Audience: Couple

10 ‘Die Die Must Try’ Events And Eats To Rev Up Your First Half Of June [1-15 June]

Aaand it’s finally June!

If you’re in school, that means the long awaited June holiday break. If not, there’s always the weekend to spend some quality time with your loved ones.

With a whole bunch of exciting events to go to and new eats to sample, this month’s line-up of events surely does not disappoint!

Think fun festivals of all kinds, shopping till you drop at The Great Singapore Sale, and new cafe openings. Whether you’re a beach bum, die-hard foodie or someone who appreciates great music, we’ve got some ideas on how you can spend your weekend!

Here are 10 activities you need to head down to ASAP!

Play & Discover

1. Faber-Castell Art Festival

It’s time to pick up your colouring pencils again!

Faber-Castell, the makers of brilliant pencils and creative goods, adds colour to the month with its first ever art festival.

Faber-Castell Art Festival
Where: Singapore ION Orchard #04-13 & Marina Square #02-190A, 6 Raffles Boulevard, S039594
When: 27 May – 4 June, 11am – 9pm daily
Contact no.: 6339 8787
If you remember watching Channel 8’s The Little Nyonya, you’ll jump at this chance to be part of that world.

The Peranakan Festival offers the most immersive chance to learn about the vibrant Straits Chinese culture in Singapore!

[caption id="attachment_26611" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Image Credit: The Peranakan Festival[/caption]

Expect a slew of performances, including the traditional Dondang Sayang, a humourous love ballad.

Kids will love the arts and crafts workshops, where they’ll learn stamp carving, silk screen printing and book cover art. You’ll also get to have fun dressing up and taking pictures in Nyonya or Baba traditional kebayas!

Try your hand at making (or wolfing down) traditional desserts, Nasi Ulam, sireh and betel nut, at the cooking classes and food tastings here.

Finally, sit down for high tea with the less privileged elderly and children from Lengkong Bahru and beneficiaries from Prison Fellowship Singapore, and learn the heart of the Peranakan community.

Peranakan Festival
Where: Claymore Connect, 442 Orchard Rd, S238879
When: May 27 – June 17, 11am – 6pm
Contact no.: 6262 4428
Lo And Behold Group Festival

This one’s for those who live for decadent food and extravagant parties.

Lo & Behold’s month-long festival shows us Singaporeans how to party with class and style!

[caption id="attachment_26610" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Image Credit: Party like Grace Kelly at Electroball: The Golden Age of Hollywood, at swanky 1930s bistro-bar The Black Swan. Or head to OverEasy Orchard, for a Riverdale-themed bash!

If you’d rather eat than party, catch an epic Pizza-Off happening at Extra Virgin Pizza. As part of the festivities, Tanjong Beach Club will also be serving up an All You Can Eat Bottomless Brunch.

If you want to learn a little something, The Rabbit Hole will be playing host to a snazzy Gin Workshop, so bottoms up!

Lo And Behold Group Festival
Where: Various locations
When: 29 May – 25 June
Contact no.: 6338 8035
Website

4. DBS Marina Regatta

Been dreaming of the perfect beach getaway, but haven’t got the time to go?

Well, DBS brings the beach to you at this year’s DBS Marina Regatta, Singapore’s first and only urban pop-up beach!

[caption id="attachment_26607" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image Credit: DBS Marina Regatta[/caption]

Held at Marina Bay, there’ll be plenty to do, eat and drink–like a real beach, but better.

Laze around in hammocks with an ice cold cocktail in hand (we recommend one from Potato Head’s Coconut Bar), take yoga classes hosted by lululemon, or get your blood pumping by tackling Singapore’s largest inflatable water obstacle course.

DBS Marina Regatta 2017
Where: The Promontory@Marina Bay
When: 1 – 4 June | (1 June) 4pm – 9pm; (2, 3, 4 June) 10am – 10pm
Remember how much you loved listening to stories as a kid?

StoryFest brings that spark back, with a showcase of the best storytelling from Singapore and around the world.

[caption id="attachment_26612" align="aligncenter" width="1400"] Image Credit: StoryFest SG[/caption]

There are workshops and performances for everyone–kids, adults, and aspiring storytellers themselves!

Families will be transported to faraway lands at Enchanted Tales, which features folk and fairy tales from Russia, Africa and France.

Adults too can choose from a selection of adult audience shows, including a monologue and a story slam in the Singapore Showcase.

There’s even a workshop where you can learn to use stories to build emotional literacy in children, and one where the audience themselves are used to form a story.

