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10 Minutes With…Makoto Iwabuchi

Ranked among Japan’s top three sake experts, Makoto Iwabuchi is a certified Master Sommelier. He initially trained as a French wine sommelier and became certified as a wine sommelier in 2007, before making the switch to specialise in Japanese alcohols, particularly the fermented rice drink, Sake. Currently reining as Master Sake Sommelier at Sushi Kou, Makoto has over 15 years’ experience working with some of the best fine dining restaurants in the world, including Gaggan Anand in Bangkok, Thailand, Ki-sho Japanese Restaurant in Singapore and 1-Michelin star Lista Giorgio Pinchiorri in Japan.

Where are you from?

I’m from Toyama prefecture, on Japan’s main island, Honshu. In 2011, I received an invitation from a wine coach to work in Singapore. I also wanted to challenge myself to work overseas. Currently I work as a sommelier at Sushi Kou, where I strive to complement the skill of Sushi Kou’s chefs through the wine and sake menu.

What training do you do to become a certified Master Sommelier?

It requires daily reading and experience; I try to create as much study time and tasting opportunities as possible to prepare myself.

What is your background in fine dining?

I have been a sommelier at the many fine dining establishments, such as Ritz-Carlton Osaka, LISTA GIORGIO PINCHIORRI, Ki-sho (Singapore), Gaggan (Bangkok Thailand) Over the years I have served many famous and influential people, including Jack Ma (Alibaba), English performer Ed Sheeran and Japanese rock band ONE OK ROCK.

What is your knowledge of sake?

I decided that I wanted to be a great Sake sommelier, and I believe if you want to get a qualification, you must put in the effort and time to study. An overwhelming amount is required! My certificates include SA and SSI’s Sake sommelier, but for many people it’s better to start by enjoying sake. Once you have a passion for sake, you naturally gain knowledge of the different types and how they taste.

What’s the best way to enjoy sake?

Drink with friends! Japanese food also goes well with sake.

How do you choose a good sake?

At Sushi Kou, we curate our sake by ensuring that the sake maker we buy from is reputable and has a strong track record. All our sake boasts a high standard that complements the exquisite Japanese sushi omakase dining experience by Chef Sakuta and has proven to be popular with our customers.

What are your favourite Japanese drinks?

Japanese whiskey and sake, of course!

What’s your favourite bar in Singapore?

Jigger and Pony in Tanjong Pagar and Manhattan at the Regent Hotel.

 

Sushi Kou is a newly opened eight-seater omakase restaurant located in the Holiday Inn, Orchard. The restaurant serves Edomae (Tokyo-style) sushi and its Chef Yoshio Sakuta used to helm two-Michelin-starred Shoukouwa.  sushikou-sg.com

 

Pamper Mum this Mother’s Day, Sunday 9 May

Mum-cation

While the borders remain closed, now is a great time to snap up a staycation or ‘mum-cation’ deal. hotels island wide have pulled together some great Mother’s Day stay, spa and dine packages.

The Barracks

For a high end, spectacular pamper package, check out The Barracks ‘Sea Breeze and Champagne’ deal. The offer includes an overnight stay with a limousine pick-up and a free flow champagne afternoon tea. For an even more extravagant experience, you can add on the Breakfast Sail, a 3 hour private yacht trip to the Southern Islands with a picnic and cruise past Marina Bay Sands.

The Hilton, Orchard Rd, Singapore

This year The Hilton celebrates Mother’s Day with an All-Pink Mother’s Afternoon High Tea, Seafood & Prosecco Staycation. The offer starts at $245 per night and is inclusive of an All-Pink Afternoon High Tea Set, curated by executive pastry chef Cindy Khoo, a premium seafood platter, a bottle of prosecco and breakfast for two. Alternatively you can just enjoy The All Pink Mother’s Day High Tea  May 1 – 31 from 2pm to 4pm ( $78++ for 2 persons)

PARKROYAL on Beach Rd

Treat Mum to a weekend discovery of Kampong Glam. The hip and bustling neighbourhood has a rich history, excellent eateries and trendy shops. PARKROYAL on Beach Road are offering an exclusive deal for ANZA members. Stay in the Club Deluxe Room ($218++ per night) or the Club Premier Room ($238++ per night).

