Weekender #113

ISSUE 113 DEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015

weekender.com.sg

FREEPAPER

WK113A/MCI(P)119/08/2014

weekender.com.sg

FREEPAPER

WK113A/MCI(P)119/08/2014

PAGE

04

ISSUE 113 DEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015

PAGE

07

catch the return of your favourite museum characters

movie preview

visit the dingoes & the largest sand island down under

Bucket List

PAGE

15

PAGE

16

are you WeeKeNDer’s NeW fooD PHoToJourNaLIsT?

weekender photo contest

PAGE

09 PAGE

11

8 PAIRS OF TICKETS

WORTh $68 PER PAIR

TO bE WOn!

see bumper boxing day & weekend fixtures

weekender will be on holiday next week - look out for our next issue on 9 Jan !

christmas speciaL

EntErtainmEntWDEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015

To find ouT more acTiviTies and

promoTions on senTosa, scan here

FUN @ SENTOSA

senTosa pLaYcaTionUntil 4 Jan 2015, 11am-9.30pm, FREE admissionCome down for a host of fun-filled activities that’s bursting with the widest variety of Giant Inflatables and 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

spLashin’ Good TimeUntil 1 Jan 2015, 10am-7pm$7.50* per Adult (UP $29.90), $7.50* per Child (UP $20.60)

Step into Underwater World Singapore and enjoy up to 75% off all admission ticket prices*! Head to the Underwater Water World ticketing counter and present

this issue of Weekender with your local ID – it’s as simple as that!

Underwater World Singapore, Siloso Point

*Promotion is applicable to Singaporean citizens, Permanent Residents, and holders of employment pass, work permit or dependent’s pass with valid proof of identity.

spuds & aprons, faber peak 1-31 Dec

Join 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 now.

capeLLa sinGapore31 Dec, 6.30pm-10pmSet the stage for a night of fun, fond memories and great cheer with an epicurean 5-course menu.

The sinGapore resorT & spa31 Dec, from 6.30pmGather friends and family and have a New Year’s Eve celebration at The Terrace with a decadent array of traditional festive goodies, charcuterie and cheese selections, BBQ station, Western and Indian cuisine and the not-to-be-missed dessert corner with a variety of cakes and tarts as well as the popular chocolate fondue.

SilOSO bEAch pArTy TickETS GiVEAWAy

Marienette Flotildes GXXXX269M Lee Chun Aik SXXXX168ILing Chee Wee SXXXX329BTan Ah Neo SXXXX998FLee Charlotte SXXXX125I

3 marina baY counTdown: ceLebraTe wiTh The worLd

31 Dec, 12pm-1am (Carnival), 6pm-late (Party), from $10Come one, come all to the hottest party in Singapore this New Year’s Eve. Celebrate 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

Stephanie Sun

Kit Chan

Big Bang

1ceLebraTe sG50 31 Dec, 7.30pm, from $28What better way to

welcome the new year than to bid the year goodbye next to our famed Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer?

Feel the explosive energy from a galaxy of stars as Celebrate SG50 kicks off 2015 and Singapore’s 50th birthday celebrations in spectacular style with your favourite local artistes and K-pop super group Big BangThe Float @ Marina Bay, www.sistic.com.sg

2 GaTsbY Themed parTY aT LeveL 3331 Dec, 8pm, from $358

Usher 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 1920s. LeVeL33, 8 Marina Boulevard #33-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, www.level33.com.sg

Ph

oto:

Bry

an

va

n d

er B

eek

, Esp

lan

ad

e

weekender.com.sg

Congratulations to the winners!

Winners will be contacted directly on the collection. Look out for more Weekender giveaways in upcoming issues.

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

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

celebrate 200 metres high at KU DÉ TA, with a selection of decadent Modern Asia cuisine! The restaurant brings in tidings of the season with a 5-course Festive Menu, against the backdrop of fireworks this New Year’s Eve.KU DÉ TA Club Lounge

9 Mount Faber31 DecGet high on happiness this

festive season with our

celebration menus, brilliant cable care joyrides and multiple fireworks display! Snap away as Faber Peak Singapore lights up with colourful festive decors and six-foot-tall ‘food trees’.109 Mount Faber Road, Faber Peak, www.faberpeaksingapore.com

10 HoMeIsn’t your crash pad the most versatile

location ever? You can hold

all of the above listed events at your place (well, very obviously except the foam party at The Rink), intimate gatherings and all – or best of all, do nothing at all and just cuddle at home with a loved one. No need to brave crowds on the way home because well, you’re already there.

That sounds like the perfect plan.Your address here

For more interesting weekend ideas and

entertainment stories, like & follow us at

www.facebook.com/ weekendersgp

w

4 tHe Fantasy Countdown: Zouk nye witH Quintino (ned) and Hong

31 DecWith a tick and a tock, tick, tock, time is only moving you closer and closer to the end of the year but no magical stroke of midnight will be complete without first having a Fantasy Countdown at Zouk!

Let the final moments of 2014 be as perfect as your imagination has always made it to be, for soon it shall be 2015, and it will be time to dream a new dream, building new castles in the sky!Zouk Club

5 sentosa siloso beaCH Party31 Dec, 6pm, from $68Dubbed Asia’s largest

beach countdown party, the Sentosa Siloso Beach Party is something you don’t want to miss – and spend a whole year wishing you went.Siloso Beach, www.silosobeachparty.com

6 FoaM Party on iCe: tHe rink24 & 31 Dec Come countdown at

Singapore’s First Foam Party on Ice at The Rink!

A “foam-tastic” time awaits you as you move to the beat of the latest music hits at The Rink’s Foam Party Christmas & New Year Countdown on Ice. The Rink, JCube

7 attiCa’s deCadenCe 31 Dec, 10.30pm until late, from $30 (one

drink included)This New Year’s Eve, Decadence will see Attica bring a close to a decade of pulse-pumping NYE parties. After one of its best years yet, following a major refurbishment and 10th anniversary, Decadence will deliver the wildest NYE party and yet another night to remember at Attica.Attica, 3A River Valley Road, #01-03 Clarke Quay, Singapore 179020

8 glitterati’s new year’s Countdown extravaganZa 2015

31 Dec, 6pm until late, from $198 (inclusive of a glass of champagne)There’s no better way to end 2014 with a bang than to


RED CARD FOOTBALL FEVER

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

Premier League bumper weekend special

It’s that time of season again with football matches galore – with teams playing two matches over Boxing Day and the weekend, there’s no excuse not to get your football fix

It’s the holiday season! While all the other leagues around Europe take a breather for their winter break, the English Premier League is still buzzing with a bumper schedule of fixtures.

The term “holiday” is actually meant more for fans than footballers. For fans, more matches mean more entertainment. For footballers and coaches, however, they have to deal with injuries, squad depth, fatigue and the cold weather on top of entertaining an expectant global audience.

But let them worry about that while we ready ourselves for a busy weekend of football excitement! Let’s have a look at the matches the top teams have in store for them this holiday season.

CHELSEAvs West Ham (H) (Fri, 8.45pm);vs Southampton (A) (Sun, 10.05pm)Chelsea’s squad is by far the biggest in the league and the Blues should be well equipped to face two opponents in three days.

It’s not going to be easy though, having to face two overachieving teams this season. But they should have the ammunition to come away with maximum points.Prediction: Chelsea 1-0 West Ham; Southampton 1-2 Chelsea

MANCHESTER CITYvs West Brom (A) (Fri, 11pm);vs Burnley (H) (Sun, 11pm)No Aguero, no problem! Manchester City has found form coming into the holiday season, and the squad is deep enough to cover Aguero’s injury too.

It helps that City’s opponents won’t cause too many sleepless nights as well. Prediction: West Brom 1-2 Manchester City; Manchester City 3-0 Burnley

MANCHESTER UNITEDvs Newcastle United (H) (Fri, 11pm); vs Tottenham Hotspur (A) (Sun, 8pm)Manchester United seems to have the tougher opponents this weekend and, with the matches happening thick and fast, don’t be surprised to see more injuries coming the Red Devils’ way.