It’ll surely be a happy ending to the day, no matter which you choose!

International Storytelling Storyfest
Where: The Arts House, 1 Old Parliament Lane, S179429
When: 2 – 4 June
Contact no.: 6332 6919
Website

6. Beerkini Rocks

Beach, beer, bands and babes…

That, and a whole lot more, is what you’ll find at Bikini Bar’s quarterly beach party, Beerkini Rocks!

[caption id="attachment_26603" align="aligncenter" width="2270"] Image Credit: Music fans can look forward to rock classics and chart-toppers by talented local rock and alternative acts O.K Ready! and Rockweller.

Also not to be missed are their crazy drink offers, with Jaeger Shots at $8, Monster Bombs at $9, and Buckets of Bintang going at $40.

Bikini Babes will also be challenging rock and rollers to exciting beach games with prizes to be won!

Beerkini Rocks
Where: Bikini Bar 50 Siloso Beach Walk #01-01, Singapore, S099000
When: 3 June, 3.00pm – 11.30pm
Contact no: 6631 8938
Bangkok’s famous April’s Bakery has finally opened in Singapore!

And it’s serving up Hong Kong-style Lao Po Bing (Wife Cake) with a twist.

Choose between sweet and savoury options depending on your mood–both are stuffed with flavourful, colourful fillings, wrapped in a thin, flaky crust.

For an afternoon snack, try the fragrant Pork with Gravy, or the subtly sweet Pork with Honey.

For dessert, get the Thai Milk Tea, Green Tea, or go for the popular Taro (with a hidden gingko nut within!) and Pumpkin flavours.

These Cantonese-style pies are handmade and baked fresh daily to ensure they taste great, and they’re all priced at only $2 each!

We suggest you head down early, because the yummier flavours get snapped up real quick.

April’s Bakery
Where: April’s Bakery Singapore, Tampines MRT Station, #01-31, S529538
Opening Hours: 8.00am – 10.00pm, or till sold out (Mon-Sun)
Contact no.: 8122 7604
This newest addition to the themed cafe scene may be the most magical one yet.

The quirky Enchanted Cafe charms at first sight with its beautiful decor, complete with a magical garden and collection of spell books.

[caption id="attachment_26606" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit: Enchanted Cafe[/caption]

But what’s most striking is the presentation of its dishes.

Think: Bright red cherry compote, blackberries and blueberries in a vivid splash against a deep blue plate, sprinkled with seemingly handpicked bits of nuts and leaves. That’s what makes up the tangy, yet sweet Berries Compote French Toast ($14.90).

For something traditional with a twist, there’s the Ngoh Hiang Burger ($18.90), which is exactly what it sounds like, complete with bits of water chestnut and black garlic sauce made from scratch.

The most instagramable thing here is the Sorcerer’s Elixir ($9.90), a blue drink that turns glittery purple after an orange liquid is added.

This has to be the most enchanting cafe to open since the Harry Potter Cafe.

Enchanted Cafe
Where: Rangoon Road, Singapore 218374
Opening Hours: Closed on Mon; Tue: 10am – 10pm; Wed – Thur: 12pm – 10pm; Fri: 11am – 11pm; Sat: 10am – 11pm; Sun: 9am – 8pm
Contact no.: 8813 1086
Facebook

Shop

9. PC Show

Maybe you’ve been thinking of swapping out your laggy PC for a new one.

Well, there’s no better time than the annual PC Show!

[caption id="attachment_26608" align="aligncenter" width="1170"] Image Credit: Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, S018956
When: 1 – 4 June, 12pm – 9pm
Contact no.: 6299 8633
Shopping. Many of us do a whole lot of it–often, more than we should.

Well, a 10 week period starting from 9 June just gave us even more reason to do so!

[caption id="attachment_26609" align="aligncenter" width="1480"] Image Credit: Your Singapore[/caption]

For both tourists and locals alike, there’s no better time to hit the stores than during the Great Singapore Sale!

This is the time when retail stores in Singapore feature their greatest sales and markdowns.

Had your eye on a dress, but couldn’t bear to part with that kind of cash? We say it’s now or never.

Stretch your dollar and fill those shopping bags with bargains of all kinds–from fashion to jewellery, electronics to toys, to spa treatments, hotel stays, food, and visits to local attractions!

The Great Singapore Sale
Where: All over Singapore!
When: 9 June – 13 August
The Projector: How An Abandoned Theatre Became An Artsy Alternative Cinema

These Epic Concerts Are The Ultimate Gift For Your Gamer Boyfriend

Dating a gamer or are one yourself? If so, you’d know that the soundtrack of a game plays an important role in creating the atmosphere and building the world of the game. Think Super Mario Bros., Diablo and Final Fantasy. Play just snippets of their music and you are instantly transported to a time you played the game.

