Category: Editor’s Pick

Newly Opened LuLu’s Lounge Brings The 60s’ New York Back Alley Club To Singapore’s Nightlife Scene

A new night spot has opened up in town and it’s burlesque dancers, inventive cocktails, and old school nostalgia galore!

LuLu’s Lounge is not your average club. A unique nightlife concept, the quirky lounge comprises a dance floor, outdoor terrace and a dynamic entertainment line-up.

You won’t find any 18 year-olds getting wasted here. Lulu’s is firmly pitched at the more refined crowd.

The adult-oriented lounge is made for the mature crowd that wants to party, but in a less intense clubbing environment.

[caption id="attachment_25941" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit:

Be prepared to be taken on a musical journey that starts off with live jazz.

It then progresses to old school, hip-hop funk or dancehall as the night goes on and morning comes.

[caption id="attachment_25942" align="aligncenter" width="1904"] Image Credit:

LuLu’s must-try drinks (starting at $24) are cocktails with a coy twist.

‘Big Coconuts’, for one, is very similar to a Pina Colada, but with a tangy, sour punch, and vodka.

[caption id="attachment_25944" align="aligncenter" width="836"] Image Credit:

If you’re familiar with Bang Bang and Employees Only, LuLu’s is opened by the same people, Sarissa and Joshua Schwartz.

The husband-and-wife duo draws inspiration from a fictional character, Lulu.

[caption id="attachment_25934" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] Image Credit:

This Outdoor ‘Escape Room’ Sent Us All Over Chinatown – Here’s How To Ace The Game

Always wanted to go on a treasure hunt? Now you can at Whisper of the Guardians!

The 3rd event of its kind, brought to life by LockdownSG and Think Out Events, this year’s epic adventure will take place in and around Chinatown.

Previously, we wrote about the premise of this adventure. Essentially, a shop house owner found an old scroll containing information leading to a hidden treasure that’s been left behind since WWII. You have been hired to decipher the scroll and find the elusive treasure.

Our DiscoverSG ambassadors took up the challenge and had a blast journeying through Chinatown, trekking past famous (and some not so famous) paths on their quest to find the booty.

Having gone through the experience themselves, here are their golden tips to finding the treasure–and don’t worry, there are no spoilers ahead!

Cheryl: “It’s Very Challenging.”

“It was very challenging–perhaps a little too challenging because we had to get loads of hints from the gamemasters.

Get ready to crack your brains and burn some calories!”

Dawn: “Interact With Your Environment.”

“The game used real, physical things that are there in Chinatown to help you find clues for the next step. 

Be prepared to have your brains fried at the end of the day. I don’t think it’s easy, but it’s worth the try!”

Shivon: “Dress Comfortably And Prepare To WALK”

“The ‘touring’ of this game will actually be like a history excursion which makes studying our history damn fun!

Dress comfortably and prepare to stroll down the whole of Chinatown. You’ll be surprised to find a lot of places where you can take nice OOTDs.”

Jia Min: “Familiarize Yourself With Chinatown Beforehand”

“We basically learnt how to read maps for those of us who didn’t already know how, and practice our map skills for those who do.

Pro Tip: Read more about Chinatown! Maybe know the roads, dress comfortably, don’t bring a big bag, and most importantly, enjoy yourself!”

Vanessa: “Work As A Team”

“I liked how it required us to think thoroughly for each challenge and puzzle and the whole group contributed in one way or another.

Before starting, it would be good to mentally prepare yourself for a lot of time spent on this adventure! And be mentally prepared for very difficult challenges.”

Catered to groups of 6, Early Bird Tickets are still available from now to 8 May at only $228 per team! Tickets include a 1 time entry into the award winning Chinatown Heritage Centre (worth $15, valid for 3 months), which can be used at your own leisure!

There you have it! DiscoverSG’s take on this intriguing journey to find the hidden treasure. Are you up for the challenge?

Click LockdownSG and ThinkOut Events on Facebook!

Whisper of the Guardians
Where: Registration at Chinatown Heritage Centre, 48 Pagoda Street, Singapore 059207
When: 
Price: $228 per team of 6 (early bird)/ $258 (from 8th May onwards); $45 per pax

Also read This Unique Honey Cheesecake Is The Sweetest Way To Say ‘I Love You Mum’

This Tom Yam Hot Pot Lets You Dine Like Royalty With Its Premium Seafood

Love the rich, unique flavours of Thai cuisine? Considering how much Singaporeans love their Thai food, there aren’t many places you can go for some good, authentic Thai fare.

So, imagine our excitement when we found out about Soi Thai Soi Nice! After hearing about their Tom Yam hot pot, we knew we had to have a taste.

As its name suggests, Soi Thai Soi Nice is a restaurant serving Thai food.

Located at Alexandra Central Mall, the inside of the restaurant is a sight to behold with plush, red velvet dining chairs, gorgeous artwork on the walls, and a huge chandelier in the middle of the room!

With soft Thai pop music playing in the background, it’s not hard to imagine that you’re actually in Bangkok!

It was even harder to believe we were still in Singapore when the food started arriving at our tables!

