Today's top pick

JALAINI ABU HASSAN: BISIK MENJERIT

Malaysian artist Jalaini Abu Hassan offers an honest and acerbic take on the clownish spectacle of Malaysian politics in this exhibition.

Where: Valentine Willie Fine Art Space, Tanjong Pagar Distripark 02-04, access by passenger lift 6, 39 Keppel Road MRT: HarbourFront When: Till Sun, 11am - 7pm (Tue -Sat), 11am - 3pm (Sun), closed on Mon & public holisays Admission: Free Tel: 8133-1760 Info: vwfa.singapore@gmail.com

Art

ILLUSORY WORLDS

An exhibition of works by four Chinese contemporary artists: Zhang Hua's dreamy, playful sculptures, Liang Chang Sheng's dramatic images, Lu Peng's exaggerated floating figures and Jiang Huan's richly detailed, mystical creations.

Where: Mulan Gallery, Tanglin Shopping Centre, 02-33, Tanglin Road MRT: Orchard When: Till Tue, 11am - 6pm (Mon - Sat), closed on Sun Admission: Free Tel: 6738-0810

TIPTOES: TALL TALES FROM AN ELEVATED POINT

Two Right Feet, an artists' collective, strives to strike a chord with people from all walks who have a passion for art. The artistes include Tan Sheau Ling and Vincent Chow.

Where: The Substation Gallery, Aremnian Street MRT: City Hall When: Till Tue, 11am - 8pm daily Admission: Free Tel: 6737-7535

DOUBLE CROSS

This exhibition of contemporary prints and drawings by Tom Baggaley, a British artist and lecturer in printmaking based in the Middle East, is inspired by his fascination with gaps, lines and numbers.

Where: Forth Gallery, 69A Pagoda Street MRT: Chinatown When: Till next Mon, noon - 7pm (Mon - Sat), noon - 5pm (Sun) Admission: Free Tel: 6222-7809

SINGAPORE ART SHOW 2009

The National Arts Council and Singapore Art Museum invite visual arts submissions from Singapore and Singapore-based artists for the Singapore Art Show 2009. The best submission will receive the Singapore Art Exhibition prize comprising a $50,000 grant to be used for professional development through residences, further studies or training, and for the creation and/or presentation of new projects and works. The theme of this year's art exhibition is Art Buffet Singapore!.

Tel: 6332-3222 Info: Download application forms from singart.com and send completed forms to Singapore Art Exhibition Submission c/o Miss Stella Lim, Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore 189555 with relevant images and documents by Tue

NIRVANA

An exhibition of Buddhist photography and 18th- and 19th-century artefacts.

Where: Indigo Blue Art, 33 Neil Road MRT: Tanjong Pagar When: Till Tue, 11am - 6pm (Tue - Sat), closed on Sun & Mon Admission: Free Tel: 6372-1719 Info: www.indigoblueart.com

OCHRE DREAMING: STORIES FROM THE EAST KIMBERLEY

Featuring natural ochre artworks by Aboriginal artists from the Warmun Art Centre in Western Australia.

Where: ReDot Gallery, 11 Everton Road MRT: Outram When: Till Sat, noon - 7pm (Tue - Sat), by appointment on Sun & Mon Admission: Free Tel: 8189-6405

Info: alessandra@redotgallery.com

THE ENERGY WITHIN

Indonesian artist Diah Yulianti is inspired by her native Kalimantan. Her paintings in flamboyant reds and earth tones depict the connections between an individual and her environment.

Where: Galerie Waterton, Tanjong Pagar Dsitripark, 02-01, access by passenger lift 5, 39 Keppel Road MRT: HarbourFront When: Till July 19, 1 - 7pm (Thu & Fri), 10am - 7pm (Sat & Sun), by appointment on other days Admission: Free Tel: 9783-2144

Charity

FEEL GOOD MARTINIS

Drink the Crossroad Martini and 50 per cent of the proceeds from each martini will go to the Rainbow Children's Home charity.

