Saturday's top pick

RESPONSIBLE PET OWNERSHIP ROADSHOW

Be a responsible pet owner. Get expert advice on how to care for your pets from experts representing nine animal welfare groups. This roadshow also includes exciting activities, from dog obedience training demonstrations to pet care talks, quizzes and games. Hosted by TV personalities Vivien Tan and Huang Wenyong. By the Agri-Food & Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA).

Where: Singapore Expo, Hall 6B MRT: expo When: Till Sun : 11am - 9pm Admission: Free Tel: 6325-7625 Info: Visit www.ava.gov.sg

Charity

JACOB BALLAS CHILDREN'S GARDEN CARNIVAL

Have a fun-filled day with your family taking part in games and rides and tucking into food for a good cause. All funds raised will go to the Garden City Fund to support and maintain the Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, where children can discover the important world of plants through play.

Where: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Jacob Ballas Children's Garden, enter from Bukit Timah Road MRT: Newton When: Sun : 10am - 7pm Admission: Free. Buy carnival coupons for food and games at $10 a set at the Singapore Botanic Gardens visitor centres. Info: Visit www.sbg.org.sg

Classical

FROM RUSSIA WITH LOVE (FACULTY RECITAL SERIES)

It's a Russian love affair. Enjoy works by Russian composers like Rachmaninoff and Tchaikovsky at this Faculty Recital Series concert by the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Of Music. Musicians include Alexander Soutel (violin), Evgueni Brokmiller (flute) and Natalia Kumkova (soprano).

Where: Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Of Music, Conservatory Concert Hall, National University of Singapore, next to University Cultural Centre, Kent Ridge MRT: Clementi/Buona Vista When: Sat : 7.30pm Admission: $16 & $21 ($6 for students, senior citizens and national servicemen) Tel: 6348-5555 (tickets), 6516-1167 (inquiries) Info: No entry for children under six, visit www.music.nus.edu.sg

VOCAL DELIGHTS RECITAL

Enjoy Western songs such as O Mistress Mine by Shakespeare, and Chinese classical songs such as Yellow River Concerto. Featuring the vocals of Lim Shieh Yih from Singapore, mezza-soprano Anna Koor from Britain, soprano Cecilia Yap from Malaysia, and Dr Pei-Chi Hong, a pianist from Taiwan.

Where: Victoria Concert Hall, Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Sat : 8pm Admission: $27 & $37 Tel: 6100-2005 Info: Visit www.gatecrash.com.sg

VCH CHAMBER SERIES: VIVALDI'S FOUR SEASON

Enjoy an afternoon of baroque classics by musicians from the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Taking on each of the four concertos in Vivaldi's The Four Seasons, a bravura showpiece for violin soloists, are Cindy Lee (Spring), Chan Yoong-Han (Summer), Kong Zhao Hui (Autumn) and Lynette Seah (winter).

Where: Victoria Concert Hall, Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Sun : 5pm Admission: $11 ($6 for students, senior citizens and national servicemen) Tel: 6348-5555 Info: Show your ticket at Victoria cafe from 4 - 5pm for a free cup of coffee or tea and a slice of cake

SONG WITHOUT SINGERS - A PIANO RECITAL BY LIM YAN

Expect virtuoso performances of Schubert's Der Erlkonig by Franz Liszt and Godowsky's delightful version of the every popular Die Forelle (The Trout) by pianist Lim Yan, a Young Artist Award recipient regarded as one of Asia's most exciting young musicians.

Where: Esplanade Recital Studio MRT: City Hall When: Sun : 7.30pm Admission: $21 ($13 for students) Te: 6348-5555

Environmental Conservation

COME OUT AND PLAY, IT'S NO TV DAY!

Get tips on environment conservation and participate in games and skits this weekend in the North West District. Participants might win a lucky draw prize of a weekend stay at Conrad Centennial Hotel and up to $7,000 worth of health packages. You can also catch a fashion show showcasing fashion by students in a 'Made To-Wear' Recycle Contest. Organised by the National Environmental Agency (NEA). The guest-of-honour is Dr Vivian Balakrishnan, Minister for Community Development, Youth and Sports

Where: Petir Square, Hard Court, next to Block 140 Petir Road, North West District MRT: Choa Chu Kang When: Sun : 8am - 5pm Admission: Free Tel: 6219-4562

Film

LAUNCH OF ASIAN FILM ARCHIVE COLLECTION: SINGAPORE SHORTS VOl. 2 DVD

Help raise funds for the the Asian Film Archive's preservation work: Buy the much-awaited Singapore Shorts Vol. 2 DVD Collection at its launch at Kinokuniya Bookstore on Sat. Includes a screening of nine short films in the DVD made by local film-makers such as Boo Junfeng, Sandi Tan and Loo Zihan, and a Q&A session with the film-makers.

