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Thks Fr Th Hnts, LAMC Productions – Fall Out Boy MIGHT Be Coming To Singapore!

Fall Out Boy fans, fall in!

On 10 November, LAMC Productions, a regional concert promoter in Asia, released a clue regarding the next musical act to grace our shores.

Let’s see if you can guess who it is. Are you ready?

First Clue

According to LAMC Productions, this is a music video theme. Well, there are a few people on our minds as to who the musical act could be.

Judging from the post’s comment section, guesses are varied but there is one name that keeps popping up.

Do you have someone in mind yet? But wait, there’s another clue!

Second Clue

Another music video theme! The 2nd clue seems to have confirmed most guesses.

The consensus seems to be Fall Out Boy that’s coming to Singapore.

Then there’s this guy.

We still don’t know who the musical act is, but stay tuned to LAMC Production’s Facebook page for more updates!

Also read 14 Exhilarating Events And Food To End This Month On A High Note

(Header Image Source: Consequence Of Sound)

14 Exhilarating Events And Food To End This Month On A High Note

We’re finally halfway through November and we can practically smell the candy canes and artificial snow (foam) on Orchard Road.

With just 2 more weeks to go until Christmas season is in full swing, here are more events and food for you to tank through to December.

Let’s do this!

Play & Discover

1. The Addams Family Musical Comedy

Along with Uncle Fester, Grandmama, Lurch the butler, and Thing the hand, everyone’s favourite fictional household, The Addams Family, will be here in Singapore from 15 Nov – 3 Dec, bringing us a musical comedy featuring an original tale.

The story goes that Wednesday Addams – all grown up now – has kept a shocking secret that only Gomez knows; she is in love with a young man from a normal, respectable family. Find out what chaos ensues when the eccentric Addams clan meet with Wednesday’s ‘normal’ boyfriend and his parents.

Fans of The Addams Family, this is a hilarious show you won’t want to miss. Tickets are already on sale and are priced from $86.80* – $146.80*, so grab yours while they’re still available!

Purchase your tickets to The Addams Family here.

The Addams Family
Venue: MES Theatre at Mediacorp, 1 Stars Avenue, Singapore 138507
Date: 15 Nov – 3 Dec 2017
Price: CAT 1: $146.80* | CAT 2: $120.80* | CAT 3: $86.80*

*Discounted prices available only on Hapz.

2. Let’s Go Jalan Jalan

“Let’s Go Jalan Jalan” is a food and music festival that brings all the most iconic things about Singapore – both new and old – to one place.

Happening from 17 – 19 Nov, this three-day event will take place at the nostalgic The Three Peacocks @ Labrador Park and will feature over 100 varieties of food and merchandise stalls.

Expect popular local cuisines such as Ice Blended Rainbow Dash, Rickshaw Noodles, traditional “You Tiao” with soya bean drink, the old school ice cream uncle, and more!

The event is pet-friendly and wheelchair-friendly, so bring your ah ma, ah gong, and even your furry ones to this festival come November! You’re sure to have a good ol’ time at this chill, hyper-local extravaganza!

Let’s Go Jalan Jalan
Address: The Three Peacocks @ Labrador Park, 8 Port Road, Singapore 117540
Date: 17 – 19 Nov 2017
Time: 17 Nov: 5pm – 12.30am | 18 Nov: 10am – 12.30am | 19 Nov: 10am – 12.30am
Admission: Free
Website

3. OCBC Cycle 2017

The annual OCBC Cycle is back!

Happening from 18 – 19 November, OCBC Cycle is Singapore’s most happening cycling event. An event that brings together cyclists young and old, from the greenest to the most seasoned, everyone is welcome to be a part of this cycling fiesta.

OCBC Cycle 2017 has something for everyone, with 3 riding categories for people who just want to have a good time.

The Straits Times Ride is undoubtedly the highlight at this cycling extravaganza. A Super Hero-themed ride, come dressed in your favourite Marvel or DC heroes and heroines!

The Mighty Savers® Kids and Family Ride guarantees a great time for even the youngest of the pack. Children from as young as 2 years old can sign up, with the youngest tots taking part in the 100m course and older children getting 20 or 30 minutes on the circuit.

