Written by Tess Chia

Dr Georgia Lee, now better known for her socialite aspirations as a fashionista than her doctoring work, stepped over a thick bold line into the world of fashion on 9 May when she modeled four and a half outfits in “Private Life”, a fashion-meets-furniture show at the Audi Fashion Festival 2009. Her co-star was Baker, the lauded American luxury furnishings house that boasts Barack Obama among its many fans. The air was thick with anticipation pre-show. This was a first on the local fashion scene: a show combining theatre, entertainment and couture. None of the guests knew quite what to expect.

But some things were not such a surprise, as this glitzy event pulled together all the beautiful people in Singapore, including celebrities and famous faces such as Diya, Beatrice Chia, Apple Hong, Daryl Lim, Cynthia Koh, Sara Ann K, Tina Tan-Leo and Dick Lee. Representatives from the US embassy and local government agencies such as the Singapore Tourism Board, SPRING Singapore and the Economic Development Board were present as well.

The show opened with a line-up of male models in sharp suits standing at both sides of the runway as the backdrop opened to reveal Dr Georgia Lee, clad in a beautifully tailored Jean Paul Gaultier suit that matched skinny cargo-inspired pants with a men’s jacket. There was a considerable lag between outfits as Lee was the only model, but the choreographers cleverly took the opportunity to show off Baker’s exquisite furniture through images of armchairs and dressers, juxtaposed against images of American presidents — all to capture the essence of the furniture line “The Statesman”.

Soon, Lee re-emerged in a breathtakingly beautiful, lilac and pink Christian Lacroix gown. Her statuesque figure did the flowing gown justice, and mesmerizing the crowd as she sashayed down the runway like a seasoned pro. Morphing into the next theme of “The Aristocrat”, a cellist and soprano glided on stage to perform. Lee reappeared on stage in an edgy yet stunning black Dominic Sirop gown, accessorized with a blinding diamond tiara on her crown. She paced the catwalk as the cellist played.

After all the very serious and dignified performances early in the evening, it was time for some fun. “The White Finale” was aptly named as Lee came out decked out in a dreamy white Vera Wang bridal gown that made the crowd gasp. Suddenly, blowers at the corners of the room shot out millions of white feathers, catching the audience completely unawares. It was, to be honest, very distracting. But as everyone was busy sweeping feathers off their hair and clothes, the whole line-up of male models emerged once again, clad only in striped boxer shorts and cheeky grins, each holding a pillow. Once all of them had come on the stage, a full-blown pillow fight commenced! A naughty but welcome relief, and a suitable prelude to Lee’s final outfit.

She re-appeared on stage, hair pulled back into an elegant ponytail, wearing a tiny lace teddy that left nothing to the imagination, even with her seethrough coverup. Wolf whistles erupted and rippled down the crowd. A dazzling diamond Chopard necklace was draped around her neck. The thunderous applause from the star-studded crowd said it all as the show came to an end.

When City News interviewed Lee after the show, she looked radiant and happy. On her finale outfit, which showed off flawless legs among other things, Lee laughed: “I had to work five weeks with a personal trainer before the show or I wouldn’t have dared to wear that infront of everyone!”

Why fashion and furniture? “Fashion is not just about clothes; it’s also about home design and it’s an entire lifestyle,” she explained, while emphasizing that she loved all the pieces she got to wear. “They were all so beautiful!” City News also caught up with CEO of Baker, Freddie Low, who explained the collaboration. “Georgia’s an important socialite known for her exquisite taste and love for fashion – she’s able to channel what Baker stands for,” said Low. “Like fashion, furniture is art and part of a lifestyle. Baker combines art with functionality – it’s the furniture of choice for the discerning”. For more than a century, Baker has been the hallmark of design excellence and uncompromising quality to create furniture with a classic sensibility in form, finish and function. To date, the most popular Baker collections are the Stately Homes, Thomas Pheasant and Historic Charleston.

