Top 10 things to do in Singapore
You've been shopping, done some eating, what else to do in Singapore? Lots else, and you can start with these 10 fantastic attractions
By Balvinder Sandhu
1. Marina Bay Sands
The long-awaited grand opening of Singapore’s second integrated resort is slated for June 23 and most of us have been looking forward to getting stuck into the full-fat version of Marina Bay Sands ever since it’s phase one opening at the end of April. Locals pay a S$100 tariff for entry to the casino, while foreigners enter free, but after you’ve given your credit card a working, take a break from the retail roller coaster with a boat ride. Yes, this sampan ride (coming soon) takes you on a cruise down the canal at the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. If food is more your thing, pick from the array of restaurants opened by celebrity chefs such as Wolfgang Puck and our very own Justin Quek.
10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956; tel. +65 6688 8868; www.marinabaysands.com
2. Double helix bridge at Marina Bay
This bridge is proof that, sometimes, a bridge is not just a bridge. More of an architectural wonder, this is certainly one spot for many touristy snaps -- and wedding photos too, we imagine. Located next to the floating platform at Marina Bay and the new Youth Olympic Park -- and connecting to Marina Bay Sands -- the bridge is made up of a major and minor steel helix that wind around each other. If all the steel tubes are laid end to end, it would measure 2,250 metres long. Plus, the entire structure weighs about 1,700 tons. And if you think walking through this bridge gives you the same experience at all times, think again. There’s a night lighting feature built into the bridge, which can be programmed to create various moods for different events.
3. Universal Studios Singapore
Singapore’s first theme park features rides and attractions that are guaranteed to give you a thrilling time. Meet Shrek and company, take a walk down Hollywood Boulevard or have an amazing encounter with dinosaurs at Jurassic Park. Make a day out of it and check out all the rides, while taking breaks for food and drink at the various F&B outlets. Just make sure you have your meals after the rollercoaster rides. Adult tickets are priced from S$66, but varies on different days, so check out the website for more information. Once you’ve paid for entry into the park, rides are free. Just don’t forget to get your souvenirs from the many retail outlets -- such as the Universal Studios Store -- to complete your theme park experience.
www.rwsentosa.com
4, Night Safari
Call us weird but we think the idea of a safari at night is really cool. The Night Safari is the world’s first wildlife park for nocturnal animals and has won the Singapore Tourism Board’s Best Visitor Attraction Experience not once, not twice, but eight times! The 40-hectare park is home to over 1,000 animals from 115 species, of which almost 30 percent are threatened. Catch them before they’re gone. Explore the park either on foot via three walking trails or by tram. Either way, you’ll be coming back for more.
80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore729826; tel. +65 6269 3411; www.nightsafari.com.sg
5. St James Power Station
Why party in just one place when you can do so at nine places in one night? What used to be a real, functioning power station is now a hotspot for night birds, who want more from their clubbing experience. With venues like Dragonfly, Movida, Peppermint Park and Bellini Room providing very different experiences, this is kind of like the clubber’s version of going around the world in one night. Live music features prominently here too, with local and foreign acts and DJs sharing the stage at the individual outlets. Perfect for club hopping without having to queue for taxis numerous times in a night -- or just for ADHD party-goers.
3 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore; tel. +65 6270 7676; www.stjamespowerstation.com
6. Singapore Flyer
It’s the world’s largest observation wheel and it’s still standing after two years, unlike the wheel in Melbourne, Australia. It stands at a stunning 165 metres and is the height of a 42-storey building. Plus, it cost S$240 million to build, so it sure is one heck of an expensive ride. Still, once you’re up there, you really can’t put a price on the breathtaking view. As the wheel turns and you get views of landmarks such as the Singapore River, Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Empress Place and the Padang. Being Singapore, you’ll also get to indulge in our top two national pastimes -- food and shopping. Eat, drink, shop and be merry, while being on top of the world.
30 Raffles Avenue, Singapore; tel. +65 6734 8829 or 6333 3311; www.singaporeflyer.com
7. Marina Barrage
This is a freshwater reservoir in the heart of the city. And it’s also a place for water sports enthusiasts to enjoy their favorite hobbies. It’s also a great picnic spot, especially the rooftop garden that’s also a big attraction for kite flyers. And, as with most green/water-based attractions in Singapore, it’s also a popular backdrop for wedding snaps. But its purpose is not just to be a pretty sight -- it’s also very environmentally friendly. Green technologies include a rainwater collection system and solar panels that generate almost half of its electricity needs. Get yourself on one of the tours that take place daily, except Tuesdays, to find out more about this attractive dam.
8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore; tel. +65 6514 5959; www.pub.gov.sg
8. Art galleries at Tanjong Pagar Distripark
Five galleries and one art space are housed in Tanjong Pagar Distripark, right where the docks are. ARTSPACE@Helutrans is a white minimalist setting for galleries, artists, auction houses and museums. Fortune Cookie Projects bring in major international artists, with the one requirement that “it’s got to be very real, verifiable quality that fits our ethos.” ReDot Fine Art Gallery is the only gallery on our shores that specializes in Australian indigenous art, while Valentine Willie Fine Art focuses on modern and contemporary Southeast Asian art. L2 Space showcases fine art in different media by local and Asian artists and photographers. And, lastly, Galerie Waterton primarily exhibits Indonesian art but is startiing to include artists from countries such as India and the Philippines.
Tanjong Pagar Distripark is at 39 Keppel Road.
9. Raffles Amrita Spa
Possibly the most well-known luxury spa in Singapore, Raffles Amrita Spa at Raffles The Plaza is pure indulgence for the body and soul. The treatments offered here are for both men and women and it really doesn’t matter what age you are -- everyone loves a relaxing massage, right? Try the Nirvana Body Treatment, an Ayurvedic-inspired treatment that includes a body wrap, a foot massage and application of body moisturizer. And that's just the prelude to a massage! Other treatments include Golfer’s Escape, De-stresser and Grape Expectations, where grape seed products are used.
2 Stamford Road; tel. +65 6239 1780; www.amritaspa.com
10. Clarke Quay
If you want evidence of a city that never sleeps, head to Clarke Quay. What was once an area buzzing with commercial activity in the 19th century now hosts revelers who party till the sun comes up. Restaurants, bars, clubs and retail outlets all scream for your attention. Because of its proximity to the Singapore River, it’s a popular spot for tourists, but you’ll see a fair share of locals hamming it up for the night too. The Pump Room serves up Aussie fare and great music thanks to local band Jive Talking, The Highlander is a Scottish pub, while The Rupee Room brings a Bollywood touch to the heart of Singapore. Just be careful of possible taxi touts when you’re heading home. The taxi queue might look long but there are always plenty of cabs on hand, so just wait patiently.
www.clarkequay.com.sg
52 things to do in Singapore
Concoct your own cocktail bar crawl, attempt yoga while strapped to a hammock, and of course, there’s lots of eating to be done
By Charlene Fang, Rachel Tan, Jenny Tan, Elaine Ee, Aimee Chan
Wondering what to do in Singapore? Bored?
You'll have no excuse to prolong this complaint any further when you’ve finished reading this laundry list of 52 things to do this year.
And really, there’s no such thing as boring … just boring people.
1. Pick peanut shells off the floor of Long Bar
Littering is allowed in Singapore, encouraged even at the Raffles Hotel Long Bar.
To give you more value for your S$23 Singapore Sling, eat your fill of the complimentary peanuts and “decorate” the floor of this classic colonial bar with the discarded shells.
Walk up to the third floor for an exhibit on the history of Raffles Hotel Singapore.
1 Beach Road, Singapore, +65 6337 1886; www.raffles.com
2. Fly Scoot
If the Mayans are to be believed, the world will end in 2012 -- all the more reason to travel, and for less.
Choose soon-to-launch Scoot Airways whose slogan “short, sharp and snappy,” and undertaking to discount fares up to 40 percent -- we hope -- translates across as quality, value-for-money travel without the hassle of delays and cancellations.
www.flyscoot.com
3. Ignore the “chope” system
Isn’t it great that you get free tissues whenever you eat out at hawker centers?
Yes, we know tissue packets are placed as a way to reserve tables but this system deserves to be turned on its head every once in a while.
So go ahead, ignore the tissues packets and just sit down and enjoy your meal -– just don’t be surprised if someone has something to say about it.
