Sathira-Dhammasathan

The place: Set on a seven-acre property in an environment conducive to meditation, this center offers weekend-long retreats.
When: Registration begins 2-4pm on Fri, and the program ends at 4pm on Sun
How: For those who are planning to stay overnight, register and send in the registration documents at least one week before the program starts. The documents are available on their website. After the registration period ends (at 4pm), the program starts off with a yoga meditation session. The next day, you wake up at 4am for your other sessions. If you don’t want to stay overnight, registration is not required, you can just show up at 9am on Sat or Sun.
The ajarn: Mae Chee Sansanee Sthirasuta
24/5 Soi Watcharapol, Ramindra Rd. 02-510-6697, 02-510-4765. www.sdsweb.org.

Wat Mahathat (Section 5)

The place: A meditation center within the temple. English translators available.
When: There are three sessions daily: 7-10am, 1-4pm and 6-8pm
How: For day sessions, just show up. If you’re staying overnight, bring an ID card and a set of white clothes. Sessions start at 6:30am.
The ajarns: Ajarn Phramaha Suphap Khemarangsi (head of Section Five), Ajarn Maha Sawai Nanaviro, Ajarn Phramaha Boonchit Nanasangvaro, with other experienced monks and laypeople assisting them.
Maharaj Rd., Tha Prachan, 02-222-6011

Wat Pathumwanaram Ratchaworawihan

The place: A royal temple located right in the heart of Bangkok, between Siam Paragon and Central World.
When: 7am-9pm daily
How: Just show up.
The ajarns: The abbot, the Venerable Phra Rajpipatanatorn (Thavorn Chittathavaro), and other senior monks. Phra Rajpipatanatorn, a meditation master and teacher, has given dhamma talks on television, radio and the internet, and has published many dhamma journals and books.
969, Rama 1 Rd., Pathumwan (between Paragon and Central World), 02-255-2271. BTS Siam.

Wat Dhamma Mongkol (Samathi Viriyanuparb Center)

The place: Located beside the Dhamma Mongkol Temple, just beyond the craziness of downtown Sukhumvit, this meditation center was built specifically to accommodate practitioners, so car parks and air-conditioned rooms are thoughtfully provided.
When: 9am-4pm every Sun
How: Just show up. A more advanced session, which will require you to stay overnight, is only available for those who have already done the first day-to-day session. The advanced program is available once a month (to be announced by the center). For that program, registration starts from 4-7pm on Friday with morning wake-up calls at 5am. Call for reservation at 02-741-7822.
The ajarns: The abbot, Phra Dhamma Mongkol Yarn (Luang Poh Viriyung), and other experienced monks.
132 Mooban Rungsiya, Soi Punnavitee 20, Sukhumvit 101, Bang Jak, Phra Kanong. 02-311-3903. www.dhammamongkol.com.

Wat Sanam Nai

The place: A very natural peaceful setting in its original environment.
When: Registration happens every day, before 4pm.
How: First-time practitioners must be there before 9am or 1pm to practice for the real meditation program (two practice sessions; 9-10:30am and 1-2:30pm). Make sure you dress properly (white, no sleeveless shirts, no shorts). Once you’ve passed the practice session, you’re ready for the overnight program. Bring ID, a blanket and a small overnight bag. Wake up call at 3:30am.
The ajarns: Various teachers following the path of Luang Poh Teean’s “self-awareness” method.
27, Bang Kruai, Nonthaburi. 02-883-7251. www.watsanamnai.org.

Meditation Retreat 101

- All meditation centers are free of charge. Donations are accepted but not solicited.
- All classes are in Thai only, except for Wat Mahathat.
- Proper dress is usually required, just like when you go to the temple: no shorts, no sleeveless shirts. For overnight stays, it’s also advisable to wear white or at least plain colors.
- Manage your expectations. You’re not going to reach nirvana in one session.

A Summer in Genova • (UK) A college professor moves to Italy with his two daughters following the death of his wife. As the girls do what teenagers do, the professor finds love once more. Stars Colin Firth before his Oscar winning turn in The King’s Speech. Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, Jun 6, 7pm and Jun 9, 9:20pm.