PHOTOS: Jimmy Yong, Desmond Tan & Xavier Tan

Baker endeavors to show its support for homegrown talent in ways such as this show. Here, local designers Terence Chan, Norman Yeo and Joseph Lim were granted the opportunity to design the three Baker showcases, says General Manager for Baker, Henry Tan. The show worked to demonstrate the beauty and class of Baker pieces. Little wonder it’s the furniture of choice for celebrities like Madonna, Tom Cruise, Meryl Streep and even the US President. Baker was launched in Singapore in 2008 and will be opening a new store in Central, Hong Kong, on 20 May 2009. Its next collection will be unveiled in stores in October this year.

Since time immemorial, the maternal figure has constantly played an important, if not, the important role in the family. Often the silent, yet solid support for their loved ones, there is nothing quite like a mother’s great love.

Over the weekend of 9 to 10 May, 2009, the awesome women to whom all of us literally owe our existence were given due honor during City Harvest Church’s (CHC) Mothers’ Day Celebration.

Taking place in the various services at two locations, Singapore Expo Hall 8 and in 1 Jurong West Street 91, mothers of all ages (even grandmothers and great-grandmothers) were in for a treat. The highlight of the day was a heart-warming drama performed by the CHC drama ministry, chronicling a mother’s emotional experience from pregnancy to childbirth, and eventually watching their precious ones leave the nest to form their own families.

The congregation, especially the mothers, was moved to tears and much laughter as well, as the story tugged at their heart-strings. First time visitor, Tan Soo Kee, 57, a mother of three sons, was one of the many mothers who were tearing with emotion during the whole service.

Said Tan, “I’m really happy that my daughter-in-law brought me here today. I find the drama really moving. The people here are really sincere and warm. I’m enjoying myself!”

After the drama, all mothers were given a Mother’s Day gift of a S$10 voucher from Attributes Bookstore, making it the icing on the cake for the delighted mothers.

PHOTOS: Adrian Ho, Edmund Ong And Koh Meng Kwang

Derek Dunn delivered a sermon on the three characteristics of a godly woman, and compared how God’s great love was like that of a mother’s for her children. During the altar call, it was not just mothers, but many people of different ages that went forward to receive Jesus, to experience more of the selfless love from God that surpasses even a mother’s love for her child.

Goh Mui Hinn, 62, a mother of three, attended the service with her eldest son Jun Long and found her second visit to CHC more memorable than previously. “I’m really impressed by the service and the drama as well,” said Goh enthusiastically. “I would like to visit more often if I have the time.”

Christine Low, 29, a member of CHC who attended the service with her husband and 10 month old baby boy in tow, summed up what many mothers would agree on. She says, “The drama was very real, and the things shared were very relatable. I could definitely identify with some of the experiences, and I’m looking forward to enjoying the rest of the years with my family in future!”

Judging by the many positive reactions of the mothers that attended the weekend celebration, it is evident that being a mother is an incomparable joy, and that their love for their families is truly admirable.

Two weeks from its announcement, Singapore remains unscathed by the H1N1 virus, more commonly referred to as ‘Swine Flu’.

Despite flu alert levels, local and worldwide, screaming of an imminent pandemic, Singaporeans have responded with courage and seeming nonchalance towards the outbreak of H1N1.

Law student, Jenna Law, 20, felt that the responsive decision-making and transparent reporting on the swine flu helped to prevent a panic. She chalked up the steady response of Singaporeans to the steady stream of information from the news media, both local and overseas, as well as the internet.

However, a minority still rushed to stock up on essential supplies, some even buying three bags of rice, as well as facial masks to protect themselves. National Serviceman, Joshua Ng, 20, said, ‘I haven’t had any luck finding the surgical masks. No matter where I went, they were all sold out.’

Some Singaporeans were a few steps ahead. One interviewee described having a ‘pandemic freezer’ already stocked with enough frozen food to last her family for a month. This was in response to earlier fears about the more severe H5N1 outbreak.

Despite the run on essential items by a minority, the majority of Singaporeans regarded the news coolly. Agnes Png, finance manager of Rev Distribution, a distributor of frozen foodstuff, says, “Singaporeans are used to living in a post-SARS world, but the difference now is that we’re better prepared and can react faster. Also, sales of frozen food are up — due perhaps to the recession or H1N1, but it is more likely a combination of the two.”

