speak march
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Speak March EditionTRANSCRIPT
BUSTED!CELEBRITIES& DRUGS
UNIVERSITY ADJUSTMENTGAP YEAR ADVENTURESENGLISH MATTERS
AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
INDEPENDENT GIRLOLIVIA JENSEN
FUNKY
FOR SCHOOLACCESSORIES
CLASSY LOOKS
#09 • MARCH 2013 • FREE FOR ALL
Girls,’Glee’Girls,’Glee’Grades, Grades,
VIDI ALDIANO
www.youthspeak.com/speakmag @sp3akmagz
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Ponds_2.pdf 1 15/02/2013 20:33:42
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Intro 12 YouthSpeak Your views on helping the
education system make the grade.
14 Star Struck Keeping in step with what may lie in store in March.
16 Ask Anggi What lessons we can learn from the recent Jakarta flood disaster.
# 0 9 / M A R C H ’ 1 3
Pop Culture22 Tube Talents Young people with something
to sing about (and it’s not Bieber)
62 Girls on Film Feast your eyes on these five up-and-coming actresses.
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Ready for Stardom: Olivia Jensen has a level-headed take on showbiz.
Cover Story Singer Vidi Aldiano is jumping for joy with academic and career success.
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58 One and All In a new
trend, K-Pop stars enjoy solo careers while staying part of their groups.
Inspiration 36 National Pride How do we keep our sense of
nationalism in the new world today?
50 Green and Keen A few groups for you to start becoming more environmentally friendly.
66 Words to Remember Studying abroad means you have to communicate in English, and do it well (so keep on reading us!)
Lifestyle55 Little by Little Less can be more for the
right look with these cosmetics.
52 States of Interest A whirlwind tour of the US with sights, bites and more.
64 Class Acts Check out these useful gadgets for your study needs.
Jl. Palmerah Barat no. 142 – 143 Jakarta 10270Telphone: (+62 21) 5300476, 5300478 Fax: (+62 21) 5350050, 5306971 Email: [email protected]
38 Uniformly Stylish Play with your school uniform for extra-curricular style.
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editor’snoteeditor’snote
I remember what it felt like in my final year in high school. On one hand, I
was excited to ditch the uniform. On the other, I was nervous about the
unknown. What course should I take? What job do I want to have in the
future?
Regardless of what you want to be, you most likely will be heading toward
higher education, which is why this edition is meant to help you better prepare
yourself for life after high school.
If scoring scholarships abroad is what you have in mind, then check out Lidya
Sophiani’s article about how to get them (page 32). And if enrolling in local
universities is your priority, then make sure you know what to expect during
orientation week (page 36).
Our cover boy this month is singer Vidi Aldiano (page 24). Vidi, who will release
a new album in April, took a gap year after high school to find out what he really
wanted to do in life. Did I mention that Lidya Sophiani also writes about her gap
year in this edition (page 34)? Well have a look!
On a more serious note, we highlight the recent drugs scandal involving
celebrity Raffi Ahmad. As you enter university, chances are you will enjoy
more freedom that comes with adulthood. The question is how to stay clear of
destructive lifestyle choices such as drugs. We lay down the issues for you on
page 60.
Don’t forget to check out our exclusive interviews with soap star Olivia Jensen
(page 56) and young Indonesian playwright Agnes Christina (page 48) who is
making waves abroad.
As always, I hope this edition will inspire you on your journey to a brighter
future! Keep on dreaming! Willy Wilson
@w1llyw1lson
Mapping Your Future
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The Jakarta PostEditor in Chief Meidyatama SuryodiningratBoard of Directors Jusuf Wanandi, Cherly P. Santoso, Meidyatama Suryodiningrat and Riyadi SuparnoExecutive Director Riyadi SuparnoSenior Managing Editor Kornelius PurbaManaging Editors Primastuti Handayani, Rendi A. Witular
Speak!Editor Willy Wilson Art Director Budhi Hartono Reporter Natasha IshakCopy Editor M. MichaelIntern Tirta Perdana JayaContributors Adellea Purwadipura, Anggy Nurqonita, Benedicta Jennifer, Carmel Moersalim, Deisha Tamar, Dini Inaya, Doy Perkasa, Hengky Wijaya, Lidya Sophiani, Matahari Kesadaran, Putra Mustika, Suka Junin, Titaz Permatasari, Yohanes Paulus Bisma
Speak! is published by The Jakarta Post’s Supplements and Supplemental Products Department
Head of Supplements and Supplemental ProductsBruce [email protected]
Advertising InquiriesMaritta Christiana (Advertising Manager)[email protected]
Astari Sirila [email protected]
NIE Partners and SponsorshipThe Jakarta Post Foundation Executive Director Yulia [email protected]
T E A M
ON THE COVER Vidi AldianoPhoto: R. Berto WedhatamaLocation: The Jakarta Post office
behind the scenesbehind the scenes
#06 • DECEMBER 2012 • FREE FOR ALL
www.youthspeak.com/speakmag @sp3akmagz#06 • DECEMBER 2012 • FREE FOR ALL
www.youthspeak.com/speakmag @sp3akmagz
BUSTED!CELEBRITIES& DRUGS
UNIVERSITY ADJUSTMENTGAP YEAR ADVENTURESENGLISH MATTERS
AFTER HIGH SCHOOL
INDEPENDENT GIRLOLIVIA JENSEN
FUNKY
FOR SCHOOLACCESSORIES
CLASSY LOOKS
GRADES, GIRLS,”GLEE”GRADES, GRADES, GRADES, GRADES, VIDI ALDIANO
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Speak! Community
And don’t forget to join us on Twitter (@Sp3akmagz) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/speakmag)
Want to read the magazine online? Sign up as a member of our new online community, www.youthspeak.com!
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youthSpeak
“Education is definitely an important asset for any country to grow. Take a look at our own country, for example. We are rich in many ways – natural resources, land and even human resources – yet we seem to have trouble moving forward because many citizens do not have the proper education to develop these resources properly. I am personally concerned about the inconsistency of the curriculum. The number of times the Education Ministry changed what’s taught in class over the years is simply unacceptable. However, I have high hopes for our current minister, who plans to reinforce a more effective curriculum starting this year.”
WHAT IMPROVEMENTS ARE NEEDED FOR THE EDUCATION SYSTEM?
THEODORUS SAMUEL, 17SMA Kanisius
IndonesiaEducating
“I think education is not only essential for the success of a nation but also the success of a person as an individual. People tend to think that if you’re a science student, then there’s no need for you to learn history – and vice versa. The truth is, there’s no stopping you from mastering both. People should stop thinking that you either are good in one thing or nothing, because I believe in the real world, you must be good in many things to succeed. Personally, I have no complaints about our curriculum, but there is always room for improvement. One of the main things that should be addressed is balancing academics with social skills and humanitarian awareness to produce well-rounded individuals who can compete on an international level.”
NADIA DWI PUTRIANA, 20 Parahyangan Catholic University
“The Japanese stand as a global leader because of their education system. Reportedly the first thing Emperor Hirohito wanted to know right after the devastating Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic attacks was how many teachers the country had lost – not soldiers or high-ranking officials. That shows just how important education is in Japanese society. Every great nation needs to be supported by a great educational system to mold future generations into leaders. Our government’s past efforts to rank education as the number one priority was good, but not good enough. I don’t want to criticize the very system that has educated me thus far, but I do think our curriculum puts too much focus on cognitive learning. There isn’t enough character building and critical thinking taught in schools these days, and I think that needs to change.”
EUGENIA EFENDY, 17SMA Santa Ursula
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STARstruck
Pisces (20 February – 20 March)
Love: A great way to bond with him is to spend time with that cool friend called Haagen-Daz.
School: There is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Friendship: Don’t make a mountain out of molehills. Take the smooth road.
Aries(21 March – 20 April)
Love: Your relationship with him is going well.
School: Grades are the result of studying purposefully, not a goal unto itself.
Friendship: True friends talk to each other about meaningless stuff and respect one another for it.
Taurus(21 April – 21 May)
Love: Life is messy. Love is messier. And then you clean up.
School: Tough exams only make you tougher – and smarter.
Friendship: Best friends don’t just stay with you forever. They stay even longer.
in StoreWhat's
Keep marching on with your forecast for March.
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Capricorn (22 December – 20 January)
Love: You can win his heart, no problem.
School: Focus on the journey, not the destination.
Friendship: Always try to see her good side even when she is acting up.
Aquarius (21 January – 19 February)
Love: Dating who you like is freedom. Liking who you date is happiness. Remember?
School: Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.
Friendship: In your comfort zone with these great pals.
Gemini(22 May – 21 June)
Love: You know someone is special when they make you smile even when you have tears in your eyes.
School: Intellectual growth without obstacles isn’t really intellectual growth at all.
Friendship: Angels exist. They’re called your best friends.
Cancer (22 June – 22 July)
Love: If you screw up and he’s still there, then he’s the one for you.
School: A loser fails and quits. A winner fails and tries again. You’re a winner.
Friendship: Why keep enemies when you can make them your friends?
Leo(23 July – 22 August)
Love: The darkest hour only lasts 60 minutes.
School: The most memorable school days stay with you forever and a day.
Friendship: Friends are honest with each other, even if the truth hurts.
Virgo(23 August – 21 September)
Love: A tiny spark is enough to create a forest fire of passion.
School: When you know better you do better.
Friendship: Best friends are hard for others to find, but only because the best are already yours.
Libra (22 September – 22 October)
Love: Two souls plus one flesh equals love.
School: The journey of a thousand miles begins with one small homework assignment.
Friendship: Two bodies plus one soul equals friendship.
Scorpio (23 October – 21 November)
Love: He walks in when the rest walk out.
School: An investment in knowledge pays the best dividends.
Friendship: Best friends make the best mirrors.
Sagittarius(22 November – 21 December)
Love: You know you’re in love with him when you don’t feel the need for constant small talk.
