Today's top pick

AN ENCORE: BERNARD VISTA
Filipino artist Bernard Vista depicts the simplicity of life in Singapore through paintings showing people playing board games, watching a lion dance drummer and sipping teh tarek. You can chat with him about his works and techniques at this exhibition-cum-residency.

Where: Artesan Gallery + Studio 793 Bukit Timah Road 02-01 MRT: Newton When: Thu - April 26, 11am - 6pm (Mon - Sat), closed on Sun & public holidays Tel: 6469-7818 Info: www.theartesan.com

Art

THE SECRET: ABSTRACT ART BY JONO SUGIARTONO & A. VISWAM
This showcase of abstract paintings by Indonesian artist Jono Sugiartono and award-winning Indian artist A. Viswam celebrates the mystery of abstract art.

Where: The Gallery of Gnani Arts, The Regent Singapore 01 -05, One Cuscaden Road MRT: Orchard When: Thu - April 26, 11am - 7pm (closed on Mon) Admission: Free Tel: 6725-3112

NATURE OF BEAUTY
Singapore-based Indonesian artist Sylvia Nugroho depicts the attributes of beauty in her exhibition of oil paintings and water colour on paper.

Where: Pan Pacific Singapore, Public Art Space, Level 2 MRT: City Hall When: Thu - June 15, 24 hours Admission: Free Tel: 6721-8888

PARADIGM SHIFT
Filipino artist Lotsu Manes spins allegories about social and environmental inequities through his artworks highlighting themes such as the siphoning of resources by the corrupt.

Where: Forth Gallery, 69A Pagoda Street, level 2, MRT: Chinatown When: Fri - April 26, 11.30am - 7pm (Tue - Sun), by appointment on Mon and public holidays Admission: Free Tel: 6222-7809

Charity

SINGAPORE POLYTECHNIC FLAG DAY 2009
Buy a flag from first-year Singapore Polytechnic students and the funds raised will go to the beneficiaries of the President's Challenge 2009.

Where: island-wide When: Thu, 8am - 4pm Tel: 6870-6091 (call for information and to make donations)

Class

PASSION, REINVENTING AND INNOVATION: THE SECRET TO SUCCESS
Find out how your business can move ahead and move with the times at this session by Mr Tony Seow, the founder and managing director of Purple Sage, a local catering company. A SIM Business Insights Workshop.

Where: Singapore Institute of Management (SIM Management House, 41 Namly Avenue, Bukit Timah MRT: Newton When: Fri, 7 - 8.30pm Admission: $25 Tel: 6248-9793 Info: E-mail kartina@sim.edu.sg

Classical

ALLIANCE FRANCAISE 60TH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT
Enjoy European classics and compositions by Singapore musicians at Alliance Francaise's anniversary concerts featuring the Trio I-Sis, local pianist Albert Lin and a cappella ensemble Vocaluptuous. Part of Voilah! French Festival Singapore 2009.

Where: Alliance Francaise 1 Sarkies Road MRT: Newton When: Thu & Fri, 8pm Admission: $28 (Alliance Francaise members), $33 (non-members) Tel: 6348-5555 Info: The ticket price includes wine and cheese

TREASURES OF JAPAN
This Singapore Chinese Orchestra concert conducted by Yeh Tsung features Chinese composer Zhao Ji Ping's work, Monk Jianzhen Sailing Eastward, the saga of a Tang dynasty high priest who spreads Buddhism in Japan. Featuring Yamamoto Hozan, the master of the shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese bamboo flute.

Where: Esplanade Concert Hall MRT: City Hall When: Fri, 7.30pm Admission: $28 - $98 Tel: 6348-5555

Contest

DO THE WORLD A FLAVOUR CONTEST
Ice cream fans are invited to create the next Ben & Jerry's flavour and win a year's supply of Ben & Jerry's ice-cream, plus a seven-day trip to the Dominican Republic in November.

Info: The contest is now on till May 26. Visit www.benjerry.com.sg to whip up your creative cone and drum up your dream flavour using the online flavour generator on the website.

SPH-NAC GOLDEN POINT AWARD 2009
Write a short story or poem in any of the four official languages and win $4,000, a trophy and a $6,000 enrichment grant. Held in conjunction with the Singapore Writers Festival (Oct 24 - Nov 1). Singapore Press Holdings and SPH Foundation are sponsors of the festival.

Info: www.singaporewritersfestival.com, www.nac.gov.sg or www.theartshouse.com.sg, e-mail nac_gpa@nac.gov.sg. Closing date is May 29.

Encore!

22ND SINGAPORE INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL
Enjoy more than 200 films of all genres from more than 45 countries including films from Europe and Asia including a tribute to Israeli film-maker Amos Gitai. Part of Ecore! European Season in Singapore.

Where: Various screening venues When: Till April 25, various times Admission: $10.50 (Pay $21 for Milk, the closing film) Tel: 6348-5555

IN BRUGES
This British-American film which stars Colin Farrell, Brendan Gleeson and Ralph Fiennes, is about two hit men who are ordered before Christmas by their boss to cool their heels in Bruges, a mediaeval city in Belgium.

