10 Labels You Need To Know From Singapore Fashion Week 2016
The orgy of high fashion hit all the right notes this year at Singapore Fashion Week 2016. Held at the National Gallery, this year’s style extravaganza topped last year’s venue at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza.
During the 5-day fashion festival (26 – 30 Oct), the spotlight was trained on an eclectic mix of Asian designers whose collections were showcased on not just one, but two different stages.
This year’s highlights
Indeed, the highlight of this year’s Singapore Fashion Week was none other than its emphasis on Asia; be it Asian-born designers, or designers based in Asia.
Out of nearly 22 featured creations, 20 in the show were from Asian designers – the greatest number in all of 15 years.
This was a distinct departure from the previous year, where American designer Diane von Furstenberg opened the show, and British style meister,Victoria Beckham, closed it.
Today, we bring you a quick round-up of some noteworthy designers at this year’s Singapore Fashion Week and their spectacular collections!
1. Day 1 – Guo Pei opens the event
Kicking off the event on the main stage was designer Guo Pei.
The Chinese born-and-raised dressmaker is best known for dolling Rihanna up in a canary-yellow, floor-trailing gown during the MOMA 2015.
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Style with an Edge: Hardy Hardy 2016
Dear Nathan Hartono: You’ll Always Be A Hero In Our Hearts!
Dear Nathan, the Sing! China 2016 results was not the most ideal, nonetheless, you will always remain a hero in our hearts.
Though you did not win the top spot, you have, in fact, won us, Singaporeans, over SIX TIMES (and counting):
1. The times when you beatbox
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Credit: Credit: 3. Those smiles
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Credit: Credit: bandwagon.asia[/caption]
You certainly know the way to our Harts – Milo Peng for the win!
5. How you pulled off English and Mandarin Songs
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Credit: Nathan Hartono Clinches Silver At Sing! China 2016 – It’s Ok We Still Love You!
Nathan Hartono Clinches Silver At Sing! China 2016 – It’s Ok We Still Love You!
Nathan Hartono, our local representative managed to clinch silver in Sing! China 2016, one of the biggest talent competitions in China.
While Hartono managed to qualify for the finals, he lost to competitor Jiang Dunhao at the finals earlier tonight (Oct 7). Jiang, who is only 21, won the singing competition with 56.7 per cent of the votes.
For his finale performance, Hartono performed a moving rendition of Mavis Hee’s Moonlight in the City (Cheng Li De Yue Guang) followed by Anita Mui’s Nu Ren Hua as he took the stage earlier this evening.
The three month reality singing competition saw Hartono beating out thousands who auditioned for Sing! China to clinch the second position. Jay Chou, the reigning king of mando pop (at least to most of us!), who Hartono chose as his mentor added:
“People who usually sing my songs don’t end up very well. In the past, they have been eliminated. But I hope Hartono can break this curse.”
The 25 year old’s first runner up position is also the highest any Singaporean has fared in the popular Chinese reality singing competition.
Nathan Hartono might not have clinched the gold at Sing! China 2016, but he’s definitely found a way into all our hearts!
You can watch more about Nathan in the following video:
https://www.facebook.com/discover.sg.official/videos/2044836009075424/
(feature image: Why Nathan Hartono Deserves To Win – Here’s A Look At His Journey
Why Nathan Hartono Deserves To Win – Here’s A Look At His Journey
Unless you have been living under a rock over the past few weeks, you are bound to have heard about Singapore’s golden boy Nathan Hartono – 25-year-old local singing sensation and Sing! China’s “Chou-sen one”.
Here’s Hartono’s Journey to the East (and a brief summary of his televised performances).
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rendition of “We Are All Lonely” during the battle round on August 29 was what prompted coach Jay Chou to pick him as the contestant to advance to the playoffs and live shows.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBhtRnVQPyw
Nathan Hartono – Moonlight on the Balcony x What a Wonderful World
For his September 16 performance, he gave his own bilingual spin off on mentor Jay Chou’s “Moonlight on the Balcony”, continuing to surprise his Chinese audience with his musical capabilities.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3xICiBrI7aY
He threw in a little mouth-trumpet to the tune of “What A Wonderful World”, proceeding to beatbox, before giving his own unique bluesy-jazzy English interpretation of the song.
Nathan Hartono Sing! China Semi-Finals
In the semi-finals, Hartono performed a mash-up of English song “Desperado” by the Eagles and Mandarin classic “Love Without End” during the semi-finals.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5ThRiccnj_k
He had the highest score in the semi-finals: 93.65. The votes? He won 47 out of 51 votes from professional judges, and 333 out of 350 votes from audience members, emerging as Sing! China’s front runner.
