Archive for the ‘Party’ Category

Tea for Tech at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf

Tuesday, May 14th, 2013

I usually sit down with a cup of tea in the morning while I surf the Web for the latest tech news. Today, I sat down with three cups at The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf.

The three Tea Cappuccinos are available at all outlets at $6.00 each for all three flavors (Chai, Scottish Breakfast and Anniversary Blend Tea). They will only be available until 25 May 2013.

The three Tea Cappuccinos are available at all outlets at S$6.00 each for all three flavors (Chai, Scottish Breakfast and Anniversary Blend Tea).

The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a frothy trio of tea cappuccinos at all its outlets.

The special concoctions will only be available until 25 May 2013.

The special concoctions will only be available until 25 May 2013.

These freshly brewed tea concoctions are layered with silky milk foam and drizzled with delicious vanilla bean sauce.

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Samsung launches Asia’s first Mobile PIN store in Singapore

Friday, January 18th, 2013

The Samsung Mobile PIN in Singapore is the first such store in Asia after the concept’s launch at the London Olympics in 2012.

Samsung celebrity ambassadors – Olivia Ong and SKarf were at the launch event.

Samsung Mobile PIN at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza from 18 January to 12 March 2013.

Samsung Mobile PIN at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza from 18 January to 12 March 2013. Photo from Samsung.

The Samsung Mobile PIN is at Ngee Ann City Civic Plaza and showcases Samsung’s latest mobile devices including the GALAXY Note II LTE, GALAXY Note 10.1 LTE, GALAXY S III LTE and GALAXY Camera.

K-Pop girl group SKarf are celebrity ambassadors for Samsung.

K-Pop girl group SKarf are celebrity ambassadors for Samsung. Photo from Samsung.

Visitors can get their hands on the devices while attendants introduce features to them in an interactive experience.

Olivia Ong was another celebrity ambassador for Samsung that was present at the launch of the Mobile PIN.

Olivia Ong was another celebrity ambassador for Samsung that was present at the launch of the Mobile PIN.

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Home-baked Formula One Grand Prix

Wednesday, December 26th, 2012

Is your kid a fan of fast cars? Bake him his very own garage of Formula One machines for his birthday!

Bake your own garage of Formula One speed demons.

Bake your own garage of Formula One speed demons.

All you need is a set of cake molds which a friend gifted us.

Who says F1 drivers have to be all boys?

Who says F1 drivers have to be all boys?

Add on the child’s favourite candies and lego figurines. And voila – his very own Grand Prix collection.

Sponsored by the rainbow connection.

Sponsored by the rainbow connection.

* All photos in this post were taken with a Nikon D800 DSLR and AF-S NIKKOR 24-70mm f/2.8G ED lens. The shallow depth of field was amazing.

The top three heading for the podium.

The top three heading for the podium.

I had to dial the aperture down to f/22 to get most of the scene in focus for the overview. Otherwise, the shallow depth of field effect for the other close-ups was exactly what I love.

Event: Be Fashionably Bold with BlackBerry and ZALORA

Thursday, October 18th, 2012

What does the online fashion/lifestyle retailer and the enterprise secure smartphone of choice have in common?

BlackBerry and ZALORA join hands to present a "Fashionably Bold" event.

BlackBerry and ZALORA join hands to present a “Fashionably Bold” event.

A strong sense of style and the gut to make Bold fashion statements with their products, which is why both enjoy a growing following among the young and trendy in the region. And BBM is the buzzword that keeps them connected.

(L-R) Valerie Lim, mentor to the models with stylist bloggers Irene of Moonberry, Vanessa of Wardrobe Trends Fashion, Sophie Willocq

(L-R) Valerie Lim, mentor to the models with stylist bloggers Irene of Moonberry, Vanessa of Wardrobe Trends Fashion, Sophie Willocq.

BlackBerry and ZALORA co-hosted a stylish event in Singapore to put forth a fashion show showcasing a unique set of looks developed by leading online fashion bloggers and inspired by BlackBerry’s Bold line of smartphones.

