ISSUE 130 • jUNE 26 - jULY 09, 2015

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More details on pg X

FREE MOVIE SCREENING

INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY...

starring Will Smith

More details on Pg 3...WK130A/MCI(P)119/08/2014

fASHionnew taka levelSHOP new glObal labelS

SPoRTSbarclays asia trophy watcH Premier league StarS in tOwn

moViEterminator genisys endOrSed by jameS camerOn?

P15

P25

BuckET LiST

Get up-close to polar bears

3 limiteD eDition sg50 gUnDam

(wOrtH $38.95 eacH)

to be won!

presents

9goUbUli: finD oUt the bao traDition & story

nEw RESTAuRAnT

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CatCh MUSICaL SUPERStaRS FROM EaSt tO WESt &

OUR OWN ShORESTOP 4 EVENTS

CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

4 YummY FOOd ShOw 2015

25-28 Jun, 11am-10pmSingaporeans love to eat and the Yummy Food expo promises to bring delicious

food and great deals to satisfy our desire to makan. Check out a popsicle stand by “Neh Neh Pop” and other exciting food stalls at the Yummy Food Show this weekend.Singapore Expo Hall 6, www.facebook.com/SingaporeFoodShows

1BEErFEST ASiA 201525-28 Jun, from $20Premier beer festival Beerfest Asia returns for the 7th time to tempt both beer and beverage enthusiasts with

its diverse selection. Featuring close to 500 types of beer and other beverages from all over the world and live stage performances, anyone who has been to Beerfest Asia will tell you that the experience is packed with great entertainment, drinks and food.Marina Promenande, www.beerfestasia.com

2 NEw! FrEE! BAYBEATS 201526-28 Jun, various timingsThe biggest music festival of its kind in

Singapore and the region, Baybeats presents a fist-pumping line-up showcasing prominent Singapore and international acts, covering genres including folk, pop, metal, post-rock, emo, punk, electro and everything in between. The festival also celebrates the music-loving lifestyle with a festival village that brings together local indie crafters and entrepreneurs.Esplanade, www.baybeats.com/2015

3SiNgiN’ iN ThE rAiN 9-26 Jul, 8pm (Tue & Fri), 2pm & 8pm (Sat), 1pm & 6.30pm (Sun), from $65After a sell-out West End season in 2012, unparalleled praise from

critics and audiences alike, four Olivier Award nominations, and a major UK tour, Singin’ in the Rain promises to delight Singapore audiences.MasterCard Theatres, Marina Bay Sands, www.sistic.com.sg

Photo: T.Dallas / Shutterstock.com

musicBig BANg 2015 wOrld TOur [mAdE]18 & 19 Jul, 6pm, from $168Coming back from a long hiatus, one of South Korea’s hottest boy bands, Big Bang, is back in Singapore and will be performing several of their previous hit songs, as well as songs that the group will be releasing every month until their studio album on Sep 1. Singapore Indoor Stadium, www.sportshubtix.sg

JOliN TSAi 2015 PlAY wOrld TOur25 Jul, 8pm, $108-238Jolin is known for her impressive dance choreography. For the first time, Jolin has assembled a team of internationally-renowned talents to collaborate in her concert. Apart from Hollywood talents and 12 dancers from around the world, she has also roped in a prominent Hong Kong stage dresser and other top costume designers to be part of this world tour.Singapore Indoor Stadium, www.sportshubtix.sg

JJ liN TimEliNE: gENESiS wOrld TOur5 Sep, 8pm, $78-198JJ Lin will bring the tour to his most familiar playground at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. The concert promises to be yet another 360-degree, all-round experience, with elaborate staging and effects, and an utterly exhaustive set list of JJ Lin’s most well-loved hits.Singapore Indoor Stadium, www.sportshubtix.sg

muSE liVE iN SiNgAPOrE26 Sep, 8pm, $108-228One of Britain’s biggest bands, Muse returns to our shores to rock the night away with local and regional fans. The band’s use of imagery and special effects has given it a reputation for creating some of the most memorable live experiences around, and the Singapore show will be no exception.Singapore Indoor Stadium, www.sportshubtix.sg

drEAmwOrkS ANimATiON: ThE ExhiBiTiON From 13 JunDreamWorks Animation: The Exhibition will feature 31 films and more than 400 displays allowing visitors to experience how these animation works make the leap from initial sketches to their big screen debuts. It will feature exclusive concept drawings and behind-the-scenes footage of the creative process and remarkable character sculptures. ArtScience Museum, www.marinabaysands.com

NEw! FrEE! 50 mAdE-iN-SiNgAPOrE PrOducTS 15 Jul-6 Sep Did you know that brands such as Van Houten and Bridgestone have products made in Singapore? Come and find out more about our nation’s manufacturing achievements at the National Heritage Board’s 50 Made-in-Singapore Products exhibition. The exhibition showcases various Singapore products including Axe Brand medicated oil and Butterfly brand kerosene lamps through text, photographs, memorabilia and multimedia stations. National Museum of Singapore, Glass Atrium

exhibitions

Photo: Mark Ashkanasy

jUNE 26 - jULY 9, 2015

FREE MOVIE SCREENING

LIFE is a struggle for single father Chris Gardner (Will Smith). Evicted from their apartment, he and his young son (Jaden Christopher Syre Smith) find themselves alone with no place to go. Even though Chris eventually lands a job as an intern at a prestigious brokerage firm, the position pays no money.

The pair must live in shelters and endure many hardships, but Chris refuses to give in to despair as he struggles to create a better life for himself and his son.

*limited to first 250 attendeespresents

4 July 15 | 2:00pm - 5:00pm The Black Box TheatreUnited World College of South East Asia - East Campus 1 Tampines Street 73 S528704

PRE-REGISTER YOUR TICKET ATwww.NACSingapore.com/movieor Call 6653 2670 *Admission strictly for 18 years old & above.

INSPIRED BY A TRUE STORY...The Blockbuster Starring Will Smith

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show offyour precious

newbornor toddler

Weekender’s Hello, World! photo segment for babies is back!Immortalise your precious baby in print by getting his or her photo published! What better way is there to

celebrate your newborn or toddler than to show off your baby to the rest of the world?E-mail the cutest or sweetest photo of your baby to: general@weekender.sg with your Baby’s Name, Date of Birth, Your Name, Tel No., NRIC & Postal Code

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

Seth Chang, 1 Sep 2014

Germaine Goh, 21 Feb 2014

Tracy Chan, 20 Sep 2012

Bervyn Tan, 15 Aug 2014

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

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 2

Free! Island natIonUntil 28 Jun, 10am-9pmIsland Nation is a project centered on telling the stories of Singaporeans who once lived on the southern islands of Singapore. This photographic exhibition aims to capture the living history of the southern islands of Singapore, uncovering beautiful and forgotten narratives, through text, videos and images.Level 10, Promenade, National Library Building

new! Free! MInang FashIon show by suMbar talenta25 Jul, 7.30pm,As part of Aliwal Night Crawl, Malay Heritage Centre presents a Minang Fashion Show which will showcase the rich Minangkabau textile tradition like the songket. Textile and fashion lovers out there should not miss out on this parade of colourful traditional costumes from the various regions of West Sumatra. Bussorah Mall, www.malayheritage.sg

KoalaManIa!Until 28 Jun, from $18.90The four koalas from Australia are finally in Singapore for their tropical vacation. For five weekends from May 30 to Jun 28, young visitors can show their love for the furry marsupials by donning koala masks, create koala keepsakes such as origami art and Australian aboriginal-inspired dot paintings. Also snap a picture at the illusion Photo Wall, upload it and stand to win a family holiday to Queensland, Australia! 80 Mandai Lake Road, www.zoo.com.sg/koala-mania

IMagInarIuM: a voyage oF bIg IdeasUntil 19 JulThe exhibition is inspired by the crescent moon on the Singapore flag, symbolising a young nation on the rise and its capacity to dream big and think large. Particularly targeted at children, Imaginarium is both immersive and interactive.Singapore Art Museum, 8 Queen St

super heroes lego robotIcs suMMer caMp

29-30 Jun & 6-7 Jul, 10am-2.30pm, $338An exciting event for kids aged 6-12 with an interest in robotics, this workshop makes learning enjoyable by relating the powers of famous superheroes such as Ironman and Spiderman to scientific inquiry. Reinvent different types of robotic exoskeletons and gadgets for an enlightening and fun-filled experience.WondersWork, Liang Court, #02-23, www.wonderswork.com.sg/holidaycamp2.php

Flowery Fun tIMes Floral dIsplay Until 19 Jul, 9am-9pmRelive your childhood as we bring to life some of your favourite nursery rhymes! Step into a world filled with beloved characters such as Mary and her little lamb, the old lady in her shoe, and Old MacDonald with his farm animals. Amidst a field of colourful Lupins, Delphiniums and Foxgloves, find Humpty Dumpty before his fall and visit Mary, Mary, Quite Contrary in her garden!Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay, www.gardensbythebay.com.sg

Free! arMour@thebay - under arMour X JessIca sInclaIrUntil 14 Jul, every Tue, 6.30pm or 7.30pmAs part of the new instalment of Armour@TheBay, Under Armour will next be partnering with yoga practitioner Jessica Sinclair, who will be conducting complimentary yoga sessions over the next six weeks. Choose from Detox and Weight Loss Class and Stretch Class. Clifford Square, Fullerton Bay, www.tripleready.com/event-details/earn-your-armour-challenge-2-singapore

barclays asIa trophy sIngapore 201515 & 18 Jul, 6pm, $25-$155The Barclays Asia Trophy is the only Premier League competition taking place outside of England, and has been held biennially since 2003. Fans will be excited to know that this event will feature the debut appearances of Arsenal and Stoke City, as well as Everton and the first Singaporean team in the tournament, the Singapore Select XI. National Stadium, www.sportshub.com.sg

exhibitions

family

sports

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featured event

Give your best shot & Make a Difference

Do you love taking memorable photographs? Submit your favourite shots in this competition and stand to win attractive prizes and opportunities!