First up was the Royal Thai Hot Pot ($68.80, for up to 4 pax), the signature dish at this restaurant, and boy did it make us feel like royalty.

This hot pot was an entire culinary experience in and of itself.

Filled to the brim with premium ingredients like crayfish, prawns, mussels, pork belly, enoki mushrooms, sausages, and hard boiled eggs, it came atop a bed of springy noodles, and in a home-made Tom Yam Soup base.

A fun fact we found out was that all the spices and ingredients used at this restaurant are directly imported from Bangkok to ensure authenticity. Also, we heard that their Head Chef, Worawong Phairat (Olay), also waited to have his personal kitchen utensils, woks and knives imported from Bangkok. Talk about attention to detail!

Next up was the Yum Khai Dao (Fried Egg Salad) ($6.80), the Kai Jiao Cha Om (Fried Omelette with Thai herb Cha Om) ($7.80) and the Kho Moo Yang (Grilled Pork Neck) ($9.80) that all came at once – not that we’re complaining.

Apparently, Cha Om is a very common Thai herb that can be found pretty much anywhere in Thailand. Our first bite left us speechless. No really, the flavours of the Kai Jiao Cha Om were hard to describe. All we could do was nod enthusiastically when asked if we enjoyed it, and hold ourselves back from licking the plate clean.

Next, we tried the Moo Sam Chan Tord (Deep Fried Pork Belly) ($9.80)…

…as well as the Chuchee Pla Kra Pong (Curry Seabass Fillet) ($13.80) and the Kung Chuchee (Curry Prawns) ($15.80).

To be honest, by this time, we were so overwhelmed by how delicious everything was, we forgot to take proper pictures of each dish.

Both the Curry Seabass Fillet and the Curry Prawns were super creamy, and were only mildly spicy.

Soi Thai Soi Nice provides dipping sauces with 4 different levels of spiciness: Mild, Spicy, Very Spicy and Extra Spicy. Considering how spicy Thai food can get, we love the fact that you can tailor the spiciness to your own tolerance levels!

The final dish was their Hor Mok Ma Praw Talay (Coconut Seafood Otah) ($12.80).

For this dish, prawns, squid and otah came served in a coconut husk, alongside bits of soft, sweet coconut flesh. The gentle crunch of the coconut served as a pleasant surprise, in contrast to the other more tender components of the dish. Overall, this dish is definitely one for the coconut lovers.

And finally, dessert! By this time, we were all stuffed, but our second stomachs (yes, we have a second stomach for dessert) were ready the moment dessert arrived.

No Thai meal is complete without Kao Niao Ma Muang (Mango Sticky Rice) ($5.80), but we were certainly surprised to see the ever famous Coconut Ice Cream presented in the same manner in the Kao Niao I-Team (Sticky Rice with Coconut Ice Cream) ($5.80).

With dessert comes heavy hearts–for it means dinner is coming to an end.

In all, the food here not only looked great but tasted fantastic as well. Coming in perfect sharing portions and boasting a huge array of Thai flavours, it’s definitely a great place to take your friends or the whole family!

Soi Thai Soi Nice
Address: 321 Alexandra Rd, #02-01 Alexandra Central Mall, S159971
Operating Hours: Mon to Fri: 11.30am-3.30pm and 6pm- 10pm; Sat-Sun, PH: 11.30am to 10pm
Contact no.: 6250 4863

Also read Goodbye Artbox, Hello Thai Festival – Authentic Thai Eats Without The Heat Or The Crowd

In Need Of A Happy Hour? This ‘Atas’ Food Hall In The CBD Has A Bar That Offers Drinks For Just $5

As they say, old is gold.

This time, Singapore After Nine is casting the spotlight on an oldie but a goodie: Five Square (FIV五 Square) in the busy CBD.

It’ll have you covered from lunch through to dinner and drinks, and with live performances, no less!

Just like its name, food and drinks here go at the unbeatable rate of $5 each, every hour of everyday.

Take your pick between dining indoors or out at the alfresco area.

The Bar

Chill out with your pals over sake, wine or beer at just $5 a glass.

To liven up the party, have a go at Five Square’s pool table or dart booths. Sports fans will feel right at home here too, as Five Square often screens games on their large-screen televisions.

Their drink menu features an extensive selection of premium whiskies, a hundred or so different brands of wines, and various labels of icy cold beer.

The Bazaar

Next to the bar is a large, open food hall that can hold a total of 300 diners. Home to 5 gourmet food stalls with extensive menus, take your pick from international cuisine ranging from Japanese to Spanish!

The dishes are reasonably priced, making them a popular choice for those working in the CBD, and attracting crowds from farther away.

It’s no wonder, as the dishes beat what regular food courts can offer in terms of taste and quality, yet are not as pricey as those in upscale restaurants.

Cinqo Tapas

A take on the popular Five Tapas Bar at Cuppage Terrace, Cinqo Tapas brings on a whole host of palate pleasers.

1. Carbonara Fettucine ($9.90)

This plate of pasta was worth every dollar–and every calorie! We swear we’re not exaggerating when we say we could literally smell the aroma of the smoky prosciutto ham and rich cream while it was on its way out from the kitchen!

