You’ve seen him on stage playing various characters, and now you can watch Lucas Chia on TV in The Band.

If you tune in to the series The Band on Okto channel every Wednesday night, you might spot a familiar face among the cast—that of Lucas Chia, 21, who is a regular cast member in City Harvest Church’s drama productions. In what may well be his breakthrough role in TV, Chia plays the charismatic lead singer Ethan in the 10-episode series.

Having been involved in countless theater productions since age four, Chia made his foray into television when he clinched a part as a co-host on Kids Central’s Do What You Want series in 2008. Along the way, he did show hosting for commercials, and introduced prizes and promotions in between cartoon programs. When Kids and Arts Central merged and the Okto channel was formed, the producers called him to audition for The Band.

Going from stage to screen isn’t all that easy. Chia says, “It’s so different. On stage, you have to do everything ‘big,’ while on TV it’s a lot of internalizing the characters, and many times it’s ‘less is more.’ It’s the little, subtle things that the camera really picks up. So, I have had to fix a lot of the old habits I picked up from my theatre training. I was told my eyebrows moved too much, that I had too many facial expressions and that my actions were too ‘big.’ So I had to cut down on a lot of that for TV.”

So what’s in store for Chia on the road ahead? Currently in National Service and waiting to enter university, Chia hopes to expand upon his three-year experience in hosting and be involved in more theater productions in future. “When I perform on stage, seeing the audience smile, laugh and even cry along with me, feeling what I feel, that is so fulfilling.”

CN PHOTOS: Alvin Loh

Chia hopes to touch as many lives as he can through this industry. Beyond the prospect of fame or recognition, he says, “It feels good knowing that I can be a role model to the kids, to entertain and inspire them.”

For budding performers, Chia shares, “Go for lots of auditions. Take the risk and don’t be afraid of rejection—it doesn’t mean you’re no good, but it may just be that you are not what they are looking for in particular. I went through many auditions myself before finally getting the role in The Band. It takes a lot of guts, and you must be bold, courageous and prepared to work hard, but know that all big-time artists started small, so don’t despise the humble beginnings. I,too, hope I’ll get there one day.”

The Band airs every Wednesday at 8pm on Okto.

His childhood dream is to be a rock star. “I’ve always wanted to form a band with my buddies but never got around to it, due to either a lack of commitment or time. So being in this series has in a way helped me live out my dream!”

What’s in his iPod. Switchfoot, One Republic and Coldplay (on lazy days, it’s acoustic music like John Mayer and James Morrison).

He is a shy guy in real life. “A lot of people don’t know that but I’m actuallyquite shy. It’s only when I’m placed on stage when I have to do my job that Lucas comes alive. If I were on my own, I like to just be quiet and enjoy the solitude.”

He’s nothing at all like his character Ethan in The Band. “I’m more of a funny, easy-going kind of guy, definitely not a Casanova nor the ‘emo’ type.”

In Haiti, CityCare’s second medical team saw over 300 patients daily; helped outlying wounded.

Contributed by Wayne Chan

Now a recognized symbol of hope in Haiti, CityCare’s orange-clad volunteers have been joined by foreign aid groups and doctors, helping them to triple the number of patients they see each day to 300, up from the 100 per day in their first week.

Arriving on Jan. 23, CityCare’s second medical team treated 1,659 patients during their five and a half days in Carrefour, a badly devastated Haitian residential district.

For Dr. Donny Bastian, 28, a general practitioner based in Surabaya, Indonesia, it was his maiden trip overseas. On Jan. 18, he applied for a passport for the first time, and five days later, found himself treating an increasing throng of patients at CityCare’s
makeshift clinic in Carrefour.

Although it was his first time abroad, Dr. Bastian found no problems adjusting to doing relief work in Haiti, as he had gone on humanitarian missions within Indonesia before.

“I think the only problem for me is the long plane trip, [it’s] not very comfortable,” he said. “Haiti itself is similar to Indonesia, so the food and weather were no problem for me.”

He joined seven Singaporeans and two Taiwanese volunteers as part of CityCare’s second disaster relief team.