If you’d like to take it easy and go for a leisurely ride, go for The Corporate Bike Ride. Pick between the 23km The Straits Time Ride and the 42km The Sportive Ride, and take on the city with a group of at least 15 cyclists!

If you know you’re long overdue for some exercise, or just like sweating it out with like-minded people, register for OCBC Cycle 2017 here! And make sure to take your best pals along because everything is better when you do it with a friend!

OCBC Cycle 2017
Venue: Singapore Sports Hub 
Date: 18 – 19 Nov 2017
Website

4. It’s The Ship

Image Credit: brookings.edu[/caption]

The Projector is not your average cinema. On 17 November and 25 November, they’re screening Ridley Scott’s definitive Final Cut of the 1982 version of The Blade Runner, complete with extended scenes and never-before-seen special effects.

There will also be an afterparty at The Intermission Bar at The Projector, where Perilune will be playing for the attendees.

Tickets for the 17 November screening have been sold out but tickets for the 25 November are still available for purchase Website

6. Arts In Your Neighbourhood

[caption id="attachment_31272" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Image Credit: Arts For All[/caption]

Arts In Your Neighbourhood is back, and this time, it’s taking a journey to the West.

An initiative by the National Arts Council that happens twice a year, Arts In Your Neighbourhood has taken over neighbourhoods like Toa Payoh, Yishun, and Woodlands previously, bringing arts experiences to the doorsteps of Singaporeans living in these areas.

From 9 – 26 November, Arts In Your Neighbourhood is giving Jurong residents the same treatment with its interactive arts programmes that show a different side of Jurong.

Expect visual arts installations, performances, trails, stories, and more by established artists and arts groups happening across Jurong.

For the month of November, pop by these installations, watch these performances, or go on the trail! Who knows, you just may come away with newfound appreciation for your neighbourhood!

Arts In Your Neighbourhood
Address: Various locations
Date:  9 – 26 Nov 2017
Website

7. Harry Styles Live In Singapore 2017

[caption id="attachment_31497" align="aligncenter" width="1296"] Image Credit: Harry Styles Live In Singapore 2017 Facebook[/caption]

In case you didn’t hear the screams from the fangirls, Harry Styles is coming to Singapore for a one-night only performance at The Star Theatre on 23 November 2017!

Fans can expect hits from his self-titled debut album such as “Sign of the Times”, “Two Ghosts” and “Kiwi”, just to name a few.

Tickets are already sold out for the 2017 show but you can grab tickets for his May 2018 concert 8. Sole Superior 2017 [caption id="attachment_31507" align="aligncenter" width="2048"] Image Credit: Sole Superior 2017 Facebook[/caption]

Sneakerheads of Singapore, listen up! Singapore’s premier sneaker and streetwear convention is returning for its fifth instalment on November 25.

As with every year, Sole Superior will be giving away a truck load of goodies. Every ticket comes with a raffle entry to a prize pool of over S$30,000 worth of products, ranging from snapbacks to feet heat.

A new addition this year is the Sole Superior Afterparty, jointly presented in partnership with Moonbeats Asia, which will be held in a secret warehouse in Tai Seng featuring top international DJs Falcons, The Whooligan and Yeti Out. For more info on the afterparty, check out the Facebook event page here.

Get your tickets on Sole Superior’s e-ticketing page 9. Treasures Of The Natural World [caption id="attachment_31277" align="aligncenter" width="1920"] Image Credit: marinabaysands.com[/caption]

Come 25 November 2017, the ArtScience Museum will host the ‘Treasures Of The Natural World‘ exhibition, which showcases the most significant treasures of the natural world.

Carefully selected from over 80 million specimens, over 200 treasures from London’s prestigious Natural History Museum will travel to Southeast Asia for the first time.

There will also be a treasure hunt, specially designed for children, families and schools, for the younger visitors to embark on a series of adventures, learning about nature and searching for wildlife.

Opening on 25 November 2017 through till 29 April 2018, do not miss out on this wondrous exhibition!

Tickets can be purchased here.

