We’re into the second month of 2023 and we’ve already celebrated two new years! Having just said goodbye to the first few Public Holidays for the year, it’ll be a long journey till we see the next one – it’s all the way in April by the way. Make use of the weekends to energise your week with fun and exciting activities and events lined up below – and deets of the latest dining and shopping trends to look forward to!
Things To Do
TOTAL DEFENCE 2023 @ SAFRA
In a safe country like Singapore, it is easy to brush off the importance of national defence and security. But we mustn’t become complacent and let our guard down. Head down to SAFRA clubhouses this February to learn more on how you can play a part in building a strong, secure and cohesive nation! Understand the Total Defence framework and the six Pillars of Total Defence and learn more on the efforts that have been done to strengthen the community through the Total Defence exhibition available at all SAFRA Clubs Atrium!
For SAFRA members, take up a challenge and spot the Total Defence initiatives in the puzzle available on the exhibition board at SAFRA clubs and stand a chance to win a prize! Or experience the Total Defence pillars through a fun outdoor guided tour to the Harmony in Diversity Gallery!
13 to 19 February 2023 at all SAFRA clubhouses; more info at safra.sg/whats-on/td2023
29rooms
In need of an Instagram feed update? Well, prepare yourself for a 29 room, 4,000 square metre Instagrammable art playground filled with sensory exhibits, performances and workshops that are designed for surprise and contemplation, celebration and reflection. Hailing from Brooklyn, New York, this picturesque experience by Refinery29 & VICE Media Group has been traversing across US, Europe and Canada. It has now made its Global debut in Singapore for a 10-week event at Gardens by the Bay, starting on 10 February 2022.
The event’s theme is “Lost & Found”, which looks to inspire rediscovery and reimagination through its 29 individually created spaces.
Ticket prices for SAFRA members begin from $24.50 for weekday adult tickets and $33.60 for weekend adult tickets with the SAFRA opening special promo code “SAFRA30” (only valid for entry between 10 February to 19 February 2023). There are also bundled deals and concessionary prices available too. What’s more, families with young children get to join in the fun as kids under the age of 6 enjoy free admission!
SAFRA members enjoy 30% off opening special with promo code: “SAFRA30” till 19 February 2023, 20% off regular tickets thereafter. More info at: safra.sg/promotions/29rooms
29rooms is at West Lawn, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore 018953
Artbox
Arguably one of Singapore’s most Instagrammable pop-up markets, Artbox makes its return to our sunny island with an even bigger line-up and a brand new location. Dubbed the luxe ‘pasar malam’, the extravagant two-weekend event will be held in the comforts of the air-conditioned halls of Singapore Expo Hall – a first for the brand. Eat and shop your way through around 300 booths worth of good food and quirky trinkets by vendors from Singapore and beyond.
There will also be immersive structures, Instagrammable backdrops, and interactive experiences curated in collaboration with the region’s best artists. To make things exciting, co-organisers SGAG will be hosting a series of crazy challenges all through the two weekends. Step across impossible-to-complete Beam of Pain mini obstacle course, flex your leg shaking skills in the National Shake Leg Championship or toss a giant paper ball in the National Paper Toss Championship to win $888 in cold hard cash! You’ll get to meet your favourite SGAG cast members and Singaporean TikTokers too!
Tickets at $5.50 to $6.40, 12pm to 11pm, 24 to 26 February and 3 to 5 March 2023 at Singapore Expo Hall 6, 1 Expo Drive, Singapore 486041
Chatuchak Night Market Singapore
Sawadeekrap to the second instalment of Singapore’s first Thai Night Market inspired by the Chatuchak Weekend market, as it returns to our shores from 7 February to 2 April. The 200-seater open-air market that spans over 25,000 sq ft of The Grand Stand will boast more than 180 vendors, of which 60 hail from different provinces in Thailand.
Indulge in authentic Thai cuisines, from Thai kway chap from Lopburi province in the central region, cha chak (Thai teh tarik) from Satun province in the southern region, and Thai otah from Phrachuap Khiri Khan, a town in the western region. Well travelled Singaporeans familiar with Bangkok’s iconic night market will find several familiar vendors from the actual night market (such as King Octopus), with a total of 20 vendors making their way here.
Tuesdays to Sundays, 4 to 10pm till 2 April 2023 at The Grandstand, 200 Turf Club Road, Singapore 287994.
Disney100 @ Jewel Changi Airport
What do you get when you put Singaporeans’ favourite airport-destination and one of the world’s leading producers and providers of entertainment together? Spoiler-alert – an enchanting spectacle not to be missed! Disney is celebrating its centennial in 2023 with a bang as it collaborates with Jewel Changi Airport to put up Disney-themed experiences and merchandise for fans of all ages.