Charles Dufourcq - Country Director for RIM, Singapore - looking fashionably bold.

Charles Dufourcq – Country Director for RIM, Singapore – looking fashionably bold.

“The individual styles inspired by the BlackBerry Bold portfolio truly showcase the diversity of the many collections on ZALORA,” said Terence Pang, Head of Marketing for ZALORA Singapore.

A vibrant and thriving night out

Local standup comedian, Kumar, being fashionably bold.

Local standup comedian, Kumar, being fashionably bold.

I popped in at the event (at 72-13 Mohammed Sultan Road) in the evening and the turnout was fantastic, thronging with both BlackBerry and ZALORA fans.

Everybody had a great laugh with local stand-up comedian Kumar’s act.

The fashion show was refreshing because the eight female and male models were not pros but lucky winners who had been chosen from an online contest earlier, based on the best poses that they had sent in.

They received their very own photo-shoot, makeover and runway tips from Miss Singapore Universe 2011, Ms Valerie Lim, who also choreographed the Fashionably Bold show.

Totally Fashionably Bold!

“Fashionably Bold showcases the popularity of the BlackBerry Bold portfolio in Singapore, while celebrating the lifestyle statement that both our black and white smartphones make. It is a celebration of functionality coupled with a unique sense of style that BlackBerry smartphones have,” said Charles Dufourcq, Country Director for RIM, Singapore.

Samsung launches GALAXY Note II LTE and GALAXY Camera in Singapore

Wednesday, October 17th, 2012

The Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE (S$998) and GALAXY Camera (available November, price TBA) were launched at a gala event at The Ritz-Carlton.

Samsung also announced two local celebrities – Olivia Ong and Desmond Tan – as ambassadors for the two new gadgets.

Samsung celebrity ambassadors, Olivia Ong and Desmond Tan with their newly launched devices – GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at the ‘Be Creative’ event.

Samsung celebrity ambassadors, Olivia Ong and Desmond Tan with their newly launched devices – GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at the ‘Be Creative’ event.

Singaporean singer-songwriter, Olivia Ong will be the brand ambassador for the GALAXY Note II LTE; while MediaCorp artiste, Desmond Tan will be the ambassador for the GALAXY Camera.

“The GALAXY Note II LTE allows me to be more creative and expressive in my daily life. With its large touchscreen, S Pen and easy-to-use functions, I can now take photos and scribble words and phrases which come to mind wherever I go, and they could be the next inspiration for my upcoming albums,” said Olivia Ong.

Olivia Ong, known for her soothing and powerful vocals and songwriting prowess, will be participating in “The Wonderland” project, and embark on a creative journey to compose an original song “Wonderland”.

“Wonderland” will be made into a music video, to capture the story behind the song and more importantly, better understand what inspires her.

Olivia will capture her inspirations and write her thoughts using the Samsung GALAXY Note II LTE, and fans will get to join Olivia in her creativity process by interacting and sharing ideas with Olivia and catch behind-the-scenes videos of her creative journey to create this original song.

Olivia Ong singing her favourite song “Let It Rain” at the launch of the GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at Samsung's ‘Be Creative’ event.

Olivia Ong singing her favourite song “Let It Rain” at the launch of the GALAXY Note II and GALAXY Camera at Samsung’s ‘Be Creative’ event.

Samsung celebrity ambassador Desmond Tan, enthuses about how he loves sharing photos with fans and loved ones on social media instantly after shoots.

MediaCorp artiste,Desmond Tan, enthuses about how he loves sharing photos with fans and loved ones on social media instantly after shoots.

Chosen as the new celebrity ambassador for the Samsung GALAXY Camera, up-and-coming MediaCorp artiste, Desmond Tan is a photography buff, who loves to share photos of his special moments with friends, fans and family.

“I love to take photos and share them online so the GALAXY Camera works perfectly for me. I can take professional-like photos, edit and upload onto Instagram, Facebook and Twitter, and also use the smart and social GALAXY Camera to surf the internet and send text messages to friends and families as and when I want,” said Desmond Tan.

