Dolled Up & Nowhere To Go?

Check out Christmas-themed Victorian doll houses at IMM and help build Habitat for Humanity build houses

By James P. Ong

WHILE the rest of us are thinking of going home for the holidays, there are, in reality, millions of people who do not even have any place to call home – like families in Nepal, Pakistan, Cambodia, Indonesia and China.

And that’s why Habitat for Humanity, a non-profit organisation which has built more than 100,000 homes worldwide, hopes to build an additional 100 houses in these countries next year.

To raise funds for this project, Habitat for Humanity has seeked the help of IMM ― whose Christmas campaign is entitled “I’MM Home this X’mas” ― in a series of innovative fun-filled charitable initiatives.

One of these is the IMM Doll House Mini Winter Wonderland at the mall’s atrium area, where four Victorian doll houses imported from the US and dolled up by local celebrities and volunteers are on display.

Read more about this Christmas event with dollhouse displays.

Gifts Tip: Mineral Fusion

New cosmetic line is a perfect WRAP

LET'S face it: December is one of the year’s most stressful times of the year, which accounts for beauty blahs like skin breakouts and dry and blotchy skin in a season when you ought to look picture-perfect for all those holiday parties and reunions.

How to avoid that blah skin?

Introducing Mineral Fusion™ – an all-natural mineral makeup that features a colourful collection of cosmetics that prettifies as it treats and cares for your skin.

The secret? An exclusive W.R.A.P. Complex — a perfect blend of natural minerals that combines skin care benefits, antioxidants, makeup, and UV protection in one product line.

Read more about mineral makeup.

Nomadic aspirations of the urban kind

Road Test - Nissan Qashqai 2.0 (A)

Text and photos by Amery Reuben

SAY hello to the Qashqai, Nissan's latest in-breeding effort to develop the once elusive "mini sport utility" vehicle. Nissan hopes that this car's demographic will be itinerants, sparking a sense of adventure in everyone.

This smaller, European being exists to complement the Murano, and yes, it is European. Despite being conceived in Japan back in 2003, the Nissan Qashqai is really about as European as a Japanese-made entity can exist today. It was penned down by Nissan Design Europe, which is based in Paddington, London. Then, it was engineered and developed at Nissan’s Technical Centre in Cranfield, Bedfordshire, UK, and for the British market, is built alongside the Note and Micra in Sunderland.

While we’re most likely to receive stocks from Nissan’s assembly line in Japan, differences are negligible. That aside, Nissan realises that not everyone needs such a big car, especially here in Singapore. And for many here, being who they are, would rather live with just the image of owning an SUV, without the associated gadgetry, complications or costs for that matter. It’s a car all right.

Read more about this car review on Nissan Qashqai.

Road Test: Geely CK

This car targets younger families who wish to 'upgrade' their lifestyle with a private vehicle to bring the spouse and kids around town

Text by Andy Hum / Photos by Adrian Wong

CARS in Singapore don't come cheap these days. Not that they were ever cheap anyway, but the costs of ownership have become so prohibitive. With constant rises at the fuel pumps and the population of ERP gantries threatening to outnumber traffic lights, is it still possible to own a car without having a seven-digit bank balance?

When the Chinese first introduced their home-made cars to the world, it wasn’t met with open arms. Reports on the web and even on YouTube showed clearly how poorly their cars performed in crash tests.

And that was on top of the endless criticisms they faced for copying designs.

Read more about this car review on the Geely CK.

Three Classic Fairy Tales, Live From Disney

Theatre show in November boasts transforming set, captivating choreography, innovative lighting and breathtaking costumes

A LAVISH transforming set, captivating choreography, innovative lighting, breathtaking costumes; these are just some of the ingredients that make up Disney LIVE!’s latest theatre show, Three Classic Fairy Tales.

Produced by Feld Entertainment, its the first Disney Live! production to make its debut in Asia before its US and Europe opening. It has played successfully throughout eight cities in China, Seoul, Korea and is now making its way throughout South East Asia with an aim to enthrall audiences here.

Previous Feld Entertainment productions include Disney On Ice, Disney Live!, Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® and Doodlebops Live!

Three Classic Fairy Tales will play at the Singapore Indoor Stadium six days starting on 18 th November 2009. Tickets are available at www.sistic.com.sg. You can win any of the three family passes (good for four persons each) by participating in 88DB.com’s Refer-a-friend contest.

Read more about this 88DB contest to win tickets to Three Classic Fairy Tales.

Authentic Fengshui for Modern Living

Learn about authentic fengshui from premier fengshui consultant, Adelina Pang.



Adelina Pang is one of Singapore’s foremost Feng Shui consultants and has had an active and respected presence in the field since 1995. Over this period, her expert application of authentic Feng Shui has been invaluable to organizations ranging from multinational companies to hotels and banks right down to football clubs, retail outlets and private homes. Her clientele includes prominent entrepreneurs and professionals as well as celebrities and members of royalty. Her no-nonsense professionalism in her job has established her as a respected professional worldwide.

Adelina studied under several renowned Feng Shui masters in Asia before venturing out on her own. Her brand of authentic Feng Shui, which goes back to original concepts of positive and negative Qi, has been greatly impactful to those who seek her feng shui consultations.

