Weekender #72

WK72B/MCI(P)060/08/2013

ISSUE 72 march 7 - 13, 2014

WK72B/MCI(P)060/08/2013

ISSUE 72 march 7 - 13, 2014

e n t e r t a i n m e n tFILTH or TraInspoTTIng beTTer? P6

e n t e r t a i n m e n t

F O O D m a n i a don’T mIss THe jap FaIr & savour 2014 P8

b e h a p p i e r

What a teese!burlesque star Dita Von teese shares her tricks

b e h a p p i e r Irene ang Is back and cHaTs wITH us P4

300: rise of an emPire hits our shores

get away to these sPectacular retreats

t r aV e L a t i O n

weekender.com.sgevents March 7 - 13, 2014w PaGE 2

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WEEKENDEREditorial DirectorFrank [email protected]

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Cheryl Lim, Redzwan Mohamed, Joseph Toh, Jamillie Chia, Jerene Seow, Belle Ong

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NEW EXPANDED MRT AREAS:Every Friday morning peak period. Subject to weather and traffic conditions.• Raffles Place • Chinatown • Dhoby Ghaut • City Hall • Orchard • Somerset • Newton • Bugis • Woodlands • Bukit Gombak • Choa Chu Kang • Tampines • Admiralty • Tanjong Pagar • Buona Vista • Yishun • Khatib • Clementi • Redhill • Queenstown • Serangoon • Boon Lay • Jurong East • Tiong Bahru • Toa Payoh • Marina Bay • Ang Mo Kio • Mountbatten

Writer Cheryl Chia

Designer Zoe Lai

GETTING HARD COPIES:Weekender is delivered to hundreds of thousands of homes island-wide. You can also find copies (while supplies last) at:OvER 200 SElECTED 7-ElEvEN lOCATIONS ISlANDWIDEFor actual locations, visit our website

BY GUINEVERE SOFER

See Page 14 for the aNSWerSThe Compact Digital Camera’s optical zoom is superior to the phone cam’s digital zoom.

Look at Photos A and B. Can you tell which was taken with a phone cam and which was taken with a Compact Digital Camera?

sPot tHe dIFFerence: Lotus Flowers

Photo A Photo B

I LIGHT7-30 Mar, 7.30pm-11pmi Light Marina Bay, Asia’s first and only sustainable light art festival will return again to Singapore’s Marina Bay waterfront, showcasing innovative content, the intelligent use of lighting as well as an international line-up of creative talents. The upcoming festival will feature more than 25 innovative and environmentally sustainable light art installations from around the world that will transform the Bay into a magical space of light and colour for an unparalleled experience!Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade

Choice event picks coming in a month or more

preview

Check out these events over the next two weeks

now on

Coming SoonMark your calendars for these events happening in three to four weeks

@ MARINA BAYGuardian Angels by Maro Avrabou and Dimitri Xenakis

1.26 by Janet Echelman taken in Amsterdam

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NeW! free! artScieNce MuSeuM’S SuNday ShoWcaSe - raNdoM BleNdS 2014: caliBr8Until 6 Mar, 10am-7pm (last admission 6pm) This showcase, themed ‘Calibr8’, redefines the relationship between visitors and the exhibits. With a smorgasbord of art, media and entertainment, the showcase challenges visitors’ preconceived notions of issues in our contemporary society. Presented through videos, interactive stories, posters, board games, comics and interactive games, ‘Calibr8’ focuses on experiential learning by departing from traditional static displays and provide visitors a hands-on opportunity to engage with the immersive exhibits.ArtScience Museum, Creativity and Inspiration galleries at Level 4

NeW! free! edWard BurtyNSky: Water7 Mar-6 Apr, Tue-Sat 11am-7pm (6pm on Sun) Edward Burtynsky will be presenting new colour photographs in his first solo exhibition in Singapore titled Water at Sundaram Tagore Gallery. Known for his large-format industrial

landscapes, the Water series is Burtynsky’s largest and most ambitious project to date. This series, started in 2007, illustrates the scale and impact of manufacturing and human consumption on the world’s water supplies.Gillman Barracks, 5 Lock Road, 01-05

NeW! free! la NaVe – SileNt filM oN the Birth of VeNice

9 Mar, 4pm The Italian Cultural Institute presents a rare silent movie, La Nave (The Ship), from 1921, about the birth of the city of

Venice. It will be screened for the first time in Singapore and will be accompanied by a live piano recital by maestro Vincent Chen. The film captions will be recited live in English. The special screening will be introduced by Prof Andrea Nanetti, who will talk about the film and the concept of the “Birth of a Nation” that inspired this film. RSVP to [email protected] Substation, 45 Armenian Street

NeW! MiNt MuSeuM of toyS aNNiVerSaryProMotioNS5-31 Mar, 9.30am-6.30pm

(museum) All visitors get 30% discount off (packages not included) normal museum entry of $15 for adults and $7.50 for kids and seniors. If your birthday falls in March, you

get to enter the museum free, with one paying guest. Also, get 50% off on selected items at Mint Shop, with a minimum purchase of $10 on a single receipt. You can even get a la carte food items from Mr Punch Restaurant at 20% discount if you visit the museum on the same day. Terms & conditions apply.Mint Museum of Toys, 26 Seah Street

free! daNNy SaNtoS ii: doN’t SMile!Until 10 Mar, Sun-Thu, 11am-midnight, Fri & Sat, 11am-2amThe locally-based street photographer spent two weekends in the previous month taking portraits of 250 strangers – the only condition was that they weren’t allowed to smile, as he wished to capture the emotions beneath people’s social masks.tcc - The Gallery, 51 Circular Rd

MoSaic MuSic feStiVal7-16 Mar, various timingsThe final edition of Mosaic Music Festival is here so don’t miss out on it if you’ve never had the chance to experience the magic of Mosaic. Expect an eclectic range of music genres including jazz, soul, pop, electronic, and rock over ten days of ticketed and free music presentations featuring internationally acclaimed musicians and budding artists.Esplanade, Raffles Avenue

NeW! free! With BarBie aNythiNg iS PoSSiBleUntil 23 Mar, 11am-9pm Using fashion as a platform, Mattel, Inc. and retailer Toys ‘R’ Us celebrate Barbie’s 55th anniversary with a special event at United Square. The four different activities available to the public fosters imaginative play. These activities range from creating your own Barbie doll dress to an augmented reality closet where children can pick and try on different outfits virtually.United Square Shopping Mall Atrium

lightSeekerUntil 23 Mar, $48-$148 In this fantastic and magical world, a terrifying warrior called the General pursues a precious energy that will make his ominous Emperor more powerful. His quest leads him to Nova, an enigmatic girl, who seems to have the ability to create The Light. A battle for The Light ensues. Tickets from Sistic.Resorts World Theatre, Resorts World Sentosa

BruNo MarS liVe iN SiNgaPore26 Mar, 8pm, $168, $188 (standing); $128, $188, $268, $328 (seated) + $4 booking fee Grammy Award-winning superstar Bruno Mars will be bringing The Moonshine Jungle Tour to Singapore. Enjoy this one-night-only performance at the Singapore Indoor Stadium and catch your favourite songs live. Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, www.sportshubtix.sg

CLOUD by Caitlind Brown and Wayne Garrett

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FUN-TO-DO IDEASSteVe Vai liVe iN SiNgaPore21 Mar, 8pm, $78-$148 Audiences can expect to be treated to some of Vai’s classic hits, including “For The Love Of God”, “Tender Surrender” and “Answers,” as well as songs like “Racing The World” and “Gravity Storm” from his latest release, The Story of Light. Tickets from Sistic.The Star Theatre, The Star Performing Arts Centre

dali: the Pierre argillet collectioN22 Mar-20 Apr, 9.30am-9pm Originating from the renowned Pierre Argillet Collection, the exhibition of over 100 works including etchings, drawings, and tapestries will be on for viewing and acquisition at Red Sea Gallery. All works from the Pierre Argillet Collection have been authenticated and signed by Salvador Dali and have never before left the collection.Red Sea Gallery, 10 Dempsey Road

