12 September 2009 marked the conclusion of the 4-session Parenting Talk organized by City Harvest Children’s Church and Fei Yue Community Services. The class was made up of parents and children from Mandarin-speaking families.

The success of the sessions was seen, in that the parents were actively asking questions and sharing with the class about their parenting experiences. The trainer, Du Meiqin, 45, who is a mother, was quick in responding to the queries. Many of the parents found themselves learning how to to better handle daily situations at home.

The very last session dealt with the issue of discipline and punishment. Du emphasized that physical (corporal) punishment should only be used as a last resort and explained the proper way of carrying it out. She also reiterated that before resorting to physical punishment, parents should have exhausted all other methods of discipline. Du stressed on the importance of parents to be role models, setting examples for the child. In addition, it is imperative that parents do exactly what they have said, so as not to leave any room for second-guessing. For example, parents should not threaten to throw away the child’s much-loved PSP if they really do not mean it.

PHOTOS: Lam Hui Ching

And as a child grow, there is a need for parents to be a listening ear to them. Du, whose daughter is now 17, found the 4-part sessions with the parents very engaging and fulfilling as she saw how they took steps to practice what they have learned at home. The relatively small class size also allowed for greater interaction. When asked on her motivation as a parenting trainer, she reveals that it was due to her previous interaction with young prison inmates that made her realized how dysfunctional families are a major cause of waywardness. Hence, in her job, she aims to help educate parents to play a pivotal role in raising their children.

Xie Mujiao, 41, parent of two, found herself learning many valuable lessons and added that she looks forward to having more of such parenting sessions.

On 12 September 2009, a crowd of 130 children gathered together to catch SuperYoyo masters perform more than 30 yoyo tricks. This community outreach event is a result of a partnership between toy distributor, Megcorp, and City Harvest Community Services Association (CHCSA). The crowd comprised of CHCSA clients, as well as children from Sunbeam Children’s Home and Eager Beaver Student Care.

Right from the start of the show, all the children had their eyes glued to the stage. Many stood on their chairs for a better view of what was going on onstage. Occasionally, the children would turn to one another and engage in a discussion on how the tricks were being performed. The younger children were jumping up and down with excitement at the yoyo stunts. The older children who brought along their own yoyos tried to imitate what the yoyo masters were doing.

The performance ended on a high note with a remix of 30 tricks performed at a go by the masters. The children who were seated at the back ran closer towards the stage for a clearer view.

At the end of the performance, a free yoyo was given to every child and they were taught a few simple tricks by the Yoyo Masters. Long after the event ended, children were still crowding around the masters, wanting to see and learn more tricks. Eugene Ling, 10, commented on how happy he was to have a new yoyo and how he enjoyed learning the tricks that were taught.

PHOTOS: Lam Huiching

The SuperYoyo masters were all birthed from the very first yoyo craze that hit Singapore years back. Super Yoyo Master Kleaven, 19, a Nanyang Polytechnic Engineering student, started playing with yoyos at the age of 12. Even thought the craze died down for a while, his interest in yoyos kept him practicing and perfecting his skills, resulting in him being a SuperYoyo Master today. The other two SuperYoyo Masters, Cheng and Jun Jie, also first encountered yoyos during the yoyo craze and continued practicing the art.

“It goes to show that when you put persistence and diligence to something you are passionate about, you can become a ‘master’ of that passion some day,” determined Kleaven.

Contributed by Koh Yonghui

How would you usually spend your Sunday afternoon? Would exercise be part of the equation? Or would you rather spend the day chilling out with friends?

In an attempt to encourage healthy living, Sun Ai Zhen, 32, Zone Supervisor of City Harvest Chinese Church (CHCC), organized a mini sports day for members in her zone. The aim was simple; to encourage the members to exercise and develop a love for it.

Equally keen were the members, who came decked out in blue, green, yellow or red, each color representing the different sports stations they had signed up for. After a short warm-up session, everyone jogged to the different locations for a good two-hour exercise. The activities included basketball, badminton, table tennis and jump rope.

Tian Xiao Shuang, 20, a production operator, who had only joined CHCC recently, felt that, “it is good that the zone organized this sports day. It is beneficial for good health and a fun way to relax after work.”

Those who took part in the jump rope station not only skipped but also chatted with one another and played other icebreaker games. They also got to watch their zone supervisor in action as Sun took the skipping ropes and began skipping with everyone else. One participant, Chiam Gaik Ngoh, 31, an accountant, enjoyed the bonding that was taking place amidst the sports activities. “During the activity, we could feel that everyone became closer, like a family. There were meaningful conversations and the exercise was good.”

