Life begins at 40.

The thing about old friends is that sometimes you end up talking about the same thing over and over again.

My biggest fear is fear itself. Fear is the only thing that can own you in a lot of ways. In a lot of things you want to do, you are held back by fear. So if you have too many fears, you’re not going to go anywhere.

I don’t think a man’s virility is measured by inches.

I used to own a recording studio for a short while. It was fun doing the things you wanted to do like recording a band. But then to sustain a studio, you need to do other work like jingles. When you just want to record an album you’re not going to survive.

I never really left the music industry. I gave a band the name Taliband and its lead singer Jihad Jones.

Clarke Quay was more real and charming once. It was good for what it was. Now, everybody comes here to party and it’s futuristic, a bit more plastic than before.

I’m not a real businessman. I don’t have a business plan. I do things out of passion. This is what I want to do and I just do it. It’s not like I look up to somebody and do research, I never did things like that.

I won’t say I’m a mentor. If a guy takes me as a mentor, he’s going to fail.

Absinthe is the drink. One shot can make you level up instantly. Trust me, in 5 minutes, you’re on another level.

I watched live pole dancing for the first time in Bangkok, but that wasn’t real pole dancing. You got the girl just hanging there, not like in the States where they do acrobatic acts.

Psychedelia is in between real and unreal. It’s like getting super drunk and everything is warped.

I never thought of having a band. I like music but I’m not a musician.

I wouldn’t say that just because you’re listening to something else, you have good taste.

Sometimes I would rather go for a plate of mee rebus than caviar. Street food is my kind of food. I like it more than in fine dining restaurants.

I don’t specifically pay attention to compliments; it doesn’t really register in my mind.

The worst thing someone called me was a wanker. I don’t remember why, I’m drunk most of the time.

I don’t think there’s anything good about getting older. The drive and fire in you doesn’t burn as bright as when you were younger. You can’t do something to fuel the fire.

Good sex has nothing to do with love or length. The partner you’re with makes good sex. If you get the right partner, you are set.

I’m like a just-do-it kind of guy. If it works, it works. If it doesn’t, walk away.

Science & Faith made it to number one in both Ireland and the UK. How did you celebrate?
I celebrated by having a little bit more fish and chips than I normally would.

Which is your favorite track from your new album Science & Faith?
“You Won’t Feel A Thing.” We’ve been opening up the shows with that song and it was just crazy.

“The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” turned out to be a chart-topping hit, and is one of our favorite songs. Just who is the man who can’t be moved?
The man who can’t be moved is each of us in the past; me right now. We all have some points in our lives when we’re like that, because the song is about taking action.

Someone commented on the music video for “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved” on YouTube: “He’s hot. Nuff’ said.” Who do you think the commenter is referring to?
If a girl made that comment, it would be me! I am the hottest, the guy with the drums! If a guy made that comment, it would be for Danny.

If you grew up in the la-la land of rainbows and butterflies, do you think your music would be more bubblegum-pop material, something Miley Cyrus-esque?
No. We would just be very happy but we won’t do the same. I wouldn’t be buying her albums but I think she’s a very talented girl.

Can we expect more light-hearted songs from the band's future albums?
Maybe, if I get a girlfriend and then marry her.

Both Bram Stoker and U2 are fellow Dubliners. Who do you identify with more?
Definitely Bram Stoker! I want to be one of his characters, Dracula. Who wouldn’t want to be Dracula? You could sleep all day and live forever.

What do you miss from home when you’re on tour?
Family, Guinness and chipper [fish and chip shops].

What do you think playing in Singapore will be like?
We think it’s going to be crazy because we get a lot of questions from people in Singapore on Twitter everyday, asking us when we are coming. We didn’t realize we had so many fans over there.

Catch The Script on Apr 12, Fort Canning Park, 51 Canning Rise, 6332-1302. $98-110 from Sistic.

