Weekender #137

ISSUE 137 • oCTOBER 09 - oCTOBER 22, 2015

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Bringing International Fine Jewellery To You

Fook’s Jewelry

Glajz

On Cheong

AMTC

22 - 25 Oct 2015 | Marina Bay Sands

SingaporeJewelleryGemFair.com

Orital

OCTOBER 09 - OCTOBER 22 , 2015

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations Season 4 Around the world on an empty stomach Mondays at 8.00 pm Asian Food Channel is available in Singapore on Starhub TV Channel 435.

To subscribe, please call Starhub at 1630. Malaysia on Astro TV Channel 703. To subscribe in Malaysia, please call Astro at 1300 82 3838. www.asianfoodchannel.com

ISSUE 137 • oCTOBER 09 - oCTOBER 22, 2015

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NEW ON TV the walking dead zombie season’s back & more emotional

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health feature Female trainers these femmes get you fit

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year-end holiday ideas & Your leave days

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10 SINGAPORE JEWELLERY & GEM FAIR FOREVER FLAWLESS HAMPERS (WORTH $345 EACH)

to be won!

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pan: behind An ASA Holidays Royal Caribbean Cruise package for two (WORTH up to $1700 EACH)

to be won!

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the legend

Read our premier league and local football columns by espn fc view the grades of the BPL “Big Five” managers so far & the singapore cup WK137B/MCI(P)120/06/2015

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Entertainment W

OCTOBER 09 - OCTOBER 22 , 2015

j e we l l e ry fa i r Diamond, Emerald & Sapphire Ring from Orital SRL

Get your sparkle on at Singapore Jewellery & Gem Fair 2015 Shop for irresistibly-priced jewellery at the largest fine jewellery event held in Singapore Hollywood actress Mae West was once quoted as saying, “I never worry about diets. The only ‘carrots’ that interest me are the numbers you get in a diamond.”

Whether diamonds, pearls or precious gems are your best friends, there’s sure to be something to your liking at the Singapore Jewellery and Gem Fair 2015.

Green Flower from JP Hanna Co, Ltd

Singapore’s largest fine jewellery event

Last year’s Singapore Jewellery & Gem Fair

As the largest fine jewellery event in Singapore, the Singapore Jewellery and Gem Fair 2015 brings together internationally-acclaimed jewellers from countries such as Belgium, Germany, Israel, Italy, Japan, Switzerland, Thailand, the USA, Hong Kong and the world over.

From these various lands, a stunning array of the most exquisite jewellery in finely-crafted designs will be on display for all to see.

The previous edition of the Singapore Jewellery and Gem Fair attracted international exhibitors from no less than 21 countries as well as a total of 9,615 visitors — a 10.2 per cent increase over the inaugural 2013 edition’s attendance.

Furthermore, 89 per cent of visitors expressed their satisfaction with the quality of the exhibitors and 80 per cent of visitors shared their interest to visit the Jewellery and Gem Fair again.

Tsavorite and Diamond Earrings in 18K White Gold from Heritage Gems

Breathtaking treasures For all to admire & to purchase Visitors to the Singapore Jewellery & Gem Fair can expect to see more than 200 exhibitors from 28 countries, grouped into over ten pavilions, showcasing 100,000 pieces of fine jewellery worth more than $2.5 billion. You can be assured of viewing a dazzling treasure trove.

Seeing that the festive season is ahead of us, there’s no better time to shop for eye-catching pieces that will complete your festive outfit.

The massive jewellery collection under one roof promises a piece of treasure for everyone, whether you’re a business trader, private collector, jewellery connoisseur, deal hunter, or simply somebody looking to buy an exquisite gift for a loved one, or even yourself.

Priced irresistibly for their quality and artistry (starting from hundreds, up to millions of dollars) a massive selection of unique and excellently-crafted fine jewellery as well as loose gems, diamonds, precious stones and pearls will be showcased at the fair. You can be certain that your jaw will drop more than once!

Quality jewellery at irresistible prices In case you might wonder, why not just pop into a departmental store to purchase jewellery at your convenience instead of heading to the fair, the Singapore Jewellery and Gem Fair offers you the most costeffective way to source for exclusive quality jewellery as the organisers work directly with manufacturers and wholesalers, guaranteeing you the best prices possible.

To value-add to your experience, be sure to join the various seminars and workshops offered at the fair, which will give you the opportunity to gain in-depth understanding of the jewellery industry.

In addition, you’ll be able to explore business and networking opportunities with industry professionals across the globe — right in Singapore.

Authenticity guaranteed

Emerald Diamond Earrings from Taka Jewellery

Emerald & Diamond Lady’s Wristwatch, by Raymond Yard, with Patek Philippe Movement from Revival Vintage Jewels & Objects

When it comes to jewellery, as with any investment, you want to be assured of authenticity and quality.

The Singapore Jewellery and Gem Fair is organised by UBM Asia, the organiser of not just the most professional international jewellery fairs globally but also the world’s No. 1 fine jewellery event — the Hong Kong Jewellery and Gem Fair held just in September.

Visitors can shop with peace of mind as the event is also exclusively endorsed by The Diamond Exchange of Singapore as well as the Singapore Jewellers Association.

The Singapore Jewellery and Gem Fair 2015 will be held from Oct 22 to 25 at the Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre.

For more information, please visit www.singaporejewellerygemfair.com and www.facebook.comSingaporeJewelleryGemFair. Brought to you by UBM Asia.

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Why You Should Visit the Singapore Jewellery and Gem Fair 2015

Classic Halo Sapphire Ring from Dejewel Galleria

1. It is the largest and most significant fine jewellery event in Singapore and the region Expect more than 200 exhibitors from 28 countries, grouped into more than 10 pavilions, showcasing 100,000 pieces of fine jewellery worth over $2.5 billion.

2. Find exquisite fine jewellery at competitive prices Shopping at Singapore Jewellery and Gem Fair is the most cost-effective way to source for exclusive quality jewellery as the organisers work directly with jewellery manufacturers and wholesalers.

Jewellery workshops & seminars

3. Learn about the latest industry trends and new technologies Take advantage of the opportunity to gain indepth understanding of the jewellery industry through a series of seminars and workshops.

In collaboration with reputable education partners — the Gemological Institute of America Laboratory Bangkok (GIA), the Jewellery Design and Management International School (JDMIS) and Euromonitor International, the fair will include a series of seminars conducted by a panel of reputable speakers who will share their insights and expertise.

4. Exclusively endorsed by the Diamond Exchange of Singapore and the Singapore Jewellers Association

With topics such as “Fluorescence of Diamonds” and “The Connoisseur’s Guide to Appreciating Jewellery”, these seminars will cultivate a deeper understanding and appreciation for jewellery in aficionados and new collectors alike.

Signature Ruby Cabochon Serpent Chocker: setting in 925 with 18 K Yellow Gold Plated, by Warutti, The Exclusive Jewelry

MT Ladies Eternity Ring in 18K White Gold from Michael Trio Pte Ltd

Did You Know?

Last year, Singapore’s jewellery market was worth approximately US$3.5 billion. According to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre in Belgium, approximately 184,000 carats of polished diamonds valued at US$315 million were exported from Antwerp to Singapore in the last six years.

Sapphire and Diamond Star Burst Ear Clips by Van Cleef & Arpels, from Revival Vintage Jewels & Objects

18K White Gold Diamond Ring from Fook’s Jewelry Ltd

Singapore’s jewellery market is expected to grow even further in the next few years.

Entertainment W

OCTOBER 09 - OCTOBER 22 , 2015

halloween A Sophisca Halloween 15 Oct -1 Nov, $5 Open to both little and big kids, A Sophisca Halloween presents a range of spooktacular activities that promises to spice up your Halloween. Besides a special Trickor-Treat segment on Oct 31, dress up in your cutest Halloween outfit and stand a chance to win special prizes!

Changi Airport Terminal 3, 60 Airport Boulevard, Basement 2

Trick or Treat @ Poolside

F e at u r e d E v ents places have come This spooky season, morere creative horror up with creepier and mo We take a look at trails to scare us silly. better this year what’s new and what’s

e when people in I still remember a tim eyelid as Halloween an d tte ba Singapore hardly even pri be sur sed to spot came and went. I’d rby. sse pa a on sk ma one ghost ar it’s customary to he Now, come October, r seasonal ove tty ba ng goi ily friends and fam tions. This year, while haunted-house attrac d s from Fort Siloso an rite ou past freaky fav bly ssi po d an w ne , ing Scape are still in hid dows. emerged from the sha scarier horrors have do, va bra h wit rs rro se ho Can you handle the by the new y sill d oke spo be or will you in? blood that’s creeping

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Halloween Horror Nights 5

Dates: 9-11, 16-18, 23-25 & 29-31 Oct Price: $68 Now in its fifth run, this large-scale Halloween event held at Universal Studios Singapore is back to continue its reign of terror. And, this year, the scare fest is bringing Asian fears to life.

Sporting a uniquely Singaporean theme, Halloween Horror Nights 5 will resurrect terrors from the classic “True Singapore Ghost Stories” books. Can you battle through a haunted MRT ride, survive in an epidemicstricken HDB block and fight through a hell-house of paper effigies?

Bring all of your lucky charms and talismans, because your worst nightmares will come crawling to life!

Ghost with the Most: A ‘familiar’ lady with long hair, straight out of “True Singapore Ghost Stories”.

More information and tickets available at www.halloweenhorrornights.com.sg.

23 Oct, 7pm-10.30pm, $5 for Junior SAFRA members, $10 for Junior guests In true Halloween tradition, kids can come out to have a sweet time too.

They will enjoy this cute version of Halloween by the poolside, where they can get hands-on in making Halloween treats like pumpkin lollipop, Halloween ghost décor and ghost jars.

SAFRA Mount Faber, 2 Telok Blangah Way, www.safra.sg/en/Participate/ Halloween-2015.aspx#.VgIiViCqqko

Monster’lympics Halloween Party 24 Oct, 6pm-9pm, $18 for Kidz Amaze members, $20 for Junior SAFRA members, $25 for Junior guests, $8 for accompanying adults This Halloween, join Frankie Frankenstein in his spooky games as he searches for the strongest monster amongst all little monsters between 6 and 12 years old. A scrumptious “boo’fay” by Frankie Mummy will also be served to fill all rumbling bellies prior to the commencement of the games.

SAFRA Jurong Kidz Amaze, 333 Boon Lay Way, www.safra.sg/en/ Participate/Halloween-2015.aspx#.

VgIiViCqqko

Bootcamp on Elm Street II: Death of the Grim Reaper

Changi Revisited The Hendon Horrors

Scary Scary Night 2015

Dates: 23, 24, 30 & 31 Oct Price: $29 for students, $45 for adults On regular nights, the corridors of Bugis Street are teeming with fashionable shoppers and chatty storeowners.

But these select nights in October are not regular. When the stores wind down, shutters close shut and the lights are extinguished, the alleys here turn into menacing corners that conceal unspeakable danger.

Experience true horror as one of Singapore’s liveliest shopping haunts becomes ‘haunted’.

Don’t look back, even if you pass a “90% off” sale sign. It might be a trap.

Ghost with the Most: Did that mannequin just move?

For more information and tickets, visit www.sistic.com.sg/events/ cscary1015.

Dates: 23-25, 30 Oct Cost: From $48 Thrill-seekers, this is your time to shine. This Halloween event has me the most excited — and even a little nervous.

The fictitious Hendon Hotel — set frighteningly near the infamous Old Changi Hospital and Changi Barracks — is steeped in mystery after a recent tragedy plunges its residents into a state of suspicion and panic. You and your friends must investigate three floors of clues and interrogate suspects to collect evidence. You have only 75 minutes to solve the mystery.