4. Broaden your mind at Kennel
Spaces like Kennel give us optimism for Singapore’s entrepreneurial future.
Located in Dempsey Hill, Kennel doesn’t just rent out space, it encourages the sharing and cross-pollination of ideas hosting regular workshops, social events, classes, and talks.
To encourage learning from all avenues, every Kennel member is expected to contribute a certain amount of Knowledge Bank hours (KBh).
Block 8D, #03-03/4 Dempsey Hill, +65 6276 9616; inthekennel.com
5. Party like a mogul
When Filter (1 Nanson Road, #02-05, River Valley Close; bottlepopper@filterclub.sg) launched in 2011, many people wondered if the world of VIP, bottle-service-only clubbing would survive in Singapore.
It has, and we have the region’s billionaires, trustafarians and generous corporate expense accounts to thank (or not) for this.
A big player on the scene is Pangaea (Pangaea at Marina Bay Crystal Pavilion, 2 Bayfront Ave., +65 986117013; www.pangaea.sg), which according to a recent article in Forbes is the highest-earning club – per square meter -- in the world, grossing US$300,000 weekly for the three nights that it's open.
But the most telling sign that VIP clubbing is here to stay is Zouk’s Velvet Underground (17 Jiak Kim Street,+65 6738 2988; www.zoukclub.com), which has re-opened with a VIP-only Velvet Lounge. Ultra slick with just 12 tables, and privy only for those on guests lists or table reservations.
6. Buy property
Prefer to save your clubbing money for a down payment?
Well, with realtors mourning the cooling-off measure of 2011, property buyers will hopefully have something to smile about. If these measures -- a 10 percent additional buyer’s stamp duties (ABSD) imposed on any private buys by foreigners and corporations -- have their intended effect, property prices should go from crazy to a little less crazy.
7. Re-watch your favorite blockbuster, Imax style
Singapore finally has an Imax theater that’ll regularly screen blockbusters.
On the bill: “Avatar”, “Thor”, “How to Train your Dragon” and “Star Trek” for the first few months of 2012. From now till March 31, grab a bargain with the SHAW IMAX Passport for S$49, which includes entry to one IMAX 2D and two IMAX 3D movies.
www.shaw.sg/imax
8. Club at Club Street
The closest thing Singapore has to Hong Kong’s Lan Kwai Fong, the injection of bars and restaurants has revived Club Street to be one of Singapore’s buzziest streets.
A big shout out to newish bar 83 (83 Club Street, +65 6220 4083; www.83clubstreet.com).
We’re a fan of the revolving artwork -- curated by local art collective Kult -- adorning the walls, the quirk decor (a clock turning backwards, a wall of cassettes) and the roster of DJs taking turns helming the decks.
Abig reason why people are once again spilling out onto Club Street, their happy hour (S$8 for a house pour drinks, beers and wines) from 3 p.m.-8 p.m.
9. Listen to your political voice
W!LD RICE’s social commentary on last year’s Singapore General Election returns.
Ivan Heng and Jo Kukathas direct the play “Cooling Off Day”based on real life interviews from Singaporeans.
10. Hic! Cocktail hop
Wondering what to do in Singapore? If 2010 was the year of rooftop bars, 2011 was the year of cocktail bars.
Some of our favorites include B28 (28 Ann Siang Road, +65 9026 3466; www.btwentyeight.com), where whiskey, fresh fruit cocktails and live jazz is the order of the evening.
Tucked away on a non-descript street is 28 HongKong Street (+65 6533 2001; www.28hks.com) a bar who rather not be known by the masses, too bad the word is out.
The reasonably priced tipples from barkode (66 Dunlop St., +65 6396 4463; www.BARKODE-Singapore.com), the signature Néktar Club inspired by Burma's Pegu Club at Nektar (31 Scotts Road, +65 6836 9185; www.nektar.com.sg), the smokey old bastard from Tippling Club (8D Dempsey Road, +65 6475 2217; www.tipplingclub.com), Red Ruby martini at Drink Culture (50/51 Kreta Ayer Road, +65 6557 0538; www.drinkculture.com.sg) and any of Bar Stories (57A Haji Lane, +65 6298 0838) cocktails that combine goose fat with your choice of booze.
11. Hustle in the Lunar New Year
It’s the year of the dragon, so festivities will be especially loud.
From January 21 to 29, the River Hongbao 2012 transforms The Float at Marina Bay into a spectacle of sound and lights.
On January 21, Guinness has brought together local singers for a one-night-only recital along Pagoda Street between 7 p.m.-8 p.m..
Lunar New Year's Eve (January 22), Chinatown will be all pomp and ceremony with revelers, auctions and tourists. And on February 3, the Chingay Parade with a gripping all-dragons show will round off the festivities.
www.yoursingapore.com
12. Embark on a River Safari
What started out as an idea for an aquarium grew into a river safari park with 10 freshwater habitats brimming with creatures like fearsome arowanas, giant catfish, anacondas and the elusive bamboo-chomping giant panda.
Opens third quarter of 2012. www.riversafari.com.sg
13. Opt for progressive meals
With the recent increase in taxi fares, every leg of the journey must count.
Progressive meals, which are gaining popularity in the United States, entail eating your appetizer, lunch, and dinner all in separate locations.
Spend a Friday night with friends by exploring the city course by course.
Adam Road for nasi lemak (Selera Rasa Nasi Lemak, #01-02 Adam Road Food Centre, 2 Adam Road, +65 9843 4509), the east coast for mee pok (Jalan Tua Kong Lau Lim Mee Pok, Bedok Shopping Center, 308 Bedok Road, +65 6421 0201) or Wee Nam Kee (#01-05 Novena Ville, 275 Thomson Road, +65 6255 6396) for chicken rice.
14. Be a voyeur
Don’t whip out those telescopes just yet … we mean sidewalk voyeuring.
The newly renovated Crossroads Café (320 Orchard Road, +65 6831 4605; www.singaporemarriott.com) provides some of the best people-watching, and you can’t go wrong with the extensive east-west menu.
Sit around with a cup of coffee and a Kindle at Shots (8 Ann Siang Hill, +65 6224 8502) or Oriole Café (#01-01 Pan Pacific Serviced Suites, 96 Somerset Road, +65 6238 8348). Peruse the eclectic crowd at 40 Hands (#01-12, Blk 78 Yong Siak Street, +65 6225 8545) in Tiong Bahru and check out the people who can be bothered to make the trek over at Loysel’s Toy (#01-02, 66 Kampong Bugis, +65 6292 2306).
15. Go East and shop
Finally, somewhere in the East to shop that’s not Parkway Parade. The newly opened 112 Katong includes a Golden Village Gold Class, Max Brenner The Chocolate Bar, Cortina Watch and Market Place.
112 East Coast Road, www.112katong.com.sg
16. Eat pizza, lots of it
Salads were the trend in 2010, tapas in 2011, and now pizza in 2012 –- but did they ever fall out of favor?
Aussie import Crust Gourmet Pizza Bar (215R Upper Thomson Road, +65 64561555; www.crustpizza.com.sg) is not leaving anything to chance with 26 options on offer. Hot favorites: the spicy Sausage Duo and Peri Peri Chicken and the Asian-style barbecue pork with Hoisin sauce.
Pairing Papa Palheta coffee with Neapolitan-style pizzas is Extra Virgin Pizza (#01-04, Asia Square Tower 1, 8 Marina View, +65 6247 5757; www.extravirginpizza.com). While the menu features just 10 pizzas, we’re cheering the use of Italian double-zero flour, organic Saporito tomatoes, and high quality (what else?) extra virgin olive oil.
Quick and snappy is Slice – The Pizza Reform ( #01-05 PoMo, 1 Selegie Road, +65 6297 5875; www.slice.sg). Run by the same people as Zsofi Tapas Bar, the offerings here lean more to a fast-food slant. Try the spicy/tart Tom Yum festooned with squid rings and The Butcher, heaped with chunks of minced beef and bacon.
17. Attend a Khana Commune supperclub
At Zina Alam's Khana Commune (undergrounddining.sg) in Pasir Panjang, guests can expect to tuck into Bangladeshi-inspired sticky rice and dahl with chipotle and mango, lamb briyani, sometimes with themed events like storytelling evenings and singles' nights.
18. Escape to remote island
You’ve partied at Rawa, you’ve shacked up at Nikoi Island.
