Category: Uniquely Singapore

Amoy St Bloc Party Is Not Holding Back! Feast, Explore And Chill Your Sunday Away

Amoy St Bloc Party is here to make sure your Sunday is a day of feasting, playing and drinking…in style!

Amoy Street has a special significance in our local culture and dining scene. More so with the recent move of many award-wning F&B brands to the area. As such, they’re throwing a welcome party, so you can get to know these new kids on the block!

The Fun Stuff

Set to take place on the 20th of November, the party will see Amoy Street transform into a street festival filled with fun, food, drinks and community activities.

Cool Music & Art Display

There will be a variety of vendors, exciting activities, and live performances featuring acts by DJ KFC and DJ Roscius hailing all the way from the UK.

For those who need their art fix, there will also be limited edition prints and paintings from local and uprising artists from The Artling along the street.

Get Your Fit On

We know too much good food will make you guilty, and guilty feet have got no rhythm!

That’s why one of the world’s faster growing studios, F45, is here to whip the guilt out of you.

For the curious but intimidated, this is the perfect chance to try a HIIT class.

You’ll get a taste of a legit workout class in an all fun no stress environment. Just go with the flow and enjoy the good vibes.

Grow Your Own Edible Garden

Amoy St Bloc Party is not all about eating, drinking and dancing.

Besides taking home Instagram moments, you’ll head back with skills of growing your own edible garden.

Learn a trick or two from our favourite urban farming collective, Edible Garden City, to grow food at under-utilised spaces like roofs and sidewalks.

In-Car Party With Jeep

The best part of all, you can hop on the Jeep Wrangler and it will take you on a ride around the block!

Their modern interpretation of Southeast Asian cuisines are executed using progressive techniques with a hint of Western influence.

While you’re at it, don’t forget to try their cocktails too.

2. boCHINChe 

Fuelled by chef Diego Jacquet, boCHINChe is all about bold Argentinean flavours.

Just like us, Argentina is a melting pot of cultures and Argentineans loveeee their food. boCHINChe’s passion is reflected on their menu, prepare your palate for an explosion of flavours.

3. Employees Only (Cocktail Bar)

What?? A craft cocktail bar from New York is in Singapore?

Yes, and it’s one with unpretentious NY vibes, buzzing energy, shoulder shaking music, and mighty fine cocktail techniques (that’s what they’re famed for).

The place can get really busy but trust us, it’s worth the wait.

4. Le Binchotan

What do you get when you combine French and Japanese cuisine? Le Binchotan!

Named after the white charcoal used to smoke French-Japanese tapas, this super chic eatery dishes some of the best skewers in town.

There’ll be 10% off selected sake bottles in conjunction with the Bloc party! Now, that calls for a Kampai!

5. Burger Joint

Dubbed the best burger in NYC, Burger Joint is all about yummy burgers done to perfection!

From cheese to portobello, and of course, bacon burger, their patties are extremely juicy and well seasoned. Top if off with craft beer (there’s a selection of 16 taps!) and that’s how every day should end.

6. Maggie Joan’s

Looking for Maggie Joan’s can be a lil tricky. It’s an underground Mediterranean restaurant located in the alleyway just off Gemmill Lane (literally a hidden gem).

Famed for their cosy ambience and gastronomical food, every dish here is so pretty that you’ll want to feed your camera first before digging in.

7. Gemmills

Gemmills has a split personality – it’s a cafe by day and a wine bar by night.

Expect a range of fresh pastries, sandwiches and coffee during the day and once the sun is down, bring the vinos out!

8. Birds of a Feather

Sichuan food can be a little intimidating. Just thinking about the flower pepper gives us chills!

But at Birds of Feather, the Sichuan-ness actually enhances the flavours of the Western cuisine served. And the ambience there will make you feel like you’re in Chengdu… well, minus the giant panda bears!

Party All Night

The event might start at 3pm, but once the sun is down (10pm onwards), step into Ding Dong as the playful restaurant space is reimagined into a retro dance floor on this day!

Bust a move to 80s and 90s hits at the afterparty and get a Ding Dong Daiquiri or two while you hit that high!