Led by Lim Meng Chin, 34, the second team of 10 also comprised Singaporeans Dr. David Eu, 42, Dr. Jennifer Yeo, 50, Benjamin Tan, 27, Lin Xin Ru, 25, Yap Tat Ming, 36, and Melvin Lye, 29.

The two Taiwanese doctors were Dr. Victor Chen and Dr. Alfred Chien, who made a mad dash to book flights to join CityCare in Haiti when they heard that the team was looking for doctors.

In addition to the three international doctors already on CityCare’s second team, two local Haitian doctors also pitched in to help at the clinic.

On the third day after the second team’s arrival, a team of 14 US paramedics and emergency medical technicians sent by Firefighters for Christ, a non-profit organization, also linked up with CityCare and helped transport more serious cases to a US hospital ship loaded with medical expertise and supplies.

According to Dr. Eu, a general practitioner, Firefighters for Christ was just one of a few other international aid groups that CityCare networked with at a Haitian church organization called Light Ministries, led by Terry and Cary Nelson who have been serving in Haiti for 28 years. CityCare benefited from Light Ministries’ network, which made the distribution of medical supplies and aid more coordinated and effective.

“These groups helped us to get some of the medication from the UN (United Nations) because we are physically at the clinic all day,” said Dr. Eu. “As we are not able to make these trips, we gave them a wish list so they were able to collect medications.”

In addition to its first makeshift clinic in Carrefour, CityCare’s second team also split into two—one group stayed to work at the clinic, the other went out as a mobile clinic, going to other hard-hit areas in Haiti to reach the wounded who could not make it to a center for help.

Dr. Eu added that the situation was improving and that the Haitians were very friendly and appreciative. Dr. Bastian
added that contrary to media reports, the Haitians were definitely not hostile, but just needed care and compassion.

“Although they are faced with a situation so depressing, their spirits are still up. They still are fighters, they’re survivors,
they’re willing to pick up where they left off,” said Dr. Eu. “You can see the markets, the roadside trade starting; they’re selling goods and doing barter exchange, that sort of thing.”

Dr. Eu also observed rows of tents being put up in between the roads on the dividers, as people did their best to continue
their lives in the midst of the devastation. For nurse Lin Xin Ru, 24, the thing that moved her most was the strength of the human spirit in the 78 young survivors of a collapsed orphanage that had killed 56 children. For these children, the pain from the wounds they suffered were no less excruciating than those suffered by the adults.

CN PHOTOS: David Eu, Michael Chan, Lim Meng Chin

“When I saw those little children— they’re about two to six years old—I felt really very sad for them, [it was] very heart-wrenching,” she said. “They are really strong, even at that young age, and hardly cried when we treated their wounds.” Lin also recounted some of the lighter moments in their trip. During one aftershock, one member of the team comically rolled down the stairs while rushing to evacuate the house.

She also mentioned that as a young Asian lady, she was accorded some special “privileges” by the locals.

“I did get special treatment because I think they (Haitian security forces outside the clinic) seldom see Asians around that region,” she said with a smile. “So when I’m there, they’re relatively more protective, so when it’s my turn to step out to control the crowd, they’re more helpful.”

In addition to sending medical teams, CityCare has brought tents, canvas sheets, solar-powered dynamo lamps and 56 water filters donated by Singapore company Hyflux into Haiti to support the rescue efforts. It is also looking for a venue in Haiti to build an orphanage to house young earthquake victims.

CityCare has, at press time, sent four medical teams to Carrefour, and treated 5,478 patients (as of Feb. 10). Its fifth medical team will leave for Haiti on Feb. 17. The organization plans to continue sending teams till early March.

To volunteer for upcoming trips to Haiti, email [email protected] with your name and contact details. Kindly indicate if you have medical or nursing training.

CN PHOTO: Albert Soh

The star bares his soul.

Contributed By Jaromel Gee

On a single morning on Jan. 24, award-winning singer-songwriter, Eric Moo shared his testimony twice—first at the English service at Singapore Expo, and immediately after, across the island at the Chinese service in Jurong West.

He performed a total of two songs, one of which was the hit song he wrote for Taiwanese singer, Sandy Lam, “At Least There’s Still You”. Moo credits this song to God, inspired by his own salvation experience.

