Look no further, ‘cause we’ve got the scoop...
We get it. Life is such a rollercoaster ride that sometimes it’s near impossible to stay updated on things to do in the city. That’s where we come in: We’re here to bring you the latest buzz in the city, covering everything new and cool from food and shopping to entertainment and viral trends – all in easy-to-read, bite-sized doses, of course! So go ahead and bookmark this page for your weekly hit of what’s happening in Singapore.
Donate shoes for the needy [cancelled]
Got a collection of pre-loved shoes you rarely ever wear? If they’re still in good condition, perhaps consider giving them to the Pazzion Shoe Charity Donation Drive, which is going on until the end of April. The footwear collected from all its stores (except the transit ones in Changi Airport) will be distributed to Singapore Council of Women’s Organisation (SCWO) to be sold at its New2U Thrift Shop. All proceeds will go to Star Shelter, which helps women and children victims of domestic violence. Oh, and did we mention that each pair donated will get you a $10 Pazzion voucher? The redemption is limited to a maximum of three vouchers and is valid till 20 May.
Pay it forward
#ShophouseBoost is an initiative of gratitude put out by Temasek Shophouse and Foreword Coffee Roasters, launched to support frontline workers. From now till 10 April, you can purchase $5 vouchers at the Foreword Coffee cafe in Temasek Shophouse, and both companies will match the amount. These vouchers, along with personal notes (if you wish to say thanks) will then be gathered and given to healthcare personnel at the coffee joint’s other outlet in the Centre for Healthcare Innovation at Tan Tock Seng Hospital.
Watch theatre productions from the comfort of home
With entertainment venues and theatres closed across the island until the end of April, local company The Necessary Stage is generously offering free access to its past productions online. Best of all, viewers get to vote for their fave works to see on screen, and you have till the end of the month to check it out. First up: ‘Those Who Can’t, Teach’ from 2017.
Join the anti-social social distancing club
So you’d like to be part of the club? Step back first, please. At least a metre away. For a light-hearted take on the Covid-19 situation, some folks have come together to start a retail initiative. As a parody of cult streetwear brand Anti Social Social Club, their black tees proudly display the words ‘Singapore Social Distancing Club’ and ‘Anti Social Social Distancing Club’ in white. They’re going for $25 each, with free delivery and sizes ranging from XS to XL. Plus, all profits go to The Courage Fund.
Watch this experiment on face masks
Local start-up ProfilePrint, an analyser that uses fingerprinting technology to identify sample differences (it powers Teapasar’s taste profiling), has used its tech for good. Conducting an experiment comparing five different face masks with global, medically-approved ones used by healthcare professionals here, the resulting video seeks to raise awareness about the quality of masks and their sources. If anything, you’ll be duly reminded to purchase proper ones from reputable retailers. It’s an interesting watch if you’ve got a few minutes to spare!
Dine-in delivery perks for homebodies
Since we’re all staying home these days, food delivery platform Deliveroo has brought in more than 600 new restos since late Jan to give you more options. Key in the code ‘STAYHOME15’ or ‘STAYHOME30’ to get free delivery (applicable to over 100 participating outlets including Soup Restaurant and Fatboy’s The Burger Bar with minimum spend of $15 or $30 respectively – discount capped at $3). Or check out eateries like Tapas Club, A-One Claypot House and Kimly Seafood for various promos.
Here’s a cool new tune
After winning Best Southeast Asia Act at the MTV EMAs and releasing a Mandarin single last month, homegrown singer/producer Jasmine Sokko is back on our radar with her fresh new tune, ‘Mess’. Produced together with local talent Myrne, the empowering electro-pop track is all about getting back on your feet after facing setbacks – perfect inspiration for times like these.
Late night free meals for F&B peeps
#SupportLocal initiatives have been popping up everywhere these days, and they’re all for a good cause. Pitching in for the F&B community, Barbary Coast is introducing its late-night supper to offer free meals for anyone in the industry. Generous contributions from private donors have covered almost 600 plates ($7 each at cost price), which adds up to 20 free plates per night across 30 days. If you’re in the F&B scene, you can book your spot between 5pm to midnight – and if you can pay it forward, feel free to do so. The supper will be hosted every Tuesday to Saturday from 1am till closing time (2am for Tues-Wed, 3am for Thurs-Sat). Keep tabs on the brand’s IG story and RSVP on WhatsApp (8869 4798).
