Tiffany Chow

Tiffany Chow

Articles (15)

The best free water parks in Singapore

The best free water parks in Singapore

Nothing's better than a cool drink in Singapore's tropical weather. Or how about a refreshing dip instead? When temperatures are high, take the kids out to cool down at these free aqua playgrounds around the island (though in one case, it's a steamy warm bath for the feet). We've checked out where to go for the best sprinklers, bubblers and water fountains that are great for kids (and adults). Best of all, they are all in public spaces and have absolutely no admission fees.  RECOMMENDED:  The best public pools in Singapore and The best indoor playgrounds in Singapore
The best offshore islands in Singapore to escape to

The best offshore islands in Singapore to escape to

Spending 24/7 in the thick of Singapore city life can take a toll. If planning a long trip sounds too tedious to you, then good news – we don't have to get on a plane for a quick respite because our island is itself surrounded by islands that offer a slower pace of life.  Hop on a boat to these offshore destinations and breathe in the fresh air. Set up camp – or a picnic mat if you don't intend to stay the night – and relive those kampong days. These uninhabited islands are ripe for exploration, just don't forget to slather on the mozzie repellant and sunscreen.  RECOMMENDED: The best hiking trails in Singapore and the best nature trails in Singapore
10 Merlions in Singapore and abroad, and the stories behind them

10 Merlions in Singapore and abroad, and the stories behind them

The Merlion is not a real creature. Not only in the sense that it’s a fictional half-lion, half-fish hybrid, but that it wasn’t a character in local folklore handed down through the years. It was created by a local authority – the Singapore Tourism Board (STB) – in 1964 as a mascot for the city. British zoologist Alec Fraser-Brunner, then the curator of the Van Kleef Aquarium, is responsible for the Merlion’s design, whose copyright is owned by the STB.  The lion’s head is a reference to the Singapura, a name coined by Sang Nila Utama which translates to ‘lion city’ in Sanskrit. The fish’s tail, on the other hand, denotes the country’s humble beginnings as a fishing village. Since the 37-metre-tall Merlion statue at Sentosa (the tallest!) has been closed to make way for a themed linkway between the north and south shores of Sentosa, there are a total of six ‘official’ Merlion statues to check out on the mainland. RECOMMENDED: 7 bridges in Singapore and the stories behind them and 20 historical buildings in Singapore
The best spots for a picnic in Singapore

The best spots for a picnic in Singapore

There's a time for trekking and conquering nature trails but there's also a time for sitting pretty and having a picnic – especially now that beaches are open once again. Forget fighting for a table in a hip cafe in the city too. When the weather's looking fine, it's time to pack some bites and look for a spot in one of the best parks in Singapore.  If you're not in the mood to put together a take-out feast, grab a gourmet picnic basket that comes pre-packed with all the tasty finger food you need. All you have to do is to place an order, swing by to collect and be on your way. We've rounded up some places that don't require you to travel to the middle of nowhere, have some shade, and most importantly, located near the toilets (but not too near). RECOMMENDED: The best places to fly a kite and best nature trails in Singapore
Where to get your fortune told in Singapore

Where to get your fortune told in Singapore

Can you really tell your future? Some believe in it, especially for major decisions in their life, while others find it fun and don’t take it seriously. And there are those who will stay away from such “nonsense.” Yeah sure, fortune-telling all sounds very hocus-pocus. But you’d be lying if you said you aren’t just a little curious about what the future might bring. From feng shui masters to Tarot readers to ‘astro-palmists,’ the fortune-tellers here come from as many backgrounds as there are cultures in Singapore. Curious, we suspended our disbelief, put our fates on the line and visited some spiritual professionals to find out more about our sordid – or splendid – lives. As they say, don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it. Won't lie, we were pleasantly surprised by how some of it turned out. RECOMMENDED: 10 local myths and superstitions every Singaporean should know and the best supernatural trails in Singapore
The best ways to explore Singapore