Moo started his music career at the age of 17 playing in a music group, Subway Band, and debuted on stage in 1986. He then released his first Mandarin album Feelings which topped the Singapore pop charts. He has since released over 40 albums and performed in more than 40 concerts in countries which include Singapore, Malaysia and Taiwan in the past 26 years of his career.

Speaking in Mandarin, Moo talked about his first visit to CHC in 2008, and even showed the congregation where he sat in the service. He also shared his personal story of how he overcame his smoking addiction. As a new believer, he was still smoking regularly until God intervened through some of his friends. While in their company one day, he lit a cigarette and began smoking. His friends offered to pray with him to stop the unhealthy habit. By the grace of God, Moo testified that he has not picked up another cigarette stick since that day!

That Sunday morning showed another side to the entertainer. Moo carried the message of how a personal relationship with God can empower a person. He constantly gave glory to God for all that was taking place in his life and career.

Chen Yue Qun, 25, commented, “Moo’s testimony was an inspiration to me. His honesty and openness really touched me.”

This year’s Singapore Kindness Movement campaign encourages fast food diners to clear their trays. How do CHC members measure up?

The Singapore Kindness Movement launched its 2010 campaign on Jan. 15. The mission: To inculcate in fast food diners the habit of clearing their trays after meals.

On Jan. 14 at at the ARTrium, MICA Building, the Singapore Kindness Movement unveiled attractive table decals, tray station stickers or tray station tent cards prompting diners to do their part in the “Clear Up Before You Go—Because You Are Kind That Way” campaign.

This is a collaboration between SKM and six local fast food operators namely KFC, Long John Silver’s, McDonalds, MOS Burger, Subway and Superdog. The event was officiated by Sam Tan, Parliamentary Secretary, Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts and Ministry of Trade and Industry.

Said Tan: “[Being gracious] is not alien to all of us, as students have been taught to clear their plates and cutlery after use, and NS men are taught to clear their food trays. [This campaign] serves to remind us to be gracious to one another, at the same time showing Singapore to be a country filled with warm and gracious people, thus enhancing Singapore’s national stage with the coming 2010 Youth Olympic Games.”

As a sign of leading by example, the representatives from the fast food companies were invited on stage to carry a food tray and clear them, thus officially launching the campaign. The campaign mascot Singa was also there to “lend support” to the group.

Lim Kim Seng, General Manager of MOS Burger said, “I feel that this [campaign] is a good idea. Somebody has to start first to promote graciousness. Yes, I also do clear my food trays after food. As MOS Burger is a Japanese company, we have the opportunity to experience the culture of the Japanese—they always clear up their food trays so that the next person can have a pleasant time at the eatery. Hopefully, the awareness created by this campaign can create a domino effect, inspiring young and old to be more gracious by helping to keep tables clean after they’re done eating.”

Teh Thien Yew, General Manager of SKM tells City News that “our goal for the first of five phases is to spread the awareness that such a campaign exists, and perhaps inspire Singaporeans to be more gracious by clearing up their food trays after meals. The benefit that customers get is the satisfaction that they have helped provide the next customer with a great experience at the fast food outlet.”

This campaign aims to communicate that demonstrating graciousness to one another doesn’t cost anything, but it can bring about better experiences and a consciousness of kindness.

City News decided to see how aware our churchgoers are of the campaign, and if they already have a habit of clearing after themselves. The City News crew parked itself one recent weekend at Subway at Singapore Expo, which is a participating outlet, to watch City Harvest members in action.

	Accountant Joyce Ho Xiu Ping, from cell group N429, said, “I personally don’t have a habit of clearing my tray but I believe that this campaign is very relevant. It also gives foreigners a better image of us when they come to Singapore, especially since we have so many international events happening here. We should spare a thought for others.”
	For Tan Rui Xiang, 23, a full-time student from cell group W302, this campaign matches his values. “I believe this is a basic social responsibility for all of us to want to provide a conducive eating environment for the next user. In fact we should extend this graciousness to public toilets, and leave the toilet seat clean for the next user.”
	Faith Huang Ziling (center), 19, full-time student from cell group E378 notes that “It is only basic courtesy to clear our food trays after dining in the first place. If you don’t want to start a meal with someone else’s leftovers, you shouldn’t leave your leftovers behind!”
CN PHOTO: Eugene Tay

CN PHOTO: Alvin Loh

Church members express their heartfelt messages to friends and loved ones through written notes on a “friendship wall.”