PHOTOS: Wen Zhi Guang

After a few rounds of badminton, the oldest participant, a 79-year-old retiree, Lim Saw Choo commented that “during the exercise, it felt as though everyone was still in their teens. I’m so happy; I’ve not exercised like this before!”

Another elderly, Arifin, 70, also a retiree who took part in the badminton sessions said, “Although we are older and not as energetic as the young people, we still had a good time. If there are future events like this, we will definitely take part.”

Koo Lee Min, 22, a purchase officer, was all smiles, “I hope that everyone would come and take part in the next sports event; you get to train up your body and get to know your friends better.”

Sun felt that the event was a success as everyone was happy and they “really did exercise a lot”. She hopes to organize such an event once every two months.

There are many legends revolving around the Mid-Autumn Festival. It is said that mooncakes first came about in the Sung Dynasty when the Chinese rebelled against the iron fist of the Mongols. By concealing secret messages within the sweet filling of pastries, they managed to orchestrate the rebellion.

Obviously, mooncakes today carry no political purpose, but if you happen to be down at the annual mooncake fair at Takashimaya, you’ll find they’re still very much capable of stirring the senses within moon cake lovers.

City News braved the hordes to bring you the top ten mooncakes available this year.

1. Bakerzin: Snowskin Sesame Truffle

Its snow skin blackened with bamboo charcoal powder, we love how this elegant little confection goes down … oh so smoothly. Chomp right down to its core and find a nice white chocolate truffle in the middle of the dark, subtly sweet paste. The winner this year, in our opinion.

Rating: 9.5/10

2. The Peninsula: Egg Custard Mooncake

This mooncake comes in at number 2 on our list for being a sheer buttery bliss!

Rating: 9/10

3. TWG: 1837 Tea Mooncakes

We love TWG’s black and white snowskin mooncakes. Their yin and yang look with silver dust twinkling on the skins give off a nice classy look, and the taste is just as good. The white one comes filled with chocolate mousse and a blackcurrant marmalade tea infused core, while the black mooncake is filled with rich praline cream with orange marmalade at its core.

Rating: 9/10

4. Bakerzin: Snowskin Pink Champagne

This little mooncake is ice cream inspired. Although you can’t really taste the champagne in the confection, the super soft and smooth skin makes the taste linger in your mouth for a long time.

Rating: 8.5/10

5. Conrad: Mini Snowskin with Pineapple/ Mango

The exotic fruity fusions are extremely refreshing, much like eating ice cream sorbet in a mooncake.

Rating: 8.5/10

6. Shang Palace

This is as traditional as a moocake gets. You can taste the fine quality of the white lotus paste in this one. Great for those who love their mooncakes neat and traditional.

Rating: 8.5/10

7. Royal China

The white lotus paste comes with a yolk. It has a slight perfumed after taste that stays in
your mouth for a short while, in a very pleasant way.

Rating: 8/10

8. Sheraton

Yet another good old-fashioned, quality lotus paste filled mooncake.

Rating: 7.5/10

9. Tung Lok

Rating: 7.5/10

10. Eater Palace : Yam paste

This Teochew mooncake reminds us of eating of sweet yam dessert, just stuffed into a mooncake instead, and deep fried to crispy perfection.

Rating: 7/10

In recent years, going vintage has gained traction in the fashion arena. Thrift stores have been seeing more and more self-expressing individuals on a budget (or not) scouring dusty vintage racks. After all, fashion is about seeking your individual style and getting that adrenaline rush from the hunt.

At the Playground@Big Splash Car Boot Sale on the weekend of 26 and 27 September, City News occupied three lots, offering clothes, shoes, bags, accessories and even a brand new set of John Daly golf clubs (complete with bag). There were some great buys, and some items were even brand new with tags!
Style File headed for the Sale on the first day and picked out some nifty pieces, to show you that you can pull together some great looks even with a bunch of vintage items!

Topshop sequinned bolero: $15 Mango tube dress: $20 Pumps: $5 This tube dress is great for a dinner date. Simply throw on the sequin bolero and up the glam factor.

Strip Blazer: $15 Mini dress: $5 Heels: $10 You can’t go too wrong with a blazer. If you find that wearing a dress by itself is too simple, a casual blazer is all you need to make an outfit look fresh and smart.

Tee: $5 Shorts: $5 Pumps: $5 Going casual doesn’t mean you have to look sloppy. For instance, don’t go for shorts that are “too short” — they are inappropriate for that casual luncheon or high tea. Pick shorts that are cuffed at the hem — they give a smart casual vibe that can take you from the beach to a bistro.