Capturing poignant photographs is one of the most powerful art forms in this age. Now, you can showcase your strongest shots, and win big and earn invaluable experience, as well as give back to the community.

Make a DifferenceThe Singapore National Co-operative Federation’s (SNCF) Hot Shots photography competition is back for its 4th year, with the meaningful theme, “Make a Difference”.

Here’s your chance to capture and to share simple yet beautiful acts of kindness, from offering a seat to someone in need to feeding a stray cat. Hot Shots is open to both budding and experienced shutterbugs.

cash Prizes & OPPOrtunitiesWinners of the contest will walk away with cash prizes worth a total of more than $5,000. The top photographer may also receive opportunities from SNCF and its affiliates for professional assignments.

No expensive equipment at your disposal? No sweat! This year, you can even participate in the Instagram category, and stand to win prizes of $100 each.

So, don’t hesitate. Enter your best shots, stand to win, and make a difference.

For more information, please visit www.events.sncf.org.sg/hotshots.

tOM anD Jerry fun run23 Aug, 7am, $49 for kids, $69 for adultsRelive one of your favourite childhood cartoons with a short 5km fun run suitable for the family. There will be a carnival area surrounded by Tom and Jerry animations along with many photo opportunities. Finishers will receive an exclusive Tom and Jerry medal. Children under 3 years old run for free.Singapore Flyer, www.tomandjerryfunrun.com.sg

the Dc Justice League run 201530 Aug, 7-10am, from $55Featuring a 5km timed fun run around the Sentosa Island, participants

get to represent their favourite Super Heroes like Superman, Batman & Wonder Woman and race to get their team labelled as the “Fastest Heroes of the Year”. Look out for post-race fringe activities as well as a merchandise booth of collectibles.Sentosa, Interim Carpark, www.dcjusticeleaguerun.com.sg

new! free! anti-Drug abuse carnivaL 201526-27 Jun, 11am-8pm (Fri), 11am-9pm (Sat)Singapore celebrates the 20th anniversary of the Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign, an annual flagship event in support of the anti-drug cause. With a focus on Community Togetherness, this year’s campaign will include the Anti-Drug Abuse Carnival – with DIY stations, activities such as skateboarding and a special photo exhibition on 20 years of the Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign.Suntec Singapore, Hall 403, Level 4, www.facebook.com/lifedoesnotrewind

new! free! traveL revOLutiOn 24-26 Jul, 10am-9pm Following the phenomenal success of the inaugural Travel Revolution 2015 in April, the next one will be held at the end of this July. To date, more than 70 exhibitors have confirmed their participation together with Official Card Partner Visa and Official Travel Insurer AIG. So get ready to grab the best travel deals at this coming Travel Revolution! Marina Bay Sands B2 Expo Halls D - F

others

In Celebration of Youth Month

In Celebration of Youth Month

In Celebration of Youth Month

In Celebration of Youth Month

A C o - o p e r a t i v e P h o t o g r a p h y C o m p e t i t i o n F o r A l l

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Co-op_Hot_Shots_Ad_Banner_Weekender_230615.pdf 2 6/23/2015 10:26:55 AM

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PAGE 6

THREE EASY WAYS TO ENTER:

Look for pinned post on our Facebook page:

facebook.com/weekendersgp and follow the instructions

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SMS to 85026567

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

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Good Luck!

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

3 LIMITED EDITION SG50 GUNDAM KITS

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Editor Lester J Wan

Art Director Sabrina Cao

Designer Zoe Lai Writer Pamela Chow

Interns Rydell Tan Samantha Phey

COO David Phey Head of Sales Karin Ng karin@weekender.sg

Team Lead Erwin Lim erwin@weekender.sg

Team Members Anabel Ang Lionel Wee

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

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 Contributors Geralyne KayeShareen WongAndy Penders

new exhibit

Peranakan Museum: 50 Remarkable LivesIn accordance with SG50, The Peranakan Museum’s latest exhibit explores the pioneering spirit of 50 remarkable individuals, paying tribute to their contributions for a better Singapore

Singapore’s Golden Jubilee is a time of celebration, but also a time to remember and be grateful for individuals who have contributed to the progress of our society. The Peranakan Museum’s “50 Remarkable Lives” exhibit is almost like a walk through Singapore’s time line.

The Peranakans are a community of ethnic Chinese people whose culture and language are predominantly Malay-influenced. Many of the figures mentioned in the exhibit are related and intertwined with one another.

cATALySTS fOR SOcIAL PROGRESSOne of the great Peranakans featured is Tan Tock Seng, most famous for founding Singapore’s first hospital for the Chinese poor. Initially named the Chinese Pauper’s Hospital, it was eponymously renamed after his death.

On the hospital’s dedication stele, it records how the hospital began and Tan Tock Seng’s motivations for founding it. Lamenting about the prevalent cases of “skin ulcers and leprosy”, Tan wrote about the importance of community spirit, and a “long-cherished wish” to do something for the “abandoned and suffering”.

PERANAKANS IN POLITIcSIt’s also interesting to note that the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew had previously rejected being called Peranakan in a parliamentary exchange with Singapore’s first female opposition politician, who is also featured, Mrs Seow Peck Leng.

The reason was reportedly Lee’s concern for a collective unity in Singapore, which prevailed strongly over his heritage. His wife, Kwa Geok Chew, also had Peranakan roots. Her barrister wig, with its stand and box, is on display in the exhibit.

By Samantha Phey

Great Peranakans: 50 Remarkable Lives will run until Apr 3, 2016. Entry is free for all Singaporean citizens and PRs.

Due to a lack of photographic records, this painting is the only pictorial record of Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s swearing in as Singapore’s first Prime Minister.

Photo: Courtesy of the National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board, painted by Lai Kui Fung

The Tan Tock Seng dedication stele records how the hospital began and Tan Tock Seng’s motivation for founding it

Photo: Collection of Tan Tock Seng Hospital

Above: Kwa Geok Chew’s barrister wig will be reunited with her husband’s when the exhibit at The Peranakan Museum opens – Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s wig was previously on display at The National Museum’s “In Memoriam” exhibitPhoto: Courtesy of National Museum of Singapore, National Heritage Board

The Peranakan MuseuM’s “50 reMarkable lives” exhibiT is alMosT like a walk Through singaPore’s TiMe line.

SG50 GUNDAM MODEL KIT EXcLUSIVE TO SINGAPOREPopular Japanese mecha anime series Gundam has a special gift for Singapore’s golden jubilee: a Limited-Edition SG50 Gundam Model Kit! Available only during the Gundam Docks at Singapore exhibition, the HG RX-78-2 GUNDAM Ver. SG50 is designed by Kunio Okawara, the same legend who created some of the realistic Gundam mechanics.

The model kit is inspired by the red and white colours of Singapore’s national flag, and the beauty and cleanliness of our island.

Gundam Docks at Singapore exhibition runs daily until Jun 28, 10am to 9.30pm at Takashimaya Square.

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A chance for Singaporeans to stargaze & support

I’m very interested to see what type of atmosphere will be generated at the superb National Stadium, which recently won me over as one of the top sporting destinations in the world after a superb SEA Games.

SEA GAmES LEvEL of HypE?The 28th SEA Games Football Final between Myanmar and Thailand was nothing short of extraordinary for many reasons, not least the support from both sets of fans. The noise generated was equal to anything I have heard at a Premier League game, if not greater.

Euphoria gripped the 55,000-seater stadium from hours to kick-off and beyond. The Barclays Asia Trophy may have quite a task to top that level of excitement.

AutHEntic prEmiEr LEAGuE ExpEriEncEThe FA Premier League’s lead commentator, John Dykes, has promised Singapore fans a genuine Barclays Premier League experience, right from the referees to the level of commitment offered by the players. It will only be 24 days until the new Premier League season kicks off, so they will want to impress.

Ticket sales are said to be going well so far. Let’s hope that football fans in Singapore, and overseas visitors, can help to create the same sort of atmosphere that we saw in the National Stadium recently.

Given that fans get to see two matches on each day and the pricing looks relatively affordable, the turnout should be good. Those who go will be able to stargaze at the Arsenal stars, as well as that of Everton and Stoke. Nonetheless the Singapore Select XI,

football fever

while not the national team, will feature many national or local star players.

LEArninG from myAnmAr & tHAiLAnd fAnSOne Tweet has stuck with me after the SEA Games. The person said that Burmese and Thai supporters all wore their national team’s jerseys while cheering on their players. While Singapore supporters often wore red, it tended to be the home kits of Manchester United, Liverpool or Arsenal.

In this tournament, V Sundramoorthy has a fantastic opportunity to give the local stars some great experience against the likes of Mesut Oezil, Alexis Sanchez and Romelu Lukaku. He also deserves the support of the home crowd, who should let their opponents know which team it is that they’re supporting.

We all love to stargaze, and that’s fine, but let’s also give our best support to our local lads.

Red Card Sports Radio – 24/7 sports news and live football commentaries. Sports fans know more. Tune in on StarHub Ch 225.

Ph

oto:

EPA

/Ger

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enn

yThe Barclays Asia Trophy Tour will be a great chance for Singaporean fans to admire Arsenal and the other teams’ stars, as well as support their national players

Photo: EPA/Lynn Bo Bo

Can Singapore fans generate the same kind of passion and support as shown by Myanmar fans in the recent SEA Games in Singapore?

When Premier League clubs come to Singapore, it’s usually the red of Manchester United, Liverpool and Arsenal that can be seen – let’s see the red of Singapore as well

The Barclays Asia Trophy Tour comes to Singapore on Jul 15 and 18, with fans of English Premier League clubs Arsenal, Stoke and Everton and fans of Singapore set to see their favourite players in action.

About Andy pEndErSAndy Penders (@andypenders) is the Head of Sports at #RedCardConnect. Andy previously worked at ESPN Star Sports, Fox Sports, Mio Stadium and Zoom Sports.

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PAGe 10

movie feature

- the real 3rd terminator movie?

James Cameron, direCtor of the first two terminator movies, hails this latest instalment as a “renaissanCe”, denounCing the two previous sequels

You may think that director James Cameron piling praise on Terminator: Genisys is simply him being polite, or even patting his own back. After all, Cameron was behind the first two Terminator

movies, The Terminator (1984) and Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991).