Grandson of Tung Lok Group’s Founder
To add to Hartono’s impressive record, he had also studied at renowned music school – Berklee College of Music.
That’s also where Wang Lee Hom, John Mayer, Quincy Jones, Charlie Puth, studied at, just to name a few. Looks like Hartono’s all set to being our next big singing sensation!
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, Hartono made a public promise:
“If I win, I will rent a fleet of Milo vans and treat everybody to Milo peng (iced Milo)”
Free Milo and glory for our country?
As if we didn’t already have reasons for him to win.
He will be performing in Sing! China’s finals on Friday, 7 October at the Beijing National Stadium.
Win or lose, Milo or not, Nathan, you have our Harts.
Also, read 7 Is Our Lucky Number Cos That’s How Many Long Weekends We’re Getting Next Year!
Dear Amos: Should We Feel Sorry For You?
Last Thursday (29th September), teen blogger Amos Yee was sentenced to 6 weeks imprisonment. In addition, he was ordered to pay a fine of $2,000.
Teen blogger, Amos Yee, convicted for wounding religious feelings.
Refusal to pay the fine will result in an additional 10 days in prison. The incarceration commences on 13th October later this month.
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credit: 5 Secret Spots In Gardens By The Bay That’ll Make You Wonder WTH They’re Doing There
7 Is Our Lucky Number Cos That’s How Many Long Weekends We’re Getting Next Year!
With ¾ of 2016 done and dusted, nothing’s better than ushering in the new year with 2017 public holidays in mind.
In 2017, there are 7 long holidays you can look forward to!
Here’s the complete guide to 2017 public holidays:
January – 2 long weekends
For the month of January alone, there are already 2 long weekends!
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Credit: Travelling to Bangkok? We’ve Compared All The Flight Prices For You!
May – #4 long weekend
Only May yet there’s a fourth long weekend?
2017 does seem like a pretty good year!
Labour Day – 1 May [Monday]
Labour Day falls on a Monday. Guess there’ll no more Monday Blues that week!
The significance of Labour Day (otherwise known as International Workers’ Day) is exactly like what its name suggests, to celebrate the achievements of workers.
You can consider a short getaway to Malaysia and discover Malacca. Malacca is a city with many heritage buildings and landmarks. You can try traditional Malay dishes and discover new cultures.
Read more here Explore Melaka In Just 14 Hours!
Following the week of Labour Day would be another public holiday.
Vesak Day – 10 May [Wednesday]
Vesak Day falls on a Wednesday. Even though it’s not a long weekend, we can still take a mid week breather. Surely, many of us have heard about Vesak Day, but how many of us truly know what it’s about?
Credit: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple located at Chinatown to find out more.
June – #5 long weekend
Hari Raya Puasa falls on a Sunday; another long weekend!
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Credit: Because Bangkok Is Overrated, Let These Hidden Gems In Thailand Take Your Breath Away
October
Also known as the “Festival of Lights” Deepavali/Diwali is celebrated by Hindus to symbolise the triumphant of good over evil as well as light over darkness.
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Credit: Expedia[/caption]
Deepavali – 18 Oct [Wednesday]
You can head down to Little India to soak in the festive atmosphere. The streets will be illuminated with bright lights. It’ll be an amazing sight!
December – #7 long weekend
Christmas Day is widely celebrated all over the world by both Christians as well as non-Christians.
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Christmas – 25 Dec [Monday]
Christmas, which marks the last public holiday of every year, is actually a festival to celebrate the birth of Christ. Enjoy the holiday spirit by baking some festive goodies, prepare gifts for gift exchange, and also singing along to Christmas carols.
Here’s a summary of 2017 public holidays:
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Credit: Under SGD500 – 5 Nearby Places For A Weekend Getaway
Tsuta: Japan’s Super Famous & First Michelin-starred Ramen Stall Opens Next Month!
Foodies and ramen enthusiasts rejoice! The world’s first ever Michelin-starred ramen shop, Tsuta, opens in Singapore next month!
If you are on the hunt for world class cuisine that promises to challenge your palate without breaking the bank, this is it.
Where and When?
Tsuta Singapore will be located at 9 Scotts Road, Pacific Plaza.
The bad news? The restaurant will only open their doors sometime in October.
Unless you are already in Japan, at which we suggest you to head over ASAP, we can only look at pictures…
Meanwhile, here’s something you can salivate at.
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As much as we want a steaming hot bowl of Tsuta’s ramen to devour this instant, maybe the phrase ‘absence makes the heart grow fonder’ can apply to our stomachs as well?
Tsuta in Japan
This is the first overseas venture for Tsuta. The original shop is located in Sugamo, a neighbourhood in Toshima, Tokyo.
