7 Crazy Things You Won’t Believe Singaporeans Would Eat (Or Sell!)

Remember the television show ‘Fear Factor’? The show where contestants would face their fears, which often required them to do gross things like bob their heads in tubs of blood or eat live earthworms. Despite it being a blood-curdling, stomach-churning 60 minutes, it was hard to look away.

What if you could experience Fear Factor for yourself, right here in Singapore?

We went out and found the craziest things you wouldn’t believe Singaporeans (or anyone for that matter) would eat! The only difference is that true to Singapore’s Foodie Nation title, these foods are actually pretty yummy.

Let’s kick things off with Imperial Restaurant. Formerly known as Imperial Herbal, this branch, located at Riverview Hotel, was first opened in 1988, specialising in traditional Chinese health concepts incorporated into unique, gourmet dishes.

[caption id="attachment_22076" align="aligncenter" width="980"] Photo Credit: As per most Chinese restaurants, you can find items like Buddha Jumps Over The Wall and Eight Treasure Rice in Lotus Leaf on the menu. Besides its use of Chinese herbs as ingredients, what makes Imperial Restaurant particularly unique is its use of ingredients such as crocodile, scorpion, deer penis, and goose web.

1. Crocodile: Braised Crocodile Tail

A tough, gamey meat that would usually have you on its plate, it comes as no surprise to anyone that crocodile is an uncommon dish. The chefs at Imperial Restaurant have mastered this protein by adding fragrant herbs to it and by braising it for hours.

[caption id="attachment_22068" align="aligncenter" width="800"]
Photo Credit: A collagen-heavy portion of the crocodile, the Braised Crocodile Tail is soft and gelatinous in texture. Fragrant herbs and spices are infused into every inch of this jelly-like dish, which is also great for smooth skin and strong hair! 

2. Penis: Deer Penis Soup

[caption id="attachment_22070" align="aligncenter" width="512"] Photo Credits:
A natural aphrodisiac that’s right up there with ginseng and saffron, Deer Penis soup is often thought to be beneficial for men in the bedroom. Besides helping create a new generation of little you’s, this dish is savoury and delicious too! Much better than swallowing a tiny blue pill, wouldn’t you say?

3. Web Of Feet: Braised Goose Web

Who knew you could eat the web of a goose’s feet?

[caption id="attachment_22069" align="aligncenter" width="800"] Photo Credit: Braised to succulent perfection, the web is delicate but flavourful, having absorbed the herby fragrance of the soup it was braised in. Having been braised for hours, each morsel of meat falls easily from the bone, making it a great dish for toddlers and elderly alike.

4. Insects: Fried Scorpions & Black Ants

This special dish is an off-menu specialty at Imperial Restaurant, one of the only dining establishments in Singapore allowed to serve cooked insects due to its reputation as a traditional Chinese herbs restaurant.

[caption id="attachment_22071" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Photo Credits: Fried golden brown and satisfyingly crunchy, scorpions are sometimes recommended by practitioners for treating headaches and joint aches. Black ants, on the other hand, can help regulate the immune system, relax fatigue and have anti-aging properties. Or you could just order this to show off your daredevil side!

Imperial Restaurant
Address: Riverview Hotel Level 2, 382 Havelock Road, Singapore 169629
Tel: 6337 0491
Opening Hours: Mon to Fri: 1130 – 1430; 1800 – 2230; Sat & Sun: 1130 – 2300
Website

5. Fallopian Tubes: Fried Fallopian Tubes

Fried eggs are a breakfast staple, but what about fried fallopian tubes?

[caption id="attachment_22072" align="aligncenter" width="640"] Photo Credits: A delicacy that is essentially flavourless, the fallopian tubes of a female pig are actually quite juicy. Stir-fry them with a little garlic, ginger and soya sauce, and you’ve got a delicious meal!

Old Mother Traditional Herbal Soup
Address: Blk 59 New Upper Changi Road, Singapore 461059
Tel:
6841 8789
Opening Hours: Daily: 1100 – 1400; Daily: 1700 – 0130

6. Sperm: Cod Fish Sperm (Shirako)

Bend (your stomach) like Beckham, who had a taste of this dish in 2015 when he visited Singapore.

[caption id="attachment_22073" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Photo Credits: koi-thailand.net[/caption]

Shirako can be eaten either raw or cooked, and it melts in your mouth like butter! If you can swallow the knowledge that you’re eating fish sperm, give it a try at Teppei Japanese Restaurant!

Teppei Japanese Restaurant
Address
: #01-18, Orchid Hotel, 1 Tras Link, Singapore 078867‎
Tel: 6222 7363
Opening Hours: Daily 1200 – 1430; Daily 1800 – 2230
Website

7. Squid Innards: Shiokara

Cream cheese goes well with so many things: salmon, chives, and even shiokara! To those of you not in the know, that’s fermented squid innards to you.

[caption id="attachment_22074" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: @Izakayamita[/caption]

Briny and creamy, similar in texture and taste to that of uni (sea urchin), the cream cheese helps mellow the intense flavour of the shiokara.

Shukuu Izakaya
Address: 8 Stanley St, 068727
Tel: 6327 9240
Opening Hours: 1:30AM–2PM, 5:30–11PM

While the thought of eating deer penis and cod fish sperm might make your stomach turn, these restaurant have mastered these unusual ingredients and made incredibly tasteful delicacies out of them.

If reading this article has piqued your interest, maybe you should head down to one of these places to try some of these out. It’s one thing to read about them, but it’s another altogether to experience them for yourself!

These Light Art Installations Popping Up At Marina Bay Will Make You See Nature In A Whole New Light

i Light Marina Bay is back for its fifth edition, featuring 20 light-art installations from 9 different countries.

Although this year, there are 5 less installations from i Light 2016’s 25, this year’s festival will feature three festival hubs and a collaboration with international light festivals.

Urchin

[caption id="attachment_22933" align="aligncenter" width="750"] By night, the lace structure inspired by the sea urchin illuminates the viewer. By day, intricate shadows are cast by the sunlight onto the boardwalk and passers-by. (Photo Credits: Choi+Shine Architects)[/caption]

Themed ‘Light & Nature’, i Light Marina Bay 2017 explores the intriguing tension between Singapore the concrete jungle and the ever present light and nature in our garden city.

Three New Festival Hubs

This year, the annual event caters more to families with its three festival hubs that feature sustainability workshops, activities for kids, and several F&B outlets. 

Located at The Promontory @ Marina Bay, The Float @ Marina Bay and the Bayfront Event Space, parents can bring their children to each of these three areas for some family-friendly fun!

The Colourful Garden of Light

[caption id="attachment_22928" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Brightly lit flower and butterfly sculptures tower over the viewer, celebrating the coming of Spring in the midst of our urban lives. (Photo Credits: Tilt)[/caption]

For the tiny tots, parents of toddlers can head to The Float @ Marina Bay for the Art Zoo, where the children can go crazy on the inflatable playground, set majestically in a colourful zoological garden. With giant inflatable animal sculptures, this is a hands-on experience not to be missed by both Mummy and Baby.

Want to teach your older kids about recycling, urban farming and kinetic energy? The Promontory @ Marina Bay is the place for you! It features the Fantastical World of eco.me, a learning experience made fun by The Rice Company, an arts and cultural non-profit organisation in Singapore.

To satisfy your tummies after a long day of learning and interacting with the installations, the Bayfront Event Space will provide you with a spread of yummy treats. To round up the day, you and your tired kids can also enjoy the live music performances!

Ocean Pavilion

[caption id="attachment_22932" align="alignnone" width="930"] 20,000 crowd-sourced recycled plastic bottles will be added to the original metal structure, which will be lit with energy-efficient LED light. This immense light-art piece shows us the beauty in being green. (Photo Credits: Luke Jerram)[/caption]

The introduction of the three family-friendly festival hubs is meant to help “reinforce the position of Marina Bay as a sustainable precinct”, says festival Director and Director (Place Management) of URA, Mr Jason Chen.

