Achieving peace of mind is no easy task. Much more of a journey than a destination, it involves your entire lifestyle: from the food you eat and the way you think to the friends you choose and manner in which you interact with the world. And no matter how you hope to achieve it, a key element for anyone who desires peace of mind is some form of physical exercise.

But which physical exercise to choose? The correct answer to this, undoubtedly, is whichever one you enjoy the most. Lifting weights, jogging or playing sports have their place in the life of many. What makes disciplines like yoga, Pilates and tai chi different from athletics is that they involve not only the body but, simultaneously, the mind. By coordinating movement with a meditative mental state and regulated intake of breath, participants can yield an incredibly satisfying workout, a toned body and a calm, controlled state of mind. To a lesser extent, massage (especially Thai massaage) can offer some of the same benefits as these practices, though at a less strenuous intensity.

From the East to the World

From its obscure, ancient Asian origins, yoga has evolved to become a full fleged, multi-billion dollar industry. Over the past 30 years, yoga has spread from being a uniquely Eastern phenomenon to a chic yet undeniably effective practice in the West. (Its popularity in the region will be confirmed on June 1 in Hong Kong, where the Evolution: Asia Yoga Conference will gather some of the world’s biggest commerical successes in yoga in one place.)

Bored of the Treadmill?

As many yogis will testify, regular practice not only transforms the body, but can also have a marked effect on the practictioner’s life, creating a natural inclination for a healthier lifestyle that goes beyond just exercise. The only way to see if it works for you is to give it a try.

As with any yoga class, the quality of the experience is largely determined by the quality of the teacher, how they communicate, and how you relate to that person. This is especially true for beginners. A teacher can be the difference between bliss and sweaty frustration.

Yoga Resources

Here are a few of the many places in town to get stretchy. (In addition to these yoga studios, classes are offered by multiple gyms in town—at California Wow and the Capitol Club, for example.)

Absolute Yoga Bangkok
Studio 1, 4/F Amarin Plaza, Ploenchit Rd., 02-252-4400. BTS Chit Lom. www.absoluteyogabangkok.com
With branches throughout Bangkok, Samui and Pattaya, Absolute Yoga is one of the most expansive yoga franchises in Thailand. They teach an extensive range of yoga types as well as Pilates. Discounts available for first time students.

Dance Centre
53/3 Sukhumvit Soi 33, Klongton, 02-259-8861. BTS Phrom Phong. www.dance-centre.com
The Dance Centre is a school for performing arts, teaching ballet, kung fu, tai chi and Aikido in addition to yoga. Their yoga course incorporates Hatha, Raja, Jnani and Bakti disciplines.

Iyengar Yoga Studio
3/F Fiftyfifth Plaza, 90 Thonglor, 02-714-9924. BTS Thonglor. www.iyengar-yoga-bangkok.com
Opened in 1999 by former runner Justin Herold, this studio is the first accredited center in Thailand for Iyengar Yoga.

Kundalini Yoga
www.kundaliniyogathailand.org
Yogi Bhajan, who popularized this form of yoga in the 1970s, proclaimed it so effective that one year of doing Kundalini Yoga is equal to doing 22 years of any other type. Supposedly, this is because the discipline works the glandular and nervous systems, focusing on the breathing exercises and meditation more than poses to break through emotional blocks. There is no central studio for Kundilini Yoga in Bangkok, but several teachers live here and offer classes and workshops at differing schedules and places. Visit the website above or call these teachers for more info. The first class with Susan is free.

Susan Adler Shaw
Soi Manee’s Yoga Center, Soi Jim Thompson, 089-212-1782, BTS Siam, [email protected]

Pieter
Suite 38B, Wattana Heights, 143/55 Sukhumvit Soi 19, 02-661-6597, 081-987-1435. BTS Asok.

Sheila Rank
Soi Ruam Rudee, 081-341-6418. BTS Ploenchit. [email protected]

Natural Care Therapies Research and Training
28/1 Sukhumvit Soi 36, 085-108-6401
Bita Sethi runs yoga classes at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. She also runs a pranayama workshop, and a Therapeutic Yoga course—a one-on-one session taking into consideration the personal needs of the attendee. 

Prana Yoga
117 Thonglor Soi 10, Wattana, 02-391-6487. BTS Thonglor. www.pranabangkokyoga.com
Prana Yoga is a petite studio located within the Sareerarom Spa. They teach “Power Vinyasa” yoga, which promises to leave you uplifted and energized after class, no matter what your level of practice. New students can get three classes for just B900.

Y-Fit
113/6 Thonglor, Wattana, 02-712-6111-2. BTS Thonglor. www.sunyfitwellness.com
This small studio offers a variety of classes primarily for women. Included in their roster are hot yoga, Vinyasa classes for beginner and intermediate practitioners, pre- and post-natal classes, and yoga for kids.

