sports

2009 FORMULA 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix

Rev up those engines because the Grand Prix will be back in town come September. If you saw the races last year, you can expect the same if not more non-stop action from the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, Jensen Button and Rubens Barrichello. Sep 25-27. $28-1,488 from www.singaporegp.sg or call 6738-6738.

Destination Unknown: An Adventure Drive

For a weekend with a difference, go on this Amazing Race style on- and off-road drive that spans Singapore and Johor. Uncover clues and clear obstacles to reach a final, mystery destination. Organized by SUVEC, a SUV off-roading group, with a portion of proceeds going to the Children’s Aid Society. You must have an SUV to join the drive. Jun 20-21, $158 per person. For information and to register email Muhammad Alkhatib at muhd@suvec.org or visit www.suvec.org.

Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) is a full contact combat sport that draws on a variety of fighting techniques, combining both martial arts traditions and non-traditions. Training at FightWorks Asia may include sessions in an actual cage. Mon & Thu, 8:30pm; Sat, 1:30pm. FightWorks Asia, Standard Photo Building, #04-00, 565 Macpherson Rd, 6285-6028.

Also known as Thai boxing, Muay Thai is a form of martial arts practiced in several Southeast Asian countries including Thailand. Besides giving you a great cardio workout, Muay Thai is also a form of self-defence. FightWorks Asia offers classes every day of the week. FightWorks Asia, Standard Photo Building, #04-00, 565 Macpherson Rd, 6285-6028.

Standard Chartered FIH Men’s Junior World Cup

Singapore hockey fans can look forward to some of the world’s best teams this June. Jointly hosted by the Singapore Hockey Federation and the Malaysian Hockey Confederation, the Republic will host nine top hockey nations during the two-week tournament. Participating countries include former world champions Australia, India and four-time champion Germany. Through Jun 21, from 5pm. Sengkang Stadium. 57 Anchorvale Rd., 6313-3376.

Not the type you play at the beach, Ultimate Frisbee is a fun high-octane team sport. Singapore Ultimate hosts free pick-up (beginner) games throughout the week open to all levels of competitors. Mon, 6-8pm. War Memorial Park; Wed, 6-7:30pm, West Coast Park (behind McDonald’s); Sat, 3:30-7pm, Siloso Beach, Sentosa. Log on to www.singaporeultimate.com for more details.

Experience ZORBing fun right here in Singapore! Half a day session includes roll-downs and other forms of games with the ZORB balls. Email info@adventour.com.sg to book. $50 per person.

How does one integrate sports into one’s daily life? If you have tons of tips, share them, as the best 101 tips chosen will win their contributors a prize. Log on to www.womenandsports.sg to submit your tips.

Organized by Pauseability, ATCs are simple forms of miniature art that measure 2.5 inches by 3.5 inches that can be created by—painting, drawing, collage. Trade them with other enthusiasts. Every second Thu of the month, 7-9pm. Pauseability, #01-541, Blk.125, Toa Payoh Lorong 1, 6259-7336. Log on to www.pauseability.com.sg for more information.

This fun bazaar offers loads of stuff to buy at the vibrant Singapore River, as 45 budding entrepreneurs and traders with lovely and high quality products will be selling their design stuff, fashion, jewelry, art and home accessories. Every last Fri and Sat of the month. Clarke Quay, 3 River Valley Rd., 6337-3292.

Watch belly dancer Inessa and Gregory, an Arabic tabla drummer perform the Raqs el-Sayf—a belly dance performed with a sword. Every first and last Sat of the month, 8:30pm. Ambrosia, Mediterranean Restaurant, 19 Baghdad St., 6292-7313. Log on to www.ambrosiacafesingapore.com for more information. Free for diners.

Embark on a fun tour to learn more about Singapore’s rich history. This trip brings you back to the time of WWII when Changi Prison was used as a POW camp. Guides will bring you to The Changi Museum, Johore Battery (Replica of WWII 15-inch gun battery), outside Selarang Barracks, Changi Village and Changi Beach (site of Sook Ching Massacre). Every Sat, 10am-1pm. Meeting point at Pasir Ris MRT Station. $45 (Adult); $30 (Child). Log on to www.singaporewalks.com for more details.

