SING YOUR WAY IN EASTER

By Rainer Oktovianus

Easter is always related with egg and little cute bunny. It’s is true I
must say and not only Christmas have the biggest celebration of the
year. Easter is a time where we memorize the teachings of Jesus
Christ not just as an ordinary rabbi or preach. He defeated death by
resurrect on the third day and prove that He is the true Son of God
and that He had conquered death once and for all.

Based on that same reason people who believes in His teaching give various kind of
celebration. One group of children sharing the same vision taken from II Samuel 22:50 that
says “Therefore I will give thanks unto thee, O Lord, among the heathen, and I will sing
praises unto thy name.” These children age 6 to 17 years-old, they come together in Gospel
Children Music & Choir [GCMC]. A non-profit organization that lived by kind donations are
under the church management of GPdI Kramat, a local church in central Jakarta.

Amazingly these children are going through an audition just to be in the music group.
Combination of semi-classic music and Christian Gospel are well played by talented boys
and girls. There are 17 choir members, 3 guitar players, 2 percussion players, 4 band
players, 10 violin players, 8 brass players. Total is 44 players and singers. With only 7
teachers including a conductor they really stress how discipline in their routine practices.
Micko, as Public Relation said most of the teachers are volunteers that fulfilling their call to
teach these children.

Gospel Children Music & Choir have a quite

experience in the industry. Since formed in
May 2007, they have performed for some
local churches in Jakarta and also big malls
such as La Piazza, Belleza and Mall Lippo
Cikarang. For big companies they have
proven their talent on Christmas celebration
with Sriwijaya Air (2007) and Sheraton
Hotel (2007). For your information, this Easter they are celebrating this joyous even at Mall
Metropolis Tangerang April 10 & Mall Lippo Karawaci April 11.

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The songs they sang are gladly arrange and created by big hearted yet talented people such
as Mr. Elia Agung Kurniawan, Mr. Andree Batasina, Andre - Iprit and Mr. Hengky Setiawan.
The most memorable experience was when they can sing in front of Mr. Agung Laksono,
Head of The House of Representatives [DPR] during Christmas in Eklesia. For more
information or maybe reservation of GCMC you can contact Micko at 0818669529 or email:
nto_mic@yahoo.com. Easter is time to share the joy trough music and spirit of giving!

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ART NEWS FLASH!

By Rainer Oktovianus

BELANGA: paradise in an earthen pot

On Wednesday 4th of March 2009 held at Four Seasons Jakarta a multi-talented Indonesian
artist, Sigit Pramono launched his photography art book and photography exhibitions. More
than 30 panoramic photographs captured in some great views of Indonesians mountains
and shores are revealed in the five stars hotel lobby. His idea to bring the awareness of
nature and respect the world in beauty scattered between sands and rays of the sun.

Wide angled pictures served in minimalist frames placed on walls bringing the awe in every
guest on that evening. Those art collections are available in 1,000 pieces book collection
and 50 of them are in Collector’s Edition. Goenawan Mohamad’s, a respected senior
Indonesian art practitioner contributing his poems for in this amazing book collection. As in
the maxim, “the tamarind in the mountain, the salt in the sea, they all meet in an earthen
pot” [asam di gunung, garam di laut, bertemu di belanga].

Bringing inside the magnificent seascapes and landscapes along the high hills and low
shores part of Indonesia. From the photographer point of view, we could actually feel the
greatness of a rock being swept by the sea waves. Or the green pasture covered the land
and rocks beneath the blue sky with a splendid camera angle. As if we are actually there.

Sigit Pramono was born in Batang on November 14, 1958. Raised between the mountains
and coastal regions of Temanggung and Batang, he finds his inspirations from those two
central Java cities. Sigit has performed several solo and group expositions, such as CP
Biennale 2005 and ‘Land of Fire God’ in 2009/2009 and many more. His artworks are
digitally preserved in www.sigitpramono.com.

