A Peek At NDP 2016 – Fireworks Both Indoors AND Outdoors!

If we could describe NDP 2016 (National Day Parade 2016) in one word, it would be ‘spectacular’.

With a catchy theme, ‘Building Our Singapore Of Tomorrow‘, and set against the refreshing backdrop of Singapore Indoor Stadium, here are the reasons NDP 2016 will be the best one yet!

[caption id="attachment_11137" align="alignnone" width="4288"]Image Credits: Benjamin Ong Image Credits: Benjamin Ong[/caption]

NDP 2016 – The First NDP at Indoor Stadium

Singapore will celebrate her birthday in the newly-renovated Singapore Indoor Stadium for the first time. That’s right! Fret not about the hot sun and enjoy the show indoors while staying cool! In addition, the venue boasts a huge seating capacity of up to 12,000. You can also look forward to conveniently located restrooms.

[caption id="attachment_11130" align="alignnone" width="4288"]Image Credits: Chua Zhan Teng Image Credits: Chua Zhan Teng[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11133" align="alignnone" width="4288"]Image Credits: Benjamin Ong Image Credits: Benjamin Ong[/caption]

Jaw-dropping Light Shows

Next up, the dazzling light shows are undoubtedly the most impressive part of NDP 2016 itself. Be awed by the ingenious use of light effects throughout the parade. Keep a lookout for Act 3 and 4 when the stadium lights go off.

In fact, every spectator can be part of the performance simply by wearing the LED wristbands distributed in goodie bags! The LED wristbands pulsate with colours. It even syncs with the parade’s live music, light shows and body movements. Just imagine the stadium as the night sky, and your wristbands form part of the galaxy of twinkling stars!

[caption id="attachment_11134" align="alignnone" width="4288"]Image Credits: Benjamin Ong Image Credits: Benjamin Ong[/caption]

Our Prime Minister has remarked that “Singapore is like a unicorn. One of a kind, a special animal, no other in the world. It works well, (and) has unique solutions.” Indeed, NDP 2016 even stars a sparkling unicorn dancing gracefully above the audience.

Watch in awe as dancers and aerialists clad in kaleidoscopic LED costumes execute a perfectly synchronised performance. Our favourite segment was Act 5, where Singapore’s future cityscape took shape right before our eyes, made possible by 3D projections!

[caption id="attachment_11140" align="alignnone" width="4288"]Image Credits: Benjamin Ong Image Credits: Benjamin Ong[/caption]

Drawing Inspiration from the Past

NDP 2016 features the lesser-known story of Badang. In the act ‘Bandang and The Singapore Stone‘, impressive boulders are hurled across the stage together with artistic depictions of a tribe war.

Notably, Badang represents the strength and resilience of our nation in the face of hardships. The story is set in ancient times. Incorporating the Singapore Stone into a thrilling adventure, the story tells of true bravery in times of adversity.

In a truly engaging way, Singaporeans can learn more about this national treasure!

[caption id="attachment_11131" align="alignnone" width="4288"]Image Credits: Benjamin Ong Image Credits: Benjamin Ong[/caption]

We’re All in This Together

Do you know that this year’s parade features a performance put together by the special needs community? In the act “What A Wonderful World”, a beautiful mass display formation is inspired by creative paintings drawn by the special needs community.

You’ll even see members of the disabled society joining in the iridescent show on stage! Also, the audience will have a chance to sign together to songs like “Count On Me Singapore” and everyone’s favourite “Home”. This is to raise awareness for the deaf community.

We found it especially heartwarming to see the entire audience singing together with the performers on stage at NDP 2016. The effortless blend of engagement and emphasis on Singapore as an inclusive society will certainly impress audiences of all ages!

[caption id="attachment_11132" align="alignnone" width="4288"]Image Credits: Rebecca Ong Image Credits: Rebecca Ong[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11135" align="alignnone" width="4288"]Image Credits: Benjamin Ong Image Credits: Benjamin Ong[/caption]

To Top It All Off: Fireworks

Finally, as Singaporeans, one of our favourite parts of the national parade has to be the dazzling fireworks to end the night. Though the indoor stadium maintains a partially-closed roof during the spectacle, audience members can still catch a glimpse of the ‘night-time flowers’ comfortably from their seats.