Yoga Elements Studio
23/F, Vanissa Building, 29 Soi Chitlom, 02-655-5671, BTS Chit Lom. www.yogaelements.com
Professional studio that teaches Ashtanga Vinyasa classes with approachable teachers, great ambience, and a friendly community. Classes are taught at various levels with easy-to-understand explanation. Hot yoga available on Thursday nights. They also host special events including visiting teacher workshops, related film screenings, discussions, and more. Yin Yoga teacher training with Victor Chng takes place May 27-29. Check web for info.

Yogasutra
32/F, Sathorn Nakorn Tower, 100/70 North Sathorn Rd., Silom, Bangrak, 02-636-6758-9, www.yogasutrathai.com
This studio teaches a combination of Hatha, Ashtanga and Sivanandha yoga, with emphasis on strength, flexibility and stamina. They also have Gentle Yoga classes, for beginners and more frail members of the community.

Pilates Resources

“In 10 sessions you will feel the difference, in 20 sessions you will see the difference, in 30 sessions you will have a whole new body…”

These are the words of Joseph Pilates, speaking of a practice he developed called Contrology, which would later more popularly take his last name. In his youth, he suffered from asthma, rickets, and rheumatic fever. On account of this, he devoted his life to the invention of a practice that alleviated the effects of his physical weakness and improved his strength by focusing on the core muscles that keep the body balanced. It is especially good for women as it targets areas that tend to be weak: abs, lower back, and butt.

Pilates consists of a low repition of highly controlled movements which enage the both the body and the mind. There are generally two types of courses: mat and equipment. Equipment uses a special machine (the Reformer) which Joseph Pilates developed, which is spring resistant in both directions of motion, and it a good program for rehabilitation. The Reformer creates strong but longer, less bulky muscles—one of the reasons Pilates has found favor in the professional dance community. Mat classes don’t use a machine, but do utilize elastic bands, fit balls, and weights.

The Pilatestudio
888/58-59 Mahatun Plaza, Ploenchit, 02-650-7797. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-8:30pm, Sat-Sun 9:45-12:15am
The Pilatestudio is a versitile and modern studio offering mat and equipment classes, as well as pre- and post-natal sessions, Gyrotonics and Shiatsu massage. Caters to all levels, beginners to advanced, men and women.

Style Pilates Studio Bangkok
Vaneechapark (Jareemart Apartment), 39/9 Soi Lang Suan, Ploenchit. 089-521-2616 www.style-pilates.com
Pilates taught by a cured osteoparosis sufferer in a studio fully equipped for classes and workshops. Both mat and equipment classes taught here. Free introductory session.

Studio 31 Pilates & Dance Studio
289/2 Sukhumvit 31; Tel. 02 662 1833, 084 070 4060; www.pilatesanddancestudio.com
Mat and equipment classes available, with special sessions designed especially for men, and others for pregnant women. For kids—ballet, jazz and hip hop dance classes are available. Yoga for adults and children also on offer.

Tai Chi Resources

Tai Chi is a soft style martial art, where the goal is to achieve relaxed muscles and reach the best possible health through controlled breathing and “skeleton mechanics.” Its been described as “moving meditation” and the slow, repeated motion between different poses (or forms) helps increase balance and flexibility, promotes good posture, encourages blood flow, and boosts the immune system. Tai Chi also aids in lessening the effects of stress, anxiety and depression on the body by promoting inner calm. You can always go to the park and just follow along, but if you want to actually know what you’re doing, check these out.

Chen Tai Chi Thailand
4/F Piyavan Tower, 1199 Phahon- yothin Rd., 086-014-4050. BTS Ari. www.chentaichithailand.com
This is the first school in Thailand to teach Chen Tai Chi, a style which uses the skeleton to lead the body. It begins with a special Chen style warm up which refreshes the joints and relaxes the muscles. They also teach how correct breathing can help to still the mind in conjunction with the body movements. This month they also are beginning the Bad Back Club—a program that concentrates on aiding those with weak or damaged backs.

Kru Suthee Panthong
Near the bridge going onto the little island in Lumpini Park
Kru Suthee teaches Tai Chi Mon-Sat from 5:30pm onwards. Two consecutive classes each weekday. It’s free, so drop by and check it out.

Changchuntang Club
www.thaitaiji.com
Learn Yang sytle Tai Chi with the Changchuntang Club. Can be performed slow and deliberately or with great energy. They also teach various sword and blade work.

Holistic Centers

If you’re not sure where to head first, maybe this is the best option for you. More than just gyms and not quite spas, these centers provide exercise resources, therapy, counseling, detox programs and more.

Balavi Natural Health Center
191/3 Soi Ranong1, Rama 6 Rd., Samsennai, Phyathai, 02-615-8822. Open Mon-Fri 8:30am-8pm, Sat-Sun 8:30am-5pm. www.balavi.com
The center offers natural healing processes such as acupuncture, herbal medicines, crystal healing, hydro-aerobics, hydrotherapy, yoga, qigong and more. A 40-minute hydrotherapy course is B1,800.

