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BikeAsia 2009

2008-11-30T19:43:00.000-08:00

TWK'S READER!

HERE'S SOMETHING FOR YOU AGAIN!

Event: BikeAsia 2009!

The second edition of BikeAsia will be held on a different date to avoid clashing with the Motorcycle show of China and Taiwan. It is dedicated to both bicycles and motorcycles that encompass the entire 2-Wheels industry in Asia. The duration of the event however will be decreased from 4 days to 3 days and the first day will be devoted to the people involved in the Trade, while the remaining two days will be open to the public.

The first edition itself attracted 1,482 business professionals and over 15,000 visitors. 103 companies from over 17 countries displayed a wide range of motorcycles and bicycles alike and also accessories, apparels and services related to the 2-wheels.

The governments are taking a more pro-active and eco-friendly approach to 2-Wheels due to the growing popularity of the motorcycles and bicycles. Hence comes the rationale and fervor for the creation of BIKEASIA to garner even stronger support and awareness for the flourishing 2-Wheels industry.

This is a must for all motorcycle fanatics as you can find most of the brand names of motorcycles at this event. For those who like to appreciate 2-wheeled vehicles, you can also go there to see and admire the different designs and types of motorcycles/bicycles there. Custom designed motorcycles that can't be found anywhere else are right here! So start packing your stuff and prepare to come to the BikeAsia 2009 now!

VROOM VROOM....

Singapore Food Festival 4 July-27July 2008

2008-11-28T21:57:00.000-08:00

EXCLUSIVE FOR TWK'S READERS!

Come come, join in the crowd!

Calling for all Food Lovers out there!!

Finally the biggest and long awaited event of the year is here!

In this national celebration of Singapore culinary heritage and culture you can enjoy the taste of Singapore. All famous dishes made by committed and passionate chefs with various cultural backgrounds are available. The must try Hainanese Chicken Rice, Roti Prata, Laksa, Chilli Crab and Fish Head Curry are there for you!

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Laksa

Fish Head Curry

Prata

Of course that is not all! There are Satay, Fried Carrot Cake, Char Kway Teow and Bak Kut Teh to keep your tate buds busy and if your stomach still growls you can get more of Rojak.

I still remember the last time i went to Singapore Food Festival was with my family, about a few years ago. Even though we had went to the event for several times before, we were still quite amazed by the wide assortments of food selections. All of us had a fabulous time having our dinner there, trying on this and that. There were times whereby it was so crowded, that my mum and i practically had to CALL each other because we lost sights of one another! What's more, the food there are sold at affordable prices! Definitely worth the experience! =D

Satay

Rojak

The pictures look savouring isn't it?

Anyway, do you know that we have a special free treat for tourists? YES WE DO! Simply visit any Singapore Visitor Centres (SVCs) and present your passport to receive your Singapore Food Sampler vouchers and you will enjoy a FREE portion of any 3 local delights!

The sampling portions are still not enough for you to taste Singapore dishes fully? fear not! You can visit the following restaurants during the Singapore Food Festivals period to purchase their very own Singapore Food Sampler platter:

-Makansutra Gluttons Bay

-Kopi Tiam Group
-Prima Taste

-Killiney Kopitiam

-Space @ My Humble House

-Giraffe

-Siwissotel The Stamford

For more information please dial Singapore Food Festival Hotline at (65) 6273 2998.

ZOUK OUT 08!

2008-11-28T01:45:00.001-08:00

SOMEONE PLEASE TELL ME WHAT EVENT THIS IS..

AT WHERE ??

WHAT TIME??

HOW CAN I GET TO THIS EVENT??

yes, it is..

THE PARTY OF THE YEAR!!

~ PLEASE DON'T STOP THE MUSIC..~

COME JOIN ZOUK OUT @ 13 DEC NOW!

The annual dance music festival drawing crowds from all over the world to Singapore yearly will be held this December 13 at Siloso Beach, Sentosa. A whopping 23000 revelers attended last year from 20000 from the previous year. With numbers increasing every year, this year , the crowd is expected to grow to 30000.

Zoukout is organised by the 17 year old club Zouk to "to take party people across the region on a brilliant escape into a rhapsody of music, dancing, art and festivities."

Not only does it draw hardcore partyers but it also boasts a lineup from all over the world to homegrown bands!

