Only in Japan Singapore Fans MeetUp

ABBEY: We were subscribers of Only in Japan channel by John Daub for a while now. We really enjoyed the videos and we definitely want that fresh wasabi :)

Then John hosted a spelling bee here in Singapore. He took that time to hold a meetup. The event registrants were only 37 but the turnout is a huge crowd. He was even surprised by the support.

He and Kanae brought gifts and it was distributed to the winners of Rock-Paper-Scissors.

The meetup was fun and we get to be in his YoutubeGo and took some snaps with him. 

More power to your channel. Keep sharing what is “Only in Japan”

Only in Japan Singapore Fans MeetUp
JOHN

Only in Japan Singapore Fans MeetUp
KANAE

WILL: Abbey and I became his big fan when he started video blogging Japan. He told to one of his video, due to the tsunami, the tourism declined outrageously in Japan that time. To take his part to help uplift the traveler's sector, he started to showcase to the world the different, hidden and lovely places in Japan! 

Oh yeah! Big fan! That is why we were at Sentosa to meet John face to face. 

Nothing changed! He is the same guy full of energy! He is the same guy always smiling! He is the same guy that plays a joke! No wonder Abbey loves to watch him every time he has a new video. 

Kanae and John have a bunch of stuffs carried for their vlog supporters but they were shocked of the numbers of attendees! Haha. They gave away the loots through mass jack-n-poy! Wohhooo! I enjoyed that challenge! And I won! Bleh! 

Thanks for visiting us John and Kanae. More power to Only in Japan!

***

ONLY IN JAPAN

(Y)https://www.youtube.com/user/ONLYinJAPANWAORYU

(F) https://www.facebook.com/onlyinjapantv/

Punggol Discovery Cube

ABBEY: We were on an afternoon run when we saw a building beside Waterway Point mall. It was the Punggol Discovery Cube. And when my schedule opened, we headed to it. As the name implies, you will discover Punggol from the past and its future plan. There is a huge 3D map of the area on the first floor. The second storey shows the timeline and key events that took place. You can get a panoramic view of waterway on the third floor.

Who would have known that there devices that measure the airflow (cold and hot) to check whether it is sustainable to live in that area or that is a block of buildings using solar panels for power? Yes, that’s me. I learned them all at the cube.

WILL: Our first flat together as husband and wife is Blk 295 at Punggol Central, there's not so much to see and go, that was 2010. 

But now, 8 years had passed, malls, groceries and container/food vans are all over Punggol! Yeah, I saw somewhat a small "transformation" of this place. But I was shocked to see that this is the former fishing village. Whew! A well planned transition. From a fishing place to the very first Singapore's eco-town. 

What is a eco-town? Well, I am happy to say that residents in Punggol are active in recycling (of course including us). You will see most of the time that the Punggol residents are putting their recyclables in the bin. Water harvesting system was installed to collect rain water and to use it in cleaning corridors and watering the plants. Solar panel was installed to the roofs to harness solar energy and light up LEDs at carparks or podiums. 

Check-out the Punggol Discovery Cube! It is just beside Waterway Point.

***

Punggol Discovery Cube

(A) 85 Punggol Central 828726

Istana Heritage Gallery

ABBEY: After a hearty lunch at Orchard Central, we went to Istana Gallery. This is for guests who cannot visit Istana on the Open House. It showcases the gifts given by other foreign leaders as well as their signed cards when they came to Singapore. 

You can buy souvenir items and the proceeds will go to the President Challenge which aims to help the less fortunate and building social entrepreneurship.

Istana Heritage Gallery

Istana Heritage Gallery - Emblems of Change

Istana Heritage Gallery - President's Challenge

Istana Heritage Gallery -- Istana

WILL: I admit it, it is tough sometime to get off my bed and explore Singapore. But when I think what I’ll be mssing, here I am checking what are the places I never visited in here in the beautiful country of Singapore. 

