MAY

Borneo Jazz 2011

May 12-15. Sarawak, Malaysia. RM35 -200. www.jazzborneo.com
Formerly known as Miri Jazz, the event features Grammy Award winner John Hammond—who will be inducted into the Blues Hall of Fame on May 4 and is a front-runner for Acoustic Artist of the Year at the Blues Music Awards a day later—as well as multiple Grammy nominee Maria Muldaur, who is perhaps best known for her hit single “Midnight at the Oasis.” Staged at ParkCity Everly Hotel in Miri, the festival will also host musicians from nearly a dozen countries including Australia, Brazil, China, France, India and Japan.

Sydney Writers’ Festival

May 16-22. Sydney, Australia. Various prices. www.swf.org.au
Adore poetry, fiction and plays? This annual literary festival promises crowds of over 65,000 people at Pier4/5 and Sydney Theatre at Walsh, partaking in programs headlined by renowned writers. This year’s event features big-name authors such as Pulitzer Prize-winner Michael Cunningham (The Hours, Specimen Days) and Howard Jacobson (The Finkler Questions). Some programs are free.

Design Festa 33

May 14-15. Tokyo, Japan. One day Y800-1,000, two days Y1,500-1,800. www.designfesta.com
Colorful manga figures, cute handcrafted products, cool t-shirts, J-pop/rock concerts, romantic movies and cosplay harajuku girls—you’ll it find all here at Asia’s largest design event. Though taking during a tragic time for Japan, the event, which started in 1994, still promises to feature shows, exhibitions and performances from more than 2,850 talents for the 33rd straight year. As a special event for this year, there will be a postcard sale to raise money for earthquake victims.

Brass Explosion! 2011

May 27-30. Singapore. Various prices. www.brasssociety.com
For the second year running, Asia’s biggest brass music festival gathers more than 250 international music talents from 15 countries for an eight-day extravaganza. Highlights include the gala concert on May 30 (S$20/50 [B485/1,210]) and the Master of Brass Concert on May 27 (S$20 [B485]) that features Scott Hartman, a trombone professor at Yale, trumpet soloist Paul Archibald from the Royal Academy of Music, tuba player James Gourlay, euphonium soloist David Childs and horn duo Kerry Turner and Kirstina Mascher. Some events are also free of charge.

Varekai by Cirque du Soleil

Through May 29. Seoul, South Korea. KRW60,000-220,000 (B1,661-6,090). Jun 22-Jul 10. Manila, Philippines. PHP2,700-6,500 (B1,870-B4,500). www.cirquedusoleil.com
As the world’s most-celebrated circus and acrobat troupe, Cirque du Soleil’s productions are nothing if not extravagant. Touring Asia now is their show Varekai, which means “wherever” in Romany. First premiered in 2002, Varekai portrays the adventure of a fallen angel in a lush jungle. May is the last chance to catch the show in Seoul, South Korea, before it premieres in Manila in June.

JUNE

Melbourne International Jazz Festival

Jun 4-13. Melbourne, Australia. www.melbournejazz.com
A baby at just five years old, the Melbourne Jazz Festival nevertheless pulls in music lovers with its list of visiting jazz talents. This year you’ll get to experience shows by the Ron Carter Trio, Chris Botti, Sonny Rollins and the Hypnotic Brass Ensemble, among others.

Bali Arts Festival

Jun 12-Jul 10. Bali, Indonesia. www.baliartsfestival.com
This month-long arts festival is the largest cultural event in Denpasar, the capital city of Bali. Now in its 33rd year, the Bali Arts Festival is bringing together local art forms and artist from several villages on the island to showcase their folk performances, dances and music as well as handicraft products and textiles. Showcases change daily so check the schedule prior to your visit.

Shanghai International Film Festival

Jun 11-19. Shanghai, China. www.siff.com
Started in 1993, the Shanghai International Film Festival is China’s premier movie event. Apart from the line up of international flicks competing for the Golden Goblet Award, the event will feature six classic films by Polish director Krzystof Kieslowski (The Decalogue, Threee Colours) to commemorate his 100th anniversary, 15 years after his death.

JULY

Gion Matsuri

Jul 1-31. Kyoto, Japan. www.yokosojapan.org
According to legend, it all started around 869 CE when there was an epidemic in Tokyo and people had festive ceremonies in the streets to appease the gods. The celebration has been continuing till the present day and has become Kyoto’s largest festival. Though the festival lasts the whole month of July, the grandest highlight is on Jul 17 when there’s the Yamaboko Parade where thousands of people parade through the streets playing traditional music and carrying offerings for the gods. One of the most popular tourist activities is dressing up in traditional kimonos and, well, just going with

Rainforest World Music Festival

Jul 8-10. Sarawak, Malaysia. One day RM85-110, three-day RM260. www.rainforestmusic-borneo.com
Now in its 14th year, the Rainforest World Music Festival is ranked one of the top 25 international festivals by UK-based world music magazine, Songlines. Set at the base of Gunung Santubong in the Sarawak Cultural Village, this year’s festival features performers from nearly two dozen countries, from Algeria to Vanuatu.