Where: KPO (former Killiney Post Office), 3 Killiney Road MRT: Somerset Where: Quintessentially, 06-31 High Street Centre, 1 North Bridge Road MRT: City Hall/Clarke Quay When: Till Wed, 10am - 6pm (Mon - Fri only) Admission: Free Tel: 6733-9400 (KPO), 6511-1199 (Quintessentially) Info: Quintessentially will also accept donations of items such as stationery, clothing, toys and books for children

PAYING TRIBUTE TO SAMSUI WOMEN

Buy local hand-stitched items ranging from keychains to door stoppers celebrating the iconic samsui women who contributed to Singapore's development and you will help provide equitable employment for the disadvantaged. All the items are handcrafted by old folks at the Tiong Bahru Befrienders Service, special needs youths, abused mothers and maids. Part of Singapore's 44th birthday celebrations by the Museum Shop by Banyan Tree.

Where: Museum Shop by Banyan Tree, Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Ongoing: 1 - 7pm (Mon), 9am - 7pm (Tue - Sun), till 9pm on Fri Where: Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road MRT: City Hall When: Ongoing: 10am - 7pm daily Where: National Museum of Singapore, 01-03 93 Stamford Road MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Ongoing: 10am - 7pm (Mon - Thu) & Sun, 10am - 8pm (Fri & Sat) Where: Peranakan Museum, 39 Armenian Street MRT: City Hall When: Ongoing: 10am - 7pm daily Admission: Free (The Samsui Women Collection ranges from $8.90, including GST, for a plush keychain to $45, excluding GST, for a doorstopper Tel: 6336-1016 (Museum Shop by Banyan Tree, ACM), 6338-1016 (SAM) 6336-3670 (National Museum of Singapore), 6336-9239 (Peranakan Museum) Info: http://www.banyantreegallery.com

Contest

BOTAK JONES BURGER EATING CONTEST

Gobble down a 220gm Botak Massive Sunrise Burger in the fastest time at this Massive Burger Eating Contest and you might win the top prize of a three-day stay at Bintan Lagoon. The contest is being held at all the 11 Botak Jones American food stalls here.

Where: Botak Jones, Tampines outlet, 201C Tampines Street 21 MRT: Tampines When: Tue, 7.30pm Where: Orchard Youth park outlet, 121 Somerset Road When: Wed (July 1), 7.30pm Where: Ang Mo Kio outlet, Block 529 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 10 MRT: Ang Mo Kio Where: Marine Parade outlet, Block 80, marine Parade Central 01 - 770 MRT: Eunos When July 7, 7.30pm Where: Woodgrove outlet, 30 Woodlands Avenue 1, 01 - 11 MRT: Woodlands When: July 8, 7.30pm Admission: $10 entry fee for the contest Tel: 6288-2949 Info: The final will be held at the Toa Payoh outlet on July 15 at 7.30pm. Visit www.botakjones.com

MY WISH FOR SINGAPORE WILDLIFE IN 2023

Imagine what Singapore wildlife will be like in 2023 as Singapore evolves from an urban concrete jungle into a 'City in a Garden'. Just write a 100-word essay/poem or create a drawing or snap a photograph to share your green dreams with the Wildlife Reserves Singapore on the topic - 'My Wish For Singapore Wildlife in 2023'.

Info: Submit entries by Fri online at corpcomms@zoo.com.sg or snail mail it to 'My Wish for Singapore Wildlife in 2023', Wildlife Reserves Singapore, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826

FEMALE 50 GORGEOUS PEOPLE 2009

The search is on for Female magazine's 50 Gorgeous people. If you reckon you fit the bill, head for Wisma Atria's Atrium on July 4 & 5 or Clark Quay's Central Fountain Area on July 10 to sign up for the contest.

Where: Wisma Atria Atrium, Orchard Road MRT: Orchard When: Sat & Sun, 7pm - midnight Where: Clarke Quay Central Fountain area, River Valley Road MRT Clarke Quay When: July 10, 7pm - midnight Admission: Free Info: www.sphmagazines.com.sg

DEEPA RAAGA (THE GLOBAL DEEPAVALI SONGWRITING CONTEST)

Tamil songwriters can take part in Deepa Raaga - the world's first Deepavali Songwriting Contest - and win the top prize of RM25,000 for writing the Best Song. A total of more than RM85,000 will be given out in the contest organised by Chakravartty Club of Malaysia. The aim of the contest is to creative festive songs to celebrate Deepavali.

