Weekender #117

ISSUE 117 JAN 30 - FEB 5, 2015

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WK117A/MCI(P)119/08/2014

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WK117A/MCI(P)119/08/2014

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ISSUE 117 JAN 30 - FEB 5, 2015

Chua En Lai: from thE noosEto juiCy nEws

star of the week

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win a CamEra & bE wEEKEnDEr’s nEw fooD PhotojournaList!

weekender Photo contest

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15 PACKS OF FrAgrAnCe BAK KWA

WOrTH $25 Per PACK

TO Be WOn!

which canto dish is your favourite?

6 romantic copycat european places for a holi-date

travel feature

food feature

how will the teams line up at the end?

EntErtainmEntWjANUARY 30 - febRUARY 5, 2015

Submit your BaBy’S BEST PhoTo and get a chanceto be published!

Weekender is bringing back our popular Hello, World! photo column for babies!

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

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

[email protected] your Baby’s Name, Date of Birth, Your Name, Tel No., NRIC & Postal Code

show off your precious newborn or toddler

3 LiLy ALLen Live in SingApore2 Feb, 8pm, from $128The British pop

sensation will bring her showmanship and impressive live show to Singapore come February 2015! Since emerging in 2006 with her iconic debut single “Smile,” Lily Allen has gone on to sell over 5 million albums worldwide. You don’t want to miss this star’s one-night-only show.The Star Theatre, The Star Performing Arts Centre

super comedian, super icon, superstar, & other super ideas

2 HoSSAn-AH! SAfe And Secure in HiS Leong ArmSUntil 1 Feb, 8pm (Wed-

Fri), 4pm & 6pm (Sat-Sun), $22-$52Hossan Leong will give thought to the many artistic influences in his career - from the piano men in Billy Joel, Sir Elton John, Jamie Cullum and more, to the TV theme songs of the 70s, 80s and 90s. Let Hossan entertain and put you in the mood to celebrate our funny little mash-up culture!Drama Centre Theatre, www.sistic.om.sg

4 ASiAn TALeS fLorAL diSpLAyUntil 8 Mar, 9am-9pmUsher in the Year of the

Goat with “Asian Tales”, a floral showcase that draws inspiration from scenic landscapes of mountains and valleys depicted in Chinese brush paintings. Spot goats sculpted out of wood and flowers, perching on the ridge and grazing in the field, as you take in the picturesque landscape dotted with vibrant dahlias.Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome, www.gardensbythebay.com.sg

Top 4 evenTS THiS WeeKend

familyKidSfeST 2015Until 1 Mar, various times, $42-$62Kidfest is an exciting festival for the whole family where compelling characters are brought to life and scenes from well-loved books including The Gruffalo, and The Princess and the Pea are enacted on stage. School Of The Arts, Drama Theatre, 1 Zubir Said Drive, www.kidsfest.com.sg

AeSop’S fAbLeS26 Feb-21 Mar, 10am & 2.30pm (Tue-Fri), 10.30am, 2.30pm & 5pm (Sat-Sun), $30-$32A show and tell of a selection of Aesop’s most famous, and most interesting stories, using

marvellous mask, puppetry, live action and song.

With a mixture of fun, excitement and silliness, be lead through the lives, lunches and misadventures of a band of scruffy, silly and sometimes stubborn creatures, as they learn life’s little wisdoms, and bigger secrets.Jubilee Hall, Raffles Hotel, www.sistic.com.sg

LegendS Live @ THe S-cAfé: mATTHeW & THe mAndArinS4 Feb, 8pm-lateSingapore’s very own “Singapore Cowboy”, Matthew & the Mandarins, rides (or sings) again this February! Due to popular demand, reservation of tables is advised.Stuttgart Blackforest Boutique S-Café, 141 Middle Road, #01-01 GSM Building, Tel: 6336 8675

1THe eArLier monA LiSAUntil 11 Feb, 11am-10pm, $20

Experience first-hand the incredible genius that Leonardo da Vinci employed to create this magnificent portrait, along with the investigations that were necessary in order to attribute this stunning work of art to the great master.The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, www.monalisaexhibition.com

reTroLiciouS 20157 Feb, 8pm, $125At this concert, both young and the young-at-heart can relive your fi rst crush with songs like Tommy Page’s iconic hit “A Shoulder to Cry On” or “I’ll Be Your Everything”, to jolly fun “I Adore Mi Amor” and “I Wanna Sex You Up”, hits by Color Me Badd, to sing-along hits by All-4-One.Fort Canning Park, www.fly.com.sg

TAeyAng WorLd Tour riSe in SingApore8 Feb, 7pm, from $128The melancholic crooner of Big Bang, Taeyang, will be bringing his RISE Tour to Singapore. Since the release of his second solo album, Rise, in June this year, Taeyang has been busy zipping about for promotions and concerts. Now, he’s finally bringing his solo stage to us!Singapore Expo Hall 3, www.sistic.com.sg

music

weekender.com.sg

Editorial DirectorFrank [email protected]

Editor Lester J Wan

Art Director Sabrina Cao

Designer Zoe Lai Writers Nicole Lee Pamela Chow Interns Eu Shuqi Alison Chu

Sales Director David Phey 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

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

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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

Advisor James Yip DistributionLawrence Tan Coordinator Riki Zou Events Chris Chow [email protected] Contributors Igert le Roux Victoria Shareen WongBasil Lee

New FouNd Glory live iN SiNGapore 201512 Feb, 8pm, from $68Emerging as part of the second wave of pop punk in the late 1990s, music critics consider them a key pioneer of the genre. Labelled the “godfathers of modern punk”, the band is also renowned for its energetic live performances and has garnered a cult following since their inception.SCAPE The Ground Theatre

ChriStiNa perri: the head or heart tour27 Feb, 8pm, from $118With hits like “Jar of Hearts”, “A Thousand Years” and “Human”, there is hardly anyone today who hasn’t heard of Christina Perri. She brings her Head or Heart Tour to our shores, featuring songs from her second album of the same name.The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Resorts World Sentosa, www.sistic.com.sg

Still MoviNG: a triple Bill oN the iMaGeUntil 8 Feb, 10am-7pm (Mon to Sun), 10am-9pm (Sun), from $5 For the first time, the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) concurrently features three exhibitions dedicated to the image. With Still Moving, SAM continues its engagement with and presentation of contemporary art works from the region and the world, making room for new ways of thinking via art.Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road, www.singaporeartmuseum.sg

huMaN Body experieNCeUntil 31 Dec, from $15Human Body Experience is an edutainment experience that teaches you about the human anatomy in a truly unique and interactive way.

Larger-than-life exhibits will stimulate your senses in a journey through various organs in the body, combining special effects, tactile sculptures, optical illusions and educational programmes. Science Centre Singapore

hSBC woMeN’S ChaMpioNS 2015 – eNter the CluB houSe 6-8 FebJoin the excitement of the HSBC Women’s Champions through activities at the HSBC “Welcome to the Club House” roadshow. Participate in a photo shoot with a high-speed camera that captures each frame of golf swing, with the image tracing the entire 360-degree arc of the swing. Also, use your mind to control a game in Neurogolf, enter the Putt Putt Challenge to win prizes, a Kids Corner and an HSBC Club House Bar. Shaw Centre, 1 Scotts Road

ruNNiNGhour 201522 March, 7am, from $45Run in complete darkness and without your sense of sight! Runninghour is a national event where participants will run alongside over 200 visually, intellectually and physically challenged runners.Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, Event Square, www.runninghour2015.com

williNG heartSDaily, 6am-4pmCome volunteer your time and energy at a soup kitchen and help prepare, pack and deliver meals to Willing Hearts’ many locations across the island. Be part of something special and make a difference today!11 Jalan Ubi Blk 6, #01-51, Kembangan – Chai Chee Community Hub. www.willinghearts.org.sg

exhibitions

sports

volunteer

EntErtainmEntWjANUARY 30 - febRUARY 5, 2015

Approaching the 2/3 mark of the Premier League title race

As the two-third mark of this Barclay’s Premier League season approaches, how are the big clubs faring?