By weaving together five zones that each address a different aspect of this pressing global threat, this permanent installation focuses on changing weather patterns and how it affects the lives of people. Ongoing. Science Centre Singapore, iSpace Theater, 15 Science Centre Rd., 6425-2500. Open Tue-Sun 10am-6pm. $6 (adult); $3.60 (senior citizen); $3 (child).

The most comprehensive travelling exhibition ever created on Leonardo Da Vinci, Da Vinci—The Genius showcases the full scope of Leonardo Da Vinci’s remarkable career as an inventor, artist, anatomist, sculptor, engineer, musician and architect. Through Aug 16. The Annexe, Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Rd., 6425-2500. $11.00 (Child), $16.00 (Adult).

FREE Early Travels and Voyages in Southeast Asia

Check out this exhibition of books on travel and exploration in Southeast Asia from the Rare Books Collection of the National Library. Through Sep 29. Exhibition Area, Level 10, National Library Building, 100 Victoria St., 6332-3133.

Send a short to Farm TV to get it screened. All genres are welcome, be they experimental, narrative or animation. Submit your shot (in QuickTime format), synopsis, cast/crew list, director’s statement, biography and a 200x200 pixel representative still. Log on to www.farm.sg for more details.

FREE... The First and Only Stand-up Comedy Open Mic in Singapore

If you have a penchant for cracking a joke, this is the perfect chance for you to unleash your stand-up comedy talents on stage, for free! Who knows, this might just be your big break. Or pay $15 to watch performers make a fool of themselves. Every Tue, 8pm. eM studio, #02-05, 1 Nanson Rd., Gallery Hotel, 6836-9691.

This well-received screening features new local short films that will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the filmmakers. Held on the first Mon of every month, 8pm. Guinness Theater, The Substation, 45 Armenian St., 6337-7535. Log on to www.substation.org/substation/events for more information.

Wesley N. Rasko is an emerging international artist specializing in his own unique brand of glass art. Log on to www.wesleyrasko.com for more information.

Get together with your friends and join in Singapore’s very first high definition competition. Be creative and get the results captured in high definition film. Entries will be posted online for public voting with prizes to be won. Log on to www.showtime.hdtv.org.sg/hidef/viralvideos.jsp for ideas and www.showtime.hdtv.org.sg/ for contest details.

Fulfilling your dreams of becoming a musician or a rock star has become so much easier with Apple’s GarageBand. Learn how to go pro with proper song compositions—the loops, beats, instruments and vocals with these complimentary workshops conducted by Apple Premium resellers. Weekends only through Jun 28, at selected Apple Stores. Register through garageband09event@gmail.com.

No, this is no exposition on computer viruses, but a detailed run-down of the most infamous and lethal viral diseases of the last decade. Ongoing. Singapore Science Centre, 15 Science Centre Rd., 6425-2500. $6 (adult); $3.60 (senior citizen); $3 (child).

Housing the world’s finest and most extensive collection of rare Peranakan artifacts, this brand-new museum is the brainchild of the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). Ongoing. The Peranakan Museum, 39 Armenian St., 6332-7591. $2.50-25 (from individual tickets to group tickets).

Check out this conservation-themed 30-minute animal presentation at the Singapore Zoo, which shows how 15 species of mammals and birds will fight to restore their rainforest home to its original state after man’s intervention. Ongoing, 10:30am, 1:30pm. Shaw Amphitheater, Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Rd., 6269-3411. Free (normal zoo admission of $16.50 per adult and $8.50 per child applies).

This workshop conducted by multi-talented local filmmaker Wilson Yip will cover the basics of filmmaking in Singapore. Jun 21, 10:30am-7:30pm. #B2-09 Old School, 11B Mt. Sophia, 6339-8655. Call 6336-9707 or log on to www.samp.sg to register. $78 (per person for educators or students who register with an academic e-mail); $98 (per person for early bird registration before Jun 15); $128 (per person).

All aspiring talents and artists can now perform on stage—the stage, sound system and publicity come provided, just turn up and do your thing. Call 6227-7087 or visit ww.nac.gov.sg/thestageisyours for more information.

