LIGHTS. CAROLS. ACTION!

Barely recovered from our family vacation in Singapore, I returned to the island republic at the invitation of the Singapore Tourism Board for the 2009 Christmas in the Tropics visit. This glittering annual event transforms world famous Orchard Road into a magical wonderland filled with  twinkling lights, illuminated storefronts and a wonderful kaleidoscope of lights and colour carollers, musical performances and roving performers. This immediately brought me back to 2007 when we were treated to dazzling lights and shimmering decorations on a complimentary open-top bus (and no, the light effects are not Photoshopped).

SINGAPORE’S CHRISTMAS IN THE TROPICS IS A DAZZLING CELEBRATION LIKE NONE OTHER FOUND ON THE EQUATOR. Christmas often conjures up images of snow, reindeers, fireplaces and lots of wool—woollen socks, scarves, beanies and so on. But in Singapore, Christmas is a time to celebrate outdoors with street light-ups, carolling performances and musicals as well as enjoying unbeatable shopping and delectable festive dining offers.

If there was one thing I wish I had when I visited Orchard Road after hours that would be a tripod for long exposure shots to soak up the dazzling lights. Stretched from end to end along Orchard Road and decked out on pedestrians walk path on both sides of the shopping complexes, each step marks a festive moment. Even as I write this post, these pictures are a vivid reminder of the vehicular and people traffic that make Orchard Road so alive! A video would convey the mood a lot more effectively but it’s Singapore so you all know it’s the real deal.

Themed “I am The Light of the World”, you only need to walk past Tangs Christmas Store to be showered with all that is gold.

I visited 4 new shopping malls which opened for business within days or weeks of each other in time for Christmas: Mandarin Gallery, 313@Somerset, Orchard Central and ION Orchard. I share pictures from each of these starting with the Mandarin Gallery,  an intimate-sized mall which underwent an extensive S$200 million facelift and now offers a vibrant mix of 103 fashion, lifestyle and food & beverage tenants—both international and local.

“The mall is nearly completely leased out, and we expect our tenants to move in by January 2010″ according to Patrina, Senior Vice President of Retail & Leasing. The Mandarin Gallery offers a lot more than what it seems from the outside. It had me fooled until I was inside on a guided tour by Jessica Davidson, Asst Marketing Communication Manager, Retail, Marketing & Leasing.

These shoppers have plenty of reasons to be delighted. According to Mrs Patrina Tan, Senior Vice President of Retail & Leasing, “the highly-affluent, well-travelled and fashionable young is a niche market group that we recognise has yet to be tapped into, and with Mandarin Gallery’s intimate size and mix of tenants, we aim to offer them a tailored shopping experience in a refreshing retail environment which caters to their lifestyle needs.”

Putting the needs of discerning shoppers first, this designated rest area is one of a number of features of the Mandarin Gallery. Outside, the five flagship duplexes are fronted by Emporio Armani, D&G, Montblanc, Marc by Marc Jacobs and Bread & Butter. As the Meritus Mandarin hotel is one of our favourite haunts, I look forward to visiting the Gallery on my next stay. There’s simply so much more to discover.

Before I end my writing on the Gallery, I want to give WILD HONEY a mention as it’s unique. Foodies may know this but for me it’s a first. This restaurant serves breakfast (international breakfast menu) all day long. I’ll reserve the pictures for another post that focuses on the places where I actually sat down to rest and refuel. With people waking up at all odd hours, I guess this concept actually makes a lot of sense.

Moving on, we met with Karon Cameron, Development Marketing Director of Lend Lease, who gave us a guided tour of the newly opened 313 @ SOMERSET shopping which has undergone an exciting re-branding campaign — “Sense The Difference.”

At 313@somerset, we have the opportunity to differentiate ourselves by the way we do things — we understand that it is the small things that make the biggest difference and it is our unique combination of benefits that sets us apart. The moment you step into 313@somerset, you’ll be able to feel that it is different: from the way it looks, sounds, tastes, smells, behaves and feels.

FOREVER 21 is expected to create a new and exciting fashion and accessories experience not yet seen in Singapore. However, on the day of my visit, the store was still under construction. Forever 21 is a four level flagship store while international retailer ZARA occupies a three level flagship store. Other names include Mango, Esprit, Lacoste, M)phosis, Charles & Keith Signature, BYSI, New Look and a new larger format Pedro store.

True to their brand positioning, 313@somerset is indeed different. The very first thing you’ll notice as you enter the store is a hotel style Concierge service, “A concierge is a customer service executive who, apart from being an ambassador for the brand, will arrange anything and everything within his or her means, from the most sublime to mundane of tasks.”

Our visit coincided with the opening opening of HMV Singapore’s new store where Korean Pop Group T-MAX and local favourites including Nathan Hartono, Dawn Ho & Jae Leung performed.  HMV gave each of us a souvenir which is now a part of a growing collection of memorabilia from my photo journey. Anyone visiting my studio cannot miss this purple iconic “pet.”

