The Annual Shakespeare In The Park Experience – 5 Reasons Why You Need To Attend The Event

For never was a story of more woe

Than this of Juliet and her Romeo

What do picnic blankets and timeless Shakespeare classics have in common? Are you thinking what I’m thinking? That’s right! The Singapore Repertory Theatre is back with Shakespeare in the Park! Taking place on Fort Canning Green from late April to May, this year’s instalment features Romeo and Juliet– the enduring tale of two star-crossed lovers. If merely hearing about outdoor theatre isn’t enough to excite you, here are 5 reasons why you need to attend the event!

1. Romeo and Juliet is the greatest love story ever told.

From forth the fatal loins of these two foes
A pair of star-crossed lovers take their lives

Love at first sight. A tale of tragic romance, Romeo and Juliet tells of the passionate but forbidden love between the son of Montague and the daughter of Capulet. As you enjoy the play, reminisce about your first, all-consuming love at the age of innocence. Their romance is, however, short-lived because of their rancorous family feud.

2. It’s a whole lot of fun!

Image Credits: Singapore Repertory Theatre

Think lush green lawns and checkered picnic mats, and spend an evening under the stars with your family and friends. Be transported to the fair city of Verona and lose yourself in the whirlwind romance between the two young lovers. Shakespeare in the Park promises a magical evening and besides, an outdoor theatre experience will definitely be a memorable and unique one!

3. This production is a collaboration of big names and local talent.

Fun fact: Did you know the planning of Shakespeare in the Park starts at least 12 months before the premiere?

This year’s production is directed by Daniel Slater, a British theatre and opera director who has gained international recognition as one of today’s leading directors in the scene. Award-winning set designer Francis O’Connor is also on the production’s creative team, designing a bold and contemporary stage set of a modern metropolis. The play features soundscapes and music arrangements by local composer and musician Ruth Ling.

The cast includes Thomas Pang and Cheryl Tan as Romeo and Juliet, and other veteran actors such as Remesh Paniker, Shane Mardjuki, and Daniel Jenkins.

4. There are various discounts on tickets.

The tickets to Shakespeare in the Park are reasonably priced, starting from $40 (advanced sales) and $50 (standard sales) for a Wednesday show. The prices will vary depending on the ticket category (Picnic, Premium picnic, and Pavilion seats) and the day of show. Students, Mastercard cardholders and staff, Starhub customers and staff, Audi clients and staff rejoice because you get discounts on the tickets!

For the rest of you who don’t belong to any of those groups, fret not because everyone is eligible for the Watch with Friends promotion! You will get one complimentary ticket with a minimum purchase of 5 tickets in a single transaction. Remember to round up your friends and family for a fun night out! Read more about ticketing and the terms and conditions for discounts 

Shakespeare in the Park – Romeo & Juliet
Presented by Singapore Repertory Theatre
27 Apr 2016 – 22 May 2016
Tickets are available through SISTIC at 6348 5555 or 

Kranji Marshes Opens With Free Guided Walks To Restricted Areas, Perfect For Nature Lovers!

Bird watchers and nature lovers rejoice! The largest freshwater marshland, Kranji Marshes, has finally opened its doors to the public. For those unfamiliar with Kranji Marches, the 56.8-hectare freshwater marshland is home to unique biodiversity.

Here’s what you need to know for a trip to Kranji Marshes.

1. Public Area vs Core Conservation Area

Kranji Marshes is actually split into two main areas – the public area that is open to all members of the public, and the restricted core conservation area that is deemed to be ecologically sensitive. You can enter the core conservation area if you sign up for a guided tour.

2. Free Guided Walks

If you’d like to access the conservation areas, do sign up for a guided walk. NParks offers a 3km walk (2 hours) of the marshes once every month, bringing visitors through the different habitats of marsh, grass, and woodland.

Nature Society (Singapore) also organises guided walks that take visitors on a boardwalk exploration of the marsh.The walk takes about 3 hours and include opportunities for birdwatching.

While both tours are free, members of the public must register online beforehand. Visitors who turn up without registering will not be able to join the tours. Find out more here.

3. Home To Rich Biodiversity

According to NParks, Kranji Marshes is home to more than 170 species of birds, 54 species of butterflies, and 33 species of dragonflies! Alongside Sungei Buloh Nature Reserve, Kranji Marshes plays an important role in providing a habitat for the conservation of wildlife in the Kranji area.