This year, 2 popular video games we played through our childhood–and even our youth–will see their musical scores being played live in concert!

1.  The Legend of Zelda – Symphony of the Goddesses

The Legend of Zelda – Symphony of the Goddesses
Venue: Grand Theatre, Mastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
Date: 26 August 2017
Time: 7.30pm
Price: $65, $95, $115, $135, $155, $215
VIP Box (For 4 seats): S$860
A Reserve Box (For 4 seats): S$620
Box Seats (For 4 seats): S$460

3. Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy

[caption id="attachment_26514" align="alignnone" width="850"] Image Credit: Distant Worlds: Music from Final Fantasy
Venue: The Star Theatre
Date: 21 Oct
Time: 7.30pm
Price: $58, $68, $78, $98, $118, $138, $158, $238

Also read, The Magical World Of Harry Potter Comes Alive At This Screening With Music By A Live Symphony Orchestra

(Top Image Credit:

Lok² And Load – Prepare Yourselves For This All-You-Can-Eat Buffet For Only $24.60 Per Pax

Steamboat buffets are a Singaporean favourite, and for good reason.

There’s nothing quite like having everyone gathered around a steaming pot of food, taking turns to cook, and having the delicious smell of cooking food wafting through the air.

Steamboats are the perfect opportunity for family and friends to spend some quality time together. After all, they say a family that eats together stays together.

While there is an abundance of steamboat and grill joints around Singapore, Lok Lok is a rarity here. For the unacquainted, Lok Lok is a popular street food found across the border, in Malaysia.

To indulge in this popular street food, all you have to do is take your pick from a variety of food items on satay sticks. These are then cooked and then tossed into a cup of sauce, so you get piping hot food items coated in a thick, dense layer of sauce.

This ‘steamboat on a stick’ is not only cheap, it’s filling and delicious as well!

Malaysia Local Delights 

From Malaccan favourite Cincalok (fermented shrimp sauce) to crowd-pleaser garlic chilli, there’s a sauce here for every mood and every taste bud.

At Malaysia Local Delights, hungry foodies can choose 2 soup bases from a selection of 8. If you’re looking for the original peanut sauce, you’ll need to top up $6.

Can’t wait for you food to cook through? Fret not! Malaysia Local Delights provides a slew of cooked foods so you won’t have to starve while waiting!

No dinner is complete without dessert. At Malaysia Local Delights, there’s an all-you-can-eat ice-cream bar, so you can live your childhood fantasy of drowning in ice-cream!

Priced at $24.80 per pax on weekdays and $26.80 on weekends, it’s a steal compared to other overpriced all-you-can-eat buffets. If you’re looking for a spot that serves up affordable quality eats with a delicious twist, Malaysia Local Delights is definitely worth checking out!

Malaysia Local Delights
Address: 224 Tanjong Katong Road, S437014
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat 5pm – 1.30am, Sun & PH 11.30am – 12am
Contact no.: 6440 8378

Also read, This Korean BBQ Joint Serves Up Premium Meats So You Can Treat Mum Right This Mother’s Day

Get High (Literally) At This Party – 1-Altitude Is Throwing A Beach Party 63 Floors Above The CBD

Attention party-goers and beach-lovers alike! We’ve gotten word of a fantastic one-of-a-kind party that combines two of our favourite things: the beach and breath-taking views!

Summertime Madness 

Happening at 1-Altitude, one of Singapore’s premier bars, Summertime Madness is one beach party that will have you partying till dawn. The fourth edition of this annual affair, Summertime Madness will happen in June over 1 epic weekend.

1-Altitude will be pulling out all the stops at this mini beach-fest. Not only will there be a sand pit with beach toy floats, party-goers will also get the chance to catch roving acts such as LED twirlers.

The theme this year is White Beach, so come decked in white! Bring your flower crowns, sunnies, flip flops, and take your favourite bikini out for a spin!

What’s a party without drinks? The bartenders at 1-Altitude have crafted a cocktail just for this event! Called ‘Summer Splash’, this heavenly concoction is crafted using yuzu, peach puree, fresh lemon juice and Jim Beam citrus–a refreshing cocktail that truly captures the spirit of a beach party!

Looking for stronger poison to bring out your inner party animal? Explore the mobile beach bars that will be offering up alcoholic beverages from Bacardi, Moet Ice Imperial and Grey Goose!