NeW! full SteaM ahead29 Mar, 4pm-4am Full Steam Ahead is back for an all-night beach party at Tanjong Beach Club, with 12 hours of non-stop seaside revelry. Bask in the glow of moonlight, strobes and light sticks to the tune of eight DJs – Zushan, Tyler Made; The Steam Team with KFC, Avneesh, SWTLKR and Serena Chan; as well as Shawn Livewire and Modium. On top of great music, expect fire twirlers, beer pong and giant beach balls, and a Hello Stranger photo booth to commemorate the best night of your life.Tanjong Beach Club,120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Tel: 9750 5323

NeW! ceSar MillaN liVe iN SiNgaPore 20142 May, 8pm, $78, $118, $158, $208 If you missed Dog Whisperer Cesar Millan live in Singapore last year, the pooch savant is back in town in May should you

need help with your unruly furkid. Watch him as he shares valuable lessons and performs live dog demonstrations highlighting how to read your dog’s body language in order to prevent and resolve behaviour problem, learn the role instincts play in shaping dog and human behaviour and identify dog behaviour triggers and learn to redirect your dog! Ticket sales started on Mar 1, on Sistic.The Star Performing Arts Centre

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be happier weekender.com.sgw PAGE 4 MArch 7 - 13, 2014

Dita Von Teese is known for her tiny corseted waist, her pin-up glam look, her martini glass burlesque act and her role as spokesperson for Cointreau

since 2007. We speak to her, all the way from Paris.

What’s your favourite Cointreau CoCktail?The Cointreau Teese, which is infused with flavours of violet flowers, ginger, lemon and apple. The second one I like is called the MargaDita, which is a classic Margarita with rose essence and patchouli pepper. I’ve become really good at mixing that one!

hoW long do you take to get ready on a typiCal day?Although it does appear that I have a high maintenance-looking beauty style, over the past 15 years, I’ve managed to figure out ways to get ready quickly when I need to. When I have very little time, I stick to the basics that I have decided are important to me.

For instance, before leaving the house in the morning for my Pilates class, I will bounce out of bed, brush my teeth, splash my face with water, apply a light moisturiser with SPF, and then a sweep of mattifying powder. I twist my hair into a neat chignon, put on a matte red lipstick, because red lips top my personal list of “Things I will not leave the house without.”

Then, I put on a pair of sunglasses and I’m out the door in mere minutes, as I have a “uniform” for my workout-wear: a simple black fitted tee, black capri pants, ballet flats and a coat if it’s chilly. I can do all of these in under ten minutes, maybe even less!

that’s a lot to aCComplish in ten minutes! do you ever dress doWn?On a normal day, I usually wear ballet flats paired with fit-and-flare 1950s style dresses, or I pair a sweater or blouse with a slim skirt or capri pants.

I also have lots of slim cardigan sweaters in neutral shades. Think Audrey Hepburn - you can’t go wrong with using her casual style as a model for being elegant!

any aCCidents With your Costumes?Lots of wardrobe malfunctions! Usually, those things happen to me when I’m first working on a new costume or new act. It’s always a fine line between too many hooks and snaps... and not enough.

I’d rather be stuck in something than have it fall off too early! It’s funny - I’m totally comfortable being nearly nude, but I’m not comfortable walking down the street and having the wind blow up my skirt. I like the deliberate choice of what I’m showing and not showing.

do you have plans to return to singapore?I would love to; I have always enjoyed my time there very much. [smiles]

Until Mar 31, try Cointreau cocktails by various mixologists and stand to win a limited edition coffret by Dita von Teese. Visit www.facebook.com/CointreauSingapore for more.

Comeback queen?The versaTile and TalenTed irene ang has reTurned To Ch 5 in new domesTiC siTCom “spouse for house”

LOCAL COMEDIENNE, entrepreneur and founder of Fly Entertainment Irene Ang seems as busy as ever. Nonetheless, she’s managed to find the time to make a comeback to Ch 5 in a new sitcom, “Spouse for House”.

Her last stint on Ch 5 was some time back, as Rosie in the long-running series, “Phua Chu Kang”. In the latest sitcom, she plays an overprotective mother to her son (played by Alaric Tay).

We caught up with her.

hi, irene! it’s been a While. What’s it like returning to sitCom aCting?I didn’t realise how much I enjoyed and missed sitcoms until I came back to Ch 5 for this! It was very relaxed and fun, even though it took a little while to get back into the rhythm.

I think we’ve found a new TV family with a great sense of humour, especially with veteran Richard Low. Richard’s comic timing is impeccable.

There’s love all-day round, and laughter on and off the set. We tease the resident “hunk” Desmond Tan all

the time, making him flex his abs and buying food for us, and he still says he enjoys himself sooo much. Siao! [Crazy!] In short, I wouldn’t call it work; I had a two-month holiday!

With so many projeCts and roles, hoW do you manage your time?It is difficult because there are only 24 hours in a day; I ask God for more hours in a day! I’m very blessed that I have a great team at Fly to stand in for me whenever I am not around.

I also have a group of supportive friends who understand that, at times, I may be late for our outings... Sometimes, very late!

Without quoting names, What’s the most demanding situation you’ve ever enCountered With an artiste you’ve managed?It is not so much the artiste but more when he or she doesn’t appreciate my managers, or changes his or her mind about a job, after the managers had worked so hard to push for that artiste and convinced the production house/clients to hire him or her.

It upsets me when some people don’t respect another’s effort.

Were there any funny or memorable moments on the set? We had a poodle in one of the episodes and the director wanted me to kiss her and talk to her. When I did that, it started licking my face all over… Oh, not just licking but slurping.

I still had to continue acting that scene until after the director yelled, “Cut!”, the whole crew just burst into a fit of laughter.

What other plans do you have?This year, the first six months are already lined up for acting/producing the Ah Boys to Men musical. Then, the movie production of Sinema Paradiso is happening through May and June, followed by post-production.

We will also be re-launching Fly Academy’s new and exciting classes with celebrity trainers. This is also the year in which I have to start on my Irene Ang book project!!

What do you have to say to singaporeans?Let go and move on! Don’t be so unhappy lah. We cannot change everything in Singapore or everyone but we can change how we react to some people who think we are “poor people” or we are not “free to be creative”.

There is no need to stoop to their level. I say, “Suah suah lah!” [“Live and let live!”]

Catch Irene Ang in “Spouse for House” on Ch 5, every Tuesday at 8pm.

What a teese!

By Cheryl Chia

sulTry, sexy Burlesque sTar diTa von Teese ChaTs wiTh us

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hoW do you like your role as Cointreau’s spokesperson?Well, I always knew that I would eventually team up with a spirit brand... it seemed obvious since I’m known for bathing in giant cocktail glasses. I had certainly been approached by many brands but Cointreau was the first that I felt had the kind of sophisticated approach that suited me.

hoW do you think burlesque has Changed sinCe you started?When I first started, there wasn’t much of a burlesque scene and I was more intent on creating shows based on books I’d read or movies I saw that depicted burlesque in the 1930s and 1940s. I made up in my mind what I thought it was from rare photos or VHS tapes I was able to get my hands on.

I watched a big shift where my audience has grown to be women from all walks of life, lots of gays, misfits, and eccentrics, but also people that would probably never be in a strip club.

Women are going to these shows and are gaining inspiration to see a show that represents different kinds of beauty, ethnicities and sizes. When burlesque was invented, it was predominantly for men.

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entertainment weekender.com.sgw PAGE 6 MArch 7 - 13, 2014

m o V i e P r e V i e w

juice up withSony EntErtainmEnt tElEviSion

Ladies, ever feLt you need recharging after a busy week? Perk uP and find out what’s in store for you from sony entertainment teLevision

This March, take a breather and quench your thirst with a complimentary

carton of juice, from Sony Entertainment Television (SET). SET is on SingTel mio TV Ch 320.