The rapid upgrade of Singapore’s Disease Outbreak Response System Condition (DORSCON) from Green to Yellow and subsequently to Orange, was well-managed. Having come down with the flu myself, this reporter can attest to the efficiency and efficacy of polyclinic staff in implementing the new measures.

Joining the queue outside Ang Mo Kio Polyclinic, I was quickly attended to. I was made to fill out a form declaring my medical condition and travel history, and subsequently, my temperature was taken and I was in the building. All this happened in less than 10 minutes.

Depending on the temperature reading and response to the declaration form, patients were sorted into three categories and given different stickers to isolate patients with flulike symptoms.

By Friday, 8 May, posters were up, describing hygiene measures to minimize the spread of H1N1. Posters describing proper hand-washing technique also appeared in public toilets.

Influenza viruses, including H1N1, spread mainly person-to-person via the coughing or sneezing of infected people. To counter this, make hygiene an everyday habit: cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and properly dispose of the tissue, wash your hands regularly with soap and water (or alcohol-based sanitizers), avoid touching your face and stay at home if you are sick.

Singaporeans’ spirits were given a boost on Thursday, 7 May, when authorities announced a gradual step-down of DORSCON from Orange to Yellow over the next five days.

SIDEBAR:

What’s the beef with swine flu?

The virus was termed as ‘swine flu’ because two of its four component strains are endemic to pigs. This term entered common usage with the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention alert on 21 April.

‘Swine flu suggests a problem with pork products’ leading to sales of pork plummeting worldwide. Egypt has taken advantage of the ambiguous naming to resolve the problem of ‘disorderly pig farming’, mainly by poorer Coptic Christians who live and work in Cairo’s shantytowns, by culling the entire pig population. This move has sparked protest from WHO officials and pig farmers alike, with the farmers turning violent in one incident.

In fact, calling it swine flu is more specific to this outbreak than the generic H1N1, which accounts for a large proportion of summer flu viruses. However, pig farmers and agricultural organizations around the world have protested, on grounds that it misled people. US Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack pointed out in a press conference on 28 April that the virus is not food-borne, and stressed the importance of calling the virus H1N1 to protect the livelihoods of farmers who provide pork products.

TIMELINE:

Contributed by Peggie Low

On 2 May, a group of 300 youth from Audrey Ng’s zone jam-packed the Conference Room 2 at Singapore Expo Hall 8.

All came excited, anticipating a great night of fun and fellowship. The event kicked off with a performance by the zone’s dance team, The Loud Crew.

There was a lineup of “stars” in the room, including Coldplay, Jason Mraz and Rihanna. Though not professionally trained, these entertainers had their audiences transfixed with their great performances.

Pamela Choo, a 19-year-old student and the Lead Vocalist of The Loud Band shared her inspiring testimony of how she overcame her low self-esteem as God revealed her purpose and talents at the lowest point in her life. “It’s a privilege and honor to stand on stage and perform — it has always been my dream to be able to showcase my talents. I hope to see our friends encouraged that the stage can also be the platform to share and showcase talents.”

Why a concert? Wayne Choong, the organizer of this event explained: “The leaders brainstormed and came up with this idea; we thought it would be good as a concert could involve our own youth band, The Loud Band.”

PHOTOS: Esther Tan

The night ended with everyone giving “The Loud Cheer” in unison.

Guests to the event, 13-year-old Myung Eun and 17-year-old Hye June, who are both from Korea, said, “We truly enjoyed the band — it was our favorite part of the party. We would definitely love to come back again.”

It was a service that blew the auditorium away.

Dr Stephan Munsey from Family Christian Center of Munster, Indiana is a groundbreaking preacher who brings God’s messages to life through dramatic “illustrated sermons” on stage. Taking on every character in the Biblical story he chooses to preach, he utilizes stage lighting, pop music and many elements of theater to bring the message closer to home than the audience anticipates.

It was impossible not to be touched — Singapore Expo Hall 8 on 2 May was awash with tears during Dr Munsey’s dramatization of the story of Hosea and his adulterous wife Gomer.