Inclusions:

  • Breakfast at Ginger Restaurant for 2 persons
  • Evening cocktails with hors d’oeuvres at Club Lounge for 2 persons
  • Complimentary late check-out till 3pm (subject to availability)
  • 25% discount for dining at Ginger Restaurant, Si Chuan Dou Hua Chinese Restaurant, Club 5 Lounge and In-Room Dining
  • 25% discount at St. Gregory Spa

To enjoy this exclusive deal for ANZA members email the hotel here

Eating Out

Singapore is a foodie paradise and with so many fabulous options for afternoon tea these days, it is hard to know where to start but here are a few special suggestions to treat the wonder woman of your house:

Skai, Swissotel, The Stamford

This contemporary restaurant and bar is situated on the 70th floor of Swissotel, The Stamford and has unparalleled views across the city. Raise a toast to the lady in your life this Mother’s Day – from May 5-12, Skai is offering a special Mothers Day High Tea ($78 per adult / $39 per child) as well as free flow champagne deals. There is also a special 4 course set menu evening option ($148).

The Knolls at Capella, Sentosa

Capella is widely regarded as one of the top hotels in Singapore and Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to enjoy the 5 star Balinese style resort. The Knolls is a Mediterranean restaurant overlooking cascading pools and the beautiful South China Sea. On Sunday 9 May between 12noon and 3pm you can enjoy a brunch set menu ($118++ per person) with additional free flow deals on champagne, prosecco and Aperol spritz. Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea is on offer 3-7 May with two seating options, 3.00pm and 5.00pm, and starts at $60++ per person.

High time for a high tea

High teas are enjoying a revival at the moment and many hotels are offering some great afternoon or high tea Mother’s Day packages.

The Marmalade Pantry

Marmalade Pantry are offering some delightful Mother’s Day deals at their Downtown and Novena outlets. On 1-2 May and 8-9 May, 11.30 am to 5.30pm, treat your mum to a Royal Afternoon Tea set good for three persons ( $80++ ) which includes a two-tiered gourmet spread with an expanded array of savouries and sweets, pots of tea and sparkling wine.

Alternatively, if mum needs a lie in, you can choose from a wide range of exquisite Marmalade Pantry box sets including pastries, flowers, chocolates and afternoon teas that can all be delivered to your home.

Pamper her with a Spa

Nothing says ‘treat’ like a day at the spa and spas across the island have special offers on for mothers who really need a wind down.

Aramsa Spa, Bishan National Park

Aramsa Spa is nestled deep in Bishan National Park and can be hard to find, but this Balinese oasis and architecturally renowned, Category 1 spa is well worth a visit. From 1 April – 30 June they are offering a fabulous weekday Mother’s Day deal 60 min Aramsa touch body massage and a 60 min Trilogy Vitamin C Facial, 2 hours of deep relaxation for $198 per person (couples welcome).

Say it with flowers

Interflora

Flowers are simply a must this Mother’s Day and tried and trusted Interflora are a great option for delivering flowers to the mum’s around the world that we can’t be with. With prices starting at $100, there are a range of gorgeous bouquets to choose from and you can customize a greeting card to match.

mother's day

Gorgeous gifts

Shiva Designs, Cluny Court

Shiva Designs tucked away on the 4th floor of Cluny Court, opposite the Botanical Gardens is a gift oasis. The Australian owned boutique specializes in eye-catching, design led gifts that will please the most discerning mum. Open from Monday to Saturday 10am to 3pm, the boutique gift shop has a wide range of beautiful, hand crafted and unique gifts, carefully curated with an emphasis on quality, craftsmanship and design.

Mother's Day Gifts

Of course, the best gifts are those from the heart so get baking, creating and card making, remember breakfast in bed or plan a delicious picnic at the park (we hear the newly revamped Orchid Park at the Botanical Gardens is a winner). Whichever way you decide to celebrate, don’t forget to give Mum a big hug if she is with you and say “I love you”, because we are pretty sure that will make her day.

3 ways to support your child’s creative thinking

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children's Health

Raising your child to be creative is easier than you may think. There are countless ways to develop your child’s creativity, which offer many health, social, emotional benefits. To help out, the experts at Pacific Prime Singapore present 3 simple ways to support your child’s creative thinking and development.

