(Closed) Evening Picnic @ Marina Barrage, 28th Feb '09, Saturday, 5-8pm

Hi guys, Mother Nature was a bitch today but i'm glad everyone who came still braved the heavy downpour to support the Evening Picnic @ Marina Barrage... The food was great (savoury pastas & soon keuhs, delectable fried carrot cakes, juicy sausages and fishballs, to-die-for choclate cheese brownies, yummy cream puffs & pies, crispy karrages & spring rolls, delicious ice-creams, thirst-quenching drinks, wine, fruits and many many more!) but the company was even better!!!! I'd like to thank everyone who came down despite the clammy air and the wet floors, i hope it didn't dampen anybody's mood and you guys still had fun... And for the new faces who came today, welcome to the club!!!!

With February coming to a close, it's time for me to take off the hat of Project Manager and pass it to my successor (or successors) Otto & Han... I hope all of you will continue to support them as you did me as they bring you the next round of great TBP events and movie outing this coming March and i can't wait to see what they have up their sleeves!!!!

Once again, thank you for the support this month and i'll see you guys in the upcoming events!!!

-Balenciaga

Fancy a meal under the setting sun overlooking the cityscape as the wind caresses the landscape?

Built across the mouth of the Marina Channel, the Marina Barrage creates Singapore’s 15th reservoir, and the first in the heart of the city. With a catchment area of 10,000 hectares, or one-sixth the size of Singapore, the Marina catchment is the island’s largest and most urbanised catchment. Together with two other new reservoirs, the Marina Reservoir will boost Singapore’s water catchment from half to two-third’s of the country’s land area.

As the water in the Marina Basin is unaffected by the tides, its water level will be kept constant all year round. This is ideal for all kinds of recreational activities such as boating, windsurfing, kayaking and dragonboating etc.

For the replacement event on February, The Bear Project will be organizing an evening picnic at the Marina Barrage. There's food (potluck of cos), great view, friends, great photo opportunities and wide open spaces for bears to roam around, what's not to love!!!

So for those people who are interested, please sign up ASAP as we are going to close the posting on Thursday, 26th Feb to work out the logistics... You are required to bring food (please no chips and snacks... it'll almost be like dinner under the stars) and drinks... If you attendedthe Lo-Hei event last month, you can bring the same food so as not to ponder too much on what you are going to bring.

Date: 28 February 2009
Time: 5pm-8pm
Venue: Marina Barrage

For those who are not sure how to get there, the instructions are below:

Getting there


Address: 260 Marina Way, Singapore 018976

Free shuttle bus service from Marina Bay MRT Station to Marina Barrage.

Saturdays, Sundays and Public Holidays
Every 10-minute intervalsFrom 9.00am-9.00pm
Last Bus from MRT: 8.00pm
Last Bus from Marina Barrage: 9.00pm

*P.S. Remember to bring a windbreaker, heard it gets pretty chilly there...
** P.P.S. We may have 2 Bear friends from Australia coming to join us for the event and for those who are keen, they wanna drop by Backstage to enjoy a drink or 2, you are most welcome to join...

The (29+2) Barragers:

• Balenciaga (Fried Chicken Wings + Fried Noodles)
• Vitalauto + 2 Friends (Ice Box + Ice + Fishball + Sausages)
• Universek (Drinks)
• Xbahamut
• Scarletdraft (Soon Kueh)
• Hawk (Grapes)
• Han + Otto (Mini Springrolls)
• Zachius (Wine)
• Hanzi (Cream Puff)
• Saon6
• Getafix21 (Roast Duck)
• Phoenyx
• Gazarette + Gussie (Pasta + Chips & Dips)
• TVfan82 (Fried Carrot Cake, black & white)
• DLCH + KyutoGary82
• Guyalvino (Won Won Rice Crackers / Assorted Nuts)
• Kahwai + Chunhao (Cheese Brownies)
• Hardcore + Hellridered
• tanuki + cub4u33
• Rookcub + Asimov_22 (Paper Plates/ Utensils/ Ground Sheet/ Speakers)
  

