All Aboard The Pikachu Train! This Event At Tanjong Pagar Lets You Indulge In Japanese Food And Movies From Oct 11-14

Pikachu fans and train otakus, it’s time.

This October, Tanjong Pagar Centre Urban Park will transform into a “Japanese Train” with live music, a wide array of food and movie screenings.

Opened by East Japan Railway Company (JR East), Japan Rail Café will be hosting a train-themed event called “Autumn in the Train” at Tanjong Pagar Centre!

In Japan, 14 October is also known as “The Railway Day” (Tetsudou-no-hi), as it marks the opening of the country’s first railway back in 1872. To celebrate this special day, Japan Rail Café, will unfold a train-themed event at Tanjong Pagar Centre from 11 – 14 October.

[caption id="attachment_37744" align="aligncenter" width="1297"]pikachu train Image Credit: Japan Rail Cafe[/caption]

Pikachu Meet-And-Greet Session

The most exciting part of this 4-day event is definitely the Pikachu meet-and-greet session. If you missed the first Pikachu Parade that was held at Changi Airport in 2017, this is the perfect time to catch this adorable character in action.

[caption id="attachment_37745" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]japan rail cafe Image Credit: Japan Rail Cafe[/caption]

Pikachu will be making a special appearance on all 4 days at different times to promote the makeover of the “POKÉMON with YOU” train which runs between the JR Ichinoseki Station and JR Kesennuma Station in Tohoku.

Don’t miss out on this rare opportunity to snap a photo with Pikachu at the train photo panel!

[caption id="attachment_37746" align="aligncenter" width="1080"]japan rail cafe Image Credit: Japan Rail Cafe[/caption]

If you’re visiting Japan soon, you can purchase the JR-East Pass (for Tohoku) to enjoy unlimited train rides including the special Joyful Train here.

Meet-And-Greet Timings

11 & 12 Oct (Thu & Fri): 1pm – 1.30pm

13 & 14 Oct (Sat & Sun): 2pm – 2.30pm

Food & Movie Screenings

If you’re not into Pikachu or trains, there are plenty of other things to look out for at the event as well such as trying out amazing Japanese food. From onigiri and bentos to cakes and ice cream, you definitely won’t go hungry at this event.

Look out for the autumn-themed cakes by Chef Yamashita, marron cream buns from Hattendo Singapore, roasted sweet potatoes and melon cream buns from Japan Point and much more.

[caption id="attachment_37747" align="aligncenter" width="1080"] Image Credit: Chef Yamashita Facebook[/caption]

Or catch the critically acclaimed Japanese movie “Jimami Tofu” featuring a Chinese-Singaporean chef discovering his love for Okinawan cuisine. A Makoto Shinkai Anime Marathon will also be held, featuring some of his acclaimed works such as “5 Centimeters per Second”, “Voices of a Distant Star” and “The Garden of Words”.

Jimami Tofu Screening
Date: 11 Oct, Thursday
Time: 7.45pm – 9.45pm

Makoto Shinkai Anime Marathon
Date:  13 Oct, Saturday
Time: 5pm – 7pm

For The Train Otakus

Live your fantasies of driving a train at a train simulation game “Densha de go” – one of the most interesting things to check out at the event, given the depth of the game’s realism.

This game set up has a realistic control system and hyper realistic graphics making it the top train simulator around. Check out videos of the game on YouTube as it’s pretty much a dream arcade game for hardcore train lovers.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuEeUlJe9JE

This is possibly the closest you’ll get to Autumn in Japan right here in Singapore. Head down to Tanjong Pagar Centre Urban Park from 11 – 14 October for 4 days of food, anime and trains!

Autumn In The Train
Venue: Tanjong Pagar Centre L1 Urban Park
Date: 11 – 14 Oct 2018
Time: 11am to 10pm

Also Read Chanel Is Painting The Town Red With Its New Le Rouge Beauty Pop-Up This October

(Header Image Source: Japan Rail Cafe)

Be The Best With These Rare Pokemon! We Included Their Exact Spawn Locations!

If you’ve been out playing Pokemon Go all week, you probably know that Pokemon-spawning areas are virtually everywhere. However, where are the rare pokemon locations?

There are some specific locales in Singapore that are home to rare and powerful Pokemon. We’re here to let you in on the rare pokemon locations, so you can find all 11 rare pokemon! Read on if you’d like to add these elusive gems to your collection and further your quest to become the very best!,

1. Ponyta

Pokemon 1

Image Credits: With its luscious, red-hot flaming mane and tail, the incredibly rare Ponyta is one you’d want to collect for bragging rights. Easily one of the prettiest Pokemon around, this fire horse Pokemon – and its evolved form especially – is the closest you can get to catching a unicorn!