With the main focus of the i Light Marina Bay festival being environmental stability, Mr Chen adds that the URA is “glad to be able to involve our local community and younger generation to contribute to this meaningful festival.”

Ultra (Light)

[caption id="attachment_22941" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Made from 150 3D-printed nodes, this structure stands at 2.5m tall and allows viewers to get up close and personal with it. (Photo Credits: Felix Raspall, Carlos Banon, Manuel Garrido and Mohan Elara)[/caption]

International light-art installations

Along with the new festival hubs are light-art installations from 9 countries, including France, Sweden, and the United Kingdom.

i Light Marina Bay 2017 will also be collaborating with international light festivals, namely the Bella Skyway Festival in Poland, the Scottsdale Canal Convergence in the United States and the Amsterdam Light Festival in The Netherlands.

In return for three wonderful installations, we will be sending an installation by local artist Lee Yun Qin.

Moonflower

[caption id="attachment_22930" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Using solar-powered LED light to glow in the dark, this beautiful display shows the strangely complementary relationship between nature and technology, especially in our tiny tech-focused nation. (Photo Credits: Lee Yun Qin)[/caption]

Her installation, ‘Moonflower’, featuring over 800 luminescent flowers made of wire mesh, will be showcased at the Scottsdale Canal Convergence 2017 in the United States.

For a minimum price of $5, these 800 over stalks of flowers will be up for grabs to the public, with all proceeds going to the Garden City Fund, a charity supporting urban biodiversity and landscaping efforts in Singapore.

Northern Lights

[caption id="attachment_22931" align="aligncenter" width="750"] A symbol of friendship, Stockholm-based artist Aleksandra programmed her light-art installation to create an unpredictable curtain of light. (Photo Credits: Aleksandra Stratimirovic)[/caption]

In exchange, we in Singapore will be the happy recipients of Northern Lights by Swedish artist Aleksandra Stratimirovic,  HYBYCOZO by American artist Yelena Filipchuk and Canadian artist Serge Beaulieu, and Home by Anna Galas from Poland.

Home

[caption id="attachment_22929" align="alignnone" width="930"] Using only light, Anna reimagines a simple sketch of Home as a 3D light display. (Photo Credits: Anna Galas)[/caption]

When asked for the inspiration behind the international collaborations this year, Festival Curator and Principal Architect of Zarch Collaboratives, Mr Randy Chan, said that through collaboration, they hope to “bring our local artists to an international level”, as well as to “give a larger footprint to what i Light Marina Bay can do, not just in Singapore itself”.

HYBYCOZO

[caption id="attachment_22969" align="alignnone" width="800"] Inspired by it’s creators’ favourite book, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, this structure is a dazzling harmony between by science, technology and geometry. (Photo Credits: Yelena Filipchuk and Serge Beaulieu)[/caption]

Noting that the theme of Light & Nature was a perfect fit with “the backdrop of the garden city we live in,” Mr Chan added that “[it] is encouraging to see continued interest and participation from local and international artists and [he] hope[s] the art work will inspire visitors to kick-start their personal sustainable journey.”

Lending a strange beauty to the Marina Bay waterfront promenade this year, the i Light festival is an event you won’t want to miss! Come on down from March 3-26 to check out these incredible, educational and environmentally-conscious art-light installations! You definitely won’t regret bringing your friends and family to check out i Light Marina Bay 2017.

i Light Marina Bay
3-26th March 2017
Marina Bay Waterfront: Free Admission*
Main event 7:30PM to 11:00PM (extended to 12:00mn on Fri & Sat nights)

*Charges apply for some attractions. See i Light Marina Bay website for more details.

Also read, Because Skydiving Is Expensive AF, iFly Singapore Lets You Enjoy The Flight Without Feeling The Burn

10 Foods Invented By Singaporeans That Will Give You Massive #SGPride

A foodie’s paradise with cuisines from all over the world, Singapore is probably the one country where eating is a national pastime.

For a country that loves food so much, it’s no wonder we’ve taken it upon ourselves to invent new culinary delights. Here are 10 amazing foods invented by Singaporeans that will give you massive #SGPride!

1. Chilli Crab

Ask any tourist what Singapore’s national dish is and the answer will probably be Chilli Crab.

Sweet, savoury and lightly spicy with thick threads of beaten eggs floating through its sauce, eating Chilli Crab is always a messy affair.

[caption id="attachment_22868" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Photo Credits: Madam Cher Yam Tien, a chef who ran a pushcart business with her husband back in 1956, decided to spice up their crab recipes upon her husband’s suggestion. It was an immediate crowd favourite, landing them so many orders a night, they ended up opening up their own restaurant: Drench your rice in the sauce or dunk a fried mantou right in–there’s no wrong way to do it! 

2. Fish Head Curry 

South Indian or Assam style, Fish Head Curry is another classic Singaporean dish.

[caption id="attachment_22869" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: The story goes that MJ Gomez, a South Indian restaurant owner in the 1950s, sold curry in a colonial building at Mt. Sophia. In an attempt to connect with the Chinese community, he incorporated whole fish heads into his curries, thus inventing the Fish Head Curry we know and love today.

While the fish head might be a jarring sight for first-timers, it has arguably the most tender meat on the fish. Imagine that soft, juicy fish smothered in a tangy, spicy curry full of vegetables. Pair that with a side of rice, and you’ve got yourself a complete meal!

3. Yam Ring 

This may not be as iconic as Chilli Crab or Fish Head Curry, but this is a Singaporean dish through and through. Found at most zichar stores across the island, this crispy yet creamy dish just can’t be beat.

But have you ever wondered how it got its special shape and name?

[caption id="attachment_22875" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: Chef Hooi Kok Wai, former chef at the old Cathay Restaurant in 1958, needed to prove his love and dedication to his fiance, Leong Ah Lin. Struck by inspiration and with his obvious dedication to cooking, he invented the Yam Ring, a circle of mashed yam fried golden brown, surrounding a bed of stir-fried vegetables drowned in a silky sauce.

If you want a taste of this romantic dish, you can find it at the couple’s Did you Lou Hei this Chinese New Year? As you were shouting out New Year wishes (and trying to bring the salmon sashimi closer to you), did you know that Lou Hei is a singularly Singaporean dish and activity?

[caption id="attachment_22876" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: Silverkris[/caption]

Lou Hei Yu Sheng literally means to toss raw fish in Cantonese. Fishermen in Guangzhou used to eat raw fish on Renri, the 7th day of Chinese New Year. In 1964, chefs Tham Yui Kai, Lau Yoke Pui, Sin Leong and Hooi Kok Wai decided to popularise it as a lucky Chinese delicacy.

As a result, the popular dish now consists of a plate of raw fish (typically ikan parang or mackarel) with radish strips, carrot strips, pickled ginger, crushed nuts and pomelo. The dish is then sprinkled with deep-fried flour crisps, peanuts, sesame seeds, and cinnamon, then doused with a specially proportioned sauce consisting of plum sauce, kumquat paste, rice vinegar and sesame oil.

5. Singapore Sling 

I mean, of course we would include the Singapore Sling to this list! It literally has the word “Singapore” in it.

While the exact year of its creation remains a mystery, the most popular story goes that this drink was invented by a Hainanese bartender, Ngiam Toon Boon, at Raffles Hotel in 1915.

[caption id="attachment_22873" align="alignnone" width="820"] Photo Credits: The mystery continues with the original recipe lost to the hidden annals of history, but the current recipe of this deliciously Singaporean drink goes: gin (30ml), cherry brandy (15ml), Cointreau (7.5ml), DOM Benedictine (7.5ml), Angostura bitters (dash), grenadine (10ml), pineapple juice (120ml) and lime juice (15ml).

We’d recommend leaving it to the professionals at Pasar Malam (Singaporean night markets) these days are getting so artisanal, it’s become much easier to find rainbow bagels and ice cream macaroons than the classic Tutu Kueh.