Chirofit
8/F, Home Place Bldg., Soi Thonglor 13, 02-712-7383/-6. www.chirofitbangkok.com
An “integrated fitness center,” Chirofit covers it all with a team of medical experts on staff. Prior to your first workout, you are given a full physical examination including a fit test and posture analysis. They then prescribe an exercise regiment that you can carry out in their fully-equipped gym. In addition to cardio workouts, they also have yoga and Pilates classes on offer and a skin and beauty clinic.

The Core
31/1 Sukhumvit Soi 53, Wattana, 02-6626662, www.thecore.co.th
This wellness center is completely devoted to family fitness. Though Pilates are the main thrust for adults, it also has activities for kids (drama, yoga, tae kwon do) and a safe, educational atmosphere for babies. Fit ball, yoga, dance and discussions are also available for women and mothers-to-be.

Rasayna Retreat
57 Soi Prom-mitr, Sukhumvit Soi 39, 02-662-4803/-5. Open daily 9am-9:30pm. www.rasayanaretreat.com
This center offers detox and cleansing programs in a ranbow of shades: holistic workouts, yoga, Pilates, colonic hydrotherapy, a raw food café, consultations, naturopathy and more.

Tria Integrative Wellness
998 Rimklongsamsen Rd., 02-625-6699. www.triaintegrativewellness.com
Opening this month, Tria is a holistic health center that offers a variety of programs to serve the balance of your mind and body. There are different workouts available, including Pilates, body stretching, and yoga; as well as pampering menus which include acupuncture, massage, body wraps, and colonic hydrotherapy.

Super Spas

Alternatively, have the experts take over entirely at one of these first class spas.

HydroHealth
494 Erawan Bangkok, 4/F, Ploenchit Rd., Pathumwan, 02-250-7800. Open daily 10am-8pm, BTS Chit Lom. www.hydrohealth.co.th
Professional colonic hydrotherapy center from Hong Kong with well-trained and certified practitioners. Infrared sauna and health products are also available.

S Medical Spa
2/2 Bhakdi Bldg., Wireless Rd., 02-253-1010. Open daily 10am-8pm. BTS Ploenchit. www.smedspa.com
Staff includes certified physicians, dermatologists, gynecologists, psychiatrists and other specialists. You can have a health check by the professionals, hydrotherapy, massage, rejuvenation treatment, carboxy therapy and other services, including beauty and relaxing services.

St. Carlos Medical Spa
5/84 Moo 2, Tiwanon Rd., Pathumthani, 02-975-6700, www.stcarlos.com. Open daily 7am-9pm
You can spend one day or one week at this spa with its prime spa facilities. Here you will be helped to kill insomnia, receive special jet lag massage, phyto-aromatherapy, hydrocolonic work, laser acupuncture, pressure therapy, and oxygen therapy to give you physical and mental strength.

Yanhee Hospital
454 Charunsanitwong 90, Bangplad, 02-879-0300, www.yanhee.co.th. Open 24/7
Even though the hospital is famous for plastic surgery, they have treatments for inner beauty as well, and for affordable prices, too. Its colon detox is just B800, acupuncture is B600-700, and traditional massage is B150-175 per hour.

Spa Ten
10/F, Siam@Siam Design Hotel and Spa, 02-217-3000, www.siamatsiam.com
This spa focuses on ten treatments; Thai Massage, Thai Herbal Massage, Thai Acupressure Massage, Medicated Oil Massage, Thai Scrub, Thai Body Wrap, Thai Facial and Thai Foot Massage. Its signature treatment, Sip Massage (B1,000/60 minute), can be customized to your needs. Thai Acupressure Massage uses pressure to relieve pain to certain meridein points of the body.

Yoga Vocab

Yoga terminology is a bit confusing at first, but here’s all you really need to know.

Asanas—The actual physical postures or exercises.

Ashtanga Yoga—Form of yoga taught by K. Pattabhi Jois. Physically demanding, Ashtanga is a flowing series of specific postures that are great for building strength and flexibility.

Bikram Yoga—The original form of “hot yoga,” Bikram was named after its founder, Bikram Choudhury, who practiced a series of 26 asanas in a heated room.

Hatha Yoga—When most people talk about yoga today (outside of India), they are referring to Hatha Yoga, which comprises the physical postures (asanas), breathing exercises (pranayama), and meditation. Other than Hatha Yoga, though, there are other forms, such as the Yoga of Devotion (Bhakti), the Yoga of Rituals (Tantra), Yoga of Service (Karma) and others.

Hot Yoga—Any yoga that is performed in a heated room. This is done for two main reasons:
1. the body is more flexible at a higher temperature, therefore you can bend deeper into poses if you are hot.
2. the higher temperature brings on a higher intensity, more sweat, therefore cleansing the body…and soaking your mat. Mmm, sexy.