This year, discover the tree houses, driftwood palaces and Javanese joglos at Pulau Joyo (www.pulau-joyo.com).
This new-ish private island off Tanjong Pinang, Bintan, promises to pamper you in Robinson Crusoe-style, but at Richard Branson prices, at S$300 per adult, per night.
Half an hour away from Singapore, whoever said Batam is just for golf and -- ahem -- karaoke, clearly has not been to Montigo Resorts Nongsa (www.montigoresorts.com).
A new 88-villa resort that sits on a pristine kilometer-long beach, it’s the perfect long weekend vacay. Each villa (from S$350 per night) comes with a private plunge pool, al fresco dining area and sky terrace. And while it’s a child-friendly resort, the onsite Tiigo Beach Club is adults only, phew.
19. Gawk at some art
Great news for art lovers wondering what to do in Singapore. The largest art exhibition ever has arrived: “A Moving Masterpiece: The Song Dynasty as Living Art.”
The 128-meter animated reproduction of one of China’s most famous works of art -– the “Qing Ming Shang He Tu” -- was originally featured as part of the Shanghai Pavilion at the 2010 Shanghai World Expo and is only on display till February 6.
Tickets from S$21 from www.ticketbooth.com.sg. Hall 3, Singapore Expo Convention and Exhibition Centre, www.amovingmasterpiece.com
A grand total of140 masterpieces from the Musée d'Orsay should give you 140 reasons to spend an afternoon in the National Museum.
“The Dreams & Reality: Masterpieces of Painting, Drawing and Photography from the Musée d'Orsay, Paris” exhibition will be staged till February 5, and is a chance to admire some Monets, Manets and van Goghs up close, unless you’ve made plans to visit Paris later this year.
93 Stamford Road, +65 6332 3659; www.nationalmuseum.sg
20. Check into the W Singapore
This Singapore hotel won’t open till August 2012, but it’s never too early to think about a staycation.
The W group will be bringing its trademark hip, rock star style of hospitality to Singapore’s Sentosa Cove.
And along with it, the top-notch Bliss Spa, an outdoor heated pool, moorings for private yachts and generously sized rooms with the expected quirky amenities.
www.starwoodhotels.com
21. Create your own “Top Gun” moment
Now that it’s been confirmed that “Top Gun” is going to be remade, recreate your steamy "Maverick" moment.
Time it with the Singapore Airshow 2012, and its big jets, aerobatic thrills and salivating boys (sorry, men), for extra realism points.
To continue the fantasy beyond exhibition grounds, book a night at the nearby Changi Village Hotel (www.fareasthospitality.com) where a 20 percent discount applies to bookings before January 13.
February 18 and 19. Tickets from S$20. Changi Exhibition Centre, 9 Aviation Park Road; www.singaporeairshow.com
22. Get a Kevin Seah suit tailored
There are cheaper, faster tailors but none will get you as dandily turned out as Kevin Seah.
The clothesmith who learnt his craft from old-school Shanghai tailors wields a deft needle and has an impressive range of top-end cloths on offer, such as Holland & Sherry, Dugdale Bros. & Co. and Harrisons of Edinburgh.
Just so you look the part from top-to-toe, he also retails Alfred Sargent shoes, Pantherella socks, Albert Thurston braces and Nackymade eyewear.
5 Jalan Kilang, +65 9188 4681; www.kevinseah.com.sg
23. Get close to a civet cat
You’ve forked over a small fortune for the experience of drinking a cup of kopi luwak.
Now see the tree-dwelling creature whose digestive tract the beans actually pass through. Five of these native, nocturnal animals are currently on display at the Night Safari.
You can’t take one home with you, but you can buy back packets of kopi luwak.
80 Mandai Lake Road, +65 6269 3411; www.nightsafari.com.sg
24. Buy a new tennis racquet
Stop wishing you lived in a condominium just so you can play tennis on Sundays.
The Claycourt Tennis Academy has brand new DecoTurf hard courts (like they use in the U.S. Open) and clay courts that can be hired by the hour. Or book Simon Mason on +65 9144 5223 for lessons.
From S$15 per hour. 359 Winchester Road, www.claycourttennisacademy.com
25. Gig out at Laneway Festival
Get your fix of the best indie music from around the globe at the Laneway festival, Australia’s top urban music event that is live and loud at Fort Canning on February 12.
The likes of Anna Calvi, Cults, Feist, The Horrors and The Drums have been secured on the expanded bill.
February 12. Tickets from S$135. Fort Canning, 1 Fort Canning Rise; www.singapore.lanewayfestival.com.au
26. Learn Braille at Jurong Bird Park
Get a feel for how the sight-impaired perceive birds.
The Jurong Bird Park has worked together with the Singapore Association of the Visually Handicapped (SAVH) to produce Braille interpretive text and information, as well as the “pictures” of the birds so that they can feel what most of us see, and take for granted.
2 Jurong Hill, +65 6265 0022; www.birdpark.com.sg
27. I Light Marina Bay
Yes we even have a festival to celebrate lights.
The only time the city is better lit than Formula One weekend, I Light Marina Bay 2012 will light up the island with 30 environmentally sustainable light art installations by multi-disciplinary artists to promote the awareness and use of energy-efficient technology.
March 9-April 1, 7:30 p.m.-11 p.m. www.ilightmarinabay.sg
28. Turn the lights off
Yes, it’s the exact opposite on March 21 at 8:30 p.m.
A global initiative led by the World Wide Fund for Nature). The “I Will If You Will” Earth Hour lights-out campaign only lasts one hour, so maybe we could go the extra step and even turn off the air-con too?
March 31, 8:30 p.m., www.wwf.sg
29. Relive the dinosaur age
Around 50 life-sized prehistoric moving animatronics dinosaurs are here to impress the kids at the “Dinosaurs-Live!” exhibition. Spread over 3,000 square meters, it does double duty to wear out over-active little ones.
Until February 26. From S$18. The Annexe, Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Road, +65 6425 2500; www.science.edu.sg
30. Go outlet shopping
Johor Premium Outlets may not match up to Hong Kong’s Ap Lei Chau or Bicester Village in England but it is a lot closer.
Snap up Ralph Lauren, Brooks Brothers, Michael Kors and Burberry for less (hey, discounts plus prices in ringgits!) at Johor Premium Outlets –- and just in time for Lunar New Year.
Jalan Premium Outlets, Indahpura, Kulaijaya; www.premiumoutlets.com.my
31. Savor at Savour 2012
Singaporeans love food, and they especially love gourmet cuisine for less.
Sample more than 50 award-winning dishes (priced between S$6 and S$21) by chefs from France, Finland, Sweden, Singapore, Peru, Mexico, Hong Kong, Vietnam and Italy at Savour 2012.
There’ll also be master classes by Le Cordon Bleu and Alain Passard.
March 30-April 1. Tickets from S$40. www.savour.sg
32. Wipe years off your face
This one isn’t just for the ladies, the K-Lift facial claims to lift five years (or more) from your face.
Available at the Willow Stream Spa, the facial use a device powered by three high-performance energy technologies to energize and repairs cells, and promotes collagen production.
In lay terms, all faint lines are erased, the face is visibly firmed-up and you’ll glow as if you’ve been asleep for more than 24 hours.
From S$320 (90 minutes). 80 Bras Basah Road, +65 6431 5600; www.willowstreamspa.com/singapore
33. Go glampacking
Forget backpacking, it’s all about glampacking with a roller bag and statement eyewear.
Start in Singapore by checking into new generation hostels where towels are mould-free and there’s Wi-Fi included in the rate.
Rooms start from S$45 at the newly-opened Matchbox The Concept Hostel (39 Ann Siang Road, +65 6423 0237; www.matchbox.sg). At Five Stones Hostel (Levels 2 and 3, 61 South Bridge Road, +65 6535 5607; www.fivestoneshostel.com), S$30 a night buys a bed, and the opportunity to make new friends.
34. Catch a fringe act
Art and faith is this year’s theme for the M1 Fringe Festival 2012 -- 17 works and 30 performances will center around the grand theme.
From dance to theatre, music and visual art, these works provoke you to “have faith, but more importantly, interrogate faith.”
February 15-26. www.singaporefringe.com
35. Swap clothes
Refresh your wardrobe with the help of strangers.
The monthly Your Clothes Friend Swap will take place January 18 from 7 p.m.-9 p.m. Come with all your pre-loved clothes, bags, accessories, magazines and pay S$20 at the door and get swapping.