Contributed By Danon Har

This February, amidst the bustle of Chinese New Year, City Harvest Church does its part for love.

To encourage people to show their gratitude and appreciation, a Friendship Expression Wall has been set up at both church locations at Singapore Expo Hall 1 and Jurong West Street 91. For the whole month of February, the wall is available to anyone who wants to leave a message for friends or family in the form of paper notes. Though most people connect these days through online networking sites, the “lost” art of using paper proves still as effective.

“The wall is meant to inspire everyone to express their love, appreciation and thanksgiving to one another,” said Cindy Ng, a member of the organizing committee. The wall is not just meant for couples to express their love for one another, but also anyone who wants to send wishes to their children, parents or friends.

“I’m sure my members would be happy to see my note,” said Leonide Tan, cell group leader of N427, as she pasted her note on the wall. Her daughter, Taysha Tan, 6, had just finished writing a note which was addressed to her mother.

One note simply says, “I Love You”, while another states, “Thanks for being so patient with me.” There is even a note from members of cell group N419 addressed to senior pastor Kong Hee which reads, “Thank you very much!”

The Friendship Expression Wall is located near the reception counter both at Singapore Expo Hall 1 and Jurong West church. It will be on display till end of February.

PHOTOS: Courtesy Of City College

Grace Heng battled all kinds of odds to ace her exams.

She may have spent many years completing her “O” levels, but Grace Heng shows us, through her outstanding results, that taking longer to get there is better than not getting there at all.

The 23-year old star student of City College’s 2009 batch of “O” level students proudly received her four distinctions this January, after a long, arduous journey that spanned several years.

Heng’s difficulties began in secondary school, when her parents went through a difficult divorce which involved long-drawn custody battles and fights for alimony and child support. The relationship between Heng and her parents worsened under the strain. Her father blamed her for all the problems and her mother did not want anything to do with the family. To make matters worse, they were struggling with finances.

Heng was unable to concentrate in school, and she developed a habit of playing truant. Eventually she was asked to leave school, and after an unsuccessful stint in another school, where she was defiant towards her teachers, Heng dropped out of the education system completely.

At this time, she was diagnosed with clinical depression and had to see a psychologist. As a result of the ordeal at home, she harbored deep resentment and was unable to cope with the situation.

Says Heng, “I remember that beneath the overwhelming sense of helplessness and lethargy, there was anger seething and raging within me.”

After three years, Heng made another attempt to achieve her goal of continuing her studies. At the age of 19, she enrolled to take her “N” level examinations, but gave up after two months as she had been away from it for such a long time. In 2008, she tried once again, this time enrolling into a private “O” level course. However, she failed the exams and found herself back where she started.

Despite facing continual obstacles, one after another, Heng refused to give up and enrolled one more time, this time into City College. She kept trying because “one day, I want to teach and be knee deep in childhood education. I’ve always wanted that. And in order to achieve that, I had to have the ‘O’ level certificate.”

At City College, Heng encountered a completely different experience from what she had gone through previously. She credits being at City College for helping her to overcome inertia, enabling her to adjust back to the education system and maximizing her potential.

According to her, “The atmosphere is just different. I felt this sense of acceptance not only from the teachers but from my schoolmates. I sense that the teachers want us to do well for our benefit and not because it would look good on their end-year report.”

Aside from the many “turnaround stories” credited to City College in its early days, the school has, over the years, displayed a trend of consistently producing strong academic results, a track record which not many private schools can speak of.

Aside from the atmosphere, the teachers in City College are known for helping students to believe in themselves and live up to their potential. For Heng, they certainly made a difference to her learning experience.

She said, “They’re patient and creative in the way they teach. They don’t give up when a student doesn’t understand what they’re teaching. Sometimes, I’ve seen them stay back beyond working hours to teach small groups of students who want or need extra practice.

“We love our teachers and we want to do well so as to not let them down.”

City College staff hold the belief that no matter what circumstance or problems a student faces, he or she deserves a chance to shine.

