Shakespeare In The Park - Twelfth Night

There are many things that I love about Singapore and one of them is watching a performance under the stars at Fort Canning. Shakespeare In The Park by Singapore Repertory Theatre (SRT) is one of the many "Uniquely Singapore" things that I encourage my friends to try at least once.

Attending Shakespeare In The Park is now a tradition for many, and as many as 30,000 people attended Macbeth last year. Due to its popularity, SRT is now making it an annual event. You don't have to read Shakespeare to watch Shakespeare. Twelfth Night is a romantic comedy that will appeal even to those skeptical of the "serious" Shakespeare plays.

Doors open at 6.30pm and show starts at 7.30pm. My advice is to arrive early to get a prime picnic spot and have an early dinner before the show starts. Bring a mat, drinks and food, and pillows (no kidding, you can lay down and watch the play if you like).

Here are some shots of the stage. Photography is allowed before and after the show. I am really impressed by the set design. It is rather grand for an outdoor play... a boat, a beach, a mansion... a fake full moon!

Here are some shots of the show (pics taken from SRT's Facebook page). I have been good and adhered to the rule of no photography during the show.

The cast is great and Adrian Pang shines as Feste "the fool". I didn't know he could sing so well. He sure has a commanding presence with his comedic character. At one point, he came off stage to interact with us FROWs (front row peeps) and got offered a beer for real by one of the audience. I got to be part of his act when he laid down next to me while singing a song. A rather amusing and light hearted way to enjoy Shakespeare.

Catch it now till 20th May 2012! For more information and meet the cast videos, please visit www.srt.com.sg.

Trainstopping - Catch It Soon!

TRAINSTOPPING: The Year in Revue 2011 is the debut production by Sight Lines Productions, as well as the directorial debut by Derrick Chew. With hilarious songs & skits about everything Singapore; from SMRT train delays to the Orchard Road "ponding" floods, it's a light-hearted musical comedy that will make you laugh at the quirks of Singaporeans (in an endearing way).

It is not very often that I attend a play at Chamber@The Art House and I was admiring the beautiful room while waiting for the show to start.

The talented cast comprises Siti Khalijah (Hossan Leong Show, Model Citizens – “Best Actress”, LIFE! Theatre Awards 2011), Darius Tan (Aladdin, Fried Rice Paradise), and Celine Rosa Tan (Forbidden City, The Full Monty).

These three actors can really sing. Seriously, they could have won Singapore Idol. I was pleasantly surprised by their vocal prowess. They could easily get a role in a West End or Broadway production. I am not exaggerating, they are really that good. They can sing, act and engage the audience at the same time. That's a feat!

As much as I love big international musical productions such as The Lion King and Wicked, I also enjoy smaller local productions like this. The art scene in Singapore needs our support so they can one day compete on an international level. So fellow Singaporeans and friends living in Singapore, why not show your support and play a part in nurturing local talents by watching this show?

To purchase tickets, please visit www.bytes.sg

Gems & Roses At ICON Ball

It was a great night at ICON Ball as usual, where I get to catch up with friends and see lovely ladies dressed in their finest. This year's theme was Gems & Roses and I was really looking forward to seeing how the ladies will express their creativity. 

My top pick for the best dressed has to be the lovely Rany Moran in a gorgeous Prabal Gurung dress. (I will post the pic once I see it online). It is rare for me to rave about a look but what Rany wore would warrant a best dressed on the Oscar red carpet too... and she will have E! Entertainment asked "Who's that girl?".

 

The Miu Miu ad campaign was my source of inspiration for hair and makeup.

Finding the right rose-themed hair accessories ain't easy. So I decided to create my own. This idea can be adapted for bridal or any party or gala dinner too. 

I chose artificial flowers over fresh ones as the latter would be too fragile and might also look too bridal. I got these from iwannagohome. They have a great selection of artificial roses but they ain't cheap. Each stalk costs $19 but the quality is good.

To give it an edgy feel, I spray painted the roses in metallic silver. One should never be mundane and should experiment with fashion.

This is my intepretation of Gems & Roses as inspired by the Miu Miu campaign. Metallic silver roses and my super bling Chanel brooch.  

I don't wear much jewellery so I relied on this Chanel brooch to give me the much needed bling to suit the theme.

My hairstylist Cindy Phar created an amazing updo for me and accentuated it with 2 stalks of the metallic silver roses.

I decided to venture a different route and not wear a gown. Inspired by Carolina Herrera, I wore my white Thomas Pink shirt and black Banana Republic skirt. I have always been a fashion rebel and will always be.

 This look of Carolina Herrera is imprinted in my head

Time to say goodbye and head home to work on my Canine Studies assignments.

Andy Warhol 15 Minutes Eternal

Andy Warhol is one of my all-time favourite artists. I admire his vision in making art accessible to the masses. The father of pop art, he was also a true artist who made a living doing commercial projects. One who lived life to the excess, he was and still is an icon.