Essensuals Hairdressing
2/F Bugis Village, 241A Victoria St., 6333-0039.
Bring along your DVDs for some screen time while waiting for your hair to be done, or get your game on with their in-house PS3.

haar Attic
#01-13 Sunshine Plaza, 91 Bencoolen St., 6835-9811.
Coffee, cakes and cuts make café kaafehaus a choice chill out spot in the middle of their salon space.

Hairloom & Caramel
#01-50/52 Shaw Towers, 100 Beach Rd., 6295-2088.
Get inspired by the selection of notebooks, cards and little pretty things surrounding this salon and café space. 

Jean Yip
307 New Bridge Rd., 6325-7307.
Loft The one-stop center for hair and beauty spoils its customers further with a private rooftop spa, complete with its own pool. Opens end of Apr.

Kim Robinson
#02-12 Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6738-8006.
Admire artwork by celebrity hairdresser Kim Robinson at this stylish salon.

Mode Hair Gallery
#B2-22 Marina Bay Link Mall, 8A Marina Blvd., 6834-3774.
Surf’s up when they provide you with an iPad while you get your hair done in this salon/contemporary art gallery, featuring works from local artists.

Passion Hair Salon
#02-01/02 Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Rd., 6733-5638.
Undeniably posh, the glitz factor here is amped up by the neighboring showroom featuring David Gan’s jewelry label, Olivia.

As the old saying goes, the thing you need most after a holiday is another holiday. Far from being a time for relaxation, the modern vacation too often works like this: Wake up earlier than normal; plough through a brutal sightseeing itinerary; allow your suppressed gluttony and alcoholism to run riot. Enough already—there are plenty of regional escapes that focus solely on your well-being. Whether you seek enlightenment, beauty treatments, or if you need to get back in shape, you can be certain you’ll return from these resorts reinvigorated.

Get Fit

Help is at hand in your battle against the bulge.

Sharing Bali at Ayung Sari Indah
Singaprang, Bali, +62 817-4705-579, www.sharingbali.com

Set amid lush hills, rainforest and sprawling farmland, and both laid back and affordable, everything about Ayung Sari Indah is distinctly Balinese, from the stone and timber bungalows with grass roofs to its statue-filled gardens. There is a calming, village feel to the place—there are no TVs and guests are encouraged to dine together. Both group and solo bookings are available.
Programs on offer:
Sharing Bali’s series of six-day “fit in Bali” programs are tailored to get your fitness back on track where 6am jogging alarms have failed. The flagship Boot Camp Bali Style conducted by personal trainers shapes both body and mind, promising to leave you energized and refreshed. Jungle treks, a volcano climb and backroad biking might sound intense, but all fitness levels are catered for. You can look forward to healthy local fare, massages, yoga and spa sessions that will ease those aching muscles.
You’ll remember it for:
The views of Bali from up in the mountains, and being able to wear the clothes you want to wear once again.
Prices start at:
AU$1,095 ($1,425), everything included.
You might also like:
Ayana Resort and Spa (Jalan Karang Mas Sejahtera, Jimbaran, Bali, +62 361-702-222. www.ayanaresort.com), the official sponsor of the 2011 Bali International Traithlon and home to an Aquatonic Seawater Therapy Pool.

Rawai Muay Thai Camp
43/42 M.7 Soi Sai Yuan Rd., Rawai, Phuket +66 814-769-377, www.rawaimuaythai.com

