Weekender #111

weekender.com.sg

FREEPAPER

PAGE

11

WK111A/MCI(P)119/08/2014

PAGE

06

ISSUE 111 DECEmbEr 12 - 18, 2014

7 TOPTURKEY FEASTS & whERE TO gET ThEm

7 TOPTURKEY FEASTS & whERE TO gET ThEm

PAGE

14

AN AlexANdre Christie2445-BFBtrsl wAtCh

worth $200

to Be woN!

PAGE

17

PAGE

09

In search of the northern LIghts

Travel wiTh shareen

sTar of The week

Zhang ZIyI on Love and the crossIng

Man U vs LIverPooL: whIch red Is better?

EntErtainmEntWDECEMBER 12 - 18, 2014

christmas

To find ouT more acTiviTies and

promoTions on senTosa, scan here

senTosa pLaYcaTionUntil 4 Jan 2015, 11am–9.30pm, FREE admissionCome down for a host of fun-filled activities that is bursting with the widest variety of Giant Inflatables, a spectacular Symphony of Lights show and celebrate the season with great music and succulent grills at Grill N’Chill. Merlion Plaza, Beach Plaza & Palawan Beach

chrisTmas JoY – sanTaviLLe viLLage21, 25 & 26 Dec, 10am–9.30pm$25/child (accompanying adults enter for free)Ho Ho Ho! This Christmas, Santa and his jolly elves warmly open their village for everyone to share in the season of giving.

Bake gingerbread cookies, take a picture with a balloon sleigh and make your own snowman at Santaville! There’s lots of activities for the whole family! Port of Lost Wonder, Palawan Beach

chrisTmas feasTs Spuds & Aprons, Faber Peak 1–31 DecJoin our playful, apron-clad crew and enjoy festive-inspired 3-course set lunch and 4-course set dinner menus from $32++ per person! Call 6377 9688 or visit www.faberpeaksingapore.com to book.

The Knolls, Capella Singapore1–23 & 26–31 Dec, 12.30pm–2.30pm & 6.30pm–10pmOffering fresh Mediterranean dishes and traditional favourites, including a Slow-Cooked Turkey Breast with Christmas Crumble.

Shangri-la’s Rasa Sentosa Resort & Spa24 Dec, 6pm–10pmA 78-metre spread brimming with over 100 dishes for a mouth-watering Christmas. Call 6371 1966 or E-mail: [email protected] for reservations.

Movenpick Heritage Hotel24 & 25 DecCelebrate “Swissmas” at our restaurants where we bring you Swiss specialities for Christmas on this joyous occasion. E-mail: [email protected] for more info.

FUN @ SENTOSA

1 ZoukouT 2014 12-13 Dec, from $118The best beach festival in Asia returns this year! With acts like trance trio Above & Beyond, Swedish

EDM staple Steve Angello, Dutchman Nicky Romero as well as superstar DJ Steve Aoki, you’d be sure not to want to miss this dance music festival.Siloso Beach, 51 Imbiah Walk, zoukout.com

2 free! BookfesT@singapore 201412-21 Dec, 12pm-10pm (12 Dec), 10am-10pm

(13-21 Dec)Popular’s annual mega book and stationery event is coming back this year! The festival will feature new book and product releases, educational talks and appearances by local and overseas authors as well as guest celebrities such as Dato Chef Wan with his first Malay cookbook, 400 Resipi Terbaik.Suntec Singapore Halls 401-405, www.bookfestsingapore.com

3 The independenT markeT16-24 Dec, 10am-10pm

Small business is big business in a scene of chain stores and big brands. Introducing The Independent Market – a unique Christmas market at Vivocity featuring seven independent labels and stores, including BooksActually, MATCH and mt masking tape.Vivocity Level 1

FEAST, pArTy, plAy, ShOp & SAvE ThE ANimAlS!

Top 5 evenTs This weekend

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

chrisTmas aT changi airporTUntil 5 JanThis Christmas, Disney magic will welcome travellers and visitors as Changi Airport transforms into a winter wonderland, bringing yuletide festivities to life. With captivating country-themed decorations, Christmas freebies and fun-filled activities and performances, be sure to soak in the Christmas atmosphere in Changi Airport!Changi Airport, www.changiairport.com

chrisTmas wonderLand @ gardens BY The BaYUntil 1 JanFeaturing a myriad of firsts, visitors can look forward to a host of exciting programmes

throughout the Gardens – from festive-themed acts and performances, Christmas treats and gifts, to winter escapades complete with the cold and ‘snow’.Gardens By The Bay, gardensbythebay.christmaswonderland.sg

amk huB sweeT season of giving

Until 28 DecAMK Hub presents the sweet season of giving this Christmas! Shoppers can look forward to a Candy Luscious X’mas experience at AMK Hub! A world of fantasy awaits as

shoppers will be transported to a land of delectable treats.AMK Hub, 53 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 3

arTisTs’ nighT ouT – X’mas ediTion13 Dec, 5pm-10pmCome celebrate this festive season at Artists’ Night Out! Feast your senses on a myriad of activities – carolling, performances, interactive installations and an Artist Market, where you can gift your loved ones with unique, handmade crafts for Christmas.Dhoby Ghaut Green

aLL Things BrighT & BeauTifuL13 Dec, 7.30pm-9.30pm, from $25This December, embrace the festive spirit with “All Things Bright & Beautiful”, a choral concert by the Singapore Lyric Opera Children’s Choir and friends. Come gather, celebrate and enjoy being in the familiar warmth of family and friendship.Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive, www.singaporeopera.com.sg

5 BTs episode ii: The red BuLLeT 13 Dec, 7.30pm, from $108

As part of their first ever Asian tour, BTS will be performing here for one night only. Be prepared for a concert which promises high energy, exciting dance routines and an adrenaline pumping experience with BTS.The Star Theatre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, www.sistic.com.sg

4 goddess purrZaar fesTive markeT 14 Dec, 11am-6pmAll cat lovers, heads up!

Herald in a time of festive celebration at the Goddess Purrzaar market, where Cats of the World Purrzaar collaborates with Goddess Marketplace to bring you the very best of all things magical, feline-inspired and sacred. Over 34 vendors are gathered together to offer a multi-dimensional pop-up experience.Kilo, 66 Kampong Bugis, #02-01

weekender.com.sg

THREE EASY WAYS TO ENTER:

Look for pinned post on our Facebook page:

facebook.com/weekendersgp and follow the instructions

Visit contest page to enter contest:

weekender.com.sg/silosobeachparty

SMS to 85026567

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

ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASE.CLOSING DATE: 24 DEC 2014[1 question per week]

Good Luck!

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

SILOSO BEACH PARTY31 Dec, 6pm-6amLooking forward to the biggest countdown party of the year? The Siloso Beach Party is the place to be! With 12 hours of non-stop party hits, and your favourite drinks at the bar, what better way is there to welcome 2015?

Party 2014 away and celebrate late and into the first day of the New Year! Weekender is giving away a pair of passes per week to this exciting event! All you have to do is answer the question correctly, and you could be celebrating New Year’s Eve at this smashing countdown party!

Siloso Beach, Sentosa www.silosobeachparty.com

A PAIR Of PASSESWORTH $136 (PER PAIR)

TO BE WOnPER WEEk

QUESTIOn: Name the international DJ who has been voted to be in DJ Mag’s Top 100 DJs for three years in a row, and who will be spinning at the Main Arena. Scan the QR code for the answer!

Dine & celebrate at the PeakTake your Christmas and New Year’s Eve celebrations to greater heights with Faber Peak Singapore’s unique packages

Are you dreaming of a perfect Christmas celebration? Look no further – Mount Faber’s got you covered.

For this Christmas and holiday season, Faber Peak Singapore has a fantastic line-up for guests to make merry.

Located at the pinnacle of Mount Faber, Faber Peak Singapore is possibly the best location to throw a party. From dining in style at the peak to enjoying an exclusive get-together in a private cable car ride, their exciting offerings will suit your every fancy.

A fAnTASTIC CABLE CAR RIdEFor a limited time only, Faber Peak has whipped up a unique Festive Sky Dining menu especially for revellers this December. Feast on a delicious four-course meal with your partner in a romantic cabin, as you glide past the shimmering city skyline.