Chelsea already seems to have one hand on the trophy, Southampton has been turning more than a few heads and Manchester United has displayed a valiant effort in recovering from its disastrous last season, and is still chasing a Champions League spot.

But how will things end? We look back in order to look forward.

ChelseaJose Mourinho and his men show no sign of faltering. Aside from a few minor hiccups, the Blues are playing what the manager is calling “perfect football”. Diego Costa and Cesc Fabregas have formed a goal-scoring partnership feared by every team in the world. What more can be said?

It is almost a certainty that Chelsea will claim the Premier League trophy at the end of the season. The question is, does Mourinho have what it takes to win the Champions League?

ManChester CityJust five points off current league leaders Chelsea, the defending champions are still in the chase with a reasonable amount of stability. Many may argue that the title-holders are not playing their very best at the moment, dropping points on home ground and to clubs in the lower end of the table.

For the most part, class has prevailed and the Citizens look confident in challenging their rivals, the Blues, right to the finish.

ManChester United Despite its critics and expectations of fans, Louis van Gaal has done an excellent job so far in reviving a previously deflated Manchester United. The Dutch mastermind has hauled the Red Devils back into the top

Football Fever

Sea GaMeS 2015

four, and they are perhaps not out of the title race as well.

Nonetheless, no matter the final standings, Manchester United is likely to at least leapfrog dark horses Southampton into a 3rd place finish, and fans can should be happy that they will be able to see the team in Champions League football next season.

arsenalThe Gunners have been all about one man this season, their new star Alexis Sanchez. Sanchez has starred in all but one of Arsenal’s Premier League matches this season.

The rest of the squad has yet to hit top gear. During the press conference for its most recent game against Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup, manager Arsene Wenger stated that Arsenal has never had this many attacking options at this stage of the season. As its top players start to return from injury, fans will undoubtedly be expecting more.

liverpoolLiverpool was somewhat of a surprise package last season when it fell short of the title by a hair’s breadth. Unfortunately for the Reds, Luis Suarez’s shoes have proven too big for new signing Mario Balotelli to fill.

Liverpool is a pale shadow of its last season’s self, languishing around mid-table. With talisman and captain Steven Gerrard leaving, the future looks uncertain for the Reds.

tottenhaMContrary to fans’ expectations, year-old signing Erik Lamela has not yet been able to blossom at his new club. The gap in the squad has been filled by an unexpected hero, the much-lauded 21-year-old Harry Kane.

In true Spurs tradition, they remain perpetually below Arsenal in the table. Is two points too big a hurdle to surmount? Comparing the two squads, it just might be.

By Basil Lee

Above: How big a loss will long-serving captain Steven Gerrard’s departure be for Liverpool?

Left: Will Tottenham’s front man Emmanuel Adebayor have any part to play in the rest of the season?

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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

Cats musiCal tiCKets giveaway

a night of magiC at raffles giveaway

Tay Geok Chiu SXXXX364I Bentley Lee SXXXX244B

Candy Tan GXXXX554N Gerald Lim SXXXX278J Lim Kay Lin SXXXX697C

28th SEA Games opening set for many firsts

Beatrice Chia-Richmond & SAF all set for spectacular opening and closing ceremonies with 5,000 performers and volunteers

To “Celebrate the Extraordinary”, the 28th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games has set its sights on realising many firsts in Singapore history with a spectacular opening show on Jun 5, 2015.

BeatriCe Chia-riChMond & saF at the helMThe Singapore Armed Forces (SAF) will helm the ceremonies through its Artillery Formation and will be supported by a distinguished creative team led by Beatrice Chia-Richmond, with about 5,000 performers and volunteers and 3,500 soldiers.

As Creative Director of the ceremonies Beatrice Chia-Richmond leads a team comprising several other talented individuals including Kenny Wong, Technical Director; Dr Sydney Tan, Music Director; Haresh Sharma, Writer & Co-Conceptualiser; Goh Boon Teck, Production Designer and Brian Gothong Tan, Multimedia Designer among others.

speCtaCUlar show to “CeleBrate the extraordinary”The opening show will be the first of its kind on many levels – the largest and most spectacular extravaganza Singapore has had in the National Stadium; the most technically-demanding show to date – featuring an aerial system which will enable performers and props to ‘fly’ in a stadium for the first time in Singapore; the largest high-definition floor projection created by 160 multimedia projectors; and a first-in-Singapore audience interaction system, where all members of the audience will be given a medallion to wear and collectively form a giant LED video screen, thereby making the audience truly a part of the show.

The 28th SEA Games will be held from Jun 5 to 16, with Singapore Sports Hub as the main venue, in conjunction with Singapore’s 50th anniversary.

Tickets to the ceremonies are available for purchase. The sale of tickets to the competitions will commence in February. Visit www.seagames2015.com for more information.

Left to Right: Beatrice Chia-Richmond (Creative Director), COL Lawrence Lim (Chairman OCC), Mr Lim Teck Yin (SINGSOC EXCO Chairman), and Nila the 28th SEA Games mascot

weekender.com.sg

Pet Welfare

Adopting a pet companion

Have you decided to get a pet companion? That’s great! Imagine adding a new member to your family, or giving someone a new home – can you already feel the joy it will bring?

Now, imagine that feeling or joy amplified even greater when you adopt a pet! The best place to find a new furry friend or “fur kid” is at a shelter. The pets at these shelters depend on adopters such as you to give them a second chance at finding a home.

Why buy at an exorbitant price when you can adopt and save an animal? Here are some of the pet rescue and adoption societies in Singapore.

Society for the Prevention of cruelty to AnimAlS (SPcA) Most people know The Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), a registered animal welfare charity. The SPCA is not a government agency and relies on donations from supporters to continue its important role as animal protector.

Over $2,000,000 annually is required to carry out its animal welfare work. SPCA receives around 400 pets and stray animals every month.

www.spca.org.sg

Action for SingAPore DogS (ASD)Action for Singapore Dogs (ASD) was established in December 2000 as a non-profit organisation with the mission to improve the welfare of stray and abandoned dogs in Singapore.

It aims to fulfil its mission through various activities and programmes including the rescuing, fostering and re-homing of stray and abandoned dogs, advocating sterilisation as a means of controlling the stray population, heightening public awareness of the responsibilities involved in pet ownership as well as highlighting the virtues of our local dogs.

asdsingapore.com/wp

hoPe Dog reScueHOPE Dog Rescue is a group of animal lovers who strongly feel that all animals should be treated with love and respect. The group helps animals who are abused, neglected or abandoned.

The team comprises volunteer animal rescuers who hold full-time jobs or are students but they believe that despite their busy schedules, the dogs still need help. HOPE does not manage a physical shelter but depends on the commitment of its volunteers and fosterers, and supporters, to help its rescue work.

hopedogrescue.blogspot.sg

voiceS for AnimAlSVoices for Animals is a group of animal lovers who are passionate about animal welfare. They strive to be the Voices for Animals to tell their stories.

Voices for Animals is a registered society and its members are actively involved in animal rescue (dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters and other domesticated pets), stray feeding as well as re-homing of these rescued animals.

www.lost-paws.org/voices-for-animals

SAve our Street DogS (SoSD)Save Our Street Dogs (SOSD) is a group of volunteers banded together by the common passion and conviction to be part of a unified voice with the purpose of making a difference and effecting change in the situation of the welfare of street dogs or homeless strays.