In addition, NDP 2016 features indoor fireworks as well. We say yes to the best of both worlds: indoor AND outdoor fireworks!

[caption id="attachment_11136" align="alignnone" width="960"]Image Credits: Rebecca Ong Image Credits: Rebecca Ong[/caption]

NDP 2016 – The Final Verdict

NDP 2016  is similar, yet extremely different from all the previous parades we’ve ever witnessed. That is, different in the best way possible. We feel that the parade does an excellent job of fostering Singaporean pride and creatively showcasing the bright future of our ever-developing country.

Therefore, you’ll be in for a treat at NDP 2016 for sure, and don’t forget to bring those cameras to capture the spectacular parade!

Also, read Comfort Food Always Wins! 7 Local Desserts That Steal Our Hearts

Patissez Freakshake: Milkshakes So Sinful, You’ll Feel Guilty For A Lifetime!

Growing up in my family, getting a milkshake in a restaurant was a pretty big deal for a child. It meant that you were being rewarded with a treat of something other than juice or the rare soft drink. Plus, you got to choose the flavour of the milkshake and revel in a cup of vanilla, chocolate or strawberry.

Nowadays, milkshakes are a lot more bold and exciting, especially with the creation of ‘freakshakes’ a few years ago! Freakshakes, an extravagant milkshake that may just freak some out with its ingredients, is originally from a patisserie called Patissez in Canberra, Australia. Patissez has recently landed in Singapore with four amazing flavours!

Patissez Singapore

Located on the ground floor of the still fresh Raffles Holland V mall, Patissez Singapore touts slightly extravagant milkshakes better known as ‘freakshakes’. It’s originally from Canberra, Australia. These flavours are mostly a mix of different food items that most people would love on its own, but even more when it’s in a cup together.

This is the second international branch of the original Patissez brand, with the first being Patissez Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. The creator of the Patissez Freakshake said that they are planning to launch in Thailand and China in the future.

[caption id="attachment_11016" align="alignnone" width="700"]_1018065 The evolution of its logo[/caption]

Patissez Freakshake

At first glance, Patissez’s signature Freakshakes look almost like they were squeezed into a mason jar too small for what it is — a heavenly, decadent mess. Depending on the type of shake you ordered, you would find whipped cream, peanut butter and chocolate overflowing out of the jar. Patissez Freakshake instantly transports you to Willy Wonka’s magical factory.

[caption id="attachment_11035" align="alignnone" width="700"]_1018084 A minishake[/caption]

Patissez Singapore carries four freakshakes: the Muddy Pat, Pretzella, Mint Condition and Sneaky Freak.

As we tried all of these four shakes, it became increasingly evident that these unmistakably unique concoctions are more than just items on the menu. Priced at $16 a drink, each Patissez Freakshake is an experience.

Patissez Freakshake – the Muddy Pat

[caption id="attachment_11214" align="alignnone" width="700"]Image Credit: @leivonne / Instagram Image Credit: @leivonne / Instagram[/caption]

We munched down on the Muddy Pat, a chocolate-y shake that comes with vanilla mousse, a heavenly fudge brownie and a marshmallow. As we savoured it, we mm-ed and aah-ed our way, as if experiencing a gastro-orgasmic release.

Patissez Freakshake – Pretzella and Mint Condition

[caption id="attachment_11034" align="alignnone" width="700"]_1018083 Mint Condition and the Pretzella[/caption]

My favourite was the Pretzella, a Nutella-meets-pretzels kind of shake that I would, without a doubt, describe as ‘best of both worlds’: salty and sweet. Slurping the shake with a straw, finishing the messy yet beautiful milkshake made me felt cathartic.

You might also find the Mint Condition a good buy, especially if you are a fan of mint chocolate and cookie sandwiches. It would have been even tastier if the cookie sandwich was made out of ice cream, but that might just make it even more over-the-top.

Patissez Freakshake – Sneaky Freak

Since peanut butter isn’t exactly my favourite topping in the cabinet, I have to say that the Sneaky Freak wouldn’t be my first choice. But from what I’ve heard, it is every bit delicious and lip-smackingly good as it is salty and creamy.