Listen to her at the 88DB City Events workshop. Click here for more details about the feng shui workshop.

Holidays in Germany: Great Year-Round Ideas

Reasons to travel to Germany beyond Oktoberfest
By Jimi St Pierre

THE rest of the world may celebrate Oktoberfest October, but in Germany where the beer festival originated, it actually starts as early as September. In Munich, the provenance of this beer festival, a huge park in the centre called the Theresenwiese (locally known as the Wies'n) is transformed annually into a party central.

Half of the park is filled with amazing rides, side shows, food stalls and Schnapps tents. The other half boasts 14 beerhalls. Like everything about the Oktoberfest the beerhalls are huge, seating over 4000 people inside each one and more in the beer gardens.

Seated at tables you are served steins (1 litre jugs) of the local brew by the frauliens, entertained by Oompah bands...the atmosphere is fantastic.

But if you can’t be in Munich this year, you can always go to the microbreweries in Singapore to enjoy different kinds of beer brews.

That said, Oktoberfest is not the only time to be in Germany.

Read more about holidays in Germany.

Treat Yourself To A Fitness Spa Vacation

Discover new places while transforming yourself into a healthier and stronger you
By Tomer Harel

CONSTANTLY coming up with unique vacation ideas can really be challenging. Aside from the destination to decide on, there are the itinerary and/or activities you have to worry about, too.

For every travel opportunity, it is just natural for all of us to want to try and experience something we have never experienced before. It makes the trip a lot more worth it and fonder in our memories to have come back from a vacation having tried something new.

Coming from this desire are the fitness spa vacation ideas that are increasing in popularity to everyone who finds him- or herself in the position to do the travel plans.

The concept of fitness spa vacations is pretty simple, but it sure leads to a world of rewards. Being able to discover new places while transforming yourself into a healthier and stronger you is just amazing.

Such concepts are available around the world, from Thailand and South Korea to Greece and Russia.

Read more about fitness spa vacations.

How To Find the Best Airline Ticket Price

It's way easier to hop online is all we’re saying
By Millard Hiner

TODAY, finding cheap airfare is important to almost all travelers. The best website for cheap airfares depends very much on your circumstances. There is not really one “best” website that covers everything. Your departure location, destination, and memberships in various groups and organisations all factor in when it comes to finding the best deal. The Internet is the place to shop around for the cheapest airline ticket available.

There are some online classifieds sites like 88DB.com’s Travel advertising category, and comparison-shopping websites that generally make good starting places search for cheap airfares: Expedia, Travelocity, and Orbitz. All three access all the different airlines and allow you to compare prices for your trip if you fly at different times and with differing numbers of stops. The best discount airline ticket price you'll find is on the Internet.

There are also different features available on these sites to help you locate cheap airfare. Both Expedia and Travelocity offer the ability to look at prices for flying on different dates.

Read more on how to find the best airline ticket price.

[iRecommend] Hachi Tei Japanese Cuisine

“It does not not charge GST nor service charge. The food is good and cheap."
— Leonard Png, blogger

MEET the talent behind the blog "The Chronicles of Leonard". His name is Leonard Png, 30, and he works as a laboratory executive at NTU.

“I blog almost everything under the sun, mostly about myself, my thoughts, the food I ate, the movie I watched, the places I went to, the events I attended, the countries I went to, the photographs I took, rants, occasionally gossips,” says Leonard.

Here, he recommends his favourite Japanese restaurant in Singapore.

Raise $1 For Every Vote With BEIJING 101

Hair consultants gives back to Society of Physically Disabled with online voting project from 1 Oct - 15 November

SALIMAH Ishak, a client of the Society of Physically Disabled, was first diagnosed with her condition when she lost sensation in her limbs when she was 14. Since then, she has managed to regain some movement. In 2000, she joined SPD as a trainee in the Sheltered Workshop and began therapy twice a week at the SPD Rehabilitation Centre. She also received IT training.

Today, Salimah is a full-fledged web and flash animation designer, with clients like Hill and Knowlton, Tat Lee Holdings and Allianz Insurance Company.

Three of her digital artworks are being featured in BEIJING 101 Hair Consultants’s Christmas fundraising project, where people are asked to vote for their favourite digital artwork on www.beijing101hair.com/charity. BEIJING 101 contributes $1 to SPD for every unique vote that the winning artwork gathers from 1 October to 15 November.

Read more about Beijing 101's charity project.

$170 Ultimate Radiance Package

Spa Botanica offers special design treatment for Sun Festival

TREAT yourself to a special offer $170 Ultimate Radiance spa package, available only from Spa Botanica at Sentosa Island during the Singapore Sun Festival period of 17 – 26 October.

There are many spas in Singapore, and many spa treatments.

But what makes this one special is it’s designed especially for the festival and it’s being offered by Singapore’s first tropical garden destination spa, named one of the world’s Top Ten Day Spas by the Conde Nast Traveller UK Readers’ Spa Awards 2008 – Overseas Category.

Read more about this spa treatment package.

The Secret Behind LG Secret

The third in LG Black Label Series meant to tantalize users


LG Secret was developed to satisfy the tastes of trendsetters who desire a sophisticated design with an enduring elegance. It is the third model from the LG Black Label Series. The premium, understated style of the phone is reflected through the unique pattern and texture of the innovative carbon fiber material, complemented with sleek tempered glass.