The fettucine was topped with thinly shaved parmesan slices and a glistening orb of an egg. The pasta was perfectly al dente, and the rich creaminess of the sauce was complemented by the smoky ham, which was chewy and crisp.

2. Angus Beef Cubes ($12)

Fried beef topped with a generous smattering of golden sautéed garlic–yum! The beef cubes were well-marinated and packed a punch of flavour. Texture-wise, however, it was a tad too chewy for my preference. Nevertheless, we enjoyed it, and the fresh rocket leaves at the side were a refreshing accompaniment to the meat.

3. Bacon Mushroom ($6)

Springy, juicy mushrooms wrapped in bacon is what this dish is all about.

It was a pity the juices from the mushrooms softened the otherwise crispy bacon. Still, it was a winning combination, as the sweet taste of mushroom offset the savoury flavour of the bacon.

Just Pho Fun

Don’t let that name fool you–this place takes its food seriously.

4. Fresh Summer Roll (2 pcs, $5)

Stuffed with vermicelli, fresh prawns, mint leaves and assorted vegetables, these rolls were a delight to crunch into. If the rice paper wrap had been a little bit softer, it would have been perfect. Nevertheless, the sweet-sour chilli dip lent the roll a kick of flavour, and was very pleasing on the whole.

5. Dry Vermicelli with BBQ Pork ($10)

The texture of the noodle was good, and the accompanying sweet-spicy-sour sauce was thoroughly interesting on the taste buds. However, the pork leaned slightly on the dry side and could have been more tender. A generous shower of ground nuts, fried shallots, and freshly julienned carrots and turnips added some colour to the dish and was the perfect way to round it off!

6. Rice Noodles with Sliced Beef Soup ($10)

The rice noodles were cooked to just the right degree of springiness, and the beef slices were cooked to tender perfection. The soup was less savoury than we had hoped, but well-flavoured nevertheless!

As a bonus, with each main dish ordered at this stall, you get a free mango salad!

Teppei

A branch-off of its renowned parent outlet at Tanjong Pagar, this stall at Five Square serves equally good grub.

Without missing a beat, it continues to spread chef Teppei’s legacy in the form of top-notch taste, quality and affordability.

7. Kaisendon, Seafood Donburi ($16)

The cubes of salmon and tuna sashimi were fresh and tender, well-marinated and flavourful.

Small chunks of sweet scallop were nestled in the middle of the sashimi pyramid. Along with the tobiko, which exploded with savoury goodness with every bite, they went perfectly with the Japanese rice. A lick of wasabi to the side of the dish cleared our palate in between mouthfuls.

8. Seared & Salmon Sashimi, Seafood Donburi ($16.80)

This was really, really good.

The salmon sashimi was fresh and chopped into thick slices. Marinated with what tasted like a mixture of soy sauce and mirin, it was the perfect balance of sweet and savoury.

The seared salmon, on the other hand, had just the right amount of smokiness to it. Even though we were too full to eat all the rice, we devoured every single bit of the salmon.

The Grill Knife (Western)

An offshoot of The Soup Spoon, The Grill Knife also offers nutrition-packed meals made with fresh ingredients, paired with their delicious homemade sauces.

9. Chicken Combo ($13.80)

Grilled over high heat, the chicken thigh was tender and moist, as were the Bratwurst sausages.

As the saying goes, the more the merrier! This was true of the Herbivore salad that came with more than 5 different vegetables! Our only gripe was that the fried wanton skins that came with the salad could have been crispier. Apart from that, this dish was a tasty balance of protein and fibre.

Gogibox (Korean)

The Gogibox offers a unique twist on Korean cuisine, with the Gogi Taco ($6.80), and the Gogi Dog ($6.80).

It also sells bentos such as the Gogi Plate above ($8.50). Take your pick from fried rice, 8 different choices of meat and a salad. Unfortunately, we did not manage to sample food from the Gogibox as it was closed, but we will definitely be back to get some!

All things considered, Five Square is definitely a top contender on our list of chill out spots. Not only does it provide affordable food and drinks with great taste and quality, it’s also conveniently situated near the workplaces in the CBD.

It’s never too late for food and drinks at Five Square. Supper, anyone?

Cheers to the next round of great food and beer,

Singapore After Nine

All prices are subject to 7% GST and 10% Service Charge. 

Five Square
Address: 1 Pickering Street, Great Eastern Centre, #01-03, Singapore 04865
Opening hours: Mon – Sat, 10am – 12am (Closed on Sundays and PH)

Also read 7 Oozy Choux Pastries That Will Have You Scrambling To Lick Everything Up

You Heard Their Stories – Now Millennials Of S’pore Is Going Live So YOU Can Ask The Questions

Millennials get a bad rep.

We’ve been called narcissistic, shallow, entitled, lazy… The list goes on.

Enter Millennials of Singapore, a Facebook page dedicated to shedding light on the varied lives and struggles of millennials in this country.

Sharing deeply personal stories of struggling with mental illness, bearing tattoos in a society where tattoos are associated with gangsters, being pregnant as a teenager, and many more, these millennials are bringing to the fore issues we rarely talk about in conservative Singapore.

Now, the creators of the page hope to take that conversation even further–by taking it live.