Where: Kinokuniya Bookstore, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, 03-10/15, Ngee Ann City 291 Orchard Road MRT: Orchard/Somerset When: Sat : 2.30 - 4pm Admission: Free Tel: 6777-3243 Info: The DVD retails at $29.95. Visit www.asianfilmarchive.org/singapore_shorts2

DEATH PROOF (M-18)/PLANET OF TERROR (R-21)

Catch two shockingly bold feature films with exploitative mayhem by acclaimed directors Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez. Death Proof by Tarantino takes you on a white-knuckle ride behind the wheel of a psycho serial killer's car. Planet Terror is a retro-futuristic vision of horror: A small town in Texas is ravaged by a mysterious plaque.

Where: The Arts House, Screening Room, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Thu : 7.45pm (Death Proof: M18) Admission: $8, Fri or Nov 14 : 7.45pm & Sat or Nov 15 (Grindhouse 2008 - Planet Terror & Death Proof: R21) Admission: $13, Nov 13: 7.45pm (Planet Terror: R-21), Admission: $8 Tel: 6332-6919 Info: Visit www.theartshouse.com.sg

SMELL OF RAIN (PG)

This film by Gloria Chee explores the heartbreaking yet tender moments of a young man who is alone and lost, forever trapped in time.

Where: Sinema Old School, 11B Mount Sophia, B1- 12 MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Sun : 8.45pm & Nov 21 : 2.30pm Admission: $6 Tel: 6336-9707 Info: Visit www.sinema.sg/oldschool

Pulau Hantu (PG)

Directed by Esan Sivalingam, this film is about a group of ragtag soldiers who inadvertently disturb an unholy grave site.

Where: Sinema Old School, 11B Mount Sophia, B1- 12 MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Sun : 6.45pm, Nov 15: 4.45pm & Nov 23: 8.30pm Admission: $8 Tel: 6336-9707 Info: Visit www.sinema.sg/oldschool

YASUKUNI

Catch the encore screening of this 120-minute film which explores the history of Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, where more than two million of Japan's war dead are enshrined, including more than 1,000 war criminals convicted during the 1946-1948 Tokyo tribunal.

Where: National Museum of Singapore, Gallery Theatre, Basement, 93 Stamford Road MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Sun : 2 & 9pm Admission: $8 (6.40: concessions) Tel: 6332-3659 Info: Visit www.nationalmuseum.sg

German Film Festival 2008

ABSURDISTAN

A romantic comedy about a God-forsaken desert village called Absurdistan, which has a water problem but the lazy men won't lift a finger to help. Soon a crazy war of the sexes breaks out and the town is divided in half with barbed wire. In Russian with English subtitles.

Where: Cathay Cineplex, 2 Handy Road MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Sat : 7.15pm Admission: $10 Tel: 6735-4555 Info: Part of the German Film Festival. Visit www.cathay.com.sg/GFF08 and www.goethe.de/singapore

THE WAVE

Loosely based on a real-life incident in 1967, this thriller directed by Dennis Gansel is about a history teacher who tries to teach his pupils the realities of facism and how easily an ideology of superiority can take root. In German with English subtitles.

Where: Cathay Cineplex, 2 Handy Road MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Sat : 9.15pm & Nov 15: 11.20pm Admission: $10 Tel: 6735-4555 Info: Part of the German Film Festival. Visit www.cathay.com.sg/GFF08 and www.goethe.de/singapore

THE RED BARON

An English film about legendary pilot Manfred von Richthofen, nicknamed 'The Red Baron', who was one of the best fighter pilots of the Prussian army. But he and his comrades were blind to the atrocities of war until later. Directed by Nikolai Mullerschlon.