School: Success comes to those too busy studying to notice it.
Friendship: A true friend sees the pain in you even when you’re fooling everyone else..
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ASK
While we may not be able
to prevent floods, we
should be able to better
prepare ourselves in the future.
Going With The FlowAnggi
Help at Hand
By their very nature, crises happen unexpectedly and can leave us feeling like we have nowhere and nobody to turn to. Like Anggi writes, these shock happenings can be of a huge
magnitude, as we all experienced with the Jakarta flood in January, or of a more personal nature. You miss your ride home, you get separated from your friends at a concert or (and we all hope this does not happen) fall victim to a pickpocket. The big difference today from in the past is that we have technology at hand to help us out (yes, guys, there
was a time when cellphones didn’t exist). We can phone a friend or our parents to help us out, or contact the authorities to let them know that we are in trouble. During the recent floods,
telecommunication operator PT IndosatTbk, the main sponsor of the 2013 Speaker contest with its IM3 product, were able to help Jakartans keep connected to their family and friends despite the widespread problems. A big plus for its subscribers is the 7 Hari, 7 Malampackage that offers many great benefits, in tough times
and good times in our lives.With reload of only Rp 10,000, you will get FREE pulse to call to Indosat numbers, SMS to all operators and Internet. This package is free for all Prepaid Customers, existing or new, both IM3 and Mentari.
And it’s so simple to get all the benefits, with just one registration via UMB: *123*1*1# or SMS type GRATIS send to 123 (free tariff). And to check your bonus, just press *555*3#.So, whatever the crisis, there is no need to panic when affordable and convenient telecommunications ensure that making contact is no problem.
W e residents of Jakarta are all too familiar with floods. But nobody was really prepared for the recent disaster that paralyzed this capital of 14 million
people, affecting everyone in one way or another. The media reported at least 15 people died, water levels
reached up to two meters in some areas and even the presidential palace was affected in January’s inundation.
As a Jakartan, I wasn’t going to sit around and do nothing. Together with volunteers from UNEP-Tunza, of which I serve as a regional ambassador, I visited one of the temporary shelters for flood victims.
Everything was in short supply: food, electricity, sanitary facilities. Garbage bags were piled high everywhere. The mood was gloomy, with confused people mourning the loss of their homes.
I was shocked. No words can really describe how I felt. Thank God for technology, as it allowed people to keep
updated with the latest information and in touch with their loved ones. It was their glimmer of hope amid the trauma.
Unsafe GroundThe Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency
(BMKG) recently invited me to attend a scientific gathering on Conservation of Water Resources in Citeko village, Bogor. In my capacity as chairperson of the Young Scientist Forum (FOSCA), I was fortunate to be involved in discussions with many senior scientists about the flooding.
I learned that Jakarta is actually a delta city and so constantly at risk of flooding. The flooding resulted from a large amount of water from upstream rivers in West Java that flowed
down and across the capital. The quality of all river catchment
areas has been degraded due to disposal of solid and domestic waste. A number of field surveys and scientific studies show a decline in tree density in the three mountains south of Jakarta, reducing their capability to mitigate water run-off during heavy rain.
So what gives? At the moment, the city government is focusing on cleaning up the city. To remove the post-flood garbage, no less than 500 workers were sent each day to clean affected roads, riverbanks and buildings.
Ichan, 20, a dedicated volunteer I met in one of the shelters, told me that many people are still worried about the threats of mosquito-borne viral diseases like dengue fever and leptospirosis.
In case you don’t know, leptospirosis is spread through the urine of rats, whose habitat is often destroyed by floods, and can infect anyone with open wounds who come into contact with contaminated water or garbage.
SMK11 Jakarta vocational student Zull, 17, believes the solution for the problem is better river management. And it seems like Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo agrees with Zull’s approach. The recent flood is a good reminder for us to be prepared, and a test of our solidarity in helping our fellow citizens.
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GIRLTALK
YouAsk,
IAnswer
Titaz Permatasari is at the ready to answer your questions on dating, friendship and school. Contact her at [email protected]
Letter of the month
LONELY NO MOREDear Kak Titaz, So my New Year’s resolution is to be more outgoing to make new friends. This is a little embarrassing but I don’t have many friends at school. Don’t get me wrong, my classmates are nice, it’s just no one really makes an effort to get to know me better. The problem is I am terribly shy, but I don’t want to spend another year by myself either. Any advice?Wallflower, 17
Hi Wallflower, What a great new year’s resolution you have! But I’ve got two questions: Why don’t you make the first move? And how will other people know that you’re interested in being friends with them if you stand in the corner all by yourself? Start talking to your classmates, who according to you are nice. Get more involved in their conversation about general topics – studies, TV series or food. I know for a fact that it can be tough not to be a part of any cliques in high school.
But you know what; hanging out with the same people all the time isn’t all that fantastic after all.
My point is that you shouldn’t try to be a part of any cliques in school. Instead, try to be more comfortable to talk to people – to be more open, social and confident. Once you know how to do this, you will definitely find people who you could call friends.
Dear Kak Titaz, My boyfriend and I have been dating for a month. I love being with him, but I feel like we’ve been spending so much time together – maybe too much. Although we aren’t in the same class, we go to the same school. As you can imagine, I see him every day. We even hang out after school and on the weekends. I’m afraid that I’m beginning to get bored of him. Am I a bad person for feeling this way?Bunga, 17
Dear Bunga,I can see how spending that much time with someone can be suffocating. And you should know that you’re not a bad person for wanting to have a “me” time. I have two solutions for your situations.
If you think he can handle the truth, talk to him directly about how you feel. Otherwise this is what you can do: invite your friends and his friends to hang out with you guys after school or on the weekend. Once in a while tell him that you want to see your girlfriends because you miss them.
The trick is to reduce the frequency of meeting him without making him abandoned. It won’t be easy, but if he’s a keeper then you’ve got to what you’ve got to do. Good luck!
“ME” TIME
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Scenario: Vivi and Santi are taking a time out at a coffee shop and practicing their English conversation skills. They are trying to decide what to do on the weekend when Vivi has an idea …
Choose
ENGLISH IS NOT ALL ABOUT ENSURING THAT YOUR GRAMMAR IS
IN WORKING ORDER. YOU ALSO HAVE TO KNOW THE RIGHT WORDS TO USE
TO MAKE YOURSELF HEARD.
Vivi may very well be boring, but actually what she means is she is bored. Her lack of activity is boring.
While not actually wrong, view is a big word when a simpler word would be OK. She should have said, “watch” or “see”. View is better used for a sight to inspect something before us or an opinion.
It should be “girlband”, like boy-band. Similarly, it is correct to say girlgroup, not girlsgroup.
Convenient is the wrong word choice here. It means something that does not suit our plans, such as a distant place or too early time. Santi actually means she is uncom-fortable in a crowded place.
Disturb is translated directly from the Indonesian word “ganggu”. In English, disrupt, meaning to upset or inconvenience, is a better word. Disruption is also used for services, i.e. “flooding led to disruption of the regular bus service”. In contrast, disturb means we are bothered by something, i.e. “Vivi was disturbed by Santi’s lack of enthusiasm”.
Vivi: I am so [boring] these days. Shall we go to the concert on Saturday night?
Santi: Sounds good. Which one do you want to [view]?
Vivi: I think one of the [girlsbands] is performing at the club.
Santi: Ugh, the club is so crowded on the weekend. It’s really not [convenient] for me.
Vivi: Oh, Santi, you always [disturb] my plans to have a good time!
Santi: Come on, Viv! Let’s just have a sleepover and listen to their songs with some ice cream.
Vivi: OK, that sounds like a plan, San.
Carefully
minDyourEnglisH
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POPcolumn
A Whole New World, in which he sings the vocals for both Aladdin and Jasmine. And you must check out his “Disney Medley”, where he performs six different roles – the heroine, sidekick, hero, chorus #1 and #2 and the villain!
5) JayessleeJanice and Sonia are two very cute singing twins from Australia who have been uploading videos since May 2008. It was their Officially Missing You cover that has earned them fame on YouTube. The clip has received over 15 million views as a favorite for devotees of sweet bal-lads. In 2012, they toured Australia and Southeast Asia, including a quick stop in Ja karta. Check out their girly rendition of Maroon 5’s Payphone – not bad, I promise.
TOP COVERARTISTS
One More Night. What’s really amaz-ing is that he sings and plays all the instruments himself – piano, guitar, drums and even the occasional xylophone.
3) Christina Grimmie This 18-year-old first rose to fame by covering Miley Cyrus’ Party in the USA, eventually earning her 1.9 million subscribers and making her the 4th most subscribed musician on YouTube. She recently signed on with Creative Artist Agency, the same agency managing the careers of Chris Brown and Christina Aguilera. She’s set to release her debut album soon, and even has her own web show in Disney.com! Check out her collaboration with Sam Tsui in a video titled Just a Dream.
4) Nick PiteraBy day, he works as the technical director of blockbuster animated movies such as Up and Toy Story 3. But Nick is best known for his incred-ible ability to sing in both high and low pitch. Take his cover of Disney’s
1) Sam Tsui Together with producer Kurt Hugo Schneider from Yale University, Sam is best known for his “Michael Jackson Medley”. The video features
him performing five different harmonies resulting in one seriously awesome per-formance. As of writing, the clip has gained 30 million views. The duo also did a rendition of Britney Spear’s Hold It Against Me,
without the dirty dancing of course.
2) Alex Goot Fact: Alex Goot might not boast the same vocal range as Sam Tsui, but he certainly makes up for it with his sheer creativity. You’ll be mesmerized by his rendition of Bieber’s Beauty and the Beat as well as Maroon 5’s
They say Justin Bieber is the best thing to have come out of YouTube. Alberta Lowe argues the following talents are just as good, if not better, than the Biebs.