MEET THE HUNKSTo top it off, your refreshing drink will be served to you by the channel’s roving team of delectable and hunky ambassadors stationed at various locations across our island. Check out below where exactly to get that juice and while slurping up, check out all the latest TV hits on SET!

Much like the wonderful drink we will be serving you, we at SET believe the fun-loving and fearless ladies of Singapore deserve to indulge in great entertainment too.

A wicKEd LiNE-UPSET is well known for its brand of juicy and stylish entertainment programmes – sexy, chic and witty shows centred on fashion, lifestyle,

design, food, romance, and celebrity gossip.

Comprising first-run hits from the US, SET offers a tantalising line-up of shows across a select variety of popular genres.

These include compelling drama series such as “Nashville” starring Hayden Panettiere and Connie Britton, and “Drop Dead Diva” featuring Brooke Elliott; trendy and bold lifestyle reality shows like “Love Broker”, “The Millionaire Matchmaker” and “The Rachel Zoe Project”, along with inspiring and drool-worthy culinary competition hits like “Cupcake Wars” and “Top Chef”!

Coming to the channel is also an all-new medical drama “The Night Shift”.

wiN PRiZES!Oh, did we say there’s going to be SET’s 100% Photo-licious photo-contest with juicy prizes to be won too? Snap your most wicked pose with SET’s bus-stop shelter ads, our

hunky ambassadors giving away the juices, or just with our juice packs. The photo entry with the most votes wins a 50” Sony TV set!

Also, vote for your favourite photo and stand to win a Sony Nex 5D camera. Visit www.set-asia.com/promotions/photolicious to participate.

Meet the roving Sony Entertainment Television team at these venues for your juicy treats: • ToaPayohHub(7Mar,12–2pm&5–7pm)• JurongEastMRT(8Mar,12–2pm&5–7pm)• RafflesPlace(14Mar,12–2pm)• PlazaSingapura(14Mar,5–7pm)• OrchardRoad(15Mar,12–2pm&5–7pm)

SET’S HoT TV PicKS

Among the hit shows lined up by Sony Entertainment Television, here are three series you cannot afford to miss out on: “Nashville”, “The Millionaire Matchmaker” and “The Rachel Zoe Project”.

“Nashville” is a drama series which focuses on country musicartistesRaynaJaymes(ConnieBritton)andJulietteBarnes (Hayden Panettiere), the former a legend fast- fading and overshadowed by the latter, a rising star. Rivalry and conflict between the two come into play, and complicate matters.

Reality TV series “The Millionaire Matchmaker” is hosted by Patti Stanger, who owns a dating service called Millionaires Club and tries to match wealthy bachelors with single female dates. She is assisted by three others who sit on the panel of matchmakers. In each episode, two of her clients meet their dates.

Rachel Zoe, a celebrity stylist, goes under the spotlight in “The Rachel Zoe Project”, an American reality documentary series. Watch how she manages her tasks in dressing up the stars for red carpet events - amid an unexpected family emergency, tight schedules, and many other stressful situations.

Enjoy 50% off 3 months for Family+ Pack. Call 1609 to subscribe now! Terms & conditions apply. Offer ends Apr 5, 2014.

ExcLUSiVE SoNy ENTERTAiNMENT TELEViSioN JUicy offER

300: riSE of an EmpirE

wiLL this sequeL be as ePic as the first bLockbuster?

300: RiSE of an Empire is the long-awaited sequel to the 2006 blockbuster, 300. The original film depicted in spectacular fashion the legendary story of the 300 Spartans in ancient Greece, who

Filth: No Trainspottingthe adaPtation of irvine weLsh’s third noveL is no trainsPotting, but is it worth watching?

FilTh iS baSEd on the novel by acclaimed writer Irvine Welsh. The story deals with the dark underbelly of Edinburgh and the crimes and perversions of its denizens and the authorities who purportedly police them.

The story centres upon the bigoted and corrupt police detective,BruceRobertson(JamesMcAvoy of X-Men: First Class and Last King of Scotland), who’ll stop at nothing to put to bed the career aspirations of his colleagues, to come out on top.

NoN-SToP [PG13] This is Taken in the sky as evergreen action hero Liam Neeson returns in this suspense thriller played out at40,000feetintheair.

During a flight, US Air Marshal Bill Marks (Neeson) receives cryptic messages demanding that he instructs the airline to transfer

m o V i e P r e V i e w a l s o i n t h e a t r e s

gave their lives in attempt to halt the Persian Empire’s onslaught.

The original film was characterised by rich visual aesthetics and stylised action sequences [including lots of slow-mo action]. It’s a pity that macho man Gerard Butler, who portrayed noble King Leonidas so well, is not a part of this sequel.

ThE NEw Epic300: Rise of an Empire will cover events before, during and after the events depicted in the original film.

This sequel sees the return of Lena Headey as the strapping Queen Gorgo, David Wenham as Dilios and Rodrigo Santoro as Xerxes, the deified emperor. The gorgeous Eva Green (“Camelot” and Casino Royale) is a welcome addition.

What makes this more of an epic is that the battle spans land and sea. Sullivan Stapleton stars as Admiral Themistocles, upon whom the heaviest weight rests.

Like the first film, Rise of an Empire was based upon a graphic novel by Frank Miller, “Xerxes”. While this film is quite different from the first, it’s still of epic proportions and promises a good time. Rise to the glory!

300: RiSE of AN EMPiRE [M18]diREcToR: Noam MurroSTARRiNG: Lena Headey, Eva Green, Rodrigo Santoro &DavidWenhamGENRE: Action, Drama, WarRUN LENGTH: 103 minRELEASE: Mar 6

His debauchery, drug addiction and web of deceit threaten to derail his own aspirations, as well as his sanity.

No TRaiNSpoTTiNg FilthisdirectedbyJonSBaird,notDanny Boyle, so don’t expect the same treatment as Trainspotting. Welsh’s debut novel, Trainspotting, took the world by storm in 1993 and was turned into a wildly-popular film.

The story followed a group of heroin addicts and their lives and struggles. Ewan McGregor was much-loved as “Rent-boy” Renton.

Filth is less fun and its cast is notasstrong[RememberJonnyLee Miller as “Sick Boy” and Robert Carlyle as Begbie?].

Still, it is an eventful ride. Don’t be surprised that, by the end, you actually feel for the anti-hero, Robertson.

fiLTH [R21]diREcToR: JonSBairdSTARRiNG: JamesMcAvoy, ImogenPoots& JamieBellGENRE: Drama/CrimeRUN LENGTH:97minRELEASE: Mar 6

STARRiNG:LiamNeeson,JulianneMoore& Lupita Nyong’o GENRE: Action, ThrillerRELEASE: Feb28

LE wEEK-ENd [PG13]A married couple, Nick and Meg, revisit Paris to reignite their marriage.

Things don’t turn out as they had planned and the couple is forced to re-evaluate their situation and relationship.

KiLL yoUR dARLiNGS [R21] This is the untold murder story that brought together AllenGinsberg,JackKerouac and William Burroughs at Columbia Universityin1944,leadingto their Beat Revolution.

STARRiNG:JimBroadbent&LindsayDuncanGENRE: Drama, ComedyRELEASE: Mar 6

STARRiNG: Daniel Radcliffe, Michael C Hall, DaneDeHaan&ElizabethOlsen GENRE: Drama, ThrillerRELEASE: Mar 6

US$150 million into an off-shore account. Until he secures the money, a passenger will be killed every 20 minutes.

AlsostarsJulianneMooreandLupitaNyong’o, fresh from her Oscar win.

Can Themistocles and Greece halt the Persian onslaught?

JamesMcAvoyistheanti-heroRobertson

Nick&Megareinfor a surprise

Ginsberg, Kerouac, Burroughs& a murder

Neeson is back in action, in the air

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FOODMANIA weekeNDer.cOM.sgMarch 7 - 13, 2014w PaGE 8

ethnic eats

African Surprise

How many times have we heard our parents goad us into finishing the food on our plates as “there are children starving in Africa”?