(CANCELLED) Ride The Original Ducktours – A Land & Sea Adventure, 28 February '09, Saturday, 4-5pm (tbc)

Hi guys,

Due to the weak response of the event, we decided to cancel this event and replace it with another... I'm really sorry to disappoint those that were keen to attend this event... I guess it's not the right time to do something like this yet... No worries, i'm sure we'll be able to do something like this in the future. In the meantime, do check out what the replacement event will be... It'll be equally fun and we won't be restrcited by the number of people attending... Since we are only 1 week away from the event, if you are keen, please sign up and respond ASAP so we can deal with all the logistics and get it over and done with so everyone can have a good time on that day...

Again, let me apologise for the cancellation of the event and hope it will not stop you from joining the many other activites we have planned in the future... ;)

-Balenciaga


It's a bus! It's a boat! It's the Original Splashing DUCK! DUCKtours uniquely combines the city and harbour tour on an authentic Vietnam warcraft, offering you 60 minutes of amphibious touring adventure on both land and sea. Come and be entertained by our DUCKtainers. Hold on to your seat as it waddles away and be prepared for a splashing good time! Ask for the Original Award Winning DUCK@Suntec today!

We are planning to book the whole Duck for the 1 hour tour. If we book the boat, it'll cost us $588.50 (inclu GST) and it can house 31 people which means if we have a full house, everyone will only pay $19 instead of $33 which is the normal price... So the less people, the more we'll have to pay... So people who sign up, must commit, no last minute no shows!!!! We will collect payment earlier to prevent this :) Modes of payment for the tour will be announced once we get enough response.

Date: 28 February 2009
Time: 4–5pm (TBC)
Boarding Venue: Suntec City (Galleria)

Check out their site for more details.

So do sign up as soon as possible so that we can make the necessary arrangements! We are hoping to fill the whole boat, so we need 31 people!

The (12) Duckies:

• Balenciaga
• Vitalauto
• Universek
• Hawk
• Martinn
• Saon6
• Hanzi + Friend
• XBahamut
• Scarletdraft
• Otto
• Han
  

(CLOSED) He's Just Not That Into You, 21 February '09, Saturday

Hey guys,
i'd like to thank everyone who attended the movie outing this month... It's really nice to reconnect with some of the memebers and meet new faces during this outing... The movie was great and altho we had a bit of a trouble at dinner and coffee (since there are so many people attending) i think it didn't dampen any one's mood... The next event is coming up next week so if you guys haven't sign up, please do so ASAP... Special thanks to Vitalauto for helping out during the event... Cheers!!!!
- Balenciaga
hey guys, the timing has been updated!
The ultimate Chick Flick! The book that inspired the movie has been featured on Oprah! It has Drew Barrymore! It has Bradley Cooper! It has Jennifer Connelly! It has Kevin Connolly! It has Scarlett Johansson! Did I mention it has Drew Barrymore?! It's produced by Drew Barrymore!

Synopsis:
A group of interconnected, Baltimore-based twenty- and thirtysomethings navigate their various relationships from the shallow end of the dating pool through the deep, murky waters of married life, trying to read the signs of the opposite sex--and hoping to be the exceptions to the "no-exceptions"; rule.

Gigi just wants a man who says he'll call--and does--while Alex advises her to stop sitting by the phone. Beth wonders if she should call it off after years of committed singlehood with her boyfriend, Neil, but he doesn't think there's a single thing wrong with their unmarried life. Janine's not sure if she can trust her husband, Ben, who can't quite trust himself around Anna. Anna can't decide between the sexy married guy, or her straightforward, no-sparks standby, Conor, who can't get over the fact that he can't have her. And Mary, who's found an entire network of loving, supportive men, just needs to find one who's straight.

Check out the trailer here.



Date: 21 February 2009
Time: 7pm
Venue: The Cathay - The Grand Cathay
Dinner after the movie...

Ok, hope to see you at this movie! It should be fun and romantic! Sign up asap! Posting closes on 18 February, 6pm.