In preparation for his upcoming lead role in a drama, “96 Café” where he will be taking on the role of a photographer, Desmond has been exploring the various features of the GALAXY Camera by taking photos and sharing them directly from his GALAXY camera with fans who follow him on Instagram.

Other celebrities and personalities who were present at the event included creative and theatre director, Beatrice Chia-Richmond, and boutique hotelier and entrepreneur, Loh Lik Peng, who are Samsung’s ambassadors for the recently-launched GALAXY Note 10.1.

Top 3 SingTel Grid Girls for Singapore Formula 1

Sunday, September 2nd, 2012

In the finale to SingTel’s series of roadshows leading up to the Singapore Grand Prix, SingTel has unveiled the Singapore Grand Prix trophy, the top three SingTel Grid Girls, Singapore’s fastest electric go-kart racer, and the champions of the F1 in Schools programme.

SingTel Grid Girls finalists waiting with bated breath for the results of the competition.

SingTel Grid Girls finalists waiting with bated breath for the results of the competition.

Fifth time title sponsor of the Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix had teamed up with race promoter, Singapore GP to organise the “F1 for Everyone” roadshows across Singapore.

Unveiling of the new FORMULA 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix trophy.

Unveiling of the new FORMULA 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix trophy. This photo courtesy of SingTel.

The weekend finale at Big Splash saw the unveiling of a new FORMULA 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix trophy.

Arrian North and Esther Leong at the roadshow.

Arrian North and Esther Leong at the roadshow.

The new trophy was crafted by local designer Nathan Yong.

It  resembles the interlocking branches and leaves of the laurel wreath, traditionally worn as a symbol of victory at sporting events in ancient Greece.

The circular shape of the trophy also represents Speed, Connection and Unity, symbolising the coming together of top international drivers in the Formula 1 races around the world.

The event was officiated by Mr S Iswaran, Minister in Prime Minister’s Office and Second Minister for Home Affairs & Trade and Industry.

Ashvin Sandhu and Rebecca Ly Dia Dore at the roadshow.

Ashvin Sandhu and Rebecca Ly Dia Dore, two of the top 8 finalists at the roadshow.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of the top three 2012 SingTel Grid Girls.

Top Grid Girl in 2012 is 21-year-old Ashvin Sandhu.

Top Grid Girl in 2012 is 21-year-old Ashvin Sandhu.

This is the first time that the top three SingTel Grid Girls have been selected based purely on public SMS and online voting.

1st Runner-up Emily Chia.

1st Runner-up Emily Chia

The top three girls, who were crowned at the event, will get to hold the Singapore, Formula One and Singapore GP flags at the Singapore Grand Prix this year.

The Top Grid Girl this year is 21-year old Ashvin Sandhu, an avid F1 fan who has watched almost every race over the past few years.

In second place is 21-year old Emily Chia, a lover of fast cars.

In third place is 23-year old Esther Leong who thrives on the adrenaline of the race and extreme sports.

In order to reach out to everyone in Singapore, including families, youths and people with special needs, SingTel invited students from APSN Tanglin School to experience the electric go-karts at the first roadshow in the series.

Emily Chia, one of top 8 finalists of the SingTel Grid Girl competition.

Emily Chia, looking like a doll … Barbie?

F1 excitement was also brought to the schools.

2nd Runner-up Esther Leong

2nd Runner-up Esther Leong

Displaying finesse on the circuit, students from the “F1 in Schools” programme tried their hand at Singapore’s first ever electric go-kart experience in a bid to clock the fastest race time.

The “F1 in Schools” is an international competition where school children aged nine to 19 design, manufacture and race their miniature cars.

In another thrilling speed race but on a much smaller track, students put their self-made gas-powered miniature F1 cars to the test in an exciting time-based competition.

In addition, the public enjoyed their version of the “mini” race, setting off gas-powered miniature F1 cars in a bid to achieve the fastest possible reaction timings within 0.18 of a second to win attractive prizes.

If eyes could smile ...