At this rate, Wayne Rooney may even have to play in central defence!Prediction: Manchester United 3-1 Newcastle; Tottenham 1-1 Manchester United

ARSENALvs Queens Park Rangers (H) (Sat, 1.30am); vs West Ham (A) (Sun, 11pm)Arsenal is fortunate enough to have both its fixtures played in London but recent performances haven’t been all too encouraging.

West Ham might just pull off a surprise result, with the Hammers’ physical play probably too much for the Gunners to handle.Prediction: Arsenal 2-0 QPR; West Ham 2-1 Arsenal

LIVERPOOLvs Burnley (A) (Fri, 11pm); vs Swansea (H) (Tue, 4am)Liverpool’s recent performances have been encouraging but the Reds need to be clinical in front of goal to translate playing well into points. They’ll have Daniel Sturridge back after the break, so let’s hope they can find a way to keep raking in the points until then.Prediction: Burnley 1-2 Liverpool; Liverpool 1-1 Swansea

By Ahmad Khan

Log on to www.RedCardConnect.com for exclusive articles, interviews, radio shows & videos of the Premier League, Singapore & the world of sports.

Photo: Jaggat Rashidi / Shutterstock.com

Ph

oto:

La

szlo

Szi

rtes

i /

Sh

utt

erst

ock

.com

Will Diego Costa continue firing Chelsea to a historic quadruple?

Can Wayne Rooney lead Man U to pip their city rivals to second place?

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 Ang CoordinatorRiki Zou Events Chris Chow [email protected]

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

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 3

musiC

CLASSIC SOFT ROCk LEgEND LEO SAYER LIVE IN SINgAPORE17 JanWith more than 20 Top Ten singles and five Top Ten albums in his celebrated recording career, this live British performer, song writer, recording artist and Grammy Award winner will enthral the Singapore audience in a one-night concert. Fans of classic pop-rock shouldn’t miss this. Esplanade Concert Hall, www.britishtheatreplayhouse.com

ST JEROME’S LANEWAY FESTIVAL 201524 JanPrepare yourselves for the 2015 Laneway Festival line-up. Featuring a mix of Singaporean, Malaysian and international acts, the Singapore event will host perhaps its strongest line-up to date.The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay, singapore.lanewayfestival.com

weekender.com.sg

Join in Asia’s largest beach countdown party!

Top 5 epic Singaporean moments of 2014

How are you going to spend the last few moments of 2014? Why not end the year and start a new one with a blast at the Siloso Beach Party?

We are a mere five days away from bidding 2014 goodbye. How are you going to seize the moment and leap into the New

Year? Here’s an idea: Get your dancing shoes and party on at the legendary Siloso Beach Party, Asia’s largest beach countdown party!

Come Dec 31, the Siloso Beach Party will feature over 20 international and local DJs taking to the decks as party-goers gather over the five party zones. This is truly the party event of the year!

Female DJ TalenTsAmong the highlights of the Siloso Beach Party are the female DJs. They include DJ Shy, DJ Charlotte, DJ Tinc and DJ Jenni-F.

These hot young talents will be showcasing their feminine spunk and style, as well as bringing you hot rocking music throughout the night at the Siloso Beach Party.

DJ shy Blazes a BolD TrailDJ Shy was the first female on-air mixer at Los Angeles’ No. 1 Top 40 radio station in

America, with more than 2.6 million listeners tuning in to her music each week. She has headlined and delivered a fresh stream of mixes every year at the Siloso Beach Party, and has spun at some of the finest clubs around the world.

Shy got her start at the world-famous Laugh Factory comedy club in Hollywood, where she spun at sold-out shows for comics such as Damon and Marlon Wayans, George Lopez, Chris Rock, Dave Chapelle and others. She spins Top 40, ‘80s, pop, rock, house, hip-hop, R&B and reggae music.

Fiery Tracks From a Familiar Face DJ Charlotte C started DJ-ing at the young age of 12 and has had gigs with several clubs including Azzura, Supperclub, Zirca, TAB and Châteaux. Charlotte returns to the Siloso Beach Party for the third year, bringing with her a plethora of Top 40 music as well as her distinctive musical style.

DJ Charlotte C is one of the youngest DJs in the event this year.

Kaypoh Korner

We’re watching you, Singapore – have you been naughty or nice this year?

Insanely-long Hello Kitty queues? That’s old news. There’s a lot more brewing in our sunny island that you may have missed, so we’ve drawn up a list and checked it twice.

Now, let’s find out if you’ve been naughty or nice.

1 sTealing race meDalsSingaporeans, you’ve proven to be quite the dramatic bunch! The storm started

with the highly-anticipated Hello Kitty Run in November. The skies chose this happy day to unleash their tears; so chaos descended upon the parade.

Eyewitness accounts tell of people – some of whom weren’t even participants – taking off with entire boxes of the coveted Hello Kitty-shaped Finishers’ Medals. Shortly after, the medals were put online for sale.

About a month after this Kitty fiasco, participants of the Standard Chartered Marathon were riled up when “non-finishers” received the finishers’ T-shirt and medal, despite not completing the full race.

What really happened: Slower runners were diverted onto a shorter route, and were asked by the staff to take the prizes as awards for their participation.

2 caTFighTing over sTuFFeD caTsThere’s something about Hello Kitty that

drives people to insanity. Long queues may be old news but the catfighting has gone to a new low.

In the past few years, fast food chain McDonald’s has been bringing in Hello Kitty collector’s dolls to accompany its meals. With this came the ugly clawing and fist-fighting between members of the public.

On some occasions, the police had to be called in to pull the rioters away. We wonder if the dolls were hauled in for questioning as well. Hey, they started it!

4 local acTress Bares all & anoTher Wins inTernaTional aWarD

We have reasons to celebrate too. 2014 was a good year for many Singaporeans, in particular for actresses Esther Low and Angeline Yap.

Low was awarded a Best Actress Award for her performance in Rosado Furia, a Costa Rican production. Her accolade was awarded by the Central American Festival Icaro.

Back home, Yap daringly bared it all in one of the Singapore International Film Festival’s (SGIFF) feature screenings. The sold-out film, Lang Tong, features Yap’s character in a steamy scene with a notorious womaniser.

Now, don’t you wish you’d paid more attention to local films?

5 singapore: lonely planeT’s no. 1 Travel DesTinaTionNow this is truly worth a big whoop!

Lonely Planet, one of the most heralded and comprehensive travel sites, has listed our little red dot as the top travel destination for 2015.

According to the website, we’ve been selected because 2015 is our Golden Jubilee, and we’ll be packed full of exciting events under the umbrella programme of SG50.

Also, the world is elated by our new developments such as the entertainment district on Marina Bay, the revamped National Art Gallery, and the expansions of our shopping centres and train network.

I don’t know about you, but I’m pretty happy to be living in the heart of the action. Get ready for a sensational new year!

By Pamela Chow

3 horrors oF sim lim revealeDThe year unearthed a series of debacles,

all within this shopping complex specialising in the retail of electronic products. These scandals have shaken the nation.

In late October, a customer had to plead for a $1,010 refund, which was met with ridicule from the shop owners and a shower of coins. (Apparently, they really totalled $1,010.)

If that wasn’t bad enough, the very same shop was embroiled in another scam. They reportedly tricked Mr Pham Van Thoai from Vietnam into paying a ridiculous sum of $2,450 for the latest iPhone 6. Not learning from the previous incidences, the staff of MobileAir once again taunted the kneeling and begging customer.

In the latest news, Sim Lim’s manage-ment has announced it will look into ways of clamping down on errant practices.

A popular mall for the retail of electronic products, Sim Lim Square has been embroiled in various scandals this year

TK Kurikawa / Shutterstock.com

featured event

rocking young anD BeauTiFulDJ Jenni-F is Asia’s youngest video disc jockey. She was also crowned the champion for the MAD DJ Competition, and has carved a name for herself in the bass music scene.

Jenni-F’s unique and clean signature style of mixing encompasses Top 40, hip hop, K-pop, complextro, trap, dubstep and open formats, all delivered in videos designed to give her audiences the best audio-visual experience possible!

What are you waiting for? Prepare to be impressed.

