Singapore Night Festival 2016

ABBEY: We went out and see what the 9th year of Singapore Night Festival has to offer. 

We got to see the stickmen dancing, playing and jumping in the facade of National Museum. They are artwork from France called Keyframes. Another show is the Wheel House (on museum's mainground). It is an acrobatic show on a big wheel. Maybe it would be better if there's a spotlight and louder sound for the performance. While the other spectators were busy where to go next I went back to where the Keyframe was installed and I was able to see Les AquamenS. They are men-in-black with upside down bowl aquarium as helmets.  Yes, an upsidedown aquarium; meaning with water and fish. 

Unfortunately, there were no more seats for the The Story Box show and the next performance will be too late. So we headed to Philatelic Museum where the songs from Shakespeare's works were played. I looked forward for The Siege: A light saber sword fight. But to my disappointment, they used the street rather than the stage. I understand the safety factor but a lot of people could have enjoyed it if they can see it better. Only the frontliners see it clearly and knew what has happened. :(

I hope this can be looked at. Setup stages with proper lightings and sounds.

Lego Wall for 10th Anniversary of Singapore Night Festival

Singapore FlashForward

WILL: 9th year!!! Congrats to Bras Basah Bugis precinct on this glamorous and widely known event in Singapore!  

For this year, it was packed by performers with different genres to offer the public. If you are a youth who loves to listen to local artists, your ideal place will be the the vacant lot in front of SMU school. 

Out of this world roving performer like Aquamen was at the grounds of National Museum. As usual there is a street party at Armenian Street. We were astounded to see that there live performance at Philatelic Museum. When I heard Cappella Martialis play their respective instruments, I would love to just sleep right there and then. 

As usual, it is a feast! It is a merrymaking! I wonder now who will be the performers next year. Can't wait for their surprises. 

Oh! Please do take note that museums are open for public for free when the Night Festival commenced. One more thing, make a contribution for wall of Lego :) 

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Singapore Night Festival

(W)http://nightfest.sg/

(E)nhb_brasbasahbugis@nhb.gov.sg

(A) Bras Basah Bugis Precinct 

Singapore Night Festival 2015

ABBEY: Yahoo, another unwinding activity after a day's work. Singapore lit up the night when they launched Night Festival. We went last Aug 21. 

The first performance we saw is Anooki. :) They are performing at the front wall of National Museum. Yes, on the wall. It was a cartoon projection. The Anookis played, ran, and made the wall like jelly. They colored it with red, blue, green and even filled it up with balls. At the end, they whistled to the tune of Happy Birthday greeting Singapore for its 50th.

Then we went to Armenian street. Loud music caught our attention and we saw New Stream Brass Band playing and encouraging the crowd to sing and dance with the beat.

Next is the Peranakan Museum Variety Show (by The Main Wayang Co.). The Peranakans really got the crowd's vibes with their novelty songs. It was fun, cheerful and tiring (as you dance, shout and sing).

Few minutes after the show, we got to see the Spark! by World Beaters Music of UK. I thought they are yet to start their performance but they will be on a break. Luckily, they still beat their percussions and play along with the crowd as they marched to their place. They were all in white. And the drums have led lights. Taking snaps is easy as they got their own spotlights :)

We wanted to wait for Bloco Singapura (percussion band) but it was getting late so we headed home.

WILL: I am always excited once the Bras-Basah-Bugis Precinct will close its streets for annual Singapore Night Festival. Why? It is a feast. It never fails to amuse and make me glad. 

Last Friday, we watched the show of The Anooki Celebrate Singapore. They are so cute. I am smiling from start to the end of the show. It lighten up the mood of every people who witnessed that little Inuits. 

Then, we walked to Armenian Street to check out the New Stream Brass Band. I never get tired of clapping and stomping my feet on their beat. 

Next!!! The Peranakan Museum Variety Show. This is a total party! Abbey and I danced to their songs. 

We were on our way home when Spark (LED-lit drummers) marched towards to our direction. Do not get be intimidated if the first in line drummer is grumpy, because the last in line member is showing off her best smile. Haha! 

Great job Singapore Night Festival 2015 team. Till next year!

