Audience: Festival

Better Safe Than Sorry? But These 10 Hungry Ghost Superstitions Are Unbelievable!

Just as the Americans have Halloween, the Chinese have the Hungry Ghost Festival (also know as Zhong Yuan Jie in Chinese). This is the month where the gates of hell are believed to be opened. This frees hungry ghosts who wander to seek food on Each. According to custom, these ghosts can be up to mischief if ignored.

With the Ghost Festival starting this week till the end of August, here’s a list of uncommon and weird superstitions. Do you believe in them?

1. Touching, Stepping Or Kicking Prayer Items And Offerings

During the hungry ghost festival, the sidewalks and pavements transform into a minefield strewn with joss paper, charred offerings, and food. Do watch your step and don’t touch, step or kick these prayer items and offerings. These are offered to the hungry ghosts. You should also refrain from making jokes or complaining about the prayer offerings.

2. Swimming

Avoid swimming during this ghost festival month. It is believed that vengeful spirits whose death was due to drowning are determined to take the living with them.

3.  Staying Out Late At Night

Children and pregnant women are advised to return home early. They should not wander around at night, especially if they’re alone. It is a belief that children are much more susceptible to being possessed by wandering ghosts. Spirits are also exceptionally attracted to foetuses in the wombs of the pregnant women. Pregnant women are advised not to go out at all.

4. Picking Up Strange Items You Stumble Upon On The Streets, Especially Coins

Seen some money on the ground or found some unique items on the roadside? These items are apparently for the hungry ones to take, not you! It may very well belong to a ghost!

5. Wearing Black Or Red Clothings And High Heels

Ghosts are apparently attracted to red and black, so avoid becoming a target board. Ladies are also warned against wearing high heels too. It is a belief that a woman is opening herself to spirit possession if her heels are constantly elevated above the ground.

6. Look Under The Altar, Especially During Prayer Sessions

Never look under the altar especially during prayer sessions. It is believed that the unseen may be having their feast underneath the altar and they do not like to be disturbed.

7. Whistling At Night

It is believed that roaming spirits are attracted to whistling, especially after the sun sets. Whistling attracts the attention of ghosts. These ghosts may decide to follow and stick to you for a long time, giving you long term bad luck. You may even hear someone singing along with you!

8. New Things

New houses, new businesses, new relationships? Theses are all to be avoided as the hungry ghost month is considered to be highly inauspicious.

9. Hang Your Clothes Outside To Dry

A wandering ghost may “try on” your clothes at night. Thus, it is best to avoid hanging them out late at night. These ghosts may even enter your house after trying on your clothes!

10. Sitting On The First Row Of Seats At Opera Street Performances And Getais

If you see empty seats at opera street performances and getais, don’t sit on them. It is said that the front row seats are reserved for “spiritual visitors”. Even if all the seats behind are taken, you would do better to stand by the side rather than risk offending the spirits.

Regardless, the Chinese in Singapore observe these age-old traditions and beliefs as a form of respect for the dead. Do you abide by any of these superstitions that many believe in?

(Header image by dawn.com)

Also, read Stuck In Singapore? Here Are 10 Uncommon Places To Visit For A Different Kinda Fun!

ULTRA Singapore – Super Sick Lineup & Resistance Stage Artists Announced!

The wait is finally over! With just a month and a half to showtime, ULTRA Singapore has finally revealed the Phase Two artist lineups for its inaugural edition set to take the stage this 10 -11 September!

For those new to the EDM scene, the ULTRA brand is a series of Electronic Music festivals spanning Europe, South America, Asia, South Africa and Miami.  Over the past 18 years since its inception, thousands of the world’s most iconic DJs, producers and live acts have performed their slick beats at the festival over 20 countries.

Headliners

The first name to join this lineup is UK super group Above & Beyond! Having been around the EDM scene since 1999, the UK super group is sure to deliver an electrifying performance.

The Early Bird tickets for this event were sold out upon release! To make sure you chope a spot at the festival, you need to move fast to snap up the last remaining Advance Tickets priced at USD$175 (2 day admission).

There’s also the Premium General Admission Tickets (2 day admission), which grants ticket holders access to dedicated express lanes, restrooms and F&B stalls, priced at USD $200.

Once the Advance tickets are sold out, you will have to purchase the regular ticket at USD$190 for General 2-day admission or USD$225 for the Premium General Admission.