Kundilini Yoga—The emphasis in this type of yoga is on chanting, breathing and meditation more than on poses. Popularized by Yogi Bajan, the goal is to awaken the kundilini, an untapped source of power that rests at the base of your spine. Once awakened, the kundilini is heralded to bring on spiritual transformation.

Pranayama—Set of breathing techniques aimed at clearing energy channels and strengthening the inner lifeforce.

Iyengar Yoga—Style taught by B.K.S. Iyengar. It’s noted for focus of attention to detail and precise alignment of postures. Iyengar also popularized the use of blocks and belts in the practice.

Vinyasa Yoga—Style of yoga that flows from one pose to another with synchronized breaths. Similar to Ashtanga but less rigid in its sequence of poses.

One of the first proper commercial spaces in Bangkok, Sampheng was built when King Rama I gave permission to the Chinese to move from the Ta Tien area to Klong Wat Sam Pleum and Klong Wat Sampheng. Sampheng then became the biggest inland market in Phranakorn, and even now a huge variety of products is available there, bringing crowds to the venue every day.

Sampheng is known for quality goods at wholesale rates, which makes it worth suffering through sois in 35˚ heat. But don’t opt for A-grade diamonds or high-class jewelry: this is more a place for side-street shoppers. Half of the shops sell accessories, shoes, and bags; the other half sell groceries and fabrics. Wander among swarms of people on the road, and you’ll find countless stalls showing a startling variety of wares.

Surrounded by endless stalls of mobile masks and accessories there lies a little key chain stall (08-1373-1640. Open Tue-Sun 8am-7pm) on the footpath near Soi Palittaphon selling cute leather key fobs for only B25 (B90 for six pieces).

Walk about 100 meters further on and you will see a small alley within which you’ll be surprised to discover such an array of air-conditioned shops and plazas hiding in a space this tiny. Poo Priaw (Block A-30, Sam Peng Grand Plaza Bldg., 08-1566-1640. Open daily 8am-5:30pm) has different styles of earrings on offer at B120 for 12 pairs. Pachara Universal (1/F, Aim Chit Plaza, 290 Vanich Rd., 02-688-9288, 08-6988-8198. Open daily 7:30am-6pm) sells cartoon character slippers for B80, though you do have to buy at least three pairs. Deeper inside the alley are hundreds of fake bags and shoes, cheap necklaces, stationery and plastic bags. Buy very hip necklaces from Soyes (313 Soi Vanit 1, Ratchawong Rd., 08-5247-8489, 08-1815-4291. Open daily 8am-6pm): decorated with stones and ribbons, they go smoothly with smart designer clothes.

If you feel like revisiting your childhood, visit Thanapan Plastic in the middle of the soi (near Bangkok Bank Sampheng branch, 02-221-0466, 02-224-2284. Open daily 6am-6pm). This stall is covered with toys: model cars, plastic guns, monopoly sets, plastic cell phones, yoyos, fake Legos, balloons and all that fun kids’ stuff.

If your zigzagging to avoid trolleys, and people, and motorbikes (yes, they somehow make it into the narrow alleys) has left you in need of refreshment, you can grab a bottle of water at any of the nearby stalls. For sustinence, just cross the street you can feast on giant spring rolls (08-3822-9049. Open Tue-Sun 8am-7pm) for B20-30 per box. Look for the little old lady with her trolley opposite Kikuya; she’s been selling them for 32 years and claims her recipe is unrivalled.

If you still want to see more, try the soi opposite Kikuya where there are plenty more stalls. It’s a shortcut to Pahurat, and the products on sale (in addition to stuff you’ll find on the other side of the street) include wedding cards, wedding souvenirs, fabrics, buttons, and sewing equipment. Finally, for guys who want to impress their girlfriends (or gigs) on a low budget, don’t leave Sampheng without dropping by Tukkata (303 Soi Vanich 1, 02-622-5130/1. Open daily 6am-5pm). Here you can buy fluffy dolls from B25 to B1,500, depending on the size. And if you don’t like the idea of getting sweaty in Sampheng, order online at www.tukkata.com.

How to get there

Bus No: 1, 4, 25, 40, 85, 204, 172, 529
Express boat from Ratchawong pier
Ferry from Din Daeng pier

Quick Cure

Too busy for a proper long spa escape? Visit Relax One Hour (173/1-2 Surawong Rd., 02-634-9500), where you can quickly unwind before heading back to your PC monitor, without the need for a change of clothes or a shower. Designed for the time-short urbanite, the shortest treatment (manicure) takes only 20 minutes (B300) while the longest ones take 90 minutes max. We recommend Floating in the Wind (B1,300), which employs not one but two therapists; Heaven’s Touch (B3,500), a 60-minute four-hand massage; and Sensory Journey (B1,400) which works you with aromatherapy oils. A quick foot reflexology checkup is given to all customers before massage.