What are you waiting for? Get your peeps together and start planning your Amoy St Bloc Party trail.

Amoy St Bloc Party
Date: 20 November 2016 (Sunday)
Time: 3pm – 12:00am
Venue: Amoy Street
Event page: Amoy St Bloc Party
Instagram: @amoystblocparty

Header image source: What’s Up, November! 13 Exciting Activities To Check Out [16 Nov – 30 Nov]

What’s Up, November! 13 Exciting Activities To Check Out [16 Nov – 30 Nov]

Mid November can be a little harsh. It’s crunch time before you go off for your Christmas holidays, where you still have no idea what gift to get for friends and family… Don’t even get us started with the year end rush of meetings and deadlines.

If you’re barely hanging in there, here are 13 fun and exciting activities to help you unwind and usher in the final month of the year.

Discover & Play

1. Neon Lights Festival

Singapore’s very own premier music and arts festival – Neon Lights Festival is back!

Catered to music and art lovers of all ages, this festival will bring together more than 150 music and art performances over two days!!

Featuring performers such as Yuna, Badbadnotgood, and Southeast Asian exclusive performances by Foals, Sigur Rós & 2manydjs, it’s gonna be a weekend of major ear candy for audiophiles.

Neon Lights Festival
Date: 26-27 November
Time: 2pm- 12am
Venue: For Canning, 51 Canning Rise, 179037
Event Page: Neon Lights Festival 2016
Website:

Set to take place at one of Southeast Asia’s tallest hotel (226m) Swissotel The Stamford, participants will need to blaze up 1,336 steps over 73 storeys in the shortest time possible.

Hardcore runners, CNN actually named this race as the most challenging race among 11 of the world’s coolest themed runs. Don’t miss the chance to add this to your running credentials!

Swissotel Vertical Marathon 2016
Date: 20 November, 2016
Time: 6:30am- 1:30pm
Venue: Swissotel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, 178882
Event Page: Swissotel Vertical Marathon
Tickets: Individual ($52-$62), Team of 2 ($108-$120)
Ticketing Website: Run Society

3. Upside Social

Like the idea of socialising and being empowered through health and fitness at the same time?

Head to Spaces City Hall for a Saturday of good food, learning, meditating, and of course shopping!

Featuring Xtend Barre classes for your happy toes, Dosirak for your tummy, wellness and nutrition classes by HIC Juices, PAUSE Meditation and Jolin Tinkerbell, you’ll definitely walk away with something.

And for the shopping part, vendors such as Lorna Jane, We Are Cultured, Anaya Life, Pili Pushers, MA’ONA and Candles of Light will make sure you get a good dose of retail therapy.

Upside Social
Date: 19 November, 2016
Time: 9:30am – 4:30pm
Venue: Spaces City Hall, 410 North Bridge, 188726
Event Page: Upside Social
Tickets: $15-$25
Ticketing Page: Image source: A.D.I Concept[/caption]

4S: Stories After Bedtime revolves around the darker side of Malay legends and folktales.

From poisoning enemies through the use of winds and djins to summoning beings from other dimension, these stories, inspired by true incidents will make you rethink of the existence of supernatural.

Don’t blame us if you have problems falling asleep at night!

4S: Stories After Bedtime
Date: 17-19 November 2016
Time: 8pm (17 & 18 Nov), 3pm & 8pm (19 Nov)
Venue: Drama Centre 100 Victoria Street Level 5, National Library Building, 188064
Event Page: 4S: Stories After Bedtime
Tickets: $22-$25
Ticketing Page: Image source: Lila Sutra[/caption]

Inspired by Sex and the City, Sex in Singcity is an evening of open dialogue on sex, intimacy and pleasure with a panel of sexperts.

While you’re at it, you can also pick up the art of seductive strip tease…without the stripping.

And the best part of all, each entry ticket comes with a scrumptious dinner from Food Rebel and a free bubly drink from Bottles XO! Now, be a caring sister and share this with all your girlfriends.