The best ways to explore Singapore

By bus Big Bus tours (from $62) let you hop on and off the bus at any of its stops across various routes. The two main lines connect you to hotels, shopping malls, major attractions around the bay, and cultural hotspots such as Little India and Chinatown. Various locations.Various timings. Book here. By boat Start your tour by taking a wooden bumboat from any one of the 13 Singapore River Cruise jetties. On the 40-minute boat ride (From $29), be treated to a breathtaking view of Clarke Quay as you listen to the recorded commentary. Daily 9am-11pm, last boat departs 10.30pm. Book here. By trishaw From $55, let your Trishaw Uncle guide cycle you around Little India, Chinatown, the Civic District or Clarke Quay. The tours take either 45-minutes or 2.5-hours. Albert Mall Trishaw Park. By appointment 1 day in advance, minimum two to go. Or book a night tour here.  By bicycle Work out while you explore the Lion City with Let's Go Bike Singapore. Three tours are on offer: a historical route takes you to a typical residential town, markets and along the Singapore River ($80-$99/pax). Add on an excursion to Little India when you book the Bike and Bites Tour ($165-$180/pax). Finally see the city lights in the Marina Bay Night Tour ($60-$79/pax, not available in Sep due to F1). #B1-58 High Street Centre. By appointment online 24 hours before scheduled start. No walk-ins. Book here. By walking What sets Indie Singapore apart is that it’s free. The 3 to 3.5-hour tours take you through C
The ultimate guide to Geylang

The ultimate guide to Geylang

Geylang may be stamped as Singapore's red-light district due to the number of brothels that set up camp here, but there's more to this 'hood than its shady rep. Despite its scandalous nature, the vibrant neighbourhood beams with the iconic Peranakan shophouses, food and culture at every nook and cranny. It's home to the King of Fruits – better known as the durian – as well as frog legs porridge and the famous crab bee hoon that had the late Anthony Bourdain coming back for more. If you're down for a food and culture adventure, here are the top spots to hit when you're out and about in Geylang. RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Kallang and the ultimate guide to Joo Chiat and Katong  
Taste test: curry puffs

Taste test: curry puffs

1. Rolina Singapore Traditional Hainanese Curry Puff ($1.40) This curry puff had the right level of spice to warm up our tongues and bellies. We just wish it delivered more than a small cube of chicken within its thin but crusty exterior.  #02-16 Tanjong Pagar Plaza Market & Food Centre. Mon-Sat 10am-2pm. 2. J2 Famous Crispy Curry Puff ($1.20)  This Bib Gourmand-worthy puff might have won the honour due to its buttery and flaky pastry, but we were disappointed that the filling had more potato than chicken. #01-21 Amoy Street Food Centre. Mon-Sat 8am-4pm. 3. Tanglin Crispy Curry Puff ($1.50)  The crunchy pastry reminded us of McDonald’s apple pie crust. The mild curry, on the other hand, wasn’t satisfying. #02-36 Hong Lim Market and Food Centre. Mon-Sat 7am-5pm. 4. Tip Top Curry Puff ($1.50)  The spicy kick of Tip Top’s curry as well as the hunks of chicken were what bumped it up the ranks. However, the pastry was dry and lacked bite. Various outlets. 5. Old Chang Kee ($1.50)  This is your go-to if you need a midday snack. The biscuit-like pastry tasted strongly of flour and although the puff had a good amount of potato and chicken chunks, it didn’t leave much of an impression. Various outlets. 6. Tong Heng ($1.60) The cute round curry puffs were unfortunately too sweet for our liking. The curry also had a strong taste of shrimp paste while the flaky pastry was too thin. 285 South Bridge Road. 9am-10pm. 7. Polar Puffs and Cakes ($1.90) There were so many wrongs with this curr
Taste test: canned coffee (mocha)

Taste test: canned coffee (mocha)