They say nostalgia is powerful, so we’re going to try and help you remember how great Tutu Kuehs are.

[caption id="attachment_22874" align="alignnone" width="1024"]
Photo Credits: Named after the sound made by the steamers used to cook these kuehs, Tutu Kuehs are made by first filling the metal moulds with sifted rice flour, removing the centre portion of the rice flour, dropping a ball of grated coconut in the middle, covering the mould with more rice flour, and finally, smoothing it with a cloth-covered stamp.

This steamed kueh is sweet, savoury and very light, making it nearly impossible to stop after one.

7. Purple Bread 

Most of these Singaporean dishes were invented in the 1950s, but Singaporeans have not stopped inventing local delights since.

One of the most recent culinary creations is Purple Bread, invented by Professor Zhou Weibao at the National University of Singapore. 

[caption id="attachment_22871" align="alignnone" width="735"]
Photo Credits: White bread is hated on by nutritionists world-wide for being digested too quickly, spiking blood sugar levels and its link to obesity. In comes Professor Zhou–whom we suspect is a fellow carb lover–with Purple Bread.

His solution was simple: he added anthocyanins from black rice, which provide antioxidant qualities, into bread. With its addition, the bread turned purple, digestion rate of the bread slowed by 20%, and when baked at 200 degrees Celsius, 80% of the antioxidant qualities are still preserved in the breadcrust and crumbs.

Here’s to hoping purple bread will be commercially produced soon!

8. Zoylent

Sound familiar? (cough Soylent cough)

Founder Alvin Chong was initially inspired by Soylent and their open-source nature, which encouraged people to take on and improve Soylent as it was.

[caption id="attachment_22877" align="alignnone" width="960"] Photo Credits: Zoylent[/caption]

A health-conscious individual with a busy work schedule himself, Alvin decided to hop onto the Soylent train. Marketed as a meal replacer that has “all of the elements of a healthy diet, with limited contribution from less desirable components such as sugars, saturated fats, or cholesterol”, it sounded like a futuristic dream come true.

He decided to switch from passenger to conductor after one sip. Malty but otherwise flavourless and boring, Alvin’s Singaporean identity as a foodie kicked in and he set about improving the flavour by 1000%.

Working with a food technologist and an R&D team in Malaysia, Zoylent was thus created, a vanilla-coconut-y drink that will save you the time and money a typical lunch might waste.

9. GSH Conserves

Jam shouldn’t be restricted to berries, marmalade or coconut and eggs (à la Kaya) and Joey Gan of GSH Conserves agrees.

[caption id="attachment_22870" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: Focused on celebrating the greatness of seasonal produce found in our region, GSH Conserves also aims towards environmental conservation by reducing Food Miles. By cutting down on the number of miles food travels to reach our plates, Joey believes regionally and locally sourced foods are better for the earth and the regional economy.

Not to mention, flavours such as Dragonfruit Lychee, JooChiat Mango and Mango Lime are such local favourites, who wouldn’t want to eat them day and night?

10. Singapore Salad Sauce 

If these Singaporean-invented foods are still not Singaporean enough for you, then how about the ultimate Singapore Salad Sauce?

[caption id="attachment_22872" align="aligncenter" width="448"] Photo Credits: Invented by three School of Chemical and Life Sciences students at Singapore Polytechnic, together with their industry partners RevoPack Pte Ltd and Fountainhead Manufacturing Pte Ltd, the Singapore Salad Sauce is the result of combining spices from around the region.

Available in Spicy and Fusion flavours, the sauces are halal-certified and come in shelf-stable packaging.

For now, the Singapore Salad Sauce can be found at the Vantage Gourmet’s Singapore Premium Food Gift Boutique Café at Changi Airport and at Kerry Ingredients (S) Pte Ltd.

If these 10 Singaporean-invented foods don’t give you massive #SGPride, can you even call yourself a Singaporean? Whether back in the 1910s or today in 2017, Singaporeans have not stopped pushing the boundaries of food, and we’re so proud to be part of this innovative, foodie country!

Also read, 20 Pictures That Show How Singapore Looked Like 20 Years Ago

Hide & Seek: Find These Hidden Books In Your Neighbourhood And You’ll Get To Keep Them.

Fancy playing hide and seek with books?

Starting from today to 24 February, there’ll be 50 published books hidden all across Singapore’s 5 heartland areas!

Placed in public spaces such as walkways, benches, parks and void decks, you will get to keep a book if you find it.

What’s this all about?

A project supported by the National Arts Council, the Buy SingLit movement aims to celebrate Singapore’s literature.

Advocating ‘Buy Local, Read Our World’, homegrown book publishers, retailers and literary non-profits have come together, all in the effort of encouraging the discovery and appreciation of stories from Singapore, by Singaporeans.

Epigram Books has joined in the Buy SingLit Project with the ‘SingLit Heartland Book Drop’. The 50 hidden books are from Epigram books and will include picture books, chapter books, graphic novels, literary fiction and many more.

Through this initiative, Epigram Books hopes that more people will discover and enjoy Singapore’s literature, as well as support local writers.

When you’ve found a book, tag @epigrambooks on Instagram. Include the hashtags #BuySingLit, #HoldSGInYourHands and the serial number on the book. You’ll receive an e-voucher for a discount on your next purchase with Epigram Books.

So put on your running shoes, grab an empty backpack, and get ready to pick up some books!

Location of hidden books

The books will be hidden in the following areas from 17 to 26 February 2017:

  • North: Ang Mo Kio (17 February 2017)
  • South: Telok Blangah (22 February 2017)
  • East: Tampines (23 February 2017)
  • West: Clementi (24 February 2017)
  • Central: Bugis-Bras Basah (24 February 2017)

For hints on the hidden book, click here. It’ll be updated with each dropped book!

Buy SingLit Movement
[email protected]
20 Pictures That Show How Singapore Looked Like 20 Years Ago – #2 Was How Marina Bay Looked!

A #TBT To How S’pore Looked Like 20 Years Ago – We Felt A Wave Of Nostalgia Looking At #2!

10 years ago, it was the year 2007. And the 90’s were 20 whole years ago. Does anyone else feel old?

From the 1990s to the current day, Singapore has gone through a tremendous change. Take a trip down memory lane with us through these 20 pictures of 1990s Singapore. You’ll be surprised at how different Singapore is now compared to your childhood days.

1. Capitol Theatre

Then

[caption id="attachment_22754" align="alignnone" width="640"] Photo Credits: remembersingapore.org[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22770" align="alignnone" width="740"] Photo Credits: www.yoursingapore.com[/caption]

This 87-year-old landmark was first built in 1930, and could seat more than 1600 people in the auditorium.

By 1998, it screened its last movie and closed down, unable to compete with newer, more technologically advanced cinemas around Singapore. After 9 years, it was reopened again on May 19 2015. Now, there are movies as well as in-house theatre and dance productions featuring local and Asian repertoire.

2. Marina Bay Sands

[caption id="attachment_22766" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: www.marinabaysands.com[/caption]

The area where Marina Bay Sands now stands was initially just a huge reclaimed land.

With plans that have been in the works since 1983, the entire Marina Bay Sands project took 34 years to become the impressive integrated resort we know today.

With the completion of the Sands Theatre and Grand Theatre, we are now treated to globally renowned acts like The Lion King and Wicked. Coupled with the ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands has become THE place to be for everything cool, from arts and culture to shopping and eating!

3. National Library at Stamford Road

Then

[caption id="attachment_22081" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: Ng Cheng Kiang[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22082" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: Ng Cheng Kiang[/caption]

The original National Library of Singapore at Stamford Road was first completed in 1960, and for many of us, the place where our love for reading began.

On 31 March 2004, our collective hearts broke as the doors of the library closed for the last time. While we may miss the old library, the new national library is a sight to behold. Home to the Black Box, an outdoor garden and 7 full floors dedicated to the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library, the new National Library at Bras Basah helps to keeps our love for reading alive.