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THERE IS A LOT TO READ ABOUT IN THE JAKARTA POST’S SPEAK!, THE MAGAZINE FOR YOUNG PEOPLE EXPLORING POP CULTURE, YOUNG SUCCESS STORIES, FASHION, TRENDS AND PROFILES.
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LOOKING BACK
AT 2012
#06 • DECEMBER 2012 • FREE FOR ALL
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/speakmag@sp3akmagz
cover Speak Des cs4.indd 1
11/21/2012 4:44:32 PM CARING OR POSSESSIVE?
TOUGH LOVE
Evita NuhCYBER QUEEN OF FASHION
HIS FIGHTINGCHANCE
DION WIYOKO WHAT’S IN STORECHECK OUT OURNEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS
MODELDOCTORMUSICIANWHAT‘S
NEXT?
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#07 • JANUARY 2013 • FREE FOR ALL
MESTY ARIOTEDJO
#08 • FEBRUARY 2013 • FREE FOR ALL
NO STOPPING HERCHELSEA OLIVIA
JIN-WOONHERJUNOT ALI
HARRY STYLESAND MORE!!!
THE BOYS WE LIKE
AFGANSYAH REZALOOK AT HIM NOW!
DINING, MOVIES, STYLE & RELATIONSHIP TIPS
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cover Speak Feb13.indd 1 21/01/2013 15:50:15
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VidiForever
Singer Vidi Aldiano opens up to Willy
Wilson about dating, biology and Glee!
coverstory
It is shortly before 11 a.m. on a rainy February day when Vidi Aldiano arrives for an exclusive interview and photo ses-sion at The Jakarta Post building.
Sporting a red hoodie from Daniel Mananta’s Damn! I Love Indonesia line, the singer is all smiles – and for good reason.
“This year has definitely got off to a good start. I just completed my bachelor’s degree a week ago, around the same time I released my new single,” says the 22-year-old, unbothered by the team of a make-up artist, stylist and photographer hovering around him.
“And I may be launching three albums this year alone – my upcoming fourth studio album, a repackaging album and another album, which will be sponsored by a product.”
Hear more from this oldest of three siblings, who became a teen idol without having to go the reality TV show route, in his own words below.
Tell us about your new single.The single, Pupus/Kasih Tak Sampai [Vanished/Unrequited Love], is a combination of the two famous numbers by legendary bands Dewa and Padi respectively. This single is on my album that will be out in April 2013.
That sounds awesome! I’m very excited about it. The single was launched in 200 radio stations last week!
You’re obviously a very talented singer. But if you weren’t a singer, what would you be? A doctor. My favorite subject in school was biology!
So why study business in university instead? My parents thought studying medicine takes too much time. They suggested that I study business. I agreed to do it because I reckon Ph
otos
: R. B
erto
Wed
hata
ma
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I TOOK A GAP YEAR BECAUSE I WASN’T SURE WHAT COURSE TO TAKE. I DECIDED TO
JUST DO WHAT I KNOW BEST: WRITING MUSIC. THE GAP YEAR GAVE ME TIME TO THINK ABOUT WHAT I REALLY
WANTED TO DO IN LIFE.
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[business] knowledge is applicable to everything in life.
Did you immediately go to university after high school?I took a gap year because I wasn’t sure what course to take. I decided to just do what I know best: writing music. The gap year gave me time to think about what I really wanted to do in life.
You also took time off from your studies in Indonesia for a short course at Berklee College of Music in Boston. Honestly, I have never had formal music training, and I wanted to have it. When I heard about the two-
month music course at Berklee, I decided to enroll. Besides, studying in the US has always been my dream. But I let that dream go to pursue a career in music at home.
What did you learn during your stay in America?The first thing I noticed was the individualistic nature of the people. This isn’t necessarily bad; people are naturally expected to stand on their own two feet and also stand up for themselves. But it was certainly culture shock for an Indonesian boy like me who had never lived outside the family home.
Are you very close to your parents?I am. And I’m very close to my younger brothers too. In fact, I’m taking them out for Valentine’s dinner.
Any special girl in your life right now?Unfortunately no! It isn’t easy to date when you work and study at the same time. But now that I have completed my studies, I may want to take part in the dating game [laughs].
Share a little-known fact about you. Somehow people tend to think that I’m a playboy. I’m not!
What were you like in high school?I was a nerd who was involved in everything from Paskibra [the team of students chosen for the flag-raising ceremony on Independence Day], school choir and photography club. I was also involved in numerous biology competitions. But I think I was quite social, too, as I regularly hung out at hip spots on the weekends.
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Has anyone ever told you that you should be
part of Glee? I love Glee! But while taking part in Glee seems
a bit far-fetched, I would love to get involved in
a musical project here in Jakarta. Unfortunately
nobody has offered me the job [laughs].
What’s next from Vidi Aldiano?
I’m thinking of doing a Master’s degree in
business. In the meantime, I just want to have
more time to sleep!
SOMEHOW PEOPLE TEND TO THINK THAT I’M A PLAYBOY. I’M NOT!
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POPQuiz
vs.
How many awards did Lena Dunham win at the 2013 Golden Globes awards?
(AT) Two(RF) Two
What is the name of Shakira’s soccer player boyfriend from Spain?(AT) Gerard Pique
(RF) Gerard Pique
Actress Cinta Laura Kiehl’s mixed heritage is from which countries?
(AT) Germany and Indonesia(RF) Germany and Indonesia
Willow Smith, daughter of actor Will Smith, released her first hit single in 2010. What was the title of that song?(AT) Whip My Hair(RF) Whip My Hair
Name the famous rapper who collaborated with Katy Perry on her hit song California Gurls?(AT) Calvin Codozar a.k.a Snoop Dogg!(RF) Snoop Dogg
Tom Cruise and Katie Holmes have a daughter named Suri Cruise. How old is she?(AT) I don’t know 7(RF) 13 7*Correct answer is six years old
Which actress plays Reza Rahadian’s love interest in the movie Habibie & Ainun?(AT) Bunga Citra Lestari(RF) Bunga Citra Lestari
What country is the setting for Les Miserables?(AT) France(RF) France
The movie 5 cm is based on a popular novel of the same title. Who is the novelist?(AT) Donny Dhirgantoro(RF) Donny Dhirgantoro
Korean rapper G-Dragon is a member of which vocal group?(AT) I don’t know 7(RF) Not a K-Pop fan here 7*Correct answer is Big Bang
Who says boys have no clue when it comes to Pop Culture? Well, these two lads prove you wrong!
Albert : 8
Reno : 8
Albert Tanuwijaya, 15 (AT)
SMAK 1 Penabur JakartaRenato Fenady, 22 (RF)
Parahyangan University Bandung
Time: 30 seconds I Prize: Bragging rightsContestants:
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Looking into scholarship programs is one thing, but actually getting one is often easier said than done.
scholarshipsScoring
Google “scholarship”, and up pops a long list of universities, companies and government institutions offering fantastic programs for young people like us. Or check out Twitter
accounts such as @beasiswaindo and @tweetkuliah that make searching for scholarships that much easier.
Now, accessing the information is easy, but the hard part getting an actual scholarship. All the programs come with
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Generally speaking, the requirements for the scholarship programs aren’t that much different. For US universities and colleges, steps include taking the SATs/ACTs and TOEFL tests, filling up an online form, getting hold of recommendation letters and transcripts of your grades in English, and providing a written essay on why you think you deserve the scholarship.
If an American scholarship is your goal, then Rizky recommends brushing up on your writing skills since coming up with a quality essay can really help increase your chances of getting a scholarship there.
“I spent two months writing my essay. I kept revising, proofreading and ensuring that the logic flow was correct. I repeated those three steps over and over again. The essay is really important because it’s your chance to highlight your personal qualities,” he explains.
“Depending on the topic, you can also go full on personal. I wrote about my experience in overcoming a challenge, which was a personal accomplishment for me – and they liked it.”
For Rizky, the scholarship offers plenty of other benefits beyond just getting a quality education for free. It also gives him a chance to network with like-minded young people who are part of the Freeman Asia Alumni. They often help current students in finding jobs and internships.
But there are other points to remember. Fellow scholarship recipient Ivan Audrey, found that while scholarships might offer great benefits, they can also be quite stressful.
“If your scholarship requires a minimum GPA, you will feel the pressure to perform well which in turn can be quite stressful,” she says.+Lidya Sophiani
Here’s a list of websites
where you can try to apply for
scholarships:
http://www.wesleyan.edu/
admission/international_
students/freeman.html
http://www.
sampoernafoundation.org
http://www.moe.gov.sg/
education/scholarships/asean
http://www.nesoindonesia.or.id
http://www.president.ac.id/
admissions/scholarship-
program/
different terms and conditions as well as their own selection criteria. Some institutions only offer scholarships for those interested in a particular field of study.
So before you go scholarship-hunting, it is always important to first know what you want to do for your own future. One way is to first ask yourself where you expect to live for the next few years. This will help in narrowing down your search to the area of study and the location of the university.
Once you’ve chosen which scholarship to go for, it’s time to do a little extra research. Here’s a checklist on what kind of information you should be looking out for:
What are the expectations of applicants?
What are the requirements? Are you going to have to work for the funder upon graduation?
What are the documents you need to prepare in order to apply?
What kind of selection process or tests do you need to go through?
When is the deadline to submit an application?
How did Rizky Rahadianto, a recipient of the highly competitive Freeman Asia Scholarship, manage to get an impressive, full undergraduate scholarship worth US$200,000.
“I just gave it my best shot,” reveals Rizky.
While he admits he wasn’t sure if he had what it takes, he then thought about it and decided he had nothing to lose by applying.
34
taking a break
Taking a gap year is still an uncommon practice in Indonesia. But if you’re seriously in need of a
break from the academic world and want to pursue more meaningful life lessons, then a gap year is the perfect place to start.