Istana Gallery is just the opposite of Istana itself. It is free of charge and you can learn the history and functions of Istana, past emblems and the charity institutions the President is helping. 

This will not take so much of your time. Visit and feed your mind with Singapore's History!

***

Istana Heritage Gallery

(W) http://www.istana.gov.sg/the-istana/istana-heritage-gallery/gallery-highlights

(H)Daily from 10 am-6 pm, except Wednesdays 

(A) 35 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238902, Istana Park

(T) 69044289

Tiger Brewery (Singapore) Tour

ABBEY: Tiger Beer is a product of Singapore and you can have a guided tour for only SGD 18. Make sure to come on time as the tour will start with or without you. 

The first stop is getting to know the ingredients; malt, yeast, hops, and water. Then onto the process; getting the malt out of the pulp, fermentation, and packaging. It will take 5-weeks for a batch to be completed and make beer. We were also shown how to do a perfect pour (remember two-finger foam). 

At the start of the tour we were given sampling tickets. And we can use them to taste Tiger beer products as well as other beers being made on the plant. And you can enjoy your drinks in a cosy bar with leather seats, billiard table and dart boards. 

I like the Strong Bow Apple Cider and Tiger Radler Lemon. Yup, less alcohol for me. And we also got to take home a bottle of extra fresh Tiger Beer which was bottled that same day.

Tiger Brewery Singapore Tour
Right From the Tap

Tiger Brewery Singapore Tour
Return this ID for you to get a SOUVENIR

Tiger Brewery Singapore Tour
Beers you can choose for sampling

Tiger Brewery Singapore Tour
Dart Area at Tiger Tavern 

Tiger Brewery Singapore Tour
Billiards Area at Tiger Tavern 

Tiger Brewery Singapore Tour
Choose Your Spot! 

WILL: Do you really, really think that there's nothing left for you to visit here in Singapore? Well, think again! Have you checked out Tiger's Brewery?! 

Good news! They are now open on Sundays for them to accommodate more people! What you can see in this factory? Of course the process on how they manufacture the Tiger Beer. Only that?! Do you know that Tiger Beer have bandwagons of other fermented drinks? Their team includes Barons, Guinness, ABC, Anchor, Strongbow and you have got a chance to sip those at the end of the tour. 

What I can say about our tour? Our guide seems in a hurry, he didn’t gave us a chance to watch videos. Why I know that there should be videos to watch? I saw the other group (after us) well-focused on the big screen just before we left the building. I also forgot to take his name down. Anyways, I won a quiz game and he gave me a try to take a beer right on the tap! 500mL. 

Then after the tour they will give you another 500mL each of Tiger Beer on a weissber glass and 5 coupons of your choice of beer. The lanyard, you can keep. But if you gave back the Visitor's ID itself, they will hand you over a freshly brewed bottled beer for you to take home.

Their bar/tavern is relaxing. It is just like that you were thrown to US. Haha! Leather seats, billiards, darts. They have chips available for sale. 

The best time to go? 2pm. $18? Not a rip-off! Before I forget! Abbey discovered his beer type in here! If you want more beer and you run out of the sampling tickets, you can have a new set (5 tickets) for only $5. 

***

Tiger Brewery (Singapore) Tour

(W) https://tigerbrewerytour.com.sg

(H) 1PM - 5PM 

(A)459 Jalan Ahmad Ibrahim 

(T)6860 3005

Cycle Singapore: Punggol to Seletar Aerospace

ABBEY: We always wanted to go to Seletar Aerospace Park. And so we did; thru bicycle. Yes, we pedaled the 16-km roundtrip (distance according to Strava). And all we have have is a 1.5 liter of isotonic drink, towel and phone. 

It was fun as we get to see new buildings, landed houses and fields. It was the same time tiring but we need to get there and most importantly to get back home. There is no turning back. As with the park’s name we got to see private planes. Another sight that inspired me to strive harder. 

Next journey is to IKEA.