Tickets on sale at www.silosobeachparty.com

DJ Shy has spun at sold-out shows for comics such as Damon and Marlon Wayans, George Lopez, Chris Rock, Dave Chapelle and more

DJ Charlotte started DJ-ing at age 12 and has had gigs with several clubs including Azzura, Supperclub, Zirca and TAB

Asia’s youngest Video DJ, Jenni-

F’s set will be delivered in

videos, giving audiences

the best audio-visual

experience

The Hello Kitty-shaped Finishers’ Medals were so coveted that non-participants fled with boxes to sell


Submit your Pet Family Photo and 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 petPEt Family PhotosWeekender presents the PET FAMILY PHOTOS contest. Here are our readers’ cutest snapshots!

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

This week’s best photo wins

a special AVA umbrella

worth $40!

Xiyao’s Bella Barrett is oh-so-adorable, you just wanna kiss! :*

Alicia’s Yoshi looks like such a sweetie here :)Jennifer’s Milo is certainly

boy’s best friend

Vanitha’s Revan kinda looks regal here, don’t you think?

Catherine’s Nalla is such a cutesy little thing

Is your dog exhibiting skin discomfort? Here are common conditions in dogs you should look out for

Issue 1: AtopIc dermAtItIsThe condition of Canine Atopic Dermatitis is an inherited predisposition to develop allergic symptoms after repeated exposure to a usually harmless substance or some kind of allergen, such as dust mites or pollen.

Dogs with this condition usually rub, lick, chew, bite or scratch their feet, muzzle, ears, armpits or groin, causing hair loss and reddening of the skin.

Issue 2: Food AllergyFood allergy is one of the itchiest and most uncomfortable conditions for cats and dogs. Sometimes, proteins in the animals’ food get recognised by the body as foreign invaders. The resulting irritation or inflammation may affect the gastrointestinal tract or other organs, but in dogs and cats it is usually the skin that suffers the most.

Often, many pet owners wrongly presume the pet’s itching from food allergy boils down to a recent change in diet of some sort. In fact, this usually takes time to develop. In most cases, the pets have been eating the offending food for years with no visible effect.

Issue 3: FleAs, tIcks & lIceFleas bite through the dog’s skin, leaving behind saliva that can cause allergic reactions. Ticks and lice, on the other hand, will attach themselves onto the dog’s body and feed on its blood.

If your dog is exhibiting the signs or symptoms of these skin ailments, make an appointment with the vet immediately to check on the condition.

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

If your dog is suffering from the symptoms of allergy or parasites, make sure to get it to a vet immediately

weekender.com.sg

star of the week

What does it take to be a Kabuki star?Weekender had a private interview with Ebizo Ichikawa XI, an 11th generation Kabuki actor, on his fame and plans to propagate the Japanese theatrical tradition

It’s not easy carrying the weight of 600 years’ worth of Japanese theatrical tradition on one’s shoulders but Ebizo Ichikawi, 36, believes he was born to assume this yoke since he was two years old! And he does it gladly, with grace and dignity.

But will modern times change the future of Kabuki? We find out in a private conversation with Ebizo-san.

What does it take to be a kabuki star?Well, on the surface… first of all, you have to be born into a Kabuki family. Not anybody can be a Kabuki performer. Secondly, the most important qualities – voice, face, and stature. These are the superficial aspects.

But what it boils down to is how serious you are in pursuing this art form.

Please describe your fan base.My core fan base is women aged 30 to 60. But in terms of my recognition rate in the Japanese population, actually, everybody knows about me. From a young child to the elderly, almost everyone in Japan knows about me.

if only a small ProPortion of JaPanese PeoPle Watch kabuki, hoW Would everyone knoW you?Interestingly, only 5 per cent of the entire Japanese population have watched Kabuki, but 90 per cent of the population knows about me. It’s my personality that makes me known and recognised by everybody.

I live as a Kabuki performer. For example, reporters from a Japanese TV station filming me while I am on an overseas performance, trying to share the charms of Japanese tradition to people overseas.

In this sense, I have much to share and I have very high exposure.

as a child, did you dream about doing something else besides kabuki, and at What age did you realise you had to carry on the family tradition? I knew I was actually born to be a Kabuki actor. From the point that I was born, I was fated to be a Kabuki actor.

So, if you ask me, when I realised I was a going to be Kabuki actor, well that would be when I was two or three years old... But, of course, I had a rebellious phase as well.

I didn’t know my grandfather but on the 30th anniversary of my grandfather’s death – I was 17 years old – I took on a very huge role on the Kabuki stage. That was when my realisation was more certain.

When I was born, the certainty was 100 per cent, but when I took on that role, I was 120 per cent certain that I would live and die as a Kabuki actor.

you have tWo children. do you have exPectations for your son to folloW in your footstePs?Definitely, I want him to be Kabuki actor. That’s a 100 per cent wish and expectation. But I don’t say that to him openly, because inspiration from top down is a little different from if the inspiration was from my son, himself.So, what I think is important is to encourage him and create an environment to elicit my son’s own will and interest in Kabuki until he starts thinking, “Hey, I want to be a Kabuki actor!”

kabuki tradition Prohibits Women from Performing, so What if your daughter Wants to become a kabuki actor? Kabuki today, it is physically impossible for ladies to practice. Because of the movement, or probably the costume they are wearing. It’s almost impossible for ladies to take on a role.

Because, Kabuki, by nature, is very masculine, manly. In order for Kabuki to look good, the actor needs to be a perfect match for the character. So for a wild character, a slim skinny actor will not fit the bill. It will not bring out the character to the fullest.

However, if my daughter shows a great interest in Kabuki, one of the best solutions is to establish a new school of Kabuki for ladies.

Danjuro, my great, great, great, great… well, many generations back, he tried to establish a Kabuki school for ladies for his daughter to perform. I am prepared to take that on (again), to establish, develop, and cultivate a new school for ladies, if my daughter shows interest in Kabuki.

If she is serious, I am ready to fight for it!

Interview conducted by Frank Young in English with Japanese translation.

Frank and Weekender thank Ebizo Ichikawa XI and Hello! Japan, the Official Television Channel for Japan Theatre, for this private interview.

Ebizo Ichikawa XI, renowned kabuki master from Japan, shouldering the yoke of 600 years of theatrical tradition

movie preview

Secret of the Tomb: Don’t miss Robin Williams’ heartfelt swansongReunite with your favourite Night at the Museum characters including Teddy Roosevelt, played by the late Robin Williams

This final Night at the Museum movie isn’t just a wrap-up to the side-splitting series. It’s also Robin Williams’ swansong, filmed before his passing in August this year.

So, here’s your chance to catch Williams in his final act. The late actor plays the

life for the Tablet and his museum pals may lie in the British Museum. Together with his son, Nick, and the more mobile of the exhibits, he journeys to London to save the day.

museum of magicHow timely it is for this movie to be released on Christmas Day. With the whole series coming together to save the enchanted museum, it’s a tale full of miracles and magic.

Director Shawn Levy explained, “We aren’t just going to a new museum – we are fighting for the life of the magic itself.”

Stiller said, “When the idea came up about everything possibly ending, and there being a finite amount of time these creatures can actually come to life, and how people deal with that, it felt like a story you wouldn’t quite expect to see.”

one last ePic adventureAs Robin Williams’ last movie appearance, Secret of the Tomb would hold a special place in the hearts of many. On his role as Teddy Roosevelt, co-star Steve Coogan (who plays Roman Centurion Octavius) said, “There’s a real warmth to his character, and I think this movie’s a fitting epitaph.”

Levy expressed a similar heartfelt sentiment. Speaking to news site The Hollywood Reporter, he said, “Robin was such a joy every day. I used to love how much he enjoyed making Ben Stiller laugh. I loved that here was this legend who was also still a fan.”

Secret of the Tomb is a must-watch – if not for its amusing quips and slapstick humour, then as a final goodbye to one of the greatest actors of our time.

By Pamela Chow

night at the museum: secret of the tomb [Pg]director: Shawn Levystarring: Ben Stiller,

Robin Williams & Owen Wilson

genre: Comedy, Adventurerun length: 97 minrelease: 25 Dec

animated statue of Theodore Roosevelt, the 26th President of the USA.