If you’re going in a group, they’re having a super tempting not-to-be-missed Group Package. All you need to do is purchase 5 tickets and get the 6th one for free! What are you waiting for? Get your troops together and score this discount package!

Head to ULTRA Singapore to get your tickets now!

ULTRA SINGAPORE*

Date: Sep 10 & 11, 2016
Venue: Ultra Park, 1 Bayfront Avenue
Ticket Price: USD$175 (Advance- General Admission), USD$200 (Advance- Premium Admission), USD$190 (Regular -General Admission), USD$225 (Regular -Premium Admission)
Online Ticketing: Ultra Singapore
Website: Ultra Singapore
Headliners:
Above & Beyond, Afrojack Alesso, Axwell^Ingrosso, deadmau5, Kygo, NERO (Live), DJ Snake, ZHU
Support Acts:
Carnage, Far East Movement, Gryffin, Jauz, Marshmello, Nicole Moudaber*, Reboot*, Shaded (Live)*, Technasia*, W&W

*RESISTANCE Artist
Do note that you need to be 18 years of age and older to attend this event

Header image source: Ultra Singapore

Also, read Stuck In Singapore? Here Are 10 Uncommon Places To Visit For A Different Kinda Fun!

Food, Flowers & Fun! Don’t Miss Singapore Garden Festival @ Gardens By The Bay!

A much-anticipated international garden and flower event, this year’s Singapore Garden Festival marks 10 years since its start in 2006, and it promises to be bigger than ever!

Whether you are a gardening enthusiast, a fan of past Gardens by the Bay exhibitions, or are simply keen to admire some beautiful landscaping designs, you’ll be delighted by what Gardens by the Bay has in store for you. Apart from the Singapore Garden Festival, you can look forward to nightly concerts and dining deals too!

Singapore Garden Festival (SGF) 2016

Let’s start with the SGF 2016, which is on from now until 31 July. This year’s edition of the festival features the best of tropical horticulture and floral artistry. Local and internationally­-acclaimed designers have taken part to create enchanting masterpieces at Gardens by the Bay. Spanning a 9.7-hectare space, there are interesting highlights for every type of festival goer.

Landscape & Fantasy Gardens

Check out the Landscape & Fantasy Gardens for landscaping inspiration by award-winning designers. Designers include local talents like John Tan and Raymond Toh who clinched the Silver-Gilt award at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show 2015. There’s also Ann Teo who received the Outstanding Award of Excellence and two Gold Awards at the 2015 Singapore Landscape Architects Award.

Floral Windows to the World

The exquisite Floral Windows to the World features both international names and budding local amateurs. This is the first year where local participants were identified through a public competition held in April this year. The top three winning displays are featured at the festival alongside international designers. Pay the exhibition a visit and be amazed by our upcoming design talents!

Celebrations! Floral Table Series

For more floral designs, the Celebrations! Floral Table Series showcases a myriad of delicate flower arrangements that will take your breath away. Plus, you can also learn how to bring such beautiful designs to life at the exhibition!

Celebrations! Floral Table Series
Image credit: singaporegardenfestival.com

Orchid Extravaganza

If you’re a fan of our national flower, this is a must-see. At the Orchid Extravaganza, you’ll get to walk through a colourful orchid wonderland, surrounded by countless gorgeous blooms.

SGF Rocks! Free Nightly Performances

As the sky turns dark, anticipate the performers that will take to the Meadow Stage and the Alfresco Stage (Free admission!) at the Marketplace.

The night will be livened up by the likes of Gentle Bones, Jack & Rai, Shirlyn & The UneXpected, and many more local musicians! With an extensive lineup, you can expect to hear a range of music genres, from R&B to pop and rock- there’ll definitely be something for everyone.

More information on the lineup here.

Dining Deals

Flowers aside, don’t miss the dining promotions that are running right now at Gardens by the Bay too!

Pollen

Boasting a lush Mediterranean garden setting, Pollen is located within the Flower Dome, with stunning waterfront views and vegetables coming straight from an in-house garden. Pollen is having an early dinner deal, where you can savour a sunset dinner at S$88++ per person for three courses. Booking and more information Image credit: Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant Facebook[/caption]

Right below the Flower Dome is this seafood restaurant that serves up iconic crowd favourites like the Chili Crab and for an innovative twist on the dish, the ‘Kopi’ Crab. Majestic Bay has a promotion for OCBC credit card holders, where S$88++ spent entitles you to a Signature Baked Rice with Assorted Seafood (U.P. $88) along with your meal. Booking and more information singaporegardenfestival.com, edited by author.)

