20/20: The Temasek Short Film Project kicks off its second season today with four music videos (MVs) inspired by the project theme of ‘Beyond 2020’.

The MVs will offer viewers a glimpse into the hopes and dreams of local secondary school students and their perspectives on life beyond the year 2020 – ahead of the project’s official launch on 29 May.

Film Still from Life Beyond 2020

The videos, which touch on themes such as technology advancement and disruption, as well as social resilience and environmental degradation, were produced using mobile filmmaking techniques by students between 14 to 17 years old across 4 secondary schools – Jurong West Secondary School, Dunman High School, Canberra Secondary School and Nan Hua High School.

Mentored by local film industry veterans Wee Li Lin and Ong Kuo Sin, the MVs feature the original theme song “We’ll Be Okay” written and composed by local award-winning singer and actress, Jean Seizure.

Film Still from Dusk Till Dawn

Artistes Involved

The soundtrack in each MV were each sung by four different local artistes – .gif, Joie Tan, Shak’thiya and Umar Sirhan. The artistes were featured last year in The Great Singapore Replay, a community project jointly presented by the National Arts Council and Temasek which brought back Singapore’s greatest hits of yesteryears, reimagined by some of Singapore’s most promising emerging artists.

Mentor: Ong Kuo Sin

Under the tutelage of Ong Kuo Sin, students from Canberra Secondary School and Nan Hua High School produced the Cryonics and Life Beyond 2020 music videos respectively. Known for his versatility, Ong’s work ranges from documentaries to variety shows to dramas and comedies. He received a nomination for “Best Local Direct” at the Singapore E-Awards in 2014, and his viral hit song “Unbelievable” for Spouse For House, garnered more than 5 million hits on social networks.

Mentor: Wee Li Lin

Wee Li Lin closely mentored the students from Jurong West Secondary School and Dunman High School, responsible for the Dusk Till Dawn and Kim music videos. Wee is one of Singapore’s pioneer female filmmakers, with her distinct comedic and fantastical touch. She has won several awards both locally and internationally including Best Director at the Singapore International Film Festival.

Film Still from Kim

The full premiere of 20/20: The Temasek Short Film Project season two is set for 29 May. Films from 20/20’s first season in 2016, which gathered over a million video views, garnered invitations to participate in international film festivals; I Believe screened at the AS Film Festival in Italy, while Mother was featured at the Vancouver Asian Film Festival in Canada.

Film Still from Cryonics

As in the previous season, Temasek has collaborated with Singapore-based film production company mm2 Entertainment, which has produced notable movies such as the Ah Boys To Men series. mm2 oversaw the filmmaking process and worked with the mentor-directors and filmmaker groups to complete the films.

For more information, please visit this website .

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With hotels in some of the most romantic locations in the world, Banyan Tree Hotels & Resorts has compiled a list of must-see and do activities for couples. Unique to every Banyan Tree resort and city hotel, each experience can be personalised for any romantic celebration.

This May, Banyan Tree is giving travellers the chance to win their very own romantic getaway in some of the most beautiful destinations in the world. The lucky winners will enjoy a 3-night stay, a signature Banyan Tree romantic experience and daily breakfast for two at one of three Banyan Tree hotels; Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in Maldives; Banyan Tree Phuket in Thailand; or at Banyan Tree’s newest hotel in Kuala Lumpur Malaysia (opening June 2018).

Contest Details

To enter, you will need to:

• Like and follow Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts Facebook Page.
• Share why you deserve to win in a maximum of 400 characters in the comment box.
• Tag your partner for the trip in the post.

Prize Details as follows:

• Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru in Maldives, 3-night stay in Oceanview Pool Villa for two persons, inclusive of daily breakfast, 90-minute couple spa massage and return speedboat transfers
• Banyan Tree Phuket in Thailand, 3-night stay in Banyan Pool Villa for two persons, inclusive of daily breakfast  and a 60-minute couple spa massage
• Banyan Tree Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, 3-night stay at Banyan Retreat for two persons, inclusive of daily breakfast and a couple spa massage

The three (3) winners with the best comments will be announced on 19 June 2018. The contest begins on 28 May and closes on 10 June 2018 (03.59PM GMT).

Some of the romantic Banyan Tree experiences guests can enjoy include:

Banyan Tree Bangkok, Thailand: Nestled in the cityscapes of Bangkok, Banyan Tree Bangkok is one of the tallest hotels in the city. Exclusive to the urban retreat are eight restaurants and two bars tailored to the gourmet traveller. Indulge in mouth-watering international cuisines at their roof-top restaurant, Vertigo, amidst breath-taking panoramic views of the city from the 61-storey hotel. Signature cocktail, Vertigo Sunset: THB650. Other classic cocktail prices start from THB620.

Banyan Tree Bintan, Indonesia: Find the yin to your yang with couple yoga on the beachfront resort’s 1.5-kilometre-long private beach. Watch the sunrise from the glistening ocean before enjoying a delicious breakfast on the beach. Yoga beach breakfast set at IDR500,000.

Banyan Tree Chongqing Beibei, China: Leave the hustle and bustle of the city and retreat to this sanctuary filled with spirituality and tranquillity. Relax in your private hot spring dipping pool and enjoy a quiet moment with your beloved, followed by a couple’s massage from the award-winning Banyan Tree Spa.

Banyan Tree Hangzhou, China: With a priceless sense of tranquillity in an authentic water village within the Xixi Wetlands Nature Reserve, Banyan Tree Hangzhou is unlike any other resort. Couple can take in the naturally beautiful surrounds on a dinner boat, floating though lush greenery and listening to the peaceful sounds of the water. Dinner Boat: CNY 2,000 for two persons

Banyan Tree Huangshan, China: Nestled at the foot of one of China’s most majestic mountains, Mount Huangshan, couples can enjoy the awe-inspiring landscape of Banyan Tree Huangshan. Outside of the hotel, guests can also explore the local Lucun village whilst meeting and greeting locals. Complimentary

Banyan Tree Lăng Cô, Central Vietnam: Take a tour to the ancient town of Hoi An and immerse yourself in one of the best culturally-preserved towns in Central Vietnam. Travel back in time with a visit to the Phung Hung Old House and enjoy the local markets that hosts a variety of traditional handicrafts. From the charming port towns to the picturesque street architecture, Hoi An is the perfect destination to discover local heritage. Private Tour (2 persons MAX): US$110/person OR Private Tour (5-10 persons PAX): US$68/person

Banyan Tree Lijiang, China: The ancient city of Lijiang makes a beautiful backdrop for a romantic vacation. With Naxi-inspired architecture and breath-taking views of the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain, couple can experience a local traditional Naxi Wedding ceremony with Banyan Tree. Wearing traditional Naxi costume, couples can visit a local family where they will receive best wishes from the Dongba Master. Back in the room, Banyan Tree’s Jet Pool is the perfect way to unwind and relax.