Treasures Of The Natural World
Venue: ArtScience Museum
Date: 25 Nov 2017 – 29 Apr 2018
Image Credit: Whisky Live Singapore 2017 Facebook[/caption]

Organised by Maison Du Whisky, Whisky Live Singapore is South-East Asia’s premier whisky and spirits event that began in 2010 and this year it is back for it’s eighth instalment from 25 November to 26 November!

The event sees over 70 whisky and spirit brands gathering for tasting, and also featuring some of the world’s most famous distilleries as well as upcoming notable brands.

This year, the event moves to Robertson Quay: TheatreWorks and Singapore Tyler Print Institute, and features top level masterclasses, a lineup of Singapore’s best cocktail bars, food partners and more!

Ticket prices go from $99 for a standard discovery pass for 1 person, to $900 for a 10 person group pass.

Hurry and purchase your tickets Venue: Singapore Tyler Print Institute, 41 Robertson Quay, Singapore, 238236
Date: 25 Nov – 26 Nov

If you’ve listened the DJ Snake’s “Lean On”, then you’ve heard MØ singing. Danish singer and songwriter Karen Marie Aagaard Ørsted, better known as MØ, is coming to Singapore on 26 November for the first time ever!

Performing with a full band, gather your friends an dance along to MØ’s beat-driven electropop and amazing vocals!

Tickets go from $78 for early bird tickets, to $272 for the Dance Buddies package.

Purchase your tickets here!

MØ Live In Singapore
Venue: Zouk Singapore, 3C River Valley Road, The Cannery, Singapore, 179022
Date: 26 Nov 2017
Price: Early Bird: $78, Standard: $88, Dance Buddies Package: $272 (excluding booking fee)
Image Credit: alt-J Live In Singapore
Venue: Esplanade Theatre
Date: 29 Nov 2017
Image Credit: Etsy Made Local 2017 Facebook[/caption]

Etsy Made Local is back for its second instalment this Christmas!

Etsy Made Local is a national initiative that celebrates collectors, artisans and crafters from local communities in South-East Asia and Australia.

On 25 November, Etsy artisans will be selling their handmade products and vintage wares at the Capitol Piazza in celebration of the spirit of our local community.

Admission is free so bring your friends and family down!

Etsy Made Local 2017
Venue: Capitol Piazza, 13 Stamford Road, Singapore, 178905
Date: 25 Nov 2017
Website

Eat

14. Tsuta Duck Ramen

[caption id="attachment_31202" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Kamo Abura Soba[/caption]

Ramen fans, there’s a new ramen coming to you, and this one comes courtesy of none other than Michelin-starred ramen restaurant Tsuta.

For their first year anniversary in Singapore, Tsuta has come up with not one but two ramen dishes, and the star ingredient is a meat we Singaporeans eat plenty of: duck.

After experimenting with different recipes and cooking methods for a year, Chef Yuki Onishi created 2 ramen dishes: the dry Kamo Abura Soba ($10), and Kamo Paitan Soba ($11) which is served in soup.

These ramen dishes will only be available from 4 November onwards and are exclusively available in Singapore. The next time you’re craving a hearty bowl of ramen, be sure to head down to your nearest Tsuta to eat it!

Tsuta
Address: Pacific Plaza, 9 Scotts Road, #01-01, Pacific Plaza, Singapore 228210
Opening Hours: Daily, 11am – 10pm
Contact no.: 6734 4886
The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time Is Coming To A Stage Near You In March 2018

(Header Image Source: The Finder Singapore)

There’s A Shop In The CBD That Sells Nine Types Of Avocado Toasts From $5.50

Calling all avocado toast lovers!

If you’re passionate about avocado toast – and really, just avocado anything in general – you’ll love what the people at Avorush are plating up.

A new concept hailing from the land down under, this avocado lover’s heaven is tucked away in Asia Square’s Food Garden, smack dab in the CBD.

With a name like “Avorush”, you more or less know what to expect. Here, they serve – in their own words – “avocado everything”, putting a fresh spin on the classic avocado dishes we’re familiar with.

More of a takeaway spot, Avorush has a small dine-in area that’s perfect for diners who want to sit down for a quick bite during breakfast or lunch, and then rush off to work.

Avocado Toast Galore

If you love your avocado toast, you’ll be ecstatic to know that there are NINE avocado toast options on Avorush’s menu.