4. Plenty of Shelter

A visit to Kranji Marshes will give you that breather you need! Have a moment at Moorhen Blind or Swamphen Hide and enjoy the therapeutic sounds of birdsong. Both stations have wooden seats that overlook marsh landscapes, are great places for birdwatching and taking in the sights of nature.

5. An Instaworthy Location

Are you always on keen lookout for instaworthy locations? Well, here’s one more to add to your list! Apart from making a good picture, the 10.65m Raptor Tower offers you a panoramic view of the surrounding marshes in the conservation area. There are also boards that help you identify the different species of birds you may catch glimpses of.

6. Look Up & Down!

While at Kranji Gate, look up and down! The glass roof has decals of birds in flight and when sun rays hit the roof, their shadows get projected on the ground.

7. Bird Watching Stations & Information Boards

If you’re worried about not being able to differentiate one bird from the next, fret not! Information boards are set up at every bird watching station to help you with the identification process. There are even fact files about some birds, and other little nuggets of information. Talk about bringing learning out of the classroom!

8. Other Park Information

The park is open from 7am-7pm daily. Do note that there is no lighting in the evenings! The park is also wheelchair- and pram-friendly, with the exception of the Raptor Tower. You may also refer to NParks’ website on Kranji Marshes for more information.

9. Getting there

Planning a visit to Kranji Marshes soon? Here’s how to get there.

From Kranji MRT Station, hop onto the Kranji Express Bus which operates daily from 8.30am-5.45pm. It will take you to Kranji Gate. Fares cost $3.00 for adults, $1.00 for children under 12 years old, and $1.00 for senior citizens 60 years old and above.

If you’re driving there, the address is 11 Neo Tiew Lane 2, and there is a car park with 20 parking lots, 10 motorcycle lots, and 30 bicycle lots at Kranji Gate.

5 War Museums In Singapore You Must Visit At Least Once In Your Life!

February…Chinese New Year festivities and the month of love and romance! But do you remember the important event Singapore commemorates in the same month?

Observed annually on 15 February, Total Defence Day marks Singapore’s fall to the Japanese in 1942. This commemoration seeks to remind people of the pain and suffering endured by our forefathers during the Japanese Occupation, as well as to instill the strategy of “Total Defence” in our people, understanding that each one has a part to play in the survival of our country.

To learn more about the Japanese Occupation in Singapore and the tenacious spirits of our forefathers in protecting this land, here are the 5 war museums in Singapore you should visit.

1. Image Credits: Sentosa[/caption]

Located on Sentosa Island, Fort Siloso is the only preserved coastal fort in Singapore today. It was initially built in the 1880s to protect the island from sea invasion, and the guns were turned inwards facing the land when the Japanese invaded during World War II. Upon seizing Singapore, the Japanese used the fort as a prisoner-of-war (POW) camp.

Today, Fort Siloso is a military museum with gun displays and remains of military structures and tunnels. Admission is free, but admission into the Surrender Chambers is chargeable. The Surrender Chambers feature waxworks of the British Surrender at the Old Ford Factory, commentaries, and exhibitions. Guided tours are available too.

Siloso Point, Sentosa Island
Daily: 10am-6pm (last entry at 5.30pm)

2. Image Credits: Channel News Asia[/caption]

The Changi Museum provides valuable but heartwrenching insights of the POWs who were taken into captivity during the Japanese Occupation. The exhibitions are split into five sections, showing visitors what happened during the war through a collection of photographs, paintings, letters and personal artefacts donated by former POWs. Wartime art pieces produced by the prisoners are also on display, recording their experiences in Changi Prison. Changi Chapel, dedicated to the memory of the POWs and the civilian internees, is located on the museum grounds as well.

Visitors can choose to go on a guided tour, or rent an audio set to listen to first-hand stories and experiences of the POWs.

1000 Upper Changi Road North
Daily: 9.30am-5pm (last entry at 4.30pm)

3. Image Credits: YourSingapore.com[/caption]

Reflections at Bukit Chandu is a heritage centre housed in a restored colonial bungalow. Bukit Chandu (Malay for Opium Hill) was where one of the fiercest and last significant battles took place before the British surrendered Singapore to the Japanese. The Battle of Pasir Panjang, also known as the Battle of Bukit Chandu, saw 1400 valiant soldiers from the Malay Regiment fight dauntlessly against a 13 000 strong Japanese army. Despite being severely outnumbered, Lieutenant Adnan Saidi refused to retreat and surrender, and the troops even engaged in hand-to-hand combat after running out of ammunition.

