Just like any kid off the street, Ms. Evon Tay grew up sketching and drawing as a hobby not knowing that she would someday be in the design industry. With a passion for craft and alternative lifestyle, Evon sought to create ideals that can liberate one from the mindless consumption habits of this day and age. Hence, when the opportunity came for her to generate her own ideas and develop them into actual projects during her final year at the school of Art, Design and Media (NTU), she knew exactly what she wanted to do.

The DIY campaign consists of a manifesto that hits right at the hearts of many – especially those who grew up in pre-2000s generation. With lines such as “When we want something, we try to make it ourselves” and “When things get broken, we find out how to fix it”, it is no wonder Evon has people commenting on how her project evokes a sense of nostalgia for the past when things were “simpler”.

On top of the manifesto, Evon has also designed several collaterals including a zine titled “Adventures in DIY” with articles and tips on DIY lifestyle, a website filled with beautifully designed images and information as well as a DIY challenge card for people to take up. The challenge card consists of doing a list of simple DIY tasks whereby upon completion, one gets to receive the zine completely free! Evon commented that there is currently a substantial number of people who are engaged in this challenge and she is looking forward to hearing their stories. She then added on to say that the challenge is still ongoing and there are still plenty of zines to be given away!

Understanding the limitations she has as this is an independent project, Evon hopes that her project can become a starting point where it can “sow some seeds of inspiration” for the society to become more self-sustaining. Quoting Evon, “I’m just suggesting little steps people can take, choosing alternative ways to live rather than getting stuck in that depressing consumerist cycle.” So do show some support for the initiative and visit Evon’s website for more details on how to receive your very own DIY challenge card to make a difference today!

Details:
Email: hello@DIY-lifestyle.org
DIY Challenge Website
DIY Challenge Shop
Evon’s Portfolio

Oriole Café and Bar, best known for its artistically crafted coffee and chillax atmosphere, is owned by Singapore National Barista Championships winners Keith Loh and John Ting. With a delectable menu consisting of familiar favourites such as the regular espresso as well as new creations reflecting the creativity of the place. Quoting Keith, “I hope that by serving quality ‘honest’ coffee at our outlets by dedicated, professional and properly-trained baristas, we can fill this niche in the café market in Singapore.”

Besides its substantial drinks list, the spacious dining café is the ideal place for breezy lunches, quick coffee breaks and relaxed dinners. Oriole has a warm and inviting ambience, featuring dazzling brass chandeliers, leather-upholstered booth seats, and a long marble-top bar counter. In the evening, Oriole morphs into a chic and lively watering hole that serves up specialty cocktails and an eclectic music selection.

From now until July 15th, Oriole Café is promoting their 3C’s series – Coffee, Caramel and Chocolate. This features unique blends such as “Seven Sins Akin” – a concoction of seven types of drinks including Baileys and White Cacao mixed to perfection. New desserts such as “Bernini at Sea”, a sinfully delicious combination of brownie, macadamia sea salt ice cream and a shot of Bailey’s Irish Cream. So make a reservation and gather your friends for a lovely evening of good food and ambience at Oriole today!

Details:
Address: 96 Somerset Road #01-01 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites
Tel: 62388348
Operating Hours: Mon-Tue: 11am-11pm, Wed-Thurs: 11am-12am, Fri-Sat: 11am-1am, Sun: 10am-10pm
For other outlets, please visit their website: Oriole Coffee

The artsy mob, culture vultures, and closet creatives… you can rejoice. The fourth edition of the popular flea market is held in conjunction with Singapore Arts Festival. Besides staying true to its usual Arts theme, Public Garden is located under the Esplanade Bridge this time round, as part of the Festival Village – which means you can indulge in exhibitions, installations, and ‘live’ performances by local acts all at the same time!

Night owls, insomniacs, and workaholics… take comfort in the fact that this edition of Public Garden runs from 5pm to midnight over three weekends, instead of the usual full one-day event – there is absolutely no excuse for your absence!

Of course, flea addicts are more than welcome to pop by every day. Considering the diversity of vendors consisting of Singapore’s best independent businesses and creative individuals, each weekend’s forty stalls are bound to present you with something unpredictable and out-of-the-box. It is safe to say that there is definitely something for everyone.