Ananda Sukarlan celebrating Triple Celebrations

It was a small but decent stage, a piano and children on the side of the stage waiting for
one of the world’s finest pianist and composer. Ananda Sukarlan or Andy was celebrating

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three of the great men in music history: 200 years of death of Joseph Haydn (1732 - 1809),
200 years of birth of Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy (1809-1847) and 60 years of Jaya
Suprana (Indonesia, 1949). They are what Ananda’s pay respect to and part of his
inspiration to create such great music compositions.

Inside the hall of Goethe Haus,

Jakarta this was the only piano
solo performance by Ananda
Sukarlan in Jakarta for 2009,
exactly March 4th. He explains
with little jokes in his
conversations during his
performances that night, that he
also recognizes and gives support
to young talented pianist. Wearing
simple cardigans and shirt he
plays several works of the late maestro’s work of art. As always, he puts the audience stood
from their seats with long applauses.

Andy also seep out out his score for the upcoming movie Romeo*Juliette including the world
premiere of his own Rapsodia Nusantara no. 3. Every song played brilliantly and really grabs
the soul for any audience. The quick and playful hands of Andy amongst the piano keys give
a pleasure in view while the tunes bring different emotional landscapes in every single
piece.

Being one of the best in the industry, Andy is a humble talented maestro. Sponsored by the
Dutch and then Spain government to have his music scholarship, he takes action to bring
Indonesia to International level. He is a founding member of Musica Presente and of Jakarta
Conservatory of Music. Being honored and won so many awards for his talented skills he
continues to create more great music. His website has more information on www.
http://www.anandasukarlan.com/news.html or his blog
http://andystarblogger.blogspot.com .

4
SALIHARA: RISE OF THE NATION’S CULTURE

By Rainer Oktovianus

Try to count how many culture and art center that truly fulfill the need of good art in
Indonesia especially Jakarta? Not many I must say, you can just use a single hand to count.
But hear the good news, with the effort of people who believes in art and culture
development of community, Komunitas Salihara is here. Located in South Jakarta, Jalan
Salihara 16 was chosen as a perfect spot to start a new free community that are fully
dedicated to create a place to share ideas in any form. We are talking about literature,
dance, music, paintings, discussions, and other rich ways to communicate ideas to public.

Started off from Komunitas Utan Kayu known as Teater Utan

Kayu [TUK]. Reside in Jalan Utan Kayu 68H, East Jakarta,
established by part of Tempo magazine pioneers about a year
after the magazine was shut down by the government in
1994. And together with a group of writers, intellectuals,
artists, journalists it becomes part of various working group
which later known as Komunitas Utan Kayu, that binds
together with struggle towards enlargement the right of
democracy, especially struggle to freedom of expression and
creation. This community is affiliations with Institut Studi
Arus Informasi (ISAI), Lontar Gallery, Teater Utan Kayu
(TUK), Radio News Bureau 68H, and Jaringan Islam Liberal.
Wings of Komunitas Utan Kayu, which is now in its fourteenth year, determined to keep on
going even more and develop what it has accomplished. For the purpose of wide-ranging
the activities, founders and management taking steps to build Komunitas Salihara site.

Komunitas Salihara was built on an area of 3.060 m2 at Jalan Salihara 16, Pejaten
Barat, South Jakarta. Consist of three main building: Salihara theater, Salihara Gallery, also
office space and artist accommodation. Salihara Theater has the capacity up to 300
audiences. This is the first theater building with blackbox model in Indonesia. With
soundproof wall, this theater fully equipped with makeup room with complete stage

5
arrangement, sound system, and modern lighting system. The good quality acoustic of the
theater was a work of Prof. Soegijanto and John Gurrin, both are the best in their areas.
The roof of Salihara Theater was built as an open-air theater, called Teater Atap. Salihara
Gallery differs from most of galleries in common, taking shape of cylinder with a bit of oval
round-shape. An empty space with round-shaped-wall with no corner, no limit, will gives a
broader perspective point of view. A snack center with several of food and beverages with a
comfortable open viewpoint are located in the ground floor of this building. To provide to the
modern needs of technology and information, the area are connected to a Wi-Fi internet
connection available for anyone.