1.   Dedicate space for creating

Before you even think about nurturing your child’s creativity, you are encouraged to allocate space that is safe and appropriate for your child to be in. This could be a separate room or an area within a room. Make sure there’s plenty of natural light and ventilation. The area or room should be organized in a way that won’t clutter easily or be a health risk. Make it practical, interesting, and stimulating!

2.   Start simple

A rule of thumb in life and especially for young children is to keep things simple. This applies to your approach, the creative thinking activities you have in mind, and even the materials you give your child. For instance, it could be a sheet of paper and a child-friendly crayon or a pack of colorful LEGO bricks. After demonstrating to your child what a crayon can do on paper or how the LEGO bricks connect, you can then leave your child to experiment and develop their understanding of how these objects work. As a parent, you will certainly enjoy seeing your child come up with fresh ideas and creating something new!

3.   Activate their senses

Children learn from using their senses, so create an environment that gives them plenty to wonder about. You could even use music to stimulate their hearing, or decorate their room or area with vivid colours and decor. Another stimulating activity could be to involve your child with the cooking, as it can activate their sense of touch, smell, and taste. Expect your child to ask many questions, be curious, and endlessly explore. Together, your child will develop their creative thinking in no time. Just remember, health and safety should come first for yourself and your child!

Secure family insurance with Pacific Prime Singapore

Pacific Prime Singapore can offer a free, personalised quote for families. Simplifying insurance is their motto and helping expats and locals secure the right health insurance cover is at the heart of what they do. Feel free to contact them for impartial advice, and answers to any Singapore family health insurance questions you have.

A Mysterious Staycation at Raffles Hotel

Probably the most emblematic building of the Singapore landscape, the Raffles Hotel lives up to its hard-earned reputation and allure. Until recently we had resisted the urge to join the new trend of on-island staycationers who have brought life back to the local hotel scene. However, the opportunity to experience Treasures of Raffles – The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure and an overnight stay at this iconic Singapore landmark had us rushing to dust off our smallest suitcase and book our Grab!

The unique Raffles experience starts from the moment you pull into the sweeping driveway. The hotel doormen are as iconic as the building itself.  And despite our familiarity with these beloved personalities, it was still an incredibly special experience to be welcomed by them; and as they led us up the red carpet stairs and into the hotel’s stunning lobby, we instantly felt transported back in time and into a different world.

The check-in experience at the hotel was delightful and efficient, and it wasn’t long before we passed the ‘Guests Only’ sign and were shown to our splendid Palm Court Suite. Our butler arrived soon after we did to settle us in and explain the rooms tech-controlled system. A surprisingly modern touch in our old-world surroundings. Once inside the suite we could fully appreciate the amount of work that had been done during the recent two-year renovation.

The rooms and the furniture have been updated, but the original style has been duly preserved. It was wonderful to see the original teak floors had been retained, complete with the marks made from bygone residents and guests that have enjoyed these buildings over the past 134 years. There is an understated elegance to the suite. The bathroom is beautifully decorated in marble and Peranakan tiles with a deep claw foot bath taking centre stage. The large and remarkably comfortable four post bed dressed in fabulous linens, and the black out blinds discreetly tucked away from the colonial windows during the day, made for a blissful night’s sleep.

Treasure hunting

Raffles Hotel’s current staycation package – Treasures of Raffles – The Curious Case of the Missing Peranakan Treasure is an enthralling whodunnit tale written by award-winning playwright Jean Tay and directed by critically acclaimed actor/director Hossan Leong. It immerses you into the role of a detective tasked to investigate the missing Peranakan treasure – the crown jewel of the fictional “Treasures of the Straits” exhibition at the Raffles Hotel Singapore.

It begins with a virtual, interactive play watched from the comfort of our luxurious suite, taking us on a virtual tour of this iconic Grand Dame of Singapore. Whilst watching the play we tucked into a delectable array of fresh baked madeleines and macaroons, chocolates and fresh fruit which were beautifully laid out and waiting for us on our arrival.