In case you were wondering, a “gap year” typically refers to a year-long break that involves living outside your comfort zone, so it isn’t a holiday. In fact, it can be quite a
What is a gap year and why is it so
important? Lidya Sophiani is here
to answer the big question.
Illustration: Tirta Perdana Jaya
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35
taking a breaktime waster if you aren’t committed to doing anything worthwhile. One good way to avoid this is to simply be honest with yourself on want you expect to gain during that year, and what kind of experiences you want to have.
For example, if you wish to travel, then you need to consider how you’re going to afford the trip. You should also do a little research about your destination of choice and practicing the local language. Mentally preparing yourself for any challenges ahead is crucial, as you will probably be in for a life changing year!
So, are you ready to break away? +Lidya Sophiani
For more ideas on how to spend
your gap year, check out these
sites:
www.raleighinternational.org/
www.afsusa.org/study-abroad/
gap-year/
www.ciee.org/gap-year-abroad/
www.projecttrust.org.uk/
www.projects-abroad.org
www.lattitude.org.uk
What is a gap year and why is it so
important? Lidya Sophiani is here
to answer the big question.
challenge, in a good way. This coming-of-age custom affects
mostly teenagers who are just entering adulthood. Some prefer to spend that time traveling to rural areas or improvised countries to volunteer, while others focus on developing personal interests such as sports, design and teaching.
According to The Princeton Review, one of the main reasons most students choose to take a gap year is to use the opportunity to explore their interests and develop a sense of purpose for their future.
It’s Your TimeTo find out more, I decided to chat
with Eliza Miller, an exchange student from Michigan who studied at my school two years ago and decided to take a year off after graduating.
Eliza admits that she always wanted to go abroad, and decided to leave for America once the opportunity presented itself. As she explains, that break provided her with not only a deeper understanding about herself but also the world around her.
Basically, her gap year was the time when she finally felt more mature.
“By the time I went to college, I realized that I had gained a higher level of maturity compared to my
peers along with an appreciation for school and studying, which was something I didn’t have back when I was fresh out of high school,” she says.
Tia, a communications student at Padjajaran University, also found that taking a year off helped her to prepare for college life.
“The gap year gives you plenty of time to really think about what it is that you want to pursue. In my case, it gave me time to figure out what kind of person I’d like to be after studying in a university for four years,” she points out.
As for bowling athlete Fachri, he decided to use his gap year to pursue his passion in sports.
“A gap year helped me to really focus on training for a spot in the national bowling team,” he shares.
As great as it may seem to be able to pursue your passion, get a work experience, travel abroad or even just gain a new perspective in life, it’s not as easy as it seems. Eliza admits that she found it a little disheartening to know that her friends were already heading to college earlier than her. \
It’s No Holiday!While taking a year off has
its perks, it could also be a real
36
UniversityLife
MATAHARI KESADARAN WEIGHS IN ON WHAT
IT REALLY MEANS TO BE NATIONALISTIC
NationalistNotions
The term culture shock doesn’t even begin to describe my experience during orientation week
at a university in Bandung. I had just recently moved back to Indonesia after spending 12 years abroad. As you can imagine, I was in for a big surprise.
Arriving at campus, I remember seeing the seniors wearing red shirts, proudly calling themselves Agnibrata. Their job back then was to holler at every new student they set their sights on. Students would be scolded for walking either too slow or too fast; some were even reprimanded simply because they weren’t moving at the precise speed limits that had been set by the Agnibrata.
This “hazing” was apparently more than just an exercise in silly college rituals. The purpose was
to toughen up the future leaders of Indonesia, or so they claimed back then.
“Putra Putri Terbaik Bangsa!” (The country’s best sons and daughters!) was the favorite mantra the seniors used to somehow justify the whole hazing ritual at the Sabuga conven-tion hall. The message was loud, clear and repetitive.
Here stand the best young men and women this great nation has to offer. It was our responsibility and destiny to help the poor, down-trodden citizens of nation country rise to their feet, and to finally win Indonesia its mantle as a first-rate power – so they said.
While I respect the way the uni-versity encouraged a sense of social responsibility among its students, I couldn’t help but feel put off by the propaganda tone of the message. Was it really all necessary? Person-
ally, I believe that real actions and not just words would have made more of an impact.
During one session, an upper-classman picked me out from a crowd to answer this simple ques-tion: Is it more important to develop this nation, or is it more important to be a global leader?
It was obvious they had expected me to pick the first option, but I decided to make things a little more interesting by presenting the follow-ing argument.
I stated that being a global leader was more important, and although poverty is still rampant in this country, Indonesia was a rapidly developing economy with plenty of young talents. This means there’s still plenty of hope that it will become a developed country sometime in the future. I also pointed out how other countries are much worst off and
37
have no such hope. One ex-ample was the impoverished nations of Africa, who have ab-solutely no infrastructure and are still suffering from societal problems that are almost im-possible to fix given the current political situation.
Unsurprisingly, my answer provoked the senior. While he acknowledged my points, he insisted that the number of Indonesians living in poverty should be our main concern. He also said that we must strive to make Indonesia the best nation in the world.
A friend then cut me off before I could respond to this statement, but if I did have a chance to reply, this is what I would have said:
An old lady is trying to cross a busy street. Do we help her because she’s Indonesian or because she’s an old lady in need of help? When we come across a poor village with no access to clean water, do we care less because it isn’t an Indonesian village?
Being nationalistic doesn’t mean we get to overlook humanism and basic logic. And superficial national-ism shouldn’t even be practiced in an academic institution in the first place. Indonesia is a big country, built from the bricks of multicultural-
ism. This archipelago is made up of more than 300 different ethnic groups, each with their own unique cultures. Throughout civilizations, we have traded and absorbed foreign cultures – Indians, Arabs, Chinese and the Europeans.
As my father always said, our creed is the creed of the ocean. The ocean is home to distinct creatures of all sizes and colors; its waters absorb and cleanses. Likewise, for thousands of years, our identity has been marked by one defining fea-ture, which is our ability to harmo-
nize the diverse influences brought to our shores into something of great beauty, a culture that goes beyond the so-called nationalism.
Superficial nationalism is not the key to reclaiming our lost splendor. We must look deeper into our past to truly see what has made this land so great. I’m confident that with the full force of history behind her, Indo-nesia will rise, not as an imperialist power, but as the flag-bearer of a new world, a world that stands for humanity.
Illustration: Tirta Perdana Jaya
38
Tia
(Lef
t): S
kirt
Lou
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by: B
row
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Noi
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atik
cap
e Bu
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rooc
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ylis
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UpgradedUniform
Quick Change
Going out after
school but no
time to change?
Throw on a denim
skirt (worn as tube
dress) and a batik
cardigan, and you’re
ready to go.
HERE ARE EASY AND FUN WAYS TO MAKE OVER YOUR SCHOOL LOOK
40
Smarty Pants A pair of well-tailored shorts is both stylish & comfortable. Wear a pretty sweater over your uniform to achieve that pretty-preppy look.
41
Rock ChickUnleash your inner rock star by pairing your uniform with a studded leather vest
and a cap. For an unexpect-ed twist, wear a feminine, sheer long skirt.Fe
by: S
wea
ter @
sola
cesh
op; T
ailo
red
shor
ts L
oush
kii;
Stac
hel b
ag &
nec
klac
e st
ylis
t’s o
wn.
Tia
: Cap
Cro
oz; S
heer
bla
ck s
kirt
@da
unhi
tam
shop
; Ban
gles
For
ever
21;
Ves
t sty
list’s
ow
n.
42
Cool Cover Raid your boyfriend’s closet and steal his varsity jacket. Throw an oversized t-shirt underneath to add coolness to your look!
Warm Embrace You can’t go wrong with a pretty sweater. Be it the slim fit or oversized with balloon sleeves, the choice is yours.
Tia:
T-s
hirt
@so
lace
shop
; Var
sity
Jack
et C
rooz
; Hat
Nau
ghty
43
Tia:
Tai
lore
d sh
orts
Lou
shki
i; Ba
g Bu
mik
u; G
lass
es n
augh
ty; B
angl
es S
trob
eri.
Feby
: Sw
eate
r @so
lace
shop
; Gla
sses
Nau
ghty
; Tot
e ba
g Lo
ushk
ii.
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Afternoon Delight
Loose jackets in
bright colors can
be a fun addition to
your afternoon wear.
Change your uniform
skirt with cool shorts.
Oh! Don’t forget your
tote bags!
Feby: Jacket Loushkii; Necklace Isabella Clara; Tota bag Crooz; Bangles Naughty. Tia: Jacket Loushkii; Necklace Forever 21; Tote bag Crooz.
45
Keep It Quirky An oversized blouse in geometric print isn’t easy to pull off. The trick is to pair it with an A-line skirt, ankle boots and a whole lot of attitude.
Feby
: Top
N.Y.
L.A;
Ski
rt L
oush
kii;
Cuff
Mik
a Ac
cess
orie
s.
46
streetfashion
street
Shorts Samuel & Kevin
Shoes Rubi
Dimas Farhan, 17, Media Creative Polytechnic
What’s in and what’s out on the STREETS
Shoes Robbynet
Shirt D.I.Y
Jacket NCAA
Bag Guess
Angelica S
etiady, 16, SMAK IPEKA Puri Indah
Hat Suicide Anthem
Top Stradivarius
SEND US A PHOTO OF
YOURSELF LOOKING AT YOUR
BEST AND EARN OUR FASHION
STAMP OF APPROVAL
47
Necklace Naughty
Top from Mom
Pants Zara
Bag New Look
Sandals shoes Charles & Keith
Shoes Taman PuringBag Zara
Top TA
Top online shop
Shoes Elle
Jeans Cheap Monday
Kay
rana
Am
adya
tara
, 18,
Uni
vers
ity o
f Ind
ones
iaTop Mphosis
Shoes Doc Martens
Novita N
atalia K, 18, U
niversity of Indonesia
Indira Anindita, 20, U
niversity of Indonesia
Rifda Fazriah
, 18, UH
AMKA
Jeans Stradivarius
Bag Sophie Martin
Bag Zara
48
Livinglarge
When Agnes first came to Singapore, she was a 15-year-old scholarship
recipient determined to become a nephrologist (that is a physician specializing in kidney-related diseases to you and me).