[caption id="attachment_11213" align="alignnone" width="700"]Image Credit: @lollapaige/ Instagram Image Credit: @lollapaige/ Instagram[/caption]

Patissez Food

Aside from whipped cream-topped drinks, the Patissez also functions as a restaurant with many top-notch dishes to boot. Popular choices include its all-day breakfast selections, from bacon jam toasty to Brekkie Burger to Corn & Zucchini Fritters.

[caption id="attachment_11043" align="alignnone" width="700"]Image Credit: @patissezsg / Instagram Image Credit: @patissezsg / Instagram[/caption]

It is also well known for its burgers, all served with fries and Patissez special sauce. Examples include the Freak Burger which is made up of two beef patties, double crispy bacon, bacon jam, American cheddar and housemade BBQ sauce. For the non-beef diners, the Crispy Panko Chicken Burger is not to be missed. It comes with Panko sesame chicken, kewpie mayo, pickled vegetables ad lettuce.

With a wooden-plank ceiling and warm lighting – in low hanging bulbs no less, this cosy cafe will definitely make a good date spot for folks. It’s the best place to relax and enjoy a sinful drink with some good ol’ brunch and company. Just be careful not to overeat!

Patissez Singapore
Address: 118 Holland Avenue #01-06 Singapore 278997
Tel: +65 62623616
Opening Hours: 10 AM – 10 PM, Mondays to Fridays, 9 AM – 10 PM Saturdays and Sundays

This was an invited food tasting session

Header image credit: Patissez Singapore

Also, read The Most Elaborate Milkshakes in Singapore! – A Drool-Worthy Photo Gallery

Verdict Is Out! Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore For Best Food Under $45

Where to get the best Curry Laksa? Which hawker stall has the best Hainanese Chicken Rice? Don’t know where to bring your tourist friends for the best Chai Tow Kway?

Worry no more because some of Singapore’s best eateries have been awarded a”Bib Gourmand” (high-quality menu at reasonable prices) by the very first edition of the Singapore Michelin Guide! So who made the cut? Here are the 34 hawker stalls, restaurants and food establishment that made the list.

What is Bib Gourmand?

“Not quite a star, but most definitely not a consolation prize, the Bib Gourmand…is a just-as-esteemed rating that recognises friendly establishments that serve good food at moderate prices. ” In Singapore – the meal must be under SGD$45 to qualify.

[caption id="attachment_11205" align="aligncenter" width="750"]Credit: Michelin Guide Credit: Michelin Guide[/caption]

Michelin Bib Gourmand Singapore – Hawker Stalls

Without further ado, here’s the full list!

1. Claypot Laksa – Alexandra Village Food Centre

[caption id="attachment_11187" align="alignnone" width="650"]Image source: Daniel Food Diaries Image source: Credit: Image source: Burple Image source: Image source: SG Food on Foot Image source: Chey Sua

(Image credit: Image source: Burple Image source: Credit: Image source: Spring Tomorrow Image source:Image source: Burple Image source: Image source: kate2.0[/caption]

23. New Ubin Seafood – Sin Ming Road

24. Peony Jade at Keppel Club (Cantonese) – Bukit Chermin Rd

25. Shish Mahal (Indian) – Albert Street

26. Song Fa Bak Kut Teh – New Bridge Rd

[caption id="attachment_11194" align="alignnone" width="601"]Image source: Yayforfries Image source: Yayforfries[/caption]

27. 328 Katong Laksa – East Coast Road

28. True Blue Cuisine (Peranakan) – Armenien Street

TrueBlue
(image credit: Image source: Yhingthai Palace Image source: Image source: Bismillah Biryani Image source: Bismillah Biryani[/caption]

33. JB Ah Meng Kitchen (Cantonese) – Geylang Road

34. Sin Huat Eating House (crab rice noodle) – Geylang Road

[caption id="attachment_11210" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Credit: chickenscrawlings.com Credit:

With so many yummy approved food to choose from, we reckon you bookmark this page (and share with your friends) for future reference. You’ll always know “what to eat” and “where to eat” from now. No more arguments about who has to decide meal plans!