Night Festival

Jul 16-17, 7pm-2am. National Museum of Singapore. Singapore.
It’s just like Night at the Museum—minus the walking dinosaurs and talking mummies. Apart from the National Museum staying open until late, there will be special exhibitions, films, art and cultural performances and some acrobatic shows. The theme this year is peace.

Melbourne International Film Festival

Jul 21-Aug 7. Melbourne, Australia. Various prices.
www.melbournefilmfestival.com.au
Founded in 1951, MIFF is celebrating its 60th anniversary in 2011. Ranked the largest film festival in Australia, the MIFF showcases more than 400 films from international directors—everything from large-scale productions to short films and documentaries. The exact line-up is still pending, but expect the event to showcase its impressive archive of the award-winning films.

Accessorize

Right: Katunyoo Ucharoen 16, student/ Middle: Naruemon Niyomsaman 36, office worker/ Left: Kritapas Doungpetch 18, student

Right: Ait Aitthi 17, student / Middle: Varamol Chunchartpraseot
21, student/ Left: Jaruwan Juwankumnerd 20, student

Casual

Right: Pacharanant, 22, student/ Left: Pattaraporn, 23

Right: Chanida Oradidol 34, graphic designer/ Left: Supanan Jainpinit 21, student

Geeky

Right: Itthikorn Wongsisuphakul 22, student/ Middle: Siroj Kowattana
22, student/ Left:Sorawis Thauornpoue 22, student

About  The Knees

Right: Krit Lualamai 46, editorial staff/ Left: Sarun Pornpaiboonsuk
19, student

Right: Pariwat A-nantachina 29, graphic designer/  Left: Oattakan Kitipoon, fashion designer

Rolls ups

Right: Kittikorn Koomsiripithuck 17, student/ Left: Boonyanuch Chanpimee 19, student

Right: Tanawit Saito 21, student / Middle: Watcharapong Padee
31, architect/ Left: Nut Tantisuwichwong 22, student

Day Glam

Right: Marinya Jaikaroon 20, student/ Middle: Sirithon Dechburee,
26/ Left: Inthiva, office worker

Length

Right: Cherapak Cheravattana 20, student / Middle: Weeraporn Sripraseart 21, student / Left: Nitchar Plaingam 42, accountant

Dare to Bare

Right: Ravintra Wonnamoree 17, student/ Middle: Michada
21, student/ Left: Rapida Boonsri 20, account executive

Get Street Savvy
 

1. Bright colors are the key look for this summer. If you can’t resist wearing plain colors like black, at least hold onto some colorful accessories. This can be your purse, shoes, nails, scarf, watch, or even a hair ornament. Just make it pop.

2. Paint your lips in exciting colors like neon orange, splashy red, or wild pink. Try M.A.C or Make Up For Ever (M/F, Siam Paragon, 02-690-1000).

3. Sunglasses are forever and will always be one of the most essential accessories for the sunny season. The best look for this year is retro, or big and bold. But if you like something more daring, then cat-eye shades are a must. Try Calvin Klein Woman or grab one from Platinum Fashion Mall (222, Petchaburi Rd., 02-121-8000) at only B100.

4. To avoid looking like your house’s been flooded; roll up your pants, chinos, or jeans. Only if they’re skinny or straight, though, and count out the wide legs.

5. Don’t wear socks and reveal your sexy ankles. If you insist that you need socks, wear them bright.

6. Take the advantage of rolling and show off your shoes. This can be loafers, preppy boat shoes, or even a pair of converse. But leave out the oxford shoes for now please—they’re so last year. (Left: Mango Mojito, B3,130)

Tips from the Pros

Thytatratchaphum “Tim” Naratcharoonsub, Designer and owner of Heidi’s Secret

What is the hottest trend for this summer and what’s not?
Colorful outfits and being confident will keep you trendy this summer.

How do you think Thai street fashion has changed during the last few years?
It’s changed a lot. I think it’s because people are more open-minded and have more self-confidence.

What do you expect to see in Thai street fashion for the next five years?
I hope that Thai people will still enjoy playing with fashion and keep updating their styles.

Where do you think is the hottest spot to witness the most fashionable people in Bangkok?
Siam Square is always the hot spot, but I guess the new one is going to be the Thong Lor-Ekkamai area.

Jitsing Somboon, Head Designer, Playhound

What is the hottest trend for this summer and what’s not?
Everything’s hot except anything that involves rock n’ roll, tight legs, black and sophistication.