Millennials of Singapore will be starting a brand new series called Millennial LIVE, an interactive video format that happens in real time. In this series, familiar faces you may recognize from the page will be taking YOUR questions in a candid, no holds barred session. Feel free to fire away questions you’ve always wanted to ask, but never had the guts to!

Here, there are no stupid questions, only honest ones.

Ultimately, the series hopes to open peoples’ minds and breed understanding among Singaporeans through a series of conversations, spanning a variety of topics.

The first episode of the series will feature DJ, a gay man who shared about his journey to accepting his sexuality. Happening today at 7.30pm, make sure to tune in and ask some questions of your own!

This series will air exclusively on livestreaming app, BeLive, every Wednesday at 7.30pm. Currently, the team has committed to 4 episodes and we’re excited to see what they have in store!

Download the BeLive app on Apple or on Android, and make sure to follow Millennials of Singapore for more updates.

Also read For 2 Days Only, Chinatown Will Become The Ultimate Escape Room – Here’s What You Can Expect

Nothing To Do In Tiny S’pore? This Bank Is Making It Its Mission To Bring More Life Here

Singapore is a lot of great things: a safe country, a technologically advanced nation, a country with THE best food in the world—to us Singaporeans, at least. But a place with plenty of fun, exciting things going on all the time, well… That’s debatable.

A Livelier Local Scene

That being said, things here have come a LONG way over the last couple of years.

One of the key parties to thank for breathing this fresh life into the local scene is—you won’t guess it—DBS bank.

The bank has made it its mission to bring new, unique and exciting experiences to our little red dot, and specifically to the Marina Bay area.

Artbox Singapore 2017

Where: Ultra Park, 1 Bayfront Avenue  
When: 10, 11 June
Entry: Starts at US$163 (S$230.01)

Click here to purchase tickets.

DBS

Marina Regatta

[caption id="attachment_25046" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Artist’s impression of DBS Marina Regatta[/caption]

The DBS Marina Regatta will be returning this year from 1-4 June. Last year, they brought into Singapore South-east Asia’s tallest inflatable water slide—a massive structure that stood at over five storeys tall!

Think that can’t be topped? This year’s highlights are even more amazing!

Dubbed “Singapore’s Biggest Bayfest”, the sixth edition of DBS Marina Regatta will see The Bay receiving a tremendous makeover, transforming into Singapore’s only urban beach.

Come June this year, Bali’s famed Potato Head beach club will bring their beloved Coconut Bar to Singapore for the first time, and with it, their signature coconut cocktails and beers so you can beat the Singapore heat! You can even lounge on hammocks with an icy cold bottle of booze in hand!

To cool off even more, you can challenge yourself—and your friends!—to an epic inflatable water obstacle course! Featuring 9 obstacles of varying difficulties, see if you have what it takes to get from point A to point B.

It looks to be a splashing good time at the DBS Marina Regatta this year, and guess what? This is only the tip of the iceberg!

Where: Promontory @ Marina Bay
When: 1 – 4 June
Entry: Free

Others

This coming August, the Singapore Coffee Festival will be back again and we hear DBS will have a hand in it!

Happening at Marina Bay Cruise Centre, this year’s coffee festival experience will come with a gorgeous waterfront view. While the finer details of the event have not yet been ironed out, we’re guessing (and hoping!) some of our favourite coffee vendors will be there, roasting up a delicious storm.

Watch this space as we will be updating this story as more information comes in!

When: 3 – 6 August 2017
Where: Marina Bay Cruise Centre

Home Is Where The Fun Is

Indeed, Singapore has come such a huge way in such a short time, and we’re definitely not complaining!

From importing overseas concepts like Artbox so we can enjoy them right in our backyards to creating platforms enterprising Singaporeans can use to showcase their wares, DBS has brought a tremendous breath of life into our country.

We can only hope many others will follow suit, bringing so much more fun and life to our home!

Also read, 10 Awesome Activities To Kick Start Your April [1-15 April]

(Top Image Credit:

This Pop-Up Exhibition Will Show 16 Game Of Thrones-Themed Pencil Sculptures That Are Stunningly Detailed

Fans of the gruesome, epic Game of Thrones, here’s a special announcement you’ll definitely appreciate: there will be a pop-up exhibition featuring sculptures from your favourite HBO series on a rather unique medium–pencils!

Yep, unlike the large, life-sized structures that probably came to mind, this exhibition features very, very tiny sculptures, carved into the tips of graphite pencils.

The “Game of Thrones”: A Pencil Microsculpture Exhibition by Salavat Fidai features 16 GoT-themed microsculptures, many of which will be immediately recognizable for those of you GoT die-hards.

Look out for the Iron Throne, sigils from the various Houses, a White Walker, the Three Eyed Raven, Drogon the dragon, two swords – Brienne of Tarth’s Oathkeeper and Jon Snow’s Long Claw – and many more!

Happening for a very limited time only, between 22 Apr – 4 Jun, at the K+ Curatorial Space at Scotts Square, admission is completely free.

More On The Artist

These microsculptures are made by Russian artist and sculptor, Salavat Fidai, who is world-renowned as one of the finest in the field of miniature sculpture.