In Japan, Tsuta is a 9-seater joint that serves roughly 150 bowls of ramen a day. In addition, it is one of the most affordable Michelin-Starred establishments you can visit.
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As a result, it is not surprising for queues to start forming outside the small shop in Japan as early as 6 in the morning.
The catch? The shop only opens at 11am for business.
Tsuta Singapore
Tsuta Singapore will offer 3 different soup bases. They are the renowned shoyu soba, infused with their signature black truffle oil, shio soba, and miso.
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credit: Furthermore, the noodles used in Tsuta are said to be a blend of 4 different kinds of whole wheat flour. Say hello to consistently firm yet smooth noodles!
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credit: In keeping with tradition, the Singapore branch will be a small 18-seater joint.
Most importantly, Chef Onishi himself will be supervising the kitchen to ensure similar standards to that of the original. Yum.
Why Singapore?
According to Chef Onishi, the restaurant was not short on offers since they snagged the award.
What made him choose the eventual partner from Singapore? It was simply the fact that unlike others, the Singaporean had made the effort to get in line and taste the food himself. Guess something good came out of Singaporeans love for queuing.
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Lucky us.
In Japan, Tsuta usually opens from 11am to 4pm. Unless the ingredients run out before that. However, there is still no word on how the Singapore stall will operate.
The ramen from Tsuta, described as THE best ramen in the world, is no small feat considering that Chef Onishi only opened the restaurant in 2012.
We really can’t wait!
Tsuta Singapore
Address: #01-01 Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road, 228210 Singapore
Opening Hours: To be confirmed
Official Website: Header image source : Also, read Mai Tu Liao! Up Your Cafe Game And Visit Sin Lee Foods For Some Sinfully Good Food!
Zika Has Been Lurking In SG For A Month Now, But There’s Actually Little To Worry About
With new cases of Zika continually popping up on our shores, do we have reason to panic?
Well, like the saying goes, Knowledge is power and Prevention is better than cure.
Instead of hiding at home and sealing your windows, you can arm yourself with these information and lower the risks of contracting the virus. Besides, our Zika timeline shows that there’s little to worry about.
Zika timeline in Singapore
Although the virus originated from Africa, it has found it’s way to our shores.
The first case of locally transmitted Zika Virus was jointly announced by the Ministry of Health (MOH) and the National Environmental Agency (NEA) on August 27. That’s exactly one month ago.
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Zika timeline[/caption]
There are 387 confirmed cases as of September 23. 16 of which are pregnant women.
Zika clusters in Singapore
Currently, there are 9 known Zika clusters in Singapore.
Starting with Aljunied – which also houses the largest cluster (291 cases), onto more recently, Sengkang and Hougang.
If you want to know more, NEA regularly updates their website with detailed information on existing or new clusters.
The number of cases are on the decline
Although Zika sounds pretty scary, there is no reason to panic!
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credit: Here’s Your Chance To Truly #FlipTable, Swap Books & More At This Year’s Archifest!
Attention Coffee Lovers: Here’s Your Chance To Savour 30 Cups Of Coffee At Only $30!
This year, the National Coffee Movement has teamed up with KopiPass to bring a unique experience to all coffee-lovers out there! Touted as the ultimate café-hopping pass, pass holders will be able to enjoy up to 30 cuppas from 30 different cafés islandwide at just $30!
Sounds like your cup of tea coffee? Then read on.
Tell me more about this.
If there’s one beverage that’s beloved the world over, it’d be coffee. We Singaporeans are no exception – from your kopitiams to the sheer number of cafés littered around the country, it’s not too much to say that kopi is everywhere in Singapore.
To make café-hopping more accessible to everyone, KopiPass allows you to café-hop with friends and loved ones without burning a hole in your wallet (because café food isn’t exactly cheap, we’re sure you know!).
So, when will KopiPass launch?
On September 29, which is National Kopi Day, of course!
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Image Credits: Being the die-hard coffee fans that we are, Singapore has expectedly joined countries celebrating the goodness of coffee in the form of National Coffee Day – affectionately termed as National Kopi Day.
How does it work?
You buy a KopiPass for $30. With this pass, you can visit 30 participating cafes and drink 30 different cups of awesome coffee! What a great bargain, since a cuppa often costs upwards of $4 at just about any café!
Of course, we wouldn’t expect you to be able to drink 30 cups of coffee in a day, would we?
Not to worry, because your Kopipass is valid for 6 months, from 29 September 2016 to 31 March 2017. That’s a super decent amount of time.
If you find that you’re unable to make full use of it, fret not, because the pass is transferrable/ shareable! No worries about not fully utilising your pass!
