Today's top pick

SNOW WHITE & THE SEVEN DWARFS

This beloved fairy tale is given a twist and accompanied by 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

Asia On The Edge

FEMALE WRITERS

Women writers from Asia, such as Catherine Lim from Singapore, Zita Law from Hong Kong and Hitomi Kanehara from Japan, will discuss how traditions, social values and cultural practices impact women in Asia.

Where: The Arts House, Play Den, 1827 Thai Restaurant and Viet Lang Restaurant, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Sat , various times Admission: Free Tel: 6332-6919 Info: Visit www.asiaontheedge.com

CULINARY PERSONALITIES

Find out more about contemporary Asian culinary cultures at various talks and dinners hosted by various celebrity Asian chefs and personalities including Master Chef Jereme Leung.

Where: The Arts House, The Hall, 1827 Thai Restaurant & Viet Lang Restaurant, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Sat , various times Admission: $20 - $200

MUSIC PRODIGIES

Some of Asia's most talented young musicians celebrate the joy and beauty of music. They are Aileen Gozali (Indonesia/Singapore), Aristo Sham (Hong Kong), Utsav Lal (India) and Taiga Onitsuka (Japan).

Where: The Arts House, The Chamber, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Sat, 8 - 9pm Admission: $23

FOOD ART EXHIBITION

Photographic and installation works by Ayako Suwa (Japan) and Pang Kok Keong (Singapore) explore food as an aesthetic imagery.

Where: The Arts House, Gallery, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Sat , 10am - 8pm Admission: Free

CINEMA FIRST - FILM SCREENINGS

View a selection of the best films and documentaries from the Asia Pacific Festival of 1st films since its inauguration in 2005.

Where: The Arts House, Screening Room, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Sat , various times Admission: $9 (free for outdoor screening)

Charity

TAKE A STEP TO MAKE A CHANGE

Men and women from all walks are invited to join this charity walk to increase community awareness of violence against women In support of U60, a celebration of the 60th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Singapore.

Where: Meet at the Singapore Botanic Gardens Band Stand and walk around the garden before going to UNIFEM Singapore at 2 Nassim Road, Orchard Road MRT: Orchard When: Sat (, 4 - 7pm (register from 3pm) Admission: pay $10 which includes a T shirt and a goodie bag Tel: 6238-6761 Info: Visit www.unifem.org.sg

PARAGON 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: www.paragon.com.sg

Christmas

SPH GIFT OF MUSIC: A CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA

Shoppers can catch this SPH Gift of Music concert: Christmas Extravaganza at Paragon Shopping Centre showcasing the talents of singer Olivia Ong and local a cappella singing group Vocaluptuous.

Where: Paragon Shopping Centre, Atrium, Orchard Road MRT: Orchard/Somerset When: Sat , 7 - 8pm Admission: Free Tel: 6733-1900

A CHRISTMAS SPECIAL WITH ANNE SOFIE VON OTTER & HER MERRY SWEDISH GENTLEMEN

Ring in the Yuletide season with Anne Sofie von Otter and her 'Merry Swedish Gentlemen' at this concert of traditional yuletide favourites such as Silent Night and Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas.

Where: Esplanade Concert Hall MRT: City Hall When: Sat , 7.30pm Admission: $43 - $123 Tel: 6348-5555

Classical

THE PHILHARMONIC WINDS IN CONCERT

Catch American saxophone virtuoso Vincent Gnojek performing Paul Creston's Concerto For Saxophone And Orchestra with The Philharmonic Winds at this concert of wind orchestra classics under the baton of Leonard Tan.

Where: Esplanade Concert Hall MRT: City Hall When: Sun , 7.30pm Admission: $18 - $53 Tel: 6348-5555 Info: Visit www.philharmonicwinds.org

Contest

10TH NATIONAL DISCUS COMPETITION

Whose beautiful discus will swim away with the grand champion prize of $500 cash and trophy at the National Discus Competition?

Where: West Coast Community Centre, 2 Clementi West Street 2 MRT: Clementi When: Till Sun , 10am - 10pm Admission: Free Tel: 6777-0183

Dance

DANCE ARTS SINGAPORE 20TH RECITAL

Be entertained by children's and adult's ballet, tap, jazz, hip hop and modern dance at the 20th recital of Dance Arts Singapore. Some 400 dancers will perform works by local choreographers, such as Patrick Loo & Laura Bong and more.

Where: University Cultural Centre Hall, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge Crescent MRT: Clementi When Sat , 7.30pm Admission: $21 - $33 Tel: 6348-5555

PART-TIME DAYDREAMING

This dance performance is the culmination of a nine-month dance improvisation course by ECNAD Education.

Where: Telok Ayer Performing Arts Centre, ECNAD Studio, 4th level, 182 Cecil Street MRT: Raffles Place When: Sat : 8pm Admission: $10 Tel: 6226-6404 Info: E-mail info@ecnad.org

Explore Singapore!