Sex in Singcity
Date: 18 November 2016
Time: 7:00pm-9:30pm
Venue: The Hive, 59 New Bridge Road, 059405
Event Page: Sex in Singcity
Tickets: $25 (Early bird), $35 (Regular)
Ticketing Website: Image source: AFA SG[/caption]

Who said you can’t enjoy anime in real life?

Head to AFA SG and bob your head to your favourite anime theme songs, performed live by T.M Revolution, KOTOKO, Alisa Takigawa and many more over a period of 3 days!

To jazz things up even more, there will also be anime-based exhibits, activities, celebrity cosplayers, and a special Akiba stage.

Anime Festival Asia
Date: 25-27 November, 2016
Time: 9:30am – 8:00pm (25& 26 Nov), 9:30am-7:00pm (27 Nov)
Venue: Suntec City 1 Raffles Boulevard, 039693
Facebook: Anime Festival Asia
Website: 7. Monkey Goes West

Up for an adventure of a lifetime from Haw Par Villa to Jurong West?

Laughter is the best medicine and you sure can count on Ah Tang and his friends Wukong, Pigsy and Sandy to give you the best laughing therapy in town.

Monkey Goes West
Date: 18 November – 17 December 2016
Venue: Drama Centre Theatre, 100 Victoria St, #05-01 National Library Building, 188064
Time: 2:30pm and 7:30pm
Ticket Price: Restricted View ($50 – $60), Standard ($45-$80)
Seating Plan: Website: Monkey Goes West Is Back This Year With More Laughs & Catchy Tunes!

Eat

8. Amoy Street Bloc Party

You’ve probably seen a couple of new eateries popping up around Amoy Street.

What’s a better way than partying while getting to know these new kids on the block?

Set to take place on the 20th of November, Amoy St. Bloc Party will see our favourite Chinatown street transform into a festival filled with fun, food, drinks and community activities.

Dine and wine with the 8 new award winning eateries – Ding Dong, boCHINChe, Employees Only, Le Binchotan, Burger Joint, Maggie Joan’s, Gemmills and Birds of a Feather.

When sun sets, step into Ding Dong as the playful restaurant space is reimagined into a retro dance floor for the festival.

Amoy St. Bloc Party
Date: 20 November 2016 (Sunday)
Time: 3pm – 12:00am
Venue: Amoy Street
Event page: Amoy St Bloc Party
Instagram: @amoystblocparty

9. A Mashed-Up Affair: When Cocktails & Kaya Clash

Cocktail and ka.. WHAT?

Who cares if cocktail and kaya makes an unlikely pair? House at Dempsey is putting two of our favourite things together, and whipping up something delish.

Collaborating with homegrown brand Kayamila, House at Dempsey will be pairing 4 of their signature cocktails and mocktails with 4 unique kaya flavours (Calamansi, Sea Salt Caramel, Vanilla, and of course, Original) from Kayamila.

It’s something very new and we say… just take my money!!

A Mashed-Up Affair: When Cocktails and Kaya Clash
Date: 17 November 2016
Time: 7:00pm-8:30pm
Venue: House at Dempsey, 8D Dempsey Road #01-03 249672
Event Page: A Mashed-Up Affair
Ticket: $60
Ticketing Website: Image source: Master Chef Dining & Bar[/caption]

And that’s why you should check out the MasterChef pop-up dining experience at Ash and Elm, InterContinental Singapore, for an unforgettable culinary adventure. No more wanting to lick the TV screen!

This gastronomical experience will feature restauranter Marco Pierre White, MasterChef Australia’s finalist Reynold Poernomo, MasterChef Asia’s Judge Audra Morrice, MasterChef USA’s winner Luca Manfe and our very own MasterChef Asia Woo Wai Leong.

This could totally be the most delicious dining experience you’ve ever had.

Master Chef Dining & Bar
Date: 25 November – 9 December
Time: 12pm-3pm, 6pm-10:30pm
Venue: Ash and Elm, Level 1, Intercontinental Singapore 80 Middle Road, 188966
Website: Shop

11. Affordable Art Fair

Back for its 7th autumn edition, this leading showcase for affordable contemporary art is set to take place from 18 to 20 November at F1 Pit Building.