There’s no jostling with crowds, since the Hotel will be cleared to accommodate only a few teams per session. You can sign up in groups of up to six people. But beware: you may walk out with seven!

Ghost with the Most: A suspect, Mdm Huang, is still alive, but drowning in debt — and desperation can kill!

For more information and tickets, visit changirevisited.com.

The Mystery Mansion

Fright Night 2015

Date: 31 Oct Price: $20 for SAFRA members, $25 for guests For a slightly more tame experience — I can’t promise how much tamer, though — spend your night with infamous local ghosts at SAFRA Yishun.

Navigate ‘haunted’ trails and mazes populated with fiends from your childhood fears. You can feast on ‘finger’ food, and even get your fortune read.

Please note that registration for this event closes on Oct 23, and attendees must be aged 13 and above.

Ghost with the Most: The fortune teller who can foretell your future.

Accuracy not guaranteed.

For more information and tickets, visit www.safra.sg/Participate/ Halloween-2015.

Date: 23 Oct Price: $25 for SAFRA members, $30 for public If mystery-solving is something you’re seeking, you’re in for a treat (or trick). Fusing the usual haunted-house concept with popular room-escape mechanics, The Mystery Mansion will launch you into a hunt for a murderer.

Uncover the clues behind the murder of Mr Mayhem, interact with characters wandering around the Mansion and earn your right to access bonus rooms with extra hints.

Will you and your friends be able to put Mr Mayhem’s soul to rest?

Ghost with the Most: The wandering and lost soul of Mr Mayhem.

For more information and tickets, visit www.safra.sg/Participate/ Halloween-2015.

30 Oct, 8pm-9.30pm, from $40.50 You’re plunged into a no man’s land — can you fight to escape the Grim Reaper and his entourage of skulls, Jack-O-Lanterns, ViPRs, Sandbells and Stroops whips? Expect a scarily fun workout that blends the best of cardio- and resistance-training and will leave you breathless — whether with fitness or with fear.

Aileron Wellness, 1 Larkhill Road www.aileron.com.sg

Race the Dead 2015 (Unchained) 31 Oct, 5-8pm All hell breaks loose as Race the Dead 2015 unchains ten times more zombies into the playing field for the ultimate survival challenge. Missions like survival checkpoints will be introduced, while new obstacle elements will be reintroduced.

Non-participants can also get tickets to join survivors at Halorave Afterparty, the largest Halloween Party in Singapore.

Sentosa, www.racethedead.sg

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Featured FA mi ly v e nue

Spooky Seas Until 15 Nov, 10am-7pm, $15 (kids & seniors), $28 (adults) Come witness Singapore’s first-ever underwater pumpkin carving by ‘skeletal divers’, and embark on an adventure through S.E.A. Aquarium’s Vampire’s Lair and Mad Scientist’s Lab. Complete the trail and uncover the secrets of the skeleton pirates to win special treats. Even Mai the Manta will be dressed up in spooky wear!

S.E.A. Aquarium, 8 Sentosa Gateway

sports Breathe 30-Day Challenge 5-31 Oct, various timings, $800 Back for the third year running, the Breathe 30-Day Challenge is set to keep you fit as a fiddle. A combination of intensive Pilates exercises and specially prepared nutritious meals, this challenge will definitely deliver results despite its short 30-day period.

With a progressive workout schedule, this challenge is suitable for both beginners and avid Pilates experts.

Various locations, www.breathepilates.com.sg

PropertyGuru’s Emerging Markets Property Show (FREE Admission) 10-11 Oct, 11am-7pm Seize real estate investment opportunities in Asia’s top emerging markets and reap the benefits of being the first mover.

Learn more about how to expand your investment portfolio in Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines, and catch a glimpse of exclusive project developments in the region.

Orchard Hotel, 442 Orchard Rd, Level 2, Conference Centre, http://bit.ly/PG-emerging

Hello Kitty Go Around!!

16 Oct -10 Nov, 10am-8pm, from $45 The first ever Hello Kitty carnival to be held outside of Hong Kong, Hello Kitty Go Around!! presents the world’s renowned feline in old school carnival setting at The Coliseum. With an impressive line-up of attractions and excitement, be ready to have a ball of a time in Papa’s Reading Room, Apple Temple, or even Save The Goldfish.

The Coliseum, Resorts World Sentosa, www.hellokittygoaround.com.sg

Urgent Run Singapore 2015 7 Nov, 8-12pm, from $18 Urgent Run Singapore will feature a 5km fun run with a sanitation-themed fancy dress option, an invigorating warm-up session conducted by Fitness First, and Guest-of-Honour Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong, Grassroots Adviser, to flag off the run. Attractive prizes to be won for fancy dress competition, best Instagram photo, lucky draw and other interactive games!

Angsana Green, East Coast Park, www.urgentrun.com

The new HomeTeamNS Sembawang Clubhouse is a wonderful place for NSmen and their families to unwind Our NSmen from both the Singapore Police Force (SPF) and Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF) work hard to keep our country safe and safeguard our well-being. To create a shared “second home” for NSmen of both the SPF and SCDF to relax and unwind with their families, the new HomeTeamNS Sembawang Clubhouse is a welcome boon.

This shared, homely environment will also help to foster better relations between HomeTeamNS members while they rest and have fun, with their families.

$4 Million Revamp & Variety of Facilities

free! Got To Move 2015 8-24 Oct Got To Move spotlights our nation’s diverse dance community, from your line-dancing aunty next door to our established dance companies and artistes on this island.

There’s something for everyone to learn, experience and “move” to. Shake it off at Got To Move 2015!

Various locations, www.facebook.com/ gottomovesg

Staycation paradise in Sembawang

After months of refurbishment, and with $4 million invested, the new HomeTeamNS Sembawang Clubhouse offers a whole range of leisure facilities and food and beverage outlets for members in the North.

It includes 25 newly-renovated chalet guest rooms that can accommodate small or big families, as well as groups of friends and couples.

The Clubhouse also boasts ten upgraded barbecue facilities, two game rooms and a bigger, newly-equipped Fitness Workz Studio Gym. The two new F&B outlets are Makan Bagus, a Halal-certified seafood restaurant, and 301 Bar & Kitchen, a Western-style bistro by actor Pierre Png and his friends.

Have a staycation at HomeTeamNS Sembawang Clubhouse, or a barbecue for family and friends

HomeTeamNS-PAssion-POSB Debit Card Benefits In an all-in-one card partnership between HomeTeamNS, People’s Association (PA) and POSB, the HomeTeamNS-PAssion-POSB Debit Card comes with multiple features, such as ATM, MasterCard, NETS and EZ-Link CEPAS functionalities.

Card privileges include access to four HomeTeamNS Clubhouses and facilities, discounts and privileges at over 3,000 merchants, access to five SAFRA Clubhouses and SAF Yacht Club, and much more.

By Jaime Chua Visit www.facebook.com/HomeTeamNS for more details. Brought to you by HomeTeamNS. The refurbished HomeTeamNS Sembawang Clubhouse offers a host of facilities such as new gym equipment and swimming pool

Here are our readers’ cutest snapshots! show off your precious newborn or toddler

Weekender presents the return of our popular babies’ section. What better way to celebrate your little darling than to share him or her with the rest of the world? :)

others Singapore Jewelfest 2015 9-18 Oct, 12-8pm Asia’s only curated exhibition of magnificent gems and stunning jewellery designs, Singapore Jewelfest 2015 will be housed in the custom-built Jewel Pavilion at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza. This year’s festival will present the latest Dream Angels Fantasy Bras, first modeled by Adriana Lima and Alessandra Ambrosio in December last year. The festival will also unravel emerging talents of Asia and their exquisite jewellery designs and innovation.

Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza, www.singaporejewelfest.com

Singapore River Festival 2015 23-25 Oct The Singapore River Festival 2015 will offer visitors to the three quays at the Singapore River (Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Robertson Quay) a kaleidoscopic lineup of exciting activities, good food, trendy markets, imaginative art installations and stunning performances by renowned local and international artists.

Singapore River, www.singaporeriverfestival.sg

Submit your BaBy’S BEST Photo and get a chance to be published!

Shannon Lim, 28 Feb 2014

Elson Low, 30 Mar 2015

Jaden Wang, 17 Nov 2014

Shane Lim, 18 Mar 2015

Our Hello, World! photo segment for babies is back!

Immortalise your precious baby in print by getting his or her photo published! What better way is there to celebrate your newborn or toddler than to show off your baby to the rest of the world?

E-mail the cutest or sweetest photo of your baby to:

general@weekender.sg with your Baby’s Name, Date of Birth, Your Name, Tel No., NRIC & Postal Code

f ootbal l f e v e r

Photo: almonfoto / Shutterstock.com

The hazards of being a Premier League manager Barely two months into this English Premier League season, Liverpool and Sunderland have lost their managers — we give coaching grades for the campaign so far

Above: Was the sacking of Brendan Rodgers by Liverpool fair?

Photo: Celso Pupo / Shutterstock.com

Entertainment W

OCTOBER 09 - OCTOBER 22 , 2015

Left: Manchester City fans can’t wait for Sergio Aguero to be back from international duty for Argentina, after the goal machine scored five last weekend to spark City’s revival

In the end, Brendan Rodgers talked a much better game than he coached. In fact, in my opinion, he talked too much, often putting a positive spin on dire performances.

As a consequence, he was shown the door after last Sunday’s Merseyside derby against Everton.

Liverpool: Rodgers More for TV than Hot Seat?

Was his sacking harsh? Yes. But based purely on results, Rodgers failed to deliver despite the rhetoric that began with the illadvised “Being: Liverpool” documentary that was produced soon after his arrival in 2012. He was a media natural and is likely to be in high demand on the TV pundit’s couch for the rest of the season.

Rodgers found himself out of his depth at Anfield. He’ll point to an impressive runners-up finish in 2013-2014 but the reality is that he was the first Liverpool manager since the 1950s to fail to win a trophy after three years in charge.

After his disappointing third season in which Liverpool finished sixth, the team has shown few signs of improvement in the first two months of the current campaign in spite of a massive spending spree. In all competitions, the Reds had won just one of their last nine matches.

Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Everton — which, in all fairness, was a decent performance — was the last straw.

Rodgers will be remembered for his positivity and attack-mindedness but also for his poor recruitment and inability to provide a solid defensive structure. Even his biggest supporters would have to concede that he had failed in what he set out to achieve.

Coaching Grade: F

Manchester United: Jury Still Out on Abrasive Boss Louis van Gaal is a strong and successful manager, cut from the same cloth as legendary club manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

But the inconsistency of his Manchester United side continues to baffle him, and raises questions about his own longevity in the Old Trafford hot seat.

After the Red Devils were knocked off their perch, being beaten 3-0 by Arsenal on Sunday night, the Dutchman confessed that he was amazed by his team’s poor performance and failure to follow the game plan.

Truth-be-told, United is a long way from being the finished product so he shouldn’t be too surprised that many of the new additions are taking time to find their feet.

Their rise to the top of the table wasn’t so much down to their amazing form but the unexpected slump of Manchester City. United didn’t really deserve to be the leader, based on the patchy and sometimes unconvincing start to the season.

Van Gaal knows what he’s doing and will ensure another solid top-four finish. But, despite massive spending and promising

teenager Anthony Martial, the Red Devils won’t be champions this season.

Coaching Grade: B

Chelsea: The Un-Special One? Jose Mourinho must feel that he should wake up soon and find that the last eight weeks have been some kind of nightmare.

He began the season as manager of the all-conquering champions but now sees Chelsea in 16th position in the table, with twice the number of defeats — four — than victories.

Mourinho even saw the Blues beaten by his former club, Porto, in the Champions League last week.

