Summer Sonic Festival – Party Like There’s No Tmr In Japan!
Always wanted to go for the Summer Sonic Festival in Japan but don’t know how to go about the ticketing process? Worry no more, because 2016 might just be the year you’ll cross Summer Sonic out of your bucket list thanks to GigOut!
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Souce: GigOut[/caption]
Get your tickets now!
For those who’d love to attend the festival but can’t get past the Japanese (and Engrish) ticketing system, GigOut will make it very easy for you to attend the Summer Sonic this year.
All you have to do is download their GigOut app (Summer Sonic 2016
Date: August 20 & 21, 2016
Venue: Tokyo (Chiba Marine Stadium & Makuhari Messe), Osaka (Maishima Arena)
Website:
GigOut app:Facebook: GigOut/ Summer Sonic
Header image source: Choo Choo! JR East To Open Very First Overseas Japan Rail Cafe In SG
Selamat Hari Raya! 7 Unique Facts About Ramadan You Never Knew
Also known as Hari Raya Aidilfitri, Hari Raya Puasa is the most prominent and celebrated occasion in the Muslim community. Do you know that Hari Raya means “grand day of rejoicing” and Puasa means “fasting”? This festival marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, and the start of a new month, Syawal.
Whether you are planning on visiting your Muslim friends during this Hari Raya Puasa or planning to head down to the Geylang Serai Bazaar, here’re 7 interesting things about Hari Raya Puasa you probably didn’t know.
1. Fasting Is One Of Islam’s Five Pillars
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Image credit: padhaaro.com[/caption]
The importance of fasting among Muslims cannot be overemphasised. Prior to the festival, Ramadan is a period of sober repentance for Muslims. The purpose is to cultivate self-discipline. Besides fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims also refrain from smoking, sexual activities, and any sinful behaviour.
As one of Islam’s five pillars, the act of fasting is done for atonement, to express gratitude and empathy for the needy. After a month of fasting, Eid al-Fitr then marks the end of Ramadan as Muslims celebrate.
2. Muslims Have To Pay Taxes During Ramadan
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Image credit: ibtimes.co.in[/caption]
Yes, compulsory taxes. Announced by the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore, annual taxes are to be contributed by Muslims during the month of Ramadan. As one of the five pillars of Islam, Zakat serves principally as the welfare contribution to poor and deprived individuals.
3. Gongsi Raya Is A Thing
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Image credit: delcampe.net[/caption]
From 1996 to 1998, Hari Raya Puasa and Chinese New Year actually fell on the same week! Double celebrations then occurred amongst the Chinese and Muslim communities, which eventually led to the term “Gongsi Raya” or “Kongsi Raya”. Originating from Malaysia, the term was eventually accepted by Singaporeans to commemorate the two festivals.
These two occasions brought about a shared experience and respect for ethnic diversity and understanding of cultural differences. It fostered closer ties between the Muslims and the Chinese. House visiting was also more convenient as the majority of homes were open for visitations.
4. Oil Lamps Were Used To Attract Spirits And Angels
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Image credit: flickr[/caption]
Oil lamps known as pelita or panjut are lit from the 20th day of Ramadan to attract spirits and angels alike. It is also believed to bring blessings to people’s homes during the night of Lailatul Qadar. These lights continue to shine brightly until the end of the festival.
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Nowadays, the oil lamps are lit only for decorative purposes. Many families now use LED lights instead.
5. Traditional Outfits Used To Be Tailored Or Hand-sewn
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Image credit: thefinder.com.sg[/caption]
In the past, most Malay traditional outfits were tailored (tempah) and had to be sent to respective tailors weeks before Hari Raya Puasa. Women, on the other hand, used to design and sew their outfits. Due to the busy lifestyles of Singaporeans, however, many have decided to avoid the hassle by simply shopping for their outfits online.
As part of the occasion, men don on the songkok and sinjang while the ladies wear their baju kurong or kebaya. Most families will probably spot thematic outfits, demonstrating the importance of family.
6. The Celebration Begins With Grave Visitations
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Image credit: yoursingapore[/caption]
The first day after Ramadan is a busy one. Muslims wake up early and begin their day with a trip to the mosque for special prayers. This is swiftly followed with visiting the graves of departed family members for an offering of “doa” (prayer verses).
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Image credit: The Straits Times[/caption]
During the evenings, Muslims visit the mosque to recite the Takbīr, which means “God is great”.
7. Ketupat Is Traditionally Served
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While dressed in their best, friends and relatives visit each other and dig into delicious food. Visitations are also a sign of respect and an act of renewing relationships.