The Festive Sky Dining menu features exquisite dishes such as terrine of citrus smoked salmon, almond-crusted halibut, and a delectable Christmas must-have: gingerbread topped with Tennessee bourbon white sauce.

The party continues on New Year’s Eve, when Faber Peak is offering a special Celebration Cabin package for groups of six. Count down to the New Year in your own private cable car, stocked full with hearty helpings of food, wine, and good company, and watch the celebratory fireworks set off in the night!

ALL-TImE HIgHBack on Mount Faber, a series of delightful menus await at Spuds & Aprons and Faber Bistro. Their Christmas-inspired lunch and dinner meals will get you into the festive mood in no time.

Tuck into the delectable pan-seared Norwegian salmon of Spuds & Aprons’ Festive Set Lunch, and top it off later in the evening with the Festive Set Dinner’s lip-smacking pistachio and amaretto chocolate cream.

Or chow down on a generous serving of US turkey served with fruity stuffing and parsnip potato puree, offered in Faber Bistro’s Christmas Eve Set Menu. Tempted already?

dECk THE SLOPESOf course, what’s Christmas without a little light-up? Visit Faber Peak Singapore and you’ll get to snap away as the mountain bursts into a kaleidoscope of festive colours! You can also go hunting for some deliciously-colourful trees.

The best way to enjoy this view is, of course, from the cable car cabin itself, where you can take in the full splendour of Mount Faber’s decorations against the HarbourFront skyline.

All these extra-special treats are lined up in conjunction with the Singapore Cable Car 40th Anniversary Celebration, ensuring an unforgettable experience for you. So, hurry and make your reservations now! Pre-book at www.faberpeaksingapore.com to guarantee a wonderful celebration or call 6377 9688 for more.

PACkAgE RATES

SPUdS & APROnS (1-31 dEC)Three-Course Festive Set Lunch @ $32++ per pax

Four-Course Festive Set Dinner @ $80++ per pax

31 Dec, after 9.30 pm: Joyful Countdown at The Garden with 2 house pours @ $38++ per pax

fESTIvE dInnER SET AT fABER BISTRO (24 & 31 dEC)Four-Course Festive Dinner set @ $88++ per pax

SkY dInIng (1-31 dEC)Regular: Four-Course Festive Sky Dining Menu @ $256++ per couple

24 & 31 Dec: Four-Course Festive Sky Dining Menu @ $320++ per couple CELEBRATIOn CABIn (31 dEC)Countdown in the sky @ $488++ per cabinOnly 30 cabins up for grabs!

Faber Bistro NYE Set Menu Glazed Garlic Atlantic Cod

Singapore International Film Festival (SGIFF)

18 – EIgHTEEn nOIR [TBA]Dong-do, a teenager with a penchant for watching violent films, finds himself assimilating into a rebellious high school gang. However, when one of its members

starts to view him as a romantic rival for the affections of Yeon Hee, he is overwhelmed.

In this charming character study of disaffected youth, director Han Yun-sun sheds light on the complexities of growing up and belonging. The film shifts gear as emotions spiral, revealing the sometimes deadly serious alliances and betrayals that exists in teenage subculture.STARRIng: Lee Jae-eung & Kim Gwang-supgEnRE: DramaRELEASE: 13 Dec

kAmI HISTERIA [Pg13]What will people do for fame? Searching for their big break, the girls of the band Histeria embark on a new chapter of their lives with dreams of having their music recognised.

Having declared independence, they move into an old and shabby flat, only to find the struggles of daily life a complete bore. An accidental occurrence leads them to a langsuir (female demon), which offers a shortcut to fame. What happens next?STARRIng: Umi Omar & Nad ZainalgEnRE: HorrorRELEASE: 13 Dec

LAng TOng [TBA]Zach, a serial womaniser and con man, meets his match in Li Ling, an alluring woman who makes a wicked bowl of pork rib

soup. Things take an unexpected turn when Zach meets her younger sister, the gorgeous Li Er.

Zach turns his lecherous attentions towards her, and they begin an affair. Li Er convinces Zach to execute a heinous plot to murder her older sister, whom she blames for causing her mother’s death. However, things are not as simple as they seem.

This film has been getting a lot of buzz online for nudity of a Singaporean actress.STARRIng: William Lawandi, Vivienne Tseng & Angeline YapgEnRE: DramaRELEASE: 13 Dec [SOLD OUT]

fORmA [TBA]Ayako bumps into her former classmate Yukari and offers her a job with better prospects. Yukari accepts but is surprised to find herself reporting

to Ayako, who suddenly makes her life miserable. STARRIng: Emiko Matsuoka, Ken Mitsuishi & Ryo NishiharagEnRE: HorrorRELEASE: 14 Dec

Visit sgiff.com for other films.


CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Weekender Group Pte Ltd71 Ubi Road 1, #06-37, Oxley BizHub 1, S408732 , Tel: +65 6493 2001 E-mail: [email protected]# 201212438E MCI (P) 119/08/2014

WEEKENDER

Editorial DirectorFrank [email protected]

Editor Lester J Wan

Art Director Sabrina Cao Designer Zoe Lai Writers Nicole Lee Pamela Chow DistributionLawrence Tan

Interns Eu Shuqi Alison Chu

Contributors Igert le Roux Victoria Shareen Wong

Sales Director David Phey Advisor James Yip Head of Sales Karin Ng [email protected]

Team Leads Erwin Lim [email protected]

Jonathan Go [email protected]

Team Members Syarila Zainal Leonard Low Anabel Chin CoordinatorRiki Zou

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 in-cluding 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 re-spective 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, broad-cast or transmitted in any way without first obtaining our written permission or that of the copyright owner. Information accurate at time of writing.

www.facebook.com/weekendersgp www.weekender.com.sg

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

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 ISlAND-WIDEFor actual locations, visit our website

familyFREE! U CaRE BaCk to SChool FaiR 2014 – WhERE StoRiES ComE alivE12-14 Dec, 10am-8pmThe annual U Care Back to School Fair returns to nurture the love for book reading and prepare both parents and children alike for the upcoming school year with activities for families to bond and learn together.The Plaza, National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street, www.ntuc.org.sg/btsfair

ChRiStmaS StoRiES at ikEa

13-14 Dec, 1.30pm-5pm, first come first servedHead down to the IKEA Tampines store to watch soft toy heroes come to life in original stories as told by local DJs, authors and writers!Ikea Tampines, www.ikea.sg

WipE oUt animal CRUElty aCRES ChaRity CaRWaSh 14 Dec, 10am-5pmHelp to wipe out animal cruelty and to raise funds that will go to animal concerns research and education. Come for the ACRES (Animal Concerns Research & Education Society) Charity Carwash to do your part. The Grandstand, Carpark D, 200 Turf Club Rd, www.acres.org.sg

opUS 2 Jay 2014 WoRlD toUR27 Dec, 8pm, $108-$338Jay Chou performs familiar fan favourites in a continuation of his Opus tour, along with skilled dancers, ace musicians, giant video screens and a spectacular stageNational Stadium, www.sportshub.com.sg

CElEBRatE With thE WoRlD31 Dec, 12pm-1am (Carnival), 6pm-late (Party), from $10Celebrate with the World is back for a second year, and this time, the celebration promises to be bigger and better! The event will also introduce the first ever Celebrate with the World carnival with local food stalls, traditional game stalls and even a special photo booth to ring in our nation’s 50th year.The Promontory @ Marina Bay, 11 Marina Boulevard

CElEBRatE SG5031 Dec, 8pm-3am, $28-$128Count down to Singapore’s 50th year of independence with a star-studded ensemble of local and regional artistes featuring Rahimah Rahim, Dick Lee, Kit Chan, Sezairi, The Sam Willows and Stefanie Sun. Top acts from the region include, Malaysian singer, Dato Siti Nurhaliza and Korean boy band sensation, BIGBANG.The Float @ Marina Bay, www.sistic.com.sg

GatSBy thEmED paRty at lEvEl3331 Dec, 8pm, from $358Usher in 2015 at exalted heights with celebratory dinner & drinks! Dress and welcome the New Year in Gatsby style. Soak in the theme and atmosphere while our DJ spins you back to the roaring ‘20s. LeVeL33, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, 8 Marina Boulevard, #33-01, www.level33.com.sg

music

countdown

Ph

oto:

Bry

an

va

n d

er B

eek

, Esp

lan

ad

e

weekender.com.sg

What was Jakarta like before Jakarta?