4. Bugis Street

Then

[caption id="attachment_22089" align="alignnone" width="768"] Photo Credits: www.nas.gov.sg[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22088" align="alignnone" width="800"] Photo Credits: www.singapore-guide.com[/caption]

Our very own Singapore-style version Taiwan Night Market, Bugis Street was where we flocked to for cheap clothes and apparels after school.

With our miniscule pocket money, Bugis Street was a godsend for the blossoming shopaholics in us. Cleaner, more fashionable and slightly pricier, new Bugis Street now hosts even more shops, some are even air-conditioned!

5. Playgrounds

Then

[caption id="attachment_22755" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: dannylovetosnap.blogspot.sg
Address: 28 Lorong 6 Toa Payoh, Singapore 310028[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22138" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits:

[caption id="attachment_22139" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits:

Back in the 90’s, going to the playground meant playing with kids from the neighbourhood, porcelain tiled dragon architecture, as well as bloody knees if we had the misfortune of falling in the sand.

These days, playgrounds are more avant-garde in design, with safe rubber-foam flooring. There is also a growing trend in inclusiveness, starting with playgrounds for children with special needs and special wheelchair swings.

6. Buses

Then

[caption id="attachment_22772" align="alignnone" width="640"] Photo Credits: remembersingapore.org[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22838" align="aligncenter" width="2304"] Credit: smrt.com.sg[/caption]

Decked in the iconic red and white colours of our nation, the buses of the past were stuffy, non-air conditioned, and dispensed paper tickets when you boarded the bus.

20 years down the road, we now see buses in different colours. Not just that, they’re also air-conditioned, wheelchair accessible and bus fares are now payable with cards.

7. National Stadium

Then

[caption id="attachment_22768" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: Yu Khing Poh[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22769" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: senatus.net[/caption]

The old Kallang Stadium was THE place to be for every primary 5 child a few days before National Day. Wearing red or white t-shirts to school, we were proud to wave our miniature national flags (all while digging through the goody bags for the yearly signature gifts).

On 30 June 2014, Singapore welcomed the new and improved National Stadium. An all-weather sports and events venue, it has a retractable roof that keeps out the rain and doubles as a huge projector screen. It even has a state-of-the-art cooling system, allowing for cool air at 23 degrees to be pumped out from beneath the seats. Partially powered by solar panels, the cool air is even environmentally friendly!

Having played host to singers like Stefanie Sun and Jay Chou, as well as the 28th SEA Games in 2015, the National Stadium provides a comfortable, yet magnificent stage for arts, culture and sports alike.

8. Sentosa

Then

[caption id="attachment_22786" align="alignnone" width="800"] Photo Credits: worldstotrek.wordpress.com[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22787" align="alignnone" width="970"] Photo Credits:Rwsentosa.com[/caption]

Do you remember having to take a ferry to Sentosa island? Back then, we were easily excited by the wax museum depicting Singapore’s past, as well as climbing up the huge Merlion statue.

Fast-forward 20 years and Sentosa island is now home to a huge amusement-resort. You’ll be surprised to know that this island is no longer just for the beach lovers and thrill seekers.

Theatre geeks and concertgoers can enjoy amazing performances like Yellowcard – The Final World Tour at Resorts World Theatre, and the daily Monster Rock show at Pantages Hollywood Theatre at Universal Studios Singapore.

9. MRT

Then

[caption id="attachment_22148" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: Calvin Teo[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22149" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: www.lta.gov.sg[/caption]

Back then, there were only 2 lines: Red and Green. More accurately, the North-South line and the East-West line. After that, you had to take a bus to get to your specific destination.

These days, there are 5 MRT lines with 2 more on the way, and 3 LRT lines. In the past, we didn’t need to refer to the System map when travelling somewhere new. Now, I find myself googling ‘MRT map’ very often.

10. Hard Rock Cafe

Then

[caption id="attachment_22152" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits:

Now

[caption id="attachment_22760" align="alignnone" width="644"] Photo Credits: ordinarypatrons.com[/caption]

The ever-famous Cadillac was taken down on May 16 2016 in preparation for a makeover of the Hard Rock Cafe. The 1961 Cadillac Series 62 Deville represented the Rock and Roll times that Hard Rock Cafe stood for.

Fortunately, Hard Rock Cafe is still rocking even without its signature Cadillac. With Kumar taking the stage alongside live music performances and open mic shows, Hard Rock Cafe keeps our love for music and comedy alive.

11. King Albert Park

Then

[caption id="attachment_22763" align="alignnone" width="800"] Photo Credits:

Now

Students of Bukit Timah, namely MGS, ACS, Nanyang Girls’, NJC and many others will always have fond memories of King Albert Park (affectionately known as KAP). Many after school hours were spent studying in McDonald’s, shopping at Cold Storage, and eating ice cream at Island Creamery.

Closed on 16 March 2014 for its transformation into a condominium, this is yet another childhood memory that we say goodbye to in our ever-developing Singapore.

12. Big Splash Complex at East Coast Park

[caption id="attachment_22788" align="alignnone" width="645"] Photo Credits: Akitek Tenggara Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore[/caption]

Before Wild Wild Wet or Adventure Cove, there was the Big Splash! Slides which were more than 6 storeys high. They were supposedly the tallest slides in the world back in 1977.

After 40 years of bringing water-related thrills to Singaporeans, the water park closed on 21 October 2016, and the land was returned to the government for redevelopment.

13. Marine Aquarium at Wisma Atria

A cheap alternative to Underwater world was to take a trip to Wisma Atria and stare at the fishes in the Marine Aquarium. Filled with exotic seawater fishes, corals and even tiny sharks, we would chase the swimming fishes round and round the 1.5m tall tank.

Sadly, good things don’t last forever. The Marine Aquarium was taken down in 2008 and the aquatic creatures were transferred to their new home at Underwater World Singapore.

14. Tang Dynasty Village

Then

[caption id="attachment_22790" align="alignnone" width="800"] Photo Credits:

Now

[caption id="attachment_22756" align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo Credits: Lam Chun See[/caption]

Opened in 1992, Tang Dynasty Village was a literal blast to the past where visitors could visit a replica of the Tang Dynasty Capital in Singapore.

Featuring an army of terracotta warriors, a courthouse, geisha house, camel rides and a wax museum among other displays, this attraction was totally cool but did not come cheap. Back then, $30 entrance fees were not affordable for some families.

Coupled with the 90’s Asian Economic Crisis, it closed down in 1999, after a short 7-year run.

15. Escape Theme Park

Then

[caption id="attachment_22791" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: Walter Wu[/caption]

Now

Escape Theme Park made way for an expansion of Wild Wild Wet

Who can forget travelling all the way to Pasir Ris to race in go-carts, splash down the Wet & Wild log-ride and be tossed about the insanely fast Panasonic/Alpha 8.

On November 26, 2011, we said goodbye to Escape Theme Park as plans for the Downtown East revamp began. Wild Wild Wet was opened next door shortly after the closure, but it just wasn’t the same.

16. Queenstown Cinema

[caption id="attachment_22793" align="alignnone" width="800"] Photo Credits: Skyscrapercity[/caption]

A cinema right beside a bowling alley, not to mention a KTV outlet, this was the best after school/work hang out for Queenstown residents.

I remember coming here after dinner with my cousins to bowl, even though we mostly watched the balls enter the gutters. Closed in 1999 and demolished in 2011, the rubble may be gone but the memories remain.

17. Istana Kampong Gelam (now Malay Heritage Centre)

[caption id="attachment_22765" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: www.ghettosingapore.com[/caption]

The Istana Kampong Gelam used to be the palace of Sultan Hussein Shah of Johor in 1819, where it went on to house generations of Sultan Hussein’s successors.

In 1999, after the Sultan Hussein Ordinance was enacted and revised for the last time, residents living in the Istana were resettled. In time, the building was restored and transformed into the Malay Heritage Centre in 2004.

