Lifestyle
Why Elliot Page coming out as trans is consequential to queer people everywhere

03.12.2020
By Sanjeeva Suresh

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In a moving announcement, Academy Award nominee and star of Netflix’s The Umbrella Academy Elliot Page came out as transgender yesterday. The actor penned an open letter to fans on social media saying in part, “I can’t begin to express how remarkable it feels to finally love who I am to pursue my authentic self”. The brave move will no doubt increase the visibility of the trans people and will have a positive impact on the representation within the trans community. Fellow celebrities have since rallied in their show of support for Page, including Anna Kendrick and Miley Cyrus who replied with, “Elliot Rules”.

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— Elliot Page (@TheElliotPage) December 1, 2020

The trans community is perhaps one of the most underrepresented factions within the LGBTQIA+ spectrum of queer identity. Aside from the fight for equality, the community has also called upon Hollywood for accurate representation in television and movies—specifically for roles to not be played by heterosexual and cisgender actors.

Here in Malaysia, the vast majority of trans individuals still face a pervasively negative stigma. Laws against the LGBT community are still heavily enforced. According to the human rights organisation Justice for Sisters, the Covid-19 pandemic has brought on an increased rate of violence and mental health issues. The group added that alongside being objectified and stereotyped as sex workers, both family members and the public have subjected trans women to multiple forms of violence. The Malay Mail also reports that trans women lack access to justice due to the multiple forms of criminalisation under the law, as well as the increasing social stigma.According to the Trans Murder Monitoring (TMM), a total of 350 trans and gender diverse people, with an average age of between 15 and 31 years old, were reportedly murdered between October 1 in 2019 and September 30 this year. This is perhaps why we need representation now more than ever—because representation inevitably leads to understanding and acceptance. It’s not something that can change overnight but slowly, and hopefully, we’ll see a cultural and institutional shift toward the prejudice that trans people face.

Before Page played Vanya Hargreeves in The Umbrella Academy series, he starred in a number of critically acclaimed movies, including Christopher Nolan’s Inception and Juno. He also had a recurring role as Kitty Pryde in the X-Men franchise. Elliot has long been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ issues and is no stranger to taking aim at transphobic politicians. He will now be an inspiration to countless trans and non-binary people.

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Lifestyle
WIN: Must-have essentials for the man in your life

31.10.2017
By Rachel Au

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Body + Wellness
Back to Beauty: We reviewed the SOPs at KL’s salons and spas and this is how they fared

18.11.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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All the new facials you need to try for better, brighter skin this 2023

Keen to head back to your favourite salons and spas but feeling (rightfully) cautious about the lax-ish SOPs amidst this pandemic? Fret not—we’re here to scope out the situation for you.
Ahead of your return to the world of beauty, we’ve reviewed our experiences with some of KL’s top spas, lash boutiques, and hair salons. Read on to find out how SOPs fared in each establishment (and, of course, how the treatments were!):
Digital Wellness Escape at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur

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“I’ve been a longtime fan of the spa treatments at Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, so it was good to revisit the Digital Wellness Escape Treatment, which was similar to the one I did a few years ago. In addition, The Spa reassures guests with its strict safety and hygiene measures such as having fully-vaccinated spa therapists as well having them wear both a face shield and mask during the treatment. So what makes sets the ‘Digital Wellness Escape’ different from a regular treatment? For starters, it’s targeted to relieve stresses and strains caused by using electronics frequently around the head, eyes, neck, shoulders, hands and feet. While I can’t say much about how it might affect the feet, I definitely won’t say no to a foot massage.
“Before starting the treatment, the therapist offered me a selection of massage oils to choose from—each designed for a different restoration goal. It was tough just deciding one—the constant lockdown meant I needed restoring across all aspects (just kidding, or am I?)—but in the end, I opted for the ‘magic potion’ that would alleviate stress. The combination of my therapist’s exceptional skills with the right amount of pressure, and the soothing scents from the massage oil, lulled me to full relaxation mode. One and half hours flew by, and I didn’t want it to end. At the end of the session, I was served warm tea and a little pouch of goodies (colouring pages with a set of mini colour pencils and a small bag of healing stones) to bring home and continue my Digital Wellness Escape experience. Going home to check my emails in that state of Zen was tough, and I had the best night’s sleep in ages. I’ll be back!” — Rachel Au, Editor
Price: RM600 for 1 hour and 30 minutes
For more info or to make an appointment, visit the website.
Haircut + Perm at The Hair Tric & Lashility

“It has been a hot minute (read: over two years) since I’ve done anything remotely damaging to my hair, so the lockdown lift felt like due time to really go wild with my locks. That said, I’m still a working professional, so while I’d like to bleach my hair into oblivion, I figured I should start slow with a perm. The inspiration I had in mind was simple: A modern take on the voluminous ’80s perm—specifically, a more wearable version of the one my mum sported back in the day.
“Now, keep in mind that I’ve been exceedingly cautious during this pandemic, and this was one of the very first times I had been out and about in nearly 10 months. Naturally, I was on the lookout for any and all SOP-violating red flags but—to my glee—I found none. The salon was spotless, social distancing was well in place and everyone was masked up for the entire duration of my appointment (and, I assume, everyone else’s appointments too).
“Better yet, all of the stylists at Hair Tric have a minimum of 10 years of experience in the industry, so I was confident that my hair would be in good, professional hands. My stylist, Joe Kong, was incredibly obliging during our consultation, making great suggestions based on my specific hair needs and really taking my ‘surprise me’ haircut request to heart. I was thoroughly impressed by how attentive he was throughout the session and how quickly he worked (my whole head of hip-length hair was washed, cut, processed and styled in just four hours, as compared to the six hours it has taken in the past!). In fact, he made it such a comfortable experience that I fully fell asleep at the washbasin as my perm processed.

Aside from the perm, my stylist got rid of my very ratty ends, reshaping the cut of my hair to best suit the perm. This is how it looked at the salon before and after the perm!
“When all was said and done, I left the salon with big waves that were styled with plenty of volume, just as I’d asked. I admit that I haven’t been able to achieve that same level of volume since (mostly because I don’t own a dryer diffuser), but my slightly tamer, air-dried ringlet waves are still plenty of fun. I love how natural they look sans curl cream and how easy they are to style—in fact, my post-shower hair routine has been considerably cut down to just scalp care and hair oil. Further, I like that I still have the freedom to heat-style my hair and change up the style when I feel like it. Overall, it was a great first experience with the Telawi-based salon and I’m definitely keen to go back for more hair makeovers in the future!”— Redzhanna Jazmin, Beauty Writer
Price: Perm (long hair) RM300+
 Power Brightening Facial at AsterSpring

“After so many months of lockdown (I lost count), my skin had been dull and congested from maskne, revenge sleep procrastination, and pandemic-induced stress. With work events to attend and year-end holidays on the horizon, a facial was long overdue to help me look somewhat presentable again. AsterSpring’s new Power Brightening Facial treatment sounded promising, with its claims to improve skin radiance and luminosity—and it actually delivered.
“To be honest, I wasn’t completely comfortable with being in an enclosed treatment room in a mall at first (I visited the AsterSpring outlet in Mid Valley Megamall). However, I’m pleased to report that the necessary SOPs were observed throughout my treatment—the skin consultation was carried out behind a perspex barrier screen; my therapist wore a facial mask throughout the process; and there was enough room to observe social distancing from other customers (except in the treatment room, of course).
“As for the treatment, the facial involves double cleansing, exfoliation and extraction with the advanced BT Micro Device for better penetration, and a relaxing massage with a concentrated blend of calming essential oils. This is followed by the Vitalzyme Bio Cellulose mask—a powerful anti-oxidant mask enriched with noni, green caviar, sea grape, kombuchka, and enzymes from 88 types of fruits and vegetables—which helps to eliminate free radicals and restore radiance. After that, some final touches of ampoule mist, serum, moisturiser, and SPF are applied to seal the essence and protect the skin.
“The whole process should take roughly 45 minutes or more, depending on the condition of your skin. I won’t lie—the extraction process was painful and resulted in angry red bumps on my face for a few days (note: make sure to keep the next few days after your treatment free of events). Nevertheless, I could tell that it paid off the next day when the redness subsided and I woke up to visibly brighter skin. After a few more days, my skin texture had also improved and I had a natural glow that lasted for more than a week after my treatment. If you have dull, fatigued or lacklustre skin like I did, I can attest that you’ll benefit from this facial!”—Natalie Khoo, Senior Lifestyle Writer
AsterSpring’s Power Brightening Facial is now available in Malaysia at all AsterSpring and AsterSpring Signature centres.
Price: AsterSpring centres, RM288 | AsterSpring Signature centres, RM318
Premium Yumi Lash Lift + Yumi Lash Tint at The Hair Tric & Lashility

“Lash extensions was a small addiction of mine until the lockdown happened, and for almost two years, I was perfectly fine without them—until The Hair Tric & Lashility offered their lash lift services for a review. Why not? I’ve heard raving reviews from many happy customers, and the upside of it is that it looks more natural as it uses your own lashes. My stylist suggested the Premium Yumi Lash Lift, complemented with the Yumi Lash Tint. Both were more suitable for first-timers and those with sensitive eyes (#guiltyascharged). The treatment does not contain any harsh chemicals and uses products imported from Australia. Together, the lash lift and lash tint took about an hour to complete, which was slightly longer than usual as I had “stubborn” lashes, so the stylist left the solution on for a couple of minutes longer.
“Similar to getting lash extensions, you can’t open your eyes at all during the duration of the treatment, and your lids will be taped down to secure them in place. As mentioned, I have very sensitive eyes, which extends to even any obstruction surrounding it would lead to constant blinking. As a result, my eyes did sting a little while waiting for the 15 to 30 minutes to be over for each side. But my stylist had truly gentle hands when carrying out the treatment, and I fell asleep a few times too. Optional: They even recommend getting your nails done so you can kill two birds with one stone (or rather, in one visit).
“By the end of it, I woke up to long lashes that looked like they had been curled with an eyelash curler, and then applied with mascara—except it looked more natural versus the effect you would get from lash extensions. The mascara-like result is thanks to the addition of the lash tint, which I would recommend pairing with your lash lift. For the first two days, I will admit it took some getting used to but also, it’s important to take good care of them. On average, my stylist said the lash lift would last about three months, while the lash tint could last up to three weeks. She also advised against using oil-based products, and to use water-based products instead (whether it’s makeup or makeup remover). I, for one, haven’t felt the need to use my go-to eyeliner since the lash lift, and I’m never looking back!” — Rachel Au, Editor
Price: Premium Yumi Lash Lift, RM338 | Yumi Lash Tint, RM68
Read more beauty reviews here.