Titled Secret of the Tomb, this final part of the series sees protagonist Larry Daley (Ben Stiller) traversing the world to unite the characters, in an epic quest to save the magic that keeps the museum artefacts alive. It promises to be a wild adventure!

strange haPPeningsIn New York’s American Museum of Natural History, Larry is the new head of the night watch, keeping vigil over the mischievous exhibits that come to life at night. However, they soon start to behave strangely.

It turns out that the Tablet of Ahkmenrah, which brings the museum pieces to life, has begun to decay.

Larry discovers that the secret to eternal

Expect familiar characters and new ones in the final instalment of Night at the Museum

Secret of the Tomb will unite all your favourite Museum characters with new ones in a last epic quest

Robin Williams (left) in his final act as Teddy Roosevelt, alongside Ben Stiller (right) as protagonist Larry Daley

DEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015

EntErtainmEntw wEEkEndEr.com.sg

ALSO IN THEATRES

We take a look at the hits and misses of 2014, and what made us clap, coo or cry

It was a good year for cinema, with plenty of remarkable movie moments to be remembered. We’ve made a list and checked it twice – here are the best and

worst movies of 2014.

Most LovabLe:big Hero 6

With his giant bouncy belly, Baymax is hands-down the most huggable character of the year. Big Hero 6, by touching gently on the issues of loss and revenge, has won over the hearts of both children and adults alike.

You can’t pretend that you didn’t tear – or at least feel a tinge of sorrow – at certain points in the story. Despite that, the rest of the show is too cute to resist. We erupted in guffaws watching Baymax totter across the screen, wishing we each had our very own Baymax to cuddle with.

Most tastefuLLy vioLent:fury

What’s with Brad Pitt and artistically brutal films? Like his 2009 hit Inglourious Basterds, Fury is generously peppered with bloodshed and army eye candy. This time, Pitt takes on a not-so-comical role as a hardened sergeant battling through World War II.

But Fury isn’t just about explosions and guts. It also exposes a different, more insidious kind of violence – one that shows why there are neither winners nor innocent fighters in war.

biggest tease:tHe Hunger gaMes: Mockingjay –Part 1

For all the anticipation that The Hunger Games has built up, its latest instalment sprang us a big surprise – kind of like opening a shiny new Playstation box but finding a boring mug inside.

Half the movie promised heart-stopping action by pumping out bomber planes, rumbling underground tunnels, and threatening messages from the corrupt Capitol. The next half only delivered heroine Katniss Everdeen climbing poignantly through debris and shooting a total of one rage-filled arrow.

Perhaps the whole point of Mockingjay – Part 1 was to craft the calm before the big storm. But I feel like I’m the titular “jay”, and the producers are mocking me.

Most twisted:gone girL and nigHtcrawLer

When Gone Girl was released, many were expecting a predictable murder-thriller – but the movie uprooted everyone’s expectations. That alone was half the shock.

Audiences were clutching the edges of their seats the whole way through, hoping to catch the true criminal (and catch sight of the scenes that gave Gone Girl its R21 rating). By

the end, Gone Girl made me feel dazed and shocked – like a gong girl.

Tied with Gone Girl is an understated contender, Nightcrawler. The twists aren’t so much in the plot than in your gut. The uncanny performance of Jake Gyllenhaal as the psychopathic protagonist made many stomachs churn.

Is Nightcrawler a superhero vigilante flick? By the end of the movie, you’d be wishing it was that innocent.

tHe Most HyPed:tHe Hobbit: tHe battLe of tHe five arMies and intersteLLar

Both of these films received a lot of attention. The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is the last film depicting JRR Tolkien’s Middle Earth. It’s a paradox of anticipation and dread.

On the other hand, Interstellar, in typical Christopher Nolan style, was kept a big secret up until its release, drawing hordes of curious critics. Its mind-bending concept has kept tongues wagging way after its run was up.

MainstreaM-yet-obscure: tHe grand budaPest HoteL

This film garnered high ratings for its dark comedy, and it sports an A-list cast – Sherlock Holmes’ Jude Law, Harry Potter’s Ralph Fiennes, Jurassic Park’s Jeff Goldblum and Hanna’s Saoirse Ronan – but not many people caught it.

It’s no wonder; this film is almost impossible to understand. Its synopsis seems

simple enough: a hotel concierge (Fiennes) must work to prove his innocence after being framed for murder.

But the film opens with peculiar music and rushed, accented dialogue. Many oddball characters come and go, and perhaps the comedy is slightly too eccentric for the global audience.

The film is shot in wonderfully pastel settings. In case your eyes get droopy, it’s okay to gaze at the colourful interiors and think about repainting your home.

biggest Let-down:Penguins of Madagascar

Primed to be one of the most-anticipated movies of the year, Penguins of Madagascar promised a clever and mischievous backstory of the four crafty penguins from the main Madagascar movie series.

However, many fans flipped over the fact that Penguins of Madagascar didn’t deliver. Instead of bringing an origin story, the movie picked up where Madagascar 3 left off.

And, despite being notorious for their comical banter, the penguin quartet paled in comparison with other characters.

Villain Dr Octavius Brine’s amusing puns were funny only the first three times. And we wanted to see more baby penguins, darn it!

By Pamela Chow

m O v I E f E A T u R E

The Jude, the Brad & the bubbly: the best & worst movies of 2014

Which was your favourite film of 2014?

tHe Pact 2 [nc16]As a woman struggles to come to come to grips with her past in the wake of her mother’s death, she is plagued by nightmares of a serial killer and

learns that her dreams have a horrifying connection to the real world.

Meanwhile, an unsettling presence emerges in her childhood home.starring: Camilla Luddington,

Scott Michael Foster & Patrick Fischler

genre: HorrorreLease: 25 Dec

saint Laurent [r21]Directed by Bertrand Bonello, this controversial film depicts the struggles of fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent (Gaspard Ulliel).

It competed for the Palme d’Or at the 2014 Cannes Film Festival, and will compete at the 87th Academy Awards for Best Foreign Language Film.starring: Gaspard Ulliel,

Jeremie Renier, Louis Garrel & Lea Seydoux

genre: DramareLease: 25 Dec

Love on tHe cLoud [tba]Love on the Cloud explores life and love in modern Beijing where, for better or worse, this age of mobile connectivity only magnifies life’s unexpected

encounters and surprises.starring: Angelababy,

Chen He, Tong Dawei, Wang Baoqiang, Jiang Wu & Wen Zhang

genre: DramareLease: 25 Dec

tHe Hobbit: tHe battLe of tHe five arMies [Pg13]The film brings us through the climax of JRR Tolkien’s novel The Hobbit, when the brave hobbit Bilbo Baggins

(Martin Freeman of “Sherlock”) and a band of dwarves battle to reclaim their kingdom of Erebor.

The company has unwittingly unleashed a deadly force into the world. The enraged dragon, Smaug, rains his fiery wrath down upon them.

You don’t want to miss this epic finale, including the titular Battle of the Five Armies!starring: Martin Freeman,

Ian McKellen, Richard Armitage & Benedict Cumberbatch

genre: FantasyreLease: 18 Dec

DEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015

Foodmaniaw weekender.com.sg

PAGE 9

5 Christmas Feasts to top the season

Christmas is finally upon us! Let’s top the season with a fantastic, jolly feast – make your reservations now

We hope you’re celebrating this season of Christmas with plenty of feasting, gift exchanging and merrymaking! Bring this festive season to a close with a feast

truly worthy of kings – whet your appetite with our final Christmas recommendations for this month.

Cast away your diet plans and tuck right in. Eat well and prosper! 3 Universal stUdios santa’s Kitchen

Celebrating Christmas at Universal Studios? Complete the experience! Guests can choose to stay in the park for a Christmas feast complete with festive goodies

like turkey and traditional sweets at Santa’s Kitchen. For the first time, Sound Stage 28 will be transformed into

a festive dining hall serving up a delectable Christmas dinner buffet with a special appearance by Christmas characters.

Santa’s Kitchen, Universal Studios

4 Westin JoyoUs traditionsStart the Christmas celebrations right with the Christmas Eve Lunch Buffet at The Westin Singapore’s interactive dining venue, Seasonal Tastes. With a wide

range of decadent offerings such as lobster au gratin, pan-fried goose liver, and an extensive selection of seafood, it will be a grand festive feast. Top off the gastronomic experience with a free flow of champagne, beer and wine, as well as mouth-watering desserts such as the Classic Christmas Yule Log, Christmas Cupcake, and a D-I-Y gingerbread station.