 

Next it was time to gather up our mystery envelopes and head into the hotel’s expansive grounds to solve the clues and find the missing treasure. We were delighted when one of the clues led us to a pit stop that included a platter of satays accompanied by the quintessential Singapore Sling which fueled the remainder of our afternoon’s treasure seeking adventures. No spoilers here but after this wonderful repose we were excited to make our way through the remaining clues, solve the mystery and find the missing Peranakan treasure.

The history of Raffles Hotel is palpable everywhere and we spent a good long while in one of the long sweeping hallways that displays a large collection of photos of some of her most memorable guests including Charles Chaplin, Queen Elizabeth, Deep Purple, Rudyard Kipling and Somerset Maugham.

Dining

The Grand Lobby restaurant is a beautiful place to wind down after the hot afternoon’s activities. We enjoyed ‘A Raffles Heritage Evening’ set-menu featuring a sharing platter of signature local delights ($68) including Chilli Crab Cakes, Spicy Tiger Prawns, Crispy Spring Rolls and Sesame Prawn Toast, followed by the well-loved classics Singapore Laksa and Hainanese Chicken Rice. Our delicious meal ended on a sweet note with local delights including Kaya Pineapple Roll, Ondeh Ondeh, Kueh Lapis and Coconut Birds Nest Tartlets. It was a true gastronomical experience of our favourite local classics.

Breakfast is served in the Tiffin Room which has been a part of Raffles history since 1892. Beautifully restored, it still transports diners back to a bygone era. With buffet style breakfasts still closed thanks to COVID restrictions this breakfast menu offers a ‘buffet at your table experience’, with western and local menus, as well as cereal and tropical fruits and an array of fresh juices.

Raffles Tiffin Room

Verdict: The staycation experience at Raffles Hotel is simply outstanding – The service is what you would expect from a hotel of this caliber and then some, with a courteous, efficient and smiling staff. The rooms and facilities are simply superb, and for the foodies, it features several highly rated restaurants including Michelin-starred La Dame de Pic.

If you have a special birthday or anniversary to celebrate, or are looking to create some special lifetime memories while you are in Singapore, you should certainly spend a night or two in this splendid 134-year old Singapore icon.

The Treasures of Raffles package is available for stays from April 1 2021 to June 30 2021.

The package includes, complimentary Singapore Slings for two and a satay platter at Raffles Courtyard, redeem a complimentary gift from Raffles Boutique along the way and cap off your experience with an indulgent Heritage Evening dinner at The Grand Lobby.

Promising the full Raffles Experience, the package also offers other special privileges and benefits, including:.

– Breakfast for two.
– 15% off at all Raffles-operated restaurants and bars, Raffles Spa and Raffles Boutique.
– Complementary history tour with Raffles Hotel Singapore’s Resident Historian.

Successful mystery solvers will receive an e-voucher for purchases at Raffles Boutique with no minimum spend, as well as a special Afternoon Tea Experience for two at The Grand Lobby (worth S$156++) redeemable either during the stay or at a later time.

Find out more here.

Ways to commemorate ANZAC Day 2021

April 25 marks the day in 1915 when Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) landed at Gallipoli in Turkey, the site of Australia and New Zealand’s first major battle of World War I and the loss of over 8,700 Australian and 2,700 New Zealand soldiers amongst many others.

Here are some ideas on how you can reflect on, and remember, those who died serving Australia and New Zealand during war, while honouring servicemen and women, past and present.

  • Go for an early morning walk as a family and watch the sun come up. At dawn, stop and take a quiet moment to remember all those that have fallen. Although we will miss the prayers and parades, dawn is when the Australian troops initially set foot at Gallipoli on April 25 1915. The symbolism of darkness breaking into sunrise makes for a compelling moment of reflection.
  • Display your community spirit by decorating your letterbox, fence, front door and windows with poppies, wreaths or ANZAC related art work. You can find some great art and craft ideas here

  • Post a Poppy online. Leave a message of support for Australian servicemen and women lestweforget.gov.au or donate to your National RSA poppy appeal (details can be found on the respective RSA websites).
  • Bake ANZAC biscuits with your family. You can find a great recipe here.