SOSD is donation-funded, so its rescue efforts can only reach as far as its resources and manpower are available. Its shelter is located at Pasir Ris Farmway 2. Visits are by appointment only.

www.facebook.com/SOSDSingapore

By Nicole Lee

Thinking of getting a pet? Adopt instead of buying! There are many pets in shelters who would love a warm, happy home

jANUARY 30 - febRUARY 5, 2015

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ALSO IN THEATRES

Many of us are used to seeing Johnny Depp play oddball characters, but his role in Mortdecai is so extremely

eccentric you’d probably have some trouble acknowledging that it’s really him.

Depp plays debonair art collector Charlie Mortdecai, who crosses the world for a stolen Goya painting. But it’s not the painting he’s really after – the art piece is rumoured to contain the code to a Nazi goldmine.

“He’s slippery and a little bit shifty, certainly in money matters,” said Depp about his titular character, who has some plans of his own for the stolen masterpiece.

Guy Candy, EyE CandyMortdecai is approached about the painting by his college buddy and intelligence officer Alistair Maitland, played by none other than the eternally-dashing Ewan McGregor (Trainspotting, Star Wars: Episodes I-III).

Along the way, Mortdecai must grapple with some angry Russians, British Intelligence, and his gangly wife (played by Gwyneth Paltrow). Oh, an international terrorist is hot on his heels too.

While the ladies are kept busy with the likes of Depp and McGregor, the guys can feast their eyes on sultry star Olivia Munn. She stars as a flirtatious heiress who can’t keep her hands to herself.

Will Mortdecai be able to resist the advances of one of Maxim’s hottest women? And, more importantly, who will successfully seize the Nazi gold?

Whoever lays their hands on the code in the end, I hope they can actually decipher it. They might need to enlist the help of

Benedict Cumberbatch, who plays crypto-analyst Alan Turing in the recent movie The Imitation Game.

ThE Funny OriGinalThe movie adapts the cult favourite Mortdecai trilogy, written by English author Kyril Bonfiglioli. Like the movie, the books follow Mortdecai on his bumbling antics within a corrupt society.

The original series garnered acclaim for its satiric tone, and has been translated into many languages across the world. The movie is based on the first Mortdecai book, humorously titled Don’t Point That Thing at Me.

With such a strong foundation to work on, it’s no wonder so many big stars hopped on board for this project.

Silly, GOOd COmEdyA-list cast aside, Mortdecai has international audiences buzzing in hopes of quality

DEPP gEts slEazy INcomedy. After all, with the renowned, zany Depp at the heart of the show, it’s hard not to expect hearty chortles in the cinema.

Not to worry, though. Depp himself – the star of Edward Scissorhands, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, and the Pirates of the Caribbean series – has vouched for Mortdecai’s promise of laughs.

Describing being tickled by his co-stars, he said, “We’d get the giggles (on set) and it’d last forever… Paul (Bettany) made me laugh so hard that the moustache I was wearing flew off.”

Well, if the great Johnny Depp has given Mortdecai two thumbs (and moustache ends) up, that should be good enough reason to catch this film!

By Pamela Chow

mOrTdECai [nC16]dirECTOr: David KoeppSTarrinG: Johnny Depp,

Gwyneth Paltrow, Ewan McGregor, Olivia Munn, Jeff Goldblum & Paul Bettany

GEnrE: Action, Comedyrun lEnGTh: 107 minrElEaSE: 29 Jan

Mortdecai

mOvIE pREvIEw

BiG EyES [TBa]Directed and produced by Tim Burton, it is based on the true story of Walter Keane, one of the most successful painters of the ‘50s and ‘60s.

He gained fame with his enigmatic paintings of waifs with big eyes. However, it would later

be discovered that they were by his wife. STarrinG: Amy Adams,

Christoph Waltz, Jason Schwartzman &

Terence StampGEnrE: DramarElEaSE: 29 Jan

PrOjECT almanaC [TBa]A group of friends build a time machine and they are thrilled when it does transport them through time – enabling them to fix their problems and to further personal gain,

But their joy is short-lived when they discover the ripple effects of their actions.STarrinG: Sofia Black,

Jonny Weston, Amy Landecker, Sam Lerner & Allen Evangelista

GEnrE: Sci-Fi, DramarElEaSE: 29 Jan

inhErEnT ViCE [m18]In 1970, drug-fuelled Los Angeles detective Larry “Doc” Sportello (Joaquin Phoenix) is approached by former girlfriend Shasta for help – she and her beau, Mickey, are constantly being

threatened by Mickey’s wife. When Shasta disappears, Larry goes all

out to investigate the disappearance and solve the case.STarrinG: Joaquin Phoenix,

Josh Brolin & Owen Wilson

GEnrE: Crime, ThrillerrElEaSE: 29 Jan

GhOST COinS [nC16]Ton and Jack are two students notorious for making video clips in which they challenge and even insult superstitious beliefs.

As the viral clips rack up more and more views,

they escalate the intensity of their pranks. They get carried away and soon all hell breaks loose – and there’s no turning back.STarrinG: Dharmthai Plangsilp,

Chinnaphat Kitichaivaranggoon,

Hataichat Eurkittiroj & Sivakorn AdulsuttikulGEnrE: HorrorrElEaSE: 29 Jan

Johnny Depp stars as eccentric art collector Charlie Mortdecai, defined by his incredible charm and ridiculous moustache

Top: Top-billing actress Gwyneth Paltrow stars as Mortdecai’s leggy wife, with Ewan McGregor as a British Intelligence officer

Above: Playing a seductive heiress with an eye on the prize, Olivia Munn turns on her sensual charms for Mortdecai

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Photo: David Appleby, Cathay-Keris Films

Photo: Stephen Vaughan, Cathay-Keris Films

Known for PLAYInG wAcKY roLes, JohnnY DePP APPeArs In Another unusuAL fILm As A sLImY Art DeALer

weekender.com.sgjANUARY 30 - febRUARY 5, 2015

EntErtainmEntw wEEkEndEr.com.sg

jANUARY 30 - febRUARY 5, 2015 PAGE 8

star of the week

Movie review

Chua En Lai: From Noose to juicy newsYou may find Chua En Lai familiar, as eccentric newscaster BB See or correspondent cum pole dance instructor Pornsak on “The Noose”. With some of the other cast members, he recently made an appearance at the SG50 Marina Bay Countdown.

Now, En Lai can be seen as himself, not an alter ego, hosting The 5 Show with Yasminne Cheng, He has graduated from “The Noose” to a live talk show with actual juicy news.

Weekender finds out what makes Singapore’s favourite clown laugh, and what he is like in real life.

How will you be celebrating Singapore’S golden Jubilee?Most of the shows I do have a uniquely Singaporean slant. In that way, I celebrate Singapore and what it means to be a Singaporean every other day.

Oh, I may also pop open a bottle of champagne. Cheers!

wHat Have you been up to recently? I’ve been busy getting The 5 Show on the road! It’s on live every weekday, (filmed) in real time!

I feel like I’ve grown up a bit. It’s like getting a real job! [laughs]

you’re a HouSeHold name in comedy – do you Have any influence over developing your caricatureS?Absolutely. I believe that characters only work if they’re a part of the actor, not just lines you’ve got to spout.

Sometimes, (I) draw inspiration from people (I) know in real life – friends, relatives or that kopitiam uncle. You could find yourself on TV soon!

wHicH role iS tHe HardeSt for you to play?I freak out every time I’m meant to imitate someone whom I know. I get so paranoid that that person’s going to kill me! [laughs]

wHat’S your go-to tip to cHannel your inner comic?You cannot be self-conscious! Don’t think about what other people will think of you! It’s always about the character, not the actor.

if you weren’t an entertainer, wHat would you be?I’d be a travel agent. I’d love to send people away on holidays. Then again, I’d be very jealous and bitter.

I travel a lot and my friends call me for tips and stuff. They call me Lai Lai Travel.

wHat’S your favourite genre of film?I love bad movies like Sharknado and Pirahna 3D! I like films that laugh at themselves. (Actually) I like a wide variety lah.