Before Jakarta, there was Batavia – a Dutch colony that held immeasurable wealth and captured the imagination and ambition of European colonials from the Netherlands.

For over 300 years, the Dutch attempted to develop this Southeast Asian colony into an “Amsterdam of the East”. They built huge warehouses, mansions, a city hall and even Dutch-style canals similar to that in Amsterdam. Today, several of those structures are still intact, providing a glimpse into a glorious era.

“Building Batavia” is the story of how Batavia developed as well as the marks that its colonial period has left on modern-day Jakarta. A number of historic sites will be explored.

SUNDA KELAPASunda Kelapa is a port that is home to one of the last sail-powered trading fleets in the world, descendants of the ships that once exported billions of dollars’ worth of nutmeg from Batavia to Europe.

TOKO MERAHToko Merah is a reddish house built during Batavia’s early colonial period in a style completely unsuited to the tropical climate. The episode will tell you why.

OASIS RESTAURANTOasis Restaurant still serves a Dutch-style feast, known as Rijsttafel (rice table), comprising dozens of dishes with ingredients that come from every corner of Indonesia and beyond.

THE JAKARTA HISTORY MUSEUMOnce Batavia’s city hall, the building of the Jakarta History Museum has been painstakingly preserved and transformed into a museum. Visitors can even enter the colony’s dungeons!

Advances in drone technology have enabled the producers to include aerial shots in the documentary, providing a unique view of old structures nestled among modern buildings.

The award-winning director of “Building Batavia”, Justin Ong, has directed and produced documentaries for international broadcasters such as The National Geographic Channel, The Discovery Channel, NHK and History.

“Building Batavia” will be shown on Dec 24, 9pm, on History, StarHub TV Ch 401.

The Jakarta History Museum: Once Batavia’s city hall, the building has been painstakingly preserved from the time of Dutch rule

Dutch Batavia has left an indelible legacy upon the city that has become Jakarta today

Sunda Kelapa was an important port with ships that exported billions of dollars’ worth of nutmeg from Batavia to Europe

Building Batavia: Dutch origins of Jakarta

Television

DECEMBER 12 - 18, 2014

EntErtainmEntw wEEkEndEr.com.sg

RED CARD FOOTBALL FEVER

Juicy reviews & tips on the EPL & the best of world football

About AhmAd KhAnAhmad Khan (@AhmadKhan12) is a presenter for #RedCardConnect. He has the potty idea that football makes the world go round and is convinced that the beautiful game forges greater bonds than the United Nations.

Call 6281 1898 and join him in his rant about football every weekend just before the EPL matches on #RedCardLIVE.

Manchester United vs Liverpool: The greatest football rivalry

Manchester United and Liverpool, the two greatest clubs in England, will battle it out for supremacy and there is much more than three points at stake

It’s that time of year again. The whole world stops to witness the biggest football rivalry that has ever existed.

Manchester United vs Liverpool: Football doesn’t get much bigger than this.

the big mAtchmAnchester united vs LiverpooL (sun, 9.30pm)Three years ago, I paid a whopping 300 pounds for a ticket to experience the match of a lifetime, between Manchester United and Liverpool. It burned a hole in my pocket but I lived to brag about it.

Having seen first-hand the drama, atmosphere and just how much the game means to both players and fans, it really does give me a whole new level of understanding about the significance of this match.

Manchester United vs Liverpool is more than “just a game”. It is everything. Men live for moments like these, and fans and players put all their hearts and souls into such matches.

Louis van Gaal has done well to bring United to the level it is at now but the same can’t be said about Brendan Rodgers’ Liverpool, which has failed miserably to live up to its sequel after last season’s blockbuster.

The Red Devils are the favourites coming into the tie but we all know how unpredictable derbies can be. If the Red Devils are serious about rubbing shoulders with the big boys again, it’s time to show that they mean business. But a win for Liverpool could be just what it needs to kick-start its season (albeit being a tad late).Prediction: Manchester United 2-1 Liverpool

other FixturescheLseA vs huLL city (sAt, 11pm)Beware, Hull! The Blues will be out for blood after losing their first game of the season against Newcastle last week.

When was the last time the Tigers won a game? Exactly. Expect a mauling here from Jose’s army.Prediction: Chelsea 4-0 Hull City

Leicester city vs mAnchester city (sAt, 11pm)You’d have to go way back to 2003 to find the last time Leicester City beat Manchester City. Will we see a repeat of that result, you wonder? Come on, let’s be serious.

Leicester is stuck at the bottom, while City is steadily rising to the top of the table.Prediction: Leicester 0-2 Manchester City

ArsenAL vs newcAstLe united (sun, 1.30Am)Did you witness the comedy show at the Britannia stadium last week? Arsene Wenger should take a leaf from Alan Pardew’s book to see how he recovered from oblivion. These are strange times.Prediction: Arsenal 1-1 Newcastle

By Ahmad Khan Log on to the all-new www.RedCardConnect.com for exclusive articles, interviews, radio shows & videos of the Premier League, Singapore & the world of sports.

Probably the biggest match of the season: Who will be celebrating at the end of 90 minutes?

Photo: EPA

Robin van Persie is expected to rescue Manchester United again, or at least score another spectacular goal

Ph

oto:

La

szlo

Szi

rtes

i /

Sh

utt

erst

ock

.com

weekender.com.sgDECEMBER 12 - 18, 2014


PEt Family Photos

Weekender presents the PET FAMILY PHOTOS contest. Here are our readers’ cutest snapshots!

Submit your Pet Family Photo & get a chance to be PubliShed!Are your pooches or kitties your family’s pride and joy? Then whip out those cameras now! Send us the very best photos of you with your beloved pets.

The cutest PET FAMILY PHOTO will receive an exclusive AVA umbrella! Don’t miss this chance to show off your pets.

Send your best photos to: [email protected] with your Pet Name, Your Name, Date of Birth, Tel No., NRIC & Postal Code.

WinnerS Will be contacted directly on the collection. Submit For the next one!

Advice on caring for your pet

Tips from Fluffy, the rescued pooch, on caring for your furry friends and being a responsible pet owner

Caring for Pocket PetsPocket pets are cute but do not underestimate their needs because they are little! Here are some tips on proper care for your pocket pets TiP 1: Caring for HamsTersA hamster is a great first pet for your child but caring for them is no easy feat! Hamsters are nocturnal in nature, which means they can have a tendency to nip when awakened in the day. Keep their cage away from direct sunlight!

Hamster feed is fuss-free. Most pet stores offer a healthy hamster mix, but do treat them to an occasional lettuce or carrot snack!

If kept happy they can live between two to three years, sometimes a bit longer.

TiP 2: Caring for gerbilsA gerbil is a suitable pet for older kids. Gerbils are sociable by nature; so it is best to get a pair.

Be sure to get them an exercise wheel and extra bedding for their playing and digging pleasure! One thing to note is that they have poor eyesight, so out-of-cage activities should be kept on low ground.

Gerbils tend to pick out the tasty treats in a commercial gerbil seed mix and leave the sunflower seeds alone but do not worry; they will nibble on those later!

If kept happy they can live between five to eight years, sometimes a bit longer.

TiP 3: Caring for CHinCHillasChinchillas are suitable for older kids too. They are smart and loving.

Chinchillas require a lot of attention and may become extremely attached to their owner if it lives alone.

Chinchillas are vegetarians and have highly-sensitive stomachs compared to us humans – owners must be extra careful with their diet. Most commercial mixes for chinchillas are produced in wholesome, pellet forms. Make sure its food bowl is always full!

If kept happy, these types of pets can live between 15 to 20 years, sometimes longer!

To find out more about responsible pet ownership,visit: www.petsforlife.com.sg

Gerbils are a good pet for older kids, but keep in mind that they have poor eyesight

A L S O I N T H E A T R E S

exodus [Pg13]Acclaimed director Ridley Scott brings to life the epic adventure of one man’s courage to take on the might of an empire.

