The Circuit Breaker Life: 10 Things You Never Knew You Were Thankful For
Staying home during this time has made us crave face-to-face human interaction or yearn to go back to our usual routines.
In a state of boredom, people are forced to get creative. We have quickly changed up our routines such as converting our gym sessions to home workouts, or even achieving new goals such as learning a new skill online or finishing a book that we read halfway.
But there are also some who have thought of really bizarre things. For instance, a Redditor built a life-sized Jewel Changi Airport in Minecraft to curb his boredom.
Another Redditor even came up with a ‘Stay Home MRT Line’ to sum up a day of his life.
We may be stuck at home but that doesn’t stop people from thinking of creative ways to spend their Circuit Breaker life differently. One thing’s for sure though, here are 10 things that we’ll definitely miss once the Circuit Breaker is over.
1. Wake Up Later, Wear PJs All Day
Working from home brings about many perks for the lazybones.
Firstly, you get to snooze a little longer because we no longer have to be out the door by 8am to catch the train. If work starts at 9am, we can afford to wake up five minutes before and skip the shower.
Who cares if you’ve not brushed your teeth or if you’re wearing pyjamas to work?
Ultimately, this saves us a lot of time. You also do not have to style your hair or think about what to wear every day. Doing work in comfortable PJs and messy hair all day is a true luxury that comes with working from home.
2. Home-cooked Meals
As we shift to working from home amid this Circuit Breaker, we have more autonomy over managing our schedules and taking short breaks to recharge ourselves. Our mornings and evenings are now longer as we don’t have to spend time commuting to and from work.
With these extended pockets of time, many have turned to indulging in a hearty breakfast in the mornings or going for a quick run (while observing safe distancing measures, of course!). Throughout the work day, we may even steal some time to take a power nap, have a quick work-out session or even enjoy a tea break.
These simple activities definitely aid in relaxation and revitalisation. After all, when you are well-rested, your productivity will also increase.
4. Ability To Multi-Task During Work Meetings
Now that we are working from home, we have embraced video-conferencing platforms like Zoom and Skype to host online meetings instead.
The good thing about online meetings is that we can ‘multi-task’ and get other tasks done while paying attention to the meeting. Multi-tasking is not necessarily a bad thing as we can get more things done with pockets of free time.
5. Free Workout Sessions
Even though physical gyms, studios and sports facilities have been closed during this period of time, you can still get your work-out sessions.
SportSG’s Get Active TV has teamed up with some of the fitness instructors in Singapore to stream live workouts on Facebook and YouTube.
On Instagram, many influencers have also been churning out live-streaming sessions, hosting workshops and activities for their followers to join in the fun.
Local songbirds Narelle Kheng and Sandra Riley Tang of Sam Willows, for one, will be conducting a workout session via Instagram (IG) Live (do keep a lookout on their IG on April 30) as part of the #stayhomeforSG challenge, so stay tuned for it! If you would like to find inspiration on things to do at home, check out the hashtag #stayhomeforSG on social media channels to see what everyone else is doing!
You can also try to complete this month-long workout plan as part of the Box Office Fitness Circuit Breaker challenge, which includes a mix of HIIT, strength, cardio and recovery exercises, to help stay in shape.
6. Access To More Free Online Resources
As Singaporeans, it’s in our nature to love free things.
Since lockdowns have begun in various countries, virtual classes have erased geographical boundaries, with major businesses rolling out free online classes.
A few paid TV operators such as StarHub and Singtel have extended a free preview of their TV channels to curb your boredom during this time.Meanwhile, Audible has made their library of books and audio stories free to stream following this COVID-19 outbreak.
People’s Association (PA) is also conducting free ‘live’ 30-minute classes on their social media platforms for affected PA courses and activities. It conducts various classes from cooking to calligraphy, so here’s your chance to learn a new skill!
Local actress Jeanette Aw and Miele Singapore’s Chef Lennard Yeong also filmed an Instagram Live video together last week while they cooked and baked from their home kitchens. Missed it? Fret not! You can watch their completed 20-minute cooking session on both Jeanette’s and Lennard’s IG accounts.