Header image source: Clearing All Your Doubts – How Exactly Does The Michelin Guide Work?

Take That, McD’s! KFC Strikes Back With Must Try Umakara Chicken!

In what can only be described as “a taste beyond words”, the stage is all set for the new KFC Umakara Chicken. It’s sure to confound your taste buds with tantalising flavours during its limited release from 13 Jul to 5 Aug.

Umami Taste Profile

So here’s the lowdown. We all know about the four widely accepted and recognised taste profiles. Sweet, sour, salty, and bitter. Chefs and cooks everywhere craft their dishes based on these four tastes. Mastering the perfect balance of these tastes is the key to creating delicious dishes.

But, do you know that we have a 5th taste Described as ‘moreish savoury’, this savoury taste profile is commonly known to us as ‘umami’. Foods rich in umami components include mushrooms, tomatoes, and cheeses.

Drawing inspiration from this 5th taste, KFC has launched the new KFC Umakara Chicken.

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“Juicy, fresh chicken marinated in savoury shoyu and Japanese spices, hand-coated in a spicy, crispy batter, then sprinkled with an umami spice sprinkle”

Umakara Chicken

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To precede its official launch, the team at DiscoverSG had the delightful opportunity to attend an exclusive tasting session before its release to the public.

“The addictive lure of umami and the kick of heat from the Japanese spices make for an indescribable flavour combination. It gives you uninhibited taste enjoyment that is truly out of this world!”

Step aside, McDonald’s. This is how you do it.

In comparison to the much maligned Salted Egg Yolk Chicken Burger, the KFC Umakara Chicken doesn’t disappoint. After savouring this perfectly crispy chicken, we can confidently proclaim that this is perhaps, the best seasonal release from a fast-food chain we have seen since like, ever!

Deep fried to a delicious golden brown, every bite into the spicy batter contained very satisfying tinges of heat. It was not only tasty, but also addictive. There was a lingering, pleasant smell of the shoyu marinade that remained on our fingers after we were done with our meal. Talk about finger lickin’ good!

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Side Dishes

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Besides the Umakara Chicken, the meal also came with Crispy Tenders and Shroom Poppers. The Shroom Poppers are potato bites stuffed with mushrooms, vegetables, meatloaf, and onion. The crispy tenders were not much to shout about, and the shroom poppers were a tad underwhelming, to say the least. It was a tad disappointing considering the Umakara Chicken was fantastic.

Verdict

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The Umakara Chicken is definitely going to feature in our meals for the next few weeks. You could skip the Crispy Tenders and Shrooms Peppers, and save your tummy for the Umakara Chicken! Do mark your calendar, as it’s only available for limited release from 13 Jul to 5 Aug.

KFC Umakara Chicken Meal, $7.90:
2 pieces Umakara Chicken, 1 regular Whipped Potato, 1 regular Coleslaw and 1 regular SJORA Mango Peach

KFC Umakara Chicken Box, $9.50:
 2 pieces Umakara Chicken, 2 pieces Crispy Tenders, 2 pieces Shrooms Poppers, 1 regular Whipped Potato and 1 regular SJORA Mango Peach

This was an invited tasting session.

Also, read Comfort Food Always Wins! 7 Local Desserts That Steal Our Hearts

Blue Wine: What It’s All About & How To Get Your Hands On One!

Just when you thought food can’t get any more colourful (that’s right rainbow cakes/coffee/god knows what else, we’re looking at you!) This latest trend in foodie haven we’re going to talk about is something else. Today, we’re introducing to you the Blue Wine. Its natural colour has taken the internet by storm. Here’s the low-down on what we know so far.

[caption id="attachment_10341" align="aligncenter" width="478"]Image Credit: @giklive Image Credit: @giklive[/caption]

The creators of blue wine

GikWines is a Spanish firm that has decided that the world’s current selection of red, white, and rose wine is getting a little meh. The team of 6 has said, with a punny reference to the acclaimed book “The Blue Ocean Strategy”, that there’s potential in capturing a relatively uncontested market.