Whether because of this or otherwise, little

do Singaporeans know that not everyone in Africa

is starving, and there is a wide variety of cuisines

from different parts of the great expanse of Africa.

Do you know that we have African cuisine available right here in Singapore? Here is a slightly updated list of a few good African restaurants that you can find in Singapore.

Why not try some African food this weekend?

3D HarmonyAttached to a guesthouse, 3D Harmony serves a range of food with a focus on African cuisine such as chicken plantains, egusi – a kind of melon seed popular in West Africa – with fish and pounded yams as well as jallof rice.

The egusi with fish is said to remind Singaporeans of hae bi hiam [chilli shrimp paste].8 Mayo Street, #01-01, Singapore 208308

PasHa restaurant & BarThis Moroccan restaurant is located on the rooftop of the whitewashed boutique hotel, The Sultan, in Kampong Glam. The restaurant has a mix of Berber, Arab, Mediterranean and Moorish influences with dishes such as couscous merguez, a couscous and lamb sausage dish, chicken tagine and fish shamoula kebab.64 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199940

Deli moroccan cuisineThis place on Bussorah Street is a little less refined than Pasha, but also serves typical Moroccan food such as a mezze platter with flat breads and hummus, lamb apricot tagine and a piping hot pot of Moroccan mint tea.

Be sure to tell them that you don’t want any sugar in it if you prefer it unsweetened.30 Bussorah Street, Singapore 199448

cafe le caireServing a mix of Middle Eastern food as well as Egyptian cuisine, the front may look hot and stuffy but ask the staff to lead you upstairs to the cool enclave at the back.

They serve a large range of mezze platters, shawarma and kebabs.39 Arab Street, Singapore 199736

We knoW you’ve had a long Week, so unWind and relax With crafted cocktails and bar bites

by cheryl chia

If you’ve ever wanted to incorporate fresh herbs from the garden into your food or drink, try the bites and cocktails at

Anti:Dote. Just opened in February, in

Fairmont Singapore hotel, the herbs come fresh from their roof-top garden. I’m not kidding you; they do have their own small garden growing herbs and spices on the roof.

I was told by the staff that “anything green you see is from the garden”.

Head craftsman Tom Hogan created all the potent potions you see on the menu, right down to its illustrations.

cure-all concoctions?All the cocktails have quirky names, such as Corpse Reviver #2, Death in the Gulf Stream and The Charlatan’s Cure-All. All cocktails are priced at $23++.

Tom brings a fresh perspective to the cocktail scene by using his own homemade bitters, tinctures and flavoured liqueurs. This movement is much established in the USA and is now an emerging trend in Singapore.

My favourite was the Tonic #1. Normally, I‘m not a fan of gin and tonic but I liked this one. With cinchona, bay leaf, fennel seed, grapefruit, smoked lapsang suchong and gin, the tartness of the grapefruit flavoured the cocktail perfectly.

If you are a fan of whisky sour, you might want to try the Le Liason featuring velvet falernum, Luxardo maraschino, egg white, lemon, winter bitters and Scotch. I’m not too keen on whisky

sour in general but Tom’s version changed my mind. The sprinkling of cinnamon powder on the top helped to add a delectable fragrance to the drink as well.

Apart from the thirst-quenching cocktails, the food is also not to be missed.

snacks incluDeDWorking closely with Tom is Carlos Montobbio, Head Chef of Anti:Dote, who creates European tapas with Asian influences at $8++ each.

I loved the Shigoku oysters with passion fruit jelly, cucumber and coriander cress. Briny oysters with sour-sweet passion fruit made it a perfect match for the Remedy cocktail with its mango component. They also have a caramelised foie gras and vinegar-glazed leeks on crisp puff pastry if you have a desire for something more decadent.

The smoked salmon krupuk with horseradish cream, pickled cucumber, mustard ice cream and caviar was a lovely mix of air-dried salmon skin with a hint of spice, sourness and a popping texture provided by the caviar.

Anti:Dote also has desserts, such as the Baked Chocolate Mousse with hazelnut praline with pear sorbet.

Great cocktails and great tapas might truly be the Anti:Dote for your week.

Anti:Dote, Fairmont Singapore, 80 Bras Basah Road, Level 1, Singapore 189560, Tel: 6431 5315

Shawarma is one of the most popular fast food dishes in Africa & the Middle East

Couscous with meatballs, merguez and brochettes

Caramelised Foie Gras & Crisp Puffed Pastry

Different tonic cocktails

l A s t c A l l

Now’s the time to Savourdon’t miss out on gastro-fest savour 2014; tickets are selling fast!

singapore’s largest food fest, Savour, returns with Michelin-starred chefs, award-winning restaurants and culinary activities.

Held over four days from Mar 6 to 9, the 2014 chef line-up comprises 3 Michelin-star chef Bruno Menard, Ryan Clift and Emmanuel Stroobant as well as celebrity chefs such as Michael Caines (2 Michelin stars) and Margot Janse (World’s 50 Best) as well as the new movers and shakers in the culinary world such as James Knappett (Bubbledogs) and Mark Sargeant (Rocksalt).

This year will see 20 restaurants over four days and over 50 signature dishes, from $6 to $18.

market VillageThe Savour event space will be re-designed to recreate a rustic village-feel, with the restaurants interspersed amidst feature bars, cafes, bakeries and dessert shops - all of which are purpose-built for the event.

The gourmet market also sees a revamp, where attendees can experience live filleting of large sea catches, over 100 variants of cheese as well as partake in an international selection of wines.

Savour 2014 is also held in conjunction with iLight Marina Bay 2014, the Sustainable Light Art Festival that will be held along the Marina Bay Waterfront, providing a beautiful backdrop for the gastro-fest.

Tickets are available from $45 on Sistic, with a spending credit of $30. Visit www.savour.sg for more information.

some of the most interesting ethnic food in toWn

Anti:Dotefor a long week

singapore reinforces its reputation as a food haven, even in fine dining

eigHt may be a lucky number in Chinese tradition but it turns out to be even more auspicious for the Singaporean culinary scene.

In the recently-announced list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, eight of them are from our island city.

The pride of Singapore in the list include Restaurant André in 6th place, Waku Ghin in 7th place, Iggy’s in 12th, Les Amis in 14th and Jaan in 17th. Restaurant André was also named The S.Pellegrino Best Restaurant in Singapore for the second consecutive year.

Chef-owner André Chiang also picked up the respected Chefs’ Choice Award, voted by his peers on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list.

eat your Way arounD asiaThe other top ten restaurants include Nahm (Bangkok) in 1st place, Narisawa (Tokyo) in 2nd place and Ultraviolet by Paul Pairet (Shanghai) in 8th place.

Other Singaporean establishments such as Tippling Club in 23rd, Shinji by Kanessaka in 35th, and Imperial Treasure Super Peking Duck in 40th also do us proud.

Singaporean pastry chef Janice Wong of 2am: dessertbar also won the award for

Asia’s Best Pastry Chef for the second consecutive year.

Visit www.theworlds50best.com/asia for the full list of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Japan goodies at Isetan Scottsuntil mar 10, seize the chance to get your hands on these Japanese speciality products

by cheryl chia

i love Japanese supermarkets. Why? Quite honestly, I love it for the sheer amount of samples they have at every counter. Until Mar 10, Isetan Scotts will be my new haunt.

The Japanese Central Federation of Societies of Commerce and Industry is introducing exclusive specialities made by small enterprises in Japan. Visitors can sample and purchase food, beauty and household products that are produced in areas such as Hokkaido, Tohoku, Kyushu, Osaka and Tokyo.

yummy JaPanThe 20 participating brands at the “New Arrivals from Japan” fair present a variety of products including assorted fish cakes from Otaru Takuyo, Kurobuta pork minced cutlet by Mitamura, polished white and brown rice from Joint Farm as well as premier knives by Okuzen.