Portraying Hosea as the hot young single preacher of his generation, and Gomer as the porn queen of Hollywood, Dr Munsey translated this Biblical tale into a modern day epic love story of a man called to love a woman who betrays him.

From the hilarious but charming courtship, to the heartbreaking moment that Gomer deserted Hosea to return to her former life of sin, revealing that none of their three children were fathered by him, the audience was taken on a journey through the heart and mind of Hosea, and via him, God, who used this story to demonstrate His unconditional, unending love for His bride: Humankind.

PHOTOS: Nigel Tan And Tan Song Kow

The magnitude of God’s love was magnified through Dr Munsey’s drama — the atmosphere in the auditorium became alive with love. There was not a dry eye in the room. The altar call that ended the service saw many rushing up into what felt like God’s open arms.

Dr Munsey’s second sermon the following day was based on the story of the 10 lepers that Jesus healed. It was a powerful lesson in faith, forgiveness and gratitude. Our level of faith, he taught, is equal to our level of forgiveness. In Luke 17: 4-5, when Peter asked Jesus to increase his faith, Jesus told him to forgive 70 times seven times. If we fail to forgive, we fall into Scandalon, the hole dug for us by Satan.

The Word came to life for many that weekend, and Dr Munsey left City Harvest Church (CHC) with a word that Kong Hee, Senior Pastor of CHC, is an influencer on planet Earth, and that Singapore is being made “one of the Holy Ghost capitals of the world”.

Members of the congregation are already looking forward to Dr Munsey’s next visit to CHC. “I attended Dr Munsey’s service on my birthday and the love of God touched me so intimately as he performed that illustrated sermon on Hosea and Gomer,” said Daryl Teo, from BBG6. “It was intense! I can’t wait for the next time he comes back!”

The Marketplace SME Fiesta 2009 that was held over the weekend of 10-12 April drew thousands of visitors to Singapore Expo Hall 7. This event was a chance for various industries to feature their latest products. Two of the booths during the trade fair showcased lifestyle products such as fashion accessories and clothing line.

Labelindo, as the name indicates, is a company that produces labels for a range of impressive clientele, which includes luxury brand, Burberry. Apart from their labelling business, Labelindo has also branched out into a niche industry; that is to produce recycled bags which are trendy yet functional.

Tarpa; made from leather car seats, and Tarpaulin; made from banners, are bags which are extremely durable and also waterproof, not to mention that 90% of the materials used are recycled, other than the straps.

This novel idea came about when the Zulkarnain brothers took over their family business. One day they noticed that the excess materials discarded had potential to create something else because of their excellent properties; thus birth forth Tarpa and Tarpaulin bags.

Truly these products that promote recycling awareness are excellent ways to also promote the importance of saving our environment. Do away with Anya Hindmarch, celebrate Tarpa bags. You can get their products at Singapore Expo, Hall 8 during weekend services or City Harvest Church’s premise at 1, Jurong West St. 91.

PHOTOS: Xavier Tan

Another highlight of the fiesta was Maverick Couture, with a consistent pouring of fashion enthusiast trying on what seems Avant Garde with fierce bold prints that are highly individualistic.

Owner of this clothing business, Henry Chang, who turned his leisure into business, talked about how he would scour through the internet periodically for the latest fashion updates and only to find that the labels he was interested in were not available in Singapore. Nevertheless, such disappointing findings became vital research materials which resulted in the birth of online boutique Maverick Couture.

One of Maverick Couture’s main selling points is their price. Because of the nature of an online shop, they are able to save on the overheads of running a physical shop, and pass on this savings to their customers directly.

Maverick Couture currently carries only labels from the US, but they do not rule out the possibility of importing labels from other parts of world as they actively engage their customers and gather valuable feedback from them. Maybe one day, Maverick Couture will become the gateway for fashionable labels from all around the world.

To receive exclusive information about their upcoming events, promotions and latest imports, you can visit
http://www.maverickcouture.com/ Or join their Facebook group at http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=93918271997

Women of today are independent emotionally, mentally and financially. So do women really need men?