Heng has a word of encouragement for those who are facing overwhelming discouragement and obstacles, “It’s okay to try, and fail. The most important thing is to try again, no matter how many tries it takes to succeed. Because when you do succeed, that feeling of accomplishment is beyond description.”

In 2009, CHEC officially changed its name to City College, under City College Holdings Limited, as it moves towards becoming a full-fledged school. The school now offers three courses, spanning one, two and three years, and all leading up to the GCE “O” level examinations. For more informationon enrolment, go to www.citycollege.edu.sg.

PHOTOS: Courtesy of New life church

Contrary to the world, 2009 proved a fruitful year of harvest and growth for CHC’s affiliate churches in Southeast Asia. They share their vision for an even better 2010.

BethelMissionChurch
Kolar Gold Fields, Bangalore (India)

Frank Godberg pastors this church together with his wife Gladys and their two children. Bethel has community outreaches that include orphanages and schools. The church’s weekly attendance numbers around 2,100 people.
2010 Resolution: To increase from three to five services on Sunday. To grow by another 1,000 members.

CityHarvestChristianFellowship
Sibu (Malaysia)

David Ngu helms this congregation of 250 members in Malaysia. This church started in 2001 with 20 people, and at Christmas 2009, saw 700 in attendance. It also has a vibrant campus ministry.
2010 Resolution: To find a piece of land for the church, to invest more time into community work, to increase every member’s prayer level.

CityHarvestChurchKualaLumpur
Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia)

In 2001, Kevin Loo graduated from School of Theology and founded CHCKL. With his wife, Esther, Loo pastors one of the fastest growing churches in Malaysia with an active humanitarian arm. The church has a weekly average of 1,498 people.
2010 Resolution: To move into their new church building and grow to an average weekly attendance of 2,000.

CityHarvestChurchKuching
Kuching (Malaysia)

Established in 2001, this church, pastored by George Tiong, has a strong reputation for its children’s and youth programs, as well as community service. It has an average attendance of 688.
2010 Resolution: To grow the church by 30 percent and to reach a membership of 900.

CityHarvestChurchPenang
Penang (Malaysia)

Pastored by Saras Bany, this church is known for its dynamic worship, relevant messages as well as its college outreaches. It has an average attendance of 205, but saw 405 attendees at its Christmas 2009 services.
2010 Resolution: To develop into a strong praying church, and to experience breakthrough growth.

DaDiHarvestChurch
Kaohsiung (Taiwan)

Joshua Tan and Caleb Tan pastor this exciting young church of 90 people. At Christmas 2009, Da Di had an attendance of 216 people.
2010 Resolution: To rent a larger auditorium to hold their weekly services and to grow the church in quality and quantity.

GPdiElohimSidoarjo
Surabaya (Indonesia)

Franklin Lumoindong stepped in to lead this church when its founder Silas Juana died in an accident in 2007. With CHC’s help, the church has grown from 1,350 to nearly 2,500 last year.
2010 Resolution: To strengthen and expand its youth ministry with a new program, Y-POD, and to grow the church membership by 20 percent.

GPdiKarmel
Jakarta (Indonesia)

Semuel Bolang started this church with fewer than 100 members. Last Christmas, it saw a record 1,350 people in attendance.
2010 Resolution: To experience greater spiritual growth and prosperity among its members.

GPdiLippoCikarang
Jakarta (Indonesia)

Daniel Martono’s church has a weekly attendance of 400 people but they more than quadrupled this number in their Christmas 2009 services, with more than 1,900 people.
2010 Resolution: To increase in influence, abundance and favor, and grow the church to 850 people every week.

GraceHarvestChurch
Taipei (Taiwan)

Garrick Li started his church in 2006 with seven people, which now has an average weekly attendance of 60. Christmas 2009 saw a total of 345 people with 200 decisions for Christ.
2010 Resolution: To establish the children’s church and community service. To grow to a weekly attendance of 100.

HarvestSchoolOfMinistries
(Malaysia)

This group of churches under George Ong is corporately known as Harvest School of Ministries and have a combined weekly congregation of 2050.
2010 Resolution: To prioritize relationships over personal ambitions and gains so that there will be strength to enlarge the ministry. To become a role model for Chinese churches. To grow to 2,800 members altogether this year.