Recently launched, The Tipple Exchange is where you can meet guides along Boat Quay, and listen to interesting nuggets of historical info and down specialty brews at three selected pubs. Exit G (leading to UOB Plaza 1), Raffles Place MRT station (meeting point). Every Sat, 5:30-8:30pm. Call Journeys at 6325-1631 to reserve places. $26 per person for entry coupons (coupons can be exchanged for drinks).

This IMAX movie centers on the yearly feeding frenzy that transpires as billions of fish migrate up the KwaZulu-Natal Wild Coast that embroils whales, sharks, dolphins and sea-birds in a fierce fight for survival. Ongoing. Open Tue-Sun and shows at 10am, noon, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, 7pm. Science Centre Singapore, Omni Theater, 15 Science Centre Rd., 6425-2500. Log on to www.wildoceanfilm.com for more information. $10 (adult); $5 (child).

Learn the art of Argentine Tango. Learn to perform the Salida, Baso Salida with Ocho Atras, Ocho Adelante, Media Luna and Cruzada. Taught by Ng Wai Chung, a leading tango teacher who has trained intensively in Buenos Aires. Every Mon, 8:35-9:35pm. YMCA of Singapore, 1 Orchard Rd., 6336-6000. $150 (for eight sessions). Annual YMCA membership applies: $21.40 (adult); $10.70 (below 21).

A new multicultural youth choir learning great songs from around the world is recruiting members. Rehearsals are held at YMS Arts Centre, 54 Waterloo Street, on Saturday afternoons from 3-4pm during school term. $50 registration fee plus $16 per session (payable per term). Enquiries email janet@janetswain.com or call 9239-0183.

Suitable for art enthusiasts, this practical workshop will introduce one of the oldest traditional art forms in Southeast Asia. It will teach the basic techniques of batik, such as the application of wax on fabric and the various ways of applying color. Every Sat, 2-4pm. The Substation, 45 Armenian St., 6337-7535. $120 (four sessions), $40 for materials.

Learn the basics of projection, articulation, phrasing, prose and verse readings, physical language, motivation, body awareness, and acting out a scene. Proper breathing, centering, articulation of consonants and vowels, as well as techniques of reading and acting out loud from a text will be taught. Every Mon and Thu, 8:35-10:05pm. YMCA of Singapore, 1 Orchard Rd., 6336-6000. $250 (for eight sessions). Annual YMCA membership applies: $21.40 (adult); $10.70 (below 21).

Book Camp: Writing, Publishing & Promoting Your Book

This two-day workshop conducted by Dan Poynter, who has authored 120 books, instructs on the basics of book production, from the germination of a nascent idea to publishing the final product. Jun 29-30, 9am-5pm. Possibility Room, Level 5, National Library Building, 100 Victoria St. Register online at www.bookcouncil.sg. $490 (per person); $390 (per person for early bird registration before May 29, or group registration of two people and above).

Workshops for pottery enthusiasts to create and paint pottery masterpieces as gifts for their loved ones or decorative pieces. Every Thu, 4-5:30pm; Sun 3:30-5pm. Clay Cove, #05-38 Funan DigitaLife Mall, 109 North Bridge Rd., 6338-7769. $90 for 2 sessions.

Decorative painting (tole painting, folk art and faux finishing) classes are two-and-a-half hours per session. Each project imparts specific skills and techniques—like painting daisies, rose buds, strawberries, teddy bears, birdhouses, furry animals and more. Log on to www.thepassioncrafts.com for more information. $120 (for four lessons in a group session, not including material fees).

Be your own artist and make great works of art at Marisa Keller’s printmaking workshop. New courses are the three-hour workshops “Introduction to Etching” and “Aluminum Etching.” Other popular courses are a general art course and a short course in monoprint and relief printing. #03-05 Wessex Estate, 28 Woking Rd., 9653-5051. Log onto www.artprintmakingstudio.com for more details.

Learn the fine art of glass engraving with British glass artist Dominic Fonde. Topics such as drawing, shading, lettering and pattern making will be addressed. Whether you are a first timer wanting to learn the basics or an amateur engraver wishing to gain more experience, this course is for you. This workshop will focus on drill engraving, one of the most accessible styles of glass engraving. Every Fri, 10-noon from May-Nov. 2/F, 69A Pagoda St., 6222-7809. $300 per month.