Also, read [WIN] Tickets To A Romantic Movie With Your Date Under The Stars!

What’s In This Year’s NDP Goodie Bag? You’ll Be Surprised!

What’s in my bag? NDP 2016 Goodie Bag version

In this article, we’re bringing you the NDP 2016 Goodie Bag version of ‘What’s in my bag?’! From food to National Day Merchandise, and even to.. a trash bag? We will cover all bases to give you the ultimate breakdown of what’s in your 2016 National Day Goodie Bag!

The bag itself

First, let’s start with the actual bag. It comes in our two national colours, red and white, and is made of a translucent plastic. Together with its unique structured frame, this year’s goodie bag seems like a nod towards the future. Talk about futuristic vibes! Moreover, it can be carried 2 ways: as a bag pack or a shoulder bag. The bag also comes with a rain cover. Perfect for Singapore’s temperamental climate! Impressive!

NDP merchandise, with a High-Tech twist!

Moving on to the National Day themed items. National flag, Singapore scarf, patriotic tattoos- check! The goodie bag committee has also thoughtfully included a foldable fan just in case you feel warm during the show. Besides the regulars, this year’s merchandise stars the LED wristband everyone’s been talking about!

The LED wristband flickers brightly in a kaleidoscopic array of colours. It is programmed to match the pumping music and movement of the performers due to its wireless connection. As a result, this high-tech twist allows the audience to be involved in the parade on a whole new level. Audiences simply have to wear it!

This year’s NDP 2016 Goodie Bag features… a Comic Book?

Next, we move on to the printed materials. NDP 2016 Goodie Bag includes the ever-popular discount voucher booklet in addition to the programme booklet. You can stay informed of the parade’s highlights and find the lyrics to this year’s melodious theme song, “Tomorrow’s Here Today”!

Furthermore, there will be a comic book featuring the parade’s hero, Badang. The artful comic illustrates Badang’s journey and the origin of the Singapore Stone. It makes learning about Singapore’s history, fun especially for the little ones. A must-read, we say!

There’s an… NDP trash bag too??

A trash bag seems like the strangest addition to the NDP 2016 Goodie Bag this year. Correction: an NDP themed trash bag! You can play your part in keeping the indoor stadium clean by putting all trash into this sizeable trash bag.

Also, a packet of tissue and wet wipes are included, so you can clean up any mess. Don’t forget the adorable card holder with its friendly reminder about striving for a sustainable Singapore!

Makan time!

Finally, let’s have a look at the snacks in the goodie bag! It includes crowd pleasers like double-chocolate Hello Panda, the classic Keng Guan tidbits and Tai Sun peanuts. It won’t be an NDP goodie bag without a bottle of NeWater, just in case you get thirsty. Also, there is a packet of Nin Hom Herbal Candy to soothe tired throats. With these in your goodie bag, no sore throat is going to stop you from bellowing out cheers and songs!

To end this article, we’d like to wish Singapore an advance Happy 51st Birthday. Majulah Singapura!

Also, read A Peek At NDP 2016 – Fireworks Both Indoors AND Outdoors!

A Peek At NDP 2016 – Fireworks Both Indoors AND Outdoors!

If we could describe NDP 2016 (National Day Parade 2016) in one word, it would be ‘spectacular’.

With a catchy theme, ‘Building Our Singapore Of Tomorrow‘, and set against the refreshing backdrop of Singapore Indoor Stadium, here are the reasons NDP 2016 will be the best one yet!

NDP 2016 – The First NDP at Indoor Stadium

Singapore will celebrate her birthday in the newly-renovated Singapore Indoor Stadium for the first time. That’s right! Fret not about the hot sun and enjoy the show indoors while staying cool! In addition, the venue boasts a huge seating capacity of up to 12,000. You can also look forward to conveniently located restrooms.

Jaw-dropping Light Shows

Next up, the dazzling light shows are undoubtedly the most impressive part of NDP 2016 itself. Be awed by the ingenious use of light effects throughout the parade. Keep a lookout for Act 3 and 4 when the stadium lights go off.

In fact, every spectator can be part of the performance simply by wearing the LED wristbands distributed in goodie bags! The LED wristbands pulsate with colours. It even syncs with the parade’s live music, light shows and body movements. Just imagine the stadium as the night sky, and your wristbands form part of the galaxy of twinkling stars!