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Fashion
Coachella 2019: Non-boho looks that are still fit for festivals

08.04.2019
By Joan Kong

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We know it’s hard not to associate music festivals with floral crowns, fringed kimono outerwear and crochet cropped tops, but this year, we’re determined to shake things up with anything-but-boho ensembles that are equally festival-ready. Taking style cues from the street style mavens who are always on top of trends, we can’t think of a better (and more stylish) way to stand out, and we’re determined to look the best way possible. Below are seven different trends you can get inspired by for your festival get-ups this year.

Wild wild west
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With a party at a desert, there’s honestly no better time to rock the Western trend, but here are some tips to avoid channeling Jessie the Yodeling Cowgirl from Toy Story. We like look 1’s take on a cowgirl outfit—chunky buckles, a corduroy skirt, and the classic cowboy boots, but instead of going full-on, she swapped the Western shirt with a printed piece for a more modern flair. Look 2 & 3’s juxtaposition with oh-so-feminine dresses are great too, but if you want to go for something more unexpected, look 4’s sweater-shorts combo is a cool pick. Cowboy hat? Optional.

Normcore’s back
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Dubbed the “anti-trend” of fashion, the normcore trend typically refers to basic everyday-wear, and if you’d like to dress down without looking overly plain for a fun festival weekend, here are some looks to get inspired by. Like Stella Maxwell (in look 4), all you need is a pair of high combat boots to give your plain outfit that amp-me-up. Alternatively, a T-shirt and Bermuda shorts outfit (à la look 2) can be anything-but-boring with the right accessories. Comfort is key when you’re spending the whole day out and about, and we can’t think of a better trend to be spotted in.

Cream of the crop
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Crop tops are undeniable favourites when it comes to a warmer climate, but here are a few ways to switch things up this year. We love how look 3 styled her jumpsuit by tying the top around the waist. When the weather starts to get a little chilly at night, all you need to do is to untie the top, and wear it back as usual. If you want to bare just a swatch of midriff, you can try wearing an oversized sweater, and tuck the hems underneath your bra to emulate look 6’s outfit.

Bling and you’ll miss it
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Coachella is not exactly a place where you rock up in glam ensembles, but there’s no harm at adding some shine to your festival outfit-they’ll tune up the fun, for sure. Look 2’s off-shoulder sequinned dress is something we’d wear in a heartbeat. We love how she toned it down with a pair of fun printed slides, and jewellery-wise, dainty ones are all you need. Alternatively, white T-shirts are fail-proof if you’d like to take your statement piece down a notch, as seen from look 1 and 3.

Layer up, buttercup
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Although the Coachella festival is held at the Colorado desert and the temperature can reach up to 30-degree Celsius during the day, the temperature can dip to 15-degree Celsius at night, so it’s important to dress wisely. Lightweight jackets such as cardigans and bomber jackets are great options, but if it’s too warm, simply tie it around your décolletage (as seen in look 2) and you’re all set. Look 1’s oversized band T-shirts over long sheer tops is a cool yet stylish get-up.

Go with the flow
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There’s nothing we love more than flow-with-the-wind silhouettes that add that extra spring in our step, and if it’s in the form of oh-so-feminine midi and maxi dresses? We’re sold. From prairie florals to classic polka-dots, to give the pieces that cool festival spin, instead of predictable sandals or flats, boots or chunky sneakers will definitely pique more interest. Shade your peepers with a pair of eye-catching sunnies to seal the look.

Do the denim
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Jeans are, of course, a fail-proof pick for any occasion, but take a cue from these stylistas to tune up your outfit. We like how look 1 threw on an oversized jacket over a monochrome get-up—the neon shades definitely add a hint of fun to the overall feel. Look 2’s double denim combo may seem plain at first, but take a closer look at the sleeves and you’ll notice the contrast of wash that gave it a bit more interest. If you’ve mastered the denim-on-denim trend, Taylor Hill’s patchwork and distressed details in look 3 is the outfit to emulate.

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Life
Cheating: Why it happens even in the best relationship and can trust be rebuilt?

19.04.2019
By Gwen Ong

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It takes two to tango, they say. Similarly, it takes two to cheat and also two to make amend, if that’s something you want. It’s wise to remember that the choices we make dictate the life we lead.
Cheating is not merely being unfaithful, it is the breaking of trust—one of the most important components of a relationship. It is a betrayal that can cause deeper hurt than you can imagine. Whatever commitment you may have before goes out the window. The thought and discovery that your partner could actually look for a connection – whether physical or emotional – outside of the relationship is devastating.
Mental health therapist, Dr Christian Kohlross of Rekindle Centre takes us through the complexities of infidelity and relationship in this interview below.
Hi Dr Christian. Through your years a therapist, what do you think are the main reasons for infidelity?
I think there are plenty of reasons but only three main reasons:
1)    The expectation that one partner has to meet all the needs one has – it’s an expectation which will be inevitably disappointed
2)    The incapability to discern between essential needs that a partner has to meet, and accidental needs which need not be met in order to experience contentment in everyday life
3)    You and your significant other are not the right match; it’s time for change. This is the best known reason of infidelity.
What is the most common myth about cheating?
That cheating is just an accident, which happens accidentally. It is not! It always is a further damage to something that has already been damaged before. And that is the border between two significant others (who have chosen each other) – and their social environment.
If a guy or girl suspects the partner of cheating, what should he or she do?
To confront him or her, as soon as possible and as inconvenient as it may be. No matter whether the suspicion turns out to be true or not. Avoidance only make things worse.

We’re often told that communication is key in relationship but how do you broach a subject such as infidelity?
It depends on who you are: If you are the one who has been unfaithful, be aware of the fact that dishonesty adds an additional damage to your current relationship. Of course with your honesty, you will also hurt a beloved one. But without, causing even more. As you have already decided to inflict pain on your partner, don’t expect him/her to react in a mitigated way. Keep in mind – the intensity of his or her reaction to your confession mirrors the intensity of his or her attachment to you.
Now if you are the one who has suspicions towards your partner, be aware of the situation your partner is in, if he or she has broken the rules. Your partner already experiences guilt, whether consciously or unconsciously. Being honest to you will make him or her feel even guiltier. So expect avoidance behaviour and to receive a confession in bits and pieces. If you manage to make your partner feel less guilty, you can facilitate an open and honest discussion about change.
Attraction to other people is deemed normal for us as humans. But how or can we keep ourselves in check?
Physical attraction and the desire to have a relationship with someone is not the same. Sexually, human and animals are polygamous. But as humans, we develop quite refined ways to attach to each other, love for instance. Love and sexuality are intertwined in a functioning relationship. In the case of infidelity, we have to identify the driving force behind it. Is it sex, love or both?
But there’s a grey area when it comes to emotional infidelity – where do we draw the line?
Exactly here! Between sex and love.
Do you think social media plays a role in cheating these days?
They do! Tinder and dating websites alike have increased the number of possible partners an individual could meet. They have enlarged the offer and hence the probability to find a better or even perfect match. But they have also de-romanticised our understanding of true love, since they have created a market which follows the law of supply and demand. As a consequence, cheating presents itself as something far more valuable – as self-actualisation.
Infidelity is destructive to a person’s self-esteem and confidence. What advice can you give to those who are currently experiencing this betrayal?
Take the pain! Don’t avoid it! And take into consideration that healing takes longer than you might have expected, and will be dependent on the decisions you take. Be explicit and honest regarding your needs – towards your partner and towards yourself. If nothing changes, ask yourself why you avoid being compassionate with yourself.
ALSO READ: Depression – What to know and how to support a friend
Can a marriage survive infidelity? What if there are kids involved?
Of course it can! Marriages as well as individuals have an incredible range of coping mechanisms they could use. The human faculty of understanding is one, while the art of forgiving is another. If children are involved, things normally get more complicated. They are often forced to take sides or even to understand both sides. Even for adult children, that’s normally too much to cope with.

