Tag: toys

Not Just For Toy Collectors – Make Your Own Cape And Play Overcooked! At STGCC 2018

It’s a good time to be a geek — after months of hype, the 2018 edition of the Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention (STGCC) is finally taking place this weekend at Marina Bay Sands.

The annual event has strived to be bigger and better every year, and after 11 iterations we might have a “too much of a good thing” situation on our hands.

We’ve reached a point where even the geekiest of geeks might have trouble keeping track of the activities at this pop culture extravaganza, so after some research we’ve pinpointed four things that you definitely have to do while you’re there:

Make Your Own Superhero Cape

Cosplay has always been a big part of SGTCC, and if you’ve ever wanted to try your hand at it you’ll be glad to know that the Singer Experience Zone is giving you the chance to do so.

With the guidance of acclaimed cosplayer Olivia Mears AKA AvantGeek, you’ll use a sewing machine to construct your very own superhero cape. Don’t worry if you don’t have any sewing experience — we certainly didn’t, and came out with both hands still intact.

The sewing will also take place in a telephone booth, so if you’ve ever wanted to bust out of one Superman-style, here’s your chance. Only 500 capes will be given out each day, so be sure to make this one of the first things on your to-do list.

Put Your LEGO Building Skills To The Test

Think you’re good at building LEGO’s? You might want to put your money where your mouth is at the LEGO Speed Building Challenge, where you’ll have to assemble the recently released LEGO Voltron set within a time limit.

You won’t be competing for shits and giggles either — the fastest builder will walk away with a LEGO Voltron of their own (worth $300, btw), autographed by the set’s designer Leandro Tayag.

And if you aren’t in the competitive mood, don’t worry — Tayag will actually be making a special appearance at STGCC, and we’re sure he’ll be more than happy to sign your merch if you ask nicely.

If you weren’t willing to head all the way down to Compass Point to get the $650 LEGO Hogwarts Castle, you’ll also be glad to know that the 6,000+ piece set will be for available in limited quantities at STGCC, alongside other LEGO Harry Potter products as well.

Play Overcooked! (And More)

Overcooked! is one of the hottest (pun unintended) titles in gaming right now, so it’s no surprise that the Good Game Experience (GGXP) Freeplay Zone will be hosting a high score challenge for the co-op cooking game.

The mini competition will take place in the game’s 2 v 2 versus mode, and the pair with the highest score at the end of STGCC will receive a prize that hasn’t be revealed yet. The GGXP website lists “Ravenous Rapids” (the level in the video above) as the level they’ll use, so feel free to do some pre-competition training.

Not interested in panic-screaming at your friends? Everything from arcade classic House Of The Dead 2 to the recently released Pro Evolution Soccer 2019 will available to play as well, and you can even try your hand at the SNK NEOGEO Mini that hasn’t even been released yet.

#Supportlocal Game Developers

International games are good and all, but why not show some love to our local developers as well? Nine indie companies will be showcasing their stuff at GGXPedition, a space dedicated to games made in the little red dot.

One title you should totally check out is Weightless, one of the four games made by students of SUTD’s Game Innovation Programme. This mobile puzzle game is as stylish as it is fun, and incredibly impressive considering that it was made in the matter of a few months.

The other titles aren’t anything to scoff at either — the genres span from visual novels to dungeon crawlers to virtual reality RPG’s, and there’s even a tabletop game that teaches you about cryptocurrency.

Here’s the best part — if you take the time to try every game, you’ll stand the chance to win a Nintendo Switch (more details here). Support the local development scene, play some unreleased games and win some free swag? Yeah, we’ll be there, and so should you.

We’ve listed four must-do things to do at STGCC, but rest assured that there’ll be a whole lot more to keep you occupied throughout the weekend. Tickets are still available, so what are you waiting for?

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Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention
Venue: Marina Bay Sands Expo (Halls D,E,F)
Date: 8th and 9th September
Price: $20.50 (1 Day Pass), $32 (2 Day Pass)

Website I Facebook

Also Read Orchard Road Turns On The Christmas Magic With A Disney-Themed Light Up This Year

(Header Image Source: Singapore Toy, Game & Comic Convention)

The Ultimate Collector’s Guide To Toy Shopping In Singapore

As a kid, toys were the biggest “wants” in our lives and we would beg our parents to buy that car that “is different from the one I have at home” or the Barbie doll that “wears a different dress”. Most of us didn’t get that car or Barbie doll.