This led to the inception of the Blue Revolution as the wine company affectionately dubbed. There’s also a barrage of #EnjoyTheRevolution hashtags popping up all over  Image Credit: @giklive[/caption]

How is the colour produced?

The wine gets its unique electric blue colour from anthocyanin, a pigment derived from grape skins and an indigo tint sourced from a particular plant. These hues are then added to a base blend of red and white wine.

Interestingly, the Gikblue carries no added sugar and instead sweetens over time due to the natural sugar fermentation process.

[caption id="attachment_10333" align="aligncenter" width="597"]blue wine Image Credit: @giklive[/caption]

How is the world reacting to it?

The original (and peculiar) colour of the wine has proven to be an extremely successful selling point for the company. It sold out last week due to huge demand!

Fret not, wine lovers! GikWines has assured its many fans via social media that its stocks will be replenished the following week. The company has also reached out to thank its customers for what they call an incredible and unanticipated international response on their trending  Image Credit: @giklive[/caption]

A little bit more on blue wine itself…

With an alcohol level of 11.5% and a signature sweet taste, this wine exclusively retails internationally via GikWine’s online website. It goes for an affordable €10 (S$14.99) for a 750ml bottle. The company is currently working on plans to launch a new version of the wine. It’ll be specifically targeted at the Millennial generation.

[caption id="attachment_10334" align="aligncenter" width="596"]Image Credit: @giklive Image Credit: @giklive[/caption]

The Final Verdict

With many positive up-and-coming reviews about its taste and business concept, we’d say GikBlue is well positioned to revolutionise the wine industry. But, only time will tell if GikWines will be a timeless breakthrough in wine history or simply a passing fad.

Sadly, Singaporeans need to wait a little more to order GikWines’ exquisite Blue Wine via their online website, https://gik.blue. Presently, it only ships to select countries such as Spain, France, the United Kingdom, Germany and the Netherlands. If you desperately want to get your hands on it, consider using a freight forwarding service or have your friends who are overseas buy and bring it back for you.

Cover Image Credits: Business Insider

Also, read Seafood So Fresh, They’re Still Alive! 6 Best Places To Get Them

Cycling Routes In S’pore Just Got Better – Round Island & Coastal!

Guess what? Cycling around Singapore will no longer be a dream. It will not be occurring anytime too soon but it is definitely happening in the near future. So start pumping on your leg days and prepare your calves for some action. With major cycling routes underway, we reckon you’re gonna be cycling…real soon!

Round Island Route – Cycle Around The Island!

The Round Island Route, a continuous 150km park connector that goes around the island is set to begin development work by the end of this year. Spanning three times the length of Singapore, most areas of this cycling routes will be 6 metres wide (the current park connectors are 4 metres), giving cyclist and joggers more space to exercise. It also reduces the risk of bike-related accidents.

[caption id="attachment_11068" align="alignnone" width="770"]Source: Star2 Source: Source: Source: Straits Times Source: Souce: The Straits Times Source: Source: Urban Redevelopment Authority Source: Urban Redevelopment Authority[/caption]

The developer will also be jazzing up the cycling routes with amenities such as shelters, washrooms, bike parking lots and self-help bike repair facilities.

Inter-town Cycling Routes

[caption id="attachment_11073" align="alignnone" width="800"]Souce: gov.sg Souce: gov.sg[/caption]

Currently, the government plans to develop more inter-town cycling routes to connect commuters from their homes to the city. We should be able to see a Queenstown-City and Geylang-City routes soon. Towns such as Bishan, Hougang and Bukit Timah will also be connected to the existing cycling routes to the city.

We can’t wait for these cycling routes to be ready! For now, we just have to make do with existing cycling loops – in yellow, orange, pink, green, and blue. Do you know of other great cycling routes around Singapore? Do drop us a comment and let us know!

Also, read Cycle X Makan – 5 Best Food And Night Cycling Paths In SG

Can You Believe It? This Dinner In Singapore Costs SGD $2.7M!

Money can’t buy you everything, but lots (and lots) of it – SGD $2.7M to be exact – can now buy you the world’s most expensive dining experience in Singapore.