Not only does he create immaculate, detailed works of art on the tips of pencils with diameters from 5mm to as small as 2mm, he also does miniature paintings with similarly small objects as his canvas, such as matchboxes and seeds.

Marrying the hit TV series with a stunning, fascinating art form, head on down to appreciate not just the works, but the incredible craftsmanship that’s gone into making them!

Address: K+ Curatorial Space, #03-11/12/13 Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road
When: 22 Apr – 4 Jun

Singapore’s Most Influential: Here Are Our Top 4 Women In The Arts In Singapore

March 8 is International Women’s Day!

Not enough is done to recognise and acknowledge women for all their contributions to space exploration, the medical field, the arts and every other industry out there. As such, for this year’s International Women’s Day, we celebrate 4 amazing women who have made their mark on arts and culture in Singapore!

Kumari Nahappan

A prominent artist based in Singapore, Kumari Nahappan is well-versed in a range of visual genres, from inter-disciplinary to painting, sculpture and installations.

Some of her more famous works in Singapore include Saga for Changi Airport, Nutmeg & Mace for the ION Orchard, Pedas-Pedas for the National Museum and Pembungaan for OUE Bayfront (the largest bronze mural in Singapore that’s over 45m tall).

Hi Kumari, your work has made its way into Art Museums and gallery exhibitions all over the world. How would you describe your art creation process?

As a conceptual artist, I create works in a series and often exhibit them in the context of space and time to communicate a story.

These works often make their way to the institutions or countries to be exhibited, where they are framed by the context of the art-making process in the form of an installation.

What changes have you noticed in the art industry today, compared to when you first began?

As compared to 25 years ago, the industry is vibrant and evolving, especially in terms of contemporary art, which is excellent for growth.

With more art fairs and events in Singapore recently, such as the annual Affordable Art Fair that invites people to see art as available for everyone, not just art collectors, Singapore is going through a wonderful change in terms of the public’s receptiveness and embrace of art.

What do you hope to see in Singapore’s art scene’s future?

I hope the arts will be sustainable in the future. I hope to see art, life and the sciences integrating and running parallel to each other, playing important roles to enrich the life of the being.

You started your education at LASALLE College of the Arts as a mother of 4 at the age of 37. What would you say to ease the minds of potential artists pursuing a formal education, but are set back by fears of their age, marital circumstances and stage of life?

I started my career at 23 and worked for 14 years as a space planner while teaching at Institute Technology Mara in Shah Alam, Malaysia. When I moved to Singapore in 1990, I enrolled at LASALLE College to further my education in Fine Arts. My background helped me a great deal moving forward.

Fear of age and circumstances did not bother me as I went in with no plans, just an ‘open mind’ to learn.

Catherine Lim

A household name for most Singaporeans, Catherine Lim is one of the most well-known and well-read literary authors in Singapore.

Having written short stories, novels, poems and political commentary pieces over the past decades, she has now turned her focus to mentoring the youth as they too pursue a passion and future in writing.

Hi Catherine, you’ve been a published writer since 1978, and a well-known political critic since your essay, ‘PAP and the People: A Great Affective Divide’, in 1994. What would you say is your biggest, proudest accomplishments to date for both fiction writing and political commentary?

The two kinds of writing were completely different genres, with different objectives and readership: the fiction was creative expression of my personal experiences and observations of human behaviour, cast in the form of imaginary tales, while the commentaries were my criticisms of existing social and political policies in Singapore, based on factual information.

You can say that I regard both kinds of writing as ‘proud accomplishments’. I was very glad that I was able to share my interests, thoughts and reflections with Singaporean readers, and to know from feedback that they appreciated this sharing.

While your short stories and novels are a household name in Singapore, you’ve mentioned that you’ll be focusing on a new style of writing. Could you tell us more about that?

Recently, I seemed to have shown interest in a third kind of writing – the philosophical kind that deals with large existential issues such as God, religion, death, mortality, meaning, etc.

Actually these themes had always interested me and been the subject of much private introspection. Some months ago, I decided to put my thoughts together in a systematic way in a book, entitled ‘An Equal Joy: Reflections on God, Death and Belonging.’

It comprises a series of essays on topics as diverse as my Catholic background in my youth, my love and pursuit of scientific knowledge, my thoughts on death, suicide, the right to die, etc.

The book will be launched by Marshall Cavendish in March.

What changes have you noticed in Singapore’s literary scene today, compared to when you first began?

Firstly, there is now more support and encouragement from government organisations, such as grants for writers, the Singapore Writers Festival, and campaigns to promote local writing such as the Buy Singlit campaign initiated by NAC.

Secondly, I have noted the many new young writers on the literary scene, who have impressed me by their contributions, talent and enthusiasm. All these developments are very heartening indeed!

Any advice for local aspiring writers?

My advice to local aspiring writers is this: Go for it. Nurture your interest in writing. Don’t be too hard on yourselves and think that nobody will be interested in what you write.

If you write with authenticity, honesty and passion, even if they seem trivial or too personal to you, you will come up with the kind of writing that will interest people.