National Arts Council’s Young Artist of the Year for Literature awardee, Felix Cheong, will teach you effective methods for selling magazine and newspaper articles, and how to write attention-grabbing feature articles. He will also address how to make contact with newspapers and magazines and how to draft good query letters. Jun 19, 9:30am-5:30pm. Imagination Room, Level 5, National Library Building, 100 Victoria St. Register online at www.bookcouncil.sg. $250 (per person); $200 (per person for group registration of two people and above).

Challenge yourself with this new four-week jazz course with L.A. Dance Connection’s Artistic Director, Lionel Araya. With more than 18 years of experience, Araya’s teaching methodology is proven to improve flexibilities, strength and techniques, making his class one-of-a-kind in Singapore. Every Sun, 10:30am-noon. Studio 1, YMCA, 1 Orchard Rd., 6336-6000. $100 (four-week course) or $30 for single classes.

Fulfilling your dreams of becoming a musician or a rock star has become so much easier with Apple’s GarageBand. Learn how to go pro with proper song compositions—the loops, beats, instruments and vocals—all shenanigans thrown in, with these complimentary workshops conducted by Apple Premium resellers. Weekends only through Jun 28, at selected Apple Stores. Register through garageband09event@gmail.com.

Learn how to get into popping, locking, krumping, wacking, Harlem shaking, b-boying, c-walking and voguing. Suitable for beginners. Every Mon, 6:55-8:25pm. YMCA of Singapore, 1 Orchard Rd., 6586-2255. Email lifestyle@ymca.org.sg to register. $160 (for eight sessions). Annual YMCA membership applies—$21.40 (adult); $10.70 (below 21).

Learn basic painting techniques, composition and color mixing. As you grow more comfortable with the tools, you’ll get to experiment and create your own artwork and develop your individual style. Every Mon, 9-11:30am or 1-3:30pm; and Tue, 9:30am-noon, 1-3:30pm or 7:30-10pm. CdeM Atelier & Art School, #01-02, 5 Westbourne Rd., 9620-4997. $280 for four sessions.

A bi-weekly fixture at Wala Wala Café Bar, vocalist Shirlyn Tan will give a crash course on voice and sound projection when performing on stage, and dispense advice on setting up a home studio. She will also share her experiences and inspiration that went into her debut album, Newfound Jealousy. Jul 11, 6-7:30pm. The Bar Above, Wala Wala Café Bar, 31 Lor. Mambong, Holland Village, 6462-4288. $18 (includes two drinks).

This workshop conducted by multi-talented local filmmaker Wilson Yip will cover the basics of filmmaking in Singapore. These include an overview of the local film industry, the trajectory of the filmmaking process, business and marketing aspects and a networking lunch. Jun 21, 10:30am-7:30pm. #B2-09 Old School, 11B Mt. Sophia, 6339-8655. Call 6336-9707 or log on to www.samp.sg to register. $78 (per person for educators or students who register with an academic e-mail); $98 (per person for early bird registration before Jun 15); $128 (per person).

Learn about chord changes and strumming patterns here, where you should be able to play a simple song within the first two hours. Buy a pre-tuned ukulele at YMCA for $70. Every Sun, 3-5pm. YMCA of Singapore, 1 Orchard Rd., 6586-2255. Email lifestyle@ymca.org.sg to register. $80 (per person for three lessons). Includes ukulele. Annual YMCA membership applies—$21.40 (adult); $10.70 (below 21).

A perennial favourite, the competition presents the perfect avenue for budding playwrights and theatre enthusiasts aged 15 and above to flex their creative juices in coming up with a script within the tight deadline of 24 hours. Competition kicks off at 4pm Jul 18, at Marina Barrage, 260 Marina Way. Registration forms available at www.theatreworks.org.sg.

Here’s your chance to stamp your artistic imprints on the lovely metallic SIGG bottles! Participants have to address the theme “Celebrate Nature.” Attractive prizes of up to US$2,000 and for the winning designs to be printed on SIGG bottles are up for grabs. Start doodling already. Jun 15-Aug 31. Log on to www.sigg-jp.com/compe2009/ for more information.