But Cameron can in fact be pretty stingy with his compliments, as shown in his cold response to the two flopped sequels that followed, Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003) and Terminator Salvation (2009).

So when he endorsed Genisys, the fifth movie, as the “renaissance” of the series, you can bet every kernel of popcorn he means it.

Seal of approvalIn an interview video from Paramount Pictures, Cameron – who also directed blockbuster hits Titanic (1997) and Avatar (2009) – reveals that he “think[s] of [Genisys] as the third film” in the series. It sounds like he’s pretending that the last two sequels didn’t exist.

Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines was directed by Jonathan Mostow, and Terminator Salvation by Joseph McGinty “McG” Nichol. Genisys is directed by Alan Taylor, of Thor: The Dark World.

So what exactly was it about Genisys that rubbed Cameron the right way? After viewing the finished product, he said, “[Genisys is] being very respectful of the first two films… I feel like the franchise has been reinvigorated, like this is a renaissance.”

a New TermiNaTor Time liNeThis feeling of “renaissance” might stem from the fact that Genisys pulls a total 180-degree turn on the original

Terminator time line, creating some interesting scenarios.It features reinvented characters such as a father-figure

Terminator (Schwarzenegger), who bands with Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke, of “Game of Thrones”) instead of trying to kill her like in the original 1984 film.

Nonetheless, this isn’t the same Sarah Connor that Terminator fans are familiar with. This Sarah lost her parents to a Terminator attack but was raised by an older model of Schwarzenegger’s T-800.

Sarah meets Kyle Reese (Jai Courtney), sent back in time to save her but ends up needing her help when an Asian model of the Alpha T-1000 (Lee Byung-hun, Storm Shadow from G.I. Joe) and another terrifying new enemy, threatens entire existence with total annihilation.

TurNiNg filmmaker iNTo faNboyHaving removed himself from the Terminator franchise after Terminator 2: Judgement Day, Cameron explained he had no creative input in Genisys. So he approached the movie as a “fanboy” – and, boy, was he gushing about it.

“It must have been fun for Arnold to watch the film, and see him fighting a 30-year-younger version of himself. I think the young Arnold that they created is flawless,” said Cameron, as reported by Entertainment Weekly.

“If you like the Terminator films, you’re going to like this movie,” he said in the Paramount video, locking Gensisys in as the new golden child of the Terminator family.

If you need more reason to catch Terminator: Genisys, this is it!

By Pamela Chow

TermiNaTor: geNiSyS [pg13]DirecTor: Alan TaylorSTarriNg: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Emilia Clarke,

Jai Courtney, Lee Byung-hun & JK SimmonsgeNre: Action, AdventureruN leNgTh: 126 minreleaSe: 25 Jun

Kyle Reese (right, Jai Courtney) goes back in time to fight against the Terminators with Sarah Connor (Emilia Clarke of “Game of Thrones”)

With the recalibrated

time line comes a new terrifying

enemy on the heels of Sarah

Connor and the Terminator

31 years after the original, the

Terminator is back in another sequel and

bad to the bone

The Terminator has to face off

with his 30-year-younger and

buffer self

In this alternate time line, Sarah Connor (left, Emilia Clarke), was raised by an older model of the T-800 (Arnold Schwarzenegger)

genisys pulls a total 180-degree turn on the

original terminator time line, Creating some interesting sCenarios.

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PAGe 12

star of the week

Kal Penn: From White Castle to White HouseComedy actor Kal Penn has been busy with a number of serious projects – Weekender finds out more about this funny man’s double life

He’s most commonly recognised as one half of the hilarious movie partnership Harold and Kumar, and stars as a humorous love interest in TV’s “How I Met Your Mother”. Kal Penn is, indisputably, one of the most recognisable faces of modern comedy.

But did you know that Kal’s worked in the White House and in public service?

Kal was involved in President Barack Obama’s election and re-election campaigns. He became Associate Director of the White House Office of Public Engagement from 2009 to 2010, and he now serves on the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities.

You can now spot Kal hosting National Geographic Channel’s “The Big Picture”, which reveals surprising facts about people, based solely on data.

Speaking to Weekender from his home in New York, Kal dishes out the details on his unorthodox career choices and his wacky characters.

In terms of movIes, what have you been workIng on recently?I’ve been working on The Girl in the Photographs, a horror movie by Wes Craven, who did many classic horror films like Scream. It’s rather fun to work with him.

And I just finished filming for a movie called The Layover. It’s a comedy about two women who get stuck in a town when their flight got cancelled.

why dId you decIde to produce and host “the bIg pIcture”?I really like the concept of the show – that it can educate and entertain people. I like visualising big data that connects people.

Nowadays people are on Buzzfeed and Twitter; [with data, we can] see a map of the world just based on eating patterns and what concerts people watch.

what was the most InterestIng fact about asIa that you dIscovered?It was kind of nice to see how different people operate, doing the same things but in different countries – there’s a lot more in common.

“the bIg pIcture” explores how people are connected In thIs InformatIon age. how do you stay connected to your frIends and famIly?I’m more traditional; nothing can replace a night’s phone call! Sometimes I talk to them on FaceTime too.

share wIth us a fact about yourself that not many of your fans know.I really like tacos. I really like the standard beans and hot sauce filling. Now I’m making myself hungry.

how has your Involvement In comedy Impacted your move Into serIous projects lIke “the bIg pIcture” and publIc servIce?I love that I get the chance to do both. I feel like a lot of our fans from the comedies might be appealed by “The Big Picture”.

Audiences have been very nice to me and I appreciate the love I’ve been getting over the years. My fans have been very supportive.

It’s also nice to take a break for a while, and then come back to acting.

what made you decIde to get Involved In publIc servIce?It was always a family value growing up – always volunteer. In 2007 I volunteered to help with Obama’s campaign. The election was only in 2008, and by then I realised I’d been involved for so long, and White House work was very similar to what I did in the campaign, so I continued.

It was good to take a break for a few years to do this – I didn’t expect I could give back to my country in this way.

what was the most mIschIevous thIng you dId as a kId?I feel like I was a pretty good kid! But I was always very easily distracted. I daydreamed a lot in class.

I was in my own world, thinking about something completely different. But I wasn’t disruptive or anything.

It wasn’t the sort of thing you could get detention for but my teachers would always be telling my parents, “He was such a nice kid, but he always daydreams in class!”

your characters have been In many crazy sItuatIons. do they bear any sImIlarIty to events In your lIfe?The reason that I like these movies is because the situations that the characters end up in are so weird and bizarre. They are so different from me in real life.

That’s interesting to play – it’s the biggest acting stretch to play someone completely different from yourself.

when It comes to doIng the ImpossIble, what do you tell yourself?I don’t like taking no for an answer. I remember in school I had two teachers who told me I couldn’t be an actor, that it’s not practical. I don’t like that phrase – “It’s not practical” – so I thought, “I’m going to go ahead and not take that advice.”

It’s hard to explain to somebody how much something is your passion. They could say, “You’ll struggle for years to find a job and starve,” but that’s okay – because I love acting.

where can fans next see you?Definitely catch “The Big Picture” – I’m very excited it’s coming out. Also look out for “Battle Creek”, and this comedy I filmed that’s coming out, called Stereotypically You.

By Pamela Chow

“The Big Picture” airs every Wednesday at 10pm on the National Geographic Channel (SingTel TV Ch 201, StarHub TV Ch 411).

aLso IN theatres

dark places [tba]25 years after testifying against her brother Ben (Corey Stoll) as the person responsible for the massacre of her entire family, Libby (Charlize

Theron) is approached by a group of true crime enthusiasts who do not believe that he was the one that did it.

Libby gets more than she bargained for when she begins to question what she’s always believed to have happened during the dreaded event. starrIng: Charlize Theron, Nicholas

Hoult, Chloe Grace Moretz, Christina Hendricks & Corey Stoll

genre: Thriller, Mystery release: 18 Jun

ted 2 [tba]Seth MacFarlane returns as writer, director and voice star of Ted 2, the follow-up to the highest grossing R-rated comedy of all time.

The newlywed couple, Ted and Tami-

Lynn, wants to have a baby but in order to qualify to be a parent, Ted has to prove that he is a person in a court of law. starrIng: Mark Wahlberg, Seth

MacFarlane, Amanda Seyfried, Giovanni Ribisi & John Slattery

genre: Comedyrelease: 26 Jun

far from the maddIng crowd [pg]Based on the literary classic by Thomas Hardy, this is the story of an independent, beautiful and headstrong Bathsheba Everdene (Carey

Mulligan) who attracts three very different suitors: Gabriel Oak (Matthias Schoenaerts), a sheep farmer; Frank Troy (Tom Sturridge), a dashing and reckless Sergeant; and William Boldwood (Michael Sheen), a prosperous and mature bachelor.

Will Bathsheba be able overcome the hardships that come along with the nature of relationships and love? starrIng: Carey Mulligan, Matthias

Schoenaerts, Tom Sturridge & Michael Sheen

genre: Drama release: 2 Jul

spl 2 - a tIme for conseQuences [nc16]A tough Hong Kong cop, Kit, busts a major gangster only to find his main witness gone. To seek revenge against Kit, the

gangster has him kidnapped and put into a Thai jail with a false criminal identity.

When Kit’s prison guard, Chai, finds out Kit’s real identity and that he is the only donor that can save his daughter, they work together to escape from prison and take down the gangster and his henchmen. starrIng: Tony Jaa, Louis Koo,

Wu Jing, Simon Yam & Zhang Jin

genre: Crime, Action, Dramarelease: 2 Jul

Kal Penn (right) with John Cho, his co-star in the popular Harold and Kumar comedy movies

Kal Penn is known for playing oddball characters in absurd comedies, but he is also heavily involved in public service

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Top SG50 promotions to take advantage of

Shops and attractions island-wide have been rolling out SG50 discounts for the nation – are you making full use of them?