Where: Screening Room, 12 Ann Siang Road MRT: Outram/Tanjong Pagar When: Thu & April 23, 8pm Admission: $20 nett Tel: 6221-1694 Info: E-mail info@screening room.com.sg

ROCK N ROLLA (M18)
This British feature film by director-writer Guy Ritchie takes you on a dangerous ride into high crime and low life in contemporary London, where real estate has supplanted drugs as the biggest market, and criminals are its most enthusiastic entrepreneurs.

Where: Screening Room, 12 Ann Siang Road MRT: Outram/Tanjong Pagar When: Fri & Sat, 9.15pm Admission: $20 nett (movie) (pay an extra $65 for a three-course English meal) Tel: 6221-1694 Info: www.screening room.com.sg

CHRISTIAN LACROIX: THE COSTUMIER
View 80 spectacular costumes and 60 sketches from renowned Parisian designer Christian Lacroix. Part of Encore! The European Season In Singapore and Voilah! French Festival Singapore 2009.

Where: National Museum of Singapore, Exhibition Gallery 1 and The Canyon, Basement 1, 93 Stamford Road MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Till June 7, 10am - 6pm daily Admission: $8 (adults), $4 (children aged seven to 12) & senior citizens (aged 60 & above) Tel: 6332-3659 Info: www.nationalmuseum.sg

Film

TAKEN (PREMIERE)
Directed by Perre Morel, this action movie stars Liam Neeson as a former secret agent in the United States who lets his 17-year-old daughter holiday in Paris and later uses his old skills to rescue her from the slave trade. Morel will be present at the screening. Part of Voilah! French Festival Singapore 2009.

Where: Grand Cathay, 2 Handy Road MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Thu, 7.30pm Admission: usual rates Tel: 6221-1694 Info: www.europeanseason.com

A STATE OF MIND
Get a rare insight into the hearts and minds of North Koreans in this documentary by director Daniel Gordon which follows two North Korean schoolgirls and their families for seven months leading up to the Mass games, the biggest and most elaborate human performance on earth.

Where: Sinema Old School, 11B Mount Sophia B1-12 MRT: Dhoby Ghaut When: Fri : 8.30pm & other screening dates till April 30 Admission: $10 Tel: 6336-9707 Info: Visit www.astateofmind.co.uk for details on the documentary

Film Fest

THE CONVERT/MUALLAF & NISSA (WOMEN)(NC16)/
The Convert is about a Thai woman who moves from Bangkok to southern Thailand to embark on a new life after falling for a Muslim man and converting from Buddhism to Islam. Directed by Panu Aree, Kaweenipon Ketprasit and Kong Rithdee. It is followed by Nissa, a short Spanish documentary by Benet Roman which provides a portrait of present-day Moroccan women. Part of the Singapore International Film Festival.

Where: The Substation Theatre, Armenian Street MRT: City Hall When: Thu & Sat, 7.15pm Admission: $10.50 Tel: 6348-5555

RAIN OF THE CHILDREN
An emotional narrative and historical documentary fuse together in this New Zealand film about an old Maori woman from the country's Urewera Ranges. Directed by Vincent Ward. Part of the New zealand Film Fest.

Where: The Arts House, Screening Room, Old parliament House, 1 Old Parliament Lane MRT: Raffles Place When: Thu (April 16), 9.15pm Admission: $10.50 Tel: 6348-5555 Info: www.filmfest.org.sg

NEW ZEALAND FILM SCREENINGS
Catch the Singapore debut of three New Zealand films - Second Hand Wedding, Dean Spanley and Rain Of The Children. Part of the Singapore International Film Festival.

Where: Various cinema halls When: Till April 25, various times Admission: $10.50 Info: www.filmfest.org.sg

Gig

WEI SONG, SI SONG (GARDEN OF MUSIC) CONCERT 2009
Guest artistes such as local girl Stefanie Sun, Taiwan's Show Luo and Jolin Tsai and Hong Kong's Daniel Chan join brothers Peter and Paul Lee at their concert.

Where: Singapore Indoor Stadium MRT: Kallang When: Sat 8pm Admission: $81 - $171 Tel: 6348-5555

STARLIGHT: JOEY YUNG LIVE 2009
Hong Kong's reigning Queen of Pop performs at her first time gig here as part of her Starlight Joey Yung Live World tour.

Where: The MAX Pavilion @ Singapore Expo MRT: Expo When: Sat, 7.30pm Admission: $71 - $151 Tel: 6348-5555

Museum

KANGXI EMPEROR EXHIBITION
View 80 rare treasures from the Palace Museum in Beijing, showcased for the first time in South-east Asia. The artefacts range from imperial robes to snuff bottles and furnishings.

Where: Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place MRT: Raffles Place When: Till June 14: 1 - 7pm (Mon), 9am - 7pm (Tue - Sun), till 9pm on Fri Admission: $8 (adults), $4 (students aged seven & above & senior citizens aged 60 & above). Free for senior citizens on Mon Tel: 6332-3284

Talk

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT DURING HARD TIMES
A seminar where employers can learn to find a balance between engaging their workers while minding the bottom line.