Ten years on, Agnes has taken a different career path. This artistic 25-year-old is best known for Kongkalikong, a story that focuses on three generations of Chinese-
Indonesian women.Agnes, who herself is Indonesian-
born Chinese, admits her cultural background does affect the way she views the world. But when it comes to the arts, she says she never restricts herself to just her own culture.
This free-spirited artist has a knack for challenging popular opinions in the society, especially when it comes to her artistic pursuits.
When she was told that no one can mix theater with film, she
ForOf ArtThe Love
proof that the best way to Agnes Christina is living
succeed is to follow your
gut instincts. Putra Muskita finds
out what makes this sassy
Indonesian girl tick.
49
Her first experience in theater was when she studied at Anglo-Chinese Junior College in Singapore and picked it up as a co-curricular activity (CCA).
“I fell in love with theater so much that I plunged right in. I would finish homework quicker just so that I could attend rehearsals,” she says.
It was during her university days that Agnes made her directorial debut with Perempuan Simpanan (The Mistress). Staged at National University of Singapore Museum, the story told of an Indonesian maid working in Singapore. It enjoyed sold-out public performances for two days in a row.
Indonesia to the World Agnes firmly believes in Indonesia’s artistic potential.
“We have a heritage so rich that we often don’t know where to start. We may not have something like Singapore’s Esplanade, or the big budgets, but we’re very good at being creative with whatever that we have,” she enthuses, adding that her ambition is to introduce
deserving talents from Indonesia and promote them to the world.
Many of her shows involve both Singaporean and Indonesian artists, her way of strengthening the nations’ artistic ties.
“Performing for audiences from different countries and different cultures is a good thing. As a playwright, I believe this is what’s really needed in order for us to relate to many different types people,” she says.
bucked tradition by coming up with Titik Nol, a collaborative short film with Indonesian filmmaker Nicholas Yudifar in which theater is performed in front of a film backdrop. It told of a boy dealing with the loss of his mother following the 2004 tsunami in Banda Aceh, and is Agnes’ most high-profile project to date.
Going against her parents wishes proved more difficult for Agnes. They had insisted that she apply for a normal office job for financial stability. She told them that while her it might take years for her career to take off, at least she was willing to work on it.
“So they’re giving me a chance now, and I’m glad because it means I can prove to them of what I can do.”
Artistic CallingAs a multidisciplinary artist, Agnes’ work involves expressing herself through theater, paintings, sculptures and wayang (shadow puppets). Her works have been shown at prestigious venues such as Taman Ismail Marzuki in Jakarta, earning her national coverage from Kompas and Koran Tempo.
Not bad for a young woman who didn’t study arts at all, but is an environmental engineering graduate from National University of Singapore.
“I have forgotten most of what I learned (in university). It would probably be dangerous for mankind if I had become an environmental engineer instead,” she says with a chuckle.
Agnes studied painting with legendary artist Pak Tino Sidin, and is also trained as a Balinese dancer.
I fell in love with theater so much that I plunged right in. I would finish homework quicker just so that I could attend rehearsals,”
50
Transformasi Hijau (Trashi)Let’s face it, living in this concrete jungle often makes us forget the beauty of nature. If that pretty much describes you, then it is time to talk Trashi. Founded in 2009, this community aims at cultivating a love of nature among today’s generation. Its Young Transformers program introduces the wonders of nature and wildlife to youngsters through hands-on activities, such as bird watching and annual clean-up operations. They have also held eco-friendly events in the past, like their “Cinta Bumi” (Loving the Earth) garage sale, in which members sold recycled and second-hand belongings to raise public awareness.Website: www.transformasihijau.blogspot.comFacebook: www.facebook.com/transformasihijauTwitter: @trashicool
You want to go green but don’t know where to start?
Here are a few eco-friendly groups that may be to your liking.
munityCOM
Koalisi Pemuda Hijau Indonesia (KOPHI)Also known by its English name of Indonesian
Green Youth Coalition, this is a medium for
young individuals and NGOs to work together
in preserving the environment. In December,
KOPHI’s second national congress took place
in Jakarta, with representatives from 18
provincial KOPHI branches invited to hold
an open dialogue to discuss the country’s
environmental issues. Over the past three
years, the coalition has focused on raising
environmental awareness and encouraging
green behavior in the public. KOPHI has also
ventured online through social media, posting
daily updates on the latest environmental
news, articles and recent eco-friendly events.
Check them out at Facebook and Twitter@.
Facebook: www.facebook.com/kophi.org
Twitter: @KOPHI_
51
Teens Go Green (TGG) Jakarta
Like its name says, this is a program for high school students who want to get involved in protecting the environment. Since its inception in 2007 by then Jakarta governor Fauzi Bowo, TGG has gathered 281 members from 55 schools, and counting. The community’s unique approach in educating members involves dividing the ecosystem into three types: hulu (headwaters), tengah (middle) and hilir (downstream). Community activities include informal workshops, peer learning, creative exhibitions and public campaigns, such as TGG’s anti-styrofoam movement to encourage the public to avoid this commonly used but non-biodegradable food packaging. Check out TGG on Facebook or Twitter to find out how you can be part of the solution to environmental issues in the capital.Facebook: www.facebook.com/tggjktTwitter: @TGGActNow
52
The winter of 2012 was one of the most memorable experiences of my entire life. After months of saving, I finally had enough
money to take a holiday involving visiting three States in just 10 days. Since I’m a
budget-conscious person, I always do some proper planning before going on vacation. It all started during the holiday season
in Seattle. Since returning to Jakarta wasn’t an option (my scholarship program would
not allow it), I decided to just say goodbye to chilly Seattle and take a trip to warmer
California, Arizona and Oregon (in that particular order).
Curious to know what I did during my adventure? Then keep reading!
Cheap Eats &Tons of Fun
DOWN-HOME INDONESIAN
DISHES IN LOS ANGELES?
TASTY ICE CREAM IN
ARIZONA? SPICY CHICKEN WINGS
IN PORTLAND? SEATTLE-BASED
INDONESIAN STUDENT
DEISHA TAMAR DISHES ON HER
DELICIOUS TRIP ACROSS THE
USA.
53
fancy because this place doesn’t even provide plates or cutlery. I didn’t mind eating food right off the table because it was so finger-licking good!
Be sure to save some space in your tummy because you can find Indonesian dishes here, too! Over at Simpan Asia Indonesian Café on National Boulevard, do your own taste test on the nasi uduk and chicken satay to see if it really tastes like home. For more info, check out this website: http://www.simpangasia.com/
Even though most of us can’t afford branded luxury goods, you can still take a stroll along famous Rodeo Drive and Beverly Hills. If you’re lucky, you might even bump
Los Angeles, CaliforniaFor shutterbugs, Hollywood Boulevard is the perfect place to be. Lie down on the Hollywood Walk of Fame (seriously, people actually do
Grauman's Chinese Theatre at
Hollywood Boulevard
Laguna beach
Griffith, Los Angeles
this), lean against the ornate walls of Grauman’s Chinese Theatre and pose next to Brad Pitt in Madame Tussauds. While I personally found it all a bit overrated, my advice is to get there early, take your pictures and move on as soon as you can.
My favorite spot in the area is Laguna Beach in Orange County. Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, it is packed with cute little shops, restaurants and art galleries.
As I was on a budged, I decided to just walk around and window shop so that I could make the most of a tasty seafood dinner at The Boiling Crab. Waiting for a free table took a while, but the whole experience was well worth the time and money. Don’t expect anything
Destinations:
Los Angeles, Phoenix, Portland
Transportation:
Greyhound Bus & airplane
Total cost:
US$350
featureTRAVEL
54
into a celebrity or two. They say the Kardashian sisters are always hanging around here, and you’ll know they’re coming once the paparazzi show up.
If celebrity sightseeing isn’t your thing, then check out the Cupcake ATM at Sprinkles Cupcakes. Instead of cash, this amazing machine actually serves up cupcakes. I recommend sinking your teeth into the red velvet variety. Old Town Scottsdale, ArizonaThis place is every inch the Wild Wild West that I had in mind (the only thing missing were cowboys). A quaint small town, you’ll find plenty of shops selling crafts, souvenirs and artworks here.
The real highlight of my journey was a visit to Sugar Bowl Ice Cream Parlor. Established in 1958, you won’t find anywhere else serving ice cream this rich, creamy and delish. And the charming retro décor really makes it a nice spot to kick back and
relax. If you have time, head over to the
neighboring town of Sedona, home of the iconic Red
Rocks. These red sandstone
formations look
absolutely gorgeous at sunset with a yellowish shadow against the rock. Located high above at about 250 feet is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, offering amazing views of Sedona and the Arizona desert.
Portland, OregonThere’s only one thing to do when you’re in Portland: EAT. My first stop was at the famous Voodoo Doughnut. The pink walls and furnishings might seem tacky but it’s still fun to experience.
As for the house specialty, it would have to be the Voodoo Doll Doughnut. It looks just like a real voodoo doll that you keep at home (hmm), except that it’s stuffed with nuts and covered with chocolate.
For an authentic American junk food experience, check out Fire On The Mountain and sink your teeth into their famous chicken wings. Depending on how hungry you are,
you can order a basket of eight, 12 or even 250 wings served in sauces ranging from mild, medium, hot, extra hot to El Jefe (super spicy!).
If you’re up for a test of your “fire power”, take the El Jefe Challenge which dares you to finish off 15 super spicy wings in under five minutes!