1: Uni-President Mon Passion Café Mocha ($1.95/235ml) The can screams  ‘barista-certified 100% premium Arabica beans’, so our expectations were raised. Thankfully, the French-style coffee is well balanced, with a strong roasted flavour that will perk you up. You’ll pay for it, though – it’s almost twice the price of the cheapest can. 2: Boncafé iCafé caffè mocha ($1/240ml) We’ll be honest: besides the winner, nothing stood out. But Boncafé’s redeeming factor is its mild sweetness. 3: NESCAFÉ milk coffee mocha ($1/240ml) It tastes – and looks – more like a malty chocolate beverage than coffee, even though it claims to use a premium blend of Arabica and Robusta beans. 4: Starbucks bottled mocha Frappuccino coffee drink ($2.80/281ml) You’ll get energy from the sugar and not the caffeine. The taste of condensed milk overwhelms everything else. We’ll stick to the real deal, thanks. 5: Pokka Premium Mocha Coffee ($1/240ml) Never mind the ‘real brewed coffee’ tag on the can – the first sip had us scrunching our faces at the chemical-y taste. That’s a resounding ‘no’.
Taste test: bubble teas

Taste test: bubble teas

1. LiHO ($3.30) We’re not sure if LiHO can replace Gong Cha, but in our blind taste test, it still came up tops. The milk tea was not too sweet, and there was a good balance between milky and tea flavours – we also enjoyed the extra chewy pearls. 2. Woobbee ($3.10) If you like your milk tea, err, milky, then make your way to Woobbee at Tanjong Pagar Plaza. This standalone store does a foamy bubble tea that tasted strongly of fresh milk. In contrast to the other brands, we enjoyed chewing on the pearls, like gummy sweets. 3. Koi ($3.40) Even though we requested for 50% sugar for all our teas, Koi’s was still the sweetest of the lot – and it tasted more of milk than tea.  4. Each a Cup ($3.10) This brand puts the ‘tea’ in ‘bubble tea’. The strong taste of the brew came through with every sip, although the pearls didn’t leave an impression.   5. Share Tea ($2.90) We’re not sure why anyone would like this half-assed milk tea. Other than the powdery aftertaste and slightly brown colour, nothing else stood out. 
Taste test: chilli sauces

Taste test: chilli sauces

1. Heinz ($1.55/310g) Hands-down the winner, considering all the double-dipping that went on. This sauce lacked a spicy kick, but it’s still the favourite because it’s reminiscent of Thai sweet chilli. The brand only imports one flavour of chilli sauce locally, so even if it’s not your typical kind, it’s still one for keeps in the pantry.   2. Singlong ($1.65/280g) Just by opening the bottle, we could smell the garlic notes. The sauce reminded us of the kind you’d pour over chicken rice – a bit like what they serve you at McDonald’s.   3. Fairprice ($1.05/320g) We didn’t expect much from this house brand, but at slightly more than a dollar a bottle, it’ll do in a pinch. The chilli sauce looked and tasted like tomato paste, and was viscous as well. Recommended if you need copious amounts of fake blood. 4. Maggi ($1.65/340g) Surprisingly, the brand most are familiar with didn’t fare as well in the taste-test. We voted it as ‘forgettable’. 5. Kampung Koh ($1.40/485g) This watery sauce didn’t leave much of an impression, but was consistently mistaken for Maggi chilli sauce. It tasted more of vinegar than spice and lacked a strong chilli fragrance.
Tips for photographing the sunrise

Tips for photographing the sunrise

Matthew Ng, 50sBusinessman When did you first pick up in photography? I first started taking photos some 35 years ago. I stopped for a long while but when I got back into the hobby about two years back, I developed an interest in shooting sunrises and sunsets. What camera equipment do you use? Just a tripod and a compact camera. Most serious photographers would also bring along filters and a cable release. Any tips for beginners? Be at the location around 5.45am, but no later than 6am. You’d be surprised at the number of photographers already setting up their equipment there. If possible, head to the area the day before to scout out possible spots to catch the sunrise. You can use apps such as Sun Board Sunrise Sunset by Idle, or Golden Hour by Simplaapliko, to indicate the angle at which the sun will rise from. When you’re at your chosen location, set up your tripod and shoot away. Experiment with various camera settings to see what the best effects are. There’s also a very beautiful brief time before sunrise known as ‘blue hour’. It’s a peaceful moment that’s just stunning – the landscape’s awash in blue tones, and it occurs again just after sunset. Any advice for taking photos of the sunrise with your phone? These days, phone cameras allow you to adjust the settings according to the scene. My advice is to experiment with these functions. For example, you can lower the exposure to bring out the silhouette of the sun. Or adjust the exposure in manual mode – such as underexpo