Rare pokemon location – Ponyta has been spotted at:

  • Yishun Park
  • Resorts World Sentosa

2. Chansey

Pokemon 2

Image Credits: Kind and caring, the adorable Chansey is a ball of happiness. If you’re an avid Pokemon fan, you would probably remember that this lovely creature was always at the Pokemon Centre.

It was always helping Nurse Joy heal Pokemon back to health in both the game and animated TV series. Chansey also boasts an incredibly high HP. While it may not be a fighter, it can certainly hold its own in a gym.

Rare pokemon location – Chansey has been spotted at:

  • Changi General Hospital
  • Khoo Teck Puat Hospital

3. Snorlax

nq6hxfc-e1468937601138Image Credits: All Snorlax likes to do is eat and sleep, but don’t let its lazy, cuddly appearance fool you. This Pokemon is extremely powerful in battle! Snorlax is backed by high HP and defence stats, making it a popular Pokemon for trainers holding gyms.

Rare pokemon location – Snorlax has been spotted at:

  • Blk 401, Hougang Avenue 10
  • Bedok Point
  • VivoCity
  • Nex
  • 5 Tampines Central 6, Singapore 529482
  • Tampines St 83
  • City Plaza

4. Lapras

Pokemon 4

Image Credits: YouTube

With its friendly appearance and gentle nature, it’s hard not to fall in love with Lapras. Despite its docile look, this Pokemon also has relatively high combat capabilities. It is another popular choice for battles or gym takeovers.

Rare pokemon location – Lapras has been spotted at:

  • Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3
  • Choa Chu Kang Avenue 3
  • 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956

5. Vulpix

IMG_0649

Image Credits: Author

Fire fox Vulpix is already stealing our hearts in its own right. Look how cute it is!

However, its evolved form, Ninetails, will propel it to the top of your must-catch list. This Pokemon is an elusive one, with rare sightings in Singapore. Fire-type Pokemon are strong when up against Grass, Bug and Ice Pokemon, so it’s always useful to have some of them!

Rare pokemon location – Vulpix has been spotted at:

  • Sentosa Siloso Beach
  • Beauty World MRT Station

6. Dragonite

Pokemon 5

Image Credits: Dragonite looks like a cuddly teddy bear. However, don’t let Dragonite’s harmless appearance fool you! It is actually pretty impressive on the battlefield!

The most advanced stage of Dratini’s evolution, this Pokemon is incredibly rare and hard to obtain. It is highly sought after by ambitious trainers. Dragonite is also evidently useful for holding gyms. Just take a look at the sheer number of Dragonites reigning in gyms all over Singapore!

Rare pokemon location – Dragonite has been spotted at:

  • Suntec City
  • Tiong Bahru Plaza
  • Singapore Management University (SMU)
  • Marina Bay Sands

7. Electabuzz

Pokemon 6

Image Credits: Now, this is a Pokemon you don’t usually chance upon! This shockingly (pun intended) fierce Electric-type Pokemon would make a great addition to your team. Especially since there aren’t many Electric-type Pokemon around at the moment. Just what you need to take down Golducks, Slowbros and Vaporeons.

Rare pokemon location – Electabuzz has been spotted at:

  • Eco Park Tampines
  • Near White Sands Primary School
  • Resorts World Sentosa

8. Arcanine

Pokemon 7

Image Credits: YouTube

If you thought hunting for Growlithe is tough, wait till you try searching for Arcanine. A cross between a tiger, wolf and fox, this Pokemon is one you’d definitely want to catch. Arcanine is said to have one of the highest combat stats amongst the non-legendary first generation Pokemon.

Rare pokemon location – Arcanine has been spotted at:

  • Clark Quay area (near Riverside Point)
  • Chinese and Japanese Gardens

9. Hitmonchan

Pokemon 8

Image Credits: With a name that pays homage to renowned martial arts artist and action star Jackie Chan, Hitmonchan certainly packs a punch.

You may be unsure if this Pokemon is worth hunting for. However, do note that fighting-type moves are the only moves that are effective against normal-type Pokemon! Hitmonchan would defo be useful in gyms. Time to take down that Snorlax!

Rare pokemon location – Hitmonchan has been spotted at:

  • West Gate Mall
  • National University of Singapore (NUS)

10. Porygon

Pokemon 9

Image Credits: Unlike any other Pokemon, this prism-like Porygon is completely made out of a computer program. It does not require any food or sleep to survive!

Pretty cool, huh? While this Pokemon isn’t best suited for combat, Porygon’s sheer elusiveness justifies the need to catch one.