Be mesmerised by a two-minute special Disney-inspired Light & Sound show projected on the renowned 40m tall indoor waterfall featuring a plethora of characters from iconic Disney films over the century. Say cheese as you snap a pic in front of a 4-metre-tall platinum statue of Mickey Mouse or at 10 Disney-themed photo spots inspired by scenes from Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars movies – with several spots created with local twists.
Before you leave, hop on over to the Disney-themed Year of the Rabbit Tsum Tsum pop-up store, on level B1 (#B1-219/220) for some shopping-therapy to complete your Disney escapade. Make sure to return from 1 March to see it transformed into The Wonder Store which will feature Disney100-themed merchandise, with a wide assortment across Disney, Pixar, Marvel and Star Wars.
Light & Sound show and Photo Spots up till 9 April 2023 at Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666
Shopping
Uniqlo 2023 Spring/Summer Collection
We’re leaving behind the thick and snug winter jackets for more loose and oversized fits to usher in the warmer weather ahead.
Pair the UNIQLO U Crew Neck 3/4 Sleeve T-Shirt ($29.90) with the UNIQLO U Wide Fit Pleated Chino Shorts ($59.90) to go for an effortless comfortability look with hints of tradition as the pleated shorts has button details at the waist inspired by traditional Gurkha pants.
Available from 10 February 2023 at Orchard Central Global Flagship and ION Orchard stores, and online.
Samsung S23 Series
Expect more improvements to this year’s flagship series from Samsung!
Mobile phone aficionados can look to Samsung’s S23 Series phones for the latest in mobile phone technology. Enter the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23+, and the Galaxy S23 Ultra – powered by the revolutionary Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset. Users can enjoy increased battery life compared to its predecessor, coupled with an improved 12 MP selfie camera and Expert RAW application that enables for brighter, crisper low light pictures and videos. Different RAM and storage configurations are available for these phones. All three models come in Phantom Black, Cream, Green, and Lavender colour – with Graphite and Lime colours available exclusively online.
Can’t wait to try your hand on it before deciding on getting one? Simply head down to the Galaxy Experience Space located at Gardens by the Bay, West Lawn from 3 February to 25 February 2023.
Samsung S23 Series phones are available for pre-order online and at selected physical stores, and will hit retailers on 17 February 2023.
Dining
McDonald’s Quarter Pounder With Cheese
It’s a quarter after one, I’m all alone and I need you (Quarter Pounder) now. It’s been a lonely 5 years, but from 2 February, rekindle that spark as McDonald’s is bringing back the Quarter Pounder, FOR GOOD! Indulge on a thicker beef patty slapped with onions, pickles and melted cheesy goodness from $6.30 ala carte ($8.10 for a meal) or make it a double with an additional patty at $8.10 ala carte (from $9.70 for a meal).
Pair your long lost buddy with two limited-time menu items: Chargrilled Chicken-flavoured McShaker Fries (from S$3.95 ala carte) and the Caramel Frappé with Oreo (from S$4.70 ala carte).
McDonald’s SAFRA outlets: SAFRA Punggol, SAFRA Toa Payoh and SAFRA Yishun
SAFRA Members are entitled to redeem a free apple pie or sundae with every purchase of an Extra Value Meal.
Niu Dian
It’s indeed a happy niu year for lovers of Taiwanese cuisine as this Michelin-approved beef noodles restaurant from Taiwan will be opening its doors here from 13 February 2023.
With its roots in Taipei’s Ximending district, Niu Dian is branching out and opening its first outlet outside Taiwan and will be sharing the nostalgic taste of Taiwanese beef noodles with us Singaporeans, and we can’t wait to dig into a delicious bowl of authentic Taiwanese noodles!
Expect to indulge on many hot favourites from Taiwan, such as the restaurant’s signature Combination Specialty Beef Noodles, which contains handmade QQ noodles and tender Australian beef in their original or braised (红烧 hóng shāo) spicy broths, and Spicy Pepper Combination Specialty Beef Noodles. You can count on having crunchy pickled cucumbers and braised tofu served alongside your mains, just like in Taiwan! And don’t forget to compliment your meal with bubble tea from Palace Tea, which offers drinks such as Milk Tea and Lime & Sour Plum Green Tea with Aiyu Jelly.
Niu Dian is opening on 13 February 2023 at 520 Balestier Road, #01-01/02, VIIO @ Balestier, Singapore 329853
If you’re not yet a SAFRA member, you can get your complimentary membership as part of the NS55 Recognition Package (also valid for existing members). Register here!
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