The spirituality of the Brazilian rainforest inspired Filipino artist and yogi monk Rodiel D. Alcantra to create 15 oil paintings. Part of the proceeds from the sale of his paintings will go to social service programmes for a children's school in Manila where he now lives.

Where: Ananda Marga Yoga Society of Singapore, #07-01 Parkway Centre, 1 Marine Parade Central, next to Parkway Parade MRT: Eunos When, Till Dec 21: 1 - 6pm (weekdays), 1 - 5pm (weekends) Admission: Free Tel: 6344-6519

Art

IT'S A SMALL WORLD

Invest in quality affordable Chinese art. This exhibition features reasonably priced and miniature works by various outstanding modern and contemporary Chinese artists including Gu Yan, Hu Yong Kai, Pan Gang and Xue Dai.

Where: Hakaren Art Gallery, Tanglin Shopping Centre 02 -43, 19 Tanglin Road MRT: Orchard When: Wed - Dec 10, 10.30am - 6.40pm (Mon - Sat), noon - 6pm (Sun & public holidays) Admission: Free Tel: 6733-3382 Info: Visit www.hakaren.com

A TALE OF TWO CITIES

This art exhibition features the works of Italian artist Professor Giuseppe Borello from Verona who is a master of the expressive line.

Where: Singapore Polytechnic Convention Centre, Dover Road. MRT: Dover When: Wed & Thu , 11am - 9pm Admission: Free Tel: 6879-0409 Info: The exhibition also features works by young Singapore artists. E-mail psng@sp.edu.sg

CROSSROADS

Check out this Chinese contemporary art exhibition featuring works by party elders, such as Feng Zhengjie and Zeng Fanzhi and rising stars such as Zhong Biao and Xue Song.

Where: Opera Gallery, Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City 02-12H, 391 Orchard Road MRT: Orchard/Somerset When: Till Dec 14: 11am - 8pm (Mon - Fri), 10am - 8pm (Sat & Sun), Admission: Free Tel: 6735-2618

LOST CITY 2 - A COLLECTIVE ART EXHIBITION

This exhibition by five award-winning local artists - Hong Sek Chern, Francis Ng, Tang Ling Nah, Ahmad Bakar and C.K. Kum - attempts to identify the energies and tensions arising from the hyper-globalisation of the world today. Curated by Arthur Sim.

Where: Sculpture Square, 155 Middle Road MRT: Bugis When: Till Dec 17: 10am - 7pm Admission: Free Tel: 6336-1055

Asia On The Edge

MUSIC PRODIGIES

Catch some of Asia's most talented award-winning young musicians celebrating the joy and beauty of music in their personal styles and vernacular. They are Aileen Gozali (Indonesia/Singapore), Aristo Sham (Hong Kong/China), Utsav Lal (India) and Taiga Onitsuka (Japan).

Where: The Arts House, The Chamber, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Till Sat , 8 - 9pm Admission: $23 Tel: 6332-6919 Info: Visit www.asiaontheedge.com

IRUKA: ARE YOU HERE? - DANCE

Contemporary Japanese dancer Kota Yamazaki integrates traditional Japanese culture such as elements of butoh with the contemporary world.

Where: The Arts House, Play Den, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When:

Thu & Fri , 8pm Admission: $32 Tel: 6332-6919 Info: Visit www.asiaontheedge.com

CINEMA FIRST - FILM SCREENINGS

View a selection of the best films and documentaries showcased since the beginning of the Asia Pacifi Festival of 1st films in 2005. The films are by film-makers such as James C Liu from Taiwan, Zhuang Yuxin from China, Aureaus Solito from The Philippines and Stephane Gauger from Vietnam.

Where: The Arts House, Screening Room, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Till Sat , various times Admission: $9 (free for outdoor screening) Tel: 6332-6919 Visit www.asiaontheedge.com

Charity

THE STARBUCKS CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

Enjoy your favourite coffee at the Starbucks Christmas Open House on Thursday and donate to The Salvation Army. All Starbucks stores will offer complimentary tall-sized beverages to customers as part of the programme. Starbucks employees will pledge their tips to the Salvation Army to encourage more customers to donate.