The Westin, Sentosa Singapore

5 cold storage dinner deal delUxeHaving a house party? Plan ahead and treat your family and friends to a sumptuous meal that is quick to organise and assemble with the extensive range of

affordable festive offerings at Cold Storage supermarkets. Whet your palate with Dinner Deal packages, speciality

platters, roast turkeys, prime cuts of Wagyu and Angus roasts, gourmet hams, beautiful packaged gift ideas and festive candies.

Available at Cold Storage outlets

Osteria Mozza Feast of the Seven Fishes, $128+

Cold Storage Dinner Deal Deluxe, $89.90+

The Westin Joyous Traditions, $250+

Christmas speCial

1 hUngry heroes Festive PlatterRing in the yuletide cheer with Special Festive Platters for both dining in and takeaway! Delight in their Oh, What Fun It Is To Ride In A One Horse Open Sleigh –

a hearty feast for nine to ten people, including half a turkey, honey glazed ham, lamb rack, ribeye, sausage trio, half rack pork ribs, pulled pork, beef stew, veal osso bucco, truffle mash and a festive dessert.

Hungry Heroes, 33 Tessensohn Road

2 osteria Mozza Feast oF the seven Fishes For a traditional Italian Christmas Eve dinner, head over to Osteria Mozza for the “Feast of the Seven

Fishes”. The feast is a customary meal served in Italian households to celebrate La Vigilia or Christmas Eve, where seafood is served instead of meat.

Complete the festive feast with the vanilla panna cotta and coconut tapioca.

Osteria Mozza, Marina Bay Sands

DEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015

FoodmaniaW

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

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

weekender.com.sg/krispykreme

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

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

ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASE.CLOSING DATE: 31 Dec 2014Good luck!

Doughnut aficionados are in for a treat this festive season! Indulge in an array of new delectable creations at Krispy Kreme’s newest store in Great World City. This will be Krispy Kreme’s fourth store in just over a year, having sold more than 2.5 million doughnuts since its inception in 2013.

The new outlet deviates from the brand’s usual pick-and-go concept – the store is designed to encourage dine-ins. The storefront has an extensive selection of over 20 flavours.

Win a box of Krispy Kreme Original Glazed doughnuts for yourself now!

TO BE WON!

15 BOxEs Of OrigiNal glazEd dOughNuTs WOrTh $23.40 pEr BOx

KrispY KrEME dOughNuTs

Christmas cheesecakes over log cakes at Geek Cafe

The Joie of inventive meatless cuisine

purr-fEcT TrEaT Desserts are the perfect treat for any festive gathering, and what better way to bring everyone together than with these two exclusive Christmas themed Cat and the Fiddle cheesecakes? With feel-good ingredients, the cakes are bound to have you all set for the coming festivities.

Love all things chocolate? Have a Meowy Christmas ($38.90) would be perfect for your taste buds. The chocolate cake leaves you with a mouthful of chocolate creaminess with brownie bits. Personally, however, the cake was a little heavy for me – chocolate cream and brownie wasn’t exactly the best combination.

If Have a Meowy Christmas was at an extreme, Snowy Christmas would be on a more balanced level. Snowy Christmas ($38.90) combines chocolate-ly richness with cream cheese and brandied cherries.

This would better cater to a broader range of people with its good mix of cream cheese and chocolate.

Both are created atop a gingerbread crust, adding a touch of spice and crunch to the decadent, velvety goodness of the chocolate cream cheese.

dEcOraTiONs fOr chrisTMas – righT dOWN TO ThE caKEWhile you put up decorations for Christmas at home, how about decorating the food you put on your plate?

With the option of personalisation here, no two cakes should look the same. Personalise your own cheesecake with exclusive Cat and the Fiddle stencils and ornaments. From Christmas greeting stencils to Santa Claus figurine add-ons, delight your guests with your fancy decorations before they sink their teeth into these scrumptious cheesecakes.

Each stencil set comes with a Christmas stencil, sieve and either chocolate or snow powder, while the Christmas decorative set includes a figures like a mini hut, Santa Claus and snowmen. Talk about jazzing up your spread for Christmas! Both the stencil and decorative set are priced at $5.50 each.

ThE sKY’s ThE liMiTHave a Meowy Christmas and Snowy Christmas not your cup of tea? Fret not, Cat and the Fiddle has a whooping 12 other flavours of cheesecakes (from $19.90 to $35.90) for your selection.

From the King Cat of The Mountain, a creamy Mao Shan Wang durian cheesecake to the Maneki Neko,

With an array of flavours to choose from,take your pick!

The cheesecakes can be personalised

The Cat and the Fiddle introduces new limited edition Christmas cheesecakes at the Geek Cafe

Already tired of log cakes for Christmas? How about cheesecakes in place of the festive tradition of log cakes?

Cheesecake aficionados, rejoice! This Christmas, Cat and the Fiddle introduces two new exclusive limited edition Christmas cheesecakes at the Geek Cafe at Marine Parade.

Meatless cuisine for fine dining – not as intimidating as it sounds

Tucked in Orchard Central’s rooftop garden, Joie presents a refreshing take on modern meatless cuisine. Using only the freshest vegetables, fruits and herbs, be treated to a feast by Executive Chef Sherwin Sim, formerly of Coriander Leaf Restaurant.

The highlight of Joie lies in the elaborate six-course set lunch ($38.80++) and seven-course dinner ($68.80++) menus. Be spoilt for choice as Joie offers ample variety with four to five options per course.

a fEasT fOr ThE EYEs aNd palaTE For a start, the Mushroom Gratin is a brilliant choice. Give it a go and you’ll not be disappointed.

The juicy button mushrooms are sautéed in herb garlic butter and generously enveloped by crisp and gooey mozzarella, served with Tennessee heirloom potato puree and caramelised Belgian endives on the side. I couldn’t tell that it’s actually meatless!

Specialities such as Spring Vegetable Terrine are not to be missed. While not strictly a terrine in traditional terms, the meatless version is a great alternative. The assorted vegetables of aubergines, carrots, mushrooms and peppers are delicately layered and gelled together with the flavourful vegetable broth. Served with the sides of pistachio crumble and parmesan crisps, the dish is enlivened by the savoury garlic-onion emulsion.

sOup fOr ThE sOul Slurp up some soup in between the courses and cleanse your palate. The snow pear and Napa Cabbage Consommé is already popular.

Creatively presented on a Chinese tea tray with a clay teapot, the robust-flavoured double-boiled vegetable stock is poured over a tender poached baby pear and Chinese almonds. The soup was light and comforting with a hint of sweetness from the baby pear. It had elegant flavours yet tasted homely.

iNdulgE WiThOuT guilTBefore diving into the desserts, I tucked into the final savoury course – the Trio of Spheres including a creamy butternut pumpkin risotto ball, a flaky puff pastry stuffed with fresh wild mushroom, onion and truffle, and a crispy fried mozzarella cheese ball.

Honestly, the taste of this particular dish seemed mediocre to me, and its only saving grace is the flavourful puff pastry ball.

Having eaten all the veggies earlier, I could indulge in the desserts without feeling guilty. You can end your meal on a sweet note with an array of sweet treats such as macarons, mini tarts and candies. You can choose five sweet picks and round off your meal with a cup of tea, coffee or a glass of refreshing mocktail.

Joie by Dozo @ Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, #12-01, Tel: 6838 6966

By Alison Chu

Cheekily served in an escargot plate, the button mushroom is a clever substitute!

You can never have too many desserts

new CHeeSeCAKeS

new ReStAuRAnt

a tangy and refreshing yuzu cheesecake, there is something for everyone, no matter your taste preference.

I would recommend the Maneki Neko, which is very refreshing and different from the usual cheesecake. It was flavourful in every bite.

The Sweet and Smokey Taffy cheesecake, a combination of salted caramel and an oreo biscuit crust, was a match made in heaven.

Still can’t decide? For all you fickle-minded and indecisive eaters, the Fickle Feline is tailored just for you.

The cake is a combination of ten slices of different cakes on the menu, including the Queen of Hearts, a strawberry cheesecake, and the Sicilian Wild Cats, the Modern Duke’s Pudding – a classic oreo cheesecake.