Roj Singhakul, Designer and Owner, Issue

What is the hottest trend for this summer and what’s not?
Vivid colors. It’s all about looking bright and fun. You can earn that by wearing patterns like flowers or waves. And stop wearing leggings already!

How do you think Thai street fashion have changed or not during the last few years?
It seems that Thai people are now daring to wear more. They’re getting better at mix n’ matches, which make the street styles become more Thai and more original.

What do you expect or not, to see in Thai street fashion for the next five years?
I think five years are too far away to predict. But in about another 2 years, Thai street style will hopefully become observably unique. I’m not saying that everyone will dress the same. What I’m trying to say is once you take a look at on how people dress, you’ll know right away that it’s a Thai style. Similarly to when we look at the foreign magazines, we’d know right away where it belongs to. E.g. Tokyo, London or Paris.

Where do you think is the hottest spot to witness the most street fashionable people in Bangkok?
Chatuchak Market, Siam Square, and the Train Market.

There’s no plot, so it’s not exactly a musical. Creator Adrian Grant sets the record straight of this tribute show: “It’s not an impersonation and we’re not trying to replicate him. We’re doing an interpretation of his live performance.”

They’ve toured for three years and have been seen by over 1.2 million people. Why so successful? “MJ appeals to everyone around the world,” Grant continues. “The show is designed for people to get a taste of what it’s like to see him in concert. It’s not a theatrical show where you sit down and gently applause. Everyone who sees the show gets up and dance, as old as 70 and as young as five.”

The show’s prevalence with the youth is echoed in 13-year-old Tariq Wooding-Olajorin, who plays little MJ, belting hits from Jackson 5. Another young vocalist, 21-year-old Alex Buchanan, described his performance as, “Energetic, passionate and hard. It’s difficult to recreate MJ’s energy and natural presence. But if I did everything just like he did, it will be more of a tribute to MJ rather than sharing the respect and influence of what he did.

”Everyone on the production is a die-hard fan, gushing over his art. “He made dancing cool,” says choreographer Gary Llyod.

Vocalist John Moabi has been performing before the singer’s death, a passing that never really sank in for him. “I haven’t had the chance to be away from his music, it’s like he’s still alive for me. When I do finish the show, I’ll just break down!”

When asked about their most memorable tour, South Africa was Grant’s pick. “Seeing Black and White performing with black and white people next to each other, enjoying the music, was a great experience.”“

The loudest were the Germans,” adds Moabi. Let’s hope Singapore matches up.

Catch Thriller Live through May 15, The Grand Theater at Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Ave., 6688-8868. $90-170 from Sistic.

District 10
The Mother’s Day buffet brunch ($39) is eager to impress. For a mouthful of flavor, kick things off with their octopus salad with parsley and garlic, or some sautéed wild mushrooms with orange zest for a zing. For mains, try some beer-battered fish and chips. Dinner options include sea bass with mushroom rice or garlic chili chicken (also $39). As a bonus, moms dine free with a minimum of four people.

Forlino
Chef Mario Caramella and his team are all set to excite your senses with a four-course lunch ($68) and dinner ($98) menu. Whet your appetite with dishes such as black cod mousse with thyme and taggiasche olive powder, and panroasted halibut with samphire sauce. For dessert, white chocolate panna cotta with wild berries will likely impress your mom’s sweet tooth.

Jing
This restaurant certainly has a lot to offer the dim sum-loving caregiver. The brunch buffet ($48) offers tasty dishes like soft shell crab in salted egg yolk, black pepper beef cubes and steamed tofu with scallop in black bean sauce. Warm your stomach with braised fish maw with chicken and carrot, or indulge in the savory Peking duck. For an additional $18 per head, enjoy the chef’s recommendation—stewed Boston lobster noodle (half). #01-02/03 One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Rd., 6224-0088.

Kinki Restaurant + Bar
Sitting pretty on the Marina Bay Waterfront, the Japanese cuisine here is the product of top quality ingredients. For this special brunch, tuck into Momotaro tomato and baby spinach salad with ricotta ($15) before chowing down on some US prime short rib with wasabi potatoes ($28). Vanilla ice cream cake with Umeshu-poached pears ($13) should end the meal on a sweet note.

Min Jiang
Best known for its delectable dim sum and barbequed specialties, spoil mom with dishes such as smoked duck roulade with foie gras, crispy sea perch with mango sauce, braised shark’s fin soup with crabmeat and conpoy and sautéed fresh scallops with red chili. Their dim sum buffet is available from $42.80 (minimum two persons), while an eight-course dinner set starts at $82.80 (minimum three persons).