Info: Tel: 02-03-7781-7502 (Deepa Raaga Secretariat) Submit your first round entries by July 15. Just upload them onto the event portal - www.DeepaRaaga.com or send them to the Deepa Raaga secretariat at 133a Jalan Gasing, 46000 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia.

SPROUTS: NEW WORKS PLATFORM FOR BUDDING CHOREOGRAPHERS

The winning choreographer with the Most Promising Work will receive a $2,000 cash prize and a chance to present a new work at the final showcase of the next edition in 2010. The Best Dance will recieve $500 cash prize.

Info: Download registration forms from www.nac.gov.sg or www.dansing.org.sg. Submit entries by July 23 and short-listed entries will be announced on July 31. The competition wil culminate in a final showcase of eight works at Victoria Theatre on Oct 3.

SINGAPORE BLOG AWARDS 2009 (OMY CONTEST)

Bloggers and voters taking part in this Singapore Blog Awards stand to win more than $20,000 worth of prizes, including mobile phones, overseas hotel accommodation packages and more. Info: Visit sgblogawards.omy.sg by July 31 to vote for the top winners in the 10 categories of the Singapore Blog Awards 2009 organised by omy - www.omy.sg - a bilingual news and interactive web portal by Singapore Press Holdings

24-HOUR PLAYWRITING COMPETITION

A cash prize of $700 awaits each winner of the youth and open categories. Organised by TheatreWorks Writers' Laboratory and the South East Community Development Council.

Where: Marina Barrage, 260 Marina Way MRT: City Hall When: July 18, 4pm - July 19, 4pm Admission: $25 (youth category for those aged 15 to 18), $35 (open category for those aged 19 and above) Info: www.theatreworks.org.sg

Dance

MACUMBA

Ole! The Latino fire of Cuba meets the flamenco passion of Spain at this Macumba music and dance event featuring the dancers of Flamenco Sin Fronteras and the live band of Azzucar Cubania from Havana, Cuba.

Where: Azzucar! Club & Bar, Clarke Quay, 02-03, Block 3D River Valley Road MRT: Clarke Quay When: Tue, 7 - 11pm (dance starts from 8pm) Admission: $25 nett with a standard drink Tel: 6336-8718 Info: E-mail info@lostarantos.com.sg or buy tickets online at www.lostarantos.coms.g

Encore!

THE VENICE CARNIVAL UP CLOSE

View photographs of the 2008 & 2009 Venice Carnival by Foong Lian Fey at this exhibition.

Where: Bistro Senso @ Singapore Flyer MRT: City Hall When: Till Tue , 10.30am - 10.30pm daily

Admission: Free Tel: 6479-2445

AH! SI J'ETAIS RICHE (IF I WERE A RICH MAN) (M18)

Directed by Gerard Bitton and Michel Munz, this film is about a travelling salesman who discovers that his wife is cheating on him on the day that he wins ¥10 million at Lotto. In French with English subtitles.

Where: Alliance Francaise theatre, 1 Sarkies Road MRT: Newton When: Tue , 8pm Admission: $6.10 (Alliance Francaise member), $8.20 (non-member) Tel: 6348-5555

ERASED (VISUAL ARTS)

French photographer Bertrand Meunier has created a montage of his black-and-white photographs snapped in China in the mid-2000s. Part of Month of Photography Asia.

Where: Alliance Francaise, SG Private Banking Gallery, 1 Sarkies Road MRT: Newton When: Till July 18, 11am - 7pm (Mon - Fri), 11am - 5pm (Sat), closed on Sun Admission: Free Info: www.alliancefrancaise.org.sg and www.phish-comms.com

CHANGING ASIA (VISUAL ARTS)

A showcase of 26 works by eight French and Chinese photographers documenting the changing social and geographic landscapes of China and India. Part of Month of Photography Asia.

