Shane Filan talks ‘Love Always’

Culture
Shane Filan talks ‘Love Always’
20 years in music

07.02.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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Do you find yourself revisiting Westlife songs from time to time and thinking to yourself: “How I wish I could hear this live”? For some fans, that wish came true last week, when Shane Filan—now a solo artiste since the megaband disbanded in 2012—came to town for a showcase for his third album, Love Always. That evening, he serenaded the room with some of his all-time favourite love ballads from his latest body of work, as well as a few Westlife hits—delighting fans old and new.
It’s almost hard to believe it has been 20 years since Filan’s debut in the industry, he still exudes the same boyish charm I remember seeing in the glossy pages of a magazine and on MTV. “It’s really great to be back in Kuala Lumpur”, he greeted me with a warm smile as we met for a quick chat about his newest album before the show:

A lot of the songs from ‘Love Always’ are classics from then and now. What is your process like when approaching such covers?
“It’s really exciting. It’s fun to do but then it’s also quite difficult, because you have to pick songs that you are able to talk about and mean something to you, whether it’s a memory or whatever it may be, and not just random songs. I also want to pick great tracks, so it’s quite difficult as there are so many you can choose from.”

And some songs are just “untouchable”.
“Exactly, some songs you just don’t go near to. For instance, I love Bryan Adams but I didn’t do ‘(Everything I Do) I Do It For You’, I did ‘Heaven’ instead. You don’t necessarily want to do the most famous song he ever had, but you want to do songs that suit your voice and songs that you feel you can do a nice version of. At the end of the day, I’m not trying to change the songs or make them too different on this album. I wanted to make an album where my fans who like my voice are able to enjoy a different take on these songs. That’s what I tried to do and so far the reactions have been really positive—I’m really grateful for that. It was a fun album to make.”

What was your favourite song from the album and what does it mean to you?
“If I had to pick one song, it’ll probably be ‘Heaven’ by Bryan Adams. I love that song. That or ‘Eternal Flame’, because it’s got a very good memory for me from when I was younger. I was only around 10 years old when that song came out, and I remember hearing that song on TV and loving it—the guitar, the music was just so beautiful.”

Tell us about the originals on the album, which you also co-wrote.
“Yeah, I still wanted to write songs this time like I did for my first two albums. I didn’t do much songwriting in Westlife at all, none of us really did. We didn’t have time to do it. When it came to my solo career, I wanted to find out what it’s all about, and now I really enjoy the process—I got to go to Nashville, I was also writing a lot in London. I feel like I’m getting better at it as I go along. Every day that you write a song you learn something more, little tricks on how to do things differently and how to make a good song better. Out of the three songs that I wrote for this album, ‘Completely’ is probably my favourite out of the lot, which is really a true story about my relationship with my wife.”

Since the album is all about love, we have to ask—what are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned from love?
“There is no secret to love or perfect relationship, but I think a good relationship is always about honesty. Trust is really important as well. I think if you truly love somebody, you’ll always be true and faithful to them. I’m lucky to have a really strong relationship with my wife Gillian, and have had for a long time, almost 20 years now.

You also need to keep the romance alive in your relationship. You’ve got to go on date nights, especially when you have children—you have to just get a babysitter, go out and have dinner or the cinema, you know, things that you did when you were younger. Like last year, my wife surprised me on my birthday with a trip to Las Vegas and she got us tickets to the Backstreet Boys. I was a big fan, so that made my feel like 20 years ago again. It was amazing. So yeah, always keep the surprises going, even if it’s little things like getting her favourite chocolate bar.”

Having been in the industry for around 20 years now, how do you feel you have changed or evolved as an artist?
“I’ve seen a lot of different things happen in the music industry. It’s a funny industry, but I think it’s at a very healthy place at the moment. There are some really good bands and artists out there, and production is definitely getting a lot better too.  I think longevity is something that is hard to do and I’m very grateful that I’m still here singing—I just have to keep trying to get better. That’s what drives me as a singer; I always want to keep going and get one great song, but as soon as I get one really great song, I want another one, so that’s what keeps me excited about the music industry.”

As you mentioned, this is not your first time in Malaysia. What memory stands out to you from your previous visits?
“I have so many. One of the first times we came here as a band, we didn’t realise how popular Westlife was over here. There was no Twitter, or social media like we know it today back then. We didn’t even have a website. When you think about it, it’s pretty crazy. So that first memory coming here is definitely one that stands out. That was back in 2002. We played a football match against one of the Malaysian teams during the day, then we played a concert that night in the stadium. It was just a really fun day and I really enjoyed it.”

Listen to ‘Love Always’ here:

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Lifestyle
Singapore Grand Prix 2022: Tickets, concerts, and everything to know
Lights out and away we go

21.09.2022
By Natalie Khoo

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Lifestyle
Hugh Jackman to go on a live musical world tour this 2019

30.11.2018
By Gwen Ong

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You’ve seen him act, dance and sing on several notable films before and now you can see all his talent live as he takes to the stage in his world tour ‘The Man. The Music. The Show.’ next summer. Hugh Jackman is going to bring you down memory lane and perform various hits from The Greatest Showman, Les Misérables and also other movies and Broadway shows accompanied by a live orchestra.

His action roles aside, there’s no doubting Jackman’s musical prowess. Earlier in his career, the star played Gaston in a stage production of Beauty and the Beast in his native Australia while his major breakthrough performance was Oklahoma! at London’s National Theatre. In 2004, the actor nabbed a Tony award for his performance in The Boy from Oz. He also appeared in Baz Luhrmann’s epic musical Australia alongside Nicole Kidman. His performance as Jean Valjean in the 2012 adaptation of Les Miserables also earned him Golden Globe, Oscar and Bafta nominations.

His most recent musical to date was in the highly successful The Greatest Showman, which grossed $435 million worldwide. The soundtrack saw songs such as ‘This is Me’ and ‘Rewrite the Stars’ getting regular airwaves play while the album topped the charts in several countries including the United States, Australia, the United Kingdom and Japan.

If your interest is piqued, 34 dates have been announced so far for Hugh Jackman’s ‘The Man. The Music. The Show.’ world tour kicking off in Hamburg, Germany next May and ending in Los Angeles, US.

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Technology
Google introduces Android 9 Pie and here’s why you’ll love it

07.08.2018
By Rachel Au

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But don’t despair as devices that participated in the Beta program from Sony Mobile, Xiaomi, HMD Global, Oppo, Vivo, OnePlus and Essential, as well as all qualifying Android One devices, will receive this update by the end of this fall. Powered by artificial intelligence to make the phone tailored to you specifically, there’s a lot to love about Android 9 Pie. We break down some of its best features below:

Adaptive Battery & Brightness
Thanks to Android 9, your phone learns more about your habits with it, which means it can adjust the battery usage and brightness according to which apps you use most/least as well as according to different settings.

App Actions
Consider it a smarter personal assistant because your phone will be able to predict what you want to do based on the time of the day, and display the specific action for your kind consideration. For example, if you often commute to work on weekday mornings, it’ll suggest either Google Maps for navigation or Google Play Books to resume an audiobook.

Slices
Things are going to be as easy as pie once this feature is rolled out later this fall as it’ll show you relevant information from your favourite app when you look for it. Imagine typing “Lyft” (we’re guessing it should work for Grab here too) into Google Search and it’ll show you a “slice” of the app — prices for your ride and the ETA.

Dashboard
A popular feature among phones these days, this will help you understand how much time you spend on your device.

App Timer
Set time limits on apps and watch productivity improve.

Do Not Disturb & Wind Down
Both help to silence your phone from interruptions (especially useful for bedtime).

A new system navigation
As different phones get taller or wider (or both), it’s hard to use them with just one hand. Android 9 fixes this with a single home button which allows you to simply swipe up to see a newly designed Overview for a glance of all your recently used apps. Swipe from anywhere to see full-screen previews of them and tap to jump back in. Hands down, a well-thought-out upgrade.

For more info, visit android.com/9.

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Beauty
Makeup artist Nam Vo lets us in on how to score a dewy glow for a party-ready look

06.12.2019
By Wei Yeen Loh

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It’s impossible to talk about dewily blinding cheekbones without citing the OG of “dewy dumplings”, Nam Vo. If you’ve seen the makeup artist’s Instagram feed (sunnies optional), you’d know that a healthy, envy-inducing glow is very much her signature look.
For the upcoming festive season, the Marc Jacobs Beauty Global Artistry Ambassador shared some pro tips on creating a holiday-ready glamorous makeup look (replete with pops of gold), and what it takes to create her dewy dumplings:
How do you recommend using the new Liquid Highliners for holiday-worthy glam looks?
Nam Vo: “The applicator makes it easy to draw fine or statement lines and the shade range gives you endless colour combinations! I like to pop a gold shade like Gold Getter in the inner corners of the eyes to brighten and go even bolder by winging it out. I think a metallic cat eye is the perfect accessory to compliment your holiday look.”
What are some of the coloured eyeliner trends that you’re loving right now, and how can we wear them for everyday?
NV: “Mixing and matching liners is so on trend at the moment. I love starting with a simple cat eye with a classic shade like Blacquer. Then I like to layer a bold colour on top to create a double wing effect. If it sounds too intimidating, first try layering with my favourite shade Star Magic. It is a soft and neutral rose gold with a hint of glitter.”