What make it more unique are the four level units building for office, library, artist
lodging, and a book store. The top floor some are sticking out and floating on top of the
theater building, while the lower ground level dipping in to the ground. From its landscape,
Komunitas Salihara site are given the impression of an interesting experimental
architecture. A masterpiece of three Indonesia’s best architects with its own likeness –
theater unit by Adi Purnomo, gallery unit by Marco Kusumawijaya, and office unit by
Isandra Matin. Three of them sit together to combine their plans into a similar vision: to
build a new home for art and based with ideas of environment-friendly and save energy.

The official opening was on 8 August 2008 at 8

in the morning, the special date was originally
handpicked by the community for reason to be easily
remembered. With the Head Council Board both for
Komunitas Utan Kayu and Komunitas Salihara,
Goenawan Mohamad planted a Boddhi tree in the front
yard of the community. “The concept is remains the
same with Komunitas Utan Kayu, which was to nurture
freedom but this is another different level of point in
time.” said the former Head Editor in Chief Tempo
Magazine. Komunitas Salihara will develop with a
society that is smarter, open, and democratic. The
management believes that knowledge in art area is an
investment which is priceless to development of our
nation’s youth since their early years. Society plays an
important role to nurture that knowledge.

6
Behind this community stand before them some expertise people in each of their field
especially in art and social-culture subjects. Names like Nirwan Dewanto as Head Chief of
Curator Board has written literature reviews, fine art, theater, and sometimes films in
several newspaper, magazine, bulletin and journals. Also not forgetting Tony Prabowo, Hasif
Amini, Mohammad Guntur Romli, Asikin Hasan and Sitok Srengenge as each of them takes
part as curator for each capability art areas. The community management itself are
professionally handled, looking at structural departments they have such as public relations
department handled by Rama Thaharani, marketing and promotion, finance, and other
supporting departments to keep this place up and running.

Komunitas Salihara always has a full year schedule for performances and events in
their venues. Working together with some radio stations and newspaper, they promote
regularly for every event schedule in Salihara. To fill up your thirst of curiosity of this place
just take a pek for yourself at Jalan Salihara 16 Pasar Minggu,South Jakarta 12520
Indonesia with contact number +6221 7891202 and fax number +6221 7818849. Or you
can easily find their website at www.salihara.org for their updated online information. So,
what are you waiting for? Komunitas Salihara brings another color to this city especially in
art subject. A city will keep on living if, with creativity freedom, giving birth to society those
truly welcoming high quality culture products.

7
Dance Belly, Dance!

By Rainer Oktovianus

Many major cities in the world hold many interesting communities and unique
events. There are so many we lost counts and also amazed at the same time. People from
various backgrounds find a singular interest that blend into a single community. We flew
ourselves to one of the busiest city in the world: Jakarta. A megapolitan city like Jakarta
kept so many mind-attracting and builds curiosity that colors each of the people living in it.
One of the activities that take place in this city really raised my eyebrows in amazement.
Bellydance. Yes, one of the most beautiful dancing cultures from Middle East placed their
marks here.

History of Bellydance itself traced a long way back to around 12th until 14th century.
Historical evidence shows Egyptian tomb paintings dating from as far back as the 14th
century BC that depict partially clad dancers whose callisthenic positions appear to be very
similar to those used in belly dancing. Bellydance is actually the westernized term to
describe as Middle Eastern Dance. In the Middle East, bellydance is known as Raks Sharki,
or Oriental Dance. Many experts believe that it is one of the oldest forms of dances,
beginning as a childbirth ritual. Throughout history, this dance form was usually performed
in the company of other women and not for seducing men. Women would dance in their
normal clothes, usually a tunic top and skirt, with a sash or scarf tied around their hips.