I don’t tend to watch superhero or sci-fi flicks but I do enjoy them when I get to the cinema, if there is a good story. Human stories. (OK lah, some aliens have good stories to tell too lah).

you’re very good at imitating accentS. wHicH iS tHe HardeSt for you to do?I can’t do Korean. I tried. It’s really difficult. I just can’t. [mimics sad face]

wHat’S your comfort food?Fries. I love fries. I crave fries. Give me some now!

Catch Chua En Lai on The 5 Show, live from Mondays to Fridays, 8.30pm, on Ch 5.

By Pamela Chow

Striking out from his comedic roles, host and actor Chua En Lai starts the new year with an all-new show

Chua En Lai now hosts a new talk show, The 5 Show, with Yasminne Cheng, on hot Singapore topics and guest personalities

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Strange Magic: George Lucas’ strange love storyThe Star Wars creator laboured over this animation film for 15 years, but Strange Magic has only gained jeers from critics

Warning: Spoilers ahead

Many of us know this: If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say it. So I won’t say what I thought about Strange Magic.

Instead, I’ll let the Internet give the not-so-favourable verdicts on Lucasfilm’s latest feature.

One reviewer calls it an “Off-Key Kiddie Dud”. Another complains that it’s a compilation of “animation’s worst instincts”.

Understandably, many were expecting something wonderfully deep and fantastical. After all, Strange Magic was written by George Lucas – also known as creator of the Star Wars universe. Sadly, the film failed to meet many expectations, except for Lucas’

and his team’s own.“I’m not looking to make a hit movie.

I’m just doing something that I want to do,” Lucas told the media at an exclusive press conference here last week. “I love it; I’ll always be happy with it,” he said.

in love witH uglineSS?Strange Magic’s universe is split into Fairy Land and The Dark Forest. A tough fairy princess, Marianne (voiced by Evan Rachel Wood of Across the Universe and “True Blood”), must venture into the Forest to save her ditzy sister from the goblin Bog King (played by Alan Cumming, also known as Nightcrawler).

However, in a strange twist of magic (as promised in the title), everyone starts falling in love with Bog King. This would be normal in any fairy tale but did I mention that he is butt-ugly?

Lucas confirmed everyone’s thoughts. “The first thing everybody said when they saw the design (of Bog King) was, ‘She’s not actually going to kiss him, right?’ Everybody said we can’t do it… (but) our job was to say that everybody deserves to be loved,” he said.

Producer Mark S Miller, who has seen the skeletons of blockbusters from Star Trek IV to Jurassic Park, told Weekender that Bog King’s design remained constant from the start – 15 years ago.

He shared, “We didn’t change him physically to make you love him. He changes perception-wise to the audience with the lighting, to help him in his quest for love.”

love according to lucaSThrough those 15 years when Lucas and his team were working on Strange Magic, some other strange magic was also taking place in Lucas’ own love life.

He eagerly shared, “(After) I got divorced, I never thought that I would find someone to love again… I’d basically given up.”

“And then I met somebody who was very different from me… We realised we had everything in common. We’re soul mates. And that happened to me when I was 60.

It’s just one of those miracles. No pixie dust was involved,” he said.

And the fairy king, who resembles Lucas, is “so fat he can’t fly”. “Which is the same thing that happened with me,” he added.

Strange muSicIf anything, Strange Magic still deserves praise for its interesting soundtrack. Every song in the movie is a remix of an existing hit, from a classic like “Can’t Help Falling in Love” (by Elvis Presley) to modern pop like Kelly Clarkson’s “Stronger”.

The songs – Lucas’ self-proclaimed “Top 25” hits – were the basis of Strange Magic. Lucas said, “Maybe I can tell a complete story using the lyrics from existing songs.”

And so that’s how it turned out – almost the whole movie is composed purely of remixed music.

Whether Strange Magic’s soundtrack will redeem the odd story and offbeat characters, you’ll have to watch to find out. After all, as Lucas said, Star Wars was his most-criticised film, yet it’s a movie classic now. Will Strange Magic follow this strange pattern?

By Pamela Chow

Strange magic [g]director: Gary RydstromStarring: Alan Cumming, Evan Rachel Wood, Elijah Kelley & Kristin Chenowethgenre: Fantasy, Animationrun lengtH: 99 minreleaSe: 29 Jan

Left: According to George Lucas, even the ugly Bog King, voiced by Alan Cumming, deserves love

Far left: In Strange Magic, Marianne (right) fights through the grim Dark Forest to rescue her flirtatious sister Sunny (left)

En Lai and Yasminne with guests Tay Ping Hui, Jean Danker and Najib Ali


Foodmaniaw weekender.com.sg

PAGE 9

DrieD ScallopSThe use of dried scallops, or conpoy, in Cantonese cuisine is extensive and it is regarded as a must-have ingredient to most Cantonese seafood chefs. In fact, the term “conpoy” came from the Cantonese pronunciation of gan bei (乾貝), which translates to “dried shell fish” in English.

Conpoy is an ingredient intensely-rich in umami and nucleic acids. It started out as a humble ingredient but, today, it is revered as a gourmet-worthy element in any seafood dish. In fact, the famous XO sauce is primarily made of dried scallops.

Food Feature

Néih hóu, or hello! This week we Touch oN caNToNese cuisiNe – we BeT you Never kNew some of These were caNToNese

back to our roots:Cantonese Flavour

Cantonese cuisine is one prominent Chinese cuisine that has gained a strong foothold in many countries.

Most of the trademark Cantonese dishes originated from the province of Guangdong. This is because of Guangdong's strategic location as a trading port, which means it has a variety of imported food and ingredients to work with.

Traditional Cantonese cuisine stresses on well-balanced flavour. The Cantonese believe in using spices lightly, placing greater importance on the primary ingredients of the dish. Unlike the other Chinese dialect groups, the Cantonese do not have a definitive place for herbs in their cooking.

You may find some of these Cantonese dishes familiar.

century egg congeeThe Century Egg, also known as preserved egg, is made by preserving duck, chicken or quail eggs in a mixture of clay, ash, salt, quicklime and rich hulls for several weeks to months. This is to cultivate the yolk into a dark green to grey hue and giving it a creamy consistency, but with a slight odour of sulphur and ammonia.

The egg white changes too, turning into a translucent dark brown to black, and developing a jelly-like texture. While it can be eaten on its own, it is most commonly eaten with congee, such as in pei tan chok or Century Egg Porridge.

FermenteD Bean curDThe famous fermented bean curd, a form of processed and preserved tofu, is a Cantonese delicacy. The ingredients used to make this are soybeans, salt, rice wine and sesame oil.

While it can be used to complement rice or porridge, it can be eaten on its own too. It is known as the "blue cheese" of Chinese cuisine, as it can be kept for several years if refrigerated.

Stinky fermented bean curd (chou dou fu) is the most popular variant of this dish. It is fermented over six months, acquiring its strong acrid smell that deters many people from trying it, despite its rich, creamy flavour.

SalteD FiShSalted fish is a fish either preserved or cured with salt. It is a staple in Southern China and is known as “the poor man's food". This is because it complements rice well with its high salt content, earning its place as a dinner favourite of the poorer population.

The salted fish is fondly referred to in Chinese culture, with mentions of it extending from songs to movies. Hong Kong singer George Lam once crooned in one of his songs that "even salted fish and cabbage taste really good", reminding us of the humble dish.

chineSe SauSageThis Chinese New Year staple is known better by its Cantonese name, lap cheong. It is a dried, hard sausage made from pork and fat.

The process of preparing it is by smoking, sweetening and then seasoning it with rose water, rice wine and soy sauce. It is a primary ingredient in most dishes from the province of Guangdong. Variations of it include adding red chilli powder and Sichuan pepper powder.