French collective, Nouvelle Vague will perform LIVE and treat the crowd to their Bossa and Caribbean inspired arrangements of rarely covered songs from the 1980s New Wave and punk era that made them a worldwide success, beautiful renditions of classics like Joy Division’s 'Love Will Tear Us Apart’ and Depeche Mode’s ‘Just Can’t Get Enough’.

Complementing the sunset line up are remarkable homegrown bands like Moods primed to release their new album and Bloco Singapura + NovoBloco, comprised of an 8 piece band and a 40 strong percussion team playing carnival rhythms, fused with contemporary sounds. After an unforgettable debut at The Night Festival in July 2008, this rousing act is bound to get the crowd moving!

Electrico, Singapore’s favourite band will return with new arrangements of tracks from their latest record especially to perform at ZoukOut, to show another side of their music and build on the momentum of the artists playing before them.

Want to know more? can't wait to join the fun? GRAB YOUR TICKETS NOW BEFORE IT'S TOO LATE!

SEE YOU AT ZOUK OUT!

[31 December 2008] New Year Countdown

2008-11-18T06:28:00.000-08:00

3.2.1

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Spent your fabulous new year with Singapore!

The Marina Bay Singapore Countdown 08/09 that is taking place at the symbolic area of Singapore will be more than just a celebration.
It is an annual tradition for Singapore which will not only pleased the Singaporeans but also the friends residing overseas as the event will be broadcast live on Channel News Asia.

Even though it is most likely that you will get quite badly squeezed due to the huge crowd (based on my past experiences), i can guarantee that it will be a totally fun experience for you to squeeze in together with our fellow Singaporeans, counting down together during the last few seconds of the year, and cheering as loud as possible as the magnificent fireworks start popping in the sky!

This year end event is a fantastic chance for all of you to just relax, chase all your worries and unpleasant memories of 2008 by bringing together the collective wishes and aspirations of millions of people, and unite them all in counting down the final seconds of the year! Live band concerts, Mediacorp artistes' performances, 'soap' parties.... Be assured that there will be a list of programmes lined up for YOU! Not forgetting the beautiful fireworks that will showcase the outline of Singapore night view. :)

So what are you waiting for? Come on down to Esplanade, the Theaters by the bay (Float@Marina Bay) to celebrate the beginning of a new year full of hopes, challenges, prosperity and dreams with your family and friends for free. Jump, dance, scream your lungs out, and be prepared to lose yourself!
The show will start at 7 pm. Do not miss it!

Below are some pictures taken from Office Tower Marina Bay (previous year-i think 2006)

Singapore's skyline

beautiful fireworks colored the sky

finally... the highlight of the night!

Pictures credit: triton_poonpipi forum

EVENT ALERT :Sitex 2008!

2008-11-14T23:08:00.000-08:00

HELLO ALL!
TWK Group brings you to ...

Date : Nov 27, 2008(thursday) to Nov 30, 2008 (sunday)
Time: 11 am to 9 pm
Venue: Singapore Expo Halls 5 and 6

Sitex is the launch pad of Singapore's best infocomm and consumer electronic products. Being the infocomm event of the year, Sitex is one where consumers come face-to-face with innovative technologies in computer hardware and software, digital products, wireless applications and solutions from world renowned brands. It is one of the largest and most significant consumer IT and digital exhibitions in Singapore!

Sitex is MORE than just about value bargains. In fact, it is a learning platform filled with activities for the modern generation to gain awareness of the latest galore of Infocomm and consumer electronic offerings in the market.

Each year, new segments have been added to attract new exhibitors and to provide visitors with access to the latest and hottest digital offerings. This year’s exhibition will cover new attractions such as sports electronics, digital art and digital music technologies. These segments have been identified as one of the emerging digital crazes in consumer technologies and are assured to address the growing consumer need for lifestyle enhancement and enjoyment.

I personally had gone to such an IT festival before, and i am quite astounded by the extensive variety of digital products there Still, its the price that catches most of my attention. :)

Digital art technology, Camera and camcorder, animation, gaming.. there's definitely something for everyone here! So why wait? Book your dates and be part of Sitex 2008 NOW!

Sitex 2008- Your Digital Playground.

Credits:

1. http://www.sitex.com.sg,/

2. http://www.newasia-singapore.com/

Singapore Biennale 2008!

2008-11-12T06:14:00.000-08:00

EVENT:
SINGAPORE BIENNALE 2008!