But Mourinho is right when he says that he can turn things around. He is also correct in his belief that Chelsea can still finish in the top four.

This week’s international break provides Mourinho time to plot a new strategy.

For a start, he must bench underperforming players such as Branislav Ivanovic and Cesc Fabregas.

Coaching Grade: D-

Arsenal: The Professor Produces Another Timely Result Arsenal’s UEFA Champions League campaign so far has been a disaster, so the 3-0 home victory over Manchester United came at the perfect time for manager Arsene Wenger.

There’s a familiar trend when it comes to Arsenal. After optimistic, early-season signs, the Gunners will fall into a midcampaign slump where disgruntled supporters will ask questions of their French boss.

Then Wenger will quieten them down with the type of performance that Arsenal turned on at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, with Alexis Sanchez breaking United with a first-half brace.

This doesn’t mean Wenger hasn’t made some serious mistakes or has earned any kind of lengthy reprieve. But, overall, Arsene knows best and will keep Arsenal near the top.

Coaching Grade: B-

Manchester City: Chilean has Argentine & Spaniard to Thank Like Wenger, Manuel Pellegrini has been feeling the heat in Europe, while having some inconsistent domestic performances. But all was right again in the Chilean’s world last weekend when fit-again Spaniard David Silva combined with five-goal Argentine Sergio Aguero, as Manchester City ripped Newcastle United apart.

Pellegrini probably wishes that he isn’t so reliant on Silva and Aguero in the attacking third — as well as on Yaya Toure in midfield and Vincent Kompany in defence. He seems to be doing his best to come up with Plan B — indeed, recent arrival Kevin de Bruyne has added a much-needed new dimension — but Plan A may be the one that will win him a second Premier League title in three years.

Coaching Grade: B-

By Jason Dasey

About Jason dasey Jason Dasey is Senior Editor for ESPN FC in Singapore, Southeast Asia’s No. 1 football website.

PAGE 7

s ingapo re fo otball

With a 3-2 first leg deficit, Home United have a surmountable task to see off Brunei DPMM in order to keep the Singapore Cup on home soil The Singapore Cup was supposed to be decided over two legs last week but the infamous haze spoilt the party in both semifinals, as the four teams sat through five excruciating nights of waiting before finally taking to the pitch on Friday.

Swans Soared while Protectors Stumbled Albirex Niigata (S) made easy work of Global FC to secure a 1-0 win over their Filipino counterparts at Clementi Stadium, courtesy of a goal from Rion Taki, while Steve Kean’s Brunei DPMM secured a 3-2 victory over the Protectors of Home United at Jalan Besar Stadium.

Home coach Philippe Aw cut a frustrated figure at the end of that game, having seen his side mount a superb comeback to lead 2-1, before conceding defeat in the last 30 minutes with goals from Azwan Ali and Rafael Ramazotti.

Ken Ilso will be Home United’s main attacking threat in the second leg

Will the Singapore Cup Remain on Home Soil?

Despite the heartbreaking result, the Protectors showed enough guile to keep their hopes alive. The form of former German Bundesliga striker Ken Ilso was one positive factor they took from the game.

The Dane has been one of the standout performers in the S.League this season, having formed a telepathic understanding with local hotshot Azhar Sairudin. If the duo can continue to eke out another impressive display in the second leg against the Bruneians, there might be some hope of keeping the coveted trophy in Singapore.

History bodes well for Home United. The S.League giants hold the record of the most Singapore Cup titles won — at six — and will be eager to make it three consecutive seasons in which they have made it to the finals.

The rescheduled date for the second leg is Nov 24, and it’s safe to say that Singaporeans will be banking on Home United to keep our Singapore Cup dream alive.

By Kelvin Leong

About kelvin leong Kelvin Leong is Associate Editor for ESPN FC, and a former media officer for the Singapore national football team.

History bodes well for Home United.

The S.League giants hold the record of the most Singapore Cup titles won — at six — and will be eager to make it three consecutive seasons in which they have made it to the finals.

Photos: S.League

Protectors must win for shot at keeping Singapore Cup at home

Global failed to impress in a 1-0 defeat to the White Swans on Friday night

Entertainment W

OCTOBER 09 - OCTOBER 22 , 2015

ALS O I N T HE AT R E S KNOCK KNOCK [R21]

In Pan, Peter comes faceto-face with a formidable new rival — the fearsome pirate Blackbeard

Evan Webber (Keanu Reeves), who seems to possess everything that a man could wish for, receives an unexpected visit by two girls.

He welcomes them in, but a mistake turns into a living nightmare.

STARRING: Keanu Reeves, Lorenza Izzo & Ana de Armas GENRE: Horror, Thriller RELEASE: 8 Oct

Z FOR ZACHARIAH [TBA]

Pan: m ov ie f eatu re

The boy behind the Legend

Straight Outta Compton [M18]

This live-action adventure about the origins of Peter Pan and the beloved characters of Neverland is both wonderful and pensive

I

think it’s safe to say that almost all of us are familiar with the mischievous and mercurial Peter Pan, the boy wonder who never seems to grow up.

Nonetheless, after all these years, several questions may still beg to be answered.

How did he get his ability to fly? Is he fully human? And how can one uncover his secret to eternal youth?

All the mystery surrounding Peter Pan and Neverland will be unravelled in this live-action film, directed by Joe Wright of Atonement (2007) and Pride & Prejudice (2005). Watch as this fantastical film opens up a lost world from our childhood into a breathtaking landscape of magic and mystery.

Above: What has this villain got to do with Hook?

Left: Peter is whisked away into the fantastical world of Neverland, filled with pirates, warriors and enchanted creatures

FROM NOWHERE TO NEVERLAND This new film first depicts Peter (played by Levi Miller) as a mischievous 12-year-old orphan at the bleak Lambeth Home for Boys, in London.

One starry night, Peter is spirited off to Neverland, the majestic realm where swashbucklers, native warriors and enchanted creatures roam free.

But an evil and frightful pirate is threatening the peace of this wondrous world. Peter’s arrival is a timely gift to Neverland in this battle of life and death, of good versus evil.

OLD FRIENDS, NEW NEMESIS Acquiring the help of newfound allies, Peter sets off on an amazing adventure to uncover the truth about his mother who

had abandoned him, and to discover his rightful place in Neverland. If you remember the Peter Pan tale, Captain Hook is the villainous pirate who regards the protagonist as the perpetual thorn in his side.

In this incarnation, Peter’s nemesis is the ruthless Blackbeard (portrayed by Hugh Jackman), who is notorious for kidnapping children to mine the powerful but increasingly scarce pixie dust. A prophecy tells of only one person who can defeat Blackbeard — a boy who can fly.

What’s different in Pan, as compared to previous films, is that Hook is an ally of Peter. James Hook (Garrett Hedlund of Tron Legacy) is being held captive as a pixie dust miner in Blackbeard’s camp.

After Hook recognises Peter’s unique abilities, they stage a daring escape deep into the heart of Neverland. Along the way, they encounter the female warrior Tiger Lily (Rooney Mara of The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) who joins them in their quest to overthrow Blackbeard.

It will be a treat for Peter Pan fans to find out how Peter receives his ability to fly, and how things turn out for Hook. The latter is a question I didn’t even know I had — and now I’m eager to see its answer revealed.

By Pamela Chow

PAN [PG] Director: Starring:

Joe Wright Hugh Jackman, Levi Miller, Garrett Hedlund, Cara Delevingne & Rooney Mara Genre: Action, Adventure Run length: 122 min Release: 8 Oct

Creatures of Neverland to Look Out For Mermaids The old nautical legends of deadly sirens see an interesting take here.

In Pan, not only are the mermaids beautiful, but they can also sting predators with their luminous, electrified tails.

Never-Crocs Instead of Tick-Tock the crocodile (from the Disney version of Peter Pan), these Never-Crocs are massive and lethal creatures lurking just beyond the Mermaid Lagoon.

In the aftermath of a nuclear war, a young lady (Margot Robbie) fears she is the last person on Earth, until she discovers another (Chiwetel Ejiofor). Their precarious bond unfolds when yet another stranger (Chris Pine) arrives in the valley.

STARRING: Margot Robbie, Chris Pine & Chiwetel Ejiofor GENRE: Drama, Sci-Fi, Thriller RELEASE: 8 Oct

Neverbirds The jungles and valleys of Neverland are swarming with these colourful and giant winged beasts. But don’t underestimate them — these birds of prey are ever-ready to pounce.

Five youngsters grew up on the streets of Compton, California — one of the most dangerous neighbourhoods in the 1980s.

They converted their experiences of life in the hood into brutally honest music that rebelled against authority.

This film follows the real-life story of notorious rap group NWA. STARRING: O’Shea Jackson Jr, Corey

Hawkins & Jason Mitchell GENRE: Drama, Biography RELEASE: 8 Oct

CRIMSON PEAK [NC16] Following a tragedy, an aspiring author is divided between affection for her childhood companion and the enticement of a mysterious stranger.

Attempting to break away from the trauma, she marries Sir Thomas (Tom Hiddleston) but slowly realises his home breathes, bleeds and remembers.

STARRING: Mia Wasikowska, Jessica Chastain & Tom Hiddleston GENRE: Horror RELEASE: 15 Oct

BRIDGE OF SPIES [PG13] Lawyer James Donovan (Tom Hanks) is assigned by the CIA to a virtually-impossible mission: Negotiate the release of an American U-2 pilot spy held captive by the Soviet Union.

Will he be able to navigate both their ways out of the Cold War? STARRING: Tom Hanks, Mark Rylance & Alan Alda GENRE: Drama, Thriller RELEASE: 15 Oct

PAGE 9

s tar o f t h e w eek Xu Bin (left) and Aloysius Pang have gained popularity among local audiences for their dashing looks and refreshing acting in Channel 8 dramas

Kings of social media Local TV hunks Aloysius Pang and Xu Bin have joined the ranks of international stars with their own Line app stickers — they share their thoughts including those on their beauty regimen Accumulating thousands of followers on social media is an achievement of yesterday — now, bagging your own emoticon collection is the latest status symbol for celebrities.

Pop star Taylor Swift had hers. So did Korean sensations such as Lee Min Ho, Psy and Running Man’s Lee Kwang Soo. Now, joining the ranks of the “emote elite” are our very own Aloysius Pang and Xu Bin, who recently received sticker sets on the popular Line messaging app. The two have grown in popularity due to their dashing looks and roles in recent Mandarin dramas such as “118” and “Poetic Justice”, as well as local movie Timeless Love.

These stickers serve as emoticons, with the guys sporting comical expressions while accompanied by phrases like “Bo Jio!!”

(Hokkien for “Didn’t invite”) and “OMG!!!”

The stickers were available for download until Sep 17.

The two of them reveal to Weekender their favourite stickers, their thoughts on being the local kings of social media and the secrets to their dashing looks.

What have you been busy with recently?

Aloysius Pang: I’m filming the long-form drama, “Life Fear Not”. The shoot will be close to six months for 120 episodes.

Xu Bin: I’m currently preparing for my next drama, “Revenge Queen”.

Do you chat with friends using Line?

Aloysius: I’m a pretty active Line user because many of my friends are using it as well. I love how adorable the Line stickers are… Most importantly, I can send my own stickers to my friends and family, which is pretty cool.

Xu Bin: Yes, of course! I started using Line two years ago and I’m definitely a fan. The wide range of cute and fun stickers also adds joy to my conversations with friends!

Which of your Line stickers is your favourite?

Aloysius: My favourite is the “Bo Jio” sticker. I had no clue how the stickers would turn out from the shoot but they’re pleasantly adorable, and I like how localised the captions are.

Xu Bin: The “Please” sticker.