Where: All Starbucks stores islandwide When: Thu, 5 - 7pm Admission: Free (donate to charity)

Tel: 6513-7500

PROMISE OF A SMILE

They dance for charity. This dance extravaganza comprising award-winning dances from ballet and tap to modern dance and jazz is performed by 200 dancers aged four to 21. All proceeds and donations will go to Operation Smile Singapore 2008, a non-profit organisation which repairs childhood facial derformities. By Dance Spectrum International.

Where: Republic Cultural Centre Theatre, Republic Polytechnic, 9 Woodlands Avenue 9 MRT: Woodlands When: Fri , 5 & 8pm Admission: $20 (5pm), $25 (8pm) Tel: 9649-4559 (tickets), 9066-6923 (donations and sponsorship) Info: Donations and proceeds from this concert will go to Operation Smiles Missions to the Philipines. E-mail dancespectrum_dsi@yahoo.com (tickets) and jacahk@singnet.com.sg (donations and sponsorship)

CHARITY GIFT HOUSE

Open your heart to needy schoolchildren this Christmas. Make a $15 donation to The Straits Times School Pocket Money Fund and pick up a gift at the Charity Gift House at Paragon shopping centre.

Where: Paragon Shopping Centre, Orchard Road MRT: Somerset

When: Till Dec 26: 10am - 10pm Admission: Free Tel: 6738-5535 Info: Those who spend $150 at the shopping centre stand to win prizes worth more than $20,000 in a lucky draw. Till Dec 21, Level 5 of Paragon will be transformed into a kids' hub with various activities. Visit www.paragon.com.sg for details

2008 YMCA FLAG DAY

Donate to the YMCA of Singapore which is holding a YMCA Flag Day to raise $60,000 to enrich the lives of the intellectually, mentally and physically challenged, out-of-school youth, youth-at-risk, underprivileged and abused children, the poor and elderly. You can also sign up as one of 450 volunteers to sell flags islandwide on the Flag Day.

Where: islandwide When Dec 10: 9.30am - 3.30pm & 2 - 6.30pm (two shifts to sell flags) Admission: Free Tel: 6586-2343 Info: Individuals can donate $50 while corporations can donate $500 each. Donors can send their donation cheques payable to 'YMCA of Singapore' and mail them to One Orchard Road, Singapore 238824 with their names, addresses, IC numbers and mark 'YMCA Flag Day 2008' on the back of the cheques to receive official aknowledgments. E-mail flagday@ymca.org.sg by Dec 8 to sign up as a volunteer or visit www.ymca.org.sg/flagday for more information.

THE BOYS' BRIGADE SHARITY GIFT BOX 2008

Have a heart. Share a gift with the less fortunate in society this Christmas season. Donate daily necessities or fulfill a specific wish of a child, an elderly person or a family to spread joy in their lives.

Where: Send donations to the Main Gift Box outside Takashimaya Shopping Centre, Ngee Ann City, Orchard Road MRT: Orchard/Somerset & donation boxes outside several NTUC Fairprice outlets When: Till Dec 19, Admission: Free Info: Visit http://www.bbsgb.org.sg

Christmas

TPCC CHRISTMAS CONCERT

Usher in the Christmas season at The Philharmonic Chamber Choir's (TPCC's) Christmas Concert under the baton of Lim Yau featuring the captivating Laud To The Nativity by Ottorino Respighi which retells the wondrous mystery of Christ's birth. The concert features the Singapore Bible College Singers.