Decorations for Singapore Biennale 2006

The Singapore Biennale is an international contemporary mega visual arts exhibition showcasing contemporary art by renowned visual artists from around the globe. The artists come from Asia, the Middle East, Europe and the Americas, to Southeast Asia and Singapore. Each piece of work reveals different perspectives and angles in which we see our world. The work done, is not abstract and not beyond the average person's comprehension. Even those who cannot appreciate art (speaking from experience, haha ) will find that this event will teach us to appreciate it.

This art exhibition is spread out between South Beach Development and City Hall, previously known as the Municipal Building. Tourists can be amazed at the exhibits and at the same time visit this historic location before it is converted into an art museum in 2012. The Singapore Flyer, is another tourist hotspot, and it also has an exhibit on board. If the flyer is part of your itinerary, you should definitely consider adding this exhibition to your itinerary too.

The theme of this year's event is WONDER. Of course, tourists will wonder why it is so hot in Singapore..... so bring a bottle of water to quench your thirst! =) Dress casually especially if you are visiting in the afternoon where the sweltering hot sun can be quite unbearable.

The exhibition costs $5 for students and $10 for adults. It takes about a full day to cover both South Beach, City Hall and the Singapore Flyer, excluding the rest of the exhibits. The exhibition closes on 16 November so be sure to add the Singapore Biennale to your itinerary if you are traveling to Singapore during this period!

The official site link is below:

http://www.singaporebiennale.org/

Suggested Event itinary (1 Nov- 5Nov 2008)

2008-11-12T00:24:00.000-08:00

Looking for events to attend?

Here's a list for you from 1 NOV - 5 NOV!

Day1 (1 Nov)

Night Safari: Halloween HorrorVenture into the wild and weird realm of ghouls and goblins this Halloween. Take photo at the Haunted Photo Wall and go around the Haunted Rainforest where Creature of the Night will emerge unexpectedly. Vampires, ghouls and ghosts await you at every corner!
Deepavali Celebrations in Little India: Deepavali, the Festival of Lights, is the most important festival in the Hindu calendar. Celebrate the victory of good over evil by lighting the oil lamps to thank Gods for happiness, knowledge and health received.

Day 2 (2 Nov)

Korean Flavour Fiesta: VivoCity Amphitheatre (L3)Enjoy the taste of fresh Korean food in Singapore at reasonable prices!
Arise - Contemporary Chinese and European Art:Connoisseur Art GalleryConnoisseur Art Gallery proudly presents a myriad of amazing contemporary Chinese and European artworks by its pool of stellar artists. The works allow the viewers to be exposed to a wide range of contemporary Chinese and European Art at the same time.

Day 3 (3 Nov)

Masriadi: Black is My Last Weapon-Singapore Art MuseumThe exhibition presents a striking portrait of Masriadi through the displayed works and the exhibition design. It translates four thematic sections that provide a different angle of understanding different façades of Masriadi's personality, his commitment to painting and the theme of his works.
Avenue Q- Esplanade Theatre: One of the longest and running contemporary musicals on Broadway is here!It opened in London’s West End in 2006 and has since won the Tony Award and Laurence Oliver Award for the Best Musical.So sit back and enjoy the show which is largely inspired by Sesame Street.

Day 4 (4 Nov)

K-Pop Concert: 4 Nov, 2008; Singapore Indoor Stadium
Christmas in the Tropics: Orchard, Marina BaySingapore's most famous shopping belt gears up for the season of joy by turning into the most beautiful fairy tale land of all sorts. From Orchard Road to Marina Bay, the streets and shopping centers get festive with dazzling lights and decorations as well as special window displays.

Day 5 (5 Nov)

Korean Traditional Dance Performance: 5 Nov, 2008; University Cultural Centre, National University of Singapore (NUS)
The Tooth Fairy -DBS ARTS CENTRE - Home of the Singapore Repertory Theatre: The Tooth Fairy is The Little Company's latest year-end extravaganza.Don't miss this fun-filled magical musical and find out what happens to Ruthie's tooth in this timeless tale featuring memorable and uplifting songs and dance routines, colorful set and costumes, and performed by our dynamic troop of actors.

Singapore Festival: Christmas!

2008-11-11T22:26:00.000-08:00

EVENT: CHRISTMAS!

HOHOHO, MERRY CHRISTMAS!