You don’t have to wait until August to celebrate Singapore’s big 50th! Many restaurants, brands and attractions have already begun to throw a party for our nation’s Golden Jubilee, and inviting us to celebrate with their low prices.

We sussed out the biggest deals that you can take advantage of on your next outing with your friends or family.

1Half Price Off Weekend StaycatiOnS

Cheap weekend stays at hotels here are a rare find – but not anymore with this great promotion. Holders of the PAssion POSB Debit Card can receive 50 per cent off deluxe weekend stays at nine hotels here, including Oasia Hotel Singapore, The Quincy Hotel and Rendezvous Hotel Singapore.

Simply look out for the hotel staycation on offer from 9am on the 10th of every month!www.stayfareast.com/en/deals/PAssionPOSB

2 diScOunted activitieS at SentOSa

Sentosa has a promotion for free entry via the Boardwalk – and free drive-in after 5pm on weekdays – until Dec 31. Here’s more reason to go: a bunch of great attractions on the island are throwing out big discounts!

Get 20 per cent off banana boat and donut rides at SeaBreeze Water with minimum booking for two persons. Your second game at Combat Skirmish LIVE will be at half-price with every purchase of Indoor Maze tickets, limited to the first 20 redemptions per day.

Fancy something slightly tamer? Sentosa 4D AdventureLand is offering complimentary admission for seniors or children with every two adult passes purchased.www.sentosa.com.sg/en/sg50/

3 neW PriceS & exHibitS at alive MuSeuM

This is the perfect time to make use of Alive Museum’s SG50

promotion, since it has just added a whole new series of amusing pieces to its collection. The new Young@Heart series features fun-loving creations such as mythical unicorn sightings and a very hungry Marilyn Monroe.

You can even skydive with the Penguins of Madagascar! I promise I won’t judge any adults who do this, because I’d be doing it too.

To celebrate SG50, Alive Museum is offering one free ticket for every two full-priced adult tickets purchased, valid until Aug 31.www.alivemuseum.sg/news-events/sg50-package/

4 unliMited year-rOund entry intO

JurOng bird ParkLocal residents can now enjoy unlimited visits throughout the year for the price of a one-day ticket! This special membership rate is going at $28 for adults, and

outlets, and 30 per cent off all stalls at Kopitiam at Changi Airport Terminal 3.www.sg50seniors.sg

6 liMited editiOn PrOductS

Many brands have also eagerly hopped on the SG50 bandwagon to offer everyone a piece of the Golden Jubilee pie. Here are some of our favourite picks:

SingPOSt Sg50 HellO kitty cOllectibleSSingPost is selling limited-edition SG50 Hello Kitty plushies, stamp folders, tote bags and lanyards. www.omigo.com.sg/singpostsg50hellokitty.html

tHe Halia Sg50 MenuThis relaxing spot in the Botanic Gardens will be introducing a special menu of delights created from Singaporean ingredients. These include ice kacang, kueh lapis with home-grown 1872 Clipper Tea ice cream and cocktails affectionately named “Yam Seng” and “1965”. The menu is available from Jul 1 to Aug 31.

riSiS Handcrafted PendantSLocal jeweller RISIS has two collections to commemorate SG50. The Elemental Allure collection, featuring gold-plated natural orchids, will be available from end-June. The Singapore Storytellers Collection, designed by famous local personalities such Dick Lee and Leslie Tay, can already be purchased online.risis.com/shop/risis/singapore-storytellers.html

Sg50 inStax filMSFujifilm is milking the Polaroid craze with these adorable SG50 Instax films. They feature cute prints of ubiquitous things in our culture, such as colourful biscuits and Singlish phrases such as “Shiok uh”. www.instaxclubsg.com

By Pamela Chow

$18 for children (aged three to 12 years old) and senior citizens (60 years and above).

This offer is valid until Dec 31. Sign up at the entrance of Jurong Bird Park or online.members.wrs.com.sg

5 Half Price Off dining billS fOr SeniOrS

With the SG50 Seniors package, Singapore’s pioneer generation can enjoy superbly-discounted prices at more than 50 establishments island-wide.

These include promotions such as 50 per cent off restaurant bills at Fullerton Hotel Singapore, Pan Pacific Singapore and Sheraton Towers. Simply present your IC, Senior Concession Card or Pioneer Generation Card.

Seniors aged 60 and above can also look out for the commemorative Kopitiam iCard in the mail this month. It entitles cardholders to 30 per cent off Kopitiam drinks at participating

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1. Many hotels and resorts are rolling out SG50 promotion rates to look out for

2. Entry into Sentosa via the Boardwalk is now free, and many of its merchants are offering discounted rates to patrons for SG50

5. Seniors aged 60 and above can look out for this decal at food and beverage places island-wide to enjoy SG50 Seniors discounts

3. More creatively fun exhibits have arrived at Alive Museum, and you can now take advantage of its SG50 package to enjoy them

4. Enjoy unlimited visits for a whole year at the price of a regular one-day ticket with Jurong Bird Park’s SG50 promotion

6. One of The Halia’s special SG50 dishes – kueh lapis with homegrown 1872 Clipper Tea ice cream; SingPost is selling limited-edition SG50 Hello Kitty products for Kitty lovers to collect

Gundam docks in SG: Exhibition of mecha proportionsJapan’s favourite robots of the Gundam series have arrived in Singapore for their first overseas exhibition – you could even bring home an exclusive SG50 Gundam of your own!

In case you’ve missed the stylish towering sentinels standing guard outside Ngee Ann City along Orchard Road, Japan’s favourite robots of the Gundam anime series have landed in Singapore, delighting visitors of various ages.

Gundam Docks, on until Jun 28, is the first overseas Gundam exhibition. Even if you aren’t a Gundam fan, you shouldn’t miss it if you love anime, sci-fi or mecha

(machines controlled by people and related technology).

MecHa PrOPOrtiOnSTwo gigantic 6m tall models of RX-78-2 Gundam and Char’s Zaku dominate the shopping mall’s entrance and, during my visit, I spotted many peculiar and unique Gundam models in Takashimaya’s atrium.

Interesting ones include an adorable bear-shaped Gundam and even a DBS-themed Gundam at the bank’s booth at the back of the atrium!

graced by tHe ‘arcHitect’ HiMSelfThose present on Sat, Jun 6, would’ve had the honour of spotting Kunio Okawara, the mechanical designer of Gundam models, when he presided over the opening ceremony. The first 100 fans who purchased the exclusive SG50 Gundam model had a chance to meet Okawara and get

his autograph!During a live talk show, Okawara-san

thanked the fans for their support and also revealed the inspiration behind the Gundams – samurais!

Besides the limited edition SG50 Gundam model, other products have been produced exclusively for this event including the STRICT-G ver. SG50 Gundam Motif lifestyle and apparel line by Bandai.

A showcase of the Gundam Breaker 2 Game is also on. Catch all the action and thrills before it’s over.

By Samantha Phey

Gundam Docks in Singapore will be running until Jun 28 daily from 10am-9.30pm at Takashimaya Basement 2. Look out for Weekender’s upcoming Limited Edition SG50 Gundam giveaway!

The limited edition SG50 Gundam was designed by Kunio Okawara in celebration of Singapore’s 50th birthday

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new restaurant

Whether it’s san Francisco’s chinatoWn or a toWn in china, the bao is a chinese cultural classic and people can rely on its consistency

Indeed, it is very rare to find any particular bao which stands out. That’s why when 9Goubuli invited me to taste its bao, I jumped at the chance.

Goubuli is one of those unique restaurants with a fascinating heritage and Singapore is quite fortunate to be home to its first international outlet, after 157 years.

If you love bao like I do, here are some reasons you should try the baozi at 9Goubuli at Marina Bay Sands.

1The Baozi Recipes DaTe Back To 1858

When I was in Japan, it seemed that every establishment, from sake brewer to sandal maker, had been there for centuries. So it’s quite rare to experience something “ancient” from China that hadn’t been replicated in the past 20 years.

The baozi recipe from 9Goubuli is different, and is over 150 years old. They’ve been making it since the first establishment in Tianjin, China, was founded.

2 GouBuli has iTs own “oRiGins” sToRy

Everyone loves a story, and 9Goubuli has its own tale. In Chinese “Gou bu li”, the restaurant’s name, literally translates into “dog doesn’t bother”. Apparently, the Chef and owner’s last name was “Gou”, or “dog” in Chinese.

His baozi business was so brisk and he was so engrossed in making his baos that when patrons called him he didn’t even bother to respond. Soon the establishment was called “Gou bu li”, meaning “Dog doesn’t bother” in English.

Was it arrogance or dedication? Either way, his baozi were so good that the name became a quirky form of admiration.

3 GouBuli has Royal enDoRsemenT

And admired they were! The reputation of his bao went beyond Tianjin.

Even the Empress Dowager Cixi (慈禧太后) in neighbouring Beijing was impressed by it, and gave it a royal endorsement. I guess that beats a Michelin-star rating!

4 sevenTh GeneRaTion Baozi masTeR, no less

A native of Tianjin, Chef Wang is a 7th generation Baozi Master and has been with Goubuli in China for almost 30 years. The responsibility of teaching the craft of making Goubuli baozi, across 30 restaurants in China, is in her hands. All apprentices need to spend three years to master the craft.

Currently, she is part of the Executive Chef team in Goubuli Singapore and uses her

expertise to bring the 157-year-old recipe to life, here at Marina Bay Sands.

5 GouBuli uses half-leaveneD DouGh foR iTs Baozi

Conventional baos use completely leavened dough to achieve a thickly-padded, consistently fluffy, soft layer of dough. 9Goubuli’s signature baos are half leavened, so the dough layer is thinner, with a firmer middle layer, which gives it more “bite” resistance. The effect is similar to al dente texture in spaghetti.

6 iT’s cappeD wiTh an 18-folD chRysanThemum cRown

Aside from the signature dough, 9Goubuli is also particular about the bao’s crown. It must be finished with 18 folds!

7 iT comes wiTh DiffeRenT fillinGs

The original Pork Baozi recipe calls for pork and onions with 9Goubuli’s secret spices. The filling was very moist and tender.