Rare pokemon location – Porygon has been spotted at:

  • City Square Mall
  • Clementi Mall
  • Orchard Central Mall
  • Esplanade
  • 271 Bukit Batok East Avenue 4, Singapore 650271
  • Parklane Shopping Mall

11. Pikachu

IMG_0650

Image Credits: Author

We saved the best for last – you didn’t think we’d leave this out, now did you? Undisputedly the most famous Pokemon of all time, Pikachu remains as one of the most loved Pokemon to date.

If you didn’t manage to catch Pikachu at the start or hatch it from an egg, fret not, because here’s where you can find it!

Rare pokemon location – Pikachu has been spotted at:

  • Universal Studios Singapore (Sentosa)
  • Near Jurong West Temple
  • Tampines West Community Club
  • Marina Bay Sands
  • Gardens by the Bay (near carpark exit)

And there you have it – 11 of the rarest Pokemon that have been sighted in our city! While we don’t have access to internal spawn data, trust us when we say that the aforementioned places are your best bet to catch ’em all. Happy hunting!

(Photo header: Our Lives Have Changed Since Pokemon Go! 12 Things Every Player Can Relate To!

Singaporeans Are Going Crazy Over Pokemon Go! Here’s The Evidence!

When baked cheese tart hit our shores, we thought the queue was crazy. But when Pokemon Go landed in Singapore, Singaporeans take crazy to a whole new level!

Day or night, shine or very hot sunshine, Singaporeans are all out Poke-hunting and we have the evidence!

1. Hougang is gungho…real gungho

[caption id="attachment_12166" align="alignnone" width="780"]Image source: @WEIXIANGLIMSG Image source: @WEIXIANGLIMSG[/caption]

When word about “rare” Pokemon such as Gyarados was spotted at Block 401 of Hougang Avenue, the precinct gained notorious reputation overnight.

2. ….doesn’t matter day or night

[caption id="attachment_12167" align="alignnone" width="593"]Image source: @plince83 Image source: @plince83[/caption]

Hot sun? What hot sun? Nothing is hotter than a Charizard that I’m about to catch!

3.  Punggol Park is not spared either

[caption id="attachment_12168" align="alignnone" width="690"]Image source: stomp Image source: Image source: Lim Zhuang Chen Image source: Lim Zhuang Chen[/caption]

It’s normal to see a park with people in sports attire but in flip flops and their smartphone on their hands? That’s the Pokemon effect!

5. Yishun Park at night

[caption id="attachment_12173" align="alignnone" width="850"]Image source: @amiehetfield Image source: @amiehetfield[/caption]

Dear, we’re not going to the movies tonight. Instead, let’s go catch some Pokemon! Pokemon Go – redefining date nights.

6. Orchard Road

[caption id="attachment_12170" align="alignnone" width="1179"]A Pokemon Go walk was held recently at Orchard Road during National Day Image source: Razergo[/caption]

How to get a bunch of youths going on a public holiday? Organise a Poke-crawl on National Day!

[caption id="attachment_12171" align="alignnone" width="690"]Image source: Razor Image source: Razor[/caption]

The event started at 1pm (read: hottest time of the day) and yet our Singaporean youths braved the heat to be the very best! In fact, the turnout was so massive that Poke-crawlers were chased away by the security staff of ION!

7. Orchard At Night

[caption id="attachment_12172" align="alignnone" width="960"]Image source: Pokemon GO SG Hunt Image source: Pokemon GO SG Hunt[/caption]

Just look at how everyone sits together so uniformly! It sure looks like they’re about to start a choir performance! Actually, they’re sticking as close as possible to leech from each other’s lure.

8. Chinese Garden, Jurong

[caption id="attachment_12174" align="alignnone" width="960"]Image source: PokemonGO SG Image source: PokemonGO SG[/caption]

It may look less crowded in this picture but the Chinese Garden is a hot spot for Pokemon GO players as it houses 20 rest stops and 3 gyms. It’s very spacious so it’s great for people who don’t like crowd.

9. Vivo City

[caption id="attachment_12175" align="alignnone" width="960"]Image source: Pokemon GO SG Image source: Pokemon GO SG[/caption]

We Singaporeans are all about efficiency. If we can get our shopping done at Vivo and catch some Pokemon too, why not?

10. Bishan Park

[caption id="attachment_12176" align="alignnone" width="595"]Image source: @euniceleong Image source: @euniceleong[/caption]

Remember how people used to say that Bishan Park is really scary at night? This was taken at 1:30am and the park is still lively and buzzing!

