.

At the Frozen Tundra outdoor viewing gallery, watch an ice sculptor transform a 140kg block of ice into a polar bear at 1.30pm.

Between 10am-1pm at the Frozen Tundra viewing gallery, you can even get a colourful glitter tattoo to celebrate Inuka's return.

Beerfest Asia 13-16 Jun, 6pm-2am (14 & 15 Jun), 6pm -1am (13 Jun), 12pm10pm (16 Jun), $15, $20, $28, $30, $40, $117, $130, $162, $180

This annual regional premier beer festival is back with a diverse selection of over 300 beers from all over the world for beer and beverage enthusiasts. Unwind with live stage performances, a comedy club, beer auctions and tasting workshops.

Frozen Tundra token feeding session and guided walkthrough 10am, 1pm, 4 pm Learn fascinating facts about this themed exhibit in the icy cool Frozen Tundra. Find out all about Inuka, and try to spot the elusive raccoon dogs and wolverines as you walk through the complex.

Listen to your favourite opera classics at Singapore Lyric Opera's annual event such as Rossini's Barber of Seville, Mozart's Marriage of Figaro and Bizet's Carmen. This year's theme is opera's influence on movies and advertisements.

Singapore Botanic Gardens, Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage

Photography session with polar bear mascot 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm (at Frozen Tundra); 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm (At Zoo entrance) Cosy up to the polar bear for a photograph to mark your visit to Frozen Tundra.

Admission rates to the Zoo apply.

Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Rd

This year offers a new Craft Beer Experience section where festival-goers are taken through each step of the beer-making process by brewers themselves, taste unique home brews, and purchase a home kit to try brewing at home. Tickets from Sistic.

Tent @Marina Promenade, F1 tracks behind the Singapore Flyer

Singapore Favourite

Food Village

12 -21 July, 11am-11pm

In conjunction with the 20th anniversary of Singapore Food Festival, this 10-day festival celebrates Singapore’s unique food heritage and pays homage to local culinary heroes.

Raising Successful and Avid Readers? Mystery Solved!

26 May, 4-4.30pm Meet Sherlock Sam series A. J. Low, young adult fiction writer Maranna Chan and author Catherine Khoo as they reveal secrets and schemes to tackle and solve the perennial mystery for all parents: how to raise successful and avid readers.

National Library Building, The Plaza, 100 Victoria Street,

“Building People” Photography Competition Until 9 June The CapitaLand-National Geographic Channel’s “Building People” Photography Competition is back for the

W If you would like your event listed, please email the details and pictures (where applicable) to

events@weekender.com.sg 2 weeks before your event date.

Listings must arrive in email Wednesday two weeks before publication. Listings are free but, as space is limited, inclusion is not guaranteed. Nevertheless, we try our best to include every listing possible.

free admission DBS Marina Bay Sailing Programme Until 30 Nov, Sat, various times DBS collaborates with Singapore Sailing Federation to offer the experience of sailing to the public on the last Saturday of every month from April to November 2013, with 7 sessions per Saturday. Four people are allowed on each boat, with a skipper to guide them.

They will be able to see Marina Bay Sands, Singapore’s new financial downtown, Customs House, the Merlion and the Helix Bridge during the sailing experience. Visit www.dbs.com/community/ dbsmarinabaysailing to register.

Marina Bay Promenade – Pontoon

fourth year. Submit an original, captioned photograph according to the double themes of “Best Building Moment” and “Best People Moment”. Prizes include an all-expenses paid trip for an

Every Child A Gift: Exhibition by Singapore Children’s Society Until 6 Jun, library hours Singapore Children’s Society is presenting a Heritage Corner Exhibit that features the Society's history, to commemorate its 60 years of commitment in bringing relief to children in need.

A commemorative book can be borrowed from the libraries.

National Library Building, Promenade, Level 9, 100 Victoria Street Every Trick Only Needs One Truth Until 15 Jun, 11am-7pm (MonSat), closed Sun & public holidays Singaporean contemporary oil painter and sculptor David Chan presents oil paintings and sculptures in this solo exhibition. With his uncanny ability to create layers and textures through his artwork, he implores the audience to ponder the shortcomings of human perception and how our volatile and evolving judging criteria ultimately mars and forms our ‘truths’.

ART SEASONS Singapore, 1 Selegie Road, #02-021/24, POMO IKEA 25-hour Cook-off 14-15 Jun, 11am Create and upload a 25-second video entry with your spouse, friend or anyone above 18 years old about why you deserve to win an IKEA kitchen. The top 24 most creative entries will take part in some culinary challenges

overseas Nat Geo assignment under the mentorship of renowned photographer Michael Yamashita.

Submit at www.capitalands.com/ ngcphoto

over 25 hours in Ikea's kitchens, and stand to win $10,000 in cash and prizes. Pick up culinary tips from guest judges - blogger Dr Leslie Tay of ieatishootipost. sg and HungryGoWhere's cofounder Wong Hoong An, or take part in the fringe activities.

IKEA Alexandra, 317 Alexandra Road; IKEA Tampines, 60 Tampines North Drive 2 Kusu Island The Untold Story 25 May, 2.30pm-3.30pm Presented by Crescent Girls’ School Malay Language Society, this play features traditional Malay performances, such as Dikir Barat (Choral Singing) and Tarian (Malay Dance), as well as an interactive cultural component for our young readers. Register at http:// golibrary.nlb.gov.sg Woodlands Regional Library, Auditorium, 900 South Woodlands Drive, #01-03 Luciano Ventrone Sui Generi/s Until 9 Jun, 12-7pm (Tue-Sat), 12-6pm (Sun), closed Mon & public holidays Sui Generi/s, curated by Cesare Biasini Selvaggi, will feature more than 50 masterpieces by Roman artist Luciano Ventrone, a master of figurative art. Be awed by his extraordinary pictorial techniques, which show in his still-life works, portraits and landscapes.

Gillman Barracks, Partners & Mucciaccia Gallery, Block 6, Lock Road, #02-10

Until 2 Jun, food lovers can vote at sg.openrice.com/sff for their favourite local vendor in each of the 20 dish categories.

The vendor with the most votes in each category will get to showcase

Epigram Books Children's Authors & Illustrators Meet & Greet 26 May, 4.45pm-7pm As part of Asian Festival of Children's Content (AFCC) 2013, meet and get your books signed by authors and illustrators of new children's titles by Epigram Books. Authors appearing include A. J. Low of the Sherlock Sam series, Maranna Chan, Jason Erik Lundberg, illustrator Patrick Yee, Ann Peters and Edmund Lim. You can also pick up bookmarks, notebooks and badges at the Epigram Books Media Mart booth at AFCC between May 25- 30.

National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street, Bookaburra at The Plaza MEET SHEN SHI'AN, AUTHOR OF 'THE AMAZING & AMUSING ADVENTURES OF SAM & SARA" 8 Jun, 3.30-4.30pm Meet the author of this comic strip collection of 100 misadventures of Sam and Sara, which are playful, quirky and contain counterintuitive and philosophical messages.

There will be an introduction to the book and the making of it, a screening of book trailers, a 'live' drawing demonstration, preview of book two, and a quiz with limited edition Sam & Sara mugs with a complete comic story to be won. Produce the receipt upon request for autographs.

Ngee Ann City, Kinokuniya, 391 Orchard Road, #03-09 PIANO CONVERSATIONS WITH JULIAN LAWRENCE GARGIULO: THE ART OF BEING SILLY 1 Jun, 6.30pm In this piano recital, Julian Gargiulo transmits a unique concert experience by combining an informal style of presenting classical music with his rigorous Russian conservatory training.

Singapore Botanic Gardens, Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage, 1 Cluny Rd

Read Carefully: An Exhibition on Book Covers Until 25 May, 11am-6pm (Mon-Fri), by appointment on weekends Kult Magazine presents a selection of book covers that have been re-designed by 50 local and international artists working in visual culture. Each artist has chosen a book which has influenced who they are today and then interpreted the cover in their own style, so there is a huge spectrum of work and styles. The project aims to re-introduce these books back into mainstream culture, and the artworks were displayed in indie boutiques as part of the Singapore Design Society Festival.

Kult Gallery, Emily Hill, Block C2-5, 11 Upper Wilkie Road

Switch Gig: Chou Pi Jiang 4 Jun, 8pm, free (Minimum one drink applies) Operated by the Timbre Group, Singapore's first bilingual live music concept Switch provides a platform for up and coming bilingual musicians such as Tizzy Bac and Tay Kewei to showcase their performances in both languages, ranging from intimate duo sets to full-piece bands. Singapore's first Chinese rap-rock-hip-hop band Chou Pi Jiang will be back to play their unique brand of music.

Timbre Group is also calling for home-grown musicians with original compositions to be part of a monthly series called Xin

their fare at the Food Village, which features 20 other popular local hawkers and eateries and 40 different local favourite dishes including chilli crab, carrot cake, rojak, laksa, roti prata, popiah, biryani, oyster omelette, Hokkien prawn mee, beef noodles, ngor hiang and tau huay.

Bayfront Avenue (Marina Bay), open field next to Bayfront MRT

Chuang, a Mandarin version of the Singapore Originals series which Timbre has been hosting. Interested musicians can email the Group at switch@ timbregroup.asia.

Switch by Timbre, 3 Bras Basah Road #01-01/02 The First 100 Students The First 300 Days 28-29 May, 10am-5pm 300 days since The Glasgow School of Art (GSA) started in Singapore, GSA will be showcasing the work of its first 100 students, developed over their principal year, in the creative disciplines of interior design, photography, illustration and graphic design. Catch their spectacular works of art in this grand installation.

MOCA @Loewen, 27A Loewen Road

ticketed admission

An Evening of Operatic Music with I Musici 9 Jun, 7.30pm, $35, $60, $80, $100, $125 Italian Chamber Orchestra I Musici returns with a programme of popular operatic music by famous Italian opera composers such as Verdi, Vivaldi, and a guest appearance of soprano Nancy Yuen. The programme includes G Rossini’s Overture from “The Barber of Seville”, and G Puccini’s O Mio Babbino Caro. One of the best baroque chamber orchestras worldwide, it is a conductor-less ensemble with excellent musicians such as Felix Ayo, Salvatore Accardo and Pina Carmirelli. This is the oldest active chamber group in the world diffusing 18th Century Italian music, and their award-winning performances represent the finest traditions of Italian music, having sold more than 25 million copies in various editions of Vivaldi and the Four Seasons. Don’t miss out on this moving and inspiring musical experience.

Tickets from Sistic.

SCO Concert Hall, 7 Shenton Way

may 24 - 30, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 03

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp

All events are correct at time of print.