Cycle Singapore: Seletar Aerospace
 

Cycle Singapore: TPE / Jalan Kayu

WILL: This time I wish to experience a long cycle. Abbey wants to go to Seletar Aerospace to check out the reataurants there. Combining our wish and wants! Tadaaaannn! It's a date. 

Abbey plotted the route and while planning it he is so anxious because the map directing is us to cycle at expressway. Haha! 

Cycling will make you appreciate nature. The greenery landscapes of Singapore and clean air you can breath. 

Imagine the uphill track? One uncle sitting at bus stop looked at me, smiled and there is a look in his eyes that seems asking me "Why you punish yourself?" Haha! 

We happily spend almost 1 hour each way. The next day, I have hard time walking normally. Haha. 

Cycling is a good exercise. You will save money by using bike sharing services, you can help to decongest too the buses and MRT trains. Let's cycle, expolore Singapore. Have healthier FUN!

Singapore Official Merlions Challenge #SingaporeMerlionChallenge

Did you know that you can't use the image of Merlion unless it was approved by Singapore Tourism Board (STB). Be warned. Haha!

Here are the locations of OFFICIAL MERLIONS:

1. Merlion Park -- You can find here the very first Merlions (8.6 m and 2m tall) and the only pair of statues that is blowing out water.

Address: One Fullerton, 049213 

2. Ang Mo Kio (Near AMK Grove) -- Another pair was authorised by STB just in front of parking lot entrance of Blk. 216 to 220 Ang Mo Kio Ave 1. 

Address: Block 216 (Carpark) AMK Ave 1 

3. Sentosa -- Stands 37m high and declared the tallest Merlion statue. 

Address: Imbiah Station of Sentosa Express

4. Mount Faber -- This Merlion sits at the second highest hill in Singapore. Ready yourself to take a long walk to reach its location.

Address: 109 Mount Faber Road 

5. Tourism Court -- This Merlion will welcome you when you visit the Singapore Tourism Board Headquarters. This is located at the taxi drop-off area. 

Address: 1 Orchard Spring Lane

So, how many Merlion have you met here in Singapore? Don't forget to take photo and hashtag #OfficialMerlionChallenge. 

Enjoy! :) 

Poinsettia Wishes - Gardens by the Bay Yuletide 2017

ABBEY: Gardens by the Bay Domes displays wide array of plant exhibitions. Great timing for our Papa Boy, the Flower Dome shows Poinsettia Wishes theme. 

We went there by 7PM. You can get a great Christmas feel upon entrance. It is cold, the music is playing, and red and green decorations are all over the place. It’s as if you’re taken to a Christmas Wonderland. 

We took snaps with the Christmas trees, the Nutcrackers, the colorful and beautiful flower and yes with the poinsettias. Don’t forget to look up to catch the “Northern Lights”.

Poinsettia Wishes - Gardens by the Bay

Poinsettia Wishes - Gardens by the Bay
Letters For Santa

Poinsettia Wishes - Gardens by the Bay
Northern Lights

WILL: Papa RS is here to celebrate the birth month of Abbey. Lucky enough, Gardens by the Bay showcases new ornaments inside Flower Dome and it themed as Poinsettia Wishes. 

Of course, the dome was filled with symbolic holiday designs. Tall, real and fresh Christmas trees are all over the place, an array of Northern Lights glimmers above, and of course the star of that place..Poinsettias! There are red, white and pink varieties. My father-in-law’s face lightened up upon seeing those leaves. He can't help himself but to click his camera here and there. 

For sure, you can feel the yuletide season in here. Visit the Flower Dome. This design lasts only until 8th January. One more tip! It is more spectacular in evening.

***

POINSETTIA WISHES - GARDENS BY THE BAY

(W) http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg

(H) 10 - 30 Nov 2017 and 2 - 8 Jan 2018: 9.00am - 9.00pm 

1 Dec 2017 - 1 Jan 2018: 9:00am - 10:00pm

(A) 18 Marina Gardens Drive

(T) 6420 6848

Duo Deluxe Golden Village - Paya Lebar Laser-projected Movie Hall

ABBEY: Golden Village Paya Lebar boasts its laser projection system and its spacious twin leather seats. So we went ahead and watch Justice League on a weekend. 