Coming Soon

Expected to open this month, Tria Integrative Wellness (998 Rim Klong Samsen Rd., 02-625-6699. www.triaintegrativewellness.com) is a four-story building containing a holistic health center which offers a variety of programs to serve the balance of your mind and body. There are different methods of workout and healing available, including Pilates, body stretching, and Yoga; as well as pampering menus which include acupuncture, massage, body wrap, and colonic hydrotherapy.

The New Face

After a long day at work, enjoy a relaxing Thai massage at the recently renovated Imperial Queen’s Park (199 Sukhumvit Soi 22, 02-261-9000-4 ext 5959/-5961). Reenergize yourself with the 90-minute signature massage, the Imperial Four Hand Ritual (B4,000), or try out other treatments on the menu such as facial treatments, body scrubs and foot massages. Full- and half-day spa packages are also available.

Ah Beng Says:

Hello all, how are you today? Think you all know me, Ah Beng, because I very famous one. But for those don’t really know—let me tell you, you always see me at local kopitiams or KTV bars downing beer or drive my favorite car (the Honda Civic yellow color, by the way) all over town. My girl, Ah Lian likes all the cute cute things like fashion, shopping and concerts. For me, it’s all about drinking, eating, tattooing and all the fun macho stuff, lah.

Entertainment for Boys

You know, our little city is full of all things Cina and they’re quote cool, OK. Have you all been to the mammoth five-in-one nightlife institution St James Power Station? Wah, I tell you—it’s the biggest and most happening place in Singapore at the moment, and its trendy outlet Dragonfly (St James Power Station, 3 Sentosa Gateway, 6270-7676) is like the best place
for cool Mandopop acts like that ex-Singapore Idol contestant Sylvester Sim and the band Queen, all flying the Cina flag and great to pick up chio bus too. Wah, and I tell you the Sylvester guy his voice is damn power one.

For karaoke-ing, I recommend Mono (St James Power Station, 3 Sentosa Gateway, 6270-7676)—very high-end KTV bar where I can impress the girls with my Jay Chou impression—and that’s where all the chio bus are so captivated by my voice and come talk to me. But I have to say, sometimes too high class not good, so if you want to croon your favorite Mando-,Canto- and Hokko-pop ballads and still wanna be Cina hip head like me (but without the snob factor), go down to K-Box (#08-00 Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Rd., 6756-3113) or Party World (#B1-00 Crown Prince Hotel, 270 Orchard Rd., 6333-6050) to sing your heart out with your friends. Here, hoh, you can find thousands of Chinese hits and pay an average of just like $10 per hour—very affordable right?

After all that KTV-ing, I also like to go chill out with my friends at Dag Thai Disco & KTV Lounge (#B1-01 Golden Mile Complex, 5001 Beach Rd., 6293-9310) and Thai Disco & Karaoke (#02-81 Golden Mile Complex, 5001 Beach Rd., 6295-1611). I say, so what if it’s Thai? All my Cina friends frequent the place week after week, and it’s here where we, 21st century Ah Bengs, get the most kicks when it comes to nightlife. After that, I go chase after more chio bus at Babyface Disco (One Fullerton, 1 Fullerton Rd., 6236-5120), where I dance away all night wearing my brand new floral tops and rugged Giorgio Armani jeans.

The same with billiards sia. The very cheem sounding Master Cue Snookerium (#01-02, 5 Marina Grove, 6323-6024) is where I can gawk at chio bus, throw darts and drink beer. The vibe here very happening—I say it’s very underground, but a lot of people also like it for it’s very relaxed atmosphere, leh.

Our Makan Places

But Ah Bengs in general just can’t just survive on chio bus, Cando-pop songs and billiards, right? We’re also human so sometimes we also need to eat. And from our spiritual home in Hong Kong comes the biggest craze since Bubble Tea—called the Cha Can Ting, which basically stands for Hong Kong street cafes, lah. The best hangout places are Sin Wang HK Cafe (#01-04 Marina Sq., 6 Raffles Blvd., 6337-5297) or Tong Shui Cafe (54 Zion Rd., 6737-6946)—quite high class dining one judging from my usual standards—as they serve some of the best instant noodles soup served with luncheon meat, fried egg and the sweetened bread—shiok, ah! Who cares about latte and cappuccino when I can have my own silk milk tea here as well, which I can drink while watching chio bus in their mini-skirts.

But if I want to meet my home boys, hoh, then I usually make an appointment with them at Geylang Lorong 9 for the famous beef hor fun, fried oysters and tau hui (bean curd). Just tell the taxi driver Geylang Lorong 9—they sure know where it is one. If they don’t know what’s going on, ask them to look for me, I hentam (hit) them, OK?

AH LIAN SAYS:

Hello all, my name is Ah Lian. As you know ah, my boyfriend Ah Beng likes all this KTV and showy things like clubbing, but I am bit more cultured, so I prefer other stuff like fashion, the arts, attending concerts, music and watching films. My friends at school always say I a bit of a snob. But aiyah, I am a modern day woman, so I must like a bit more modern things also right?