If eyes could smile …

To encourage more people to embrace the F1 experience both on and off the track, SingTel and Singapore GP have launched two new applications, for iPhone and Android users, to be available on the App Store and Google Play.

If eyes could talk ...

If eyes could talk …

The SingTel application is a social app that acts as a guide to inform F1 fans of the exciting activities taking place this race season.

In addition, app users can share their favorite F1 moments, activities and photos with their friends.

The Singapore GP app is meant for serious F1 fans, and has the latest news on the 2012 FORMULA 1 SINGTEL SINGAPORE GRAND PRIX.

It will keep users up to speed with the current driver and team standings, allowing them to take part in Singapore GP contests as well as purchase tickets to the night race.

Weekend outing: SingTel Formula 1 roadshow at Big Splash

Monday, August 13th, 2012

Looking for a weekend chill-out to start off the Formula One month of September? Check out the “F1 for Everyone” roadshow at the Big Splash on 1-2 September, 2012. Admission is FREE!

SingTel final “F1 for Everyone” roadshow will be at the Big Splash on the weekend of 1-2 September, 2012. Admission Free.

Returning title sponsor of the Formula 1 SingTel Singapore Grand Prix for the fifth year, has partnered with Singapore GP to organise a series of roadshows across Singapore which will culminate in the final roadshow on 1-2 September.

Date 1-2 September (Sat/Sun)
Time 10am to 10pm
Venue Big Splash, East Coast Park
Admission Free

The final roadshow will be power packed with lots of race-inspired activities for everyone – including the first-ever electric go-kart race, and past-year crowd-favourite race-inspired fast feats (i.e the fastest person to suit up like a race car driver and the person who can mimic the sound of an F1 engine longest).

There will also be carnival-style activities to bring the joy and excitement of the races to Singaporeans of all ages and walks of life, including fun-filled activities with race-inspired balloon sculptures, stilt-walkers, caricature artists, winning race photo moments and giveaways.

Roadshow attendees will also be treated to a live screening of the race in true high-definition and in 3D.

On the second day at this “F1 for Everyone” roadshow, SingTel will be unveiling this year’s F1 trophy and crowning the top 3 SingTel Grid Girls.

Also in store is an exciting showdown as we conclude the search for Singapore’s fastest electric go-kart race car driver who will win a pair of passes to a once-in-a-lifetime chance to meet the F1 drivers in person at the autograph signing session.

Seagate raises S$630k for Singapore charities

Friday, July 27th, 2012

The S$630,000 will help the underprivileged communities in Singapore, including children in need and the elderly.

“AWWA Community Home for Senior Citizens provides accommodation for elderly Singaporeans who are on public assistance or have no family or means of financial support. Seagate’s generous donation will go a long way in helping us support our residents through counseling services and regular activities to maintain their physical and mental health,” said Keith Lee, Director of Elderly Services, AWWA.

“AWWA Community Home for Senior Citizens provides accommodation for elderly Singaporeans who are on public assistance or have no family or means of financial support. Seagate’s generous donation will go a long way in helping us support our residents through counseling services and regular activities to maintain their physical and mental health,” said Keith Lee, Director of Elderly Services, AWWA.

Seagate Technology raised the money as part of a charity drive organised to commemorate the company’s 30th anniversary in Singapore.

“The amount raised this year is the highest in Seagate Singapore’s history of community involvement, a result which has only been possible with the close collaboration and excellent teamwork across Seagate,” said Steve Luczo, Chairman, President and CEO of Seagate Technology.

As a mark to give back to the community that Seagate has been operating in, Seagate employees participated in a variety of activities organized by the company at the Asian Women’s Welfare Association (AWWA) Community Home for Senior Citizens and the Children’s Society Student Care Centre (Henderson).

They provided an afternoon of entertainment for the elderly residents through song and games and and conducted a balloon workshop for the children.

Seagate employees also organized a charity bazaar at Seagate’s Ang Mo Kio office cafeteria for an afternoon, where they ran game stalls to raise funds for the two charities.