What’s the best way to rock metallic shades for daytime?
NV: “For the day, I would draw fine, delicate lines around the eyes. This way your eyes are subtly framed.”
What tips do you have on achieving a perfectly flawless, dewy complexion?
NV: “Flawless makeup always starts with great skincare. I love prepping the skin using the Marc Jacobs Beauty Youthquake Hydra-full Retexturizing Gel Crème. It plumps the skin and provides a hydrating (not oily!) canvas for foundation.”
For those who have oily and combo skin, how would you suggest keeping on a dewy look all-day long in this hot and humid weather?
NV: “Start with a mattifying primer, like the new Marc Jacobs Beauty Under(cover) Blurring Coconut Face Primer. Apply it in the t-zone to balance your oils. Then, use a small amount of the Finish Line Perfecting Coconut Setting Powder in the same spots to absorb the oil without taking away the glow.”
What makeup trend are you obsessed with this season?
NV: “I am ALWAYS obsessed with high-shine highlighters, I will never grow tired of that look.”
A makeup trend you’re so over with this season?
NV: “Crazy false lashes. You can achieve the same volume with one swipe of Velvet Noir Major Volume Mascara.”
What are five things we can always find in your beauty kit?
NV: “I always have Marc Jacobs Beauty’s Dew Drops Coconut Gel Highlighter, Enamored Lip Hi-Shine Gloss Lip Lacquer in Sugar Sugar, Fineliner Ultra-Skinny Gel Eye Crayon in (Pink)y Swear, Highliner Matte Gel Eye Crayon in Fine Wine and now, the new Highliner Liquid-Gel Eyeliner in Star Magic.”

What is one important skincare/makeup advice you’ve received that you can share with our readers?
NV: “Stay out of the sun!”
What do you love most about being Marc Jacobs Beauty’s Global Artistry Ambassador?
NV: “I love that I get to work with a true artistry line. The pigments and formulas are high performance and look and photograph so well—something all artists want in a makeup product.”

Marc Jacobs Beauty Highliner Liquid-Gel Liners
Marc Jacobs Highliner Liquid-Gel Eyeliner (RM120) is available at Sephora online and in-stores
Check out more holiday stories here, from gift guides to hair, makeup and nail inspo to ace your festive look this season.

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How to turn heads by going green

Fashion
How to turn heads by going green
Like, literally

28.04.2017
By Buro247

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

Green is the colour of life, renewal and energy; it is believed to have healing powers and is the most restful colour for the human eye. Even Pantone’s colour of the year for 2017 is “Greenery“. While we like to colour with all the crayons in the box, we’ve been feeling very partial to every shade of green (particularly because we’re looking at sustainable living).
Deeper tones of green signify luxury and wealth and we’re all for feeling and looking expensive. How to pull it off? We suggest breaking up the look with contrasting hues and warm-toned metallics to avoid looking like Kermit the frog. Here’s how to work it in green on your next big night out.
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1. Double-breasted wool jacket by Gabriela Hearst
2. Stretch-lace soft-cup bra by Anine Bing
3. Cotton and silk-blend velvet pants by Vetements + Brioni
4. Rose-gold earrings by Loren Stewart
5. Sylvie jacquard-panelled leather shoulder bag by Gucci
6. Divas’ Dream watch in pink gold by Bulgari
7. Edie ruffle-trimmed patent-leather pumps by Saint Laurent

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Lifestyle
Malaysia’s “sakura”: Where to see the most beautiful tecoma blooms online and IRL—from KL to Kedah

26.03.2021
By Adelina Tan

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The combination of an international travel ban and prime weather conditions has made a certain tree this week’s viral sensation. Known locally as “tecoma” and “Malaysian sakura”, the trees are currently in full bloom, lining city streets and parks with beautiful pink and white flowers.
When it’s windy or starts to rain, the flowers fall like sakura too, creating a dreamy “rain shower” and carpeting the ground with petals. Blooming one or two times a year during the hot and dry season—no wonder our skin is more dehydrated these days—the flowers have a tissue-like texture.
Although we call these flowers “pink tecoma”, did you know that these aren’t strictly tecoma trees but Tabebuia rosea? Tecoma actually refers to another plant in the same family, which has bright yellow flowers. But can we just stick to “pink tecoma” which is so much easier to say and to remember?
To find the best virtual and IRL hanami spots, we’ve scoured Instagram to find the prettiest blooms in KL, Selangor, Penang, Melaka, Johor and Kedah.

Kuala Lumpur and Selangor

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Fashion
The Fashion Awards 2017: Who are the nominees?
Cream of the crop

27.10.2017
By Joan Kong

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Following last year’s extravagant event at the Royal Albert Hall in London, this year, the British Fashion Council will once again be partnering up with Swarovski for the 2017 Fashion Awards on the 4th of December.

Nominees wise, there were a number of repeated names on the list; Loewe’s creative director Jonathan Anderson topped the list with the most nominations—four—for two years in the row; Alessandro Michele of Gucci is nominated for Accessories Designer of the Year (which he won in 2016); and Gigi and Bella Hadid are once again competing head-to-head for the Model of the Year prize. There were also quite a few newcomers on the list: Kaia Gerber, who just made her runway debut during SS18 Fashion Month (in 18 shows, to be exact) is already in the running for the Model of the Year award; Fenty Puma by Rihanna will be a strong contender for Vetements, who won the Urban Luxe Brand Awards last year; and Raf Simons, who has brought a breath of fresh air to Calvin Klein since he joined as its creative director last year.

Here’s the full list of nominees:
British Emerging Talent – Menswear
Ben Cottrell and Matthew Dainty for CottweilerCharles Jeffrey for Charles Jeffrey LoverboyHenry Holland for House of Holland Phoebe English for Phoebe English Man Samuel Ross for A-Cold-Wall*

British Emerging Talent – WomenswearFaustine Steinmetz for Faustine SteinmetzMatty Bovan for Matty BovanMichael Halpern for HalpernNatalia Alaverdian for A.W.A.K.E Rejina Pyo for Rejina Pyo

Business LeaderAdrian Joffe for Dover Street MarketGuram Gvasalia for VetementsJosé Neves for FarfetchMarco Bizzarri for GucciRuth and Tom Chapman for Matchesfashion.com
Accessories Designer of the YearAlessandro Michele for GucciAnthony Vaccarello for Saint LaurentDemna Gvasalia for BalenciagaJonathan Anderson for LoeweStuart Vevers for Coach
Urban Luxe Brand
Fenty Puma by RihannaGosha RubchinskiyOff-WhiteSupremeVetements

Model of the Year
Adwoa AboahBella HadidGigi HadidKaia GerberWinnie Harlow
Designer of the Year
Alessandro Michele for GucciJonathan Anderson for LoeweMaria Grazia Chiuri for DiorPhoebe Philo for Céline Raf Simons for Calvin Klein

Aside from the nominations above, like last year, three special-recognition awards will also be presented that night, though announcements will be made before the event. Stay tuned for the event coverage and full winners’ list on the 4th of December.

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Travel
Bawah Island is calling for its first guests
A ‘naturally-luxe’ retreat

09.10.2017
By Rachel Au

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We’re adding this one to our list of best luxury eco-resorts in Asia. Indonesia’s Bawah Island is one of the most anticipated openings of 2017 and with good reason too. All five pristine islands—with its three crystal clear lagoons and 13 beaches—shine with untouched natural beauty. Previously uninhabited, it is now a luxe retreat that promises rejuvenation, a sense of adventure, getting in touch with nature, and the ultimate hideaway experience.

Only a maximum of 70 guests are allowed at any one time with only 35 eco-designed suites and overwater bungalows—21 Beach suites with breathtaking sea views, 11 Over Water Bungalows with a private oasis offering stunning dawn to dusk vistas, and three Garden Suites shrouded by idyllic, natural scenes.

Lead the island life of merry eating and drinking as you’ll be spoilt for choice here. The Tree Top restaurant serves bespoke Asian-fusion cuisine with locally-grown ingredients alongside a curated drinks menu and a spectacular view of the ocean on the lower deck. Then there are the uniquely themed bars situated at different zones on Bawah: Grouper Bar, Jules Verne Bar, and Boat House Bar.

For those with a thirst for thrills and excitement, there are forest hikes, snorkelling, paddle-boarding, kayaking, sailing and boat trips around the lagoon. For a selection of milder activities, there’s Aura, Bawah’s holistic wellness centre which houses a spa and a yoga pavilion. Guests can opt for personalised yoga, pilates, meditation and reiki sessions from sunrise to sunset. Or even better, unwind at their open-air cinema. Now that’s what we call a getaway.

Almost akin to an all-inclusive resort, the Bawah Island experience can be booked from US$1,960 for two people per night inclusive daily meals (breakfast, lunch and a la carte dinner), daily laundry service, non-motorised water sports and other island activities, and more.
For more info, visit their website.

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Watches
Taking the TAG Heuer Connected Modular 45 smartwatch on a #BuroGetaway
Not just for a Kingsman

17.07.2017
By Cai Mei Khoo

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With the know-how of Swiss watchmaking, combined with cutting edge technology from Silicon Valley partners, Google and Intel, the TAG Heuer Connected smartwatch is the first Android Wear smartwatch created by a Swiss watchmaker. Complete with built-in GPS to track journeys and sporting performance, the Connected Modular 45 watch is also water resistant up to 50m, which makes it perfect for our trip to Bali, where we sunned, surfed and swam.

The modular design of the watch offers a variety of different options to suit your style or mood—the lugs, strap, buckle, and case of the watch are all interchangeable. Since I knew we were going to be spending some time outdoors, I opted for a watch with a titanium strap and Black Mat ceramic bezel. With a diameter of 45mm, this is easily the largest watch I’ve ever worn, but the legibility, clarity and resolution of the screen (thanks to OLED technology) quickly made me look past its size. Besides, there’s something quite effortlessly confident about a woman wearing an oversized watch, although bear in mind that it may not suit more delicate wrists.
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The modularity concept extends to the watch dial: the watch comes with 30 different watch dials, featuring parts in different colours, movements, finishes, counters, date and day windows. However, if it’s further personalisation you’re after, then the TAG Heuer Studio is for you. The app allows you to play watchmaker and tweak even the smallest details like having the watch hands in SuperLuminova, or changing the metal colour of the hour markers. Suffice to say, this had me looking at my watch and changing faces to match my outfits or my mood, throughout the day.

I used the Connected watch as my alarm in the mornings, wore it out at sea when we went surfing one day in Seminyak, after which, a notification popped-up on screen to remind me of a team brunch we’d scheduled that morning. I like that the watch features a touchscreen, alongside the command crown at 3 o’clock, which allowed for ease of use, although admittedly it did take me some time to get used to the Android format, as I’m not very familiar with it.
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While I didn’t get to properly try out the Maps function—perhaps our villa was tucked away too neatly from the main roads, or it could have just been the connection while in Bali, I imagine that the Connected watch could easily guide me through an early morning hike through Mount Batur to catch the sunrise, count steps taken, keep me company with music from my Google Play music library, and lead me back to the villa, or to the nearest warung for a hearty breakfast.