The combination of the pork and onion tastes was very strong and distinctive. Overall, the bao was quite tasty.

The Vegetable Baozi, made with tofu, spring onions, glass noodles, and egg slices, was very light and delicate. A Pork and Vegetable Baozi version is available as well.

For the Singapore restaurant, Chef Wang created a special Wagyu Beef and Vegetable Baozi. The filling was nicely balanced and tasty but it was very hard to discern the Wagyu with the savoury beef sauce that it was in.

8 The fooD is QuiTe affoRDaBle!

I was thinking, with branded food, endorsed by an Empress and having to pay rent at Marina Bay Sands, this must be expensive. It’s not.

Prices start at $1.90 per bao for the vegetable filling, $2.20 for the classic pork filling and $3.50 for the Wagyu. It’s surprisingly affordable!

9Goubuli serves many other specialties as well. Even though I spent quite a bit of time talking about the bao, 9Goubuli has a team of master chefs preparing Sichuan, Cantonese, and Northern Chinese cuisine in its extensive menu. Some of the memorable dishes include the Braised Duck’s Tongue ($14), Braised Lobster in Superior Soup with Handmade Noodles (seasonal prices), and its Teapot Soup filled with Chicken and Mushroom ($12).

Of course, there is also an extensive list of classic Northern Chinese dishes such as Xiao Long Bao ($4.50/3pcs), Shanghainese Wontons in Red Oil Vinegar ($6.50), Chilled Salted Duck ($10), etc. But the bao remains its greatest attraction, even after 150 years.

By Frank Young

9Goubuli, The Shoppes At Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave, #B2-02, Singapore 018956, Tel: 6688 7799

A Classic Baozi with an 18-fold Chrysanthemum Crown

Chef Wang is a 7th generation Baozi Master from Tianjin and has been with Guobuli for 30 years

Delightful Teapot Soup, filled with Chicken and Mushroom

Tantalize with hearty Italian cuisine

by Executive Chef Luca Pezzera

District 10 Bar & Restaurant81 Clemenceau Avenue #01-15/16/17 UE Square Shopping Mall Singapore 239917

E: contact@district10.com.sg / T: 6738 4788

your tastebuds

www.district10.com.sg District10BarandRestaurant district10sg #district10sg

JUNE 26 - JUly 9, 2015 PAGE 16W

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Brioche Bread

Chotto Matte: Oh my, the omakase…

With Kinki Restaurant + Bar’s new delivery service, you can enjoy a convenient and cute bento meal

Now there’s a new restaurant that delivers proper Japanese food right to your doorstep – Kinki Restaurant + Bar.

The KinKi Box STarS Whatever your diet preference, Kinki Restaurant + Bar has got it covered. Choose from five bento boxes – Veggie Quickie, Hot & Saucy, Raw & Slender, Bite-sized Beauty and Gluten-Free Goddess – it includes a main dish, salad and a separate sauce, miso soup and

mochi or assorted fruits.Enjoy a complete Japanese meal without

having to queue up during the busy lunch hour, and cute sumo characters on the box make fine company for lunch too.

CuSTom made ‘KinKi-neSS’ If you’d like to get creative with your food, you can build your own Kinki Box. Choose two sides from a variety such as “Momotaro Tomato” and “Salted Chamame” at no additional cost and a main from a list of ten main courses that includes “Nori Crusted Salmon”, “Saba Shioyaki” and many more.

Delivery of Kinki boxes is available within specific areas of the CBD.

www.kinki.com.sg

By Rydell Tan

Choose from Veggie Quickie, Hot & Saucy, Raw & Slender, Bite-sized Beauty and Gluten-Free Goddess

The Kinki Box Stars come with a cute Sumo and other characters to accompany youfor lunch

Food delivery

Food Blogger recipe

Popular blogger HoneyBeeSweets, currently with over 34,400 followers on Instagram alone, shares with Weekender her second recipe

Brioche can be eaten as it is and it's good even the next day, lightly toasted with that Enchire butter we love. Or top it with ham and poached egg, and you have a lovely café-style meal right at home!

To enhance the texture, I used pre-fermented dough, which can be made days ahead and kept frozen until you need it. Just remove it 30 min prior to using and let it stand until it is room temperature.

inGredienTSFor 9” x 5” loaf, three mini buns and a braided bun

Pre-Fermented Dough• 250g BreadFlour• 160ml Water• 3g InstantDryYeast• 1g Salt

Brioche Bread (Main Dough)• 100g Pre-FermentedDough• 4 Eggs• 400g BreadFlour• 4g InstantActiveDryYeast• 1/2tsp Salt• 100ml FreshMilk• 50g CasterSugar• 30g UnsaltedButter, Room Temperature

meThodPre-Fermented DoughKnead everything together until it forms soft, pliable dough. No need to be smooth.

Divide dough into 50g or 100g portionsdepending on your need and let it chill in the fridgeupto12hours.Youcanstoreitinthefreezer for up to 3 months.

Brioche Bread1. Knead all ingredients of the main dough

new cheF & Menu

Chotto Matte’s cosy dining space belies its opulent offerings – if you love Japanese food or rich flavours, you’ll love the new chef’s creations

Chotto Matte is literally a corner shop. So much so that I wondered for a moment if I had missed it, having walked almost the length of Blair Road.

Nonetheless, the cosy dining space gives one quite the romantic or personal feeling. I just hoped I wouldn’t have to wait too long, as its name implies. “Chotto Matte” means “Wait a moment” in Japanese.

The buzz about Chotto Matte has been going around on social media for a while but few know that there’s a new chef at the helm. ChefAlanTanhasbeenthenewHeadCheffor the past three-odd months, revamping the menu with his own concept and creations.

oh-So-Good omaKaSeFor not a very big eatery, Chotto Matte has quite a comprehensive selection. The starters are $18 to $30 each, donburis andpastas start from $18, rolls start from $12,skewered items and bites range from $3 to $15,maindishesare$30to$38anddesserts are$12to$19.

The Chef’s Omakase Tasting Menu, from $128 per person, is worth every cent.Chef Alan takes extra effort to customise aseparate and unique omakase menu for each table, giving patrons a more exclusive and interesting dining experience.

The grilled course from the omakase menu was practically bursting with flavour and juiciness. The Grilled Chicken Wing (mid-joint),DuckMeatWrappedAsparagus,KurobutaPorkBellyand30-dayAgedWagyuTongue were all so good. I’ll certainly request for more Kurobuta Pork Belly and WagyuTongue on my next visit.

The Kinmedai Golden Eye Snapper Carpaccio with Fresh Uni in White TruffleShoyu, and White Truffle and Diced Momotarou Tomatoes was sensational and seemed a tad luxurious. The best part is, the uni (sea urchin) is bid for in the famous Tsukiji Market in Tokyo!

In fact, the uni is air-flown from Japan four times a week! This guarantees its freshness and quality.

The Sashimi Platter was quite lavishwith Botan Ebi (big-headed prawns), Shima Aji (striped jack), Hamachi (yellowtail),Ohtoro (blue fin tuna), Scallops and Houbo. The houbo, from the flying fish family, is chewier than most sashimi. It was perfect in the almost paper-thin slices that ChefAlanprepared.

The special sauce, made with ponzu and chilli from Japan, complemented the houbo well and tasted quite local with its spiciness.

SweeT CreaTionS To PleaSe allI tasted more great items but there’s just too much to talk about. I must say the desserts also had character and were impressive, and removed any notion of dining fatigue.

TheMuskMelonYuzudidn’tlookoutoftheordinarybut,my,thetasteandtexture!Unlikeour common honeydew or rock melon, it was much juicier and softer – a lot less dense. With flavours that revitalised me upon tasting them, it could work better as a pick-me-up than coffee.

The Salted Caramel Chocolate Lava Cake with Green Tea Ice cream is another winner that’s sure to please a large number of people, including those who love green tea or sweet hearty desserts such as brownies, cakes and the like.

Youreallyshouldtrythenewchef’screationsbut do note that it’s safer to make a reservation in case.

By Lester J Wan

Chotto Matte, 54 Blair Road, #01-01, Singapore 089954, Tel: 6222 8846, E-mail: reservations@chottomatte.com.sg

The Kinmedai Golden Eye Snapper CarpacciowithUniin White Truffle Shoyu, and White Truffle and Diced Momotarou was luxurious – the best part is, the uni is bid for in Tsukiji Market in Tokyo!

Clockwise from Top: Grilled Chicken Wing, Duck MeatWrappedAsparagus,KurobutaPorkBellyand30-dayAgedWagyuTongue

The houbo, from the flying fish family, went well with the house-made ponzu and chilli sauce

together,exceptbutter.Addthepre-fermenteddough, piece by piece. Knead after each additionuntilsoftandsmooth.Addbutter.

Do not be tempted to add more flour. If you do, it will not be as soft and fluffy.2. Knead until stretchable and it passes the window panel consistency – how elastic the dough is and how much gluten it has developed after all that kneading.

Put thedoughintoabigbowl,coverwithclingwrapandletitrisefor30-45minuntilit doubles.3. After 45 min, punch out the air. Weigh out3portionsof200gofdough.Rollitroundandsetasidefor10min,covered.

Youshouldhavearound300gofdoughleft.Useyourcreativityandshapeanyshapeofbread you fancy. If you just want simple buns, divide them into six equal portions.

Flatten each portion with your hands to drive the air out. Roll it into a round shape, coverandletitrestfor20minbeforeshaping.4. For the loaf, take one portion, flatten it until it becomes a big oval disc. Then roll it up starting from the long side in until it becomes likeapole.Pinchandsealtheedges.

Repeat for the rest of the portions. Youwill have 3 pole-like pieces of dough, about a foot long each. 5.Pinchthetipofeachportiontogether,thenstart braiding it. Braid it as tightly and neatly as possible.6. Tuck in both ends so the dough is twice the thickness. 7. Gently place the dough into the greased loafpan.Letitriseforabout45minoruntilitis80to90percentofdepthoftheloaftin.