I thought my expression looked rather cute and innocent. I have no idea how I managed to pull it off! Haha!

How do you like to connect with your fans?

Aloysius: Through the timeline that Line offers, I’m relatively more active and I’ll be sharing exclusive posts and information about myself and my daily lifestyle.

Xu Bin: I have been sending direct messages, and posting behind-the-scenes pictures and videos on my timeline to share with my fans.

Tell us something that your fans may not know.

Aloysius: I think a lot. Besides thinking about filming, I think about my future, finances, jobs, etc.

Be yourself.

You don’t have to be like everyone else. You are special just the way you are.

If you don’t see it yourself, no one else can see it.

— Aloysius

What is the most challenging part of your job?

Xu Bin: I tend to speak before I think, and I might not always be “picture-ready”.

Sometimes I answer a question too quickly and my answers might be misinterpreted.

How have you overcome these challenges?

Xu Bin: I have learnt to take my time to reply to questions. I also try to look presentable when I step out of my house, no matter where I’m going.

Many youths feel pressured to keep up with social media trends. How would you advise them?

Aloysius: Be yourself. You don’t have to be like everyone else. You are special just the way you are. If you don’t see it yourself, no one else can see it.

Is there a role you’ve always wanted to play?

Aloysius: I’ve always wanted to play roles that involve disabilities... It’s a dream of mine to be able to reach out to the public through my acting and to properly educate the public on the problems these people are facing.

Xu Bin: A beggar or coolie, where I can forget about looking good and focus on my acting.

What’s your favourite Singapore food?

Aloysius: I love chicken rice.

Xu Bin: Salted egg crab!

How do you maintain your good looks?

Aloysius: I go through a standard facial routine every day and I make sure to moisturise my face.

Xu Bin: I believe in healthy living and I try to exercise whenever I can (swimming, jogging and going to the gym). I also follow a basic skincare regimen — proper cleansing and applying moisturiser and sunblock.

What is one rumour about yourself you’d like to correct?

Aloysius: That Jayley [Woo] and I are together. We are really good friends and it’s a weird idea.

How do you like to relax?

Aloysius: I love to study movies and actors in the comfort of my own bedroom with air con, no lights and some chips on the side.

Where can fans next see you?

Aloysius: “Hand in Hand” airs from Sep 24 and “Life Fear Not” will probably air from mid-October. I’m also involved in a movie that should be in theatres this November.

[Aloysius is filming for upcoming school comedy Young & Fabulous, co-starring Gurmit Singh and Henry Thia.]

Xu Bin: I’m involved in an upcoming Channel 8 drama, “Crescendo”. Tune in!

By Pamela Chow Follow them on Line at Aloysius Pang (Aloy Official Line) and Xu Bin (Xu Bin Official Line) for updates.

PAGE 10

OCTOBER 09 - OCTOBER 22 , 2015

Entertainment W

ne w s e a s o n

Zombie season’s back in more emotional ride

A view of the Kranji countryside farmers market

k ay po h ko r n er

Fly to the best fleas and markets in town Get hands-on, rummage through and acquire handcrafted and unique goodies at these markets If you are looking at eclectic alternatives to shopping malls, then it’s time you explored these fleas and markets.

These run the gamut from handmade crafts, baked goods and organic produce to even experiential workshops.

Best of all, you’ll always be in for a surprise as the vendors tend to change quite frequently.

Public Garden As Singapore’s leading retail market, Public Garden started in 2011 and now hosts up to 100 indie businesses and creatives showcasing their wares.

Be spoilt for choice as the market tends to feature top design, art, fashion, vintage, publishing and even gourmet food vendors.

Most of all, we love Public Garden for the workshops it holds, ranging from calligraphy to cake décor. www.public-garden.com

Pasarbella Situated at a permanent location in Turf City, PasarBella makes a great weekend family hangout.

Do come with an empty stomach as certain stalls in the premium grocery marketplace offer a dining-in option.

We recommend trying some fresh seafood, seafood paella and cheese platters alongside the craft beers.

For weekend warriors, be sure to drop by the two weekend markets held monthly — PasarBella Pop Market in Collaboration with Fleawhere and Expat Weekender fair in collaboration with theexpatfairs. www.pasarbella.com

The Local People Positioning themselves as a platform for young brands, The Local People consists of an online shop that curates a selection of products from local designers and artists, and organises regular markets as well.

We like how their markets tend to be held at hip and unusual locations such as People’s Park Complex Rooftop Carpark, and Deck, a unique art space housed inside shipping containers. www.thelocalpeoplesg.com

MAAD As the largest and longest-running monthly creative market in Singapore, MAAD, which stands for Market of Artists and Designers, is your best bet for seeking out unique and creative gifts.

Shop to your hearts’ content while enjoying live music by homegrown musicians.

Don’t forget to also get your portraits drawn by the artistic community at the Organisation of Illustrators Council’s #PortraitsAfterDark booth. www.museum.red-dot.sg/maad/

Zouk Flea & Easy This one should appeal to party-goers. Flea market by day and party haven by night, Zouk’s Flea & Easy market is a great place to bag a bargain.

You can expect to get your hands on pre-loved vintage clothing, quirky finds like old vinyls or polaroid cameras, and even branded labels at a steal! Shop to the sickest beats as guest DJs sometimes spin during the flea markets as well. www.zoukclub.com.sg/events

Kranji Countryside Farmers’ Market If you’re looking for something fresh yet rustic for a change, head down to Kranji Countryside Farmers’ Market (also pictured in main image).

Held in one of Singapore’s last farming patches, this market is chock-full of artisan goodies, fresh local produce, fruits, fish, herbs and more.

This family-friendly market also has educational booths and craft sessions for both the young and old to learn and experience together. www.kranjicountryside.com

Boutique Fairs Featuring handpicked local and independent businesses, Boutiques, a favourite among both locals and expats, has an eclectic mix of designer products and bespoke quality goodies.

Fashionistas and homemakers ought to make a trip down, as the fair is filled with accessories ranging from fine jewellery and leather handbags to a gorgeous lineup of whimsical dresses and swimwear. www.facebook.com/BoutiquesSingapore

Singapore Really Really Free Market Freebie hunters alert! At the Singapore Really Really Free Market (SRRFM), everything from goods to services is free.

Individuals with items or skills to share can set up a booth, and visitors are welcome to bring home what they please.

So far, we’ve seen plenty of used books, clothing and home accessories, among services such as hair cutting, tarot card reading and even calligraphy writing. www.facebook.com/srrfm

Makers’ Market Handcrafted goods, as opposed to machine-made ones, hold an appeal for people who like their stuff wholly unique and second to none.

And if you’re looking for such a gift, you’ll like Makers’ Market.

As a curated marketplace featuring locally-designed and crafted products, the market aims to promote and support local start-ups, brands and designers.

You’ll be able to find everything from jewellery and fashion accessories to natural beauty products, affordable art and more. www.makersmarket.sg

Photos: AMC

Actor Steven Yuen, who plays Glenn Rhee, promises that this new season will be “crazy”

Back for its sixth zombie-killing season, popular TV series “The Walking Dead” isn’t slowing down — in fact, its stars are still reeling from its most emotional season yet Hold on to your couch; things are about to get crazier in the new season of “The Walking Dead”.

This post-apocalyptic zombie series has swept the world over (not unlike the epidemic it portrays) and is soon returning for its sixth season. If you had thought that the last five seasons were dark and intense, this new one will knock the wind out of you — and the cast will testify to that.

EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER “The Walking Dead” fans would be all too familiar with the series’ emphasis on human relationships and emotions, and how easy they are to break.

For the uninitiated, the show follows a ragtag crew of survivors led by former police officer Rick Grimes (played by Andrew Lincoln) battling zombies to survive the post-apocalyptic wasteland.

In their search for a safe haven, or fort, they run into allies, enemies, traitors and various strange characters hardened by desperation.

Season 6 takes this situation to new levels, now that the survivors have loved, lost and been tested beyond their limits.

Steven Yuen, who plays Glenn, told entertainment website ew.com, “To see where we’ve evolved to is awesome… I think you’re going to see some deeply-emotional character story.”

Lauren Cohen, who returns as Glenn’s partner, Maggie, concurred. She shared that the characters that were once stable and reliable are now “crumbling”.

Threats, both external and internal, will further terrorise the group. Unable to contain his excitement, Steven enthused that audiences will be shocked by “some crazy-a** sh**”.

Lauren added, “We have the most suffocating beginning to the season that I’ve experienced yet… It’s going to be pretty scary.”

OLD FAVOURITES & NEWCOMERS Other returning regulars include Norman Reedus as Daryl, Chandler Riggs as Carl, Danai Gurira as Michonne and Melissa McBride as Carol.

According to the creator of the original “The Walking Dead” comic, Robert Kirkman, diehard fans are going to love Season 6 because “very cool, very beloved parts of the comic series” will be expanded in exciting ways. For instance, you can look forward to the return of the tragic yet brave Morgan Jones (played by Lennie James), the first survivor who Rick encounters in the series.

Previously, Morgan lost his wife and child and was discovered unhinged (in Season 3). Last season, he was rediscovered and eventually recovered. But how accepting will the group be to Morgan, and vice-versa?

That’s just one storyline I can’t wait to see unfold. Get ready to be drawn into other dark developments that this new season brings.

By Pamela Chow

By Samantha Francis

“The Walking Dead” Season 6 premieres Oct 12 on FOX, SingTel TV Ch 330 & StarHub TV Ch 505.

PAGE 11

Foodmania W

OCTOBER 09 - OCTOBER 22 , 2015

Thina, Bar Manager, The Exchange

How did you start in bartending?

I got interested by watching other bartenders — the way they flair [bartended], made new cocktails and met new people every day.

That got me hooked on bartending.

Remembering more than 200 cocktails is not easy, so it’s a challenge to me; and I took on the challenge realising later how fun it was.

Steve Leong of Tess Bar & Kitchen, another home-grown bartending star, represented Singapore at the Diageo Reserve World Class Global Final in South Africa on Sep 5, where Japan’s Michito Kaneko won.

By Samantha Francis

The interior of The Exchange

How do you concoct cocktails that fit your customers’ tastes and personalities?

I start by asking what sort of flavours they like, followed by which base spirits they enjoy. After that, I use my imagination with whatever ingredients I have — 90 per cent of the time, they love it.

For the other 10 per cent, they get exposed to something new and outside of their comfort zone.

Drop by The Exchange for a bespoke cocktail

by Thina

Savo u r t he Sip

Boo Jing Heng whipping up a cocktail at the Against the Clock Challenge

Home-grown bartenders shine on global stage Up and coming home-grown bartenders share their Diageo Reserve World Class competition journeys and how they’ve built a reputation on the world stage

Boo Jing Heng’s “Song of the Sea” at the Five Star Classic Challenge

Forget about the Singapore Sling. Homegrown bartenders are putting our “little red dot” on the world map as they shine in international bar-tending competitions.

With the boom of speakeasies, whisky bars and speciality cocktail bars, the spotlight is on the barmen who’re garnering global attention with their mixology skills.

Three home-grown bartenders share with Weekender their experience in the recent Diageo Reserve World Class series of competitions, and more.

Sam Wong, Owner & Bartender, Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall

Tell us something most people don’t know about being a bartender.

A lot of people think that it’s glamorous as you only need to look good behind the bar, as if you were a celebrity. However, there’s a lot of studying involved!

You must know everything about the spirits you work with — your products, the history of cocktails, and so much more. In fact, Diageo launched masterclasses to teach us about the products and spirits.

What are some up-and-coming trends in cocktails?