Stellar
The Mother’s Day brunch menu (from $125) is created in the style of the world’s most awe-inspiring hotels, but with a twist. Group executive chef Christopher Millar promises a spread which features the classic Waldorf salad accompanied by Kurobuta pork, spiced pecans and sliced green apples, Parma ham-wrapped Beef Wellington and mini Wagyu burgers with truffle butter.

The buzz: Popular power plate studio Croyez has expanded its range of classes into another outlet on Purvis Street and looks set to make this high frequency workout the next big thing.

The vibe: It’s not exactly a mega fitness center, what with it being half the size of a tennis court and with just one shower/toilet cubicle, but that’s exactly what we like about it. No fluff means work actually get done.

The goods: Croyez holds six to 12 (small) classes a day from Mondays to Saturdays, ranging from PowerZone (a basic conditioning class), PowerSculpt (great resistance training), PowerCardio, PowerStretch (who needs yoga?) and PowerBox (perfect for losing weight). With power ranging from 35 to 60 Hz, the power plate machine forces you to put in extra effort and pressure into your workout positions, making a simple 10-minute routine feel like it’s a half hour’s worth.

Why you’ll be back: Not many workout classes fulfill their promises, but the flood of registrations that have come in at Croyez prove that some things, like the formidable power plate, are worth a shot. The 10-minute “massage” at the end of each session is a great incentive too.

Register for a trial class for $18 at Croyez Studio, #02-01, 8 Purvis St., 6474-4140, www.croyezstudio.com. Open Mon-Fri 7am-10pm; Sat 9am-4pm.

If you love eggs but also don’t want to do without your daily dose of rice then you could do worse to head down to trendy Ekkamai community mall Park Lane. Set in a separate building, that follows the same faux Tuscan villa theme as the main mall, you’ll find Omu Japanese Omurice & Café. This achingly hip looking café is filled with beechwood floors and furniture (it look like it’s been lifted straight from an IKEA catalogue) and is flooded with light thanks to big windows and a soaring ceiling that includes an intriguing hanging wood sculpture. The food here is all about eggs, focusing as it does on the contemporary Japanese offering of omurice, which is fried rice wrapped inside a thin omelet and served with a choice of sauces. Still there are an impressive range of varieties to choose from including Omurice with Hamburger beef demi-glace sauce (B220), mushroom cream sauce (B160) or pork chop curry sauce (B180). If eggs really aren’t your obsession never fear, their café serves the usual choice of hot beverages and Japanese inspired desserts like the green tea cake roll (B80) or vanilla cake roll (B60).

Omu Japanese Omurice & Café. Park Lane, Sukhumvit Soi 61 (Ekkamai), 02-2382-0138, 08-3843-3456, Open Mon-Fri 11am-2pm, 5:30pm-9:30pm, Sat-Sun 11am-9.30pm; Café (cakes and drinks only) open daily 11am-10pm.

The buzz: This is the first Dr. Martens store in Southeast Asia to carry the widest Dr. Martens product offerings as well as limited edition designer collaborations.

The vibe: The industrial-inspired design is reflected throughout its 800 sq. ft. space, staying true to its original British roots with fixtures and fittings one can expect to find in its raw and industrial Northamptonshire, England factory. It has raw brick walls, warm wood flooring, an exposed ceiling and Edison-bulb lighting. Rare, archival photographs documenting the rich heritage of Dr. Martens and the youth movement are a displayed here while the classic Chesterfield sofa seats in distressed leather right smack in the middle of the store is reminiscent of Dr. Klaus Martens’ own 1940s podiatry office.

The goods: Rare items such as the latest collaboration with Sanrio and local designer Jonathan Seow, as well as the debut of the exclusive Dr. Martens Spring/Summer 11 mens and womenswear collections, featuring high quality wardrobe staples with detailing influenced by British work wear. The Spring/ Summer collection is priced at $99 upwards for a T-shirt and $209 upwards for a sweatshirt cardigan. Also keep a look out for the limited edition satchel bags ($399), with only 300 pieces available in the world.

Why you’ll be back: Because quality workwear and well-made boots never go out of style.

#02-178 Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Rd., 6737-6278. Open daily 11am-9pm.

Hands up if you have no clue where Yong Siak Street is. No, not to be confused with Keong Siak Road in Chinatown. It’s Yong Siak Street in Tiong Bahru, where trendy indie boookstore BooksActually has moved to since March—marking this its third move in five years: From culture-rich Telok Ayer Street to Ann Siang Hill, then followed by Club Street; it has now settled in this nondescript little suburb.

Why here? “We love its kampong-y feel. When we were at Club Street, there was no time to slow down. The restaurants and bars there get very rowdy,” says owner Kenny Leck. The move wasn’t just so they could bring out their bikes and cycle, as they do now. It came down to finding somewhere cheaper and bigger.