With 6 permanent galleries showcasing stories and artefacts that tell of Kampong Gelam’s historical significance, as well as new monthly exhibits, visitors are given a precious insight into our country’s culture and history.

18. HMV at Heeren

Then

[caption id="attachment_22794" align="alignnone" width="640"] Photo Credits: Rob Young[/caption]

Now

[caption id="attachment_22840" align="aligncenter" width="1800"] Credit: theoutpost.biz[/caption]

Home to the first and last HMV store in Singapore, teens would flock here to listen to the latest album releases for free.

Opened in 1997, the 25,000-sqf store saw 8 years of music lovers pass through its 3 levels before closing officially on 30 September 2015.

19. Underwater World Singapore

The fishes from Wisma Atria’s Marine Aquarium found their way here and lived happily until 26 June 2016 when Underwater World Singapore closed down.

While the ‘bigger and better’ version, namely S.E.A Aquarium, held a whopping 100,000 plus marine animals of over 800 species, Underwater World’s 2,500 plus marine animals of 250 species was more than enough for our childhood.

20. A&W

[caption id="attachment_22798" align="alignnone" width="700"] Photo Credits:

These days, ask most teens if they know A&W and they’ll answer that it’s a carbonated root beer beverage. Back in the 90’s, it was a fast food restaurant on a boat! Stationed on the Stewards Riverboat at the Sentosa Coastline, it was the only fast food franchise that felt classy as you chow down on burgers, fries and an A&W Root Beer Float.

Singapore’s Transformation

These 20 pictures show us the immense change that Singapore has undergone since the 90’s, and with the ever-increasing development of our country, who knows whether our favourite places will stick around in 2037?

Make as many memories as possible by visiting and attending events, attractions, and activities in Singapore. So start visiting and get your cameras clicking away, before time takes away more of our monumental places in Singapore.

(Header image credit: With Over 1,000 Stalls, This Year’s Geylang Bazaar Will Keep You Coming Back For More 

Specially For PM Lee’s 65th Birthday – Here’s His Story In Pictures

It’s our Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong’s 65th birthday, and to pay tribute to his years of service and dedication to Singapore, we’ve compiled a photo series of his journey from a wee baby to being the PM Lee we all know and love today.

[caption id="attachment_22586" align="alignnone" width="768"] Photo Credits: Mrs Lee Kuan Yew’s collection[/caption]

Back then, PM Lee was the only child. Perhaps that’s why his grin was so wide.

The late Mr Lee Kuan Yew knew the importance of spending quality family time, taking PM Lee and his siblings out for a family trip every once in a while. Here we see an 11-year-old PM Lee, young and curious.

[caption id="attachment_22621" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: Ministry of Information and the Arts Collection, courtesy of National Archives of Singapore[/caption]

PM Lee visiting Lazarus Island with his father, the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew. This was not the first, nor the only time he accompanied his father on political trips.

[caption id="attachment_22619" align="alignnone" width="760"] PM Lee (14 years old) and sister Lee Wei Ling (10 years old) in 1966[/caption]

Winners of MOE’s National Language Month Essay and Poster Competitions, PM Lee and sister Lee Wei Ling are talented writers since their pre-teen years.

[caption id="attachment_22618" align="alignnone" width="762"] Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong was a member of the Catholic High School band in 1968[/caption]

A man of many talents, PM Lee was once a member of the Catholic High School band as well! He played the clarinet.

[caption id="attachment_22616" align="alignnone" width="720"] PM Lee during his National Service[/caption]

PM Lee graduated from Cambridge with a Double First Class Honours in Mathematical Statistics and Mathematical Economics, and a Diploma in Computer Science in 1974.

He then went on to obtain a Masters in Public Administration from Harvard in 1980.

PM Lee’s marriage to Wong Ming Yang back in 1981. It was a beautiful, quiet wedding.

[caption id="attachment_22617" align="alignnone" width="722"] PM Lee as a Member of Parliament in Teck Ghee, when he was 32 years old.[/caption]

PM Lee was appointed as the Director of Joint Operations Planning Directorate from 1981 to 1982. He then became the Chief of Staff (General Staff) from 1982 to 1984, by then having risen to the rank of Brigadier-General.

PM Lee left the SAF to pursue his true passion: Politics.

[caption id="attachment_22622" align="aligncenter" width="434"] PM Lee carrying his son Hongyi, while his wife Ho Ching was pregnant with Haoyi.[/caption]

A family portrait of PM Lee with his parents, siblings and children.

The swearing in ceremony of Prime Minister Lee in 2004, a solemn affair as the magnitude of his position sunk in.

It’s hard not to grin when your dad is congratulating you on becoming the Prime Minister of Singapore.

He gave us a big scare in August 2016 when he took ill on stage during the National Day Rally Speech.

The cause was due to exhaustion from being on his feet for hours, and he came back to stage after an hour to a standing ovation.

[caption id="attachment_22630" align="alignnone" width="650"] Photo Credits: Tsering Topgyal[/caption]

Stay cool, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. Here’s to a fantastic 65th birthday!

Also, read Happy Birthday PM Lee! Here Are 10 Reasons Singapore Has The Coolest Prime Minister

Happy Birthday PM Lee! Here Are 10 Reasons Singapore Has The Coolest Prime Minister

Happy 65th birthday, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong!

It’s been 13 years since you became the 3rd Prime Minister of Singapore, and with plans to step down in 2021, it seems like time is passing way too fast.

For now, let’s take a trip down memory lane and remind ourselves that Singapore has the ultimate coolest Prime Minister there ever was!

1. Fashionable

Even as a toddler, PM Lee was all charm. He was a suave fashionista, rocking high-waisted shorts and a million dollar smile.


Photo Credits: Mrs Lee Kuan Yew’s collection

These days, whether rocking a bow-tie and tuxedo,

[caption id="attachment_22607" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: Chip Somodevilla[/caption]

a soft batik shirt,

[caption id="attachment_22609" align="alignnone" width="763"] Photo Credits: MCI[/caption]

or a polka dotted maroon tie with a pink shirt,

our PM Lee still exudes a quiet, fashionable grace.

2. Totally Gungho!

While catching up with Ang Mo Kio GRC and Sengkang West grassroots leaders and volunteers during his Chinese New Year open house, he went all in for a jump shot when it was suggested.

[caption id="attachment_22602" align="alignnone" width="960"] Photo Credits: Terence Tan[/caption]

No holds barred, no second thoughts.

3. Selfie King

Possibly one of the most social media savvy politician out there, our PM Lee is truly the selfie king!

[caption id="attachment_22588" align="alignnone" width="710"] Photo Credits: Glenn Fawcett[/caption] [caption id="attachment_22587" align="alignnone" width="640"] Photo Credits: SPH[/caption] [caption id="attachment_22589" align="alignnone" width="763"] Photo Credits: OngWee Jin[/caption] [caption id="attachment_22590" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: Ernest Chua[/caption]

With unshaking hands and long arms, our Prime Minister is always down for taking a selfie with everyone, as long as you ask nicely.

4. Secret Photographer

If he wasn’t our Prime Minister, PM Lee would have made the cut as a world-renowned Photographer.

All taken from his Facebook page, these photos were shot by PM Lee himself:

There are long exposure shots, beautiful scenic pictures, and even candid kangaroo photos!

5. Great sense of humour

Back in August 2016, when PM Lee officially visited the United States, he took over the White House’s Instagram account for a day.

He them promptly proceeded to post this photo later on in the day, showing the Americans that they’re not the only one with a hilarious leader.

6. Ultimate trooper

Remember when PM Lee had taken ill during his National Day Rally speech on August 21st 2016?

[caption id="attachment_22599" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: Wee Teck Hian[/caption]

To everyone’s surprise and relief, he came back on stage insisting that he finish his speech.

The first thing he said?

“Thank you for waiting for me. I gave everyone a scare.”

Always putting us first, even when he was unwell.