ThE gEEK cafE & caT aNd ThE fiddlECat and the Fiddle (by Daniel Tay, founder of Bakerzin) cakes retail exclusively at the Geek Café and online at www.catandthefiddle.com.

The Geek Cafe, as its name suggests, is the perfect place for computer geeks who love coffee. More than a cafe, it is also a computer shop selling all sorts of gadgets and accessories. The Christmas exclusives were launched from Dec 8 and are priced at $38.90 each.

Geek Café, 81 Marine Parade Central, #01-644, Singapore 440081

By Eu Shuqi

weekender.com.sg

THREE EASY WAYS TO ENTER:

Look for the pinned post on our Facebook page:

facebook.com/weekendersgp and follow the instructions

Visit contest page to enter contest:

http://bit.ly/macallangiveaway

SMS to 85026567

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

ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASE.CLOSING DATE: 7 JAN 2015

Good Luck!

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

ToasT The macallanBe a part of The Macallan’s most unique whisky appreciation event in Singapore! The Macallan is heralded as one of the world’s most precious single malt Scotch whiskies.

From 17 to 18 Jan 2015, The Macallan will be hosting an exclusive ticketed event, Toast The Macallan, at Marina Bay Sands. Be immersed into the world of whisky appreciation with top-notch Macallan drams, and find out what makes The Macallan the world’s most precious whisky.

Celebrate in style with The Macallan Brand Ambassador from Scotland, Kieron Elliott, and local celebrity hosts Allan Wu and Randall Tan.

For more information, visit www.toastthemacallan.sg

8 PaIRs oF TIcKeTs WoRTh $68 (PeR PaIR)

To be WonWin a pair of tickets to Toast The Macallan for you and a partner now!

Johor LaksaInGReDIenTs• 4 tbsp Cooking oil• ½ inch Ginger, peeled and finely minced• 10 Shallots, peeled and mashed skin• 3 cloves Garlic, peeled and mashed skin• 5 tbsp Dried shrimp, soaked, drained & pounded• 8 stalks Lemongrass, exhaust tip and blend to a paste• 4 tbsp Fish curry powder• 300g Prawns, cleaned, peeled & finely minced• 1 litre Milk cream• ½ inch Ginger, peeled and crushed• 1kg Mackerel, boiled & chopped• 5 pieces Tamarind• 70g Toasted coconut paste (kerisik)• 500g Cooked spaghetti• 10 Limes, halved

sambal belacan (chIllI PasTe)• 2 Red chillies• 1 tsp Shrimp paste, roasted• ½ tsp Lime juice• Salt to taste

GaRnIsh• 1 Cucumber, thinly sliced• 8 stalks Laksa leaves (daun kesum), chopped• 100g Bean sprouts with tails removed• 2 Shallots, thinly sliced• 100g Green beans, sliced

Celebrity Chef reCipe

meThoD1. Combine all chilli paste ingredients in a blender and blend until smooth. Set aside.

2. Heat oil in a large pot. Sautee ginger, onion, garlic and dried prawns until fragrant. Mix the curry powder and fry for a further 2 min.

3. Add shrimp, coconut cream, lemon grass and galangal. Bring to a boil.

4. Add mackerel and tamarind. Cook for another 20 min.

5. Add toasted coconut and let it cook for an additional 2 min. If the sauce is too thick, add a little hot water.

6. To serve, put the spaghetti into a serving bowl. Garnish with cucumber, laksa leaves, bean sprouts, onions and beans.

cheF Wan The celebrity chef was in town to greet fans and sign copies of his book, 400 Resipi Terbaik Chef Wan, at BookFest 2014.

DEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015

SHOPSavvyw weekender.cOm.Sg

Part 5

When was the last time you received a quaint present from the past? We rewind to the ‘80s (or beyond) for these funky gift ideas

Ever realised that everything you own will one day be antiques for future generations? The cassette player you used to carry around, the phone cards that you used to make calls from public phone booths – all these and more will be slowly forgotten, then revived as part of an antique show one day. So, let us take a journey back to the past.

Check out our nostalgic gift guide this Christmas.

The gift of Nostalgia

Because We Like itThe owner behind Because We Like It started his business out of love for vintage watches. He hopes that his watches can find new owners who have the same passion for them as he does.

The store stocks a range of highly collectible watches from Rolex to Omega. Because We Like It first rose to fame for its vintage, close-to-mint Rolex watches.

Becausewelikeit.com

Like that OneFor Like That One, restoring vintage Singapore furniture goes past nostalgia and moves into the realm of creating a sense of place in a city that prizes the new.

They take the “reduce, re-use and recycle” mantra very seriously. One of their proudest products is the reinvented classic “Tolix” chairs, normally found in dull colours, repainted in vibrant colours to enliven any home.

likethatone.com

VinyLuckySingapore’s most extensive record store, VinyLucky is proud to call itself a place where music lives on. Transport yourself back to the good old years of the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s with the endless selection of records.

The collection of more than 13,500 LPs is sure to rekindle fond memories of those growing-up years.

Vinylucky.blogspot.sg

VinyLucky Records, from $25

We Like It Vintage Watches, price upon request

Dejavu Vintage Dresses, from $65

DejaVu VintageEverything in Déjà Vu Vintage is stylish, one-of-a-kind and heart-achingly precious. There exists only one of each precious piece at Déjà Vu Vintage – each item is personally selected and imported from the US, Europe, Australia or Japan.

They have since extended the catalogue beyond vintage pieces and now stock handmade and designer items too.

dejavuvintage.com

LOrgansA proud collector of vintage items, Lorgans stocks an impressive array of authentic vintage products. It carries original retro furniture as well as reproduced Danish-designed furniture.

It has recently been featured in Louis Vuitton City Guide Singapore.

Lorgans.com

By Nicole Lee

Brand new colours for a fresh start to the New Year

Home solutions Do you wish to welcome the new year with brand new colours for your home but have no idea where to begin? Take this opportunity to refresh your home to start the year afresh and to welcome visitors to your new home.

A new paint job doesn’t have to be a hassle or expensive, when the Dulux team is here to provide its professional painting services.

PrOfessiOnaL cOLOur cOnsuLtatiOn serVicesIs your biggest worry picking the wrong colours for your walls or colours not turning out has you had perceived? Fret not. Let Dulux help you in colour selection, with either a free colour consultation, or with the Dulux Visualizer app.

With the new Dulux Visualizer app, you can see your room live in any colour before you paint it! Using the very latest technology, the app gives you an instant, realistic impression of how your room could look.

As passionate blogger The Loving Mum explained on her blog, “It is very important to pick the colours at home and not in stores or at your Interior Designer’s studio.” Using the app, you can experiment with as many combinations as you want.

For her, redesigning her toddlers’ playroom was a breeze. With Dulux’s help, her choice of colours magically brightened up the space.

Download the Dulux Visualizer app for free on your smartphone or tablet, and you’ll never have to play it safe again. Tastes may differ but quality should never be compromised.

kiDPrOOf yOur WaLLsKids see walls as a stretch of canvas to unleash their creativity. This, of course, launches moms into panic mode. Now, moms need not worry about spending hours scrubbing the wall only to find out their child’s work of art is permanent.

Dulux Wash & Wear with the new KidProof TechnologyTM effectively repels tough stains. Rather than seeping into the paint, most liquids form beads on the surface, making cleaning

a piece of cake. The Loving Mum’s little girls, Ayra and

Zara, love their new playroom. Brightly coated with Dulux Wash & Wear, it is the perfect place for them to freely express their imagination even without the mother’s watchful eye.

Dulux Wash & Wear is also equipped with the Colourguard Technology which keeps colours looking fresh longer. The newly-painted walls will also be low in odour, even when freshly painted. This makes the entire painting experience safe, bearable and environmentally friendly.

WeLL-rOunDeD serVicesApart from providing professional consultation and painting services with actual colour visualisation before painting the walls, Dulux also provides a 1-year warranty. The painting is done swiftly and cleanly, with the furniture shifted and covered by the experienced painters. This means hassle-free, minimal disruption to the family!

With Dulux’s Professional Painting Services, there is no reason to hold back on revamping your walls.

