Out Of This World

SAFRA Mount Faber transformed into a “planet” of sci-fi characters to mark renovations that close a chapter in the club’s history.

By Yong Shu Chiang & Angelia Seetoh        26 October 2018

For one day, SAFRA Mount Faber transformed into a fictional intergalactic outpost not so far, far away. Known as Planet2TBW – “Planet” 2 Telok Blangah Way, referencing the club’s address – it hosted cosmic-themed activities that enthralled members and onlookers alike, as the club headed for a period of enhancement works with a bang.

Fans of the Star Wars franchise got an eyeful as three groups of local enthusiasts brought costumes and cosplay fun to SAFRA Mount Faber. One portion of the day’s festivities saw a parade of heroes and villains, featuring cosplayers of the 501st Legion Singapore Garrison and Cathar Base Singapura – Rebel Legion, followed by a duelling demonstration by cosplayers.

FightSaber Singapore also conducted classes, as the day’s activities offered plenty of participatory elements.

Sci-Fi Meets Reality

As sci-fi met reality, there were sci-fi trivia and games, alien face painting, a best-dressed competition, fitness classes, a photo booth, and plenty of delicious food on offer. A showcase of different Star Wars spaceships was also on, along with a Cosmic Colouring station and a little table bowling game called Alien Strike to entertain younger participants. There were photo opportunities aplenty with famous sci-fi and comic book characters, including Darth Vader, the Emperor, SpiderMan and Venom. A SAFRA member, Mr Chua, stayed for the event with his wife and three children after having gone to the club for a swim.

“We happened to pass by and decided to stay to enjoy the event,” he said. “This is something fun for the kids and a nice break from a regular weekend.” Mr Leong, an IT manager and avid Star Wars fan, had read about the event online and arrived with his wife and two young children, taking plenty of pictures of the cosplayers. “The programme is well thought out, I really enjoy it,” he said. “My son really likes Spider Man, so he’s very happy.”

Best Dressed

Following the energetic duelling demonstration between Star Wars characters, the audience was then treated to the Cosplay Universe Best Dressed competition, whereby sci-fi and comic book fans strut their stuff to vie for the best-dressed title. As the day drew to a close, the festivities were not yet done. Guests were then invited to join in for an astronomy and stargazing session, in keeping with the overall theme of looking to the stars, and welcoming a whole new world in anticipation of a refreshed SAFRA Mount Faber.

By mid-2019, after on-going renovations are complete, SAFRA Mount Faber will return as an executive lifestyle club with an industrial chic look. It will feature the first dedicated co-working space at a SAFRA club, fully equipped with highspeed Wi-Fi, more fitness and wellness offerings, and fresh new entertainment and dining options such as Party World KTV and a drive-through outlet of American fast-food chain Fatburger.