7. Possibly a genius

Graduating from Cambridge in 1973 with Double First Class Honours in Mathematical Statistics and Mathematical Economics and a distinction in a Diploma in Computer Science, our Prime Minister was the first Singaporean to obtain the title of Senior Wrangler.

Senior Wrangler is the title given to the top mathematics undergraduate at Cambridge. With that title, PM Lee obtained one of the greatest intellectual achievements in Britain.

8. Sudoku solver

Yes, our Prime Minister literally wrote a C++ code for a Sudoku solver.

A code that Associate Professor Ng Wee Keong, the Associate Chair of Research at Nanyang Technological University’s School of Computer Engineering, as well as senior lecturer Aaron Tan of the School of Computing at National University of Singapore, called “well-structured” and “well-written” respectively.

9. Beloved by the public

With just an updated profile picture, PM Lee received over 20k likes, 316 shares and 399 comments.

Try scrolling through the comments section yourself and enjoy the wholesome messages posted.

10. Dedicated Prime Minister of Singapore

A man who constantly puts Singapore and her citizens first, PM Lee has spent the past 33 years in Singapore politics.

Happy 65th Birthday to you, Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong! Here’s wishing you good health, a wonderful birthday, and many happy returns.

*PM Lee was born on 10 February, 1952.

Also, read Look How Far Singapore Has Come! We Compare The Now & Then

7 Places To Buy Whacky Games That Aren’t Monopoly: From Game Of Thrones To Cards Against Humanity

What happened to the good old days when we sat around playing Monopoly with friends and family? That’s right, that game made or broke relationships with its ridiculous rules on land and property owning.

If you’re looking for board, card or team games that don’t jeopardise your relationships, check out these 7 places to go game shopping!

1. Toy Brick Station – Cards Against Humanity

Find all your board and card game needs at Toy Brick Station, where games suitable for all ages can be found.

[caption id="attachment_20571" align="alignnone" width="800"] (Photo credits: Toy Brick Station)[/caption]

That includes the outrageously funny, sometimes inappropriate but always a treat to play – Cards Against Humanity!

Cards Against Humanity

Unlike most card and board games, where victory and ruthless strategy is required to win, this card game brings people together with laughter.

[caption id="attachment_21591" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (Photo Credits: https://www.cardsagainsthumanity.com)[/caption]

A party game for anywhere between 3-20 people, each player first draws 10 white cards.

[caption id="attachment_21592" align="alignnone" width="800"] (Photo Credits: https://cardsagainsthumanity.com)[/caption]

In each round, 1 player will be the Card Czar pull out a black card and show it to the group.

Everyone else will have to answer the question or fill in the blank on that black card with 1 of their white cards, placed facedown on the ground.

Going in a circle, everyone presents their answer, and the funniest card wins the round!

[caption id="attachment_21593" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (Photo Credits: https://www.wired.com)[/caption]

Multiple versions of Cards Against Humanity can be found in their store, and it’s time to check out what else can be answered to the age-old question: What is Batman’s Guilty Pleasure?

Toy Brick Station
Address: 10, Jalan Serene, # 02 – 09/10/11, Serene Centre, Singapore 258748
(Photo Credits:

Constantly updating their stock with the latest in board and card games, you’ll most likely find latest releases with ToyTag.

7 Wonders

One of which is 7 Wonders. To be played in groups of any number between 2 and 7 players, this card game is split into three ages (rounds).

[caption id="attachment_21522" align="alignnone" width="1024"] 7 Wonders Board Game[/caption]

The premise of the game is simple: Each player is first given an ancient civilisation (one of the 7 wonders of the world).

Each player gets 1 resource, 3 coins and 7 cards and plays a card by placing it in their play area.

[caption id="attachment_21523" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (Photo Credits:

Some cards require resources to be played. If you don’t have that resource, you can buy it from the player next to you.

After everyone has had a turn playing and paying for their cards, everyone passes on their deck to the person to their right or left (based on the age of the players).

This continues until everyone is left with 2 cards in their hands, at which point one of the cards must be discarded, and the second age begins.

[caption id="attachment_21524" align="alignnone" width="1000"] (Photo Credits:

With each age comes cards that are more powerful, but they’ll also require more resources. Apart from buying them or using what you have, you can use chaining, where the earlier cards tell you what it can build for free and how. Alternatively, you can discard a card for 3 coins.

The game ends after the 3rd age, and the player with the most victory points wins.

With the Pantheon Expansion, Leaders Expansion and Wonder Pack, 7 Wonders fans buy all of them from ToyTag and have a ball of a time with friends.

ToyTag
Address: 1 Maritime Square, #03-58, HarbourFront Centre, Singapore 099253
Tel: 6276 7268
Website

3. Gamesaurus Rex – A Game of Thrones: The Card Game

Dedicated to board and card game fanatics who are looking for a place to play, Gamesaurus Rex was founded in 2012 to meet the needs of its passionate audience.

A FLGS (Friendly Local Game Store) and a Gaming Events venue, Gamersaurus Rex allows you to buy a wide range of Board Games, Card Games and Miniature wargames amidst the daily gaming events in store.

[caption id="attachment_20572" align="alignnone" width="960"] (Photo Credits: Gamesaurus Rex, featuring winner of A Game of Thrones: The Card Game)[/caption]

A Game of Thrones: The Card Game

Season 7 of Game of Thrones is coming soon, and what better way to start theorising away than to play the Game of Thrones yourself?

A Game of Thrones: The Card Game is a Living Card Game (LCG) from the second edition onwards. Unlike a Collectible Card Game (CCG), a LCG offer regular expansion packs and deck-buildings. You’ll also be able to avoid the blind-buy purchase of CCGs.

[caption id="attachment_21526" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (Photo Credits: Youtube)[/caption]

Played between 2-6 players, each player plays as 1 of the 8 different factions of Westeros in a bid to control the Game of Thrones.

The game starts with 2 cards: a draw deck that represents the forces a player has at his/her command, and a plot deck for developing and managing a long term strategy.

[caption id="attachment_21527" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (Photo Credits: https://www.shutupandsitdown.com)[/caption]

As the game progresses, with Faction, Plot, Player and Title cards, Gold, Influence and 1st Player Tokens and Power Counters, the first player to get 15 power wins the game.

Thankfully, the core game set includes a booklet explaining the rules of the game in detail. To get the best out of this game, purchasing the many expansion packs is a must.

[caption id="attachment_21528" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (Photo Credits: https://www.shutupandsitdown.com)[/caption]

You can find fellow A Game of Thrones: The Card Game players at one of Gamesaurus Rex‘s many daily, weekly and monthly events.

Gamesaurus Rex
Address: 259A, Upper Thompson Rd, Singapore 574386
Tel: 86931060
Board Games Rejuvenate has even set up its storefront in a certain manner because they wanted customers to be able to look, see and touch the board games itself.

[caption id="attachment_20575" align="alignnone" width="700"] (Photo Credits:

Cold War: CIA vs KGB

A fast-paced 2 player card game, each player assumes the role of either the CIA or the KGD in determining the outcome of the Cold War.

With each round representing a year of conflict, a single country or event becomes the main focus of the USA and the USSR. Each player will send in a spy (Agent Card) to infiltrate and manipulate locals (Group Cards).

[caption id="attachment_21529" align="alignnone" width="955"] (Photo Credits:

The ultimate aim is to win victory points through the Objective Cards upon successfully controlling the situation. The first player to reach 100 victory points wins the game.

[caption id="attachment_21530" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (Photo Credits:

Board Games Rejuvenate gives Cold War (and we mean the card game, not the historical event) a solid 8.5/10, so if you’ve always wished to change the events of the Cold War, your dream comes true at Board Games Rejuvenate.

Board Games Rejuvenate
Address: The Central, #03-81, 6 Eu Tong Sen Street, Singapore 059817
(Photo Credits: Team Board Game)[/caption]

Codenames

You can play Codenames with your buddies in store, and bring home a brand new set when you’re officially obsessed.