Brighton Rock • (UK) Based on a novel by Graham Greene, with its setting moved from the 30s to the 60s, Brighton Rock’s protagonist is Pinkie, an anti-social teenage gangster who kills a guy. Shaw Lido, Jun 7, 9:30pm.

Miral • (France/Israel/Italy) This adaptation of Palestinian journalist Rula Jebreal’s autobiography tells the story of Miral, a girl who grows up in a Jerusalem orphanage and falls in love with a militant at age 17. Shaw Lido, Jun 8, 9:30pm.

Mr. and Mrs. Single • (China) A story about a young married couple who hide their marriage in pursuit of better jobs. Part insightful social commentary and part romcom. Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, Jun 5, 9:25pm and Jun 8, 7pm.

West Is West • (UK) The sequel to 1999’s East Is East, about a mixed British-Pakistani family in 1971, is set four years later on. Afraid that his 15-year-old son, Sajid, may forget about his Pakistani roots, George Khan takes him back to the motherland. Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, Jun 7, 7pm and Jun 10, 9:25pm.

For a full list of films and timings, visit www.screensingapore.com.sg. Tickets cost $10 and can be booked online at www.cathaycineplexes.com.sg and www.shaw.sg.

Kazbar
Share a mixed mezze platter (hummus, cheese borek and falafel—yum) or dig into their sumptuous Harissa lamb chops if you’re feeling peckish at this pretty Mediterranean style restaurant and bar. In addition to the floaty fabric, comfy daybeds and the delectable fragrance of bubbling shishas that make up its quaint décor, the bar also serves up exotic entertainment in the form of belly dancers several nights of the week.

Nabin
A great place to unwind after office hours, Nabin is located a stone’s throw away from the more frenzied Arab Street, and spans two floors. It houses a cozy restaurant indoors with carpeted floor seating, as well as an alfresco dining space decked with sofas so you can lounge about while watching their belly dancers mingle with the corporate crowd.

Shiraz
Come here for an early dinner of authentic Persian cuisine and polish it off with their famed tiramisu topped with fresh strawberries. Because of their vast space and beautiful décor (think chandeliers and plush cushioned seats), we suggest making an occasion out of it and rounding up a large group of friends for a little mid-week party—complete with gorgeous belly dancers to boot.

Samsung Galaxy Tab II
Spec: 8.9- and 10.1-inch screen | 3MP camera with flash and 2MP web camera | Wi-Fi+3G | Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Price: TBA for 16, 32, 64GB (launching Jun 2011)

LG Optimus Tab 3D
Spec: 8.9-inch 3D screen | 5MP 3D camera with flash and 2MP web camera | Wi-Fi+4G | Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Price: TBA for 32GB (launched in the UK for £799 in Apr)

Acer Iconia Tab A500
Spec: 10.1-inch screen | 5MP camera with flash and 2MP web camera | Wi-Fi | Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Price: $450 for 16GB

Motorola Xoom
Spec: 10.1-inch screen | 5MP camera with flash and 2MP web camera | Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi+3G | Android 3.0 Honeycomb
Price: $888 for 32GB Wi-Fi

1. A light, chic and convenient foldable bag is just perfect for lazy days out. $29 from The Denim Store.

2. You don’t have to worry about whether your tote and clothes match with this eco-friendly shopping bag. It doubles as an apron too. $68 from Blackmarket No.2.

3. Dig florals? You’ve gotta love this spacious and stylish leather shoulder bag that’s fit for any occasion. $995 from Sole 2 Sole.

4. Sew some leftover fabrics into triangles, piece them together and you get this blooming standout. $200 from Tango Chocolat.

5. This massive Freitag bag can store just about anything. Plus, it’s one of a kind. $715 from Actually.

2
In this thoughtfully abstract piece, the Tao Dance Theater from China performs a musical score derived from their daily conversations. Audiences are invited to interpret the symbolism of the number “2” as they wish. Find out more at their post-show dialogues. Jun 3-4, 8pm.

A Game of You
If you like being toyed around, you might appreciate this experimental performance by Belgian theater group Ontroerend Goed. You will be led into rooms that look foreign and familar at the same time, and when you emerge, you might be confused about the part you were playing all along—a willing audience or the lead. Jun 3-5, 2pm, 7pm.

