Denise Tan: The first time I...
Denise Tan is a radio host, shoe lover, foodie and theater doyen.
Her roles in local theater such as Mollie/Moses in "Animal Farm," Vicky in "The Full Monty," and Choo Bee Lean in "Fried Rice Paradise" have secured her position as one of Singapore's best-loved thespians.
When she’s not hosting Lunchtime Jukebox on Gold 90FM, she’s out seeking the perfect French fry.
Next month, she'll be busy singing her lungs out in a "Crazy Christmas 2010" (December 2 to 19; tickets cost S$29-S$69; get them from Sistic).
…chose quantity over quality
“Every time I venture in Mondo Shoes, my self control goes out the window. Cute shoes going from S$7 to S$15? YES! YES! YES! MORE! MORE! MORE!”
Where: Mondo Shoes (#03-54 Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road)
Other reasons: You won’t just get cheap shoes at Far East Plaza. This building is chock-a-block with all sorts of street fashion, the ever-popular 77th Street (#03-105/106) for skater- and Lolita-styled clothes, while Zha Huo Dian (#03-16) stocks kitschy oddities such as Lomo cameras, vintage plastic watches and other knickknacks.
…got down and dirty
“It was late evening. I was training to climb Mount Kinabalu and decided to hike through the jungle trails of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve. Unfortunately, quarter-ways up, I got caught in the biggest thunderstorm -- we’re talking crashing branches and rivers of water! I had to take shelter at the opening of a cave for the worst to be over, I lost the soles of my shoes to the mud and gravel, which means I was hiking in my socks! By the time I got off the hill, I was undoubtedly down, dirty, and wet!”
Where: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve (177 Hindhede Drive, tel +65 6471 7361)
Other reasons: Bukit Timah Nature Reserve sees plenty of action every weekend from avid hikers. It’s a little knoll of undisturbed forest with more than 840 plants and 500 species of animals. If you’re game for a longer walk, folks have hiked the entire 15 km from there to the MacRitchie Reservoir.
…did something for the last time
“For a dare, I drank a cupful of lizard Chinese wine. As in Chinese wine that had whole, slimy, lizards floating in it. I’m terrified of lizards -- even your garden variety house geckos and these lizards flavouring the wine were big, black and white ones, complete with scales, claws, teeth and all! I drank the wine, but never again!”
Where: Smith Street, Chinatown
Other reasons: The busy heart of Chinatown with many businesses run by mainland Chinese. Chinese nationals swear by Hometown restaurant for Sichuan food and Chinese wine. But if that’s not your tipple, the area has many other remnants of old Singapore.
…said something naughty on air
“As in, ‘I feel like saying something naughty right now, but I won’t -- not on national radio!’” [laughs]
Where: MediaCorp Radio’s Gold 90FM Studio
Other thoughts: Easy-listening pop in Mandarin, Tamil, English and Malay rule the airwaves. MediaCorp has a monopoly on Singapore’s radio stations, although there are several independent stations such as BBC Radio, Safra Radio and SPH Unionworks.
…heard something that made me cry
“As a primary school student, seeing the spectacle of the National Day parade and hearing thousands of people reciting the pledge all at once.”
What: National Day Parade (9 August)
Other reasons: The National Day Parade is Singapore’s celebration of independence. Over the years it has evolved into a somewhat kitschy rock concert and it’s truly something that will bring a tear to your eye when it's time to say the pledge. Tickets are free but they’re only available via a balloting system.