Only the food and drinks bought in the cinema will be allowed. 

I thought the seats are able to recline but its not. The space between the other twins are not that apart. I can still feel the feet or maybe the knee of the person behind me. 

When it comes to the projection I don’t find any difference with other cinema. Maybe I’m not just keen into that technology.

Duo Deluxe Golden Village - SEAT 

Duo Deluxe Golden Village - TICKET PRICE

Duo Deluxe Golden Village - 

WILL: We are not that bored to the old seat or lazy boys kind of cinemas, we just want to explore new things to serve our readers. So here, we went to the first laser cinema of Golden Village at Singapore Post (Paya Lebar). 

This Duo Deluxe is one of the latest offering of GV! It has leather seats, smooth wooden cup holders and of what they are proud of.. it's laser projected silver screen. 

What can I say? The spacing will not be comfortable for 6-foot cinema goers. I am not sure how tall the person behind me but he always "accidentally" kick my chair. "D" aisle is still too close for me and of course this S$20.00 do not have blanket, nor mini pillow, nor assistant that will serve your food needs. 

Yes! For me, this duo deluxe is expensive compare to the service that offered by The Cathay - Platinum Movie Suites. 

***

GV Paya Lebar

(W) https://www.gv.com.sg/GVCinemaDetailsBranding#/cinema/131

(A) SingPost Centre, 10 Eunos Road 8, #03-107

(T) +65 6653 8100

Singapore FinTech Festival 2017

ABBEY: Singapore held the largest fintech festival last November 13-17 at Expo. We went there on the second day and we were awed by the works being done to further progress the development of new technology in providing financial services. 

Transactions will be lightning-fast, have less fees and more secure. Vulnerabilities will be there and that’s when the specialists comes in. 

Blockchains and crypto currencies are also here to stay. And it is exciting what it will bring in the future. 

Singapore FinTech Festival 2017:NEM Blockchain

Singapore FinTech Festival 2017:
Oracle Digital Banking

Singapore FinTech Festival 2017:
 Monetary Authority Singapore Project Ubin

WILL: Of course, Singapore will not let themselves left behind! Singapore is Asia's hub of big international banks and a major key player in technology in the region. Surpasses all, Singapore organized the largest FinTech in the globe... The Singapore FinTech Festival 2017. 

Monetary Authority Singapore presented to people the Project Ubin. Oracle gladly presented their Digital Banking. IBM have a mini discussion about their Watson Security. Visa booth is full packed and giving away Rubik's Cube. 

NEM and LoyalCoin threw a smile and answered queries on every attendees visited their booth. Finally, a reward system that is 'loyal' to consumers. Imagine, you can get rewards from coffee shop and spend the reward to another store. OR you can convert it to XEM or Bitcoin or fiat money. Kaching! 

What can I say? Technology is moving too fast and we need to adapt and grow. Blockchain is truly disrupting the financial world. Once it is perfected, it will crawl on to the next level.. Supply Chain. 

We are indeed lucky that we are here in Singapore witnessing the biggest transition of 'money' to 'token'. This is exciting. 

No chance to attend this event? Don't fret, as early as now they are already building up for 2018 Singapore Fintech Festival. Keep an eye on it. 

Singapore's Battle of the Bikes: ofo vs Mobike

ABBEY: The battle of bike-sharing began when ofo announced that their customers can enjoy unlimited rides without deposit. Then mobike followed by offering a 5SGD fee for 6-month use (2 hours per ride). Here are my comparisons:

1. App

    Ofo - easy to use specially when unlocking and locking the bike. Also you can give feedback for repair and experience when using it.

    Mobike - even when I locked the bike there is no confirmation in the app and I need to restart the app just to see if I locked the bike properly.