The D-I-Y Akita Yamayo Ramen ($19) is good

j A pA N FA I r A l e r t Asia’s 50 Best: 8 restaurants in SG

for three people. The pre-packaged goods come with fresh ramen noodles, miso/soya sauce broth and even chashu. Of course, samples will be given out if you want a taste.

Not to be missed is the Assorted Braised Seafood ($7 for 100g) from Kumamoto. The squid with roe is my favourite of the lot. The pop of the roe encased within squid, combined with the sweet and smoky taste of the braise, makes this hard to beat. The braised octopus is not half bad as well.

Fans of the Japanese style of mochi will be pleased with the Honzukuri Warabimochi ($10.50 for 200g) from Osaka. The chewy rice cake is coated with soy bean powder, green tea, black sesame and cocoa. The mochi is incredibly soft and is not as sticky and oily as our local muah chee.

fresH Premium ProDuceApart from ready-made food, you can also buy Niigata Koshihikari Gold Gensenmai – polished white rice or brown rice ($86.80-$88 for 5kg) and Kanboshi Hotate ($28.50 for 100g) – dried scallops from Iwate.

The fair opened last week to much fanfare, with a rousing bout of taiko drumming and kagamiwari, where a barrel of sake is broken open. The fair ends on Mar 10, so do pay a visit and get your hands on some premium Japanese products.

Isetan Scotts, Shaw House, 350 Orchard Road, Singapore 238868

Jaan Chef de Cuisine Julien Royer

Assorted Braised Seafood

Kurobuta Pork Minced Cutlet

moroccan tagine with tender lamb, apricots and couscous

FOODMANIAPAGE 9 wweekeNDer.cOM.sg MArch 7 - 13, 2014

The Leopard The quainT bisTro sTreTch of Tras sTreeT welcomes The reTurn of GaTTapardo resTauranT

Until recently located in Fort Canning Hotel, Gattopardo, meaning “leopard” or “ocelot”,

makes its triumphant return to Tras Street.

This move, together with new inspiration from the sea, is a refreshing change for the restaurant and its patrons.

Once known as an Italian grill and pizza bar, Gattopardo introduces the concept of Ristorante di Mare, or “Restaurant of the Sea”, bringing to the menu Chef Lino Sauro’s roots of south Italian cooking.

“I am very excited to see the new face of our restaurant,” said Chef Lino, Executive Chef and Managing Director of Gattopardo.

“Seafood has always been the soul and life of south Italy. It is in our hands to preserve this way of life by using only sustainable seafood at Gattopardo. At the end of the day, even the smallest things we do make a big difference,” he said.

New Home for tHe LeopardThe new two-storey space can

hold up to 80 diners and there is a seafood counter located on the first floor, which will showcase the seafood offerings available at Gattapardo. The restaurant also sources its seafood from Friend of The Sea Sustainable Seafood-certified fisheries.The new seasonal menus

at Gattopardo will feature ingredients available in Italy, which

will be rotated. For the first seasonal menu of the year, diners can expect winter

ingredients such as the Busiate Trapanesi ($24), an artisanal spiral-shaped pasta dish served with toasted “trapani” almond pesto and tomato confit.

The Ravioli di Gambero Rosso e Tartufo Nero ($38) with homemade ravioli, red prawns and black truffles, and the Capesante e Ceci ($34), a Norwegian live scallop dish served with chickpea puree and broccoli rabes are also in the seasonal menu.

SigNature diSHeSLong-time customers of Gattopardo, don’t worry. Its signature dishes from the old menu are still available, such as the Risone Con Polipo Brasato e Midollo di Bue ($34), risone pasta with braised octopus and bone marrow, and the Zuppa di Pesce “Gattopardo” ($40), their seafood stew in a terracotta pot. These and more are still on the menu.

From Mar 4, Gattopardo is open on Sundays.

Gattopardo, 34/36 Tras Street, Singapore 079026. E-mail [email protected] for reservations.

resettles

Tartare di Manzo

Polipo

weekender.com.sgw PAGE 10 MArch 7 - 13, 2014

FOODMANIA / HEALTH & BEAUTYPAGE 11 wwEEkENDEr.cOM.sg MArch 7 - 13, 2014

The long and shorT of The beauTy indusTry

Beauty in Brief

iT’s going To be an amazing ride of food and fun in This brand new TV show on The asian food Channel!

The AmAzing Food ChAllenge

Chicken Adobo, Lechon, Sisig. Now, you might be wondering what on earth these words mean but you’re about to become

familiar with them real quick. These are dishes that are famous

in the Philippines and this brand new series, The Amazing Food Challenge: Fun in the Philippines, will showcase all of these and more.

The Prize & The CuisinesTen individuals from all over the world have been picked by Asian Food Channel to travel across the Philippines and to compete for US$50,000 worth of prizes.

Awaiting them is a set of tough physical and culinary challenges – from living with the indigenous natives to dishing up unfamiliar regional Filipino dishes.

Join host Sherson Lian and the ten talented individuals who have received this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to travel across the Philippines and to fight for the coveted prize.

Their first stop is Ilocos, the oldest surviving Spanish colonial city in the country. After a brief introduction by Sherson, the challengers are handed their first culinary challenge.

To truly understand the local flavours of Ilocos, they are tasked to replicate one of the region’s most popular street dishes. While it seems simple, the technique behind the dish is definitely

Sherson is the spirited host of The Amazing Food Challenge

LunasoL 15Th anniversaryLunasol commemorates its birthday with a limited edition 15th Anniversary Makeup Palette.

It features a special eye shadow set of six reproduced and existing popular beige colours: Microfinish Press Powder N, 15th Anniversary Cheeks blusher, High Stylized Mascara SV and 15th Anniversary Liquid Lips in Pink Beige.

rMK GLow sTiCKFinish your foundation

with the RMK Glow Stick. The faint pink hue blends

naturally into any skin tone to help create fresh,

dewy skin. Infused with royal jelly extract, the RMK Glow

Stick gives you glowing skin that lasts for hours.

sTriPLaC PeeL-off PoLishStriplac is the world’s only peel-off UV nail polish for home use. It comes in an array of 58 colours.

The entire set is selling at $219. Available in Sephora.

sunsiLK Leave-in CreaMsHair always tends to get frizzy in mid-day. Give your hair a much-needed boost with Sunsilk’s newly reformulated leave-in creams.

There is Smooth and

Which of the ten will win US$50,000 worth of prizes?

“Awaiting them is a set of tough

physical and culinary challenges – from

living with the indigenous natives

to dishing up unfamiliar regional

Filipino dishes.”

much trickier than one would think.At the end of the episode, one

challenger will be eliminated from The Amazing Food Challenge, a la Survivor style. Will the challenger you’re rooting for still remain?

The rebeLChef Rolando Laudico will be the acting judge of this new series. He is one of the most recognisable names in the culinary scene today. Well known in the Philippines as “The Rebel”, he has built a reputation as a force to be reckoned with.

Chef Laudico spent his first moments in the kitchen at age seven with his mother, who fostered his love for cooking from a young age. When he turned 24, Chef Laudico landed a job at the La Primavera restaurant, where he started from the bottom, washing dishes and helping in other forms of menial preparation work.

For Chef Laudico, the title “The Rebel” appropriately describes his passion for cooking. With every dish that he prepares, he keeps breaking the rules and pushing the boundaries of what is expected of his cuisine. He continuously fuses international and Filipino cuisine, which results in a surprising and delightful meal for patrons, each time.

With such an esteemed judge, as well as a dynamite host who is no culinary pushover, who will rise up to the challenge and become the first-ever winner of the Amazing Food Challenge?

Catch The Amazing Food Challenge: Fun in the Philippines exclusive world premiere on Mar 11, 9pm, only on Asian Food Channel, StarHub TV Ch 435.

Manageable Instant Smoothening Cream for straight hair, and Damage Reconstruction Instant Damage Reconstruction Cream.

fashion weekender.com.sgw PAGE 12 MArch 7 - 13, 2014

SnipsFashHere are stirrings in tHe fasHion world tHat you would want, need and love to know about

MAX MARAThe latest Max Mara collections showcase elegant and refined sunglasses and optical frames.