Entertainment for Girls

I think with the latest slew of Chinese concerts with big names happening all over town—those of you who missed the recent concert by my favorite singer Taiwanese Jolin Tsai, I tell you now that you missed a really happening one—there are a few more shows than you can still check out, so don’t cry OK?

One really good one that I will making a beeline for is the Alan Tam 30th Anniversary Concert (Apr 28, 7:30pm, Singapore Expo—The MAX Pavilion, 1 Expo Drive, 6580-8308), where this grandfather of Canto-pop will belt out Chinese hits like “Friends” and “Love in Autumn.” Tam is the undisputed dancing king, and this concert happens really soon on Apr 28, so go buy your tickets now, OK? But also don’t forget Tam’s counterpart Jacky Cheung’s upcoming concert The Year of Jacky Cheung World Tour (Jul 13-15, Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660). Cheung is most well-known for his heartrending Chinese ballads. Also a must are the cuties who form the threesome group Grasshoppers, who are performing at the Forever Grasshopper In Concert show (May 19, 8pm, Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660). These guys are so talented as they sing and dance really well. I’ve liked them since I was, like, 10, so yeah, am really looking forward to the concert where I will scream and sing along until I run out of voice.

For something more old-school, veteran singer Liza Wang will also be performing with the Singapore Chinese Orchestra for the Liza Wang & The Singapore Chinese Orchestra—A Mother’s Day Celebration show (May 11-12, 8pm, Singapore Indoor Stadium, 2 Stadium Walk, 6344-2660). I think Wang is cool because she epitomizes all there is about glamorous Hong Kong in the olden days—so I will definitely be there to see her outrageous costumes! Kumar, eat your heart out!

Art Retreat

Talking about glamor, I think what’s glamorous and atas (snobbish) these days are the contemporary Chinese artworks that you simply must get your hands on. Prices for these beauties have skyrocketed recently, so I advise you to buy them now before they get even more expensive! Go get Chinese artist Yang Yongsheng’s provocative drawings of the human figure from his exhibition Lost in Thoughts held at Art Seasons Gallery (5 Gemmill Lane, 6221-1800). He explores the human condition, and breaks his paintings down to themes that capture the reality of the silent, secret world that we live in. Wah, cheem (deep), right?

Also check out contemporary artist Ming Jing’s fun and colorful paintings of women, which possess a musical quality that is almost seductive, at Art Retreat (#01-45/47, Lobby C, Ubi Techpark, 10 Ubi Crescent, 6749-0880). More collectible contemporary Chinese artworks can also be had at other cool galleries like Ode to Art (#01-36E/F Raffles City, 252 North Bridge Rd., 6250-1901), as well as the current exhibition Idealism by Zeng Fanzhi at the Singapore Art Museum (71 Bras Basah Rd., 6332-3222), which feature more than 30 works from the great artists’ celebrated series like Hospital, Meat and Mask—sounds interesting, eh?

Fashion and Movies

When it comes to fashion I like the cute stuff only. So I recommend you shop at This Fashion (#01-02 Oriental Plaza, 291 New Bridge Rd., 6324-8260) at Oriental Plaza for girly tops and skirts so that you can look as stylish as me—no problem. This is one of their biggest outlets at Chinatown, so definitely got lots to buy here one. Also check out show haven D & C (#01-20 City Plaza, 810 Geyland Rd.). D & C, which is short for Dot & Comma (so clever, hoh?), near Geylang for some killer shoes. I swear, they’re the best. Oh, City Plaza is also where me and my girlfriends hang out to look for more clothes—trust me OK, you all will like it one.

After all that shopping, I usually get very tired, which is why I like to stay home and watch Chinese TV series and concerts once in a while. I always frequent Visma Video & Trading (#01-21 Pearl’s Centre, 100 Eu Tong Sen St., 6224-9592) because they sell a wide array of Chinese concerts in VCD and DVD formats. A lot of its stock consists of mainland Chinese parallel imports, which makes them more affordable, lah.

Poh Kim (#B1-16 Katong Mall, 6440-6115) is also very good for girls with special needs like me. Its range of TVB (a HK broadcasting station) serials is especially comprehensive, with lots of old ’80s and ’90s serials available. And what’s best, most of them are in Cantonese—so shiok, hoh? Other good VCD stores to check out include TS Video (#01-79E People’s Park Complex, 1 Park Rd., 6538-8550) and Blue Max (#02-47 Chinatown Point, 133 New Bridge Rd., 6438-7412).

Deeper insight into the Cina culture with our very own Broadway Beng

A Day in Chinatown

Following its successful first edition last year, the second Motorola SUPER-StyleMIX is another amalgamation cool fashion shows, art exhibitions and parties in the spirit of everything street style. With its theme of “LOVE” this year, Creative Director Hideki Akiyoshi has streamlined this year’s program, with a focus on our local street style creators. A limited-edition book featuring contributions by local artists and personalities like art directors Theseus Chan and Chris Lee, and rock groups Astreal and MUON, will be available for sale.