The (21) Chicks:

• Universek
• Vitalauto
• Balenciaga
• Hanzi
• Divineseeker + friend
• Phoenyx
• Fitcubsg
• TVfan82
• Minimach + bf
• Wind
• Rubedo
• Scarletdraft
• Kit_sg
• DLCH
• Kyutogary82
• Ikaika + friend
• Fonsus
  

Updated: Becoming Capa Book Launch: Tay Kay Chin's Photographic Novella, 7 February '09, Saturday

Update from Brick:
If you wish to get a copy of Tay Kay Chin's "Becoming Capa", the (photo-novel) book is now available at BooksActually at Ann Siang Hill (www.booksactually.com). The copies sold there are autographed by the author!

This is quite last minute cos I was just notified. But sure hope that for those of you who are interested, you can show your support by being at the book launch. Tay Kay Chin was one of the artists who had generously contributed to our Charity Art Show.





























This image may not be clear, so check out this link.

Also check out Sinema OldSchool's site for information.

Singapore Love Letters, THU 5 FEB 2009 - SUN 15 FEB 2009, 8pm

Hey Guys, here's something to catch cos it's the month of LOVE! It's written by a good friend, Desmond Sim, so I wish you guys will catch it, bring your loved one(s) along!































At the heart of Singapore Love Letters are two amazing stories. Akan datang, a funny, nostalgic and touching play about an enchanting love affair between a couple in 1960's - inspired by a series of love notes found behind 50-year-old movie tickets; and Wife #11, an untold story set in 1920's about a charismatic polygamist and his eleven wives.

A unique Valentine theatrical experience, audiences will be wowed by lively multimedia sequences, fun audience interactive 'love games' and a segment featuring dramatized presentations of actual love letters contributed by Singaporeans.

Starring Tan Kheng Hua, Casey Lim and a cast of exciting new talents, Singapore Love Letters is conceptualized and produced by ACTION Theatre's artistic director Ekachai Uekrongtham, with plays written by award-winning playwright Desmond Sim. Directed by Samantha Scott-Blackhall and featuring multimedia design by Brian Gothong Tan.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
Thursday 5 February 2009 - Friday 6 February 2009, 8pm
Saturday 7 February 2009 - Sunday 8 February 2009, 3pm & 8pm
Tuesday 10 February 2009 - Friday 13 February 2009, 8pm
Saturday 14 February 2009 - Sunday 15 February 2009, 3pm & 8pm

TICKETING INFORMATION
Book Now
S$35 to S$45 (excluding SISTIC charges)
Book your tickets before 16 January 2009 to enjoy 10% off usual ticket price. Concession rates apply for students, senior citizens, NSF and group booking (10 tickets or more).

Counter Sales
Tickets can be purchased at any SISTIC authorised agents island-wide.
For ticketing enquiries, please call +65 6348 5555.

GetToKnowUSFirst.org

Thanks to Otto for bringing this site to my attention. Hope that you guys like it as much as I do. Do check out the rest of the heartwarming ads in the series by visiting their site.

"In the wake of California's passage of Proposition 8, a group of gay and lesbian families are taking to the airwaves, with five 30-second Public Service Announcements (PSAs) that are airing on daytime and prime time television throughout the state.

They ran in urban and rural markets on broadcast and cable channels during the Presidential Inauguration and will continue through the spring. Their purpose is to capture the hearts and minds of people who do not understand why marriage is so important to us.

Our message: Marriage promotes families. Support marriage equality Get to know us first."

Update: Chinese New Year Lo-Hei Potluck Gathering, 31 January 2009, Saturday, 6pm

update: i have facebook or sms you guys regarding the address. please acknowledge that you've received. Also those who are still "TBC", pls confirm what food you are bringing by friday night thanks! I just wanna make sure there's enough food for almost 30 people. Thanks!
Vitalauto

Hi Guys, it's that time of the year when we catch up, eat, drink and be merry! And of course, put on weight!

This year, we are having a potluck gathering. It's a potluck, so start thinking of what dish you wanna bring :) It doesn't have to be traditional CNY dishes, but no potato chips! :p Alcohol is always welcomed :)

The gathering will be held at a condo's function room, so space is limited. We have to keep attendance to 30 maximum.