Beautiful Thing 2
One of India’s most influential and controversial contemporary dancers Padmini Chettur lives up to her reputation with her 11th creation, a piece that investigates how the memories of who we were incessantly influence who we become. Witness how Chettur breaks the boundaries of tradition and continuously embraces new ideas with her provocative performance. Jun 4-5, 8pm.

The Conference of the Birds
An allegorical poem adapted for the stage, The Conference of The Birds tells the tale of the birds of the world embarking on a journey to seek their spiritual King, the Simorgh, to address all their doubts, only to discover that the Simorgh resides within themselves. Jun 3-4, 8pm.

Radio Muezzin
Stefan Kaegi and his group Rimini Protokoll continue to have a strong impact on the world’s alternative theater scene with this provocative piece that visualizes and provides a voice to the fight for the protection of the muezzin (the person who recites the prayer call) in the Islamic world. Jun 4-5, 8pm.

All you shisha-lovin’ folks have circled these streets countless times in search of a good spot for a toke. But there’s more to this place than cherryflavored smokes. Aside from the many boutiques in the area, you probably already know about Moroccan eatery Mosi Café, Eqyptian joint Altazzag, and halal Swedish bistro, Fika. We hone in on where else to chow down in between puffs.

Le Bistro Parisien
Just six weeks old, this halal French bistro serves up classics such as traditional French onion soup ($12), baked escargots Bourguignon on a bed of green pea puree ($18) and French cut rack of lamb with rosemary sauce and French beans ($35). They also bake their own goods, including pain au chocolat ($3.50), baguette ($6) and quiche Lorraine ($5.50).

My Fat Lady
Less than a month old at their new digs, this cute little cake shop recently relocated from Bukit Ho Swee. Specializing in homemade cupcakes, pick from a range of flavors including cookies & cream, sticky date and peanut butter. Try the simply delish red velvet cupcake ($3 inclusive of two toppings, such as marshmallows and crushed Oreo cookies). They also do fancy whole cakes for weddings and celebrations ($100 upwards).

The Ice Cream Man
If there’s a never-before-made ice-cream flavor you’re craving, simply give the folks here a call and tell them what it is you want. Two days later, pop by for their concoction of your desire. They’ve created flavors like Red Bull, tom yam and Marmite (all $3.50 a scoop), and for the booze hounds, there’s Kahlua, Tiger Beer and Whisky Coke (all $4.50 a scoop). The stuff here’s free of artificial coloring and flavoring, too. They’ve even got card and board games, like Monopoly Deal, Pictureka! and old school Snakes & Ladders.

Pluck
This is one cool store. Within it resides the Style Emporium that carries cool clothes, fashion accessories and homeware, but it’s the fabulous ice cream parlor that’s got us hooked. Popular flavors with the crowd include avocado with a hint of gula melaka, Kirsch cherry and cheesecake with strawberry chunks and cookie bits (all $3.30/scoop, $11/pint). 31/33 Haji Lane, 6396-4048.

Piedra Negra
You can’t miss this cozy, and crazy colorful joint, opened by the owners of Blu Jaz just a minute away, which has been dishing out Mexican delights since December. Kick things off with a cactus salad ($12.90) and a fruity guacamole rendition, with mangoes and grapes ($9.90), then fill up on tamarind-glazed pork ribs ($17.90) and crisp chicken or beef flautas—deep-fried tortilla flutes ($11.90). Wash it all down with pineapple margaritas or some spicy Sangria (both $13/glass, $55/jug). If you’re in the mood to get jiggy, head up to the second floor, where DJs spin a mix of Latin and house music late into the night.

Bar Stories
This classy and laidback bar serves up impeccably-mixed cocktails using top-shelf booze and fresh ingredients—just the way you want it. Sip on bespoke cocktails ($20-25) such as Rosemary Tales—a rosemary-infused drink with a good glug of vodka, gin and a dash of lemon juice, while you munch on some pizza ($15 upwards). It’s also a furniture store. So if you just so happen to fancy something you’re sitting on, you can also bring it home with you.

SONY ERICSSON XPERIA ARC

It took ages for the Xperia Arc to launch in Singapore (just early this year) but the wait was worth it.