We’d go home feeling dejected and disappointed. But a good night’s sleep later, we’d move on with our lives, completely forgetting about the toy.

However, some of us never moved on. And that is how a market for hobby collectors came about. They are mainly older men and they’re surprisingly caught up on the latest and most anticipated toys in the market.

Prepare yourselves, we’ve gathered up the ultimate list of Singapore’s hobby stores.

Toys Aren’t Just For Kids

1. Dollz Inc

Dollz Inc has been around since 1999 and is quite well-known among hobby collectors.

They specialise in selling collectibles and figures from Transformers, Power Rangers, Kamen Rider (Masked Rider), Blythe dolls, and Barbie dolls.

Collectors can find the latest collectible imports from Japan, as well as the collectibles from the older Transformer, Power Rangers and Kamen Rider series.

However, the best thing about Dollz Inc is that they sell loose pieces of toys, perfect for collectors that are missing a certain piece of a set.

Dollz Inc
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-358 Suntec City Mall Tower 3, Singapore, 038983
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 11.30am – 9pm, Sun: 11.30am – 8.30pm
Contact no.: 6733 7377
Website

2. La Tendo And Ani-Nation

La Tendo and Ani-Nation, previously from Funan the IT Mall, can now be found in the same place at Suntec City.

Just directly opposite Dollz Inc, La Tendo and Ani-Nation occupies 2 units together in one massive collector’s playground.

La Tendo sells loose Gachapon items, a wide variety of anime-related products, as well as expensive figures from Marvel, Transformers, Power Rangers, Kamen Rider, and many more.

If there’s any particular figure you’re searching for, the friendly shop staff are always ready to help.

If you’re looking for a photo op, don’t miss their famous lighted display alley of figurines and the huge Gundam display in the window.

La Tendo
Address: 3 Temasek Boulevard, #03-354 Suntec City Mall Tower 3, Singapore, 038983
Opening Hours: Sun – Thu: 11.30am – 9pm, Fri – Sat: 11.30am – 9.30pm
Contact no.: 6336 6615
Website

3. Forty42

Forty42 is a hobby shop at China Square Central that sells 1:6 scale figures. From military figures to the different Iron Man suits and even the display cases and loose accessories for the figures.

Forty42 also does customisation for the figures, paint restoration, custom repainting, small volume productions, and even prototype making of collectible toys.

Forty42
Address: 18 Cross Street, China Square Central, #02-10, Singapore, 048423
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 11am – 7pm, Sat – Sun: 11am – 5pm
Contact no.: 6536 3155
Website

4. ToyStar

ToyStar is a shop at China Square Central that sells old toys.

Stepping into ToyStar feels like stepping into your childhood toy chest. They sell past collections of Hot Wheels cars, wrestling figures, LEGO sets and figures, Disney products and even past Mcdonald’s happy meal toys!

We will always enjoy visiting ToyStar because we never know what surprises we’re going to find.

Note that their opening hours are irregular, but the owner has mentioned to come after 1pm.

ToyStar
Address: 18 Cross Street, China Square Central, #02-31, Singapore, 048423
Opening Hours: Daily: Irregular – 6pm
Contact no.: 9748 1103
Website

5. TOYZ CRAZI

TOYZ CRAZI sells detailed 1:6 scale figures ranging from Marvel to G.I.Joe characters.

It originally started as a small store but has now expanded to a bigger store at China Square Central.

TOYZ CRAZI is one of the few “old timer” stores at China Square Central that has stood the test of time amidst closing toy stores all around them.

If you’re in China Square Central, do drop by!

TOYZ CRAZI
Address: 18 Cross Street, China Square Central, #02-19, Singapore, 048423
Opening Hours: Tue – Sat: 1pm – 8pm, Sun: 11am – 6.30pm, Mon: Closed
Contact no.: 9839 9927
Website

6. Hobby Atelier

Hobby Atelier is one of the long-standing shops in China Square Central.

They sell Gachapon sets, candy toys, Power Rangers and Kamen Rider merchandise, hobby magazines and posters, Sanrio merchandise, and also anime-related items.

Hobby Atelier is one of those shops where you can just spend a long time perusing each item in detail and still not be bored.

If you’re looking for something specific, there’s a good chance that Hobby Atelier can help.