Where: Singapore Press Holdings Auditorium, 1000 Toa Payoh North MRT: Braddell When: Thu , 2 - 6pm

Tel: 6319-5917 (office hours) Info: Visit jobs.st701.com to register and for information (payment by credit card only). E-mail st701@sph.com.sg

ST701 PROPERTY SEMINAR 'BUYING SMART DURING HARD TIMES'
If you're thinking of buying a property, check out this seminar where you can learn about financial planning in the purchase of a Housing Board flat, using CPF for housing wisely and understanding your property contract. Organised by ST701.com, the e-marketplace of CATS Classified, Singapore Press Holdings.

Where: HDB Auditorium, 480 Toa Payoh Lorong 6 MRT: Toa Payoh When: Sat , 10am - 5pm Admission: $35 (ST701 member) & $45 (non-member) Tel: 6319-8636 (office hours)

ART THERAPY FOR WELL-BEING
Learn how art therapy can help you resolve conflicts, develop interpersonal skills, reduce stress, and increase self-esteem and self-awareness. Conducted by art therapist Yen Chua.

Where: Sengkang Publc Library, Activity Room MRT: Sengkang When: Sat, 3 - 4.30pm Admission: Free Tel: 6332-3255

THE POWER OF BODY LANGUAGE IN 4DIMENSIONS
Elizabeth Franzoso, a motivational trainer and the author of Stella's Mum Gets Her Groove Back, will tell you about the importance of improving one's image to enhance self-confidence.

Where: Bishan Public Library, Level 2, Programme Zone MRT: Bishan When: Sat, 2 - 3pm Tel: 6332-3255 Info: To register visit http://golibrary.nlb.gov.sg and surf on to 'Economic Survivor' to reserve a seat

EMPLOYEE ENGAGEMENT FOR LEADERS
Leaders of companies can learn how to lead the way to recovery during difficult times by improving their staff's attitude. The trainer is Kevin Ryan who has worked with some of the largest recruitment firms in Australia.

Where: SPH Auditorium, 1000 Toa Payoh North MRT: Braddell When: April 29, 9am - 5pm Admission: $389 with GST (ST701 member) & $459 with GST (non-member) Tel: 6319-5917 (office hours)

Info: Visit jobs.st701.com (payment by credit card only) or e-mail st701@sph.com.sg to register and for information

Theatre

IF THERE'RE SEASONS...
Written by award-winning Hong Kong playwright Raymond To, this Chinese musical is about love beyond death, friendships that go the distance and dreams that find their way home. Directed by Kuo Jian Hong, this Chinese musical by The Theatre Practice stars George Chan and Joanna Dong. In Mandarin with English surtitles.

Where: Drama Centre Theatre, National Library Building, Victoria Street MRT: Bugis/City Hall When: Thu - May 10, 2.30 & 8pm Admission: $21 - $78 Tel: 6348-5555 Info: Take note that there is some mature content. www.ttp.org.sg

HERO
What happens when two karaoke hostesses are held hostage by an alcoholic regular customer? A production by Panggung Arts Singapore, in English and Malay with English surtitles.

Where: Esplanade Theatre Studio MRT: City Hall When: Thu - April 18, 8pm Admission: $31 Tel: 6348-5555

MEMBERS ONLY
This comedy by Fabrice Roger-Lacan is about two men, lifelong friends and partners in an architecture firm, who embark on an absurd, thought-provoking argument. Starring Daniel Jenkins and Lim Yu-Beng, this Sing'Theatre production directed by Tracie Pang is meant for those aged 16 and above due to mature content.

Where: DBS Arts Centre, 20 Merbau Road MRT: Clarke Quay When: Till April 25, Admission: $43 - $58 Tel: 6348-5555

CATS
Don't miss this international production of the famous musical, starring Delia Hannah, which has won seven Tony Awards and two Olivier Awards. It's the longest-running musical in London's West End. Produced by Lunchbox Theatrical Productions and David Atkins Enterprises in association with The Really Useful Group.

Where: Esplanade Theatre MRT: City Hall When: Till May 3, 8pm (Tue - Sat), also 2pm on Sat, 2 & 7pm (Sun) Admission: $43 - $173 Tel: 6348-5555 Info: www.lunchbox-productions.com

Web

THE LATEST USER-GENERATED VIDEOS
Watch the latest user-generated videos from the Stomp community. Browse extensive categories such as traveller's tales, just for laffs, everything under the sun and much more. Info: Visit www.diy.stomp.com.sg

Youths

CAN! DISCOVER
Celebrate diverse world cultures and the Singapore 2010 Youth Olympic Games with live performances, fun-filled games and cultural activities.

Where: *scape Yoth Park, corner of Grange Road and Somerset Road MRT: Somerset/Orchard When: Sat , 2 - 7pm Admission: Free Info: Visit www.singaporew2010.sg/can

Compiled by Magdalene Lum

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