Banyan Tree Macau, China: For couples wanting to experience an adrenaline rush, take the SkyWalk on the open outer perimeter of the 764 feet Macau Tower. Summon the courage to walk along a platform just 1.8 metres wide with no handrail in this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. If heights is not the forte, opt for an intimate stroll at the ruins of St. Paul to witness the beautiful sights Macau has to offer. Skywalk: MOP788 p/person

Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand: Experience dining on water differently with a romantic dinner on board Banyan Tree’s traditional long tail boat, the ‘Sanya Rak’. Translated as the “Promise of Love”, the Sanya Rak cruises along Banyan Tree’s lagoon as a couple share a magical moment dining while the sun sets. Sanya Rak Dinner: THB15,000 p/couple (including one bottle of Champagne)

Banyan Tree Ringha, China: For an authentic experience, couple can enjoy the romantic setup of Banyan Tree Ringha’s Tibetan style farmhouse and spa as well as an enchanting riverside dinner.

Banyan Tree Samui, Thailand: Overlooking the azure waters of the Gulf of Thailand, explore the island with Banyan Tree’s ‘Sense of the Sea’ marine excursion. Combining the best elements of a tropical getaway, couples can also opt for a half day marine and island tour to visit natural and cultural attractions. Half-day tour to Koh Taen & Koh Matsum’: THB 25,000`

Banyan Tree Sanya, China: Banyan Tree Sanya offers unique experiences for couples, surrounded by a beautiful private beach. Together they can discover the joy of the Ocean Treasure Hunt and enjoy one of the most romantic sunsets with a Sundown Ritual offering of complimentary dessert, fruit and soft drinks.

Banyan Tree Shanghai On The Bund, China: Situated in the hub of one of the world’s largest cities, Banyan Tree Shanghai On The Bund embodies an urban luxury lifestyle. Dine from rooftop restaurant and bar TOPS where a couple can enjoy an awe-inspiring panorama of the Bund and Huangpu River. Full Moon package is MOP1,688 /couple

Banyan Tree Ungasan, Bali: Positioned 70 metres above sea level on the Southern tip of Bali, this luxury all-pool villa resort is the perfect couples escape. Find true relaxation at this charming island resort, explore local communities with a village walk and experience their daily activities, followed by a romantic dinner at Ju-Ma-Na Restaurant. Village Walk: IDR 150,000/person. 3-Course set menu at Ju-Ma-Na Restaurant: IDR 1,192,500/person

Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru Maldives: Enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner in perfect serenity on a secluded sandbank. Set in the Indian Ocean just 15 minutes away by speedboat, indulge with a personal chef and waiter who will cater to the culinary wishes. Sandbank dining will leave guests with unforgettable memories like no other. Sandbank Grill at US$250 p/person. 

Banyan Tree Yangshuo, China: With mesmerising views of the mountain range, Banyan Tree Yangshuo encapsulates the beauty of the Li River. Taking in all of the natural surrounds, visiting couples can enjoy an intimate, Pagoda Lake Destination Dining experience exclusively with Banyan Tree. CNY 1,988/couple

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Are you one who has travelled to New Zealand and missed the food? Or are you simply one who would like to try food products from New Zealand? Either way, head on down to Cold Storage as the Taste New Zealand Fair returns this May!

Launch of the Fair

Chef Hong and his team

To turn up the heat, professional private chef Ryan had a cooking demonstration at the opening ceremony on the 21st of May at Great World City using the best of produce from New Zealand. Guests at the event enjoyed canapés that chef Ryan and his team made!

Peanut Butter and Crisps from New Zealand

Jazz Apple from New Zealand

Guests at the launch were also invited to tour the Cold Storage outlet and sample the New Zealand products as well.

Products you can look forward to

Look forward to a wide selection of over 100 products, which include delicious healthy snacks, ready-to-eats, interesting ciders, beers and delicious wines!

New Zealand Zespri Kiwi

Customers can come sample the food, wines and ciders before stocking up on their favourite Kiwi snack and pantry essential brands such as CeresOrganics, Abe’s Bagel Bakery, Tasti Protein Bars and Zesti Organic Cookies.

To identify NZ products, just spot the green balloons around the Cold Storage shelves

And the goodness doesn’t just stop there. Indulge in authentic New Zealand brews from Mata Beer and the MOA Brewing company.

Participating Outlets

The Taste New Zealand Fair is available at 5 Cold Storage outlets: Jelita, Great World City, Causeway Point, Plaza Singapura and Compass One and runs from 18 – 31 May.

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Downtown East, the lifestyle destination by the Labour Movement, unveils the new offerings and programmes that marked the completion of its five-year redevelopment project. Union members and the public can also enjoy a series of fun events in celebration of its 30^th anniversary this year.

Myriad of Options to Shop, Eat, and Play at Market Square

The last phase of the redevelopment saw the completion of Market Square, a 280,000 sq ft retail, dining and entertainment area. The new area will see more than 20% increase in the number of retail and F&B choices. Comprising E!Hub and E!Avenue, Market Square boasts a slew of family-oriented retail, dining and entertainment choices which enable guests to celebrate every moment.

Families can partake in a fun and invigorating outdoor experience with Gogreen, Singapore’s only Segwaydistributor, that will offer fun adventures on their mobility devices to explore the natural surroundings of Downtown East. Other lifestyle and entertainment options include Forest4 Darts Cafe, where one can enjoy a tipple while aiming for the bullseye.

Complementing these retail and lifestyle offerings are Downtown East’s diverse array of dining delights. From popular Korean tteokbokki restaurant Mukshidonna to homegrown café Ice Edge Café & Bar and 24-hour Indian Muslim restaurant Flaming Spice, the eclectic mix of local and international culinary delights is set to please both casual diners and food enthusiasts.

The offerings at Market Square complement the other key experiences at Downtown East. This includes Singapore’s first integrated water park resort featuring the nature-inspired accommodation D’Resort with an expanded water park Wild Wild Wet; and upgraded member engagement facilities MUCE (Membership & Union Community Engagement) that are ideal venues for large and small scale corporate and consumer events, and any kind of celebratory occasions.

Celebrating Fun for All at Downtown East

To celebrate the completion of the redevelopments and leading up to its 30th anniversary celebratory party in November, Downtown East has curated a series of festivities for all.

Kickstarting this weekend is #KBRAYAFEST, a weekend of tasty treats and retail deals. In conjunction with the start of the fasting month, members of the public can enjoy a juicy hamburger, old school steamed putu piring, and other yummy morsels from its roster of close to 140 stalls.