The Mm Doris features triangular details on both sides of the front of these exclusive acetate sunglasses, much like the Bauhaus-inspired leather inserts on the house’s new coats presented at their Autumn/Winter 2013/2014 show.

PUMASpring/Summer 2014 sees the return of Puma’s collaboration with British fashion house, Alexander McQueen.

Alexander McQueen Puma draws inspiration this season from football and terrace culture, where silhouettes are stolen from the pitch and colours are swiped from the players’ backs.

SACOOR BROTHERSInternational supermodel Irina Shayk fronts Portuguese brand Sacoor Brothers. The Spring/Summer 2014 line takes inspiration from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for a bossa nova touch to the collection.

BERSHKABershka’s Spring/Summer 2014 campaign, “Meet Me in Rio”, features colourful

and whimsical designs. Expect a mish-mash of

1990s cropped tops mixed with the high-waist shorts

from the 1950s. Personally, I have stopped shopping in brick-and-mortar stores as I tend to see the same

dress or shoes or bags on at least ten other women.

So, I turn to online stores for a quick fix. That is how I came across Femmoss.

Femmoss started in November last year. Says Joey, the founder, “Femmoss is the combination of Femme and Boss; a woman that is in control of her desires and one who loves to take the bull by the horns. She loves being a lady in those kickass heels!”

WEAR iT LiKE A BOSSFemmoss carries a line of ladies shoes ranging from flats to wedges to stilettos and even sandals, platforms and boots. Joey and her husband have 30 years of experience in the fashion world and they use their expertise in selecting their line of shoes and accessories.

The company procures

fa s h i o n a T a c L i c k

products directly from trusted manufacturers, wholesalers and designers around the globe, resulting in exclusive designs available only to Femmoss customers.

A pair of shoes costs from $20 to $60. Currently, the site showcases the season’s trend of studded shoes in bright colours, as seen in Valentino’s Spring/Summer 2014 range. The heels would not be out of place in an office setting too.

Femmoss also carries a line of bags in various styles such as clutches, totes, shoulder-bags and bucket bags.

UPdATE YOUR WARdROBE WiTH HiP idEAS“We aim to appeal to a wide range of women. From those

who’re dancing the night away in the hip and happening club to the stay-at-home mom that is in need of a girls’ night out,” says Joey.

“We would like to offer what they are searching for in current trends to break the norm of everyday life,” she says.

Femmoss also has plans to collaborate with other online stores and to add more items.

“It has always been our hope to offer more options to fashion-forward women in Singapore. We are distributing spectacular and trendy shoes to women who desire to step out of their comfort zone and conquer the shoe game one step at a time,” Joey adds.

www.femmoss.com

improve your wardrobe witH one-of-a-kind accessories from tHis local blog sHop

FeminineWilesat Femmoss

Femmoss carries flats, wedges, stilettos, platforms, boots, etc.

Femmoss procures products directly from trusted manufacturers, wholesalers and designers from around the globe

by cHeryl cHia

fashionPAGE 13 wweekender.com.sg MArch 7 - 13, 2014

Keep your eyes on the rise of the “brandaholics” – Asia’s most powerful bevy

AgeTHe Luxury

This decade, the demand for luxury has rocked Asia. In Tokyo, Japan, a whopping 94 per cent of women in their 20s own a

Louis Vuitton bag. The demand for luxury has “exploded”. In recent years, you must have seen high-school students strutting around in Prada heels, and subordinate staff flaunting their Gucci bags in the office.

Luxury brands have become a necessity for many Asians – cutting across a myriad of income levels. The demand for luxury brands have become so powerful that Asian consumers account for half of the US$80 billion lucrative global luxury industry.

a d V e r T o r i a L

THE SINGAPORE SCENEFor Singaporeans, shopping is a top pastime. Look around you – an estimated 80 per cent of the people you see own at least one designer piece. One of the key reasons for the swell in designer bag owners is none other than LovethatBag.

LovethatBag is a fine purveyor of luxury brands at up to 75 per cent off their price tags. The company has been making 100 per cent authentic luxury affordable to the masses since 2009. Leveraging on its contacts in Europe and the USA, the company passes on the savings to customers, and turns the dreams of many shoppers into a reality. Last year, LovethatBag’s sales revenue hit an extraordinary S$5.3 million, a marked increase from 2012’s S$4.1 million. The company’s popularity has skyrocketed in recent years, along with the soaring demand for luxury bags.

SNAKING QUEUESA LovethatBag event, usually held at a prestigious hotel, country club or exhibition hall, is a highly-anticipated affair that draws long, snaking queues of swooning “brandaholics”. Shoppers can expect to find close to 2,000 genuine branded pieces at up to 75 per cent off their retail price. Go crazy.

The prices at phenomenal LovethatBag events, more often than not, spark off a buying frenzy. The company has paved the way for many to own a luxury bag item. Now, the branded bag or wallet you’ve been eyeing and saving up for is within your reach – at a rock-bottom price.

Even designer bag accessories, such as bag organisers, base shapers, bag care products and bag shapers have ridden on the designer brand wave. These products make up a surprising 10 per cent of each LovethatBag event’s sales revenue.

“More people are owning designer items in recent years, and these people hunt for bag care products to enhance their experience and lengthen the life of their designer pieces too,” Mr Gianni, LovethatBag spokesperson, commented. LovethatBag is now Asia’s leading mass-sale luxury-label event company.

“There is no treat sweeter than adding a luxury piece to your collection. LovethatBag makes your dream a reality by making 100 per cent authentic luxury bags affordable,” Mr Gianni concluded.

Investors forecast that the demand for luxury brands will continue to rise this decade – now known as the Luxury Age.

So you are eyeing an overseas tertiary education after your A-Levels. Somewhere not too far away from Singapore, like perhaps in Australia or New Zealand. Why not make time to visit the education fair organised by IDP Education at Orchard Hotel this weekend?

FACT-FINDING TRIP No worries if you have not decided on the university of your choice or which faculty to go for. Turn the visit into a fact-finding career-bound mission. For example, you could check on your eligibility for your dream course, the qualifying exam and the fees, lodging options and other expenses.

This event will have a strong presence of academics from the Medicine, Law and Health Science faculties to

impart course information.Courses from the Health

Science faculty include food science and nutrition, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, among others. While at the fair, you might want to attend the topical seminars covering these courses.

SO MUCH INFORMATIONAcademics and admissions staff from more than 20 universities in Australia and New Zealand will be on hand to answer your questions. Officers from MOH Holdings will also be present to discuss with interested participants on the scholarship opportunities available. Visitors keen on other areas of tertiary study (the arts, engineering, business) are welcome to attend.

This is your chance to ask anything and everything you

have always wanted to know about the experience of an overseas education.

For all you know, attending this fair could well lead your study plan to fruition, and be the start of bigger things to come!

NoTe: The application fee for most courses will be waived (Medicine & Dentistry excluded). Please bring along your original educational certificates and transcripts.

Visit www.singapore.idp.com for more.

Kick-start your study plan

Calling a-level graduates! Make a date with your friends to visit this overseas eduCation fair on degree Courses

Is your chIld’s photographIc genIus

in this three-part series, we explore how your Child Can grow his or her artistiC ability with photography. guinevere sofer shares soMe possibilities

Within each child exists a multitude of hidden talents

waiting to germinate, given the right conditions.

For example, could Mozart have been a musical genius if he didn’t have musical instruments or a conducive environment?

What about Picasso? What if he was deprived of brushes and paint at an early age?

ARe YOU DOING eNOUGH TO FOSTeR YOUR CHIlD’S CReATIvITY?It’s true. Singaporean parents may be too focused on the ‘hard’ knowledge, such as maths and sciences, and not enough on the ‘soft’ knowledge, such as creativity, when educating their kids.

There are many valid reasons why creativity takes a back seat. Painting, for instance, is messy for kids, and music requires years of expensive classes.