BE concert 8 Jun, 7pm, $68 Come for the inaugural BE concert, which will be launched by the Be Movement, a social enterprise founded locally to encourage people to have the courage to be. Blogger Mr Brown and his newly formed band is the opening act, followed by poet Marc Nair, Wee Tzi Yi and Dalena Lee from Mosaic Dance, and more. An auction will also be held, with part of the proceeds going to a non-profit organisation Healthy Mother Earth Foundation. Visit www.ticketmash.sg/bemovement Singapore Flyer, 30 Raffles Avenue, Megu Event Hall

Top 200 chart, with over 65,000 copies sold in the first week. Tickets from Sistic.

Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa DIRTY DANCING – THE CLASSIC STORY ON STAGE Until 16 Jun, 8pm (Tue-Sun), $55, $95, $125, $150, $175 The Singapore Premiere of this worldwide smash-hit musical is here. Dirty Dancing is an adaptation of the 1987 movie written and coproduced by Eleanor Bergstein, and tells the story of two young, fiercely independent free spirits from different worlds who come together for their most triumphant summer.

Marina Bay Sands, Grand Theatre, 10 Bayfront Ave European Union Film Festival 2013 Until 26 May, various timings, $11 The 23rd EU Film Festival returns this year with a record of 28 films representing the best of European cinema. The films include Belgium's Oxygen, France's Something in the Air, Denmark's This Life, and Poland's Suicide Room. This is the second-longest running film festival in Singapore.

Shaw Theatres Lido, 350 Orchard Road, 5th/6th Floor

Big Chef Little Chef: Fathers' Day Edition 15 Jun, 10am-1pm, $65 (1 parent & 1 child) Little Arts Academy’s signature culinary arts programme allows you and your child to enjoy a hands-on culinary experience as both of you learn to appreciate the different ingredients and come up with your own creations together. Call 6513 3013 or email enquireslaa@toph. com.sg PoMo, 1 Selegie Road, #05-01/02

Chris Tucker - The Return Tour 2013 Jun 25, 8pm, $98, $128, $148, $168 Hailed as one of the funniest comedians in the industry, standup comedian and film star Chris Tucker has starred in Rush Hour 3 and Silver Linings Playbook, among other movies. Come enjoy an evening of pure comedy and side-splitting laughter with the manic, motor-mouth comedian as he makes his debut in Singapore.

Only those aged 16 and above will be admitted. Tickets from Sistic.

Kallang Theatre, 1 Stadium Walk Deftones Concert 28 May, 8pm, $88, $98, $108 (at the door) Grammy award-winning alternative band Deftones is holding a concert in support of their acclaimed seventh studio album Koi No Yokan.

Released in November 2012, it debuted at No. 11 on the Billboard

FairPrice Walks With U 29 Jun, 8am, $12, $15; $43, $55 (group of four) Sign up for a 4km walkathon from Marina Barrage to Gardens by the Bay for a good cause. FairPrice Foundation will pledge $100 in FairPrice vouchers for every registered participant, which will go to families who have qualified for assistance schemes. Register at www.whatsupatfairprice.com.sg/ walk Marina Barrage, 260 Marina Way Habitat-Barclays Bare Your Sole 1 Jun, 9am-12pm, $20 (Children & students), $35 (Adults), $95 (2 adults & 2 children) Join Habitat for Humanity and Barclays for its fifth edition of Singapore’s only barefoot charity walk of 2.5/5km to raise funds for Project Homework. It aims to help the elderly, sick and physicallychallenged living alone in one-room flats in Singapore.

Gardens by the Bay East, Rhu Cross, 18 Marina Gardens Drive Light v Dark: Star Wars & Singapore Philatelic Museum Until 30 Jun, Mon (1pm-7pm); Tue-Sun (9.30am-7pm), $6 (adult), $4 (foreign child), Free (Singaporean & PR students, children & seniors) A Star Wars stamps and collectibles exhibition in collaboration between Star Wars memorabilia collectors and the Singapore Philatelic Museum. View an impressive array of Star Wars collectibles such as figurines, a fleet of model ships, costumes, and stamps. There will be interesting programmes such as making your own 3D Star Wars figurines. Meet the Stormtroopers live as they march in on May 18 and 19, and Jun 2 and 16, from 2pm to 4pm.

Singapore Philatelic Museum, 23-B Coleman Street Mizuno Passion Mount Faber Run 2013 23 Jun, 7.30am, $42 Whether you’re a seasoned or a new runner, there will be a special moment in this 10km competitive race for you, whether it is the scenic route, the process or the finishing moment. Why not join to keep fit or simply to join in the fun?

Visit www.mizuno.com.sg to register.

Open space between Bukit Merah View, Blk 121 & 123 Mummy: Secrets of the Tomb Until 4 Nov, 10am-10pm daily, $8 (Child), $13 (Senior citizen), $14 This exhibition features more than 100 artefacts and six mummies from the collection of the British Museum, and has introduced interactive programmes and a 3D look to give the Egyptian Mummy a new lease of life. Without disturbing the cartonnage, cutting-edge CT scanning technology and computer visualisation techniques were utilised to produce 6,500 images of Nesperennub, a mummified temple priest, and the findings were converted into a 3D film about his life and death. Children can join a quest with age-appropriate bags with activities and tools to complete their mission. Inspired by the colourful amulets on display, the Amulets for the Afterlife workshop allows participants to create their own amulet to take home.

ArtScience Museum, 10 Bayfront Ave Playing With Patterns Until 26 May, Saturdays, 12.30pm2pm, free with Art of the Brick ticket Forget the usual paint brush! In this colourful workshop, use Lego bricks to create a variety of print patterns on different surfaces. Suitable for all ages.

Art of the Brick exhibit, ArtScience Museum, 10 Bayfront Avenue FORWARD featuring Zig Zach 25 May, 10pm, $20 (Includes one drink) Zig Zach is known for his versatility in playing anything from deep house, nu-disco, tech house and minimal with a dash of techno in his sets, and has warmed up for international acts such as UK Legend Seb, US House Legend Marshal Jefferson, Ashley Casselle and more. His performance will be supported by Norman C and Ramesh K. Visit www.clubkyo.com 133 Cecil Street, #B1 -02, Keck Seng Tower Singapore Dance Theatre's Gala Performance 31 May & 1 Jun, 8pm, $30, $50, $70 As part of its 25th anniversary celebrations, Singapore Dance Theatre presents a gala performance featuring the best and most memorable pieces from its repertoire. The performances include Goh Choo San’s Beginnings, the first ballet ever performed by SDT; Serenade, the most performed ballet by George Balanchine, the father of neoclassical ballet; and a newly commissioned work featuring the full company of SDT dancers.

The gala evening also features works by The Australian Ballet and the Queensland Ballet.

Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Drive Singapore Social Concerts 24 & 25 May, $150 (1 ticket), $540 (4 ticket bundle) With live performances from an unprecedented line-up of top international artists and groups such as Aerosmith, CeeLo Green and PSY, this event is not to be missed.

Call 6225 8105 or email tickets@ starcount.com for tickets and hospitality packages. The event will be streamed live on YouTube.

Gardens by the Bay, The Meadow, 18 Marina Gardens Drive Shakespeare’s Globe: The Taming of the Shrew 2-13 Oct, 7.30pm (Mon, Wed-Sun), $98, $108, $138 Performed on an intimate

Elizabethan-style stage, the allfemale cast, a troupe of travelling players breathe new life into Shakespeare’s most outrageous comedy about two wealthy sisters who must be married off.

Fort Canning Park, Cox Terrace

Stereophonics Live in Singapore 25 Jun, 8pm, $88 (early bird), $98, $110 (at the door) Purveyors of classic British song writing Stereophonics are coming to Singapore, with vocals by Kelly Jones, Richard Jones on bass, Adam Zindani on the guitar and Jamie Morrison on drums. Their recently released album - their eighth Graffiti on the Train was ranked third on the UK album charts.

Resorts World Sentosa, Hard Rock Hotel, The Coliseum, 8 Sentosa Gateway STOMP 18-23 Jun, 7.30pm (Tue-Fri); 2pm, 7.30pm (Sat); 1pm, 5pm (Sun), $65, $85, $105, $130, $150 The Broadway, West End and international sensation STOMP is back, with new routines, new choreography and new music.

Wordless, witty and fun, its universal language of rhythm, theatre, comedy and dance guarantees to entertain.

Marina Bay Sands, The Sands Theatre, 10 Bayfront Ave The Addams Family 9-28 July, 2pm (Sat & Sun), 8pm (Tue-Sun), $65, $85, $95, $125, $135, $165, $175 This macabre new musical comedy features a weird and wonderful family in which Wednesday Addams, the princess of darkness, falls in love with a young man from a respectable family, whom her parents have never met. She confides in her father and begs him not to tell her mother. Everything will change for the whole family on the night they host a dinner for Wednesday's "normal" boyfriend and his parents. Tickets from Sistic.

Marina Bay Sands, Festive Grand Theatre, 10 Bayfront Ave THE ADVENTURES OF ALVIN SPUTNIK: DEEP SEA EXPLORER 27 May-1 Jun, 10am (27 & 31 May); 10am, 2.30pm (28-30 May); 11am, 4pm (Weekends); $25 (Weekday), $28 (Weekend) In this story by storyteller and puppeteer Tim Watts, join Alvin, a solitary explorer on an inspirational journey as he tries to reunite with the soul of his dearly departed wife while trying to save the world. This endearing show fuses black light theatre, mime, puppetry, music and animation, and has garnered ‘Outstanding solo show’ at the New York International Fringe Festival 2009. Tickets from Sistic.

126 Cairnhill Arts Centre, ACT 3 Theatre, 126 Cairnhill Road The Art of the Brick Until 26 May, 10am-10pm daily, $8 (Child), $12 (senior citizen), $13 In this acclaimed and the first major museum exhibition to use Lego bricks as only sole art

medium, New York-based artist Nathan Sawaya transforms them into amazing sculptures, elevating the toy to the realm of art. It showcases 52 sculptures, including a six metre long T-Rex dinosaur skeleton.

ArtScience Museum, 10 Bayfront Ave The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (abridged) 1-13 Oct, 7.45pm (Tue-Fri); 3pm, 7.45pm (Sat); 3pm, 7pm (Sun, 6 Oct), $68, $88, $108 London's longest-running comedy takes the audience through an irreverent, fast-paced journey through the Bard’s plays. Join these madcap men as they perform all 37 of Shakespeare’s Comedies, Histories and Tragedies, in 97 minutes.

Tickets from Sistic.