All remaining clothing will be donated to the Salvation Army.
Email girl-about-town@hotmail.com for more information
36. Support The Substation
Local arts always deserve our love, especially The Substation, an independent, self-funded arts space.
Highlights for January include the fifth edition of “Short Circuit,” a gay and lesbian short film festival, and in February, “First Take” throws the spotlight on original, local shorts.
45 Armenian Street, +65 6337 7535; www.substation.org
37. Leg it, peddle power
Singapore’s answer to the Tour de France, OCBC Cycle Singapore is an event for both professional cyclists and amateur riders.
The three-day event caters for all ages and riders with differing abilities with a multitude of races, activities and other biking fun.
For the spectators, the Professional Criterium, taken out last year by Italy's 22-year old tyro Omar Bertazzo, will be staged again.
March 2-4. Tickets from S$33-S$71. F1 Pit Building, 1 Republic Boulevard. www.ocbc.cyclesingapore.com.sg
38. Chug beer
More than 300 different beers, a wide assortment of food, live bands and general revelry. Need we say more?
Enjoy the annual BeerFest Asia that celebrates the humble amber fluid.
Have a taste of the world’s best stouts, lagers and ales at Marina Promenade. BrewDog, MOA and Baltika are just of the tasty beers that will available on tap.
From June 16-19. Tickets from S$15-S$140. Marina Promenade. www.beerfestasia.com
39. Singapore, meet Paul and Dean
Come 2012, the Asian carb-sensation of pork, pineapple, or milk buns begrudgingly welcomes their cousin from Europe, the croissant. Not just any croissant, but a buttery, flakey piece of perfection from Paul Bakery & Café (Level 3, Takashimaya, 390 Orchard Road). Established in 1889, its delights -- mille-feuille, flans and tarts -– are known from London to Taiwan.
Dean & Deluca (Level 4 Orchard Central, www.deananddeluca.com) is bringing its stockist of artisanal food to Singapore. Finally, a one-stop shop (and café) for quality breads, cheeses and cold cuts.
40. Have fun will getting in shape
Every new year, we all resolve to lose some weight, so you might as well have fun while you’re at it.
At Celebrity Fitness (www.celebrityfitness.com) Floating Yoga classes will put your balance to the test.
A form of yoga that uses a hammock as a soft trapeze to support the body while performing already difficult yoga poses, we suggest checking your inner-ear balance before signing up.
Whip your core strength into shape at Selective Fitness (50B Tras Street, +65 6222 8296; www.selectivefitness.com). You’ll yelp in pain (or pleasure) as you’re drilled through a series of intense abdominal and core-strengthening exercises on a Power Plate machine. Contact them for a free trial session.
Put your forgotten ballet skills to work in a Bodybarre (+65 9827 3847, bodybarre@gmail.com) class led by instructor Helen Su.
A ballet-style fitness class created to strengthen, tone and elongate the body using light weights and resistance straps. Their promise? To sculpt and tone your body, just like a dancer.
41. Support local music
Give our resident rockers some props at Baybeats, the Lion City’s annual alternative rock platform.
Held over three days at the Esplanade, this free event showcases the best in local, regional and international artists.
At time of publication, the organizers were still auditioning bands, so maybe this year it’s your chance.
June 29-July 1. The Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive. http://www.baybeats.com
42. Explore Gardens by the Bay
With triffid-like super trees sprouting bromeliads, two gigantic humps of climate-controlled greenhouses and a horticulturalist’s dream garden, Singapore’s new city park, spread over 101 hectares, is well worth a couple of hours or more.
Opens June 2012. 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Marina Bay; www.gardensbythebay.org.sg
43. Venture out to Singapore’s farms
Concrete Singapore does have farms.
The Kranji Countryside collective (www.kranjicountryside.com) promotes local agriculture, education, and recreation. Among the group you can find the Jurong Frog Farm, Bollywood Veggies, the Hay Dairies Goat Farm, and a couple of places to have a meal.
Many provide tours and while hiking may not be a top choice to get away from the city, an afternoon of walking around a different environment may not be a bad alternative.
If you would prefer something closer to home, check out the Loewen Road Farmer’s Market (75E Loewen Road, +65 6474 0441) complete with homemade treats, every first Saturday of each month.
Or you can grow your own herbs (and vegetables) and cultivate your own garden cuisine. Get going with basil, mint, dill, okra, tomatoes, chillis or beans.
44. Test your toughness
If you'd rather show your manhood by pushing your endurance to the limit, you need to sign up for the Urbanathlon: a rope-climbing, obstacle-jumping and barrier-evading test of toughness and fitness.
This is one to separate the men from the boys, and it all takes place in a custom-made 14-kilometer course.
February 19, 7 a.m.-11 a.m. Entry from S$128. Nicoll Highway MRT Station. http://urbanathlon2012.menshealth.com.sg/
45. Get revved up for the Formula One
One of the top things to do in Singapore. You’re going to go anyhow so you might as well take advantage of the early-bird prices.
If you’ve got a dime to spare, there’s a new Turn 3 Premier Grandstand seats up for sale at S$2,128 each.
For that price they’ve included, food, bar and air-conditioned comfort -– just think of it as a lower-end Paddock pass.
www.singaporegp.sg
46. Dine at a Jason Atherton eatery
Another celebrity chef has set up in Singapore, London’s Pollen Street Social chef-proprietor Jason Atherton is behind the cozy L’esquina.
Taking over an old Chinese launderette, the tapas menu -- the scallop ceviche comes highly recommended -- has a definite seafood slant. Linger on with a half-bottle of sherry, or the pricey Estella beer brewed especially for the famed El Bulli restaurant.
Later this year Atherton will be opening a branch of Pollen Street Social in Gardens by the Bay: we can’t wait.
16 Jiak Chuan Road, +65 6222 1616; www.esquina.com.sg
47. Show Boat Quay some love
Poor Boat Quay, it’s still struggling to shed its tout-infested, overcharging reputation.
Show them some love in 2012. They’ve been taking pains to clean the place up and it’s already showing.
Some establishments to check out: Dallas (31 Boat Quay, +65 6532 2131, www.dallas.sg), L’Operetta (78/79 Boat Quay, +65 6438 2482; www.operagroup.com.sg) and, of course, the original Harry’s (28 Boat Quay, +65 6538 3029; www.harrys.com.sg)
48. Revamp yourself
You love wearing gold but is it really your best shade?
Get a whole new wardrobe with the help of Club 21’s Style Services team.
Ever the professionals, they’ll graciously educate you in all things chic and stylish, and help you work out what colors, trends and cuts show you in the best light.
S$300 per consultation (fee is waived with a minimum expenditure of S$1,000). Email styleservices@club21global.com for more information
49. Improve your sex life
Sex is good, and a healthy sex life and your overall well-being are interconnected.
Talk to clinical sexologist Dr Martha Lee (www.eroscoaching.com) or attend one of her workshops – Petals Pleasure, Sizzling Strokes -- where she deals with sexual and life issues with amazing frankness and sensitivity.
People of all sexual orientations are welcome.
50. Save an animal
All animals deserve a good home and there are a number of causes which accept volunteers.
ACRES (www.acres.org.sg) is an animal welfare charity currently campaigning for Resorts World Sentosa to not bringing in wild dolphins to display at their marine park.
Others, such as non-profit Animal Lovers League (www.animalloversleague.com) certainly need all the help they can get. Taking in abandoned or stray dogs and cats, they’ve only got half a football field to let the poor things run about.
51. Go cycling in Pulau Ubin
Step back in time and visit Singapore of a yesteryear.
Rustic Pulau Ubin is best explored by bike (rentals from S$3-S$8 per hour).
Pick a newer model as it can be a rather bumpy ride on the three cycling trails that lead past quarry pits, old village houses, fruit and rubber plantations and mangrove swamps.
Take a S$2 boat ride over from Changi Point. Call 1800 471 7300 or go to www.nparks.gov.sg for more information.
52. Read the local blogs
Still wondering what to do in Singapore? Keep on the pulse of what’s going on in Singapore by reading some of these sites.
source
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Unique Things To Do In Singapore
How To Force A Kiss to A Girl
A Singaporean navy officer currently training in an Australia academy was found guilty of forcing a kiss out of a fellow female cadet.