Much more than just for keeping time, the TAG Heuer Connected watch is a luxury smartwatch that bears the ‘Swiss Made’ label, which allows the wearer unparalleled connectivity in the digital times we live in.

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Lifestyle
This is what your sleep position says about you
Sleep on it

17.03.2023
By Marissa Chin

FEATURED IMAGES AND IN-TEXT IMAGES: Amos Yip for BURO Malaysia

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For many of us, sleeping is the best part of the day. After a long day of hustling, it’s so easy to plonk on our beds and pass out without a single thought. You may not think much about how you sleep; on your back or on your side, it really doesn’t matter as long as you get your snooze in. But what if we told you that your preferred sleeping position actually tells a lot about your personality?
According to prolific sleep researcher (sign us up for one of these researches, please) and professor Chris Idzikowsk, he has coined the six primary sleeping positions and the correlation to personality traits through his various studies. The Better Sleep Council (BSC) also ran a survey in 2017 involving over 1,000 Americans and the results also had a similar correlation to Idzikowsk’s research.
Ahead, here are the six most popular sleeping positions and what they say about you. The next time you head under the covers, you can sleep on whether these personality traits actually resonate with you.

THE FOETUS

In this foetus position, it literally is what the name suggests. If you like this position, you sleep on your side with your knees bent towards your chest, curled up like a baby snug in their womb. If it weren’t for Idzikowsk, we would’ve named it ‘The Prawn’ instead.
What it says about you:
Going to bed in this foetal position can mean that you have a soft and sensitive heart. This is due to the fact that you physically shield yourself from the outside world and protect the most vulnerable thing to you: your heart. You also show signs of shyness and are most likely an introvert, preferring to spend some quality alone time under the security of your blanket.

THE SOLDIER

In this position, you lie on your back with both arms down your sides. Similar to The Log, you rarely change your position throughout the night which is great for your partner as you’re not a blanket-hogger! Not to be confused with The Starfish, your legs are kept close together and your head doesn’t tend to go to the side.
What it says about you:
As the name of the position suggests, you exhibit the personality traits of a well-trained and disciplined soldier. You tend to hold yourself and others to high standards and can often be quite critical if you don’t meet the goals you set for yourself. You also show signs of being a reserved and quiet person who prefers chill environments for downtime.

THE FREEFALLER

The Freefaller is a position in which you sleep on your stomach with your head to one side and your arms up around your pillow, almost like the position you assume when skydiving. This position is common among millennials and Gen Xs who don’t mind getting their face smushed into their pillows.
What it says about you:
If you often fall asleep in this position, you’re most likely a social butterfly. Some of your positive personality traits include being playful, free-spirited and spontaneous. On the other hand, you can also be brash, outspoken and stubborn, especially when being criticised.

THE LOG

In the log, you sleep on your side with your arms down on your side. Perhaps this is where the phrase ‘sleeping like a log’ comes from. It’s the least popular sleeping position with the BSC citing that only six per cent of Americans prefer sleeping like this. Some people might find it hard to believe that sleeping straight on your side is comfortable, but at least they don’t take up too much space (we love more bed space!).
What it says about you:
If this is your preferred position, you consider yourself to be healthier than most people. This is because you believe that sleeping straight has better health benefits compared to positions where one is bent over. Other than that, you’re also easygoing, sociable and have a tendency to trust others a little too much (read: you’re a gullible soul).

THE STARFISH

This position involves you lying on your back with both arms up by your pillow and legs apart. The BSC Survey reports that men tend to prefer this position over women—think the infamous man spread but this time, in bed.
What it says about you:
If you sleep in this position, congratulations, you’re the resident therapist and counsellor in your friendship circle. People tend to go to you with their problems due to your empathetic and supportive nature. You value friendship a lot and are always ready to lend an ear or a shoulder to cry on.

THE YEARNER

With The Yearner, you lie on your side with one or both arms stretched out in front of you. Another variation would be one arm outstretched while the other is tucked under the pillow. According to the BSC Survey, boomers prefer this position over millennials or Gen Xs, however, there is no clear hypothesis why.
What it says about you:
If you like sleeping in this position, you’re a complex little creature. You can be easygoing and friendly, but you’re also naturally suspicious of others. With the arms outstretched, it can be inferred that you tend to keep people at a distance. You are also most likely indecisive, but once you make your mind up about something, you stick to it.

For more articles on how to improve your sleep, head here.

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Film, TV + Theatre
9 British television shows you should watch
Jolly good shows

24.02.2016
By Buro247

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14 Thrilling new TV shows and films to stream in July 2023

Doctor Who

The ultimate cult sensation of British television, there’s a good reason why Doctor Who has been running for over five decades. Having made its iconic debut all the way back in 1963, Doctor Who introduced the world’s most famous Time Lord, known simply as “the Doctor.” This time-travelling humanoid alien – who travels the universe in a blue British police box – remains a timeless hit till this day.

Downton Abbey

Get acquainted with the British dignitary way of living with Downton Abbey. Created in 2010, the phenomenally successful series takes you back to the post-Edwardian era, following the lives of the aristocratic Crawley family and their servants. We could learn a thing or two about historical social norms and etiquette here.

The Inbetweeners

When you put four hot-blooded teens together, you’re bound to run into some rather crass humour. But that’s everything we love about The Inbetweeners, which follows the misadventures of four friends who inject humour into horrifyingly embarrassing and sad situations. The series ended after three seasons, but it’s worth revisiting if you need some schoolboy humour in your life.

The IT Crowd

Ah, IT, the most overlooked yet essential department of any company. And when you’ve got such adorable social misfits behind the desks of the IT department, you can’t help but fall in love with The IT Crowd. Their first go-to solution for any problems: “Have you tried turning it off and on again?”

Midsomer Murders

The fictional county of Midsomer probably has the highest manslaughter rate in all of England, because Inspector Barnaby has, for some 19 years, been solving murder after murder. Strange for idyllic, picturesque villages to have such a rampant crime rate, but Midsomer Murders has remained immensely successful since it was first introduced in the late 1990s.

The Mighty Boosh

The Mighty Boosh may offer a rather niche brand of British humour, but once you get it, you’d probably be hooked. It’s just too bad they stopped producing television shows after 2007. The British comedy troupe, starring Julian Barratt and Noel Fielding, often create a slew of characters that border the psychedelic, the strange, and the far-out hilarious.

Miranda

“Unconventional” is a good way to describe Miranda. Likened to the British version of 30 Rock‘s Tina Fey, leading lady Miranda is unabashedly socially inept and awkward, turning otherwise embarrassing moments into comedy. She challenges the stereotype of leading ladies, by (SPOILER ALERT!) being the underdog that lands the really, really hot guy.

The Office

The original British one, not the American one… although the American one is arguably pretty good as well. But as they say, nothing beats the original, especially when you’ve got Ricky Gervais’ glaringly obnoxious humour bouncing around a typical workday.

Sherlock

The show that first made Benedict Cumberbatch kind-of famous, Sherlock takes a present-day approach to the adventures of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective, Sherlock Holmes.

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Beauty
What makes Zen Beauty a shopping affair like no other
#ZenBeauty

27.12.2017
By Alyssa Lee

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With a revamped concept of discovering beauty, finding Zen in Central Bangkok takes on a whole new meaning. Amid the hubbub of the city, one would need to be completely oblivious to not register the impressive properties owned by Thailand’s Central Group. Amongst them is CentralWorld, the largest lifestyle shopping destination in Bangkok and also the place you will find Zen—a seven-level megastore catering to trend- and style-conscious shoppers.

So, when Buro 24/7 Malaysia received an invitation to the department store’s newly refurbished beauty floor, a special experience was the inevitable expectation. We soon found out how mistaken we were. For it was not a singular experience that Zen Beauty provides, but a series of unique ones under a single roof.
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Zen Beauty sets itself apart with a “maximise design concept”, which facilitates full use of vertical space—a first in Thailand. What this means is that every brand is granted freedom in the design of their beauty counter, from signage to shelving, and layout to lighting. Dare we say this beats even a high street block dedicated solely to cosmetics? Picture this: An expansive floor of compact but distinctly designed stations that represent the world’s best beauty brands, all beckoning exploration while you remain abreast of the little luxuries of air-conditioning and mall facilities.
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On top of innovative design, many of the brands also embraced the digital movement that is changing the modern beauty sphere. Take the Dior Backstage Studio for instance; a digital presence is made clearly known using a large LED screen and an upcoming Backstage Live Wall, which would connect shoppers to the online world of the brand. But the most refreshing element of the setup remains the individuality each brand could express. La Mer’s connection to the sea is apparent in an aquatic feature in the middle of its floor space and undulating waves covering its ceiling. Chanel keeps their space trés chic with white panelling and glossy black fixtures, M.A.C is snazzy with tubular showcases that mimic lipstick bullets, and Aesop’s signature restraint serves as a peaceful nook by the side of the store. How often would you find the ambient warmth of Estée Lauder’s beige furnishing a mere five feet away from the snazzy fluorescence that illuminates YSL?

At Zen Beauty, products from over 130 brands, which include cosmetics, skincare, and fragrances for both men and women are offered alongside a curation of exclusive beauty services. And whether you’re an avid lover of beauté à la française or a champion of Asian labels, you will still be spoilt for choice. Find American heavyweights like Bobbi Brown, Benefit and Kiehl’s; Clarins, Lancome and Make Up Forever from France; Japanese market leaders like Shu Uemura, Kose and Kanebo; and of course K-beauty pioneers, Sulwhasoo and Mamonde.

The all-new Zen Beauty is located on Level One of CentralWorld in Bangkok, Thailand. Why not give this place a spot on your must-visit list for your next weekend getaway.