The fair will feature a diverse range of contemporary art priced between $100 and $15,000, with 75% of art pieces under $7,500.

Now, that sure sounds like a steal!

Affordable Art Fair
Date: 18-20 November 2016
Time: 12pm-6pm (18 Nov), 11am-8pm (19 Nov), 11am-6pm (20 Nov)
Venue: 1 Republic Boulevard, F1 Pit Building, 038795
Event page: Affordable Art Fair
Tickets: $15 (Advance sales), $18 (Door sales)
Ticketing page: Image source: Free Folk[/caption]

From handcrafted goods from local artists and designers, organic skincare products to women’s wear and even wire jewellery, this market will make you wanna take a longer lunch break.

Return to Wonderland Christmas Market
Date: 28 November – 4 December 2016
Time: 11am – 8pm
Venue: Millenia Walk, South Galleria Level 1, 9 Raffles Boulevard 039596
Event Page: Return to Wonderland Christmas Market

13. Tan Boon Liat Block Party

Singapore’s unofficial furniture and lifestyle hub, Tan Boon Liat Building, is the perfect destination for hipsters and young couples.

With 15 storeys of furniture and home accessories showrooms and lifestyle providers, this building is set to be the only place you need to shop this Christmas season! Expect interesting and unique pieces of furniture, and gourmet food.

On 26 and 27 November, 20 participating showrooms will open their doors. Enjoy design showcases and workshops, tastings, collection launches, and silent auctions. There are even $5,000 worth of prizes up for grabs!

Tan Boon Liat Block Party
Date: 26 and 27 November 2016
Time: 10AM – 7PM
Address: Tan Boon Liat Building, 315 Outram Road, Singapore 169074

With 13 fun activities to choose from, November sure is an exciting month! Drop us a comment and let us know which one you’ll be checking out.

Header Image source: Neon Lights Singapore

Also, read Reignite The Magic Of Christmas On Orchard Road With ION’s Tiffany & Co Xmas Tree!

Zouk Bids Farewell To Its Home On Jiak Kim Street With 4 Of Its Most Iconic Parties

If you turned 18 in the past 25 years chances are you celebrated your 18th birthday with a bang at Zouk. Over the years, Zouk has become THE SPOT for many Singaporean youth to celebrate this momentous right of passage.  There’s a pretty high chance you celebrated a slew of weekends at the popular nightspot throwing parties you’ll never forget (or ever live down)!

We take a look at Zouk’s history and how it’s celebrating its move with a bang!

Zouk @ Jiak Kim St

A year or two after its conception, Zouk saw the start of Balearic club nights. Celebrating house music associated with Ibiza, the party island of the world, Balearic was the first of many successful themed nights. For the pioneering Zouk community, Balearic night will be the throwback party you’ve been wishing for!

Balearic Presents: Aldrin, DJB, Jeremy Boon & Cher Featuring Maniam
18 Nov, Fri
10pm
Admission: Members get in free, Non members $28/$33 (includes 2 drinks)

Thank God It’s Wednesday (TGIW)

The 2000s saw indie and electronic centred music coming onto the scene. Readset Glo, saw live acts and synth heavy bands helming the stage instead of Zouk’s usual DJ-centric programming.

Readyset Glo Presents Hong With Wayne The Insane At Zouk
Nov 25, Fri
Admission: Members get in free, Non members $28/33

Mambo Jambo

Reignite The Magic Of Christmas On Orchard Road With ION’s Tiffany & Co. Xmas Tree!

It’s that time of the year again. Prepping for Christmas feasts and enthusiastically looking for the perfect gifts for your loved ones? You can trust us, Orchard Road is definitely worth a visit! With tons of festive activities laid out by Orchard Road Business Association (ORBA) and ION Orchard, there is certainly something for everyone.

The Tiffany & Co. Christmas Tree

Titled ‘Season of Resplendence’ – ION Orchard aspires to evoke the wonders of Christmas joy with their shoppers.

To do that, they have spruced up the mall with a series of activities and promotions just for you.