The following months will also see many entertaining events including a fun carnival featuring rides from Uncle Ringo and the perennial favourite Cosfest, while union members can enjoy the LM Fiesta and Family Fun Fiesta.

Celebrating 30 years of Fun with Downtown East

Downtown East invites members of the public to walk down memory lane at the Heritage Wall. Through nostalgic images, the Heritage Wall captures the iconic periods that the destination has undergone, from its beginnings in 1988.

In conjunction with this commemoration, Downtown East is also launching Downtown East Memories, an engaging digital campaign that is set to go live in early June. The campaign will call upon the public to share their fondest memories of Downtown East over the past 30 years. The public is welcome to send in their stories through photos by uploading them onto the Downtown East 30^th anniversary microsite from early June.

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The longest running IT and consumer electronics show, The PC Show, is back with another wide range of IT and consumer electronics. The public Expo will be at Marina Bay Sands Expo & Convention Centre from 31 May to 3 June.

With a standing track record of almost 30 years, it’s a guarantee that there will be something for everyone – be it from the latest mobile devices to laptops, from printers to desktop computers, PC games, cameras and TVs, this is an event not to be missed for deal hunters and tech enthusiasts alike.

Participating Brands

Familiar brands participating at this year’s show include Acer, Aftershock PC, Apple, ASUS, Brother, Dell, Epson, HP, Lenovo, M1, Microsoft, Philips, Samsung, SanDisk, Seagate, Secretlab, Singtel, WD, Xiaomi, and more. PC Show also sees strong support and new participation this year from brand vendors like Sony, MyRepublic, StarHub, Google, Canon, Olympus, Nikon, Huawei, GoPro, Omnidesk, Prism+, Razer and BlackVue, thus we can expect a wider diversity of products at the show.

Singapore’s leading custom PC company, Dreamcore, brings personalization to consumer electronics with their products. This made-in-Singapore brand features two new high performance PCs – the ultra-compact Dreamcore Bullet and the e-sports centric Dreamcore Ghost.

Special Features in this year’s PC Show

To further celebrate bringing people together to enjoy and experience new technology products at the show, the 2018 PC Show will go a step further to draw attention on the characterized segments in technology to accentuate how people, women, gamers and children can distinctly be a part of this technological world of new gadgets.

The PC Show 2018 segments:

• Main sector of the exhibition, where exhibitors from across the region will showcase the latest in consumer technology as well as exclusive deals on purchases that is only available at PC Show.
• Women Tech – a brand new segment specially designed zone for women! A segment where exhibitors market innovative IT, electronics and gadgets for women. We see how the technological world is more dominated with men and there is often no clear identification of products for women. Come discover tech products for women; making their tech learning and shopping experience easily accessible at The PC Show.
• Know Your Tech – an engagement and educational zone where visitors will be able to learn more about the technological products displayed.
• GG Gaming Zone – an exciting gaming area where PC Show partners will hold competitions, engage like-minded gamers and introduce new gaming products/ accessories.
• MoveFuture – an area where mobility meets technology. This zone features everything from e-scooters and e-skateboards, see the future of mobility with a brand new showcase.

To top off the great deals, demonstrations and exhibitions at this year’s PC Show, there will be a slew of competitions for all to enjoy at the GAM3.SHOW 2018.

Catch the ROG Champions Cup, Razer and FIFA 18 Community Challenges and rub shoulders with Singapore’s very own local Pro-Gamer “Xian”! The leader in eMobility; MOBOT will also be hosting a Safe Rider Challenge and E-Scooter Balancing Act on Saturday, 2 June at the MoveFuture activity area.

Participation is free, so be sure to check it out at the PC Show 2018. More information can be found on their official website.

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It’s been more than a month since the Prudential Marina Bay Carnival – the largest-ever carnival in Singapore – has ended… but that doesn’t mean that all the fun’s gone!

Come on down to Cartoon Network Animate Your Life in order to experience the latest sensation in town! For all Cartoon Network fans out there, this is your chance to get involved with your favourite cartoons: The Powerpuff Girls, Adventure Time, We Bare Bears, Ben 10.

The Powerpuff Girls

Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be a PPG? What it’s like to save someone or fight criminals? What it’s like to fly?

Trampoline ride in the PPG zone to simulate flight. Kitties will be thrown into the trampoline and your job is to save them

Well, you’d finally get to find out if you come to the PPG zone! Hop onto the giant trampoline ride to simulate the flight experience, and join Bubbles, Blossom and Buttercup in fighting crime! But that’s not all: as you soar, expect little kitties to be thrown in your direction. It’s your duty to catch and save them!

But if saving the town isn’t really your cup of tea, that’s alright too, because you can still leave your mark in Townsville on the live PPG installation by the local artist group, Band of Doodlers. This artwork will only be shown after 4pm on 27 May Sunday, and it’s a tribute to PPG’s 20^th anniversary.

Ben 10

If you think being a hero is over when you leave the PPG zone, you can’t be any more wrong! Next up is the Ben 10 zone – expect a series of obstacle courses, disguised as an Omnitrix. Conquer it all and maybe you’ll re-enter the human world transformed. Who knows? You may turn into Diamondhead, you may grow two more arms, you may…

Ben 10 boot camp-style obstacle course

Anyway, if the maze doesn’t transform you, you can always turn to the trick mirrors. Brace yourself, stand in front of the mirror, and take in the monstrous figure staring back at you. Yup, that would be how you’d look like – if you were one of Ben Tennyson’s aliens. Cool, right?

Trick mirrors that enable you to become one of Ben 10’s Omnitrix aliens

We Bare Bears

Now that you’re done being a hero, you can finally take a break. Settle down in the WBB zone and snap a photo in the life-size inflatable cave that’s home to Grizz, Panda and Ice Bear. If that’s not good enough, there’re many more movable, inflatable bears scattered around the grass patch in front of the cave, which you can take pictures with. Alternatively, you could move them into the cave and take a picture with them – whatever floats your boat.

This is the life-size inflatable cave which the bears call their home

For the more active ones, there’s a “log-ride” (a slide) in this zone. It’s based on one of the WBB episodes, whereby the three bears get on a log-ride over and over again just so they can get a decent picture of themselves on camera… except that Cartoon Network Animate Your Life‘s version of the log-ride is much more fun, thrilling and experiential. The inflatable slide leads you straight into a colourful ball-pit; and the best part is, the slide is really quite slippery.

We Bare Bears inflatable slide

Adventure Time

After saving the world, becoming a hero and surviving adrenaline rushes, do you know what it’s time for?

Adventure Time!

Entrance to Adventure Time maze

Here, you can walk right into Jake’s mouth and take a trip into the Land of Ooo. Get lost in the vibrant rainbow maze, and don’t be afraid to take risks! Take all turns and crawl through all the holes you see – what you discover on the other side may just surprise you! It’s Adventure Time after all, isn’t it?