Comprising of everything ranging from food to fashion, this exclusive mall promises an intriguing time for both young and old. Not to mention the fusion of art and design in its structure and space, Orchard Central promises a unique experience for the stylish shopper. — Orchard Central

A Vertical Lightfield by Hans Peter Kuhn. No, it’s not Hans Solo but it might  as well be. “The work combines the precision of modern technology with the unpredictability of a natural process.” 26 light sticks (fluorescent tubes, acrylic tubes) moving very slowly and independently as individuals …

The Tall Girl art sculpture standing at 20M high starting with her feet at the Discovery Walk (Level 1) Orchard Central is made of polyurethane and fibre glass reinforced gypsum steel frame.

The Abyzz boutique in Orchard Central is owned by local multiple award winning designer Desmond Yang. Desmond’s unique designs from his superb tailoring won him accolades such as the International Apparel Federation (IAF) International Designers Award 2007 and Smirnoff International Fashion Awards in 1998 and 2000. This one pictures cannot do any justice to the versatility of his clothing design. According to the gentleman who demonstrated some of their store’s collection, 60 is the number of ways one of his designs can transform into. Desmond was out of town when we popped in but I would like to have a chat with him someday.

↑ Desmond’s versatility is as illuminating as this bottom-lit showcase ensemble which can transform in a
number of ways limited only by the imagination. Below, Philippines blogger Melo checks out a magazine article of Desmond Yang.

Just in case shopping isn’t quite your thing, there is the “GET HIGH ON THE WORLD’S TALLEST INDOOR VIA FERRATA.” Border X is formed by passionate outdoor people, wanting to infuse a love for mountain sports into one and all. Realising there is a learning curve for proficient climbing, the Border X team have brought in the first ever via ferrata to Singapore. Via Ferrata is a traditional  European mountaineering activity which means “Iron Way” in Italian and climbing takes place without the risks associated with unprotected climbing.

Via Ferrata is a thrilling and safe sport that can be enjoyed across a broad range group. It’s also an excellent activity for team building. It looks mighty tempting especially after seeing the courtesy photos from Border X below. Unfortunately, height is not my thing so I’ll take shopping

Photos courtesy of Border X

Other than the art pieces and attention to detail, one definite attraction of Orchard Central is the roof top garden which also showcases various art work. Here, it’s a Japanese piece by Yayoi Kusama entitled “Let’s go to a paradise of glorious tulips”

“On the dazzling earth of life, death and illnesses seeking after the truth, I have lived my life shedding tears in my broken heart, I have always been in search of the sweet scent of tulips, dog shouting love, and on top of them, the numerous songs girls have been singing since the day they were born ….” — Yayoi Kusama

Soak in the street buzz while you enjoy the unique experience of dining along an open-air verandah at a high vantage point above the busy Orchard Road strip – for those who love alfresco dining at an altitude!

The stenciled ceiling where interesting light patterns are formed as shadows are cast onto walls and floors.

MANCHU, another local brand to note @ Orchard Central.

Last stop on Orchard Road takes us to ION ORCHARD which has become the “centre of gravity” in the retail scene, with spectacular frontage and cutting edge designs and concepts. It brings together the world’s best loved brands for their flagship, concept and lifestyle stores within one development, with over eight levels of intelligently designed shopping space – four levels above ground and four levels below – totalling 66,000 square metres of retail space at the prime site of Singapore’s commercial and shopping artery. ION Orchard won the Best Shopping Centre award at the MIPIM 2009 Awards.

TWG Tea at ION Orchard. I asked if they would allow me to take some pictures inside but was politely refused unless I obtained permission from TWG management. Perhaps another time when I have another opportunity. From a photography standpoint, I look at all that as macro heaven! So much detail so little chance!

I’m working on other posts from the Dec 10—13 Media Familiarization trip which includes entertainment/nightlife and food locations. Check out my Facebook page for night pictures of the great Singapore landscape from vantage point of the Singapore Flyer and New Asia Bar and also links from previous visits A Marathon Weekend and Retail Therapy.

It’s that time of the year when we wind down, leave work at the office where it should be and take the family for a vacation. Is Singapore your holiday or shopping destination? Feel free to share your views here! Merry X’mas and happy holidays!

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC STORE SINGAPORE

What excites me about this post isn’t so much the discovery of the National Geographic Store but the events leading up to its discovery and more. The store is located on Level 1 of VivoCity shopping and is the only second one of its kind after London. My family and I had just spent the morning at Sentosa followed by lunch at Marche Restaurant and on our way to the Canon showroom, I stopped in mid drizzle to help a couple take a photo of them against the base of the giant iconic Christmas tree. Before we parted ways, I spared a moment to introduce myself and gave them my card (something I do not normally have on me while holidaying). Upon realizing that I was a photographer, we clicked right away and I could see the excitement in their eyes when they suggested that I must check out the photo exhibition in the gallery at the Nat Geo store which happened to be the last day too. ( The first reaction I had was, “National Geographic store in Singapore?” Well, just in case you’re a bit skeptical, here are photos from the store … taken with permission from store General Manager T C Koh including the gallery exhibits where photography was prohibited. Great news for ardent fans of NG no doubt—finally all NG merchandise in one hot spot!