Where: Cathay Cineplex, 2 Handy Road MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Sat : 11.20pm Admission: $10 Tel: 6735-4555 Info: Visit www.cathay.com.sg/GFF08 and www.goethe.de/singapore

Gig

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC - NUSS CHOIR 10TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

Enjoy Abba's evergreens, classical Mozart tunes and nostalgic Asean songs at this musical extravaganza by the National University of Singapore Society (NUSS) Choir, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Led by music director Elaine Chan.

Where: University Cultural Centre, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge Crescent MRT: Clementi When: Sat : 8 - 9.45pm Admission: $15 Tel: 6586-3741 Info: E-mail zhengyang@nuss.org.sg

ROCKSTAR TASTE OF CHAOS TOUR (AS A LAY DYING & STORY OF THE YEAR)

The renowned metal music fest is here in Southeast Asia for the first time.

Where: DXO Club, next to The Esplanade Mall MRT: City Hall When: Sat : 7pm Admission: $113 Tel: 6348-5555 Info: Motley Crue ticket holders can get a $20 discount on the tickets. Visit www.lamsproductions.com and www.tasteofchaos.com

AN EVENING WITH ANUAR ZAIN

Catch Anuar Zain at his first-ever concert here and be mesmerised by his popular brand of Malay music, which includes the hits Lelaki Ini and Bidadari.

Where: Esplanade Concert Hall MRT: City Hall When: Sat 8.30pm Admission: $63 - $203 Tel: 6348-5555

BEYOND NEXT STAGE 2008

Paul Wong and Yip Sai Wing from iconic Hong Kong band Beyond will entertain fans with their evergreen hits such as Amani and Paradise.

Where: Singapore Indoor Stadium MRT: Kallang When: Sat : 8pm Admission: $111- $171 (the $81 & $191 tickets are sold out) Tel: 6348-5555

BIG SCREEN HITS

It's a musical treat for the whole family. Award-winning Singapore band West Winds performs exciting and familiar favourites from the big screen such as Out Of Africa, The Incredibles, Indiana Jones and High School Musical. Part of The Esplanade's Beautiful Sunday programme.

Where: Esplanade Concert Hall MRT: City Hall When: Sun : 3pm Admission: Free Tel: 6828-8377

Kalaa Utsavam

THE LAST MUGHAL

Author William Dalrymple reads from his book, The Last Mughal: The Fall of a Dynasty, 1857, accompanied by the North Indian Hindustani vocals of Vidya Shah.

Where: Esplanade Recital Studio MRT: City Hall When: Sat : 7.30pm Admission: $28 Tel: 6348-5555

DASAAVATHAARAM

A Bharathanatyam dance performance about the 10 most famous incarnations of Hindu deity Lord Vishnu. Staged by the teachers of the Singapore Indian Fine Arts Society. K. Mahalakshmi of India is the artistic director and choreographer.

Where: Esplanade Theatre Studio MRT: City Hall When: Sun : 8pm Admission: $28 Tel: 6348-5555

TRADITIONAL ART FORMS OF KERALA - KUTIYATTAM & NANGIAR KOOTHU By SOORYA (INDIA)

Catch two ancient dance dramas from India. Performed by eight artists from Kerala, India, led by Margi Sathi.

Where: Esplanade Outdoor Theatre MRT: City Hall When: Sat & Sun : 7.30 - 8.30pm. 9 - 11pm (Sat), 9 - 10pm (Sun) Admission: Free Tel: 9389-0407 Info: Visit www.sooryafest.org

Museum

EAST MEETS WEST (A WEEKEND OF FAMILY FUN!)

For a weekend of family fun, take your family down to the Asian Civilisations Museum, where there are pulsating drumbeats, feet-tapping live music and high-energy modern dances. Children can enjoy colourful puppet shows. Enjoy free ice cream and Milo, first come first served. Take part in lucky draws and you may win prizes from Canon. Held in conjunction with the Neither East Nor West (Asians In Monochrome) Exhibition. Also, you can enjoy free entry to the Neither East Nor West (Asians in Monochrome) exhibition, featuring 52 historic portraits of sultans, rajahs, diplomats and socialites. A fascinating record of East-West cultural relations and historical events of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It is on till Feb 23 next year.