I usually omit the egg wash but feel free to brush some egg wash if you like.8. Braid the remaining dough by dividing into portionsof100gorjustmakebuns.Havefun!9. Once the dough has risen, bake at 175degrees Celsius for 30-35min for the loaf, and 12-15minforthebuns,untilgoldenbrown.

By HoneyBeeSweetsHoneybeesweets.sg

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Sipping on character cocktails

Savour the Sip

For one mixologist, inspiration for new cocktails comes from the people or characters he's known - Tom Hogan refreshes Anti:dote’s drinks menu with his artistry

Anti:dote, a tapas bar in the Fairmont Hotel, has been around for a while now. It’s an upscale, stylish venue catering to hotel guests and locals.

The interior is rather dark and glassy – the design is modern minimalism with clean lines and hard edges. The place has an artsy, film noir-ish feel.

Revamped CoCktail menuTom Hogan, Head Craftsman of drinks at Anti:dote, is a bit of artist. Having started out as a graphic designer in the United States, he used his skills to design Anti:dote’s cocktail cards. Each drink in Anti:dote’s new menu is hand-drawn in architectural blue-print style, detailing the drink’s potency, preparation and ingredients.

His artistry doesn’t end there. Tom’s principle of mixology is based on using premium spirits and fresh ingredients with plenty of house-made aromatic bitters, liqueurs and flavoured sodas. A big fan of D-I-Y, Tom enjoys growing

his own herbs and flowers such Cuban mint, cinnamon basil and even marigolds in the bar’s own garden.

tasting kinetiC aRtSome of Tom’s recommended drinks such as Aqua Fresca and Monte are clearly inspired from Central and South America. They contain ingredients such as Mezcal, an alcoholic beverage from the distinctive agave plant; Cachaca, an alcohol distilled from sugarcane juice; and his house-made falernum, a sweet syrup used to mix tropical drinks.

Both drinks were strong and complex with many different effects in taste sequence. The drinks were ‘kinetic’ on the palate. The myriad of flavours swirled about with every sip.

For me, the vegetal tastes stood out, giving the cocktails strong herbal notes throughout.

CReating CoCktail poRtRaitsTo create new concoctions, Tom draws his inspiration from his daily interactions with people, and every cocktail has a story of its own. The Monte, for instance, was named after the ex-General Manager of Fairmont Singapore.

Another is the Seger Seelbach, an homage to a Chicago mixologist, Adam Seger, maker of a liqueur made from hibiscus, ginger, cardamom and lime in rum called “Hum”.

Tom mixes Hum with a classic drink called the Seelbach, which consists of bourbon, Peychaud’s Bitters, Angostura Bitters and champagne. That’s a lot of fruit, vegetable and alcohol flavours mixed into one drink!

tRagiCally BeautifulNot all of Tom’s drinks are inspired by real people. My favourite drink during the tasting was The Tragedy of Tom Dooley, a cocktail inspired from an American folk song, loosely based on actual events in North Carolina after the American Civil War.

Tom Dooley, at the centre of a love triangle, was wrongly convicted and sentenced to die for the murder of his betrothed. Burdened with guilt of his infidelity, he offered no defence and accepted his fate to protect his other lover, who committed the murder with a hunting knife.

The Tragedy of Tom Dooley is made with tequila, Aperol, lime juice, lavender syrup, and egg white. The base is golden-orange topped with a 1cm head of white egg foam bearing “blood splatter” made by splashing the Aperol

on the surface, graphically depicting the fabled fatal knife wound. A very pretty and graphic drink!

The tequila packed a heavy punch with very strong herbal flavours from the Aperol. The overall taste was sharp, contrasting and, of course, bittersweet like a love tragedy!

For such an epic story, the size of the cocktail is quite tiny. Perhaps a reflection of Southern gentility?

the CuRe foR the oRdinaRySo if you’re tired of the ordinary bar scene, Anti:dote may just be the... antidote! Quite often, Tom will be there to regale patrons with entertaining cocktail tales.

Perhaps if you impress him enough, he’ll create a drink named after you. Just avoid anything tragic!

By Frank Young

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

The Tragedy of Tom Dooley depicts a Southern American tragic character within a single glass

The Seger Seelbach, an homage to a Chicago mixologist, Adam Seger, by Tom Hogan

Copper: The magical mystery bar

Steampunk-meets-Harry-Potter with top-class tapas – hop on, don’t miss this train

Wandering along Keong Saik and Jiak Chuan roads, I tried in vain to find Copper. If it’s new it should be obvious, right? Wrong.

Hot, sweaty and irritable (due to the first two factors as well as that I was running late from work), I doubled back to see if I finally needed glasses. Lo and behold, I suddenly spotted a nondescript shophouse unit painted dark, with a barely noticeable anagram, “Cu”.

Right. Fading memories of the periodic table of elements from my secondary school days came rushing back – “Copper”.

As I spoke the secret password [OK, maybe not, but you’ll perhaps see how I could imagine this once you’ve seen the place] I was ushered in and trudged into the cool, dim air-conditioned sanctuary.

steampunk meets haRRy potteR alChemyOnce inside, I was taken aback by the ornate decoration that could only be aptly described as steampunk-meets-Harry-Potter-alchemy. Bare bulbs with strange mechanical holders, bottles with burnt labels, preserved insects in display frames, weighing scales, chemistry vessels and archaic tomes decorated the shelves. Some things looked like they belonged in an apothecary or at the taxidermist’s.

As you can see, it’s forgivable that I thought I was about to meet a steampunk wizard with a smoking pistol in one hand and a flaming

Step into a curious world with delicious food and cocktails to spice up your night

The Lamb Kaftas with harissa mayonnaise were possibly the best among Copper’s bar food

The Babi Guling Tacos were explosions of flavour

new Bar wand in the other.Nonetheless, my best experience at Copper

was using the lavatory. I s**t you not. As I opened the door and entered the room of the sacred throne [I apologise for the drama but, in this environment, can you blame me?] I was stunned by an audio assault.

Experiencing the dissonance, I couldn’t tell whether what I was hearing was the sound of the blades of a giant industrial fan as they spun or the chugging of the steam engine of a rushing train. While it wasn’t a very Zen environment to… er… clear my system, it added to the unique experience.

“An adventure even in the throne room” should be Copper’s slogan. Or maybe not.

supeR-Cool speakeasyCasting the magical (or mechanical) and the mundane aside for a moment, Copper is a great gin bar. The intimate ground-level space seats only about 36 patrons, making it truly a cosy speakeasy.

The cocktail menu is uniquely gin-leaning, including over 30 infused gin concoctions using teas, spices, herbs and fruit. I had an interesting combination of apple and cinnamon and something else and found it a soothing, refreshing start to happy hour.

Copper also serves a variety of champagnes and spirits. The negroni – a classic Italian drink comprising gin, vermouth and Campari – comes in four varieties and on tap!

top-Class tapas & BaR foodOne of the biggest gripes about bars is the range or quality of the food, that can sometimes spoil a man’s thirst. Copper lavished surprise after

surprise, even in its bar food.The Babi Guling Tacos ($18) were explosions

of flavour (and by that I also mean that they were spicy), the Copper Angus Beef Meatballs with grape jam passata ($16) made me crave for more and the Lamb Kaftas with harissa mayonnaise ($18) were…mmm, mmm… the bomb. Why haven’t you been there yet?

Copper also has a restaurant on the second storey that has recently been launched.

By Lester J Wan

Copper, 10 Jiak Chuan Road, Singapore 089264, Tel: 6222 5565

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Taking over Books kinokuniya, The new reTail space on level 3 now offers a line-up of disTincTive inTernaTional Brands

Good news, shoppers! The third level of Takashimaya Shopping Centre has reopened in an updated retail space, featuring specially-curated artisan labels from all over the world.

The new 30,000 square-foot wing offers more than 18 fashion, dining and lifestyle brands, some of which are new to the market – so this is the only place to get exclusive designs from these rising ateliers.

INTERNATIONAL LABELSFans of European fashion can enjoy the variety of eclectic European brands, including French labels Rue Madame and American Vintage, Austrian luxury jeweller FREYWILLE and Italian cosmopolitan designer label REDValentino.

There are several familiar favourites here too. Homegrown Colonial-tropical brand BritishIndia has opened another branch here,

featuring the brand’s latest limited edition hand-sewn pieces. Anne Fontaine designs are also available at her new boutique here.

QUALITY FOOD & COOKING STUDIOQuality dining options are also available at Level 3, such as Ginza Kuroson – which serves officially-certified Kobe beef and rare Japanese Wagyu sashimi – and epicurean French sweet shop La Cure Gourmand. There’s even the popular Japanese ABC Cooking Studio here, where you can learn to whip up premium Japanese dishes in no time.

The new Level 3 shops replace Books Kinokuniya, which had previously occupied this section for more than 15 years. Books Kinokuniya is now situated on the fourth floor of Takashimaya Shopping Centre.

By Pamela Chow

REDValentino

Rue Madame

Rue Madame Anne Fontaine

PAGE 21

The solutions to your beauty issues The long and short of beauty and health options in the market

Beauty in Brief

DepenD CosmetiC 3-step nail Care It’s time to care for your nails after all that damage done to it. The three-step nail care routine by Depend is here to help you obtain gorgeous and healthy-looking nails.

Start off with the Cuticle Cleanser that aids in regeneration of the nails, followed by the Myrrh Oil that keeps the nails strong and hydrated, and lastly the Cuticle Cream that softens and moisturises the cuticle.

Available at selected Watsons stores

automatiC Beauty DouBle-siDeD eye tapeHave extremely stubborn mono-lids and nothing seems to work on it? The AB Double-Sided Eye Tape is here to help. Its pre-cut state allows fast and hassle-free application. A shaping stick is also included to help line your eyelids for that perfect shape.

This one-touch tape is unnoticeable and can be used with your everyday makeup for lasting durability.

Available at all Sasa stores

ioma Collagen renew Women are constantly seeking to reduce the steps of their beauty regimen without compromising the health of their skin and with the new IOMA Collagen Renew you can do just that.

Save the time and hassle of applying anti-ageing creams and just pop three IOMA Collagen Renew capsules a day to reduce wrinkles by almost 25 per cent within 14 weeks.