Priced affordably from $5.50 – $7.50, you’ll have a hard time picking just one to eat.

One of the bestsellers here is Goodfellas ($6.50), which consists of sourdough toast with fluffy scrambled eggs, feta, rocket, and avocado.

The Avocado & Shrimp ($7.50) is another crowd favourite, consisting of the same sourdough toast with juicy paprika shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and generous cubes of avocado laid over the top.

One of our favourites is Over The Top ($6.50), which comprises a poached egg, tahini, cherry tomatoes, feta, and smashed avocado on a toasted sourdough bread. The toast is super savoury from the tahini sauce, and we love the way it combines with the brightness of the tomatoes and the creaminess of the avocado.

The sourdough bread used in Avorush’s avocado toast is definitely worth a mention. Not at all tough like some sourdough breads tend to be, the bread has a satisfying crunch when you bite into it, and has a light savoury flavour that complements the avocado and the other ingredients laid over it.

Other options here are the Vegan Stack ($6.50) which contains beetroot hummus, sliced avocado and lemon; and You’re Toast ($6.50), which features Oregano roasted tomatoes and a balsamic glaze on a bed of avocado.

Each portion includes only a single slice of toast, which makes it great for a light bite during breakfast or tea time, but not so great for a full lunch or dinner. That said, you can always double up and order more toast if you’re feeling extra hungry!

Whatever you (eventually) decide, pair your avocado toast with a cuppa for the perfect way to start your day! The coffee here is made from freshly roasted coffee beans from Allpress Espresso, flown in from Melbourne. 

Avo Beyond The Arvo

At Avorush, avocadoes are not just something you eat for breakfast. The menu is designed such that you can have your avocado all day, everyday, in a variety of ways so you’ll never get bored.

While Avorush’s avocado toasts are available starting from 7.30am, at 11am, their offerings expand to include avocado bowls. You can build your own avo-bowl out of their selection of bases, proteins, toppings, avo specials, and dressings.

A regular bowl will cost $9 while a large bowl will set you back $13.

Avo toasts and bowls aside, Avorush also serves avocado milkshakes! Pick from Avo Vanilla ($5.90), Post Workout ($6.90) and Matcha Dream ($6.90).

Oh, and did we mention, they don’t charge GST here? That means the price you see on the menu is exactly what you pay.

Whatever the time of the day, drop by Avorush to get your avo rush – your stomachs will surely thank you for it!

Avorush
Address: #02-23 Food Garden, 12 Marina View, Asia Square Tower 2, Singapore 018961
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 7.30am – 8.30pm, Sat: 9am – 3pm, Closed on Sun
Contact no.: 82514776
Facebook

Also read B Burger Serves Cheeseburgers With A Japanese Twist And It’s Pure Umami Magic

S’pore’s Iconic Drag Queen Kumar Turns 50 And He’s Putting On An Epic Show To Celebrate

Singapore’s most iconic Drag Queen, KUMAR is back! This time for his Golden Jubilee!

Yes, our favourite Drag Queen is turning 50 and he’s celebrating it with everyone with his Kumar50 show at the Capitol Theatre!

From 28 February to 11 March 2018, Kumar will be performing at the Capitol Theatre for 13 shows only!

The Queen Returns

Watch as Kumar regales us with tales from his birth, growing up, and his career doing standup. Nothing is off the table as he touches on every topic that tickles our funny bone.

No drag performance is complete without lip-syncing. Be prepared for a hilariously entertaining Golden Jubilee as Kumar is joined by his fabulous showgirls, shaking booties and lip-syncing to legends such as Whitney Houston!

So gather your friends and family for a no-holds-barred, side-splitting comedy night with Singapore’s favourite Drag Queen at the Kumar50 show!

Tickets for the Kumar50 are available on Hapz on a name your own price basis, so quote your own price and purchase your tickets here!

Kumar50
Venue: Capitol Theatre, 17 Stamford Road, Singapore, 178907
Date: 28 Feb – 11 Mar 2018
Price: Name your price*
Website

*Discounted prices available only on Hapz.