Using state of the art visual effects and 3D immersion, Scott brings new life to the story of the defiant leader, Moses (Christian Bale), as he rises up against the Egyptian pharaoh, Ramses, and sets 600,000 slaves on a monumental voyage of escape from exile and the terrifying plagues.sTarring: Christian Bale, Joel

Edgerton, Aaron Paul, Ben Mendelsohn, Sigourney Weaver & Ben Kingsley

genre: Action, Adventurerelease: 11 Dec

sTand by me doraemon [Pg]Those who grew up watching this robo-cat will love this movie.

In the suburbs of Tokyo lived a clumsy boy named Nobita. There

appeared in front of him Sewashi, his descendant four generations later from the 22nd Century, and Doraemon, a cat-type caretaker robot who helps people with secret gadgets.

Sewashi claims his family is suffering from the debts Nobita made so, to change this disastrous future, he’s brought Doraemon to be Nobita’s caretaker. Will Doraemon succeed in his mission?sTarring: Wasabi Mizuta, Megumi

Ohara & Yumi Kakazugenre: Animationrelease: 11 Dec

nigHTCrawler [Pg13]This isn’t another vigilante or superhero flick.

Amateur videographer Lou Bloom (Jake Gyllenhaal) camps out at

late-night crime scenes, hoping to film the victim or record the attack on his handy camcorder.

When Bloom discovers that his crime-watch videos can fetch big bucks at his local news station, he gets greedy. He breaks into victims’ houses for his exclusive shots, which get more and more unsettling.sTarring: Jake Gyllenhaal,

Rene Russo, Bill Paxton & Riz Ahmed

genre: Thrillerrelease: 4 Dec

Penguins of madagasCar [g]If you’ve seen any of the Madagascar films, you’d know those adorably crafty penguins deserve more than a few scenes. Now, the four characters

are finally the stars of their own movie. sTarring: Tom Grath, Chris Miller, Christopher Knights, Benedict Cumberbatch & Ken Jeonggenre: Comedyrelease: 27 Nov

Nicole Alexandra and Sunday seem to have the same smile :)

Aww... Don’t you just wanna kiss Jessie Wang’s QianQian?

Jyothi’s Mikky wished she handed over the whole pack of treats!

Juliana Jauw’s Charlie is such a darling!

Zulkarnain Anwar’s Chomel is a fluffy and regal-looking kitty

This week’s best photo wins a special AVA umbrella worth $40!

weekender.com.sg

m o v i e p r e v i e w

Things you didn’t know about Paddington BearThe cute Wellington-wearing teddy is a popular British icon but there are some things you may not know about him

This may surprise you, so hold on to your theatre seats. Paddington Bear – one of the most beloved icons of English children’s literature – isn’t from England.

Paddington finds himself wandering around the big city of London

Nicole Kidman plays the evil taxidermist, Millicent, who has her eyes on the rare bear that is Paddington

s t a r o f t h e w e e k

Crossing paths with Zhang ZiyiWe managed to catch the charismatic superstar actress before The Crossing’s premiere in Singapore

Just as rumours abound about superstar actress Zhang Ziyi’s love life, she appears in a romantic war movie.

The Crossing – also starring Takeshi Kaneshiro, Huang Xiaoming, Song Hye Kyo and Tong Dawei as Zhang’s counterpart – follows three intertwining love stories during the 1945 Chinese Civil War. She plays Yu Zhen, an impoverished nurse struggling to reunite with her soldier lover.

The production is headed by acclaimed director John Woo, who is behind film classics such as A Better Tomorrow (1986), which propelled Chow Yun Fat to stardom, Face/Off (1997) and the Romance of the Three Kingdoms epic Red Cliff (2008). The Crossing was brought here as the centrepiece of the Singapore International Film Festival.

Weekender found out more about Zhang’s feelings about the film, life and love.

What made you decide to accept this role?When I read the script, I was very moved by it. The characters are so vivid and authentic. Also, like many of us in the industry, I wanted the opportunity to work with director John Woo (again).

The roles I choose always have a stubborn side – that’s what I like! When a character has a very strong personality, she has already crafted out her own part in the film.

Yu Zhen isn’t a simple character – she has a very cruel life but also a persevering spirit.

hoW did you prepare for your role in such an emotional film?Woo’s techniques are very special, and so the film gave us a unique setting that one has no way of preparing for. A lot of these emotions and chemistry must be felt in the moment when filming, sparked between the actors on set, not through stage directions.

For example, once we get the costumes and make-up

done and we’re surrounded by such an elaborate scene, the genuine emotions will start pouring in – and these emotions cannot be prepared beforehand.

hoW do you relate to yu Zhen’s plight?

I think life is very unpredictable – a lot of happiness and sadness arrive when you’re not expecting it. No other roles have affected me so much as this one – it made me feel as frustrated as her.

Dawei’s character and mine are just little people, living and growing in the city like wild grass. I feel very fortunate, compared to my character in the film.

the movie’s a lot about romance – hoW is your oWn romantic life With Wang feng?Actually, unlike what the media has reported, I’m not pushing for marriage or anything! I believe that living and loving has to be carefree and natural. It’s impossible to plan for everything, especially for matters of the heart.

You can never know what will happen tomorrow. I think relationships should be about mutual trust and understanding, and giving each other space.

hoW do you feel about being a part of the singapore international film festival?This is my second time here for the Singapore International Film Festival and it always feels great to be back. For The Crossing, everyone put in their best and we overcame many challenges to finally complete the film.

This may only be the first part but please look forward patiently for Part 2!

We can’t Wait! could you give us some hints about What happens to your character in the next?I really can’t say, because we don’t know how the director will edit it! [laughs]

Zhang Ziyi stars in The Crossing [NC16], currently showing in theatres.

That’s right, and it gets better: His real name isn’t even Paddington. Fancy that! Rather, the originally-nameless young bear hails from Peru, and he has a big love for all things British.

During his dream visit to the city, the clumsy creature gets lost and confused. Thankfully, he is picked up by a loving

London family in Paddington Station, thus giving him his name.

look after this bearFollow the comic misadventures of Paddington, voiced by Ben Whishaw, all the way from Peru and throughout the land of the English. Imagine a scruffy, furry thing scurrying through the cold streets of London, politely raising his hat, zipping around in trains and buses, and struggling to fit into the big city life!

His adoption by the Brown family doesn’t end the tale. Along the way, Paddington squares off with a bear’s greatest nemesis: A determined and sinister taxidermist named Millicent (Nicole Kidman).

It’s a touching tale that explores the original Michael Bond series in greater depth. If you grew up reading the

adorable 1950’s Paddington series by Bond, you’ll love seeing this childhood figure come to life.

a treat to Warm the heartEven kids who haven’t heard of Paddington will easily warm up to this huggable bear. Most remarkable is his unassuming tattered suitcase, which sports a hidden expandable compartment of surprises.

Producer David Heyman, who also brought the wildly successful Harry Potter saga to screens, said about the Paddington stories: “They made me laugh, but equally, they moved me. Paddington is, in essence, a universal story about an outsider in search of a home – one that we all can relate to.”

With nostalgia, comedy and cuteness all rolled into one, Paddington is the perfect movie to treat yourself and your family to this holiday season.

paddington [pg]director: Paul Kingstarring: Ben Whishaw, Nicole Kidman & Hugh Bonnevillegenre: Comedyrun length: 97 minrelease: 11 Dec

(Below) Zhang Ziyi speaking at the press conference with John Woo looking on

Zhang Ziyi stars as Yu Zhen, an impoverished nurse struggling to reunite with her soldier lover, in The Crossing

DECEMBER 12 - 18, 2014

Foodmaniaw weekender.com.sg

PAGE 11

3 Goodwood Park Hotel Steam Baked turkey

This unique turkey is a combination of tender meat stuffed with freshly peeled whole chestnuts, black mushrooms, bamboo shoots, carrots and spring onions.

The dish is redolent with comforting and robust tastes from the oyster sauce-braised vegetables and fragrant jin hua ham – a cured speciality from Zhejiang.

Goodwood Park Hotel

4 SPatHe CHriStmaS turduCken

Want something different from the usual fare this Christmas? The Turducken is a poultry portmanteau of a quail in a chicken in a duck in a turkey, seasoned with salt, pepper and mustard, accompanied by brussels sprouts sautéed in brown butter, garlic potatoes, roasted chestnuts, and cabbage braised in cranberry juice and red wine.