If that beach training scene in Rocky III still plays in your head, you can finally act it out, Muay Thai style. Run by brothers Tuk, Li, Fin and Hehm, Rawai is one of southern Thailand’s most popular Muay Thai gyms. Known for its family atmosphere and dedicated coaching staff, Rawai opened its doors to foreign students in 2003.
Programs on offer:
A day here begins with a 7:30am run followed by Muay Thai training (sparring, pad work and technique development). The morning training session ends with weights, stretching or yoga and afternoon training follows lunch. Rawai recommends stays of between one and three months to get the best results, but as we aren’t all blessed with that much free time, they also offer daily training rates. However long you stay, you’ll not only leave with better fitness and combat skills; Rawai’s programs also help you detox and break bad habits like smoking.
You’ll remember it for:
Your own Rocky beach scene to boast about of course. And if anyone ever tries to cross you, they’re going down.
Prices start at:
Accommodation starts at B500 ($20) per night and training starts at B500 ($20) per day.
You might also like:
Tiger Muay Thai (7/6 Moo 5 Soi Tad-ied, Ao Chalong, Muang, Phuket, +66 (0)76-367-071, www.tigermuaythai.com), one of the biggest names in the Muay Thai and Mixed Martial Arts arenas. You might remember some of their fighters kicking ass at last year’s Martial Combat.

The Fitness Holiday Bootcamp
The Spa Resort Chiang Mai, 165 Moo 4 Huaysai, Mae Rim, Chiang Mai, www.fitnessholiday.net

The last time you were guaranteed eight to 16 pounds of weight-loss, it either involved pills, liposuction or compulsory military service. Founded by Louise and Richard Thomas, The Fitness Holiday promises to help you shed that weight amid the natural beauty and cultural wealth of northern Thailand.
Programs on offer:
The Fitness Holiday’s week-long Bootcamp is a morning-toevening holistic weight loss program. On top of the prerequisite physical activity (cardio, combat, cycling and Pilates), your journey will be aided by a delicious, low calorie menu, fat-burning sauna treatment, massage sessions and nutritional advice.
You’ll remember it for:
The sights, sounds and people of Chiang Mai (tours to the surrounding attractions are available), and the joy of not having to suck in your stomach anymore.
Prices start at:
B38,270 ($1,595), everything included.
You might also like:
Lamai Muay Thai Camp (82/2 Moo 3, Lamai Beach, Maret, Koh Samui, +66 (0)77-418-430, www.lamaimuaythaicamp.com), a dedicated Muay Thai gym with a just-opened cardio and weights facility.

Get Soul

Look after your mind and it'll look after you.

The Kandy Samadhi Centre
Kukul Oya Rd., Sri Lanka, +94 81-447-0925, www.thekandysamadhicentre.com

Samadhi—a Sanskrit term referring to a state of total meditation. A 50-minute drive from Kandy, this lush hideaway is nestled high up in the hills and offers almost total seclusion from the rest of the world; you won’t get a mobile signal up here. This isn’t a five-star retreat but a tranquil, templelike sanctuary with spacious verandahs, lotus ponds, herb gardens and artistic fixtures, with breathtaking views of the nearby hills and paddy fields.
Programs on offer:
The Centre specializes in ayurvedic treatment, particularly the Sherodhara Oil drip. Its ayurvedic consultant can also recommend the right diet and treatment for whatever ails you, be it an everyday condition, a disorder or a serious illness. Tours and nature walks to surrounding areas are available, as are barefoot shiatsu massage sessions. And we wager you’ll rethink your attitude towards vegetables after a meal here, as the ingredients for the exclusively vegetarian fare are picked fresh before each meal.
You’ll remember it for:
The morning mists, the tasty organic food, the stunning greenery and the feeling of absolute rejuvenation upon leaving the place.
Prices start at:
US$45 ($57) a night.
You might also like:
Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort (Samanthara Rd., Pothupitiya, +94 38 428-4996, www.ayurvedaresort.com)—yet another serene, lush niche on the south-western coast of this teardrop isle. The sparkling blue waters of the Indian Ocean are postcard perfect. Further afield and higher up in Bhutan, Uma Paro (Paro, +975 (8) 271-597, www.uma.paro.como.bz) is an incredible blend of luxury, nature and Himalayan Zen.