The list of free resources is not exhaustive, so do take advantage of them while you can.
7. More Family Bonding Time
As most of your family members are now working from home, this means that you will be seeing more of them, giving you the opportunity for more family time. Who knows, you might even learn something new about them!
Beyond that, working from home together means that you can afford to have meals together, for breakfast, lunch and dinner! Since everyone shares the same working schedule (sort of), there’s no reason to miss out on family meals anymore.
Having meals together means you can get to stay updated on each other’s lives over conversations, which helps to strengthen ties and build better relationships.
8. Hanging Out With Friends (Virtually) Anytime
Packed and conflicting schedules have sometimes made it difficult for you and your friends to find a meeting time that works for everyone.
Since we are now in Circuit Breaker mode, everyone is practically confined to their houses. Besides working from home, we don’t have much else on our schedule so there is technically no excuse to not hang out with friends anymore, albeit virtually.
Take this chance to catch up with your friends and make up for lost time. Have a lunch date over video calls, host game nights on apps like Houseparty, or even sing karaoke in a virtual KTV room on apps like Quan Min Party.
If both you and your friends like playing online games together, consider checking out the DOTA and FIFA livestreams where gamers battle it out.
Happening across two channels on May 2, from 12pm to 4pm, watch Sylvia from Night Owl Cinematics compete against local pro-gamer iceiceice in a DOTA game! You can catch Sylvia on NOCplays YouTube channel or iceiceice over on Twitch in the livestream as they battle it out.
If you are a FIFA fan, be sure to catch local actors Charlie Goh and Noah Yap attempt to score against Hibidi, a local FIFA pro-gamer. The livestreams will be held on May 3, 8pm, on Charlie and Noah’s IG and Hibidi’s Facebook page.
9. Supporting Local F&B Businesses
While F&B businesses see their sales take a hit as the dining-in ban has kicked in, they can only count on takeaway and delivery orders.
There is no better time than now to do our part to help local F&B establishments tide over this difficult period of time and #supportLocal by buying from them.Through the ‘Hawkers United – Dabao 2020’ Facebook group initiative, we have seen how Singaporeans come together to preserve the hawker culture and help our favourite stalls to continue their business.
10. Being At Home To Receive Your Parcels
One of the things we would appreciate about staying at home is being there to receive our online deliveries in person. It is also something to look forward to while we are at home.
Nothing beats the happiness and excitement we get when the delivery man appears on our doorstep with a box. For now, we no longer have to wait in anticipation to arrive home to unwrap our online purchases – we can do it instantly.
This is one of the little things that we would be thankful for when the Circuit Breaker life is over.
Stay Home For Singapore
COVID-19 has made us realise the importance of keeping ourselves active, having a work-life balance and staying connected with our family and friends.
Even after the Circuit Breaker has ended, we should not cease practising these important and positive habits.
Everyone, including you and I, has a critical part to play in fighting the battle against COVID-19, so we need to be socially responsible and take precautions to help safeguard one another and save lives.
While it’s indeed a tough time for the nation, it’s imperative to stay positive. Just because we are encouraged to stay at home, it does not mean that we cannot continue to stay active and engaged, or care for one another.
Join the SG United Telegram channel to receive the latest updates on COVID-19 content and ongoing community initiatives. Also, share what you are doing at home during this Circuit Breaker period on social media by tagging #stayhomeforSG and #SGUnited. You never know – you may inspire others with ideas on what they can do at home!
Remember, Singapore can pull through this only if we do it together! #stayhomeforSG #SingaporeTogether #SGUnited
This article is written in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, Community & Youth.
Header Image Credit: Inc42 / Shutterstock
Also Read: This HDB is so #instaworthy, every spot is perfect for pictures
McDonald’s Rings In The New Year With Salted Egg Yolk Fries – Available From 3 Jan
Feeling sleepy and groggy at work today?
We feel you.
If you’re feeling as down as we are, then we have some great news for you. McDonald’s is here to make your day a little better – they’ll be launching the all new Salted Egg Yolk Loaded Fries from 3 January for a limited time only.