But there is a very common activity which is affordable and accessible even for kids – digital photography.

eASIeR THAN eveR TO eNCOURAGe CReATIvITYUnlike in the past, when photography required film, messy chemical processing and expensive printing, the advent of digital photography has made these difficulties

extinct. Now, photo-taking is easier than ever.

Even though photo-taking and cameras are now commonplace, the art of photography remains a serious yet approachable modern art form. That’s good for parents who want their kids to develop their creative instincts.

The art helps your child to become more observant, develop composition, understand aesthetics, and master his/her tools. Furthermore, it gives their brains a vacation from the daily ‘hard’ education.

BeGIN wITH THe RIGHT eqUIPMeNTNo, your child doesn’t need an expensive camera to start. A simple $149 Compact Digital Camera such as the Canon Powershot A2500 is a great starter camera for kids aged three to eight years old. For pre-teens, a more ‘serious’ model, such as the Canon Powershot G16, is ideal with its Wi-Fi capabilities.

Both cameras are compact in size, which means they will be more comfortable in smaller children’s hands and fingers. Their convenience allows them to be carried wherever the young ones go. The cameras are durable and have many adjustable features that are found in expensive DSLRs.

If I had to add one more item to the kit, it would be a small tripod (less than $80). Almost all the best images in the world are taken with these two pieces of equipment – a camera and tripod.

Now your kids are ready to take thousands of pictures, and without costing a bomb!

In next week’s article, we will talk about the right environment for your child’s creativity to flourish.

concealed? Even the playground can inspire your kid’s creativity

Start your child young and unleash the genius

PART 1 OF 3

ANSWERS TO SPOT THE DIFFERENCE:

See PAGe 2 FOR qUeSTION

Photo a

Generally, a phone cam “zooms in” by cropping into the digital file. But the results are terrible – patchy and pixelated, as in Photo B.

Photo A, on the other hand, was taken with a Compact

Digital Camera - the Canon Powershot G16, which uses the glass lenses to magnify the image before it is recorded onto the sensor.

This provides a clearer and cleaner image.

WEEkENDER.COm.SgW PAGE 14 MArch 7 - 13, 2014TECH / FAmIly & FRIENDSP

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wweekender.com.sg march 7 - 13, 2014 PaGE 15

weekender.com.sgw PAGE 16 MArch 7 - 13, 2014home

Article first published in

Lookbox Living #32, Jul/Aug 2013

home design by Home Furnishing Renovation

photogrAphy by Justin Loh & Home Furnishing Renovation

h o m e m A k e o V e r T I P s

Trendsetting bathrooms

by Janice Seow

a bathroom fittingS induStry SpecialiSt revealS Some upcoming trendS

As the GlobAl Senior Vice President of Design at Grohe, Paul Flowers has led the German sanitary fittings company to win numerous accolades, including 15 red dot awards.

Under Flowers’ creative lead, Grohe products are today known not just for their technology, quality and sustainability but importantly, for giving users an enjoyable experience with water.

trends to WAtchFlowers shares with us five key trends in the bathroom industry:

1. The personal spa: People are taking the benefits of the spa, and bringing them into their bathrooms.2. Going digital: Ecology is a big trend and these days, digital bathroom products help users to have a better shower experience with less water consumption. For example,

Kelvin Yeo claims that he’s not a very creative person. Despite his modest confession, the homeowner of this 4-room HDB flat had a clear vision of how his dream home would look like. Kelvin, his wife Anna and their

young son, Lucas, moved into their new home several months ago and, by picking the right interior designer, successfully brought his dream home to life.

“Kelvin was really easy to work with,” says interior designer Kalyn Guo from Home Furnishing Renovation. Kalyn was responsible for collecting and organising the many ideas that the homeowners had. She incorporated creative suggestions from Kelvin and Anna, and created a practical and functional home.

“It has a raw industrial look, with exposed materials and surfaces,” Kalyn says of the design. “I also presented a lot of textures in this home.”

big on spAceOne of Kelvin’s requests was for a home that is “visually free and open”. The challenge, of course, is the fact that this is a typical 990-sq ft HDB home. To achieve the sense of spaciousness that Kelvin wanted, walls were torn down and rooms were combined. Kalyn even absorbed the yard area into the kitchen to create a

there are features that allow you to set the temperature so you don’t have to waste time (and water) each morning trying to get it perfect.3. Pastel accent: Companies are increasingly introducing neutral shades into the bathroom on elements

such as showerheads and soft furnishings such as towels.4. The 3-D effect: Patterns on tiles are coming out in relief, a trend that’s also seen in furniture.5. More room: Architects and designers are affording the bathroom more space. Consumers are demanding it as they start to realise that properties with impressive bathrooms sell better.

“My bathroom at home has RGB lighting and an iPad embedded in

the wall so I can listen to spa music and watch a movie if I want to. It

also has surround sound speakers above the bathtub.”

– Paul Flowers, on his own bathroom

The enlarged and sparsely- furnished master bedroom offers versatility in use. (Rug from Ikea, bed linen from Aussino, square cushion from Galanga Living)

Raw materials infuse the setting with a homely vibe. (Zebra cushion from The Wright Gift; pink

owl cushion, clear glass bowl and vase from Ikea)

Kitchen cabinets with metal racks visually lighten the space

The bedroom divider made of wire glass and black steel. This partition creates a long corridor that leads into the sleep area, separating the bed from the en suite bathroom.

Eco-friendly showerRoomy bathroom

bigger, more comfortable space. Apart from the newly-freed visual spaciousness, the

homeowners also wanted a functional home. Kalyn responded by ensuring that everything in the apartment has a practical purpose. This ranges from the metallic chalkboard where the owners can leave notes for each other, to the craftstone brick wall that adds a rough texture and subtle colours to the home.

form With functionEvery material and furniture choice has been thought through – even the use of grey walls that can be found throughout the home. Kalyn shares that to achieve the texture and rawness of these walls, she had to apply multiple layers of plaster.

“It was one of the biggest challenges,” she admits. Plaster was used to create an interesting surface with visible markings and deliberately uneven surfaces – the perfect complement to the industrial look.

The bedroom is another example of how the designer juggled form with function. The double-volume bedroom – the result of merging two rooms into one – has a glass partition that separates the sleeping area from the attached bathroom. Kalyn custom built this translucent divider using a wrought-iron frame and wire glass.

“The homeowner was very clear with what he wanted, and that smoothened the work process,” Kalyn shares. Kelvin was just as impressed, emphasising the importance of picking the right interior designer to realise his dream home.

design highlights

• Everythingintheapartmenthasapracticalpurpose–from the metallic chalkboard to the craftstone brick wall that adds a rough texture and subtle colours to the home.• Plasterwasusedtocreateaninterestingsurfacewithvisible markings and deliberately uneven surfaces – the perfect complement to the industrial look.• Toachievethesenseofspaciousnessthatthehomeowner wanted, walls were torn down and rooms were combined.• Becauseofthedepthoftheshoecabinet,thedesigners installed pull-out drawers for easy access to shoes that are deeper in the cabinet.• Bykeepingdarkcoloursonthewalls,floorandtheexposed plumbing, the bathroom has a cool and understated vibe. • Afull-wallclosetdoesn’ttakeupasmuchspaceasawalk-in wardrobe. It also benefits from natural lighting.

A snAzzy look

lookbox living takeS a cloSer look at how a dream home with an offbeat Setting becomeS a reality through the clever uSe of raw materialS

by redzman rahmat

TRAVELATIONPAGE 17 wwEEkENdER.cOm.sg MArch 7 - 13, 2014

Sabah could well be your next deStination

for a paragliding Stint. itS premier flying

SiteS and enchanting landScape are in your

favour

SabahParagliding for starters

Soaring high above the land, you feel the breeze against your face. You manoeuvre your flight smoothly like an eagle.

Experienced paragliders have attained an altitude of 4,500m (yes, higher than Mt Kinabalu!) and fly over hundreds of kilometres – without a need for an aircraft propeller to lift you and no puttering of an engine behind your back! That’s paragliding for you.

learning tHe roPesBefore anything else, go for a health check. Can you stomach the exposure to wind and altitude?