A major project this year is the partnership between ION Orchard and Tiffany & Co.. Together, they have created an enthralling walk-in Christmas tree for their shoppers throughout this beautiful season!

Standing at 20 meters tall – right outside Tiffany & Co., the glamorous structure features over 2,000 custom-designed ornaments including the famous Tiffany Blue Boxes.

Here’s what our ambassador, Nicole, had to say about the Xmas tree!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BMdybqhjazH/?taken-by=neecolly

After a magical experience at the photo-booth, guests can collect their photos at the Tiffany & Co. duplex located at Level 1.

Likewise, you can share a video of that special moment with your friends on social media.

Right next to the glamorous Christmas tree is an illuminated Christmas labyrinth decorated with glittering-ornaments, a larger-than-life reindeer centrepiece, toy soldiers and other festive ornaments.

Step into this fantasy maze and find yourself immersed into the magic of a wonderful fairytale. What a perfect spot for your holiday photos!

On the Streets of Orchard Road

Our famous shopping street is transformed into a glamorous galaxy, adorned with glowing reindeers, shimmering stars, and other celebratory elements that turn it into a Christmas spectacle.

Spanning over a distance of 2.88 kilometres from Tanglin Mall all the way to Plaza Singapura, it is certainly going to be a sight.

• 630pm – 600am on Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve;
• 630pm–200am on Fridays and Saturdays; and
• Except as stated above, 630pm – 1200midnight on Mondays to Thursdays and on Sundays

Music in the Air

A novel approach by ORBA this year, visitors get to enjoy their favourite Christmas Carols piped through 16 to 20 outdoor speakers that are lined through ION Orchard to Ngee Ann City.

Furthermore, song requests from a pre-selected list of Christmas favourites are accepted on weekends. Now you can truly immerse yourselves into the magic of the season.

Available from 12th November to 25th December 2016 from 5 to 10pm daily.

Exclusive Pop-Up Shops and Spending Rewards at ION Orchard

Looking for some Christmas gifts, or just a little end-of-year reward for yourself?

The exclusive pop-ups on Levels 1 and Basement 4 of ION Orchard will provide you with an abundance of gifting ideas!

First, get your shopping fix at the Club 21 Accessories pop-up store in L1 Atrium.

Besides shopping from a vast collection of accessories from brands such as Alexander Wang and Marni, you can also do your part for charity by dropping off cash donations at the store! This is made possible due to ION Orchard’s partnership with Rainbow Centre.

Club 21 Accessories Pop-up
19 Oct – 31 Dec | L1 Atrium

Next, beauty junkies are in for a treat as well.

Find gift items from MAC, Origins, Bobbi Brown and Lab Series at the Estée Lauder pop-up.

Estée Lauder Companies Christmas Store
5 – 30 Dec | L1 Atrium

ION Orchard is also partnering with American Express to reward Card Members with attractive offers during this period. More details can be found

Credit: ION Orchard

Special Promotion for ComfortDelGro and Uber Riders

Get $5 off your trip to and from Orchard Road.

A novel collaboration between Mastercard, ORBA and ComfortDelGro Taxis, this will be happening every weekend from 12 November 2016 to 1 January 2017 (capped at 900 trips per weekend). More details #OrchardRdXmas to share your joy and happiness with everyone!

Also, read Under $25: 9 Super Local Christmas Gifts That Will Surely Amaze Your Friends!

Check Out These 4 Crazy Big Houses Where The REAL Crazy Rich Asians Live

They say home is where the heart is. If this is true, then these gorgeous and opulent homes (or rather, super huge bungalows) in Singapore will absolutely steal your heart away.

Set amidst lush gardens and away from the hustle and bustle of the city life, it seems as if these grand mansions are in an entire world of their own!

Here are some of the few unbelievably grand and opulent homes you can find in our little Singapore island.

1. The Willow House by Guz Architects

This impressive-looking house is truly a garden house.

It is designed to take advantage of its hilltop position, by creating a open-concept to make the most of the prevailing breezes.