Date: 31 January 2009, Saturday
Time: 6 – 10 pm
Venue: Only people who are attending will be informed via email

So do join us for the potluck by dropping us your nick and the dish you'll be bringing. Hope to see you guys soon!

Gong Hey Fatt Choy! All the best in 2009!
Vitalauto

(Thanks to Otto for the use of his lovely illustration!)

'Potluckers':

• Vitalauto & Universek – Yu Sheng
  
• Rookcub & Asimov_22 – Drinks, Ice, Paper plates/cups & Utensils
• TVfan82 – Assam Pedas & Ayam Sio
• Hawk – Indian Rojak
  
• Balenciaga – Fried Chicken Wings
  
• Han & Otto – Pizza
• Kit_sg – Potato Salad/Macaroni
• DLCH & Kyutogary82 – Chocolate Chip Muffins
  
• Piggiewiggie – Fried Rice
  
• Scarletdraft – A variety of Kuehs
  
• Minimach & BF –Shui Jin Bao
  
• Davdaf & Mchewy – (TBC)
• Ikaika– (TBC)
• Sgcub – Curry Chicken
  
• Koala_Chan – Bee Hoon / Kway Tiao
  
• Crewcut & Saltwetfish – Tau Kwa Roast Pork with Salted Fish
• Getafix21 – Roasted Duck
  
• Kahwai + Chunhoe – Cheese & Crackers
  

Fridae's Milk fundraiser raises S$14,000 for gay community projects

"The fundraising gala premiere of a biopic about America's first openly-gay publicly-elected politician Harvey Milk has raised S$14,000 for Indignation, Pinkdot Singapore and gay filmmaker Loo Zihan's new project.

Fridae's fundraising gala premiere of the critically acclaimed film Milk held on Jan 7 has raised S$14,000 for Indignation, Singapore's annual gay pride season which has been held annually since 2005; Pinkdot Singapore, a campaign advocating "the freedom to love" and gay filmmaker Loo Zihan's new short film project Threshold.

Milk is the second fundraiser organised by Fridae to benefit Indignation. A gala screening of the film Wilde about Irish-born playwright, Oscar Wilde, held last May raised S$10,000 for Indignation and provided a seed fund to establish the Rascals Prize, a biennial award for the best research work related to the subject of gays, lesbians, bisexuals and transgenders (LGBT) and Singapore."

For the rest of the article, click here.

(CLOSED) Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, 10 Jan 2009 Saturday, 8.30am

Latest update:
Since Sungei Buloh is near to Woodlands, we plan to have lunch in Johor Bahru. So people who are joining us for lunch in JB, do bring along your passport as well as ringgit :) We will be going into JB by bus, so people who are driving can park their car in Woodlands. Also for people who are not going to Sungei Buloh, you are free to join us for lunch in JB, do drop a comment if you plan to do so I can arrange, thanks!

Posting this on behalf of Xiaoyao:

Following the success of the Southern Ridges hike in Nov, I'd like to continue this outdoorsy trend by going to the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on 10 Jan 2009 (Sat). This 87 ha site is a nature lovers' and photographers' paradise because of the wide range of fauna and flora species that inhabit the reserve. The free guided tours there (limited to 15 persons max per guide) will help us understand all the birds and the bees better. Hehe.

So, yeah, here are the details:

Location: Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve (admission $1)

When: 10 Jan 2009, Saturday

Time: 8.30 am

Meeting Place: Kranji MRT (the Kranji Express runs from there to the Reserve)

Alternatively, if you want to drive, here's the map:

Do sign up by 9 Jan 2009. See you at the Reserve! :D

See you guys at another outdoor event! Thanks Xiaoyao!
Vitalauto

Nature Lovers:

• Xiaoyao
• 2xist_thong
• Hawk
• Universek
• Vitalauto
• Stonedwin
• TVfan82
• Scarletdraft
• DLCH & bf
• Brick
• Hanzi
• Sg_pup
• Netfinity
  

(CLOSED) MILK fundraiser for Singapore gay pride festival, 7 January 2009

Great film! Although many commented that they expected more from Gus Van Sant as the director for Milk, the film turned out bold & powerful yet more documentary-like. But I liked it and it certainly awakened that dormant activist part of my being. Kudos to Fridae & PLU to organize this event in aid of fund-raising for Indignation & other gay NPOs! For those who haven't made their donations, please visit Fridae Shop for more details.
- asimov_22

Hey guys, check this out! It's not only a great movie, i's a good way to support our community!