The name Secret symbolizes a slender and stylish handset that does not compromise benefits and convenience of smart, digital technology.

The meaning of the product name, “LG Secret” (Model: LG-KF750), is to tantalize the user with the intrinsic features of the phone and engage in a continual process of exploring the inner workings of the handset that will never go out of style.

“LG Secret inspires timeless elegance with its premium materials and today’s most innovative mobile technology, a mark of true premium mobile handset,” says Dr. Skott Ahn, President and CEO of LG Electronics Mobile Communications Company. “We expect the introduction of the third LG Black Label Series will continue to raise our position as a premium brand in the Asia Pacific...”

Read more about LG's newest mobile phone in the market, LG Secret.

Something To Remember F1 By

Merchandise for 2008 FORMULA 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix now available

IF YOU you have been looking forward to getting your hands on the official 2008 FORMULA 1™ SingTel Singapore Grand Prix merchandise, the wait is over. An exciting range of merchandise ranging, from caps and T-shirts to cuddly bears and commemorative mugs, is already on sale at selected outlets.

“These items are produced after much thought by the designers, so that spectators and race fans alike can bring home a very meaningful souvenir, long after the chequered flag has been waved,’’ said Mr Teo Hock Seng, chairman of Singapore GP Pte Ltd.

Currently, there are already 7 men’s t-shirts, 5 women’s t-shirts, and one children’s t-shirt. Also available all the way to the race weekend are items such as beach towels, can holders, foldable binoculars, a host of bags (gym bag, messenger bag, shoulder bag), luggage tags, mugs, pens, teddy bears, water bottles, caps, and Zippo lighters.

Read more about Singapore F1 souvenirs.

3 Characteristics Of A Good Tutor

How to find a tutor who is a good fit, knowledgeable and passionate?
By P. Sabrina

AS parents, the ultimate goal for your child is to see them improve both their grades as well as self-esteem. However, in today’s society, with the high cost of living, parents are required to go out to society and work. In other words, they are no longer able to put in just as much effort to educate and groom their child to achieve that ultimate goal.

What’s the alternative solution? Get a tutor!

Tutors are those who teach a specific educational subject or skill to an individual or small group of students. Such attention allows the tutor to improve knowledge or skills far more rapidly than in a classroom setting.

However, you can’t just get any tutor, you need the “right tutor”. But the question, really is how to pick the right tutor for your child?

Parents usually have a couple places they can turn to. They either ask a neighbor who might then refer them to someone down the street they heard was a teacher, or they will ask the guidance office at the school that will give them a list of twenty tutors or tutoring services.

They might even ask the teacher as well, but most schools will not allow teachers to tutor students from the same school for compensation and the time the teacher gives after or before school just isn't enough.

Alternatively, in the age of the internet, parents can also plough through the list of Classifieds websites such as 88DB.com, which has its own Tuition category.

So exactly what should you look for in a tutor? Read more for some tips on finding a good tutor.

Burn, Baby, Burn

Feel how it is to burn in the fires of hell at Chinese artist Miao Xiaochun's exhibit

BEIJING-based multidisciplinary artist Miao Xiaochun (b. 1964) will showcase new works in a solo exhibition, entitled "Miao Xiaochun: Microcosm", which opens at Osage Singapore today.

Osage is an international gallery group with major exhibition spaces in Hong Kong, Beijing, Shanghai and Singapore. It represents some of the most outstanding artists in Asia and works closely with a variety of internationally respected curators, critics and art historians to present and promote exhibitions that address fundamental global issues.

In his newest work, Microcosm Chinese artist Miao Xiaochun re-imagines Hieronymus Bosch’s famous 15th century masterpiece, "The Garden of Earthly Delights".

Read more about Miao Xiaochun's art exhibit.

ART Singapore 2008

The 8th ARTSingapore is the Largest Contemporary Asian Art Fair Featuring 110 art galleries from 16 Countries

Singapore, July 29, 2008 – The most anticipated Asian contemporary art fair will be here once again to set the visual arts scene ablaze over five days from 10 13 October, 2008 at Suntec Singapore, International Convention and Exhibition Centre. About 110 art galleries from 16 countries will be showcasing US$30 million worth of artworks ranging from paintings, drawings, sculptures, installations, photographs and digital art done, making this year's ARTSingapore event the biggest one to date. MF Global Singapore is ARTSingapore 2008 s presenting sponsor.

Read more about ART Singapore 2008.

88DB City Events presents: Learn To Belly Dance

Learn one of the oldest social dances in world history with our belly dancing workshop, sponsored by Claribel’s Raks Sharki Studio.



What is belly dance?
Many experts say belly dancing is the oldest form of dance, having roots in all ancient cultures from the orient to India to the mid-East. Probably the greatest misconception about belly dancing is that it is intended to entertain men.

Throughout history, this ritualized expression has usually been performed for other women, generally during fertility rites or parties preparing a young woman for marriage. In most cases, the presence of men is not permitted.*

Read more and register for your spot at 88DB City Events.

*source: BellyDance.org

Sushi Cake, Anyone?