Where:Esplanade Concert Hall MRT: City Hall When: Fri : 7.30pm Admission: $21 - $43 Tel: 6348-5555

THE CACAO SHOW/WORLD'S 'TALLEST CHRISTMAS CHOCOLATE SCULPTURE'

It's a chocoholic's dream. Head for The Centrepoint and snap a photograph of Singapore's largest Christmas chocolate sculpture which is marked for entry into the Guinness Book of records. You can get your cocoa fix by shopping for a wide array of chocolate brands, including Chocolate Graphics, Elovela, Gulliver and Maison Gerard.

Where: The Centrepoint, Atrium, 176 Orchard Road MRT: Somerset When: Till Sun : 10am - 10pm Admission: Free Tel: 6737-9000 Info: You can catch chef demonstrations and talks on healthy dark chocolate there too.

HAVE YOURSELF A DILLYDALE CHRISTMAS - MR MEN AND LITTLE MISSES SHOW

Favourite fictional book characters from the Mr Men and Little Misses series will come alive at the Frasers Centrepoint Mall to entertain families with Christmas music and Meet-and-Greet sessions. Fans can get up close and personal and even have their photographs taken with the characters when they spend $30 at any of the malls.

Where: Causeway Point MRT: Causeway Point When: Till Sun , 10am - 10pm, Compass Point MRT: Sengkang Dec 9 - 14, 10am - 10pm, Northpoint MRT: Yishun, Dec 16 - 21: 10am -10pm Admission: Free Tel: 6894-2237 (Causeway Point), 6881-2707 (Compass Point), 6754-2300 (Northpoint) Info: Spend $50 at any of the malls for a chance to drive home in a brand-new 1.4-litre Chevrolet Aveo 5 or win a sparkling diamond pendant from Lee Hwa Jewellery.

Club

MICHELLE NICOLLE QUARTET

Unwind by catching the Michelle Nicolle Quartet. Nicolle, who is Australia's first lady of Jazz having won the title of 'Vocalist of the Year' many times, will entertain you with her varied repertoire. She also arranges her own music as band leader and recording artist.

Where: Jazz@Southbridge, 82 Boat Quay MRT: raffles Place When: Wed - Fri , 9.30pm - midnight Admission: $10 for Wed & Thu , $20 for Fri Tel: 6327-4671

Contest

2008 NATIONAL CHINESE MUSIC COMPETITION

Join in the excitement as young music talents compete on the dizi, erhu, guzheng, pipia, sheng, suona, yangqin and zhongruan in the biennial National Chinese Music Competition. It comprises solo and ensemble categories, culminating in a Prize Winners' Concert on Dec 13 at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music Concert Hall and masterclasses on Dec 14. Organised by the National Arts Council.

Where: Esplanade Recital Studio MRT: City Hall When: Till Dec 12, 9am - 6pm Admission: Free for preliminaries and final, pay $11 for Prize Winners' Concert & $6 for a masterclass Tel: 6348-5555 (tickets for concert and masterclass) 6837-9544 (inquiries) Info: Masterclasses will be held at the Singapore Conference Hall on Dec 14. Visit www.nac.gov.sg

Explore Singapore!

NOSTALGIC FUN @ SENTOSA

Relive the good old days and immerse yourself in Singapore's rich cultural heritage by visiting the Images Of Singapore exhibit and learning how our forefathers lived and worked. Explore Singapore! is part of the National Heritage Board's annual campaign to cultivate a museum-going culture here.

Where: Sentosa, Imbiah MRT: HarbourFront When: Till Mon , 10am - 7pm Admission: $3 for island entry and transport plus $14 per adult and $10 per child for entry into both the Images of Singapore and Fort Siloso attractions Tel: 1800-736-8672

WEDDING TALK BY VERNETTA LOPEZ

Planning to tie the knot soon? Get ideas for a perfect wedding at this workshop by wedding planner and celebrity radio personality Vernatta Lopez.