DBS Arts Centre, DBS Theatre, 20 Merbau Rd The Lord of the Rings – The Fellowship of the Ring 6-8 Jun, 7.30pm, $58, $98, $128, $188 The Metropolitan Festival Orchestra is bringing back the renowned concert presentation of The Lord of the Rings, which is performed live onstage by 250 musicians.

Come experience the awe of listening to the joint performance of Metropolitan Festival Orchestra, the International Festival Chorus, and The Young Voices of Vocal Associates. Tickets from Sistic. Visit www.metropolitan.sg The Star Performing Arts Centre, 1 Vista Exchange Green The Phantom of the Opera 16 Jul – 11 Aug, Tue-Fri (8pm), Sat & Sun (2pm, 8pm), $55, $95, $125, $145, $165 The world’s most successful and longest-running show on Broadway is returning to Singapore. With 130 cast, crew and orchestra members, breath-taking scenery and special effects and more than 230 costumes by international designer, the late Maria Björnson, the Phantom of the Opera contains some of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most prominent and stirring music. The Phantom of the Opera tells the tale of an enigmatic, hideous phantom who lives under the Paris Opera House and is obsessed with a young singer.

Tickets from Sistic.

The MasterCard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands Tiddler and Other Terrific Tales Until 2 Jun, 5pm (Wed-Fri); 11am, 2pm, 5pm (Sat & Sun), $38, $48, $58 Under the sea, out on the farm and into the jungle, these terrific tales are woven together with live music, puppetry and a whole host of colourful characters. Featuring their best-loved titles - Tiddler, Monkey Puzzle, The Smartest Giant in Town and A Squash and a Squeeze, funky moves, toe tapping tunes and giggles are guaranteed. Tickets from Sistic.

Visit www.abaproductions.com DBS Arts Centre, 20 Merbau Rd Underwater World Singapore's Month of Pink to Mums Until 31 May, 10am-7pm, $17.60 (Child), $25.90 (Adult) Mothers, come to Underwater World Singapore dressed in pink to

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Great Mall Rewards That time of the year to catch great deals and bargains is here again, with the Great Singapore Sale

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Frasers Centrepoint Malls Comprising of 12 malls – The Centrepoint, Causeway Point, Compass Point, Northpoint, Changi City Point, Eastpoint Mall, Robertson Walk, Bedok Point, YewTee Point, China Square Central, Valley Point and Anchorpoint – they span urban and suburban areas to cater to your shopping needs.

From May 1 to Jul 21, get up to 50 per cent discount at participating stores across the malls. The malls also have a Fly, Cruise & Drive lucky draw.

Enter the draw by simply

spending $30 and swiping your Frasers Rewards card when making a payment to win either a 2 x Star Cruise SuperStar Virgo Cruise package for a family of four or a 3 x Free & Easy Getaway to Bangkok, Perth and Seoul or an Opel Astra 5DR HB 1.4A Turbo car.

Raffles City Located at City Hall, go for a spot of midday shopping during your lunch hour with these rewards at Raffles City. From May 31 to Jun 30, be among the first 1,000 shoppers with a minimum of $250 spent to receive 10,000 Star$ which enable you to redeem CapitaVouchers or the first 50 shoppers daily with a minimum spending of $80 for $2 parking rebate.

With every $50 spent, you also get to participate in a lucky draw – First prize: 7-Night Mediterranean Cruise for Two with Costa Cruises, Second prize: 7-Night Cruise to Bali for Two with Costa Victoria, Third Prize: 4-Night Cruise to Phuket for Two with Costa Victoria.

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enjoy free admission with every 3 paying guests. Enjoy 20 per cent off souvenir purchases at the souvenir house, half price off the second meal with every purchase of a Combo meal at Hot Dog King and MunchIt!, then head over for a 1-for-1 fish reflexology before ending the day at Sentosa’s The Boxing Crab with 10 per cent off a la carte orders. Terms and conditions apply Sentosa, 80 Siloso Road

Workshops: SpeakINK and PublishINK 6-8 Jun, 9.30am-1pm, $240; 10-12 Jun, 10am-5pm, $320 This June, creative writing school Monsters Under The Bed will be holding two enrichment workshops. for children. Conducted by published writers, SpeakINK is designed for children aged 10 to 12 and aims to develop confidence, reasoned argument and eloquence (6-8 Jun). PublishINK will teach secondary school students the basics of getting published locally and abroad (10-12 Jun). Visit www.mutb. com.sg/12/post/2013/04/publishink. html for more information.

The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane (PublishINK); venue TBA (SpeakINK)

All events listed here are accurate at the the time of print, or are listed as stated by the organisers. Please check with the relevant organisers and contacts for more information and to book tickets.

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Editorial Director Frank Young frank@weekender.com.sg Editor Lester J Wan Writer Cheryl Chia Contributor Chia Hui Jun Art Director Nicodemus Aw Graphic Designer Foo Dun Jie Sales Director David Phey Senior Manager Seth Leow CONTACT US: Advertising Sales: seth@weekender.com.sg Enquiries: +65 6493 2001 general@weekender.com.sg Weekender Group Pte Ltd 80 Playfair Road, #02-03, Blk A, Singapore 367998 CRN# 201212438E MICA (P) 144/08/2012 Disclaimer: The illustrations, photographs, views and statements expressed by our contributors, bloggers, illustrators, or writers do not necessarily reflect the views of Weekender Group Private Limited.

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Rivervale Mall Spend $120 at any shop at Rivervale Mall to redeem a foldable water bottle. CapitaCard Members need to charge $90 to their card to redeem. Also in collaboration with the National Family Celebrations 2013, Project SuperGlue: where all youths, aged 13 to 31, are invited to submit proposals to get their peers to embrace families in creative ways.

All approved projects will receive a one-time funding of $10,000, or 70 per cent of the total project budget (whichever is lower), to finance their start-up and operating costs. The 100% Family Road Show will feature the Project SuperGlue showcase.

The Great Singapore Sale: rom May 31 to Jul 28 the Great Singapore Sale (GSS) commences with steals and bargains from stores in major malls to smaller boutiques. But it’s not merely all about shopping. To kick off the GSS, some malls are holding fringe activities that you can enjoy with the family.

Here are some of the deals available at some of the major malls dotted around Singapore.

EVENT

VivoCity From May 31 to Jun 16, in celebration of the iconic fashion doll, a host of unique Barbie-themed activities will take centre-stage. This includes a showcase of Barbie’s outfits and accessories, Barbie Meet & Greet sessions, as well as an opportunity for the little girls to live out their dream world dressed as the iconic Barbie at the Barbie Makeover and Photo-shoot, where they’ll get to take home a complimentary 4R photo for keepsake.

Children can also have some creative fun at the Barbie DIY corner through a series of arts and crafts activities. From May 31 to Jul 28, shoppers with a minimum spending of $30 (in a single receipt) will also stand a chance to win attractive prizes from Star Cruise and SK Jewellery.

Tampines Mall Take the family to Tampines Mall from Jun 21 to Jun 30 if you’re an Eastsider. Smurfing at Tampines Mall Open Plaza will provide great memories and photos with the life-sized Smurf houses. Get the latest copy of The Smurfs Series 2 limited edition DVD at the event. There are only 500 copies available.

For the older members of the family, you’ll get to meet and greet artistes from the popular Taiwanese Drama, Life. Wang Can, Wang Tong and Fang Xin will be at the malls on Jun 14. W Wang Tong

Fang Xin

“some malls are holding fringe activities that you can enjoy with the family.”

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YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

04 • WEEKENDER • MAy 24 - 30, 2013

E HAPPIER

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these amazing people but they are all men. So, if they want to get a girl in there... “Daft Punk, if you want a girl... give me a call!”

What’s the most memorable moment that’s occurred on the job?

God, there’s so many. Doing stuff like big TV shows in England; it’s an amazing feeling. Doing shows like Coachella or Glastonbury… to tour around the world and play your music to people and have them sing the words back at you; it’s the best feeling in the world. So, I’m really lucky.

Have you been star struck before in the course of your career?

I get star struck by stupid things. (laughs) Like a celebrity chef, a soap opera actor, never the big people.

I don’t know… It’s just funny when you see them in normal situations.

Put on

Little Boots British singer-songwriter-DJ Little Boots is in town for a series of performances. we catch up with her and chat about her album, Nocturnes

By Cheryl Chia Victoria Hesketh – better known in the industry as Little Boots – looked tired and a mite jet lagged when we spoke with her at W Singapore Sentosa Cove.

The small-sized British celebrity was in Singapore for the Fashion Forward After Party where she was spinning. She was also here for the YouTube Fan Festival, and her final appearance on Wednesday for the Music Matters Festival. Previously from the band Dead Disco, she had burst onto the scene with her nu-disco hit, Remedy, in 2009. Her star just keeps burning brighter.

How has life changed since you started in 2005 with Dead Disco?

Beyond all recognition! I’ve spent so much time travelling; performing in studios… I love it. It’s amazing. It is definitely different from driving a van round the country to play in dark little holes with your amps. I’m much happier as a solo artist.

Your album Nocturnes was just launched on May 5, where did your inspiration come from?

I’ve been listening to old disco

and house records and I wanted to feed that classic dance sound into it as I’ve always been a dance pop artiste and I think that the stuff that’s popular right now, all the EDMs just doesn’t sound like it has a lot of personality to me. And it’s quite generic.

So I wanted to put my personality into it by doing dance pop my way.

You’re jetting everywhere for work, how do you keep it up?

It’s a little crazy now. I was in Japan, then America, then the UK and then here. It’s cool; so when everything happens just go with it and live on your adrenaline, because it is great all these people want to see you and you have to be grateful for that. Although, I really need sleep! (laughs) W

“to tour around the world and play your music Who would you love to to people and have work with that you them sing the words haven’t?

I’m really excited back at you; it’s the that Daft Punk has returned. It’s really best feeling in disco and I like that.

The only thing for me the world.” is that it seems to be a

A Singaporean illustrator has been nominated for the prestigious Eisner Award for his short story

Singapore

illustrator

nominated for Eisner Award

In 2012, Epigram Books started an initiative never before ventured by a Singaporean publisher: a collection of graphic novels by a group of Singaporebased creators — from comic veterans to fresh talents — challenging readers to see themselves and Singapore with humour, wonder and curiosity.

Now, a short story featured in Monsters, Miracles and Mayonnaise by drewscape has been nominated for this year’s Eisner Award for Best Short Story.

The Will Eisner Comic Industry Awards, considered the Oscars of comics, turn 25 in 2013.

The Eisner Awards The most prestigious of the industry’s awards, the Eisners will be given out at a gala ceremony on Jul 19 at Comic-Con International: San Diego.

The Awards encompass more than two-dozen categories covering works and creators.

Nominees are chosen by a blueribbon committee of judges, and winners are chosen by professionals in the industry.