It would make a fantastic centrepiece — even better than a naked woman
By James P. Ong

EVER heard of sushi cakes? Neither have we, until we stumbled onto this photo (see original post) from a blog. Apparently, the bride and groom were known to love sushi so much that their friends decided to bake them this cake made with avocado, edamame, wasabi, raw salmon, tuna and roe. And topped with wasabi icing and drizzled in soy sauce!

We were intrigued enough to start looking for sushi cakemakers in Singapore, but alas, we found none. But we did spy an advertisement in 88DB.com promoting the culinary courses of California-Asia Sushi Academy, which teaches its students fun ways of preparing Japanese food.

Read more about Sushi Cakes.

Tantric Massage Can Be Wholesome

‘I think most men would simply like to believe that the touch is sexual’
By James P. Ong

SAY Tantric massage and the first thing that’s likey to come to mind is sensuality and sexuality. But if Tantra Path founder Christina Low is to be believed, it can be also be about spirituality and re-channeling energy.

There are various therapies under the wide umbrella of Tantra. “Watsu/Tantsu/ Kahuna are all forms of Tantra in a (non-genital) massage. And, of course, Kashmir Tantric massage that I teach is based on giving from a loving heart, and not a search for more physical triggers to gain arousal,” she says.

On 30 August, Low is holding a course on “Tantric Massage For Two” — one of three Tantric-themed workshops that day. What, exactly, is Tantric massage? According to the course outline, it is the massage of a loving heart and sensual touch.

Read more about how Tantric Massage Can Be Wholesome.

Burger King Ad Controversy

Tray liners portray an onion getting strip-searched

AN ADVERTISING agency in Europe has created controversial tray liners for Burger King that shows an onion clearing the airport security, stripped and with its pants down. Yes, you read right. An onion. With its pants down.

According to the website www.ideasandbox.com, the artwork is part of a series called Veg City, created by an ad agency called .start. The campaign seems to be for use only in certain European countries, and thus won’t make it to Asia or Singapore. Earlier themes included a Red Light City, Halloween, and New Year’s Eve.

Read more about the Burger Kind Ad Controversy.

The Michael Phelps Diet

Watch the video — the Olympic star eats 12,000 calories a day
By James P. Ong

BEIJING Olympics sensation Michael Phelps’s diet secret is simple: He eats 12,000 calories a day. "Eat, sleep and swim. That's all I can do…get some calories into my system and try to recover the best I can,” said the 23-year-old American swimmer in an interview with US television station NBC, as reported by New York Post.

This should hardly be a surprise. As far back as 2005, in an interview with IGN Sports, he already boasted about “cramming in as many calories…as I possibly can.” What a lucky guy.

Click on our Michael Phelps story to read the rest of the Michael Phelps interview and watch the Michael Phelps video.

Win a LG Secret KF750 from 88DB

88DB.com launches their August contest and up for grabs is the latest LG phone, the LG Secret KF750

How would you like to win your very own LG Secret?

Every month, 88DB.com holds Snap.Post.Vote contests exclusive to members so we can all interact and inspire ourselves in our little community.

In this month's contest, the instructions are simple - all you have to do is take a photo of yourself, post it at the contest page, and tell us why you want to win a set of your very own LG Secret 5-megapixel camera mobile phone!

What are you waiting for? Post now!

SINGfest ’08 Rocked!

Success of local-grown music festival, only on its second year, means it is already an institution
Text and Photos by Mavis Ang

ONLY in its second year running, SINGfest 2008 turned out to be a major success, selling out its second day tickets weeks ahead of this music event. It might have been the stellar lineup, which included British folk rockers Travis and R&B princess Alicia Keys – these two attracted the biggest crowds.

SINGfest proved itself to be more than its international acts. Sure, the bands and artists were an important aspect of the musical festival, but SINGfest had it all – a mature crowd, great sunny weather, and squeaky clean toilets. With these essential factors alongside awesome live performances, SINGfest turned out to be the best musical event I’ve attended.

Read more about SINGfest 2008.

Lose Dramatic Inches Fast With The Latest Slimming Treatment Wonder

Marie France develops BodyTech™ Perfectionist System, one of the most powerful weight loss systems now available

FOR a sexy, sculpted silhouette and a body that feels completely reborn, Marie France Bodyline introduces the next generation in body slimming and toning: the BodyTech™ Perfectionist System.

Formulated at their cutting-edge laboratories, this revolutionary slimming system harnesses a unique blend of three compounds — CafeiSilane C, BodyFit, and Regestril — to target women’s most common body problems, such as hard-to-trim fat, cellulite, and skin distention.

Read more about the latest slimming treatment service.

Arts Exposure

Three exhibits worth checking out this NDP weekend

OSAGE: “Inside Looking Out”
THE establishment by young Hong Kong artists of studios−in the flatted factories of Chai Wan, Kwun Tong, and, in particular, Fotan in the New Territories−constitutes one of the most interesting aspects of HK’s recent contemporary art development.

It is the closest to the Western notion of the aesthete or bohemian artist working for arts sake in his garret. It is HK’s 21 st century equivalent of the bohemian artists’ colony.

At Osage Singapore, catch seven of these artists in “Inside Looking Out.” They are Ma Chihang (Film/Media Arts), Kwan Sheungchi (Multi-disciplinary Arts), Lee Kit (Painting Installation), Chow Chunfai (Painting), Pak Sheungchuen (Conceptual Art), Lam Tungpang (Painting/Mixed-media) and Doris Wong Waiyin (Mixed-media).