  • Research your family’s military history. There are a range of websites where you can start your search. For Australia, the Australian War Memorial, Department of Veteran Affairs and National Library. For New Zealand, visit the National Army Museum, Veterans Affairs and National Library are a good places to begin too. There are also a range of platforms that you can use such as Ancestry.com and GenI for a subscription fee.
  • For smaller children, read the story of Simpson and his donkey. John Simpson Kirkpatrick and his donkey Duffy have become an icon of the Gallipoli campaign and it is taught to primary school children all over Australia and New Zealand. Ask your children if they know the story or look online to find out more.

This ANZAC day, although we cannot come together in person, we can continue to come together in in spirit and continue the commemoration of ANZAC courage, compassion, camaraderie, and commitment.

Lest we forget.

Exploring Singapore’s Rail Corridor with ANZA’s Walking Group

Walking Green Corridor

From Tanjong Pagar Station in the south to Woodlands Train Checkpoint in the north, the Rail Corridor was built for commuting and the transportation of goods, including tin and rubber, between Singapore and the Malay Peninsula, and was originally referred to as the Singapore Government Railway.

In the early part of the 20th century, the Rail Corridor was leased for 999 years to the Federated Malay States government.  After Singapore separated from Malaysia in 1965,  control of the rail corridor and the lands associated with it was left under the control of Malaysian Government until ending on June 30, 2011 in a land swap arrangement.

The Singapore Land Authority opened the corridor up to public access in 2012 and since then, the revitalisation of this green tract of land and historical buildings, has been in full swing. Biodiversity and heritage have been kept top of mind in the new design along with accessibility to all with additional and improved access points. You will find many people enjoying the corridor either walking, running or cycling.

Additional sections of the corridor between Hillview and the conserved Bukit Timah Railway Station have recently opened for the enjoyment of the public, along with the Buona Vista to Tanjong Pagar section. Do note however, that the iconic art deco Tanjong Pagar Station is currently undergoing a major redevelopment and will become part of the new Cantonment MRT station. This is not due for completion until 2025/26.

ANZA’s Walking Group, the Kill-o-Metres, regularly head out to explore sections of the Rail Corridor in groups of eight and recently, some of our super fit members trekked 21 km of the corridor from South to North. We have some of their top tips and fantastic pics below to share.

ANZA Kill-o-Metre’s Tips for Heading out on the Rail Corridor

  • Walk on a weekday and head out early to avoid the crowds
  • It can be muddy after rain once you go north past The Rail Mall
  • Take care in the wet because some parts of the path can become slippery
  • Sunscreen and water are a must

More information

You can find out more about the Rail Corridor plans here.
For a very handy interactive map of the Rail Corridor click here.

If you fancy exploring the delights of Singapore on foot and meeting great people, you can join ANZA’s Walking Group here.

Walk the Green Corridor

Earth Day Spotlight: Georgia Mor & One Planet (Singapore) 

One Planet Founder Georgia Mor
Georgia Mor

Local clean-up group, One Planet (Singapore) regularly hold beach and street clean-ups and have grown to over 350 green warriors. We talk to founder and ANZA member Georgia Mor about her mission to make a difference.

How long have you been in Singapore?

Around 2.5 years. We left Australia in 2011 and had stints in Tokyo and London before coming to Singapore. I live with my husband Andrew, and two children Darcy (14) and Archie (12). I’ve been on loads of ANZA tours since we moved here, and I love how they have shown me many different sides to Singapore. They really helped me find my feet here and I met some great people through them. I’ve also recently joined the ANZA trailing talent group.

Why did you decide to start One Planet (Singapore)?

I started One Planet (Singapore) about 18 months ago with a British trailing spouse – Rachel Guest. We were shocked by the amount of rubbish on the beaches in countries near Singapore. Suddenly all that ocean plastic we saw in documentaries became very real.

We wanted to do something small about it. We started picking up rubbish in our local area but quickly realised it would take a lot of effort for two people to make any impact. So we encouraged others to join us. We started organising small group clean ups at beaches and on the streets, set up a Facebook group, and so One Planet (Singapore) was born. Unfortunately, Rachel has since left Singapore, and so One Planet has become my own little project.

Environmental clean-up Singapore

What is One Planet (Singapore)?