I was honored to be
able to see for myself the
Bellydance Jakarta 3rd Annual
Ball and Recital that was held
at Le Meridien Hotel Jakarta
last December. It was
performing very talented and
skilled students of Bellydance
Jakarta founded by Christine
Yaven, Indonesia’s bellydance
icon. The first idea she had when she build Bellydance Jakarta was that she found no place
that could taught her how to belly dancing perfect enough. At that time, Jakarta has many
places that open belly dancing classes filled with people that did not have any technique or

8
cultural accuracy in their teachings. And worst of all, they tried to tell their students that
they needed to lose weight, or get stronger stomach muscles to do this dance which is so
not true.

Later on she opens a studio with belly dancing class once a week with the name of
Bellydance Jakarta, because that is what the community about. Christine explained that The
Bellydance Jakarta has been growing swiftly up to more than 150 members now from the
first time they emerge 7 years ago. They have many levels starting at Beginner to
Intermediate level. It usually takes a person around one and a half year up to two years to
reach Intermediate level. As the only certified Middle Eastern dance teacher in Indonesia,
Christine Yaven believes that if you are a teacher of something, you’d better know what
you’re teaching about.

Belly dancing embraces all women, no matter their shape, size or age. This is different from
other dance forms where you need to be slim such as ballet or salsa, or young like hip-hop
or modern dance. This dance form is actually nicer when the woman has some curves,
instead of being thin. Most people have this misconception of Belly dancing as pornography
which is completely wrong. This dance, when done correctly, is very elegant and sensual,
but there is a fine line between being sensual and being sexual. Bellydance is an art form
that takes years to learn to done it properly.

At Bellydance Jakarta, they are Indonesia’s only authentic dance center and they teach
authentic bellydance. It does not require a partner, plus you can dance in a group, or by
yourself. Bellydance is also very feminine and graceful. When I saw Christine Yaven perform
it on the last ball, I see a graceful woman with a deep mysterious beauty that she shares
among the audience that night. The dance sways like the wind, firm as the ground the
dancer present it on.

This dance form is really elegant and beautiful. Although not an easy dance, it’s really worth
it to try. Your movements will be more graceful and your posture better. And most
importantly, you will feel more confident in all aspects of your life by accepting the true
spirit of Middle Eastern dance. If you want to try for yourself just another unique ways of
expressing yourself in a beautiful way, just give it a try for Bellydancing. And make that
belly dance, dance, bellydance!

9
ONE FINE SUNDAY

by Rainer Oktovianus

It’s Sunday and you have nothing to do or your family stuck with Sunday rituals another
malls another instant food that’s really getting irritating? Erase that and replace with
something fine yet relaxing for your family to enjoy. Sunday brunch is not something new
but always exciting when you know the correct place to have one!

Shangri-La Hotel Jakarta

Jl. Jenderal Sudirman kav. 1, Jakarta 10220
T +6221 5707440 F +6221 2511258

Satoo Sunday Brunch

One of the finest hotels in the heart of Jakarta offers their guest with such delightful feast.
It’s not lunch yet but it’s late to called breakfast. Satoo Sunday Brunch make more rooms
than ordinary restaurant hall they even re-design their backyard for these special Sundays.

Still amusing their guests with their famous 12

open kitchen that are serving Asian to
International gourmets. While the ‘little kings
and queens’ can enjoy their fun with some
new friends in ball castle, foosball table, mini
basketball right in the backyard of the
restaurant.

Take your steps to each splendor stations and

spoil your senses to each amusing meal they
are serving. Starting from Indian cuisines as Chef Mohammed Basheer personally serves
Rumali Roti, the traditional Indian handkerchief bread. Continue with Chinese Pecking Duck
Oven in Peking Duck Station Kitchen.

Not forgetting the Western and European Kitchen Section are giving many choices of roasts,
poultry and fish for your Sunday delight. Ready to entertain the guests: clowns and

10
magicians table on table giving smiles for both parents and kids. Not clowning around, all
this Sunday pleasures are only for Rp. 205,000++.