If you haven’t heard of or tried this, you should at least once.

Spathe Public House

Name the one thing all Christmas feasts cannot be without. Are you thinking of turkey too? Here are our picks for this festive season!

There are four elements that make (or break) a turkey – the texture, the taste, the size and the stuffing. In recent years, chefs have become more experimental. Instead of the standard stuffing, we are seeing more and more creative ingredients joining the repertoire.

Here are some of our picks for your Christmas feasting.

5 Park Hotel Stuffed turkey BreaStPark Hotel’s Stuffed Turkey Breast is wrapped with parma ham and sous vide for one

and a half hours - retaining the lusciousness of the turkey breast while bringing the flavour of the turkey to a new level.

The turkey comes with baby spinach and parma ham, caramelised apple, semi-dry apple and calvados sauce.

Park Hotel Group

6 d’Bell tandoori turkey rouladeD’Bell is a modern Indian-inspired restaurant and bar located in the heart of the

central business district. This year, it introduces the D’Bell Tandoori Turkey Roulade - a turkey breast stuffed with baby spinach and mushroom, marinated with masala yoghurt and perfectly roasted in a tandoor oven.

D’bell

7 medZS mediterranean SPiCe infuSed turkeyRoast to perfection, this Mediterranean-style turkey combines moist and juicy meat

with flavourful foie gras stuffing that melts in your mouth, while retaining an amount of crunch for a savoury bite.

It is served with roasted root vegetables, home-made natural gravy and cranberry sauce.

Medzs outlets

1 ritZ-Carlton CHriStmaS turkey

Packing an impressive 4kg, this roasted turkey is served with chestnut, apple and celery stuffing, roasted vegetables, pumpkin, carrots, onions, squash, herb-roasted new potatoes and topped off with cranberry sauce and gravy. Sounds like quite a healthy mouthful! I like the splash of colours from the fruits.

The Ritz-Carlton Singapore

2 orCHard Hotel roaSt turkey SioH

Are you still having cravings for Peranakan food? Orchard Hotel adds a touch of Nyonya for its turkey feast this year.

Paired with vegetables and fruits, the Roast Turkey Sioh is stuffed with chestnut and jasmine rice in Nyonya ketumbar spices for an absolutely yummy local touch.

Orchard Hotel

7 Turkey FeasTs To savour This

Ritz-Carlton features a traditional turkey feast this year

Goodwood Park’s steam baked turkey is loaded with healthy, refreshing ingredients

Orchard Hotel has a simple, Nyonya-influenced turkey this year

Spathe’s Turducken is a work of (delicious) art - turkey, duck and chicken. Really?

By Nicole Lee

Park Hotel offers a kaleidoscope of ingredients for its stuffed turkey this year

carlTon hoTel log cakes

Boasting both sweet and tangy goodness in a delicate creation, the Mango Yuzu Manjari Log Cake is a lovely balance of sweet fresh mangoes combined with the flavour of yuzu, a refreshing Japanese citrus fruit, that melts in your mouth.

The bittersweet Valrhona Manjari dark chocolate coating serves as a welcome to those who prefer a less-sweet option.

Win one for yourself now!

For orders, call 6349 1292, fax to 6311 8170 or E-mail: [email protected]

3 manGo yuZu manjari loG CakeS wortH $62+ eaCHto Be won!

THREE EASY WAYS TO ENTER:Look for pinned post on our Facebook page:

facebook.com/weekendersgp and follow the instructions

Visit contest page to enter contest:

weekender.com.sg/carltonlogcake

SMS to 85026567 CODE: Carlton Log Cake, your Name, Age, Gender, NRIC, Postal Code, E-mail

ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASE.CLOSING DATE: 17 Dec 2014 Good luck!


DECEMBER 12 - 18, 2014

FoodmaniaW

Celebrate Christmas with Juchheim

Choose your favourite Pie Face from Aus

Juchheim is gearing up for Christmas! Their packages this year look mighty adorable. Which is your pick?

Juchheim is a name synonymous with quality cookies. A common packaging of Juchheim is a printed, vintage black and white montage of a photo collection, with the word "Juchheim" emblazoned across.

For Christmas this year, Juchheim

opts for a splash of colour as it introduces its liveliest gift sets yet.

For the Sweet toothThose with a sweet tooth will love the Baumkuchen Christmas Package Limited Edition, which features the classic Baumkuchen – an intricately-rolled chiffon cake that oozes buttery goodness in every fluffy layer, and with a glaze coating.

Drooling over K.Cook Korean BBQ

Despite its humble opening, K.Cook BBQ has built up a following , including on social media – it was full on a weekday

The ambience of K.Cook BBQ reminds me of a bustling street restaurant in Seoul. Big, mounted television screens are located around the outdoor seating area of the restaurant, depicting flashy performers in bubbly dance routines.

Everyone seems to feel right at home in this stylish place. I got a table facing one of the many screens, showing Big Bang rocking out. On that note, I started on the courses.

An ASSortment oF reAdy-mAde FoodAs with my routine at every BBQ place, I would scour for the dessert and fruit tables first. My impatience with food preparation meant I had to find cooked food to be a buffer as I waited for the grill to warm.

There was quite a selection of coleslaws and salads, most of which with a uniquely Korean element. It could be the sauce, the origin of the vegetables or the method of preparation. It’s great to see such meticulous effort even for the appetisers!

too mAny choiceS, too little timeThe buffet had a remarkable spread of meat items. There were ten kinds of meat items, including beef, pork, chicken, and a small array of seafood such as prawns and squids.

In addition, there were ten kinds of cooked food, from chicken wings to Korean pancakes to the favourite, spicy rice cakes. The marinades are also authentically Korean, made with a special, home-made recipe.

For me, I found the braised chicken to my liking. Most of the customers waltzed right past it – more for me! I thought it was ordinary initially but when grilled lightly, the taste of the delightfully-spicy chicken gets tinged with butter and it melts in your mouth.

A mouthwAtering Selection oF meAtI was impressed by the large selection of meat. I chose quite a lot of their Beef Plate Eye, one of their specials. It was very tender and went perfectly with the sauces available. The Pork Collar was another of my favourites too. Again, it tasted heavenly with hints of butter from the grill.

One of the staff explained that the Beef Plate Eye was one of their specialities. It was tender, delicately salty and tasted wonderful with the accompanying sauces.

K.Cook Korean, Orchard Central, 81 Orchard Rd, #07-01, Singapore 238896

By Nicole Lee

n e w R e s t a u R a n t

Isn’t this picture perfect? The grill was almost overflowing with generous, chunky meat

ChRistmas speCialChRistmas speCial

Australia’s Pie Face has unveiled its foray into Asia with the opening of two new shops at 313 @ Somerset and Bugis Village

Established in 2003, this micro-bakery café from Sydney is best known for baking all of its gourmet pies from scratch.

The dough of the traditional French puff pastry takes three days to prepare. The kitchen team is required to fold the special blend of butter to create 48 layers. Picture the dedication!

FlAvourS behind the FAceSPie Face churns out pies in a multitude of flavours. Those that are available in the new shops in Singapore include Chunky Steak, Chicken and Mushroom, Thai Chicken Curry, and Tandoori Vegetable. These savoury pies come in both regular and mini sizes.

The mini pies are cost from $3 each. Different playful facial expressions are featured on the pastry crusts!

SpreAd oF SAvoury oFFeringSAt Pie Face, patrons can also savour crumbly cookies, moist cakes and piping hot soups.

Pie Face also serves high-quality coffee. Enjoy fresh brews such as cappuccino, café latte, long black, mocha and macchiato. Prices start from $4. They are the perfect accompaniment to the pies and a great perk-me-up to start the mornings right.

By Nicole Lee

The adorable expressions on the pie certainly make eating a more pleasant experience

The “Plain” version ($14.90 per box) has received rave reviews from cake lovers, with most of them highlighting how soft and light it tastes. There is also a Chocolate version, Baumkuchen Schokolade ($16.50). The limited edition package has a special lid for Christmas.

preFer A chewy chip?For those of you who like a crunch in your cookies, the Christmas Teegeback would be timely. Adorned with a whimsical painting of Santa Claus in snow, this set features 14 different designs in one single box.