However, Benedict Ang Yong Chuean, a trainee at the Australian Defence Force Academy, was cleared on Friday of a second charge of undoing her bra and touching her breast while she slept, according to a report on The Canberra Times.
The Australian news outlet reported that Ang, 22, had entered the female cadet's room in the wee hours of May 6 last year.
He proceeded to lay down on a bed next to the 18-year-old cadet after a night out in town where she had 18 drinks.
Ang, who had five drinks on the same night, was said to have then rubbed her back, before holding her by the jaw and repeatedly trying to kiss her.
The female cadet said she used her teeth to force him to stop before falling back asleep, while Ang said that the kiss was consensual.
He also said that he stopped kissing her after she said: "I can't do this, you're like my bro."
The prosecution team claimed that Ang had an "unrequited love" for the cadet he reportedly refers to as "sis", and also told the court that he admitted to fellow cadets that he "f**ked up" and pleaded with them not to make a report for fear of ruining his career.
Ang maintained his innocence throughout the trial, and refuted the latter suggestion, saying that he was fearful of the ADFA's rules on non-fraternisation instead.
The Straits Times reported that Ang is a Singapore Armed Forces scholar who is studying at the ADFA to study for a degree awarded by the University of New South Wales.
Ang will be sentenced in late May, and is currently out on bail.
The World's Best Taxi Driver
Kind cabby lends passenger $20 because she left her wallet at home
Diane was touched by the kindness shown by a taxi driver, who not only trusted her to pay the $15 fare at a later time when she left her wallet at home, but also lent her $20.
The STOMPer is glad to know such a kind soul still exists today.
She said:
"I called for a cab yesterday (April 4) at 3.20pm to get from Yishun to Compassvale and when I reached Compassvale, I realised I didn't bring my wallet.
"I had absolutely no money on me.
"Andrew (Comfort Delgro SH8729L) not only trusted that I would transfer the fare of $15 when I got home.
"He also gave me another $20 as I didn't have any money on me at all, not even my ez-link card.
"What he did really made my day. Without his help, I probably would have had to cab home to get my wallet and I would miss out on a work assignment.
"Such taxi drivers are a rare find especially when there are so many instances of passengers running off without paying their fares.
"Trust and kindness are traits which are sorely missing nowadays and it is heartening to know it still exists."
Fake Doctor in Singapore - Warning!
Unemployed man jailed for drugging and stealing from 62-year-old victim
An unemployed man who posed as a doctor and gave sleeping tablets to a woman before stealing her things was jailed for two years on Monday.
Oh Koon Shin, 52, had pleaded guilty to administering a stupefying drug to retiree Ching Sui Nai, 62, with the intent to steal her property amounting to $222 at Jurong Polyclinic at Jurong East Avenue 1 on Dec 29 last year.
A district court heard that Madam Ching was at the polyclinic to see a doctor when Oh approached her and said he was a specialist.
He gave her four blue coloured tablets and convinced her to take them. Oh approached her again when she was queuing to get her medication and offered to pay and collect the medication for her.
He then gave her another four pills. She felt drowsy after taking them. Oh was then seen rummaging through her bag and removing a ring from her finger. A polyclinic staff alerted her colleague about Oh behaving suspiciously.
A day before, there had been an incident where an elderly woman's necklace was stolen by a man after she was given two blue coloured pills to take. Oh was subsequently arrested.
District Judge Eddy Tham, who took a similar charge and one of fraudulent possession into consideration, said Oh administered the stupefying drug with no regard for the possible adverse consequences of the victims.
He said Oh had targeted victims who were elderly, and therefore, vulnerable. A deterrent sentence was called for to protect this group of people, he added.
Singaporean Urban Artist
'Sticker Lady' and accomplice plead guilty
“Sticker Lady” Samantha Lo Xin Min pleaded guilty on Tuesday to seven counts of mischief, while her alleged accomplice Anthony Chong Tze Chen also pleaded guilty to two counts of abetting Lo and one of mischief.
The eight other charges of mischief against Lo and the five other charges against Chong are being taken into consideration, their lawyers said.
Senior counsel Philip Jeyaretnam proposed for a community service order to be imposed on his client Lo, 26, who is a “first time offender”, Derek Kang, also one of Lo’s lawyers, told Yahoo! Singapore.
Jeyeratnam said that Lo is “remorseful” and had “no ill intent” behind her actions, and pointed out that “full restitution has been made”, said Kang.
Lawyer Kenneth Pereira, who is representing 30-year-old Chong, confirmed that he had also applied to court for a community service order to be imposed on his client. Pereira said that Chong has “no risk of re-offending” and “has a talent for art” which he used in positive ways such as holding art workshops.
The court will assess suitable community service orders for the both of them.
The next court hearing is scheduled on 8 May this year.
Lo and Chong are allegedly behind the "My Grandfather Road" series of street signs and stickers that were found painted on sections of Robinson and Maxwell roads in May last year.
Circular stickers printed with various captions were also found on a pavement near Lau Pa Sat. Captions included taglines such as “Press once can already” and “Anyhow paste kena fine”. It's understood that these stickers were also found on other road traffic signs across Singapore.
Sticker lady, urban artists the next wave of Singapore masters?
Local artists colouring beyond the lines — both literally and figuratively -- has raised much controversy of late.
Remember Samantha Lo, otherwise known by her moniker SKL0 or — more infamously — as the 'Sticker Lady'?
Her transgression: vandalism, all in the name of art. Lo, 25, was the brainchild behind a spate of quirky and humorous slogans, using the mediums of spray-painting and stickers, placed in the public sphere earlier in the year.
While detractors question her efforts to make her voice heard and her art appreciated in a manner that seemingly disregards the law, supporters have also been vocal in decrying the hoopla surrounding the case. Let artists foster their creativity without constraints, they say — particularly when the 'crime' itself seems minimal to most.
While the gauntlet has yet to fall, SKL0 and other urban artists had the chance to showcase their works recently, as part of a showcase, 'Singapore's Finest'.
The exhibition was held at gallery 28th Février, owned by Dominic Khoo, a strong supporter of the urban arts. A photographer himself, he says he brought a band of local street artists together in an effort to "send the elevator back down", in order that no man is left behind in the march towards artistic progress on the local front.
Khoo says the urban arts is the next wave, and should be allowed the opportunity to develop organically, as well as given the attention it deserves. He believes there should be a focus on collecting and archiving the works of what he terms as "tomorrow's masters". This, especially on the back of the criticism street artists face from some quarters, in their quest to express themselves.
"I think as an artist you always look for what is real, what is true to yourself. And graffiti artists are very much like that. In fact, they have got a quality that almost no other artist has: they spend their time training in secrecy or learning their techniques very quietly. They have exhibitions way before any other artists do, but all their exhibitions are free. They experience ridicule and persecution as well. For many years, most people have just seen their art as vandalism."
'Singapore's Finest' included a stable of artists aside from SKL0, such as Trase, Antz, Zero, Jaba and Slacsatu. Khoo's focus is not to highlight the more controversial aspects; rather, he wants to rally support for what has been an underground movement for the most part. To him, the impermanence of graffiti art — by its very nature transient — must be addressed, so that local talent are afforded the critical opportunity to have their works recorded for posterity.
"How do you define something that is slightly rebellious, but yet is in the confines of fine art? You talk about shades of grey when you talk about Rembrandt. Today, we are talking about guys who come with spray cans and think about distance from the wall, amount of drip, stencils, designing... all this with their hearts pounding, spraying and running off, you know? It's a very different thing altogether. I think the very least I could do is to provide a space for these artists, for them to display their art on canvas. So that they can say hey, I can be proud of my work."
The dichotomy that exists seems to be tied to bringing a sense of balance to art forms that are viewed as being on the fringes of the art world, and do not have the support or acceptance that more traditional forms garner. But for the arts scene to flourish truly, then perhaps the dampers need to come off so that obstacles aren't quite so insurmountable for those who express themselves through street art.
To Khoo, putting things in perspective is important when it comes to the issue of self-expression without borders. Seeing this as an opportunity to course-correct, the gallery owner says rather than focusing on the supposed transgressions of SKL0 and others in the same boat, it is more important to look at the intention behind such works.
"I think they understand that yes, they could get into trouble. That is something they know and accept, but it doesn't make them bad people, right? And intent is very important. Sometimes, proving intent could be one of the toughest things ever. But to understand them as characters, you need to really understand what they do and how you speak for them."
