7 Minutes With

You’ve seen their faces on TV, the big screens, in magazines, and even heard their voices on the radio. Features writer Sophie Hong sat down with four familiar faces (and voices!) for seven minutes and this is what she found out.

Portrait of Tammy Strobel

You’ve seen their faces on TV, the big screens, in magazines, and even heard their voices on the radio. Features writer Sophie Hong sat down with four familiar faces (and voices!) for seven minutes and this is what she found out. 

My Reading Room
Joshua Tan

26, JM Artiste, marketed by FLY Entertainment

If you won a million dollars, what would you do with it?

Buy a house! I’ve been wanting to have a place of my own, and having a million bucks would definitely help.

Are you more of an early bird, or a night owl?

Well, my friends call me Cinderella Josh because I go to bed rather early, at around midnight.

What did you do last weekend?

I was working, mostly. I filmed a cooking show on Saturday, went to church on Sunday, and then it was back to work.

What’s your favourite movie quote?

It’s actually from my latest movie, 4Love. (Eh, I’m not plugging my movie OK, it wouldn’t be showing by the time this goes to print.) There’s this old couple and the wife is suffering from dementia. The only time she remembers her husband is when she has this straw ring on. When she was told to take it off, the old lady said in Mandarin: “Some things, after you’ve put it on, are not meant to be taken off.” It really stuck with me, because it’s saying that love is not just feelings, it’s commitment. Love is a choice you make every day.

What is the most important quality in a partner?

Well, I mean if we’re in a semi-serious relationship, it’s important that we share the same life values and have the same views about our future. Things like being on the same page about family, marriage... and even the really boring stuff like finance! 

My Reading Room
Ebi Shankara

29, FLY Entertainment artiste

What’s your proudest achievement to date?

Hosting the SG50 National Day Parade! I’d hosted the Parade twice before that, but the SG50 one felt really momentous.

Describe your perfect holiday.

A beautiful room with a beautiful bed, because I like to sleep. A free flow of food and drinks, coupled with a scenic, serene view of the ocean. Hang on, do I just sound like I’m describing Club Med?

What’s your favourite animal, and why?

I actually have two: dragon, because it’s my zodiac sign, and lion. I like what it represents – strength, calmness and foresight. Lions just have this very wise look.

What book are you reading at the moment?

I have a habit of picking up books and then stopping halfway. Right now, I’m reading The Immortals of Meluha.

What’s the cheesiest pick up line you’ve used before?

Well, I’m not sure about cheesy pick up lines, but there’s this line I used when I worked in theatre. Whenever I see someone I like and I’m not sure if she has a boyfriend, I’d say, “If you want to watch a play, just let me know! Bring your boyfriend along.” Then I’d know if she’s attached or available!

My Reading Room
Joshua Simon

26, Host of YAAAS TV and DJ at Kiss92 Radio

If you were given three wishes, what would you wish for?

First, I’d ask for a lot of money. Secondly, I’d wish for Michael Jackson to come back to life. My last wish… will be to have nine lives, like a cat.

What is your favourite movie?

Lost in Translation. That was the first movie that introduced me to mature cinema. It’s funny, it’s smart, and it’s set in my favourite city, Tokyo. The film just spoke to me.

What do you think is the most important value in a relationship?

Honesty. And it’s not just with the things you say. When people are honest and open with their feelings, it changes the way they love.

When you were a child, who was your hero?

My grandmothers. I grew up with really strong women, and my two grandmas basically raised me. They were loving and took good care of me.

How can someone really impress you on a date?

Actually look like your Tinder photos. 

My Reading Room
Edward Russell
27, presenter on FOX Sports
Tell us more about what you do.
I’m a presenter on FOX Sports, so I host the nightly live news show, and I’ll travel around various countries to cover sporting events. It’s pretty much the dream job for me, because I’m a massive sports fan. My homework is to go back and watch more sports!
What’s the last thing you ate?
Bircher muesli. I soaked it overnight and added some strawberries in the morning. I also had an espresso and some orange juice.
If you could change anything about yourself, what would it be?
I wish my hair didn’t grow so fast. I have to cut it every two weeks, which makes things difficult when I’m overseas. I also wish I had more time on my hands.
What’s your go-to drink?
A glass of red wine. I’m not a go-outparty-and-do-shots kind of person… my ideal night out is sitting in the alfresco area of some nice quiet bar, having some wine and cheese with good company. It’s a setting that lets you to talk to the person you’re with, and that’s what I enjoy.
What do you think is the most attractive trait a girl can possess?
Self-confidence. I like a girl who’s sure of herself and is very, very driven.
Edward Russell presents FOX Sports’ Friday Night Football (Friday, 8.30pm to 9pm) and FOX Sports Central (Monday to Friday, 8pm to 8.30pm). FOX Sports is available on StarHub TV Ch208 and Singtel TV Ch114.

Photography Alexander Ow / Hair and Makeup Adelene Siow using Kose Sekkisei and La Biosthetique.