Ok, let’s say a couple wants to mend the broken bridge and try again. What should this couple keep in mind?
That it takes time to rebuild trust, normally years.
What is an effective way to go rebuilding the trust after your partner has cheated?
There are many ways. In most cases, a new explicit agreement about what is allowed or forbidden in the relationship helps to rebuild trust. If the relationship survives the emotional rollercoaster period, and if what happened remains a singular past event, then sooner or later the attention will shift and focus on something else. This is the time when trust will evolve again.
So what goes on during a couple’s therapy? How many sessions before you see an improvement to the relationship?
When couples come to see me, they have already managed to build up a wall between them. They don’t necessarily see this wall (they are distracted by something else, i.e. infidelity) but they react to it – with intense unwanted emotions. I help couples to make this wall, as well as the damage it causes, visible to them. Once this is done, we collaborate in order to bring those emotions to the light, which have been rejected in the past. The process of healing and change starts once these emotions are shared. This normally happens within the first three sessions.
Dr Christian Kohlross is a licensed mental therapist, who specialises in couples’ therapy, addiction, anxiety, depression and other mental, social and personality disorders. For more information, click here.

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Watches
Watches & Wonders 2020: The standout timepieces that have our full attention

27.04.2020
By Celine Yap

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The Cartier Privé collection is about history and modernity

 The fashion world has its Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter shows. Likewise, the watch sector has its annual springtime watch fairs where industry heavyweights gather to view the novelties of the year up-close. They are the biggest event of the year for all of the major timepiece brands.
Unfortunately, 2020 has been nothing but a pain in the behind. With COVID-19 hurtling through the industry–make that the world–both Baselworld and Watches & Wonders were forced to cancel their events. The same goes for the other important watch events including Swatch Group’s Time To Move, the Grand Seiko Summit in Tokyo, the Geneva Days show and more–you get the gist.
Thank God for the internet, as Watches & Wonders decided to take it online by launching the world’s first all-digital watch show. Just as we have been spending all our free time on our devices and using online services more than ever, so have these watch brands from Watches & Wonders. Hot off the watchmaker’s bench, below are, a roundup of the best new launches from Cartier, Hermès, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Montblanc, Panerai, Piaget, and Vacheron Constantin.
Cartier

The Santos-Dumont watch extra-large model in 18K pink gold

The Tank Asymétrique in yellow gold with champagne dial

The Pasha de Cartier Skeleton Tourbillon

The La Demoiselle Santos-Dumont with a Panama-weave strap

The Pasha de Cartier 35mm in 18k white gold

The Pasha de Cartier 35mm in steel featuring interchangeable straps

Key themes: The Santos-Dumont has been getting loads of love from the Maison as of late. This year, apart from an XL version, Cartier has created a gorgeous limited edition quartet. Each piece tells us something different about the Maison’s story with pioneering aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont. Then there is the magnificent Tank Asymétrique in classic and skeletonised versions. Not forgetting the return of Pasha de Cartier, a cult icon that definitely deserves to be in the spotlight again.
Star pieces: Le Demoiselle Santos-Dumont, Pasha de Cartier Skeleton Tourbillon, Tank Asymétrique in yellow gold with champagne dial.
Talking points: Cartier has got such an amazing history with shaped watches. Bringing back the Cartier Privé line was one of the best things the maison has done.
Hermès

The Arceau Cheval Cosmique

The Arceau l’Heure de la Lune in meteorite dial

The Cape Cod Martelée

The Slim d’Hermès

Key themes: It’s mostly line extensions for Hermès this year but boy, have they done an amazing job with the aesthetics. Both men and women would be pleased with what the French luxury house had come up with. Artisanal touches are never forgotten, whether you’re looking at one of those diminutive ladies’ pieces, or the stellar complications.
Star pieces: Cape Cod Martelée, Arceau Cheval Cosmique, Arceau l’Heure de la Lune with meteorite dials
Talking points: Martelée is a traditional jewellery crafting technique involving the repeated hammering of a surface to cover it with dents. Hermès very creatively applied it all over the watch, from the dial to the case.
Piaget

The Altiplano Ultimate Concept

After six years of further R&D, the Altiplano Ultimate Concept becomes a reality

The Limelight Gala

The Limelight Gala

Key themes: Two things kept Piaget busy this year, the world’s most ultra-thin watch and a bevy of beautiful jewellery timepieces you’ll want to wear all day, every day. The Maison drew deeply from its traditional heritage of colour and gold, working its magic with blue sapphires in gorgeous graduated hues.
Star pieces: Limelight Gala featuring Palace Décor and blue grand feu enamel, Altiplano Ultimate Concept
Talking points: Famous people who love Piaget include Salvador Dali, Jackie Kennedy, Elizabeth Taylor, Andy Warhol, Cary Grant, and Sami Davis Jr.
Panerai

The Luminor Marina

The Luminor Marina

The Luminor Marina Fibratech

Key themes: Panerai honours its all-time classic, the Luminor, by going back to the laboratory. The result? A revolutionary new lume treatment that glows more fiercely than anything else on the market. Plus, a new composite material called Fibratech that looks so full-on badass you won’t believe it’s actually eco-friendly.
Star pieces: Luminor Marina Fibratech PAM1663, Luminor Marina PAM1119
Talking points: Fibratech is a new high-tech composite based on basalt fibre. Meanwhile the new lume material is called X1 and it’s got a 70-year guarantee.
Montblanc

The 1858 Geosphere in metal bracelet

The 1858 Split Second Chronograph

The 1858 Monopusher Chronograph

The 1858 Automatic

Key themes: The mountains continue to inspire Montblanc. But where last year it’s lush green scenery, this year we’re talking about icy blue glaciers, lakes, and caves. That’s one. Next, the manufacture continues its dalliances with the vintage world, finding lots of ideas from old Minerva watches that reflect key aesthetics from the sartorial world.
Star pieces: 1858 Geosphere Titanium in blue, 1858 Split Second Chronograph Limited Edition, Heritage Automatic in British racing green
Talking points: One of the best things about these Minerva-inspired Montblanc watches are the little details, such as vintage Sfumato straps, gradated coloured dial, high quality NATO straps.
Jaeger-LeCoultre

The Master Grande Tradition Grande Complication

The Reverso OneT

The Master Control Chronograph Calendar

The Master Control Geographic

Key themes: Jaeger-LeCoultre focused on the Master Control line this year. It’s a ’90s classic but the Grande Maison took creative cues from the 1950s and used watchmaking techniques from the 21st century. The collection takes us back to the heydays when the manufacture made very sober and performance-oriented timepieces for discerning gentlemen.
Star pieces: Master Control Chronograph Calendar, Master Control Geographic
Talking points: They may be inspired by the past but the watches introduce new features such as a new rose gold alloy known as Le Grand Rose Gold and a new calf leather strap called Novonappa.
Vacheron Constantin

The Les Cabinotiers – the singing birds

The 19-complication Les Cabinotiers Astronomical Striking Grand Complication – Ode To Music

The Grand Complication Split-Seconds Chronograph

The FiftySix Complete Calendar

The Overseas Perpetual Calendar Ultra-Thin Skeleton

Key themes: It’s a big year for Vacheron Constantin, with novelties across all segments and collections. The Overseas line, in particular, has never looked better while the FiftySix reveals its more luxurious side. Complicated watches abound in Les Cabinotiers as well as the Traditionnelle.
Star pieces: Les Cabinotiers Astronomical Striking Grand Complication – Ode to Music, Overseas Perpetual Ultra-Thin Skeleton, Traditionnelle Tourbillon
Talking points: Les Cabinotiers by Vacheron Constantin is the department dedicated to its most unique creations. It’s a tradition that goes back to its earliest years when master watchmakers were called cabinotiers and worked in ateliers known as cabinets which were always located on the topmost floors of Geneva’s buildings.
This article was originally published on BURO. Singapore. Minor edits have been made.

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Beauty
How to recreate Meghan Markle’s sun-kissed glow

20.10.2018
By Gwen Ong

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When news broke earlier this week that the Duchess of Sussex is pregnant, the world erupted in joy. Understandably as Meghan Markle has become a darling among the people for her sweet and down to earth demeanour. Of course, she is also now one of the most watched figures around as a style and beauty icon. The former actress is all about embracing inner beauty and letting her natural features shine through. While her beauty look is about clean skin, she does doll up for official functions. The Duchess’s makeup routine is simple and all it takes is just five minutes. Her favourite kind of look involves curling her lashes, applying mascara, lip balm and a little bit of blush.

But there’s more to her glow as celebrity makeup artist, Min Min Ma revealed the Duchess’s makeup look and her favourite products. To achieve Markle’s signature look, she starts with Laura Mercier Illuminating Foundation Primer for a dewy glow and follows that with a light “barely there” skin makeup with Chanel VitaLumière Aqua so her freckles still remain visible. In case you didn’t realise, the Duchess of Sussex is proud of her freckles and made sure to show them off on her wedding day.
However, if there’s a need to, the YSL Touche Éclat is Markle’s go-to for a bit of under-eye concealing. Her soft smokey eyes in bronze, earthy tones is then amped up for the night with MAC’s Eye Kohl in Teddy for a bit of golden touch. For the lips, Markle’s preferred shades are soft nude pink or coral. Her favourite is the Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution lipstick in Very Victoria, a rosy-nude shade that she swears by. Now as for her sun-kissed glow, Markle has revealed the Nars Orgasm Blush to help give her a nice shimmer.