Each of the cookies carries its own flavour with butter being the primary base, and taste. The chocolate-coated pretzel cookie is the prized-favourite. You’ll wish it was sold on its own!

Fix A chocolAte crAvingThe Chocolate Crunch is a simple box containing two single pieces of chocolate. Juchheim is more famous for its cake but its range includes chocolates too. Each morsel of the Chocolate Crunch is crispy and satisfying.

The chocolate shavings come off lightly as you take a bite into the rich, moist centre. It is a simple yet delightful treat.

Make your Christmas even more special.

Juchheim, Takashimaya Singapore, 391 Orchard Road, #B2 205 3-1, Singapore 238873

weekender.com.sg

Choose your favourite Pie Face from Aus

Brought to you by:

Christmas Carrot Fruit Cake

Food saFety tips• Cook your food well and not partially as this

increasestheriskofbacterialgrowth.

• Donotbuyeggsthatarecrackedasbacteriamayhaveentered.

Recipes and tips from local chef Violet Oon! OurlocalpoultryfarmsproduceawidevarietyofeggssuchaseggswithBeta-Carotene,OrganicSelenium,lowercholesterolorOmega-6.Butwhicheveryouchoose,alllocally-farmedeggsaredeliveredat its freshestasa shorterdelivery timeyields fresherandqualityeggs.

Method1. Pre-heattheovento175oCfor10min.2.Sift the flour with the cinnamonpowder,bakingpowderandsalt(Pic1).3. Mix the eggs, corn oil, carrots andpineapplesinalargemixingbowlwithaspatula(Pic2).4.Addsugaranddesiccatedcoconut.5.Then add flour mixture and driedmixed fruits (Pic 3). Stir well with thespatula.Thebattershouldbewet(Pic4).6. Spoonintocupcakemoulds.Fillupto2/3fullforeachmould.7.Decorate the top with the red andgreenglacecherries(Pic5).8. Bake in pre-heated oven for 20 to 30min until the cake is cooked.Testwithatoothpicktoseeifthecakeiscookedthrough. Note: If you are baking a large wholecake in a round cake tin measuringaround 20cm (8 inches) youwill needtobakeforatotalof1h10minto1h 20min.

Test with a toothpick or satay stickbypokingintothecentreofthecake.Ifthetoothpickcomesoutclean,thecakeiscooked.If thereisstillbatterstickingontothetoothpick,thenthecakehastobebakedafurther10to15min.

FOR THE FRESHEST, GO LOCALChooselocally-farmedeggssuppliedfromfarmsthatareaccreditedundertheSingaporeQualityEggScheme(SQES).

Lookoutforthequalityassurancelogoandbeassuredofbuyingthebest.

iNGRedieNts• 3cups Plainflour • 1tbsp Cinnamonpowder• 1tbsp Bakingpowder• 1tsp Finesalt• 1½cups Cornoil• 6 Eggs,lightlybeaten• 3cups Gratedcarrots• 375g(1can) Pineapplerings,cut intopieces• 350gto500g Finesugar(totaste)• 90g Desiccatedcoconut• 500g Mixeddriedfruits

to decorate• 20 Redglacecherries,cut into4each• 20 Greenglacecherries, cutinto4each

1

2

3

4

5

DECEMBER 12 - 18, 2014

SHOPSavvyW

Alexandre Christie: Classy legacy on your wrist

N E w T i m E P i E c E s

With a history of over 50 years, Alexandre Christie has etched a name for itself:The Ladies Passion series continues its enduring legacy

Alexandre Christie watches, famed for their high quality, have created yet more state-of-the-art timepieces. This new series continuing its classy legacy is aptly-named Ladies Passion.

Crafted with great finesse and intricacy, this series keeps the astute tastes of ladies in mind as aesthetically-pleasing designs were intricately woven into a form that withstands physical use.

All the watches in this elegant Ladies Passion series use Japanese movement. For the uninitiated, this means that the internal operating mechanism of the timepiece is Japanese-made. Each watch face is made with mineral glass and with an accompanying 316L steel or ceramic band. The watches are water resistant up to 3ATM or 30 metres.

The GlisTeninG ChoiCe: 2323-lhRGBAOur favourite feature for the 2323-LHRGBA model is the enthralling jewel-studded ring around the clock face. It adds a dazzling dash of sparkle – a contrast to the stark dark strap.

The hollow hour and minute hands are a nice touch too, allowing the focus of the watch to be on the glistening studs.

The simplisTiC ChoiCe: 2442-lhBRGmsDRDo you prefer a slightly more simplistic style of watch? The 2442-LHBRGMSDR model features a simplistic clock face, with two simple studs marking the 12 o’clock and 6 o’clock points.

The clock face is framed by two unending, hypnotic studded circles. The rose-gold styling runs through the metallic silver strap, adding a stroke of colour.

The inTRiCATe ChoiCe: 2453-lhBssslThe 2453-LHBSSSL model oozes understated class – it is a simple timepiece, beautifully elevated by its unique, woven strap that exudes instant femininity.

The watch face is incredibly simple with no markings, choosing instead to frame it with an inner circle of studs. This frame is further accentuated with a steering-wheel reminiscent circle, with the quarter points (3, 6, 9 and 12 o’clock) marked.

The loveR’s ChoiCe: 2438-BFBRGslSleek and slim, the 2438-BFBRGSL is a classic-looking timepiece. Made almost entirely in white, it takes on soft elements of rose-gold to accentuate its rounded edges and its skinny hour and minute hands.

It is a classy calendar on a watch too, with three dials placed in the soft background of the clock face.

The watch face takes all the attention

The infinite circle frame lends a futuristic touch

Embodying effortless femininity

Rose-gold hints are minimal but highly flatteringAn

AlexAnDRe ChRisTie

2445-BFBTRsl wATCh

woRTh $200

To Be won!The Go-Getter’s Choice: 2445-BFBTRSLThe heaviest of the lot, the 2445-BFBTRSL model is for the power woman. Thicker and bigger than the rest, this timepiece is heavily tinted in rose-gold and immediately striking.

The wide watch face offers greater spotlight on the three dials in the background, allowing the wearer quicker access to a complete time and date check.

Win one for yourself now!

THREE EASY WAYS TO ENTER:Look for pinned post on our Facebook page:

facebook.com/weekendersgp and follow the instructionsVisit contest page to enter contest:

weekender.com.sg/alexandrechristie

SMS to 85026567 CODE: Alexandre Christie, your Name, Age, Gender, NRIC, Postal Code, E-mail


pART 4

The gift of customisationNothing is more intimate than a customised gift – wouldn’t it be nice to have your name on something?

The season of giving is upon us! This time of the year, most stores will be in a flurry to package their products as Christmassy as possible – but gifts should go beyond the normal ones.

Yes, adding a mistletoe charm to your bracelet does inspire a Christmas tune. But wouldn’t you rather see a more personal touch in the gifts you receive?

Here are some fab, uniquely-customised gift ideas for Christmas!

sensiBARLovingly hand-made, these bangles offer up to a maximum of 12 uppercase characters and numbers stamped in the middle for the outer side of bangle.

Tarnish free, lightweight and durable, they are adjustable to fit all wrist circumferences. Each bangle will be packed individually into boxes; ready for gifting.

Available on Sensibar

DAvis GuiTARBuying a gift for a music lover? Davis Guitar offers customisation services for guitar picks – one of its Facebook reviews showed a happy customer who printed a photo of his wife onto his customised guitar pick.

Picks are medium gauge and made from premium poly material.

Available at Davis Guitar

By Nicole Lee

The heART sTuFFThe Heart Stuff is an online store selling items that are uniquely personalised to each individual’s taste and preferences, catering to both individuals and corporate customers.

The bestselling product is the passport holder, which starts at $12 with additional charges for engraving.

Available at TheHeartStuff.com

my nAme neCklACeMyNameNecklace.sg specialises in hand-made name necklaces and personalised jewellery. Have your name cut into this sterling silver ring!

The window-like design accentuates the lettering. Special requests are welcome.