He stresses though, these are not closet recalcitrants — they are artists expressing themselves through mediums that resonate best with them.
"You know, there is actually a lot of integrity with those who are true artists — you can see what they do and what they stand for. I think if you have a particular artist who always speaks about love, you're not going to get some teddy bear killer. I'll be shocked if I find out that he had a stash of dismembered teddy bears in his closet!"
Understanding and embracing street art and the artists behind the movement would likely go a long way towards fostering a truly evolved artistic local landscape. Only then can creativity and freedom of expression have true opportunity to intersect with talent, when barriers to entry and success are diminished or eradicated entirely.
How To Watch Porn On Public
2 Uncles Fight On The MRT Over PORNOGRAPHIC MATERIALS
According to a report in Shin Min Daily, the incident took place on the at 12.30am and was filmed by a commuter who also uploaded the clip online.
The man in the striped shirt had been watching porn on his laptop on the train, with the volume turned on loudly.
A middle-aged woman seated diagonally across him called him "Siao!" (meaning crazy in Hokkien), to which he argued back.
The woman's husband then came at the man and punched him in the left cheek, causing him to fall against the train's window and his laptop to drop onto the ground.
A few other men, supposedly the husband's friends, then started attacking the man.
According to the video's caption, they 'started raining heavy blows on the man's head, body. Lots of kicking and punching were involved.'
Some commuters went over to stop the fight and the man in the striped shirt said he wanted to call the police.
Upon hearing this, a man in a yellow shirt then charged towards the man so as to 'teach him a lesson', but was pulled away by friends.
The man in the striped shirt called the police and said that he had been attacked on the train.
The woman's husband then continued spewing vulgarities and replied that he did not mind waiting for police to arrive. He also called the man a 'sissy'.
The Secret Phrases Every Child Must Hear
8 phrases every child needs to hear
Through my work, I get to interact with lots of youths and young adults. It’s fun but challenging work!
As you might expect, youths face stress in many different areas: academics, co-curricular activities, career planning, dating, etc.
But their most common source of frustration is their relationship with their parents.
Parents have excellent intentions, but they don’t always express their love in the best possible way.
Youths often perceive their parents as being naggy, impatient, irritating or overbearing. If you’re a parent, I’m sure you don’t want your children to think about you that way!
On the contrary, I’m certain that you want to be a caring, encouraging, loving and competent parent.
I’ve come up with a list of eight simple phrases you can use, which will help you to become that kind of parent:
1. “I believe in you”
As children grow up, they look to others for approval and validation. When you show your children that you genuinely believe in them, they’re more likely to become secure and self-confident.
2. “Thank you”
I know many parents who refuse to thank their children for anything. These parents believe that their children are indebted to them because of all the parental sacrifices they’ve made.
I believe, however, that saying “thank you” to your children is a basic way of teaching them to be appreciative.
3. “Please”
You can teach your children to be polite by first being polite to them. Just because you’re an authority figure in their life doesn’t mean that you need to continually speak to them as if you’re their boss or supervisor.
4. “I’m proud of you”
Some parents never say this to their children. As a result, these children may constantly question their self-worth. In severe cases, they may spend much of their lives trying to prove themselves to their parents or to the world.
5. “Good effort!”
As a parent, praise your children for their effort and hard work, instead of the results they achieve. In this way, your children will understand that the goal is always to be the best they can be, not to be better than other people.
The results you get are merely feedback about how you can do things differently in the future. It’s not what defines you as an individual.
6. “What do you think?”
Many children feel as if their opinions don’t matter, because their parents usually make decisions on their behalf. By asking your children “What do you think?” you demonstrate that their thoughts and opinions count.
7. “I trust you”
When you say this to your children, they’ll start to take full responsibility for their choices and their lives, because they'll believe that they can be trusted to make their own decisions. Their parents no longer need to “baby” them.
8. “My love for you is unconditional”
Some parents make it seem like they love their children more when their children behave well, get good grades or work at a “prestigious” company.
Sure, you might be more pleased with your children when they do something well, but you need to make it clear that you love them exactly the same, no matter how many (or how few) accomplishments they rack up.
In closing…
These eight phrases are simple but powerful. Focus on using just one phrase each week—or even each month—and turn it into a habit.
Slowly but surely, your home will become a place of love, encouragement and support—one day at a time, one phrase at a time. Let’s get started today!
How To Have Sex With Your Teacher
Ex-teacher pleads guilty to sex with underage boy
SINGAPORE: A former teacher has pleaded guilty to having consensual sex with her former student.
The 32-year-old woman, who cannot be named, admitted that she had consensual sex with the boy twice, when he was 13 years old.
The first offence was committed in Sembawang Park in May 2011, while the second was committed at her home in July 2011.
At the time of the offences, the woman was 31 years old.
Court documents showed that the two met when she was teaching in Primary 6.
The boy, a repeat student, would tell the teacher about his schoolmates who were smoking outside of school.
She bought him a bottle of perfume as a reward.
They grew closer and started dating.
This continued until the accused turned herself in after the school principal asked her to write a report defining her relationship with the boy.
The ex-teacher faces a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine for having sex with a minor.
Vomit Bags Collector
This Singaporean collects vomit bags as a hobby
Do people in Singapore do more than just the usual things like shopping, surfing the web or watching movies? In a multi-part series, Yahoo! Singapore talks to people with very odd hobbies and how they got into them.
Whenever Chen Yinghao flies, the first thing he does while onboard an aircraft carrier is to look for the vomit bags – and it’s not because he is afraid of flying or has air sickness.
The 30-year-old has a love for vomit bags and is part of a very small community of vomit bag collectors around the world calling themselves “baggists”.
One of two baggists in Singapore, Chen has amassed close to 600 barf bags from over 200 airlines, including Singapore Airlines and the now-defunct Balkan Bulgarian Airlines.
By day, he works as a marketing brand executive for a pharmaceutical company. By night, he trawls eBay and online barf bag websites for potential purchases or swaps with other baggists.
It all started 13 years ago, when he went on a trip to Nepal for his junior college's community improvement project. On board a Nepal Airlines aeroplane (formerly known as Royal Nepal Airlines), Chen got bored and started to look through the seat pocket in front of his seat. Intrigued by the empty barf bag that bore the airline’s logo, he thought he could start a new collection that no one else would think about collecting.
“I thought the hobby would be something unusual – like something that nobody will ever think about collecting because these bags are easily missed as it doesn’t serve many purposes,” Chen said.
Chen places his vomit bags in transparent sheet protectors to keep them in pristine condition.
So how does he collect these bags?
Conversation-starter
Of his 600-odd sick sacks, only about less than 10 per cent are collected by him when he goes travelling. About half of his collection is contributed by his family, friends and colleagues while the remaining comes from swaps from baggists from other countries.
To Chen, the hobby can be a way to socialise as it requires him to talk to people and get them to help him out by adding to his collection.
“I don’t get to fly often, maybe once or twice a year so I tap on my friends. When they fly, they will take some for me,” Chen said.
“Sometimes when my friends give me bags and they fold it to keep it in their bags, I get a little sad because it will not be in mint condition anymore. But I’m too paiseh (Hokkien for embarrassed) to give them specific instructions when they are helping me obtain these bags,” he added.
The hobby is also a great conversation starter whenever he meets new people.
“People go ‘What? Barf bags?’ when I tell them I collect these bags. They think it’s an unusual and unconventional hobby and ask me many questions,” he said.
Some nice Singaporeans have also contacted Chen, after seeing his website displaying his collection, saying that they've collected some air sickness bags for him when they were travelling and would mail it to him.
Comparing and preserving
Once he gets his hands on a new bag, Chen will studiously examine its condition, if it has yellowed or if is torn. Then he will put it side-by-side to compare it with a previous version.
“There are a lot of things to note on the bags. Some are very colourful, some can tell a lot about certain airlines – their company image, and how they want to be seen. We even look at the size and material used and keep ourselves updated on changes made to their vomit bags,” he said.
After that’s done, Chen will meticulously keep them in transparent sheet protectors, tape the excess plastic in and label the folder with the airline’s name, when he obtained the bag and how he obtained it.
The final step is to keep them in alphabetical order in white IKEA boxes – those with air-proof clasps to prevent yellowing or moulding – before stowing them away in a room at his humble home in Woodlands.