Available at various departmental stores

pearlie white aCtive remineralization toothpastePearlie White’s Active Remineralization Toothpaste (A.R.T.) is developed especially for individuals with sensitive teeth issues. Unlike regular sensitive toothpaste that only helps to relieve tooth sensitivity, Pearlie White’s A.R.T. helps to permanently address the underlying problem, which is demineralised teeth.

Available at various pharmacies

Kate toKyo lasting eyeBrows w The current hot look is a set of thick, natural, eye-defining eyebrows. With the all-new Kate Lasting Eyebrows W, having eye-defining natural-looking eyebrows is just a few steps away.

The Kate Lasting Eyebrows W has an innovative double-sided applicator that combines pencils and powder for a natural finish.

Available at selected department stores

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It’s tIme to make lIfe easierTech ByTes

Sony 4K HD Action cAmerAThe new Action Cam FDR-X1000V applies splash-proof POV camera design, an ultra-wide angle field of view, a back-illuminated sensor, and acclaimed Bionz X processor ensuring strong consistent video quality across all shooting environments.

For more advanced users, an expanded scope of manual controls and settings adjustments, including white balance and auto exposure shifting, are available for you to play around with.

Available at Sony outlets

olympuS pen e-pl7 The new Olympus Pen E-PL7 customisation service offers the opportunity to flaunt your personality. Take photos of food all the time? The M.Zuiko Digital 25mm f1.8 lens is the lens to go to. The aperture setting of f1.8 creates a soft de-focusing effect that allows you to capture table-top shots where your food stands out even in low light conditions.

How about selfies or “OOTD”? The M.Zuiko Digital 17mm f1.8 lens allows tripod-free shooting in low light conditions and the wide-angle lens allows the capturing of “wefies” effortlessly.

Available online at www.shopatolympus.com.sg

D-linK DcS-700l BABy cAmerA Stay connected to your little one any time, even on-the-go. With the infrared LED and a night vision mode that automatically activates under low-light conditions, checking on your child around the clock won’t be difficult.

With motion detection sensors, parents will be able to know when their child rouses from their sleep when the camera sends out alerts to them. Parents can also soothe restless babies back to sleep with the five preloaded lullabies to choose from, via linked Android or iOS devices.

Available at authorized retailers

lG G4The new LG G4 features a camera with a rare f1.8 aperture lens that allows 80 per cent more light to hit image sensors than the camera of the G3. It is also paired with the new IPS Quantum Display that is an upgrade from the Quan HD display in the G3.

Paying special attention to the look and materials used, the LG G4 is available in handcrafted, genuine full-grain leather in three colours – Red, Black, and Brown.

Available at authorised LG Mobile retailers

plAntronicS explorer 500 HeADSetWith dual-mic noise reduction and GSMA certified HD voice, Explorer 500 provides natural-sounding voice so calls are clear and lifelike even in noisy or windy conditions. With the magnetic strap that can be hooked on a keychain or rear view mirror, it is easy to keep the headset.

More than just phone calls, voice control can be activated for smartphone assistants Siri or Google with a touch of a button so users can keep their hands free.

www.plantronics.com/asia/where-to-buy/

PAGE 23

Home makeover Ideas

Splashing bonanza

POWER SHOWERSThe shower experience has evolved from a utilitarian act into the ultimate ritual of relaxation. These (left and right) are some of the showerheads that turn the everyday bathroom ritual into an enjoyable experience.

Onimi on-5519 rainshower, from Azora

Shopping for bathroom fixtures isn’t as easy as you might think – we sift through the options and highlight a few designs that have caught our eyes

RUB-A-DUBBathtubs are typically associated with a certain standard of luxury, especially in Singapore where bathrooms are usually too small. But if you have the space to spare – and the time to languish in bubble baths – here is one bathtub you probably won’t mind soaking in.

Lugano bathtub from Casa

PERSONAL SANCTUARY Add these finishing touches to complete the spa-like experience in your bathroom

This body scrub and body balm combo will lull you into a state of relaxation.

Marimekko Sauna Duet, $100, from Aesop

End your spa day by wrapping yourself in these plush bathrobes. You might even be tempted to spend all day in its warm, comfy embrace.

Citta Design dressing gowns, price on enquiry, from Robinsons

Japanese design firm Nendo combines water and light to come up with this hybrid LampShower that brings delight to the bathroom.

Axor LampShower by Nendo,from Hansgrohe

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Article first published in Lookbox Living #39 May/Jun 2014

Lookbox Living #41 is out now! Available at major bookstores and news stands! For more interior projects,visit www.lookboxliving.com.sg

home inspirations

Get ideas for transforming your home

Get ideas for transforming your home

A memorable beach vacation was the design inspiration for the owners of this 4-room HDB flat when they wanted to renovate

their home. With the help of Urban Habitat’s interior designer, the young couple incorporated ideas of the sun, sand and the sea into their home.

The result: a fresh and relaxing space that makes staying home a veritable holiday.

SeaSide StyleTo achieve the “beach house” look that the homeowners requested, designer Whelan Lau from Urban Habitat picked out colour and material palettes that suggest a casual beach vacation. His selection includes natural textures and colours like sea blue on the curtains, leafy green on certain walls and wood grains on the carpentry works.

down to the detailS“Another way that we managed to encourage a beach house vibe is by using wood laminates that are reminiscent of the planks you’d find by the beach,” said Whelan. This particular laminate is used on feature walls throughout the home, including the ones in the living and dining areas. Whelan also points out the importance of the

Our popular section continues with more inspiring ideas and home makeovers

We only used natural tones in this home, so i used colours like green and

blue to keep the interiors feeling fresh

and fun.”

furniture and accessories. “We were very involved in the selection

of furniture and decorative items. So things like the sconces and wall-mounted mirrors contribute to the easy, laid-back vibe in this home,” he said.

natural CookingIn keeping with the material palette of the rest of the home, the kitchen cabinets are all clad in wood-grain laminates. The resulting look is more subdued compared to the other rooms, but works well in a functional space such as this.

Whelan understood that the home-owners needed ample storage and he complied by customising rows of cabinets on both walls.

into the BlueThe seaside vacation theme continues in the master bedroom, where baby blue walls evoke memories of clear skies and balmy beaches. As with all bedrooms, the main focus here is to create a restful space that the occupants will feel safe and comfortable in.

As such, the Urban Habitat team kept the design simple, focusing instead on accessorising the room with box crates and mounted wall mirrors.

ZeSty FlavourIn order to make the home look larger, the wall of this spare bedroom has been replaced with a clear glass panel. Not only does the living room appear bigger, this study room enjoys the benefits of having a clear line of sight to the television set outside.

Also of note is the lime green hue on the wall and on accent parts of the carpentry.

“We only used natural tones in this home,” Whelan emphasised, “so I used colours like green and blue to keep the interiors feeling fresh and fun.”

By Redzman Rahmat www.lookboxliving.com.sg

To make the home look larger, the wall of this bedroom was replaced with a clear glass panel

The seaside vacation theme continues in the master bedroom

The kitchen cabinets are all clad in wood grain laminates

Another way they managed to evoke a beach house vibe is by using laminates resembling wooden planks

To achieve the beach house look, the colour and material palettes suggest a casual beach vacation

From colours to laminates to furniture and decorative accessories, the entire home calls to mind a relaxing beach house

SeaSide SurpriSe

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These is one of the most beautiful corners of the world, brought to you in a stunning picturesque shot

This is the stuff of dreams – quite literally. The El Salar de Uyuni salt flat in Bolivia appears like an endless mirage of heaven.

Sprawled out over 10,582 sq km, the Salar is the world’s largest salt flat. It is located in the Daniel Campos Province in Potosí, southwest Bolivia, near the crest of the Andes. It was

Like walking in a dream

Bucket ListExceptional ideas to experience in

your lifetime

Get up-close to polar bears74°N & 16°E – that’s where you can find fluffy, white polar bears in their element. Why not enter the world of these furry giants and see what they’re up to?

I’ve got a soft spot for furry animals and my quest for kawaii desu [extreme cuteness] brings me to the icy region of Svalbard, an archipelago that is part of the Kingdom of Norway, where you will most certainly be blown away by the sight of the mighty, white polar bears.

All AboArd the PolAr beAr exPressOne of the best ways to go polar bear watching is to take a cruise along a coast, observing the bears from a distance while relaxing on board. Plentiful cruise and travel agencies offer such tours, including National Geographic Expeditions (www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com/expeditions/polar-bears-cruise/detail) and Polar Quests (www.polar-quest.com).

Most of these ships take relatively few passengers compared to your conventional cruises. During the cruise, you will also have a chance to take in the beauty of your surroundings – the icebergs and fjords (a long narrow inlet created by glacial erosion.

Magdalenefjord is a popular location (accessible by ship) for polar bear watching and just taking in the scenery and grandeur of the far North. You may also spot some whales, seals, walruses and seabirds here amidst the picturesque expanse.

ZiPPing AwAy on A snowmobile Another way to visit the wildlife in Svalbard’s scenic wilderness is on snowmobile. Zip across a white wonderland where a quilt of snow pelts your surroundings.

Look out for the polar bears with a

keen eye. Be careful not to miss them as they can camouflage against the blankets of snow.

Day trips are available from many locations in Svalbard, including Longyearbyen and Barentsburg, the two largest settlements. One of the tour companies you can consider is Poli Artici (www.poliarctici.com), which provides not only snowmobile tours but also hikes and ski tours.

As hungry polar bears who suffer from repeated unsuccessful hunts have been known to turn aggressive, it is perhaps wise to maintain a safe distance from these great beasts, especially if they appear gaunt and emaciated. Otherwise, the “white king of the artic” can be quite friendly, sometimes even approaching nearby ships.

when the time is rightThe best time to visit Svalbard is from June until September, when the ice melts. However even during this summer period, the average temperatures can be as low as 5°C, so be sure to pack many sets of thermal wear and a sturdy jacket.

You may also be interested to know that there is a chance to witness the midnight sun during the summer months in Svalbard, a natural phenomenon whereby the sun remains visible in the night sky at midnight.