HeartOfGodChurch
(Singapore)

Tan Seow How and his wife, Cecilia, head this very youthful and vibrant congregation in Singapore. Most of its members are under the age of 25. The church was started in 1996 with five people, but now numbers 1,400 congregants every weekend.
2010 Resolution: To grow to a 2,500-strong membership, experience a greater move of the Holy Spirit, and to strengthen its men’s ministry, Men United.

HsinTienCovenantChurch
Hsin Tien (Taiwan)

Wayne Chang took over the youth ministry of the church in 2004 with 160 members. Today this ministry has over 640, and has a reputation for helping underprivileged youth restore their purpose in life.
2010 Resolution: To grow the church to 800 members, integrate 120 youth, increase by 10 youth groups and 15 campus cell groups, and build a 2,500-seater hall.

IndonesiaHarvestChurch
Medan (Indonesia)

Upon his return from School of Theology, Johnny Seragih set up a church in Medan. The church also runs a rehabilitation center and childcare services. The church has a weekly attendance of 750, but doubled their numbers at Christmas 2009 with 1,668 people!
2010 Resolution: To strengthen the leadership and to focus on building in their new church.

NewLifeChurch
Taipei (Taiwan)

Abraham Ku helms this contemporary church in downtown Taipei which has grown to become one of the Christian hotspots for celebrities. Known for their vibrant youth culture, the church holds highly successful outreach activities. Their weekly attendance is 2,500, but last Christmas, the church hit an attendance of 17,765.
2010 Resolution: To have greater church growth. To expand its influence in society.

PingtungPeaceChurch
Pingtung (Taiwan)

Ge Zhao Xing heads this church which was birthed in 2004 with 20 members. The church now has a membership of 340. Its Christmas 2009 outreaches drew over 7,000 people to the church.
2010 Resolution: Disciple members into greater spiritual maturity.

RhemaChurch
Sitiawan (Malaysia)

The church has a vibrant youth ministry and encourages every single member to be involved in ministry. Dave Thong started it with 15 people, and it numbers 130 today.
2010 Resolution: To grow to 200 members weekly.

RhemaHarvestChurch
Tainan (Taiwan)

This church was birthed in 2004 with 40 people under the leadership of Yan Guang Ming. Their average weekly attendance stands at 130.
2010 Resolution: To grow to 200 attendees weekly, raise up 20 cell group leaders and to meet their building fund target of NT$3 million.

ShekinahHarvestChurch
(Singapore)

Sim Chee Teck pastors this church that was started in 2001. The church is best known for their ministry to families and youth-at-risk. They have an average weekly attendance of 70 people, and hit a record 242 people last Christmas.
2010 Resolution: To make this a year of commitment to Christ, church, Christians, continuous learning and community. To grow to 200 members.

SydneyHarvestChurch
Sydney (Australia)

John Lee pastors this church with 175 weekly attendees. The church serves Asian communities in Sydney.
2010 Resolution: To grow the church to 400 members, start a new Sunday school, reach out to Indonesian students and families through its Indonesian services, and engage the youth through a Saturday service.

TaipeiNewCityChurch
Taipei (Taiwan)

Robyn Wang is the senior pastor of this church, which has an average weekly attendance of 251 people. Christmas 2009 saw an attendance of 766 people.
2010 Resolution: To build a strong “caring system” for outreach efforts. To see members strengthened in their walk with God.

Fusion of French and Japanese cuisine, perfected.

I went to Hiroki88 expecting good things from Chef Hiroki, recently of 3-Michelin star L’Astrance in Paris. I was impressed by the thoughtfulness and meticulousness in every quarter.

The simple, nature-themed décor and the attentive service keep diners in a Zen-like state, ready to receive the next plate of brilliance from Chef Hiroki.

A French-Japanese fusion, one clearly sees both influences—the plating is austere but soothing; the food is rich, yet fresh and energetic, powerful but never dominating, a textural composition, but nothing overpowering. The structure is French—techniques, cutlery and order of courses—but the flavors and attention to every detail is Japanese.

A basket of olive and homemade focaccia bread with assorted butters arrived first. The soft, crusty focaccia was perfect with the herb butter. The butter is delicate —well-balanced and fragrant. I liked the anchovy butter—rich but not fishy.