Passes are available for purchase either What about the participating cafes?
The cafes will stamp your pass when you redeem your drink. Only one drink redemption per cafe. “We want to deliver a superior cafe hopping experience, which means being very selective with our participating cafes and ensuring overcrowding will not happen…” shared Kathy, co-founder of KopiPass. Image Credits: The pass is currently available for purchase online Otherwise, you may purchase the pass at any participating outlets from 29 September. If you’d like to have a KopiPass and savour 30 cups of coffee goodness, you can stand a chance to… Simply LIKE and SHARE this post on Facebook to stand a chance to win a pass! Yes, it is that simple! That’s all you need to do for a chance to savour 30 cups of coffee at 30 cafes for free. https://www.facebook.com/discover.sg.official/posts/2090012651224426 This giveaway ends 28 September. There are 10 passes up for grabs! Lucky winners will be notified through Facebook. Pssst! We also heard that some cafes will be offering 1-for-1 coffee on 29 September! KopiPass (Header image credit: KopiPass, words by editor. All picture credits: KopiPass, unless otherwise stated.) Also, read Korea Town In Singapore? Satisfy All Your Kimchi Cravings Near Beauty World MRT!
Sounds great! Where do I buy the KopiPass?
Win a KopiPass!
Follow us on facebook for the details!
30 cups of coffee for only $30!
For more information, please click This article is brought to you by Discover SG x KopiPass.
Want A Chance To Literally Eat Your Feelings? Shangri-La’s The Table Is Your Answer!
With the latest initiative by Shangri-La‘s Golden Circle – The Table, you can let a delish meal take you back to a particular moment in time you have once relished.
Eating your favourite food is a multi-sensorial experience that can evoke endless emotions and memories. We’re sure you feel the same with, for example, your childhood food. What do you feel now that you are thinking of it?
The Table
Recognising the emotional experiences behind eating, The Table pushes the boundaries. Their
With The Table, you can literally eat according to your feelings, and to your whim and fancy!
Moods At The Table
Culinary choices are categorised under five moods (Elegant, Intimate, Upbeat, Chill, and Adventurous), and you can certainly trust that your desired dining experience will be met!
You can also filter through the various restaurant and bar options by curated experiences, local offers and member benefits!
Our Experience
We had the privilege of experiencing each curated mood with its accompanying dish and drink pairing. Here’s a glimpse of what you can expect! We’ll only feature three of the five different moods we’ve tried.
We’ll only reveal the ‘mood’ of the dish at the end, let’s see if you can guess the dishes’ moods right!
#1
If you’re slightly more daring with your food, a fusion meal would definitely tickle your fancy.
Sea urchin crab chawanmushi topped with a chilli crab toast by Executive Chef Frederick Kho of Hotel Jen Tanglin Singapore.
This tasty starter highlights the great flavours of the sea. The combination of local flavour from the chilli crab and the creaminess from the sea urchin over a chawanmushi bed certainly pleases the taste buds.
Mood?
The answer’s adventurous!
#2
On a date and want to impress your other half? You won’t go wrong with a classic dish of succulent steak and creamy foie gras!
Wagyu, foie gras, crushed potatoes, spinach by Executive Chef Franco Brodini of Shangri-La Hotel Singapore.
This dish was paired with an earthy glass of bordeaux, a quintessential steak wine.
Mood?
The answer’s elegant!
#3
Packaged oh-so-perfectly in a heart-shaped box topped with a striking red bow, this is certainly a romantic dessert!
Verbena, greens, buckwheat, lime caviar, white peach by Area Executive Pastry Chef Herve Potus.
The evening concluded with a beautiful landscape of sorbet lined with intricate clusters of verbena and greens. It was served on a paper thin layer of dark chocolate that provided a slightly bitter counter-balance of flavour.
Mood?
The answer’s intimate!
About This Loyalty Programme
The Table by Golden Circle is a new food and beverage loyalty program that offers unparalleled benefits to members who dine at Shangri-La properties all over the world.
Fully integrated with Shangri-La’s current Golden Circle loyalty program, members are offered redemptions and access to special offers, food experiences and exclusive events.
If you want to find out more about the artisans behind your meals, seasonal menus and special offers, you can visit their
The next time you’re having difficulties choosing a place simply to dine out or exclusively for a special occasion, take a quick second to figure out what mood you’re in (while earning points in the process!) and enjoy your epicurean experience. Cheers!
This was an invited food tasting session. This article is brought to you by Discover SG x Shangri-La.
Also, read Wanna Share? 7 Steakhouses With Portions So Huge, You Need To Call Your Entire Squad!