Most things remain the same despite the move. They still keep it personal, from their home collection of typewriters to their very own BooksActually sanitary disposal bags. It’s still a reflection of their tastes— consisting of Ilford cameras ($280 upwards), vintage world maps ($15 each) and Coca-Cola collectibles ($20 upwards).

“We’re different from just any retail store—this space reflects our lives. People feel like they’re stepping into someone else’s home,” says Karen Wai. And people keep coming in—young or old or wherever they’re from, everyone’s welcome. “We don’t subscribe to the business idea of having a target audience. Everybody loves a good read; it doesn’t matter where you’re from,” Leck adds.

Even Singaporeans? “A lot of people complain that Singaporeans don’t read books. But there has always been an abundance of secondhand bookshops since the 60s—they’re just tucked away. Our reading culture might not be so recognized as in London or France, where you see people reading on trains and buses,” he says. “You see it here at home, online— where people quote from books we never thought they’d be reading,” Wai quips.

They choose their books simply—by bringing in non-bestsellers from bestselling authors such as George Orwell’s Down and Out in Paris and London ($26.50), and favorites from well-known authors such as Raymond Carver’s What We Talk About When We Talk About Love ($20.50), which inspired Haruki Murakami. “We still stock books you can’t get at major bookstores,” says Leck. “The books might not have any proven sales record, but it’s what we like.”

No proven sales record and no niche market—that’s ballsy indeed. They’ve been thriving, from an 800 sq. ft. shophouse five years ago, they’ve since expanded into the stationery line Birds & Co., with outlets in Cathay Cineleisure and Tangs, the latter a month old.

BooksActually could very well be your golden ticket to greatness. Believing there’s a lot of undiscovered talent out there, they plan to be the publishing platform for young writers. Their Ceriph project is one such space, and through this, there are already plans to introduce works from these up-and-comers to retailers worldwide.

Moving has been absolutely taxing and the duo plans to stay put at their latest store. Right now, Tiong Bahru doesn’t look too bad a place to grow roots at all—just around the corner is the coffee shop that Eric Khoo’s Mee Pok Man was filmed at, which thrills newcomers.

BooksActually is currently located at 9 Yong Siak St., 6222-9195. Open Mon 11am-6pm, Tue-Fri 11am-9pm, Sat 10am-9pm, Sun 10am-6pm.

Minimalism And Fashion by Elyssa Dimant

What it’s about: Bulky and intimidating, this solid volume touches on the influence of minimalist art and architecture in fashion. Splendid creations by prominent figures like Rei Kawakubo (Comme des Garçons), Helmut Lang and Madeleine Vionnet (just to name a few) also make appearances in the book.
Highlights: This heavy hard‑cover will leave you marveling over breathtaking photographs in its pages.
For: Photography aficionados and art enthusiasts with that fashionable slant.
Price: $124.45

The Tote Bag by Jitesh Patel

What it’s about: This one’s a feast for the eyes. Every single page is delightfully jam‑packed with eye‑catching tote bag design illustrations submitted by artists worldwide to Jitesh Patel’s “Tote Prints” blog.
Highlights: The intriguing backgrounds of the artists are mentioned in small columns beside their designs. Also, this book comes with an adorable tote bag (what else?).
For: Tote bag fanatics (obviously) and those with an eye for graphic design.
Price: $44.95

The Poetry of Fashion Design by Paz Diman

What it’s about: Look behind the lackluster cover and you will discover that this book is quite the bible for some of the most cutting‑age designers now, including Maison Martin Margiela and Ksubi. These are up‑and‑coming names you ought to acquaint yourself with.
Highlights: The good‑looking images used coupled with straight‑to‑the‑point text makes for a pleasurable and unfussy read.
For: Anyone who wants to be in the loop on the latest in fashion and skill up on fashion talk.
Price: $66.35

Style Diaries by Simon Werle

What it’s about: Fashion bloggers are on the rise and they now have a say in the sartorial world. Style Diaries engages some of the best bloggers in the scene with bangin’ style and puts them in print.
Highlights: Apart from pictures of outfits, the bloggers reveal interesting random facts as an introduction of themselves.
For: Fans of fashion bloggers who can’t get enough of their cyber-idols.
Price: $39.70

All books are sold at Page One, #02‑41/42 VivoCity, 1 Harbourfront Walk, 6272‑0822. Also try venues like Kinokuniya, #03-09/10/15 Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Rd., 6737-5021 and Borders, #01-00 Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Rd., 6235-7146.

Clubbing and DJ gigs aren’t the only happening things going on during weekend nights, contrary to what a lot of nightlife coverage seems to imply. More quality beer haunts, new open mics and being able to bring your own food to a wine bar are just a few of the 20 cool alternatives open till late that you can go for.