Started in 1988, the awards are named after Will Eisner, creator of

Fast & Furious 6 promises more babes and guns

Fast & Furious 6:

About the Creator Andrew Tan or drewscape is a freelance illustrator from Singapore. He illustrates and draws storyboards for advertising agencies as well as for magazines.

He often experiments with various styles and mediums. submissions Epigram Books is on the lookout for other comic talents and is keen to receive manuscript submissions. Visit www. epigrambooks.sg for more.

MOVIE PREVIEW 2 A grown-up Estella is even more alluring

more fast-flying action

The Fast & Furious franchise is back yet again with more fast-flying action, incredulous stunts, and drool-worthy babes The popular Michelle Rodriguez is back

More incredulous stunts are to be expected

Moving Forward First commissioned for the Singapore Memory Project, the nominated short story Moving Forward is a bittersweet comic about growing up, moving on and learning to drive.

The short story was included in the graphic novel Monsters, Miracles & Mayonnaise. A delightful collection of short comic stories, it features the uncanny (monsters), miraculous (miracles) and the mundane (mayonnaise).

This book surprises even the most cynical reader with a mix of fantasy and childhood memoir.

With just the right amount of nostalgia, drewscape daringly opens readers to the world from within his imagination.

Monsters, Miracles & Mayonnaise Creator: drewscape Genre: Graphic Novel Format: Paperback RRP: $20.22 (after taxes)

very masculine album.

They’ve collaborated with all

MOVIE PREVIEW 1

The Spirit graphic novel.

This Charles Dickens classic sees Pip grow from a boy in love with Estella, the girl of his dreams, to his coming of age with the aid of a mysterious benefactor

Great

Passions and emotions run high in this classic

Expectations: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker and Dwayne Johnson lead the returning cast as the blockbuster franchise built on speed races to its next continent, in Fast & Furious 6.

Reuniting for their most high-stakes adventure yet, fan favourites Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Tyrese Gibson, Sung Kang, Gal Gadot, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges and Elsa Pataky are joined by newcomers Luke Evans and Gina Carano.

The Story So Far Since Dom (played by Vin Diesel) and Brian’s (played by Paul Walker) Rio heist toppled a kingpin’s empire and left their crew with $100 million, our heroes have scattered across the globe.

Meanwhile, Hobbs (Dwayne Johnson) has been tracking an organisation of lethally-skilled mercenary drivers across 12 countries, whose mastermind (Evans) is aided by a ruthless second-in-command revealed to be the love Dom thought was dead, Letty (Rodriguez).

The only way to stop the criminal outfit is to outmatch them at street level, so Hobbs asks Dom to assemble his elite team in London. Payment? Full pardons for all of them so that they can return home and make their families whole again.

Building on the worldwide blockbuster success of Fast Five and taking the action, stunts and narrative to even greater heights, Fast & Furious 6 sees director Justin Lin back behind the camera for the fourth time. He is supported by long-time producers Neal H. Moritz and Vin Diesel, who welcome producer Clayton Townsend back to the series.

The Fast & Furious Franchise Fast Five’s unexpected take on Dom, Brian and their extended family pulling off a daring multimillion dollar heist with a hardnosed federal agent hot on their trail was the ultimate thrill ride for audiences in April 2011.

The film debuted in the USA to $86 million during its opening weekend and set a record best for Universal Pictures. Not only was it the highest-grossing film for that weekend in motion picture history, it bumped the previous entry, Fast & Furious — with its $70.9 million opening in 2009 — to the No. 2 spot for record breakers.

Fast & Furious reinvigorated the series with beloved characters and an engaging storyline that hearkened back to its roots, and the action-thriller built upon that winning formula by injecting new heroes and elements into the storyline. Introducing Dwayne Johnson as Luke Hobbs upped the

stakes for the crew of antiheroes and expanding the scope of the film’s action proved to be an irresistible combination that electrified audiences, new and old alike.

Fast Forward It’s been more than a decade since The Fast and the Furious introduced audiences to Los Angeles’ gritty underground street-racing scene, and with each subsequent chapter, the stakes have grown higher with compelling storylines and the introduction of new characters.

Townsend reflects: “We’ve long explained that the movies were

not released in sequential order, but all those pieces will be revealed. It will be quite an experience to sit in theatres on opening day and watch diehard Fast fans get the surprise of their lives.”

Fast & Furious 6 [PG13] Director: Justin Lin Starring: Vin Diesel, Paul Walker, Dwayne Johnson, Jordana Brewster, Michelle Rodriguez, Chris “Ludacris” Bridges, Elsa Pataky Genre: Action-Thriller Run Time: 130 min Release: 23 May

the great remake

In this remake of Great Expectations, the Charles Dickens classic, a mix of veteran thespians and fresh faces step into the shoes of the characters .

Pip (played by Jeremy Irvine) is a young orphan who runs into an escaped convict, who demands for tools to remove his chains.

Frightened, he helps but the convict is eventually recaptured.

Shortly after, Pip is employed by Miss Havisham (Helena Bonham Carter), an eccentric who was left at the altar. Pip is to be companion to the beautiful and unattainable Estella (Holliday Grainger).

Unrequited Love Pip’s love for Estella is hopeless.

They part when he becomes an apprentice. Years later, he receives astonishing news that he has been given a fortune by an unnamed benefactor and is to be educated as a gentleman, in London.

His hopes of becoming a sophisticated young man worthy of Estella are dashed at the realisation that his benefactor is the criminal he had helped.

The best part of the franchise is still the snazzy cars

why a Remake Filmmaker Elizabeth Karlsen says, “That novel still resonates clearly today with all its themes: children

damaged by adults, people trying to pick up pieces of their lives after they’ve been damaged, people seeking revenge, being jilted, thinking you are someone and finding out you are someone else, people being discarded by society, notions of poverty, women being sold off as if in a cattle market or displayed in society like jewels.”

Great Expectations [PG] Director: Mike Newell Starring: Jeremy Irvine, Ralph Fiennes, Holliday Grainger and Helena Bonham Carter Genre: Drama Run Time: 124 min Release: 30 May

From childhood, Pip longs to be with the unattainable Estella

MAy 24 - 30, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 05

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

FASHIO

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Fash Snips

N

Here are stirrings in the fashion world that you would need, want and love to know about

The Bonia Fashion Show Stage

The Bonia store has a wide range of bags and other goods

Italian leather bag line Bonia is extending its pop-up store until the end of May

By Cheryl Chia

Y

ou might have noticed by now the tall, white structure that appeared on Orchard Green – the grass patch next to the Singapore Visitors Centre. The Bonia pop-up store that opened there on May 10 was launched as part of Samsung Fashion Steps Out 2013 (FSO2013) organised by the Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA).

Measuring an impressive 4,305 square feet, the Bonia pop-up store celebrates their 39 years of local heritage and design by travelling around the region.

Mr Steven Goh, Executive Director of ORBA, says, “the Orchard Road Business Association is pleased to work with Bonia for FSO2013, especially in engaging the community to showcase young design talents in creative ways.”

Bonia’s international brand ambassador, Sonia Sui, a Taiwanese starlet, who came to Singapore for the launch on May 10 says, “It is a great honour to be representing Bonia in both Singapore and Malaysia, and I look forward to working closely with Bonia in collaboration for the new collections and campaigns for the year.”

BONIA

POPS UP If you’ve yet to visit the Bonia pop-up store, do not fret. Bonia has decided to extend the pop-up store until the end of May, instead of closing on May 19, to allow more people to visit.

In collaboration with the Raffles Design Institute, the pop-up store showcases some of the students’ works such as a dress made out of the leather used for the bag, leather earrings, and haute couture other shades in outfits. various sizes. W The second The Bonia floor Pop-up Store is features located at Orchard Bonia’s Green, the field Spring/Summer beside the Singapore 2013 collection Visitors Centre. with the Georgina Hobo, a luxurious soft bag with embroidered horse braided ropes with brightyellow woven handles, and their signature Have you liked us on Facebook? monogrammed collection in pretty pink, and ten

“Measuring an impressive 4,305 square feet, the Bonia pop-up store celebrates THEIR 39 years...”

The Art Deco part of the exhibit

1

Aimer

This season, Aimer turns up the heat with their latest swimwear collection that consists of two lines – My Beach Couture and Hollywood Glamour. My Beach Couture comprises lacy numbers; gown-styled swimwear and sequins, whereas Hollywood Glamour has elegant patterns, bohemian styles and cover-ups.

Prices for the pieces range from $129.90 to $399.90, while accessories range from $99.90 to $349.90. Aimer is located at VivoCity, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands and Takashimaya Department Store.

2

ShopGuru

Shopper loyalty and rewards programmes will never be the same again. ShopGuru is the next-generation mobile shopping and rewards app that simplifies the way shoppers and retailers connect and interact.

The app allows the user to collect reward points for browsing offers, receive offers tailored to his or her preferences, obtain reward points for scanning promotional QR codes, earn points for spending at partner retailers, and redeem rewards with the points. ShopGuru is available on the Apple App Store and the Google Playstore.

3

Uniqlo

For the month of May, Uniqlo has brought in all new patterns and designs to suit the season.

Expect T-shirt collaborations with famous people such as visual artist Keith Haring, known for his brightly-coloured cartoons and fashion designer Michael Bastian.

The ladies can look forward to feminine designs from renowned designers Lulu Guinness and Karen Walker.

/weekendersgp

Part of the Bonia Pop Art Exhibition

4

Youk Shim Won Youk Shim Won, Korea’s best known whimsical fashion and accessories brand, has chosen Singapore to open its first store in Southeast Asia. The artist launched a collection of bags, fashion and lifestyle accessories featuring her signature paintings of beautiful girls projecting a playful and happy personality.

It also carries household items, and has garnered a huge fanbase for its quirky and ‘princess’ designs. Youk Shim Won is at Great World City, #03-19A.

HEALTH & BEAUTY Beauty Snippets The long and the short of the beauty industry for this week

1 Anti-gravity yoga

TRX classes

2

Virgin Active to launch end of 2013

Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson

Sir Richard Branson had just completed his stint as an ‘airstewardess’ complete with makeup, shaven legs and all for AirAsia as a penalty for a bet he had lost against Dato Sri Tony Fernandes on AirAsia’s flight from Perth to Kuala Lumpur, before he arrived in Singapore.

Sans cosmetics and stewardess outfit, Sir Richard Branson is charming in his red Virgin Active polo t-shirt and pants.