New Year, New Menu
Sure, it’s 2019 and we should really start saying goodbye to Salted Egg Yolk but this combination seems pretty promising. Imagine your favourite French Fries topped with a generous serving of Salted Egg Yolk sauce. It’ll be topped with curry leaves for that sweet and savoury taste. Enjoy the Salted Egg Yolk Fries for $1.20 when you upgrade your fries with any meal.
As if that wasn’t enough, they’re bringing back the highly popular Ha Ha Cheong Gai Drumlets which was released in July last year. Yes, our favourite prawn paste chicken is making a comeback and you can now have it in the Happy Sharing Box (Special Edition) from just $7.90.
Moving on to desserts – McDonald’s is launching 2 new desserts! The first is a Pandan Soft Serve – think pandan chiffon cake but in ice cream form. You can have it in a cone, ChocoCone, Sundae or McFlurry (from $1).
[caption id="attachment_38663" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]
Image Credit: McDonald’s Singapore[/caption]
Next up is the all-new Peach Pie ($1.40). It’s filled with juicy white peach chunks and the crust is wait for it…pink.
[caption id="attachment_38662" align="aligncenter" width="900"]
Image Credit: McDonald’s Singapore[/caption]
So if you’re feeling a little moody at work today, look forward to these tasty treats that will brighten up your week. You can definitely count on food to make it all better!
Also Read Cereals-ly? Get Your Cereal Fix At The New Kellogg’s Cafe For Just $2 A Bowl
(Header Image Source: McDonald’s Singapore Youtube)
Troye Sivan To Perform At The Star Theatre May 2019 – Tickets Go On Sale Dec 10
With big stars like Ed Sheeran, Jason Mraz and Kodaline announcing their return in 2019, it seems like we’re about to have a pretty exciting year!
But we’re not done yet. Get your wallets ready because Australian pop singer Troye Sivan is performing in Singapore on May 3 next year at The Star Theatre.
Oh My! My! My!
Troye Sivan announced on his Facebook that the concert is part of his Bloom tour, which is his second and most recent studio album.
Released on 31 August 2018, the album spawned hits such as My! My! My! and Dance To This featuring Ariana Grande. You might also know some of his hits Youth and Wild off his debut studio debut album Blue Neighbourhood.
https://open.spotify.com/album/1OyADPvYTlmT5hV0mtxLAY?si=KmlM_vFKRiaX1lgEYYpdiA
Troye Sivan’s Bloom tour in Asia includes stopovers in Tokyo, Seoul, Taipei, Manila, Hong Kong and Bangkok.
https://www.facebook.com/troyesivan/photos/a.496061223922/10157103032248923/?type=3
Tickets are priced at $98, $108, $128, $148 and $168 and will be available via apactix.com or call 3158-8588. Pre-sales kick off on Dec 10 at 10am for Sivan fans who have his app (apple.co/2E0bQ9K), as well as Live Nation members. General tickets go on sale on Dec 11, from 10am onwards.
Not sure about you but we’re definitely ready to dance at his concert next year!
Troye Sivan Bloom Tour In Singapore
Venue: The Star Theatre
Date: 3 May 2019
Kodaline Returns To Singapore On 5 March 2019 – Tickets Go On Sale On 16 Nov
(Header Image Source: Billboard)
PSA: SBS Will Be Offering Free Wi-Fi On 300 Buses From Feb 2019 Onwards
Free Wi-Fi, Best Wi-Fi
In red: the blessed area. Gotta start somewhere, we guess.Image Credit: Google Maps[/caption]
Kodaline Returns To Singapore On 5 March 2019 – Tickets Go On Sale On 16 Nov
Whether you’ve had a good or a bad year, 2018 had so much in store. Just look at how many concerts we’ve had in the last couple of months!
2019 is no exception. With big stars like Ed Sheeran and Jason Mraz announcing their return in 2019, fans of Dublin based rockers, Kodaline, just announced their highly anticipated return to Singapore, on 5 March, 2019, at ZEPP@BIGBOX.