Family Sunday Picnic at Rosso

It’s Sunday, dish-washing day free and a perfect time for Shangri-La exclusive Family
Sunday Picnic for its famous Italian delicacies. What else you have in mind but served with
the best cheese delights, dessert buffets with a complete choice of delicious main courses.
In the passionate red and bold statement of excitement, the ambience really set your mood
up and running in the half day starter.

The same excitement is given on the Sunday menu, serving the best seafood buffet in the
house. While the sun is still warm go and splendor yourself with their choices of antipasti
(appetisers), salad and carpaccio. Various choice of Italian cheeses up to the desert buffets
really gives you the true meaning of happy Sunday.

What people love are the guilty pleasures of those sweet temptations. Pastries and cakes
complete with tiramisu and cheesecakes to fruit tarts are just hard to resist. For wine lovers
complete your satisfaction in Rosso with only Rp. 288,000++ and for choices of something
fruit freshness or soft drinks the price Rp. 265,000++ is a complete pleasure. Your family
Sunday picnic is a not an ordinary Sunday in Rosso.

Hotel Mulia Senayan Jakarta

Jl. Asia Afrika, Senayan, Jakarta 10270
T +6221 5747777 F +6221 2511858

Sunday Brunch at Il Mare

One special chef, many fabulous foods in two course collided into one! What else could you
asked for? The town’s favorite Italian restaurant, Il Mare has served socialites and
significant figures of the city with their best course menu. You dragged yourself out of bed
for only the best treatment of Sunday Brunch in town. Range choices of cheese, drinks and
munchies hand out elegantly.

11
Basically they are serving Italian foods such as
pizza which they constantly change kind every
week. But surprisingly they also have fresh
oyster, dim sum and every kind of roasted meat;
roasted turkey, beef and lamb. What special
about this Sunday Brunch is Scampi Candy’s
Ravioli, Homemade Canelloni, which you don’t
find in the a la carte menu. Araclette or melted
cheese is a regular Sunday menu in Il Mare.

You can pamper yourself in their choices of price depends on what drinks choose in your
menu set. For free flow of wine Rp. 350,000++ or your choice of free flow of Juices and soft
drinks only cost Rp. 299,000++. And for the younger members of the family the price cost
only Rp 119,000++. Look out for the latest Special Pasta from their chef, “San Danielle
Ham“only for your special Sundays.

The New Sunday Brunch at ORiENT8

Jakarta latest fine yet best Sunday brunch is finally here. ORiENT 8, the new Pan-Asian
restaurant were praised for its vast selection of imported premium cheese. True for its
words, ORiENT8 have cheese list from soft cheese such as Banon de Provence, Buche du
Gers up to Bleu D’Auvergne in range of Blue Cheese. All complete for the guest loyal
satisfactory needs.

Carry on other scrumptious selection menu, the buffet station offers selection of Pan-Asian
and Western appetizers. Fresh collections of green veggies and mixed salad with choices of
dressings are made as a healthy alternative on your weekend. Not forgetting fresh Seafood
on Ice and the Condiments. On Asian selection you can choose 5 Different Selection of Pan-
Asian Hot Dishes. And end your tasty journey with desserts and ice cream of your favorites.

The hotel made the Sunday Brunch more variable for its guests. There are three types
introduces by the hotel, they are Sunday Brunch Buffet Only Rp. 248,000++, Sunday
Brunch Buffet and All-You-Can-Eat Cheese Rp. 288,000++, Sunday Brunch Buffet and Free-
Flow of Sparkling Wine 345++. Each menu set priced accordingly, as Hotel Mulia Senayan
Jakarta only provides best quality of goods and service.

12
The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta
Jalan Lingkar Mega Kuningan Kav. E.1.1 No. 1
Mega Kuningan, Jakarta 12950
P +6221 25518888 F +6221 25518889

Sundays in Airlangga Restaurant

What do you think if there a restaurant not giving only the best dish in town but
entertainment for your Sunday late morning? Airlangga restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton
Jakarta entertain their guest with live cooking show. A family concept Sunday brunch can
also be enjoy with friends and relatives.