ONEWORLD retreats Kumara
Jl. Suweta, Banjar Sambahan, Ubud, Bali, +62 361-972-685, www.oneworldretreats.com/ubud_resort.php

Perched high above slopes of beautiful paddy fields, Bali’s artistic and cultural nerve center is a refreshing antithesis to the backpacker-laden towns to the south. The Kumara, as it’s fondly known, has 10 sophisticated rooms, verdant gardens, two pools and lots of nature-based fixtures, from gorges to a small river.
Programs on offer:
You can opt for packages that include yoga lessons for beginners, spa treatments ranging from massages to facials, and meditation classes. Meals are clean, fresh, organic and utterly delicious. Regulars who flock here annually describe this place as heaven on earth.
You’ll remember it for:
The ultimate detox, de-stress and rehab holiday. We’re not for flippant marketing catchphrases, but you’ll definitely leave this place “a new you.”
Prices start at:
US$117.60 ($148) per night.
You might also like:
Zen Resort Bali (Ds. Ume Anyar Seririt, Singaraja, +62 3629-3578)— away from the crowded southern parts of the island, it’s situated on the laidback northern coast. Zen touts itself as Bali’s “first integrated ayurveda, yoga and nature resort.”

Get Better

The path to wellness involves lots of lying back, soaking, sinking into things and being kneaded.

The Banjaran Hotsprings Retreat
1 Persiaran Lagun Sunway 3, Ipoh, Perak, +60 (5) 210-7777, www.thebanjaran.com

This eco-friendly retreat spreads traditional Chinese, Malay and Indianesque treatments across its extensive menu. Just a two-hour drive from Kuala Lumpur, within the Tambun mountain range, it’s surrounded by natural wonders. Banjaran’s villas offer three different bathing options—the rainforest shower, geothermal hot dipping pools and ice baths.
Programs on offer:
Programs last from three to 21 nights and include accommodation. Targeting those battling their biological clocks, the Longevity program features organic anti-ageing facials and body polishes, antioxidant restoration and a Pranayama Breathing session. The Rejuvenation program lets you enjoy organic rejuvenation facials, traditional Malay and Warm River Stone massages and a Reiki or Chakra Balancing treatment. For those who need inner and outer cleansing, the Detox program comes with organic detox facials, a nutrition consultation, a colonic hydrotherapy session and Chi Nei Tsang abdominal massages.
You’ll remember it for:
The KuuSh 24 Carat Gold Facial. Touted as the most powerful antiaging element, this ayurvedic treatment promises healthier, refreshed, more elastic skin through the removal of toxins. Gold diggers take note.
Prices start at:
RM1,800 ($750) a night.
You might also like:
The Datai, Langkawi (Jalan Teluk Datai, Pulau Langkawi, Kedah, +60 (4) 959-2500, www.ghmluxuryhotels.com) is another rainforest retreat specializing in massages, body polishes and bathing ceremonies with Balinese, Indian and Tibetan themes. Across in East Malaysia, Borneo Highlands Resort (Jalan Borneo Heights, Padawan, Kuching, Sarawak +60 (8) 257-7930, www.borneohighlands.com.my) is known for its treatments inspired by the native Bidayuh tribe.

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary and Holistic Spa
102/9 Moo 3, Laem Set Rd., Na-Muang, Koh Samui, Suratthani, +66 (0)77-429-800, www.kamalaya.com

Away from the tourist bustle of Koh Samui and atop a secluded hill, accommodation options include rooms, suites and villas with private pools overlooking the open sea. The resort’s ethnic and rustic furnishings and statues of deities give it a real spiritual vibe.
Programs on offer:
Detox, yoga, stress and burnout management, fitness and weight control. The Kamalaya Personal Yoga Synergy program, a private session for both beginners and experts, is an obvious choice—it helps you master asana (physical posture), pranayama (breathing) and meditation. The three- to seven-night packages include accommodation, airport transfers, meals, usage of fitness facilities, a wellness consultation, Body Bio-Impedance Analysis, and Vital Essential Oil ayurvedic and Indian massages.
You’ll remember it for:
The Monks’ Cave. Contemplate on your boo-hoos and midlife crises in these silent chambers, where the monk Arjan Daeng, renowned for his ability to communicate with other life forms, once resided.
Prices start at:
B6,500 ($270) a night.
You might also like:
The Spa Resort Koh Samui (Lamai Beach, Koh Samui, Suratthani, +66 (0)77-230-855, www.thesparesorts.net), a rustic beachfront retreat hosting themed yoga programs.