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Image credit: flickr[/caption]
If you’re lucky enough to be invited for a meal, get ready to indulge in a lavish spread of beef rendang (spicy beef stew), sayur lodeh (vegetables cooked in coconut milk gravy) paired with sambal (chilli paste).
One of the must-have dishes, however, would be the ketupat. Not only served as a dish, it is also commonly used as a decorative object. Often, Muslim mothers will pass the tradition of weaving ketupat cases down to their children. Ketupat cases woven from colourful ribbons also typically adorn Malay homes during this festive period.
If you’re partaking in the festivities, do don on a bright outfit and bask in the festive atmosphere! Though Singapore only has one official public holiday, the celebrations of Hari Raya Puasa extend to three days, and for some, up to a month! For non-Muslims, do greet your Muslim friends, “Selamat Hari Raya”!
Do note that when visiting a Muslim home, attire is important. Avoid visiting in shorts, ripped jeans, sleeveless tops or skimpy dresses as your dressing may be perceived as a sign of disrespect.
(Header image by Also, read 8 Geylang Serai Bazaar Street Snacks Worth Braving The Heat For!
These S’porean Youths Are Realising Their Dreams, What About You?
Work culture in Singapore used to be all about that stable 9 to 5 office job. You’re either white-collared or blue-collared. Everyone aspires to be a professional, be it doctor or lawyer. Aspire to be anything else, and you’ll be laughed at.
Fast forward to 2016, with the rise of technology, the Internet, and social media, there’s a new definition of ‘work’, ‘job’ and ‘occupation’. Over the years, with more space and room for artistic expression, we’ve seen the rise of a bunch of extremely creative workers and youths. They’re breaking old structures and redefining their own future.
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Image source: Realising aspirations at SHINE Festival’s Talent Development Programme (TDP)
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Image source: Take the step to realise your dreams
Through the SHINE Festival, many youths have taken the step to realising their dreams, what about you? If exploring your passion, dreams, and talent is your thing, come and be a part of SHINE Festival! It’s never too late to chase your dreams.
The biggest Youth Celebration of the year takes place from 1st to 3rd July. There’s something for everyone! Get involved, and pursue your passions and talents at SHINE Festival 2016!
“You are never too old to set another goal or dream a new dream.” – C.S. Lewis
There’ll be sharing sessions by inspirational mentors and renowned experts. Attend these informative sessions and learn from only the best as they share their journey towards achieving their dreams.
Here are some of the not-to-be-missed sharing sessions:
Becoming an independent Musician Sharing Session
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Image source: Inch Chua, Peter Huang, Nicholas Chim[/caption]
If you’re an aspiring singer who doesn’t know where or how to kick-start your career, here’s something that’ll interest you! Come and hear it from Inch Chua, Peter Huang and Nicholas Chim as they talk about becoming DIY Musicians.
Hear about their experiences performing around the world, and get tips on how you can establish yourself as an independent musician, like them.
Becoming an Independent Musician
Date: 2 July 2016
Time: 2:00pm – 3:00pm
Venue: *SCAPE Talent Hub, Gallery
Click here to sign up for the session
Wanna be a YouTuber? This could be your first step!
“Never limit yourself because of others’ limited imagination; never limit others because of your limited imagination.”- Mae Jemison
Join witty YouTubers Tree Potatoes (347k subscribers) and Butterworks (41k subscribers) who will showcase their collaboration with their mentees. Be blown away as they wow you with their talent and passion.
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Image source: Tree Potatoes[/caption]
Wanna become a famous YouTuber? Tree Potatoes and Butterworks will also be conducting a sharing session, so do attend the session and you might be on your way to becoming one!
“Go out there and make films. You’ll never be ready if you don’t go out, shoot films and make mistakes.”- TreePotatoes
Pop Culture TDP Mentee Showcase & Mentor Sharing Session
Date: 3 July 2016
Time: 7:15pm- 8:00pm (Butterworks), 8:30pm-9:15pm (TreePotatoes)
Venue: *SCAPE Talent Hub, Gallery
Seats are running out fast! Click Journey to producing film
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Image source: to sign up!
A world of Urban Art – try your hand at Silk screening and Marble Art
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Always wondered what silk screening is all about? Just head down to the silk screening station and give it a go! You’ll learn to burn and print your chosen design (a wide range is available!) onto a screen and cloth.
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Image source: YouTube[/caption]
If you’d like to try something more quirky, get crafty with marbling art! Not sure what that’s about? In short, it’s a method that allows you to produce beautiful patterns similar to smooth marble. Let your creativity flow, you’ll never know what you can come up with!