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Uber brings you Detox On Demand

Lifestyle
Uber brings you Detox On Demand
Juice on wheels

07.01.2016
By Su Fen Tan

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

Been wanting to try a juice detox for a while now? Tomorrow is the perfect time to start—for one day only, Uber and Lifejuice will be bringing a unique detox-bar-on-wheels experience right to your doorstep.  Giving you the exclusive Detox On Demand experience, Uber will deliver a Detox kit to successful requestors (for free!). Each kit includes Day 1 of the 3 Day Cleanse which contains 6 specially curated juices, an exclusive Lifejuice cooler bag, a voucher for 50% off Day 2 and Day 3 Cleanses, and a unique Uber promo code to get you to the Lifejuice store.

To request for Detox On Demand, follow these simple steps:
1. Download and on the Uber app between 10am-2pm on 8 January 2016.
2. Slide right to “Detox”.
3. Request your Detox On Demand

If your request is successful, your Uber Detox kit will arrive within minutes. Feel free to share your Uber Detox experience on Instagram. Use the hashtags #savinggoodpeoplefrombadjuice, #uberdetox, and tag @uber_my and @lifejuiceco in your posts. Demand will be high while availability is limited, so keep trying to kickstart your Friday on a good note!

For more information, visit the website.

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Food + Drink
Malaysian Chefs Cook at Home: Kaya and pulut by Chef Melba Nunis, ‘Dine with Mel’

17.10.2019
By Gwen Ong

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There’s no one who talks as passionately about food—Kristang cuisine in particular—as Chef Melba Nunis. The award-winning author and chef has made it her life’s motto to educate as many people as possible about the heritage and culture of the Malacca Portuguese Eurasians. Kristang cuisine is rooted in fiery sambal and rich curries punctuated by a harmonious mix of culinary styles. It is best summarised as a bit of everything—one that fuses Portuguese-Dutch, British and Peranakan cooking with local Malay, Indian and Chinese spices and flavours.
In her quest to promote Kristang cuisine further, Chef Melba is currently running a supper club dubbed ‘Dine with Mel’ from her home at Ara Damansara. The traditional dishes that she prepares for her guests are all based on recipes that were passed down from generation to generation in her own family. The unique thing about Kristang cuisine is that it varies from each household and thus has a different identity wherever you taste it. For this episode of Malaysian Chefs Cook at Home, Chef Melba shares a simplified version of a kaya and pulut recipe that her mother used to make. One that will bring back the nostalgia of your childhood.

KAYA
Ingredients:

10 Egg yolks
400g Sugar
200ml Coconut Cream
1 Pandan leaf, knotted

Methods:

Whisk egg yolk and sugar until the sugar dissolves. Add the coconut cream and stir for 5 mins until the sugar is completely dissolved, then strain into a Pyrex bowl.
Put the pandan leaf in a bowl, then place the bowl in a steamer and stir every 10 mins for 30-40mins.
Check the consistency is smooth and set aside to cool.

PULUT
Ingredients:

Pulut rice
Coconut milk
Blue pea flowers, soaked

Methods:

Soak glutinous rice for 3-4 hours. Drain and place in a heatproof container. Add coconut milk and mix well.
Place in steamer and steam for 20-30 minutes until rice is tender.
Soak the blue pea flowers in hot water for a few minutes then squeeze to extract the blue colour. Drizzle this over the steamed rice.
Serve the pulut with kaya on top.

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Lifestyle
No plans for the long weekend? Catch George Town Festival before it ends

27.08.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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

George Town Festival (GTF) may be coming to an end after a month full of exciting activities and showcases, but there’s still plenty more to explore in its last weekend. It’s not too late to book that flight ticket to Penang—here are some highlights you shouldn’t miss when in town for some delicious laksa:

Blind | Urban Performance
Date: 31 August & 1 September 2018Time: TBCVenue: TBC

Don’t get weirded out if you see a bunch of business attire-clad men and women, covered in clay and blindfolded, walking on the streets around town this Friday. They are most probably part of ‘Blind’, an urban performance that is up to open interpretation—does it represent the reduction of our humanity to productive function and capitalism? Have we become petrified in the ever-churning wheel of capitalism and money?

Stripes and Strokes | Photography
Date: 31 August – 2 September 2018Time: 11AM – 6PMVenue: Dewan Sri Pinang

See the diverse faces of Malaysia, with some familiar ones in the mix, show their Malaysian pride as they are photographed alongside the national flag by Mooreyameen Mohamad.

The Misinterpreted Futures of George Town: 2068 | Theatre
Date: 31 August – 2 September 2018Time: 6.30PM & 8.30PMVenue: Wisma Yeap Chor Ee

Catch the premiere of The Misinterpreted Futures of George Town: 2068, a show that imagines George Town in the year 2068, portraying the hopes, fears and aspirations of its people through the design and technical language of lighting, projection, sound and stage, instead of actors.

Reflections | Music
Date: 31 August 2018Time: 3PMVenue: Penang House of Music

Immerse in Malaysia’s rich musical heritage at the Penang House of Music with a special Merdeka day showcase this Friday, which will see Electro Salmon from Penang perform their refreshing brand of vintage funk, as well as Bihzhu (also from Penang), who’ll bring her infectious energy and feel-good vibes to the show.

A Family Memoir @ Khoo Kongsi | Photography
Date: Now on until 2 September 2018Time: 11AM – 6PMVenue: 35 @ Jetty

Take a step back in time through the photographic essay of a family that lived in Khoo Kongsi, representing footprints of different eras across four generations as it follows the subjects through daily routines and family occasions like New Year and weddings.

ConneXions showcase | Music
Date: 31 August & 1 September 2018Time: 9.30PMVenue: China House

Catch a string of musicians from Singapore at China House as part of ConneXions: Passion Made Possible, an initiative by GTF together with the Singapore Tourism Board and the National Arts Council Singapore. Featured artists include Charlie Lim, Tabitha Nauser and Yung Raja.

The Blue Mansion: Screening | Film
Date: 1 September 2018Time: 7.30PMVenue: The Blue Mansion

This will probably be the only time you’ll get to catch the Singaporean film The Blue Mansion at the actual Blue Mansion a.k.a. Cheong Fatt Tze. The murder mystery follows the family of a wealthy Asian tycoon who dies suddenly under mysterious circumstances and returns as a ghost to try to uncover the secret of his death.

Puppets in the Park: Wayang Kulit Seri Asun | Puppetry
Date: 1 & 2 September 2018Time: 8.30PMVenue: Armenian Park

The Wayang Kulit Seri Asun puppetry troupe from Kedah performs the traditional wayang kulit with wit and humour, combining the traditional form of Malay shadow puppetry with live music and narration to highlight and feature current issues.

Bonsai Workshop
Date: 1 & 2 September 2018Time: 2PM – 4.30PMVenue: M’atural @ 72, Lorong Carnarvon

Learn how to create your own unique bonsai and bring it home to add a touch of green to the home.

For more information and the full programme, visit the website.

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Film, TV + Theatre
Five films about artists you should watch
Hollywood reimagining

26.11.2015
By Buro247

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14 Thrilling new TV shows and films to stream in July 2023

Big Eyes  (2014)
A film directed by Tim Burton, Big Eyes has three things going for it: Christoph Waltz, Amy Adams and a real-life story about a fraud in the art world so epic and enraging that you’ll love to hate Christoph Waltz’s brilliant portrayal of Walter Keane. The star of Big Eyes, of course, is American artist Margaret Keane – portrayed by Amy Adams – who is famous for her portraits and paintings of children with big eyes. It was in the 1950s and 1960s that the paintings became phenomenally successful, but there was one twist: Margaret’s husband Walter had taken credit for them. A dysfunctional marriage and a high-profile lawsuit and court trial later, and Big Eyes is worth watching until the very end.

Basquiat (1996)
A film about a rags to riches Jean-Michael Basquiat, Basquiat is based on the life of the American postmodernist / neo-expressionist artist. Hailed today as one of the most important American artists of the 20th century,  Basquiat was a street artist whose graffiti artworks became the foundation on which he created the collage-style paintings on canvas that would make him famous. Discovered by none other than pop art’s pioneer Andy Warhol (portrayed by David Bowie), the film follows Basquiat’s journey to commercial fame. It’s quite a high-profile cast too, with Gary Oldman as American painter and filmmaker Julian Schnabel, Courtney Love as Basquiat’s street love interest Big Pink, and Christopher Walken, as an offensive interviewer.

My Left Foot (1989)
My Left Foot seems to be set up for heart-warming, inspired and sympathetic tears of sorts. An Academy award-winning film about the Irish writer and painter Christy Brown who had cerebral palsy, My Left Foot follows Brown’s triumph over the odds. Daniel Day Lewis – who won the award for Best Actor for this role – portrays Brown, who was rendered crippled by the disease and was only able to write, type and paint with the toes of one foot. And to make it ever more appealing, we’re just in love with the epic, angelic cover of Radiohead’s Creep in this trailer.

Mr Turner (2014)
J.M.W Turner was an English Romanticist landscape painter who was considered controversial in his day. Now hailed for pioneering a so-called Romantic preface to the artistic era of Impressionism, Turner turned out to have an immensely interesting career. Mr Turner follows the last 25 years of his life, delving into his relationships (spoiler: he sexually exploits his housekeeper and then falls in love with a seaside landlady!) and the turn of his artistic style, which was both celebrated and detested by the public and by royalty. British actor Timothy Spall of Harry Potter fame portrays the conflicted J.M.W Turner in the film.

Frida (2002)
Mexican surrealist painter Frida Kahlo has been widely celebrated by feminists for her work that depicts the female experience and form. And surely, this kind of prominence never comes without some struggle; in Frida, Salma Hayek portrays the artist who was best known for her self-portraits. It is here that her professional and private life unravels: a dysfunctional marriage with muralist Diego Rivera (portrayed by Alfred Molina) in which both of them have extramarital affairs (Frida, who is bisexual, has both male and female lovers), and how Frida had began to paint to deal with the trauma of a past motor accident.