Available at Mynamenecklace.sg

Sensibar Customised Name Bangle, $32.50 onward

My Name Necklace Engraved Name Ring, $79.90

The Heart Stuff Customised Passport Holder, $12 onward

Davis Guitar Customised Pick

ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASE.CLOSING DATE: 17 Dec 2014Good luck!

Stuckonyou Customised Junior Messenger Bag, $69.90

sTuCkonyouCustomised bags just got a lot more adorable with the Junior Messenger Bag from Stuckonyou. Its gorgeous bags feature stylish, bold designs matched with quality personalisation.

The bags measure 22cm x 22.5cm and come with an adjustable strap. Choose your favourite design, add a name and, there you have it, a fully unique gift!

Available at Stuckonyou.com.sg

weekender.com.sg

PAGE 15

weekender.com.sg

Article first published in Lookbox Living #36 May/Jun 2014

Lookbox Living #39 is out now! Available at major bookstores and news stands. For more interior projects, visit www.lookboxliving.com.sg

Bathroom bitsHome makeover Ideas

Curvy AppeAlSensual bathrooms tend to make us feel more relaxed, and you can encourage a similar feel in your own space with this wall-mounted washbasin.

The round shapes and corners have a soft and soothing quality, making it a pleasure to use.

Galassia Ergo wash basin, price on enquiry, from Viva Nueva

power Shower Don’t think of the Power&Soul showers as just another bathroom fixture. These innovative showerheads come with the DreamSpray technology (for perfectly-balanced water distribution), Speedclean nozzles (to prevent build-up of limescale) and InnerWater Guide (for longevity of the chrome layer).

Power&Soul showerhead $262 each, from Grohe

Climb To The Top This beautifully-detailed timber ladder is a great way to store and display objects. Use it in conjunction with shelves, bags and hooks for greater versatility.

SmithMatthias Tilt ladder, $1,199, from Grafunkt

home inspirations

Get ideas for transforming your home

Get ideas for transforming your home

Our popular segment returns to bring you more creative ideas for your home

A TAsTe of europe

The couple staying in this 3-bedroom apartment are young and adventurous – qualities that they wanted to have reflected in their first home as a family.

“They’re willing to try out something different, as long as the home is cosy and comfortable,” designer Johnny Tan from Matrix Interior said of his clients. As such, he recommended a classic design concept but elevated it with an air of glamour and romance.

“We took inspiration from a range of European influences like posh Parisian hotels and quaint country cottages,” he said.

DeSigning DeTAilS“We paid a lot of attention to detail in this home,” said Johnny. “For example, we created wood-framed wallpaper panels on certain parts of the wall, and even the decorative feature wall is made from wood, wallpaper and a black tinted mirror,” he said.

This maximised the potential of every square inch – even the ceiling. Johnny decorated the ceiling with a concentric layout of white loops.

Dining elegAnCeThe dining area elevates mealtimes to important, formal affairs. The design team took inspiration from swanky European hotels and outfitted the room with dark tones that exude an air of romance and mystery.

“We went shopping with the homeowners to make sure that the furniture will complement the style. In this dining room, we chose an opulent table, and chairs, and an ornate chandelier to set the tone,” he said.

privATe librAryA spare room has been turned into a study-cum-reading room, done up in a style reminiscent of old libraries. Here, a 10-foot-wide, ceiling-high bookshelf takes up an entire wall, creating a grand statement.

Contrasted against this formidable shelf is an elegantly-shaped study table, customised specifically for this room. Johnny built a long T-shaped table that is configured to allow multiple people to use it at the same time.

A beDroom for royAlTyGlitz and glamour define the master bedroom with its cream, beige and gold tones. Once again, intricate details result in a polished look. Tinted mirror panels were painstakingly cut into diamond shapes and fit together behind the bed. Cove lights and burnished surfaces also help to create a luxurious look.

Other design details include the leather-padded wall, cushioned bay seats and a plush bed that’s fit for a king.

rurAl ChArmIn creating a functional space for the kitchen, Johnny and his team deviated from the plush look found in the rest of the home. Instead, they opted for a simpler concept inspired by cottages in idyllic countrysides.

The marble countertop and all-white cabinet fronts complement each other well, and add to the sense of country charm.

By Redzman Rahmat

The dining area elevates mealtimes to important affairs – the design team took inspiration from swanky European hotels

The potential of every square inch was maximised – Johnny decorated the ceiling with a concentric layout of white loops

DECEMBER 12 -18, 2014

TRAVELATionW

If you need a short holiday but your budget for your flight is around $100 or less, look no further

Don’t miss out on these promotions for budget airlines and low-cost carriers.

t r av e l f e a t u r e

5 island EscapEs During the holiDay season

Above: The crown jewel of Vietnam, Phu Quoc is a dreamy island paradise of clear shores and fresh seafood

Below: Mabul Island boasts a collection of rich marine reefs and calming over-water resorts

Penghu is an oasis of calm with its rolling hills of green meadows and quiet, rural life

lOW-COSt GetaWaYS Ho CHi MinH City – Ben tHanH MarketFrom $56, Jetstar. Promotion ends when sold out.

What better way to experience a city than through its markets? The Ben Thanh Market is a good way to experience the hustle and bustle of the city of Ho Chi Minh.

Packed with bargains, history, sights, smells, colours and delights, this makes an ideal place to interact with the locals.

BoraCay – ariel’s PointFrom $120, Tigerair. Promotion ends when sold out.Ariel’s Point

was not named after our favourite little mermaid but it is a beautiful place where you can leap off from a height and dive into pristine waters without fear of injury.

Ariel’s Point is also a hotspot for other activities such as snorkeling and kayaking. What’s there not to love about an all-in-one beach destination?

All prices are correct at time of printing.

CeBu – sky exPeri-enCe adventureFrom $105, Tigerair. Promotion ends when sold out.

Mention Cebu and her white, sandy beaches come to mind. How about experiencing Cebu in a whole different way? In fact, here, fear knows no bounds and the sky’s the limit.

Tread a walkway with no guard rails – wait for it – on the 37th floor. Of course, your safety cables and harness will be in place. Beat that fear of heights and get treated to an unrestricted 360-degree view of the Cebu skyline.

Du

cvie

n /

Sh

utt

erst

ock

.com

Ph

oto

by J

oyfu

ll

Du

cvie

n /

Sh

utt

erst

ock

.com

Ho Chi Minh City

Here are 5 of SoutHeaSt aSia’S moSt tranquil iSlandS to retreat to if you need to get away from all tHe jingling

So you want to celebrate the year-end holiday season in an easier, breezier fashion, far away from the carolling and jingling of bells in the city? You can plan a short getaway or escape to a quiet little island just around the corner.

There are plenty of gems scattered around Southeast Asia perfect for a weekend retreat. Best of all, they come without crowd-choked beaches and typical tourist stands. You’ll be surprised at how close to home some of these are!

PengHu island, taiwan

Many of us throng to lively Taiwan for its bottomless treasure trove of street food and fashion. But we hear you – you want to get off the streets. So head over to Penghu Island!

Known for its staggering view of the horizon amidst the old-time traditional Taiwanese culture, Penghu is actually an archipelago of 90 islands. This is where the ox-carts, stone-walled meadows, and basalt cliffs are hidden, far away from the bustling cities.

If you travel here between May and October, you can admire the endangered green turtles that come here to nest. With its sleepy, quiet vibe and sprawl of nature, we would gladly pick Penghu over everyday urban comforts!

By Pamela Chow

st JoHn’s island, singaPore

Not many locals have ventured to any island other than Sentosa. St John’s Island is a great place to start! Just a short ferry ride from Marina Bay will take you to this rustic enclave, which has remained largely rural throughout the decades.

Fishing boats are still moored at the jetty, with tennis courts and football fields stretching across the grounds. Fancy a short stay here? There’s even a kampong-styled chalet on one end.

And if you cross the breakwater to the meadow-lined Lazarus Island, you will find Singapore’s best-kept secret: a secluded crescent beach with sparkling turquoise waters. That’s right: Not grey but turquoise! It’s the perfect corner for a quiet picnic with your loved ones.

MaBul island, Malaysia

Located on the coast of Sabah near Sipadan Island, Mabul is home to several over-water villas, diving resorts, homestay accommodation and backpacker hostels.