The museum exhibits photographs, maps, artefacts and interactive media, showcasing the tenacity of the Malay Regiment, and other wartime experiences.

31-K Pepys Road
Tues-Sun: 9am-5.30pm
Closed on Mondays, except on Public Holidays

4. The Battle Box

[caption id="attachment_1812" align="aligncenter" width="700"] Image Credits: ST Photos Lim Sin Thai[/caption]

The Battle Box is a 9m deep emergency bunker located beneath Fort Canning Hill, where the British army set up their headquarters in Singapore. It was once the nerve centre of British military operations, consisting of 30 rooms including a cipher room where messages were decoded, a signal control room, and a gun operations room.

The Battle Box is also the site where Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival, the General Officer Commanding (Malaya), held a conference to discuss the war situation with other commanders, and then reached the decision to surrender to the Japanese.

The bunker was later converted into a museum in 1992, with artefacts on display depicting the final days before Singapore fell to the Japanese. It has recently undergone a revamp, and will feature multimedia guides, 3D technologies, and a retelling of the story of Singapore’s capture.

2 Cox Terrace
Reopening in March 2016

5. Image Credits: National Archives of Singapore[/caption]

The Ford Motor Factory was the site where the British surrendered Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942, drastically altering the lives of the people in Singapore. Lieutenant-General Tomoyuki Yamashita, head of the Japanese invading forces, seized the factory as his headquarters after capturing Bukit Timah, and demanded for the British’s unconditional surrender.

During the Japanese Occupation, the factory was used to assemble military trucks and other vehicles for the Japanese war effort. Today, the restored factory captures the memories and reflections of the hardships faced by those who had lived through the war. Visit the Boardroom of Surrender where the Surrender Papers were signed, and the Syonan Garden where some of the common food items during the wartime are grown. The Talking Map is an interactive exhibit that traces the route of the Japanese as the advanced into Singapore, with oral histories and first-hand experiences of survivors of the war.

351 Upper Bukit Timah Road
Mon-Sat: 9am-5.30pm
Sun: 12pm-5.30pm
Closing on 16 Feb 2016
Reopening in 2017

(Featured Image Credits: Sentosa)

The Music Run Lets You Party, Run And Choose The Soundtrack At The Same Time – How Cool Is That?

Runners and music-lovers, listen up! A fusion of your two favourite things, The Music Run™ by AIA is the Ultimate 5k Running and Music Festival just for you! The global run has covered cities from Los Angeles to Bangkok, and surely you want to be part of the fun when it comes to our shores here in Singapore.

The Music Run™ by AIA will bring the beat to Singapore on 23 April 2016, Saturday at Sentosa Island. Run, dance, and party your heart out to the pulsating beats of the music, specially selected by you!

That’s right! In partnership with Spotify, participants of The Music Run™ by AIA will have control over the official soundtrack of the run by voting for their favourite hits in the lead up to the event.

The running route, known as the Sound Track, will consist of five themed zones- Rock, Pop, Old School, Hip Hop, and Dance. Music is placed at the heart of the experience, with over 120 concert quality speakers blasting tunes along the route. How does that sound?

The night will culminate in a post-run music festival featuring world-class DJs, and live performances by local and international music acts!

Ready to join the loudest fun run of the year? Here’s how.

Choose between the Standard Pack (which includes a t-shirt, bag, beat band, sticker, and tattoo) and the Rock Star Pack (which includes a t-shirt, phone case, bottle, cap, bag, beat band, sticker and tattoo). The ticket prices are as follows:

More information can be found on

8 Blogshops Launching Their Final Oriental Collections Today (31st January)!

Ladies, this one is for you. With Chinese New Year a week away, the clock is ticking to find that perfect outfit for visiting. We all know how stressful that is, don’t we? In this article, we’ve compiled a list of blogshops that are launching their final oriental collections today. Fastest fingers first!