Remember all true artists go through periods of self-doubt which they never allow to dampen their passion for their art. Art is hard work – the axiom goes: ’10 per cent inspiration, and 90 per cent perspiration’!

Kirsten Tan

Kirsten Tan is a New York based filmmaker whose works revolve heavily around humanity and off-beat humour.

Clinching the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award for Screenwriting at Sundance Film Festival, her debut film POP AYE has set the stage for 32-year old Kirsten as Singapore’s up and rising filmmaker to watch.

<iframe src=”https://player.vimeo.com/video/199184287″ width=”640″ height=”360″ frameborder=”0″ webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe>

<p><a href=”https://vimeo.com/199184287″>POP AYE Official Trailer</a> from <a href=”https://vimeo.com/ewfilms”>E&amp;W Films</a> on <a href=”https://vimeo.com”>Vimeo</a>.</p>

Hi Kirsten, besides being the first Singaporean filmmaker and director to win that award, tell us about your biggest, proudest accomplishments to date!

I think my biggest, proudest accomplishment is really just staying on the path of filmmaking all through these many years even when it felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel.

It takes years to cut your teeth on filmmaking and during that time, you do work that is low – or even no – paying for long stretches of time… [Filmmaking] demands a 100% full-time commitment and it really took resilience and, I suspect, a healthy dose of foolishness to keep on this path where there is no guarantee of any success at the end of it.

How long have you been in the filmmaking industry, and how did it all begin?

POP AYE is my first feature film but I’ve been working in film and making shorts for about twelve years now.

At NUS, I founded nu(STUDIOS) along with a group of friends and I worked mainly as a producer on my friend’s shorts. When I enrolled in Ngee Ann after NUS, I then moved into directing for the first time, and made my first short film titled ‘10 Minutes Later’. I’ve made 7 narrative shorts and 1 documentary short since then before embarking on my first feature film.

Dahdi was considered a relatively controversial film, touching on the Rohingya refugee crisis and Singapore’s stance on accepting refugees. What challenges did you have to overcome in order to bring Dahdi to life?

I wasn’t sure if I would get funding for the film from the Singapore Film Commission and had to crowd-fund the film via Indiegogo just to ensure we would have enough funds to make the film happen.

Interestingly, when we went to down to Pulau Ubin to scout for locations, we found the residents on Ubin suspicious of us because we were holding cameras.

The residents thought we were a part of the authorities or the media and were highly mistrustful of us initially since they’ve been hounded so much over time. It took a long time for us to gain their confidence.

What do you hope to see in Singapore’s film-making industry’s future?

Apart from POP AYE, local films are doing well on major film festivals – we had Apprentice and A Yellow Bird premiering at Cannes Film Festival last year.

Many talented young Singaporean filmmakers I know are working hard to get their debut feature screenplays ready for production. On a macroscopic level though, cinema as a whole can’t survive only on filmmakers so I hope that film and cultural literacy in Singapore will continue to grow as well… It’s only with the audience participation that film as a form and as an industry has a chance to thrive.

Any advice for local aspiring film-makers?

It may sound simple, but to any aspiring filmmaker reading this, I’d say – really, just focus on your work. Make sure you do everything and anything to get that script or film to its best possible potential. As a creator, your sole responsibility is to what you are creating.

Delia Prvacki

Romanian-born, Singapore-based sculptor, Delia Prvacki, has been adding flair to the Singapore arts scene with her ceramic, bronze and tapestry artworks. Spaces such as Chijmes, the Esplanade and NUS Museum have featured her works, which are strongly influenced by Singapore’s nature-concrete dichotomy.

Hi Delia, tell us about your biggest, proudest accomplishments to date!

It is the story embedded in the trajectory of my life: moving from my native country, Romania, to ex-Yugoslavia to be with my husband, learning a new language, starting to build a successful career as an artist, all along being a mother and wife.

Then, 17 years later relocating to Singapore – an unknown space, new culture, [with new challenges like] having to learn the English language, establishing a new studio and practice while keeping the family values as my top priority.

How long have you been in the sculpting industry, and how did it all begin?

I started working with clay as a teenager, in 1967. I was already committed to the arts, having interest in poetry, piano, theatre, and fine arts, but disoriented, due to limitations imposed upon all forms of creativity by the dictatorial communist regime at that time.

I found a refuge in discovering the world of ancient traditional art, very rich in my native homeland. It also suited my rebellious side, compensating for my physical fragility and petite frame, to persist in a field that regularly was dominated by males.

As a Romanian-born, currently Singapore-citizenship holding artist, how would you say having lived in 2 drastically different cultures has influenced your art?

When I arrived in Singapore I [already had] a distinctive “style” and my body of work was already defined by my experimental and conceptual approach… My practice was within the ceramic medium and I was recognised for the merit of pushing the boundaries of the material, for its detachment from conventional presentation.

When I arrived in Singapore, I was fascinated with light, colour, vegetation, weather… that was an obvious change that inspired me instantly.

Once I began knowing and understanding the local heritage and culture, along with my admiration for the distinctive component of an ultra-modern, advanced metropolis, I found the whole new setting challenging and rejuvenating.

I became more interested in real problems facing modern societies, humanity, and mostly, I developed an awareness about the role that art plays in society.