The exhibit’s organisers believe that, as the art world becomes more and more fragmented, the identification of artists as a member of a particular group or “school” is for many the only way of lending structure to a highly fluid range of contemporary art movements.

And that’s why they ask the question: Is there a “Fotan School” in Hong Kong?

“Inside Looking Out” at Osage Gallery (11B Mount Sophia, #01-12, Singapore 228466; tel. no. 6337 9909) opens on the evening of 8 August, and a roundtable discussion featuring the artists will be held on 9 August, from 2pm to 5pm. It runs until 5 September.

Read more for the other two art exhibits in Singapore.

Fancy Mooncake Liqueur

Interesting twist to old Chinese favourite at Szechuan Court

IT’S that time of the year again: August, the month of mooncakes. And Szechuan Court at Fairmont Hotel has come up with a fresh take on these centuries-old Chinese favourite: mooncake laced in liqueur. For that you have to thank Szechuan Court’s very own “Mooncake Empress”, chef Mandy Yeo, who prepares to enchant mooncake lovers anew with a robust selection of unique combinations such as Champagne Truffle & Chocolate Ganache, Baileys Chocolate and Rum & Raisin Chocolate Truffle, and all-time baked wholesome favourites of Double Yolk in White Lotus Paste and Peach-shaped Single Yolk & Macadamia Nuts in White Lotus Paste.

Free delivery to a single location is available for a minimum order of 50 boxes and three days advance order. There's also a special 20% discount from 1 - 10 August 2008 for a minimum purchase of two boxes.

Read more about the different fancy mooncake liqueur.

StreetDirectory is back on!

Streetdirectory re-launches with all new maps and new features for the loyal visitors.

Streetdirectory.com launches their new maps with much more value-added features this 1st of August. Read on for the press coverage from Straits Times...

Aug 1, 2008
Streetdirectory.com back in business
Online map website relaunched with new owner and maps created from scratch
By Irene Tham

STREETDIRECTORY.COM is back online.

The website, whose street maps were found by a court to have violated the copyright of the Singapore Land Authority (SLA), was taken offline in late March but is being relaunched today.

Two things are new about it: The site has new maps, created from scratch over the past nine months, and a new owner.

JobsDB, Asia's largest online recruitment firm based in Hong Kong, bought the streetdirectory. com Web address and its assets from Singapore-based Virtual Map in the fourth quarter of last year for an undisclosed sum.

The acquisition was kept under wraps until yesterday.

Mr Samuel Sung, chairman of JobsDB, told The Straits Times: 'Our online recruitment and classified ads businesses need maps. And streetdirectory.com is a good domain name to own.'

The revamped site offers users the conveniences of its predecessor, such as location search by postal code, building and street names.

But the site now also allows map users to pan across a particular neighbourhood by holding down and dragging the mouse.

Users will also be able to look for jobs based on location, since the online street directory has been integrated with JobsDB's recruitment engine.

A new company, called Streetdirectory, was recently incorporated here to run the online map business spanning three countries.

The outfit has about 70 people, including land surveyors and cartographers who chart the landmarks, buildings and roads here and in Malaysia and Indonesia.

Mr Sung, asked why he chose to build the maps from scratch when he could buy them from other providers, said: 'We're starting on a clean slate. No one can question our maps. We own them.'

More than 10 senior managers from Virtual Map have joined the new entity, including former Virtual Map managing director Firdhaus Akber, now the managing editor at Streetdirectory.

Virtual Map is still awaiting judgment from the Court of Appeal, Singapore's highest court, on its application to file an appeal against an earlier High Court decision.

Meanwhile, SLA has applied to strike out Virtual Map's notice of appeal.

The problem between the two former business partners began in 2004, when SLA filed a suit against Virtual Map for using its copyrighted materials after it no longer had the permission to do so.

SLA won the case in a district court. Virtual Map then appealed to the High Court against the decision but was turned down.

When the High Court ordered Virtual Map to take down the maps that infringed SLA's copyright in March, the map company went to the Court of Appeal, the judgment of which is pending.

Whatever the Court of Appeal decides, Mr Akber said, Virtual Map will 'fulfil its obligations to SLA and the lawyers'.

'We're not going to run away,' he said.

At its peak, Virtual Map had about 500 corporate customers in Asia, for whom it customised maps used, for example, on company websites and brochures.

Today, that customer base has under 100 names, said Mr Akber, who expressed hope that customers would recontract with Streetdirectory.

Virtual Map will remain open till the end of this year to service existing contracts. Until then, it will resell Streetdirectory's new maps to these customers.

Source: http://www.straitstimes.com/Singapore/Story/STIStory_263261.html

Go and take a peek at Streetdirectory.com now!

[iRecommend] Bella’s Seaweed Cold Mask

“The only time I woke up during the treatment was when a new layer of mask was placed on my face.”
P. Sabrina, 88DB.com writer

WHY do women do facial? “I want to look beautiful,” says Zune. “My skin complexion is not good so I do facial hoping to improve it.” “I have very sensitive skin,” says Sara. “I want to feel pampered while improving my complexion.”