11. East Coast Park

[caption id="attachment_12177" align="alignnone" width="595"]Image source: @camemberu Image source: @camemberu[/caption]

East Coast Park is home to one of Singapore’s most haunting ghost stories. It’s one of those places people try to avoid going to at night. But ever since the launch of Pokemon Go, we’ve seen some really brave Singaporeans. And it’s the Hungry Ghost Festival now…

Do you have evidence of the Pokemon Go craze in your neighbourhood? Drop us a comment and share with us!

Header image source: Straits Times

Also, read Pokemon Go Guide: How To Catch Pikachu & Where To Catch ‘Em All

Pokemon Go Guide: How To Catch Pikachu & Where To Catch ‘Em All!

The Pokemon Go craze has hit Singapore. Unless you live a social-media-free life, your news feed is probably swamped with all things Pokemon. Like it or not, this craze is probably gonna be around for a couple of months. Whether you’re already playing, or late to the game, here’s our guide that will help you ace Pokemon Go!

Hidden Tips Every Trainer Should Know

Get A Pikachu When You Start

[caption id="attachment_12083" align="alignnone" width="780"]screen-shot-2016-07-14-at-12-18-27-pm-11 Image source: Image credit: Credit: Jalan Tikus[/caption]

Where to get Razz Berry? You can get them at Pokestops! Where have we sighted or caught our Pikachus? Gardens By The Bay (near the car park exit), and Bishan CPF building!

Switch Off AR To Make Capturing Easier

[caption id="attachment_12077" align="alignnone" width="1088"]
Image source: Phandroid Image source: Image source: Image source: Phandroid Image source: Phandroid[/caption]

Incense is extremely useful if you want to bring Pokemon towards your location. To activate Incense, tap the Pokeball, followed by ‘Items’ and click Incense (make sure you have Incense in your inventory, otherwise, get it at Pokestops). A robot vacuum cleaner looking item will show up and you’ll need to tap it one more time to activate it. A clock will appear and count down for 30 minutes. Incense works really well when you’re on the go. If you activate Incense when you’re static, you’ll only be able to lure one Pokemon in every 5-6 minutes.

Make Good Use Of Pink Petailed PokeStops

[caption id="attachment_12086" align="alignnone" width="700"]Image source: K&G Image source: Image souce: Tipsandtricksfor Image souce: Tipsandtricksfor[/caption]

Once you’ve reached Level 5, you’ll be able to access gyms and put your mons in battles. Gym battles can be a little chaotic mess of tapping and swiping (tap to attack, swipe to dodge). During battles, you should keep your eyes at the series of squares underneath your Pokemon’s HP bar. When all the squares turn blue, you can unleash your mon’s “Special Power”. You can only use this special power once per battle.

Catching Pokemon For Candy

[caption id="attachment_12229" align="aligncenter" width="750"]once-you-have-enough-candy-click-evolve.jpg Credit: Image source: Helloあsia Singapore Image source: Helloあsia Singapore[/caption]

Where To Catch ‘Em All?

Now that you’ve got some tricks up your sleeves, head to these hot spots around Singapore to expand your Pokedex. Just remember to be aware of your surroundings! Don’t put yourself and others in danger.

1.  Orchard Road

[caption id="attachment_12091" align="alignnone" width="675"]Image source: @kuekj Image source: @kuekj[/caption]

Just look at the number of PokeStops! No surprise that Singapore’s most happening road is one of the most happening places to Poke hunt. According to  eight Pokemon Gyms and 78 Pokestops can be found at 4 parks –  Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari and the Singapore Zoo. The WRS has also developed Poke maps to help Trainers get the most from their hunt. One word of advice: Animals generally do not like intruders. Do not enter any of the animal exhibits!

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3. Botanic Garden

[caption id="attachment_12093" align="alignnone" width="1670"]
Image source: Your Singapore Image source: Redditor, “there are 5 Gyms, and Pokestops every 10 steps” at the Singapore Botanical Garden. And the best part of all, the Garden is shaded with many pitstops selling drinks and food. We’re pretty sure you won’t want to be Singapore’s first Pokemon Master to be hospitalised for dehydration! Other than that, do wear proper shoes and beware of dog poop

4. MRTs

[caption id="attachment_12094" align="alignnone" width="780"]Image source: Tiffany Goh for The Sunday Times Image source: Image source: rwsentosablog Image source: !

6. Chinese Garden

[caption id="attachment_12097" align="alignnone" width="870"]Image source: Sugar and Space Image source: maxres

Also read: Better Safe Than Sorry? But These 10 Hungry Ghost Superstitions Are Unbelievable!

Pokémon Café – An Exclusive Sneak Pik(achu) At Its Menu!