Visit www.dulux.com.sg to request for a hard copy of Dulux Colour Inspirations 2015 to be mailed to you. You can also request for a free colour consultation service.

Photos: The Loving Mum, www.thelovingmum.sg

Left: The kids loved their new, vibrant playroom Right: You don’t have to worry about shifting furniture as the Dulux team will take care of everything for you

A new year, a new colour, a new experience. How about for you?

Paint now with Dulux and save more than $550! Let your colour inspirations come alive when you engage our colour and professional painting experts.

For more information on the Dulux Professional Painting Services promotion, visit www.dulux.com.sg or call 6265 0677.

weekender.com.sgDEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015

DEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015

SHOPSavvyw 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

Furniture marvelsHome makeover Ideas

Move It, Move ItHere’s a clever way to maximise what little space you have at home. The Raumplus Mobile system is a relocation-friendly piece of furniture that combines sliding door technology with a closet interior system.

It fits perfectly into niches of all sizes, so you’ll finally know what to do with that empty corner in the bedroom.

Raumplus Mobile, price on enquiry, from Ewins Home

Pretty Playful The Spring 2014 collection from Mondi Lifestyle is all about making a statement in your living room. The pieces in the series are bold but functional, and have been designed with a playful disposition in mind.

For something a little more understated, check out the Sunflower table with its intertwining base and a natural marble top.

www.mondilifestyle.com.sg

In trying to maximise usable space, the original layout ended up feeling small and confined

The insertion of a pod-like structure in place of the mezzanine helped consolidate more spaces within a smaller footprint

There is perhaps nothing more enticing for a bachelor than to have his very own pad – hidden corners, transforming pods and all included. This is certainly what the owner of this studio apartment

got when designer Adrian Lai of META reworked this home.

“I never used to like transformative projects until I encountered this space. I don’t want to be clever for the sake of being clever... until you really need it,” Adrian said.

Indeed, this apartment needed it. He first removed the original mezzanine level of the home because it lowered a portion of the ceiling and made the home feel tight and closed in. But once the apartment was gutted, the designer noticed structures and service ducts that cut into parts of the 4.2m- high space.

Instead of fighting it, he adeptly harnessed these protrusions to create what he calls the “Object” – a multi-functional, white, pod-like structure in the middle of the space.

Various spaces are planned around the Object: the walk-in wardrobe is housed within it, as is the guest bedroom-cum-study while the owner’s bedroom sits simply atop the Object. The staircase to the private perch can be conveniently stowed away within the glossy white pod as well.

Adrian likens the irregular facets and niches of the Object to the cave villas in Santorini, Greece. It is an apt reference given that the apartment rests just beside the common pool, much like a poolside cabana – it certainly points to easy, languid days at home.

Before:

after:

+ 0.3 M Plan

+ 1.0 M Plan

The dining room has been repositioned to take full advantage of the pool view

The designer conveniently perched the sleeping area atop the “Object”

We look at apartment overhauls that go above and beyond your average renovation

Floor Area: 700 sq ft

home inspirations

Get ideas for transforming your home

Get ideas for transforming your home

DEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015

TRAVELATionw wEEkEndER.com.sg

Brought to you By:

Ever taken a great food photo with your Digital Compact Camera and posted it online or on social media? Now you can share it with us and win a prize by doing so!

Weekender is looking for our next Food Photojournalist and you could be the one! Simply submit your best food photos taken by your Digital Compact Camera to stand a chance to win.

The winner will walk away with a Canon PowerShot SX600 HS and a chance for the photo to be published. That’s not all. You’ll stand a chance to go with us for a media tasting at a restaurant or cafe too!

Here’s the part you’ve been waiting for.

What Will you stand to Win?1) A Canon PowerShot SX600 HS camera2) The official title of Weekender Food Photojournalist with

your photo published3) A chance to go for sponsored media tastings with us

at restaurants or cafes

terms & conditions1) Photos must be taken with a Digital Compact Camera – photos

taken with phones and DSLRs will be disqualified immediately 2) A person can only submit a maximum of 5 entries

For a chance to Win, simPly:

Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/weekendersgp

Look for this contest on our page - like & share it

E-mail us at [email protected] with the following:Subject: Weekender Photo Contest Entry(Attach your image) Name: NRIC: Phone no.: E-mail:

CONTEST PERIOD: 19 DEC 2014 - 18 FEB 2015 (Midnight)No charge for SMS. Please check our Promotional and Contest Rules at weekender.com.sg for details.

WEEKENDER Photo coNtEst

are you WeeKeNDer’s NeXT fooD PHoToJourNaLIsT?

a canon PoWershotsX600 hs (Worth $309)

& Be PuBlished!camera sPonsored By canon

Better close-up selfies & outfit looks

Tell me, are you a selfie person or an OOTD (outfit of the day) person? The Canon PowerShot N2 caters to both!

What is the hottest hashtag right now? Yes, it is #selfie! But can you guess which is second? It is #OOTD.

Many people are obsessed with uploading their “outfit of the day”, also known as OOTD.

In fact, they don’t call it a day until they’ve uploaded their fantastic, envy-inducing outfits onto social media.

It is also the ideal way to show off your presence at the coolest music festival or the latest café.

This is where the Canon PowerShot N2 would be perfect – it makes taking selfies or OOTD shots much easier.

see yourselF From any angleThe Canon PowerShot N2 has a 180-degree tilt screen, which means you can get a clear preview of the photo before you click.

This is especially important for selfies – now you can make sure your best side is properly framed within the shot!

With the self-timer function, you could grab your teddy bear or a bouquet of full blooms to pose beatifically with. No more worrying about bad angles when you are in full control.

The self-timer is good for one-shot poses, but if you want multiple shots with different poses to choose from, then the app is definitely better!

control your camera WirelesslyTailored to smartphone users, the Canon CameraWindow is an app you can download onto your mobile device. Simply connect your mobile device to the Canon PowerShot N2 via Wi-Fi. Then, remotely preview and control the camera with your smartphone.

Imagine this scenario: Put the Canon PowerShot N2 onto a wide window ledge and position yourself against the background that you are trying to capture. Adjust your hair and get a cheeky pout ready. Preview the picture on your smartphone and click on the shutter from your phone to wirelessly capture the image. Now you can capture as many poses as you want!

The great features of the Canon PowerShot N2 will help you to take better selfies

Photo tiPs

•DO face the light source (i.e. the sun or window) when taking selfies. When your face is well lit, the results will always be better!

The Canon PowerShot N2

eNTer To WIN

This is brilliant for OOTD takers, who want to ensure that the camera captures all the right details before the perfect photo is posted online. Also, there is no more need to ask strangers with shaky hands for photo-taking help!

DEC 26 - jAN 1, 2015

TRAVELATionW

Among the exciting things you can do around Fraser Island is whale watching

VISIT THE HOME OF THE DINGOES & A NATURAL PARK

Fraser Island in Australia is a combination of pristine beaches, a spectrum of vibrant flora and fauna and, guess what, dingoes!

A dingo is a free-ranging dog native to Australia, believed to have been descended from semi-domesticated dogs from Southeast Asia, that had turned wild over a few thousand years.

It might be difficult to imagine a lush destination with creatures like these but Fraser Island is an interesting microcosm. This heritage-listed island along the southern coast of Queensland, is considered to be the largest sand island in the world – and a hotspot for eco-tourism and casual camping.

unspoilt nature Fraser island remains largely uninhabited. There aren’t many paved roads here, just sand tracks. This makes Fraser Island an inviting place for off-roading.

The general vibe of the island comes off as very laid-back and that there’s no need to rush anywhere.

Fraser Island is a paradise not only to beach goers and outdoor enthusiasts but the diverse range of habitats makes it paradise for bird-watchers and whale-watchers as well. Hundreds of different bird species and wildlife have been recorded – and some are even considered rare or at risk.

Come and see Humpback Whales off 75-Mile Beach – best between June and October. The island provides the shelter for some of the best calm water whale watching anywhere in the world.