Also read Have A Furry Merry X’mas At Changi This Year As Hello Kitty And Friends Take Over Our Airport

(Header Image Source: Kumar50)

Not Your Typical Cruise Themes

The allure of a cruise is a popular choice for many travelers when planning a vacation. But not all cruises are alike. Some cruise lines revolve around an entire theme, some host theme nights and others cater to all types of people. Let’s explore.

Have you ever thought of going on a cruise that holds an international poker championship onboard? Well, it’s available onboard the luxury cruise liner Aegean Paradise. If ultimate leisure and gaming are your things, improve your performance and register for this year’s event, which is scheduled for December 15-17.

However, Aegean Paradise is just one of many examples of unique cruise experiences available. Theme cruises are another great way to combine your interests with a relaxing vacation, and can be a great option for first-time cruisers. Specifically, there are typically three types of theme cruises: The full-ship theme cruise, partial-ship theme cruise and theme-inspired cruise.

Full-Ship Theme Cruise – When selecting this option, be sure to select your theme wisely because it will set the tone for your entire vacation. On these cruises, everyone onboard can be a part of the themed activities and entertainment, which can include concerts, themed activities, competitions and the possibility to mingle with performers and guest celebrities. A popular choice is the “Top Chef at Sea” Cruise on the Regent Seven Seas. This cruise tends to appeal to a wider audience than some of the other ones out there.

Partial-Ship Theme Cruise – This is a great option that doesn’t overwhelm the entire ship. On these cruises, they have special interest groups that can purchase blocks of cabins, marketing to people who may be interested in an activity. These interests can range from knitting to scrapbooking to fitness to music.

Theme-Inspired Cruise – A lot of cruise lines advertise theme sailings, but in reality, these tend to be a regular offering with some extra special interest activities, guest speakers or entertainment options. On these sailings, you may be able to enjoy a regionally-inspired wine tasting, guest musical performances, fitness and wellness specialists, educational lecturers and so much more. In 2017, the Seabourn Cruise Line added a “Spa and Wellness with Dr. Andrew Weil”, which is meant to educate its passengers through classes and gatherings.

Take a look at some of these popular cruise themes to think about as an option for your next cruise, or your first one for that matter:

• Music Cruises such as the New Kids on the Block theme, Beatles tribute theme, Country Cruising theme and so much more.
• Food and Drink Cruises such as Flavors of Europe, California Beer Festival at Sea and so much more. Many of these feature craft bears, brewing demos and food pairings to die for.
• Celebrity Cruises such as the TMC Classic cruise, National Review cruise and the Baseball Greats Cruise.
• Health and Wellness Cruises such as Yoga, Great Alaskan Marathon, Sober and Cruise for Diabetes.
• Hobby Cruises such as Craft, Ballroom Dancing, Alaskan Photography Adventures and so much more.

As you can see, the options are endless. No matter the theme or cruise line you desire, similar options are likely available. So, do your research and find a cruise line and theme that is right for you.

(Header Image Source: Wikimedia)

Also read 5 Of The Biggest Bills You Will See In Your Lifetime As A Singaporean

The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time Is Coming To A Stage Near You In March 2018

Did you know The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time was written into a play?

Yes it has. In fact, the production, which is based on the bestseller by Mark Haddon, has won five Tony Awards and seven Olivier Awards – and it will show in Singapore for the first time from 29 March – 8 April 2018.

If you’ve forgotten the story – we know, it’s been a while since we ourselves read the book – here’s a quick recap:

Fifteen-year-old Christopher Boone has an extraordinary mind. While great at math, he’s not nearly as great when it comes to interpreting daily life. One day, he falls under suspicion of killing his neighbour’s dog and his quest to uncover the real culprit takes him on a journey that upturns his world.

Jointly presented by Singapore Repertory Theatre and Esplanade – Theatres By The Bay, the acclaimed production by London’s National Theatre will see the story that once tugged at our heartstrings brought to life on stage.

Here’s a trailer to give you a teaser as to what to expect:

Tickets to The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night-Time are available now on Hapz on a name your own price basis, so quote your own price and purchase your tickets here.

National Theatre’s The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time
Venue: Esplanade Theatre
Date: 29 Mar – 8 Apr 2018
Price: Name your price*
Website

*Discounted prices available only on Hapz.

