Korean Movie Review : Fashion King

This movie has a bit of everything, comedy, emotion, romance. It also carries strong messages about life and fashion and has a celebrity appeal of my favourite main actor, Joo Won ( famed actor from Bridal Mask and Good Doctor drama series )

Director :             Oh Ki-hwan

Producer :           Cha Seung-jae

Written by :         Yoon In-wan

Based on Fashion King by Kian84 (Fashion King (Hangul: 패션왕; RR: Paesyeon Wang) is a South Korean manhwa series written and illustrated by Kian84. Started on May 5, 2011, this webtoon manhwa was released on Naver. The print release of the first volume of Fashion King was released in December 2, 2012. The comics have been adapted into a film of the same name.

Starring :

JOO Won as Gi-myeong (Good Doctor, Bridal Mask)

AHN Jae-hyeon as Won-ho (MY LOVE FROM THE STAR)

SULLI as Eun-jin (a member of K-pop group f(x) )

PARK Se-young as Hye-jin

KIM Seong-oh as Nam-jeong

Music by              Lee Jun-oh

Distributed by     Next Entertainment World

Running time : 114 minutes

Trailer :

Synopsis :

A teenage boy transforms from a ‘fashion terrorist’ to a ‘fashion king’ in order to win the heart of the prettiest girl in school. 

With a pair of thick glasses and stuffy appearance to boot, high school student Gi-myeong is mercilessly teased by his classmates on a daily basis at a rural provincial high school, until he jumps on a chance to transfer to a hip high school in Gangnam, Seoul. At the new school, he comes across the girl of his dreams – Hye-jin – who is a beautiful online starlet. For a nobody like Gi-myeong, he can’t even get close to her due to her massive popularity. As if that was bad enough, her boyfriend is not only one of the smartest students in school, son of wealthy family, but professional model Won-ho. But not the one to let the girl of his dreams just slip through, he vows to transform himself and be a man whom she can admire and be with.

Gi-myeong meets a fashionista named Nam-jung, who teaches him the essences of fashion, such as ‘cool’ and ‘tight’. With the help of Nam-jung, Gi-myeong passes countless qualifying matches, and realizes what ‘tight’ really means. Seeing his face on TV piques Hye-jin’s attention, but he realizes that it is Eun-jin whom he loves.

Finally, Gi-myeong and Won-ho head for the final round. Unfazed by Won-ho’s threats and violence, Gi-myeong enters the finals with incredible conviction as a chance to transform himself into someone he really is in his heart…

Review :

I must say that the acting of the casts was excellent. Before I watch the movie, I thought it was solely a comedy romantic. It turns out to be a much more serious movie that I have expected. As mentioned earlier, it has some strong messages for the audience.

In fact,  Gi-myeong ( Joo Won ) bravely stood up to save another student from the bully. He was once a victim before so he understood the feeling of being bullied. The message was to stand up for what you believe in, with confidence.

The other message was about Fashion. Many a time during the movie, I came across the word dopeness appearing on the English subtitles. After googling it, it refers to the characteristics of great and extraordinary. What it means is that, we have to differentiate our fashion and stand out from the others.  Gi-myeong also learrned that fashion was not just having a branded label but it was about how you wear and present yourself. He learned it from the guru  who taught him about fashion sense. This was reflected at the end of show during a fashion competition between Gi-myeong and Won-ho. If you are curious to know what happen to Gi-myeong, do watch it at the cinema.

Besides having the strong messages, the movie contains elements of true love as in the case of Eun-jin and Gi-myeong.

The comedy section started early in the movie with the opening scene of little monks having fashionable shoes with various branded labels.  The fashionable monk appeared again to make us laugh even harder.

In conclusion, I would recommend this movie. It was entertaining and I believe the audience will learn something from this movie. I would give a rating of 3.5/5.

The movie will be out in cinema on the 12 March 2015. 

Bringing back the old memories of old Singapore with the musical Great World Cabaret, Let’s Bo Bo Cha Cha!

Indeed, this musical brings us back to our beloved old Singapore entertainment in the 1960s. Those who have fond memories of cabaret shows, will remember them at the three amusement parks ( Great World, New World and Gay World ) in Singapore. Great World Cabaret probably base on the New World Amusement Park where they have cabaret show featuring Rose Chan, Taxi Girls Mat Tarzan etc.

As for myself, my memories of Great World Amusement Park was simply having a fun game of shooting after a sumptuous dinner with family and staff of my Dad company during every Chinese New Year.

The musical is created by the talented Selena Tan from Dream Academy Productions and directed by George Chan. George Chan’s father used to sing in clubs in another amusement park, Gay World. As a child, he would make frequent trips to these amusement parks.