[caption id="attachment_38094" align="aligncenter" width="7728"]
Image Credit: LAMC Productions[/caption]
Ready To Be Born Again
Kodaline released their brand new album, Politics of Living, on 28 Sep 2018, to rave reviews and are ready to embark on their upcoming world tour!
We’ve got high hopes for their upcoming tour as they last performed in Singapore in 2015 at Scape Playspace. Their upcoming concert will be held ZEPP@BIGBOX, which will definitely hold a larger crowd as compared to their last show 3 years ago.
[caption id="attachment_38093" align="aligncenter" width="1420"]
Image Credit: LAMC Productions[/caption]
On Politics of Living, Kodaline teamed up with some of the hottest production and writing talent imaginable including hitmaker supreme Steve Mac (Ed Sheeran, Liam Payne), pop guru Johnny Coffer (Rag’N’Bone Man, Beyoncé), Jonas Jeberg (Dizzee Rascal, Kylie Minogue), Stephen Harris (Miles Kane, Kaiser Chiefs) as well as long-time collaborator Johnny McDaid (P!NK).
Their latest album is a delightful treat and surrounds big choruses with digital rhythms, glimmering piano riffs, and synths.
https://open.spotify.com/album/1ITjhViDumL9llxAJYdKiC?si=Lug_5y_qTOaMPSrtZgoyKg
Tickets are priced at $128 for early bird and $138 for standard tickets. If you’re huge fans, an additional $20 will give you priority access on the day itself. Take note that this is free standing event.
Early-bird tickets go on sale at 9am on 16 November 2018 via the official ticketing agent SISTIC, at www.sistic.com.sg and via the SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348-5555 and at all SISTIC Authorised Agents.
Kodaline took Singapore by storm at their debut gig in 2015. Don’t pass up the opportunity to see these guys live in 2019!
Who’s ready to be born again?
Kodaline Live In Singapore 2019
Date: 5 March 2019
Venue: ZEPP@BIGBOX
Early Bird Ticket Sales: 16 November 2018
Website
(Header Image Source: LAMC Productions)
Singapore, He’s Yours — Jason Mraz To Perform At The Star Theatre May 2019
Missed his concert?
Well, we have great news for you.
Jason Mraz will be performing in Singapore at The Star Theatre on 11 May 2019 – as part of his Good Vibes Tour 2019.
He’s Yours. We’re His. I’m Sold.
The multiple GRAMMY Award winner Jason Mraz is set to perform at the 5,000-capacity auditorium, which is a lot smaller as compared to his recent concert at the National Stadium.
[caption id="attachment_37978" align="aligncenter" width="636"]
Image Credit: Billboard[/caption]
Just two days (27 October) after performing at the National Stadium in Singapore, Mraz revealed his Asia 2019 six-date tour.
Kicking off the whirlwind set of shows in Manila on May 8th, bringing his brand of soulful folk-pop to Shanghai, Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok and rounding off the performances at the Taipei Arena on May 25th 2019.
Tickets will go on sale at 10am on 9 November via www.apactix.com, hotline +65 3158 8588, Box Office at Singapore Indoor Stadium, The Star Performing Arts Centre Box Office, Scotts Square Concierge Desk and all SingPost outlets.
Artist fan club members and Lushington mailing list subscribers will be able to purchase pre-sale tickets from 6 November, 10am to 7 November 11:59pm.
Tickets are priced from $98 – $198.
For more information, check out the Facebook post below.
https://www.facebook.com/LushingtonEntertainmentsSG/photos/a.935894023090944/2695640287116300/?type=3&theater
Jason Mraz Live In Singapore 2019
Venue: The Star Theatre
Date: 11 May 2019
Ticket Prices: $98 – $198
Also Read Ed Sheeran Returns To S’pore In April 2019 – Tickets Go On Sale 25 October
(Header Image Source: Glamour)
Broke AF Couples Can Finally Afford A Staycation In Sentosa Starting April 2019
It’s confirmed. Singaporeans LOVE going on staycations.
No, really. Expedia did a whole survey on it.