Russian diamond group World of Diamonds (WOD) and Credit: by Rezwana Manjur[/caption]

Most Expensive Dining Experience – Getting There

This eight-hour expensive dining experience with your partner kicks off with a 45-minute helicopter ride. The ride will give you an unobstructed view of the city skyline against the backdrop of a setting sun. A Rolls-Royce pulls over upon landing, and you proceed to get chauffeured in style to catch a luxury private cruise along the Singapore River. This opulent river adventure ultimately takes you to your end destination – Marina Bay Sands.

[caption id="attachment_11098" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]ce-la-vi-singapore-5 Credit: by source: cnn[/caption]

2.08-carat Jane Seymour Vivid Blue Diamond Ring

Fireworks promptly go off in the night sky as your approach the end of your meal. The starry highlight of the evening – a 2.08-carat Jane Seymour Vivid Blue diamond ring – is presented alongside Louis XII de Rémy Martin cognac to cap off the expensive dining experience. This masterpiece of a jewellery is in a class of its own. Blue diamonds of this size and saturation are known to be among the rarest and most sought after gems in the world. An overnight stay at this 5-star hotel is complimentary, if desired. You will wake up the following morning wanting to relive the moment over and over again.

[caption id="attachment_11099" align="aligncenter" width="3000"]Fireworks-2 Credit: by Rezwana Manjur[/caption]

Be it a wedding proposal, an anniversary or a celebration of a good, good life, this elaborate execution by WOD and CÉ LA VI is one of epic proportions. There is a catch, though – this diamond-studded package will only be sold to qualified individuals. You will need both the riches and the fame to be worthy of this beyond royalty experience. The rest of us? We can just dream.

(Header image source: by Rezwana Manjur, words by editor)

Also, read Wisma Atria Brings Japan To S’pore – Tsukiji Sushi To Wagyu Beef!

We Never Bluff – Local Food Going For Only 50¢ At Chinatown!

Ever wished you could stuff yourself silly with local delights without breaking the bank? At this year’s 50 Cents Festival, you can! For as little as – you guessed it!- 50 cents, enjoy a great variety of authentic local favourite dishes that will propel you right back to the good old 1950s.

[caption id="attachment_11000" align="alignnone" width="2000"]Image Credits: Chinatown Food Street Image Credits: Chinatown Food Street[/caption]

50 Cents Festival at Chinatown

The entire food street at Chinatown will be transformed into a “pasar”, or street hawker food scene. It’s specially designed to transport visitors to an authentic recreation of the 1950s and 60s! Treat yourself to delectable local delights – 35 iconic traditional dishes cooked by 20 stores!

Do also watch out for the mobile hawkers who roam the streets selling old-time favourites.

[caption id="attachment_11003" align="alignnone" width="4320"]Image Credits: Chinatown Food Street Ice Ball, $0.50[/caption]

50 Cents is Bigger Than a Bull Cart Wheel

An old Hokkien saying (translated) goes: “50 Cents is Bigger Than a Bull Cart Wheel!” What does this mean? In the 1950s, SGD 50 cents was enough to buy so much food that most would consider it a ridiculous amount to spend on a meal! Singaporeans and tourists alike will be pleased to note this will be a reality at the 50 cents festival!

[caption id="attachment_11004" align="alignnone" width="5616"]Image Credits: Chinatown Food Street Rickshaw Noodles, $0.50[/caption]

35 Iconic Local Delights at as Little as 50 Cents Only

That’s right budget hunters, 50 cents for your favourite Char Kway Teow, UFO (Fried Oyster Cake), Rickshaw Noodle, Ice Balls and Fried Carrot Cake. Other 50 cent dishes include BBQ Chicken Wings, Nasi Lemak wrapped in banana leaf, Satay and Roti Prata. For an additional 50 cents or one dollar, customers can even enjoy specialities such as Hainanese Chicken Rice Balls, Bak Kut Teh and Singapore’s signature Chilli Crab!