Well known comedian such as Mark Lee, Hossan Leong, Sebastian Tan, Judee Tan will be guest stars in the musical on certain dates of the show. The other stars include Shane Marrjuki, Seong Hui Xuan, JC Sum etc.

Synopsis

An old security guard closes up a museum exhibit for the night. The exhibit evokes long forgotten memories of his brightest moments as a host of Singapore’s most famous nightclub, the Great World Cabaret.

His memories take centre stage as the cabaret comes to life. Dancing girls, acrobats from all over the world, a magician, amazing singers and more fill the stage. Set against this loud and colourful backdrop, he meets the girl of his dreams.

At the climax of the cabaret show, his memories start to fade and he finds himself back at the museum, unsure if time had really gone backwards or if it was nothing more than an old man’s daydream.

Review

If you enjoy listening to good songs, you will not be disappointed with this musical.   The talk show by Mark Lee was comical and lively. The acrobatic act from Qing Dao Acrobatic Troupe and Drunken Sailors act were simply amazing. The magic show by JC Sum helps us to recall the usual magic show of yester years. Overall, the musical was fun and entertaining and the dances were well choreographed. Don't miss out this nostalgic musical. 

The show will be on from 19 Feb to 17 Mar 2015. It is rated as PG13.

Tickets can be purchased at Sistic 

Gelato World Tour Unveils Top 16 Finalists from Asia Pacific Region

GELATO WORLD TOUR 2.0

Announces Top 16 Asia Pacific Flavours Vying for

“WORLD’S BEST GELATO” Title

• Finalists from India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines,

Thailand, Vietnam, 3 from Australia and 6 from Singapore

• 20 to 22 March 2015, Marina Bay Sands Singapore

Singapore, 4 March 2015 – The much-anticipated second edition of Gelato World Tour (GWT) will start in Singapore on March 20, making it Asia’s first Gelato Capital of the World. For three consecutive days, this extraordinary event at the Marina Bay Sands will flag off the “Formula One of Gelato” and also celebrate fifty years of the Singapore Republic in the coolest way.

Gelato World Tour, the first international travelling competition in search of the best flavours in the world, is directed by the prestigious Carpigiani Gelato University and Sigep, the most important exhibition in the world for the artisan production of gelato, pastry, confectionery and bakery products held in Rimini, Italy. Its mission is to spread the culture of Italian-style gelato, a fresh, artisan food product throughout the world. The main partners are IFI, international leader in the manufacturing of display cases for gelaterias and PreGel, the world’s largest producer of ingredients for gelato, pastry and coffee shops, official licensee of EXPO Milano 2015. Prodea Group is the operating partner and Felicitas Global Pte Ltd is the event’s local partner in Singapore. In its first edition, GWT toured seven gelato capitals in the world, namely Rome, Valencia, Melbourne, Dubai, Austin, Berlin and Rimini.

Visitors to the event will be delighted by the amazing flavours freshly created on the spot and presented by new and seasoned gelato artisans from the Asia Pacific region as they pit themselves against each other in the quest to win the prestigious “World’s Best Gelato” title. The top 16 gelato flavours of the Asia Pacific region* were picked by the Selection Jury presided by Pang Kok Keong, Chef and founder of Sugar Daddy Group, Yeoh Wee Teck, columnist with The New Paper, and renowned Luciana Polliotti, journalist and curator of the  historical Gelato Museum Carpigiani.

On 24 and 25 March 2015, the Carpigiani Gelato University will inaugurate a new Singapore programme in partnership with At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy, by offering special open day sessions. There are 40 places available, free admission is upon request. To register please write to info@gelatouniversity.com. At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy will become the first hub of the Carpigiani Gelato University in the Asia-Pacific region.

As another first for the Singapore leg, the tour will host an exclusive “Gelato with a Heart” dinner. At this first ever event in Asia Pacific gelato will take centrestage from appetizer to dessert. Created by well-known Chef Christopher Christie of Marina Bay Sands and Pastry Chef Pang Kok Keong, in collaboration with the local Italian instructor of the Carpigiani Gelato University, the menu will feature combinations of hot and cold, sweet and savoury, unique fusions of the East and West masterpieces. The dinner will include an auction where proceeds will be donated to beneficiaries of the Singapore President's Challenge 2015. Only a few special early bird promotion seats remain available (reservations can be made by calling 6224 6788 or via email at smita@felicitasglobal.com ).