By Nicole LeeCentury Egg Porridge or Pei Tan Chok is a popular breakfast dish

Sa Pou Fan or Claypot Rice with lap cheong is a popular Cantonese dish

Chinese sausage or lap cheong, a popular Cantonese delicacy

Salted Fish is a fairly common ingredient in Cantonese dishes

Chinese sausage, waxed duck and other cured meat in the Cantonese style


FoodmaniaW

WAN HAO’s DELUXE ABALONE PEN CAI OR sALMON LO HEI Singapore Marriott Hotel’s award-winning fine-dining Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant is ushering in Spring with joyous celebrations, traditional Chinese New Year goodies and luxurious feasts.

Experience the taste of opulence with Wan Hao’s Deluxe Abalone Pen Cai, a mouth-watering pot of luxurious ingredients such as 5-Head Australian Abalone, Sea Cucumber, Fish Maw, Dried Oysters and more.

Toss for prosperity with the Salmon Lo Hei as you look forward to a year filled with abundance, wealth and good health!

Win either one for yourself now!

PLEAsE NOTE: Prizes must be consumed at Wan Hao Chinese Restaurant, Level 3, Singapore Marriott Hotel,

and are available from 28 Jan to 6 Mar, with blackout dates on Chinese New Year’s Eve, Day 1 & Day 2. Advanced reservation of at least 5 days is required.

1 WAN HAO’s DELUXE ABALONE PEN CAI WORTH $528++ OR 1 sALMON LO HEI WORTH $136++

TO 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:

http://bitly.com/weekendermarriott

SMS to 85026567

CODE: Singapore Marriott Hotel, your Name, Age, Gender, NRIC, Postal Code, E-mail ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASECLOSING DATE: 4 FEB 2015

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

Sometimes we need to take time to think about the people who toil to ensure we have the luxury to take rice for granted – we now have the opportunity

Mr Susaporn, 43, is a third-generation rice farmer in Sisaket Province in north-eastern Thailand, and has been working with his grandfather in the fields since he was a child. He specialises in growing Hom Mali rice, which will most likely find its way into a bag of Royal Umbrella Jasmine Rice.

NO JAsMINE IN JAsMINE RICEJasmine Rice has nothing to do with Jasmine flowers. The “Jasmine” name erroneously came about because the Thai Hom Mali rice grains were pearly-white like Jasmine flowers.

The scent we like, when we lift a bowl of ‘Jasmine’ rice to our noses, is actually the scent of pandan!

NOT ALL JAsMINE RICE Is EqUALJasmine rice is grown all around the world, with one major difference. They are from different strains designed to grow in different climates and rainfall levels, resulting in slightly differing flavours.

Texas and Florida in the USA, for example, also produce Jasmine rice. But they are different in shape, size, fluffiness and taste from Thai Jasmine rice.Even across Thailand, the cultivated Hom Mali, or Jasmine rice, is not the same. The effects of local soil, weather, quality of water and rainfall play a part in the quality of the rice.

Apparently, only the north-eastern region of Thailand produces Hom Mali rice prized by Hong Kong, China and Singapore markets for its fragrance, fluffiness and taste!

MAkINg PERfECTION LOOk NATURALOpen a bag of Royal Umbrella premium Thai Hom Mali rice and you’ll find that the grains are uniformly pearly-white, the grains are virtually identical in length and width, there are no blemishes, and broken rice is practically non-existent.

Only painstaking quality control delivers consistent quality rice. And only with state-of-the-art equipment can it be delivered at the rate of millions of tonnes per year!

RICE fROM THE sOURCEIn an industrial estate in Ayutthaya, the Royal Umbrella factory, owned by Khao CP Co Ltd, is new, shiny and futuristic-looking. 3.6 million tonnes of rice each year from all over Thailand gets milled, examined, sorted, bagged and shipped from here.

In contrast, Singapore consumes only about 250,000 metric tonnes of rice per year!

HIgH-TECH sURPRIsEThis factory was state-of-the-art! From the rice silos all the way to the bagging, the process is highly automated. In a building the size of VivoCity, the rice would start from the top floor and work its way down, getting processed on every floor to which it descended!

The environment was so clean, visitors needed to be covered and masked from head-to-toe just like in semiconductor fabrication plants.

EvERy gRAIN INsPECTEDThe most impressive part of the process is the grain inspectors. The steady stream of rice passes through banks of scanners, which scan each grain for blemishes and impurities. When an “imperfect” grain is detected, a puff of air removes it from the stream.

Though this factory produces multiple amounts of rice compared to what Singapore needs per year, it only required 250 workers to ensure we get our quality Royal Umbrella Thai Hom Mali rice in our stores.

Remember that the next time you enjoy the wonderful scent from a steaming bowl of Hom Mali rice at home!

By Frank Young

Weekender thanks Topseller and CP Intertrade for making the Royal Umbrella factory visit possible.

From the padi fields to your plateRoyal UmbRella Rice toUR

Different stages of Thai Hom Mali rice (from left to right) – Paddy, Brown, Raw and Finished

Scanning each grain of rice to see if it meets quality standards

Royal Umbrella Rice being prepared for shipmentControl room at Khao CP Factory where millions of tonnes of rice are produced yearly

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The Assam Pedas was met with great anticipation at the table

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

Fragrance BaK KWaFragrance, or “Xiang Wei” in Chinese, refers to a taste of natural fragrance. The established Fragrance brand is built on the foundations of quality, honesty, progression and customer satisfaction.

Manufactured using only the highest quality ingredients based on time-honoured recipes, Fragrance products remain fresh for a longer period of time. In addition, stringent quality control measures have been put in place to ensure products retain consistency and are manufactured in conditions that conform to high hygiene standards.

Fragrance Bak Kwa is the only company in the market that has bak kwa marinated with its own unique blend of 18 traditional Chinese herbs such as Ginseng and wolfberry. By marinating the freshest pork with the goodness of these precious herbs, Fragrance Bak Kwa is able to retain its freshness without the use of any preservative.

All Fragrance Bak Kwa is produced locally in its Woodlands factory in Singapore to guarantee quality to customers.

Win one pack for yourself now!

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:

http://bitly.com/ weekenderfragrance

SMS to 85026567

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

ONLY 1 ENTRY PER PERSON, PLEASECLOSING DATE: 4 FEB 2015

Good Luck!

15 PacKS OF Fragrance BaK KWa WOrTH $25 Per PacK

TO Be WOn!

new notables

Some of the newest eateries and menus in town for you to check out

jOO

THe PraWn STar

Have you tried fusion Peranakan?

Shots anytime, anywhere with Zavva

Enter a world of flavours with a Peranakan touch

Last week, we featured a few inventive cocktails that Ding Dong is renowned for. It was only a question of time when its menu would catch up.The new menu is big on Peranakan cuisine and flavours, paying homage to the cultural heritage of Head Chef Jet Lo. Yes, he does sound like a particular celebrity but he has skills of a different kind.

We highlight three of our favourite dishes in Ding Dong’s new menu.

FuSiOn OF jaPaneSe and PeranaKanThe first dish that arrived was the homemade Black Miso Tofu, doused in Japanese dressing and elegantly served with daikon and ginger salad. It is one of Ding Dong’s vegetarian dishes – it is gluten-free and one of the new popular favourites of diners.

The delicate sea grapes, imported from Japan, paired well with the soft homemade miso tofu. The texture, much like chawanmushi, was smooth and soft, gliding off the spoon easily.

a FiSH WiTH a TWiSTAlthough Assam Pedas is traditionally prepared with freshwater fish, Chef Jet Lo opted for the saltwater barramundi instead. It has turned out to be one of the bestsellers in the new menu.