Also read Forget Truffle Fries, These 7 Luncheon Meat Dishes Will Make You SPAM All Your Money

B Burger Serves Cheeseburgers With A Japanese Twist And It’s Pure Umami Magic

Fusion food has always been a hit-or-miss in the world of gastronomy.

However, this newest fast food joint has managed to perfect their recipes for Japanese-American fusion burgers.

Meet B Burger, a quaint new burger joint located at Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, serving up classic American burgers with a Japanese twist.

Picture yourself biting into a juicy, toasty burger in a backdrop of palm trees, artsy murals and neon lights juxtaposed against a wall of 80s paraphernalia. That is the B Burger experience.

Feel Good Vibes Meets Feel Good Food

If you thought you’ve had the best burger you can possibly have in your lifetime, hold that thought.

B Burger serves up classic American burgers with a Japanese twist. Picture daikon pickles replacing gherkins, or an okonomiyaki re-imagined with a bratswurst and served as a corn dog.

That’s the Osaka Corn Dog ($6.90).

The signature B Burger ($6.90 to $11.90) is a cheeseburger that features a single portion of juicy beef patty, daikon pickles, tomato, lettuce, cheese and their secret B Sauce. Double and triple patty options are also available for their burgers.

The other burger to look out for is the Bomchika Wow Wow ($9.90). Buttermilk fried chicken burger, sriracha honey (YASSS), truffle mayo, homemade wafu slaw, topped with a fried egg. If this doesn’t get you salivating, we don’t know what will.

For those seeking a vegetarian option, there’s a burger for you. Meet the Umami Burger ($7.90). A combination of buttermilk fried Portobello, melted cheddar, garnished with a sprinkling of nori flakes.

Going meat-free has never tasted so good.

B Burger didn’t forget about their sides either. Some of the interesting sides are the Nacho Soup ($3.50) and the Wafu Ramen Slaw ($3.50).

The Nacho Soup is exactly what you think it is. All of the cheese and nacho shards. Like Beer Cheese Soup, without the beer. So, really just cheese soup.

The Wafu Ramen Slaw is B Burger’s homemade coleslaw with Japanese dressing and dried ramen noodles for crunch.

Remember to eat your veggies, kids!

You can pay an additional $3.50 for a side and a drink to go with your burger for a more filling meal!

Food aside, the tropical motifs plastered on the walls of the joint really brightens up our mood. Vibrant, colourful, and cheerful.

If the food doesn’t make you smile, the decor will.

Eating here isn’t just a meal. It’s a visual and gastronomic experience.

Head down to B Burger if you’re craving for a good burger!

B Burger
Address: Cathay Cineleisure Orchard, 8 Grange Road, #01-01, Singapore, 239695
Opening Hours: Daily: 12PM – 10PM
Website

Also read Forget Truffle Fries, These 7 Luncheon Meat Dishes Will Make You SPAM All Your Money

(Header Image Source: @cathaylifestyle)

5 Of The Biggest Bills You Will See In Your Lifetime As A Singaporean

Whoever said adulting would be fun was clearly playing a cruel joke on all of us.

As a woman in her mid-20s who is soon to be married and who has recently paid the down payment on her future home, if I could pick just one word to describe adulthood, it would be ‘expensive’.

While many of us were blissfully unaware of how much we were spending during our carefree teenage years, once you reach your late 20s or early 30s and you are standing at the cusp of the next phase of your life (i.e. marriage), you quickly realize how much it costs to build – and to live – a life here in Singapore.

Here are 5 of the biggest bills you’ll see in your lifetime as a Singaporean. A word of warning: Brace yourself for these numbers.

1. A House

Price Tag: ~S$240,000 – ~S$580,000 for a BTO flat

It’s no secret that home ownership is prohibitively expensive in Singapore; everyone who is soon to be married will be well acquainted with this fact.

One of the most expensive things you will purchase in your lifetime is a house, and it’s the price of the first property you will ever own that will be the rudest shock to your system.

If we consider the BTO launches that happened this year, that bill will be somewhere between ~S$240,000 for a 4 room flat in Woodlands to ~S$580,000 for a 5 room flat in Toa Payoh.

After you subtract off the grants, that comes up to about ~S$180,000 and ~S$580,000 respectively for the two types of property.