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List of the Top 16 Flavours Vying for “WORLD’S BEST GELATO” Title

• Kochi Popz by Chronos Chan & Eunice Soon of Tom’s Palette, Singapore

• Caramel and Almond Crunch by Vanjimuthu Palaniswamy & Kavithamani Vanjimuthu of Boomerang, Coimbatore, India

• Coffee and Nuts with Sesame Brittle by Angsna Dhippayom of I - Kitchen Restaurant, Had Yai, Thailand

• Mango Ube Symphony by Zarah Zaragoza-Manikan of Bono Artisanal Gelato, Makati City, Manila, Philippines

• Roasted Walnut and Honey Crunch by David Lamprell, Michael & Brian O’Donnell of 48 Flavours, Adelaide, SA, Australia

• Burnt Butter with toffee almond brittle by Robbie Hill of Yamba Icecreamery, Yamba, NSW, Australia

• Chendol Merdeka by Marco Alfero of Alfero Artisan Gelato, Singapore

• Loving Date by Stefano Cadorin of +39 Gelato Bar, Singapore

• Singapore Sling by Charles Tan of FATCAT Ice Cream Bar, Singapore

• Croccante alla Fragola by Mirko Stortini of Gelato Italia, Hanoi, Vietnam

• Curcuma (or Temulawak) by Andre Soenjoto of de Boliva, Surabaya, Indonesia

• Good ‘Ol Days by Sharon Tay of Momolato, Singapore

• Beer with Ciambella by Harish Doneka of Pick Me Up Cafe, Singapore

• Vanilla of the East by Keewin & Seow Han Ong of Cielo Dolci, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

• Lemon Zest with Fig Marmalade & Dark Chocolate by Antonino Lo Iacono of Gelatony, Sydney, NSW, Australia

• From the Cradle to the Grave by Steve & Chrissie Powell of Vostrogusto Gelato, Wellington, New Zealand

Highlights of the 3-Day Event

The GWT Village is located at Exhibition Hall D, Marina Bay Sands Convention Centre. Entry is FREE for all visitors. The programme will include (on a firstcome-first-served basis):

• Mini Courses for adults and children by the gelato chefs of Carpigiani Gelato University on “What is Gelato?”. Participants will also be the first to hear more details about the 4-week program that teaches participants on how they can become successful gelato entrepreneurs.

• How to open a gelato shop? Educational workshops by Academia IFI

• Tonda Challenge by IFI @ PreGel tent

• Discover the secrets of gelato “Always FrescoTM” with PreGel

• Live cooking demonstration by Chef Dave Pynt, Burnt Ends, Singapore

Visitors will be invited to vote for their favourite flavour from the top 16 finalists with a Gelato Ticket, which can be purchased at the INFO POINT located in the Gelato World Tour Village. Each ticket is priced at SGD12 for 8 tasting portions in cones of 40grams each Visitors can participate in the Taste & Win draw where they stand to win fantastic prizes. The votes of the visitors and GWT’s Technical Jury will determine the top three flavours to represent the Asia Pacific region at the Grand Finale of the Gelato World Tour 2.0 to be held in Rimini, Italy in 2017.

To follow the stages of Gelato World Tour: www.gelatoworldtour.com. 

The fight for 2015 Singapore National Barista Championship title and the winner is…..

This was my first time attending a coffee related championship. The aroma of traditional coffee had been in my family business for a long time. As my family dialect is Foochow, the Foochow Coffeeshop Association and clan are famous for their traditional coffeeshop business.

Both my deceased grandfathers used to have a string of coffeeshops in Singapore. Sitting at the coffeeshop and over a cup of coffee, their children became my parents. I shall not write too much about traditional coffeeshop since this post is about the best Barista competing for the prestigious title.

John Ryan Ting was crowned champion of the Singapore National Barista Championship (SNBC) 2015 on Saturday. He beat 15 other baristas in a gruelling competition where they had to present an espresso, a cappucino and their own signature drink within 15 minutes, before a panel of judges. John was Singapore National Barista Champion in 2008 and 2009 and he had spent the past four years as a judge for barista championships. For clinching the top prize, John will be representing Singapore at World Barista Championship 2015 at Seattle this April. 

Beside John, the other five finalists were Loke Xinyi of Common Man Coffee Roasters (who is also Singapore Barista Champion 2014); Dennis Tang of Nylon Coffee; Regina Tay and Zenn Soon of Strangers Reunion; and Lee Hee Wei from Olla Specialty Coffee. Regina and Zenn are the second and first runners-up respectively.

The SNBC is an annual competition held by the Singapore Coffee Association to identify the best talents in the art of the Barista.