The last time we talked about our childhood dream coming true, it was when we announced the launch of the first Pokémon café in Singapore. Since then, we’ve been curious about the café’s menu. Will there be a local twist to its dishes? How extensive is the menu? After travelling across the land and searching far and wide, we’re proud to say that we’ve found the ultimate prize – the menu of the Pokémon Café. We know, this is totally our destiny.

From 27th May – 31st July 2016, the Pokémon Café will be serving an array of Pikachu Pokémon themed mains, desserts and drinks that’ll satisfy the inner Pokémon master in you. Ready to find out what they are? Turn your cap backwards Ash Ketchum style and let’s go!

Mains

[caption id="attachment_8206" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Pikachu Smiling Rice Omelette with Magma Sauce![/caption]

The menu may not be extensive, but rest assured that having your rice served in the shape of Pikachu’s face will have you forget that in no time. Amongst the list is the Pikachu Smiling Rice Omelettte with Magma Sauce $25. Pikachu’s face is shaped with saffron rice and is accompanied by omelette ears.

[caption id="attachment_8207" align="alignnone" width="1200"]Battle on Pikachu! Level-Up with Rare Candy! Battle on Pikachu! Level-Up with Rare Candy![/caption]

Another intriguing combination is Battle on Pikachu! Level-up with Rare Candy $20, a dish that consists of beef patty, mashed potatoes and vegetables in the shape of a Pokéball. We’re not too sure what the Rare Candy is, but we’re hoping that it’ll level-up the dish.

[caption id="attachment_8208" align="alignnone" width="1200"]Special Move “Fire Blast”! Special Move “Fire Blast”![/caption]

Equally intriguing is the Special Move “Fire Blast”! $20. A possible rice-in-a-pan dish, this dish is probably one that best fits its name.

Dessert

[caption id="attachment_8211" align="alignnone" width="1195"]Pikachu’s “Thunder Shock” Parfait Pikachu’s “Thunder Shock” Parfait[/caption]

Talk about seriously adorable-looking desserts. Starting off with Pikachu’s “Thunder Shock” Parfait $15, this sponge cake looks too good to be eaten. Accompanied by a crackling cotton candy ball, this dessert will satisfy your sugar craving for sure.

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A cream puff and cotton candy, the Pokéball Cream Puff! $20 even allows customers to decorate the dessert with a choco pen. Not much to do with the theme but this interactive dessert is pretty interesting.

[caption id="attachment_8213" align="alignnone" width="1200"]Pikachu’s Sweeeeet Pancake Pikachu’s Sweeeeet Pancake[/caption]

The usual pancakes and maple syrup takes on an adorable twist with Pikachu’s Sweeeeet Pancake $20. On a serious note, we’re hoping that the number of ‘e’s is not representative of the dessert’s sugar level.

[caption id="attachment_8214" align="alignnone" width="900"] Special Move Hydro Pump Image
Credit: Daniel Food Diary[/caption]

Finally something that’s not Pikachu related, the Special Move Hydro Pump $15 is made of jelly, candy, white chocolate, and custard cream in the shape of a Pokéball. We’d have liked it better if the jelly is in the shape of Squirtle but guess Pikachu remains the star of the show.

Drinks

[caption id="attachment_8215" align="alignnone" width="1179"]“Volt Tackle” Soda “Volt Tackle” Soda[/caption]

A combination of passion fruit soda and mango sherbet, the “Volt Tackle” Soda promises to give customers a tingling sensation that hopefully is more pleasant than what its name suggests.

[caption id="attachment_8216" align="alignnone" width="1200"]Pikachu Latte - Hot Pikachu Latte – Hot[/caption]

If you’re more of a coffee person, you’ll most likely appreciate the Pikachu Latte.

[caption id="attachment_8217" align="alignnone" width="1035"]Pikachu Latte - Iced Pikachu Latte – Iced[/caption]

Do note that the Hot $8 and Iced $9 versions come in different forms so if you’re unsure about which to get, you can always make a decision based on the aesthetics.

Ready to eat them all? As aesthetically pleasing as the dishes may be, we have to admit that to pay for them is the real test. As a witty friend of ours so rightly asked, is this Poké-a-hole-in-your-wallet café worth its price tag? We’ll leave it to you to decide.

Pokemon Cafe
Address: #04-05 Bugis Junction, 200 Victoria St, S188021
Tel: 6338 0135
Date: 27 May to 31 July 2016
Opening hours: Daily, 11am to 9:30pm

(Header Image by wallpapercave, words by writer)

Also read: This Candy Store Sells The Most Peculiar Sweets – Sushi, Mahjong Tiles, & More!