Our Prime Minister has remarked that “Singapore is like a unicorn. One of a kind, a special animal, no other in the world. It works well, (and) has unique solutions.” Indeed, NDP 2016 even stars a sparkling unicorn dancing gracefully above the audience.

Watch in awe as dancers and aerialists clad in kaleidoscopic LED costumes execute a perfectly synchronised performance. Our favourite segment was Act 5, where Singapore’s future cityscape took shape right before our eyes, made possible by 3D projections!

Drawing Inspiration from the Past

NDP 2016 features the lesser-known story of Badang. In the act ‘Bandang and The Singapore Stone‘, impressive boulders are hurled across the stage together with artistic depictions of a tribe war.

Notably, Badang represents the strength and resilience of our nation in the face of hardships. The story is set in ancient times. Incorporating the Singapore Stone into a thrilling adventure, the story tells of true bravery in times of adversity.

In a truly engaging way, Singaporeans can learn more about this national treasure!

We’re All in This Together

Do you know that this year’s parade features a performance put together by the special needs community? In the act “What A Wonderful World”, a beautiful mass display formation is inspired by creative paintings drawn by the special needs community.

You’ll even see members of the disabled society joining in the iridescent show on stage! Also, the audience will have a chance to sign together to songs like “Count On Me Singapore” and everyone’s favourite “Home”. This is to raise awareness for the deaf community.

We found it especially heartwarming to see the entire audience singing together with the performers on stage at NDP 2016. The effortless blend of engagement and emphasis on Singapore as an inclusive society will certainly impress audiences of all ages!

To Top It All Off: Fireworks

Finally, as Singaporeans, one of our favourite parts of the national parade has to be the dazzling fireworks to end the night. Though the indoor stadium maintains a partially-closed roof during the spectacle, audience members can still catch a glimpse of the ‘night-time flowers’ comfortably from their seats.

In addition, NDP 2016 features indoor fireworks as well. We say yes to the best of both worlds: indoor AND outdoor fireworks!

NDP 2016 – The Final Verdict

NDP 2016  is similar, yet extremely different from all the previous parades we’ve ever witnessed. That is, different in the best way possible. We feel that the parade does an excellent job of fostering Singaporean pride and creatively showcasing the bright future of our ever-developing country.

Therefore, you’ll be in for a treat at NDP 2016 for sure, and don’t forget to bring those cameras to capture the spectacular parade!

Also, read Comfort Food Always Wins! 7 Local Desserts That Steal Our Hearts

We Never Bluff – Local Food Going For Only 50¢ At Chinatown!

Ever wished you could stuff yourself silly with local delights without breaking the bank? At this year’s 50 Cents Festival, you can! For as little as – you guessed it!- 50 cents, enjoy a great variety of authentic local favourite dishes that will propel you right back to the good old 1950s.

50 Cents Festival at Chinatown

The entire food street at Chinatown will be transformed into a “pasar”, or street hawker food scene. It’s specially designed to transport visitors to an authentic recreation of the 1950s and 60s! Treat yourself to delectable local delights – 35 iconic traditional dishes cooked by 20 stores!

Do also watch out for the mobile hawkers who roam the streets selling old-time favourites.

50 Cents is Bigger Than a Bull Cart Wheel

An old Hokkien saying (translated) goes: “50 Cents is Bigger Than a Bull Cart Wheel!” What does this mean? In the 1950s, SGD 50 cents was enough to buy so much food that most would consider it a ridiculous amount to spend on a meal! Singaporeans and tourists alike will be pleased to note this will be a reality at the 50 cents festival!

35 Iconic Local Delights at as Little as 50 Cents Only

That’s right budget hunters, 50 cents for your favourite Char Kway Teow, UFO (Fried Oyster Cake), Rickshaw Noodle, Ice Balls and Fried Carrot Cake. Other 50 cent dishes include BBQ Chicken Wings, Nasi Lemak wrapped in banana leaf, Satay and Roti Prata. For an additional 50 cents or one dollar, customers can even enjoy specialities such as Hainanese Chicken Rice Balls, Bak Kut Teh and Singapore’s signature Chilli Crab!

Fringe activities

To truly make the experience an unforgettable one, there will be a myriad of Fringe Activities lined up for all ages. Families can indulge in outdoor movie screenings, marvel at performances by martial arts professionals and opera singers. These activities will mimic “kampong-style” communal activities. Get your Chinese name artfully written by calligraphers, or you could also pay a visit to letter writers and fortune-tellers. All these while munching on your food spoils of the day!