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Fashion
Watch the Ralph Lauren AW17 livestream here
Garage show

24.08.2017
By Joan Kong

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

The brand’s past two see-now-buy-now show was held at the Ralph Lauren mansion (aka the store’s flagship store) at Madison Avenue, but this round, the designer decided to shake things up by relocating its Autumn 2017 show to his own garage (yes, garage) in Bedford, New York—over an hour away from the heart of New York Fashion Week. Car fanatic or not, prepare to feast your eyes on Ralph Lauren’s impressive car collection, consisting of some of the world’s rarest and most exquisite automobiles that will serve as a spectacular backdrop for the runway. In line with the one-of-a-kind setting, the brand will also be showing its Ralph Lauren Purple Label menswear collection alongside its womenswear pieces for the first time.

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Fashion
For a sustainable future: Miroslava Duma launches Fashion Tech Lab (FTL)
This is the future

15.05.2017
By Wei Yeen Loh

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

When talking about the future of fashion, it’s almost impossible to discuss the sustainable aspect of it—after all, fashion is the second-largest polluting industry on the planet. For Buro 24/7 founder Miroslava Duma, not only can the fashion ecosystem be transformed into a more eco-friendly, socially responsible industry, but it can also be far more technologically advanced than predicted.

A post shared by Miroslava Duma (@miraduma) on May 15, 2017 at 12:46pm PDT

With that vision in mind, Miroslava Duma is bringing a new movement to the table: Fashion Tech Lab (FTL). Aimed at empowering and accelerating the fashion industry to transition to a more innovative and sustainable future, FTL is a hybrid that serves as an investment company, a multinational accelerator, and an experimental laboratory. In layman terms, FTL will help global fashion players access cutting edge technology across the fields of material science, wearable tech, among other innovations, to their products.

A fine example is Orange Fiber—a Sicilian peel-recycling startup that creates textile from the cellulose of discarded orange fibers. The fiber is enriched with citrus fruit essential oil, hence it is able to nourish the skin without the greasy texture of a body lotion. Recently, luxury house Salvatore Ferragamo collaborated with Orange Fiber on a capsule collection of dresses and scarves. Another portfolio company under FTL is Diamond Foundry, a lab-mined diamond company that’s revolutionising the forefront of the industry with its synthetic diamonds—all of which can be evaluated via similar standards of the 4Cs among other technical markers.

Among the group of innovators on the FTL advisory board include fashion-tech entrepreneur and investor Carmen Busquets, designer Diane Von Furstenberg, eco-fashion activist Livia Firth, and Dean of the School of  Fashion at Parsons School of Design, Burak Cakmak.

Below, Miroslava Duma shares more about her vision of FTL in the near and distant future:
1. How will FTL complement your existing businesses such as Buro 24/7 and RewardStyle?
I love the synergies between all of the businesses I am involved with. There is always an overarching story—a big idea behind all of them—which takes them beyond their initial goal. Buro 24/7 is a digital media company that has access to an enormous pool of creative talent, and some of them might one day lend their minds to help shape the aesthetic of other projects we work on. Also, RewardStyle could very possibly become a partner for the FTL Experimental Lab.

2. Sustainability in fashion is at the heart of FTL. What do you have to say to people that assume sustainability and being commercially successful are mutually exclusive?
Sustainability is a core consideration in the millennial mindset, [and I can tell that] my generation already values responsible businesses. Our children (Generation Z) will be even more socially conscious and charitable, so the fact the industry is going to have to become more sustainable to actually remain commercially successful is fact.

3. If we fast-forward 10 years, what do you hope to have achieved with FTL?
The vision is to build the most globally relevant, innovative and disruptive fashion tech company in the world. FTL is just at the beginning of its journey, and I am so excited for what has yet to come.

More information on ftlab.com.

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Buro Loves
Sustainable skincare has never been easier—5 steps to get you started on a greener routine this 2021

07.01.2021
By Redzhanna Jazmin

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

Happy New Year! Congratulations on making it through 2020, which has officially been crowned the most eventful year of the millennium by general consensus (don’t look that up). In all seriousness, last year was one of reflection; the results of the impromptu mass social experiment (AKA global quarantining) proved that with meaningful change and commitment, we can make a difference.
Communities came together like never before in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. When Malaysia’s hospitals were faced with a dire shortage in medical PPE, our nation’s best and brightest creatives took to their sewing machines to make up the demand.
Similarly, when everything went digital, we saw industries adapt and change in response, redefining and innovating themselves.
We also saw a dip in carbon dioxide emissions as a result of global travel restrictions, which could potentially reduce 25 per cent of the greenhouse emissions expected in 2030 according to the UNEP Emissions Gap Report.
That is just the beginning of the positive changes we have seen in 2020—so why stop there? It’s 2021: New year, new leaf.
Keep the green train going with these five simple steps and we’ll be looking at a better, more sustainable future.
1. Go vegan once a week

Image: Unsplash/Alexandra Golovac
While everyone quotes that one 2017 article from The Guardian stating that ‘just 100 companies are responsible for 71 per cent of global emissions’, the data is actually widely misinterpreted. While a handful of corporations are largely responsible for polluting the environment, there’s no doubt that consumer demand is what keeps these companies in business.
That is why it is crucial that we do our part as individuals. We know—it’s easier said than done. However, you don’t have to go cold turkey and quit meat and dairy all at once. It’s all about the baby steps. A good place to start is by going vegan just once a week. Or, if even that’s too difficult, try cutting just one thing out from your diet every so often. Every little bit adds up!
An added bonus? Aside from reducing your carbon footprint, you’ll also (presumably) be eating a little healthier!
2. Skip the single-use plastic
Malaysia is wonderful for many reasons, but our affinity for single-use plastics is not one of them. Again, it’s unrealistic to say that cutting single use plastics out of your lifestyle will instantly solve global warming. However, a consistent and collective effort can greatly contribute to the reduction of plastic pollution.

Image: Soma Water Bottle
Invest in tupperwares, reusable coffee flasks, and reusable menstrual products (and remember to actually use them). Further, when ordering online (as so many of us do in this day and age), request less plastic in your order‘s packaging. Better yet, spend your hard-earned money on brands that are committed to reducing their plastic consumption.
3. Recycle

With more and more beauty brands working to reduce their environmental impact, you’ll find that many of your vanity’s staples are now recyclable. Glass jars, paper packaging, and biodegradable plastics are all the rage in this day and age. Separate your waste, upcycle what you can, and recycle the rest.
Plus, brands like Kosé have launched recycling initiatives that allow you to recycle your Sekkisei Clear Wellness empties!
All you have to do is head to your nearest Kosé counter. The joys of recycling don’t stop with the euphoria of doing a good deed—by recycling with Kosé, you will be rewarded with Snowy Club VIP points!
4. Buy right
A sustainable lifestyle doesn’t just stop at reduced meat consumption and recycling programmes—the products you use and the brands you support are equally important too! The key is to seek out beauty brands that have sustainability at the heart of their priorities.
It’s difficult to tell sometimes with the oversaturated beauty market, but a good question you should ask yourself before making a purchase is: Is the brand sustainable enough?
For example, brands like Sekkisei have been on the forefront of sustainable beauty since its launch in 1985. They spearheaded the then-revolutionary use of Oriental herbs in their formulas, and have since continued to innovate their cult-status Japanese botanical skincare line.

Image: Sekkisei Clear Wellness Effective
However, while that in itself is brilliant, it’s important to note that the brand’s sustainable model goes above and beyond their products. Take the packaging of their brand-new Clear Wellness line, for instance. The line was devised to be as environmentally-friendly as possible—from the 90 per cent recyclable cardboard boxes to the biodegradable PET product bottles.
Even the minimalist bottle design demonstrates the brand’s commitment to the earth. Designed by the iconic Japanese designer Taku Satoh, the bottles in the Clear Wellness range feature a water droplet motif; the deep blue of the Effective sub-line represents the world, while the pure white of the Free sub-line represents snow.

Image: Sekkisei Clear Wellness Free
It’s the little details that matter; they are a testament to the true ethos of the brand.
5. Know your products
It’s no secret that sustainable skincare often comes at a cost. Many ‘green’ skincare brands contain irritating fragrances, ineffective ingredients, or harsh formulations. The bad news is that reliable options are few and far between. The good news is that Sekkisei’s Clear Wellness range is your one-stop shop for all your skincare needs.
Each product in the range has one secret ingredient: Itowa. Sourced from Japan’s rich and diverse natural environment, the novel blend of Alpinia speciosa leaf extract, peony extract, noni juice extract, and glycerin strengthens the skin’s natural moisture barrier capacity.

The range has two different formula choices, depending on the exact needs of your skin:
Sekkisei Clear Wellness Effective is a sub-line formulated to clarify, plump and pamper the skin. Each product in this particular range contains the ‘Clarity Boost Agent’ which works to smooth roughness and texture while boosting glow thanks to a refreshing burst of moisture, and is free of parabens and colourants. The star of the show, the Clear Wellness Hydrating Gel, harnesses the power of Suizenji Nori (Japan indigenous algae) and moisture capsules to envelop your skin in refreshing hydration. Better yet, it transforms from a watery gel texture into a luxurious moisturising veil upon application.

sekkisei clear wellness effective creamThe Sekkisei Clear Wellness Hydrating Gel in action
Other products in the Effective line include the Clear Wellness Milk Cleanser, Clear Wellness Facial Soap, Clear Wellness Natural Drip, Clear Wellness Whipped Cream and Clear Wellness Smoothing Milk.
Sekkisei Clear Wellness Free, on the other hand, is the sub-line for those of you out there who prefer a more gentle formulation and those with more sensitive skin. The line is dermatologically tested, steering clear of alcohols, parabens, mineral oils, colourants, and fragrance. The Clear Wellness Water Shield Cream delivers an invigorating radiance and moisture boost with the help of Litchi chinensis (lychee) seed extract. The clear cream envelops the skin in a cocoon of hydration, leaving a comfortable, dewy, and flawless finish.

sekkisei clear wellness free creamThe Sekkisei Clear Wellness Water Shield Cream in action
The other products in the Free line include Clear Wellness Cleansing Gel, Clear Wellness Gentle Wash, Clear Wellness Pure Conc, Clear Wellness Face Oil Treatment, and Clear Wellness Refining Milk.
To find out more about this incredible new collection, click here. To get your hands on the collection, check out your nearest Kosé counter or find them on Lazada. For more tips on going green, click here.