Singapore's coffee culture has been on the rise for the past few years. One exciting event coffee lovers can look forward to is Cafe Asia 2015, which will be held in 19 to 21 March 2015 at Marina Bay Sands (Hall E). 

Visitors to Cafe Asia 2015 can also witness the crème de la crème battle it out at Singapore National Latte Art Championship 2015.

In conclusion, we at seedwrites, hope John will win big in Seattle this April and put Singapore into the world map of coffee culture. 

Here are more of the photos taken during the championship.

 An emotional moment, when the champion, John came down the stage to serve a cup of coffee to his mother, who came to support him. 

If you require an event photographer, wedding photographer or any other professional photography services, do email me ( Derrick See ) at see323@yahoo.com.sg . You can also message me at my  FACEBOOK account. To view my photos, click My Flicker Photos 

Gala Premiere, Red Carpet and Movie Review : Triumph In The Skies

Red Carpet and Gala Premiere

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Julian Cheung and Charmaine Sheh came for the red carpet. As they walked down the glamourous red carpet, for a moment, I felt like I was photographing a wedding couple walking down the aisle. They really look charming and beautiful.

 93.3 radio station DJ, 谢家发 Xie Jiafa (Seah Kar Huat) was the compere. Just before the stars arrive,  Radio DJ holds a quiz with the fans. The rewards were the movie posters.

Here are more photos taken during the red carpet event.

More Photos can be found at : More Red Carpet Photos

Movie Review

Movie Synopsis :

Young pilot Branson (Louis KOO) recently takes over Skylette, his father’s aviation empire, only to realize his old flames Cassie (Charmaine SHEH) is a flight attendant there. Several years ago, he was forced to break up with her and move to New York to take care of his father's business. To this day, the two continue to harbour feelings for each other but decide to keep them bottled up. In an effort to rebrand the airline,Branson invites rock idol TM to star in an upcoming commercial and appoints Sam (Francis NG) as her flying consultant. Incongruent in both tastes and experience, this odd couple gets off on the wrong foot. As the shoot progresses, however, they slowly discover each other's merits, developing a strong mutual attraction.

Jayden (Julien CHEUNG) has left Skylette Airline to become a pilot for private jets. He meets the young and vivacious Kika (KUO Tsai Chieh) during a flight and assumes her to be wayward and shallow. But they turn out to have a lot in common and start falling madly in love. At the height of their romance, Jayden realizes almost too late the secret behind her recalcitrance…

Each of the three relationships comes with its own setbacks. As long as one can accept the imperfection of things, finding happiness—however fleetingly—is a blessing in itself.

Starring: Louis Koo, Sammi Cheng, Francis Ng, Julian Cheung, Charmaine Sheh, Kuo Tsai Chieh,   Oceane Zhu, Liu Jun Xiao

Co-starring: Kenneth Ma, Kong May Yee Elena, Remotigue Joventino Couto, Mark Ma, Liao Jingsheng

Directed by Wilson Yip,  Matt Chow

Distributed by Media Asia Film Distribution

Teaser Trailer : 

Official Trailer : 

Review / Ratings

I have been a fan of this Hong Kong drama television drama, Triumph In The Skies (2003) and II (2013) and naturally I am curious and excited when this new movie came along. Curious as to how the story goes for a movie as compared to the fame television drama.

According to the directors, by adapting a television drama with a 10 years of history, the biggest headache is how can the story move forward while bringing something new to the audience. Both directors took this challenging task together. As they have collaborated in the past, they agree to give this movie a romantic boost and hope to make the movie the year’s biggest romance hit.

In my opinion, it is much easier to understand the background and characteristics of Captain Cool (Julian Cheung) and Captain Sam Tong (Francis Ng) if you have watched the television drama.

It is like a continuation from television drama. The beautiful scenery settings from UK were the winning ingredient for a romantic movie. Just like in the drama I and II, where they were filmed in Rome, Sapporo, UK, France, Hainan, Kaohsiung, Kenting etc.  With the addition of Captain Branson (Louis KOO) and Cassie (Charmaine SHEH) love story, there were three separate romantic couple. Love thus conquers all obstacles. As movie goers, we just love happy endings. In fact, to be more precise, there are actually five love stories. One of them is between Kenneth Ma and Elena Kong. Only those who have watch the television drama 2, will be able to recall their relationship.

In conclusion, there was not much storyline in this movie. Romantic couples simply having a fun time together. One of memorable moment was when Captain Sam Tong and TM (Sammi Cheng) having a laughable time shooting a Skylette airlines commercial. I shall give this movie a rating of 3/5.

The movie will be showing in the cinema on the 19 February 2015.