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Art + Design
Video: Check out this flawless hand-painting process at Kutani Choemon
Hypnotic creation

08.12.2015
By Buro247

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For over 130 years, Kutani Choemon has been producing tableware and tea ceremony utensils the traditional way. Using a fine art and craft form that is famous in Ishikawa, Japan, the company creates all its finished products from raw materials, where each item is intricately handmade and hand-painted by expert craftsmen. Most of the company’s products don the traditional Kutani colour glazes of rich blue and white.
But it’s much more than just a series of delicate, beautiful pottery products; looking at this video below, it seems that the process of creating these products are even more stunning. Perhaps it’s the pretty doodle-like design, or perhaps it’s the meticulous method of hand-painting that is just so hypnotic to observe, I would even say it’s like watching art porn. But enough talking for now – this amazing video says a thousand words on its own:

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Lifestyle
Taylor Swift releases new music video, Keanu Reeves returns for fourth ‘Matrix’ film and more

23.08.2019
By Ronn Tan

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Hello pop culture junkies! Unlike last Friday, we are taking a break from recording another round of our Pop Culture Catch-Up podcast. We will be back soon to discuss the biggest news of the week in entertainment. The show goes on, however, as this week’s headlines include: Taylor Swift’s new music video for Lover is finally here, Dwayne Johnson named the highest paid actor, and Keanu Reeves is confirmed to return for the fourth Matrix film. Now on to the top trending news!
Taylor Swift’s music video for Lover has arrived

Yes, the much-anticipated music video for the single is out now. Swifties, rejoice! During her YouTube Live session, the singer explained that the “whole video concept came from a lyric from a song on 1989 called ‘You Are In Love’. This is a song I wrote about two of my best friends who are in love. And so it goes, ‘you two are dancing in a snow globe round and round’. That line inspired the concept for this entire music video.” As expected from any Taylor Swift releases, there are a multitude of Easter eggs throughout the video. Did you spot any?
Who is her love interest in the video? That’s Christian Owens, also known as one of her dancers who have been with her for a long time—years to be exact. Taylor will be performing during the MTV Video Music Awards on 26 August. Do you think ‘Lover’ will be a part of the set list? It should be, no?
Liam Hemsworth has officially filed for divorce from Miley Cyrus

It’s sad but true. It was only a week ago when the news of their split surprised the world. Irreconcilable differences was stated as the reason. That’s pretty standard. The pair announced their separation on 10 August and that was less than a year of marriage. For more on this, check out everything we said on last week’s podcast here.
Daphne Charice releases her first music video

The Malaysian musician and influencer (also known as D調) dropped her single ‘Si Xin Ta Di ‘ (Whole-heartedly/Unwavering/死心塌地) in June 2019 to great success. The R&B/soft-pop song had more than 100,000 streams on Spotify as well as topping KKBox’s New Release chart. Pretty impressive!
Daphne‘s new music video features her best friends and fellow Malaysian influencers—Jane Chuck, Tess Pang, Kendra Sow, and Kittie Yiyi. In the music video, confidence seems to be the main message. It portrays the desire to stand up on your feet again after hitting rock bottom as well as the knowledge that one will always have others to go through ups and downs with. Visually, the music video is minimal yet speaks volume. Watch the video above and let the healing begin.
Dwayne Johnson is the highest paid actor in the world

According to Forbes, between 1 June 2018 and 1 June 2019, The Rock earned $89.4 million (approximately RM373.8 million). That’s enough for a lifetime supply of ketchup. So, how does the actor make his money? For the upcoming Jumanji: The Next Level, Dwayne Johnson was given an upfront salary of up to $23.5 million (RM98.3 million). That isn’t all—he is paid $700,000 (RM2.9 million) for every episode of Ballers (HBO).
Rounding up the top ten are Chris Hemsworth, Robert Downey Jr., Akshay Kumar, Jackie Chan, Bradley Cooper, Adam Sandler, Chris Evans, Paul Rudd, and Will Smith. Seems like these thespians are sure bets for success.
Goo Hye Sun and Ahn Jae Hyun are done

Another day, another celebrity divorce. This time, it involves two of the most popular actors from South Korea. The pair got married in May 2016 after starring together in Blood, a Korean drama series. Known to the public as an exemplary celebrity couple, the news of the separation was definitely unexpected.
It all began on 18 August when Goo Hye Sun revealed on Instagram that Ahn Jae Hyun wants a divorce. Both responded to each other’s rebuttals and accusations for quite awhile. For example, Ahn Jae Hyun revealed that Goo Hye Sun already has her divorce draft planned when she said that she never knew about her husband’s plan to separate. Goo Hye Sun even said that part of the Jae Hyun’s reason is that she isn’t sexy enough. It’s a mess for sure but you can read more here. The one thing we can hope for is that no one is harmed and that things will be settled amicably.
There will be a fourth Matrix film

Yes, you read that right. Keanu Reeves and Carrie Ann-Moss are reprising their iconic roles in the film. The nostalgia doesn’t stop there—one half of the sibling team behind the first three films in the series, Lana Wachowski, will be returning too. The Matrix movies are definitely cult favourites but with what happened (#NoSpoilers) in the third film, one can only wonder what to expect. Are you ready to re-enter the Matrix? Hopefully, we will see Neo and Trinity on the big screen sooner rather than later.

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Fashion
Just in: Hedi Slimane joins Céline as its Artistic, Creative and Image Director
Fashion's musical chairs

21.01.2018
By Joan Kong

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LVMH has announced the appointment of Hedi Slimane as the Artistic, Creative and Image Director of Céline, and he officially starts at the Frech Maison on February 1. Aside from overseeing its womenswear collections, the designer “is to lead Celine into menswear, couture and fragrance” as well, according to WWD. He’ll be unveiling his first men’s and women’s collection in September during Paris Fashion Week, and the French house is setting its sights to open its first standalone men’s boutique “as early as 2019”.

“I am delighted to join Bernard Arnault in this all-embracing and fascinating mission for Céline. I greatly look forward to returning to the exciting world of fashion and the dynamism of the ateliers”. — Hedi Slimane

Calling Hedi “one of the most talented designers of our time”, Bernard Arnault, Chairman and CEO of LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton says, “I have been a great admirer of his work since we collaborated on Dior Homme, which he launched to global critical acclaim in the 2000s. His arrival at Céline reinforces the great ambitions that LVMH has for this Maison. Hedi will oversee and develop all creativity for both women’s and men’s fashion, but also for leather goods, accessories and fragrances. He will leverage his global vision and unique aesthetic virtuosity in further building an iconic French Maison”.

Hedi Slimane was previously the creative director for Dior Homme (from 2000 to 2007) and Saint Laurent (from 2012 to 2016).

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Beauty
The secret science behind Song Hye-Kyo’s kissable pout
Down to a science

16.03.2017
By Buro247

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Korean beauty powerhouse, Laneige has recently unveiled the Silk Intense Lipstick collection, which boasts of an expansive and expandable spectrum of colours. 30 physical products seamlessly transform into 90 different shades with the help of two innovative surprises.

But as any cosmetic connoisseur understands, there is more to the hallmarks of ‘kissability’ than a gamut of striking colours. Take popular K-drama actress and Laneige’s brand ambassador, Song Hye-Kyo’s enviable pout for instance; the precise hue of a lipstick plays only a partial role in the overall appearance.

The attraction here lies in the captivating intensity of the colour, the defined three-dimensional shape of her lips, and the lustrous finish that seals the deal.

Well aware of the intricacies that constitute an excellent lip product, Laneige has incorporated cutting edge science and technology into their latest, reformulated Silk Intense range; hence, making a kissable pout like that of Song Hye-Kyo’s a serious attainable reality for all.

Three components lie at the core of rich shades and silky texture of the Laneige Silk Intense range:
1. A little extra “Ump-h”
By “Ump-h”, we actually mean Ultra Micronised Pigment (UMP). Straight from the forefront of advancement, UMP technology utilises pigment particles that are substantially downsized from the scale of regular pigments. This ensures the colourant is densely-packed to achieve an increase in colour intensity. For the slightly more fastidious amongst us, the colour is said to be 20% more vivid with just one application.

2. White space
As white space provides dimension to a good photography, Multi-Layered White (MLV) technology creates a multi-layered structure that allows for varied light reflection at different angles. Without getting too technical, lips will look more luscious while enhanced with a 3D effect as the light hits. Forget dull, flat looking puckers—the MLV tech also boosts the brightness of the shade.

3. Silken semblances
Mirroring the composition of luxury fabrics such as silk and velvet, a raw material called Branched Copolymer gives the Laneige Silk Intense lipsticks its undeniably soft, fabric-like texture. The structure of the polymer contributes to the richness of the formula and helps it adhere luxuriously to the lips. The high moisture content and colour consistency also means comfortable wear and lush lips throughout the day.

***

Test out the full range of Laneige Silk Intense Lipsticks (RM85 each) for yourself at Laneige beauty counters and boutiques nationwide from March 2017 onwards. Discover all 30 colours here and find out more at www.laneige.com.my.

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Food + Drink
10 Malaysian Instabakers to hire for your wedding cake
Too pretty to eat

31.05.2016
By Zoe Yang

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Your big day isn’t complete without a gorgeous wedding cake to top off the whole ceremony. Here’s a mini #BuroBrides guide to some of the best bakers on Instagram to create the perfect Insta-worthy cake for your wedding.
The Sweet Spot

With a background of French pastry course from Le Cordon Bleu Australia, Malaysian cake artist Lim Swee San creates custom-made cakes for various special occasions such as weddings, anniversaries, Mother’s Day, and birthdays. Aside from producing wondrous wedding cake designs, The Sweet Spot also offers a variety of delectable cake flavours ranging from blueberry lemon curd, orange poppy seed, and lychee raspberry to chocolate ganache—any of these picks are bound to hit anyone’s sweet spot on your wedding day. Not to mention, their salted chocolate caramel is their bestselling cake flavour too.
Facebook | Instagram | Website | Email

Bitter/Sweet

Bitter/Sweet is a befitting wedding bakery to check out especially if you’re looking for wedding cake designs that are a little more sophisticated than usual. A look through the images above and you can see Malaysian home based baker U-Mae’s elegant, modern twists on conventional wedding cake designs whilst still remaining true to the concept of romantic minimalism. The abstract designs, particularly the exceptional fondant draping style on a wedding cake is, just simply, aesthetically pleasing.