SELF-DEFENCE WORKSHOP WITH VINCENT NG

Defend yourself. Women can gain a basic understanding of the physical and cultural aspects of wushu and pick up useful moves to protect themselves at this Self Defence Workshop for women by Singapore wushu champion Vincent Ng.

Where: Civil Defence Heritage Gallery, former Singapore Fire Station, Hill Street MRT: City Hall/Clarke Quay When: Sat, 11am Admission: Free including refreshments and guided tour Tel: 6744-2673 Info: Visit www.exploresingapore.com.sg

WRAP! FESTIVAL

Celebrate Asian culture at this musical extravaganza. Catch a special performance by world-famous Korean entertainment group Nanta and groove with popular musical duo Jack and Rai from the EIC band while snacking on yummy desserts.

Where: Asian Civilisations Museum, near Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Sun : 1 - 6pm Admission: pay a discounted rate of $2 (usual: $8 for adult & $4 concession) Tel: 6744-2673 Info: Visit www.exploresingapore.com.sg

Film

18 GRAMS OF LOVE (PG)

It's a test of love. This film by Han Yew Kwang is about two men who write anonymous letters to test their wives' fidelity. Confusion and hilarity ensues when the wives respond.

Where: Old School, B1 -12, 11B Mount Sophia MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Sat , 2.30 & 8.45pm, Sun, 4.50pm, Mon , 10pm, Tue , 7.30pm, Thu , 8.45pm, next Fri , 4/15pm, Dec 13, 5.15 & 7.30pm, Dec 18, 6pm, Dec 21, 8.15pm Admission: $6 Tel: 6336-9707 Info: Visit www.sinema.sg/oldschool

Passabe (PG)

This documentary highlights the remote village of Passabe on the border between East and West Timor, the site of a bloody massacre. By film-makers James Leong and Lynn Lee.

Where: Sinema Old School, B1-12, 11B Mount Sophia

MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Sun , 2.45pm. Mon , 6.30pm & Dec 13, 3.50pm Admission: $8

Gig

ANGELS AND AIRWAVES

Expect a rockin' good time with Angel And Airwaves, also known as AVA, the first American rock band to perform at the National University of Singapore. It released its first album, We Don't Need To Whisper in 2006.

Where: University Cultural Centre Hall, National University of Singapore, Kent Ridge MRT: Clementi When: Sun , 7.30pm Admission: $88 - $128 Tel: 6348-5555

Kids Performing Festival

GREAT EXPECTATIONS MUSICAL THEATRE WORKSHOP

Learn the elements of musical theatre, the basics of singing, choreography and stage direction from award-winning Singapore director Beatrice Chia. Meant for children aged eight to 16.

Where: The Esplanade Bay Room MRT: City Hall When: Sun - Wed , 10am - noon Admission: $203 Tel: 6348-555 Info: The children can perform an excerpt from Beatrice Chia's new musical Sleepless Town which will debut at the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre on Wed during the finals of the Singapore Performing Arts Junior Championships. Visit www.ikpf.net

DANCE TO RIHANNA 'DON'T STOP THE MUSIC' WORKSHOP

Learn the basics of street jazz and dance to Rihanna's groovy Don't Stop The Music. For those aged six to 12.

Where: Esplanade Rehearsal Studio MRT: City Hall When: Sun , 2 - 3.30pm & 4.30 - 6pm Admission: $73 & $93 for one concert and one workshop Tel: 6348-5555 Info: Visit www.ikpf.net

JAZZKIDS: INTRODUCING FLUID, VOX BOX AND ALL-STARS

JazzKids, an award-winning young performing group, will perform swing and jazz numbers at this concert which also features dance works by amateur dance company, Fluid, vocal exchanges by a cappella Group, Vox Box and performances by musical theatre group All Stars. For children aged four and above.

Where: Esplanade Theatre Studio MRT: City Hall When: Mon , 3 & 8pm Admission: $33 or $93 for one concert and one workshop Tel: 6348-5555 Info: Visit www.ikpf.net and www.kidsperforming.com

HOLIDAYS

NEXT GEN ROCKERS - LET THE MUSIC BEGIN!

If you want to form your own band, attend this five-day music camp at the Singapore Polytechnic equips you with tips and tricks on organising a band.

Where: Singapore Polytechnic, School of Digital Media & Info-Comm Technology, Dover Road MRT: Dover When: Tue - Dec 13, 9am - 8pm daily Admission: $120 a camper or $550 for a group of five campers Tel: 6772-1900 Info: Visit www.sp.edu.sg

Museum

CALL FOR DONATIONS: MUSEUM OF BROKEN RELATIONSHIPS

Has your heart ever been broken? 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.

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

Shopping

MOVIE WAREHOUSE SALE

Save on home entertainment. Head for this Movie Warehouse Sale where Hollywood and Asian movie VCDs and DVDs as well as dramas and children's entertainment are available at discounts of as much as 90 per cent. VCDs sell from $1 while DVD range from $5 each.