[caption id="attachment_21537" align="alignnone" width="1000"] (Photo Credits: https://geekdad.com)[/caption]

Two teams of up to 4 (red vs blue) pit themselves against each other in a bid to uncover all the agents first.

There are code name cards, each bearing one word, that are laid out 5×5 on the table. Some belong to the red agents, some to the blue agents, one to the assassin and the rest are innocent bystanders.

[caption id="attachment_21538" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (Photo Credits: https://www.shutupandsitdown.com)[/caption]

An opposing spymaster is held hostage by each team, and each spymaster will give one-word clues that point to words on the board. Their team mates must try to guess who their team’s agents are, while avoiding the cards of their opponents.

[caption id="attachment_21539" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (Photo Credits:

With 25 secret agent identities hidden from all but 2 of your fellow board game players, no one can be trusted…

Team Board Game
Address: 1 Sophia Rd, #04-14, Peace Centre, S(228149)
Tel: +65 9856 2565 (SMS and Whatsapp only)
(Photo Credits: Games@PI)[/caption]

Blood Rage

This is the place to purchase Blood Rage, the ultimate Viking and Norse Mythology game.

[caption id="attachment_21540" align="alignnone" width="1000"] (Photo Credits:

Ragnarök, aka the end of the world, fast approaches. Choosing from 1 of 4 Viking Clans (Bear, Wolf, Raven, Serpent), 2-4 players will fight to lead their clans to ultimate glory and they take their rightful place at Odin’s side before Ragnarök,.

[caption id="attachment_21543" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (Photo Credits: https://www.shutupandsitdown.com)[/caption]

Each player is dealt a deck of cards, from which they must pick 1 card, before passing the deck clockwise and picking another card from the new deck.

This repeats until the decks run out, and you’ve got your specially curated hand.

Using the cards on hand, players must plan and battle, or go on quests and increase their clan’s stats, to be the ultimate winner.

This is a game that tests your strategic skills, battle acumen, and passion for Nordic Mythology.

[caption id="attachment_21542" align="alignnone" width="1000"] (Photo Credits:

Win as many battles against rival clans, pillage as many villages as possible, and reach the tree Yggdrasil for ultimate pillaging and glory.

Perfect for gamers who are sick of zombies and vampires.

Games@PI
Address: Midpoint Orchard, #03-01, 220 Orchard Road, Singapore 238852
Tel6734 3858
(Photo Credits: Dueller’s Point)[/caption]

Magic: The Gathering

Published back in 1993, this 24-year-old game is still a favourite of Collectible Card Game lovers.

The ultimate CCG with over 17,000 cards to collect, build your deck, and battle with, Magic: The Gathering requires dedication and a low-level obsession.

[caption id="attachment_21578" align="alignnone" width="1024"] (Photo Credits:

Typically a 2-player gamer, you assume the role of a planeswalker – a powerful wizard – as you battle other players for glory.

You start each game with twenty “lifepoints” and the aim is to reduce your opponent to 0 life. You can achieve this through spellcasting, equipping your allies with weapons, and blocking damage during combat.

[caption id="attachment_21577" align="alignnone" width="800"] (Photo Credits:

Best of all, this is another store where gamers are more than welcome to play with friends or make new ones!

Dueller’s Point
Address: Blk 450 Hougang Ave 10, #B1-541, Singapore 530450
Tel: 9476 6080
These Homes In Singapore Are Indisputably The Gems Of Singapore Property

McDonald’s Puts The Fun Back Into CNY With New Golden Prosperity Burger, Cute Red Packets & Orange Bags!

Reunion dinners are great: You get to spend time with the family, eat great food, and there’s enough leftovers for a whole week. Unfortunately, with the outrageous prices of ingredients, and the long tedious hours of preparations, cooking, and cleaning, hosting a successful reunion dinner can be just so exhausting.

Scouting for places to have the reunion dinner will make you want to pull your hair out. Well, we’ve got a good suggestion. This place will tick all your boxes. Delectable meaningful food, check. Awesome CNY freebies, check. Aircon and great service, you’ve got it.

The place is none other than…McDonald’s! This year, the McDonald’s menu AND the freebies are so awesome, you’ll be tempted to just suggest this preposterous but oh-so-possible idea of having your family’s reunion dinner there!

[caption id="attachment_21559" align="alignnone" width="678"] The Golden Prosperity Burger comes with a beef or chicken patty, and a golden hashbrown![/caption]

The Golden Prosperity Burger

Typically, McDonald’s Prosperity Burger offers a perfect harmony of juicy beef, signature black pepper sauce and slivered onions, all in one sesame seed bun.

This year, McDonald’s new Golden Prosperity Burger comes with a bonus golden, crunchy hashbrown. Time for some extra crunching as you bite into this deliciously juicy burger!

[caption id="attachment_21561" align="alignnone" width="720"] Photo Credits: McDonald’s[/caption]

Irresistible Sides

To complete your meal, order Prosperity Twister Fries and some sweet BBQ Drumlets.

[caption id="attachment_21738" align="alignnone" width="933"] Photo Credits: McDonald’s[/caption]

For dessert, something special has been planned. A Gula Melaka McFlurry® with Rainbow Bites!

[caption id="attachment_21563" align="alignnone" width="720"] Photo Credits: McDonald’s[/caption]

Enjoy the velvety vanilla soft serve swirled with yummy Gula Melaka and crunchy rainbow bites. Yes – it’s truly love at first bite.

Ang Pao Packets & Orange Bags

Still not convinced? With every purchase of a Golden Prosperity extra value meal participating McDonald’s restaurants or via McDelivery, you’ll receive a set of 6 Ang Pao Packets! *Designs may vary.

For $5, you’ll get a super adorable orange bag. These limited edition designs are adorable and useful for the coming week of visitations.

[caption id="attachment_21564" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Photo Credits: alvinology[/caption]

Rather than prepare Bok Choy, Fa Gao, chicken and fish because they symbolise prosperity, why not simply have your reunion dinner with McDonald’s Golden Prosperity Meal? If you’re not keen to head on out, just call McDelivery!

So bring your whole family down to the nearest McDonald’s restaurant, or order with McDelivery to eat in the comforts of your own home. Either way, you can enjoy delicious food at great prices, all while avoiding the time-consuming effort of preparing the Reunion Dinner.

Now you can put your full attention on what really matters this CNY: Spending time with your family.

McDonald’s Chinese New Year 2017
Must-try:
Golden Prosperity Burger, BBQ Drumlets, Gula Melaka McFlurry with Rainbow Bites
Must-have: Orange bags and red packets
Date: From 12 January, while stocks last

Information on Orange Bags & Ang Pao Packets

The Prosperity orange bags come in two designs – French Fries and McCafe Frappe. They’re available for purchase at $5 each with any order made via McDelivery and over the McCafe counters. Limited to one orange bag per transaction.

The red packets are available in four designs; French Fries, Big Mac, Sundae, McCafe Frappe. You’ll get a free pack of six with every purchase of a Golden Prosperity Burger Extra Value Meal at all participating McDonald’s restaurants and via McDelivery. Red packet Sundae design is only available at restaurants, while the McCafe Frappe design is only available via McDelivery. However depending on stock availability, designs may be vary. Restaurants not participating are branches at KK Hospital, Parklane Shopping Mall, Lucky Chinatown Point, and Tampines Interchange Kiosk.

Also, read 10 Activities To Do During Chinese New Year That Doesn’t Involve Empty Malls

Dying Art Culture? Nope. Here’s What To Expect During Singapore Art Week 2017

Singapore is often lamented for being a concrete jungle, lacking in arts and culture. To all the naysayers out there, Singapore Art Week 2017 will reveal our Little Red Dot’s big artistic accomplishments!

From 11 to 22 January 2017, explore art exhibitions, festivals and tours located at various places such as Little India, Gillman Barracks and Far East Plaza.

With over 90 different activities happening during Singapore Art Week 2017, trying to catch each one might be tough.

Here’s our pick of the top 10 exhibitions, festivals and activities you must not miss for an unforgettable local art and culture experience.