You can contact Bitter/Sweet at their preferred mediums through email or Facebook Messenger.
Facebook | Instagram | Email

Shaun Teo’s Creations

Minimalism and traditional wedding cake designs aren’t exactly your style? Piece of cake—you can request an over-the-top artisanal confection at Shaun Teo’s Creations. This is the spot to visit if you’re in search of fun (and whimsical) cake designs. Other than assembling wedding cakes, they also offer adorable cake pops, stunning cupcakes with intricate buttercream piping details as well as custom orders for birthdays, anniversaries, and events.

Facebook | Instagram | Contact: +60 16 333 1171 (WhatsApp only)

Bread and Butter by Erin

For those who prefer an intriguing combination of traditional-themed and romantic wedding cake designs, Bread and Butter by Erin is the one you should look out for. Founded by Erin Redza, the Malaysian baker and her team are all about prioritising the tiniest details on their cake designs, meticulously crafting your wedding cake to your preference. Up and running for nine years now, the team is definitely no stranger when it comes to aiding you to creating your dream cake.
Facebook | Instagram | Contact: 03-2287 4517 (by appointment only)

Little Collins KL

Not only a cosy cafe, Little Collins KL also specialises in providing services for customised cakes, ready to cater to your needs especially for those looking for a balance of traditional and modern wedding cake designs meanwhile keeping simplicity at its best—as the saying goes, less is more, right?

Facebook | Instagram | Website | Contact: 03-6204 9986

Bakes & Inks

If you’re the type who lives for everything sweet and romantic, Bakes & Inks might just be your go-to for your dream wedding cake. Baked with premium ingredients and designed with passion, you’re all set for the most romantic wedding.
Facebook | Instagram | Website | Contact: +60 16-986 9303 (WhatsApp only)

Gateauxlicious

Combining their individual skills and creativity to create cakes that are both one-of-a-kind and filled with romance, mother-daughter duo Jay and Asma behind Gateauxlicious have easily captured the hearts of many; and evidently so as it has been eight years since they started.

Instagram | Website | Email

Forêt Blanc Patisserie

A visit to France was all it took for the bakers at Foret Blanc Patisserie to be inspired and grow a passion to share delicious and authentic desserts to everyone in Malaysia. Besides classic French entremets and novelty cakes, they also take custom orders for wedding cakes.
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Artes & Slices

A pretty cake doesn’t necessarily mean it tastes as good as it looks, but you can bet that the three cousins behind Artes & Slices guarantee both with their family recipe and a talent for creating intricate details on their custom wedding cakes.

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Miss Shortcakes

A professional cake decorator and pastry chef who started her baking career in Sydney, Jessica Ting can pretty much make any dream design for your wedding cake come true—including adding Swarovski crystals.
Facebook | Instagram | Website | Contact: 03-2733 3117

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Music
NJWA’s new music video about interracial love is something all Malaysians need to watch

08.09.2019
By Joanna Pinto

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If you’ve been following Malaysian singer NJWA‘s music journey, you’d know that she released her new single Take Love Back earlier this April (which by the way, has since surpassed 100,000 streams on Spotify). And today, the alternative R&B artist has officially released a powerful and compelling music video for the track, which sheds light on a common yet often unspoken issue especially in Malaysia: interracial love.
If you’ve ever been in one, you’d know that there are certain challenges that come along with such a love story. Count yourself lucky if you’ve never had any issues with it but for the rest of us, this five-minute clip will hit you right in the feels. It opens with a moving monologue about love and devotion by Sharifah Amani while Ng Choo Seong, her co-star in the late Yasmin Ahmad’s film Sepet (2005) – also a tale about interracial love – looks on (PS: what a perfect cameo appearance).

The song’s narrative about the struggles of those in interracial and interfaith relationships is further demonstrated through an emotive contemporary dance performance by Grace Ng and Nabil Zakaria. With this music video, NJWA hopes to spark a conversation about the highs and lows of interracial love and says, “It was important that the music video strongly represented the essence of the song and conveys how I truly feel about this matter. Despite being a melting pot of cultures, diversities and ethnicities, Malaysia still has a long way to go in terms of tolerance and understanding.”
Below, NJWA speaks to us about love, the inspiration behind Take Love Back and her thoughts about the unspoken matter in Malaysia.

Describe your music in three words.
“Dark, ethereal, emotional.”

Your latest single Take Love Back shines the spotlight on interracial relationships and intermarriages. Was it inspired by a personal experience?
“Yes, it was. Years ago, I was in a relationship that didn’t quite work out as his side of the family didn’t approve of it due to our differences. I was deeply frustrated about the situation as I didn’t understand why people needed to part just because other people say it’s not okay to be together.”
What are your thoughts about interracial love in Malaysia?
“Living in a multiracial country like Malaysia and in pursuit of racial harmony, we are bound to fall in love with people of other races. Interracial love in Malaysia is actually more common than we think. However, there are still struggles that are being faced by the people who are in the relationships due to the pressures of society.”

In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge for couples who are in an interracial or interfaith relationship/marriage?
“Different couples face different challenges, so I can’t speak for all of them. Through my own experiences, the most common one would be societal pressures and pressure from the family. In interfaith relationships, the main challenge is usually conversion of faith. In Malaysia, to marry a Muslim you would need to convert to Islam. Not everyone is willing to do that. In some cases, for people who are willing to do that, they may face challenges from their family who might be against it.”
Do you think Malaysians still find it hard to accept two people of different races or faith falling in love? Why?
“Unfortunately, this is true. I think there has always been this focus on ‘tolerance’, but it’s time to go beyond tolerating each other and move towards embracing one another.”

In the music video for Take Love Back, Sepet co-stars Sharifah Amani and Ng Choo Seong made a cameo appearance. Sharifah’s monologue reads, “Falling in love is easy, but fighting for love is not”—do you think Malaysians are fighting hard enough for the love they want?
“I believe that Malaysians are fighting hard, but I also understand the circumstances we are in. Living in a household with Asian values, receiving blessings from your family is also important. Some people face the challenge of not wanting to disappoint their parents, or worry they might be disowned if they choose to fight for the love they want.”
If you could give your younger self some relationship advice, what would you tell her?
“Don’t waste your time on someone who doesn’t appreciate you. When things are meant to be, the right person will come and everything will fall into place.”

Rapid-fire round:

Who is your role model when it comes to local artists?
“Yuna. She’s doing amazing and making Malaysia proud.”
What about international singers?
“ROSALÍA. I love how her music and artistry is deeply rooted in culture and heritage.”
If you could collaborate with any artist (dead or alive), who would it be and why?
“I would love to work with Moses Sumney. He has this beautiful, ethereal sound that really speaks to me. Writing music with him would be a dream.”
Who are you listening to right now?
“Lana Del Rey’s latest album.”
What’s next for NJWA?
“I’m working on my album right now and I’m performing in Singapore for the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix 2019 this month!”

Watch NJWA’s Take Love Back music video below:

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Features
Best of street style from Men’s Fashion Week S/S 2016
Boys, take note

22.07.2015
By Buro247

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It’s usually hard to look beyond the heels and extravagant frocks of the ladies, but the men really put on their A-game when it comes to Fashion Week. From immaculate minimalistic cuts to an artful layer of different shades and textures, our hats go off to these guys for showing us how the perfect ‘dapper’ look is done.
Click through to see our top picks here:
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Beauty
How “halal” is halal nail polish? Here’s what you need to know
Astagafirullah

19.03.2020
By Redzhanna Jazmin

Image: Instagram/@Imanicured

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Can you pray with halal nail polish on? The answer may not be what you are hoping to hear…
One of the essential duties of a Muslim is to perform the five daily prayers, all of which require the individual to take wudu, or ablution, beforehand. The practice requires all parts of the face, head, arms and feet to be covered entirely by water to be valid, so as a result, Muslim women are unable to use nail polish as typical formulas create an impermeable coat over the nail, preventing water from saturating through.

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However, over the last couple of years, an entirely new formulation of nail polish has surfaced in the market: Breathable, water-permeable “halal” nail polish. Boasting a formula that allows water and air to reach the nails, the products were hailed as a complete game-changer upon their release, allowing Muslim women to get trendy mani-pedis without compromising their ability to pray.
Naturally, the demand for these products shot up almost immediately after they were announced, with stock flying off the shelves and countless nail salons promoting their new “halal mani-pedis”.
However, many have voiced their concerns over exactly how halal the products are. In reality, the breathability and water permeability of many halal nail polish brands have been found to be insufficient when it comes to ablution as they still create a peel-able barrier over the nail. This barrier is technically breathable, but the catch is that it requires at least 10-15 seconds for the water to fully permeate through. Considering that, realistically, the average individual only spends a fraction of that time washing their hands and feet during ablution, the nail underneath the nail polish is technically yet to be cleansed, and so the wudu is invalid.
On that strain, although many brands use the term breathable and water-permeable interchangeably, they are not one and the same. The biggest difference is that the genuine water-permeable formulations on the market are non-peelable (they don’t create a barrier over the nail) and genuinely do allow water down to the nail. However, it should be mentioned that any more than one or two coats of polish compromises the water permeability considerably. So despite the product being ‘halal’, if you’re gunning for a flawless manicure and painting on enough coats for a solid colour, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
The video below shows this really clearly—breathable nail polish isn’t water-permeable, and water-permeable nail polish is (in thin coats).