This island is especially popular for muck diving, which is derived from the muddy sediment at the bed of the diving sites here. But it’s not all mucky – these areas are teeming with exotic marine life.

In these waters you can spot rare creatures that you may not otherwise get to see, such as the blue-ringed octopus, mimic octopus, and the black sail-fin goby.

Even if you’re not licensed to dive, snorkelling facilities are provided here too in the shallower reefs. Or you could stay dry and chill out on the deck of the resorts that overlook the beautiful horizon.

PHu QuoC, vietnaM

Often considered the most stunning island in Vietnam, Phu Quoc is one getaway you definitely cannot miss. It is fronted by picturesque beaches coated with glorious white sand. Furthermore, dense, untouched wildlife sprawls across the heart of this islet.

Phu Quoc is the country’s largest island, and has three beaches on its borders: Long Beach, Ong Lan, and Bai Sao. But don’t just flock here for its pearly shores – the restaurants here serve some of the most lip-smacking seafood in the country.

There are plans in the works to develop Phu Quoc into a full-blown residential and tourist hub, so you’ll want to book your trip here before the island gets crowded!

ko CHang, tHailand

Intriguingly nicknamed “the Beast of the East”, Ko Chang – or Elephant Island – is a giant land mass off the eastern Gulf of Thailand. Ko Chang has something for every visitor, from decadent resorts and buzzing nightclubs to hippy hangouts and traditional villages. It’s the quintessential Thai experience.

Despite its developed status, much of Ko Chang is made up of unspoiled and flourishing rainforests. In here nestle eight spectacular waterfalls, including the remarkable Khlong Neung that cascades from a 120m cliff.

Here, you can spot the resplendent great hornbill and vibrant flocks of other avian wildlife. And, if you’re lucky, you can even see dolphins cruising by the southeastern coast.

weekender.com.sg

PAGE 17

Sail in the air over a city of fairy chimneys

Travel wiTh Shareen

Bucket ListExceptional ideas to experience

in your lifetime

Hewn from the earth over millions of years, this stunning landscape is a world of natural and human wonder

From afar, Goreme National Park looks like it was sculpted by the hands of an art-loving deity. Streaking up several metres from the ground are pointed hoodoos, or “fairy chimneys”, among valleys of other rock formations, flora and underground cities.

Located by the city of Cappadocia – a historical region of Turkey – Goreme is both a natural and man-made spectacle. While the dramatic landscape is largely chiselled from the mountains by erosion over millions of years, it also sports a honeycomb of churches and sanctuaries that contain remnants of ancient art from the 9th Century.

Early TracEs of sETTlEmEnTOver thousands of centuries, wind and water have whipped across this region to form the fairy chimneys, cones, and mushroom formations we see today. This rocky wonderland in fact hides an expansive community of homes, hotels, frescoed churches, shops and more.

Settlements here date back to as early as the Hittite era in 1800 BC, and span the underground in a huge network of chambers and tunnels reaching up to eight storeys in height. These enchanting depths are said to be hiding even deeper levels of subterranean levels awaiting discovery!

In the 4th Century, Goreme became a refuge for Christians who were fleeing persecution by the Romans. They established

monastic communities in this area, and the monks carved dwellings and monasteries out of the rock. Some centuries after, the remarkable Byzantine paintings were marked in the cave chapels, and they remain visible today.

sTUnnInG BIrd’s-EyE VIEwGoreme and the city of Cappadocia form a hidden world of mesmerising architecture. You can take in the stunning sight from the sky in a hot air balloon, explore the rocky grounds by foot, and even experience from within a hotel squirrelled beneath the rocks.

Some of the city’s troglodyte dwellings also house museums, where you can learn about the fascinating stories Goreme and Cappadocia have gone through. More popular underground districts here include Kaymakli, Derinkuyu, Mazl Ozkonak and Tatlarin.

If you wish to take the path less travelled, explore Cappadocia and the national park on

a rented bicycle, scooter or even in a car.

ThE BEsT TImE To VIsITCappadocia is mounted on a high plateau, which experiences hot and dry summers. In the winter, it’s chillingly cold and sometimes the region gets treated to snowfall.

However, the best time to visit is arguably as soon as possible. This UNESCO World Heritage site is under threat; ironically, from the very forces of nature that created it. Erosion is threatening the current state of Goreme and Cappadocia, although extensive efforts are being channelled to preserve the wonders of the region.

So a trip to this amazing park is a must before construction works are underway. What I would give to float lazily across the majestic plains of fairy chimneys and cones, untouched by modern development!

By Pamela Chow

Riding on a hot air balloon across Goreme National Park is every discerning traveller’s dream

One of the villages of Cappadocia, a city dotted with hidden subterranean settlements

Hotels in Cappadocia are charmingly rustic and warm, providing an interesting holidaying experience

It’s been called the greatest light show on Earth – the dancing lights of the Aurora Borealis is the stuff of legends and I went on the hunt for it

In search of the Northern Lights

“You cannot rob me of free nature’s grace, you cannot shut the windows of the sky through which Aurora shows her brightening face.”– James Thomson, Castle of Indolence, 1748

Having seen photos of auroras, it was definitely on my bucket list. That and an opportunity to see the world’s largest (and original) ice hotel, in Sweden.

I researched and prepared as much thermal wear that I could get my hands on but nothing prepared me for when I arrived in Kiruna and was greeted by an ice block on the runway.

What struck me was how dark it was at lunchtime (it looked like it was closer to 6pm)! I made my way to the tourist office in town to book the three experiences I had travelled all this way for – a visit to the Ice Hotel, a dog sled ride and a snowmobile tour (007 style) in the hope of catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

ThE UnIqUE IcE hoTElThe Ice Hotel is open to the public in the day as a museum. A guided tour starts at the warm accomodation (a regular hotel next to the Ice Hotel) where you’re suited up to withstand the cold. Think chunky boots, waterproof jacket and fur-lined leather hat.

It’s amazing to learn that the Ice Hotel is built from scratch every year. Over 100 people are involved in the construction, with artists and designers flown in from all over the world, to start the building process in November.

The hotel is ready in mid-December and lasts until April before it melts away. Over 1,000 tonnes of ice is used and carved into works of art as each room is different and some are even thematic!

Mermaids, dragons and clouds adorn the walls and even the beds are made out of ice blocks! Reindeer skins are laid on top of mattresses and guests are dressed in thermal wear and zipped into a sleeping bag for the night.

It would’ve been rude not to at least sample one of Sweden’s most famous exports, Absolut Vodka. At the ice bar, the glasses are made entirely out of ice and each guest gets a brand new one.

At the ice bar, you get a drink in a glass made of ice

Shareen with the husky sled dogs

If you’re lucky, you can catch sight of the aurora in Kiruna, Sweden

ThE ExcITInG aUrora ExpEdITIonThat night, we began our adventure in search of the Northern Lights, or Aurora Borealis, which is caused by the collision of gaseous particles in Earth’s atmosphere.

The snowmobile tour takes you into the countryside with hopes of catching a glimpse of this phenomenon. With temperatures dropping to -30 degrees Celsius at night, we were first suitably dressed, then given a quick lesson on how to handle a snowmobile. These machines are fast! Imagine going from 0 to 60mph in 2 seconds!

Riding at high-speed in darkness over frozen lakes and a snowy countryside can only be described as exhilarating. After a stop in a log cabin with a fire and sandwiches and tea [Bliss!] we rode for another hour but still had no sight of the auroras. It was time to call it a night.

All of a sudden, the guide pointed to a faint streak of green in the sky. Just when we had given up hope, we were rewarded with a glimpse of nature’s legendary beauty.

ThE hEarTwarmInG ExpErIEncEThe next morning, I was greeted by howling dogs at the start of the tour. Imagine a little caravan of very excited dogs who just can’t wait to get started!

It was truly amazing seeing this winter wonderland of white in the short daylight hours. I made a mental note to return someday in the summer to see the gorgeous countryside and nature’s amazing work.

By Shareen Wong

Shareen Wong is a travel-holic, foodie and former radio presenter. She has caught the entrepreneurial bug and now travels the world curating pieces for her designer jewellery boutique – Embrace Jewellery.

Follow her travels on Instagram: @shareenwong_

Weekender #111

Documents

Transcript of Weekender #111