2. Availability

    Ofo has less bike compared to mobike (Punggol area). Maybe because customers like the ofo offer more so demand is high.

3. Cycling experience.

    Ofo is better in stability. When I used mobike the bike will wiggle on a uneven pavement, bumpy road or even on a stone which I didn’t observe in ofo. It could be attributed to the thin wheels of mobike.

Seat adjustment mechanism is better in ofo. With only a grip on the lever then you find your sweet spot. Unlike in mobike that you need to pull the lever, adjust the seat and revert.

We’ve yet to try obike. It also has free unlimited rides but with deposit.

Singapore's Battle of the Bike : Ofo vs Mobike 

WILL: Cycling is not just a craze inside of any gym but also in whole Singapore. Before, we need to go to Pulau Ubin to rent a bike and indulge in the beauty of nature. Why Pilau Ubin? You can find the cheapest rate in there. Now, because of the promotions of two bike-sharing companies (Mobike & Ofo), Singapore residents are enjoying every park connector and even the city for less or for free. 

What's the difference? 
Mobike - the pedal is too near to its seat. It is hard for me to balance myself. First time using it, I fell off twice. Haha! One more thing, the app is so slow to respond. I thought I am the only one experiencing it but one of the cycler complained about it too. 

It costs us SGD5.00 for 6mos. But I think, I will not ride again a Mobike :(. 

Ofo - Best suits me. The grip on its handle is amazing. The app is easy to understand and response rate to the bike is quick. Reporting bike's problem is a must, on that, Ofo team can maintain their bike in excellent quality. It is a no wonder why many cyclers in Punggol prefer the Ofo. 

Oh! It is FREE for this month of November.. 

C'mon run or cycle a day. Let's make Singapore the healthiest nation.

***

ofo Singapore

(F) https://www.facebook.com/ofoinSingapore/

Mobike Singapore

(W)https://mobike.com/sg/

Shaw Theatres (Singapore) Premiere: A New Silver Screen Experience at NEX Mall

ABBEY: Wilma’s anticipation for Thor:Ragnarok is so high that when the tickets were made available she bought a pair at Shaw Premiere (NEX). The passes can make you stay at the Premiere Lounge while passing time and have some snacks. 

We also got 5SGD voucher so our All-day Breaksfast set was 7.50 only. We were in the theater 15 minutes before the show starts and were given a big bowl of popcorn, a mountain of cheesy nachos and drink. The blanket has no funky smell and is comfortable.

The seat however is not smooth when I’m reclining it. The leather makes too much noise which can disturb other viewers. Also I was restricted stretching out by the wall separating us with other guests. 

Commendation to the staffs as they’re very attentive to needs of patrons.

Shaw Theatres (Singapore) Premiere' Seat

Shaw Theatres (Singapore) Premiere's Arrangement

Shaw Theatres (Singapore) Premiere: Confirmation Email

Shaw Theatres (Singapore) Premiere - Classic Movie Treat

Shaw Theatres (Singapore) Premiere - All Day Breakfast Set

WILL: To cap off the three cinemas who cater a "higher" rank in watching the silver screen, we booked at Shaw. If Cathay prides themselves with their Platinum Movie Suites, Golden Village have their Gold Class, my favourite Shaw Theatres presents their Shaw Premiere. 

Shaw Premiere is located just at Nex Mall. Yep, only in one place. We were immediately served by the ticketing counter and was confused why the tickets is so blurry. It seems that there is no ink or the ink was not printed well on the shiny silver paper. 

We entered the Premiere lobby and the staff assisted and ushered us to our seat. Abbey ordered an All Day Breakfast Meal and I am surprised that it was served at the lobby itself (I am thinking if it can be eaten inside the cinema). 

Inside, there is no enough space for Abbey's leg. Since I am at the corner, he needs to straighten up his reclining chair (that causes noise) for me to pass through. There is no separate table for each of us. The blanket is good, no mini pillow provided. This is the only reclining chair that made my lower back painful after seating for more than an hour. Huhu! 

