Mackerel: Culture, literature and social commentary

Mackerel interviews Mok Zining, author of The Orchid Folios, published by Ethos Books. 

Hannah Ng and Yogesh Tulsi talk about what they're doing to protect the environment. Just as it took a boy to say that the emperor wasn’t actually wearing any clothes, it’s our young people like Hannah and Yogesh who are stepping up to take charge.

This is Part 3 of our series of fabulous conversations with people who have found themselves “stranded” on three different islands – Siargao in the Philippines, Gili Trawangan in Indonesia and the little red dot of Singapore.

In this final one of these conversations, Carolyn and Marc speak with artist Yen Phang. We talk about going a little claustrophobic after weeks of having our freedom short-circuited, of various government campaigns that infantilise the population and the ignominy of living on an island that doesn’t want to be an island, whose inhabitants are growing increasingly overweight and suffering from a shortage of Vitamin D.

We explore the answers to this question over three conversations with three fabulous people who have found themselves “stranded” on three different islands – Siargao in the Philippines, Gili Trawangan in Indonesia and the little red dot of Singapore.

This is Part 2 and we’re speaking with Ashleigh Sanderson who went to Gili Trawangan to scuba dive and to volunteer at the island’s horse and cat clinic, thinking that it would be a short holiday. Fast forward eight weeks (and counting) and Sanderson is still there. It’s fair to say that Sanderson might have gone stark raving mad if it hadn’t been for Batty, the little rescue kitten.

How are things on YOUR island?

We explore the answers to this question over three conversations with three fabulous people who have found themselves “stranded” on three different islands – Siargao in the Philippines, Gili Trawangan in Indonesia and the little red dot of Singapore.

We start with Michelle Villarosa on Siargao in the Philippines, who tells us more about the importance of looking inward to find stability, lush coconuts and Filipino dramatics.

Background sound effects courtesy of the island.

Enjoy!

This is an intro to a series of three conversations that focuses on being on an island. In a situation such as this global pandemic that we’re in, what could be more perfect than being on an island? Cut off from covidiots and with plenty of sunshine and sand between your toes and beautiful sunsets to see you though the madness. Well. It depends on which island you’re on. We speak with people coping with the coronavirus lockdown on Siargao (the Philippines), Gili Trawangan (Indonesia) and Singapore. The first of these conversations will air on Wednesday 03 June 2020.

"Shibui recalls the beauty revealed by the passage of time. Inheriting in an aesthetic of calm – colours subdued and brightness muted – this word reminds us to appreciate the things that improve with age. There is a grace in maturity, and the experiences of life mark their objects with a pleasant richness. You might experience shibui in the colour of leaves in early winter, or an old teacup on a table…”
- Ikigai And Other Japanese Words To Live By, Mari Fujimoto

Adrienne Ceramics is a pottery brand that was established by Singapore-based potter, Jeanette Wee. In this episode of Mackerel Moments, we explore imperfection and beauty with this erudite soul who continues to wend her way towards shibui.