World's Most Expensive Christmas Tree

Designed by Last year, Singapore jeweler Soo Kee Jewellery created this Christmas tree with 21,798 diamonds totaling 913 carats and 3,762 crystal beads. The tree looked like (and was actually worth) a million bucks!

Decorations on the road!

Oh its that time of year again... Christmas! Presents, family gatherings and the oh so wonderful Christmas spreads come to mind. End of year sales help to fuel the impulse spending of Singaporeans and visitors alike. With over 70% discounts, it would be hard to resist. Of course, don't expect snowball fights in our tropical climate. Dress comfortably and gear up with water bottles to last the day.

In places like Tanglin Road, Scotts Road, the Marina Bay area and Orchard Road , the christmas decorations are generous, in accordance to the spirit of giving that the festive season brings. This tall christmas tree in Takashimaya™ above is set up every year to usher in that festive joy. Expect to see Santa Clauses taking pictures or giving away free sweets to the public. It was all about the love that was being exchanged, for I believe that is the truth behind the season.

The Christmas story, of how the whole season came about, started 2000 years ago. The life of Jesus was a life of giving, which is the reason for the 'spirit of giving' so often talked about in Christmas. It was recorded that Jesus caused the blind to see, made the lame walk and gave life to the dead in the gospels. His purpose in coming to Earth was mainly to die fo the sins of mankind. He was as such a gift to mankind.

Churches around Singapore will invite the public to hear the story behind Christmas. These services are unlike the usual sermons held weekly. They tell the story of how the baby Jesus , who was born on Christmas day, using the traditional nativity scenes and in today's mordern context, dances.

Also in Singapore, not only will there be extended shopping hours, the DHL tourist express is offering tourist discounts to those up to 75% off so tourists need not worry about how to get their purchases home. A fantastic visual display of lights await visitors during the Christmas season in Singapore along Orchard road.

So whats holding you back? Don't miss out on Singapore's festivities this Christmas!

p.s. just a reminder, there will usually be island-wide sales at all stores during Christmas. So everyone! especially girls! How can u miss this great opportunity to SHOP TILL YOU DROP? =D

Festival in Singapore: Deepavali!

2008-11-10T06:41:00.000-08:00

Singapore Festival:
DEEPAVALI!

Deepavali which is known as the Feastival of Lights in english is actually a five-day Hindu festival. This New Year festival takes its name from a Sanskrit word meaning a “row or cluster of lights”.

This festival takes place in the Hindu month of Karthika, which is October/November in the English calendar.

It marks both a new moon and a new year and is celebrated in honor of Lakshmi, the goddess of wealth and good fortune and consort of Vishnu. It is celebrated with worship, ceremonial displays of lights, and fireworks to chase away the spirits of the deceased.

The Indians in Sinagpore celebrate this festival in great style with the whole of Little India street being colourfully lit with lights.

Families taking oil bathes in the morning,visiting temples and their loved ones giving one another money as well as exchanging gifts. Childrens just love the festival as they get to eat their favourite sweets and play with fire crackers while visiting their loved ones!

Deepavali has always been the time for me to reunite with my family and friends. I always look forward to our deepavali shopping periods. This is the time where my family and I go to little India together to pick up some clothes for the auspicious event. The entire Little India would be very different from how it is on normal circumstances! The entire place would be lit with beautiful colored lights, which would be different every year!My sisters and I always look forward to my family’s shopping times as we get to go to Little India together with my cousins and family member. We will all eagerly enter the clothing stores to choose the most stylish and latest clothes, which we like the most. Also shopping for house decoration items would be done at this time. Specials greeting cards for the special occasion would be bought. These cards would then be delivered to relatives and dear ones to wish Deepavali greetings. Although this may seem like a weird thing especially in a high-technology world, people still continue this practice.

Deepavali is a time where all the relatives, far and near, would spend their time together with my family and I. Also the speciality of celebrating Deepavali in Singapore is that different race and religious friends would also be able to take part and celebrate this festival as one. My Chinese friends have also been part of my family by celebrating this auspicious occasion with me! Amazing isn't it?

Singapore Festival: Hari Raya!

2008-11-09T21:30:00.000-08:00

SINGAPORE FESTIVAL

HARI RAYA!

Hari Raya Puasa is a public holiday in Singapore.