One Planet (Singapore) is a social group that organises regular small street and beach clean ups around Singapore. What started as a group of two has now become a group of more than 350 people. Most, but not all, of our members are trailing spouses, and I’m really proud that we have active members from all around the world and from all ages.

People join us for all sorts of reasons – to do something for the environment, meet some new people, do something good for Singapore or to get some exercise. Everyone is welcome! So far, we have collected more than 650kg of rubbish off the streets and 2,600kg of rubbish from the beaches of Singapore. We have also picked up more than 450 masks since the pandemic started.

How can people get involved?

The events I organise are held on weekday mornings. I try to arrange at least one beach clean and one community clean each month. I advertise them through our FB group. If you can’t join us mid-week, consider doing your own clean up – at a time or place that suits you. Tongs can be bought from hardware uncles around the island, otherwise I have equipment you can borrow if you prefer. I am very happy to share any tips if you need a hand.

Kids rubbish clean-up Singapore
Kids can get involved in clean-ups

Plans or events for 2021? 

I’ve just organised some kayak clean ups in Marina Bay reservoir which were really popular, so I will look to do more of those this year. The monsoon winds will shortly change direction and we will again see East Coast Park full of plastic in the coming months. I will organise several clean ups there once that happens.

I also love encouraging kids to get out and do some good. We did a clean-up with a group of Brownies before the Circuit Breaker, and I hope to do some small group ones again this year. I ran a kids Easter competition during the holidays and will plan to do more to get kids involved later in the year. I’ve also been organising some clean ups at local HDB estates which have been really fun, so I will look to organise more of these during the year. Beyond that, who knows!

Tips for people living in Singapore who want to be more sustainable? 

Just do something! I love the saying; “‘can I really make a difference?’ said 7.8 billion people”. Yes, you can! Make some small changes in your life, and then make some more – every little bit counts. Personally, I am trying to go through this year without buying a single use plastic drink bottle. I have picked up too many of them and I realise I need to stop contributing to that problem. Honestly, I am no hard-core environmentalist, but I think we should all try to be better, including me!

East Coast beach Rubbish Singapore

What does Earth Day mean to you? 

It’s a great day to raise awareness for our planet, but it’s really just one day. I think it’s important for all of us to make lasting changes to how we behave every day. The pandemic has shown us how the lives that we take for granted can change very quickly in unimaginable ways. I think we all need to take better care of our planet so that something similar doesn’t happen in the future.

Anything else to add?

Feel free to contact me if you would like to organise a clean up for your team, family, school or group. I am very happy to help.

Where can we find you online? 

We are on Facebook – One Planet (Singapore) and also Instagram: one_planet_singapore

Earth Day is an annual event observed on 22 April to celebrate the planet’s environment and to raise public awareness about environmental issues. 

 

 

Singapore & Southern Forests celebrate the inaugural Pinot Picnic | 22 – 25 April 2021

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Wine event SingaporeThe first ever Pinot Picnic is a celebration of Western Australia’s Southern Forests & Valleys’ best produce and pinot wine varieties, running from 22 to 25 April with pop-up events throughout Manjimup and Pemberton.

For those who can’t travel to the region in person, a virtual live-streamed wine tasting event will bring Pinot Picnic into homes around Singapore on Friday 23 April at 7.30 pm.

The PINOT PILGRIMAGE event will take place in the heart of Karri Tree country and the tasting panel will feature wine aficionados and winemakers taking to the stage to share their knowledge about the Southern Forests premium pinot varieties; from pinot sparkling through to pinot rosé and noir.

Western Australian Wine

The panel of experts features wine writer Erin Larkin (contributor to The Wine Companion magazine, Gourmet Traveller Wine, a Pro Member of Tastingbook.com and others), alongside  Rob Geddes MW.  Rob is a Master of Wine, immersed in every aspect of the wine industry for more than 30 years as an author, consultant, judge and educator.  Rob is the author of the longest running national wine guide Australian Wine Vintages (popularly known as the Gold Book), now in its 36th edition.  Rounding off the panel are local winemakers Dan Pannell from Picardy Wines, and long-time pinot lover Liam Carmody from Lonely Shore.