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Film, TV + Theatre
BURO TV Guide January 2022: ‘Euphoria Season 2’, ‘Snowpiercer: Season 3’, ‘The Afterparty’ and more

03.01.2022
By Genie Leong

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14 Thrilling new TV shows and films to stream in July 2023

New year, new watchlist. January’s new releases are the perfect way to start 2022. From solving mysteries to surviving a dystopian Ice Age—this month’s must-watch programs will have you on the right track for an amazing year.
1) Euphoria Season 2

When and where: 9 January 2022 on HBO GO
Who’s in it: Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Jacob Elordi
Watch if: You’re ready for the glittery eye-makeup trend to invade our lives for a second time
Get ready to break out the glittery makeup and skin-baring clothing again this January—the talented cast of hit HBO series Euphoria is returning for a second angsty, drug-fueled journey. Picking up after last year’s two special bridge episodes where Rue (Zendaya) survives her relapse but still struggles with her addiction, and Jules (Hunter Schafer) recounts her hardships with her transition as well as online dating, the new season reels in the stories of show’s other characters, who are bound for another complicated trip with double the asinine teenage exploits and heart-wrenchingly emotional moments. Euphoria’s second bout at the rodeo promises more unique coming-of-age stories as the main characters we all know and love confront, and navigate, their complicated lives.
Click here to watch
2) Photocopier

When and where: 13 January 2022 on Netflix
Who’s in it: Shenina Cinnamon, Chicco Kurniawan, Jerome Kurnia
Watch if: You love mystery dramas
In Wregas Bhanuteja’s directorial debut, freshman student Sur (Shenina Cinnamon) is a volunteer web designer for a university theatre group on track for a prestigious scholarship. When her theatre group’s production achieves huge success, she’s invited to a celebratory party and coaxed into drinking for the first time. After blacking out, Sur wakes up late for her scholarship meeting, and when pictures of her drunk at the party the night before surface across social media, she loses her scholarship. With little to no memory of what happened at the party and determined to unearth the truth, Sur pairs with her childhood friend and photocopy worker, Amin (Chicco Kurniawan), to find out what really happened.
Click here to watch
3) Midnight Asia: Eat. Dance. Dream

When and where: 20 January 2022 on Netflix
Watch if: You’re a nightlife enthusiast, and miss travelling
Filled with bustling metropolises, Asia has been known to offer some of the best, one-of-a-kind nightlife experiences in the world. From Bangkok to Tokyo, Seoul to Mumbai, cities across Asia are said to come alive when the sun goes down. This documentary lures you in on a journey to discover the extravagant, the hidden, the strange, and the unforgettable. You name it, Asia has it all and then some. The continent is a well-known melting pot of culinary delicacies, unique music, entrancing dances, and absolutely no shortage of rich cultures to learn about and experience. Been feeling a bit blue due to the international travel restrictions this past couple of years? Satiate your feelings of wanderlust and live vicariously through this new documentary that’ll introduce you to a whole new side of Asia.
Click here to watch
4) Ozark: Season 4 Part 1

When and where: 21 January 2022 on Netflix
Who’s in it: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Sofia Hublitz
Watch if: You’ve always wondered what life as a criminal would be like
Set in the heart of the Missouri Ozarks, the fourth season of critically acclaimed Ozark brings the Byrd family’s professional and personal drama back to screens. Deceitfully normal on the outside, the Byrd family is anything but—having relocated to the Ozarks after uprooting from their previous home, the head of the family, Marty Byrd (Jason Bateman) is the money launderer for one of Mexico’s most prominent drug cartels. Marty and his wife (and literal partner in crime), Wendy (Laura Linney), have faced many dangerous obstacles in their path to find a way out of the Ozarks with their family, but will the Byrd family’s previous sins come back to haunt them? Make sure to tune in to the new season of Ozark to find out.
Click here to watch
5) Snowpiercer: Season 3

When and where: 25 January 2022 on Netflix
Who’s in it: Daveed Diggs, Sean Bean, Rowan Blanchard
Watch if: You’ve been dying to find out what happens next to the crew aboard The Eternal Engine
Return to the caste system of the perpetually moving Eternal Engine, with more intense train politics and icy blizzards to come. After Season 2’s finale saw Melanie (Jennifer Conelly) walk off into the snowstorm never to be seen again, the rest of Andre Layton’s (Daveed Diggs) and Mr Wilford’s (Sean Bean)’s crews are left hanging in the balance as they continue to look into the signs of a now-thawing Earth and what the warming of the planet could mean for the future of humanity. With many things uncertain, and hostile situations awaiting them both inside and outside the train, the remnants of humanity will have to brace themselves for the unexpected and possibly the worst. It’s all aboard Snowpiercer this month, so tune in to find out if this thrilling train ride is destined to become a train wreck.
Click here to watch
6) The Orbital Children

When and where: 28 January 2022 on Netflix
Who’s in it: Natsumi Fujiwara, Azumi Waki, Kensho Ono
Watch if: Charming yet exciting sci-fi shows are a niche interest of yours
Set in the year 2045, The Orbital Children introduces a world where space travel is a regular, everyday affair and underage children who are not born on Earth are housed in a special hotel. In a world of advanced technology where the future is right in the palm of your hand, two children born on the moon and three children from Earth band together to survive after an accident on their space station leaves them stranded. It’s not just the harsh environment of space that threatens their safety, however, as social media and propaganda in space present a different challenge to the young space children. Brought to life by the creators of shows like Neon Genesis Evangelion, Cowboy Bebop, and Attack on Titan, mark your calendars for this new anime series that will immerse you in a space adventure unlike any other before.
Click here to watch
7) The Afterparty

When and where: 28 January 2022 on Apple TV+
Who’s in it: Tiffany Haddish, Sam Richardson, Dave Franco
Watch if: You love crime mysteries with a dash of comedy and a Rashomon Effect twist
High school reunions are typically reasons for excitement or pure dread, but seldom do they entail the fear of murder. Coming from the makers of 21 Jump Street and The Lego Movie, The Afterparty sets up the investigation into the murder of celebrity Xavier (Dave Franco) who is killed at the high school reunion he hosts for his indignant former classmates. Under the scrutiny of Detective Danner (Tiffany Haddish), the events of the night unfold through the varying accounts of multiple people who were there that night. Each character’s retelling is embellished by different film genres and unique visuals that open a window not just into what really happened before the murder, but also into the eclectic personalities of the group. Will the killer be found and brought to justice? Remember to tune in and see if you can unravel the mystery before the show does.
Click here to watch
Click here for December’s BURO TV Guide

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Music
Elvis Presley: The life and death of a cultural icon
20th century rockstar

28.06.2022
By Phyll Wu

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All the exciting live concerts in KL to look forward to in 2023

Elvis Presley: a cultural icon who left us with musical masterpieces, Can’t Help Falling in Love, Hound Dog, Jailhouse Rock, and many more that are familiar to us even decades after his death. He is the undisputable King of Rock n’ Roll. Throughout his career, Presley’s talents and good looks made him beam like the sun and he was worshipped by many across the globe. When he met his untimely death, his fans were left in disbelief and devastation. He had a bright future ahead of him, which left us with one question—how did it all end?
Below, we dive into the early life and final moments of Elvis Presley and his legacy that continues to impact us today.
Humble beginnings
Although dubbed as a King, the early childhood of Elvis Aaron Presley was not one with silk stockings and silver spoons. Presley graced the world amidst The Great Depression on the 8th of January 1935 to parents, Vernon and Gladys Presley, who were barely scraping by. He would have been an older brother to an identical twin, Jesse Garon Presley, who unfortunately emerged stillborn.

The complications of their birth led Presley and his mother to death’s door and the two were immediately rushed to Tupelo Hospital where they managed to survive. Although Gladys Presley was able to live to raise her only son, the shock of losing a child had left a permanent scar on her, making her ferociously overprotective of Presley throughout her motherhood. However, Presley’s mother was not able to protect him from the burdens of their financial deprivation.
The Presley family resided in the small town of East Tupelo where it was known to be one of the roughest places in Mississippi and a haven for poor sharecroppers and factory workers. There, the family attended the Assembly of God Church where gospel music became an important influence on Presley.

Vernon Presley worked any odd jobs that came along and his meagre resources could only afford the poverty-stricken family a humble abode of a two-room shotgun shack without electricity and indoor plumbing. Their penurious circumstances forced them to rely on welfare to pay the doctor who delivered Presley, and their neighbours who provided them with diapers. Shockingly enough, this was their financial highpoint.
On the 16th of November 1937, Vernon Presley was indicted for forging a $4 check that led to the repossession of the Presley family home. Following the repossession, three-year-old Elvis Presley and his mother moved from house to house as they painfully waited for his father’s return. In 1939, Vernon Presley received an early release for good behaviour but life did not change for the Presley family, they continued life in poverty as they bounced from rental homes and public assistance housing. Eventually, Elvis Presley began first grade in the fall of 1941 at the East Tupelo Consolidated School.

On Presley’s 11th birthday, his mother had gifted him his first guitar. According to the store owner, young Presley wanted a rifle but was convinced to make do with a guitar as his mother was heavily against the idea of him having a weapon (she could not afford it, regardless). Unbeknownst to Presley at the time, his new musical companion would create the legend we all know of today.
Rise to stardom

The King of Rock n’ Roll had his first taste of musical success after he had won his high school talent show where he sang the country song, Keep Them Cold Icy Fingers Off Of Me by The Stanley Brothers, and Till’ I Waltz Again With You by Teresa Brewer as an encore after receiving a huge round of applause. His performance left his schoolmates astonished by his vocal talents as many of them were not even aware that Presley sang. In 1953, the soon-to-be star graduated with musical dreams and with his talents, his future was promising. Over a month after graduating, Presley scored his first demo record at Sun Studio and was later taken under the wing of Sam Phillips, the owner of the record label. A year later, Presley released his first single, That’s All Right.
When 1955 came along, 20-year-old Elvis Presley had become somewhat of a musical star as he began to develop a fanbase drawn by his eccentric musical style, provocative gyrating hips, and of course—his good looks. Although many parents thought of Presley as inappropriate, something about the way he swayed his hips and his cool-boy demeanour sent teenage girls wild.