“Classics with a twist” is a trend that’s going strong. I’ve also noticed a rise in food-pairing, quite evidently at the Diageo Reserve World Class South East Asia Final this year. You could be served something complementary to the cocktail or it might be a part of the cocktail.

As such, the drinking experience almost feels like a new ritual. For example, anything with chocolate goes well with Ron Zacapa 23 rum because of the rich and full-bodied flavours of the spirit.

Boo Jing Heng, Senior Bartender, Jigger & Pony

Congrats on bringing home the Team Challenge Trophy at the South East Asia leg of the Diageo Reserve World Class competition. What was it like?

It was definitely an eye-opener. I’ve never been in a competition on a scale like the Diageo Reserve World Class South East Asia Finals.

What’s exciting is that I also won the Five Star Classic Challenge, which allowed me to demonstrate my knowledge of classic cocktails.

Sam Wong in full concentration during the Five Star Classic Challenge

Foodmania W

September 25 - OCTOBER 08, 2015

F o o d F e atu r e

Go West, life is better at Sunset Lane In the heart of Clementi is a revamped dining enclave with new and old al fresco and indoor dining options With dining enclaves sprouting up all over in recent years, there seems to be more options for heartlanders. Sunset Lane, with a good mix of new and old establishments, seems to be the West’s answer to Holland Village, Serangoon Gardens or Upper Thomson Road.

This revamped cluster of food and beverage outlets is situated in the neighbourhood of Clementi Street 12, just off Sunset Way, and features an exciting array of eateries, especially casual al fresco options that won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

Local Al Fresco Eats The enclave’s tag line “Sunset Lane. Dine.

Chill.” is apt. You can enjoy the cool breeze and fresh air as you tuck into local seafood fare at De’ Beer Seafood Restaurant.

The freshest ingredients are used in the extensive menu, including the chef’s recommendations such as Flaming Chicken, Fried “La La” Bee Hoon and Sauna Prawns.

For the ultimate barbecue night out, head to Sticks & Wings for favourites such as sambal stingray, satay and chicken wings, and you can wash it down with a cool pint or two of beer on tap.

Hearty Feasts Aplenty Foodies with big appetites can get their fill at Carne & Caipirinha, a Brazilian churrascaria that serves one of the widest selections of charcoal-cooked meats you can find in Singapore. Or, if you like do-ityourself, gather friends and family around a Thai mookata pot at Happy Mookata — said to be one of Singapore’s top ten mookata restaurants.

Fancy some authentic American fare?

Smokey’s BBQ, a Texas smokehouse and grill which serves authentic American barbecue accompanied with its own sauces, dressings and seasonings, will satisfy your craving for juicy, grilled meat.

F OOD O N TV

You’ll want to Instagram the photogenic Rainbow Cake from Buttercake N Cream

Look out for two new Food Heroes Talented home cooks competed to be crowned the next “Food Hero” of Asian Food Channel and Food Network Asian Food Channel and Food Network have announced that two talented and passionate foodies have been selected as the 2015 Food Hero winners after a fourmonth talent search across Asia-Pacific.

Ili Sulaiman from Malaysia and Debbie Wong from Hong Kong will either star on Asian Food Channel or Food Network!

The finalists were judged on their performance in a series of food-based challenges, interviews, screen tests and their abilities to engage with the viewers both on-air and in person.

This Year’s Winners lli Sulaiman is the founder of her own food delivery service called “Dish by lli” that serves healthy homemade meals.

Her fusion cooking style is influenced by her mix of Malay, Chinese, English and Sri Lankan heritage.

The second winner is Debbie Wong, a food lover who’s also the star of her YouTube series, “Wok and Gong”. She has lived in a

Pizza rarely fails when you’re craving for some delicious carbs, and Rocky’s Pizza (a classic in the area) will hit the spot with its handmade pizzas. Its humble beginnings started at Sunset Way in 1987 and it is now back with authentic Italian fare as well.

Light Delights

Debbie Wong stars in her own YouTube series

Last year’s winners Last year, Sarah Benjamin from Singapore and Michele Lean from Malaysia beat over 270 applicants to win the “Food Hero” title.

Sarah has since starred in “Must Try! Asia” on Asian Food Channel while Michele has hosted “Food Wars Asia” on Food Network.

Tuck into the freshest seafood at De’ Beer Seafood Restaurant

Those looking for a light bite or something healthier will be spoilt for choice too.

As one of the better Japanese restaurants in Singapore, Megumi offers Japanese cuisine at reasonable prices. Indulge in premium sashimi air-flown from Japan and popular dishes such as the Hokubee Beef.

Coffee aficionados will enjoy chilling at The Tiny Roaster, a coffee studio and brew bar with a good range of Single Origin coffee roasted in-studio. Their specially-brewed lattes, otherwise known as White Brews, are also must-tries.

There’s something for your sweet tooth too. Buttercake N Cream Café, a delightful little bistro, tempts with items such as Thai Milk Tea ice cream, rainbow cakes with chocolate centres and even an otak burger.

Food Trail in the West Ili Sulaiman founded a food delivery service

diverse variety of cities and likes exploring new eateries.

Search #foodheroasia to find out how these two new stars overcame the competition. Also, look out for Ili Sulaiman and Debbie Wong in upcoming Asian Food Channel or Food Network programmes.

For more information, visit www.foodhero. asia or download the “Food Hero” app on Apple’s App Store or Google Play. Brought to you by Asian Food Channel.

With a new mix of shops, cafes, pubs and restaurants, Sunset Lane does look set to become the new food trail destination in the West.

We’d definitely like to see even more good quality dining outlets in the stretch as the area grows to become a grand little neighbourhood.

By Samantha Francis Sunset Lane, Blk 109, Clementi St 12, Singapore 120106

Other Heartland Foodie Enclaves Serangoon Gardens A residential estate in the North also fondly known as “Ang Sar Lee” because of its red zinc rooftops back in the ‘60s, it features the iconic Chomp Chomp Food Centre, community mall myVillage and a slew of other dining concepts.

Must-try: Arbite, Tom Yum Kungfu, Wimbly Lu Upper Thomson Road A major trunk road linking Singapore’s CBD with the Northern suburban areas, Upper Thomson Road buzzes with a myriad of old and new restaurants including the famous 24-hour Meng’s Kitchen.

Must-try: Ban Leong Wah Hoe Seafood, Casuarina Curry Restaurant, Meng’s Kitchen, Pacamara Boutique Coffee Roasters Holland Village A well-known dining and shopping destination including a crescent-shaped area of shophouses and small malls, as well as other nearby neighbourhoods such as Chip Bee Gardens, Holland Village is known for a wide variety of eateries and watering holes, including upscale food chains and local eats.

Must-try: Sunday Folks, Fosters Steakhouse, 363 Katong Laksa, Nakhon Kitchen Tiong Bahru Estate As one of the oldest housing states in Singapore, this neighbourhood is home to Tiong Bahru Market and Hawker Centre, various coffee shops, quirky retail shops and an endless amount of hipster cafes.

Must-try: Plain Vanilla Bakery, Bincho, Open Door Policy, Forty Hands

PAGE 13

Foo d m a n i a Awar ds Category Wi nner

One-Ninety: Great value & quality

The interior, including the Chef’s Table, at One-Ninety Wood-Fired Steaks and Seafood

Affordable with Good Variety It might’ve been because the mains were the stars but I almost forgot about the buffet bit of this spread.

Featuring appetisers such as salads, prime cured meats and desserts, the selections are plentiful and with good variety. For me, the Red Velvet Cake stood out for its moist texture and fluffy cream cheese topping.

Four Seasons Hotel’s One-Ninety is a great dining destination with its faultless service and classy ambience. Its value-for-money Mezze Dinner Buffet is the cherry on top of its delectable mains.

One-Ninety’s wood-fired steaks are well-executed and a must-try

Impeccable service and quality mains shine at Four Seasons Hotel’s One-Ninety Wood-Fired Steaks and Seafood’s very affordable Mezze Dinner Buffet Hotel buffet spreads aren’t just great for celebratory occasions or the festive season, especially when they offer a quality line-up at a reasonable price.

One of these worthwhile eat-all-you-can affairs can be found at Four Seasons Hotel’s One-Ninety Wood-Fired Steaks and Seafood, which is offering a new Mezze Dinner Buffet at $58. For that price, you get to pick one main selection from a menu spanning seasonal offerings from land and sea, as well as enjoy an appetiser and dessert buffet spread.

A must-have is the Signature Focaccia, which turned out to be one of the highlights of my meal. The freshly-baked focaccia bread was still warm when it reached my hand and was fragrant with the scent of black truffle, perfectly complementing the buttery texture of the mascarpone cheese within.

We were told that this focaccia bread was previously only served to VIPs. How exclusive is that?

By Samantha Francis

One-Ninety Wood-fired Steaks & Seafood, Four Seasons Hotel, 190 Orchard Blvd, Singapore 248646, Tel: 6831 7250

The Tuna Steak at One-Ninety is both colourful and juicy

Great STEAKS & Fantastic Fish Among the main dishes were meat items such the Black Angus Prime 200-day GrainFed Tenderloin and the Ranger Valley Wagyu 400-day Grain-Fed Australian Rump.

Both are cooked on One-Ninety’s signature wood-burning grill, and are recommended The former is a lightly-seasoned and lean cut, and rich with smoky flavours, while the latter is juicy and tender enough for my liking.

Not to be side-lined, fish dishes such as the Mediterranean Sea Bass Fillet with Skin On was perfectly done with crisp skin and flaky flesh. Infused with the fragrance of apple-wood, the sea bass was a delight to my taste buds.

The buffet spread includes delicious desserts such as this Fig Almond Tart

PAGE 14

Foodmania W

OCTOBER 09 - OCTOBER 22 , 2015

New L unc h Deals

RESTAURAN T WE E K P RE V I E W

A great lunch place with great deals Jack’s Place introduces attractive lunch sets and promotions to give you great lunches on a workday or over a catch-up We know how busy work can get but there’s no need to remain hunched over your desk and resort to a self-made sandwich. With affordable and delicious food, topped with great deals for set lunches, Jack’s Place is a much more enticing and fulfilling option.

All these different daily lunch sets are available from 11am to 3pm, and include Wholemeal Garlic Bread, Soup of the Day as well as the Day’s Dessert and Coffee or Tea.

The Jack’s Place Sirloin Steak Set Lunch

Hearty and Quality Meals Over the weekend, you can tuck into the hearty Jack’s Place Brunch Grill, inclusive of New Zealand Sirloin Steak (150g) or Grilled Boneless Chicken, two pieces of Chipolata & Bacon, Sunny Side Up Egg, and Grilled Tomato & Asparagus with Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce.

The Daily Lunch Deals vary each day and each outlet serves different sets on the menu.

Marinated Red Miso Cod will be available at Violet Herbs in Restaurant Week

The popular Singapore Restaurant Week is back once more and our food writer gives you a preview of some of the delectable choices — but book early Now in its 11th edition, DiningCity’s Singapore Restaurant Week has grown to encompass more than 100 of Singapore’s most celebrated restaurants.

Offering week-long dining deals, Restaurant Week allows foodies to be truly spoilt for choice with great dining choices, at better prices.

Delicious Lunches, Every Day Take your pick from a wide variety of main courses at Jack’s Place. To combat your weekday blues, tuck into a refreshing Grilled Fillet of Fish with Chicken Floss & Fruity Mayo Sauce, or indulge with a New Zealand Ribeye Steak with Onion Demi Glazed Sauce.

Or, celebrate midweek with the sets that include Grilled Fillet of Fish with Tempura Gyoza & White Sesame Sauce, New Zealand Sirloin Steak with Brown Sauce topped with Pumpkin Croquette or New Zealand Ribeye Steak with Mushroom Brown Sauce.