Where: Aztech Building, Lobby A, 31 Ubi Road 1 MRT: Aljunied When: Sat - Mon , 10am - 6pm Admission: Free Info: E-mail winnieteo@innoform.com

Show

THE AFFORDABLE PHOTO FAIR

View diverse styles from conceptual to fine art photography by established and emerging photographers at this Affordable Photo Fair. You can pick up an original print as an original Christmas gift. Everything priced under $300.

Where: New Majestic Hotel, 31- 37 Bukit Pasoh Road MRT: Outram When: Sat , 11am - 6pm Admission: Free Tel: 6339-3068

Sports

SPORTS AND FITNESS EXPO 2008

Some $12,000 worth of prizes await visitors to the Sports and Fitness Expo 2008, including private skating lessons, Bali resort getaways and Electro Singapore sports watches. Held in conjunction with the Standard Chartered Singapore Marathon.

Where: Singapore Expo, Hall 5 MRT: Expo When: Sat , 10am - 6pm, Sun , noon, 8pm, Admission: Free Info: You can also check out the latest sports equipment brands, such as Adidas and Crocs and the latest technology and products at the Expo. Info: Visit www.sportsfitnessexpo.com.sg

STARHUB SINGAPORE LASER OPEN/SAF YACHT CLUB (SAFYC) BYTE CHAMPIONSHIP

Who will be the top sailors? Catch more than 150 contestants including national sailors such as Maximilian Soh and Tan Jen U fighting for top spots at the 32nd Starhub Singapore Laser Open and 6th SAF Yacht Club Byte Championship in the waters off the SAF Yacht Club in Changi. The top sailors will win trophies plus a chance to take home lucky draw prizes worth more than $550.

Where: SAF Yacht Club, Changi Clubhouse, 110 Tanah Merah Coast Road, Changi MRT: Tanah Merah When: Sat , 1 - 4pm, Sun , 11am - 4pm Admission: Free Tel: 6758-3032 Info: Visit www.safyc.org.sg

STANDARD CHARTERED SINGAPORE MARATHON 2008

More than 48,000 runners are participating in this marathon to help raise $750,000 for the less fortunate.

Where: Start from Esplanade Bridge to Raffles Avenue, Nicoll Highway and East Coast Parkway and back to the Padang MRT: City Hall When: Sun , 5.30am (flag-off for the full 42km marathon), 6.15am (21km half-marathon), 7.15am (10km, Men's & Men's Team), 8am (10km, Women's & Women's Team), 8.45am (wheelchair-bound), 10.30 - 11.30am (revamped Standard Chartered Kids' Dash for children aged under three and from four to 13) Admission: Free (registration has closed but spectators are welcome) Tel: 6248-6033

Info: www.singaporemarathon.com

Storytelling

PICTURE STORY SHOW IN ENGLISH

Mr Shigeyuki Noma, a storyteller and president of the Study Group of Books for Children in Kanazawa, Japan, will expose children here to Japanese culture through an easy-to-understand picture story show, a unique Japanese medium. Organised by The Embassy of Japan, The Japanese Association and the National Library Board.

Where: Cheng San Public Library, Hougang Mall 03 -11, 90 Hougang Avenue 10 MRT: Hougang When: Sun : 2 - 2.45pm, Tampines Regional Library, 31 Tampines Avenue 7 MRT: Tampines When: Sun , 4 - 4.45pm 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: Tue , 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 will get valuable tips and guidance on writing and illustrating for children's books at this Picture Book Forum featuring The Straits Times Press book publishing team, Australian writer Meredith Costain and Leigh Hobbs, an Australian artist author and illustrator of children's books.

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

SIMON SAYS

An intense study of the human psychology under pressure, this play asks questions about your faith, beliefs and place in the social system. This play won the first prize in the Singapore Young Dramatists Awards (Category B) in 1999.

Where: The Arts House, Play Den, Old Parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane When: Sun - Wed 8pm Admission: $27 Tel: 6332-6919

SUNSHINE GIRL - THE MUSICAL

A touching story of sacrifice, identity, love, kinship and the ties that bind. A musical extravaganza written and produced by Singapore composer, playwright and singer Dick Lee, it follows a young performer and her ambitious mother as they venture forth in the entertainment world. Part of VivoCity's second anniversary celebrations.

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

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 next Sat : 8pm, also 4pm on 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

BRUSH UP YOUR ENGLISH

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

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

Wedding

BRIDAL FAIR

Planning to tie the knot soon? Book your wedding banquet packages at this Bridal Fair at Traders Hotel. Also, visit booths featuring bridal studios, florists, jewellery and other wedding associated services, such as wedding car, accessories, feng shui, beauty and wellness and UOB credit cards.

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

Compiled by Magdalene Lum

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