This is a bummer if you were excited about the prospect of painted nails all year round, but unfortunately, most religious authorities agree that halal nail polish isn’t actually halal at all.
In fact, there isn’t a standardised criterion for the halal certification of nail polish. Some consider formulations that are free of pork products and byproducts to be halal, while others prioritise the function of the products (such as their water permeability). Apart from that, some companies have obtained a halal certification after making ‘donations’ to halal certification boards with questionable credibility.
Don’t despair, though! There are plenty of options for you ladies who still want to indulge in all things nails without compromising prayer time.

Using your *monthly pass* to its full advantage

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This is probably something you already do, but your period is the perfect excuse to get a guilt-free manicure—seeing as it’s the one week (give or take) a month that women are not required to pray, there’s nothing stopping you from painting your nails.

Use henna to colour your nails

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A beauty relic of many cultures, henna is a natural plant dye used to create temporary tattoos. Henna paste is halal as it only stains the nails instead of creating a coat—unlike normal nail polish—meaning that water can easily penetrate down to the nail.

Stick-on nails

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Stick-on nail art is a great solution for Muslim women. If you’ve got a big event and want to look your best, instead of sitting through a two-hour mani-pedi session and paying way too much just to take it off the very next day (or that same evening!), try some stick-on nails. They apply in seconds and are reusable, making them a good investment—just opt for adhesive rather than nail glue to make them easier to remove.
READ: Where to get press-on nails in Malaysia

Find more beauty stories like this here.

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Lifestyle
#BuroGetaway: Discovering the beauty of natural dye at Tarum Bali
To dye for

04.06.2017
By Rachel Au

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It’s no secret that sustainability is one of our most passionate topics. Hence, while planning for the #BuroGetaway to Bali, we knew we had to dedicate half a day at Tarum. A small, humble factory (but also Bali’s largest all-natural dye workshop) with a big heart for the environment, Tarum is one of the few (less than ten per cent) dye manufacturers in Indonesia which gets all its colourings entirely from nature.

Founded by brothers Made and Andika in 2001, the enterprise today is connected to 30 local craftspeople and 70 weavers in Bali, Java and Lombok; and has a clientele of both international and local individuals and businesses around the world. Fun fact: Rihanna once wore an outfit from the Awaveawake’s Spring 2016 collection which was naturally dyed by Tarum.

After a 45-minute ride from our villa and after passing by rows of Gianyar’s rice fields, we finally arrived at the factory where Andika warmly welcomed us before commencing a detailed tour accompanied by a crash course of Tarum’s natural dye processes. First off, where the colours come from – plants. The mesmerising sea of blue patterned fabric hanging at the entrance shows Tarum’s primary colour, which comes from the plant the company is named after. Extracting the colour from the roots is where they’ll be able to get the most vibrant shade but that meant killing the tree. Hence, the team chose to use its leaves instead at the cost of a longer dyeing process.

The other base colours they use are yellow (mango tree leaves), brown (mahogany leaves), black (‘umbrella’ tree leaves) and red (the bark of secang trees). With these colours, the team is able to blend a large variety of other hues. The deeper it’s desired of a colour, the longer and more times the fabric is dip-dyed in.
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Next lesson: The process. It’s a long and tedious one, and yet, the Tarum team still managed to incorporate a sustainable method around it. Once all the leaves are collected from their plantations, they are finely chopped by a machine before being boiled with water for six hours. The remnants are used as compost while the leftover water from the dyeing process runs through a field of enceng gondok plants for filtration before it flows back into the river.

While many engage Tarum in dyeing their fabrics for them or sourcing ready-made dyed materials from them, Andika and Made have added one other venture to their portfolio of sustainable textile endeavours. They would collect leftover fabric and turn them into yarn to be handwoven into carpets or table runners, giving what would be waste material a second life. Some of these have been sought after by hotels such as Katamama and the Hyatt brand.
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Once the tour is over, it was time for a hands-on experience. Leaving three of us in a room with a piece of cloth each and rubber bands, we were told to create our own pattern by just tying the fabric however we pleased. No guides. No samples. Nothing.

After that, it was back to the dyeing area where we put on gloves and dip our knobby-looking fabrics into warm water for five to ten minutes. Once they have been thoroughly soaked, we carefully transferred them to a vat filled with the natural indigo dye and kneaded them beneath the surface of the dye.

One of the craftsmen then came to help us. After ten to fifteen minutes, he removed the fabrics, rinsed them in another vat of clear water and squeezed them dry. He told us the colours can be darker if we repeated the process another time and added more dye to the first vat. We did just that and true enough, the colours came out beautifully on our knobby-looking cloths.
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The next test is to see what patterns we’ve created from our rubber band ties. As it turned out, it was great that we didn’t know what we were doing since all three cloths (which Andika said can be scarves if we just sew the seams) resulted in three very different designs. The possibilities are endless but unfortunately, it was time to leave. At least, we had a masterpiece to bring back and a vat-load of knowledge to go with it.

CV. Tarum Bali Sejahtera is located at Jalan Cucukan Lama gang Nusantara, No. 6 Medahan, Blahbatuh Gianyar. For more info, visit the website or Facebook.

Related stories:
#GoGreen: Kind clothing brands to buy now
About vegetable-tanned leather and the beautiful bags it makes
Buro Tries: Making an upcycled pouch with Biji-biji Initiative

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Lifestyle
Team Buro Answers: The most memorable celebrity encounters we’ve ever had

16.05.2019
By Rachel Au

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

Like the stars in the skies, celebrities are a different kind of stars that could be difficult to meet; and so, when we do get the chance, it’s quite something. Being in the media industry, however, it’s a perk that comes with the job, and one that we’re quite grateful for. But a memorable celebrity encounter is not just about being star-struck or the fact that they’re famous (okay, this one might not be entirely true because meeting someone famous does automatically deserve bragging rights). Some of them is memorable because of the stories they had to share. Either way, let’s just get straight to sharing our stories, shall we?

TERRY SAW, editor-in-chief

One of the first things that come to mind—an intimate luncheon in Shanghai with designer Tory Burch a few years back. I’ve always been in awe of her quiet power and this personal encounter with her was one of the highlights of my career. Tory is the epitome of a modern-day woman who wears many hats, but always a mother first to her three sons, before kicking goals on the daily as the founder and designer of her fashion empire. She also heads up the Tory Burch Foundation, which supports women entrepreneurs, among her many philanthropic initiatives. Meeting Tory in person was very much like catching up with an old friend who is extremely well-travelled, has a keen sense of adventure, and was never short on wonderful stories surrounding travel, culture and art. I still find myself constantly looking out for ‘Easter Eggs’ in her new collections, which usually pay homage to some of her fondest family or travel memories.

GWEN ONG, deputy editor

linkin park concert malaysia encounter
Back when I was more in tuned with the latest music scene, pop culture and whatnot, I was also more in touch with my (emo) feelings. Rock music and alternative bands were my go-to because they understood me more than anyone else could. When Linkin Park announced they were performing in KL for the first time in 2003, I knew I had to be there! It was my virgin concert and what a rush it was. However, being vertically challenged meant that my view was pretty much s**t. But being petite also meant I could snake my way through the crowd in the mosh pit and get myself to the front row. Together with my best friend and the other 25,000 fans at Stadium Merdeka, I screamed my voice hoarse to every song I know by heart. The whole atmosphere was electrifying. It’s true when they say you will always remember your first time. It was enthralling! Oh, my best friend and I did camp out at the hotel that night to catch a glimpse of the band but nothing beats seeing them perform live.

JOAN KONG, fashion editor

I’ve met a fair share of celebrities thanks to my job, and I generally have nothing but good things to say about them (their managers? Not so much). That being said, there are two stars in particular who stood out for being the sweetest, and they are Bella Hadid and Kiko Mizuhara. I got to interview Bella when she made a pit-stop in Malaysia for the TAG Heuer event, and although she has amassed over 24 million followers on Instagram, she was genuinely happy to be able to meet us (and her fans who waited outside the store for hours) on this side of the world. Needless to say, my interview with her went really well, and she even dished on some personal stories too. A month after that, I met Kiko Mizuhara at the Coach Pre-Fall 2019 party in Shanghai, and she’s definitely one of the most down-to-earth celebrities I’ve encountered throughout my career. She divulged that she’ll be swinging by Malaysia sometime this year for the premiere of a new film, and even asked for food and bar recommendations!

STEPHANIE BOEY, fashion writer

meeting henry golding
Remember the #10YearChallenge that went wild on the internet? As I was searching for milestones in a sea of embarrassing photos on Facebook (cause that’s where we all were before Instagram, let’s be real), I uncovered a photo of me, my best friends in high school (where my Assuntarians at?) standing next to Malaysia’s current leading man…Henry Golding. It was 2009, my friends and I were at the Interact Charity Concert (which is basically a social mixer for the secondary schools in the district), grinning next to a then-22-year-old Mr. Golding, who was one of the hosts for the night. He was already a budding celebrity, with his hosting career taking flight, after moving back to Malaysia a year prior. I remember him being charismatic, approachable and having the most infectious smile. And although already a local celebrity, he was incredibly down to earth. Ten years on and it’s safe to say he has not lost that humble demeanor. From high school concerts to landing a lead role in Crazy Rich Asians and attending the Met Gala, Henry Golding definitely wins the #10YearChallenge.