New Fitness Chain Virgin Active, a fitness club chain, is due to launch at One Raffles Place in the third quarter of this year. It will span over 33,000 square feet across three whole floors at One Raffles Place. Beyond traditional gym equipment, Virgin Active offers a Relax and Recovery Zone with a full steam, ice and

Sir Richard Branson, founder of the Virgin Group, came to Singapore to tell us about his new fitness club here, Virgin Active

By Cheryl Chia shower experience, footbaths, complimentary reflexology and a salt inhalation room to rejuvenate skin and purify breathing.

They also have sleep pods for busy CBD workers to take a quick power nap and a member’s lounge complete with WiFi and a private meeting room.

The Nelson Mandela Link “The idea for Virgin Active came about when I was in a pub in London and my wife hands me the phone saying it’s Nelson Mandela. He told me about a fitness chain in South Africa that was about to close and he asked if I could save the chain and the employees. So, when Nelson Mandela calls, that’s pretty much it,” Sir Richard says of his venture into the fitness scene.

“We researched the Singaporean market and realised

Eau Pour Homme

Giorgio Armani has come up with a new bottle to match its unchanged spirit – like a tailor altering an item of clothing to add a fresh touch of modernity. Its citrus notes of bitter orange and tangerine enlivened with peppery coriander hits you first before you sense the subtle spices of nutmeg, cumin and neroli.

Its base notes comprise of a woody aroma of cedar and patchouli. Available at all Giorgio Armani Fragrance counters, Eau pour Homme retails at $129.00 for 100ml.

The Cycle Studio

the fitness clubs here were dreadful as they lock you into long contracts,” he adds.

No Strings Attached Virgin Active has structured its membership terms to maximise flexibility, making it convenient for members to leave if they need to. Club members will be able to sign up for an initial fourweek period, which renews in fortnightly increments.

To leave, all a member needs to do is to inform the gym at least three days in advance of their fortnightly renewal. There is no long-term commitment.

Fully-Equipped Virgin Active Raffles Place will have five dedicated studios for yoga and Pilates, Powerplate, cycling, and high energy classes like mixed martial arts and dance.

Members will also have over 150 classes to choose from such as Anti-Gravity Yoga.

Sir Richard Branson says, “Virgin Active has been one of the true success stories of the Virgin Group over the past 14 years.

I’m so happy to see the business expanding into Singapore. Most Singaporeans already know the

Virgin brand and I have no doubt they will love getting fit the Virgin way.”

He adds, “Everyone knows how important it is to stay fit and in good health. At Virgin Active, we help people achieve their goals and ensure they have a little bit of fun along the way.”

Visit www.virginactive.com. sg for more information or the presentation suite at One Raffles Place at The Atrium on the ground floor.

“Club members will be able to sign up for an initial four-week period which renews...”

Derma RX

Sun protection for the skin can also be achieved by taking oral supplements.

The Derma-Rx Skin Supplement ($94.16) is an oral supplement that offers the skin sun protection from within. It is made from marine-derived proteins, polysaccharides and antioxidants including extract from polypodium leucotomos, a herbal fern with sun protection and skin lightening properties.

It improves the structure, firmness and elasticity of the skin while helping to reduce the appearance of wrinkles. It also minimises the tanning and sun-burn effects of UV exposure. Simply take two tablets daily as a dietary supplement, preferably before food.

The range also carries topical sunscreens and can found at The DRx Medispa located at 302 Orchard Road, 16th Floor, Tong Building.

3 Liese

Change or keep your hairstyle in place with Liese Super Hard Spray ($9.90) and Liese Free Arrange Hair Spray ($9.90). The first one holds your style in place, uplifts roots and smoothens frizz. Simply spray at the end to secure your hairstyle in place.

The Liese Free Arrange lets you easily switch your hair style and won’t leave your hair limp or sticky. These products can be found at Watsons and selected super/hypermarkets.

4

Neutrogena

Neutrogena Deep Clean Hydrating Bamboo Gel Cleanser ($13.60), the latest from Neutrogena, was created to cleanse deep into pores without stripping skin of all its moisture.

It contains hydrating bamboo extract that helps maintain the skin’s natural moisture level, leaving it feeling clean, refreshed and hydrated.

Massage cleansing gel on wet skin and rinse thoroughly.

It is sold at all personal care stores and pharmacies.

F Vodkas produced  from rye are considered the most superior of grain vodkas.

Royal Dragon is crafted from the finest organic winter harvest rye in Russia.

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

06 • WEEKENDER • MAY 24 - 30, 2013

OOD

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Enter the

 Royal Dragon's

limited edition ‘The Emperor’ is crowned with perfectly-shaped certified diamonds from Belgium.

Royal Dragon The Tsar of vodkas, Royal Dragon, has arrived in Singapore to take vodka and luxury to a whole new level

C

onnoisseurs of vodka and luxury herald the arrival of Royal Dragon luxury vodka. Like all fine vodkas, Royal Dragon boasts a Russian provenance – but with a pedigree that is unrivalled. Now vodka connoisseurs in Singapore can savour the smooth purity of the ultra-premium beverage and an experience that is unique and lavish.

Unsurpassed Craftsmanship Crowned 'The Tsar of vodkas', Royal Dragon is the epitome of artisanal mastery; this luxurious white spirit combines both prestigious design elements and superior craftsmanship Royal Dragon's lavishness is reflected in the 23-carat edible Swiss gold leaves, distinctive hand-blown bottles by Italian master craftsmen, and the alluring Asian dragon shooting through its centre. Royal Dragon's limited edition ‘The Emperor’ is also crowned with perfectly-shaped certified diamonds from Belgium.

Supreme Smoothness Vodkas produced from rye are considered the most superior of grain vodkas. Royal Dragon is crafted from the finest organic winter harvest rye in Russia. The rye is organically grown by trusted farmers around the distillery.

To enhance the vodka's high-definition purity and clarity of taste, the distillation process involves five rounds of being filtered through charcoal using a century-old copper pot. The result? A silky-smooth vodka that tastes outstanding - whether enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or in the mix with your favourite cocktail.

So smooth and clean is the luxurious white spirit that it retains its desirable taste even at room temperature.

sold for a record €1 million (approximately US$1.2 million) at the Millionaire Fair in Cannes, France.

Says Michel, "I was the first to put diamonds on a phone. And now I am taking vodka to an unprecedented level of luxury.

We are creating a new market niche, and I am extremely positive about the future of luxury spending in Asia Pacific."

Being crowned 'The Most Innovative Spirit Brand 2012-2013' by the prestigious China Spirits Awards has sealed Royal Dragon's status as a highly-coveted masterpiece. In addition to Hong Kong and Singapore, Royal Dragon is currently blazing its way through UK, Australia, China, Thailand and Europe, and is on its way to take out the superpremium vodka category in the US. Four Exquisite Incarnations The superior-balanced vodka comes in four collections for discerning connoisseurs: The Elite, The Imperial, The Emperor 'Limited Edition' 888, and The Customised Collection.

In Singapore, Royal Dragon luxury vodka can be found at premium retail shops, clubs, cocktail bars, restaurants and lounges. W The Royal Dragon Imperial

'The Most Innovative Spirit Brand 2012-2013' Founder of Royal Dragon luxury vodka, Michel Morren, was in Singapore for its exclusive launch. The renowned entrepreneur and luxury marketer is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for producing ‘The World's Most Exclusive and Expensive Cellular Phone Ever Sold’. It was

“...23-carat edible Swiss gold leaves, distinctive hand-blown bottles by Italian master craftsmen, and the alluring Asian dragon shooting through its centre.”

The Tonkotsu Ramen Summer

Hail, the King of Ramen Tonkotsu King’s ramen chain has opened new outlet Tonkotsu King Four Seasons in Bugis Village

By Cheryl Chia

The Tonkotsu Ramen Winter

If you’ve seen the snaking queues at Tonkotsu King at Orchid Hotel in Tanjong Pagar, you would know the verdict on this ramen chain is definitely a positive one.

Chef Keisuke Takeda, one of Japan’s most decorated celebrity ramen chefs, also known as the “Ramen Revolutionist”, is known for his exceptional culinary flair to infuse highly innovative concepts into the well-known basic Japanese staple that has earned himself both accolades and a strong fan following in both Japan and Singapore.

As seen from his fourth outlet, the Tonkotsu King Four Seasons serves up ramen according to the four seasons. Incorporating his French culinary training into the menu, his Spring ramen ($15.90 with all the toppings such as seaweed and flavoured egg) is served in cherry blossom bowls and intricately sprinkled with basil and parmesan cheese to evoke the colours of spring.

His Summer ramen ($17.90 with all the toppings) adds a touch of spice, from Szechuan chilli to Japanese chilli powder, into the mix for a kick to the palate.

We like the Winter ramen ($14.90 with all the toppings), one the best, which is closer to the standard basic ramen bowl. Simplicity is a virtue.

The Autumn ramen ($16.90), made with three assorted mushrooms, is also full of flavour.

Chef Keisuke’s signature creamy and thick pork-based broth made from pork bones, collagen and chicken bones is boiled over high heat for 12 hours, resulting in the thick broth worthy of a snaking queue.

Our favourite ramen however, is definitely the King Ramen ($17.90 with all the toppings); the ramen is topped with thin slices of pork belly that has been stir-fried with ginger and teriyaki sauce. The flavourful pork just had us hankering for more. This is a must-try in the Tonkotsu King Four Seasons.

Chef Keisuke is based in Japan, but he visits Singapore once a month to ensure that his standard of ramen has been kept up.

The restaurant also has a free flow of hard-boiled eggs (eat them with the Kewpie mayonnaise provided), bean sprouts and grind-it-yourself sesame seeds. Also try their Green Tea Cola ($3.80) to round off your meal.

Tonkotsu King Four Seasons is located 158 Rochor Road, Bugis Village, Singapore 188433. Tel: 6333 5740

The Tonkotsu Ramen King

may 24 - 30, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 07

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

FOO

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You can get sets of a sandwich and soup or salad and drink

Recipes is serving a special menu created by illustrious alumni chefs to celebrate Shatec’s 30th anniversary

The Breakfast Set with Bacon & Egg on a bun

By Chia Hui Jun

Mighty fine

sandwiches and wine Sandwich bar PLT serves hot and fresh sandwiches along with a glass of wine

People working in the Central Business District would know that there is a slew of sandwich and salad joints lining the streets at Raffles Place but what about having a glass of wine with your sandwich for lunch?

PLT – standing for Pancetta, Lettuce and Tomato – is a play on the BLT (bacon, lettuce and tomato) sandwich. PLT is the brainchild of Cedele, which is known for healthy and hearty portions that do not compromise on quality.

Located on Robinson Road, the airy sandwich bar offers breakfast options such as the Ham & Cheese Croissant ($5) or Chocolate Hazelnut and Banana Toast ($5) that come with coffee, tea or juice. They also have Chicken Macaroni Soup ($5) should you prefer a comforting broth for breakfast. You can pick from three different types of bread: white olive, wholemeal and multi-grain rye.