Chen who is due for Kuala Lumpur in February, deliberately chose to take Malaysia Airlines just to see if the airline has updated the design for their vomit bags.
“I believe they procure these bags in bulk to make it cheap. When their bags run out, they might change the design. I got my last Malaysia Airlines bag three years ago, so they should have changed by now,’ Chen said.
Demand for Asian bags
There are about 80 known baggists in the world, and about less than 20 are from Asia. Most of the collectors are men between the ages 30 and 60 from the States or Europe.
Thanks to the booming aviation industry in Asia, though, barf bags from Asian airlines are in demand right now.
Three years ago, Chen visited Myanmar and had the opportunity to fly on Air Bagan, a domestic airline within Myanmar.
“An ex-colleague helped me and we practically took all the bags from the plane we were on. Every bag on the plane,” Chen said.
“We went seat by seat after landing and just took all the unused bags. It became my stash to trade with others because most baggists are Westerners living in the United States or Europe and they hardly travel to Asia,” he added.
From that stash of Air Bagan vomit bags, Chen traded with other baggists and increased his collection by a fair bit.
“In Europe and the States, the aviation industry is very competitive so there are hardly any new airlines or new additions to the market,” Chen noted.
“Because of a recent open-skies policy, many new airlines are popping up especially in Southeast Asia. In the future we can expect more airlines and more barf bags coming out of Asia,” he said.
Door To Door To Promote A Country Football League
Singapore S.League side Balestier Khalsa go door-to-door asking people to come to games
Times are hard for the S.League, the top flight of professional football in Singapore. Despite some clubs having a rich histories that extend back into the nineteenth century, average attendances of the twelve-team league dropped to a pitiful 932 last season.
The former British territory is passionate about football, but as someone who visited recently, I can attest to the fact that the locals are primarily concerned with watching the English Premier League. The domestic game, therefore, is neglected like a ginger stepchild.
After the S.League Supergals somehow failed to draw in the punters, Balestier Khalsa FC have taken matters into their own hands. The side from Toa Payoh have sent their players out into local neighborhoods, knocking on doors to try and encourage new fans.
Club chairman S Thavaneson is quoted by Reuters:
"The more often the players go knocking on doors, the higher the chances of them becoming familiar with residents," Balestier chairman S Thavaneson told Monday's Today newspaper.
"Who knows, they may become curious and decide to watch a game or two."
Thavaneson hopes that the door-knocking campaign will help fill the 3,900-capacity Toa Payoh Stadium, reasoning that just three percent of region's residents would be enough for a full house.
Toa Payoh, however, is a former squatter district whose name basically translates to "big swamp", so sending the first team out onto the streets to hawk their wares sounds like a risky strategy.
How To Win A Jackpot
Jackpot-winning hawker gives away $280,000 to charity
That is more than half of her winnings of $416,742.11, which she had promised to give away.
She received the prize from Marina Bay Sands two weeks ago. Ms Choo, 58, won the money on Oct 18 at MBS, but was told by a manager that there was a glitch with the machine.
It offered to compensate her with $50,000 and a car worth $258,962, but she refused, and complained to the Casino Regulatory Authority.
Among the charities that Ms Choo donated to were the Singapore Buddhist Federation, the National Kidney Foundation, free clinics such as the Public Free Clinic Society, schools (Manjusri Secondary and Maha Bodhi School) and homes for the aged.
She also made a donation to the Royal Thai embassy in aid of the flood relief efforts.
The staunch buddhist received a token of appreciation yesterday from National Kidney foundation chairman, Mr Gerard Ee and MP Tin Pei Ling, at a special dinner organised by the Singapore Buddhist Lodge in Kim Yan Road.
The Reason Why You Should Never Go To Rome !!
Singapore tour group loses $50,000 in Rome bus theft
The theft took place on the second last day of their 10-day holiday.
The group touched down in Singapore just before 7.20pm on Tuesday evening.
Channel NewsAsia understands that the group had left their belongings on the tour bus when they went for dinner.
When they returned, the bus was missing.
Unfortunately, one tourist had left his passport on the bus.
Channel NewsAsia understands that he has flown to the nearest Singapore Embassy, in Switzerland, for assistance.
Things You Might Not Like About Singapore
Singaporeans call for ‘change’
Residents of city-state angered by planned influx of foreigners
SINGAPORE – Singapore’s biggest protest in decades shows that the ruling party for over half a century is facing a more vocal electorate and must change or watch its popularity slide further, analysts say.
At least 3,000 Singaporeans chanted “we want change” and endured heavy downpours Saturday to reject government immigration proposals, in a rare protest in the tightly controlled city-state of 5.3 million people.
The chief organizer of the rally, Gilbert Goh, said the protest was a display of citizens’ unhappiness over the population plan, which was endorsed by Parliament on Feb. 8. “They want to tell the government, please reconsider this policy. The turnout is a testimony that this policy is flawed and unpopular on the ground,” he said.
According to the plan, the government will bolster infrastructure and social programs to accommodate a projected population of 6.5 million to 6.9 million by 2030 — a marked increase from the current population of 5.3 million. Of the projected 2030 population, nonforeigners would form between 3.6 million and 3.8 million, slightly more than half of the total.
Although low by global standards the turnout was the largest in some years in Singapore, where the People’s Action Party has traditionally responded to any dissent with a firm hand. The showing gives the government much to think about, analysts say.
“I think that gradually the anti-PAP sentiment will build and spread unless there’s a very fundamental change in the way the PAP deals with the people, which I don’t see happening,” political analyst Seah Chiang Nee said.
“I think there’s going to be a further decline in the popularity of the PAP between now and 2016,” Seah added, referring to the next general elections.
For most people at the rally, held at a corner that was designated as a free-speech site on a Facebook campaign, it was their first time waving placards and chanting slogans against the PAP, which has ruled Singapore for almost 54 years.
Eugene Tan, an assistant law professor at the Singapore Management University, said the high turnout showed “a more contested political landscape” and that “the PAP will have to deal with a more vocal electorate.”
The PAP, long used to winning districts uncontested, has seen its support slide since a May 2011 general election, when it recorded is lowest-ever share of the vote at 60 percent, with the opposition taking an unprecedented six parliamentary seats.
Since then, the PAP has lost two by-elections, although it still controls 80 of the 87 seats in Parliament.
“PAP leaders seem to have lost their feel of the ground. Their technocratic decision-making style is no longer accepted, yet they persist in ‘we know best’ policies,” said Reuben Wong, associate professor of political science at the National University of Singapore.
Saturday’s protesters were rallying against government projections that the population could rise by a third to almost 7 million in less than 20 years, with much of the increase resulting from immigration.
For years, the affluent but worker-starved city-state, built by mainly Chinese immigrants, had rolled out the welcome mat for foreigners, whose numbers rose drastically during the 2004-07 economic boom.
Businesses hired construction workers from Bangladesh, hotel staff from the Philippines, waitresses from China, shipyard welders from Myanmar, technology professionals from India and bankers from the West.
Foreigners currently make up 38 percent of the population and the low Singapore birthrate means immigrants and guest workers will need to fill the manpower gap, raising that figure to 45 percent. However, anger over the projections is causing Singaporeans to engage in something new — speaking out against the PAP in public and not just over social media.
“I’m thinking about my children, who are going to have a big problem studying in a competitive society next time,” tax consultant Kevin Foo, 42, said at the rally.
“Foreigners are going to create a lot of problems here, especially the rich ones who buy up all our property. Where are Singaporeans going to live?” he said.
Free Breakfast for Perfect Strangers
Jackpot auntie gives back
Ms Choo, 59, who runs a vegetarian hawker stall at Geylang East Avenue 1, spent six hours last Thursday evening in her kitchen whipping up dishes like yusheng, curry vegetables, noodles, mushrooms, vegetarian squid and vegetarian pork.
The spread was served at at the void deck of Block 337, Ubi Avenue 1 yesterday and was open to the public.
"I did not sleep last night. After I finished cooking, I was so satisfied, I did not feel tired at all," Ms Choo said in Mandarin when she was interviewed yesterday morning.
Ms Choo cooked all the dishes with the help of more than 10volunteers, who prepared the ingredients.
She has been hosting the free breakfast for 10 years, catering for a prayer session held by an elderly nun.
The prayer session is usually held on the sixth day of the Chinese New Year.
Ms Choo provides the bulk of the food for nothing and only offsets the cost of the ingredients through donations collected by the nun, who prefers to remain anonymous.