Restaurants aren’t the only place where you can grab a bite. The city is packed with food trucks selling affordable and tasty meals. Check out www.foodcartsportland.com for the complete list of locations and varieties. That’s what I call meals on wheels.
chapel of the holy cross
Red Rock, Sedona
Old Town
Voodoo Dougnuts
downtown Sedona with the view of the red rock
Portland
featureTRAVEL
55
grooming
Famous Five Go easy on the make-up to look good in school. Take these tips from Natasha Ishak.
Misty FeelingKeep body odor in check with The Body Shop Body Mist. Available in nine different scents, Moringa, Mango and Vanilla are the top picks. Just spray a little on your wrists and neck to perk up during the day.
Perk UpSince there’s no time to shower between school and hanging out with your friends, Evian Mineral Water Spray is here to save your skin. A quick spray makes you feel instantly refreshed, with the pure mineral water helping soothe the upper layers of the skin in an instant. And the 1.7-ounce can is easily slipped into your school bag.
Nail that AIt’s hard to pick out that perfect shade of nail polish, but Karl Lagerfeld for Shu Uemura Nail Polish comes pretty close. Inspired by the German designer’s own signature style, you can choose from colors such as Shu Shu Red, Royal Beige and Karl Black. And the nail stickers that are included are just too cute for words!
Early BlushIt’s easy for skin to look dull due to the onslaught of exams, homework and extracurricular activities. At the rescue is a quick swipe of Maybelline Dream Mousse Blush. Its air-soft formula is perfect for adding a little color to your cheeks, while the lightweight texture of
the mousse will prevent pores from clogging – greate news for
any skin type.
Pretty LipsWearing in-your-face lipstick to school just isn’t a smart move. We recommend using Clinique Chubby Stick Moisturizing Lip Color Balm. Besides moisturizing your lips, the subtle shade is just the thing you need for adding a pop of color to your pout.
One to WatchOLIVIA JENSEN, STAR OF THE HUGELY SUCCESSFUL TV SERIES PUTIH ABU – ABU 2 (WHITE AND GRAY 2), CHATS WITH SPEAK! ABOUT HER LIFE GROWING UP AS A “THIRD CULTURE” KID.
We may wonder what it is like to “go it alone” by living on our own. Sounds a bit scary but also exciting. Just ask Olivia Lubis Jensen, one of
the soap world’s most successful stars, who claims the experience has been a good one.
Born in Copenhagen to a Danish father and Indonesian mother, the 19-year-old has lived on her own since junior high school when she enrolled at Bandung International School.
“People say I’m very mature for my age because of the way I speak and think. I guess it has something to do with the fact that I’ve been living on my own since I was 13. And perhaps being in the public eye has also helped me mature beyond my years,” she says.
56
Although she has lived away from her family for a long time, Olivia insists that she’s still very close to them. This independent teenager, who has a twin sister and a brother, credits her mom for her success.
“My mother’s support was what gave me the courage to go for the audition and give it my best shot. Little did I know I would be signing up for my first major movie role.”
BRAVE MOVE
Olivia says her entry into the entertainment industry happened by chance at the age of 15.
“I was shopping with friends at a mall in Bandung when a talent agent approached me and asked if I would like to audition for a movie role.”
Of course, even at a young age her Eurasian features made her stand out from the crowd. But she says she never relies on her looks to get what she wants. In fact, it has made her cautious about people’s intentions.
“The fact that I got an offer out of the blue seemed sketchy, and I couldn’t tell if it was the real deal. Plus, I didn’t even have any acting experience, so how could they even consider me to audition for a movie?” she says matter-of-factly.
Olivia admits that life would have been good (though perhaps not as
from our parents does not have to end up with us going wild and acting irresponsibly. It was still a process of adjustment, she admits.
“It was tough living away from them. I would get jealous of friends whose folks were able to attend school functions and spend time with them every day. But I have come to realize that the trust my parents gave me has helped make my transition into adulthood a lot easier,” says the brunette beauty, who currently lives with her siblings.
After graduating high school in 2011, Olivia decided to take a gap year before continuing her studies. Now she is busy shooting Putih Abu-Abu 2 and also attending personal development courses.
“Again, I’m so lucky that my parents are open-minded. They allow me to take a gap year, which I personally think is very useful for young people, as we get to reflect and learn more about ourselves before deciding what we truly want to pursue in life,” Olivia reasons.
And just like everyone else, Olivia admits she simply can’t live without the Internet. She even has a website, www.olivia-jensen.com, where you can find daily updates about her random adventures, filming experi-ences, beauty tips and travel notes. For one, check out the collection of photos she took during the filming of Putih Abu-Abu 2 in South Korea.
“This website was just another project to harness my creativity, while at the same time it lets me share stuff with my fans. I hope they enjoy it!” Olivia enthuses.+Natasha Ishak
POPPersonality
exciting) had she chosen to remain in Bandung. But with her mother’s blessing, Olivia went to Jakarta to give the entertainment industry a shot.
BIGGER AND BETTER
In 2009, Olivia arrived in Jakarta and enrolled at the Australian International School. She also signed on with Wan-naB Pictures, whose talent agent first spotted her in Bandung. Her debut performance as a rebellious teenager who reconnects with her long-lost father in 2009’s Bukan Cinta Biasa (No Ordinary Love) received good reviews. Later that year, she landed another role in Kembang Perawan (Virgin).
She also modeled, hosted and acted in a few TV soaps, including popular series Hafizah. Many said she was refreshingly different as she was one of a few young starlets who could actually act.
Despite achieving success at such a young age, Olivia has managed to maintain a squeaky clean reputa-tion – not easy considering the other notoriously young, wild and loaded ce-lebrities around, and the infotainment industry that keeps tabs on them.
“I’m used to analyzing matters using different points of views. My dad’s a Westerner and is more open to new things, while my Indonesian mother is more cautious in her approach to everything,” she says, adding that her background may have helped her to become a more sensible and level-headed person in the seemingly glamorous world of celebrities.
INDEPENDENT GIRL
Olivia is living proof that being away
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DOINGDOUBLETIME
DOINGDOUBLETIME
DOINGDOUBLETIME
MEMBERS OF MAJOR GROUPS ARE ALSO SINGING
SUCCESS WITH SOLO CAREERS ON THE SIDE.
Remember when the band always came
first, with its members considered simply
part of the group? Meaning that members
had to leave the group to have solo
careers.But K-Pop is changing the traditional approach.
Members of boybands and girlbands can have
solo careers, apart from their regular activities in
the group, or become part of sub-units of the band
that cater to specific tastes.
The launching of South Korean singer-cum-
actor-cum-producer Kim Jae-joong’s solo album
MINE in January highlights the trend. It shows his
transformation from a pure K-Pop singer to a rock-
themed musician.
“The songs that I wrote before were more R&B
and K-Pop, so I wanted help from rock musicians
this time. I wanted a lot of help from those who
wrote songs and were also members of rock bands.
I wanted to learn more about rock and get to
understand it more,” he explained to Enews.
“I composed Healing for Myself and All Alone
myself, but for the others I used tracks from
[composer] Jeon Hae-sung and [Art of Parties rock
band vocalist] Kim Ba-da.”
Super Junior
G-Dragon
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DOUBLE Last May, JYJ’s Kim Junsu launched his album Tarantalegra. Both efforts have been well received by fans.
Another example is Kwon Ji-young, known by his stage name G-Dragon, of Big Bang.
G-Dragon launched his solo album “Heartbreaker” back in 2009, a collaboration with US rapper/songwriter Flo Rida, and “One of a Kind” last September. He also launched a duet album “GD & TOP” with fellow bandmate Choi Seunghyun, more famous as T.O.P, in December 2010. The duo was featured in British singer Pixie Lott’s song Dancing On My Own last March.
“When I was producing the first solo album, I just wanted to convey
some messages through it. The message was ‘no blood will come out even I was pinned’. However, after trying out different kinds of music activities, I started to change and wanted to convey my real emotion that I have in my everyday life,” G-Dragon said in an interview with K magazine.
Another K-Pop phenomenon is that entertainment agencies prefer to split a huge boyband/girlband into smaller units.
Take Super Junior, for example. The original 13-member group has been split into three-member KRY, which focuses more on ballads; SJ-T for singing trot (the oldest form of Korean pop music); SJ-M for the Chinese market with Mandarin songe.
The latest plan is to launch Super Junior-J to penetrate the Japanese market, still the most lucrative for K-Pop.
But what happens if the solo artist gets bigger than the band?
Take ‘N Sync, the US boyband in the 1990s. Justin Timberlake, one of the five members, rose to stardom on his own when boybands’ popularity was in decline. ‘N Sync eventually folded.
It’s a different story for K-Pop. Most artists who go solo or are put
Jae Joong
Park Yoo-Chun
in sub-units remain with their main group. Some also choose to branch out into other fields, such as acting or emceeing.
JYJ’s Park Yoo-chun is an example. Although the other two JYJ members released solo albums, Yoochun focuses more on acting, and garnered awards for his thespian skills. Super Junior’s Choi Si-won is also an actor; his latest TV series is King of Dramas.
What makes the artists remain loyal to their group? Most of them argue the group propelled them to stardom, and there is no question of them leaving.
And there is another consideration: money. With sub-units, entertainment agencies also gain higher profits because more fans can be lured to buy the solo or sub-unit albums. As for the so-called idol-actors, nearly all TV dramas include them in the bid to gain higher ratings. + Primastuti Handayani
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Agnes Monica won’t be happy. An
anti-drugs ambassador, the singer
has long advocated a drug-free
lifestyle for teens. She has on more
than one occasion stated that, contrary to
popular belief, fame and fortune doesn’t
always equal drug abuse.
But in the case of Raffi Ahmad,
success proved too much to handle.
As you probably know, Raffi was
arrested after narcotics officers
raided his home in Lebak Bulus in
South Jakarta in the early hours of
January 27.