Prepared with ladies’ fingers and baby eggplant, the Peranakan-inspired Assam Pedas is soft and flavourful, complemented by its sour Assam (tamarind) juice.

aWard-deServing deSSerTThe dehydrated Gula Malacca Meringue was cut in the shape of a triangle, angled perfectly below a generous scoop of delightful Thai coconut ice cream. The sago complemented the ice cream, adding a different dimension of sweetness. It was a great way to finish.

Ding Dong, 23 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069703

new MenU

geeK caFeReviewed in Dec 26 issue

Not content with just providing its customers with the perfect spot to settle down with a cuppa as well as electronic products, Geek Café also partners with local confectionary brands such as Cat & the Fiddle to bring in seasonal cakes and desserts.

This is more than just a haven for geeks.

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

Pie FaceReviewed in Dec 12 issue

Renowned Pie Face from Australia has begun its first foray into Asia with the unveiling of two shops at 313@Somerset and Bugis Village.

This Sydney-headquartered micro-bakery café is best known for baking all of its gourmet pies from scratch, and putting cute little faces on them.

Bugis Village, 249 Victoria Street, Singapore 188034

jOOOpened in late November last year, Joo is a casual and inviting venue within a heritage three-storey shophouse along Tan Quee Lan Street.

Ingeniously created by Singaporean aficionados of Korean culture and food, Jamie and Kristin Lim, Joo was born from a desire to offer top-notch modern Korean bites and creative drinks in a space that exudes a laid back vibe.

5 Tan Quee Lan Street, Singapore 188094

THe PraWn STarSitting on Singapore’s hippest dining enclave on a hill, the home-style “tze char” or “cook and fry” concept meets the back alley eateries of Melbourne to dish out hot and tasty contemporary-style dishes.

The 1,600 sq ft dining hall on the ground floor of a 1900s pre-war shophouse can seat up to 36 guests, and another 12 outside.

21 Duxton Hill, Singapore 089604

savoUr the sip

Alcoholic shots now come in 30ml handy ready-to-drink split shot glasses

Zavva alcoholic beverage shots have just been launched on Jan 29. The innovative twisted, split shot glass allows for two separate flavours in one shot.

The shot glass size provides consumers with a quick shot of a drink, so that they can enjoy it at home, with friends or at a bar.

FOur cOmBinaTiOnS, eigHT TaSTeSThe global Zavva collection includes four signature flavour combinations - “Black Pearl”, a soothing and aromatic blend of coffee and vanilla liqueur; “China White”, a mix of home-style butterscotch liqueur and smooth silky cream; “Love Me Lychee”, a delicate balance of Lychee vodka and liqueur; and “Citrus Twist”, an invigorating fusion of lemon and tangy lime.

cOming SOOn TO Our SHOreS?In addition, Zavva has two limited edition flavours sold exclusively in Taiwan - “Blue Hawaii”, hints of blueberry vodka combined with refreshing pineapple liqueur to create an energetic tropical fruit flavour; and “Red Joy”, a summer merging of raspberries and cream liqueur.

Zavva shots were launched to much fanfare at The Refinery at King George’s Ave.

Available at selected 7-Elevens across Singapore.


SHOPSavvyW

home inspirations

Get ideas for transforming your home

Get ideas for transforming your home

Fresh Update to 3-bedroom condoS

pace has always been a pressing issue for the family of five living in this 3-bedroom apartment. When the clutter started piling up,

the owners finally decided to renovate and rejuvenate their home.

Design firm Habitat One stepped up to the plate and worked hand in hand with the family to create a more spacious interior for the entire family.

Behind Closed doorsOne of the most pressing needs for this home was for storage spaces that can hide clutter – Designer Jana Wang came up with the idea to build cabinets into the television feature wall.

“The white laminates on the wall are actually doors,” he revealed “When you open it up, the entire height of the feature wall holds storage shelves,” he said.

As a vertical accent, Jana and his team incorporated strips of bronze mirrors to the design of the feature wall.

Clearing The TaBle Previously, the three children would sit around the dining table to do their homework. The kids would mess up the dining room, and the family wouldn’t be able to have their meals there.

With the renovation, Jana made sure that each kid has his or her own study table in the bedrooms, and that the dining room would be kept clear. He also created a double-framed mirror mounted against a plywood board that makes an accentuated feature wall.

BaThroom redress“The original master bathroom was very crammed,” said Jana. “There was a large bathtub that took up a lot of space but the owners never used it. We decided to remove the tub and convert the space into a shower stall. This helped to free up some space to the bathroom as a whole,” he said.

Jana also replaced all the fixtures and gave the bathroom a new face of warm grey tiles.

Bigger and BeTTerEven the wardrobe in the master bedroom has been given a makeover. Jana stripped away the old wardrobe and created a larger and roomier one.

Sliding doors lead into the 10-ft-high wardrobe.

sPeCial sTudy CornerA few slight improvements were made in the master bedroom.

“We approached it in a very practical manner,” said Jana. His team created a feature wall opposite the bed that extends to a corner of the room, that also acts as a study table. Topped with a piece of glass, this desk is the ideal spot for the husband to retreat to if he needs to get work done at home.

By Redzman Rahmat

One of the most pressing needs was for storage spaces that can hide clutter – the designer came up with the idea to build cabinets into the television feature wall

The double-framed mirror mounted against a plywood board makes an accentuated feature wall

The master bathroom was very crammed as there was a bathtub that was never used – the designer converted it into a shower stall and created more space

The feature wall that extends to a corner also acts as a study table

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

Our popular section continues with more inspiring ideas and home makeovers

weekender.com.sg

PAGE 13

weekender.com.sg

Beauty in Brief

Home shopping trail: Mohamed Sultan Road

Home makeover ideas

APS LifeStyLe GALLerySince its last major overhaul in 2012, APS Lifestyle Gallery has been transformed into a homely showroom kitted out with live kitchens and a private dining area. The two-storey gallery houses big kitchen brand names like Smeg, Whirlpool, Küche, Vintec and Transtherm, covering all major appliances like refrigerators, ovens and wine cabinets.

The 67,000 sq ft space also hosts both private functions and public events, including live =cooking workshops and pop-up markets.

9 Muthuraman Chetty Road,APS Building, Level 1 & 2, Singapore 238931Mon to Fri: 10am to 7pmSat: 10am to 5pmClosed on Sundays and Public Holidays

HAnSGroHeSince it was first opened in 2005, the Hansgrohe showroom has been a prime destination for high-end bathroom fixtures. Here, you’ll find bathroom essentials like mixers, showers and tubs from Axor and Hansgrohe. The German brand exemplifies high quality and good design, and is a champion of environmental sustainability.

Coming up next, the 4,000 sq ft showroom will welcome a new Axor Nendo Waterdream display. Also in the cards is a new live area where you can test the latest and best-selling overhead showers and experience how the different water sprays look and feel.

69 Mohamed Sultan Road,Singapore 239015 Mon to Fri: 10.30am to 7.30pmSat: 10.30am to 6.30 pm

romAnezThe Romanez showroom is synonymous with high-end fabrics, textiles, rugs and wallpaper, with a large range of internationally- renowned brands in its repertoire. Christian Lacroix, Pierre Frey and Designers Guild are just some of the exclusive names you’ll find in this showroom.

Apart from fabrics for curtains and upholstery, carpets and wallpaper, you’ll also find accessories such as trimmings, curtain rods and bedding materials.

It is also a great space to find ideas for your own home. The room is regularly refreshed, proving that a simple change in fabrics can instantly transform the look of your home.

9 Muthuraman Chetty Road, APS Building, #04-01, Singapore 238931Mon to Fri: 9am to 6.30pmClosed on Weekends & Public Holidays

Gf+A GLobALIf you’re on the hunt for a feature wall or flooring solution, visit the GF+A Global showroom to take in the splendour of tiles imported directly from Europe. Take a walk through the two-storey space and check out the exquisite Italian tiles and handcrafted artistic mosaic features.