Show Brandt your culinary skills in whipping up a wholesome and nutritional weekday dinner in under-45 minutes by sending in your recipes. The top four selected contributors will then duke it out in the kitchens at Palate Sensations, where there’s up to $3,000 Brandt product vouchers to be won! Terms and Conditions apply. Submit your entries to HYPERLINK “mailto:cooking@palatesensations.com” cooking@palatesensations.com before Jun 30. Visit brandt-cooking-competition-win.html for more information.

Swatch and MTV Networks International have launched a new global art and design initiative that aims to activate and empower student artists internationally to freely express their creativity and be a part of an unlimited network of ingenious people and ideas. A competition offering the winning student or professional either $20,000 to go towards tuition or project funding, or an inspirational trip to an iconic exhibition or art event, respectively, has been set up. Participants have to address the theme “Imagine Time in the Future.” Through midnight of Jul 10. Log on to www.swatchmtvplayground.com to register.

The Cambodia Project is a non-profit charity organization that aims to bring free education and health infrastructures to rural areas in Cambodia. Help by buying a $20 raffle ticket. You might win an iPhone, and you get to do good. Log on to www.thecambodiaproject.org for more information.

Just visit Care2 sites every day, click a button and an online donation will be generated by sponsors toward worthy causes like saving the rainforest, Canadian seals, oceans, big cats, primates, pets and more. It’s 100 percent free—all you need to do is click. Log on to www.care2.com/click2donate/ now and help.

Calling all dog lovers! Bring your dog and come mingle with other animal lovers at this tea party. Along with a delectable high tea buffet spread for the humans and a scrumptious meal for your dog, there will be simple games with great prizes, cooking demonstrations by ASD members on how to whip up irresistible dog treats, as well as a photography session with lush beautiful scenery as the backdrop. Jun 27, 3-5:30pm. Cicada, 7 Portsdown Rd., 6472-2100. $28 per person and $10 per dog. Email info@asdsingapore.com to register.

Female ex-smokers are wanted to manage the Fresh Air For Women helpline, a program to help women quit smoking. It takes only two hours every Wed from 7-9pm. $20 is given to cover meals and transport. An attractive cash voucher is awarded after four sessions. Call 6832-1297 or email btan@singapore.fcb.com for more information.

Pledge your support in this charity drive led by Quintessentially Singapore by donating items for their beneficiary, the Rainbow Children Home in Nepal. Stationery, clothing, educational books and toys are welcome. Through Jul 1, Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. 1 North Bridge Rd., #06-31 High Street Centre.

Action for Singapore Dogs is looking for dedicated and kind souls to foster puppies for at least two or three months. Call 9259-0698 for more information.

Pledge your support in this charity drive led by Quintessentially Singapore by donating items for their beneficiary, the Rainbow Children Home in Nepal. Stationery, clothing, educational books and toys are welcome. Through Jul 1, Mon-Fri 10am-6pm. 1 North Bridge Rd., #06-31 High Street Centre.

Stop the cruel Canadian seal hunt—by just clicking on a link. The Canadian government allowed the slaughter of more than 330,000 baby harp seals—and you can stop them. Log on to www.getactive.peta.org to sign the petition.

Volunteer with the nice people at Singapore Centre for the Promotion of Nonviolent Communication (SCPNVC). Seeking to enhance compassion for others in the society, they are collaborating with various schools, prisons and community centers to come up with training programs and materials. Email admin@scpnvc.org.sg for more details.

Thekchen Choling (TCCL) is a Tibetan Buddhism temple founded in 2001 that aims to help those in need. They offer healing, education, children and youth development, elderly support and needy support services—and need tutors, sponsors, and house call and volunteer mentors. Log on to www.thekchencholing.org for more information.

The phones at the Samaritans of Singapore (SOS) are ringing, and they need volunteers to answer their 24-hour crisis intervention and suicide prevention hotline. Call 6221-2122 or log on to www.samaritans.org.sg for more information.

Strike a yoga pose for good! COMO Shambhala Urban Escape will run a one-hour, open yoga class. Instead of the usual class fee, donations of any amount are requested and all proceeds will go towards the provision of crucial primary healthcare to women and children in Timor Leste. Every Fri through Jul 31, 7-8pm. COMO Shambhala Urban Escape, #06-01 Forum The Shopping Mall, 583 Orchard Rd., 6735-2163. Email singapore@comoshambhala.bz for more information.