This lightweight free-form aerial sport - a cross between parachuting and hang-gliding - appeals to the young and adventurous.

Like parachuting and hang-gliding, this aerial sport also carries some risk, so it is important to follow safety rules and precautions. Also, check the weather forecast. Know the prevailing wind directions and speed. Beginners can fly in tandem, with an experienced flying partner in the lead.

tHe Kit, Cost & trainingA brand new paragliding kit probably costs around $4,500, minus the peripherals. If that’s beyond your budget, go for a pre-owned set. One big plus is that the kit is portable and it’s possible to pack it all in a rug sack.

Next, enrol for a beginner’s course at a club or join an association (see below). The mentor has to be reliable and committed, of course. After a week of ground lessons, you’re all set to take your maiden flight!

Once up in the air, you probably become less apprehensive and ride out the inherent fear, especially if you spot a couple of winged species in mid-air… beside you!

Please visit The Paragliders Association Singapore website at www.paragliders.sg for more details.

Whether seasoned or amateur, paragliders are always on the lookout for new

destinations and fresh challenges. Sabah, for one, has spectacular sites and a terrain that favour the aerial sport. Small wonder that interest in paragliding has caught on in the eastern state of Malaysia during the last four years!

sHoWstoPPersThe number of Sabah’s regional and world paragliding events has also risen steadily, one of which is next week’s 2nd FAI Asian Paragliding Accuracy Championship (Mar 12 to 14) at Kampong Lohan in Ranau. Another premier event is the annual Kokol International Paragliding Race. These sporting activities in Sabah are also part of the highlights in Visit Malaysia Year 2014.

As an aspiring paraglider, you should consider flying site Bukit Kokol, less than an hour away from Kota Kinabalu. Here, you can experience soaring, thermal gliding, cross-country piloting and endurance, thanks to its ideal location. Another prime site is

Soar high inKampong Lohan in Ranau, in the Central Uplands. Other good spots are in Sandakan and Tamparuli.

ideal sPotsFrom the Central Uplands, where Mt Kinabalu (4,059m) towers over the land, the terrain slopes down sideways, towards the east and west coasts of the land. If you come to Sabah for your paragliding adventure, think about combining it with a climb up Mt Kinabalu (choose between a 2D-1N or 3D-2N climb and the several mountain lodging options that are available).

So, get your bearings right, set yourself free and head for The Land Below the Wind.

For more information or enquiries, log on to www.tourismmalaysia.gov.my or contact Visit Malaysia Year 2014 Secretariat at 03-8891 7000.

There are several options for paragliding in Sabah

New Flights & BytesKlM – dreaM CatCHer KLM has launched a novel full-service solution that connects search and review global services for tailor-made travelling.

KLM Dream Catcher (www.klmdreamcatcher.com) sorts data from 12 global services such as Trip Advisor, Yelp.com, Google, Wikipedia, Facebook, YouTube, Muselia, Last FM and Flickr, and allows travellers to prepare their trip based on thousands of reviews.

Type in a destination you’re interested in, choose a time period, and Dream Catcher populates your request, from weather and events to the best travel tips the Internet has: reviews and ratings for hotels, restaurants, entertainment, shopping, etc.

Qatar airWays – fligHt ProMos & neW 787In line with NATAS Travel 2014, Qatar Airways is offering Singapore travellers up to 40 per cent off Economy Class and Premium cabin fare.

This deal is applicable to various destinations in the Middle East, Europe, Africa and the Americas. For European destinations, prices start from as low as $948 to Paris.

The sale ends on Mar 7, at 2359h, and the travel validity is until Jun 30. Commencing Mar 31, Qatar Airways will also be operating a Boeing 787 Dreamliner alongside its existing fleet on its Singapore-Doha route. A Qatar Airways 787 aircraft was on display at the Singapore Airshow.

Starting Jun 17, Air France will operate three additional flights between Charles de Gaulle, Paris, and Singapore. This increases the frequency to ten flights per week and helps cater to the summer demand.

From Mar 31, the daily Air France flight to Singapore will also serve Jakarta, as a continuation.

5 Spectacular mountain getawaysbreathtaking SightS abound from the higheSt peakS. theSe getawayS with Spectacular Scenery are true retreatS

BEACH GETAWAYS, SPA retreats and back-to-nature tours. You may have done them all. Why not go on a holiday of a different kind with a trip to a splendid mountainous resort or guesthouse?

Even if skiing or snowboarding is not your thing, the spectacular scenery and fresh air will not only be a welcome change but thoroughly reinvigorate you. Nonetheless, to be safe, do consult your doctor on what your health permits, and what to do in case of altitude sickness.

Here are six jaw-dropping veritable mountainous getaways that you should consider when planning your next holiday.

KiMaMaya BoutiQue Hotel, HoKKaido, JaPanThis boutique hotel in Niseko was opened by French and Norwegian men, resulting in a Nordic-looking resort. The Kimamaya Boutique Hotel in Hokkaido is one of Japan’s popular ski lodges.

The nine-room lodge is Zen-like with three types of pillows, timber wood floors and granite bathrooms, and a stone and oak onsen (thermal bath) for you to have a relaxing soak. Visit www.designhotels.com/hotels/japan/niseko-hokkaido/kimamaya-boutique-hotel

st regis lHasa resort, tiBetFor an unobstructed view of the Potala Palace and the surrounding Himalayan mountains, St Regis Lhasa Resort in Tibet’s Golden Energy Pool would be a good place to soak and take it all in.

Neighbouring attractions include Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street and Norbulinka. You can even get a guided tour of Mount Everest, if you wish. Visit www.starwoodhotels.com/stregis/index.html

WildfloWer Hall, sHiMla, indiaLocated 2,514m above the Himalayas, the Wildflower Hall is a luxury resort surrounded by 22 acres of virgin woods of pine and cedar. This magnificent edifice takes you back to the colonial era with its décor, to really soak in the beauty of the Himalayas.

Among the delightful facilities is the outdoor infinity whirl pool. Need we say more?

Activities such as white river rafting, trekking and mountain biking are also available.Visit www.oberoihotels.com/oberoi_wildflowerhall

New Air France Business

AirAsia announced two new direct routes from Singapore to Kuala Terengganu and Kota Bharu in Malaysia. As gateways to the Redang and Perhentian Islands, the new direct flights are easier ways to reach the popular beach getaways.

Direct flights to Kota Bharu will commence from Apr 21 and direct flights to Kuala Terengganu will commence from Apr 22. AirAsia operates four times weekly from Singapore to Kota Bharu, and three times weekly to Kuala Terengganu.

Jetstar – neW fligHt to fuKuoKaJetstar has launched new daily low-fare services between Singapore and Fukuoka, Japan, via Bangkok. The flights to Japan’s sixth largest city will begin from Jun 26.

Fukuoka, in Kyushu, the third largest island in Japan, will become the third international Japanese city for Jetstar, joining Tokyo and Osaka.

Jetstar Asia currently flies to Japan twice daily with its Singapore-Taipei-Osaka service and four times weekly with its Singapore-Manila-Osaka service.

fairMont treMBlant, QueBeC, CanadaLying at the bottom of the Laurentian Mountains in French Canada, Quebec, is the Fairmont Tremblant resort. Depending on the season, the breathtaking views around the resort change as well.

Autumn reveals vibrant red leaves while winter shows off beautiful snow-covered peaks. Visit www.fairmont.com/tremblant

altaPura, Val tHorens, franCeRadiating the opulent and bourgeois art de vivre of the after-ski, the five-star Altapura is situated in the three valleys, the largest ski area in the world, which attracts many socialites and rich people.

The resort is also technologically-advanced as iPhones or iPads can be used to control the facilities in the room. If you don’t ski, you can relax in the resort’s spa and let your stress melt away.Visit www.altapura.fr

air franCe – More fligHts to Paris

airasia – neW fligHts to Kuala terengganu & Kota BHaruP

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