More than that, this year’s celebration, also dubbed Motorola SUPER-StyleMIX (Style + Design + Art + Music) X Love, will also feature cutting-edge art exhibitions and fashion shows. Especially anticipated is the Studio Prive fashion show, conceptualized and initiated by Woods & Woods’s Jonathan Seow, and happening at 72-13 (72-13 Mohamed Sultan Rd., 6737-7213) on May 3, 8pm. Look out for streamlined cuts, tasteful colors and all-round quality pieces from new labels Nikicio, Fake and U’tter that will blow you away.

For something more titillating, check out renowned photographer Leslie Kee’s sexy photographs of local celebrities and athletes that will heat up the National Museum (93 Stamford Rd., 6332-3659) through May 5.

But what’s a celebration without a real party? The opening party held at Zouk (17 Jiak Kim St., 6738-2988) on Apr 28 will feature lots of music personalities vying for a slew of awards handed out on the night—such as Best DJ, Best Alternative Act and Best Live Act. Expect a live and loud presentation, for sure.

Rain is currently gracing Kay Ngee Tan Architects Gallery. No, we’re not referring to the cute young Korean stud who (almost) always sports a pair of over-sized sunglasses. We’re talking about a show by lensman Ming that was launched Apr 17.

Exhibited for the third time, the seeds for the exhibition Rain were sowed in 2003, when Ming faced difficulty in shooting buildings satisfactorily because of—what else—the weather. “You know how it is when it’s always raining, you can’t shoot the buildings properly. So I thought I might as well take pictures of the rain. That was in the middle of 2003, when the world was gloomy. There was the Iraqi war, SARS, bombings, and it seemed like the world was coming to an end. And as a child, I remember rain as disappointment. When it rained, I couldn’t go out and play and the laundry had to be washed again,” Ming says.

But take note, Rain is not a depressing show. Besides ominous photos of dark clouds and all, there are shots of blue skies and the rainbow, drawing parallels to hope after trouble-laden days. There’s always sunshine after the rain, clichéd as that may sound.

Many claim that there’s nothing to shoot in Singapore. If you’re one of them, check out Rain. You may leave impressed, awestruck by its concept, or depart nonchalantly with a hazy impression of what it is all about. Either way, you’ll get a sense of how even the most banal element in our daily lives—the weather—can be a source of beautiful inspiration.

(Top Row, Left to Right)

Entitled the Orange Slice Chair, this is a must for those die-hard citrus fans who want to bring their love for Vitamin C to another stylish level. $4,590 from Mod.Living.

Tree-huggers can now bring their work home in the form of this lamp. Not sure how easy it would be to commune with it though. $903 from Haier Living Styling Haus.

Deforestation getting too much for you? Get this stand to fill that big hole in your environmentalist heart.
$599-969 from STYLE:NORDIC.

Think back to nature, The Blair Witch Project-style—this lamp will have you reeling in delight. $2,630 from Mod.Living.

(Middle Row, Left to Right)

Irritating pigeon feeders can now do it in their own homes. Bird feed not included. $650 from Air.

This mollusk-inspired fan is testament that being a slimy-slug-ologist has never been cooler. $700-1,000 from X·TRA RESORT.

Safari maniacs will dig this metal elephantine tusked lamp immediately. $4,770 from Mod.Living.

Certainly One for the botanists. Who needs to live in a tree when you have this? $4,695 from STYLE:NORDIC.

(Last Row, Left to Right)

The tulip range is one where floral-empowered hippies can rest their organic posteriors and think up their next big plan to save Mother Nature. Chair, $7,200, Ottoman $2,320 from Mod.Living.

For those who dig nature’s out-of-this world side, this hardcore chair from Moroso’s Fairytale Collection is just for you. $10,200 from Mod.Living.

Those more interested in the consciousness-altering properties of the natural world should try out this psychedelic tree which would have made Austin Powers proud. $1,200 from Haier Living Styling Haus.

Address Book

Air, #01-18 Park Mall, 9 Penang Rd., 6352-7307.
Haier Living Styling Haus, 105 Amoy St., 6441-3345.
Mod.Living, #02-01/08 Odeon Towers, 331 North Bridge Rd., 6336-2286.
STYLE:NORDIC, 39 Ann Siang Rd., 6423-9114.
X·TRA RESORT, #02-01 Park Mall, 9 Penang Rd., 6339-4664.

BreakS
Silom Soi 2/1, upper floor of @Richard’s, 02-632-8928. Open Wed-Fri-Sat 6pm-late.

Hidden in the wrong location and surrounded by places for men from over the rainbow, this tiny place is for straight people to hang out and listen to hip hop, house and even some percussion performed by the Japanese owner himself.

Flix

Royal City Avenue, Rama 9, 02-203-0377/-8. Open daily, 9pm-2am.