In their 2018 Singapore Staycation Study, Singaporeans go an average of 2 staycations per year whereas parents with children are also most likely to go on one.
Planning your next staycation? Again? Well you’re not alone because a lot of us are probably planning our annual year end staycations as well. As much as we love cosy boutique hotels in the city, the idea of spending the night at a luxury hotel in Sentosa sounds perfect too!
But if the thought of spending a minimum of $600 per night makes you cry, don’t fret. 3 new mid-tier hotels will be opening in Sentosa from April next year according to a report by Channel NewsAsia.
Living The Luxe Life
The hotels which was announced first last year, will target the mid-tier segment which includes families, young adults on staycations as well as business travellers.
The 3 hotels are:
1. Outpost Hotel (Opening April 2019)
2. Village Hotel (Opening April 2019)
3. The Barracks Hotel (Opening August 2019)
All 3 hotels are situated in the Palawan area – giving you easy access to the Imbiah monorail station and across the road from Universal Studios Singapore.
Here’s a sneak peak of the hotels:
Village Hotel Sentosa
The largest of the 3 hotels, Village Hotel at Sentosa will house 606 rooms targeted towards families, business travellers and groups. Facilities include themed pool zones, a children’s play pool as well as a lazy river pool.
[caption id="attachment_37921" align="aligncenter" width="991"]
Image Credit: Far East Hospitality[/caption]
Outpost Hotel
Slightly more atas, Outpost Hotel will feature 193 rooms – which includes a rooftop pool and bar as well as a wedding hall – perfect for couples who are planning on a luxurious wedding set in Sentosa.
If you’re looking for a more romantic option, Outpost Hotel is the perfect option for a getaway with bae.
[caption id="attachment_37923" align="aligncenter" width="991"]
Image Credit: Far East Hospitality[/caption]
The Barracks Hotel
The smallest of the 3 hotels, The Barracks Hotel is nothing short of spectacular. If you have extra cash to spare, go for The Barracks as its 40 rooms promise guests exclusivity and privacy.
Just like the hotels in the Changi vicinity, the development will be housed in a refurbished conserved colonial building.
[caption id="attachment_37924" align="aligncenter" width="991"]
Image Credit: Far East Hospitality[/caption]
So if you’ve been longing for a short getaway away from the hustle and bustle of the city, your Sentosa staycation dreams are about to come true.
Because let’s be real, who can really afford Capella, right?
Also Read Long Week At Work? Rest And Recharge At These 5 Japanese Onsens In S’pore Instead
(Header Image Source: Far East Hospitality)
Ed Sheeran Returns To S’pore In April 2019 – Tickets Go On Sale 25 October
Just as we were about to accept the fact that we won’t be seeing our favourite ginger crooner again for the next couple of years, he decides to drop a bomb on us.
Ed Sheeran, the best selling artist of 2017, is set to return to Singapore on 26 April 2019.
Following his two sold-out dates in Singapore in 2017, the upcoming show will be his largest one yet as he performs at the National Stadium for the very first time.
His return to Asia will also include dates in Korea (April 21) and Bangkok (April 28).
At the moment, there is only one available date so fastest fingers first!
Tickets are priced at $158 for standing and between $68 – $248 for seated.
Prepare to camp at your computers because tickets will be going on sale at 10am this Thursday, 25 October 2018 at Sports Hub Tix and all SingPost outlets!
Ed Sheeran Live In Singapore 2019
Ticket Prices: $68 – $248
Venue: National Stadium Singapore
Website
Also Read A Sneak Peek Of i Light Singapore Happening Jan 2019 – The Biggest One Since 2010
Charlie Lim’s New Album ‘Check-Hook’ Is #1 On iTunes, And He’s Celebrating It With A Huge Concert In Dec
The man with mesmerising vocals and soulful crooner, much has been said to describe Charlie Lim.
He is arguably one of Singapore’s talented musicians with an ability to make fans – and we don’t just mean the female majority – swoon at his feet.
2018 has truly been a landmark year for this talented musician.