Specs: 4.2-inch BRAVIA touch screen (480x854 pixels) | 1GHz Snapdragon processor | 8MP camera capturing 720p HD video | Android 2.3 Gingerbread

 Pros

• Sleek and super thin design (8.7mm)
• Sony’s first phone to run Android 2.3 Gingerbread, so flicking through applications, games and social media is much smoother
• Sony’s TimeScape offers great looking multi-tasking
• The Exmor R takes pics in low-light conditions

Cons

• No front camera

Price: $888

LG OPTIMUS 2X

First launched in 2010 in South Korea, the Optimus 2X the first phone to come with a dual-core processor for faster and smoother running programs.

Specs: 4-inch touch screen (480x800 pixels) | Dual-core 1GHz NVIDIA Tegra processor | 8MP camera capturing 1,080p HD video + 1.3MP front camera | Android 2.2 Froyo

 Pros

• Awesome look and metal finishing
• A 1.3MP front camera for real-time video chat

Cons

• The arrival of the Galaxy S II (probably next month) will make the Optimus quickly obsolete

Price: $698

SAMSUNG GALAXY S II

Launched in South Korea in April and in the UK in May, the successor to the popular Galaxy S could arrive here as early as June.

Specs: 4.27-inch Super AMOLED Plus touch screen (480x800 pixels) | Dual-core 1.2GHz Hummingbird processor | 8MP camera capturing 1,080p HD video + 2MP front camera | Android 2.3 Gingerbread

Pros

• A super fast processor
• 8.49mm thick, making it thinner than Xperia Arc
• A wider and brighter screen.

Cons

• It’s not yet in stores

Price: TBA

MOTOROLA DEFY

The quietly launched Motorola DEFY won’t end its manufacturer’s slow demise but it is built like a tank.

Specs: 3.7-inch touch screen (480x854 pixels) | 800MHz OMAP processor | 5MP camera capturing 720p HD video | Android 2.1 Eclair

Pros

• IP67 certified, meaning the phone is resistant to scratching, dust, falls (1.5-1.8 meters) and water (1 meter, 30 minutes)

Cons

• The specs just can’t compare with the other phones in this roundup

Price: $528

NEXUS S

Launched in the USA last year, the Nexus S is Google’s second official phone based on Samsung’s Galaxy S platform.

Specs: 4-inch Super AMOLED touch screen (480x800 pixels) | 1GHz Hummingbird processor | 5MP camera capturing 480p video + front VGA camera | Android 2.3 Gingerbread

 Pros

• The world’s first Android 2.3 Gingerbread processor phone, Google phones also get free upgrades to the latest versions of the Android operating system
• Front camera

Cons

• 5MP camera with non-HD video

Price: $688

As the old shopping adage goes: Why pay full price when you can pay half? With the Great Singapore Sale in full swing soon, forget the press releases and fawning editorial you’ll see elsewhere. Guys, this is what you should be looking for.

This coveted Adam Kimmel striped shirt at Club 21b is a must for work and play.
Before: $560
After 30 percent discount: $392

This black fanny pack by D&G is essential for all your partying needs.
Before: $390
After 30 percent discount: $273

This pair of easy beach shorts by Phenomenon at Club 21b is simply phenomenal.
Before: $530
After 30 percent discount: $371

This Bless bedsheet made from satin and cotton from A Curious Teepee is an absolute dream.
Before: $608
After 30 percent discount: $425.60

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We simply love a well-made shirt, and this blues-inspired W/A long-sleeved version from Front Row is exactly that.
Before: $275
After 30 percent discount: $192.50

We’d love to go jungle trekking in this pair of W/A shorts from Front Row.
Before: $305
After 30 percent discount: $213.50

Strut the sidewalks in style with this pair of D&G white oxfords.
Before: $860
After 30 percent discount: $602

Stand out with these camouflage-patterned socks by A label by from Actually.
Before: $28
After 20 percent discount: $22.40

This complete ensemble by Fifth Avenue Shoe Repair is a dream for the urban dandy.
Before: $2,595
After 40 percent discount: $1,557

The Verrazano (B225)