WEI YEEN LOH, senior beauty writer

best celeb encounter Pony-MUA
Seeing Korean YouTube star and celebrity makeup artist Pony of Ponysmakeup in person induced a number of different reactions from my being, varying from a jittery state of nerves to my voice reducing to a timid pitch (almost inaudible, and I was about to interview her). Talk about celebrity makeup inspiration and the first thing that comes to my mind is Pony—her YouTube tutorials straddle the line between far-fetched and realistically attainable, whether it’s transforming to Taylor Swift or the less-is-more makeup look. Scoring a spot at her media interview was basically a makeup lover’s dream come true, and this is coming from someone who doesn’t really believe in fangirling. Surprisingly, I found my voice right when the interview started. She held herself with class, answering all questions professionally and even giving us a chance to score a selfie with her (might have fangirled a little more inside when she agreed to this).

RACHEL AU, lifestyle editor

Dear Taylor Swift, I’m still waiting for my Secret Sessions invite. Please and thank you. Till then, my answer would have to be Hannah Yeoh, Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of Women, Family and Community Development, and a notable female politician in her own right since she was 29 years old. Gosh, what was I doing when I was 29? Oh, right, I interviewed her. I’ve met my fair share of global celebrities over the course of my career (Justin Bieber, Jason Mraz, Hyuna, etc.) but none of them has made me as nervous, star-struck and in awe as Hannah Yeoh. I was never really into the Malaysian politics scene until two years ago and following it stirred something in me. Perhaps also because, growing up, I didn’t really see women in the political field but what a time to be alive now, where women’s voices are louder and stronger than before; where women have fought for a chance and grabbed it; and where women are helping to make a difference and being acknowledged for it. Hannah Yeoh, despite being a YB, and despite having a larger jurisdiction and responsibility, is still able to see through her vision, juggle the multiple roles she has, and stay humble. It was the longest interview I’ve ever had but what an inspiration! Not really a celebrity, but it still counts, right?

SU FEN TAN, contributor

I was already an avid admirer of Yuna‘s many talents, so getting to catch her in an intimate acoustic session at The Andaman and speak to her after was definitely one of my work highlights last year. Most importantly, with Yuna, what you get online/on-stage is what you get in person too—down to earth and just radiating good vibes; she’s the real deal.

ALYSSA LEE, special projects writer

Many things can happen in the span of a few minutes—an intimate encounter is not one of them. Then again, there is nothing like 120 seconds of exhilaration to get the heart pumping. And boy, did that heart pump during a strict two-minute interview session we scored with Formula 1 driver, Lewis Hamilton. The man may be fast on the tracks but off it, he’s got a penchant for leisure. While he took his time to ponder things like alternative careers and biggest phobias, I was sweating, laughing and close to tears in fear of bombing my interview. I’ll never forget having to scream my final question, “Favourite Malaysian food??” to him, while being held back by security personnel as he was escorted off. In case you care, his answer was roti canai.

RONN TAN, editorial assistant

Mariah Carey, hands down, the best celebrity encounter in the history of encounters. Back in 2014 when I was at the Louis Vuitton boutique in KL, I noticed a rather unusual sight. There was a strange frenzy outside. Eerily big men dressed in black were approaching the store entrance. I was confused. I was intrigued. Then, it hit me. Who was performing in KL that night? The one and only Mariah Carey—the Songbird Supreme herself! Her mere presence gave me life. I didn’t get the opportunity to speak to her, but I remember that iconic smile of the Elusive Chanteuse. I’ve never seen anything like that, and like her—and that’s what made the encounter so memorable. It was an experience so ethereal that it left me stunned. Though I’m not as Obsessed with her as Eminem was, she’s still a Hero and definitely a Vision of Love. It was rather sad to say Bye Bye and I was filled with Emotions.

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Fashion
London Fashion Week AW18: Highlights of Day 3
Bold advances

19.02.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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Couture wedding gowns that will make you feel like a fairytale princess

Delpozo
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Who: With a background in architecture, creative director Josep Font is known for his romantic, couture-inspired creations that are soft yet sculptural.
Where: After five years on the NYFW schedule, Delpozo showed in London for the first time at the Royal Institute of British Architects.
What: For AW18, Font was inspired by both nature—his imagination sparked by an unpublished National Geographic picture from the 1930s of water lilies and lotus flowers—and art, specifically the work of French artist Inès Longevial.
The Low-down: Font’s artful flourishes continue to occur across his designs, from the silhouettes to the tinier details. Blazers and coats don dramatically asymmetrical cuts; floral motifs charm in sequins and embellishments; patchwork skirts don bold palettes; and textural play shines for evening. Even the classic houndstooth print takes a whimsical turn with Font’s refreshing use of colours.
Buro Loves: While we are not quite feeling the big faux-fur flowers perched on some of the coat collars, the leather belts shaped into water lily silhouettes are absolute works of art.

MM6 Maison Margiela
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Who: Maison Margiela’s contemporary line, MM6 is designed by an in-house team.
Where: Referencing Andy Warhol’s Factory, every thing and surface in the Running Horse (a pub in Mayfair) was foiled in silver.
What: If you are ever looking for an all-silver wardrobe, this is it.
The Low-down: Mirroring the set, the models were dressed in all-silver ensembles in a dazzling display—literally. The futuristic hue came in a plethora of textures, from quilted duffle coats and puffer jackets, to pleated skirts and sequinned dresses. Disco ball mirrors didn’t just find their way onto a suit, but also the MM6’s classic ankle boots.

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Beauty
Go-To Skincare: The Aussie brand that’s making waves (and winning hearts)
Witty & wonderful

06.10.2016
By Terry Saw

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BURO Beauty Empties Giveaway Week 2: Win up to RM4,500 worth of beauty prizes

Every once in awhile, you get a clever brand like Go-To Skincare, which cuts through the clutter with its sharp wit and unfussy approach to beauty – and what a refreshing addition this Aussie player has been to the beauty scene.
Despite only being around for a couple of years, Go-To has hogged media attention and quietly grown a cult following of beauty aficionados, editors and celebrities alike and to what does the brand owe its meteoric rise? We breakdown Go-To’s formula for success (and why you need to make space for it in your beauty kits – stat):

Meet Zoë Foster Blake a.k.a beauty powerhouse behind Go-To Skincare

Having followed Zoë‘s beauty adventures for many years now, it was only matter of time before this super-talented, witty Aussie multi-hyphenate – best-selling author, journalist-beauty editor, blogger – founded her own beauty line.

Her M.O. for Go-To is simple: drawing from her years of beauty expertise and knowledge, Zoë  made a bee-line for natural, uncomplicated results-driven products for Go-To that actually work, coupled with hilarious product labels that are guaranteed to make your day even if your boyfriend can’t.

And at a massive 420K (and growing) followers on Instagram @zotheysay, she definitely is a force to be reckoned with. Her IG M.O: (real) pictures of her life adventures, uber adobrable son, Sonny, and the occasional picture of her cute-but-unimpressed-looking cat Meowbert all packaged with punchy, funny-to-the-core captions, which we honestly appreciate so much more than over-styled content today.

She tells it like it is!
Zoë respects how crucial honest opinions are when it comes to beauty and offers personal tips and advice based on her experiences sans the sugar coat. Case in point: for the launch of Bro-To Properly Clean for men, she stresses how (surprise, surprise!) men do not need a different cleanser. Of course the way this message is delivered is pure entertainment – enjoy.

A small but well-curated line of beauty solutions

Go-To Skincare features a total of eight key products (including the new Bro-To Properly Clean) in chic peach packaging, which are really all you need for a complete beauty regime. Here are a few funny lines we picked from our new favourite Go-Tos:

Go-To Exfoliating Swipeys, $46 for 50 wipes (approx. RM145)

They will: Gently and evenly exfoliate the skin soften the appearance of fine lines and remove dead skin cells and impurities that build up.
They will not: Ever be contestants on Big Brother.
Buro says… These easy-to-use single-use pads are soaked in gentle AHAs and hydrating essential oils, and really gets in there to do the job without any unpleasant stinging feeling or leaving the skin unnaturally stretched. Clearer skin after a couple of weeks of diligent use is definitely not too much to expect, as we have had the luxury to discover.

Face Hero, $45 for 30ml (approx. RM142)

It will: Deeply hydrate, revitalise, soothe inflammation and tell fine lines and dullness to buzz off.
It will not: Tell very good jokes at dinner parties.
Buro says… This concoction of pure potent super oils is the perfect solution to dehydrated skin – perfect for winter or long-haul trips on the plane – magically calms and soothes the skin. Applying twice a day (morning and night) for a couple of weeks so far has give us the pleasure to waking up to softer, suppler skin – can’t say that’s not a plus.

Exceptionoil, $51 for 85ml (approx. RM161)

It will: Replenish the natural oils and moisture that are lost when skin is exposed to the sun, wind cold and air-con, heaters and flying.
It will not: Do your tax.
Buro says… This light balm-to-oil absorbs quickly and immediately nourishes the skin without leaving an icky residue. Only thing is the beautiful scent from Manoi de Tahiti in this is tempting us to go on a beach vacay – stat. This all-over body oil also works a treat to nourish sun-stressed tresses after a little too much time in the sun so stop dreaming and start planning that island getaway, we say.