These sets range from $13.80 to $19.90.

Eat your way through “Sin” city

Exclusive Three-Course Menus The Jack’s Place NZ Ribeye Steak Set Lunch

Apart from these, Executive Lunch Deals are also available every day, with prices starting from $15.50. You can expect main courses such as Locally-Farmed Barramundi Fish with Fresh Dill Cream Sauce, and Slipper Lobster Meat, Prawn & Clam Baked Rice.

Steak lovers will be happy to know that Jack’s Place uses 100 per cent grassfed chilled beef, directly imported from New Zealand.

By Samantha Francis For more details, visit www.jacksplace. com.sg/set-lunch-menu. Brought to you by Jack’s Place.

The Roasted Duck Confit is available as part of Violet Herb’s Restaurant Week menu

This time, Restaurant Week will be held from Oct 24 to Nov 1, and participating restaurants will offer exclusive three-course menus for both lunch and dinner (priced at $25++ and $35++ respectively). Do note, DiningCity Star-awarded restaurants will charge a supplement of $15++ for lunch and $20++ for dinner.

Under the overarching theme of “Sinfully Delectable”, you’ll be able to enjoy the best of Singapore’s culinary offerings, featuring seasonal produce. So, sin I did, as I let my gluttony loose at the preview of some of these participating restaurants.

I tried the Roasted Red Snapper with Almond Crust, Summer Mushroom and Crustacean Bisque. My tongue was delighted at how fresh the red snapper tasted, as well as its crisp skin.

For dessert, we were chauffeured via Audi cars to Kuvo, a hidden gem of a restaurant inside Orchard Shopping Centre. The multiconcept dining establishment served an aesthetically-pleasing Rum Cocoa Mousse Bar. With rum-soaked raisins embedded within the mousse, it was a lovely surprise with every bite.

Quality Cuisine to Delight Foodies

Diners will be pleased to know that this edition of Restaurant Week is setting a target of raising $100,000 for The Food Bank Singapore, a registered charity that collects surplus food to be redistributed to organisations and people in need of food.

Participating restaurants will donate up to $2 per bill, until the fund-raising target is met.

One of the more noteworthy restaurants was Violet Herbs, a Modern European restaurant inspired by Asian flavours.

Dining for Charity

By Samantha Francis

End your meal with a satisfying Rum Cocoa Mousse Bar from Kuvo

All bookings can be made online at www.restaurantweek.sg. Priority bookings are offered to American Express Card Members. Booking for the public opened from Sep 28.

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OCTOBER 09 - OCTOBER 22 , 2015

PAGE 16

Foodmania W

OCTOBER 09 - OCTOBER 22 , 2015

new D e s serts

Feast your eyes on Karafuru’s dainty Japanese desserts

Karafuru is located at Jalan Klapa off North Bridge Road, and serves signature eclairs and yoghurt parfaits

Karafuru translates to “colourful”

Try classic Japanese parfaits like the Hanami

These pretty creations will make you want to photograph and bite into them

Traditional with a Twist

artistic plating.

At Karafuru, traditional Japanese flavours are reimagined, resulting in original creations such as the Jasmine Matcha éclair, which combines the aromatic notes of Jasmine flowers with the astringency of Japanese green tea.

Fans of the tangy yuzu can try the YuzuCha parfait, which marries the flavours of English Earl Grey tea with fragrant yuzu peels, as well as Bergamot.

Helmed by Chef Michael Liu of Windowsill in the Woods, Karafuru’s eclairs (priced from $6-$7) appear to be lighter and fluffier than its French counterparts, with a slightly savoury choux pastry that is hand-piped and crisp.

For a change from the classic Japanese parfait, choose from endless textural combinations of freshly-made soft-serve yoghurt, moist soufflé cakes, wobbly puddings, chewy dango balls and more.

You’ll be pleasantly surprised, but don’t forget to take photos.

The hallmarks of great Japanese dessert lie in the attention to detail, quality ingredients that reflect the different seasons, and

Karafuru, 8 Jalan Klapa, Singapore 199320, Tel: 6291 4430

With Japanese cuisine having taken the world by storm — from sushi to ramen to omakase menus — there’s no doubt that dainty Japanese desserts too will make their way into the hearts of Singaporeans, if they haven’t already.

Colourful Eclairs & Parfaits Karafuru, a Japanese-inspired lifestyle brand and desserts café (opened in August) seems to tick all the right boxes in terms of visual and gastronomical appeal.

With a name that simply translates to “colourful”, this café serves an array of signature eclairs and gourmet yoghurt parfaits in a variety of attractive, summer colours. Paired with a clean and white interior, you can be sure it’s a food photographer’s haven.

Congratulations to the winners!

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ESPN giveaway Aller Tan Shi Zhou Douglas Cheong Jessica Wong Tan Swee San Rasvinder Kaur D/O Nund Singh Winners will be contacted directly on the collection.

Look out for more Weekender giveaways in upcoming issues.

Don’t miss out on more great giveaway prizes & exclusive lifestyle experiences. Like & follow us at www.facebook.com/weekendersgp

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PAGE 17

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OCTOBER 09 - OCTOBER 22 , 2015

Fa s h S Ni p s

F i t n e s s featu r e

Arm candy for every occasion Stirrings in the fashion world that you would want, need and love to know

Dunhill Bourdon Document Case Break away from the conventional briefcase with this modern yet durable piece. Dunhill’s briefcases (from $1,800) are beautifully made from printed Italian cowhide leather and feature colour palettes of deep burgundy hues, pine green and dark navy that are artistically contrasted against tones of grey.

With more female personal trainers in Singapore, we put the spotlight on three of them and their fitness journeys

Available at Dunhill stores in Ngee Ann City and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

Perhaps you’ve over-indulged or are falling short of your fitness resolutions — these are certainly good reasons for hiring a personal trainer who can whip you back into shape.

But for ladies who are shy about training with a burly and muscular stranger, you’ll be glad to know that there are plenty of highly-qualified female personal trainers in this malecentric industry.

We spoke to three of them.

Kathy Pak

Dawn Ng

Pearly Ng Years of Experience: 2 With her flashy smile and petite frame, Pearly Ng may not come across as your typical personal trainer.

But, for the past two years, the 31-yearold has made personal training her career, showing her clients how to best achieve their fitness goals.

Despite her passion for fitness, the former advertising and marketing executive says that she once did not know much about keeping fit.

“I battled with my own weight for years and the only exercises I did were cardio-based workouts like running and Muay Thai, which gave me limited results,” she says.

It was only after she met her husband, a personal trainer, in 2010, that she learnt the benefits of lifting weights.

“In cardio workouts, calories are burnt only during the duration of the exercise, but in strength training, your body burns calories even after the exercise is over. I saw an improvement in my physique after I started lifting weights,” she adds.

Her advice for busy women looking to keep fit is simple: Keep a fitness diary for weekly workouts.

“The journal will help you be accountable to yourself and stay committed to your goals,” she says.

Years of Experience: 7 For personal trainer Dawn Ng, 36, staying fit has always been a way of life.

Even as a child, the sports enthusiast would spend her time playing softball in school.

When corporate life took over, the former events executive progressed to working out in the gym because she did not have as much time to participate in team sports.

But it was only after she suffered heart palpitations as a result of a high-stress job that Ms Ng decided to switch careers in 2008.

“During that time, exercising had helped me relax and maintain a sense of calm.

I realised that if it could help me, it would also benefit many others who are in the same position,” she says.

Though her current working hours are long — she starts at 7am and ends at 9pm — she has no regrets moving into her new role.

Ever the fitness advocate, she often encourages her clients to keep moving by using the stairs instead of the escalator or taking a longer walk home.

“It’s better to be consistently active than to have sporadic bursts of intense exercise.

You will see more results this way,” she says.

She has no qualms working in what is commonly seen as a male-dominated industry.

She says, “I don't feel any difference.

When some people think about personal trainers, the first image that pops up is probably that of a big, muscly guy.

“But to me, what matters most is your ability to inspire your clients and push them to improve and achieve their goals.”

Years of Experience: 2 Kathy Pak’s busy schedule as a full-time mum — she has three sons, aged between 11 and 17 — has not stopped her from helping people get fitter.

The part-time personal trainer usually starts her day by training her clients or teaching group fitness classes before she starts “being a chauffeur for her kids”.

Though she makes lifting weights seem effortless, her journey towards becoming a personal trainer was not an easy one.

Ms Pak, 42, who had led an active lifestyle since her teens, tore her knee ligaments in 2013 following a bout of Muay Thai. She had to forego exercising for about half a year to allow her injuries to heal.

“It was during this recovery process that I decided to become a personal trainer.

I wanted to share my experience in bouncing back to fitness and show how sport-based injuries can be prevented,” she says.

To her, female personal trainers are just as capable as their male counterparts, and may even be able to design a more balanced muscle-building programme catering to women’s fitness goals.

“It’s a truly rewarding career, especially when clients hit their fitness targets, which includes small achievements like doing more box jumps or skipping for longer periods. It encourages me and makes me feel super proud of them.

“Sometimes, we’ll even shed tears of joy together,” she says.

By Samantha Francis

W

For more of the latest fashion launches and beauty & lifestyle tips, like & follow us at www.facebook.com/ weekendersgp

Longchamp Paris Rocks Hobo Bag Small bags are all the rage right now and, not to mention, ideal for the dance floor.

Longchamp’s colour scheme for the Paris Rock Hobo Bag ($525) boasts prismatic hues of jade, powder and gold, exuding vibrance and femininity. Coupled with chain and metal details, the bag will complement just about any outfit.

Available at Longchamp boutiques

Pedro Trapeze Colour Block Handbag Stand out with Pedro’s latest addition, the Trapeze Colour Block Handbag ($89.90), in a shade of eye-catching red. A stark contrast against the other monochrome items in the brand’s Fall /Winter 2015 collection, the bag ensures a bold, sophisticated look with its polished and distinct shape.

Available at all Pedro stores

OCTOBER 09 - OCTOBER 22 , 2015

Easy as 1, 2, 3

SHOPsavvy W

Beauty i n Bri ef

Simplify your beauty regimen with these easy-to-use products

From perfect brows that last for days on end to serums that protect your skin while you sleep, these new beauty products make your morning routine as fuss-free as possible.

Review: Etude House Lashperm Curlfix Mascara If you need a mascara that’s water-, sweat- and sebum-proof to last through your daily adventures, consider the Etude House Lashperm Curlfix Mascara ($24.90).

They certainly weren’t kidding when they said that the mascara’s formula, featuring the lauded Etude Curl 24Hr Technology, could last up to 24 hours.

By the end of the day, my lashes were still curly and not a single smudge could be seen.

In fact, I had a rather trying time removing the product with my makeup remover.

It was easy to be precise while applying the mascara because of the product’s short and defined bristles. However, by the third coat of mascara, my lashes started to look clumpy.

Our verdict: While this mascara is long-lasting, it isn’t suitable for beginners as some skill is required in manoeuvring the mascara brush to coat your lashes evenly.

Available in four colours: Black, brown, plum burgundy and pink. Black is available at all Etude House stores while the other limited edition colours are available only at Etude House Wisma Atria.

Review: Clio Tinted Tattoo Kill Brow

10 SINGAPORE

JEWELLERY & GEM FAIR FOREVER FLAWLESS HAMPERS (WORTH $345 EACH)

To someone who had once spent a fortune on brow embroidery, the promise of an affordable brow tinting product does sound like an attractive deal.

Which was why I was excited to try the Clio Tinted Tattoo Kill Brow ($23.90), which claimed to give the brow area a natural stain that will last for three to seven days.

The two-in-one brow tool came equipped with a brow tattoo pen on one end and a brow mascara on the other.