1. Faire Belle

Launch Time: 11AM
Price Range for CNY collections: $27 for a top – $50 for a dress

2. Image Credits: Fash Mob Facebook Page[/caption]

Launch Time: 11AM
Price Range for CNY collections: $28 for a top – $52 for a dress

3. 5. Image Credits: Ohvola Facebook Page[/caption]

Launch Time: 8PM
Price Range for CNY collections: $29 for a top -$49 for a dress

7. Image Credits: The Closet Lover Facebook Page[/caption]

Launch Time: 8.30PM
Price Range for CNY collections: $27 for a top – $67 for a skirt

8. Image Credits: The Stage Walk Facebook Page[/caption]

Launch Time: 9PM
Price Range for CNY collections: $29 for a top – $39 for a dress

Tips to avoid disappointment

As the blogshops only bring in limited quantities of each piece, here are some tips to help you snag your coveted clothing:

• Visit the blogshop’s Facebook or Instagram page to view previews of the collection
• Take note of the pieces you would like to get
• Log onto the websites early
• Locate your item and cart it out immediately
• Make prompt payment
• Opt for courier service over local normal mail to ensure timely delivery

Happy shopping and happy Chinese New Year in advance! May the odds be in your favour.

(Featured Image Credits: Fayth Facebook Page)

8 Useful Apps For Chinese New Year

It’s the last week of January, and this means that we are just a week away from Chinese New Year! Here are 8 useful apps you can download for the festive season.

1. Zalora

Fretting over what to wear? Check out Zalora‘s exclusively curated CNY collection featuring florals and lace for the ladies, and bright colours for the men. Apart from clothing, there are also shoes, bags, and accessories. Shopping on Zalora is a fuss-free process. Simply add the items into your cart, and choose your preferred payment and delivery option. Zalora also offers a free 30-day return policy, but do check the terms and conditions just in case your item falls under a non-refundable brand.

Developer: Zalora South East Asia Pte Ltd

2. Seven

If you feel peckish about missing a workout during CNY, exercise in the comfort of your own home with this app, Seven. The Full Body workout instruction (12 exercises with a 10 second rest between each move) is unlocked for free. All you need is a wall, a chair, and 7 minutes!

Developer: Perigee AB

3. Gothere.sg

Going to a friend’s or relative’s house for the first time? Use Gothere.sg. You just have to key in the postal code or street name of your starting point and your destination. This app provides step-by-step directions, whether you are a driver or commuter on public transport. Also, it compares the time taken on alternative routes.

Gothere.sg has a lite version where you can try out the full version for 14 days. The full version costs $5.98 on the App Store.

Developer: GoThere LLP

4. Guess The Word SG

   
There’ll never be a dull moment with this game! A crowd favourite, Guess The Word SG is a charade game for Singaporeans, by Singaporeans. Gameplay is easy – hold your phone against your forehead and guess the word displayed on your screen from the hints or actions of your friends before the timer runs out. Choose from local-themed decks like SG Loves Acronyms, Brands We Love, and Makan Time. There’s even a Gong Xi Gong Xi deck – how apt!

Developer: Nectary Studio Pte Ltd

5. Charades! Guess Words with Kids

   
If you’re surrounded by young children at a gathering, entertain them with this game of charades. Charades! works the same way as Guess The Word SG, except that its decks are designed with children in mind. Categories include Toys and Games, Disney Characters, and Things That Are Red.

Developer: FatChicken Studios

6. Movies by inSing.com

For those who want to catch a film during Chinese New Year, Movies will be useful. Use this app to browse for movies to watch, showtimes, or a cinema near you. Beat those queues at the box office by booking your tickets through this app!

Developer: Singtel Digital Media Pte Ltd

7. CNY Greeting

   
If you have yet to send your CNY greetings, CNY Greeting will do the trick for you. It offers 20 festive e-card backgrounds, and you can even customise the card with a message. For a personal touch, snap a photo and decorate it with numerous cute monkey stickers. You can save your creations to your camera roll or share them via email, Facebook and Instagram.

Developer: Suw Lan Ang

8. CNY Dumplings

   
This dumpling app resembles a Cooking Mama game! Roll dough, choose a filling, seal the dumplings and boil them to create the symbolic food item which represents wealth and unity in Chinese culture. At the end of the game, you can key in a message and share the well-wishes with your loved ones. Alternatively, round up your family and friends to enjoy some dumplings together!

Developer: OglivyOne, LLC