Hobby Atelier
Address: 18 Cross Street, China Square Central, #02-24, Singapore, 048423
Opening Hours: Mon – Sat: 12pm – 7.30pm, Sun: 12pm – 6pm
Contact no.: 8612 7866
Website

7. Robo Robo

Previously hidden in the basement of Excelsior Hotel, we only found out about Robo Robo through a colleague’s friend’s recommendation.

However, they’ve moved to The adelphi on Coleman Street, so that’s more accessible.

The service is great and the prices are reasonable. You can also call to enquire if they have stocks for a specific product.

Robo Robo
Address: 1 Coleman Street, The Adelphi, #03-09, Singapore, 179803
Opening Hours: Mon – Fri: 1pm – 7.30pm, Sat: 1pm – 7pm, Sun: 1pm – 5.30pm
Contact no.: 8288 3515
Website

8. The Falcon’s Hangar

The Falcon’s Hangar was started by toy collectors, for toy collectors, and has had 19 years of experience in the hobby collector’s industry.

They have a shop at Waterloo Street as well as an online store that ships internationally.

They sell a huge range of merchandise from anime to movie characters, Pokemon and even Disney products! The list just goes on and on.

You can view their whole list of products Also read 6 Places You Can Go When You’re Done With Dinner But You Still Want To Lepak

(Header Image Source: Pinterest)

10 Marvellous Activities to Kick Off Your March  [1-15 March]

Here we are once again at the beginning of a brand new month.

If work or school has fallen into that inevitable lull, don’t worry! As always, we’ve got some awesome events lined up to help you keep things interesting this month!

Here’s a calendar of 10 not-to-be-missed activities to kick start a month to remember!

Play & Discover

1. The Pillowman

Who says the theatre scene in Singapore is dead?

Enter Pangdemonium’s restaging of The Pillowman, a nail-biting, nightmarish nursery story for grown-ups.

The dark comedy, written by Irish playwright Martin McDonagh, will have you squirming at the edge of your seats, even as you roar with laughter.

The story revolves around writer, Katurian, who is interrogated in a dark prison cell. His crime? Penning gruesome fairy tales that bear an uncanny resemblance to a series of child murders. Tensions soon mount as the line between real and fictional worlds blur in this darkly comic psycho thriller.

This sinister stunner of a play is a vicious whirlpool of thrilling storytelling and a scary examination of the very nature and purpose of art.

The Pillowman
Where: 9 Empress Pl, 179556
When: 24 February – 12 March 2017
Timings: Tue-Fri: 7.30pm, Sat: 2.30pm & 7.30pm, Sun: 2.30pm, Sun: 7.30pm (12 Mar 2017)
Website

2. Singapore International Jazz Festival

Put on your jazz shoes, because the Singapore International Jazz Festival (SingJazz) is back!

#SingJazz2017 promises to be a dazzling musical extravaganza, set against Singapore’s glittering, iconic skyline at Marina Bay Sands.

Get ready for 3 days and 2 nights of world class music entertainment by some of the biggest names in jazz. Headliners include David Foster, Corinne Bailey Rae, Gilles Peterson and more! Kick back by the water as you enjoy the wind in your hair, amazing music in the air, all with a glass of bubbly in your hand!

Also, proceeds from the festival go towards the Foundation for Arts and Social Enterprise, which provides funding to nurture local jazz talents through the Jazz Academy.

Singapore Jazz Festival
Where: Marina Bay Sands Events Plaza (The Main Stage); MBS Expo and Convention Centre (The Late Show)
Address: 2 Bayfront Ave Singapore 018972
Date: 31 Mar-2 Apr 2017
Time: 4pm to 10.30pm (The Main Stage); 10pm to 4am (The Late Show)
Email: [email protected]
Website
Facebook

3. Garden Beats Festival

This March, get ready for the #summervibes at Garden Beats!

Groove to the hottest electronic tunes at Sunshine Nation’s Electronic Picnic Festival. Expect a multi-sensory experience of music, food and games, all at Fort Canning Park.

4. Choking Hazard: An Exhibition About Toys

You’re never too old for toys–at least not the ones in this exhibition.

Kult will be showcasing the works of 30 artists and toy makers, in a great coming together of international artists and designers.

Inspired by the waste of mass production and over consumption, these artists have torn apart existing toys sourced from toy markets, and remixed them into new objects. Some are gruesome, some are hilarious, and all are witty as hell.