An eclectic combination of Asian culture, design and fashion made up the visually stunning Asia On The Edge (AOTE) 2009, which ran from 24 to 27 September. Asia’s creative talents and cultural heritage were showcased at the four-day festival, organized by The Arts House and PICO.

Aptly themed “Evolution”, the festival comprised of three components: Evolution, an outdoor installation and performance; Waterways, a craft, design and performance showcase; and Jing, a fashion in-theatre experience inspired by philosophy.

Hundreds turned up for the world premiere of the festival, which kicked off with the installation-performance work Evolution at the Old Parliament Lane, just in front of The Arts House. The rear of the Victoria Concert Hall was transformed into a massive clockwork-like installation to represent the passage of time and evolution. Celebrities, such as supermodel Junita Simon, Lim Yu Beng and Tan Kheng Hua were dressed in striking costumes inspired by the recording devices of time, for example, the sun, moon and stars.

Well-known Singapore director Goh Boon Teck was inspired by the notion of time and aimed to create an outdoor installation to convey the feeling of passing time.

“Evolution is an archival tool of memories, histories and imaginations. A time piece which celebrates creativity and human spirit,” said Goh Boon Teck, the creative director of Evolution.

“Personally, I felt it was good, but I couldn’t really see the performance very well. But I have to say that the costumes were really beautiful,” said marketing executive, Lim Bih Ru, 28.

Guests were also invited to sample the various culinary delights by renowned chefs from Asia after the installation performance. The gastronomy component was part of Jing, a fashion in-theatre production that featured designs by leading lingerie brand in China, Aimer Group.

The world premiere of Jing (the Chinese word connoting “peace”) brought together fashion from Beijing, talents from the Shanghai modelling scene, respected theatre practictioners from Singapore and renowned chefs from the region to relook and challenge preconceptions about food, fashion and music.

Thai Chef Nattapong Norchoovech wanted to do just that. His menu for the festival was strongly influenced by traditional Thai cuisines but presented with a modern touch.

“Asia On The Edge to me is about moving to the future. Likewise, food must also progress with the times. Thai food has been cooked over and over again. This time, I am trying to reinvent the normal Thai cuisine with a modern touch,” said Norchoovech, who whipped up delectable delicacies like duck confit and scallop with mango puree.

“People don’t think food is important, but food is an art and an expression. I express myself through my food and it is like a journey to me,” added Norchoovech, sharing his inspirations for his choice of gourmet dishes during the festival.

AOTE was first conceived to serve as a platform for the sharing of experiences from Asia. This year, Jing was an occasion where various chefs from different parts of Asia such as Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and China could share their cultures and collaborate together.

“The best part of the festival to me was definitely being able to meet chefs from other countries and to learn from them. It is like a meeting with people of the same ideas,” said Norchoovech.

Celebrity chef Ismail Redzuawan from Malaysia agreed.

“What is happening here is fantastic because we get to know a bit of each other. I always believe food will always bring people to the table. It brings love, respect, peace and compassion. I think this region is the best place for that to be done,” he said.

The night wrapped up on a high note with the visually gripping fashion in-theatre performance, where new faces in the Shanghainese modelling scene presented the one-hour fashion show staged by artistic director Jeremiah Choy and music director Jiu Jian.

Inspired by the work of French philosopher Michel Foucault, Choy wanted to redefine the experience of the creative disciplines. He hopes that Jing will showcase beyond the immediate beauty of the design of intimate apparel or its wearer, as the genre itself has many metaphorical and symbolic functions. This best reflects Foucault’s philosophy which often challenges one to relook at concepts and notions that are often accepted as given truths.

“When we look at the mirror, who are we looking at? Are you looking at the person in the mirror, or is the person in the mirror looking at you. At fashion, we are looking at intimate apparel. Are we looking at the models or are they looking at us? We presented it through theatrical means and we are exploring the many facets of the philosophy,” explained Choy.

The models walked through the parts of the second level of The Arts House that reflected the various literature of Foucault. For example, the performers ascended the throne-like structure which created a tension between the audience and performer; a tension between watching and being watched.

“I liked the performance. It was very sensual and very different from a usual lingerie show. It really offered a unique perspective,” said Jacke Chye, the deputy director of a telecommunications company.

He continued: “I think the whole festival was about borrowing from the past but being relevant to society. It is about having heritage but putting a modern spin to things. Asia still keeps to its traditions but we’ve evolved a lot.”