Peranakan Museum

ABBEY: We've passed by and entered Peranakan Museum many times but every time we went there, we're not able to spend time to see the exhibit as there were so many visitors during those times. So on the first day of Chinese New Year 2015, we planned to check it and see to it that we meet our goal.

On the first storey of the building were portraits of Peranakans; all in smile showing that they are proud of their origins.
A storey up and you will be amazed on the articles used in a wedding. Intricate designs were shown in dresses, accessories and furnitures. Wedding customs really differs on each race or ethnicity.

The third storey showcases the chinaware, different parts of the house like the kitchen and dining rooms. Another part of the exhibit is for the funeral. It is scary but its a good learning curve to know and respect others customs.

WILL: We all went to the museums around the Bugis-Bras Basah Precinct including Peranakan Museum. 

This is a 3 storey-building of former Tao Nan Chinese School is the home for the different Peranakan descendants. Here explains well the different people who married Southeast Asian people. And to my surprise “Tsinoys” are considered Peranakan too. 

The beliefs, glamorous lifestyles and food was well showcased here in this museum. An educational tour for the whole family. You can explore the whole museum for not more than 3 hours. 

Seeing is Believing - Unusual Stamps Exhibit at Singapore Philatelic Museum

ABBEY: This year Singapore Night Festival also tap Philatelic Museum to open their doors during the event. 

It showcases rare and odd stamps that were made of wood, volcanic ash, embroidered, plastic and foil. Scented stamps and glow-in-the-dark ones were displayed as well. 

The Superhero exhibit displays the popular heroes of DC comics like Wonderwoman, Batman and my favorite, Superman. Batmobiles across the years were also shown. I too the opportunity to take a snap beside the Superman's life-size bust figure.

WILL: Getting ready for Singapore 2015 World Stamp Exhibition? Philatelic Museum of Singapore is now exhibiting the not our usual stamp. If Abbey is excited on Earth Harp and 7 Sopranos, me.. I can't wait for Philatelic Museum's Open House.

Upon stepping my foot in the building, I immediately rushed Abbey to go to the second floor for us to see some of the rare stamps.

Like a child, I touched, smell and even want to lick for me to taste the flavored stamps. Haha.

Indeed a nice experience. Thanks to Bras Basah Bugis Precinct for letting Philatelic Museum join the Singapore Night Festival.

Singapore Night Festival 2014

ABBEY: Going to Singapore Night Festival is one of the ways you can unwind after a week's work. All performances are free and the stage covers from National Museum, SMU, up to Armenian Street. 

Light installations were also exhibited so please pay attention and make sure to catch the images "on the trees". The "light" gowns are a little creepy. They're like headless brides roaming around the Armenian Church. 

Maybe the main feature of the festival is the Earth Harp created and played by William Close. The artist mounted the strings of his harp into the facade of National Museum making it a part of the gigantic instrument. It was great to hear a rendition of Johan Sebastian Bach's Joyful, Joyful We Adore Thee from the 9th Symphony. 

We waited for the 7 Sopranos but it seems there is a change in the schedule so we listened to Sounds of Siren wherein the Anna Fernandez's rendition of At Last is remarkable. "We want you back"

WILL: Before they expanded the venue until City Hall, now they constricted the place but packed it with great performances. Hooray to Singapore Night Festival 2014. Free film screening, museum open house and the best is local and foreign performers around the area. This is a yearly event that we are waiting. No excuse not to go. Why? It was scheduled for 2 consecutive weekends. Haha!

Around 6:40PM we already secured a place at the National Museum’s front lawn. ZingO is worth the wait. We saw a very disciplined Chinese Drum Scene. Right after dramatic drums, Earth Harp came to life. William Close, an inventor of many music instruments played it magnificently. Jamming of ZingO and William’s band made my blood rushing! And we decided to stay till midnight.

Stunning lights are everywhere, we took some photos of the trees formed a 3D ancient faces.

For the first time, Armenian Church joined the event. They housed the full-length dresses glowing in the dark areas of the church’s lawn. Haunted! Scary! I asked Abbey to go off immediately. Haha.

Back in front of National Museum, we waited for about 30minutes for 7Sopranos. I enjoyed their music. They make me dance! Oh, sorry, not only me but also other audiences. We clapped and raised our hands!

Till next year Bras Basah Bugis Precinct. Keep on surprising us!