The Farm at San Benito
119 Barangay Tipakan, Lipa City, Batangas, +63 2884- 8074, www.thefarm.com.ph

If you’re after the charm of a kampong stay, The Farm at San Benito won’t disappoint. Set against misty mountains, its suites and villas resemble the traditional rice barns and thatched-roof houses of the Philippines with a muster of roaming peacocks sealing the deal.
Programs on offer:
The prevention program promises better health, vitality, energy and longevity for guests. This four-night stint offers nutritional microscopy, colon hydrotherapy sessions, wheatgrass infusion therapy and kidney cleansing, coupled with spa treatments such as Hampol, Hilot massage, skin kayud and kawalag body detox—all of which utilize local herbs and methods. The package includes return airport transfers, accommodation, meals, holistic health consultation and activities such as yoga, meditation and Mandala flower arranging. Their vegan restaurant Alive! prepares food using dehydrators which lock in nutrients and enzymes usually destroyed by cooking.
You’ll remember it for:
The Chlorophyll Body Wrap. That green pigment is a powerful antioxidant which cleanses your lymphatic system and alkalinizes your body. It’s also an excuse to look like The Hulk.
Prices start at:
PHP7,000 ($200) a night.
You might also like:
Mandala Spa and Villas (Boracay Island, Malay Aklan, +63 362-885-858, www.mandalaspa.com)—situated on a private beach on Boracay Island, they offer three- to 14-day detox programs.

Chiva-Som
73/4 Petchkasem Rd., Hua Hin, Prachuab Khirikhan, +66 (0) 3253- 6536, www.chivasom.com

This retreat bagged six major industry awards in 2010 alone. Located on the Thai royals’ favorite beach Hua Hin, accommodation options include ocean view rooms, traditional pavilions and suites. It brings in renowned practitioners to conduct wellness classes and programs. The usage of cameras and other electronic devices outside the rooms isn’t allowed, so don’t even think of “checking in” on Facebook.
Programs on offer:
Their three- to 28-night packages feature holistic therapies, beauty services from the Niranlada Cosmetic Beauty center and the usage of water therapy suites on top of an impressive list of massages, facials and manipedis. If you stay longer, you’ll benefit from their crystal therapy, incorporating ancient art and modern energy techniques to balance the body’s chakra system.
You’ll remember it for:
Its exclusive treatments for men, such as the Volcanic Pumice Polish that revitalizes and hydrates tired skin. We’re glad someone finally got round to addressing men’s spa needs.
Prices start at:
B44,550 ($1,850), everything included.
You might also like:
Six Senses Sanctuary (32 Moo 5, Tambol Paklok, Amphur Thalang, Phuket, +66 76-371-400, www.sixsenses.com), another beachfront retreat featuring oriental spa services such as Chinese acupuncture, Taoist Chi Nei Tsang detox, full-body Shiatsu and foot acupressure.

COMO Shambhala Estate
Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod, Payangan, Gianyar, Bali, +62 361- 978-888, www.cse.como.bz