Virtual guests in Singapore can pre-order a Pinot Picnic hamper to play along with the tasting in the comfort of their home.  Pinot Picnic hamper offerings include a trio or four pack of Southern Forests wine and Plumm glassware, as well as small and large hampers with a paired gourmet spread supplied by Lush Platters.  Hampers are available through the Pinot Picnic website www.pinotpicnic.com/picnichampers and will be delivered to your door.

wine hamper

The inaugural 2021 Pinot Picnic is a partnership with Wine Australia, Wines of WA, Australia South West, Southern Forests Wine Region, Southern Forests Food Council, Department of Primary Industries & Regional Development, Southern Forests & Valleys Tourism, South West Development Commission, RAC Western Australia, Shire of Manjimup and Roolife Group.

To keep up to date on event announcements, visit www.pinotpicnic.com

ANZA Soccer’s Parent Volunteers

Be part of a friendly soccer club in Singapore, that values its parent volunteers…

Jono Smith
Coach, 2015 (G5) group

This year has been my first foray into organised sport with my son, Will. I wasn’t sure what to expect. It’s been a real privilege seeing the kids improve rapidly over the last six months, both with their soccer skills and general level of confidence. Their enthusiasm for playing, working as a team and having fun during the sessions makes it very motivating and rewarding for the coaches. The kids turn up ready to play and support their team, come rain or shine… particularly, come rain!

Adam Martin ANZA President and Soccer Coach

Adam Martin
ANZA President and Coach, 2015 (G5) group

This year represented our entry into kids’ sport, and I had no idea what to expect turning up to coach a bunch of small children with no prior exposure or experience – I was probably a little nervous to be honest! Without a doubt, it has been an awesome experience all round. I love the community and camaraderie of the volunteer-based programme; seeing our little team bond, learn, and progress together in their good and bad moments. Saturday mornings have definitely turned into daddy-daughter bonding, which has been
priceless. I love it!

Jan-Hein Chrisstoffels

Jan-Hein Chrisstoffels
Assistant Coach, 2016 (G4) group

With two children in ANZA Soccer,
Emi (6) and Jari (4), I put up my hand to volunteer as assistant coach with the four-year-olds. It’s great to see this bunch of kids running around early in the morning on Saturdays in the beautiful surroundings of The Cage at Turf City. We love that instead of ANZA, our little Jari keeps saying “AJAX”!

Cara Mayega
Junior Matildas Co-Coordinator

It’s been a crazy induction into the world of ANZA for me! As a single mum, I wasn’t sure I would even have time to do Saturday soccer. Thanks to COVID-19 I’m no longer travelling for work, so I brought my daughter Zoe along for a trial. I ended up being asked to be a team parent of five girls, which soon grew to 20! My four-year-old son is a Little Lion, and I’ve now stepped up to help organise the Junior Matildas. I can certainly speak to the benefits of being part of the ANZA community, and how important it has been for my daughter to see me get involved.

Juliet Harper
U14 Team Parent

My husband Ryan and I are never sure who gets more enjoyment out of ANZA Soccer, the kids or the adults; as much as they enjoy playing, we equally enjoy watching, cheering them on, and participating too. I recall hearing that when your children are training, you should try to be active too. What better way than to get involved with their teams? Over the years we have seen the boys grow, develop and keep fit. But more importantly, they’ve had fun and forged bonds with their teammates. Likewise, we have met many wonderful parents and shared great team moments with other ANZA families!

Rob Hunt

Rob Hunt
U17 Coach

When we came to Singapore from the UK, our son Bradley played in one of the well-known “commercial” football enterprises. We are so pleased that we moved to ANZA Soccer seven years ago! It is a key part of our weekend to relax after a hard week at school and work. The whole family has made wonderful friends through the ANZA community. ANZA Soccer is run from within, with so much time and effort devoted by the parent volunteers, all for the benefit of our kids. I am pleased to play a very small part as one of the U17 coaches this season, in what are very unusual circumstances. We all look forward to the day when we can return to normal with the exciting League and ANZA Cup in proper 11 V 11 competition!