News (21)

Five heart-stopping acts to look out for during ‘Kooza’

Five heart-stopping acts to look out for during ‘Kooza’

Your social media feed is probably awash with photos and videos of Kooza, the latest circus act from Cirque du Soleil, which premiered in Singapore on July 12. From glitzy outfits – a total of 175 costumes and 160 hats are featured in the show – to impressive set designs to jaw-dropping acrobatic performances, there’s plenty to keep you on the edge of your seat during the show. We highlight five acts you should seriously give your attention to. Contortion Back bends, flipping legs over heads and countless handstands with splits – flowing smoothly from one pose to another, the trio of Mongolian contortionists exhibit great flexibility in twisting and stacking themselves to form various shapes.   Aerial Hoop Spinning and swirling in the air with nothing but a hoop dangling from the tent's ceiling, Marie-Eve Bisson effortlessly 'flies' around the stage as she performs a series of aerial acrobatics. But look out for the moments where she suspends herself with just her feet, then one foot, and then hangs herself from the hoop with the back of her neck. High Wire These four tightrope walkers make running up and down – and even skipping with a rope – on suspended high wires a piece of cake. The thrill kicks in at one point when two of the men, with a pole balanced between them, mount on bicycles to cross the wire. All’s good ‘til a third characters enters, takes a chair, and then positions himself on the pole balanced between the two cyclists. You're in for a nail-biting moment a
LEGO BrickHeadz to launch in Singapore on March 11

LEGO BrickHeadz to launch in Singapore on March 11

One is never enough when it comes to these multi-coloured bricks. The LEGO BrickHeadz series will launch on March 11, so be prepared to add more to your shelf of collectibles. Say hello to pint-sized, square-faced LEGO-versions of your favourite Disney, DC and Marvel characters – if you can get your hands on them, that is. Pre-orders for the 12-piece LEGO BrickHeadz series ($238.80) may be over, but 350 sets are still up for grabs if you head down to the Ngee Ann City LEGO store from 11am. Each set comes with an exclusive LEGO BrickHeadz Gallery to display the figurines of Batman, Batgirl, Robin, The Joker, Belle, Beast, Captain America, Iron Man, Black Widow, The Hulk, Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Armando Salazar (the latter two to be collected from Apr 1). Alternatively, you can settle for one of the 250 The LEGO Batman Movie sets ($79.60) that include the Bat fam and The Joker. But if the Dark Knight's your one-and-only, you've got to wait ‘til March 12 for the individual figurine ($19.90) to be sold in all LEGO Certified stores. Other BrickHeadz will be subsequently released individually in LEGO Certified stores according to the timeline below. And, psst, don't miss the chance to meet-and-greet with LEGO senior designer Marcos Bessa, the guy behind the series, this Saturday (Mar 11) at Wisma Atria atrium at 11.30am. Sale of individual LEGO BrickHeadz: Mar 12-17: DC (Batman, Batgirl, Robin and The Joker) Mar 18-24: Disney (Belle and Beast) Mar 25-31: Marvel (Captain Am
Free things to do over the Chinese New Year weekend (Jan 27-30)

Free things to do over the Chinese New Year weekend (Jan 27-30)