Besides the regular scavenger hunt which reward flea-goers with an eye for diamonds in the rough, other highlights of Public Garden Flea Market this May include:

- MMohawk, a hairstylist whose expertise is to create mohawks
- Joanna Lim, a pottery student whose booth will include handmade mugs, teapots, plates, mini-vases made by herself & her pottery classmates
- Faab, a company with a focus on textile and fabric, with handmade products such as pillows, accessories, apparel and customized fabric
- Book Bait, a bookseller, will curate a booth on Singapore life and culture, including creative writing, local art, travel guides and cookbooks
- Blessings in a Bag, a non-profit project which partners existing communities, orphanages, schools, homes as well as initiatives to provide for the needs of underprivileged, abused and medically-ill children across Asia
- dddots, an independent bookbinding studio which uses both old and modern experimental techniques
- A mini art installation by artist Pigologist & her friends, entitled “森 Three on Trees”, based on trees and their little cute characters

What are you waiting for? Plunge into an exciting treasure trove of handicraft, unique designs, handpicked vintage wares, knick-knacks, and curios. Immerse yourself in a free-spirited, bohemian vibe that is seldom experienced in Singapore. Come spread the common vision that culture is not dead.

We’ll see you at Public Garden Flea Market!

For more info on how to get there, here’s a direction guide.

Details
Venue: Under Esplanade Bridge, next to Esplanade Park
Date: Fri 18 – Sun 20 May, Fri 25 – Sun 27 May, Fri 1 – Sat 2 June 2012
Time: 5pm – midnight
Website: Public Garden

On 18th of March this year, McDonald’s at East Coast Park officially closed its doors after operating there for more than 30 years. Many regular patrons were there to witness its closing ceremony – most filled with tears as the outlet has been there for most part of their lives. Quoting 24 years old student, Mr. Tze Keong, a regular visitor to the outlet, “We were quite surprise because we were expecting this place to be here for at least throughout our lives.”

A documentary video about the outlet, featuring interviews by staff and patrons was produced by Colourbars Media following the closure. The 12 minutes long video has since received some 36,000 views on the online video sharing site, Vimeo. With excellent cinematography and editing, the video managed to capture the essence of the story – the human element.
As people shared their personal stories about the place and expressed their regret for the loss of such a heritage site, one cannot help but be overwhelmed by a sense of sadness.

Not long after East Coast Park’s McDonald’s ceased its operation, King Albert Park’s outlet was announced to be closing as the land was bought over by Oxley Holdings. Many netizens have exclaimed rage over the loss of two memorable sites in such a short span of time, saying that the building which houses the outlet together with Cold Storage and other tenants is an iconic building in Bukit Timah Road.

Although the closing date for King Albert Park’s McDonald’s has yet to be announced, some have already paid a visit to the outlet as a way of saying goodbye. Quoting Daniel Lang, an online blogger, “I am ready to let KAP (King Albert Park McDonald’s) go. But I do wonder about growing up in a country where I do not recognise the buildings around anymore.”

Indeed, saying goodbye to these places is not easy as they house some of the best memories of one’s life. Ending off with a quote by Mr. Yeong Chong from the Singapore Memory Project, “One of the dangers in thinking that McDonald’s is not worth remembering is that actually these are places that you spend your formative years in and they actually form a stronger foundation of your personhood.”

Details:
King Albert Park McDonald’s: McDonald’s Place #01-01,#01-02 & #01-05 11 King Albert Park, S(598292)
Operating Hours: 5.30am – 2am (Sun – Thu), 24 hours (Fri – Sat)
Tel: 6462 3683
Video: Remembering ECP McDonald’s

As one walks into Cat Socrates, one immediately feels as though he or she has stepped into the world of handicraft, indie music and creativity. Ranging from notebooks and postcards to clothes and bags, this knickknack shop is set to satisfy one’s needs for shopping therapy. Vintage collectors are also in for a treat as the shop carries many old-school designs and one-of-a-kind items. Music lovers with a taste for non-mainstream indie music can also find a wide collection of CDs here.

Cat Socrates’ café is a perfect place for brunch and tea. With a café area packed with books and magazines, it is a lovely hideout for a lazy afternoon. Photography is also a key feature of this shop as one finds pictures taken by various people scattered over the walls of the café. The shop calls for photography entries suiting their theme every two months and holds an exhibition for those that are chosen. The theme for May and June this year is “Stranger on the bus” – an excellent way of capturing a moment in an event that takes place practically everyday but yet seldom taken notice of.

So the next time you are in the area, do drop by Cat Socrates for a delightful time of tea and shopping. Immerse yourself in the artistic atmosphere of the shop and rekindle your interest in the little wonderful things in life!