Melanie Zammit
Age Group Coordinator, 2015s (G5)

When I was growing up, my Dad volunteered for every sport, activity and school committee that my siblings and I were involved with, whether he had a personal interest with that activity or not. By doing so, he role-modelled to me how good it can feel as a kid to have your parents involved in what you do. I loved my activities more, and I had a pride and sense of ownership in my sport and extracurricular events. It motivated me and I felt part of a community. I volunteer because I hope to give my children that very same experience and feeling in their lives.

Simon Edwards
Coach, 2014s (G6)

I have two children, Jake (6) and Phoebe (12) playing with ANZA Soccer, and I’ve been coaching for the last four years. Seeing the young kids listening, learning, and enjoying their football and putting into practice what you’re teaching them is so rewarding. ANZA Soccer provides a fantastic structure for us to introduce kids to the game. It gives beginners an opportunity to come along and have fun, while enabling those kids with more experience to learn more and be introduced to healthy competition.

Find out more about ANZA Soccer and how to register your child today!

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Staycation Review: Wanderlust

Strategically located in one of Singapore’s key cultural conservation precincts, recently relaunched heritage hotel, Wanderlust is part of a trio of new openings under the Oakwood brand, including KēSa House and Ann Siang House. All three properties are beautifully restored and pulse with the rhythm and history of Little India and Chinatown.

I’ve been invited to stay on a Saturday night and as we drive into the vibrant, colourful neighbourhood, it feels like we’re escaping our everyday lives on the East Coast and could actually be in a suburb of Mumbai or Delhi. The imposing white façade of the heritage 1920s Art Deco building, with its intricate heritage tiles, make for an inviting entrance.

Wanderlust effortlessly merges retro charm with modern luxury. The hip front foyer has two plush lounge areas and a small provisions shop stocked with quirky Singapore games and sweets. We try five stones – a throwing and catching game popular with children in the Kampong days. Off the main foyer is the modern Sri Lankan restaurant, Kotuwa by chef-owner Rishi Naleendra. It’s wildly popular, so be sure to book ahead if you want to try it during your stay.

Studio loft room

We stay in a studio loft room, which has its own small kitchen, separate living area with a couch, and an elevated loft bed. It’s beautifully done, with plenty of storage for longer term stays. My only small niggle is the steep stairs that need to be climbed to get to the bedroom area. At night it’s a bit of a pain to clamber down them in the dark. This room category is best for younger, nimble guests, but they also offer lovely single level rooms.

The whole point of Wanderlust is to get out of your room and explore the streets of Little India and nearby Jalan Besar. We briefly drop by the inviting outdoor plunge pool and deck, before heading out to grab a drink and a bite. Our first stop is the Singapura Club on Dunlop St. With ice-cold beers, we sit and watch all the action of Little India at night.

Next, it’s time for dinner, and we opt for the highly recommended Bismillah Biryani Restaurant, also on Dunlop Street. This unassuming Bib Gourmand-awarded eatery serves an excellent version of the much-loved Indian classic. We choose the Young Mutton Biriyani ($10) – tender chunks of meat, served over basmati rice, with fried onion shallots and a side of tangy yogurt sauce. The restaurant also does lamb shank, fish, chicken, lamb chop and vegetarian versions. Later in the evening we satisfy our sweet tooth with a visit to Obsessive Chocolat Desire (OCD) in Jalan Besar. The late-night ice cream café serves wild flavours like Avocado and Milo and Cactus and Burned Milk, with crisp, fresh waffles.

Tour guide Shabnam
Try hawker fare with an expert to guide the way

Wanderlust also offers experiences that reflect Singapore’s multicultural identity. We’ve booked the two-hour heritage food trail, curated by award-winning local tour company, Singabites. In the morning, we meet up with our exceptional guide, Shabnam, who takes on a fascinating journey through Little India’s culinary highlights, street art,  cultural attractions and rich history. We even get to try our hand at making flower garlands and are given spices and Indian sweets to take home. At $80 per person for the tour, inclusive of delicious food, it’s well worth doing, and is the highlight of our stay.

Verdict: A beautiful heritage hotel in a colourful, historic neighbourhood makes for a exception boutique staycation. Throw in a Singabites tour – you won’t regret it!

Book: One-night stay at Wanderlust, inclusive of a set of local welcome amenities including heritage snacks and gift is priced from S$135++ per room per night

https://www.oakwood.com/singapore/singapore/wanderlust

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