Say goodbye to an iconic shop
We’ve all walked past Poster Hub in Esplanade Mall at some point in our lives – or even browsed through its wares out of curiosity. Sadly, the 16-year-old store will be closing its flagship space for good in mid-2020. Fret not, though – after its moving out sale, it’ll be going online and shifting its wares to a new showroom in Tampines Retail Park. Still, it feels like the end of an era…
Last week’s buzz
No clubbing? No problem
Devastated by the closure of entertainment venues? Here’s a small consolation. Razer, Zouk Group and Bigo Live are collaborating to debut the first “cloud clubbing” experience in Southeast Asia. Basically, they’re bringing Zouk’s curated, closed-door club DJ sets to your home. The first livestream will spotlight the nightclub’s popular parties such as One Dance and Sin City, with guest stars like local DJs Farah Farz, ParaMercy and Doppelgangerz. It won’t just be you dancing in your room either – viewers can interact with DJs on the chat function and send virtual gifts. A portion of proceeds will be donated to the government in support of the Covid-19 fight. Keen to join the virtual rave? It starts today (27 Mar) from 8pm to 11pm on the Bigo Live app (ID: Razer).
Solidarity in the arts community
As the theatres close their doors for the next month, countless productions have been cancelled or postponed. But still, there’s something heartwarming about the unity of the arts scene as seen by this video put together by The Finger Players. Featuring groups like Centre 42, Checkpoint Theatre, Pangdemonium and Wild Rice, the “Crash Landing On You”-inspired gestures of solidarity are immensely heartfelt.
The best restaurants in the region
The eighth edition of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants was revealed this week in a virtual ceremony (because Covid-19). For the second year in a row, Singapore’s Odette was crowned first place, followed by The Chairman in Hong Kong, Den in Tokyo, Belon in Hong Kong and Burnt Ends in Singapore. Other notable local names on the line-up include Les Amis (#11), Jaan by Kirk Westaway (#21), Zen (#28), Corner House (#42) and Nouri (#50). Perhaps a little visit to these places after things have calmed down?
Shaken or stirred?
We all need a little magic in our lives these days. That, and martinis. Got a thing for James Bond’s fave cocktail? Perhaps you’d like to wear it on your sleeve with cool threads from Martini Tees. Each design is made with 100% organic cotton, supported by fair wear-certified factories, and $5 from every sale goes to non-profit local organisation Association of Women for Action and Research (Aware). Plus, all tees are on sale right now (with discounts of 30% to 50%) and local shipping is free. Gotta love couch shopping!
Enter through the gift shop
We all know by now that cinemas, karaoke joints and many other places will be closed till 30 Apr. Unfortunately, independent brands will be hit the hardest, and that’s where your help comes in. If you’re a big fan of The Projector and its alternative movies (or you just want to support local), help sustain its business with the Merch-4-Money project. Options include buying a tote bag ($26), becoming a member or gifting someone a membership ($45-$60), purchasing a gift pack ($105), adopting a seat ($120), buying pre-paid venue hire slots ($799-$1,499) and snagging a retro cinema chair to spruce up your home ($1,500).
Weekend indulgence: Desserts
Anyone living in the Paya Lebar area? You lucky ones, you. Patisserie Clé has gone from online to brick-and-mortar with a store in Paya Lebar Office (formerly Paya Lebar Fire Station). The takeaway joint offers all its cakes and tarts in petite portions so you can easily have a party of one with signatures like the Noisette (with dark chocolate sponge, milk chocolate and dark chocolate ganache) and the Orh Blanc Tart (a blend of the French mont blanc treat and orh nee, the local yam dessert).
Lost your gig?
To date, over 9,000 projects amounting to $27 million worth of income has been lost as more than 2,300 creatives in Singapore are affected by event and production cancellations. If you need support, or if you’d like to offer your help, check out I Lost My Gig for initiatives and opportunities.
Here’s how to get free ice cream
From Ben & Jerry’s too! Since we’re all spending more time at home, you’ll need some frosty treats to sweeten the deal you’ve got going on with your TV. Wanna know how to get pints for free? Heads up: From noon on 31 March, the ice cream brand is releasing 5,000 promo codes on foodpanda for a box of Tonight Dough Pint Slices with any purchase of Ben & Jerry’s. Just search the app for the code, add to cart, and enjoy your free delivery.