The national narcotics agency
reportedly found two marijuana
joints and a bag containing 14 pills
Deadly GameDeadly GameAs young stars join the anti-drug campaign among young people, another entertainer falls victim to narcotics.
that tested positive for methylone.
The latter is a new synthetic drug
with effects similar to ecstasy.
After several days in detention,
Raffi, 25, allegedly admitted to
owning the drugs. He could face
a maximum sentence of 12 years
in prison if convicted on narcotics
charges.
Of course, he is not the only high-profile young celebrity involved in drugs scandals. From Lindsay Lohan to Jennifer Dunn, young stars succumbing to drug abuse isn’t anything new. But if you think that drug abuse only happens to those in the glamorous world of entertainment, think again.
Nope, it isn’t always about ecstasy, cocaine or even marijuana. Over-the-counter drugs are abused by a lot of people. The most common ones are sleeping pills and painkillers. Understand that these common drugs also have fatal consequences for those who abuse them.
A ludicrous cocktail of sleeping pills, mostly propofol and lorazepam, is believed to be the primary reason for Michael Jackson’s death. It is widely believed that Whitney Houston had been abusing sleeping pills and Xanax (used to treat anxiety and panic disorder), a deadly habit that eventually took her life after years of drug abuse.
Nobody needs to tell us to say no to drugs. After all, we know the risks that lie in store. +Willy Wilson
Then it can help to think about why you’d do it. Some teens use drugs to feel like a grown up or to rebel against their parents, while others hope it will help them cope with family and school issues.
It is also not uncommon that young people use drugs recreationally. But the truth is that there are much better – and safer and legal – ways to do all these things.
IF YOU’RE CONSIDERING USING DRUGS…
Jennifer Dunn
currentAffairs
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Here are some ideas: Need a challenge?
Try rock climbing, hiking, marathon or some other physical activities.
Need new friends? Join a community. Maybe even start your own community.
Want to relax? Watch a movie, read a book, play with a pet or take a daytrip with your friends to a nearby town.
Stressed and depressed? Go out and exercise, talk to your friends or teachers that you trust. Remember, drugs aren’t the solution for your problems.
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omDID YOU KNOW? n 3.8 millions Indonesians are drugs users as of 2011, according to the National Narcotics Agency.
n More than 80 percent of Indonesians drugs users are teenagers and young people.
n According to Seventeen magazine, more than 2.1 million American teens abuse prescription drugs such as painkillers, sedatives and stimulants.
n Vicodin and Oxycontin, both pain relievers, are the most commonly abused prescription drugs among teens.
n 60 percent of American teens who have abused prescribed painkillers first tried them before they turned 15.
Sorry, all you Zoe Saldana and Jennifer
Lawrence fans. According to Adelle Purwadipura, these five funny girls are the real Hollywood
“It Girls” of the moment.
Anna Sophia RobbAT JUST 19, Anna Sophia is already well on her way to becoming the next Hollywood “It Girl”. Her acting and co-medic talent scored her big roles in movies such as Because of Winn-Dixie, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Bridge to Terabithia, Race to Witch Mountain and Soul Surfer.
Her next project involves starring in HBO’s new series The Carrie Diaries, the prequel to the cult classic Sex and the City. Anna Sophia plays the teenage Carrie Bradshaw, the central character of both shows. Carrie’s clumsy, comical and witty personality (made famous by Sarah Jessica Parker) was what helped made the show such a big hit.
As you can imagine, Anna Sophia has some pretty big heels to fill especially since she’s playing such an iconic character. The series officially premiered on Jan. 14 this year, to generally positive reviews.
Lena DunhamLENA IS DEFINITELY not your typical size-zero starlet. This 26-year-old is best known for her deep-belly laugh, which matches well with her voluptuous figure. Her claim to fame was on the original HBO series GIRLS, which tells the story of four fresh graduates trying to make it in New York City.
This talented actress is also a writer and producer of the successful show (which has earned her two Golden Globe Awards). So despite her very un-Hollywood-like appearance, it seems that Tinseltown has finally accepted her with open arms. We figure it has to do with the fact that she seems so comfortable in her own skin.
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Rebel WilsonWITH A NAME LIKE THAT, you just know she belongs on this list. Rebel’s career started out in her hometown Sydney, where she played Toula in the comedy series titled Pizza. Her debut in America was in the award-winning 2011 romcom Brides-maids. This was followed up with roles in What to Expect When You’re Expecting, Struck by Lightening and A Few Best Men. Her comedic talents eventually earned her a spot in Variety magazine’s 10 Comics to Watch in 2011.
The 26-year-old’s most recent film, Pitch Perfect, is a box office hit. The story revolves around an all girl college a cappella group known as The Barden Bellas, who thrive on female pop songs instead of just their perfect looks. Despite their differences, this rag-tag team manages to pull of amazing mashups of song covers. So if you love laughing and listening to good music, then this movie is perfect for you!
Kaley CuocoIF YOU HAVEN’T WATCHED The Big Bang Theory, then you need to do so soon because you are seriously missing out! In the series, Kaley plays waitress/aspiring-actor Penny who is friends with four geeky, socially awkward guys which include a physicist and aerospace engineer. But Penny’s social skills and common-sensical questions often leave the guys wondering if they are indeed the smart ones.
The 27-year-old first began modeling and acting at the tender age of 6. Her first notable role was as Bridget Hennessy in the popular sitcom 8 Simple Rules. She joined The Big Bang Theory in September 2007, which eventually went on to become a hit show in both America and abroad. Thanks to her role, Kaley is now considered a bona fide comedy superstar. When not acting, she enjoys playing tennis and riding horses.
buzzCELEB
Kat DenningsKAT IS BEST known for her role in 2 Broke Girls, in which she plays Max Black, a sarcastic and tough working girl who happens to know how to bake cupcakes. Currently in its second season, 2 Broke Girls just keeps getting better with every episode. The pilot episode gained 19.2 million viewers, and was apparently the largest debut viewing on television since 2001.
Just one look at this 26-year-old’s gorgeous hair and bombshell body, and you know she’s destined to be a Hollywood babe. After graduating from high school at the tender age of 14, Kat headed to Los Angeles to pursue an acting career. She has been quoted as saying there’s nothing else she would rather do “unless there was a profession that involved cuddling bunny rabbits and kittens all day for money”.
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gEEkynews
Helpful HintsNATASHA ISHAK PICKS FOUR USEFUL GADGETS
FOR US TECH-LOVING STUDENTS.
IS LENOVO IDEAPAD YOGA 13 a laptop or a tablet? Well, it’s a little bit of both. This 13-inch lightweight pad has a unique double-hinge design, enabling it to bend and transform from your typical laptop to a hand-held tablet. Soak up the crystal clear images produced by the touch-screen interface and latest Windows 8 operating system within. This high-tech toy will certainly come in handy to edit your school paper, solve your math homework and sort out your daily activities.
Best of Both Worlds
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Are you one of those people who treasures all the random photos taken with your friends over the years?
Then you may want to consider Seagate Backup Plus. With a memory capacity that holds up to 1TB, it
boasts fast-processing ability and pre-installed device software. That means you won’t need to deal with
inconvenient reformatting between your Mac and your PC. Although the price is pretty steep for a back-up
drive (it retails at $145 or roughly Rp 1,400,000), its large storage could last you a lifetime.
Plan B
Powerbag Backpack
NWZ-270 Walkman Sports MP3 playerDid you know there’s a waterproof MP3 player? Meet NWZ-270 Walkman, a compact and durable MP3 player with a mini-malist design. Charge this device for only three minutes and you get 60 minutes worth of playback time. Pretty awesome!
Sick of dead batteries? The Powerbag™ Backpack is equipped with a battery system powerful enough to charge the average smartphone twice. Yes, twice. With a removable and rechargeable 3000mAh built-in battery, the port is compatible to anything from smartphone and Apple devices to Micro-USB, eReaders and various tablets. The wonderful bag retails at US$139.99 or roughly Rp 1,350,000. For more info, click www.mypowerbag.com
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Studying overseas can be a wonderful experience, but not everyone
realizes that it usually requires thinking and writing critically in English.
Scholarship recipient Yohanes Paulus Bisma shares his perspective.
an Indonesian Student
Bisma giving a presentation to the new juniors
Confessions of
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In 2009, I was awarded the ASEAN Scholarship for Indonesia by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in Singapore.
The scholarship covered accommodation, school fees and monthly allowances for up to four years. I was posted to Bukit Panjang Government High School (2009-2010) and after receiving my O-Level results, I entered Temasek Junior College (2011-2012) via the MOE’s Joint Admission Exercise.
Both schools have helped me become the person that I am today.
My first days in Singapore were spent in a series of English language bridging courses with my fellow scholarship recipients from Indonesia. This was our first major obstacle, and we performed poorly on the various diagnostic writing and comprehension test. The level of fluency and accuracy that was expected in our essays and answers was almost unachievable for students who
graduated from the Indonesian education system.
It was just the beginning. For O-levels, we had to deal with other subjects such as Science and Math (relatively easier if you studied hard enough). The other subjects – Geography, Social Studies, Malay Language and (of course) English – proved to more difficult to tackle.
Then there was the A-Level syllabus. Science and Math became harder as they required more topical understanding instead of just memorizing formulas. There was also the General Paper subject, where students were tested on their ability to argue and present their personal opinions while evaluating various current issues using perfect English. During this time, I felt as though I was constantly fighting an uphill battle.
English is ImportantThe combination of poor English fluency and general lack of interest
in world affairs made it difficult to pass the General Paper. The same can be said about Economics, as it required lots of reading and presenting your answers with a great deal of accuracy.
Throughout my time studying in Singapore, I realized that my writing ability was what often set me back. This was especially true when it came to writing cohesive essays using logical construction.