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Image Credit: @wherewascharlie[/caption]
CHECK-HOOK
Following his incredible take on ‘We Are Singapore’ for this year’s National Day Parade, he has gone through an extensive period of recording to release CHECK-HOOK, his newest album that was just out today (12 October).
It’s a real bop by the way. Listen to it here.
https://open.spotify.com/album/2ZIckVRkcaYkhRqmFqmZ1Y?si=y8YZ_hC2RUOGCnq0yxziYg
Chills, literal chills.
This seven-track album features Charlie experimenting with electronica while at the same time incorporating the familiar tunes that he is known for. This album features guest appearances by .gif’s Weish and up-and-coming rappers, Fariz Jabba and Yung Raja.
Along with Charlie’s album release, his label Universal Music Singapore has revealed an upcoming concert this December – his biggest hometown show to date.
Ending the year with a bang, Charlie will be performing at The Star Theatre which has hosted the likes of Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa and Bon Iver in the past. He will be joined by the aforementioned album guests along with backing vocals from established performers Vanessa Fernandez (Vandetta, Octover) and Eugenia Yip (The Steve McQueens, Riot !n Magenta).
[caption id="attachment_37813" align="aligncenter" width="1832"]
Image Credit: @wherewascharlie[/caption]
Tickets are priced at $58, $68 and $88. Tickets for public sale will go on sale 15 October 2018, Monday via SISTIC. FRANK By OCBC Credit/Debit card customers will have priority access to purchase pre-sale tickets beginning 12 October 2018, Friday, 10am through 14th Oct, Sunday at 11.59pm.
Fans can expect to hear the tracks from CHECK-HOOK as well as re-worked versions of his earlier songs.
You know the concert is going to be a real banger when the cameras are out as the concert will be filmed, recorded and released next year as part of a live album.
Mark your calendars as we’re pretty sure Charlie Lim’s concert is going to be a monumental event.
Charlie Lim Live At The Star Theatre
Date: December 2018
Venue: The Star Theatre, 1 Vista Exchange Green, #04-01, 138617
Ticket Prices: $58, $68, $88
Also Read Calling All Trainers In Singapore: A Pokémon Centre Is Coming To Jewel Changi Airport In 2019
(Header Image Source: @wherewascharlie)
Calling All Trainers In Singapore: A Pokémon Centre Is Coming To Jewel Changi Airport In 2019
If you’re saving up your yennies for a trip to the Pokémon Megastore in Tokyo, drop whatever you’re doing.
Your long-life dream is about to come true. From March 2019 onwards, Singaporeans and travellers can look forward to a whole new Pokemon experience at Jewel Changi Airport.
The Pokemon Centre at Jewel Changi Airport will be the first permanent store outside Japan!
Ready, Set, Pokémon Go!
If there’s ever a heaven for Pokémon fans on Earth, it’ll look something like this,
[caption id="attachment_37790" align="aligncenter" width="1280"]
Image Credit: YouTube[/caption]
…and this
[caption id="attachment_37788" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Image Credit: Matcha[/caption]
…and this
[caption id="attachment_37792" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Image Credit: Nerd Out[/caption]
You get the point.
Long time fans of Pokémon can look forward to expanding their collections once the Pokemon Centre opens at Jewel Changi Airpot next year. Live out your childhood dreams of transforming your bedroom into a Pokémon Wonderland because the merchandise are endless!
From bedroom slippers to figurines, cushions, utensils and towels – there’ll be endless shelves of Pokémon merchandise in all shapes, sizes and forms.
[caption id="attachment_37793" align="aligncenter" width="1024"]
Image Credit: Matcha Japan[/caption]
The obvious reason one might visit the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo is for the extensive range of Pokémon branded merchandise. Another reason would be to see the Pokémon statues. So we’re praying real hard that we’ll see a couple of these giant statues in Singapore’s Pokémon Centre as well.
We’re pretty sure once the Pokemon Centre opens in Singapore, it will be full of frenzied fans clutching shopping baskets overflowing with merchandise (because, you “gotta catch ’em all,” right?).
While there’s no news on how big the shop at Jewel Changi Airport will be, we’re sure it won’t disappoint!
(Header Image Source: YouTube)