What projects are you currently working on?

Right now I am preparing a solo exhibition with a large-scale installation at The Substation Gallery. It will run from 15-25 March.

[caption id="attachment_23576" align="aligncenter" width="975"] Patina. Photo Credits:

This exhibition is special for me, since it marks 50 years of practice, and is a recollection of my first solo show in March 1970. It also has a personal emotional meaning, since my first solo exhibition in Singapore was in March 1994, in the same Gallery space at Substation.

You have a line of art-pieces called Dulcinea, which are 11 pieces of art featuring 6 “breast cups” representing a woman’s development from adolescent to adult. I love that it is such a celebration of women’s experiences, while simultaneously fighting back against the resistance towards public breastfeeding. What can you tell us about your thought process while creating Dulcinea?

I must say that my work was never “figurative” and the idea to develop an entire production in relation to this very explicit representation of the female body was justified by the idea, intention and the whole strategy on its implementation.

I intended to have it as a pure “feminine” discourse as well as a functional product meant to enhance the living space of families, while emanating a message of “maternity”, of eternal beauty.

[It also held] a role in aesthetic education and contributing to public awareness about a very sensitive, yet, perpetual dimension of our human existence – breastfeeding and women’s health.

Any advice for local aspiring sculptors?

I think local young artists are well-equipped with information, knowledge and conceptual platforms. However, they need to spend time in practising and making a body of work that is not meant primarily for sale, but to invest their energy and resources in experimentation.

Searching and thriving for original forms of expression is the key in establishing yourself as an authentic artist.

A big thank you to these amazing ladies for taking the time to share their thoughts and experiences with DiscoverSG!

From the first spark of inspiration that led to the start of their journeys as artists, to their position today as strong artistic influences in the Singaporean arts landscape, these 4 women have shown us that the pursuit of creating art is a beautiful process.

For more about the movers and shakers in the Singapore arts scene, follow A LIST SINGAPORE. A LIST SINGAPORE regularly features and interviews inspirational Singaporeans in the arts scene, such as whose first feature film was chosen as a contender for last year’s Cannes Film Festival.

A LIST SINGAPORE is easily available on both online and offline channels. You can follow them on their Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and even their Youtube page, or get a hardcopy of their monthly magazine that is distributed at SMRT Stations island-wide.

We hope you were inspired by this article to explore and persevere in your own pursuit of artistic and personal expression. Happy International Women’s Day!

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

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

Always wanted to try skydiving but don’t have the courage or funds to do so? Why not try indoor skydiving for a taste of the real thing!

With a safe and controlled indoor environment, you don’t have to worry about anything going wrong. Plus, you will only need to pay a fraction of the price!

Located a stone’s throw away from Sentosa’s Beach Station, iFly Singapore is a state-of-the-art flight facility that is also the largest themed indoor skydiving simulator in Southeast Asia.

Designed with an airport theme in mind, features like a flight status board at the entrance for customers to check when to ‘board’ their flight and the sound of airplanes in the training room make a trip to iFly Singapore a total experience.

Finding Our Wings

We tried the First Timer Challenge Package ($119), which consists of 2 skydives of 45 seconds each. That is the same time it takes to free fall from 12,000 to 3,000 feet, as with an actual skydive!

After registering and signing the waiver and indemnity forms, you’ll watch a few video presentations which will take you through certain safety procedures and some things to take note of while flying in the wind tunnel.

Once all these nitty gritties are over and done with, it’s time to learn how to fly!

Your flight instructor will guide you through a practical training where you learn how to posture yourself during flight, how to enter and leave the wind tunnel, and some simple hand signals to communicate while in the wind tunnel. (You’ll be wearing earplugs while in there!)

You’ll finish with some light stretching, before heading to the Gear Up counter to get suited up!

During the flight, there isn’t much to remember: have your arms out at right angles, bend your legs slightly and keep your chin up.

Each flyer will enter the wind tunnel one at a time, which means you’ll get the instructor’s full attention while flying! He will be watching or holding on to you, depending on how much help you need.

From inside the wind tunnel, you’ll be treated to a gorgeous view of the South China Sea. If you time your flight exactly right, you can even catch the fireworks from the nearby Wings of Time that happens nightly!

DSG Tip: To see the fireworks while flying, try catching a 8.00pm or 9.00pm flight. 

While your first flight might be a bit of a hot mess (as mine was), you’ll probably get the hang of it by the second flight. After knowing what to expect in the wind tunnel and having had some practice, you’ll be more at ease and enjoy the flight a whole lot more!

What You Can Expect…

One thing we definitely did not expect from our flight was getting saliva all around our mouths, and for some of us, even on our faces! Yep, that’s what happens when there are strong winds blowing at your face when your mouth is open while flying.

Another thing we found was that our hair got really tangled from the flight. Girls, expect to be fiddling away with your hair, detangling the knots in it hours after flying, especially if you have long hair! Make sure you take pictures before and not after flying!

DSG Tip: Bring a hair brush if you need to meet someone special/important post-flight.

All these minor inconveniences aside, the flight is definitely an exhilarating experience, especially if you have always wanted to try skydiving! You can even learn cool tricks like flips and flying upside down—but only after you’ve got the basics down.