Where: Alliance Francaise, SG Private Banking Gallery,

1 Sarkies Road MRT: Newton When: Till July 18,

11am - 7pm (Mon - Fri), 11am - 5pm (Sat), closed on Sun Admission: Free Info: www.alliancefrancaise.org.sg and www.phish-comms.com

CHINA 1957-2002 (VISUAL ARTS)

French photographer Marc Riboud's images of China through the decades portray the country in flux. Part of Month of Photography Asia.

Where: The Cathay Gallery, The Cathay Building, 2 Handy Road MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Till July 19, noon - 8pm daily Admission: Free Info: www.cathay.com.sg and www.phish-comms.com

DON'T MOVE! (VISUAL ARTS)

Award-winning French photographer Francoise Huguier captures images of Housing Board dwellings. Part of Month of Photography Asia.

Where: Lasalle College of the Arts, Brother Joseph McNally Gallery, Institute of Contemporary Art, 1 McNally Street MRT: Bugis When: Till July 19, noon - 7pm (Tue - Sun), closed on Mon Admission: Free Info: www.lasalle.edu.sg and www.phish-comms.com

EXPRESSION: WHEN PASSION BECOMES AN ART

View 25 paintings and portraits of iconic figures such as Albert Einstein and Luciano Pavarotti at this exhibition by French artist Jean-Pierre Blanchard.

Where: TCC The Coffee Connoisseur, The Gallery,

51 Circular Road MRT: Raffles Place/Clarke Quay

When: Till July 21, 11am - midnight (Sun - Thu), 11 - 2am (Fri & Sat) Admission: Free Tel: 6479-2445

VAN GOGH - BRUSH WITH GENIUS

Relive Vincent Van Gogh's life through his letters and see the places that inspired him in this movie. In English.

Where: Omni-Theatre, 21 Jurong Town Hall Road MRT: Chinese Garden/Jurong East When: Till Oct 9, 1, 3, 5 & 8pm daily Admission: $10 (adult), $7 (senior citizens above 55), $5 (child aged three to 12) Tel: 6425-2500 Info: www.omnitheatre.com.sg

DA VINCI: THE GENIUS

This world acclaimed exhibition from Italy brings to life Leonardo Da Vinci's genius, featuring studies of his most famous Renaissance works, anatomical sketches as well as 3D animations of The Last Supper, Vitruvian Man and Mona Lisa.

Where: Science Centre, The Annexe, 15 Science Centre Road MRT: Jurong East When: Till Aug 16, 10am - 6pm (Tue - Sun), closed on Mon except school holidays and public holidays Admission: $15 (adult), $10 (child aged three to 16) Tel: 6425-2500

Info: www.davincithegenius.com

Film

THE GAMES OF THEIR LIVES (PG)

This award-winning sports documentary looks at the North Korean football team who created the biggest shock in World Cup history by beating the Italians during the 1966 World Cup qualifying rounds. Directed by Daniel Gordon, this film tracks down surviving members of the team and took them back to Britain in 2002. Held in conjunction with the Asian Youth Games 2009.

Where: Sinema Old School, B1-12, 11B Mount Sophia MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Thu, 8pm Admission: $10 Tel: 6336-9707 Info: A panellist with knowledge about North Korea will be invited to participate in the discussions. Visit www.sinema.sg and www.thegamesoftheirlives.co.uk

Gig

BURRINJUCK

The Australian Voices led by Stephen Leek will perform his composition Burrrinjuck with the SYC Ensemble Singers. This group plays Australian music imbued with indigenous folklore and poetry. Jennifer Tham and the SYC Ensemble Singers will also present Hideki Chihara's Orasho representing his musical vision of the life of the once hidden Christians in Japan.

Where: Esplanade Recital Studio MRT: City Hall When: Tue, 8pm Admission: $25 Tel: 6332-5813 Info: www.yms.org.sg

ANGLICAN HIGH SCHOOL CHOIR

Enjoy a performance by the award-winning Anglican High School Choir conducted by resident conductor Terrence Toh. Part of the Limelight programme by the Esplanade.