A facial is a cosmetic treatment on the face, commonly involving a variety of skin treatments, including: steam, exfoliation, extraction, creams, lotions, masks, peels, and massage. Normally performed in a beauty salon, it is also a common spa treatment.

Basically women want to be pampered and look radiant, this is why women like me go for facials. When a colleague asked me to try one at Bella, I knew I needed a treat and this was one that no woman would reject. And so arrangements were made and I headed down to the Bella shop at International Building #08-06.

Read more about P. Sabrina's recommendation for facial treatments.

Healing Pets With A Holistic Approach

With so many people using alternative medicine, the demand for products and information on holistic veterinarian medicine has increased. Pawsitive Sensations’ Zoe Gan tells us how it works

HOLISTIC medicine is a practice that involves all aspects of the patients’ life when diagnosing and treating a particular condition. It is not a method of treatment but rather an approach to how treatment should be applied.

Just as holistic medicine applies to humans, it can also be a tool to treat animals. With so many people using alternative medicine, the demand for products and information on holistic veterinarian medicine has increased.

Zoe Gan, 29, an Engineering graduate who holds a certificate on dog massage from the Ohio-based PetMassage Training and Research Institute, is the owner of Pawsitive Sensations (which dubs itself Singapore’s First Holistic Canine Care Centre).

Pawsitive Sensations was started in California, USA, in 2004 to provide professional and qualified canine massage techniques to the numerous dog lovers in Silicon Valley. Zoe says, “having moved back to Singapore, we hope to provide to Singaporeans what many dog loving owners in America have taken advantage of for so many years.”

She opened her shop near Turf City in September and now treats an average of 15 dogs a week - including her youngest client, a three-month-old puppy.

Read more about alternative medicine for pets.

The Truth Behind Some Beauty Myths?

When it comes to beauty tips and tricks, there's a lot of information out there. How can you separate what really works from what doesn't?
By P. Sabrina


DURING our teenage years, most of us, ladies, would most likely seek advice from our mothers and/or grandmothers on what we should do to keep ourselves “pretty” despite the changes upon our bodies and us.

Some advice may sound sensible, while some seems a little hard to swallow, which brings us to wonder - do the beauty practices handed down to us hold a grain of scientific truth in them, or are they merely old wives tales?

Guinevere Ho, a U.K. Certified Image Consultant and Associate Trainer with First Impressions Image International (Singapore), shares with us, during an email interview, her views on this topic.

Read more about beauty myths.

[88DB City Events] Healthy Cooking Made Easy

An exclusive get-together with Home Concepts



Home Concepts invites you to a special day with Chef Lynette Foo and Chef Bertrand Cheo. Get the insider scoop on how to whip up special gourmet dishes with little effort in your very own kitchen!

At this engaging and interactive culinary class, learn how to use Brandt’s quality cooking appliance to prepare healthy recipes like Zucchini Parcel – King Oyster Mushroom with Mesclun Salad, Pan Seared Wild Ocean Trout with Tofu & Honey Kumquat Sauce and Chocolate Mousse with Strawberry Jelly. Following Chef Bertrand’s presentations, with special annotation by Chef Lynette Foo, you will get to sample the 3 menu items, specially prepared using Scanpan’s PFOA-free non-stick cookware.

Visit 88DB City Events to find out more and register for this cooking workshop!

88DB on Facebook

Are you a Facebook member? Are you an 88DB member? Then join both forces and be a fan of 88DB's Facebook page.

88DB Singapore is now on Facebook. Join the 88DB group or our Facebook page and be updated with the latest from events sponsored by 88DB to service and feature upgrades of our website.

Be a fan of the 88DB Facebook Page!

OR you can...

Share photos, videos and discuss anything under the sun with other 88DB members on our Facebook Group now!

Unveiling 88DB Singapore’s New Look

88DB.com Singapore launches a new look and layout to their homepage.

On July 22nd, 88DB Singapore unveiled a new look to their home page introducing a sleeker and cleaner look. All channels were moved up to the top to make it easier for users to go directly to their channel of interest.

88DB Singapore now has 26 main categories with the more recent additions being 88DB Interact, a channel for 88DB contests and community events; and Flowers & Gift Shop, a category where mom-and-pop flower shops and gift shops can advertise their wares.


Visit 88DB Singapore now and take a peek of their new look.

Win SINGfest Concert Tickets from 88DB

Get a chance to win a pair of SINGfest concert tickets when you register as an 88DB member between 21st to 31st of July 2008.








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SINGfest 2008 Is Must-See This August

Travis, Alicia Keys, Panic At The Disco, and Simple Plan are just some of the names who will be performing at this sensory feast for music lovers on the first weekend of August

LEADING concert promoter Midas Promotions is bringing back SINGfest, the highly anticipated outdoor music festival at Fort Canning, after a very successful debut last year.

“SINGfest is the music event that all Singaporeans should look forward to every year,” says Michael Hosking, founder and managing director of Midas Promotions, the leading concert organiser in Asia.

“With all the brilliant acts coming in this year, it says only one thing – SINGfest will get bigger and better from here on. Music fans are definitely in for an incredible ride this August," he adds.