For most of us, we’ll be visiting our relatives and friends, stuffing our faces silly with snacks, and collecting as many red packets as we can. But if you find yourself with time on your hands, here’s a host of free activities you can enjoy over the long weekend. Watch fireworks for free Join in the festivities in Chinatown with free song and dance shows, and a night market. Then usher in the Year of the Rooster with a fireworks and firecracker display at midnight (Jan 27). Or head down to River Hongbao (Jan 26-Feb 4) where you can watch the fireworks and laser show nightly at 9pm (except for Chinese New Year's Eve, when it will take place at midnight). Free entry to the museums and galleries If you’re visiting Singapore, drop by National Gallery Singapore (Jan 28-30) as entry is free for all. Ongoing exhibitions include Artist and Empire: (En)countering Colonial Legacies and Iskandar Jalil: Kembara Tanah Liat (Clay Travels). Asian Civilisations Museum is also offering free entry (Jan 27-Feb 19) so check out Port Cities: Multicultural Emporiums of Asia, which showcases the beginnings of trade and globalisation in Asia. And don’t miss Singapore Philatelic Museum’s open house (Jan 29), where there’ll be a lion and dragon dance at 3.30pm as well as other family friendly activities. Other free exhibits include Once Upon a Time in Little India and Studio Ghibli Artworks at Polar Bear Gallery. If museums are not your thing, take a walk and discover the free public art around Sin
Pokémon Go is officially live in Singapore

Pokémon Go is officially live in Singapore

Wannabe Pokémon masters, you’ve heard the news: as of Saturday, August 6, Pokémon Go is officially live in Singapore. Now that you can download the official app, put on your walking shoes and go catch a Squirtle or Pikachu – just mind the traffic, okay? For those who live under a rock, Pokémon Go is an augmented reality smartphone game where you have to walk (or drive) around the country to discover and catch animated creatures known as Pokémon. Ever since Pokémon Go was launched in Australia and New Zealand on July 6, fans in Singapore have been trying all sorts of ways to get their hands on Niantic’s app. With the game making its way to Japan on July 22, and in Hong Kong on July 25, Singapore-based players had their hopes up that the official South-East Asian release would soon follow. And now that the wait is finally over, those in Singapore can become the Pokémon masters they’re meant to be. You know it’s your destiny. Pokémon Go is available on Android or iOS.   
Six interesting finds at Mustafa Centre

Six interesting finds at Mustafa Centre

On the nights you can't sleep and there's nothing in particular you'd like to do, head down to Mustafa Centre. Open 24/7, you can find almost anything across the seven levels of this mall – like these bizarre items.  Hydrotherapy massage Feet tired? Shoulders aching? No problem, because this coffin hydrotherapy massage bed will solve all your woes. For $10 a pop (and the ignominy of clambering into this in the middle of a very public corridor), you’ll be treated to 10 minutes of ‘relaxation’. L1, beside the pharmacy.   Motivational posters Motivation. This rack has it. And plenty, too, all arranged in alphabetical order – from ‘Aspire’ to, err, ‘Zest for life’? Whatever emotion you wanna slap on your office wall, you’ll find a poster for it here. L4, beside the party supplies section. Mini suits Wanna dress up your kid in a suit that he’ll outgrow in six months? These assembled boys’ suits that go for $34 will do the trick. B1, beside the men’s section. Green coke Green coke is apparently a thing. Made with Stevia leaf extract, a sugar substitute, Coca-Cola Life ($1.30) claims to have fewer calories than its red equivalent. Water, you got competition. L2, beside the dairy section. Hands Not only are they creepy AF, we’re not sure why someone would want a hand ($11.60 each) on their vanity tables. L4, beside the gift section. Little London Tell your friends you’ve just returned from a trip to the UK capital by gifting them these touristy tchotchkes like bears, buses and U
Say hello to the tallest SG50 baby

Say hello to the tallest SG50 baby

Hello everyone! I'm the new male baby giraffe at the Singapore Zoo. Here's five things about me: Photo: Wildlife Reserves Singapore   1) I'm the tallest SG50 baby: when I was born, I was 1.9 metres tall. Which is taller than most dudes in Singapore (wink, wink).  Photo: Wildlife Reserves Singapore   2) My birthday is August 31, 2015. It's been 28 long years since the Singapore Zoo had a giraffe calf. Maybe the zoo should give out baby bonuses, too.  Photo: Wildlife Reserves Singapore   3) My mum's name is Roni, she's from Israel. My dad, Growie, is from the Netherlands. I hope when they have a naming contest in the next few months, I'll get a more imaginative name. Like 'Atas'. Oh, I'm so funny sometimes. Update: I've been named Jubilee. At least it isn't Growfie, Gamba, Gao Gao, Griffin or Max (the other shortlisted names).   4) I look like a Tokyo Banana. Photo: Wildlife Reserves Singapore   5) I spend my time nibbling on leaves and chopped vegetables. And you can check me out at the Wild Africa zone of the Singapore Zoo. Watch me run around in the video below: Follow my progress at www.zoo.com.sg/sg50babygiraffe and at the hastag #sg50babygiraffe.
Five tips to make the best of your trip to Trick Eye Museum