[caption id="attachment_17774" align="aligncenter" width="750"] Credit: Credit: Credit:  Credit: Credit: thepeakmagazine.com.sg[/caption]

With its terrace roof garden seemingly forming an amphitheatre around the house, this is truly being right in the heart of nature.

[caption id="attachment_17791" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: Credit: 5 Apartments In Singapore That Are Role Models ‘Cos They’re So Green

Under $25: 9 Super Local Christmas Gifts That Will Surely Amaze Your Friends!

Christmas is around the corner and Discover SG is here to save you from cracking your brains for the perfect Christmas gifts for your friends and family.

Read on for the best wallet-friendly picks from local brands and unleash your inner shopaholic!

1. For the couch potato

“I don’t want to go out lah, I’m very tired. I  just want to stay at home and nua.”

Know a friend who is just like that? This is the gift for him or her!

Designed by I am not a couch potato notebook
Naiise
3 Gateway Drive, Westgate Mall #01-30, Singapore 608532
6 Eu Tong Sen Street Central, #02-23,Singapore 059817
112 East Coast Road, I12 Katong, #01-31/32, Singapore 428802
3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City North Wing #01-477, Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm daily
Cost: $10.60
Website: Naiise

2. For the everything also DIY friend

If you know someone who loves DIY projects, this starter kit will allow your friend to express his or her creativity.

Who knows, maybe your Christmas gift next year will be created from this kit?

Cost: $15
Website: Credit: Naiise[/caption]

Not only will this Christmas gift allow our men to reminisce about their ah boys to men days, it will also keep them hydrated.

NS Jerry can bottle
Cost: $15.60
Naiise
3 Gateway Drive, Westgate Mall #01-30, Singapore 608532
6 Eu Tong Sen Street Central, #02-23,Singapore 059817
112 East Coast Road, I12 Katong, #01-31/32, Singapore 428802
3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City North Wing #01-477, Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm daily
Website: Naiise

4. For the super local friend

Soy milk and youtiao are a common sight in our heartlands. Who doesn’t enjoy dipping a youtiao into a piping hot cup of soy milk?

If your friend is crazy about all things local, she will be squealing in delight when she sees this cute little tote bag that can be paired easily with casual wear.

5. For the colleague:

Need we say more? We are in love with this sketchpad full of humorous Singlish phrases that most of us can identify with!

[caption id="attachment_16605" align="alignnone" width="809"] Credit: Naiise[/caption]

The sketchpad also comes with blank pages for your colleague to express his creativity or include his toilet humour to explain why he is not at his desk.

TEE-SAURUS Office Buddy sketchpad
Cost: $18.90
Naiise
3 Gateway Drive, Westgate Mall #01-30, Singapore 608532
6 Eu Tong Sen Street Central, #02-23,Singapore 059817
112 East Coast Road, I12 Katong, #01-31/32, Singapore 428802
3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City North Wing #01-477, Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm daily
Website: Naiise

6. For the fashionista:

What better way to surprise a fashionista than with this chio little lip and cheek tint from Credit: Shophouse Sixtyfive[/caption]

Your friend can pack this niffy beauty kit into her make-up pouch and start being a chio bu immediately after receiving your Christmas gift.

Wah Chiobu Lip & Cheek Tint
Cost: $18.90
Shophouse Sixtyfive
Spurhauswerks, Orchard Central, #02-22, 181 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238896
The Nail Social, 42A Haji Lane  2nd floor (opposite vaingloriousyou)
Website: Credit: Ette Tea Company[/caption]

This Nasi Lemak tea – yes, you heard us right, was inspired by one of our popular local dishes. It is made up of a fragrant mix of houjicha, genmaicha, coconut flakes, as well as local favorites such as dried pandan, dried chilli and flavouring. Don’t say Discover SG bojio!