Where: Singapore Art Museum, Bras Basah Road MRT: City Hall When: Wed , 6 - 9pm Admission: $40 a couple including refreshments Info: Visit www.exploresingapore.com.sg

HEALTH DIET WORKSHOP BY VIOLET OON

Improve your lifestyles and learn how to prepare healthier food with tips from food ambassador Violet Oon. Then burn your unwanted calories with an aerobics sessions with fitness instructor Mike Yoong.

Where: HealthZone, Health Promotion Board, Level 2, 3, Second Hospital Avenue, off Outram Road MRT: Outram When: Fri , 3- 5pm Admission: $40 each including museum admission Tel: 6744-2673 Info: Visit www.exploresingapore.com.sg

Fashion

RETROLICIOUS CALENDAR LAUNCH

Ogle more than 10 gorgeous calendar girls in specially-designed Retro Bikinis from Jeffrey Chung Models at this choreographed fashion show-cum-dance with a retro theme at The Arena at Clarke Quay. Held in conjunction with the launch of the Retrolicious Calendar 2009.

Where: The Arena, 01-08 Clarke Quay, 3B River Valley Road MRT: Clarke Quay When: Wed , 11pm (doors open at 9pm), Admission: Pay $24 cover charge which includes two drinks (free entry for females as it's Ladies' Nite) Tel: 6338-3158 Info: 100 calendars will be given away to lucky patrons and the calender girls will autograph calendars after the show Visit www.jeffreychungmodels.net

Gig

KRAFTWERK (MOSAIC)

German electronic music group Kraftwerk - the German godfathers of electronica - will appear with their robot doubles at this perfectly synchronised visual spectacle. It's strikingly antiseptic and yet strangely compelling.

Where: Esplanade Theatre MRT: City Hall When: Wed : 8pm Admission: $91 - $151 Tel: 6348-5555

Museum

CALL FOR DONATIONS: MUSEUM OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS

Has your heart ever been broken? Don't cry too much but do something positive by donating items from your broken relationship to a special Museum of Broken Relationships which will display exhibits to help you overcome your heartbreak. It will be set up here as part of the M1 Singapore Fringe Festival 2009 from Jan 7 - 18 next year.

Info: Submit donations by Dec 15, Tel: 6440-8115 Info: E-mail info@singaporefringe.spm Info: To donate your item, download the donation form to tell more about your donation and the stories behind it/them by visiting www/singaporefringe.com/downloads/MoBrForm.pdf

Show

KNOW YOUR RIGHTS EXHIBITION

Find out all about the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) whicvh played a role in the formulation of international treaties, national constitutions and law at this exhibition. It will also showcase major international human rights conventions. Held by the National University of Singapore (NUS) Pro Bono Group.

Where: National Library, Level 7, 100 Victoria Street MRT: Bugis/City Hall When: Till Dec 9: 10am - 9pm, Jurong Regional Library MRT: Jurong East When: Dec 10 -22: 10am - 9pm Admission: Free Tel: 6332-3255

Talk

DIGITAL MARKETING STRATEGIES

Learn how effective digital marketing strategies can maximise your business results and the different methods to achieve optimum results using mew digital channels at this ST701 seminar.

Where: Singapore Press Holdings Auditorium, 1000 Toa Payoh North MRT: Braddell When: Dec 9: 2 - 6pm Admission: $369 with GST (ST701 member), $439 with GST (non-member) a workshop Tel: 6319-5924 (office hours) Info: To register visit jobs.st701.com or e-mail st701@sph.com.sg. The panel discussion will feature panelists such as Adrian Tay, editor of ASiaOne, Lim Chuan Jer, general manager of new Media Unit, SPH magazines and Alan Soon, head of Online Business and Technology, ST701.

PICTURE BOOK FORUM

First-time writers and illustrators can get valuable tips and guidance on writing and illustrating for children's books at this Picture Book Forum. It will feature Australian writer Meredith Costain and Leigh Hobbs, an Australian artist author and illustrator of children's books and The Straits Times Press book publishing team.