Make your Sunday more alive and stress free. Especially when you can keep the little ones
busy with tons of activities such as cooking class, dance class and games. The buffets
Seafood are waiting for your enjoyment along with Indonesian traditional drinks, Jamu.
Keep yourself fit and healthy by these mixtures of only natural ingredients serve directly by
Mbok Jamu or Jamu Lady. Other additional drinks such as draught beer, sparkling wine, red
and white wine are ready to accompany your Sunday meal.

Still craving for more, the restaurant all set with Middle Eastern, Japanese, Chinese and
Southeast Asia cuisines right in their open kitchen areas. To make your stay more
comforting and relax, a selected music Jazz will be performing right across your table. All
your pleasures are only for Rp. 238,000++ for you who chooses juices, soft drink, iced tea
and iced lemon tea. And for much more sophisticated choices of wine or draught beer they
charge for only Rp. 338,000++. While the Ritz-Kids rated at Rp. 138,000++ for children
aged 6 – 12 years old. Isn’t that fantastic?

Martini Brunch at Prime Steakhouse

One more concept from The Ritz-Carlton Jakarta pleases their guest with an exclusive yet
stylish Sunday Brunch ever. A lovely restaurant by the joint called Prime Steakhouse
combines entertainment with everyone favorite meal time. Relax your mind and take an
ease with their best selections of Martinis.

13
 Amazingly they have for you to choose
from a range of 21 choices of Martinis.
From Prime Signature Mary, Tokyo Spice,
Bloody Mary, Nutini, Martini Plaza,
Golden Cadillac, Banana Boat, Exotic
Martini, Maria Martini, Purple Smoothies,
Lemon Grass Martini, Martini Lollypop,
Classic Martini and many more. Those
are going to make your Sunday much
pleasurable and relaxing. Combine that
with choices of appetizers and selection of cheese presented in a individual table.

For food assortments you will exclusively entertained with tasteful delight of western
choices such as Pan Seared US beef sirloin, mashed potatoes, chasseur sauce. Next you
must try the Seared Salmon, lemon cous cous, roasted tomato sauce and don’t forget the
Lobster glazed with béarnaise sauce. Those are just some suggestions but more to your
Sunday bliss they also have Lamb navarin and Wiener schnitzel.

To set the mood even more relaxing, a live play of piano in the venue really strips you to
your Sunday stress free. Feel the passion after a long week of working and hectic hours,
now it’s time for you to have your own time. With your loved ones or probably you are
enjoying alone time is also perfect. Priced only for Rp. 398,000++ with soft drinks of your
choice or with Martini of your preference for only Rp. 468,000++. Your Sunday, your choice.

14
PEACE AND A BIT OF HEAVEN TIMES TWO

By Rainer Oktovianus

The ride to Ubud was considerably long and winded, the weather outside was very hot and
sunny as I peeked out to the window. My friend, Rainer fell asleep after busy browsing his
Facebook in his mobile phone. The driver finally told us we’re there, Komaneka Tanggayuda.
The beautiful surroundings of the place instantly replace my sore bottom after sitting for
almost two hours drive. The peacefulness, the waving tress and the sound of birds are
welcoming us to this little heaven of getaway.

Mr. Iman Lubis, Public Relation of Komaneka immediately greets us in the open-air main
lobby along with Ms. Ayu Asti, Public Relation Coordinator. What a nice fellow they are. I
have been visiting Bali many times but it always feels like the first time everytime I’m
greeted with hospitality such as theirs. We continue our conversation with a late lunch at
Terrace Café serving Balinese style food and also some Asian fushion. I had Crispy Duck and
Rainer had Tanggayuda Beef Rib, we must say we make scared vows to come back again
for these menu.