PHOTOS: Michael Chan

His views were echoed by Jeremiah, who summed up what AOTE was really all about.

“Using Singapore as a base, we can explore the many talents, many wonderful cultures of Asians and bringing them together to create works that relate to Asia. The world is getting smaller, and with the Internet, we begin to look at Asia in a very different light. Hence, AOTE is exploring where the boundaries are, and to keep expanding and trying to push them further. It is really an integration of all things Asian because it is collaborative in nature.” he said.

Sacher cake

“Work is the meat of life, pleasure the dessert.” So quipped BC Forbes, founder of the influential Forbes magazine.You’ll find yourself connecting very well with that sentiment when you get to Caffe Cova: You’ll plow your way through the main course just to get to the dessert

Which is exactly what happened to the club sandwich we ordered for lunch: despite its valiant efforts to satisfy — creamy thick filling mashed between good and fresh bread — it wasn’t what we came here for, really. I think you’d probably need 20 visits to try all the pastries they have at Cova, but for sanity’s sake you should start with their droolsome signature Sacher cake — stacks of thick chocolatey layers pressed together in one cake.

Their four-piece mini pastry set is almost too good to describe. Buttery, flaky, rich, creamy, little, pieces of heaven in little round tarts. Mama Mia! Of the four, the cream puff won our hearts with its nice light cream and eggy puff pastry.

Four-piece mini pastry set	Iced cappuccino

Getting a cuppa here is a genuine Italian experience in itself too. My simple little iced cappuccino was really a potent brew of pure addiction in a cup. The coffee was authentically Italian: rich and sultry-tasting. One downside: Caffe Cova delivers its quality standards at not so merciful prices, so be prepared to dish out the dollars for your pleasure.

As told to Elizabeth Low

Overall Rating:

On 26 and 27 September, the dynamic team of City News writers and broadcasters that brought to you the latest scoops and happenings became temporary car boot vendors at Playground @ Big Splash, East Coast Beach from 10am to 10pm. Don’t worry, it is not a change of their vocation but a City News Charity Car Boot Sale to raise funds for local community service; City Harvest Community Services Association (CHCSA).

For those patrons looking for deep discounts, items for sale include brands such as Louis Vuitton slingbag [selling at S$400, U.P. S$1,100], Prada shoulder bag [selling at S$200], brand new Dorothy Perkins evening dress [selling at S$60], brand new Nokia 6220 mobile phone [selling at S$120, U.P. S$230], brand new Nike and Adidas tops [selling at S$10, S$15], brand new golf set [selling at S$300] and brand new accessories selling at only S$1! If you haven’t go gaga over the above, the pre-loved items are going at as low as S$2!

The enthusiastic writers arrived at the scene as early as 9am to get a good spot and to set up the place, hoping for a good turnout. Sure enough, streams of customers came strolling in, looking for good buys. The car boot sale went off to a good start as our very first customer actually bought S$241 worth of clothes on Saturday!

Towards noon, the vendors were blasted at by the blistering sun, as if discouraging them from completing this great cause. But the vendors pressed on, clinching sales after sales. The competition was tough as the other car boot vendors were also selling their products at low prices.

PHOTOS: Daniel Poh and Lin Xiuzhen

As the sun sets, the charitable vendors heaved a sign of relief as they were finally spared from the sun. In general, the sales was quite good as the crowd turnout was quite good and the customers were eager to get both brand new and pre-loved items at rock bottom prices, at the same time, doing their part for charity.

After the whole event ended at 10pm, the writers had to pack up and at the same time, making sure the place was tidied up, leaving the place at 11pm as a result.

City News reporter Jody Doo, 21, have this to say, “I felt that the car boot sale was a huge success! Even though the heat was crazy, we all had fun taking turns being vendors. It makes me satisfied to see satisfied customers and this experience definitely bonded the City News Team closer together!” Doo adds “I wanna thank all who made the effort to come down to support us and specially the brains behind this whole event, Wenling! She actually brought a huge drink dispenser down for us when she knew the heat was unbearable!”

Customer David Ang, 22, shares “I find the car boot sale extremely unique as it was my first time visiting a so called flea market in this manner. As I came to the place late, I only managed to get a bangle for a friend costing only S$2! I think it was really for a good cause as the things that were sold are contributed to the charity and of course, kudos to the City News volunteers!”

At the end of the day, the writers were beat, sun-burnt and tired, but the effort was worth the while as they raise more than S$4,000! Resounding success! Well it has been a pleasure writing and doing our bid for charity. Till the next charity car boot sale, see ya!