The answer is a resounding “Yes!”, and the reason why is simple. God made woman to be a helper of equal abilities, strength and character to man. And both man and woman need each other to live life to the fullest, to experience emotions that cannot be replaced by material goods, pets or the Internet.

It is indeed challenging to court a lady of today and to win her heart. But fret not: Here, we share with you the “be” attitudes of winning the hand of the fair maiden.

1) Be bold and secure

Women like men who are confident and secure about themselves. There is yet a fine thin line between confidence and boastfulness. Confidence never oversells while boastfulness is an attempt to sell something that is not entirely true. Respecting women for their abilities, while taking an initiative to protect and care for them is a skill many men lack today. So do invest your time in reading good books on relationships, and learn the differences between the thought patterns of man and woman, so you will know how to engage a woman without feeling like you’re walking on thin ice.

2) Be a gentleman and show generosity

Women like men to shower attention on them, especially so if the man is particularly attentive to her needs, likes and dislikes. So be observant. If you see a lady at a party that you are interested in, and you notice that she’s having trouble holding her wine glass and plate at the same time, be a gentleman and offer help. The “Ladies first” rule always works, particularly in every day situations like holding the lift door open and letting the ladies exit first. Such everyday situations sometimes lead you to the right woman.

Generosity leaves a good impression on anyone. Pay for her meal, drinks, and purchases once in a while. Women tend to think that stingy men are less likely to dote on them in future.

3) Be charming and conversational

Unfortunately for men, charm doesn’t come in a potion bottle. Instead, it is an innate ability to hold a decent conversation, maintain good eye contact and send vibes that you are genuinely listening and interested in the other party. Most women like men to take the initiative, to engage them in interesting conversation. While most men have a lasting first impression of how women looks, women often have a lasting first impression of a man who is friendly and who gave good conversation peppered with humor.

4) Be sincere

Sincerity is expressed beyond words, gifts and actions. It is a combination of it all and most importantly, it must be genuine. However, take note that you do not want to be “overly” sincere and give the wrong idea to women you have no intention of dating. Most men have a “hunter-prey” mentality. They will only focus on the woman they have identified as “prey” and ignore all other women. Such behavior is uncalled for because if things don’t work out with the “prey” then they switch attention to others, it could earn them a bad name — women talk, and they talk fast. Your reputation as a man is highly valuable. Hence, it is entirely possible to be on friendly terms with others without any ulterior motives. Be friendly but firm if you need to draw the line.

Enjoy the journey…

There was definitely no distress signal from the men who woke up early on May Day to attend the second Men’s Conference of 2009. City Harvest Church’s (CHC) premises at 1, Jurong West St 91 was chock full of men all pumped up to receive the Word of God; from the B4 main auditorium all the way to the overflow rooms above.

Having woken up the mighty men within from the men’s meeting, this time round, it was about the men getting to know themselves better. The conference kicked off to a roaring start with a hotdog eating competition followed by a sumo wrestling competition, pitting contestants representing the different zones within CHC against one another.

Once everyone was warmed up, Dr Allan Meyer, guest speaker for the conference, wasted no time in getting to the meat of the matter: sexuality. Sharing from his book “From Good Man to Valiant Man”, Dr Meyer deftly combined truth from the Word of God with scientific research to give an all rounded, God-centered understanding on Men and their sexuality.

PHOTOS: Alvin Loh And Jason Lee

Dr Meyer highlighted the need for men all over the world to be taught and discipled in the area of handling their sexuality, essentially learning to “control his body”, as the Bible commands in 1st Thessolonians. To begin tackling the problem, he expounded on why male sexuality is so problematic to begin with, citing figures on the percentage of sexual crimes committed by men. He identified several factors, including biological reasons, on how the male brain is wired, how testosterone works in a man as well as the negative influence that a highly sexualized and eroticized environment can bring. Distortions from the correct view of sexuality and how it is to be handled bring about consequences, impacting a man’s sense of dignity, his spirituality, endangering women and children in the process.