Where: Grand Plaza Park Hotel, Ballroom 1, Level 2, 10 Coleman Street MRT: City Hall When: Dec 12 & 13: 8.30am - 5.30pm Admission: $55 a day and $85 for two days Tel: 6848-8290 Info: The forum is organised by the Media Development Authority and the National Book Development Council of Singapore. Visit http://www.bookcouncil.sg

Theatre

SUNSHINE GIRL - THE MUSICAL

This touching story of sacrifice, identity, love, kinship and the ties that bind will help spread love and joy this festive season. A revue-styled musical extravaganza written and produced by renowned Singapore composer, playwright and singer Dick Lee, it's about the sacrifices a young and aspiring performer and her ambitious mother go through in the entertainment world. Part of VivoCity's second anniversary celebrtions.

Where: VivoCity, Amphitheatre, Level 3, HarbourFront Walk MRT: HarbourFront When: Till Mon , 8pm daily Admission: Free Tel: 6377-6860/6870 Info: Just spend $80 at any store at VivoCity till Mon and you will receive a a pair of complimentary tickets for the musical, American Express cardholders can spend $50 to qualify for the tickets. Visit www.vivocity.com.sg

IT'S MY LIFE!

Don't miss this musical about teens, for teens and by teens. Touching, honest, explosive and funny, this musical unlocks the secret life of teenagers.

Where: University Cultural Centre Theatre, NUS Centre for the Arts, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge Crescent MRT: Clementi When: Tue - Fri , 8pm Admission: $27 Tel: 6100-2005 Info: Visit www.gatecrash.com.sg

AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS

Journey around the world without leaving your seat. Catch this Broadway-style family musical production of Around The World In 80 Days, based on the Jules Verne classic novel about the intrepid English gentleman Phileas Fogg who races around the world to win a wager. By ABA Productions.

Where: Esplanade Theatre MRT: City Hall When: Till Sun , 8pm (Wed - Sat only), also 2.30pm (Sat) & 12.30 & 5.30pm (Sun only) Admission: $31 - $146 Tel: 6348-5555

THE OFFICE PARTY

A comic drama taking you on a rollercoaster ride through a minefield of office politics, petty differences, sexual harassment and hidden desires.

Where: DBS Arts Centre, Merbau Road, Roberston Quay MRT: Clarke Quay When: Till Dec 13: 8pm, also 4pm on Fri & Sat & Dec 12 & 13 Admission: $51 & $61 Tel: 6348-5555 Info: The play is meant strictly for those aged 16 and above due to mature themes and use of coarse language

SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS

Catch this pantomine which gives a twist to the beloved childhood tale of Snow White. It comes with side-splitting gags and snazzy songs. Directed by Hossan Leong, this Wild Rice production features Sebastian Tan as The Queen and Elena Wang as Snow White.

Where: Drama Centre Theatre, National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street MRT: City Hall/Bugis When: Till Dec 20, 7.30pm (Tue - Fri), 2.30 & 7.30pm (Sat & Sun) Admission: $41 - $62 Tel: 6348-5555

Wedding

BRIDAL FAIR

Planning to tie the knot soon? Better check out this Bridal Fair at Traders Hotel where you can book wedding banquet packages for next year and early 2010 with perks galore if you sign up at the fair. You can visit booths featuring bridal studios, florists, jewellery and other wedding associated services, such as wedding car, accessories, feng shui, beauty and wellness.

Where: Traders Hotel, off Orchard Boulevard MRT: Orchard When: Sat , 10am - 4pm Admission: $18 nett a couple with light refreshments at a reception Tel: 6831-4319 Info: Complimentary entry for UOB cardmember and two 20-litre barrels of beer on confirmation of wedding banquet at the fair. E-mail catering.ths@shangri-la.com to book

Web

CHAT WITH STAR BLOGGERS

Want to know our star bloggers better? Chat with them from 9 to 10pm.

Info: Visit www.stomp.com.sg/starblog

Compiled by Magdalene Lum

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