“We are extremely thankful to Seagate for their generosity. Most of the children from Children’s Society Student Care Centre (Henderson) come from low income families and the funds raised will be a great help in providing a conducive environment to enhance the development of these needy children, who are the future of Singapore,” said Chia Boon Khiang, Director of Funding, Singapore Children’s Society.

“We are extremely thankful to Seagate for their generosity. Most of the children from Children’s Society Student Care Centre (Henderson) come from low income families and the funds raised will be a great help in providing a conducive environment to enhance the development of these needy children, who are the future of Singapore,” said Chia Boon Khiang, Director of Funding, Singapore Children’s Society.

Event: Global starcount launch in Singapore at Pangaea, Marina Bay Sands

Friday, June 1st, 2012

I attended the launch of the latest social aggregation website on the scene last night. It’s a website with leaderboards of the most prominent celebrities being followed in the social space.

Drew Thomson, Chief Executive Officer, All The Worlds Entertainment, bringing guests through the starcount website.

Drew Thomson, Chief Executive Officer, All The Worlds Entertainment, bringing guests through the starcount website.

Who is the most popular artiste in the world today?

No prizes for guessing that it’s Lady Gaga, who happened to be performing live in Singapore at that time – almost directly above the venue for the launch of starcount at Pangaea in Marina Bay Sands.

But which is the most popular football (as in soccer) club in the world?

There were equally riotous calls for Manchester United and Barcelona among the guests at the launch event.

Well, starcount says it’s Barcelona FC.

The starcount website is all about popularity.

It crawls the top 11 social networks on the Internet everyday to mine what 1.5million people are saying and sharing about celebrities or things (from sports clubs to musical instruments).

Based on the amount of buzz in the social space, each celeb is allocated a starcount score which is used in ranking them in all manners of leaderboards that users of the website can view.

Based and nurtured in Singapore, www.starcount.com looks set to tap and unlock the trove of opinions and sentiments swirling within the top 11 social networks on the Internet.

There are preset leaderboards in the usual categories (such as best films, most popular singers) for users to browse, or they can create their own charts (such as who serves the best macaroons in Tanzania).

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Ian Wright eats cockroaches!

Tuesday, March 6th, 2012

The host of “Invite Ian Wright” invited his fans and the media to drinks and dinner at the Marina Bay Sands, during his 2-day visit to Singapore. He was promoting the adventure tourism TV series which screens on Starhub Discovery Channel 427 on Thursdays 10pm from 29 March 2012 onwards.

Listening to Ian Wright was truly entertaining. All photos taken with a Leica V-Lux 3.

Listening to Ian Wright was truly entertaining. All photos taken with a Leica V-Lux 3.

The bubbly travel host was in his element as he shared his experiences and answered questions from fans about shooting Season 2 of the TV series.

Ian Wright in his element.

Ian Wright in his element.

“Invite Ian Wright” takes an off-beat and humourous look at travel as locals warmly welcome Ian into their lives.

Countries that Ian travelled to in Season 2 were Japan, Australia, India, Indonesia, Vietnam and Singapore.

The menu for the night’s dinner at the Orchid Ballroom were specially designed by Sky 57 chef Justin Quek, who based the dishes on the countries covered in the series.

Justin also hosted Ian during his stay in Singapore in Season 2 of the show.

The MC for the night was local actress, radio and TV presenter Vernetta Lopez, who had hosted Ian during his stay in Singapore in Season 1 of the show.

The dinner was jointly hosted by Canon and Discovery Channel – TLC.

Oh, the bit about eating cockroaches? This was what Ian ate during his visit to Cambodia.

He was offered the fried cockroaches because the locals could not find the spiders for the planned fried spiders dish.

Soft shell crab tempura

Soft shell crab tempura

Angus beef

Angus beef

Those fried cockroaches were the worst thing Ian had eaten while filming the series, although he mentioned that it was still more “palatable” than eating fried spiders!

Ian Wright talking about his experiences during filming of the series, with MC Vernetta Lopez.

Ian Wright talking about his experiences during filming of the series, with MC Vernetta Lopez.