Built in an enchanting and secluded setting overlooking the Oos River, Komaneka at
Tanggayuda offers an array of activities related to Balinese amazing culture and beautiful
scenery. The 16 pool villas are ideal spots for honeymoon getaway and perfect holiday-
escape. Out in the view of our eyes, there are green meadows everywhere followed by
banana trees on the hills just like what you find in a painting. We feel sorry a bit for some of
those hills are scraped to build a new housing complex. But it doesn’t give many changes to
the big feeling we have as small creatures upon the greatness of nature.

After lunch, we choose to have a rest at the villa after the ‘small tour’ we had around the 5
star resorts in Bali. As I saw the pool with direct view to this green pasture, I made a choice
to take a dive while Rainer exploring the villa. They say Ubud is more of a calm and
soothing place compares to other are in Bali, and they were right. I can even hear the
cricket in distance. The Bale Bengong is next to the pool inside our villa and it was the most
perfect place to have our afternoon tea. It was their free service to their guest with
traditional foods and your choices of tea.

Thus the quiet and the traditional touch of Bali really represented here, they equipped
Komaneka with modern facilities such as Wi-Fi and gym not far from the main lobby. But
why bother checking those emails and Twitter while you can lost yourself to this paradise

15
place? You can indulge yourself with spa treatment, or try to learn Balinese dancing based
on request. We found a couple paints on the main pool on the lower side of the villa, wow,
you can find tons of activities just to fill your days here.

Not enough enjoying Komaneka Tanggayuda, we are packing the next afternoon to stay for
one night at Komaneka Bisma. It’s the latest Komaneka from all the three resort they have.
distanced not far only 15 minutes drive from Tanggayuda. Mr. Iman & Ms. Ayu explained to
us that Komaneka Bisma much more modern but didn’t lose the Balinese traditional touch.
When we got there we couldn’t wait to see around so Ms. Ayu kind enough to take us for a
tour with a buggy and a driver.

The place was elegant with a feeling of grand but still feels like home. The trees and fresh
air of Ubud still hits our face as we ride gently on the mini vehicle. Each villa occupied with
12 meter long private pool and a kitchen. There are 10 villas and 34 spacious suites with
fine dining restaurants serving Indonesian foods, half Olympic sized for main swimming
pool, circular wading pool, bar, spa-villa, gym, 1,2 miles jogging track under canopy of trees
and function rooms.

For you wedding-couple-to-be out there, you can start planning your wedding and
honeymoon here. Komaneka Bisma got this magnificent wedding chapel complete with their
own preparation building separated. Imagine the groom and bride walking along these
stone carved steps toward the fountain right across the triangular shaped wedding chapel.
The guest can enjoy their beverages in an open space reserved specially for open air buffet
party. Beneath the tress and below you can see the river running gently between the rocks.

Komaneka Bisma is perfect for families, honeymooners and couples who wish to get resort
facilities with a modern concept in the area of Ubud. They have spa spot right on the river
side for couples. Enjoying yourself being relaxed and treated in total luxury while at the
same time being close to Mother Nature. Unique stone as footsteps with small running
water connecting each spa room to another. I can picture the perfect couple smiling and
remembering for their whole life that they have spend part of their lifetime in one of the
most beautiful surroundings in Bali.

While Rainer enjoying the scenic hills of green hills with his camera, I took a swim in the
main pool which is so refreshing and I ordered fresh made orange juice. The afternoon sun
hits my face perfectly makes me wish nowhere to be found right now. The crops were just
planted as I can see the small sprout of rice plants. If only we were there during the harvest

16
season, I can imagine seeing yellow sceneries everywhere. Landscape afternoon in Ubud is
very stunning totally makes me forgot that I swam for almost two hours in the pool.

On the back to our villa, I see a boutique near the restaurant, which makes the guest no
need go to very far to buy a souvenir Balinese, very practical indeed. We stayed on a villa
not far from the main lobby; it was a fun walk for 5 minutes beneath the trees in this cozy
nature alley. The villa was quite big actually; we got a double bed and a sofa with this huge
plasma TV complete with Apple TV and Wi-Fi. Amazing how they can mix tranquility and
current facilities, I guess this is what heaven feels like.