You can even make your own art! An assembly line of pre-loved toys will be available at the gallery to take apart and re-build into your own Frankenstein-ian art piece.

Choking Hazard: An Exhibition About Toys
Where: kult, C2-5, 11 Upper Wilkie Road, Singapore 228120
Dates: 17 FEB – 18 MAR 2017
Time: Mon-Fri 11am to 7pm, Sat 2pm to 7pm
Facebook

5. Singapore Design Week

Bet you didn’t know there was a national agency for design.

Well, the Design Singapore Council’s mission is to develop our design sector to make life better. Sounds good to us.

What’s better, its annual Singapore Design Week is back!

Get artsy home goods at the International Furniture Fair, experience robust collaborations between local designers and the industry at Singaplural, or get inspired at the ‘Innovation By Design’ Conference.

Expect a week of Singapore’s creative culture and ecosystem that integrates design and creativity into our everyday life!

Singapore Design Week
Where: Multiple venues
When: 3012 March 2017
Phone: 6333 3737
Email: [email protected]
Website
Facebook

Eat

6. PasarBella & Friends Go to Town

Here’s the perfect post workday idea: PasarBella & Friends Go to Town returns for the third iteration of its special pop-up market at this year’s i Light Marina Bay!

7. terratoria OLA

Prep your stomachs for a gastronomical adventure.

Michelin starred Chef Daniel (OLA Cocina Del Mar) and Chef Seita (terra) will come together for a one day only affair that is terratoria OLA!

[caption id="attachment_23259" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] Image credit: OLA Cocina Del Mar
Address: Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 3, #01-06 12 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018982
Date: 12 March 2017, 12pm to 4pm
Price: $150++
Reservations: +65 6604 7050
Email: [email protected]
Website
Facebook

8. Singapore Cocktail Festival

Mix it up at Asia’s largest celebration of cocktails this March!

The inaugural Singapore Cocktail Festival promises to be an immersive experience that will excite the palates of novices and aficionados alike.

With a mish mash of activities to Taste, Learn and Play, you’ll get to interact with a truly global lineup of mixologists. Features include some of Singapore’s best cocktail bars, as well as world class bartenders from cocktail cities like Hong Kong, London, New York, Seoul and Tokyo.

Excite your palate at the experiential cocktail village, nurture the budding mixologist in you at the workshops, or jump in a themed cocktail party!

Singapore Cocktail Festival
Where: Multiple venues
When: Thursday March 16 2017 – Tuesday March 21 2017
Email: [email protected]
Website
Facebook

9. Singapore Restaurant Week

The concept of Restaurant Week is unbelievably simple.

Dining City is offering limited seats for a special 3-course lunch and dinner at established local restaurants–for a fraction of their usual prices.

This 3-course menu will be offered at an irresistible fixed price of S$35++ for dinner and S$25++ for lunch all through the week.

Some of these luxe restaurants include the fancy 1919 Waterboat House, Wooloomooloo Steakhouse Singapore, Privé Grill, and Lewin Terrace.

What are you waiting for? Reserve your tables as soon as possible–we don’t know when’s the next time you’ll be able to savour this spread at such good prices.

Singapore Restaurant Week
Where: Participating restaurants
Date: 25 March 2017 – 1 April 2017
Email: [email protected]
Website
Who can resist a good flea and art market?

Much less one in the heart of 20 dazzling light art installations from 9 different countries. Enter Hypefest @ i Light Marina Bay!

[caption id="attachment_23255" align="aligncenter" width="850"] Image credit: MAAD[/caption]

Here is your one stop shop for artisanal goods featuring over 50 indie labels. Find eco-friendly crafted gifts and even personalized merchandise!

We won’t say more! Come down and experience it all for yourself. It’ll be an evening of pleasant discovery that’s sure to excite!

Hypefest @ i Light Marina Bay
Date: 3 Mar 2017 – 26 Mar 2017
Time: 4.00pm to 11.00pm
Venue: Marina Bay Seating Gallery Platform 20 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039805
Website

Excited yet? With this list of the freshest events, yummiest food spots, and shopping opportunities, there’s no reason to say “Singapore got nothing to do”!

Grab your friends and family, and kick back at these cannot miss activities! They’re sure to offer a well-deserved break from the work desk to keep you going all through the month.

Keep calm and March on!

Also read, These Light Art Installations Popping Up At Marina Bay Will Make You See Nature In A Whole New Light