[caption id="attachment_11052" align="aligncenter" width="1000"]gallery-3 Pig trotter with vinegar, $0.50 x 3[/caption] [caption id="attachment_11008" align="aligncenter" width="1200"]Image Credits: Chinatown Food Street Hainanese Chicken Rice Balls, $0.50 x 2[/caption]

Fringe activities

To truly make the experience an unforgettable one, there will be a myriad of Fringe Activities lined up for all ages. Families can indulge in outdoor movie screenings, marvel at performances by martial arts professionals and opera singers. These activities will mimic “kampong-style” communal activities. Get your Chinese name artfully written by calligraphers, or you could also pay a visit to letter writers and fortune-tellers. All these while munching on your food spoils of the day!

[caption id="attachment_11001" align="alignnone" width="5616"]Image Credits: Chinatown Food Street Steamed Glutinous Rice (Sweet & Savoury), $0.50[/caption]

50 Cents Festival Details

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With so much happening along this street bazaar, we say this is a must-visit for everyone! So, what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars and get ready to have a feast!

50 Cents Festival
Address:
Chinatown Food Street, Smith Street
Date: 30 July, Sat, 3PM – 11PM; 31 July, Sun, 11AM-11PM
Menu: click here.
Also read, A Timbre+ Event: Expect Only The Best Food & Music @ Open Stoves!

NUS Opens Yet Another Overseas College. This Time, In Germany!

In what must be exciting news for NUS students, NUS has just announced a new partnership with The Technical University of Munich (TUM). This is its 8th NUS overseas college programme.

The Technical University of Munich (TUM), Germany

The TUM is one of the most innovative universities in Europe and is known for its cutting-edge research in various engineering and science-related fields. This partnership will allow students to gain engineering knowledge by working in “deep tech” start-ups based on scientific discoveries and technological innovations.

[caption id="attachment_10751" align="alignnone" width="600"]Image Credit: www.straitstimes.com TUM is ranked the fifth most innovative university in Europe
Image Credit: www.straitstimes.com[/caption]

New NUS Overseas College focuses on engineering knowledge

NUS president Tan Chorh Chuan said TUM, which has produced 13 Nobel Prize winners since 1927, will have a different emphasis from others.

“We want students to gain practical engineering knowledge to be able to start or work in deep technology start-ups. These are start-ups that are founded on a technological innovation or scientific discovery.”

[caption id="attachment_10750" align="alignnone" width="600"]Image Credit: www.tum-ias.de Center of the Garching Campus
Image Credit: www.tum-ias.de[/caption]

Highlighting how the NUS overseas college programme underpins the development of a growing start-up community in Singapore, he said that through this programme, NUS aims to be a key driver of the entrepreneurial scene in Singapore.

[caption id="attachment_10749" align="alignnone" width="600"]Image Credit: www.study-in-bavaria.de Research at TUM enjoys an excellent international reputation
Image Credit: www.study-in-bavaria.de[/caption]

Echoing his sentiments, TUM president Wolfgang Herrmann said his university, like NUS, emphasises the development of the entrepreneurial mindset in its students and faculty.

“It’s not necessarily about getting students to set up companies, but about developing the entrepreneurial mindset – being innovative and able to recognise opportunities and seize them.

“When they have that mindset, business ideas will come naturally,” he said, adding that in the past 20 years, TUM professors and students have created over 700 spin-off companies.

[caption id="attachment_10745" align="alignnone" width="600"]Image Credit: www.ub.tum.de Students can opt to take a four-storey high slide instead of the stairs in TUM
Image Credit: www.ub.tum.de[/caption]

NUS Overseas College (NOC) – creating tomorrow’s entrepreneurs

Since 2001, NUS has set up seven overseas colleges – in Silicon Valley, Stockholm, New York, Beijing, Shanghai, Israel and Switzerland. NUS sends students to these colleges to take courses in the prestigious partner universities and to work in innovative start-ups.

[caption id="attachment_10758" align="alignnone" width="600"]Colorful bungalows serve as student hostels in the Olympic Village Image Credit: www.tum.de Colourful bungalows serve as student hostels in the Olympic Village
Image Credit: www.tum.de[/caption]

With such diverse opportunities awaiting NUS students, will we see the germination of the next Lazada or GrabTaxi anytime soon? We can’t wait!