GF+A has a vast collection of fine interior materials that range from classic collections (inspired by marble and stone) to modern design (inspired by modern art). The showroom also has a dedicated café or bar corner that serves a full range of beverages – coffee, tea, and even an afternoon tipple or two.

24 Mohamed Sultan Road,Singapore 239012Mon to Fri: 11am to 8pm;Sat, Sun & Public Holidays: 11am to 7pm

temPurTest-drive the latest innovation in mattresses and pillows at the Tempur Sleep Boutique.

The store welcomes the “try-before-you-buy” policy, so kick off your shoes and lie down on one of their mattresses before you make up your mind.

20 Martin Road,Seng Kee Building, #01-01,Singapore 239070

By Redzman Rahmat

Radiant & refreshingExcited for the upcoming weekend of love? Perk up and make sure you waltz into February looking radiant and refreshed

LieSeLiese Blaune Treatment Cream Colour sets the bold new standard in grey hair coverage that leaves a spa-level hair finish!

It contains more than 60 per cent Treatment Base that coats the hair for a nourishing treatment throughout the colouring process.

Available at departmental stores

ASienceTransform your hair with the power of Asience new innovative Beauty Serum.

A concentrated infusion of precious oils and essences, the Beauty Serum deeply repairs, moisturises and softens hair, giving it an instant boost of softness, smoothness and shine for youthful looking hair.


Hey nAtureCombining oriental medical principles and modern innovative R&D, this moisturising gel transforms into pearl-like water droplets upon massaging on the skin. The droplets permeate instantly, locking the moisture within the pores without clogging them.

The aloe, liquorice, rose and other natural extracts not only help to boost skin hydration, but also effectively soothe the skin, resulting in elasticity with a luminous glow.

Available at Heynature.com.sg

tHe body SHoPInspired by nature’s most controversial flower, the poppy, that symbolises love and fertility, the new limited edition Forbidden Flower is the ultimate Valentine’s Day seduction tool.

Beautiful, intoxicating and dangerous, the Forbidden Flower contains an extract of hand-picked poppies from Ankara, Turkey for an addictive hit of fragrance.

Available at The Body Shop outlets

JerGenSAre you looking to repair, heal, and deeply nourish your extra dry skin? Jergens improves skin‘s tone, texture, and luminosity.

It heals dryness at the source by penetrating through five layers of the skin‘s surface.



SHOPSavvyW

OhvolaBe the centre of attraction with beautiful bold prints adorned across a dress made of satin. Elevate your wardrobe with this impeccably-sophisticated Zoe Printed Dress.

Wear this classy piece out even on off days and pair it with a pair of flats to exhibit casual cool. It closes with a concealed back zip.

ohvola.com

HollyhoqueGo militant-chic with this pair of army pants! All you need are some wedged sneakers and a studded top to make your statement.

hollyhoque.com

Valentine's Day is comingAre you having your yearly Valentine’s date headache already? Let us help you to stretch your dollar

OhvolaZoe Printed Dress ($17)

Love and BraveryGet in the mood for romance with delicate florals set against a midnight-blue backdrop. This silky camisole with a relaxed fit is perfect for a casual day out in our tropical climate.

Complete your look with white capris and espadrilles. It is made of polyester silk.

loveandbravery.com

TracyeinnyThis piece is crafted in chiffon and features a sleeveless printed dress with a round neckline, low waist, pleated details and a concealed zip on the reverse for easy wearing.

tracyeinny.com.sg

HollyhoqueBest in Sass Camouflage Printed Jeans ($18)

MDSBand Camp Skirt in Black ($5.20)

TracyeinnyRaimi Yellow Pleated Dress ($9.90)

Love and BraveryFenesia Crop Top ($21)

MDS CollectionsIntrigued by how beautiful marching band uniforms look? Sleek, structured and classic - this piece takes inspiration from the details of the uniform spirit.

Team yours with a sleek black boyfriend blazer and a V-neck loose tee to finish the look with attitude.

mdscollections.com

weekender.com.sg

PAGE 15

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WEEKENDER Photo coNtEst

are you WeeKeNDer’s NeXT fooD PHoToJourNaLIsT?

A cAnon PowershotsX600 hs (worth $309)& Be PuBlished!

cAmerA sPonsored By cAnon

eNTer To WIN

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 WeekenderFood 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.

Canon PowerShot N2: Functions as beautiful as it looks

Looking for a gadget that performs as well as it looks? The Canon PowerShot N2 epitomises beauty and brains, with its gorgeous pink look and powerful 16.1-megapixel capability

The Canon PowerShot N2 is handy, trendy and everything a selfie camera should be.

Our favourite feature has to be the “self-portrait” mode but, believe us, each of the other features is amazing in its own right.

Here are some of the Canon PowerShot N2 camera’s outstanding features:

• “Self-portrait” mode guarantees dewy-skin selfies with auto skin smoothing• Easy image transfer between smart devices • Multi-angle capacity touch panel LCD – see yourself in the most flattering light!• 16.1 megapixel camera for sharp, wide images• Simply press anywhere on the 360-degree shutter ring to take a photo• DIGIC 6 Image Processor – dim settings will not faze this camera• Remote shooting capability from smartphone or tablet

Championed as one of the few cameras that combine creative sharing capabilities with superb Canon photo quality, the Canon PowerShot N2 does it all.

Share the best looks in real life & in photosNever let your outfit go to waste – make sure you capture your best looks and share them quickly. Yes, we’re talking about #OOTD and #whatsinmybag!

Tell me, how many times have you enviously looked at gorgeous “What’s in my bag” photos in lifestyle magazines and on social media?

As if that’s not enough, there is also the beautiful #OOTD posts (Outfit of the Day) that most bloggers seem to effortlessly shine in.

Now, stop fawning over those shots. You too can take your own stunning photos, and share them easily with Wi-Fi connectivity!

Gear up (pack your prettiest makeup in your makeup pouches and put on your most attractive dress), head to the nearest garden in your neighbourhood, and we’ll tell you how!

good looking imAges with creAtive shotAny camera can be used to take an OOTD shot but it takes a good camera to make sure it all comes together beautifully. The Canon PowerShot N2, specially designed for lifestyle photo-taking, has a Creative Shot mode built for this.

With Creative Shot, when you take a

photo, you get one original image plus five variations of the shot with different creative filters. That’s right, you can simply scroll through these variations and select the photo in which you and your clothing look the best!

With the Canon PowerShot N2 you can capture every detail of your clothes, bringing the photo to life with vibrant colours and optimal sharpness.

The 16.1 megapixel lens guarantees attention to detail – yes, even the studs on your jacket will be visible!

For the outFit lover There is nothing happier than a good outfit – it can brighten up even the dreariest day! Do you particularly like your outfit today? Showcase it!

Simply tilt the special screen of the Canon PowerShot N2 up to 180 degrees, whereupon it will automatically activate the Self Portrait mode with image-enhancing function, then pose and shoot.

In fact, it is so easy and convenient with the Canon PowerShot N2, you can consider starting a lookbook of your outfits – it will save you from wardrobe woes on days when you’re running too late to decide on an outfit!

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DO use the Self Portrait mode for selfies – the Background Defocus function will help you and your outfit to stand out!

The Canon PowerShot N2

No selfie stick? No problem. Rest your camera on a table, low wall or window ledge and activate the self-timer

wi-Fi connectivity For eAsier & FAster shAring To top it all, the Canon PowerShot N2 has Wi-Fi connectivity that makes it very easy to share these great photos of yours with your friends and followers on social media. It will only take a moment for all to see your lovely photos and outfits!


TRAVELATionW

travel Feature

6 romantic copycat EuropEan placEs in asia

Want a charming EuropEan gEtaWay? you don’t havE to go far – thEsE romantic placEs arE just around thE cornEr

Ah, Europe. It’s the land of ancient architecture, old-time stores and romantic cobblestone streets that many love even though they’re so difficult to walk on.