Image Credit: 1-Altitude

Entry for Summertime Madness is tagged at $35 from 6pm – 9pm, and includes 1 Housepour and 1 Summertime Cocktail. If you’re keen to hit the party while it’s in full swing, entry is tagged at $40 after 9pm, and will include 1 Premium Pour and 1 Summertime Cocktail!

Decked in your best beach ensemble with a couple of drinks in hand, and with DJs Leonard T and Jack T on the decks, it’s bound to be a beach party you’ll never forget!

Summer Madness Presents White Beach
Address: 1- Altitude, 63/F, One Raffles Place, Singapore 048616
Date: 2 – 3 June, Fri- Sat
Time: 6pm till late

Also read, The Team Behind OverEasy Is Hosting A Festival – Expect A Riverdale-Themed Party And Food Fights!

The Sister Act Musical Delivers Fun, Laughs, And Some Divine Wisdom

Sister Act converted me. Into a fan, I mean.

For those of you who may not know, Sister Act (the musical) is based off a film of the same name, originally starring Whoopi Goldberg. If you’re a fan of the original film, this adaptation remains true to it, for the most part!

Sister Act – The Musical

Without giving away too much, this was my experience:

The musical got off to a lukewarm start, with a song number and introduction on how the protagonist, Deloris Van Cartier, unwittingly gets herself into a sticky situation. After witnessing her mob leader boyfriend commiting a crime, she is placed under protection by the police.

One ridiculous thing leads to another, and the wannabe diva winds up hiding at the Queen of Angels Church in the guise of a nun.

The story continues with Deloris, disguised as ‘Sister Mary Clarence’, bonding with the delightful and endearing group of convent sisters. Without spoiling too much of the musical, I’d say it culminates in a heartwarming ending reminding us not to be afraid to be ourselves, and about how friendship triumphs even in the presence of evil.

The musical was not only laugh-out-loud funny, it was also mesmerizing.

The playful sarcasm poking fun at Catholic beliefs and practices had us bursting out laughing at many points throughout the show.

The transition of props and scenes were seamless. Throughout, I was gawking at the detail and beauty of the stage set-up for the Queen of Angels Church.

Both the main stars and the supporting cast had impressive voices that brought to life the music by eight-time Oscar winner Alan Menken. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s won awards for his scores on Disney classics The Little Mermaid and Beauty and the Beast.

At the end of the show, we overheard other Singaporeans singing praises of how “the pope was so good,” and how “he was so real and funny”, showing that even the supporting cast stole our hearts. Clearly, the audience had as great a time as we did, with some giving standing ovations and others dancing along during the final musical number.

If you haven’t caught the musical yet, there is still time!

Running until 28 May, catch Sister Act at the Mastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands! Tickets are going at $65 for Cat 5 to $185 for VIP Reserve seats.

Head here to get your tickets!

Sister Act
Venue: Mastercard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
Date: 9 – 28 May
Price: $65, $95, $125, $155, $185, $380, $620, $740. Click here for more details on prices.

Also read Beijing 101 Has Been Around For 43 Years, But What’s Their Secret To Survival? We Found Out

(Top Image Credit: City Nomads)

Grab Your Foodie Friends And “Buka Puasa” At These 11 Halal Buffets

The month of Ramadhan is nearly upon us.

Ramadhan is not just about fasting, it’s also about spending time with family and friends, and what better way to do it than by breaking fast together?

We’ve rounded up 11 sweet Ramadhan buffet specials (and deals) you should definitely check out with your friends and family this Ramadhan period–just make sure to eat with moderation!

1. Hilton’s Ramadhan Buffet

In the mood for more ethnic eats?

Head to Kintamani! Not only are they serving up traditional Indonesian fare, they’ll be offering up Grilled Leg of Lamb from the bone! With a chance to win yourself a free stay at Furama Riverfront, we’re guessing Kintamani will be packed this Ramadhan!

[caption id="attachment_26373" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Image Credit: 6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, S039594
Price: Adult – $70++
Duration: All year round

The Projector: How An Abandoned Theatre Became An Artsy Alternative Cinema

If you’ve heard of The Projector, you’ll know it is a completely alternative cinema concept.

Far from screening mainstream blockbusters, here you’ll find indie, foreign, cult favourite, classic, arthouse and local flicks.

But how did the fifth floor of the slightly crummy Golden Mile Tower come to house this artsy two-screen cinema?

Seems like its vintage appeal isn’t constructed at all, but stems from a long history we think you film buffs should know about…

The Golden Theatre

Once upon a time, there was the The Golden Theatre.