In addition to these 4 zones, there are many more exciting carnival games in this fun festival, such as the Animate Yourself booth. This is where you can animate yourself into a cartoon character – you can Ben 10 yourself, PPG yourself, for example – and even print the design onto a shirt.

There will also be set-ups from Cha-Ching City, as well as workshops conducted every weekend at 4.30pm, 5.30pm and 6.30pm, teaching you animation skills ranging from drawing to voice-over to stop-animating. You’ll also be given a chance to learn more about Cartoon Network Wave, a cruise liner that will offer the first-ever toon vacation at sea.

Cha-Ching City

Seeing that the festival coincides with the school holidays, there’s no excuse for you not to bring your kids down to Cartoon Network Animate Your Life. Remember, this is Cartoon Network’s largest festival in Asia, so don’t miss out!

Date: 26 May – 10 June

Venue: Bayfront Plaza @ Gardens by the Bay

Time: Mon – Thurs, 3pm – 9pm; Fri – Sun, 3pm – 11pm

Price: S$12.50 – S$50, depending on age. Family & friend packages available.

Tickets can be purchased either at the entrance or pre-ordered online HERE.

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Pack your bags for a journey of discovery across Central and Eastern Europe, and meet the lovable Sesame Street characters landing at Changi Airport this June school holidays! Visitors will be delighted with a jam-packed lineup of activities from 25 May to 24 June, with different experiences for the young and young-at-heart at Changi Airport.

For the first time, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie, Count von Count and Abby Cadabby will meet eager fans at Changi Airport’s Terminal 3 (T3) at live shows and meet and greet sessions. Travel buffs are also invited to view scale reproductions of landmarks from Central and Eastern Europe made entirely out of cardboard, while adventure seekers can go on a thrilling bobsleigh adventure ride that promises to entertain and excite visitors.

Meet and Greet sessions with Sesame Street characters take place every weekend at Changi Airport

World Premiere of LIVE Sesame Street Show

Look forward to the exclusive world premiere of the ‘S is for Sharing’ live show, debuting at T3! Sing and dance with Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie, Count von Count and Abby Cadabby as they unravel a mystery package from Count von Count’s family in Romania. This June’s instalment of the Changi Loves Kids campaign offers an interactive experience with the characters including fan meet and greet sessions and opportunities to take photographs with the loveable characters every weekend.

The largest cardboard exhibition ever held in Singapore featuring scaled replicas of famous landmarks in Central and Eastern Europe provide visitors with perfect Instagram moments at Changi Airport

The spirit of Europe at Changi Airport

The exquisite Discover Europe exhibition at Changi Airport will bring families on a trip to Berlin, Budapest, Moscow, Prague and Warsaw. Organised in conjunction with Changi Airport’s first non-stop link to Central and Eastern Europe, via the recently launched LOT Polish service to Warsaw and upcoming Scoot service to Berlin, this is Singapore’s largest cardboard art installation measuring 21 metres by 19 metres! Capture some perfect Instagram moments at all seven iconic landmarks in the exhibition or with the 3D Sesame Street characters dressed in traditional European costumes.

Visitors who answer questions at the exhibition can redeem souvenirs, or stand a chance to win exclusive travel deals to the exciting destinations.

Thrilling bobsleigh rides await both the young and young-at-heart at Terminal 3 Departure Hall, providing families with hours of fun

Thriling Bobsleigh Rides

Families can gear up for a thrilling time on the Europe Bobsleigh Adventure tracks inspired by the Bobsleigh Track in Prague. Offering two custom-made routes, visitors are in for an adrenaline treat as they whizz down the bobsleigh tracks in sheer delight.

Choose from the 17-metre straight slide elevated at 1.8 metres or opt to go on the exciting 30-metre curvy slide!

There’s something for everyone this June holidays

Back by popular demand is the Sesame Street Inflatable Playground at Terminal 4. At 30 metres long, the inflatable playground features life-sized characters and fun obstacles like tunnels, a ladder, and even a climbing wall! Two gigantic slides complete the offerings, with the tallest standing at 4.7 metres and leading straight into a huge multi-coloured ball pit.

Visitors can also try their luck at the Giant Cookie Monster and Elmo Gachapon Machines, for a sure-win chance to bag attractive vouchers and Changi Gift Cards, or get their hands on various Sesame Street goodies available exclusively at the Sesame Street Retail Store at T3.

From 28 May, visitors can snag a limited-edition Sesame Street purchase-with-purchase with every minimum spend of $60 ($80 at Supermarkets). These handy storage boxes double up as a stool and come in three colourful designs. Kids who have completed the March journey in their Passport to Fun can redeem a ‘fast pass’ to the June activities and start collecting more stamps.

This time, help Abby Cadabby find her way around Changi Airport and be rewarded with a ‘fast pass’ to the September activities! Sesame Street themed collectibles like activity packs and stickers are still available at participating restaurants or any Information or Customer Service counters in the public areas of Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 4. 

In conjunction with the Changi Loves Kids activities, the first Kidspreneur Bazaar will be held at Changi Airport on 26 and 27 May at T3 Basement 2. Jointly organised by Changi Airport Group and Mums@Work, this initiative is aimed at empowering kids aged between the ages of 5 and 16 years, who have an interest in learning about entrepreneurship and running a business of their own. Look out for the 25 stalls at this bazaar!

For more information on the activities and terms and conditions, please visit Changi Airport’s website.

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The OSIM Sundown Marathon is into its 11th edition this year and I participated in the event for the first time in my life, entering myself for the half-marathon. This came back-to-back after I completed by first half-marathon at the NTUC Eco Run two weeks earlier and the 10km Star Wars Run a week earlier.

Completed my first sundown half marathon last night at #osimsundownmarathon2018. Indeed, #sleepcanwait! I cycled home after the run and was aching all over that I planted myself in the #osimulove to recover before I went to sleep. All’s good and it was fun! I will do this again! #osimsundownmarathon @osim_sg

A post shared by Alvinology.com (@alvinology) on May 19, 2018 at 8:03pm PDT

My knees were a little wonky still and hence my goal was really just to complete the full 21.1km without walking. The flag-off for the half-marathon runners was from 11.45pm till midnight in batches. I started just past midnight and completed the run at close to 3am. The weather was humid and stuffy that night and it was not too comfortable for a night run. However, the spirit of all the runners were high and the event was generally well organised.

Over 25,500 runners proved that Sleep Can indeed Wait, keeping the momentum going from start till end. I took part in the run to experience if there’s any difference between running a half-marathon in the day and at night. Although I am very much a night owl, my conclusion is that running is still a better experience at the early break of dawn – the air is better and there’s something magically about watching the sun rises as you run. It also leaves you energised for the rest of the day.