Outlining my brows with the tattoo pen was easy enough — it took only six strokes for each brow to take on a natural shade of brown and I could easily clean off any mistakes with tissue paper.

I went to sleep, satisfied with how full and neat my brows looked. Eight hours later, the product had already tanned the outermost layer of my skin with a temporary colour that was resistant to soap and water.

For the next two days, my brows looked naturally defined, without the help of any additional brow products. For thickerlooking Korean-style brows, use the product’s brow mascara end to create volume from the inner corners of your brow to the tails.

By the third day, my coloured brows had begun to fade gradually, in line with my skin’s natural exfoliation process.

Would I use it again? Highly likely, as this product is fuss-free and really does work.

Available in two variants for day and night use, these ultra-light serums ($15.90 each) aim to moisturise, whiten, act as a base, and protect skin from the chemicals found in make-up.

I liked the night use serum in particular as it acted as an overnight mask that left my skin feeling hydrated in the morning.

Available in various shades of brown at selected Watsons stores.

Available at all personal care stores, supermarkets and hypermarts.

Nivea Extra White Make Up Starter Moisturising Serums

to be won!

Diamonds are a girl’s best friend

Step 1: Like our Facebook page if you haven’t already: facebook.com/weekendersgp

Editor Lester J Wan

CEO David Phey

lester@weekender.sg

david@weekender.sg

Senior Editor (Digital) Head of Marketing Geraldine Ling Solutions geraldine@weekender.sg Karin Ng Art Director Sabrina Cao

Step 2: Visit the contest page to enter the contest: http://bitly.com/sgjewelfair OR SMS to 83470074

Designer Zoe Lai

CODE: JEWEL, your Name, Age, Gender, NRIC, Postal Code, E-mail

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Each of these hampers includes a Forever Flawless Diamond-infused exfoliating & foaming cleanser, a diamond-infused facial peeling gel and a multi-purpose lotion.

With your skin well cared for, you can now focus on shopping at the jewellery fair, held between Oct 22 and 25 at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre, where you can expect to see more than 100,000 pieces of fine jewellery and gems on display.

By Samantha Francis

karin@weekender.sg

Team Members Erwin Lim

erwin@weekender.sg

Writers Pamela Chow

Anabel Ang Kevin Sim Joseph Tang

Samantha Francis

Media Rep for Japan Ms Kamata / Mr Hasuda

Advisor James Yip Distribution Lawrence Tan Coordinator Riki Zou Contributors Justin Choo Jason Dasey Kelvin Leong Interns Jaime Chua Natalie Kwan

sales@relation-inc.jp

CLOSING DATE: 18 Oct 2015

Good Luck!

No charge for SMS. Please check our Promotional & Contest Rules at weekender.com.sg.

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. Weekender Group Private Limited does not warrant the accuracy, reliability, currency or completeness of those views or statements and do not accept any legal liability whatsoever arising from any reliance on the views, statements and subject matter. © Copyright Weekender Group Pte Ltd. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, all rights including those in copyright in the content of this publication are owned by or controlled for these purposes by Weekender Group Pte Ltd. Copyrights to photographs, Illustrations, or any other forms of work which appear in this publication provided by non-Weekender Group Pte Ltd contributors are owned and controlled their respective creators. Except as otherwise expressly permitted under copyright law or Weekender Group Pte Ltd, the content of this publication may not be copied, reproduced, republished, downloaded, posted, broadcast or transmitted in any way without first obtaining our written permission or that of the copyright owner.

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PAGE 19

Te c h F e at ur e

One hub to rule them all Smartphones aren’t cool anymore. Very soon we’ll be talking about the smart home and its automation systems — smart hubs As technology advances and becomes more affordable, the ideal smart home inches closer to becoming a reality. But from voice-activated light switches to fingerprint-activated digital locks, what makes an actual smart home tick?

The answer: A smart hub.

The hub, which can be controlled via an app on your smartphone or even your voice, accepts triggers from sensors and sends out pre­arranged commands to devices.

Here are noteworthy hubs and automation devices to look out for:

IFTTT Short for ‘If this, then that’, this free app is possibly one of the cleverest around. It was designed to automate repeatable app processes, like saving your picture to Dropbox every time you post it on Instagram.

But more importantly, it can be used to automate some processes that you can’t do with your hub alone. For example, you can use ‘recipes’ to turn on your coffee machine when the sun rises, or when your smart band detects that you have woken up.

Klug

Available at the App Store and Google Play

Made-in-Singapore Klug can help you save up to 15 per cent of your electrical bill.

Samsung SmartThings Hub The Korean tech giant makes almost everything from vacuum cleaners to televisions, so imagine having a hub that can activate all these gadgets at the touch of a button. Imagine coming home to food that’s already cooked, thanks to your smart hub kicking off the process by finding out that you’re on your way home.

As of now, the Samsung SmartThings Hub (US$99 ($141)) — one of Samsung’s biggest announcements this year — supports nearly 200 smart home products, like the Amazon Echo and Philips Hue. It’s not officially available for Singapore users, so you currently have to buy it from the United States or United Kingdom and use a freight forwarder like vPost or Comgateway.

Available at smartthings.com.

Cubic

Amazon Echo

Cubic’s (US$195) focus is on artificial intelligence (AI). It’s an AI with a personality, that will respond to you with humour, says its Russian makers who actually credited JARVIS (the AI virtual butler in the Iron Man movie) as their inspiration.

Apparently Cubic ‘gets’ references so, for example, if you spout Seinfeld lingo, it will respond in kind with jokes from the hit television show.

Due for a November launch, we’ll soon see if it’s as clever as it’s made out to be. With a fairly impressive list of supported products and services like Evernote and SmartThings, there’s always a silver lining even if the jokes fall flat.

The Echo (US$179.99) looks just like any other unassuming wireless speaker, but it has a Siri-­like digital assistant called Alexa ‘living’ inside. Furthermore Echo has some interesting tech to enable it hear your commands even from across the room.

Imagine: you can use Alexa to control compatible lights and switches, and ask it about the weather and traffic as you are changing your clothes.

It will be a watershed moment in your life — your poor man’s JARVIS, if you will — because it kind of feels like living in the future, today. And there’ll be more features to come.

Available at indiegogo.com.

Available at Amazon.

While this made-in-Singapore smart device isn’t integrated into home automation systems yet, we think it’s only a matter of time before it finds its way into a smart hub.

Klug ($239 for one hub and one sensor) saves you money by automatically adjusting your air conditioner to an ideal temperature, saving up to possibly 15 per cent of your electrical bill.

Klug’s system uses infrared signals to communicate with air conditioners, so it works with all units that have a remote control. Smart thermostats (Klug Air) will measure and relay the temperature back to the central hub (Klug Hub), which will then apply the necessary adjustments.

Available at klug.intraix.com.

By Justin Choo

Tech Storm is a brand new avenue for you to get plugged in to addictive tech trends, reviews on gadgets, apps and be inspired by the coolest start-up stories. Check us out at: www.techstorm.tv

PAGE 20

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OCTOBER 09 - OCTOBER 22 , 2015

Advertor i a l Prospects for properties in emerging markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Philippines have tremendous advantages and nancial returns.

Purchase any property at our show and receive a $500 Theresa Beauty Slimming & Fitness voucher as well as stand a chance to win a pair of return air tickets to Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia or the Philippines.** Engage directly with industry leaders during our seminar sessions to learn how to maximise your overseas property investment ROI in these markets

Vietnam and Cambodia

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Bonus: Feng Shui highlights

Get real with the property market Expand your property investment knowledge at PropertyGuru’s Emerging Markets Property Show The property landscape in Southeast Asia is taking a significant upturn, and now is probably a good time to make a move into the market to get first-mover’s advantage.

But it won’t do to simply dive in uninformed, or worse, misinformed. Instead, learn more about how you can navigate new Asian markets, avoid risks, and smartly grow your property investment portfolio.

KNOW THE MARKETS

* Vouchers will only be given to those who register online and visit the Emerging Markets Property Show. Terms and conditions apply. ** Theresa vouchers are limited only to the rst ten property purchasers at the event. The winner of the lucky draw is only entitled to travel via budget airlines to a city in either one of the four countries aforementioned.

Investment prospects for emerging markets such as Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines hold tremendous advantages and strong financial returns.

Case in point: Since July this year, Vietnam has introduced relaxed laws on foreign housing ownership, and the Vietnamese property market — especially for condominiums — has seen promising

recovery. Real estate firm CBRE reported that a record of over 100,000 units were sold in property launches in the second quarter of 2015.

Thanks to these changes, experts foresee that investors can enjoy even greater rental yield there now, compared to properties in Singapore.

Cambodia is also a very conducive investment destination, where investors can own condominiums on freehold titles — and up to 70 per cent of units in a project is open to foreign investment. Capital gain growth is expected to peak in Phnom Penh, the commercial hub of Cambodia.

Understand THE RISKS Attractive as these ventures may appear, there are plenty of potential risks that stand in the way of making sound investments.

At PropertyGuru’s inaugural two-day Emerging Markets Property Show, you can gain opportunities to learn directly from industry leaders and understand how to negotiate these upcoming property investment destinations with ease.

You can also get a first look at the exclusive project developments brought in by established property developers in the region.

PropertyGuru’s Emerging Markets Property Show will be held on Oct 10 & 11, 11am–7pm at Orchard Hotel, Level 2 Conference Centre.

For more details, visit bit.ly/PG-emerging.

An ASA Holidays Royal Caribbean Cruise package for two (WORTH up to $1700 EACH)

to be won!

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Winners can look forward to staying in the Oceanview Stateroom during the fournight Best of Malaysia Cruise, which is set to sail on Feb 29, 2016. The ship will also be docking at tourist hot spots such as Port Klang and Langkawi.

With many duty-free shops, an ice skating rink and various sports facilities, you’ll never run out of activities to do on board.

HOW TO ENTER Step 1: Like our Facebook page if you haven’t already: facebook.com/weekendersgp Step 2: Visit the contest page to enter the contest: bitly.com/asaholiday OR SMS to 83470074 CODE: ASAHOLIDAYS, your Name, Age, Gender, NRIC, Postal Code, E-mail ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASE CLOSING DATE: 22 Oct 2015 Good Luck!

No charge for SMS. Please check our Promotional & Contest Rules at weekender.com.sg.

PAGE 21

OCTOBER 09 - OCTOBER 22 , 2015

TRAVELation W

t rav e l f eatu r e

MARGARET RIVER, AUSTRALIA

Year-end holiday ideas Pull out your planners and credit cards – here are our top picks of destinations and guide to maximising your time off from work

October is upon us already and if you haven’t started planning for your year-end travels, it might be wise to do so now. You might still be in time for some sweet deals on airfares.

Airfares aside, the other questions probably on most minds are on how to best maximise your annual leave days and to make the most of your vacations.

Here’s our cheat sheet to extending your year-end getaways and the best places to visit.

In case you haven’t heard, Western Australia is the next big destination for foodies (see our feature on the next page). Chefs from all around the world gather here for the Margaret River Gourmet Escape on Nov 20 to 22, including British celebrity chef Marco Pierre White, whose exquisite Michelin-star creations you’ll get to taste.

You can even attend the event for just one day, and take the rest of the weekend to go on a delicious self-drive to uncover Margaret River’s food and wine harvests.

JEJU ISLAND, KOREA

BALI, INDONESIA Days of Leave Needed: 0, or 1, at most Recommended Days to Apply for: Any Monday or Friday, or Dec 28

Photo: Aaron Lim / Shutterstock.com

Days of Leave Needed: 2 to 3 Recommended Days to Apply for: Nov 20 and 23

Not enough leave? You can still enjoy an easy breezy vacay, if you take the correct day off.