“All the acts who attended last year LOVED it and word has spread throughout the industry that the Singapore summer festival is one to mark in the calendar, so this year we have enjoyed very positive responses from all the acts that we had asked. Those that could not make this year have all insisted that they would love to come another time if they were invited,” notes Hosking.

Read more about SINGfest 2008.

Gone Fishing Wednesdays

Every 3rd Wednesday evening of the month, a philosophy cum arts café transforms into a philosophy corner — a far cry from the boring, overrated coffee joints you find in town
By Estella Ng / Photos By Mr Lau / www.Urbanwire.com

HOSTING the café since Oct 2003, resident philosopher Lau Kwong Fook, who holds an MA in Philosophy from the University of Canterbury, hangs around Gone Fishing from 8pm to 10pm to lead discussions, on issues such as clear thinking, with just about anyone who is interested to hear what he has to say.

He is a freelance philosopher (giving talks to individuals, groups and organizations), editor and philosophy trainer. He even hosts a blog for reports and updates on the monthly philosophy café sessions held.

Read more about philosophy at Gone Fishing Café.

How To Wear Mineral Makeup

Mineral cosmetics herald a new chapter in makeup − a look that is lighter and more natural. Here, Revlon’s Bree Sharp gives us the lowdown on the modern way of wearing makeup
By Sabrina Ong

THE latest trend in the cosmetic industry is mineral cosmetics, which have become vastly popular not just abroad but in Singapore as well. That’s because, unlike traditional make-up that’s made of chemicals, preservatives, fragrance and dyes, mineral cosmetics are natural and go well on almost all skin types.

Among the benefits of mineral cosmetics: They provide a smooth, flawless finish. They are perfect for sensitive and acne-prone skin. They are ideal for use post-cosmetic surgery. It is also said that mineral cosmetics don’t so much as cover up flaws but enhance your features. In other words, mineral cosmetics don’t give you a fake, cakey look.

Revlon, one of the world’s most iconic cosmetic brands, recently launched its line of mineral cosmetics in Singapore. We caught up with Bree Sharp, senior trainer for the company, to explain to us the advantages and benefits of using mineral cosmetics, as well as share tips on how to use makeup.

Read more on how to wear mineral makeup.

Comparison - Honda Accord 2.0 and Toyota Camry 2.0

Executive Orders…
By Jegan Das Haridas of SGCarMart.com, photos by Amery Reuben

Upon introduction of the redesigned and chassis-stretched 6th Generation Camry in 2006, Toyota showed why it was the benchmark in the mid-sized sedan category by offering superior levels of comfort, drive and fuel economy.

Facelift after facelift, the car has received much kudos from automotive critics and consumers alike. Their repeated record sales figures stand testament to their success. Honda on the other hand, have found themselves struggling over time to keep up with the momentum the Camry has built in this highly competitive market. The 7th Generation, US Accord garnered bad reception, most resorted to parallel imported, JDM (Japanese Domestic Market) solutions. Has Honda lost its plot? Well, it did, but not anymore.

Read more on this comparison car review.

Road Test - MINI Cooper S 1.6 JCW

By Amery Reuben
Photos by Darren Huang

You know that saying that goes something like “the top speed and 0-100 timings of your car correlates to the size of your wallet?” We can’t find a more fitting car than your John Cooper Works (JCW) tuned Mini Cooper S.

Currently an in-house signature at MINI, the JCW phenomenon originated from the late John Cooper, a race-driver who turned the seemingly sedate, original Mini into the scorching Cooper S that we know of today.

Obviously, aside from bigger exhaust cowlings, John Cooper Works decals have been plastered all over the car, from the front grille to the boot lid, and on top of the air filter – unmistakable signs that differentiate you from “normal” MINI Cooper S-es (pun intended).

Read more on this MINI Cooper car review.

Road Test - Ford S Max 2.3

S for Sporty. Or sloppy…
Article and photos by Amery Reuben of SGCarMart.com

Ford’s “New Edge” design certainly gives it the edge. A very blunt one. The 2007 S-Max came too little, too late, and it looks more like a Japanese puffer fish more than your average soccer mom’s mode of transport.

Although the front end of this car is relatively boring, you can’t help but feel this is one of Ford’s better designs, crammed with upbeat details like a heavily raked windscreen that lets in way too much sunlight, wide fenders with impressions of gills behind the front wheels, skewed windows and much more.

Despite all that, our younger, “gen-Xers” didn’t seem too violently opposed towards this vehicle, and our materialistic, Ferrari worshipping girlfriends didn’t wretch in its presence either, so we take that to be a good thing.

Read more on this Ford car review.

Road Test - Suzuki SX4 1.6 (A)

A winner perhaps?
Article and photos by Fandy of SGCarMart.com

When I set out to review this car, I imagined myself as a family oriented, budget conscious and practicality-over-style kind of man. I imagined myself to be of average financial status with a family of four. I need a car that is able to fit my family. I need a car that will give me the most mileage on a single tank of petrol. I need a car with a boot that can take my child’s tricycle, my wife’s shopping bags and more. I need a car that is comfortable. I need a car that is safe. I need a car that is not too much of a hassle to drive and maintain. I need a car that is not too expensive. I need a car.

Going by that checklist, there are a couple of options for the man like me. There are a couple of Toyotas, a few Hondas, a Mitsubishi or two and a couple more from other car makers. This market is one of the most competitive markets in the automotive sector with car makers constantly producing cars with a lot more for the same price range.