Stays at the Komaneka makes you forget packed and rush of city life, with its beautiful
scenery and all-in-facilities-villa to spoil the guests are just remarkable. What makes us
want to come back again is not something we experience before. But the feeling of home
and always having that first-time sensation in this great big paradise lost. If you don’t
believe me, try it out for yourself.

17
Komaneka Tanggayuda
Br. Tanggayuda, Kedewatan
Ubud, Gianyar 80571
Bali, Indonesia
T +62 361 978123
F +62 361 973084
www.komaneka.com

Komaneka Bisma
Jalan Bisma
Ubud, Gianyar 80571
Bali, Indonesia
T +62 361 971933
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DAPHNE STILL REMEMBERS THE BEAUTY

By Rainer Oktovianus

An e-mail pops up in my inbox as I received an invitation for a solo exhibition of Daphne

Zephos. On the e-mail invitation are written wordings by Fernando Pesoa:

"…It is in us that landscapes become real. This is why when I imagine

them, I create them; when I create them, they exist; once they exist in my
imagination, they become as real as the real thing."

It intrigues me. Held by Elcanna Gallery in South

Jakarta, 6 until 20 February 2009 displaying
jewelries, sculptures and paintings from Daphne’s
latest artwork. Under the theme “Forgotten Beauty”
Chapter I: Water it displays several paintings and
also jewelries. It is a series of 5 elements
exhibitions including water, wood, fire, earth and
metal.

The displays of the jewels collection attracted some

of the ladies who gathered around and choose to
buy the collection of their favorite on that night. Pair
of earrings and bracelet are some of the items that
sold very well. The talented artist chooses Erza S.T.
to host her 17th solo exhibition that evening and also inaugurated by Guest of Honor H.E.
Dr. Pavel Rezac - Ambassador of The Czech Republic.

It’s amazing that her details in the stones combine with silver turns into these lovely
jewelries. Transform of spirit and ideas turns into divine collections for women. Both cut and
uncut stones from places around the world combine with silver, it shows a very well piece of
art. The stones resemble one of five elements showing from the shapes and vivid colors
such as soft blue and dark, almost black. It’s as if represent the ocean from the shore into
the deep dark side of the water world.

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Sorrounds by sea back in her homeland; Daphne attracted in a folk story in Indonesia called
Nyi Roro Kidul, Queen of the South Seas. The myth tells a story about a young Sundanese
Princess named Kadita who was cursed by her evil stepmother with an awful skin disease
because of jealousy that her son must replaced the throne after the King is gone. Banished
from the kingdom because of her ruined beauty, the princess walks for seven days and
night until it took her to the south shore. The sea calling her and in desperation she jumps
into the water and magically her appearance become much prettier than before. And until
then she rules the magic kingdom under the sea of the south.

As I take my interest to the paintings I swiftly driven into a peaceful world by the colors
she’s using. Strokes of dark turquoise, light blue, soft orange and even gold puts an elegant
translated beauty into canvas. The shapes of the paintings are quite big in my opinion,
makes your eyes much easier to see every details. What makes it interesting, some of the
canvas media are not all square shape, some are even shaped octagonal. Interesting isn’t
it?

This French-born artist had been living in Bali since 2002. She understands how people are
desperately needed to get in touch with their humanity side. Instantly she takes cover in art
and explores the beauty lies in nature. Looking back at her young will to study in medical
school but fate chose her a slightly different path until she finishes her major in Fine Art.
Luckily this path was the door opening of her potential in showing the rich sides of nature in
every artwork she has done.

“It felt like I was merging with its elements, and felt like I was in "the womb” of God. My
heart was uplifted…” said Daphne. With her style in paintings are inspired from Fernando
Pessoa, a Portuguese poet and writer, it shown how great her respect towards nature. Until
I walk out from the exhibition I still can feel that same peacefulness and take part of it
home with me. The beauty remains and never be forgotten.

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