For snacks, better buy at ticketing counter. The quantity is more generous and way cheaper. 

Oh my, sorry. This tarnished my love and respect with Shaw. Never again, Shaw Premiere.

***

Shaw Theatres Premiere

(W) https://www.shaw.sg/premiere/

(A) 23 Serangoon Central #04-64 Nex Mall

Sentosa Sandsation 2017 & Merlion Magic Lights

ABBEY: Sand artworks are being displayed now at Sentosa. It is time for Sentosa Sandsation 2017. The exhibit is at Siloso Beach (alight the monorail at Beach Station and ride a tram). I was amazed at the structures which shows Singaporean culture like chope, kiasu, queuing, and fondness to food. The artists really put a lot of time and effort for this show. Though it is on the beach, don’t worry about the sun as the exhibit is covered; else the masterpieces will just melt at the first drop of rain. After walking on the tour, head to Imbiah station for a light show at the Merlion. By the way, did I forget to say both are free? Yes, it is for free. Be amazed.

Sentosa Sandsation 2017 : September 1-17

Merlion Magic Lights: September 1 - October 29 (7:45PM, 8:15PM, 8:45PM, 9:15PM)

WILL: I honestly admit that I am lazy to roam around after a day of work...ahm ok even weekends. Haha! This past few months, I am the one who just want to seat, lay on bed and only thing that can make me move is to run around our block or inside the gym. 

I saw the formed sands at Sentosa. It reminds me of what I saw in one of the YouTube video in Japan. So, I scheduled to have that visited one Thursday night and to have a date night too with my husband at Sentosa Island.

We used the Sentosa Boardwalk to gain free entry at the island then we boarded the train and bus (free) to Siloso Beach. Creatively and impressively formed sands are there! We found one guy retouching one of the sculptures and asked them how many days that it was prepared. He answered 10days. Imagine that! All those artists flew to Singapore and work for it for 10days! Truly, this is a must visit attraction. 

Sand sculptures portraits the traditions and food of Singapore and some artists uses their skills to give their message to the people. One thing took my attention, it was a lady child seating on the learning blocks. The blocks was normally curved with letter and numbers, the blocks consist of different brands of clothings, bags and shoes. This will make you think how children are evolving now. It is a good eye-opener for parents. Thanks Mr. Borecki Wiaczeslaw of Poland. 

To hit two in a single trip, we waited for Merlion MagiLights. It will run until 29th of October. It is an astonishing light show. It is my first time to see human-form lights dancing on a transparent screen! 

Sentosa always have something up in their sleeves! And most of it... it is for FREE!!! 

Visit Sentosa Island Singapore's State of Fun!

***

Sentosa Island, Singapore - State Of Fun‎

(W) www.sentosa.com.sg/‎

(T) +65 6736 8672

Spectra – Light & Water Show - Marina Bay Sands

ABBEY: Spectra replaced Wonder Full light and water show at Marina Bay. But it seems it didn’t surpass the latter. 

We watched its first show but the climax died down at the end and expecting that there is something more when it ended. I was hoping that the centerpiece will somehow go for fireworks or get lights with water spray, but it just changes light. 

It lacked story and excitement.

Spectra – Light & Water Show - Marina Bay Sands

WILL: Wonder Full bid goodbye to its audience for this year. But some ending makes a way for a new beginning. So Spectra came to life. 

We where there to witness the premiere of this show and every audience is expecting a lot on this new MBS water and light show. 

We were awed by the colorful lights but there is a missing piece on that show. Hmm, maybe because Wonder Full have a story and Spectra is all about displaying of lights. 

Anyways, thank you Marina Bay Sands for this free Water and Light Show!

***

Spectra – Light & Water Show - Marina Bay Sands

(H) Sunday to Thursday – 8pm & 9pm / Friday & Saturday – 8pm, 9pm and 10pm

(A) 10 Bayfront Avenue (Event Plaza)