Enter the Suzuki SX4 sedan.

Read more on this Suzuki car review.

5 Ways To Dress Slimmer

Wear whatever you like, just make sure it fits your body shape
By Sabrina Ong

IN TODAY'S “world of fashion” anything goes! You no longer need to follow the crowd to belong – after all, fashion trends inspire constant evolution. But what is crucial is that you pick out the right clothes that fit your body shape.

“It is all about scale and proportion,” says Guinevere Ho, a U.K. Certified Image Consultant and Associate Trainer with First Impressions Image International (Singapore) and one of the three speakers at 88DB City Events' "A Brand New You" seminar in July.

“Pay attention to the designs, patterns in clothes, accessories and lines. They should be correctly scaled. A fuller figure person in small prints will only accentuate [her shape]. Likewise, a petite frame can be overpowered by large, bold prints. Scale is important and the whole silhouette should be well proportioned.”

Women want to look slimmer, most of the time at least. Perhaps it is because we know that there will be an event where we know photographs will be taken and don’t want the extra ten camera-pounds to show.

So, the question now is: “How can you pick out clothes that make you look slimmer?”

Read more on how to dress slimmer.

Never too ticklish for a full body massage

A warm bed and a very professional masseuse – Shiok!
By Mavis Ang

EACH time my girlfriends compare how shiok their facial, spa and massage sessions have been, I would never have anything to contribute to the conversation. To me, facials are a torture and I can never relax whenever I go through these supposedly pampering massage treatments.

Needless to say, I avoided massages because my skin crawls whenever someone touches my neck, and a light squeeze on my shoulder is extremely ticklish to me. But after much convincing from friends, and thinking that I’ll never know unless I try, I decided to set up an appointment for a full body massage.

Read more on this full-body massage review.

Solve The Shopping Dilemma

Bag the best buys with a simple mental checklist
By Mavis Ang
Photos by www.polyvore.com

AMONGST the dangerously tempting prices during major sales, it’s easy to end up over spending on items you thought were simply too cheap to not buy. A good habit to maintain during sales, or any shopping trip for that matter, is to run the item through a mental checklist – it might just save your wallet.

Read more on solve the shopping dilemma.

How To Dress For A Shopping Day Out

Look great, feel comfortable, and shop with ease
By Mavis Ang
Photos by www.polyvore.com

SHOPPING in Singapore is very much like a sport. One needs to be mentally prepared mentally (for the kiasu aunties, irritable yuppies, and incredible customer service), and have the right gears and outfit to participate. Your shopping trip can easily turn into troublesome and frustrating with the wrong attire, so here’s some useful tips and ideas for the best hassle-free and fashionable outfits.

Read more on how to dress for a shopping day out.

Calling all 88DB Shopaholics

With the Great Singapore Sale sweeping our little island into a shopping frenzy, 88DB combs the streets to bring you the best discounts and top shopping spots.

You can get advice on shopping outfits and read through all shopping-related stories. We also present to your our Snap.Post.Vote - Great Singapore Shopaholic contest! Simply show us what you've bought during the GSS sale and win spa and dining vouchers.

Read more on how to join 88DB's shopping contest.

Makeup Artist Liren Neo

“During our overseas shoot, she helped us in more ways than just putting on make-up…she made our experience pain-free and enjoyable.” — Karen Liew, future bride

SOON-to-be-bride Karen Liew has done the rounds of suppliers for her upcoming wedding, and one of her finds is professional makeup artist Liren Neo. “I have found her not only a good make-up artist but also a very helpful, knowledgeable and IT-oriented person,” says Karen, who also notes Liren’s punctuality and helpfulness. “She’s an artist who never fails in her service.”

Read more about this recommendation for makeup artist, Liren Neo.

Vote For The Best Cover Child & Parent

SMS to 77688 who you want to appear on the cover of Today’s Parents magazine — plus, a bunch of family activities on 13 July

FOR six weekends in a row last March and April, Today’s Parents magazine scoured the island for the most infectious smile, and the most endearing father-and-child or mother-and-child pairs.

Those participants have now been shortlisted to 18 finalists and you can now help the magazine decide on who will be named the CANON Cover Child, Cherie Hearts Cover Mother & Child, and OCBC Cover Father & Child. They are looking for one grand winner per category to put on the cover.

Read more about how to vote for the best cover child and parent.

Reaching Perfect Nirvana

Willow Stream Spa’s ‘Perfect Singapore’ is a sublime body treatment that helps you relax, revive, and find your balance with the use of a dry brush and natural Ayurvedic ingredients
By James P. Ong

EARLY this month we visited Singapore’s newest luxury spa, Willow Stream at Fairmont Hotel, and tried a massage and spa treatment that sounds very organic to the Lion City: “Singapore Perfection”. In a country known for its strict adherence to rules, regulations, and following everything to the dot, a spa treatment that proudly calls itself “Singapore Perfection” is almost a tautology — a needless repetition of an obvious fact.

That said, you shouldn’t expect anything less than perfection from this 60-minute body treatment — a carryover from the former Raffles Amrita Spa that used to call it Nirvana — designed to heal as well as pamper.

Read more about spa treatments in Singapore.