Naiise
Address:
3 Gateway Drive, Westgate Mall #01-30, Singapore 608532
6 Eu Tong Sen Street Central, #02-23,Singapore 059817
112 East Coast Road, I12 Katong, #01-31/32, Singapore 428802
3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City North Wing #01-477, Singapore 038983
Opening H0urs: 11am-10pm daily
Website: Naiise

8. For the bookworm:

If your friend always has his nose in a book and fancies a quiet Christmas, this debut collection of short stories by local author Credit: Books Actually[/caption]

In “Fourteen Entries from the Diary of Maria Hertogh”, Amanda Lee Koe shows what it is like to explore Singapore’s history through the eyes of Maria Hertogh, a Dutch girl who sparked riots in Singapore in the 1950s.

While another story, “The Ballad of Arlene and Nelly”, traces the past of two lesbians over a thirty-year period.

Apart from winning the and selected by The Business Times as one of the Cost: $22
Books Actually
9 Yong Siak Street Singapore 168645
Opening Hours: Sunday & Monday 10am – 6pm, Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 8pm
Website: Credit: Naiise[/caption]

It can hold notes, cards and even loose coins! Your man will feel proud when he uses this money clip.

Tilea Leather Money Clip
Cost: $25
Naiise
3 Gateway Drive, Westgate Mall #01-30, Singapore 608532
6 Eu Tong Sen Street Central, #02-23,Singapore 059817
112 East Coast Road, I12 Katong, #01-31/32, Singapore 428802
3 Temasek Boulevard, Suntec City North Wing #01-477, Singapore 038983
Opening Hours: 11am-10pm daily
Website: Naiise

Now that you have read our quick cheat sheet to Christmas gift shopping, what are you waiting for? It’s time to get shopping!

Header image source: 8 Korean BBQ: For Premium Pork Belly That Will Leave You Begging For More!

5 Apartments In Singapore That Are Role Models ‘Cos They’re So Green

Today, there are more than 1 million public housing flats in 23 towns with over 80% living in HDB flats. With a focus on eco green living, other “vertical villages” like high-rise and high-density private condominiums and apartments are on the rise as well.

But, are these ‘green’ apartments merely just buildings with expensive solar panels and high technology mechanisms?

Well, we debunk this myth by introducing 5 high rise apartments that are role models because they’ve successfully incorporated eco green living in Singapore.

You’d totally want to live in a home like that.

1. The Topiary

Located at the west of Sengkang New Town along Fernvale Lane, The Topiary Fernvale EC is the first Executive Condominium launched in Sengkang.

It is equipped with full Condo facilities including aerobic/yoga rooms, hydrotherapy beds and even an onsen!

Designed by DP Architects, The Topiary was built with sustainable materials, and its building configuration and site orientation promotes natural ventilation and daylighting.

Not only can residents enjoy the common sky terraces outdoors, but they can also enjoy energy-efficient air-conditioners indoors that all units come with!

The Topiary
Address: 11 Fernvale Lane

2. Punggol Waterway Ridges

We all know Punggol is increasingly popular with many up and coming developments. But what we may not know is that many of these developments promote sustainable living.

One of these is Punggol Waterway Ridges, which was recently awarded the HDB Design Award in September and is due for completion this December.

Located along Edgefield Plains and on the northern bank of the Waterfront town, residents can enjoy waterfront living while conserving water!

Punggol Waterway Ridges
Address: 669 Edgefield Plains

3. SkyTerrace @ Dawson

Located in Dawson Estate in the Alexandra area, this project has ecologically conscious technologies like drip irrigation, rainwater harvesting, bio-retention basins and solar energy systems.

[caption id="attachment_17260" align="alignnone" width="1600"] Image Credit: SCDA Architects[/caption]

At SkyTerrace @ Dawson, there are five towers ranging from 40 to 43 storeys and elevated gardens with lush greenery.

These link through bridges, allowing residents to enjoy the natural environment and enjoy interaction with fellow residents.

Sky Terrace @ Dawson
Address: 89 Dawson Road

4. Casa Clementi

Landscaping in public housing has definitely reached a whole new level.

Casa Clementi in Clementi Avenue 1 has an award-winning landscaped deck that links ten blocks in the estate.

Not only is the green roof multi-functional with paved open plazas, but there are also children’s play stations and perimeter pathways.

These pathways can double as a 660m jogging track. They serve many purposes – as a water irrigation system, and also to conceal the carpark.