Situated in said Golden Mile Tower along Beach Road, it was once the largest cinema in all of Singapore and Malaysia.

Think: an impressive 1,500 stall and circle seats, all inside one massive movie theatre.

For those born before 1973, you may know its constructor, Chong Gay Theatres, who are also the ones behind the homely Kallang Theatre.

Back in the day, The Golden Theatre was well-patronised for its Mandarin films, ‘adult’ artistic films, and even Bollywood hits.

Sadly, with sparkly new shopping malls sprouting up through the ‘90s, its popularity slowly waned.

The majestic theatre split up into smaller, separate halls–Golden 1 and Golden 2, both of which then sunk into disrepair.

The Fixer Uppers

Enter creative development company Pocket Projects, and design and architectural firm FARM.

This group of passionate cinephiles banded together to breathe new life into this old, derelict, but also historic space.

And so restoration works began, in the form of The Projector.

The two halls also received new names, along with their new lease of life.

Golden 1 became the Green Room, and Golden 2, the Redrum–a nod to Stanley Kubrick’s classic ‘The Shining’.

Fast Forward

Today, the halls are once again as bustling as they were in the good old days.

Each of the two rooms at The Projector seats nearly 200 people, and are fitted with digital projectors.

The chairs in the front section of the Green Room have even been replaced with comfy bean bags.

They’ve also roped in Luna Films, the people in charge of curating local film festivals, to help select and bring in films to be screened.

Finally, to complete the movie-going experience, came the addition of a café to the cinema’s foyer, manned by Group Therapy Coffee. It sells classic movie snacks like popcorn, alongside burgers, pies, and cake, along with sodas, juices and their own coffee blends.

If you’ve ever lamented the limited range of films in Singapore, you now know where to find a great independent cinema.

For all its history, The Projector itself is definitely as fascinating as the movies it screens, and is well worth a visit.

The Projector
Address: 6001 Beach Road, Golden Mile Tower #05-00, Singapore 199589
Opening Hours: Tue – Fri: 6.30pm – 9pm; Sat, Sun, PH: 1.00pm – 9pm; Closed on Mondays
Website

(Top Image Credit: SINdie & Pocket Projects)

Also, read 10 Shiok Experiences And Eats To Turn Things Up A Notch The Second Half Of May [15-31 May]

With Over 1,000 Stalls, This Year’s Geylang Bazaar Will Keep You Coming Back For More

The month of Ramadhan is a few weeks away and while it holds plenty of cultural and religious significance for Muslims all over the world, that doesn’t mean the rest of us can’t join in on the festivities.

Two cultural events worth checking out every Ramadhan are the annual Hari Raya Light-Up and the Geylang Serai Baazar. This year’s light-up is centred around the cultural and historical aspects of Malay culture.

Hari Raya Light-Up 

This year’s Hari Raya Light-Up will feature a 4.4-metre-tall wau (a kite originating from the Malaysian state of Kelantan), a stage area formed by a 12-metre-wide sampan and decorated arches standing at 13-meters and 9-metres tall.

This year’s light-up stretches over 2.25km, spanning Sims Avenue and Changi Road, and comprises 900,000 LED lights!

This year’s Hari Raya Light-Up will see the addition of a new, temporary exhibition. Housed in a structure modelled after the weaves of a ketupat, the exhibition serves to educate the public about the history of Hari Raya and of the Geylang Serai area.

Geylang Serai Bazaar

The Geylang Serai Bazaar is returning with more than 1,000 makeshift stalls selling both traditional and fusion snacks. Happening from 25 May to 24 June, look out for “poke bowls”, candy floss burritos and “rainbow planet” ice-cream buns.

The annual bazaar spans Geylang Serai market, Joo Chiat Complex and Haig Road. Cultural performances are set to take place every weekend near Kampong Kembangan Community Club. For cultural buffs, catch free screenings of P Ramlee’s films on the big screen.

If you’re a Singaporean (or foreigner) who is keen on getting their hands on some delicious eats, head on down to the Hari Raya Light-Up. Our advice? Bring that portable fan and lots of cash!

Hari Raya Light-Up
Where: Around Sims Avenue and Changi Road 
When: May 20 – Jul 7

Geylang Serai Bazaar
Where: Geylang Serai Market, Joo Chiat Complex and Haig Road 
When: 25 May – 24 June 

Also read, DBS Marina Regatta Is Bringing The Beach To The Bay, With lululemon Workouts, Potato Head’s Coconut Bar & More!