And now, you can go beyond just chilling on the beach, thanks to some unique new resorts that have been popping up. Immerse in the local culture at Karma Retreat, where you can learn Sari-making and woodcarving among the coconut groves and mossy stone temples.

Or, head down to the ever-popular Potato Head Beach Club and soak in the relaxing ambience of seaside living. If you’re stressed Worshippers praying at Tirta Empul, a Balinese out from work or life in general, just two Hindu water temple days in this Indonesian city will make a world of difference.

Margaret River is fast becoming a hot foodie destination, thanks to its culinary offerings and harvests

TAIPEI, TAIWAN Days of Leave Needed: 2 to 3 Recommended Days to Apply for: Nov 6, 9 and / or 11 Take advantage of the Deepavali holiday on Nov 10 (Tuesday) and slot in a strategic day off or two. With your luxurious long weekend, you’ll now have up to five days to head out for a holiday!

Use this opportunity to go on a minibackpacking trip in and around Taipei.

Skip the usual Shilin market and other tourist hotspots. Instead, hop onto a rented bicycle and comb through hidden spots in the region, like the protected Hongshulin mangrove wetland and the less-crowded, but still exciting Tamsui night market.

Days of Leave Needed: 4 or more (lucky you) Recommended Days to Apply for: Nov 6, 9 and 11 to 13 You might be wondering why I’m recommending taking so many days to visit just one island in Korea. But Jeju Island is more than double the size of Singapore, which is why you’ll need at least four days on Korea’s largest island.

Rent a car or driver to explore the island to its fullest; from enjoying freshly fished seafood in a shack by the bay to visiting intriguing attractions like the Teddy Bear Museum.

Getting around in Jeju might be a little tricky if you’re not versed in Korean, so be sure to do ample research and the necessary translations beforehand, and if possible, hire a guide to take you around on some days.

By Pamela Chow

TRAVELATION W

OCTOBER 09 - OCTOBER 22 , 2015

Explore fascinating sights in Western Australia while feasting on the region’s signature cuisine

This year’s Margaret River Gourmet Escape will see ‘rockstar’ chef Marco Pierre White sharing his love for Western Australia produce

R E G I ONAL TR AVEL

The great gourmet escape Now that we’re enjoying better currency exchange for Australia, it’s time to take your dollar Down Under. Lap up these gastronomical affairs thriving in the Western region

A

region that holds immense pride in its mouth-watering cuisine and diverse harvests, Western Australia (WA) — which spans major areas such as Perth, Albany and Broome — has popped up on the world map as the newest El Dorado of gourmet discovery.

Feast on exotic and familiar creations from Australia and around the world, while getting up close to the stunning sights of the region.

If you’re lucky, you may get to whip up your own dishes at a festival or even pick your own ingredients from popular harvesting sites.

If this plan has gotten you salivating, check out these two upcoming gourmet fiestas that will guide you to the best of WA.

MARGARET RIVER GOURMET ESCAPE Back for its fourth year, this culinary extravaganza is pulling all the stops to bring you the best of the region. Margaret River is adored as the melting pot of WA, where styles, cultures and influences in cuisine from around the world converge.

Making a special appearance at this festival is British ‘rockstar’ chef Marco Pierre White; a Michelin-starred mentor to celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay and resident guest judge on MasterChef Australia. At the festival, he will showcase quintessential WA produce and wines.

Marco will also host an intimate dinner and question-and-answer session, one of the most anticipated events at the three-day event, at the exquisite Vasse Felix winery.

You’ll get to savour signature dishes from the kitchens of Marco’s eponymous restaurants at the winery, prepared by some of the best chefs under his mentorship.

You can also catch a taste of home while you’re out at Margaret River — Singapore’s own chefs will be demonstrating their prowess here too.

For instance, Tippling Club’s Ryan Clift,

Get a taste of Margaret River, where styles, cultures and influences in cuisine from around the world converge

who has worked with culinary heavyweights like Peter Gordon and Marco, will debut his skills at the Margaret River stage.

Joining him is returning guest Chef Sam Leong, whose unique signature creations at last year’s Gourmet Escape earned him high praise from other guest chefs and international audiences.

Chef Leong is known for his innovative spin on contemporary Chinese cuisine.

Pulling talents in from all corners of

the world into one incredible banquet, the Margaret River Gourmet Escape will also feature top chefs from Bangkok, Hong Kong, Mexico City, the United Kingdom, Moscow and more.

The Margaret River Gourmet Escape 2015 will run from Nov 20 to 22. More information available at www.gourmetescape.com.au.

For tickets, visit www.ticketek.com.au.

13/15/17D Italy Swiss Paris + Amsterdam / London + Dubai 2 Seasons in 1 Holiday Exclusive Sledging – longest Sledge run in Europe ROME/PISA/SIENA/VENICE/MILAN/EVIAN/MONTREUX/ INTERLAKEN/LUCERNE/BLACK FOREST/PARIS

Tel: 6535 8535

Email: enquiry@euholidays.com.sg

24-25_Travel.indd 2

• Venice Hilton 5hotel, stay on Venice Island • Montreux Marche de Noel Cfm Dep: Oct 15,25,28,29 Dep Dates: Oct 12,17,22,30, Nov 1,4,7,8,10,11,13,15,18,20,22,24,26,27,28,31 Dec 1,2,3,5,6,7,8,10,11,12,13,14,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,24,29, 2016 Jan - Mar

2788

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*Voted by WEEKENDER & escape! Magazine

07/10/2015 6:57:10 PM

PAGE 23

EU Holidays’ dedication to their customers has been duly recognised by industry partners

Advertori al

Yet another EU Exclusive

Travellers’ top choice As EU Holidays celebrates its fifth grand anniversary, here’s the first of a two-part series chronicling how the travel agency became one of the rock stars in the industry here for Europe and USA tours

Extra miles, extra smiles

Go on a culinary journey across Western Australia with celebrity Chef Wan, who will show you the best of the region’s specialities

EAT DRINK BUY WITH CELEBRITY CHEF Prefer to traipse across the WA region on a food hunt with an expert? Join the vivacious and fun culinary personality Redzuawan Ismail — popularly known as Chef Wan — as he leads you to the delicious hidden corners of WA. Have your fill at Margaret River attractions such as Farmers’ Market, Cheeky Monkey Brewery & Cidery and fruit picking at Wonky Windmill Farm & Eco. Or uncover exciting Swan Valley treats at Whistlers Confectionery, Mondo Nougat, The Cheese Barrel and Caversham Wildlife Park.

Now that you’re probably full beyond words, take a walk in the amazing Pinnacles Desert in Cervantes and ride over the sand dunes in Lancelin. Accompanied by Chef Wan’s wit, humour and bountiful knowledge about Australian cuisine, you’ll be wishing for a longer trip.

More adventurous travellers can also choose from several thrilling self-drive packages under Eat Drink Buy, and head out on an epic journey Down Under.

These packages include accommodation, car rental and a cruise down Swan River, so you can explore WA free and easy without being bogged down too much by the details.

After all, you’ll want to spend as much time and energy as you can happily feasting in WA.

By Pamela Chow Various Eat Drink Buy packages are available at www.bestperthdeals.com/singapore.

For many, travelling overseas is a time of exploration, enjoyment and excitement.

But yet, there are many things that can go wrong with a trip, like flight delays and poorly-planned itineraries.

Which is why when it comes to planning your vacation, you’re probably better off in the hands of trusted professionals like EU Holidays.

The homegrown travel company, which was founded in 2010 by a group of experienced directors passionate about the travel industry, has devoted its energy to creating long-haul package tours specialising in areas like Europe, America and the Middle East.

Their aim is to take the hassle out of travelling, so that customers can fully experience their vacation without worrying over any details.

Loyal EU Holidays’ customer Patty Tan says, “I book my yearly family trip with EU Holidays every year. I trust my sales representative, Christina Hee, and her recommendations, and will never book my holidays with other travel agents.”

Milestones and accolades Despite being a young company, EU Holidays has overcome the odds to gain significant recognition from both customers and industry professionals. In 2013, it won the Singapore Excellence Award.

In the same year, the company also opened its flagship store at Chinatown Point, as well as a new branch at Fook Hai Building, and was named Top MasterCard supporter in the NATAS (National Association of Travel Agents Singapore) fair.

In 2014, they were listed as the best travel agency for Europe and USA tours by Escape!

Magazine and was the top choice for Europe and USA tours awarded by Weekender.

This year, in addition to re-claiming the awards given out by Escape! Magazine and Weekender, it also won the Singapore Trusted Quality Brand.

Customer Kelly says, “EU Holidays has the all-in-one package: good value and good pricing.”

Customers enjoy a free upgrade luxury hotel stay on Venice island in the 5-star Hilton hotel when they book a 13D Italy Swiss Paris package

The “WOW” factor

Customers enjoy the newest innovation every time they travel with EU Holidays. Those who book the 10D Aurora Hunting in Finland enjoy the latest Kelo igloo hotel with attached log cabin, sauna facility and kitchen inside

Staying ahead of the curve Priding themselves as innovative trendsetters, EU Holidays has constantly introduced the latest in tours and technology to its customers.

The company was the first travel agency in Singapore to popularise exclusive tours to the Arctic Circle, like the “Aurora Hunting” packages to Norway, and also sparked a Finland travel trend for Singaporeans who wanted to catch the Northern Lights.

Customers who signed up for the 10D Finland tour had the opportunity to stay in newly-launched glass igloos, with attached log cabin, sauna facility and kitchen inside.

These tours were fully sold out shortly after their launch. Currently, customers have to book a year ahead to secure seats.

Swiss travel gave EU Holidays a big boost in business as well.

In 2013, EU Holidays was certified as the sole distributing partner of Mount Bussalp Sledging Activity (Group) for Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia. The first official Switzerland booth here also opened at EU Holidays’ Chinatown Point office.

EU Holiday’s close tie-ups with various overseas travel operators, including Switzerland Tourism, have allowed customers to enjoy the longest sledge run on the Swiss Alps’ Mt Bussalp.

To date, EU Holiday’s very first itinerary, the 13D Italy Swiss Paris package tour, still remains EU Holiday’s bestselling package.

With their unique mix of innovation, knowledge and quality, EU Holidays is set for further growth ahead.

exciting promotions In celebration of EU Asia’s newest flagship store grand opening and EU Holiday’s fifth anniversary, customers who book a tour package from now to 1 Nov 2015 can enter the grand lucky draw and stand a chance to win business class airline tickets, an Apple iPad Air, a Samsung Tab A and many more!

Come down to Singapore Travel Mart 2015 on Oct 10 and 11, Saturday and Sunday, at Suntec Convention Hall 401402 for exclusive mega deals or visit EU Holidays’ main branch at Chinatown Point, #03-12/13/14, to book your tour packages now!

Stay tuned for part two of EU Holidays’ special fifth anniversary series next month

The vision of the entrepreneurial-spirited Directors at EU Holidays is to constantly create new and exciting travel experiences for the masses

13/14/15D Eastern USA + Canada / Orlando 13D Orlando + Dubai Upgrade Sheraton Fallsview Room* • Canyon Sainte Anne • Mont Tremblant • Free wifi on board

Cfm Dep: Oct 16 Dep Dates: Nov 13,27, Dec 4,18, 22 2016 Feb 7, Mar 4,18,25 Fall Foliage Dep: Oct 16 Cherry Bloosm Dep: 2016 Apr 1

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Tel: 6535 8535

Email: enquiry@euholidays.com.sg

OCTOBER 09 - OCTOBER 22 , 2015

Neighbourhood finds

OCTOBER 09 - OCTOBER 22 , 2015

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