Sitting on the pristine hills of Ubud, COMO Shambhala Estate impresses guests with its dramatic surrounds of rice fields and the Ayung River Gorge. Rooms and suites echo elements of Javanese and Balinese tradition, each with a distinct personality.
Programs on offer:
Customized packages running the gamut of therapies, fitness, retreats and wellness, as well as tai chi, trekking and yoga. The estate’s Cleansing program incorporates good nutrition and daily elimination to keep the liver, bowels, kidney and skin in top-notch condition. Its three to seven-night packages include accommodation, meals, return airport transfers, wellness consultation, massages and cleansing treatments. Another favorite is the Javanese Royal Lulur Bath, a beauty ritual from the Royal Palaces of central Java.
You’ll remember it for:
Guinot Hydradermie Facial. Promising cell-repair and a radiant glow, it penetrates the skin with an electric current. One can only hope that the people who operate this thing know what they’re doing.
Prices start at:
US$535 ($675) a night.
You might also like:
The Golden Rock Retreat (Dusun Aas, Desa Bunutan, Abang, Karangasem, Bali, +62 828-9700-8592, www. theretreatbali.com) sits on Bali’s east coast and offers cleansing programs like Bio-Magnetic Resonance which realigns the body’s energy field

Tell us what we’ll see.
Rayann Condy: Silliness and sass. We are big and brassy and quite ridiculous. I hope people will have as much fun watching as we have playing.
Kluane Saunders: You can expect wacky antics, some eye-catching costumes, great pop-style song and dance numbers, and hopefully a few surprises.

The Sisters come from Romania to be the queens of Getai. How did an Aussie and Kiwi muster up a believable Romanian accent?
RC: A dash of Russian, a spoon of Swedish and a drop of Anzac is the Angmoh Durian Sisters’ special recipe.
KS: We have been learning from recordings of people speaking English with Romanian accents. However, the accent we will be performing in will be a much heightened version of this in order to accentuate our “foreign-ness.”

What has come out of your Hokkien lessons?
RC: I’ve become a Joyce Lim fan from watching her on YouTube again and again.
KS: I certainly know a lot more swear words in Hokkien now!

Did you suffer any culture shock when you first came to Singapore? Any Singaporean-isms you’ve picked up?
RC: Well ah, I travel a lot lah before I come to Singapore lor. So cannot say I shocked. But the weather here, aiyah not good for angmoh skin. This answer can or not?
KS: At first I struggled to make myself understood sometimes. My Singlish is atrocious, but I have picked up a few Singaporean-isms along the way. I often say “can” in the place of “yes” or “okay” now.

Durians: Love or hate?
RC: Not sure. I especially don’t get it as I’m indifferent to them. I neither love ‘em nor hate ‘em.
KS: I personally do not like the taste or smell of the durian fruit BUT they are one of the coolest looking fruits I have ever seen!

Catch the sisters at play from Apr 15-May 1 at the Esplanade Theatre, 1 Esplanade Dr., 6828-8377. $40-100 from Sistic.

The buzz: Contemporary home furniture and accessories imported from Japan, England and Germany that have become quite a hit with yuppies.

The vibe: The showroom occupies a shophouse refurbished to whitewashed spotlessness, with a deliberate clutter of designer knick-knacks. It’s spacious, quiet and airy, with soft old-school music emanating from the speakers. The cracked floor, an accidental gift from the contractors next door, lends charm to this otherwise prudish space.

The goods: Classic finds from Italy’s bathroom whizz Boffi and Germany’s E15 (their bestselling, solid wood dining table goes for a whopping $13,900) and consignment pieces from local artist Patrick Chia. Apart from a selection of rugs, couches, lamps and mirrors, exclusive bell jars ($1,400-$1,800) are also on offer. Being the only dealer of the classic French furniture brand Tolix adds points to the store’s furnishing cred.

Why you’ll be back: Their goods are updated frequently and so is the showroom, so you’ll want to check back every now and then for pleasant surprises.

#01-02, 5 Purvis St., 6337-0050. Open Mon-Fri 11am-7pm, Sat 11am-5pm.

You’re an accomplished trumpeter. Was music always a part of you growing up?
It’s in my genes and in New Orleans. My brother took me under his wing and he was influenced by my grandfather. Here, music is the heartbeat, and at one point everyone in New Orleans was playing some kind of instrument and everyone’s driven by music. If I grew up anywhere else I wouldn’t be playing the same music.