Residents can unwind in this gardenscape after a long day and enjoy the feel of what may otherwise be mistaken as a private condominium!

Casa Clementi
Address: Clementi Ave 1

5. NTU North Hill Residential Hill

Who would have thought that a residential hall in a school could be so popular?

Not only are these NTU’s residential halls the first public high-rises in Singapore to use a “Lego-style” construction method, but they are also one of the newest eco-friendly high-rise buildings.

There are sustainable features such as energy-saving lighting and solar-powered systems. One of the green features is that all rooms in the residential halls have special “Low-E” glazed windows. These windows reflect heat using a special coating.

NTU North Hill Residential Hall
Address: 50 Nanyang Walk

Singapore has definitely upped its green game in the recent years.

The next time you’re looking for a new home, you may want to consider if it is eco-friendly!

Also, read The Only Guide You Need To Exploring Lavender: Food, Cafes, Fitness & More!

A Day In The Life Of An Uber Driver – All You Need To Know And Tips Included!

Move over, taxis! Uber is one the newest and best way to get around Singapore. There is no denying that Uber advertisements are literally everywhere – on Instagram, Facebook, and even the little advert banners on the websites we visit.

Uber “supposedly” offers lucrative incentives for their drivers – such as X3 rates when driving during peak hours or additional SGD500 when you refer a friend to drive.

Sounds like a fast road to easy money! But what are the realities behind the wheel of an Uber driver?

Here is my personal account of being an Uber driver for a day:

An Early Start To The Day

My day started in the wee hours of the morning, with the sky slightly filled with faint blue hues.

I had to be at a multi-storey carpark in Serangoon to pick the Uber car,a Toyota Prius C, that was assigned to me.

With just a single tap of my EZ-link card on the card-reader next to the IU, the car was unlocked. Fascinating!

Fumbling Over The Uber App

Getting clients, GPS directions to locations, tracking incoming bookings and earnings etc., were all done via the Uber App – which I struggled to figure out while driving.

I was so fixated on exploring the Uber App and ensuring that I get my first passenger when I heard a loud horn. Apparently, I had not noticed that a huge lorry was going straight.

With my heart beating wildly in my chest, it finally dawned on me why Singapore imposes such heavy fines for using mobile phones while driving. Thankfully, I had the Uber App all figured out by then.

Tip! If you are a first time Uber driver, do play around with the Uber app to familiarise yourself with it first. Figure out how to accept bookings BEFORE hitting the roads. The Uber driver interface is different from the usual Uber passenger interface that we are familiar with.

Tip! Do use the mobile phone holder that comes with a suction cup. This will ensure that your phone is in an ideal position at a corner. It will not block your view of the road and it allows you to reach over easily to accept incoming bookings on your phone!

Picking Up My First Customer

My first booking came with a loud and repetitive “ping” sound just 10 minutes after I had hit the road.

A young couple from Serangoon needed a lift to Bras Basah to attend a friend’s church wedding.

I tried to be the friendly Uber driver –  making small talk and asking where they were heading to.

I was just secretly hoping that they would give me a five star rating as that would boost my credentials as a well-rated Uber driver.

Credit: Verine Ling[/caption]

As this was during one of Uber’s regular promotions to entice people to try being an Uber driver, referral incentives and guaranteed top-up on hourly rates were dangled as carrots.

Watch Out! Certain promotional campaigns require an Uber driver to meet a minimum of 80% acceptance rate for bookings before qualifying for the incentives.

However, this might not always be explicitly stated on the website. Do make it a point to check with the Uber operators if there is such criteria before driving!

[caption id="attachment_17480" align="aligncenter" width="572"] Credit: Verine Ling[/caption]

Is It Really Easy Money?

I was perhaps a lazy Uber driver.

Despite the constant pinging of the Uber app throughout my entire shift, I only accepted a booking when I felt “ready” to hit the road again after a quick rest.

[caption id="attachment_17372" align="aligncenter" width="1536"] Credit: Credit: )

Also, read We Hopped On The Makan Bus And Didn’t Wanna Get Off – Here’s Why!