In conclusion, he gave the men three succinct points to take home from the session. Firstly, that it was normal for men to find managing their sexuality a challenge. Secondly, that there is a need to deeply examine the media’s portrayal of sexuality and acknowledge the distortions that exist. Finally, Dr Meyer declared that it was possible for men to re-discover sanctified sexuality. More than ever before in today’s 21st century society, there needs to be a new vision for manhood where men need to adopt the ‘ewe-lamb principle’, drawing from Nathan’s rebuke of David over his adultery. David had treated Bathsheba as an object of lust, commoditized to be acquired through vulgar means when men should treat women as “ewe-lambs”, to be honored and protected.

At the end of the day, the men came out of the Men’s Conference better prepared to serve God and ready to take control of their sexuality in a God honoring manner.

Where: Peranakan Inn
Address: 210 East Coast Road, Singapore 428909
Operating Hours: 11am – 2.30pm, 6pm – 9.30pm
Contact No.: 64406195

In the Peranakan fever that has been heating up Singapore since Channel 8’s Little Nonya drama hit the Cannes festival, we’ve decided to dig up some real Peranakan flavour here in hometown Singapore. Yep, the French may be enjoying all the action now, but we say the goldmine of Peranakan culture’s still available here, especially at delightfully authentic Peranakan haunts like the Peranakan Inn.

Ayam Buah Keluak	Nonya Chap Chye

The restaurant is decked in unpretentious coffee shop-style, but their reasonably-priced dishes pack plenty of punch. The restaurant impressed on the first dish, passing with flying colours on the quintessentially peranakan dish, the Ayam buah keluak, which is the buah keluak nut accompanied with chicken in dark assam gravy. The restaurant goes the extra mile to stuff the nut with meat and re-cook it, so the nut is not overpoweringly bitter.

Babi Pongteh	Iteh Tim

Stoked with the first dish, we went on to crowd our table with a myriad of other peranakan must-have dishes, like their Nonya Chap Chye (vegetables braised to sweet perfection), Babi Pongteh or pork in fermented soya bean gravy (you could almost feel the motherly love here), Iteh Tim or duck and salted vegetable soup (the baba answer to chicken soup comfort), Ngo Hiang and beautifully spicedotah.

The accompanying little dishes of sambal were a stroke of genius, adding just the right amount of burn-in-the-tongue for authentic baba food. Each dish was served in clay pots that looked every bit as though they’d leapt off granny’s stove, and went great with white rice.

Ngo Hiang	Steamed Tapioca

The meal ended with a simple dessert of soft, sweet, steamed tapioca; a comfortingly tame end to our spicy buffet spread.

Overall Rating:

As told to Elizabeth Low

Contributed by Jaromel Gee

If you ever drive along Joo Chiat Road, you’ll never miss the giant signboard that shouts out: Four Seasons Durian.

Hordes of Singaporeans, some still in their office attire, sit by the roadside on foldable chairs having freshly opened durians, straight out of big wicker baskets.

It’s at this uniquely Singaporean eatery that JS Zone held their chillout durian session on 2 May at 8pm.

From the moment one stepped into the upstairs room of Four Seasons Durian, one starts to relax. There is live music and candles light up the room in a rosy glow. Instantly you get into the mood for a chat with a friend, while allowing the music to sooth your tiredness from the rest of the week.

This was a perfect venue for JS Zone members to forget about work, meet and get to know each other and new friends better. Dinner was a buffet, and everyone ate as some went on stage to karaoke to their favorite jazz tunes.

After dinner, the group played board games like Taboo and Monopoly. Everyone seemed to heartily embrace the purpose of the event: To throw all their troubles and work away for one night, and simply enjoy the company of their friends.

Said zone member Mary Chan: “This is just the right setting — we can easily connect with new friends here. It’s so relaxing, and there’s no workload dragging us down. Friends just pour out their hearts to us — then we can find out what their needs are and help them. This certainly is a great way to keep the friends we have made over the Easter weekend.”

As the night came to a close, the people were still basking in the atmosphere and finding it hard to leave. It was a great success by all counts, and the type of event that this zone looks forward to holding again and again.