Not going the BTO way? If you’re considering resale flats, be prepared to part ways with a sum of between ~S$260,000 for a flat in Marsiling and ~S$1,200,000 for one in the award-winning Pinnacle @ Duxton. Yes, that’s S$1.2M for a HDB flat.

Do we even want to think about the price of private property?

2. Renovation Costs

Price Tag: ~S$40,000 – ~S$70,000

According to Qanvast, HDB homeowners spend an average of S$50,000 on home renovations, while people living in condominiums spend an average of S$75,000.

Of course, that price tag differs depending on various other factors, such as the size of your flat. People spend an average of about S$35,000 to renovate a smaller 70sqm house, while the average amount spent for larger homes of 140sqm and larger is S$120,000.

Interior style also plays a huge role in determining how much your total bill will run up to. A simpler Scandinavian or Industrial style home costs an average of S$40,000 while a more contemporary look and feel costs an average of S$70,000. Yikes.

All that said, it is not unusual for people to keep within a modest S$20,000 budget when designing their home. At the end of the day, it all depends on what you want, what you need, and how much you’re willing to spend.

Cost-cutting Tip: To shave down home renovation costs, drive across the causeway to Malaysia or go online to sites like Taobao to purchase your furniture pieces!

3. Wedding

Price Tag: ~S$35,000 – ~S$73,000

While your wedding day may be one of the most unforgettable days of your life, it is also likely to be one of the most freakishly expensive days of your life.

When you’ve factored in key items such as the engagement and wedding bands, the bridal package, wedding banquet, actual day costs, and the cost of your honeymoon, you can rack up a bill of a woman took to social media and revealed that her mum’s care and treatment at the hospital resulted in a whopping S$1,018.469.29 in bills – a figure none of us would wish to see in our lifetime.

Hospital bills are one of the most painful things to pay for, and often, we only discover this too late – when the bill is already in our hands.

Take breast cancer surgery for example. The total bill, for hospitalisation and all procedures necessary, starts between S$1,372 – S$1,909 if you’re staying at the lowest grade C-class ward. Opt for an A-class ward and it can cost you between S$7,619 – S$13,009.

And if you decide to seek surgery at a private hospital? That number can be multiplied three-fold or even more.

While health is important, it’s definitely hard to part with that kind of money just to get better.

Cost-cutting Tip: Choosing yourself a good insurance policy will serve you well in such instances. In the best case scenario, you won’t have to pay a cent for hospitalisation, and in the worst, you only foot a fraction of the bill.

5. Car

Price Tag: At least $65,800

Singapore is notorious for being the most expensive place in the world to buy and own a car.

This is due to the S$65,800 and S$77,000, COE and all other taxes and fees included. The brands in the mix? Malaysia’s Perodua, China’s Chery and Japanese Mitsubishi.

If we’re talking about the 3 most popular car models in 2016, the Toyota Corolla Altis, Mazda3 and Nissan Qashqai, the price ranges between S$97,800 for a Mazda3 and S$110,300 for a Nissan Qashqai.

Cost-cutting Tip: Can’t bear the thought of spending so much money on a car? Then a second hand car is the way to go!

Protect The Things You Love The Most

Feel poor just reading this article? Don’t worry, you’re not the only one.

Thankfully, some of the things we value most – and that cost us the most – like our homes and our cars can be insured so as to soften the blow in case something bad happens to your home or car.

Freelancers who work from home in particular will benefit from an extensive home content insurance coverage. Not all home insurance policies cover the home office, which means that in the event that your work equipment (e.g laptops, printers) is lost or stolen, you will not be able to make a claim.

There is no sure-fire way of preventing such unfortunate events from happening, so the only way to protect yourself from the huge financial cost of getting back on your feet is to make sure you’ve covered yourself and all your most valued things with insurance.

If you’re new to insurance, the first thing you should know is that not all insurance policies are created equal. In fact, there are 4 different layers of insurance. The more layers of insurance you have, the more protected you are in the case that emergency strikes.

4 Layers Of Insurance

Ranking according to importance, you have Hospital Insurance, Life Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance and Endowment Plans.