Fridae & Crocodile will present MILK, a biopic about gay rights icon Harvey Milk, on Wednesday, 7 Jan 2009, to raise funds for Indignation, Singapore's gay pride season which has been held annually since 2005.

The fundraiser will benefit Indignation – an annual festival consisting of talks, art exhibitions, readings of plays and poetry, together with some social events, to be held in August 2009 – the same month as the country's national day celebrations. Organised jointly by gay advocacy group People Like Us and other community groups and individuals, the festival started in 2005 as a response to the unreasonable ban on parties for gays and lesbians, and heavy censorship of publications serving the community. All Indignation events are open to the public and are traditionally free of charge, in order to be accessible to everyone.

MILK, which opened in the US last month, is a Gus Van Sant-directed drama about Harvey Milk the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in California and who was assassinated shortly after being elected to the San Francisco board of supervisors in 1977.

Explaining the relevance of the film to Singapore and Asian viewers, Alex Au of People Like Us said: "As the first openly gay person to stand for election - and win - Harvey Milk represents audacity. He is the success of hope and imagination over caution and fatalism. Many Asian societies today are not that different from Milk's America of the 1970s. The battles he fought and naysayers he faced we recognise instantly today. Right here in Asia."

Dr Stuart Koe, CEO of Fridae agrees that the film will be inspirational to gay audiences no matter where they are and hopes for them to support the fundraiser.

"The gay community's ongoing struggle for equality faces challenges and obstacles today as it did for Harvey Milk, and it deserves every bit of support we can give it," he said.

Using archival news footage alongside dramatic recreations, the film tells the real-life story of Milk – played by Sean Penn, who left New York City with his boyfriend Scott Smith (James Franco) for San Francisco when he decided in his early 40s that a change was due and he wanted to make something more of his life.

The couple opened a camera shop but found themselves shut out for being openly gay. Milk quickly spoke up against discrimination and asked the gay population to frequent only gay-owned or gay-friendly shops and businesses. Realising that he had the power to motivate and effect change, he decided to run for the city's Board of Supervisors. He won on his third try becoming the country's first openly gay elected official.

The belief that being able to be open about one's sexuality is so paramount that before he was slain, Milk, who taped several versions of his political will, said in one: "If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door."

The Producers Guild of America on Dec 8 announced that MILK is receiving the 2009 Stanley Kramer Award which honours pictures that take on provocative social issues.

Academy Award winner Sean Penn (Best Actor, 2003, Mystic River) has been widely slated to be a frontrunner for another Oscar for his role in the film which is also expected to be nominated in the Best Picture and Director categories.

Tickets are priced at US$25 and US$50, (which includes a reception) are available on www.fridae.com/milk. Donations will be accepted online and at the door.

For a brief review of Indignation 2008, click on the related link below and/or www.plu.sg/indignation.

Fridae & Crocodile presents The MILK Indignation Fund-raising Gala Premiere Movie Distributor: Shaw Organization

Date: 7 Jan 2009 (Wednesday)
Time: 8.45 pm (Reception for VIP and guests from 8 pm)
Venue: Shaw Lido 1 (Shaw Centre, Scotts Road)
Tickets: US$25 (Standard) / US$50 (VIP*)

* VIP Tickets include goodie bags, pre-show reception and premium seats.

All tickets purchased on Fridae Shop will be allocated the best seat available at the time of purchase.

Milk microsite: http://www.fridae.com/milk/

Online ticketing: http://www.fridae.com/milk/milk_tickets.html