After the run, I cycled home on an ofo bike as there were no more public transport available. Still wide awake after I got home, fresh from the run and a shower, I plonked myself into the OSIM uLove massage chair for some pampering while watching a few episodes of Netflix original series. I only went to bed at around 5am and slept till noon.

The organisers provided a variety of entertainment options at the F1 Pit Building for those who choose to stay on and linger through the night. There was an open-air cinema, OSIM massage room, pop-up bars, among many other fun stuff.

All in all, it was a fun and different experience from the many day or even evening runs I have participated in in Singapore. I will definitely do it again next year – maybe attempt the full marathon to catch the break of dawn at the end of my run!

WINNERS

As expected, the Africans dominated the Individual Male Races with Kenyans, John Muriuri Mburu 27, winning the Full Marathon at 2:29:07; Lel Kipchirchir 24, the Half Marathon at 1:10:24 and Godfrey Ngetich 36, the 10KM race at 36:04 respectively. However, it was Singapore’s women who were rising to the challenge with podium finishes, even twice emerging victorious.

Winner of the 10KM Individual Women’s Category, Phoebe Kee 18, said, “The race pushed my limits today. The route was not as flat as I thought it would be but was still a good route with sufficient water stations and race marshals. The race was really well organised too! No getting stuck at bottlenecks, or being merged with other runners.”

Hu Xiu Ying, winner of the Women’s Full Marathon said, “It was really special to run in the OSIM Sundown Marathon 2018. I struggled and overcame some difficulty but tried my best to enjoy it! Last year I placed second so I was determined to place first this year.”

Singapore’s Kelly Ho was placed 3rd in the Women’s Half Marathon.

OSIM Sundown Marathon 2018 Full Official Results List

Men’s Full Marathon (42.195KM) Results

1 John Muiruri, Mburu 2:29:07.1
2 Rotich, Willy Kipkemoi 2:29:42.0
3 Mugi, Muthokai John 2:36:30.1
4 Lamchannak, Ahmad 2:59:41.7
5 Qu, Jinchao 3:03:26.6

Women’s Full Marathon (42.195KM) Results

1 Hu, Xiu Ying 3:35:50.9
2 Yan, Li 3:38:39.0
3 Nakajima, Asuka 3:40:13.1
4 Tan, Sharon 3:44:37.4
5 Siew, Yvonne 3:46:20.8

Men’s Half Marathon (21.1KM) Results

1 Lel, Kipchirchir 1:10:24.6
2 Ngetich, Miller Kipruto 1:14:23.0
3 Gurung, Nimesh 1:14:27.1

Women’s Half Marathon (21.1KM) Results

1 Jepkosgei, Naum 1:28:18.1
2 Cameron, Jenna 1:37:50.8
3 Ho, Kelly 1:45:33.5

10KM Challenge – Team of 4 (Mixed-Gender Category) Results

1 Shufflers X1 39:15:00
Sugaya, Rie (F)
Callon, Mark (M)
Connolly, Creighton (M)
Suda, Yuta (M)

2 Team AGT / Trackstar 3 41:37:00
Nicole, Low Sui Xuan (F)
Fan Jing Yu, Benjamin (M)
Wei Quan, Ng (M)
Yeong Ern David, Lee (M)

3 Kakithon 42:31:00
Ong Ee Ling (F)
Chan, Yien Wei (M)
Wong, Chin Chin (M)
Ong, Wei Xiang

10KM Challenge – Team of 4 (Men’s Category) Results

1 Trackstar 1 38:38:00
Fan Jing Yu, Benjamin
Harish Ragupathy, Karthic
Iskandar, Mohamed
Wong, Melvin

2 Shufflers M1 40:09:00
Cuzzucoli, Valentin
Herr, Stefan
Matsumoto, Noboru
Watkins, Dominic

3 Shufflers M2 42:14:00
Allender, Daniel
Besnaud, Jerome
Datta, Tirthankar
Leow, Daniel

10KM Challenge – Team of 4 (Women’s Category) Results

1 Shufflers W1 43:19:00
Arcella, Concetta
McParlin, Zoe
Small, Bronwyn
Tang, Vivian

2 PhysioRunners 47:13:00
Huang, Jenny
Lim, Emily
Mok, Ying Rong
Nic Amhlaoibh, Maire

3 Team AGT/Trackstar 2 47:25:00
Rui Min Romaine, Soh
Ying Zhuang Vanessa, Lee
Zhilei, Chen
Shah Feroz

10KM Challenge – Individual (Men’s Category) Results

1 Ngetich, Godfrey Kiprotich 36:04:00
2 Quek, Benjamin 38:18.5
3 Lee, Leroi 41:19:00

10KM Challenge – Individual (Women’s Category) Results

1 Kee, Phoebe 42:55:00
2 Tang, Lucy 48:27:00
3 Jolynn, Ng 49:59:00

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Lights, camera, décor-ation! Release your personality and creativity with IKEA’s latest limited edition collection, OMEDELBAR.

In collaboration with fashion activist and designer, Bea “B.” Åkerlund, OMEDELBAR celebrates individual expression and style with playful surprises and convention-breaking design pieces that scream gothic glam with a dash of the whimsy as seen in Alice in Wonderland.

Straddling the lines of fashion and home décor, the collection features seemingly wearable products that are as beautiful as they are functional.

Keep time with a pocket watch wall clock, or fill your room up with Bea’s signature red lip made into cushions. Store your prized possessions in a crown-shaped bowl, or fill a Mad Hatter’s hat with anything from buttons, bathroom essentials, or even flowers – it’s really all up to you.

The collaboration with Bea also pushes the boundaries of innovation in the creation of the highly complex OMEDELBAR mesh-inspired hand wall decoration. The result? IKEA’s first ever mass-produced 3D-printed product – the perfect handy piece to showcase your accessories.

Get ready to B. who you are as OMEDELBAR comes to IKEA stores in June 2018.

The post Goth meets Hollywood glamour at IKEA’s new OMEDELBAR collection appeared first on Alvinology.

Previously, we discussed one of many malls in the City Hall area, The Adelphi. Well, today, we are going to feature The Adelphi’s neighbour across the road, Capitol Piazza!

Capitol Piazza focuses on mainly gourmet restaurants and high-end shopping boutiques.

Food Options: 5/5

If you are looking to treat yourself, Capitol Piazza offers a huge range of restaurants for you to choose from.

Take your pick from Peranakan cuisine, Vegetarian food and much more! Being near the Central Business District area, this mall is perfect if you are looking to enjoy a luxurious lunch or host some clients.

For those who are looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can drop by Food Republic which offers an equally wide range of delicacies.

Unlike the typical Food Republic food stalls in other malls, the place also features a few individual restaurants for affordable prices.