Where: Asian Civilisations Museum, Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Sat & Sun : noon - 5pm Admission: Free Tel: 6332-7798

Reflections 2008

SYMPHONIE DE REPUBLIQUE II 'TRANSITION'

The award-winning Republic Polytechnic Wind symphony takes on the rare Tuba Concerto by Edward Gregson and Yasuhide ito's 'Gloriosa' Symphonic Poem for Band.

Where: Republic Polytechnic, The Republic Cultural Centre, Theatre, 9 Woodlands Avenue 9 MRT: Woodlands When: Sat : 8pm Admission: $10 Tel: 6365-0410

Show

DEFENCE TECHX 2008

Find out what it's like to fight as a modern SAF soldier, and find out how the new camouflage uniforms enhance their concealment at this exhibition organised by the Ministry of Defence and the Defence Science & Technology Agency.

Where: The Science Centre Singapore, The Annexe, Science Centre Road MRT: Jurong East When: Sat - Tue : 10am - 6pm Admission: Free Info: Visit www.mindef.gov.sg/defencetechx

1.26�N 103.8�E - THE PORT THAT NEVER SLEEPS

An exhibition by Jonathan Yeap, an award-winning press photographer from Lianhe Wanbao, capturing the vibrancy of Singapore's ports.

Where: VivoCity South Avenue, Level 1 MRT: HarbourFront When: Till Sun : 10am - 10pm Admission: Free Tel: 6377-6860 Info: E-mail artl7@yahoo.com.sg, or visit www.jonyeap.com

THE SINGAPORE TEDDY BEAR SHOW 2008

An exhibition of handmade teddy bears, including distinctive signature creations by award-winning teddy bear artists from across the world. Organised by Positive Solutions and Moob International, a local teddy bear design company.

Where: The Arts House, Gallery, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane When: Sun 10am - 5pm Admission: Free Tel: 6332-6919

ENERGY: PORTRAITS OF PRODUCTION AND CONSUMPTION IN SINGAPORE

A photo exhibition about our energy landscape by The Straits Times photojournalist Alphonsus Chern, in collaboration with Singapore's Energy Market Authority for International Energy Week Singapore.

Where: National Library Building, Level 8, Promenade, 100 Victoria Street MRT: Bugis/City Hall When: Till Wed : 9am - 9pm Admission: Free Tel: 6332-3255

THE FOOD SAFARI

The first food-themed exhibition in Singapore, which lets you eat, drink, shop and attend Foodies' Workshops. This is the first lifestyle exhibition by SPH subsidiary, Sphere Exhibits Pte Ltd. The Sunday Times is its official newspaper. From 11pm to 7pm next Fri, check out The Sunday Times Foodies' 18 food and beverage workshops priced at $5 each.

Where: Suntec Singapore, Halls 402 - 404, MRT: City Hall When: Next Fri to Nov 16: 11am - 10pm Admission: Free Info: Visit www.thefoodsafari.com.sg

Singapore Hokkien Festival 2008

OPENING CEREMONY/HOKKIEN FOOD GALORE

Tuck into traditional Hokkien delicacies at this food exhibition, held in conjunction with the opening of the Singapore Hokkien Festival. Organised by the Singapore Hokkien Huay Kuan.

Where: Singapore Conference Hall, Shenton Way: MRT: Tanjong Pagar When: Sat - Nov 16: 10am - 9pm Admission: Pay $10 per booklet of coupons Tel: 6222-8212

Talk

PEEK-A-A-BOO @ PAP

Join award-winning playwright Desmond Sim and Action Theatre's artistic director Ekachai Uekrongtham at this informal talk to learn about the Pitch-A-Play (PAP) Competition, where experienced and novice writers of all ages can submit ideas for plays of all genres. Winners of the competition can join Action Theatre's Playwriting Spa where training, consultation and guidance will be given free to enable them to turn their winning ideas into staged plays. Selected plays developed at this Spa will be invited to participate in Theatre Idols 2009, with the winning play being staged during Action Theatre's 2009/10 season.

Where: The Room Upstairs, Action Theatre's 42 Waterloo Street MRT: Bugis When: Sat : 3pm Admission: Free Tel: 6837-0842

Theatre

FLARE

What happens when tremors from a neighbouring country reverberate through the lives of various families here? Check out this joint production by the award-winning local puppet theatre group, The Finger Players, and Cake Theatrical Productions. Inspired by Peter Shaffer's psychological sdrama, Equus, this narrative kaleidoscope explores desperation and escape. Written by Chong Tze Chien and directed by Natalie Hennedige.