If these and more are what you’re yearning for, you don’t have to travel 13 hours to see the charming little towns of Europe.

French Village in MalaysiaWhere: Bukit Tinggi, PahangAbout 48km from Kuala Lumpur lies Bukit Tinggi, one of the newest highlands in Malaysia. But this is no Genting or Cameron Highlands – Bukit Tinggi offers a very different concept that will charm your socks off.

This area is known for its French-style resort, Colmar Tropicale, which is decorated with a cobblestone courtyard and lined with vintage eateries. Music from street performers and live bands flows through the streets.

With the cool weather at the top, the illusion of being in Europe is complete. Your beloved may not even notice the difference.

classical european MuseuM in TaiwanWhere: Chi Mei Museum, TainanThis ‘cloned’ landmark may not span an entire town but Chi Mei Museum is highly reminiscent of classical monuments, in Germany and Rome especially. Its marble-white Roman columns, giant glittering dome and stately statues look like they were air-lifted straight out of a European city. At an angle, it may even look like St Peter’s Basilica upon the River Tiber in Rome!

The Museum is privately-owned and showcases Western Art, Natural History, and valuable antiquities.

You can visit, for free, or sprawl out on the manicured lawn and pretend you’re in a royal garden.

VeneTian waTerways in MacauWhere: The Venetian MacaoThe largest casino in the world, the Venetian Macao is, obviously, modelled after the enchanting canals of Venice, Italy. This extravagant resort is populated with casinos, shops, waterways with crooning gondoliers, and even a fake sky so that it’s always a bright sunny day.

Everything you need for a romantic date is all set here, be it cruising lazily down the stream as a gondolier serenades the two of you, or buying your partner an expensive designer watch.

liTTle london in chinaWhere: Thames Town, ShanghaiBuilt to be an upper-class satellite town, Thames Town is a postcard-perfect replica of London. It boasts mock-Tudor buildings, red telephone booths, and even a Gothic church. It has everything that London has – except for the crowds.

Thames Town is, in reality, a ghost town. Nobody can afford to live here. So you can enjoy frolicking down these pseudo-English streets without fumbling with people on the sidewalk. Thames Town is extra-popular for wedding photo shoots.

What if you could get the same romantic getaway less than six hours away?

Here are six lovely European places you can find in Asia. Now you bring your beloved on a short-haul holiday for long-lasting romance.

english Villages in KoreaWhere: Gyeonggi’s English Villages, Gyeonggi-doThe Gyeonggi English Villages were built for locals to practise speaking English, in both modern and old (or ye olde) cultures. From shops to accommodation, these villages are manned and fully operational for that almost-authentic English experience.

Just remember that this is a simulated town for the locals, who can get pretty immersed in the Anglo-Saxon vibes. So play it cool if they approach you, and do not start speaking Korean to them. This is, after all, an English village!

By Pamela Chow

hisToric ausTrian Town in chinaWhere: HuizhouMany people have chewed China out for knocking off everything from gadgets to luxury bags – and now, even an entire Alpine village. But I see this ambitious clone as a big plus. Now you can enjoy the beauty of the Hallstatt hamlet without having to jet all the way to Austria!

Its Chinese doppleganger, situated outside Huizhou’s city, sports the same pastel cottages, a main marketplace, and even a replica of the 900-year-old clock from the UNESCO Heritage site!

The duplicate of Hallstatt in Huizhou primarily serves as residence for the wealthy, and is populated with shops and manicured walkways for visitors to wander in.

Bukit Tinggi is well-known for emulating a distinctively French village

Huizhou has duplicated the entire Austrian village of Hallstatt, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

The Venetian Macao is world-famous for its copycat Venetian waterways

Is that St Peter’s Basilica upon the Tiber in Rome? No, it’s Chi Mei Museum which resembles a European mega-museum complete with Roman columns

London’s signature red phone booths and cobbled streets are some of the replicated English novelties of Thames Town in Shanghai

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PAGE 17

LOW-COST GETAWAYS

Frolic with over 1,000 free- roaming deer at Nara Park

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.

Phuket – Phang nga BayFrom $78, Tigerair. Promotion ends when sold out.

Phang Nga Bay is home to two famous sites in Phuket – the James Bond Island and Koh Panyee. Explore Phang Nga Bay’s spectacular scenery – sheer limestone karsts, quiet beaches and fishing villages.

One can enjoy what Phang Nga Bay has to offer by cruising through the dramatic limestone islands and stopping to enjoy quiet beaches or to interact with the villagers at Koh Panyee.

guangzhou – Sacred heart cathedralFrom $109, Tigerair. Promotion ends when sold out.

Referred to as the “Notre-Dame de Paris” of the East, the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Guangzhou is the largest of its kind in Southern China.

Known for being made entirely out of granite, the cathedral is definitely a highlight in the bustling city of Guangzhou.

pavel dudek / Shutterstock.com

Siem reaP – angkor From $135, Jetstar. Promotion ends when sold out.

One of the greatest and largest complexes of ancient temples in Asia, the temples of Angkor stand as one of humankind’s most spectacular and enduring architectural achievements.

Stand in awe of the 1,000-year-old temples that lie hidden in the jungles, and ancient cities and roads that once were a part of a thriving Khmer empire.

All prices are correct at time of printing.

Bucket ListExceptional ideas to experience

in your lifetime

Be surrounded by adorable free-roaming deer against a scenic backdrop of historic monuments that characterise the Japanese city over many centuries

Established in 1880, Nara Park, popularly known as the Deer Park, is a large scenic park located in central Nara in Japan.

The area encompasses many of Nara’s main attractions including Todaiji, Kasuga Taisha, Kofukuki and the Nara National Museum – collectively known as the Historic Monuments of Ancient Nara – and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The park draws

not only locals looking to spend a peaceful day away from the hustle and bustle of the city but also tourists who flock to experience its attractions .

Free-roaming deer Nonetheless, the best known and most popular aspect of Nara Park is that it is home to a whopping 1,200 free-roaming Sika Deer. Imagine that! If you love Disney’s Bambi, or animals, this would be your dream come true.

Considered to be sacred messengers of the Gods, Nara’s spotted deer have become a symbol of the city and have been designated

as a natural treasure. Hesitant to interact with these wild

creatures? Fret not as most of these animals are tame. Yet some can be aggressive or might bother visitors to be fed. You can purchase crackers that are sold around the park to feed these animals.

The Japanese culture seems to have rubbed off on these deer – some have learnt to bow to visitors to ask to be fed! However, with their favourite crackers in your hand, be prepared to be bugged by them.

all-in-one attraction While the deer are undoubtedly the dearest residents of Nara Park, do spare some time to visit its other residents, the historical heritage of the land.

Todaiji, or the “Great Eastern Temple”, is one of Japan’s most famous and historically significant temples and a landmark of Nara. Visitors flock to Todaiji to appreciate the world’s largest wooden building as well as the magnificent bronze statues of Buddha.

At the Nara National Museum, rotating exhibitions from the temple’s large collection of religious art and cultural treasures, including other large Buddhist statues, are regularly held.

Quaint, serene and picturesque, Nara Park’s natural and architectural attractions beautifully complement one another, contributing to the overall scene and ambience of the park – what visitors seem to love the most.

getting thereYou can get to Nara by train in just under an hour, from Osaka or Kyoto. Rail travel is conveniently available from both cities to Nara along the JR line and the Kintetsu Limited and Ordinary Express trains.

By Eu Shuqi

Over 1,000 deer roam freely in Nara Park These feral creatures are people-friendly!

Todaiji, or “Great Eastern Temple”, fits perfectly in Nara Park’s quaint and serene setting

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Weekender #117

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