Uniqueness: 4/5

The mall is conveniently linked to Capitol Theatre, where one can immerse in the arts or even attend red carpet events!

Tickets to events at Capitol Theatre can be purchased within Capitol Piazza at the Concierge.

P.S. the minimalist and classy design of the Capitol Theatre makes it an extremely Instagram-worthy spot!

Photo Credits: Eden Residences Capitol

The mall is also linked to Eden Residences Capitol, a luxurious hotel that features an extremely dynamic view of Singapore.

I also noted that there are several fountains in the mall which are situated beside restaurants, creating a luxurious and comfortable atmosphere for diners to enjoy their food with.

For those interested, there are also pop-up karaoke booths in the mall for you to sing to your heart’s content!

Tenant Mix: 3/5

Capitol Piazza’s shops mainly feature boutiques selling clothes on the pricier side. This includes shops like 45R and Joseph in the pictures below.

As most of the boutiques offer more prestigious and branded goods, the displays tend to be more glamorous and beautiful as well – perfect for all you window-shoppers (you don’t even need to spend a single cent)!

There are also many established beauty salons available for you to pamper yourself including hairdressing salons, nail salons and beauty clinics.

Accessibility: 4/5

As like The Adelphi, Capitol Piazza is extremely accessible by both public transport and by car.

By MRT:

Take Exit B and cross the road via pedestrian crossing. You should be able to see Capitol Piazza across the road once you step out of the MRT station!

By Bus:

There are two bus stops located along the pathway stated above and here are the buses you can take:

Opposite Peninsula Plaza (04168): 32, 51, 63, 80, 195, 851, 961, 961C

St. Andrew’s Cathedral (04167): 1N, 2N, 3N, 4N, 5N, 6N, 61, 124, 145, 166, 174, 174e, 197, NR1, NR2, NR5, NR6, NR7, NR8

If you are driving, prominent landmarks around the area including St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the Supreme Court.

All in all, I would say that this is the perfect place to indulge in shopping splurges or good food. Take note, though, that most of the shops are upmarket labels and you may be better off visiting malls like The Adelphi or Peninsula Plaza across the road instead if you are looking for some wallet-friendly deals.

What do you think?

The post Shop Till You Drop: Capitol Piazza Review – high end boutiques and food! appeared first on Alvinology.

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“Carnivale of Stars” at Hong Kong Disneyland Resort (HKDL) is bringing brand-new fun this summer! Guests can experience a rich line-up of excitement day and night, like the all-new atmosphere stage show “Moana: A Homecoming Celebration,” the “We Love Mickey!” Projection Show, and a new African-style Karibuni Marketplace.

From June 21 to September 2, the seasonal program heats up with favorite Disney characters leading HKDL’s first-ever “Pixar Water Play Street Party!” – and be sure not to miss the opportunities to meet Mr. and Mrs. Incredible at the “The Incredibles Arrive!”

Together with special accommodation experiences at the resort’s three uniquely themed hotels as well as shopping and dining offers, guests from Singapore can enjoy “play, shop, dine, and stay” for a total Disney holiday experience.

Karibuni Marketplace and live Moana atmosphere stage show to debut at Adventureland

The first attraction of the resort’s current multi-year expansion, the new lively atmosphere stage show, “Moana: A Homecoming Celebration,” will be launched on May 25 in an entirely new exotic outdoor venue, Jungle Junction, in Adventureland. The heroine of the popular animated film, Moana, will invite guests to join her adventure in a 20-minute live show rich with inspirational music, dance, puppetry and immersive storytelling.

Guests will be invited to participate and interact as Moana recounts her tale. Guests can also meet Moana in person, hear stories of her oceanic voyages, and share hugs and snapshots with her.

Karibuni Marketplace, which is next to Theater in the Wild in Adventureland, has already been launched to immerse guests in the lively colors, sights and sounds of Africa. Guests can win an exclusive souvenir through interactive games such as the Wheel of Fortune, Blongo Balls and Plinko, and savor various special snacks that are available only at this unique marketplace.

Characters from beloved Disney adventure stories, including Carl and Russell from Up, Judy and Nick from Zootopia, King Louie and Baloo from The Jungle Book, Rafiki and Timon from The Lion King, Princess Jasmine and Genie from Aladdin and Lilo and Stitch will greet guests at the Karibuni Marketplace.

Soak up summer fun at first-ever “Pixar Water Play Street Party!” and meet The Incredibles!

For the first time, beloved characters from popular Disney∙Pixar films will make a big splash at the park in the “Pixar Water Play Street Party!”. From June 21 onwards, join Mr. and Mrs. Incredible from The Incredibles, Woody, Buzz Lightyear and their pals from Toy Story, along with other Disney∙Pixar stars in this water-based celebration.

With Incredibles 2 coming soon to cinemas, guests can catch up with their favorite super hero family in a series of unique, high-energy encounters as part of “The Incredibles Arrive!” in Tomorrowland!

All-new “We Love Mickey!” Projection Show with dazzling visual effects and lighting

Lots of surprises will continue during the nighttime! Minnie Mouse and her pals are inviting guests to a surprise party for Mickey Mouse as part of Disney’s all-new “We Love Mickey!” Projection Show each evening. This new celebration transforms the buildings of Main Street, U.S.A. into a canvas for vibrant, colorful visuals that pay tribute to Mickey’s major milestones. During the finale of the dazzling projection show, Mickey will appear in his finest attire to thank everyone for the fantastic surprise.

Indulge with an exotic range of souvenirs and delightful snacks

The range of over 100 exclusive, summer-themed memorabilia at the park will be extended this summer to include new collections of Duffy and friends series with exotic fruit themes. Along with the debut of The Incredibles experience at the park, new souvenirs themed after the super hero family will be available for the first time.

Specially designed Moana outfits and necklaces which look just like Moana’s in the film will also be available for guests to dress up like their favorite heroine.

More than 40 summer dining choices will be available across the resort and the hotels too. To mark the arrival of the new lively atmosphere stage show, River View Cafe will present an exciting new “Moana’s Special Menu” that curates a range of authentic snacks, while young guests can busy themselves making creative handicrafts.

At Explorer’s Club Restaurant, “Summer Mickey Ice with Fruits” will be added as the flavor of the season and keep guests cool along with other icy desserts such as frozen watermelon. Creative summer drinks – “Magical Ocean” themed after Moana will be served up at Disney Explorers Lodge, while“Frozone” and “Showtime” themed after The Incredibles will be available at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel and Disney’s Hollywood Hotel.

Summer fun spread across three resort hotels

Guests staying at the resort’s three hotels will be able to join a host of fun themed activities. The “Adventures of Oceania” poolside party at Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel will immerse young guests in challenging games. A Disney friend is ready to have fun with guests at an afternoon poolside party at the Rain Drop Pool at Disney Explorers Lodge.