Available from 1st – 3rd July
Time: 12:00pm-10:00pm
Venue: Between Wisma Atria and Ngee Ann City, Civic Plaza
Don’t miss this opportunity to define your own future
“Trust your instincts and be bold about following your dreams.”- ShiGGa Shay
Be blown away by the 96 youth mentees, discover your hidden talent, or find your life’s purpose, SHINE Festival will help you think big and dream big! It’s a must visit event, so grab your buddies, realise your dreams together, and conquer the world!
Take this step to create your future, one that is full of energy and passion, with like-minded youths. What better time than now?
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Image source: Shine Festival[/caption]
Fun fact: Do you know that July is Singapore’s Youth Month and Youth Day is celebrated on the first Sunday of July?
SHINE Festival is also a kick-start to Youth Month – an entire month filled with exciting programmes and activities that will be held over the month for the Youths, by the Youths! Do look out for Stars of SHINE, as National Youth Council (NYC) goes on the hunt for the next youth inspiration!
SHINE Festival – #YOURNEXTSTAGE
Date: 1-3 July, 2016
Venue: Orchard Road, from Ion Orchard to *SCAPE Talent Hub
Facebook: Facebook Page. You can also stand a chance to win passes to 박재범 Jay Park (AOM)’s sharing session for the best dabbers. Be sure to come down to #SHINEFest to chase your passion, #YourNextStage is only a dab away.
https://www.facebook.com/shinefestival/videos/1020831411286773/
It’s all about letting your creativity take the next stage. Hit us with your best dab in our dab challenge, and stand a chance to meet Jay Park! Here’s how –
- Post an Instavideo of yourself doing a dab while doing something you’re passionate about.
- Tell us why you are passionate about what you’re doing and hashtag #YourNextStage #SHINEFest.
- Challenge 2 other friends to better your dab by nominating them!
- Only 3 winners stand a chance to win passes to a sharing session by Jay Park on 3rd July, so best dabs only!
- Contest closes on 2nd July, so stay tuned for more deets!
This article is brought to you by Discover SG x National Youth Council.
Zouk At Sea: Party On A Luxury Cruise Like There’s No Tomorrow
Guess where Zouk’s latest outlet is? If you’re guessing Marina Bay or Resorts World Sentosa… you’re in for a brand new experience because Zouk is sailing into new waters by opening a club on a luxury cruise ship – Zouk At Sea! And the best part of all, this ship will stop in Singapore on November 4 this year on its maiden voyage to Guangzhou.
Titled Zouk At Sea, this club will be housed in Genting Dream, the newest cruise ship by Genting Hong Kong, the casino and cruise-line conglomerate which bought over our home-grown most happening club from its founder Lincoln Cheng last year.
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Image source: South China Morning Post[/caption]
Singaporeans can join a two-night trip with this cruise from $561 per person when the ship stops at our shores this November 4. If two nights of partying is too short for you, there is also the seven-night cruise from Singapore to Hong Kong departing on November 6 which stops by three cities of Vietnam – Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang and Danang. Prices start from $1,759 per person, including a night’s stay at Hong Kong and a return flight on Cathay Pacific.
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Zouk Singapore souce: Asia Bars[/caption]
Like the one at Jiak Kim Street, Zouk At Sea is made up of several concepts. It consists of an indoor dance club, a retro sports bar with billiards and a two-lane bowling alley, as well as the Zouk Beach – an outdoor day and night party deck with a splash pool that spells party all.day.long. More importantly, top international DJs will be brought on board for special events.
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Image source: Alux[/caption]
So what is this Genting Dream cruise all about? It’s an 18-deck, 3,352 passenger liner which cost a massive €707.2 million (about $1 billion) to build. Unlike the traditional family-oriented Star Cruise, this cruise line caters to the lifestyle-oriented and hip travellers who are looking for something fun yet different. It boasts over 1,100 square metres of luxury shops, champagne bar, whisky bar, Shanghai-style lounge for cabaret and burlesque acts, and more entertainment and gastronomical options.
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Image source: Dream Cruises[/caption]
On top of that, the Genting Dream is the only vessel in Asia to offer underwater tours. The tour takes up to four guests and one pilot for a 45-minute trip to explore the sea in a submarine. That is literally setting the bar super high!
Now who is saying Aye-Aye captain to this brand new Zouk At Sea?