Details:
Address: #03-39 Bras Basah Complex
231 Bain St, Singapore 670144
Tel: 6333 0870
Email: contact@catsocrates.com.sg
Website: Cat Socrates

“While You Were Sleeping” (WYWS) is an independent social project started by Mr. Josiah Ng and his friends who claim to be insomniacs. The approach is simple: to spread the love and joy from person to person via the use of a card and a snack or a drink. The cause? To prove that Singapore is not as selfish and results-driven as claimed and to encourage people to adopt a caring attitude towards those who are stressed and lethargic during the examination period.

The layout of the card is bold and eye-catching. The front says in bold “While You Were Sleeping”, while the back says, “Someone cares.” This easily downloadable card can be printed from home or the office, making it a cheap and yet meaningful initiative for people to execute within their workplace or communities. The steps are uncomplicated: download and print out the card, write an encouraging note on the back, place the card together with a drink or snack beside someone who is taking a snooze.

Many people around the world including countries such as Australia and Britain have praised this initiative. Its popularity rose quickly with over 1,000 people “liking” its facebook page within 24 hours and the page now has 2,800 fans. Quoting netizen, Jayke Havyk Kyndrede, “This is absolutely fantastic. I’m from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia and our exam periods are coming up in a few weeks time. Just thought you would all like to know that I will be doing this as well!”

Mr. Ng ends off the inspiring video with “The best way to de-stress yourself during this period of hectic-ness and stressfulness is to go and bless someone yourself!” So visit their facebook page and download the card to spread some love today!

Details:
Video
Facebook Page

Currently exhibiting at the Singapore Arts Museum till the 10th of June, Lee Wen’s thought provoking art work is comprises of a series of talks and workshops. Best known for his Yellow Man series of work, Lee is also one of the pioneers of performance art in Singapore. Through various constructed personas, his works allow visitors an insight into his roles as artist and provocateur, whose very being is motivated by a strong conviction of justice and idealism, with a persistence to stay true to the self in a highly structured world.

The exhibition presents Lee’s key works spanning an illustrious two-and-a-half decade-long artistic career, continuing some earlier series alongside more recent ones. The vast selection includes installations, photographs, videos and documentations. Lee will also perform ‘live’ during selected exhibition periods and talk about his experiences and personal development as an artist, covering subjects such as memories and myth-making.

A talk by the curator himself was organized on 9th of May 2012 and provided insights to the entire exhibition. For only $12 a ticket, participants are given a complimentary entry to all the exhibitions at the museum (worth $10) and an introduction to the highlights of the show. Participants get to walk around the museum as the curator gives a brief introduction to the life of the artist and background of the works, bringing the works alive. The question that came up often that night was “Are the remains of the performance art work relics or actual”. The curator then went on to explain how some of the documentations of performances were so powerful and so emotionally provocative that they were seen pieces of art themselves.

While some have the misconception that performance artists are all about sexually suggested movements and wild performances, Lee Wen’s pieces suggest a sense of subtle resistance to that sort of branding for performance art pieces. Having been cut off from all forms of news about Singapore while he was living in London, his first reaction upon return in 1982 was a mixture of shock and dismay to the ban of chewing gum. He began to question the political nature of Singapore, using collaboration, ironies and reconstruction of daily objects to present his ideas. Hence conceiving works that are radical – such as one that involved getting people to place their gum on pieces of painted canvas – to express his thoughts on the matter.

Another theme often tackled by Lee Wen was that of identity. As a man with multiple scoliosis, he is known for taking photographs of himself having shoes on his back as a form of representation for the oppression he faces in the society. Often inspired by other artists, he appropriated famous ideas and works in seek of a new representation he can call his own. For example, he uses his ear as a seal for his name when he signs off – an idea borrowed from the famous painter Van Gogh. There is also reference to Rauschenberg’s famous “Erased De Kooning” when he seeked out to erased his own piece of artwork.

Lee Wen’s sense of collaboration and involvement from the public is an interesting and unique approach to this show. Some of his artworks are constantly changing as he invites other artists or people to participate in the space of his installation. This makes the pieces different even if one has seen it the week before. Also, he has a space within the museum dedicated to playing musical instruments whereby he invites people to join him in music making every Friday evening when the museum has free admission for the public.

As an active blogger on republicofdaydreams, Lee Wen is an artist who embraces the idea of change. This makes the exhibition alive as it keeps evolving rather than remaining as a static one-time show. Often spotted as a friendly face at the museum’s premises, keep a look out for the artist and do not be afraid to strike up a conversation with him! So head down to the Singapore Arts Museum and immerse yourself in the world of artwork by Lee Wen and other artists today!