Sakura Bark Home Smoked Fresh Salmon on Garden of Beetroot

Sakura Bark Home-Smoked Fresh Salmon on Garden of Beetroot arrived next. It is both an architectural creation and an appetizing combination of flavors. This is a dish that wows and surprises. The play of texture, fragrance and taste is excellent, as is the control of the cooking technique. To tell more would spoil the surprise.

The Grilled Fresh Squid and Cauliflower served with Squid Ink Pasta similarly impressed. Squid fans will love it —squid is charred to perfection, smoky, tender and sweet. The pasta is pungent and earthy—coated with a pesto so delicate that you hardly see it, yet it flavors and clothes each mouthful with its fragrance.

The Slow-Cooked Fresh Garoupa on Creamy Mushroom Risotto was excellent. This risotto is a show-stealer—the garoupa, though fork-tender with a crunchy skin, paled beside it. With the seaweed sauce, the risotto is heavenly—crunchy spring onions, nutty shimeji mushrooms, pungent base note of seaweed—this is what a fusion of East and West should be.

CN PHOTOS: Xavier Tan Slow-Cooked Fresh Garoupa on Creamy Mushroom Risotto(Left) Grilled Fillet of Lamb Loin perfumed with Rosemary(Right)

Next, the Grilled Fillet of Lamb Loin perfumed with Rosemary. The lamb was less satisfying than the accompanying slice of roasted daikon with macadamia shavings, or the crunchy French beans. It was too delicately done—its herb crust was interesting, but not enough.

Dessert was Vanilla Ice Cream with Strawberry Compote, accompanied by mousse and a dusting of caramel-coated cashews. The airy mousse evanesces in your mouth, leaving behind the sweetness of the ice cream and the crunch of the cashews. The compote is tart and firm, balancing out the flavor.

There are greater things ahead for Hiroki88. In the works are a larger alfresco dining area and an impressive water feature. Already among the top four finalists of the Singapore Restaurant Association’s Best New Concepts, people have started to sit up and take notice of Hiroki88.

Although I applaud them for their all-round excellence, I feel that Chef Hiroki and his team are playing too safe. I await the day where, like L’Astrance, menus are banished from the restaurant and Hiroki and his team venture into those deep culinary woods. I will be right behind them, ready to eat what they prepare.

Tel: 64747896

Dinner: 18.30 p.m. to 11.00 p.m. (Open Tuesdays to Sundays)

Web site: www.hiroki88.com

Reservations e-mail: [email protected]

Overall Rating:

Teenagers and elderly set new record for lantern-making.

Contributed by Lau Ber Nard

PHOTOS: Tan Song Kow

A month into 2010 and the students of Ngee Ann Secondary School have already broken a national record and done good for their community all at the same time.

As part of their Outdoor Learning Experience program, 370 Secondary Two students from Ngee Ann Secondary School joined 101 senior citizens to set a new record for making paper lanterns. These elderly are all clients of City Harvest Community Services Association.

OLE is a Community Involvement Program which acts as a platform for the students to inculcate empathic understandingand care for others. It gives the youth an opportunity to serve their community, instilling values of volunteerism and a sense of identity with an older generation.

On Jan. 21, the students went through a five-hour session with trainers and volunteers from CHCSA and People of Destiny. They were taught to appreciate the importance of effective communication, volunteerism, event management, game planning and performance operation. After the training, the students were given charge on Jan. 22 to run the event. The day began with performances for the elderly which included guzheng, wushu and a choir recital. Following that was a time of games at various booths created specially for the elderly.

After the entertainment, they got down to business. One student paired with one elderly partner to watch an instructional video that taught them how to make lanterns using angpow paper and a stapler. For 15 minutes, a record number of 426 students, senior citizens, teachers, trainers and volunteers worked together to make as many paper lanterns as they could.

A certificate was awarded by the officials from the Singapore Book of Records. Some of the lanterns were then given to the elderly to bring home in preparation for the upcoming Chinese New Year. For the youth, it was a powerful lesson in appreciating the older generation; for the elderly, a reminder that no matter how old they are, they play an important role in society and that they are never too old to make history.