We get it. Life is such a rollercoaster ride that sometimes it’s near impossible to stay updated on things to do in the city. That’s where we come in: We’re here to bring you the latest buzz in the city, covering everything new and cool from food and shopping to entertainment and viral trends – all in easy-to-read, bite-sized doses, of course! So go ahead and bookmark this page for your weekly hit of what’s happening in Singapore.
No clubbing? No problem
Devastated by the closure of entertainment venues? Here’s a small consolation. Razer, Zouk Group and Bigo Live are collaborating to debut the first “cloud clubbing” experience in Southeast Asia. Basically, they’re bringing Zouk’s curated, closed-door club DJ sets to your home. The first livestream will spotlight the nightclub’s popular parties such as One Dance and Sin City, with guest stars like local DJs Farah Farz, ParaMercy and Doppelgangerz. It won’t just be you dancing in your room either – viewers can interact with DJs on the chat function and send virtual gifts. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the government in support of the Covid-19 fight. Keen to join the virtual rave? It starts today (27 Mar) from 8pm to 11pm on the Bigo Live app (ID: Razer).
Solidarity in the arts community
As the theatres close their doors for the next month, countless productions have been cancelled or postponed. But still, there’s something heartwarming about the unity of the arts scene as seen by this video put together by The Finger Players. Featuring groups like Centre 42, Checkpoint Theatre, Pangdemonium and Wild Rice, the “Crash Landing On You”-inspired gestures of solidarity are immensely heartfelt.
The best restaurants in the region
The eighth edition of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants was revealed this week in a virtual ceremony (because Covid-19). For the second year in a row, Singapore’s Odette was crowned first place, followed by The Chairman in Hong Kong, Den in Tokyo, Belon in Hong Kong and Burnt Ends in Singapore. Other notable local names on the line-up include Les Amis (#11), Jaan by Kirk Westaway (#21), Zen (#28), Corner House (#42) and Nouri (#50). Perhaps a little visit to these places after things have calmed down?
Shaken or stirred?
We all need a little magic in our lives these days. That, and martinis. Got a thing for James Bond’s fave cocktail? Perhaps you’d like to wear it on your sleeve with cool threads from Martini Tees. Each design is made with 100% organic cotton, supported by fair wear-certified factories, and $5 from every sale goes to non-profit local organisation Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware). Plus, all tees are on sale right now (with discounts of 30% to 50%) and local shipping is free. Gotta love couch shopping!
Enter through the gift shop
We all know by now that cinemas, karaoke joints and many other places will be closed till 30 Apr. Unfortunately, independent brands will be hit the hardest, and that’s where your help comes in. If you’re a big fan of The Projector and its alternative movies (or you just want to support local), help sustain its business with the Merch-4-Money project. Options include buying a tote bag ($26), becoming a member or gifting someone a membership ($45-$60), purchasing a gift pack ($105), adopting a seat ($120), buying pre-paid venue hire slots ($799-$1,499) and snagging a retro cinema chair to spruce up your home ($1,500).
Weekend indulgence: Desserts
Anyone living in the Paya Lebar area? You lucky ones, you. Patisserie Clé has gone from online to brick-and-mortar with a store in Paya Lebar Office (formerly Paya Lebar Fire Station). The takeaway joint offers all its cakes and tarts in petite portions so you can easily have a party of one with signatures like the Noisette (with dark chocolate sponge, milk chocolate and dark chocolate ganache) and the Orh Blanc Tart (a blend of the French mont blanc treat and orh nee, the local yam dessert).
Lost your gig?
To date, over 9,000 projects amounting to $27 million worth of income has been lost as more than 2,300 creatives in Singapore are affected by event and production cancellations. If you need support, or if you’d like to offer your help, check out I Lost My Gig for initiatives and opportunities.
Here’s how to get free ice cream
From Ben & Jerry’s too! Since we’re all spending more time at home, you’ll need some frosty treats to sweeten the deal you’ve got going on with your TV. Wanna know how to get pints for free? Heads up: From noon on 31 March, the ice cream brand is releasing 5,000 promo codes on foodpanda for a box of Tonight Dough Pint Slices with any purchase of Ben & Jerry’s. Just search the app for the code, add to cart, and enjoy your free delivery.
Last week’s buzz
Get all your entertainment online
From virtual tours of famous tourist attractions to fitness channels and apps to binge-worthy TV shows and movies, we’ve got plenty to do at home. Apart from work, that is. Oh, and let’s not forget online shopping. Can’t resist a good sale? Fashion platform Pomelo is hosting its first ‘community-powered’ digital shopping experience to celebrate its seventh anniversary. You can vote for your fave Pomelo items on social media before the sale on 26 and 27 March, when the top 15 products will have discounts of up to 77%. Other styles will be on sale too, with markdowns starting from 20% going on until 31 March.
Outlook for 2020: Quiet
The year hasn’t gotten off to a great start. Still, we’re keeping our spirits up and looking at the bright side of things. Mass events are being removed from our calendar, but hey, that means more time spent with loved ones (while practicing social distancing). The latest event to get the axe? The iconic Geylang Serai Ramadan Bazaar, which typically sees over a million visitors each year. Other festive markets and fairs organised by the People’s Association for Hari Raya will not take place either, for the well-being and safety of the community.
Also keeping in mind health and safety, Pink Dot will not be at Hong Lim Park for the first time in its 12-year history. Supporters of the freedom to love can still mark the occasion on June 27 by lighting up your homes or workplaces in pink lights and spending time with family and friends on that day. Plus, there will be a live stream at 6.30pm with performances and interactive discussions.
Get on high on this local film
Singapore’s first interactive short film is produced by local director Royston Tan in collaboration with the National Council Against Drug Abuse. Titled High, the screening experience allows viewers to make decisions for the protagonist and journey across multiple endings and possibilities in the storyline. Other activities on its site include a character quiz and online conversations to raise awareness among the youth about drug issues.
Snacks, here we come
Any fans of Marks & Spencer snacks in the house? The brand is opening its first standalone food store at One Raffles Place, offering grab-and-go meals, sandwiches, soups, ice cream, coffee and all kinds of nibbles. Plus, you can get connected with free WiFi in the space and speed things along at the self-checkout machines. Anyone in a rush can also order and pay for M&S coffee through Facebook Messenger before arriving at the Raffles Place store (as well as outlets like Wheelock Place, VivoCity, Parkway Parade and Jewel Changi Airport) to skip the lines. Oh, the wonders of tech.
New in retail therapy
Malls may not be popular at the moment, but a brand new one is coming your way. Taking over Pomo, the quiet building near School of the Arts and Singapore Management University, Gr.id will bring its own collection of food and retail shops to Selegie Road. The tenant line-up has not been revealed yet, but you can expect the space to undergo a cool revamp with fitness brands, indie labels, a food street and little hangout nooks. Keep an eye out for this one!
Dogs working from home
This one’s totally random, but to give you a little boost in your spirits, here’s a peek into the adorable world of dogs working from home. Thanks to the cheeky Instagram account set up by a doggo lover, you can find canine company while you’re typing away at home.
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