ZOUK AT SEA (Genting Dream’s Singapore Stopover)
Date: 4 November 2016 (2 Nights)
Price: $561++ per person
ZOUK AT SEA (Singapore -> Hong Kong)
Date: 6 November 2016 ( 7 Nights)
Price: $1,759++ per person (including a night stay at Hong Kong and a return flight on Cathay Pacific)
Stops: Vietnam (Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang and Danang)
(Header image credit: Dream Cruises)
Also read: 5 Exceedingly Unique Dining Places – Restaurants With A Twist
Beerfest Asia 2016 – Bottoms Up To Your Favourite Beers & More!
Nothing can be better than spending your weekend having a good cold beer, chilling out to live music and comedy acts, and playing exciting games! This 16 to 19 June, Beerfest Asia returns for its 8th edition featuring over 500 international brews from more than 35 exhibitors. Drop by Marina Promenade’s waterfront and be ready to taste, sample, and compare craft brews around the world.
Don’t fret if you’re not a beer lover, there’s something for everyone at Beerfest Asia 2016! Read on to know more about the exciting events happening during this four-day booze extravaganza, an event definitely not to be missed!
You’ll get to sample over 500 beers
At Beerfest Asia, visitors can expect the largest selection of over 500 international beers from more than 35 exhibitors. To help you out with the wide array of selections, beer sampling platters are available from $8 per platter. Each platter has six portions (50ml each) of beer. Be ready to pick up a reusable sampling glass from any exhibitors and be on your way to taste as many beers and ciders as you can! This is a good way to find out what you like before chugging down on its bottles. Click 
Image credit: Harry’s[/caption]
At Beerfest Asia, you’ll never go hungry. Good food is necessary to pair with those cold beers, ciders and spirits. To feed your hungry pangs, an extensive selection of delicious grub and treats are available from Harry’s, Mr & Mrs Maxwell’s and Tiger’s Milk.
Be spoilt for choice as you chomp on a wide range of snacks from Mr & Mrs Maxwell’s popular wings to Tiger’s Milk Peruvian Para Picars.
Not to be missed tribute acts and local bands
Once you’ve filled up on those good beers, head down to one of the three music stages featuring 30 International tribute acts, local bands and DJs. Sing along to your favourite rock ballads and classic hits at the Rock Marquee while you enjoy internationally acclaimed beers. If you are looking for a more chill out atmosphere, the Blue Marquee is the place for you. Surrounded with craft beers from around the globe, relax as you unwind to the blue vibes. Newest to the festival is the Electronic Marquee with an all-female DJ line up to get you partying and dancing through the night.
With non-stop music at all hours of the festival, you’re guaranteed of good entertainment and vibes! Be sure to drop by all the different marquees to discover different beers. Click 
If you’re in for a laugh, make your way to the Comedy Lounge on site. Catch comedy acts Lars Callieous, Wes Zaharuk from Canada, and regional acts as well as our local heroes. The prefect way to destress and enjoy your weekend.
Tickets to Comedy Show are priced at $28 (in the form of Beerfest Currency).
Enjoy a fun time of pub games
Once you’re full, entertained, and satisfied, gather your friends for a fun time of pub games. From a game of Beer Pong to Darts and Pool Ball, fight to fierce competition or simply enjoy a friendly match to begin with. You’ll have a ball of a time!
Kids get their own fair share of fun too
On Sunday, The Comedy Lounge will be turned into a recreational room for 3 to 12 years old kids. An indoor bouncy castle and art & crafts activities will be available. The area will be all supervised by the Beerfest Asia crew. So don’t worry, enjoy a couple of beers while you leave your kids in the good hands of the crew!
Do note that a $10 (in the form of Beerfest Currency) fee is required and the last kid must be picked up by 6pm sharp! Parents are able to enter the Brew Kids Playard for free if they’d like to accompany their children.
Beerfest Asia – Details
There’s no better way to bring on the weekend than having a nice cold pint of beer and some good company. With so many choices of beer to choose from, it can be confusing, but whether you’re a seasoned beer drinker or a tippling amateur, Beerfest is definitely the festival you must visit! Soak up the fun and be entertained by live music and comedians, we’re sure you’ll be in for a good time.
For more information, visit their official 
Getting there
Via MRT: Alight at Circle Line’s Promenade Station. Exit via A.
By Car: Park at Singapore Flyer’s Car park (Limited lots available). Other car parks to consider are Marina Square, Suntec City and Millenia Walk.
By Taxi: Drop off at the taxi stand of Singapore Flyer and take a 3 minute walk.
16 to 19 June (Thu-Sun)
Admission: From $25 for a one-day advance pass to $180 for a one-day VIP Package.