Still, the grand polar bears are biggest draw. I know, upon sight of these majestic creatures, I’ll instantly be reduced into an adoring mess of “awww”.

Svalbard is a Norwegian archipelago in the extreme North, home to much flora and fauna. Other top destinations for polar bear expeditions include Greenland, Alaska and Churchill, Canada.

By Samantha Phey

Catch a glimpse of these lovable polar bears, from a ship or on a snowmobile

Longyearbyen is the largest settlement of Svalbard, Norway, and a good place to stock up on adventure gear before heading out on an expedition

As you can tell from the sign, Longyearbyen is a good place to spot polar bears

formed as a result of transformations between several prehistoric lakes.

Now, it serves as a major transport route across the Bolivian Altiplano (highlands). You can spot a large population of several pink flamingo species here too. As the Salar is located far from the cities, hotels have been built around the area for visitors.

picture perfectPicturesque spots to experience & capture with your camera

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World's quirkiest UNESCO SitESEvEry UNESCO WOrld HEritagE SitE iS iNfiNitEly amaziNg, bUt tHESE ECCENtriC fEW StaNd OUt WitH tHEir UNiqUE fEatUrES

UNESCO sites – places with special cultural or physical significance listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) – are a big draw when choosing a country to visit. But with more than 1,000 sites listed, where do we begin?

Set aside your usual quest for the “most beautiful” and “most amazing”. Instead, these quirkiest UNESCO sites will leave you equally amazed and possibly puzzled.

T he Land of TequiLaTalk about honouring one of Mexico’s longest-standing cultural traditions

– the tequila! The Agave Region in Jalisco is a whopping 35,000 ha area dedicated to the growth of agave plants for the tequila spirit.

The Teuchitlan cultures shaped the land from 200 to 900 AD, and the region has been producing spirits since the 16th Century. The agave culture is seen as a part of Mexican national identity. This is perfect for a tequila-tasting adventure!

a nimaL and VegeTabLe “Crop CirCLes”The mysterious Nazca Lines are giant

ancient geoglyphs found in the Nazca Desert in southern Peru. Drawn by the Nazca culture in 400 and 650 AD, the hundreds of figures range from simple patterns to complex shapes like an astronaut, hummingbirds and trees, covering 500km2.

The only way to view these geoglyphs is from the air in chartered tour planes. There is currently no known origin or function of the Nazca lines, making this site all the more mysterious.

C iTy of ‘gingerbread’ housesYemen’s largest city, Sana’a, looks like it houses a population of gingerbread

men. Its buildings have a fairly uniform chocolatey-brown façade, decorated with white geometric lines resembling sweet icing. All that’s missing is a couple of gumdrops for door handles!

Curious as it looks, Sana’a should be respected – it is one of the oldest continuously-inhabited cities in the world.

T he anCienT sTone peopLeWe can’t talk about the quirky without mentioning the iconic stone

statues of Chile’s Easter Island! In 300 AD, Polynesians settled on this island – then known as Rapa Nui – where they carved out stone people, “moai”, and ceremonial shrines with primitive tools and picks.

The moai range from 2m to 20m in height, and are thought to represent the ancestral guardians of the island. Today, Rapa Nui National Park features numerous moai in various states of completion.

o f bikinis and nuCLear bombsDid you know that Bikini Bottom,

the home of cartoon klutz Spongebob Squarepants, was possibly named after this UNESCO site? Bikini Atoll, in the Marshall Islands, was test-nuked multiple times by the United States after World War II.

Today, the island is safe to visit, if only so you can boast that you’ve been to a nuclear

testing site, or that you’ve “unravelled the bikini”.

h ighway of The gianTsAptly named the Giant’s Causeway, this formation consists of some

40,000 massive black basalt columns rising out of the sea in Northern Ireland. This dramatic spectacle has inspired legends of giants travelling across the ocean to Scotland, with these black pillars as a pathway.

Geological studies revealed that this striking landscape was created by volcanic activity about 50 million years ago, during the Tertiary era.

T he worLd’s LoneLiesT pLaCeHenderson Island, one of the four

Pitcairn Islands of the United Kingdom, is the most isolated place in the world. There are no landing strips for planes and no regular ships that dock here. Even most ships sailing to Pitcairn don’t visit Henderson, which is some 200km away.

There has never been a regular human presence here recorded at any point in history. You could travel here for some definite peace and quiet – just make sure you have a ride out!

By Pamela Chow

The agave fields of Jalisco, Mexico is a 35,000ha land of tequila harvesting

The Giant’s Causeway in Northern Ireland features more than 40,000 black basalt columns rising out of the coast

The moai stone statues of Easter Island are thought to represent ancient ancestors watching over the islands

The old city of Sana’a in Yemen looks like it’s made of gingerbread houses Did an extraterrestrial force imprint the Nazca lines in Peru?

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PAGE 27

World's quirkiest UNESCO SitES

Did an extraterrestrial force imprint the Nazca lines in Peru?

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EVA Air launches a specially-designed Hello Kitty jet for Singapore, for flights connecting to Taiwan and North America

The next time you fly to Taipei or Houstonfrom Singapore you could be accompaniedby the loveable Hello Kitty and her friends onboard.

Singapore is now the proudhome to oneofEVAAir’sHelloKittyjets.TheBoeing777-300ER aircraft, adorably-named “ShiningStar”,will featurepopularSanriocharacterssuch as Hello Kitty, Little Twin Stars and MyMelody.

Full Hello Kitty experienceFromthemomentyoucheckinforyourflight,the Hello Kitty experience will surroundyou.Yourboardingpasses,luggagetagsandeven “Fragile” baggage labels are all HelloKitty-themed. Specially-designedHelloKittymealswithcutecutleryareservedonboardbycabincrewinHelloKittyaprons–atrulyuniqueflyingexperience!

The Singapore-exclusive Shining Star jetdesign can also be found on in-flight andrestroomamenities,includingonthepillowsandplayingcards.

new & exclusiveThe EVA Air Hello Kitty Shining Star isonly thesecond jet that featuresbrandnewseats, Wi-Fi and the latest high-definitiontouchscreenin-flightentertainmentsystem.

SingaporeisthefirstcountryinSoutheastAsiatohostanEVAAirHelloKittyjet,makingthisonlythe7thHelloKittyjetintheworld.

By Pamela Chow

Find out more about EVA Air and its Hello Kitty Shining Star jet through local travel agencies, or online at www.evaair.com.

EverythingisHelloKittyorSanrio-themed

Bestar-struckbythespecially-designedHelloKittymealswithcuteutensils

TheEVAAirHelloKittyShiningStarhasbrandnewseats,Wi-Fiandthelatesthigh-definitiontouchscreenin-flightentertainmentsystem

OthercuteSanriocharactersliketheLittleTwinStarsarealsoavailable

Thisisonecasewherethedesserttrulylookstooprettytobeeaten

EventhesafetyinstructionshaveSanriocharacters!

AsifIslam/Shutter

stock

.com

ArtificialarcheswithorchidflowersinSingapore’sfamousBotanicGardens

OrchidblossomsintheNationalOrchidGardenwithintheBotanicGardens

OurveryownSingaporeBotanicGardensis in the final phase to be inscribed asa UNESCO World Heritage site! This isSingapore’s very first nomination, withtheGardensbeingan importantheritagelandmark.

AmongitssignificantfeaturesistheParáRubbertree,amajorcropthattransformedthe socio-economic landscape of theregion.Itsorchidsarealsoworld-famous.

Learn more and pledge your support at www.sbg.org.sg/unesco

singapore Botanic gardens nominated By unesco

Fly with Hello Kitty on a Singapore-exclusive jet

Travel News

special departure: 18 – 20 sep ’15, Fri - sun

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BuffeTBu01 Cafe Brio’sBu02 One-Ninety Wood-fired Steaks and SeafoodBu03 RISE, Marina Bay SandsBu04 Starz RestaurantBu05 The Buffet at M HotelBu06 The CourtyardBu07 The LineBu08 Town RestaurantBu09 Window on the ParkBu10 21 On Rajah

CHINESECH01 Char RestaurantsCH02 Flavours At Zhongshan ParkCH03 Jiang Nan ChunCH04 Paradise Dynasty CH05 Paradise Inn CH06 Peony JadeCH07 PUTIENCH08 Quayside SeafoodCH09 Seafood Paradise CH10 Shang PalaceCH11 Wan He Lou Chinese Restaurant

INDIANiN01 Delhi 6iN02 Myra’s Beach ClubiN03 SAHA Signature Indian Restaurant & Terrace BariN04 TandooriN05 Taste of India Restaurant

iTaLiaNiT01 Enoteca L’OperettaiT02 La NonnaiT03 Mad for GarliciT04 PalioiT05 Pizza FabbricaiT06 PontiniiT07 Senso Ristorante & BariT08 SpizzaiT09 SUFOODiT10 The WaterfalliT11 Trattoria Capri

JaPaNeSe CaSuaL DiNiNGJC01 Irodori Japanese RestaurantJC02 IZAKAYA 95JC03 RockuJC04 Shabuya & Shochu BarJC05 Sho TeppanJC06 Standing Sushi BarJC07 Suki-Ya

JaPaNeSe fiNe DiNiNGJf01 Mikawa Japanese Sake Bar & RestaurantJf02 NadamanJf03 Shun Ka Shuu TouJf04 Tajimaya

WESTERNWe01 ArtistryWe02 Barossa BarWe03 Beirut Grill

We04 Brewerkz Restaurants & MicrobreweriesWe05 Cedar GrillWe06 District 10 Bar & Restaurant We07 Hot Stones Steak and SeafoodWe08 One-Ninety Bar and Terraza by Javier de las MuelasWe09 PickMeUp CafeWe10 TangerineWe11 The ProvidoreWe12 Vineyard at HortPark

THAITH01 Bangkok JamTH02 Lanna Thai RestaurantTH03 Patara Fine Thai CusineTH04 Siam KitchenTH05 Soi 60 ThaiTH06 Sukhothai KitchenTH07 Tomyum Kungfu

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