From 17 March to 12 August 2012, enter the world of pop artist Andy Warhol at Art Science Museum with the most extensive collection of the legendary artist’s artworks ever exhibited in Singapore. Covering his different artistic phases from the 1940’s to 1980’s, the exhibition features over 260 paintings, drawings, sculptures, film and video.

A great exhibition not to be missed. Try to catch it if you can. 

For more information, please visit www.marinabaysands.com

The Little Things She Needs

Forget Havainas. Check out Fun Flop at The Little Things She Needs, a store at ION Orchard that I chanced upon today.

Having your own customised flip flops are just 3 simple steps away.

This is like Wheel Of Fortune! Using this wheel, you can see the different colour combo of how your customised flip flops can look like. Choose the straps and the soles from a palette of fun colours.

Then try on the different sizes to select the right fit.

The final step is the assembly of the flip flops.

The store assistant will then assemble the flip flops on the spot using a simple device.

Check out the pop coloured straps!

All it takes to make your own flip flops.

There is an on-going promotion. S$15.90 for 2 pairs! I am sure the company still makes a big margin as profit... but as a consumer, it is value for money to have 2 pairs of customised flip flops at this price!

Not to mention, you even get a nice drawstring pouch to keep your flip flops!

For more information, please visit thelittlethingssheneeds.com

Perrier-Jouët Chef-In-Residence (II)

For those who have been following my blog since last year would probably remember reading about the inaugural Perrier-Jouët Chef-In-Residence dinner. As the publicist for Perrier-Jouët in Singapore, I am in a fortunate position to be part of this amazing experience. I love the perks that come with my job!

Left to right: Chef Willin Low, me (in Mary Kantrantzou for Topshop), Belinda Chua (hostess with the mostest), Charmaine Leung (Pernod Ricard Singapore) and Thomas Lignier (Brand Ambassador for Perrier-Jouët).

On 29 March 2012, the third incarnation of the Perrier-Jouët Chef-In-Residence dinner in Singapore, and the first for this year to celebrate the arrival of spring, was held at a high-rise luxury apartment with a stunning view of the cityscape.

Hosted by Belinda Chua, owner of Flower Diamond, the guests at this exclusive dinner included Celina Lin and celebrity Dick Lee.

There was also a special guest, Perrier-Jouët Brand Ambassador Thomas Lignier, who flew in especially from Champagne, France, to join the dinner and personally share first-hand information about the champagnes with the intimate group.

Guests were transported to a “garden” the moment they stepped out from the private elevator, which opened into the grass-lined foyer of the apartment.

A pleasant surprise awaited the guests at the terrace. Enjoying a flute of Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut while watching the sunset amidst an urban garden, 20 storeys above ground.

The photo wall inspired by the latest Perrier-Jouët campaign by paper artist Jo-Lynn Alcorn took centre stage as a work of art.

The beautifully decorated dining table

This by-invitation only private dining experience not only showcases haute cuisine alongside the elegant Perrier-Jouët champagnes, but also the amazing transformation of a residence into a fantasy garden inspired by Perrier-Jouët’s heritage and brand values.

White anemones and floral paper cut-outs lined the dining table and surrounding as the main décor.

I love these Perrier-Jouët cushions!

Beautiful Perrier-Jouët champagne flutes adorned with the famous motifs of Japanese anemones designed by Art Nouveau artist Émile Gallé enhanced the epicurean experience.

Chef Willin Low of the famed Wild Rocket restaurant once again conjured up an outstanding menu with touches of Singapore flavours to complement each Perrier-Jouët champagne, from the legendary Grand Brut to the celebrated Belle Epoque Cuvées.

For the first time, Chef Willin was given the opportunity to pair his cuisine with the prestigious Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs, which made its debut at the Perrier-Jouët Chef-In-Residence dinner series.

Here's a look at what we ate at this Perrier-Jouët Chef-In-Residence dinner ...

Amuse Bouche

Tako Leek & Potato Salad with Sesame Mirin Soy

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut

Attractive bouquet with youthful hints, excellent intensity and a lingering finish

Starter

Kampong free-range Roast Chicken 'Risotto'

Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Blanc de Blancs 2002

Produced in very small quantities, it’s the most accomplished, purest examples of the Perrier-Jouët style.

Pasta

Nori Sakura Ebi Spaghettini

Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque 2004

Diamond-cut cuvee with white floral notes that evolves into notes of pear

Main

Roast Chilean Seabass with Coconut Galangal Sauce

Perrier-Jouët Belle Epoque Rosé 2002

Powerful bouquet with ripe red fruit, almost jam-like, with a surprising light and fresh finish

Sweet

Champagne & Wine Fermented Rice Jelly with Osmanthus Granita

Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut

Attractive bouquet with youthful hints, excellent intensity and a lingering finish

I can't wait for the next Perrier-Jouët Chef-In-Residence dinner! I will be sure to report back when that happens!