Shanghai’s Top Bachelors and Bachelorettes
For the romantically unattached, Valentine’s Day has a nasty habit of driving one into a self-questioning pit of lonely despair. Luckily singletons, there are plenty of good-looking and successful fish currently swimming in Shanghai’s sea. Just in time for February’s day of love, TALK got out the trusty fishing pole for a little catch and release.
Chris Busschaert
Age: 46
Job: Executive Pastry Chef at The Waldorf Astoria
From: Kortrijk, Belgium
Horoscope: I’m Sagittarius, 100 per cent. I’m adventurous. I just go for it. That’s me!
Hobbies: Driving motorcycles, fast ones. I also like snowboarding and skydiving. And I’ve been doing Muay Thai boxing for 20 years.
Hidden talents: I speak Flemish, French, Dutch, Thai, Tagalog and English. And I know bad words in Shanghainese.
What he looks for in a woman: A beautiful smile and long hair. She has to be easygoing, the sporty type and someone who loves to travel and is independent. Smart girls do a lot for me.
Best way into his heart: Not through my stomach! Just being there for me is really important.
Deal breakers: Smoking. I don’t smoke, so if they do, then our futures won’t match. Also, if she’s too lazy. Relaxing is a part of life, but if she has no goals or motivation.
Why he’s still single: I travel a lot because of work, which makes it not very easy to find someone.
Kenneth Tan
Age: 33
Job: Coordinator, ShanghaiPRIDE and Editor At Large, Shanghaiist.com
From: Singapore
Horoscope: Capricorn. I've never actually quite known what my horoscope is supposed to say about me! Don't quite believe this hocus pocus!
Why he moved to Shanghai: I needed to explore somewhere new, so I came to Shanghai in 2003 with a backpack and a one-way ticket.
Hidden talents: My hidden talent is in my pants and let's keep it that way for now.
What he looks for in a man: Someone who doesn't take himself too seriously, has a nice smile, a sense of humour and can put up with my shit.
Worst pick-up line he’s ever received: "Can I be your friend?" – I notice it's used a lot here and it's just the biggest turn-off!
Best way into your heart: By knowing what's going on in my mind.
Best way into your pants: Loads and loads of martinis.
Deal breakers: Bad breath and bad personal hygiene.
Why he’s still single: My cat takes up way too much of my time and he sleeps next to me every night anyways.