We loved their Tuna Cheese Melt ($7) which turns the standard tuna salad sandwich into a bite filled with a slice of pineapple, pesto and cheese. The joint’s namesake, the PLT ($7.80) was a lighter version of the greasy BLT, accompanied with sweet mustard and mayonnaise.

The Reuben ($8.50) – corned beef, bacon, sauerkraut onion, cheddar and gherkins covered in a tangy Russian dressing – is great if you’re not keen

By Cheryl Chia

The Reuben sandwich

D

Special Recipes for 30th anniversary

PLT's signature sandwich: Pancetta, Lettuce and Tomato

on too many greens in your sandwich.

There are also vegetarian options available such as the Shroom Tofu Burger ($7.80) with a grilled tofu patty, mushrooms, pepperonata, Bavarian mustard and mayonnaise. Who says that only eating vegetables won’t fill you up?

Happy Hour at the PLT starts from 5pm, when a glass of wine costs you a mere $5. Ask the helpful staff at the counter about which type of wine goes well with your sandwich.

PLT also sells salads, which change on alternate days. Soups, such as their Rustic Mushroom, are available as an add-on to your sandwich as well.

Recipes is a bistro set up and owned by Shatec to give its students hands-on experience in the aspects of running a restaurant from cooking, to serving customers, to billing.

Located next to Funan IT Mall, it is highly accessible and charges affordable prices.

As one of the pioneers in hospitality and tourism, Shatec has produced 30,000 graduates, including famous chefs such as celebrity Chef Eric Teo, Chef Tony Khoo from Marina Mandarin Hotel, Chef Randy Chow, the Section Head of Culinary Arts at Temasek Polytechnic, and pastry maven Chef Pang Kok Keong from Antoinette.

To celebrate its 30th anniversary on Jul 2, Shatec’s Bukit Batok campus is undergoing a $3 million upgrade, and is also offering a Four-Course Set Dinner Anniversary Menu by the alumni. This celebratory menu will be available only for dinner on Jun 7 and 14 at $42++ per pax. No a la carte menu will be

served for dinner on both days.

The appetiser was SlowCooked Pork Belly with Apple Salsa on the side. The succulent, tasty pork belly was slow cooked to perfection.

The soup was Mushroom Coffee with Crispy Cinnamon Roll with Prawn Filling. Brewed coffee is used to cook the mushroom.

The main course was Sous Vide Chicken Breast in Smoked Oil, Fig-Glazed Foie Gras, Caramelised Endive, Manchego Espuma and Thyme Jus. Sous vide is French for “under vacuum”. It is cooking in vacuum-sealed plastic pouches at controlled temperatures.

This keeps the chicken breast moist and preserves its flavour.

Finally, the Fondant au Chocolat, made from Valrhona chocolate. The warm fondant oozing out of the crisp dessert made it a wonderful end to a fulfilling meal.

Recipes – A Bistro by Shatec, 100 High Street, #01-03, The Treasury, Singapore 179434

PLT is located at 39 Robinson Road, #01-01A, Singapore 068911. Tel: 6438 2648

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Shatec students plating food at Recipes

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MOO Bar & Grill, 21 McCallum Street, #01-03 to 06, The Clift, Tel: 6634 2662



WEEKENDER

&Made by bruno menard

LA BRACERIA

Every day the gourmet way! Try Chef Bruno Menard’s take on better burgers any time of the day in the heart of Orchard, and challenge Chef Bruno while crafting your own burger!

The main feature of La Braceria is a Neapolitan traditional brick oven. The recipe of this authentic Italian cuisine comes from the Southern, Amalfi Coast, with a few famous Northern Favourites. The food serving is honest and generous, making it value for money and unforgettable.

30% OFF



1 FOR 1 Main Course

TOTAL FOOD BILL

Terms & Conditions: Offer not valid for Pizzas. Offer not redeemable on eve of and public holidays, and festive promotional periods such as Father’s Day. Not valid with other promotions, discounts and privileges. Offer valid until 30 June 2013.

Terms & Conditions: Offer not redeemable on eve of and public holidays and festive promotional periods such as Father’s Day. Not valid with other promotions, discounts and privileges. Offer valid until 30 June 2013.

&MADE by Bruno Menard, 9 Scotts Road, #01-04/05/06, Pacific Plaza, Tel: 6690 7566

La Braceria, 5 Greendale Avenue, Tel: 6465 5918

Here’s a little taste of the amazing deals you can get with the EAT SHOP PLAY book set!

WEEKENDER



HOSHI JAPANESE RESTAURANT Value for money casual dining in a contemporary setting.

ENJOY A

COMPLIMENTARY

BENTO SET with the Purchase of 2 Bento Sets Terms & Conditions: Valid from Mondays to Thursdays only. Offer not redeemable on eve of and public holidays and festive promotional periods such as Father’s Day. Not valid with other promotions, discounts and privileges. Offer valid until 30 June 2013.

Hoshi Japanese Restaurant, 2 Jurong East Street 21, #03-01, IMM Building, Tel: 6425 0520

WEEKENDER

Terms & Conditions: Offer valid until 30 June 2013.

WEEKENDER



INITALY BAR RISTORANTE

POTION BISTRO & BAR Potion – Al fresco dining area offers a taste of modern Italian and Continental culinary experience.

A delectable choice of breakfast, all-day dining and selection of pizzas and tapas menu to choose from. The Lounge Bar adjacent to the lobby offers a wide selection of wine, beer, liqueur, liquor and a wide selection of cocktails and mocktails.



Offering outstanding value and quality Italian cuisine, inITALY Bar Ristorante is an expression of Chef Mario Caramella’s signature favourites.

25% OFF TOTAL BILL

Potion Bistro & Bar, 77 Tiong Bahru Road, Tel: 6808 1818

Complimentary 1-litre bottle of Chianti Classico DOCG Red Wine (Retail Price: $98++), with every 2 adult diners Terms & Conditions: No minimum spend required, but customers must dine in. Limited to 10 bottles only. First come, first serve. Diners must quote “WEEKENDER PROMOTION” before ordering. Valid on 25 May 2013 (Sat) Lunch ONLY, and all day on 26 May 2013 (Sun).

inITALY Bar Ristorante, 38 Craig Road, Singapore 089676, Tel: 6423 0918

information accurate at time of print. all offers while stocks last. weekender is not responsible for any loss or damage that may be incurred by anyone using these coupons or information. FOr information on marketing, please contact david at david@weekender.com.sg

H

08 • WEEKENDER • may 24 - 30, 2013

OME

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS

For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp

Safer and easier housework Doing housework, even hanging up washed clothes, can be tedious and even hazardous. EZ Living has high-tech innovatiVE clothesline systems to help The EZ Lift system

The Fighter sofa set

Executive-class sofa for your dream home Every home needs an elegant sofa set.

Executive Living can help you find the perfect one In almost every home, a set of sofas occupies pride of place in the living room, where the owners or tenants can lounge on and watch TV, read or even nap.

Sofas come in various styles, designs and materials but leather is often preferred for comfort and durability. Different sofa sets suit different people and different kinds of homes.

Whatever your preference, you can find your ideal sofa set at Executive Living, which offers premium quality products at midrange prices, with staff to educate you about the products and services so that you know exactly what you are paying for.

High-End Materials Executive Living’s sofas are produced from Brazilian cowhide processed into the finest leather in Tuscany, Italy, and the fillings are made of Canadian goose down feather.

With sturdy recliner frames and motorised units from Leggett and Platt of the USA, these sofa units sold at Executive Living are the epitome of comfort.

Elegant Designs A curator of good sofa designs, each iconic Executive Living piece is vastly different from massmarket models. The mid-to-high end designs of their sofas can be compared to the work of the Renaissance masters.

Built for a discerning few, these pieces naturally attract a smaller and elite clientele, so they are able to spend more time catering to each client’s preference. There are also no middlemen, as each piece of furniture is directly acquired from their factories, resulting in much better value.

provide on-site measurements and customisation to make sure your new furniture fits your home perfectly.

5 to 10 Years Warranty To give customers peace of mind, Executive Living provides a fiveyear warranty for all sofa parts. In the unlikely event that a sofa unit is delivered with a fault, Executive Living will provide you a one-toone exchange.

With such excellent products, attentive service, and comprehensive warranty coverage, your dreams of acquiring unique pieces of furniture that are impressive fusions of art and science, at reasonable prices, are attainable.

Visit the showroom at 246 Balestier Road, Tel: 6352 6865, or 5 Harper Road (next to Tai Seng MRT), Tel: 6280 6188.

The Zenne sofa set

Attentive Service Executive Living’s professional product consultants are well-versed in the different grades of leather and fillings, and take pride in going the extra mile to provide a personal touch for you.

The product consultants and craftsmen also

Due to the difficulty of the task and living in high-rise environments, housework such as hanging the clothes out of windows after they have been washed, can be highly tiresome and even dangerous.

In spite of this, few know that there is the technology and various contraptions that can aid your mother, your helper, or even you.

Head down to check out some of these innovations from EZ Living this coming Vesak Day long weekend.

Safety First “The demand for hanging laundry safely and with convenience becomes greater when there are newspaper reports of maids or owners falling out of windows when hanging out bamboo poles,” EZ Living founder Angeline Tan explains.

In light of these incidents in the news, Angeline decided to start EZ Living Pte Ltd in 2001.

EZ Living provides solutions to hanging laundry safely and conveniently.

EZ Living has various systems that you can check out in their showroom.

Suitable for Flats EZ Living has more than 10 models of systems to choose from. EZ Living’s various clothesline models suit most yard, air-con ledge, kitchen, balcony or utility configurations. They also suit most window openings and

ceiling heights.

For condominiums where high ceilings and false ceilings make the use of traditional poles unusable and impractical, EZ Living has expanded its range to include retractable laundry systems for such particular constraints.

These systems are also especially suited to the constraints or design layout of HDB flats. EZ Living’s clotheslines systems not only greatly ease the difficulty of laundry hanging, its systems are also smartly-designed to retract to a wall or ceiling, thereby saving precious space in a flat.

Showroom & Site Assessment EZ Living has a showroom displaying all the systems, so that customers can make an informed choice.

The services of site assessment and system consultancy and solutions on a non-obligatory basis are provided by EZ Living to give customers added benefit.

Quick installations can also be arranged, with warranty periods applicable for most of the systems.

selling system called the EZ Hi-Dry (made in Australia) with various pole lengths of 1.2m, 1.5m and 1.8m to choose from.