1. GAMING HIGHS

Forget LAN gaming centers—here are places you can indulge in console games while getting sloshed at the same time. Over at K Suites (pictured above), it isn’t just about karaoke, as you’ve got a choice of both Sony PS3 and Nintendo Wii games. On a more sober note, The Hangout, which began as a board game café on Prinsep Street in 2009, has now morphed into the two‑branch Play Nation (the second one just opened a month ago at *SCAPE) with more than 100 Nintendo Wii, Xbox 360 and Xbox Kinect games to chose from on top of over 200 board games. While alcohol isn't served at either outlet, an exception can be made when you organize corporate events (both venues have themed VIP rooms), as the establishment can apply for a temporary liquor license in such cases.

K Suites:
#03‑20 Iluma, 201 Victoria St., 6243‑3113
#02‑01 Orchard Parade Hotel, 1 Tanglin Rd., 6354‑3113
Both outlets open Mon‑Fri 11‑3am; Sat‑Sun 11am‑4am

Play Nation:
#01‑01, 64 Prinsep St., 6336‑9578
#03‑01 *SCAPE, 2 Orchard Link, 6634‑3065
Both outlets open Sun‑Thu 1‑10:30pm; Fri‑Sat 1pm‑3am

2. TAKE PART IN A DRUNKEN GAME SHOW

You don’t have to have your wits about you for the Retrospect Wednesday game at The Boiler Room at St. James Power Station, which happens every week from 11:30pm. Flip open matching letters to win, and find The Boiler Room logos to advance to the bonus round as the flamboyant and bitchy host comedian Gino gets the night rolling. For a chance to join, drop your name card at the door. That also gives you a chance to win up to $1,500 in cash vouchers and other prizes in their fortnightly lucky draws. Ladies get in free as Wednesdays are Ladies Nights, plus five free drinks after 11pm; for the lads, entry is free before 9pm, after which a $12 cover charge, inclusive of one drink, applies.

3. BYOF(OOD)

This is a place with such quiet charm that you’d want to keep it to yourself and your close circle of friends, but that just wouldn’t be wise to us. At the six‑month‑old East Coast branch of The Straits Wine Company (180 East Coast Road, 6344‑1973. Open Sun‑Thu noon‑11pm; Fri noon‑midnight; Sat 10am‑midnight), there is an understated, cozy dining area above their wine cellar where you can bring your own food, any food, at no extra cost. With so many dining options around the area, this really is a good deal. Cheap eats to a selection of affordable quality wines from around the world such as Australia, New Zealand, France, Italy and Spain—that is a truly unique concept. Wine appreciation classes are held here too; so ring up the folks at this joint to find out more. 

4. HAVE A BALL OF A DANCE AND CHILL

At about 7,000 sq. ft., Le Danz (#03‑045 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Blvd., 68361941. Open daily 2pm‑1am) claims to be the largest ballroom dance club in this country. Put on your dancing shoes and go back to the 50s with a modern twist, to sounds of rumba, cha cha, waltz, tango, foxtrot, quickstep, salsa, samba, swing, paso doble and jive (phew!). Chill out at the classy neon‑lit bar, or play pool and darts. Ballroom and Latin dance classes with experienced instructors are also available—the venue is equipped with full‑length mirrors for that purpose. You can hold events here too.

5. TIPPLE UP IN STYLE

Set in lush greenery right by Dempsy Hill and known for its fine food‑and‑cocktail pairing menus, Tippling Club launched its new‑look Tippling Terrace, an outdoor venue with a stylish bespoke bar, a couple of months back. With a new drinks and snacks menu, and cocktails made using premium spirits like Ron Zacapa rum, Singleton 12‑year whiskey, Tanqueray No. 10 gin, Don Julio tequila and Ketel One vodka, this is the place to be for some quality kick‑back time.

6. NEW MICROBREWERIES AND BEER HAUNTS

So it would seem our protests for more decent beer choices apart from the usual tepid mainstream ones have been heard. Since January this year, microbrewery LeVel33 and Jibiru Japanese Craft Beer Bar opened shop, spoiling us with choice brews such as LeVel33’s 33.1 blond lager and Jibiru’s Kinschachi Nagoya red miso lager. Tawandang Microbrewery has opened a new outlet in the more accessible Suntec City in April, and AdstraGold Microbrewery, which offers 10 international beers on top of its own brews, has moved to bigger and better premises on East Coast Road.

7. GRAB A COCKTAIL

Whether it’s because the showmanship behind mixing a cocktail enamors you, or because you want the high without the burn and bitterness associated with the spirits that bring it, the art of cocktail making is carving its mark here. The men behind Néktar (opened in December last year) and Drink Culture (just a month old) are proud and passionate about their craft, and tipple‑wise, you'll find next to nothing but finely‑concocted cocktails at these places. We especially love the bitter chocolate martini at Néktar, and we guarantee the White Russian prepared for you at Drink Culture—layered and flambéed—will be unlike any other White Russians out there. We recommend you sit at the bar, as the master mixologists are only too happy to impress you with a display of their skills.