In the same year, Presley signed with RCA Records and scored his first number one single with the iconic Heartbreak Hotel, as well as his first number one album, Elvis Presley. He later signed his first movie contract with Paramount Pictures—all in one year. Presley was on a roll, and his achievements only came piling. Not long after, Presley was everywhere.
To put his success into perspective, an outraged TV show host, Ed Sullivan, had declared he would never have Presley on The Ed Sullivan Show in early 1956. By September, Presley made his debut appearance on the show, bringing in a whopping 60 million viewers and 82 per cent of the television viewing audience. He returned to make his second and third appearance on the show where he took the stage with his big hits Hound Dog, Don’t Be Cruel, and Love Me Tender. Presley was undeniably irresistible, and they couldn’t get enough of him.

In 1957, the beloved icon received his draft notice and was eventually sent to serve in Germany for over a year and a half. However, he was struck with grief after his mother had died shortly before Presley left for Europe. Deeply saddened by her death, Presley’s spirits lifted after meeting a young teenager named Priscilla Beaulieu while serving in Germany. Romance sparked between the pair and they later got married on the 1st of May 1967 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

After leaving the army in 1960, an illustrious career awaited him. Wasting no time, the star was once again topping the charts with the soundtrack for a film he starred in, GI Blues, and he continued to show off his swagger through music and films. In early March of 1961, Presley had flown to Los Angeles to begin the production of his next film, Blue Hawaii. After filming was over, he buckled down to record the songs that would later become the film’s soundtrack. Blue Hawaii became his highest-grossing film at the box office and was nominated for Best Written American Musical in 1962 by the Writers Guild of America.
Clearly, the film industry was not an exception for Presley’s achievements. He starred in a total of 31 feature films as an actor and two theatrically released concert documentary films, most of which received major financial success. For several years, Presley was one of Hollywood’s highest paid actors and two of his critically-acclaimed films, Jailhouse Rock and King Creole, have become classics of their era.

Presley’s career is undoubtedly a moment in pop-culture history that will never be forgotten. It is estimated that he had sold more than one billion records worldwide. From vinyl to cassettes and CDs, his album and singles received strong sales and support upon release. Although his influence reached an international level, he was able to achieve 150 albums and singles that were certified gold, platinum or multi-platinum in America alone.
The rockstar was also generous with his riches as he was known for spontaneously giving away cars, cash, and jewellery. He was involved in a number of charities by raising thousands of funds through music sales and live performances. In 1961, Presley had raised over $75,000 for the Kui Lee Cancer Fund in Hawaii through performances and merchandise sales. Additionally, for many years, Presley would annually donate $1,000 or more to 50 charities in the Memphis area as well as around the country. Likely influenced by his humble upbringing, Presley was a charitable star.
The dark side of a beaming star
Like many celebrities who rose to fame, controversy was bound to unfold. For Presley, however, there was a much darker and twisted side to the star that raised many concerns, mainly from adults and parents of his young supporters. The swag that Presley exuded attracted a fanbase made up of mostly impressionable teenage girls who did not know any better, and was ultimately charmed by his good looks and talents. Unfortunately for some of these young girls, they will soon find out the twisted truth behind the man they worshipped.

Under the glitzy ensemble and slicked-up quiff was a man with dark fantasies that resulted in the sexual exploitation of young teenage girls and his harmful misogynistic ways of treating women as sexual objects at his disposal. To start, Priscilla Presley was only 14-years-old when she met Presley who was 24-years-old at the time. Presley would also go on to introduce his young partner to drugs so she could ‘keep up’ with his lifestyle.
Times were different in those days and disturbingly enough, underage relationships were common especially amongst the biggest pop-stars. However, a grown man in his twenties having a romantic relationship with a young girl of only 14, was just as concerning and controversial then as it is now. Presley was aware of this. Yet, he continued to give in to his odd obsession with virginity. Another individual by the name of Frances Forbes who hung around the star’s house when she was 13, stated that Presley would not be interested in her, let alone notice her, until she turned 14. “14 was a magical age with Elvis. It really was,” Forbes said.

Priscilla Presley later revealed in an interview that Presley had mentioned to her that “he had never been able to make love to a woman who had a child.” He remained true to his statement after his wife had given birth to their only child, Lisa Marie Presley. This complicated predicament led to the eventual affair that Priscilla Presley had, which resulted in their divorce. In her memoir, Elvis and Me, Priscilla Presley writes that upon hearing her confession of the affair, Presley had grabbed her and forcefully made love to her, saying, “This is how a real man makes love to his woman.”
Aside from his obsession with young girls, Presley also had an uncontrollable rage that would typically lead to violent outbursts involving firearms. Priscillla Presley stated, “If he saw somebody he didn’t like on TV, he’d get his gun out and blow it up.”
His last fiancé, Ginger Alden—who also wrote a memoir discussing their relationship—revealed that Presley had fired a gunshot in her direction as she was driving off after an argument. On another occasion, Presley fired a 57 Magnum Pistol off in their bedroom, hitting right above the headboard, after Alden had told him, “I don’t think you need any more yogurt” when he was on a yogurt craze. He later went on to say, “It was an attention-getter.”
Alden described how she was in shock and extremely hurt, but also accepted his apology as she sensed that Presley was genuinely sorry. Yet, not long after, Presley shot up his bathroom and blasted it to smithereens with his machine gun as he was so enraged by his running toilet.
The deterioration and eventual demise of a legend
It was clear that Presley was a troubled man. Likely from the pressures of fame, the star faced many battles that soon led to his tragic death. Like many of us, he seemed to find comfort in food and often ate his emotions away. However, his comfort would spiral into extremely unhealthy eating habits and a diet that shocked many.
Presley had a penchant for meat, peanut butter, and fried foods. He was a creature of habit and his favourite dish was meatloaf. According to Priscilla Presley, he shared such an intense liking for meatloaf that he would eat it every day for dinner for six months straight. For context, the average person’s recommended calorie intake is generally around 2,000 to 3,000 a day. Presley’s daily calorie intake was a lethal 10,000 to 12,000 calories that involved his usual Fool’s Gold Loaf, fried banana sandwiches, fried biscuits, bacon-wrapped meatballs, chicken fried steak, jelly doughnuts, and vegetables saturated with butter and salt.

Food was not the only factor that contributed to his deteriorating health. Similar to many late celebrities, Presley succumbed to drug abuse. He had a particular fondness for prescription drugs that began back in the early 1960s.
Struggling with his strenuous work schedule, the star relied on amphetamines to get him going during the day and barbiturates to help him relax at night. Other prescriptions that Presley was known to have taken to help him cope includes Dilaudid, Percodan, Eskatrol, Amobarbital, Quaaludes, Carbrital, Seconal, Methadose, Ritalin, among many others.
Expectedly, Presley’s drug abuse had given him near-fatal overdoses at least twice and was admitted into hospitals for detoxification. Although he managed to survive, luck was running out, and he was once again standing at death’s door.
In the afternoon of 16 August 1977, Ginger Alden found Presley lying unconscious on the floor in his Graceland mansion and was quickly rushed to the Baptist Memorial Hospital. After many failed attempts of revival, Elvis Aaron Presley was pronounced dead at 3.30pm. He was only 42.

Presley’s death was ruled a heart attack, likely resulting from the star’s longstanding and severe drug abuse. His toxicology analysis showed extremely high doses of Dilaudid, Percodan, Demerol, as well as Quaaludes and codeine. However, as you might expect, drugs were not the only cause.
Presley had a long list of health complications and his diet was no help. In the late years of his life, Presley had gained a substantial amount of weight, totalling up to 159 kilogrammes. He also came to neglect his hygiene and refused to bathe throughout 1975, causing him to develop sores on his body. His autopsy had been legally sealed for fifty years, even so, his visible deterioration made it clear that he was in a gruelling battle with his health.
At present time, Elvis Presley remains under the grounds of the Graceland mansion. His grave is placed near Gladys Presley, Vernon Presley, and his grandmother, Minnie Mae Hood Presley. Decades after Presley’s death, his legacy continues to influence the music industry. Despite his many questionable choices and controversies, it is undeniable that Presley was a cultural icon—and still is today.

Watch the thrilling new biopic, Elvis (played by Austin Butler), out in cinemas from 23 June 2022.
To read more on pop-culture, click here.

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Music
Gigs in May: Bruno Mars, The Impatient Sisters, a Bob Marley Tribute and more
Buro Culture Guide

03.05.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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All the exciting live concerts in KL to look forward to in 2023

5 & 6 May (Sat & Sun), Cirque de la Symphonie @ Dewan Filharmonik Petronas
Watch the magic of cirque unfold in a concert hall. After its extraordinary collaboration with the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra (MPO) in 2015, Cirque de la Symphonie is back to amaze the audiences with its exciting adaption of artistic performances choreographed to classical masterpieces and popular contemporary music.
Tickets start from RM150. For ticketing and more information, visit the website.

9 May (Wed), Bruno Mars 24K Magic World Tour @ Putra Indoor Stadium
If you haven’t heard, Bruno Mars’ concert will still go on as planned. We suppose there’s no reason for it not to—after casting your all-important vote in the day, live it up with Bruno while you await the results. All 12,000 tickets have been sold out, but we won’t rule out trying your luck to scour the net for people reselling them.

11- 13 May (Fri – Sun), Borneo Jazz Festival @ Coco Cabana, Miri
Back for its 13th year, the Borneo Jazz Festival will feature an all-new format with two live stages. This edition is curated by No Black Tie, with international artists all the way from Italy, Poland, France, Switzerland, China and Japan to perform alongside some of the leading jazz acts from our region.
Tickets start from RM124. For ticketing and more information, visit the website.