And I doubt I was the only one, as most Indonesian students studying overseas would probably know what I’m talking about. Graduating from high school doesn’t necessarily prepare you to think critically, which meant that my fellow Indonesians students and I had to work extra hard just to keep up with the local students.
Learning from Magazines & Friends I eventually realized that complaining wasn’t doing me any
favors, and that I needed to find ways to improve myself. I started by reading articles from various sources such as the National Geographic and The Economist. These magazines helped in broadening my knowledge and taught me to express my ideas using English. Interacting with my English-speaking friends also helped. And staying positive (even when you fail a few papers) is necessary if you plan on completing any scholarship program.
Looking back, I am glad for going through all that. Finishing my studies would not have been possible if not for the support of those around me and my own determination to succeed. I was fortunate to have such an amazing group of teachers who would not hesitate on tutoring students like me. Their insights were always critical and inspirational.
I was also very lucky to have made many friends, both Indonesians and
individuals from other countries, during the program. Without the company of my classmates and friends, being away from home would have been that much harder.
While many from the international community tend to label Singaporean students as overly competitive, my experience proved otherwise. Their unrelenting diligence and strong determination to excel academically encouraged me to improve on my own shortcomings. As the saying goes, the hottest fire makes the hardest steel.
What I have gained in these past four years studying in Singapore are skills and abilities that will no doubt define my future and distinguish me from others. The experience has taught me to be more independent and hardworking. If you’re planning on studying overseas, I hope my story will help prepare you for what is to come.
Bisma (second from the right) together with his fellow House Captains from Temasek Junior College
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A RAW DEALI love Japanese food, but sashimi is my all-time favorite, which is why I am doing this review. As a sashimi-eating old hand, here’s a important piece of advice for first-times: beware the wasabi! The green horseradish past served at sushi restaurants is mighty hot and strong. Take it easy with a tiny bit in your soy sauce first, and add more if it’s still not potent enough for you.
From its location, it’s easy to see why most of its customers are students. The decoration is simple Japanese-modern style featuring red as the main color.
My salmon sashimi came with typical garnish —grated white radish and carrot, perilla leaf and slices of lemon—along with two servings of wasabi and pickled ginger. The soy sauce and ground red pepper were already served on the table. As usual, I dipped my salmon into the mixture of soy sauce and wasabi, and it tasted fine.
Given the restaurant’s warm and homey setting and affordable price, plus its close-to-campus location, it’s a favorite hangout of young people. Next time, I’ll be eating on the second floor to experience the outdoor sensation!
Sushi Miya8iIngredients: Salmon, white radish, carrot, perilla leaf, lemonsLocation: Sushi Miya8i Kemanggisan, near Binus UniversityPrice: Rp 35, 000,-
Steal
Location: HH HHHygiene: H H H H H
Decor: HH HHHospitality: H H H H H
Taste: H H H H
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FOODinspector
Sushi GrooveIngredients: Salmon, tuna, octopus, white radish, perilla leaf.Location: Sushi Groove Pondok Indah Mall 2Price: Rp 120,000,-
My friend recommended Sushi Groove for the best tasting sashimi in town. So, I gave it a go and ordered a plateful of sashimi party.
And I have to agree with her. The sashimi tasted really good, chewy and totally fresh. There were three different choices on the plate: salmon, tuna and octopus. If you ask me which one tasted the best, I would be torn between name salmon or tuna. Let’s just settle for both then.
It’s clean and neat but the decor is a bit dark for my tastes. However, I definitely will come back to have another bite of the heavenly tasting sashimi.
Splurge
Location: H H H H HHygiene: H H H HDecor: H H H HHospitality: H H H H
Taste: H H H H H
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After Denpasar, Balikpapan and Pekanbaru, it was Jakarta’s turn to play host in the final leg of the Youth Speak Fun Day program held on February 9, 2013. And when it comes to
making the most of one’s English skills and artistic know-how, everyone’s a winner!
The Youth Speak Fun Day in Jakarta took place in Senayan’s indoor tennis stadium and saw some 4,000 students and teachers from hundreds of schools in Greater Jakarta participating in an array of contests and performances.
Some contests, like Spelling Bee and News Reading, began weeks before the final leg took place at the Youth Speak Fun Day. “The competition was so tough. After going through all the rounds, I am so glad I won!” exclaimed Girindra ChaskaNimpuno, winner of the News Reading competition. He is a student at state senior high school SMAN 8 in South Jakarta.
Everyone’s a winner at
Youth Speak Fun Day 2013!
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Meanwhile, Nathaniel Nainggolan from SMKN 30 in South Jakarta won the Spelling Bee contest by beating some 180 other competitors. “It has been great,” he said.
Other winners include Sita Zahra Matarani from SMALabschool in Kemayoran, who wrote a winning piece for the Essay Writing competition. Nadia from SMA Budi Mulia penned the best love letter at the imaginative Cupid’s Pen contest, and fashion enthusiasts Rara Tamara, Alfina and LindaYustiningsih from SMKN 33 Jakarta snagged a prize from turning old newspaper into a winning fashion-worthy outfit at the
Text for Textile competition. Not only did the students take
part in these exciting contests, many also took the stage for cheerleading, marching bands, traditional dance, skits and even stand-up comedy performances.
Their participation clearly marks the success of the Youth Speak Fun Day, which is part of the Partnership for Education campaign initiated by The Jakarta Post Foundation, Chevron Indonesia Company and the Education and Culture Ministry.
“I am extremely proud to see so many happy faces on our students and teachers during the
competitions and at the Fun Day,” said Yulia Herawati, executive director of the Jakarta Post Foundation.
Even the Youth and Sports Minister Roy Suryo, who was present and gave an opening speech at the event, acknowledged that Indonesia had an abundance of talents, as can be seen through their achievements at the Youth Speak Fun Day.
We would like to thank all who have participated in the Youth Speak Fun Day, and we’ll definitely see you again next time! n
E m b a s s y o f t h e U n i t e d S t a t e s
UPdates
What: NIE YouthSpeak! Fun Day in JakartaSpeak! participated in the final leg of the Newspaper In Education (NIE) YouthSpeak! Fun Day’s cross-country competition in Jakarta. More than 4,000 students gathered to watch entertaining performances from their peers, and also took part in various contests held on site. At the Speak! booth, kids were treated to a free photo op (complete with silly costumes!) and Speak! goodie bags.When: Feb. 9, 2013Where: Senayan Indoor Tennis Stadium, Jakarta
What: ‘3SUM’ Movie Premiere and Press ConferenceMoviegoers gathered to be among the first to watch the premiere of 3SUM. This latest omnibus movie features a stellar cast, including Winky Wiryawan, Aline Adita and Hannah Al Rashid. As its title suggests, 3SUM is made up of three different storylines that intertwine as the film unfolds. It is unique as the first Indonesian omnibus movie to connect three different genres – thriller, drama and action – in one.When: Jan. 28, 2013Where: Epicentrum XXI, Epicentrum Walk, Kuningan
where were you ?
What: @america HIV/AIDS talkshow with Miss UniverseEmpowering youth was the hot topic during the @america HIV/AIDS talk show. Reigning Miss Universe Olivia Culpo spoke about raising awareness and helping HIV/AIDS prevention across the globe. Other speakers included Ikatan Perempuan Positif representative Oldri Mukuan, UNFPA youth advocate Angga Martha and newly crowned Puteri Indonesia Whulandary Herman.When: Feb. 2, 2013Where: @america, 3rd floor of Pacific Place, Jakarta Selatan
“Raising awareness toward HIV/AIDS in our society is very important, especially to erase the stigma that has been placed upon HIV/AIDS victims. People need to
understand that these victims are human beings just like everyone else and they
should not be treated as social outcasts.”Miss Universe 2013, Olivia Culpo, 20
Why did you decide to go to HKUST? I always wanted to reside in a city that’s globally connected and vibrant for my college studies, but distance-wise I wanted it to be relatively near my hometown. Hong Kong ticks all the boxes. HKUST itself is a rapidly growing top university that offers both a world-class education and scenic campus. The decision for me to accept its admission offer was a no-brainer. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to study in a university that has a sea-view!
Tell us what is so special about your major?I’m currently studying Molecular Biomedical Science, a program that focuses on medical research. For example, I’m currently working in a lab with a research focus on cancer. It has always been a dream of mine to contribute to the medical world,
Name: Christy Hong Age: 19 University: Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST)
Christy Hong tells Alberta Lowe about her dream of going into medicine and her adjustment to university life.
The Right Medicine
like finding treatments for diseases and abnormalities. By joining this program I feel that I’m one step closer to pursuing my dream.
To what extent did high school help you to prepare for university?My high school put a lot of emphasis on research which influenced my growing interest in the area. And because most of the science courses were taught in English, high school kind of prepared me to better follow the courses in university. Nevertheless, university is quite different from high school. I had to make a lot of adjustments in order to keep up with the pace in university.
Have you had any trouble adjusting to university life in HK? I haven’t had too much trouble; the only change that I had to adapt to is the amount of time I need to put into studying. I used to study one day before an examination in high school, but in university it’s a totally different story. There are so many things to study that [cramming] a day before the exam is simply not enough!
Did you find a way to tackle those problems?I have developed a routine of always reviewing [subjects] after the lecture. I also start reviewing for an exam weeks ahead, so that I will have enough time to go through all the materials.
What do you see yourself doing in 10 years’ time?I hope to see myself working in an international medical institution like the World Health Organization. I would like to travel to different parts of the world and make meaningful contributions to overcoming health problems.
What’s your advice for prospective students interested in Hong Kong? Living in Hong Kong is exciting yet challenging. Most things are very fast-paced and can be quite competitive. The first time I arrived there, it was pretty shocking for me how different things are compared in my hometown. My advice is don’t stress out too much about these changes because before you know it, you’ll get used to the lifestyle. And, oddly, you may find it exciting – at least I do!
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