But first, some shopping: Go-To Skincare (@gotoskincare) is exclusively available online at gotoskincare.com and ships internationally – yay!

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Lifestyle
Get the tissues ready: Watch the best Raya ads of 2022 right now
Warm, fuzzy feels

12.04.2022
By Adelina Tan

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

It’s not Raya without home-cooked delicacies, kuih, quality time with loved ones, Raya songs… and Raya ads that warm our hearts and put a smile on our faces. This year, a few much-missed Raya traditions will also be making a return post-pandemic now that restrictions on travel and gatherings have been lifted (don’t forget to stock up on Covid self-test kits).
The joy of balik kampung and spending time together features in many of this year’s Ramadan and Raya ads. These are a few that have tugged at our heartstrings, reminding us of the blessings of Ramadan and rekindling the spirit of Raya:
Ini Iklan Raya Baru, Tau? by Julie’s Biscuits

Remember the stereotype-busting Raya ad that Julie’s Biscuits rolled out last year? They’ve done it again this year by cheekily questioning gender inequality at home and at work, racial unity, and—most impressively—the stigma surrounding mental health. It’s definitely not your typical festive ad, but still captures the spirit of Raya.
Rezeki Memori by Samsung

Samsung’s festive ad tells the story of Adik, played by Bront Palarae, who finally returns to his kampung after spending many years away in the city, slaving away at his job. Inspired by a true story and shot entirely with the Galaxy S22 Ultra, it pulls at the heartstrings by emphasising how memories are the most priceless thing you can share with your loved ones.
Raya Macam Cara by TNB

We’re relying on TNB to light up our homes for Eid, so it’s only fitting that Malaysia’s leading electricity provider serves up a light-hearted short video that’s also highly relatable. The message here is that even within one big family, we all have our own festive traditions and preferences. However, it’s these differences that make every moment better and brighter.
Ke Pangkuan by Mr.DIY

In recent years, Mr.DIY has steadily built up a reputation for producing stellar Raya web films with inspiring storylines and soothing colour tones. This year, the story of a daughter returning home to visit her single mother, who she believes has neglected her over the years, isn’t groundbreaking—but it is moving.
Gaya Raya Luar Biasa by Watsons

You can count on Watsons for wacky festive ads that break the mould and go big on star power; this time, not just in the cast—including Ayda Jebat and her real-life husband Nabil Mahir, Fauziah Dato’ Ahmad Daud, Dato’ Jalaluddin Hassan, the Dolla girls, and Jinnyboy as a hologram cop—but also the out-of-this-world Raya celebration on the moon.
Memori by Shals

Every Raya celebration creates memories we’ll cherish for a lifetime. In the first-ever short film from Shals—founded by TV host Shalma Ainaa—two siblings, Kakak and Osman, reminisce about Hari Raya when they were younger. It’s a bittersweet tribute to memories that can never be forgetten or replaced, that leave a huge impact in our lives.
Kak Long Balik Muar by McDonalds

To celebrate the return of Kak Long, the eldest daughter, her loved ones go all out in preparing for her homecoming. It’s hard work but also joyful. As the rambunctious family gather to break fast, they rediscover the true spirit of this festive season: being together again and enjoying one another’s company.
So Raya, Jom Balik Kampung? by Zalora

Zalora’s mini series takes us into the life of the stylish Soraya. After celebrating Raya in isolation for two years, she finally gets to go back home to her family again. Follow her relatable Raya adventures as she gets ready to celebrate the festive season, from wrapping up at work to baju Raya mishaps and overcooked rendang.
Pesan Ayah by Shopee and Viddsee

This story hits hard emotionally as it recounts the real-life journey of Yana Azmi Tan, aka Kak Kimchi, the owner of a successful kimchi business who lost her father to Covid. In her first Ramadan without her father, Yana shares about finding the strength to cope with her loss and to rise up again.
Nikmati Keceriaan, Raikan Kekeluargaan by F&N

With businesses gradually recovering post-pandemic, these are hectic times for many of us. The message in this ad is that no matter how busy we are, family comes first. Make time to celebrate together with your loved ones this festive season.

This list will be updated as more Ramadan and Raya ads fill our screens in the countdown to Eid.
Click here for more Raya guides and stories.

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Lifestyle
MasterChef Asia finals: Will a Malaysian be the first ever MasterChef Asia?
Tough competition

27.11.2015
By Buro247

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

Last night’s episode of MasterChef Asia had the final four contestants recreating a signature dish at Les Amis, one of Singapore’s most renowned fine dining restaurants. A hectic challenge down, and now we’re on to the top three with Malaysian contestants Jasbir and Marcus, and Singaporean contestant Woo Wai Leong.
For the last two episodes, the stakes are incredibly high. On 3 December, watch the finalists get inspired by emotional video messages from their mothers, to cook none other than a family favourite dish. The finale doesn’t get any easier. On 10 December, culinary genius Susur Lee, 3-Michelin-starred chef Bruno Menard, and Singapore-born MasterChef Australia finalist Audra Morrice will determine the first ever winner of MasterChef Asia. In the final battle, two remaining home cooks will be faced with a daunting Mystery Box, a Chef’s Round Table Meal, and a Pressure Test.
Watch the gruelling finals of MasterChef Asia on Thursday 3 and 10 December at 9pm on Lifetime (Astro Ch709)

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Lifestyle
Israel-Palestine violence: Why civilians in the Gaza Strip are losing their lives and a place to call home

18.05.2021
By Eugene Chen

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7 Things to do in the Klang Valley this weekend: 15 & 16 July 2023

People bleeding and breathing their last breath; children crying; homes on fire; buildings reduced to rubble. These scenes of chaos, fear and misery are being replicated every day in the Gaza Strip. Simmering tensions between Israel and Palestine have escalated into full-blown violence—leaving the already marginalised residents of Gaza to bear the brunt of relentless airstrikes.
What triggered this round of escalated violence?
In October of last year, a court decision ruled that several Palestinian families should vacate their homes in the neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah within Occupied East Jerusalem. Many have cited this eviction as forced displacement, disputing Israeli claims that the land these families live on was originally under Jewish ownership. Palestinians saw this removal as an extension of official Israeli policy to maintain their Zionist ideal of a majority Jewish identity in the city.
For this reason, referring to what’s happening as the “Israel-Palestine crisis”—a widely used term—has been deemed by critics as a misrepresentation of the persecution faced by Palestinians, which has been equated with ethnic cleansing and apartheid. The United Nations has warned that the Israeli government’s actions could amount to war crimes.

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A post shared by Slow Factory (@theslowfactory)

This is where the hashtag #SaveSheikJarrah came into play. News of the subsequent displacement of these Palestinian families caught the attention of international human rights supporters. Infographics and videos emerged online to immense outrage. In response to the protests between Palestinians and Israelis, which had gradually heightened since the end of April, Israeli forces stormed Al Aqsa mosque (Islam’s third holiest site) on the last Friday of Ramadan.
They fired rubber-coated bullets as well as stun grenades at protestors who, in turn, responded by throwing stones according to witness accounts. It was reported that 205 Palestinians and 17 Israeli officers were wounded. Security forces conducted a flash raid the following Monday, wounding over 300 Palestinians and 20 Israeli officers.

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A post shared by Al Jazeera English (@aljazeeraenglish)

More violence ensues in the aftermath
In retaliation to the Al Aqsa mosque attack and court-ordered evictions in Sheikh Jarrah, Hamas and other Palestinian organisations fired over 1,800 rockets at Jerusalem and Beit Shemesh from Gaza. Israelis responded by initiating more than 600 aerial airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. Last Thursday, the Israeli military dispatched ground troops along the Gaza border.
On Saturday, a well-known tower that housed the Palestine branch of leading news organisations, including Al Jazeera and the Associated Press, was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike. Another recent target was the Qatar Red Crescent Society’s office. Palestinian officials allege that airstrikes have destroyed 132 buildings in Gaza and made 2,500 people homeless. Al Jazeera puts the death toll in Gaza at over 200 people, including at least 61 children.
On the streets of Israel, chaos and violent mob attacks have been reported. A recent video shows a “live lynching” of a Palestinian motorist by far-right Israeli supporters:

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The international community responds
Leading public figures and celebrities including Palestinian-Dutch models Bella and Gigi Hadid, Pakistani activist Malala Yousafzai, and civil rights activist Shaun King spoke up in defence of the Palestinians. However, American President Joe Biden has chosen to side with Israel in a move that has divided the Democratic Party he belongs to. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, a fellow Democrat, has called Israel an “apartheid state” and openly criticised Biden. China’s State Councilor and Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, emphasised the Chinese government’s stance that the United Nations Security Council should reconfirm the two-state solution.
In Malaysia, Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin joined the leaders of Indonesia and Brunei in releasing a joint statement on the “Escalation of Violence by Israelis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory”. Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein has criticised the United Nations Security Council for failing to intervene, saying: “Malaysia will never recognise any blatant seizures of Palestinian land by Israel for their illegal settlements.”

Joint Leaders Statement of Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei Darussalam on the Escalation of Violence by Israelis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory pic.twitter.com/WTYr37XeBF
— Muhyiddin Yassin (@MuhyiddinYassin) May 16, 2021

This is happening with the support of the United States.I don’t care how any spokesperson tries to spin this. The US vetoed the UN call for ceasefire.If the Biden admin can’t stand up to an ally, who can it stand up to?How can they credibly claim to stand for human rights? https://t.co/bXY99O3Wqp
— Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (@AOC) May 15, 2021

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