Art After Dark at Gillman Barracks

An annual crowd favourite, Art After Dark at Gillman Barracks will be back this year on 13th January, from 7pm to 11pm.

Expect a night of incredible talent with live music acts, new exhibits by the Gillman Barracks art tenants and galleries, irresistible F&B pop-ups, and the unveiling of Gillman Barrack’s public art project!

[caption id="attachment_21268" align="aligncenter" width="974"] Peranakan x Star Wars made-in-Japan pieces that will be up for sale at Design New Standard[/caption]

One such exhibit is the Supermama’s Design New Standard, featuring a precious collection of “omiyage”, or contemporary giftware, made by Singaporean and Japanese designers and craftmakers.

Art After Dark x SAW2017
13 Jan 2017, 7pm till late
Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937
Weblink

Contemporary Printmaking Festival

Discover the intricate art of printmaking at the Contemporary Printmaking Festival 2017.

Featuring local printmakers such as PHUNK and the Gentlemen’s Press, uncover a weekend of printmaking heaven.

You can even look forward to a Print Your Own Selfie workshop with Jackson Tan from PHUNK.

[caption id="attachment_21266" align="aligncenter" width="975"] Print your own selfie with stamps created by Jackson Tan of PHUNK[/caption]

Learn how to make silkscreen, letterpress and traditional Intaglio printing from printmakers themselves at live demonstrations and printing workshops.

Contemporary Printmaking Festival 2017
11 – 22 Jan
Open plaza at Capitol Piazza, 13 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178905
Weblink

Aliwal Urban Art Festival

Soak in the cool atmosphere that accompanies Street Culture at the annual Aliwal Urban Art Festival.

Get ready to be wowed by impressive and renowned talent present at the festival, such as local bands Tomgirl, Urban Artists, and RSCLS!

Here’s what you can expect from a single night at Aliwal Urban Art Festival 2017: Hip Hop Block Parties, Urban Art faceoffs, Live Performances by Poptart, Forests, and Ant-men, live DJ performances, Skateboarding challenges and even Indigoism’s Barter Market!

Aliwal Urban Art Festival
14 Jan, 5pm till late
Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918
Weblink 

State of Motion 2017: Through Stranger Eyes

For this activity, audiences will be presented with feature films where Singapore made an appearance.

While watching the films, you’ll be seeing the transformation of Singapore through strangers’ eyes.

Starting from the Pavilion at the National Library, audiences will be taken on a 3-hour bus tour to visit the exact locations seen in the films.

[caption id="attachment_21262" align="aligncenter" width="975"] Scene from The Wild Eye, 1967, where a director brings his crew and lover around Singapore in the 60s[/caption]

Site-specific artwork and works by Amanda Lee Koe, The Observatory, and more will be present at each location to further enhance the experience.

Afterwards, audiences can attend the talks and panel discussions held to get a deeper understanding of the appearance of Singapore in cinema.

Register for tickets
6 Jan – 5 Feb, 10am – 9pm daily (excluding PH)
The Plaza, National Library Building, 100 Victoria Street, Singapore 188064

Coupled with her book launch at One East Asia Gallery, she will be baring all with personal writings, news articles, and photographic work in chronological order.

Come for the tongue-in-cheek, colloquially funny artworks, and stay for the honest sharing of her growth and thought processes behind her creations.

RSVP now at +65 6737 1819 or [email protected] for the opening at 6:30pm.

Greetings from Singapore
10 – 31 Jan, 12 – 7pm
One East Asia Gallery, 15 Scotts Road, #09-03 Thong Teck Building, Singapore 228218
Weblink 

Wings of a Rich Manoeuvre

Made from over 14,000 Swarovski crystals, with eight wing-like kinetic chandeliers (each 1.2m long), and accentuated by LED light, homegrown artist Suzann Victor took 2 years to complete this masterpiece.

A perfect representation of the National Museum of Singapore’s authentic 19th-century neo-Palladian architecture melding with the modern glass wing, the artwork was designed to reflect light that shines through the glass windows.

They sway to 8 different swinging patterns as well, and can even form the shape of a dragon due to the customised electromagnets within.

No Regrets For Our Youth

Created by Singapore art collective DXXXXD, No Regrets For Our Youth explores the obsession with #fitspo and gym life that has proliferated in our society.

In an attempt to understand the relationship one has with their body as a health or vanity focus, DXXXXD has transformed Music Studio 1 in Aliwal Arts Centre into an artistic jungle gym.

This exhibit will feature sculptures in the form of common gym equipment, and may even offer bodybuilding and wrestling workshops.

No Regrets For Our Youth
12 Jan – 12 Feb, 11am to 8pm daily.
Music Studio 1, Aliwal Arts Centre, 28 Aliwal Street, Singapore 199918
Weblink 

ARTWALK Little India

Running for the 3rd year in a row, ARTWALK Little India is a public art project set in Little India.

Set to the theme of Your Path To Remember, audiences this year are encouraged to walk through Little India and uncover the memories and stories of Singapore’s past.

[caption id="attachment_21254" align="aligncenter" width="975"] Image courtesy of LASELLE College of the Arts[/caption]

There’ll be live performances, retelling of folktales and mythologies, as well as mesmerising art installations.

Art Stage Singapore

The leading Asian Art Fair, Art Stage Singapore connects art lovers from all over the world with the best of Asian Contemporary Art.

[caption id="attachment_21253" align="aligncenter" width="975"] Water Dripping—Splashing, Zheng Lu. Image courtesy of Zheng Lu[/caption]

The 7th edition this year, expect a plethora of artwork as there are over 20 galleries with art from 27 countries.

[caption id="attachment_21252" align="aligncenter" width="975"] Nestscape by Thai Artist Mook[/caption]

Get your tickets
12 – 14 Jan, 12pm – 8pm; 15 Jan, 11am – 6pm
Sands Expo & Convention Centre, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
Snake by Gerald Leow, featured at Singapore Art Museum’s front lawn in 2013[/caption]

Curated by Khairuddin Hori, this exhibition will showcase new commissions by artists such as Cleon Peterson, Zheng Lu and Oanh Phi Phi, as well as Singapore artists Gerald Leow and Sheryo+Yok.

[caption id="attachment_21250" align="aligncenter" width="938"] Constellation of One, Kristen Berg. Photo courtesy of Kristen Berg[/caption]

One of the renowned international artists featured is Kristen Berg, most known for her captivating works at Burning Man.

For those of us who are unable to travel to Arizona annually for Burning Man, catch a glimpse of the experience with her sculptures at LOCK ROUTE from 13 Jan – 30 June at Gillman Barracks!

LOCK ROUTE
13 Jan – 30 June
Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937
Weblink

Just writing this compilation is making us excited for the launch of Singapore Art Week 2017! Best of all, a number of these art exhibitions and installations will be around for an extended period of time, perfect for those of us with busy schedules.

A List Singapore – Your Guide To The Arts And Culture Scene In Singapore

With only 10 out of over 90 art and culture activities recommended in this article, we understand if you are feeling some FOMO (Fear of Missing Out)?

Whether you would like to read up on the other 80 activities or plan your weekend around the art exhibitions, why not follow A List Singapore for an in-depth guide on Singapore Art Week 2017?

As Singapore’s first full-fledged arts and culture guide, you can find comprehensive event listings from music to dance, visual arts to theatre, and literary to family activities.

Besides event listings, you can also be updated with the arts and culture scene with their plethora of thought-provoking articles.

With a Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even a Youtube page, you can follow A List Singapore on all your favourite platforms and never fear missing out on the local art scene.

If you love the smell of a fresh magazine, keep a look out on their social media channels for when their January hard copy issue will be distributed at SMRT Stations island-wide!

This Singapore Art Week, embark on a meaningful and reflective journey as you appreciate the arts and culture scene. The amazing talent in our sunny island may just wow you.

Also, read Into The Looking Glass: A Local Exhibition You Must Not Miss!