50 Cents Festival Details

With so much happening along this street bazaar, we say this is a must-visit for everyone! So, what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars and get ready to have a feast!

50 Cents Festival
Address: Chinatown Food Street, Smith Street
Date: 30 July, Sat, 3PM – 11PM; 31 July, Sun, 11AM-11PM
Menu: click here.
Also read, A Timbre+ Event: Expect Only The Best Food & Music @ Open Stoves!

A Timbre+ Event: Expect Only The Best Food & Music @ Open Stoves!

Delight in a fun-filled weekend at Timbre+ this coming 23 and 24 July! As part of Singapore Food Festival, Timbre+ presents Open Stoves, its largest food-centric event to date. A variety of gastro-adventures awaits you!

Tuck into newly created mouth-watering dishes from nine Timbre+ chefs, food partners, and other invited chefs. You’ll get to enjoy the fruits (and food) of their inspired labour. Kick back and relax with nostalgic games and entertainment!

Chefs collaborating at Open Stoves

At Open Stoves, Timbre+ chefs and invited guest chefs will be paired together. These collaborative pairings will bring about different cuisine styles and cooking techniques to create unique off-menu items.

You can look forward to chef pairings to the likes of chef Jeremy Cheok (Dusk by Slake, Timbre+) with chef Tan Huang Ming (Park Bench Deli). The duo has come up with prata taco, topped with stewed tripe or barbequed pork collar. What a modern take on soft-shelled tacos!

Click Dessert Duriancanboleh. Image credit: Timbreplus[/caption]

3-course menu at Open Stoves

[caption id="attachment_10385" align="alignnone" width="640"] Chilli Crab Rillette. Image credit: Timbreplus[/caption]

In addition, look out for chefs cooking up a 3-course Mod-Sin (modern Singaporean) menu. The menu starts with delectable appetiser Chilli Crab Rillette, main course Nasi Kuning Opor Ayam, and dessert Duriancanboleh from 11 July to 9 August 2016. Enjoy 10% discount off drinks from the Timbre+ Bottle Shop when you purchase this set meal.

BBQ Blowout

[caption id="attachment_10384" align="alignnone" width="640"] Satay Chicken Burger by Kush. Image credit: Timbreplus[/caption] [caption id="attachment_10388" align="alignnone" width="640"] Zesty garlic butter lobster tail served with a grill brioche bun. Image credit: Timbreplus[/caption]

On 23rd and 24th July, Timbre+ chefs will run pop-up BBQ kitchens at the outdoor event space. Tuck into special Striploin Steak from chef Bernie Utchenik (Big Bern’s American Grill), and signature Chicken Satay Burger with homemade rice patties ($14) from chef Chung Deming. Dancing Crab Shack will be grilling up a storm with two kinds of Lobster Tails (available with signature sauce or zesty garlic butter) with Grilled Brioche Bun ($22).

To add to your BBQ experience, Timbre+’s courtyard space will be transformed into a large outdoor playground area. This will be complete with picnic benches, beanbags, and hammocks for lounging. Sit back and relax while the chefs cook up a storm with their off-menu BBQ creations.

Games at Open Stoves

[caption id="attachment_10878" align="alignnone" width="915"] Image credit: Amazon[/caption]

Once you’re full, entertained, and satisfied, gather your friends and family for a fun-filled time of games. Enjoy a friendly game of life-sized Jenga, Connect Four, and Pick-up Sticks!

Open Stoves is definitely for the young and young-at-heart. You can even try your hand at neon beer pong and ‘Run the Dish’, a race that combines running and speed eating!

Live Music & Entertainment

[caption id="attachment_10383" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Image credit: O.K READY Facebook page[/caption] [caption id="attachment_10368" align="alignnone" width="500"] Resident bands -Supersonic. Image credit: Timbreplus[/caption]

What is good food without great music? At Open Stoves, you’ll get to experience both. Wind down to live music from Timbre resident bands, such as SuperSonic, and O.K READY!. With the best live music scheduled throughout both days, you’ll get to enjoy great music while you indulge in the food.

Timbre+ Open Stoves details

There’s no better way to bring on the weekend than to indulge in the best food, great music, and entertainment! Open Stoves is definitely an event not to be missed.

[caption id="attachment_10367" align="alignnone" width="724"] Image credit: Timbreplus[/caption]

6 Affordable Japanese Buffets So You Can Gorge On Fresh Sashimi!

For more information about Singapore’s Food Festival, click here.