For more information on NUS’s NOC programme, NUS Clinches 1st Place In Asian University Ranking For Third Year Straight; NTU Rises To 3rd

The Best Brexit Bargains: 6 UK Online Shopping Sites To Visit!

Following UK’s recent vote to exit the European Union (EU), a slew of ranging emotions has since surfaced across the Internet. As commonwealth citizens, we’re as concerned about Brexit as any other Briton and honestly, cannot be happier now that EU has shed a few pounds.

Though we may kid about the above comment, we’re not-so-secretly happy about the fall in the pound. Just like us, we’re rather sure the first thing you did was to rush to check out the nearest money changer or go on an online shopping spree.

Whether you’re for leave or remain, or in need of some therapeutic shopping, listed below are six UK based online shopping sites you can take advantage of will find useful.

1. ASOS

[caption id="attachment_10602" align="alignnone" width="660"]Source: imagejoy.paris Source: imagejoy.paris[/caption]

Possibly the mother of all UK online shopping sites, Source: dailymail.co.uk Source: dailymail.co.uk[/caption]

Offering over 850 brands in apparels and accessories that include favourites such as and more, this brand targets mainly young adults of both genders. With up to 70% off its outlet items coupled with Brexit, online shopping has never been sweeter.

: Free for orders above $42, otherwise flat rate of $7.50
Delivery time: Within 14 days

2. Boohoo

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Source: hannalouisef.com Source: hannalouisef.com[/caption]

With its chic and affordable (now even more so) pieces, Source: Boohoo Betty Boho Swing Playsuit, $18
Source: Boohoo[/caption]

Despite catering to both genders, we have to say that a wider selection is available for the ladies. Sorry guys!

: Free for orders above $42, otherwise flat rate of $7.50
Delivery time: 5-14 working days

3. Next

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Source: theremusic.com Source: theremusic.com[/caption]

Not only does it cater to adults, Source: mycloudmedia.com[/caption]

Apparels and accessories aside, Next also offers a variety of homeware. Looking for a new set of to decorate your home with? This all-in-one shopping site has it all! Who knows, Next may just be the English version of q10 or even Taobao.

: Free for orders over $50, otherwise $6 is charged for each item

4. THE OUTNET

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Source: milahorro.com Source: milahorro.com[/caption]

If you’re a bargain hunter or fan of designer pieces, chances are, you’ve already heard of THE OUTNET. For those who don’t mind donning last-season apparels by renowned designers such as Alexander Wang and Isabel Marant, this UK-based online shopping website is definitely one to bookmark.

For the fashion-conscious, timelessly stylish pieces such as leather jackets and silk T-shirts are also available. Here’s how you save on some moolah and the fashion faux pas.

[caption id="attachment_10619" align="alignnone" width="1012"]Source: theoutnet.com Left to right: Marion Leather Sandals $178, Wool Straight-Leg Pants $180, Printed Silk Top, $180
Source: theoutnet.com[/caption]

Despite the fall in the pound, be warned that prices here are still pretty steep.

THE OUTNET
Shipping fee: $42
Delivery time: 4-5 working days

5. Miss Guided

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Strictly for the ladies, Miss Guided’s selection includes the usual apparel, swimwear, and even wedding dress.

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From smashing bodysuits to killer hills, Miss Guided will help unleash the party animal in you. For the slightly more reserved, do check out their daily dresses for more uh, coverage.

Miss Guided
Shipping fee: Free for orders above $214, if not the rate of $27 applies
Delivery time: Within 3-11 working days

6. Mr Porter

[caption id="attachment_10631" align="alignnone" width="960"]Source: Mr Porter Source: Mr Porter[/caption]

Thought we forgot about the gentlemen, didn’t you? The male equivalent for Net-A-Porter, Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, and Balenciaga.

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From apparel to grooming kits, this online shopping site will take care of all your manly needs.

Shipping fee: Free
Delivery time: 3-4 working days

There’s no telling of the future, so what we’d recommend is to make the best of the present and shop to your heart’s content. We may not be politicians, but it’ll be pretty silly not to turn such situations into our advantage, right?

Currency exchange rates accurate as of 5th July 2016

(Header image by Also, read 6 Bag Labels Every Stylish Guy Should Be Familiar With