Where: Esplanade Concert Hall MRT: City Hall When: Tue, 7.30pm Admission: $21 Tel: 6348-5555

Shopping

GAMES OF GLORY/ASIAN YOUTH GAMES 2009 TORCH RELAY @ THE HEEREN

Spend $20 at The Heeren Shops and you can play two Asian Youth Games-related games - basketball and table tennis. The shopper with the highest score can win $200 worth of shopping vouchers from the shopping mall or receive a return air-ticket to Subang Airport by Firefly worth $280.

Where: The Heeren Shops, Orchard Road MRT: Orchard/Somerset When: Till Wed, 10am - 11pm daily (Games of Glory for shoppers) Sun, 2 - 3.30pm (Asian Youth Games Torch Rally and hop hop performance) Admission: Free Tel: 6738-4388

Show

EYE E CITY - A VISUAL ACCOUNT OF THE LAST 24 HOURS OF 2008

Buildings and places that have ceased to exist or about to be redeveloped, such as the New 7th Storey Hotel, are highlighted at this exhibition.

Where: Bras Basah Complex Foyer, 231 Bain Street MRT: City Hall/Bugis When: Till Tue, 7am - 7pm Admission: Free Tel: 9017-0418 Info: http://eyeecity.muliply.com, or e-mail eyeecity@yahoo.com

HEALTH & YOU 2009 EXHIBITION

Get a free health screening at the Fitness Room, play table-tennis, basketball and soccer at the Milo games booth and more at this Health & You 2009 Exhibition, the biggest health and wellness event here. Presented by Nestle and organised by The Straits Times Mind Your Body supplement and Lianhe Zaobao Lohas health page.

Where: Suntec Singapore, Halls 401 - 403 MRT: City Hall When: July 11 & 12, usual exhibition hours Admission: Free Info: mkghealthandyou@sph.com.sg

Sports

ASIAN YOUTH GAMES SINGAPORE 2009

Watch Asia's brightest athletes blaze their way to glory in various sporting fields ranging from football and sailing to shooting and beach volleyeball.

Where: Singapore Indoor Stadium: When: Till July 7, various times Admission: $3 - $9 for tickets for preliminaries, semi-finals and finals Tel: 6348-555 Info: www.ayg2009.sg

Theatre

SHORT & SWEET SINGAPORE 2009

Expect bite-sized theatre with attitude. Catch 40 10-minute plays in English and Mandarin at this Short & Sweet Singapore festival.

Where: Lasalle College of the Arts, Flexible Performance Space, Bencoolen Street MRT: Bugis When: Till July 12, 8pm (English Top 30) Where: The Arts House, Play Den, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Wed Sun (Mandarin 10) Admission: $28 Tel: 6332-6919 Info: tickets@toph.com.sg Where: Esplanade Theatre Studio MRT: City Hall When: July 16 - 18, 8pm (Gala Finals) Admission: $38 Tel: 6348-5555 Info: www.sistic.com.sg

DON'T FORGET TO REMEMBER ME

A thought-provoking play by The Necessary Stage which portrays the trials and tribulations of people suffering from dementia. Written by Haresh Sharma, directed by Alvin Tan.

Where: Various venues When: Till Sept 26, 7 - 8pm Admission: Free Tel: 9726-1281 Info: www.healthymind.sg or e-mail hpb_mhe@hbp.gov.sg to register

Tour

TOUR OF ROYAL SELANGOR PEWTER CENTRE/SCHOOL OF KNOCKS

Witness the painstaking and detailed pewter-making processes at a free gallery tour of the Royal Selangor Pewter Centre. Later, attend the School of Knocks to learn how to create your own pewter dish.

Where: Royal Selangor Pewter Centre, Clarke Quay 01 -01, 31 River Valley Road MRT: Clarke Quay When: Ongoing: 9am - 9pm daily Admission: Free for tour of gallery and retail showroom; pay $30 for School of Knocks session Tel: 6268-9600 Info: No appointment is necessary unless you are registering for the School of Knocks. Visit www.royalselangor.com

Web

THE REAL SINGAPORE

Want to know the real Singapore? Go to Singapore Seen for local content that affects you.

Info: Visit singaporeseen.stomp.com.sg/singaporeseen/index.jsp

Compiled by Magdalene Lum

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