8. GET SPIRITED AWAY

We’re not talking about the spooky, paranormal kind; it’s liquid, rather. La Maison du Whisky has expanded from a mere retail outlet to a proper bar at the start of this year, offering a litany of liquors sourced globally. Designed like an old‑fashioned cigar lounge, the $15 cover charge comes with a complimentary plate of cold cuts and cheese, and a free-flow of Acqua Panna and San Pellegrino water. The bar also holds regular tasting sessions so you can come away from the bar with a better idea of how to appreciate whisky and other spirits. Buyan Russian Haute Cuisine & Caviar Bar joined the Duxton Hill area in March, lowering the area’s sleaze factor a notch, or two, what with the two shophouses it occupies. A vodka and caviar bar (serving over 50 premium vodkas in flavors such as cloudberry, chili and cherry), restaurant and private dining room reside within its premises.

9. CROON YOUR STUFF

We've banged on about how awesome we think the book café/arts house The Pigeonhole is in our Mar 18 issue. And now, it’s got a new fortnightly Tuesday open mic going on—finally, another outlet for budding musicians to show off their craft. With the first two just in April, the next dates to look out for this month are May 10 and May 24, 8pm till late. Visit the website www.thepigeonhole.com.sg for more avant garde events happening every month, such as Singapore’s first ever Super Happy Dev House on May 14, an all‑night “hackfest” and party with beer, food, fun projects and lightning talks, all celebrating the cool geek.

10. A DIFFERENT TYPE OF OPEN MIC

If the standard guitar‑bass‑drums‑vocals gig isn’t your thing, here’s an alternative open mic session you can join in. Over at Blu Jaz, a monthly Thursday African Djembe drumming open mic event with Lila Drums opened two months back, with the third session happening on May 19, 9pm. Listening to exotic African beats in a cozy, laidback environment certainly sounds like an attractive after work chill out option to us. To find out how you can take part in this drumming open mic, contact artistic director Kelvin Kew at [email protected] or 6334‑1430.

11. MAKE LIKE A TIPSY FISHERMAN

Just try not to fall into the pond. Go night‑fishing at Pasir Ris Town Park (Pasir Ris Town Park, 94 Pasir Ris Central, 6582‑1821), a 24‑hour fishing spot with several ponds, and a 24‑hour beer garden. The main pond is arguably the largest fishing pond in Singapore. The good people at Fisher’s Tavern Restaurant, who run the whole joint, can cook your catch from 2:30‑11:30pm, and you can barbeque the prawns you catch for free—barbeque pits, charcoal and firestarters are all provided. The restaurant also airs live BPL and Champions League soccer matches and F1 races; with that rustic, alfresco feel, this is an ideal place to catch a match over beers and fresh seafood.

12. FREE FOOD AT CLASSY BARS

We won’t say no to that. The nice folks at Loof offer free satay on Mondays from 6pm until stocks run out. At CM‑PB, pay $5 and you’ll get a free flow of cereal all day (it’s totally free for children aged three and below). You’ll also get complimentary soup of the night every night just before closing.

13. SAY HELLO TO THE GREEN FAIRY

Thumbs up on the OB Index for this one, we guess. Banned until recently, absinthe has finally made it here in a loud, proud way, at the half‑a‑year‑old Se7en1nch. If you’re bored with the spirits other watering holes here offer, this bar specializes in something that’ll give you an even more altered state of mind: Absinthe cocktails, which you’ll trip on to old school tunes from the likes of Nine Inch Nails, Pink Floyd and Led Zeppelin.

14. LATE NIGHT HAPPY HOURS

Goodbye happy hours that end ridiculously early. Not all of us leave the office on time for the last happy hour pint at 9pm, and not all you ladies have time for ladies’ nights on Wednesdays. Some big‑name joints seem to have cottoned on to that and are changing their game. So take note of the following: At Loof, martinis go at 40 percent off from 8:30pm every Tuesday; Brewerkz offers discounted home‑brewed beers after 11pm daily; Five Izakaya has $5 specials on Asahi Draught, red and white wines, sake, shochu, Choya and all house pour spirits; SOUL spoils patrons with free flow vodka 11pm‑1am Thursdays; Helipad’s ladies’ night happens every Saturday—free entry all night.

15. NEW CINEMAS

If films have to be subject to mind-boggling snips from the scissor-happy Singapore Board of Film Censors (does anyone notice a trend in the cuts that violence seems more acceptable than sex?), we suppose the least cinema operators can do is make the movie-watching experience in theaters a more enjoyable one.