Where: National Museum of Singapore, Gallery Theatre, 93 Stamford Road MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Sat : 3 & 8pm Admission: $33 & $38 Tel: 6348-5555

THE MAN WHO QUESTIONS DEATH

This funny absurdist theatrical piece is based on 2000 Nobel laureate Gao Xingjian's seminal play exploring anger, cynicism, resignation, release and total freedom. In Mandarin. Presented by Little Red Shop. Where: the Arts House, Play Den, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, MRT: Raffles Place When: Thu - Sat : 8pm, also 3pm Sat & Sun Admission: $30 Tel: 6332-6919

THE RETURN OF THE V

Comedians Irene Ang and Chua Enlai spoof a variety of innocent-till-proven guilty-silly villains and victims. The Chinese Goddess of Mercy, 'Guan Yin', also appears on stage to address issues faced by mortals raised in their comic sketch. By Fly Entertainment.

Where: Movita, St. James Power Station MRT: HarbourFront When: Till Sun : 8pm Admission: $48 including a standard drink Tel: 6296-2929 (tickets), 6224-3188 (inquiries) Info: tickets for Wednesday & Thu are sold out but tickets for the other days are still available)

A-TISCHOO!

In this visual fantasy, children can visit strange lands represented by the four elements - air, fire, water and earth. Each element symbolises the feelings and experience of having symptoms of the flu, such as shivering and sneezing and feeling the heat of the fever. Staged by Dynamic New Animation of Britain, it is presented by Act 3 International here. Meant for those aged three to six.

Where: Alliance Francaise Theatre, 1 Sarkies Road MRT: Newton When: Till Sun : 10am, 11am & 4pm Admission: $21 Tel: 6348-5555

SOMETHING ELSE

A magical adaptation of the award-winning book by Kathryn Cave and Chris Riddell, it is presented by Players Theatre, one of the leading children's theatre companies here.

Where: Ulu Pandan Community Club Theatrette, 5th Floor, Ulu Pandan community Club, 170 Ghim Moh Road MRT: Buona Vista When: Mon - Nov 14: 9.30 & 11am, 2 & 3.30pm, Nov 15: 11am & 5pm Admission: $21 tel: 6348-5555 Info: Visit www.theplayerstheatre.org

THE WIZARD OF OZ

Follow the yellow brick road. Join Dorothy, the Scarecrow, the Tin Man and the Cowardly Lion as they journey to Oz in this I Theatre production adapted from the famous Judy Garland movie with famous tunes such as Over The Rainbow and Ding Dong! The Witch Is Dead. Stars Mariel Reyes, Timothy Nga, Robert Jenkin and Gene Sha Rudyn.

Where: Drama Centre Theatre, 200 Victoria Street MRT: Bugis/City Hall When: Till Nov 15, various times Admission: $31 - $61 Tel: 6348-5555 Info: www.sistic.com.sg

AVENUE Q - THE MUSICAL

It's Sesame Street with a grown-up twist! One of the hottest shows in London's West End and Broadway and winner of the Best Musical 2004 Tony Award, Avenue Q takes you on a fun-filled romp with an ensemble of actors and some very adult-minded puppets belting out hilarious songs such as I'm Not Wearing Underwear Today. Presented by the Singapore Repertory Theatre.

Where: Esplanade Theatre MRT: City Hall When: Till Nov 16, 8pm Admission: $43- $143 Tel: 6348-5555

THE TOOTH FAIRY

What happens to your tooth after the Tooth Fairy collects it? Find out at this fun-filled magical musical featuring memorable and uplifting songs and dance routines and colourful sets and costumes. Performed by The Little Company, a subsidiary of the Singapore Repertory Theatre here.

Where: DBS Arts Centre, Merbau Road, Robertson Quay MRT: Clarke Quay When: Till Dec 14: 10 & 11am, 2, 5 & 7pm Admission: $25 (weekdays), $31 (weekends) Tel: 6348-5555

Web

BRUSH UP YOUR ENGLISH

Fine-tune your language skills in English As It Is Broken!

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

Compiled by Magdalene Lum

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