Though it’s part of the big Slim complex, the music is far different. Neither hip hop nor live Thai pop music is played here, but house and other alternative tunes are spun by house DJs and special guests from time to time.

Indus

71 Sukhumvit Soi 26, 02-258-4900. Open daily 11am-midnight.

The lavish Moroccan bar and restaurant has no live music but Arabic tunes to shake your boobs and hips. The cute “mixologist” just moved in to create your drinks and smooth out your night.

The room

231/7 Sarasin Rd., 02-650-2955. Open daily 6pm-1am.

Has panache and flair but is often quiet—except late Fri and Sat. For a pleasant and relaxed night out, this is a sane option. Mr. DJ spins mostly house tunes with a little touch of disco dance music for the purple crowd.

Claiming to be a first for Thailand, the Double A Book Tower (previously known as Thailand Book Tower) (122 Sathorn Soi 12, North Sathorn Rd., 02-236-7575, 02-267-7171. Open daily 10am-9pm. BTS Surasak. www.thailandbooktower.com) is a nine-story building filled with different genres of books and multimedia. Just a short walk from Surasak BTS, the TBT joins the Thailand Creative and Design Center (TCDC) and TK Park as another educational resource in Bangkok—this one not requiring any membership fee to browse and enjoy their books, and being almost entirely devoted to the Thai language. Supported by Double A, Thailand’s well-known paper manufacturer, the venue gathers books from more than 400 publishers for bibliophiles to browse and buy.

Though unfinished, it already attracts book lovers of all ages. Its eighth floor, the staff insists, is soon to contain foreign books, though it’s currently empty. The food zone on the seventh floor, meanwhile, is still short of restaurants. However, apart from those areas awaiting construction, every floor is packed with quality Thai books and translations. A five percent discount is offered to TBT members, and there’s no joining fee; you just need to buy one item in the building to qualify for membership. Staff can help you find what you want, though there are also computer search engines on each floor.

The first floor is dedicated to bestsellers and new arrivals. There, you can sip a cup of coffee while you read in The Corner—the Tawaravadee Hotel’s cozy coffee shop. A post office is located at the back. The second to top floors are all divided into two sections: a TBT zone and a publisher zone. On the publisher’s side, popular book merchants will represent their catalogues, including Nanmee Books, Kled Thai, Bear Publishing, Suan Ngern Mee Ma and Matichon. In the TBT zone, each floor has its own theme. On the second floor are modern novels, collections of poems, short stories and literature.

The third floor is a living zone, where you can find books on music, travel, home décor, health care and sports. There are also magazines from Sarakadee, cookbooks from Sangdad and many pocket books from Nation Books. Up one floor is the “Kids’ Zone,” where plenty of fairytales appear and toys for infants. The fifth floor is the “Brain Zone,” which contains textbooks on computers, management, IT and law, in addition to dictionaries and reference materials. The sixth floor is the “Lively Zone,” targeted at teenagers and comic lovers, offering Japanese manga and teen love stories. For those inclined to more serious reading, Work Point publishing, Watta, and the Technology Promotion Association (Thailand-Japan) are also located here. Half of the seventh floor contains that still incomplete food center, while the other side is occupied by multimedia companies, such as Tiga, Teaching Toys, May Seven, Jit Jaggawan, Minor Education and Scholar. On the top floor is an area devoted to conferences, workshops and events, with 600 square meters divided into meeting and seminar rooms.

Squids, sex videos, the number of people you’ve sex with, cheating on your partner—it’s all here, baby. Yes, the results of Asia City Publishing Group’s Sex Survey are out. Conducted online at www.azia-city.com and in the print copies of I-S (and our sister magazines HK and BK), close to 1,800 readers obligingly let us in on their dirty, romantic, funny, crazy, juicy and explicit sex secrets. To give you some numbers, majority of those surveyed were from Singapore, Bangkok and Hong Kong, with 21.7% hailing from countries furthur a field. And 59% of them are males, while 41% are females.

Get a sense of what’s happening between the sheets (and sometimes otherwise) in Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok. And, to keep you gripped, we did a roundup of Singaporeans’ favorite fantasies and the objects they like to play with. Read on. You know you want to.

Do you insist on protection?

Always

Sometimes

Never

I consider myself

How old were you when you first had sex?

How many people have you had sex with up to now?

Are you good in bed?

Do you prefer a more or less experienced sex partner?

Ever paid for sex?

Male - Yes

Female - Yes

Have you ever met up for real time sex with someone via the internet?

Had sex with a co-worker

Would you have sex to advance your career?

MALE - YES
37.6%

FEMALE - YES
17.6%

Have you and your partner ever made a sex movie or taken nude photos of each other?

Are you happy with your sex life?

Yes

Male 71.3%
Female 68.8%

No

Male 28.7%
Female 31.2% 

More Sex Survey Results!

Singapore's weapon of choice

Singapore's favorite fantasies