We’re really looking forward to Shaw Lido’s (5/F-6/F Shaw House, 350 Orchard Rd., 6738-0555) reopening this month with a digital Imax theater system. And theater halls we trust have seats with much more leg room; at least one of the theaters in its old premises had seating that was so cramped, we wondered if it was built exclusively for midgets. Its Jurong cineplex is scheduled to open at JCube mall early next year. Shaw is also taking the high-end cinema-going experience away from the city center, with Premiere Screen halls now at nex mall in Serangoon.

On that heartland high-end note, Golden Village (Head office: #B1-10 Plaza Singapura, 68 Orchard Rd., 6311-9162, www.gv.com.sg) will open GV Katong this December, with six digital screens and two Gold Class halls. It is now finalizing plans with Perennial Partners to redevelop the Capitol Theatre in 2014.

Cathay unveiled its Platinum Movie Suites at The Cathay Cineplex (5-6/F The Cathay, 2 Handy Rd., 6235-1155) last month, and we can expect a 10-screen multiplex from it in Jurong in 2013.

Closed for over a month for a $3.5 million makeover, Eng Wah Suntec (#03-051 Suntec City Mall, 3 Temasek Blvd., 6836-9074) officially reopened in April with halls with more legroom and seats imported from Europe. Clementi folk can look forward to a $10 million cineplex from Eng Wah in 2013.

16. PRETEND YOU’RE JUMPING FROM A MILE HIGH

Never mind that our little red dot is studded with way too many concrete obstructions, making a clear landing spot near-impossible to create. The good folk at iFly Singapore (43 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa, 6325-4606) have gotten around this by building the world’s largest indoor skydiving wind tunnel, which opened its doors just last month. Now those of you aged three- to 106-years-old, whether you’re a novice or professional, will get to experience that free-falling adrenaline rush. While official opening hours have yet to be confirmed at press time, we’ve been told that night-flying will be available.

17. PARTY IN A THAI DISCO

It’s called Naughty Girl (#02-46 Orchard Towers, 400 Orchard Rd., Open Sun-Thu 8pm-6am; Fri-Sat 8pm-7am), on one of the Four Floors of Whores (Orchard Towers, if you didn’t know already). But contrary to its seedy-sounding name and the fact that there are bar top dancers, it actually hosts a decent house band that dishes out well-done rock ‘n’ roll and metal covers (including Iron Maiden songs) and takes requests, and the clientele is arguably far from shady—it includes curious university students and people who are just there for the band. Certainly a stand-out from its seedier neighbors. Another established Thai disco worth checking out is the aptly named Thai Disco (#01-97/98, #02-85/92 Golden Mile Complex, 5001 Beach Rd., 6299-5698/ 6295-1611. Open Mon-Fri 8pm-3am; Sat, Eve of PH 8pm-4am; Sun, PH 8pm-3am), which offers live soccer screenings, Internet kiosks game machines and a pool table on top of quality resident Djs, over two floors in Golden Mile Complex.

18. FREE-IMPROVISATION JAMMING SESSIONS

This is not exactly an open mic. Rather, it’s a hodgepodge of musicians of different genres, who get together for an un-rehearsed jamming session, improvising on the spot to create genre-bending tunes. If you think you’ve got what it takes, Playfreely happening at Black Box (Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Rd., 6342-5790) offers you the chance to show off your stuff. Or just go watch the bands play with an open mind. Playfreely held its first session in April with five more dates coming up. True to its underground roots, you’ll need to email [email protected] to find out when the next dates are.

19. UNDERGROUND BEATBOXING LESSONS

Learn the art of making music with just your mouth and throat, with the man who’s chosen to make beatboxing his full time gig—the only one we’ve come across in Singapore so far. Word on the street is, he’s dope. Every week on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, Dharni conducts beatboxing lessons, either at *SCAPE (3/F-4/F 2 Orchard Link) or at the E-Tracx DJ School (411A Jln. Besar, 6224-4600. $30 for two hours.) Get on his Facebook fan page http://on.fb.me/dharning and drop him a message to ask for details on his lessons.

20. IT’S MORE THAN JUST BOOKS, ACTUALLY

It’s moved three times in five years, but it looks like this hip indie bookstore BooksActually (9 Yong Siak St., 6222-9195. Open Mon-Fri 11am-9pm; Sat 10am-9pm; Sun 10am-6pm) will finally lock its roots down in Tiong Bahru, where it relocated to just two months ago. They hold a diverse range of events regularly, such as the Well Informed Wednesday, which hosts poetry and writing workshops, conducted by experienced facilitators, for all you aspiring scribes. The next dates to look out for such writing classes are Jun 15 and Jun 29 (both at 7:30pm), with poet and performer Miriam Nash. Check the website www.booksactually.com, blog http://hellobooksactually.blogspot.com, or join BooksActually’s Facebook group for regular updates.