Audience: Family

Downtown Gallery Is Giving Other Malls A Run For Their Money With Fresh Store Concepts

One thing Singaporeans never get sick of is shopping, and I attest to this 100%.

Singapore is a shopaholics dream destination, with over 200 shopping malls spread over our tiny island. Downtown Gallery is the latest addition to the list. Located in the heart of the Cental Business District, walking distance away from Tanjong Pagar MRT, Downtown Gallery is no ordinary shopping mall.

A Tech Geek’s Dream

The jewel of Downtown Gallery has to be the Wayfinder. Consisting of 12 55-inch monitors, it is Singapore’s largest interactive mall directory. Wayfinder even has a weather feature that accurately depicts lightning and storms on the screen in real time!

Socialise While Cooking Up A Storm

One feature that hopes to bring Singaporeans together is the “social kitchen”. Fitted with 10 cooking stations, complete with kitchen equipment, crockery and condiments, Singaporeans can book a station online or via an app. You can then bring your own raw ingredients and cook up a storm with friends and family.

Measuring 4,000sq ft, this “social kitchen” includes a dining space so you can set up an intimate birthday celebration or family get-together with your loved ones!

Food, Glorious Food!

What’s a mall without food? Downtown Gallery offers up a wide array of eats for every occasion.

Looking for a spot to indulge? Head to Venue by Sebastian. Serving up contemporary European fare, with both communal tables and bar counter seats available, Venue by Sebastian is perfect for a lunch meeting.

Have a casual and filling lunch at Sama Curry & Cafe, a Hokkaido soup curry shop that offers a unique twist on the classic Asian dish, served with pork belly, hamburg patty, eggs, chicken or seafood. There’s nothing like tucking into a bowl of curry on a rainy afternoon.

And Everything Else In Between!

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

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!

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

The year seems to be flying by so quickly. In the blink of an eye, we’re already at the end of May!

Who says we have to wait till the June holidays to have fun? There are tons of things to do and new chow places to try out right now!

Think themed parties of all sorts, international artists on our shores, and healthy desserts! Whether you’re a party animal, fitness junkie or music guru, we’ve got your weekend plans sorted.

Here are 10 a-may-zing (get it?) activities you need to head down to ASAP!

Play & Discover

1. Urban Ventures Vol. 6

It’s no secret that eating is our national pastime–and we’re proud of it.

That’s why Urban Ventures has its latest edition centred around social dining experiences!

LOBELAB will be creating a social haven in Duxton Plain Park for 3 days this May.

It features live music, interactive artworks, an artisan’s market and a dance party. There are also interactive workshops, urban furniture and mouthwatering grub.

What we’re most excited for though, is the Pop-Up Library, Yin Yang Yoga Session and Upcycling Your T-Shirt Workshop!

It’s surely a journey into the more human, playful and friendly side of public spaces in Singapore.

Urban Ventures
Where: Duxton Plain Park, 1 Keong Saik Rd, Singapore 089140
When: 19 – 21 May, 4pm till late
Admission: Free
Website

2. Zouk 26th Anniversary

Zouk is turning 26!

To celebrate, they’re throwing a big birthday bash, and everyone’s invited.

Many new clubs have sprouted up recently, but good ol’ Zouk will always be a familiar spot for our best nights out.

Did you know Zouk is ranked no. 4 in the DJ Mag’s Top 100 Clubs in the World in 2017? The club has also attracted tons of internationally acclaimed DJs like Hardwell, Tiesto and Disclosure.

With complimentary entry for all, this is the party to let your hair down and go into celebration mode!

Zouk 26th Anniversary
Where: 3C River Valley Road, The Cannery, Singapore 179022
When: 18 May, 9pm – 2am
Contact no.: 6738 2988
Admission: Invite Only: 9pm; Open To Public: 11pm Onward; Free Entry For All (Non-Member)
Website

3. Fitness Fest

Fitness junkies, listen up!

Come together with other fitness and health lovers at this ultimate fitness festival.

4. Lily Singh – How To Be A Bawse

What up everyone, it’s your girl Superwoman!

If this rings a bell, you’ll be delighted to know that Lilly Singh is coming to Singapore!

[caption id="attachment_26171" align="aligncenter" width="946"] Image Credit: Kallang Theatre, 1 Stadium Walk, Singapore 397688
When: 24 May, 8pm
Contact no.: 6324 0764
Admission: $93 – $244
Website

5. Party Like Gatsby

Turn the nostalgia of the golden 20s into reality at this glamorous event.

Party Like Gatsby transports you into the famous novel ‘The Great Gatsby’.