Hotel guests can enjoy a multitude of immersive summer recreational pursuits, including Moana and Disney∙Pixar themed leisure activities. Young guests may also unleash their creativity by making exclusive Disney handcrafts like wind bell ornaments, plant decor and towel art.

Taking summer magic up a notch, guests can have their hotel rooms decorated with the theme of The Incredibles for HK$600 from June 21 onwards. The room decoration package includes themed bed runners, slippers, door stickers, amenities kits, sweet delights plus two water bottles and a set of kid’s utensils – all themed after The Incredibles to deliver a magical and heroic stay for hotel guests.

Guests staying at the resort’s hotels will receive at least one Priority Admission Pass for selected attractions, as well as the season’s exclusive souvenirs, including an amenities box, Disney slippers and door stickers. Guests staying at one of the resort’s three hotels can join fun activities throughout the day at all three hotels.

New hotel services offer greater hospitality and maximize vacation fun

Committed to creating memorable stays for guests, HKDL has introduced an all-new Express Online Check-in service in late-April, allowing guests to complete online check-in within 7 days prior to their arrival day to simplify the check-in process on arrival.

Guests who want to spend a day at the theme park before checking into the hotel can also make use of the Luggage Valet Service to have their bags transferred to their hotel for a specified fee and make the most of their time at the park.

Exclusive offers for Singaporean guests

Guests can start planning their magical journey with the following attractive offers:

Advance Purchase Room Offer: 

Book in advance to save up to 20% on guest rooms, starting from HK$1,200 at Disney Explorers Lodge, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Hollywood Hotel.

Book online to enjoy a free room upgrade plus one Attraction Priority Admission Pass per guest staying in the same room.

“PLAY, SHOP, DINE” 1-Day Special Package:

Get a complimentary HK$50 merchandise gift voucher or one free Mickey waffle upon buying a 1-Day Ticket.

“PLAY & SHOP” 2-Day Special Package:

Get a discounted 2-Day Ticket (just HK$70 more than a 1-Day Ticket) with a HK$30 merchandise discount voucher.

Hong Kong Disneyland Double Fun Package

Enjoy double fun at HKDL with a 2-Day Ticket and a Cathay Pacific Airways round trip air ticket to Hong Kong from now until September 30, 2018

“Magic in the Air” package

Travel to Hong Kong with Cathay Pacific Airways and enjoy summer fun at HKDL with a 2-Day Ticket and 1-night stay in Disney Explorers Lodge, Hong Kong Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Hollywood Hotel. The promotion is valid from now until March 31, 2019.

For details, please click here. Terms and conditions apply.

Fun-filled seasonal experiences continue throughout 2018 day and night

Seasonal entertainment will continue at the resort beyond “Carnivale of Stars” for the rest of year. Disney Halloween Time returns in September to deliver a fresh round of wicked fun. Jack Skellington of The Nightmare Before Christmas will lead Disney baddies creating frightful mayhem.

From November to January 1, 2019, Mickey and friends will share Christmas carols for a heart-warming celebration of “A Disney Christmas,” as Christmas tree lighting and romantic snowfalls create a memorably festive experience for guests.

The transformation of Hong Kong Disneyland’s castle is fully underway. The transformed castle will pay tribute to 13 Disney Princess stories and take the park to new heights with all-new day and nighttime entertainment. HKDL invites every guest to join the magic and help create a Disney castle mosaic! Guests are welcome to share a photo taken in front of the Disney Princess scenes or any memorable photo at the park on Instagram with #CreateADisneyCastle or upload them directly to create a Disney castle mosaic together.

Disney magic fills Hong Kong Disneyland day and night. For more information, please click here.

The post Join in the fun at the Carnivale of Stars at Hong Kong Disneyland! appeared first on Alvinology.

Special ticket promotion for Singapore residentsA limited number of Friday Zone 4 Walkabout tickets will be sold to Singapore residents at an exclusive promotional price of S$38 nett – 51% off the regular price of S$78. These tickets can only be purchased over-the-counter at SISTIC outlets (subject to availability).

For more information on the FORMULA 1 2018 SINGAPORE AIRLINES SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX or to purchase tickets (priced from S$78 for a single-day ticket or S$298 for a three-day ticket), click here. Tickets are also available via the hotline +65 6738 6738 as well as all authorised ticketing agents.

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Now that it’s the school holidays, many of you may be thinking of having some much needed retail therapy. Well, be prepared till to shop till you drop at IMM, the largest factory outlet mall in Singapore with more than 90 outlet stores!

This unassuming mall in the West offers a huge range of brands from sports to branded goods, at extremely competitive prices!

Food Options: 5/5

You will definitely be spoilt for choice at this mall as there are many cafes, restaurants and eateries for you to choose from. for those ready to indulge in an extravagant meal, there are restaurants like Hai Di Lao. For a reasonable price, there are chains like Ichiban Sushi.

The basement floor of IMM also boasts a range of food stalls such as LiHo and Old Chang Kee for you to pick up some finger food and drinks after a day of shopping.

For those seeking a budget-friendly option, there is the also the Kopitiam on Level 3.

Uniqueness: 4/5

As mentioned above, this mall is known for being Singapore’s largest factory outlet mall.

What’s more, IMM is also truly family-friendly as there is a huge rooftop garden that will provide kids with hours of fun! There is a playground as well as a mini wet playground for those who want to seek solace from the heat!

Other than that, other features of the spacious rooftop garden include a koi pond and a stage for mall events. Students and groups of friends can also make use of the large space for gatherings!

The atrium of IMM also constantly boasts sales for certain household products and is worth visiting to snag some cheap deals.

Tenant Mix: 5/5

You can find virtually anything here!

On the lower floors, you can find a range of sports and clothing brands as well as food options.

There is also a huge Giant super-mart for you to purchase groceries. Students can also get their supplies at IMM’s Popular outlet.

IMM is also home to the biggest Daiso in Singapore, where everything is priced at $2 per item.

The 3rd floor of IMM, IMM HOME, is dedicated to furniture and household products. You can certainly find what you need for your home here, from electronics to bedroom essentials.

What’s more, there are a huge range of brands featured and the products are all sold at very reasonable prices.

Accessibility: 4/5

For those driving to IMM, there is a big 6-storey carpark so you do not need to worry about finding a parking lot. What’s more, parking is free for the first 2 hours on weekdays!

For those taking public transport, you can use the J-Walk connectors to walk from Jurong East MRT station. The walk takes about 10 minutes and is interconnected with Ng Teng Fong General Hospital and Devan Nair Institute of Employability.