Named after the bridge that connects Staten Island to Brooklyn in New York City, the Verrazano embodies many virtues of a good sandwich: minimum fanfare, homemade bread, in-house meat and crunchy freshness. BKK Bagel Bakery, along with their own bagels, do their own roast beef and dress it with little more than some whole-grain mustard and some sauerkraut.
BKK Bagel Bakery, G/F, Maneeya Center, Phloenchit Rd., 02-254-8157. BTS Phloen Chit

The Verrazano from BKK Bagel Bakery

Sandwich pate cornichons (B190)

It’s hard to pick just one sandwich at Cafe Tartine, as they seem to understand the mass appeal of a simple sandwich with a few, top quality ingredients. Still, we feel oh so French munching down on their sandwich pate cornichons with its country-style pork pate; pickled cornichons and an onion jam that cut the richness of the meat spread and a slathering of Dijon mustard, all in a crusty baguette. Perfection.
Cafe Tartine, Athenee Residence, Soi Ruam Rudee, 02-168-5464. BTS Phloen Chit

Sandwich pate cornichons from Cafe Tartine

Pommy Club Sandwich (B320)

As you know, Hyde and Seek is a manly sort of place, and nothing says macho more than three kinds of protein on the same plate. A very hi-so club sandwich, the Pommy combines an egg cooked sous-vide with chicken breast as well as pulled pork. And for a slightly metro touch, the thing is dressed in cumin mayonnaise.
Hyde and Seek, Athenee Residence, Soi Ruam Rudee, 02-168-5152. BTS Phloen Chit

Pommy Club Sandwich from Hyde and Seek

Meatball Sandwich (B220)

A fuss-free classic, this is the least precious sandwich at the Minibar Deli at Emporium (but we still say it’s a shame about the location), even though we tip our hats to the pulled pork and rosemary chicken confit sandwiches as well. Minimally dressed with some red onion and some pickles, the golf-ball meatballs, though usually served with pasta, can also be requested as a sandwich that comes with a hearty rugby bun.
Minibar Deli, 5/F, Emporium, Sukhumvit Soi 24, 02-259-8826. BTS Phrom Phong

Meatball sandwich from Minibar Deli

Cubano (B240)

Feel like a hi-so version of a Cuban factory worker or a late-night reveller in Miami with this fancy cubano at Roast. A super piggy concoction of ham, roast pork, cheese, pickles, japalenos and mayo served on white bread, this cubano isn’t 100% authentic (they’d need some mustard for that), but it gets the job done. And if you’re feeling rich, do try the Canadian lobster roll (B420), too.
Roast, 2/F, Seenspace, Thong Lor Soi 13, 02-185-2865.

Cubano from Roast

Chicken Drum Leg Burger (B310)

It’s not really a burger, as it lacks a patty and burger bun. What it is is a sandwich on a ciabatta-like bread, filled with beautiful chargrilled chicken and a touch of assorted greens, pickles and red peppers. And it can be enjoyed on The Garret’s rooftop, rubbing shoulders with the moneyed and beautiful of Bangkok.
The Garret, Rooftop, MINI Showroom, Sukhumvit Soi 63 (Ekkamai), 02-711-6999

Chicken Drum Leg Burger from The Garret

GLOBAL SANDWICHES: Our Fave Ethnic Options

Shawarma

Who can say no to sliced rotisserie lamb rolled up in a pita bread with onions, garlic and other crunchy, breath-enhancing goodness? Get yours at Beirut (B/F, Phloenchit Center, Sukhumvit Soi 2, 02-656-7377).

Bahn-Mi

A baguette filled with porky Vietnamese goodness like sausage, ham, pork belly or even tofu, along with chillies, cilantro and mayonnaise, the bahn mi is a somewhat of an iconic, single-dish meal in Chinatowns around the world. In Bangkok, get yours at Xuan Mai (351/3, Thong Lor Soi 17, 02-185-2619).

Torta

Mexicans do their own sandwich, one that doesn’t involve flour or corn tortillas, but a crusty white bread roll, stuffed with meat, cheese, beans, guacamole and more. La Monita (Mahatun Plaza, Ploenchit Rd., 02-650-9581) does some nice ones for B190-250.