EZ Living’s Hi-Dry system has the features of up-down/in-out retraction. On sunny days, the clothes are out; on rainy days, the EZ Hi-Dry keeps the clothes airdry at ceiling height.

With the aging population rising, EZ Living has also considered this segment and included the Automated EZ Bella system from Korea. The Bella system can be operated by remote control, giving even greater convenience, ease and safety.

Why not drop by the showroom or call to arrange an on-site assessment or system consultancy session this Vesak weekend?

EZ Living Pte Ltd, 63 Jalan Pemimpin, #02-09, Singapore 577219, Tel: 6259 9928 (Mon-Fri, 10am-7pm; Sat, 10am-4pm; PH by appointment), www.ezziliving.com; www.ezziliving.biz

Hi-Dry System EZ Living stocks a diverse range of products, including the best-

You can choose to extend or retract the system based on your needs

SOCIAL ENTERPRISE

Sweet treat with heart setting up a social enterprise is not easy, especially when you are still a student.

8 fahrenheit has achieved the laudable task of setting up an ice cream shop that hires the financiallychallenged

By Cleon Ong

A

fter every meal, our stomachs would usually be too full for us to take one more bite. Yet, somehow, there is always this magical space just for dessert.

To end off your meal and to completely satisfy your taste buds and tummy, what better way to fill that remaining void than with great, delightful ice cream?

Unfortunately, some people cannot afford ice cream, and other things. 8 Fahrenheit has come up with a solution.

8 Fahrenheit is an ice cream parlour selling artisanal ice cream at affordable prices. At the same time, they hire students from financially-challenged families.

8 Fahrenheit was set up by

three students: Grace, Song Jie and Jia Hui. Having come from a financially-challenged family, Song Jie has always felt inclined to help in this cause. Together with their knowledge from their course of study, Business and Social Enterprise, the trio decided to embark on this unpredictable yet rewarding journey.

To help ease the financial difficulties that students and their family members face, 8 Fahrenheit provides employment for them. Together with flexible working hours and no minimum work hours, employees will also be able to better juggle their school work and their job. At the same time, the shop is on-campus, allowing employees to save on

The founders with some of the guests and supporters at the launch

Other sweet treats from 8 Fahrenheit

8 Fahrenheit’s launch was fun-filled There is always room for ice cream

travelling time and expenses.

However, the trio’s journey has been tough, to say the least. Still students, setting up a business and raising their own capital has been no easy task.

They have had to fork out

money from their savings and spent months planning and working just to come up with a sound plan. Even the location and design of the shop took months to finalise. Nevertheless, with the tremendous amount of detailed

planning, determination and support from lecturers and fellow social entrepreneurs, 8 Fahrenheit finally came to fruition.

It is never easy setting up a business, much less while studying. Nonetheless, when the social enterprise becomes sustainable, the brightest smiles can be found on the founders and employees faces.

Support their cause and grab your taste of 8 Fahrenheit. You will soon be smiling too. W 8 Fahrenheit, Ngee Ann Polytechnic, OurSpace @Blk 72; Mon to Fri, 11am-7pm (5pm during school holidays)

MAY 24 - 30, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 09

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp

The Fantastic Mr Fox

The blogger’s niece and her son at Goldilocks and the Three Bears

By Katherine Sng

Going to a

musical Our new mommy blogger, Katherine, shares her experience of bringing her little one to a musical and how she feels it’s good for them

FAMILY & FRIEND

“Exposing children to musicals enriches them both culturally and artistically, which I would strongly encourage and advocate.”

E

wandering – this was enacted by Goldilocks venturing alone into the woods, when her father was busy chopping down trees, and into the Three Bears’ home where she made herself at home and made a mess, angering the bears.

My niece Phoebe, who is 11 years old, enjoyed the musical and loved the set; she was fascinated with the transformation of the stage from the forest to the Three Bears’ home.

Comparatively, the play The Fantastic Mr Fox was even more engaging, and I look forward to watching more musicals with Bubba and creating more 'happyments' [happy moments] with him!

Children love to be brought out and are in awe of things that are larger than life, especially when presented on a big scale on stage and not constrained by a small screen.

‘Til next post, BubbaMama. W

From bubbamama.com Editor’s Note: Weekender lists various events for kids from time to time, in our Events section.

Check out our section regularly for musicals, storytelling sessions, activities and other events that you can bring your child to.

Bubba engrossed in the musical

S

A New Home for Bo Bo and Cha Cha

With the panda craze that’s hit Singapore, this might be the right book for little ones

Adorable pandas Bo Bo and Cha Cha have arrived at the Singapore Zoo. Bo Bo is excited, with all the colours and the cacophony of sounds from the various animals in Mandai.

Bo Bo and Cha Cha meet many interesting new friends there, including Kera the friendly orang-utan, who enthusiastically offers to give them a guided tour.

They quickly meet other animals that they had never seen before, including Mr and Mrs Tapir.

Bo Bo is in awe of the whole new experience and the new friends they are making. Cha Cha is less than thrilled. In fact, she is quite apprehensive about this new environment and strange new neighbours, including those with orange hair. Everything here seems too strange: the animals, the heat, and even the food.

The blogger with her son, and friend with her daughter

By KATHERINE SNG xposing children to musicals enriches them both culturally and artistically, which I would strongly encourage and advocate.

When I brought Bubba to watch a recent musical, I could not help but feel a certain sense of satisfaction and achievement.

Musicals like Goldilocks and the Three Bears trigger the imagination and bring fairy tales to life. What better way to introduce toddlers to classic characters through a live performance?

The stage and costumes were absolutely magnificent and captivating. In this day and age when television is overrated, it is certainly more impactful to educate children on moral lessons through different and creative platforms.

The emphasis of the lesson behind the story of the play Goldilocks and the Three Bears is not only to respect one’s personal space but also on the perils of

Book Review

Cha Cha wants to leave. That is, until a caring sloth shows her what being home really means.

While tying in with the recent arrival of the pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia from China to the Singapore Zoo, this book is a delight on its own. The illustration is bright, colourful and cute, and makes it highly child-friendly.

The story also has meaningful insights for kids, on new experiences, new environments, and even new friends.

On the whole, the book is a fairly delightful read. Get this book to entertain your kids with a local bedtime story.

About the Author Jason Erik Lundberg is the author of The Alchemy of Happiness (2012), Embracing the Strange (2012), Red Dot Irreal (2011), The Time Traveler’s Son (2008), and over 80 articles, short stories, and book reviews.

About the Illustrator Patrick Yee is an award-winning illustrator of more than 100 children’s books. He won the Macmillan Prize for Children’s Book Illustration twice. www.epigrambooks.sg A New Home for Bo Bo and Cha Cha Author: Jason Erik Lundberg Illustrator: Patrick Yee Genre: Fiction, Children Format: Paperback RRP: $14.90 / $15.94 (after taxes)

About Bubba & Mama Katherine is a young single mother who strongly advocates living a healthy lifestyle through exercise, eating right, and keeping a positive and youthful outlook on life. She firmly believes that empowerment is possible for anyone, as long as they believe in themselves and the people around them.

Jeeva Sudarsan Born Jun 7, 2012 Armaan Singh Born Jul 13, 2012

Bethany Teo Born Oct 24, 2012

HELLO Kyara Tan Born Oct 18, 2012

Babies - aren’t they the cutest things ever? That’s why Weekender dedicates a section to your adorable darlings in diapers. Send us your favourite photos of your newborn, so the rest of us can coo and ‘ahh’ over him / her too! What better way is there to celebrate your child than to share him / her with the rest of the world?

WORLD

Edward Tan Zheng Jie Born Jan 3, 2013

Email your photos to

general@weekender.com.sg .

Gerald Tan Jing Yu Born Oct 19, 2012

Please make sure to include your baby’s name and surname, gender and date of birth. We look forward to receiving photos of your loved one!

Sharvin Kanaga Sundaram Born Jun 24, 2012

/weekendersgp Have you liked us on Facebook?

Tara Chow Born Sep 6, 2012

Carl Daniel Born Aug 6, 2012

T

10 • WEEKENDER • may 24 - 30, 2013

RAVELATION

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp

“The hill was so-named because of an abundance of the local fruit (mata kuching) on it...”

One of the native-style huts in Sarawak

Sunsets in Kuching are some of the most memorable sights

Kuching: Boat rides along the river cost little

W

hile there were quite some cats (real or objectified) in the city, Kuching got its name not because it was the birthplace of any exceptional feline feats but rather, from the longan fruit. A stream, Sungai Kuching, used to run through the city and had its origin from Bukit Mata Kuching (Cat’s Eye Hill).

The hill was so-named because of an abundance of the local fruit (mata kuching) on it; and due to the fruit’s semblance to a cat’s eye, with a black pit showing through its translucent peeled flesh like a pupil. (To the Chinese, 'longan' is translated as ‘dragon’s eye’).

Today, the cat has become an affiliated identity that this biggest city in the East Malaysian state of Sarawak holds dear. It is also known as the Land of the Hornbill and is famous for being home to the world’s largest flower, the Rafflesia.

Kuching Waterfront The most prominent area in the

The Purrfect

Getaway ‘Kuching’ means ‘cat’ in Malay but our intrepid travel blogger never knew where the place was until he went there

By Darren Ng city is probably the 1km-long Kuching Waterfront on the South bank of the Sarawak River. One side of the waterway contains all the urban developments such as hotels, shopping centres, financial centres and residential districts, while the opposite bank offers a somewhat rustic backto-kampong appeal with wooden houses and dense forestry.

You can commute between the two sides by taking one of the many sampans known as tambang along the river. It costs only RM0.50 one-way but check with the boatman for the time of

the last service.

Along the waterfront, you can find some F&B tents but I doubt their integrity in hygiene. There’s not much to do there except to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy the sunset, which can be spectacular.

Bako National Park Any trip to Kuching would not be complete without a visit to one of its many natural attractions.

There’re more than a dozen national parks in Sarawak and Bako is probably the most popular and accessible from Kuching.

Part One

tours around the city, to forest safaris that last several days.

The original price to tour Bako was RM190 but the agent said there’s a discount on that day and we paid RM160 per person.

The package includes a two-way land transfer, two-way boat trip, and a park guide. Lunch was not included. If you do not take a tour package and decide to charter a boat (that can hold up to six tourists) at the jetty, it costs RM93.

Bako is a huge park with various trails with varying levels of difficulties and length. There’s accommodation in the park for those who plan to stay longer. We were first brought on an easy trail with paved roads and I expressed my disappointment that there’s no ‘feel’ in a trek like this. That was until we were brought on a real forest trail…

authenticity of the plant. There’re three confirmation tests that can be done: 1. Roll its leaf with your fingers – real Tonkgat Ali’s leaf won’t break; 2. Slowly tear the leaf – the ‘wound’ should present a feathery texture; 3. Taste the leaf sap – it is very, very bitter.