Every which way you look, the Nat Geo Store is a large shop where NG merchandise are sold. But what isn’t obvious is that the store also welcomes private and corporate events to be held right inside the NG floor space. The photo exhibition is one such event where the stores theme lends a great hand simply by virtue of NG marque. By that, Nat Geo’s expansive global coverage and network makes it the perfect platform and venue to hold an event. Interested parties can contact Mr T C Goh for more information.

IN PURSUIT OF HAPPY SANITY

What is Sanity without Happiness?

Don’t let someone become a priority in your life,
When you are just an option in their life …
Relationships work best when they are balanced.

Never explain yourself to anyone,
Because the person who likes you doesn’t need it,
And the person who dislikes you won’t believe it

When you keep saying you are busy, Then you are never free.
When you keep saying you have no time, Then you will never have time.
When you keep saying that you will do it tomorrow, Then tomorrow will never come.

When we wake up this morning, we have two simple choices.
Go back to sleep and dream, or wake up and chase those dreams.
Choice is yours…

We make them cry who care for us,
We cry for those who never care for us
And we care for those who will never cry for us
This is the truth of life, it’s strange but true
Once u realize this, it’s never too late to change

Don’t make promises when you are in joy
Don’t reply when you are sad
Don’t take decisions when u are angry
Think twice, Act wise

Time is like a river, You cannot touch the same water twice
Because the flow that has passed will never pass again
Enjoy every moment of life

[ If you know who the author is, please let me know so I can credit him/her accordingly.
It takes a wise and seasoned individual to produce something this insightful and meaningful. ]

ON A HIATUS

Psst! Just a whisper to let you know I won’t be posting here for a while until I’ve cleared the massive backlog of recent wedding, commercial and event shoots. Occasionally, freelancing takes its toll and you discover you’re all alone because when it comes to artistic rendering, it’s a personal business—and no one can lend a helping hand. Instead, you can find some of my recent work at JAN SHIM PHOTOGRAPHY on Facebook or FOLLOW ME on Twitter for the oh-so-occasional updates.

The “GA” motif spells GAP in full not Giorgio Armani
Photo by Gavin at Lexus shoot in Jerudong, Brunei Darussalam

FOREST VOICES BY NOAH JACKSON

So I put my supposed blog-posting hiatus on hold for a good cause—to promote Noah Jackson’s art and his commitment to environmental conservation efforts through photography. I believe great photography inspires and changes lives in a positive and meaningful way and I’m privileged to have met the artist whose efforts I can identify in a small way with the PENAN greeting cards. Many thanks to Hans Dols of Panaga Natural History Society for the invite!

…. the money raised from your greeting cards has enabled us to get a Dell desktop for the three Penan girls we sponsored for `Diploma In Nursing’. They have to share one for their course work and we are trying to get another one for them. Thank you. — Violette Tan

Related posts: Lowest Hill to Big Hearts | Plight of the Penan | Green Speaker holds Lectures

Other great  photographers I’ve met in Brunei include Kris Boutillier and Don Gurewitz (2)

Noah Jackson, man on a mission at Panaga Club Teratai Room

Forest Voices provides tools and training for sensitive forest and agriculture communities, documenting  knowledge and management through photography, video and participatory methods. This gives communities a voice to create a future that reconciles differences and maintains hope and health to keep forests, farms and communities thriving. — Noah Jackson | Hope in Light

Early guests checking out Noah's fine art pieces

Noah Jackson reads out a testimony from an associate

An opportunity to own Noah's art pieces for a small fee, guests pick out their personal favourites

Photography enthusiast Leytzher Muro picks out 'The Elephant's Eye' while checking out more of Noah's work. He attended Louis Pang's Shoot Like A Pro workshop at the Empire Hotel earlier this year.

A picture of me and a guest captured by Gavin while Noah sets up his laptop for the presentation

About Forest Voices
Forest Voices is a new environmental NGO with a mission to document the ecological knowledge of communities living within and adjacent to primary forests. Our core team includes Noah Jackson, Photographer cum Forest Community Researcher; Lesly Leon Lee, Videographer and Visual Storyteller; and Mohala Santharamohana, Writer cum Projects Coordinator. Using participatory research methods and building trust, Forest Voices documents activities such as gathering and harvesting wild foods, and collecting plants and seedlings, to emphasize the value of the forest environments to the communities who use them. By respecting their local expertise on forest management, we provide a vehicle for communities to share their understanding of forest environments. In light of development and diminishing natural resources in Malaysia, Forest Voices is helping to document knowledge that will lead to a more sustainable use of the world resources.