Hospital Insurance covers hospitalisation, surgery and personal accidents both local and overseas. This type of insurance ensures that when you have to put yourself through treatment or therapy, you don’t wipe out all of your hard earned savings.

Life Insurance, on the other hand, covers death, terminal illness and total permanent disability. The most basic form of insurance, Life Insurance policies ensure that in the case of an unexpected death or disability, your dependents are well taken care of.

One thing to take note of is that most Life Insurance policies exclude serious illness and the treatments required. Instead of having you and your family dig deep into your own pockets to pay for the exorbitant medical bills, Critical Illness Insurance takes the financial burden off you and your loved ones.

And finally, there are Endowment Plans. More of a savings plan than an insurance policy, putting your money into an Endowment Plan will give you better returns that if you put your money in a deposit account. As an added bonus, you also get basic insurance coverage.

Still don’t know the what’s what of insurance? Why not get a professional to explain it all to you? To gain a better understanding of insurance and what kinds of insurance you’ll need, sign up for a consultation with FRANK here!

This article is written in partnership with FRANK by OCBC.

Also read 8 Houses In Singapore So Extravagant, You’ll Wonder What The Owners Do For A Living 

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We Sussed Out 6 Of The Best Online Deals To Watch Out For On 11.11

This is it. The month you’ve been saving for. The time has come for the floodgates to your bank accounts to be opened. November is here and your wallets best brace themselves because the online sales are coming.

Gird your loins for Single’s Day sales!

So Many Deals, So Little Budget

1. Tmall

Tmall, formerly Taobao Mall, is operated by the Alibaba Group and they’ve launched the 11.11 Global Shopping Festival for shoppers in Singapore!

With their wide range of products going on sale this Single’s Day, you’ll be spoilt for choice in this immense sale festival!

When: 11 Nov 2017
Products: Home and Living, Fashion, and Lifestyle
Website

2. Watsons Singapore

Watsons is having their online and in-app exclusive ‘Buy 1 Get 1 Free’ deals at their highly anticipated Double 11.11 Online Shopping Carnival!

If there’s something you’ve been wanting to get at Watsons, now is the time!

When: 9 – 15 Nov 2017
Products: Skincare, Cosmetics, Health, Personal Care and Hair Care
Image Credit: Shopee Singapore[/caption]

From 1 to 11 November, Shopee is having their 11.11 Shopee Super Sale! Expect hourly flash deals from 11AM – 11PM daily, Buy 1 Get 1 sale, daily giveaways and more!

When: 1 – 11 Nov 2017
Products: Fashion, Health and Beauty, Appliances, Sports and Outdoors, Gadgets, Food, Games and Hobbies
Website

4. ezbuy

[caption id="attachment_31390" align="aligncenter" width="1680"] Image Credit: ezbuy.com[/caption]

From 8 to 11 November, ezbuy is having up to 90% off flash deals, over $800 worth of free vouchers, clearance sales from 50% to 70% off, Spin and Win giveaways and more!

When: 8 – 11 Nov 2017
Products: Fashion, Toys, Home and Gardening, Health and Beauty, Sports and Outdoors, Gadgets, Vehicle Accessories
Website

5. ZALORA Singapore

[caption id="attachment_31391" align="aligncenter" width="960"] Image Credit: ZALORA Singapore[/caption]

From 9 to 12 November, ZALORA will be having their 11.11 Single’s Day sales! Following that, they will also be Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales so do keep a look out for updates on their Facebook page!

When: 9 – 12 Nov 2017
Products: Fashion, Sports, Skincare, Hair Care, Fragrance
Website

6. Hotels.com

[caption id="attachment_31392" align="aligncenter" width="444"] Image Credit: hotels.com[/caption]

Because crying alone in a hotel is better than crying alone at home, Hotels.com is having a Single’s Day Shopping Carnival with deals where you get to save up to 50% with your bookings from hotels around the world!

When: 11 Nov 2017
Website

So what are you waiting for? Book a holiday! Buy everything!

We’re kidding, please spend wisely but most importantly…

[caption id="attachment_31393" align="aligncenter" width="500"] GIF Credit: giphy.com[/caption]

Also read This X’mas Market Is Full Of Artsy Knick Knacks And Activities That’ll Put Christmas Cheer In Your Hearts

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