Festival Hours: Thu 6pm-1am, Fri 6pm-2am, Sat 3pm-2am, Sun 2pm-10pm
Location: Marina Promenade
Beerfest Asia is presented by Redmart. The festival honours and recognises the very best beer in the industry. Click here for Redmart’s extensive selection of alcohol available for delivery.
(All images are from Beerfest Asia official website and Facebook, otherwise stated)
Also read: 6 Affordable Japanese Buffets So You Can Gorge On Fresh Sashimi!
Going To Singapore Coffee Festival? Here Are The Details You Need To Know
The very first Singapore Coffee Festival (SCF) is finally here at F1 Pit Building!
Set to take place from 10 to 12 June (11am-9pm), this three-day event boasts over 100 exhibitors from the coffee and cafe industry. If you want to learn how to make a decent cup of coffee at home, or want to sample top coffee roasts from around the word, this is your one stop shop!
But what else is happening and where to get tickets? Don’t worry, we’re here to answer your brewing questions.
1.Getting there
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGdnbNODtlh/?tagged=sgcoffeefest
To get to F1 Pit Building, you can take the MRT to Promenade (Exit A – 0.38KM to venue), Nicoll Highway (0.94 KM to venue) or Esplanade (0.98 KM to venue).
Alternatively, you can take the bus (click General: 1-day access, workshops and lab sessions, music stages, SCF tote bag full of goodies ($18)
Grab your tickets now HERE. Do note that you need to bring the printed ticket as a proof of purchase to be exchanged for a spiffy non-transferable wristband at the venue entrance. https://www.instagram.com/p/BGdSHKnSxCu/?tagged=sgcoffeefest The festival promises to be an interactive multi-sensory experience and a platform to showcase local craftsmanship in speciality coffee, without forgetting Singapore’s unique and rich kopi heritage. You get to experience live on-site home barista challenge showcases, education talk sessions, local kopi showcase and have a chat with baristas, cafe owners, wholesale retailers and coffee lovers alike. https://www.instagram.com/p/BGV9bjerjQf/ A series of workshop ranging from Fundamental Barista Skills to Latte Art and even Coffee and Chocolate Pairing are available at the festival. If you’re one of those who wonder why you have to pay so much for a cup of coffee, we highly recommend you to check out the An Introduction to Specialty seminar. There’s also a Women In Coffee which piqued our interest. Click 5. Is the SCF ALL about coffee?
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGdApWdDkwG/?tagged=sgcoffeefest https://www.instagram.com/p/BGdfktHq1lA/?taken-at=1029992736 The Singapore Coffee Festival may be a celebration of coffee but there are non-coffee vendors as well. There’s Prana Chai from Melbourne, Amazin’ Graze with their amazingly healthy any yummy snacks, Boulangerie Asanoya (2 loaves of tea bread at $5!) and salted egg yolk chips from The Golden Duck. If you’re feeling hungry, fill up your tummy with some noms from Symmetry, The Coastal Settlement, The Hangar and top it all off with some delicate French pastries as dessert from Paul. https://www.instagram.com/p/BGcCIPnk4bi/?taken-at=1029992736 F&B aside, ToTT store will also be having 20-30% discount on some of their kitchen items and the Jamie Oliver’s kitchen line can be found there too. Click On top of that, great music goes really well with a good cuppa coffee right? While you’re at it, don’t forget to catch performers such as Charlie Lim, Inch Chua, Cashew Chemist and many more. Click 6. On-site Facilities
https://www.instagram.com/p/BGdOgWBKYvM/?taken-at=1029992736 With the indoor air-conditioning and all that coffee, don’t worry, restrooms are available at the festival venue. Also, the festival takes place over multiple floors. For those who find it difficult to take the stairs, the F1 Pit Building has elevators to ensure access to both levels of event. https://www.instagram.com/p/BGbBPWHP_PD/?taken-by=cshhcoffee Cold Brew lovers out there, you have to try Chye Seng Huat Hardware’s Bottled Cold Brew Coffee. It is only available at the festival and has a great rich flavour you won’t wanna miss. Looking for something warm with a kick? Check out Common Man Coffee Roasters for your pick me up cuppa. Singapore Coffee FestivalDo note that the festival may be a ticketed event BUT drinks, food and certain workshops are chargeable (A cuppa coffee starts from as low as $4).
3. What to expect?
4. What workshops are available?
7. Lastly, any recommendations?
Date: 10-12 June 2016
Time: 11am- 9pm
Venue: The F1 Pit Building
Address: 1 Republic Boulevard, 038975
Website: SG Coffee Fest