There’ll be some in the audience who haven’t heard your music before. What do you want to tell them?
It’s a collective experience of music from New Orleans, a combo of strong influences from hip hop and jazz. Just go to the show and check it out. People should just come out and see what happens and pass the experience to someone else.

You covered Allen Toussaint’s “On Your Way Down.” Why?
I wanted to cover someone from New Orleans and he’s one of the greatest songwriters from the city. I wanted to do a song with a good message in it more than anything, and I wanted to make it modern. I felt relieved when he said he enjoyed our cover, because we completely stripped the song down and made it our own.

If you had to give up either the trombone or the trumpet, which would it be?
Trumpet if I had to. The trombone is one of the hardest instruments more than anything else, the guitar, bass, keyboard; you can press your finger to a note. With a trombone it’s a slide so you have to be really accurate. I like the musical challenge that it presents.

We can’t wait to have you in town. What should we bring to the party?
Expect high energy music and bring your dancing shoes. I hope there won’t be any chairs, because we’re going to bring the funk from New Orleans!

Timbre Rock & Roots Music Festival is on Apr 15-16, 6pm at the Marina Promenade, F1 track behind the Singapore Flyer, 6338-8277. $70-200 from Sistic.

Describe what you do.
I busk to earn money. Rain or shine, I’m still busking on the street. I start from 6pm to 11pm and stand and play. If there aren’t many people I put a chair and sit down and find some new melody.

How did you get started?
I used to work in an oil rig, but when the job was completed and the ship left, I had no job. Since I’m 50, they’re not going to employ me because they employ so many foreigners, and they pay me very little. So I better do my hobby but I’m still looking for a day job.

Is this your usual spot?
Yes. I like it here because some of the passers-by stay in the condo here and they love me. If I don’t turn up one day, they will go to another busker and say, “Eh, where’s the other guy? He’s better than you.”

How do you choose what to play?
So many cultures pass by and when I see them, I know what they want. When I see Americans, I play American music. Chinese people, I play Chinese music. I can play Malay and Japanese songs too. They appreciate it and they’re happy.

How does the audience respond?
Someone once told me that I’m the best busker. Some dance and request for more songs, giving good tips. Some say they’re sorry they don’t have cash. I said to them not to mind, just give me their credit card. In America, the buskers use a battery-operated credit card machine. Sometimes at night when you see drunkards, they will say, “Ah this guy no good, he cannot play my song.” In busking, you have to take all the s***, good or bad, as long as they don’t touch me.

Any memorable strangers?
There was a girl from China who wanted to learn how to play the guitar. I told her to buy a classical guitar and she did and came back to the bridge. I gave an hour’s lesson and she came back the next week. It’s better under the bridge because of acoustics, the sound goes and bounces back so the student learns faster. When you go to the riverside or out in the open, the sound doesn’t go in.

Any strange requests?
A lot of people ask if I come from India and request Indian songs. Once, a drunk Bangladeshi worker dared me to play him a Hindi song. He wanted to test me! So I said, okay, I’ll play, if you put two dollars in the bag. He said okay. So I played him a song, then the fella only gave one dollar! I told myself next time a Bangladeshi worker comes with a request I won’t play for them, ha!

Find K Rego daily from 6-11pm under Elgin Bridge, Boat Quay. Or book his services for private functions on 9197-3946.

Who’d have thought that birds and tea could go hand in hand? That’s right, that’s not just a cute metal birdie you see sitting in a cage; it doubles up as a tea strainer when it’s released. Designer Alan Chan brings a touch of whimsy to bear on his stainless steel craftsmanship with Tea Matter. Back in the day, Oriental tea parties saw bird-lovers bringing along their pet birds in fancy cages though perhaps none so eye-catching as this contemporary update. This is one little birdie we’d love to hear more from. Available at $260 at Alessi, #04-22/23 ION Orchard 2 Orchard Turn, 6509-8117.