We also saw some wild animals with our closest encounter with danger coming from a green snake perfectly camouflaged on a small shrub at shin height. And there was also a termite’s nest the size of a bowling ball hanging precariously on a thin stem right next to a forest path.

For the uninitiated, it is useful to have a guide and always stay on the designated paths. I was told that even very experienced guides can get lost in the Bako forest. W

Flora & Fauna At the park, we were introduced to various species of flora and fauna with explanations on their usefulness. We saw rattan growing in the wild and a thorny palm whose spikes are used as blow darts by native hunters.

The spikes were really sharp!

But the most interesting plant was the Tongkat Ali – the Malay folk medicine equivalent of Viagra.

A small segment of Tongkat Ali sells for a high price so it’s important to verify the

This is an excerpt from www.explorelah.blogspot.sg

To be continued in Part Two.

True to the city’s name, you will see many cats

Initially, we planned to take a half-day tour to see the Rafflesia flower at Gunung Gading National Park but there were none in bloom during our stay there. The really huge ones could measure up to 1m in diameter.

A Rafflesia’s bloom lasts between five to seven days and the natives pluck the flowers for medicinal uses. Always check with the local agents on your chances of seeing a Rafflesia.

There are quite a few shops along the waterfront that offer day-tour packages. You can choose from half and full-day

Chirpy ode to the joy of flying Finnair Collaborates with Marimekko to unveil textiles and tableware with Marimekko’s unique designs By chia hui jun

Tableware tailormade for Finnair by Marimekko

Finnair has brought textiles and tableware designed by iconic Finnish design and fashion house Marimekko to its aircraft. As a mark of the cooperation, a Finnair Airbus 330 was unveiled on May 7 with a blue-forest livery based on the Marimekko print Metsänväki, or “forest dwellers”.

The plane will fly from Finnair’s Helsinki hub – in the geographically shortest route between Europe and Asia – to Finnair’s 13 Asian destinations and New York, joining a sister aircraft painted in Marimekko’s iconic Unikko poppy print last October.

Business Class customers will have their inflight meals from tableware tailor-made for Finnair by Marimekko, and Marimekko napkins, blankets, pillows and head rest covers will be introduced during summer.

They will also appear on Economy Class paper cups, headrest covers, fleece blankets and pillows, said Anssi Komulainen, Senior Vice President, Customer Service.

This special Metsänväki collection was designed according to the airline’s needs

by Marimekko designer Sami Ruotsalainen and two other people, in original Marimekko print by Maija Isola. The classic, timeless prints come in grey or green wavy lines, and dark blue polka dots, telling a story of

Finnish nature and the views one can see when looking down from an aircraft window.

Marimekko for Finnair tableware and textiles, specifically the Business Class tableware, is made of special light-weight porcelain to help reduce aircraft weight, thereby contributing to fuel efficiency and a lighter carbon footprint.

"The Metsänväki print is... about the Finnish spirit and the forest-inspired energy that makes Finns tick. The print combines the majesty and fairy tale-like magic of the Finnish forest," says Minna Kemell-Kutvonen, Creative Director at Marimekko. The colours reflect fresh spring time, to give passengers the feeling that they are taking a nap on a sunny, green field.

I personally felt that these bold yet minimalistic designs are not too flamboyant, and add an understated touch of colour and brightness to an otherwise sterilelooking aircraft interior. These fun, unusual designs can provide stress relief to beleaguered travellers, and set the airline apart from its competitors in terms of style.

“Making you feel special is our signature way of doing things.

Now we have a signature style to go with it,” says Service Manager

“The print combines the majesty and fairy tale-like magic of the Finnish forest.”

Kristina Koskivirta.

With the nature-inspired colour scheme that mimics the Finnish landscape, “serving meals on Marimekko tableware will be like hosting a dinner party at home,” says Service Manager Marjaana Saksela.

If you cannot get enough of these designs, a selection of Marimekko for Finnair items is available for purchase through inflight sales and the Finnair PlusShop online.

Economy class pillow and blanket with Marimekko design

Business class tableware with Metsänväki design

Economy class paper cup with Metsänväki design

Samsonite collaborates with T’ang Quartet under Firelite Samsonite and T’ang Quartet came together in a new ad campaign for the world’s lightest luggage Samsonite’s fresh addition, Firelite, the world’s first 1.9kg ultra-light luggage, thanks to the revolutionary CURV technology has been launched in an integrated ad campaign at Tangs Orchard.

The campaign launch also unveiled Samsonite’s newest collaboration for Firelite, with the internationally-acclaimed, award-winning T’ang Quartet, Singapore’s very own premier string quartet.

Trained in London and Moscow, the T’ang Quartet’s exceptional artistry and prolific musicality has led them to find fame both locally and abroad. This is the first time Samsonite, an international travel brand, is collaborating with home-grown music talent.

“As Samsonite is renowned for breakthrough innovation, we've identified T'ang Quartet as they exemplify the notion of 'consistently breaking new grounds' – constant innovation

/weekendersgp Have you liked us on Facebook?

and steady reinvention are the name of the game for T’ang Quartet, who is celebrating their 21st Anniversary this year,” says Mr Frantz Braha, VicePresident of Samsonite Southeast Asia.

In this collaboration, Samsonite finds kinship in the art of music with T’ang Quartet. The design of the luggage depicts the motion of sound waves as they resonate through the soundboards of a string instrument. The fresh design of Samsonite Firelite reflects Samsonite's innovative drive for its constant reinvention as well.

At the launch, guests and celebrities were treated to a short presentation of T’ang Quartet’s most popular music pieces.

When asked about their new set of luggage, Ang Chek Meng, T’ang Quartet’s violinist, piped in, “In our 21 years of playing together, we have travelled to most of the important cities in the world. Now, with the new Samsonite luggage, we certainly will arrive in style!”

may 24 - 30, 2013 • WEEKENDER • 11

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED WITH FUN AND HAPPINESS For a pdf copy of Weekender visit: www.facebook.com/weekendersgp

WEALT

Singaporeans

H

top spenders on dining Singaporeans are the region’s top spenders on dining, according to a MasterCard survey of consumer dining habits across Asia-Pacific

I

n terms of spending, Singapore overtakes Japan to climb to the top spot with an average monthly dining spending of US$262.

Singaporean consumers spending on dining grew by nearly 25 per cent from S$212 in June 2011, outpacing most markets in Southeast Asia, and is a strong indication of the nation’s growing passion for food.

Japanese and Chinese consumers follow closely behind with an average monthly dining spending of US$225 and US$203.

Singaporeans Not posting the Most Online Interestingly, when it comes to dining and social media behaviour, Singapore does not make it into the top three, despite its well-known obsession for food.

According to the survey, Chinese, Malaysian and Thai consumers are the most likely to post reviews onto social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter.

About one in two respondents in these markets regularly post comments online after their dining experience, while in Singapore only one in four do so.

Use of Online Reviews Before dining, more than onethird of consumers regularly look for online reviews before making dining decisions. Asia’s most advanced tech markets lead the region with Singapore, Taiwan and Japan most reliant on online reviews.

“It is interesting to see the convergence of the growing online connectivity of Asia-Pacific consumers and their passion for

food,” says Georgette Tan, Group Head, Communications, AsiaPacific, Middle East & Africa, MasterCard.

She adds, “Food blogs are playing an increasingly influential role in Asia’s food scene, turning both locals and tourists to the best eats in town and placing lesserknown eateries on the radar of the keen, tech-savvy diners.”

Checking Online Promotions Going online to check for credit card promotions also remains popular, especially in Singapore, Hong Kong and China where about one in two respondents do so regularly. W

Average Monthly Dining Spending Across Asia-Pacific No. Country

2012

2011

1 Singapore

US$262 US$212

2 Japan

US$225 US$213

3 China

US$203 US$135

4 Hong Kong US$196 US$195 5 South Korea US$160 US$119 6 Malaysia

US$157 US$120

7 Australia

US$155 US$136

8 Taiwan

US$155 US$165

9 Thailand

US$129 US$149

10 New Zealand US$116 US$103

About MasterCard MasterCard is a company in global payments. Its products and solutions make everyday commerce more secure and efficient.

BOOK REVIEW

Financial Independence: Getting to Point X Financial Independence: Getting to Point X – An Advisor’s Guide to Comprehensive Wealth Management helps you attain independence by being aware of key issues

Written by John J Vento, an expert with decades of experience helping people from all walks of life realise their dreams of financial independence, Financial Independence: Getting to Point X – An Advisor’s Guide to Comprehensive Wealth Management arms you with the knowledge and tools you need to get to your Point X: the point at which you no longer have to work for your money but where your money works for you.

10 Fundamental Wealth Management Issues Throughout our lives, we will encounter many questions and problems relating to money, but every one of them will fall, in some way, under one or more of the 10 Key Wealth Management Issues addressed in this book.

No matter how you define your particular path to financial independence or “Point X”, whether it is an annual income of $25,000 or an estate of $250 million, you need to not only understand but effectively deal with the 10 Fundamental Wealth Management Issues. They are: 1. Committing to living within your means and conscientiously saving for the future; 2. Understanding taxes and how to effectively minimise your tax obligation; 3. Realistically defining your standard of living, including your net worth and your current cash flow; 4. Managing debt; 5. Insuring yourself and your family in case of extreme illness or death; 6. Protecting your property; 7. Planning for the education of yourself and your children; 8. Investing intelligently and productively; 9. Planning for retirement; and 10. Preserving your estate.

These issues are interrelated, and how you deal with one very often will have an effect on how you treat the others. For example, if you fail to manage debt properly, you will find it difficult to save for a home, your child’s education, or your retirement.

Or, if you neglect to properly insure yourself against sickness or premature death, your spouse and family’s savings could be wiped out.

Throughout the book, he provides facts and strategies that focus on minimising the most significant expenditure – taxes – and help you gain financial freedom.

About the Author John J Vento has been the president of the Certified Public Accounting firm John J Vento, CPA, PC, and Comprehensive Wealth Management, since 1987. financial independence: Getting to point x Author: John J Vento Publisher: Wiley Format: Hardcover RRP: $50.95

12 • WEEKENDER • MAY 24 - 30, 2013

YOUR INSPIRATION TO A WEEKEND FILLED with FUN AND HAPPINESS

Weekender is published by Weekender Group Pte Ltd, 80 Playfair Road, #02-03, Blk A, Singapore 367998. Printed by KHL Printing Co Pte Ltd, 57 Loyang Drive, Singapore 508968.