Conclusion

IMM is definitely worth a visit as it has everything you would ever want – all in one mall! From entertainment for the kids to household products for your new flat, you will definitely not leave empty-handed. What’s more, if you’re up for it, you can also easily head to malls like Jem and Big Box within minutes via the J-Walk to continue your shopping trip.

The post Shop Till You Drop: IMM Mall Review – a shopping paradise in the West appeared first on Alvinology.

Fitbit has announced the availability of Fitbit Ace at major retailers for S$128 SGD. Designed for kids ages 8 and older, Ace motivates with customizable step, active minute and sleep goals, celebratory messages and badges, and challenges for the whole family.

With an adjustable, showerproof wristband available in two vibrant colors and up to 5 days battery life, Ace is designed to keep pace with kids’ busy lives. With Ace, parents are in control and can manage who their children connect with and what information they see in the Fitbit app that will motivate them most.

Why Fitbit Ace?

With childhood obesity rates continuing to rise and two in three kids inactive every day, parents are looking for ways to encourage a more healthy, active lifestyle.

According to a Fitbit study, parents cite screen time as an ongoing challenge in getting their kids to be active (58%). Seventy-five percent of parents said they are interested in the use of fitness trackers to help them keep their kids active.

When designing Fitbit Ace and the Fitbit family account, Fitbit considered privacy throughout the user experience for both parents and kids and built in safeguards and controls to help ensure a safe and positive experience.

Parental consent is required to create an account for kids, and Fitbit’s family account allows parents to approve who their children connect with, and view activity and progress. Parents can help manage what stats their kid sees in the app to only include what motivates them most.

Kids have access to appropriate stats for their age, including steps, active minutes and sleep; it won’t highlight calorie intake, weight and body fat/BMI, or public social features.

About Fitbit Ace:

• Tracks their activity and sleep: Helps develop healthy habits by tracking steps, active minutes and sleep; goals default to international health guidelines for activity (60 minutes) and sleep (9 hours).
• Reminds them to move: Reduces sedentary time with personalized reminders to move each hour.
• Motivates and rewards them for moving: Encourages kids to build healthy habits with daily or weekend challenges and collectible badge rewards. Kids (and parents) can see their stats, badges earned, progress toward their goals, and more in the Fitbit app.
• Family account: Brings families together and keeps everyone engaged with added motivation and accountability; parents can view their kid’s activity, and manage what stats they see in the app.
• More information about Fitbit Ace can be found here.

Pricing and availability

Fitbit Ace is available today across major retailers Axtro Sports, Best Denki, Challenger, Courts, Harvey Norman, Metro, e-Gadgets and Lazada.

Fitbit Ace in power purple color

Fitbit Ace in electric blue color

The device is available for sale at S$128 SGD in power purple and electric blue.

For adults, how about getting a matching Fitbit Versa?

The post Fitbit announces the availability of Fitbit Ace for kids aged 8 and older! appeared first on Alvinology.

When you’re traveling with kids, you know that Murphy’s Law is definitely out to get you (something will go wrong)–so you’re more or less mentally and emotionally prepared. Mostly.

But what if you have a special needs kid, and what used to be a manageable ordeal has now become a parents’ travel nightmare?

In a recent Facebook post, a father named Divya George posted about his experience with his wife and 5-year-old daughter on a trip to Indonesia. They took tickets for their trip on Scoot, one of the budget airlines operating out of Singapore.

According to his post, he purchased three seats, one each for him, his wife, and his daughter who suffers from muscular dystrophy. He says that his daughter cannot support herself upright and weights roughly 8 kilograms, around the weight of a toddler.

She is however, much taller than a toddler.

Take a look at a video of the incident.

Divya and his wife allegedly told the ground crew of the airline that they would be requiring an infant belt for his daughter, whom they decided should sit on either parent’s lap during takeoff. The flight crew and the pilot, however, insisted that the special-needs child sit on her own seat and use the normal seat belt setup.

Divya and his wife said that since she weighs roughly the same as a toddler and that she has flown in the same manner for over 60 times before, they should be allowed to have the same arrangement.

The pilot, however, who did not speak personally to the couple, demurred, and said that he would only allow them to fly if they strapped the child to her regular seat and that an infant seatbelt would not be issued.

The couple was also asked to deplane if they would not follow the pilot, who had already delayed the flight for an hour until the matter was resolved.

Scoot replies

Flight attendants had said during the altercation that only children less than two years old may be carried on parents’ laps. But for this case, where the child clearly cannot sit upright, what would happen during turbulence and she is strapped as the photo above to her seat?

According to this report, Scoot had replied about the incident in an email. The email said,

“As the passenger is five years old, for her safety consideration, infant seat belts may not suffice. She has to be strapped to her own seat with the aircraft seatbelt for take-off and landing in accordance with established cabin safety procedures,”

“Scoot recognises, however, that the guest’s physical condition may require additional consideration for comfort. Accordingly, we have made a one-time arrangement to provide a certified booster seat for the guest to ensure her return journey is more comfortable while still adhering to cabin safety procedures,” it said.

Do you think the pilot was right to insist on what he wanted even without facing the passengers? Or were the parents right to ask for their child to sit on their lap as she clearly could not support herself?

Let us know in the comments!

The post Scoot pilot forbids parents from holding 5-year-old with muscular dystrophy on their lap during takeoff, but who is right? appeared first on Alvinology.

AccorHotels and EL Development Pte Ltd, a Singapore-based property developer, have announced they will open a new-build five-star Pullman on a prime site on Hill St, in the civic and cultural heart of the city.

SKYE Park Lane Hong Kong Pullman Hotel

The 342-room hotel will be Singapore’s first Pullman and will feature a rooftop bar and executive lounge with sweeping views over Fort Canning, the Singapore River and St Andrew’s Cathedral, along with a vibrant lobby, health and fitness centre and pool.

The hotel is set to open in 2022 after a complete redevelopment of the site.

Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel

About Pullman

The Pullman brand is one of the fastest-growing upper upscale brands in the world and since launching in Bangkok in 2007, it has become the hotel of choice for a new generation of hyper-connected travellers seeking contemporary design, culture and connectivity in a cosmopolitan atmosphere.

Michael Issenberg, Chairman and CEO of AccorHotels Asia Pacific mentioned that he believes “the new Pullman will fill a gap in the market for a smart, modern hotel that meets the demands of the discerning digital traveller.”

Pullman London St Pancras

There are currently over 120 Pullman hotels in 33 countries worldwide and Asia Pacific accounts for more than 70 hotels and resorts and more than 21,000 rooms.

Pullman Singapore will join a range of flagship addresses worldwide including Pullman London St Pancras, Pullman Paris Tour Eiffel, Pullman Phuket Arcadia, Pullman Park Lane Hong Kong.

For more information, click here.

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