Five tips to make the best of your trip to Trick Eye Museum

At the revamped Trick Eye Museum, you’ll want to use your illusion well. Two new themes – ‘Supernatural’ and ‘Fantasy’ – and several 4D exhibits mean you can now pose as a zombie or beside a Pegasus. Here are a few tips to keep in mind while you’re there. Photo: Trick Eye Museum Singapore Go on a weekday Fewer people means fewer bags blocking the exhibits and fewer tired ladies sitting on the them. Photo: Trick Eye Museum Singapore If it’s crowded, move ahead People travel in packs. So why not move ahead to the next less crowded exhibit instead of jostling? They run in a loop, which means you can just return to the ones you missed out on. Photo: Trick Eye Museum Singapore Use your imagination There are signs beside the exhibits that show how to pose, but it’s way more fun to find other uses of the space. After all, you’re not the only one to have visited the Trick Eye Museum. Photo: Trick Eye Museum Singapore Work those expressions Don’t be paiseh. The more exaggerated – or silly – your expression, the better. You’ll have a laugh when you look back at the shots. Photo: Trick Eye Museum Singapore Pose everywhere The painted walls and floors of the Trick Eye Museum also provide good photo opportunities – at least you’ll get an interesting image that others would just walk by. Photo: Trick Eye Museum Singapore Other more common things to note: pack light; wear comfy attire; head to the washroom before you enter (there are no toilets inside the Trick Eye Museum); and
Is Coney Island worth visiting?

Is Coney Island worth visiting?

Thirty years ago, before I was born, my parents went to the island on their speed boats and in swim suits. Now that Coney Island, also known as Pulau Serangoon, has reopened on October 10, my parents were quite excited to return to the island to see what developments have been made. I tagged along, too. And if you’re thinking of heading over, here are some things for you to consider. There is nothing to see     Not worth it: You had hopes when you’re planning your trip to Coney Island but all you’ll see are dirt roads and vegetation with no iconic landmarks. Beaches A to E all look the same. Just off the entrance is probably where everything else of note is located – the Casuarina Exploratory, the signpost for the cow, Beach Area A. Worse, there are sandflies along the beaches. Yes, worth it: On the other hand, it is as it is – a rustic island with sand-paved walkways, undeveloped land and sometimes, nobody else around you. It feels as though you’ve left the hustle and bustle of city life and can now indulge in quiet contemplation. A sanctuary from the daily MRT commute you’d be forced to endure come the next working day.   Also, if you’re into photography or taking scenic shots, the fields of lalangs, empty beaches and untouched forest make for good backgrounds. There is a cow   Not worth it: Not spotting the cow (it exists) will have you saying to yourself, ‘the cow is a lie’ over and over. Yes, worth it: However, spotting the cow will be like finding money on the groun
Five tips for the Hello Kitty carnival

Five tips for the Hello Kitty carnival

Kitty White, also known as Hello Kitty, has been making waves in Singapore for a while. From EVA Air's Hello Kitty themed airplanes landing in Singapore, to SG50 Hello Kitty plush collectibles and December's Hello Kitty run, the cat with no mouth is undeniably adored here. She is now making an appearance at the Hello Kitty Go Around carnival at Resorts World Sentosa (RWS). Here, we list the top five things to do to make the most of the carnival. 1) Make sure your phone is charged (or bring a portable charger). There will be lots of photo opportunities and the ticket price allows you to stay in the carnival from 10am until 8pm, when it closes.  <img id="e2213dfe-555a-59ba-8167-dcf1f927f58a" data-caption="" data-credit="" data-width-class="" type="image/jpeg" total="1262252" loaded="1262252" image_id="102916322" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102916322/image.jpg" alt="Hello Kitty" class="photo lazy inline">   2) Don’t miss visiting the Apple Temple. It’s secretly located behind the Sanrio Baby Race, giving it a serene, secluded vibe so you can make your Kitty-centric wishes in peace. <img id="81d7d7ef-466a-78f4-c437-7ae875ab734a" data-caption="" data-credit="" data-width-class="" type="image/jpeg" total="2870670" loaded="2870670" image_id="102916323" src="http://media.timeout.com/images/102916323/image.jpg" alt="Hello Kitty" class="photo lazy inline">   3) November 1. Mark this date down and buy the tickets to Hello Kitty’s birthday party. Although she turns 4
And then, there was Gibson