Singapore Night Festival 2013 (Bras Basah.Bugis)

ABBEY: This is the second year that we attended Singapore Night Festival. This was held along City Hall until Dhoby Ghaut. Art installations and performance were exhibited. We participated in one of the interactive light display by drawing on a led wall which will be activated by a wet sponge. 

But the main stage is at the National Museum. Again, all entance fees on  the galleries were free. Princely Treasures showed portrait and landscape paintings of oil, graphite and other mediums and canvases. At the facade of the museum Vertical Extractions defy the gravity by doing acrobatic stunts in midair. Starlight showed dancing skills with fire as the attraction. 

Armenian street was also closed for street performers and concerts. However, Perenakan Museum didn't hold any shows as it is under renovation but other galleries were open though. 

In my opinion last year's festival is better.

WILL: This is our second time to attend the Singapore's Night Festival and this is bigger and many attended this unlike before. The festive stretched up to Plaza Singapura and City Hall MRT but we focus ourselves more in the National Museum Galleries and its performers.
      After Abbey's office, we walked from Suntec City to Raffles Place to experience to write on something at their water light graffiti. You can see what Abbey wrote on photo above, ha! A lot of walking is a must to any of Singapore festivals so wear your most comfortable shoes or sandals. 
      From City Hall, we paved our way to National Museum. Absolute Vodka Canvass was open for public. We took the chance that everyone was watching performance of Circus Swingapore when we slipped through a thick crowd then entered the Princely Treasured Gallery. 
      8:00 we positioned ourselves to watch the Vertical Extraction and Pyramid of Void but we are too late to have a good spot to see Starlight Alchemy. 
      After those performances, we visited Armenian Street. We entered the Peranakan Museum but decided to stop the tour. 
      Its almost 10pm and we decided to hail bus 7. That was a tiring night. We ate bit too late. Next time we should be there from 6pm ;)
      See you guys on Singapore Night Festival 2014! 

Night Festival 2012

ABBEY: As per their posters I thought Night Festival will only be held indoors; and it wasn't. It was indoors as well as outdoors. First stop is the National Museum. We watched here the performance of Swingapore; an gymnast group that uses rings and drapes on their performances. Other galleries were open for free viewing. 

It was already dark when we went out of the museum and we saw the light and sound art in the walls that became a big screen for the projectors. Then we went on Armenian street. The street was closed as it was the stage for the Argentenian artist that was suspended on a harness, Fuerzabruta La Argentina. Drums, lights and confetti made the performance great. 

Percussion band were inside the Perenakan museum and they kept the audience upbeat with their music. The last performer is a fusion of Chinese drum band and beat box group. They were really  good. I'm impressed that they can produce different sounds only from their mouths. And with the accompaniment of good old Chinese drums, it's a classic. 

We also caught a glimpse of Singapore Arts museum as it was illuminated and "painted" by the projectors. The festival lasted until 2am but we went home before 12 as I have office the next day :)

WILL: Looking for some free night-out? Bras Basah and Bugis Precinct presented the Night Festival on last weekends of August. I know this is a very long due blog and I am apologizing since me and my husband was engaged in some career moves.

      We freed our scheduled for this event and all I know that this is a street party and museums are on Open House. After Abbey's shift, he went to our office to pick me and together we went to this event...and we're too early.

      As I got the program, we immediately went to Singapore National Museum to witness the Circus Swingapore, this are boys and girls doing acrobats using piece of cloths hanging from ceiling. It is amazing. Then we went to Wedding Gown museum. They portrays the evolution it and the different gowns from different Hollywood movies.

     After that, we moved our feet to Armenian Street. Street was jam packed, artists were just feet away from each other. And this is the part I enjoyed most, when the street was filled by confetti and a dancing lady in white is suspended by a rope and circling the whole road. It just turned the Armenian street a dancing ground. We went to Peranakan Museum to have a glimpse why there is a music of drums inside, the beat really made my hips to sway. Haha. As all our adrenaline was drained, we planned to go and leave the place around 9:30PM, but the DJ Koflow & beatboxers boys stopped our pace and stayed for another 30mins. Darl, they are so good.

     Next year, we will definitely go again here. This is a great event to showcase the local talents of Singapore.