Also not to be missed would be the climb up Indian Head for spectacular views of both northerly and southerly views of the coast. At a height like that, be treated to a stunning bird’s eye view. Watch as whales, dolphins and sharks splash across the turquoise blue waters against a stunning backdrop of a sunset or sunrise.

inhabitants of the islandDespite the rich ecosystems and plethora of fauna and flora, the dingoes are still the stars of Fraser Island. In fact, to prevent cross-breeding, domestic dogs are not allowed on the island.

Fraser Island is popular for tourists as a camping spot, as well as a place to watch the roaming dingoes around the island. This is a unique experience unlike in any other place.

Nonetheless, some safety precautions must be taken as the dingoes are feral. It is best to keep a safe distance and not to feed them. Also, it is advisable not to bring very young children as the dingoes have been known to attack them.

the great outdoorsWhether you are an active adventure seeker or a nature lover, Fraser Island is an ideal destination. Rent a four-wheel drive automobile and explore the island, or hike through the vegetation and witness the splendour of nature’s work. There is a well-kept 90km trek known as the Fraser Island Great Walk.

A cool climate and a largely untouched landscape make Fraser Island an ideal camping spot. Many families and couples come on guided tours ranging from one to five days, with either camping style accommodation or luxury stays. Why not wake up to a whole different view each day?

Apart from nature on the island, there are whale watching tours off the coast too. how to get thereA three-hour drive North of Brisbane would bring you to Hervey Bay. From there, there are ferries at various times.

Signing up for a guided tour would help you to settle what you need, including park and vehicle permits.

By Eu Shuqi

When people think of AustrAliA, its cities, the sydney operA house or theme pArks At the Gold coAst come to mind. forGet thAt – discover AustrAliA throuGh her hidden Gems

Wild dingoes roam Fraser Island

Bucket List

weekender.com.sg

PAGE 17

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.

LOW-COST GETAWAYSTrAvEL TrEndS

TOP LOCAL HAUnTS

Phuket – Old Phuket tOwnFrom $69, Tigerair. Promotion ends when sold out.

Discover a whole different Phuket – no beaches, no resorts but plently of culture from Phuket’s past. Come marvel at the Sino-Portuguese architecture left during Phuket’s riches from the tin boom of the last century.

krabi – railay beachFrom $56, Tigerair. Promotion ends when sold out.

Railay Beach is a coast in the south of Thailand regarded as a luxurious tropical paradise. However, the area is rather isolated and only accessible by boat because of the high limestone cliffs that cut off access to the mainland.

That being said, Railay is a popular destination among families, especially with much to do for both the adventurous – such as rock climbing and white water rafting – and those seeking just to relax.

cebu – kasawan FallsFrom $111, Tigerair. Promotion ends when sold out.

Kasawan Falls, located near the southern tip of Cebu, consists of three main falls, all from the same source but of varying heights. Cottages are available for rent for overnight stays at the falls.

A must-try is the “shower massage” – rent a raft and get under the waterfall for both a shower and a massage.

All prices are correct at time of printing.

Singapore travellers’ purchasing swayed by rewardsBased on research in October, Singaporean travellers’ purchasing trends depend on what rewards are attractive to them or the most they perceive they can get

Recent research in October has found that over two-thirds (68 per cent) of Singaporean travellers look to the quality of rewards on offer when making travel purchasing decisions.

However, travel operators are failing to meet reward expectations with over half (56 per cent) of Singapore consumers claiming they are not satisfied with current programmes. The study, from reward and ancillary revenue provider Collinson Latitude, shows that 76 per cent of travellers’ purchase decisions in Singapore are sometimes, often or always influenced by their programme.

This highlights the big impact that reward programmes now have on revenue generation and customer retention, with around three quarters of travel customers potentially choosing a competitor if reward programmes are not up to scratch.

where travel reward PrOgrammes Fall shOrtA Guide to Reward Programmes: The Traveller’s Review, which polled 4,000 consumers globally, also showed that despite being the first sector to introduce reward programmes in the 1970s, travel is now falling behind the curve. The retail, food & beverage and finance sectors all ranked higher than travel in terms of consumer satisfaction and quality of reward programmes.

Moreover, in 52 per cent of cases a rewards programme can be the tipping point between a customer choosing one brand over the other.

“Today’s connected traveller expects benefits from travel brands that are tailored to their individual needs,” said James Berry, e-Commerce Director at Collinson Latitude, a leading technology provider of products that deliver enhancements for reward and loyalty programmes.

“If the user journey is poor, the transaction is too complicated or they can’t find the reward they want, members will rightly look to other suppliers – waiting is not an option and a one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t fly anymore,” he said.

He concluded, “To genuinely improve the way rewards members perceive travel programmes, it’s important to understand who customers are and what it is that they are likely to find rewarding.”

You would never expect these local sites to be top tourist picks on travel websites – agree or disagree?

No matter how familiar we are with our own

country’s treasures, there are many places that we would proudly agree are bucket list-worthy.

For example, Marina Bay Sands’ infinity pool

and the Gardens by the Bay have rightfully drawn international adulation.But did you know that these two stunning

destinations aren’t even in Lonely Planet’s top picks for Singapore?

We take a look at some of the most unexpected must-see

sites here, as listed on various travel sites.

1natiOnal Orchid gardenHidden in the heart of the Botanic Gardens, the National Orchid Garden surprisingly

trumps all other attractions in Singapore, ranking top on TripAdvisor.com.

Many tourists praise it for its manicured pathways, colourful collection of orchids, and tranquility. This floral haven is so extraordinary that one visitor highly recommends a visit even if there was a torrential rainstorm!

The next time you head to the Botanic Gardens, pop in and rediscover the natural beauty of Singapore.

4 changi chaPel and museumA small and unassuming structure within a residential enclave, Changi

Chapel and Museum wouldn’t strike you as a world-class travel destination. But it was awarded TripAdvisor.com’s “Travellers’ Choice 2014” title.

This museum features exhibits that document the plight of our people during the Japanese Occupation, and a quiet chapel where visitors can choose to pay their respects or make a kind offering.

It’s a simple building with a deep, moving story to tell – thus earning its spot in many tourists’ hearts. That and the bistro nearby that serves killer chicken wings and fries.

3 baba hOuseWe bet you didn’t know that there was a Peranakan heritage house

tucked between the charming shophouses of Outram! Baba House is another one of Lonely Planet’s top choices.

Built way back in the 1890’s, in the very early days of Singapore, Baba House has been beautifully preserved down to every minute carving. Be transported into the local life of an affluent Peranakan family a century ago, and admire the delicate motifs engraved into the walls.

To enter, visitors must book a guided tour by phone. And here’s the best part: It’s free!

5 s.e.a. aquarium, singaPOre ZOO, night saFariIt’s no surprise that animals draw big

crowds, but did you know that our creature features are amongst the top of their kind?

Lonely Planet lists all three of these parks as its top Singapore destinations, and showers praise on each of them. The S.E.A. Aquarium, located in Sentosa, is in fact the world’s largest aquarium, and houses more than 800 marine species.

The Singapore Zoo is famous for being one of the world’s best, and was named “Travellers’ Choice 2014” on TripAdvisor.com. The Night Safari programme is lauded as “a must”, especially for kids.

I’m definitely starting to appreciate these award-winning parks with more than just nostalgia for primary school excursions.

By Pamela Chow

Hidden deep within Changi, this museum and chapel provides a poignant look into the war-torn past of the country

Pulau Ubin is loved for its rustic charm and serene environment, away from the urban cityscape

Singapore’s S.E.A. Aquarium is the biggest one in the world

5 Singapore tourist spots that will surprise you

2 Pulau ubinTo many of us, this far-flung island may just be a forested mass of untamed

wildlife. To travellers, however, these are grounds of discovery – both of nature and of the self.

Pulau Ubin is peppered with old kampong buildings, and cycling paths twirl throughout the island. These routes range from easy dirt tracks to more challenging routes, and bicycles can be rented here for cheap.

Compared to St John’s Island and the Sisters’ Islands, Pulau Ubin is more unspoiled and untouched by the hands of modernity. Tourists come here for its precolonial village ambience and back-to-basics living.

Who would’ve guessed that, in travellers’ hearts, these humble attractions could beat our award-winning metropolitan buildings? It just goes to show that our little island has many hidden gems.

The National Orchid Garden boasts an array of colourful blooms

Weekender #113

Documents

Transcript of Weekender #113