Details:
Date: 20 April – 10 June 2012
Time: 10am – 7pm (Monday-Sunday)
10am-9pm (Friday)
Admission: $10 (Adults), $5 (Students & Senior Citizens)
Free Admission on Fridays 6pm-9pm & on International Museum Day
Website: Singapore Arts Museum

European Union Film Festival 2012
The 22nd EUFF promises to be another exciting extravaganza for film buffs, with an interesting selection of 23 European films across various genres. Bring your mother to enjoy a foreign film and bond in the shared understanding of a new culture. We recommend Sounds of Sand (Si le vent souleve les sables), a promising film on determination and kinship – perfect for the family!

Venue: Golden Village, Vivocity
Date: 10-22 May 2012
Price: $12 per film booking made on the GV website
Sites: EUFF 2012 and Golden Village

Bukit Brown Cemetery Walk – A Mother’s Day Special: Women of Substance
If your modern mother is not pantang (Malay for superstitious), why not spend the morning together at Bukit Brown Cemetery, where volunteer guides bring you on a free tour? Just for Mother’s Day, the tour will also cover the tombs of important women in our nation’s history, including our first female doctor. Take a leisurely walk around Bukit Brown and discover its rich heritage and eco-system, before the place falls victim to Singapore’s rapid development.

Venue: Bukit Brown Cemetery
Date: 13 May 2012
Price: Free
Site: Bukit Brown Tour Facebook page

Topshop Personal Shopper: The Mother And Daughter
If your mother is a shopaholic just as you are, the Topshop Personal Shopper experience is made for the both of you. In particular, the hour-long themed session for any mother-and-daughter pair allows both of you to spend quality time together indulging in your favourite activity. A style advisor will be there to dish out tips on how to dress for your body shape and style, while staying afloat of current trends.

Venue: Topshop Ion Orchard or Knightsbridge
Price: Free, but pre-appointment booking is necessary
Site: F3.com.sg

With an expected turnout of 80,000 people for this three days event, RunBikeSwim 2012 will be the a fantastic opportunity for athletes and marathon runners to stock up on supplies and training gear. For the rest of us, it can also be a chance to purchase some apparels for regular or future use. Regardless of fitness level, there will definitely be something interesting for everyone.

Not to be missed are the freebies, discounted items as well as booths covering health and wellness at the event! The first 200 customers to arrive at Expo on the first day will receive a goodie bag each worth more than $40. Other incentives include goodie bags worth $45 for the first 50 women to sign up for the Great Eastern 10km run at the Great Eastern Run Booth (C4) as well as NTUC’s U run premium packages that comes with participation in 4 events a year and over 100 freebies for just $180!

This event is in conjunction with the rack pack collection for the upcoming Sundown Marathon organized by Hivelocity. With its amazing list of participating retailers and exhibitors this year, RunBikeSwim 2012 will be an affair not to be missed! So visit their website for more details on irresistible deals and head on down to the Singapore Expo now!

Details:
Date: 11 – 13 May 2012 (Friday – Sunday)
Time: 11am – 8pm
Venue: Singapore Expo Hall 4B (1 Expo Drive Singapore 486150)
Admission: Free
Website
Directions
Participating Organizers
Promotions

With a variety of galleries and museums to choose from, there is something for everybody this 19th of May at the International Museum Day! The International Museum Day first started in 1977 as an occasion to raise awareness on how important museums are in the development of society. This annual event takes place around May 18th each year. This year it takes place on Saturday, the 19th of May 2012. Over 100 countries will be participating in this meaningful event including America, Africa and Europe.

In Singapore, some participating museums include popular attractions such as the National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Art Museum, and Asian Civilisations Museum. Also included in the list are the lesser-known museums such as Reflections at Bukit Chandu, a museum with a rich historical background and the Peranakan Museum, a gem tucked away just in front of Fort Canning Park.

Be part of the international buzz and mark the event down on your calendar now! You may also wish to visit the various museums’ websites for more information regarding specific activities or events.

Details:
List of participating museums:

Asian Civilisation Museum
Memories at Old Ford Factory
National Museum of Singapore
Peranakan Museum
Reflections at Bukit Chandu
Singapore Art Museum
Singapore Philatelic Museum

Date: 19 May 2012
Time: Varies with museum’s opening hours
Cost: FREE!