And then, there was Gibson

After its sister establishments, Humpback and The Flagship, opened their doors on Bukit Pasoh, it's now Gibson’s turn to take the spotlight when it starts operations on October 2.  Bar programme director, Aki Eguchi   Named for the gin-and-vermouth cocktail garnished with a pickled onion, this cocktail bar is a cosy 36-seater built around shelves of vintage glasses. Backlit coloured glass panels behind the bar lend a retro feel to the interior. You'll want to invite the group’s bar programme director, Aki Eguchi, and his team out of the bar to chat with you – they're dressed cheekily like gag newscasters, with bowties and suited tops but pared down with coloured bermudas and sneakers for contrast.  The concept of the bar isn't limited by any particular era or type of cocktail. The 30 cocktails on the menu are divided into three categories, each devoted to a particular palette: Finding Comfort covers the classics, Forging Friendship is aimed at the adventurous, and Sharing Happiness, for those looking for fun, celebratory cocktails.  The Gibson The Gibson is made with Hendrick's Gin, Dolin vermouth, a dash of Monkey 47 for its botanicals, and a plate of smoked radish, pickled onion and quail egg to mix things up. The Angel's Share features ume-infused Sailor Jerry rum infused over a year, absinthe and Peychaud's bitters, while the Laid-Backer is served in a coconut shell with Sparkle Donkey Reposado tequila, cold-brewed coconut, salted vanilla syrup and pandan bitters. Pla
SG50 Hello Kitty plush collectibles

SG50 Hello Kitty plush collectibles

Hands up if you saw this one coming – SG50 and our nation’s inexplicable craze for Hello Kitty have finally come together in a mash up of Hello Kitty collectibles. This set of dolls includes the Trishaw Uncle (available from Jul 27-Aug 2), SG50 Parade (Aug 3-9), Orchid Lover (Aug 10-16), Durian Lover (Aug 17-23), Samsui Woman (Aug 24-30) and… a McDonald’s crew member (from Aug 6). Each of them also comes with a Singapore landscape booklet that consists of paper standees, Hello Kitty cards and six Extra Value Meal food vouchers valued at $5 each.   Fans can purchase a kitty for $5 with every purchase of an Extra Value Meal at McDonald’s from July 27 – but be prepared to brave long queues – or if you can't wait, get the full set ($80) online from July 20 at 11am, limited to three sets per online transaction. But just in case you really can’t wait, we’ve included a video of Orchid Lover Hello Kitty to flower power up your day.    // (function(d, s, id) { var js, fjs = d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0]; if (d.getElementById(id)) return; js = d.createElement(s); js.id = id; js.src = "//connect.facebook.net/en_GB/sdk.js#xfbml=1&version=v2.3"; fjs.parentNode.insertBefore(js, fjs);}(document, 'script', 'facebook-jssdk')); // A blooming beauty is coming your way on 20th July 2015. Care to guess who? Posted by McDonald's on Wednesday, 8 July 2015
Balloting has started for NDP tickets

Balloting has started for NDP tickets

It’s #SG50, and everyone's expecting something bigger when our nation's actual birthday swings around (because, technically, we aren't 50 just yet). This year's National Day Parade will be held at two locations: the Padang as the main venue, with the celebrations screened live at The Float @ Marina Bay – and you can start balloting for your tickets from today up until May 17.  Head to www.ndp.org.sg to ballot for your tickets.