11 May (Fri), Hanyut Special Showcase by The Impatient Sisters @ The Bee, Publika
Delve into The Impatient Sisters’ ‘Hanyut’ in a showcase that will see the indie folk trio perform and present the music video for their second Malay single. A slightly darker tune compared to their older songs, ‘Hanyut’ tells the story of finding peace after heartbreak. Supporting acts Kita:Orang and Battle Bloom are also set to take to the stage that evening.
There’ll be an admission fee of RM50. For more information, visit the event page.

12 May (Sat), An Honest Mistake’s The Corporate EP Launch Party @ The Bee, Publika
Spend your weekend back-to-back at The Bee and join in the fun as An Honest Mistake throws a smashing party to commemorate their new EP. Besides the band themselves, there’ll be guest performance by Battle Bloom, Haneri and Throne Away. Shipwreck Tattoos and Attic Jewelry & Piercing will also be there for your tattoo and piercing needs.
For more information, visit the event page.

13 May (Sun), Sasha Nichole, Nadhira, Haneri, Aisyah Aziz & Kayda @ No Black Tie
Five ladies, and one spectacular evening of music at No Black Tie await showgoers next Sunday. The singers come from diverse blend of genres, from hip hop to jazz and blue – each of them is a powerhouse in their own right.
There’ll be an admission fee of RM64. For more information, visit the event page.

18 May (Sat), The Bob Marley Tribute @ The Bee, Publika
In honour of the 37th death anniversary Bob Marley a.k.a. the King of Reggae, celebrate with a tribute to the late legend at The Bee. The tribute will be lead by an all-star band comprising of local, homegrown talent, along with featured vocalists Danielle Desiree Williams of Skies Are Red, Megat Zahrin, Fuad Alhabshi of Kyoto Protocol, Emmanuel Joseph of Kaya, and Aina Abdul.
There’ll be an admission fee of RM20. For more information, visit the event page.

18 & 19 May (Sat & Sun), Bizhu @ Bobo KL
Her energy is uplifting and infectious, and she’s got the charisma to match her soulful, powerful vocals. Revel in Bihzhu’s original compositions and eclectic covers as she takes over the Bobo stage backed by Nish Tham on piano, Jude Macson Bensing on guitar, Shakey Shakey on Bass and Ryan Lee Bhaskaran on percussion.
There will be a cover charge of RM60 for non-Bobo diners. For more information, visit the event page.

26 & 27 May (Sat & Sun), …And The Curtain Rises @ KLPac
A satellite event for the Yayasan Sime Darby Arts Festival (happening in August this year), …And The Curtain Rises will see 12 singer-songwriters being paired up to write 12 brand new songs in a mere 12-hour period. They’ll have to make it work, one way or another, because the new numbers will be recorded live there and then to be made into a CD. If that’s not enough to pique your interest, here’s the lineup: Aina Abdul, Brendan de Cruz, Beverly Matujal, Dickson Chai, Endee Ahmad, Fuad of Kyoto Protocol, Isaac Ho, Melissa Toh, Nick Davis, Otam, Priscillia Xavier and duo Shir Ling & Jacq Teng.
For more information, visit the website.

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Food + Drink
“Chitty Peranakan food”: The other side of Malaccan Peranakan cuisine

18.03.2019
By Tien Chew

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Review: Sky35 KL presents an omakase experience plated on Hermès finery

I was recently fortunate enough to be invited to join a group of well-known food entrepreneurs, cooks and other gourmands on a trip to Chitty Village in Malacca, organised by Dewakan’s head honcho Darren Teoh. Ever ready to expand my culinary horizons, I leapt at the opportunity and made the trip down to the Chitty Living Gallery, a single-storey house (and home) to a wonderful and friendly woman named Wenila. She married a Chitty man who loved preserving and advocating his culture up until his recent untimely passing. Carrying on his legacy, Wenila allows the curious to experience Chitty culture through food and her living gallery.

chitty-peranakan-melaka-experience-wenila
The order of the day was simple—to sample some authentic Chitty food, a cuisine that the group was told melded Indian, Chinese and Malay influences to unique results. However, little did I know that I was also in for an educational trip. Once I arrived, I spent some time observing fascinating artefacts used by the Chitty for cooking, weddings and other culturally significant moments before tucking into a simple lunch.
I’ll be completely honest; when I first heard the words “Chitty Peranakan food”, I didn’t really know what to expect. With more than a dozen of us eager to see what was on the menu, we were happy to see a modest spread waiting for us on a large long table.

chitty-peranakan-melaka-experience
On it, a selection of curries—the likes of prawn curry with pineapple, fish egg roe and eggplant curry, as well as a fairly spicy fish curry—awaited us. To round out the meal with some greens, the always popular kangkung belacan was present, as was as chilli pickled cucumbers and cincalok, a salty savoury dish made using small shrimps. Additionally, we were also served deep fried anchovies to add umami and salt to the mix.
Standouts for me included mixing generous helpings of the fish egg roe and eggplant curry together with some pickled cucumbers and salted fish. The combination of flavours and textures that come from eating them all together created waves after waves of tastes that really pleased the palate.

chitty-peranakan-melaka-experience
The dishes we sampled that day were the sort of food that Wenila and her family would eat on a daily basis. She told us that Chitty cuisine shares many similarities to Malay food, using coconut milk in their curries and with rice often being the staple. Indeed, while there are undoubtedly characteristics in the dishes we tried that resembled Malay food, a number of ingredients also spoke of Nyonya cuisine. It’s this interesting mixture that really makes you wonder why you’ve never heard of Chitty Peranakan food before, even if you’re a true blue Malaysian. Wenila joked that the Chinese do a better job at advertising their food, but there is a hint of truth in such a comment.
As much as we, as Malaysians, love eating, we don’t always do a good job at preserving certain aspects of our rich food culture. Take Chitty cuisine for example. It was only thanks to staunch champions of our cuisine, like chef Darren Teoh, that I was able to experience a side of Malaysian food that I’ve never seen before.

chitty-peranakan-melaka-experience
If you too would like to take a trip down to Malacca to see what Chitty cuisine and culture is all about, you can contact Wenila at [email protected] for personal guided tours to the village, to experience specialty dishes and cakes or even to witness hundreds of artefacts from a bygone era.

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Food + Drink
Sip on cocktails to a stunning view of KL Tower at Man Tao
Place to be

19.01.2018
By Su Fen Tan

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Review: Sky35 KL presents an omakase experience plated on Hermès finery

Just a few minutes walk away from the happening hotspot that is The Row you’ll find Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur, an urban-quaint destination in the heart of KL for staycations and getaways. But accommodation aside, it is worthy to note that you might just find your new favourite bar for drinks after hours at the hotel’s rooftop too. Meet Man Tao, a modern yet charming neighbourhood nook-inspired rooftop pool bar overlooking the city.

In the drinks department, Man Tao excels in concocting Tsingtao beer-themed cocktails, often featuring a compelling combination of tropical ingredients and exotic aromas. Their handcrafted signatures include China Doll, Moon Goddess, Spicy Rooster and Tsing Tini. True to its name, the bar is also known for their steamed mantaos—light, fluffy buns served with an innovative variety of fillings. For a Malaysian twist, try their signature mantao with ayam kunyit filling.

For the best experience, we suggest getting there before sundown. Imagine yourself enjoying cocktails and delicious bites with good company to a breathtaking view as the sun sets across the city—not a bad way to end the day at all.

Man Tao is located at the rooftop of Hotel Stripes Kuala Lumpur. For more information, visit the website.

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Features
7 Minutes with Muse, Melium’s new style icon

22.08.2019
By Joan Kong

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1. Hi Muse! Tell us more about yourself.
Well my name is Muse, and I’m going to be your virtual guide to the world of Melium! I’ll be travelling with you and you’ll travel with me. Melium is about fashion and style but it’s also about experiences; designing that perfect playlist, travelling to the sun-drenched Almalfi coast to learn how to make their summer dishes… Melium is about living life to its fullest and I guess that’s me! Muse!

2. How did you come about?
Quite naturally as I guess you could say I’m the personification of the Melium DNA after 30 Years. The world today is changing so quickly and I’m constantly evolving. With the launch of the Melium loyalty app, a guide to all the lovely things Melium has to offer was needed… that’s Me, Muse! I love fashion and people! I’m the perfect candidate for Style Lead!
3. Tell us about your relationship with Dato’ Seri Dr. Farah Khan.
Oh I’m such a fan of Farah! She’s proof that you can keep changing and developing and growing as a person! I see her as a Matriarch of Style who has navigated the Business of Fashion. Someone who shows the world that all things are possible if you dream big and work hard! If I’m the Muse, she’s my Mentor!

4. What do you both bond over?
Discovering new fashion, travel, great food! She tells the best stories and she really listens; we bond over Great Conversations!
5. Melium is celebrating its 30th Anniversary this year. How do you plan to celebrate?
It’s been an exhilarating YEAR! I’m on the cover of a magazine! Melium Celebrates 30 Years is a labour of love that shows how the group has grown over the years. Apart from an incredible curation of fashion brands over the decades, from Tod’s, Givenchy, Max Mara, MCM, Roger Vivier, Aigner, Emilio Pucci, Hackett London, Farah Khan and of course the many eclectic labels at M, Melium stands for people, for relationships. The magazine commemorates this beautifully, I think, we celebrate the people that make us what we are.

6. Describe your style in three words… Evolving. Irreverent. Cosmopolitan.
7. Who are some of your favourite designers?
The late, great Azzedine Alaia, Clare Waight Keller, Alber Elbaz… there’s a certain poetry to their designs and I am in awe of their attention to detail and artisanal craftsmanship.

8. 2018 was the year AI influencers and virtual supermodels took over the fashion industry. What are your thoughts on that?
I think it’s fun to see how things are changing and evolving. Farah always tells me that being able to adapt to change, and quickly, is the key to real success.
9. What do you aim to achieve this year?
Everything! I’m going to take on the world. Come with me? It’s going to be fun!

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