‘The Great Gatsby’ centres on a young millionaire, Jay Gatsby. Jay is famous in his city for his mesmerising parties, hosted every weekend at his glamorous residence.

At Party Like Gatsby, spend an evening with him at a fantastic venue with stunning decorations. World-class entertainment includes burlesque, live music, as well as fire and aerial shows.

To date, over 40 cities in more than 10 countries have experienced its wild parties and intense shows. Finally, the party has reached the Pearl of the East–Singapore.

Be sure to come dressed elegantly, and get lost in the magic of the roaring twenties.

Party Like Gatsby
Where: Tanjong Beach Club, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa, Singapore 098942
When: May 26, 7pm – 2am
Website

6. Island Escape

This really is a month for parties, isn’t it?

There’s even this one off our shores, at St John’s Island!

Island Escape Ticket Office, 31 Marina Coastal Drive, Singapore 018988
When: 27 & 28 May, 12pm (Sat) – Sunset (Sun)
Admission: $55

Shop

7. Multiply. A Majestic Playground

Designers, makers and art lovers unite!

For 2 days only, Keepers and Straits Clan will provide the perfect platform for you to eat, drink, shop, and play.

[caption id="attachment_26163" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit: Matter[/caption]

This is a one-time-only takeover of the historic and iconic New Majestic Hotel building.

Expect a pop-up of unique experiences through 30 rooms. Discover over 50 Singapore designers, artists, craftsmen, tattoo artists, chefs and mixologists.

This event is a tribute to the diverse inspirations that drive our community of artists, designers and makers that make up the creative soul of Singapore.

Remember to bring cash as many designers will be launching special edition capsules!

Drop by and experience something new, game-changing, and yet so close to home.

Multiply. A Majestic Playground
Where: New Majestic Hotel, 31-37 Bukit Pasoh Road, Singapore 089845
When: 27 & 28 May, 11am – 10pm

Music

8. Crystal Castles

Fusing low-res electronic noise and pop hooks, Crystal Castles finally brings its music to our shores.

The duo is best known for their energetic live shows and moody home-made productions.

[caption id="attachment_26170" align="aligncenter" width="1830"] Image Credit:

Crystal Castles
Where: ​*SCAPE The Ground Theatre, 2 Orchard Link, Singapore 237978
When: Tuesday 23 May 2017
Admission: Limited Early Bird – $70; Standard – $80; Doors – $90
We know all too well that 1 meal is sometimes not enough.

That’s why we were overjoyed when Dookki, which means 2 meals in Korean, opened its doors in Singapore!

[caption id="attachment_26166" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Image Credit: Pholar[/caption]

This fun and “Full-filling” dining concept has steadily gained popularity within and out of Korea.

The first meal begins with the much loved, signature Tteokbokki dish. Choose from 8 types of air-flown Tteokbokki, and your preferred level of spiciness from 7 types of sauces.

The second meal adds rice, kimchi, sweet corn and other ingredients to create the all time favourite Kimchi fried rice–and all for $18.80.

We know where we’ll be stuffing our faces this weekend.

Dookki Singapore
Where: Suntec City, 3 Temasek Boulevard, #B1-107 (East Wing), Singapore 038984
Opening Hours: Mon-Sun: 11am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6266 2425
Website

10. Bojio Cafe

We didn’t expect to find this gem in the heart of Tampines.

The quirkily named cafe allows families and friends to jio (invite) each other for a healthy desserts!

[caption id="attachment_26165" align="aligncenter" width="900"] Image Credit: Kopitiam Bot[/caption]

Their homemade ice-creams, waffles and toasts are friendly to the very young, very old, as well as health-conscious friends.

The story behind its founding is all too relatable. Mr Chan, the star chef, and Mrs Chan’s picky family members love hunting for dessert spots all over Singapore.

Inspired to open a shop of their own, they created a DIY ice cream recipe, purchased the machinery and ingredients required, and never looked back.

All their hand-made ice-cream contains reduced sugar, children friendly milk/cream, no preservatives or colouring and only fresh fruits.

Don’t say bojio, and drop by for something sweet!

Bojio Cafe
Where: Westgate 3 Gateway Dr #02-28 Singapore 608532
Opening Hours: Sun – Thurs: 11.30am – 9.30pm; Fri – Sat: 11.30am – 10pm
Facebook

There’s so much to do this month that we can hardly catch our breath!

But we’re going to try to head to all these events anyway, and make our last bit of May as fun as possible. And we think you should too!

Also, read This Digital Playground Has No Slides Or Swings, But 5 Virtual Worlds To Lose Yourself In