She made headlines in October 2011 when she took on the Marina Bay Sands (MBS) casino after it had refused to pay her her full winnings of over $400,000 due to a glitch in the slot machine.
MBS eventually agreed to give Ms Choo the entire sum of her winnings.
Tables of eight were set up at the breakfast and people sat with strangers to mingle.
When The New Paper attended the event yesterday at 8.30am, the void deck was already crowded with people carrying out their prayers.
Tables were also already filled with people eating.
"All the while, we (the breakfast) have been well known. Just that the Jackpot Auntie story made me even more famous," said Ms Choo.
"For years, some people did not know who the cook was. Once the newspapers mentioned my name, they were shocked the Jackpot Auntie was the cook."
Mr Chris Low, 63, said he met Ms Choo two years ago when he first started volunteering at the breakfast.
Surprised
After learning about the Jackpot Auntie story through the news, he was surprised that she was actually Ms Choo.
"We are all on the same boat. We are just trying to do whatever we can to contribute to society," he said.
Ms Choo was comfortable catering for 3,000 people, having cooked for free for many charity events over the years.
In 2012, she cooked for at least 10 large charity events. Each event required her to cook for thousands of people.
She feels her deeds are all in the spirit of giving to society.
"Singapore actually has many kind souls from all walks of life," she said.
"People automatically approach me to offer their help."
Just as she said those words, Mr Ang Chi Tee, 59, who is in the renovation business, approached her to offer his help.
Mr Ang said, "I read the newspapers (on Thursday ) night and felt that they would need help. So I decided to come down to see what I could do, even though I do not know her (Ms Choo)."
"All the while, we (the breakfast) have been well known. Just that the Jackpot Auntie story made me even more famous," - Ms Choo Hong Eng on how media reports have affected her
Which One Should You Choose - A Man or A dog
Pet owner denies attacking cabby who ran over his dog
Chef Toh Meng Teck, 40, told The Straits Times that he was heading home from a supermarket with his girlfriend and Lucky, his pet chihuahua, and stopped to cross Ang Mo kio Street 12 when 67-year-old cabby Mr Ling Ah Yen hit the dog.
Mr Toh then chased after the taxi and shouted to the driver to stop. When he got to the cabby, he told him about the dog's death but flared up upon hearing the driver's response. "He said: 'Don't be agitated; it's just a dog'", Mr Toh recounted.
He went on to say that it was two passers-by who appeared and attacked the cabby, and that he was restrained by two acquaintances who ran over from a coffee shop. He said: "Even if I'd wanted to beat him, I couldn't because I have a frozen shoulder".
The police were called down to the scene by the taxi's passengers but Mr Toh said that after being asked by a police officer if he had attacked Mr Ling, to which he said no, he has not been contacted by the authorities since.
Free Tickets To Anywhere !!!
Durable Kissing, Free Tickets for Couple
On a flight from Singapore to Bangkok, Scott filled with couples kissing for prize offered. This atmosphere could make 'hot' other passengers who did not join the competition.
On the day of Valentine's, Scott has two flights on the route Singapore to Hong Kong. In the first flight, the pair Mark Eric Mercado Don Castor and Vidar Roxanne Dela Cena beat three other couples, being able to smooch for 35 minutes without pause.
In flight, the competition was even more 'hot'. Five couples kissing during succeeded flight from Singapore to Hong Kong, aka nearly four hours!
The winners get a pair of tickets Scoot to any destination they want. "It was a fun competition, it is suitable to celebrate the spirit of Valentine's Day," said Campbell Wilson, Scoot CEO, as quoted from the News, Tuesday (19/02/2013).
True Love in Singapore
Athlete who lost his arms but found love
Mr Kamis was 23 when the crash left one arm paralysed and the other needing to be amputated. His doctor later advised him to take up running, but he was scared to be seen in public with his changed body. In need of support, he looked online, which is where he met his future wife, Ms Ally Kuan. With her by his side, he began running and went on to represent Singapore in the Commonwealth Games.
Last Thursday, Ms Kuan, a customer service representative, tearfully told The Straits Times Mr Kamis is "sweeter and nicer" than any man she has known. When they tied the knot last November, it was a modest affair as Mr Kamis had to use his savings to pay hospital bills. But he said: "Even though I only managed to give her a plain ring without any diamond, Ally told me that she is very contented."
The couple's love story began when they met on Facebook in 2009. Mr Kamis had spent the past six years battling to recover from his accident but still required occupational therapy. He found the support he needed in Ms Kuan.
"She was willing to accept me as a friend, despite my condition, unlike many who rejected me and turned away," said Mr Kamis, who is now 33 and working as a technical support assistant in the maritime line. When he told her about his shyness at running in public, she offered to run with him. They began jogging together regularly. Ms Kuan, also 33, then encouraged him to enter a race, during which he was noticed by the Singapore Disability Sports Council and invited to train with the national disabled track and field team.
She watched him at every training session. And when he was selected for the Commonwealth Games in India, she quit her job after being unable to get more leave. "I wanted to give him strength and show him I believed in him," she said.
While others celebrated Valentine's Day with fancy dinners, the couple did so quietly, talking on the phone on the eve of Feb 14 until the clock hit midnight. Ms Kuan is in Malaysia visiting her family. It was a reflection of their life together, which has to be simpler due to the cost of Mr Kamis' care. For their wedding, they had a one-table dinner for family and friends at a restaurant. But Ms Kuan said: "He's always giving me small, sweet surprises. I'm very happy to just be with him."
The Most Dangerous Singapore Upskirts
When he got caught, 41-year-old Rostam Salim admitted his wrongdoing to the police.
It is alleged that in the early hours of Sept 22 last year, Rostam came across a 45-year-old woman sleeping at an Hougang void deck.
He lifted her skirt, pulled down her underwear and cut it with a penknife.
Rostam also attempted to steal her Nokia mobile phone.
In court last week, he changed his mind at least four times about whether he had committed the crimes.
Each time District Judge Lee Poh Choo asked if Rostam understood the nature and consequences of his crime, he would retract his plea.
He faces one charge each of using criminal force with intent to outrage modesty, theft, and possession of an instrument with intent to commit an offence.
If convicted, he faces a jail term of three years and a fine.
When Judge Lee asked a fourth time if Rostam was sure about pleading guilty to his crimes, he simply said he was sorry for what he had done.
The case is now set for a pre-trial conference on Feb 27.
The Modern Dynasty In Singapore
Education is the kindling of a flame, not the filling of a vessel. SOCRATES
A Robber Jailed By His Mother
Mum begs robber son to return to Singapore
SINGAPORE - After robbing dozens of teenagers, he fled Singapore for Thailand and remained there for more than five years.
He started a new life by marrying Thai woman and having a son, now two, with her.
It was only after his mother flew to Thailand last year to beg him to return home that he decided to come back to face the consequences of his crimes.
In 2006, Chua Peng Hwee, then 18, robbed at least 37 teenagers between Nov 7 and Dec 7, with an accomplice, Kelvin Woo Ming Yang, now 22.
Chua would accuse his victims, all students, of either staring, assaulting him or his brother and talking bad about him.
When they denied his accusations, he told them to settle the matter and led them to quiet locations such as the staircase landings of HDB blocks and shopping malls.
There, Woo would hand him either a chopper or a knife to threaten or hurt his victims with before robbing them of their belongings.
The duo would then sell or pawn some of the stolen items, which included mobile phones and jewellery worth a total of $16,012, of which only $738 was recovered.
Woo was sent to a reformative training centre for the crimes.
Chua was arrested on Dec 8, 2006, when he tried to use one of his victims' identity card to subscribe for a StarHub phone line.
He was supposed to plead guilty in March 2007 but fled to Thailand. A warrant for his arrest was issued when he did not show up in court.
He faced a total of 49 charges, of which 37 were for robbery.
Last Friday, Chua, now 24, was jailed for seven years and given 24 strokes of the cane.
According to his mitigation plea, Chua's wayward ways began at a young age due to neglect from his parents.
His mother owns a coffee shop and his father is a civil servant.
He did not complete his secondary education and said he had committed the crimes as he was young and immature.
Last year, his mother flew to Thailand and told him that she was getting old and would want him at her bedside when she dies.
Chua returned to Singapore on Oct 18 last year and told an officer at immigration that he was giving himself up.
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