The other flyers and I felt extremely safe throughout our flights. iFly Singapore opens its doors to flyers from as young as 7 to as old as 106–that tells you something about the safety standards at the facility!

To give you that added peace of mind, all instructors at iFly Singapore have undergone intensive training complying with the rules and regulations of the International Bodyflight Association (IBA). So, rest assured you’re in capable hands.

Indoor skydiving was definitely a one-of-a-kind experience. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or someone seeking a new experience, indoor skydiving is definitely an experience worth trying. Who knows, you just might find yourself a new passion!

This was an invited session from iFly Singapore.

iFly Singapore
Address: 43 Siloso Beach Walk #01-01 Singapore 099010
Opening Hours: Mon-Tue, Thu-Sun: 9.00am – 9.30pm; Wed: 11.00am – 9.30pm
Contact No.: 6571 0000

8 Alternative Venues To Hold A Unique Wedding In Singapore Under $20K 

Ideally, marriage only happens once in a lifetime. Therefore, we approach wedding planning with utmost seriousness. Every couple has a dream wedding in mind, from the theme to the location and the wedding dress. We all want to have a perfect wedding.

But with the high costs of living in Singapore, planning a wedding can be taxing on the wallet.

Instead of traditional hotel banquets, we can consider alternative wedding venues. These locations allow you to be more creative in coming up with new concepts that are not only aesthetically appealing, but also more economic.

If you’re getting hitched and have a tight budget, here are some affordable alternative wedding venues in Singapore to fit a guest list that ranges between 50 to 395 guests.

1. Grand Shanghai Restaurant

With its dark wood-polished floors, vintage ceiling fans, and ornate lamps and lanterns, Grand Shanghai offers an exotic location that stands out from your usual Chinese restaurant.

This venue offers ample space to comfortably fit 200 guests while keeping to the $20K budget.

The spacious floor plan also allows in-house jazz performances, and guests can dine in luxury and be delighted with traditional Shanghainese delicacies, such as Wuxi short ribs, braised ‘lion’s head’ and Peking duck.

Grand Shanghai Restaurant
Address: Grand Shanghai Restaurant, Level 1 King’s Centre, 390 Havelock Road, S169662
Price: One table starts at $899++ (min. 20 tables)
Capacity: 200 – 260 guests
Tel: 6836 6866
Website: Credit: Credit:

3. Fu Lin Men @ Jurong Country Club

This country club has been an understatement for years.

Apart from its lush greenery, Jurong Country Club is one of the many awesome alternative wedding venues with an affordable wedding reception.

[caption id="attachment_22565" align="aligncenter" width="1772"] Credit:

4. Vineyard @ Hort Park

With Singapore’s humid weather, tying the knit out in nature can be tricky. That’s why picking a location that comes with both indoor and alfresco setting solves the simple problem.

[caption id="attachment_21713" align="alignnone" width="960"] Credit:

5. Masons @ Gillman Barracks

Housed in a 1930s colonial black and white bungalow, the Masons carries a sophisticated vibe that is charming and alluring.

[caption id="attachment_21708" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Credit: 

With its lush greenery and open grounds, this alternative wedding venue is perfect for a garden wedding or an intimate vintage-themed ceremony indoors.

Whether you want an international menu or buffet dining, the dedicated event team at MASONS can ensure a smooth sailing wedding that matches your budget. Wedding packages begin at $8,000 for 50 guests. To fit a $20K budget, just make sure your number of guest falls below 100 pax.

MASONS
Address: 8 Lock Road, Gillman Barracks, S108936
Price: $8,000++ for up to 50 guests
Capacity: 50 – 150 guests
Tel: 8222 3875
Email: [email protected]
Website: Credit:

7. Republic of Singapore Yacht Club

Fancy holding a reception by the sea?

Well, check out Singapore’s very first yacht club. It’s the perfect choice for a romantic sunset wedding with 240 guests or less.

[caption id="attachment_21717" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Credit:

Couples may choose between a chic indoor celebration at the Nautical Ballroom and a charming alfresco solemnisation by the sea at the Foreshore Deck.

Choosing the Chinese package will allow you to hold a wedding dinner for 240 pax or less while the international buffet option complies up to 395 guests.

Whether you opt for an 8-course Chinese dinner or an international buffet dinner, you can expect a scrumptious feast by magnificent views of yachts and marine.

Republic of Singapore Yacht Club
Address: 52 West Coast Ferry Road S126887
Price: Solemnization packages start at $1,288++ (max. 30 pax) / Chinese packages start at $788++ for one table (min. 10 tables) / International Buffet packages start at $48++ per guest (min. 100 pax)
Capacity: 100 – 250 guests
Tel: 6768 9297 / 292 / 294
Email: [email protected]
Website: Republic of Singapore Yacht Club

8. Tanjong Beach Club

It’s summer all year round in Singapore and where better to hold a beach-themed wedding than at our sun kissed country?

[caption id="attachment_21722" align="alignnone" width="1000"] Credit: [email protected]
Website:

Also, read 8 Enchanting & Secret Photography Spots You Never Knew Existed