Hari Raya Puasa ,also known in Arabic as Edil Fitri, is the most prominent of all Muslim festivals in Singapore. Hari Raya is Malay for "Grand day of rejoicing". Hari Raya Puasa is a celebratory occasion following a month of fasting which is known as Ramadhan.

The Fasting Month Of Ramadhan falls on the 9th month of the Muslim year which is followed by Hari Raya Puasa which falls on Shawal which is the 10th month in the Muslim calendar. The Muslim calendar and the English calendar is different, therefore the dates on which Hari Raya Puasa falls varies from year to year. Hari Raya Puasa sometimes can be mistaken as the first day of the Month or Muslim New Year yet, that is not true.

The month of Ramadhan is spent in fasting (Puasa in malay), prayer and the internal cleansing of the soul. Fasting commences at 5:30 am and ends at 7:00 pm. During Ramadhan, most Muslims read the Quran (Muslim holy book), learn to appreciate the finer aspects of life and incline towards giving to the less fortunate. Fasting is expected from everyone except the elderly, the sick and women who are expecting. Fast is broken after sunset when it is time for the evening meal known as Iftar. Fasting is broken slowly with light dishes (like dates or apricots) followed by a big meal. Muslims can eat and drink till 5.30am. The break of fast is followed by tarawih prayers which brings family closer.

This is the method by which Prophet Mohammed broke fast.

An interesting fact is that children and Muslim converts are trained with half a day's fasting before they take on full scale fasting.

Fasting encapsulates the third pillar and Zakat Fitrah encapsulates the fourth pillar of Islam. By the eve of Hari Raya Puasa most Muslims would have donated money to the needy and less fortunate.

The Festival of Hari Raya Puasa marks the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadhan. Prayers followed by a thanks-giving feasts are held in mosques on the morning of the occasion. It is a time of forgiveness within the Muslim community and a time for strengthen bonds amongst relatives and friends. New clothes, decorated houses and exchange of invitations between friends and relatives commemorate Hari Raya Puasa.

Some of Hari Raya traditional costumes on display!

The celebration of this festival extends to a month where importance is placed on the first three days. During the three days, Muslim homes have a "open house" policy where friends and relatives visit one another.

It is also customary during this period that graves of departed souls are visited and are remembered in prayers. Seven days prior to Hari Raya Puasa a small oil lamp is lit in front of every Muslim home. Each day an additional lamp is added and finally by the seventh day there are seven lamps lit in a complete row. These lamps are meant to welcome the souls of the departed who are supposed to be visiting their families in the night. This ceremony is known as Malam Tujoh Likur , meaning "all soul's night".

On Hari Raya Puasa, the Malays in Singapore have a lavish spread of all sorts of food over their dining table. They would have specialities such as beef rendang (a spicy dish of beef that is like a dry curry), ketupat (rice cake wrapped in coconut leaf) and lontong (rice cake immersed in coconut gravy). Along with these would be cookies, cakes and pineapple tarts. Amongst the Indian Muslims such as the Pakistanis, Khojas and Dawoodi Bohras, the dining tables would be laden with spreads of curries, briyani (savory rice cooked with meat or chicken) and dates cooked in milk.The Malays would greet each other with 'Selamat Hari Raya', which means "happy day of joy" and the Indian Muslims would say 'Eid Mubarak', meaning "blessings of the holy day".

Hari Raya feast!

credits for images: By Kirk Siang, MyLifeStory on Flickr and Yahoo Images

Singapore Festival: CNY!

2008-11-09T00:42:00.000-08:00

SINGAPORE FESTIVAL

CHINESE NEW YEAR!

One of the places you shouldn't miss!

CHINATOWN!

So you must be wondering why of all places, TWK recommends you to Chinatown? The reason is simple, take a short walk in Chinatown and you will be able to catch a glimpse of how the early Chinese settlers lived and toiled. You will also easily spot the difference between the buildings: Imagine an old pre-war shop house standing side by side to a renovated one. The sights of the old and renewed intermittently appearing in random along the streets is actually part of our efforts to preserved the history of our Great ancestors and to constantly remind ourselves of their contributions to our nation.

Simple decorations all over the city for this festival.

A small boy dressing up in this traditional outfit!

Fast and Furious- The Dragon and his Fireball

The Dragon serves as a symbol during the Chinese New Year.

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HELLO TO ALL! Gung Hay Fat Choy!

(Chinese New Year 2008- The Year of Rat!)

Before we know, Chinese New Year 2009 -The Year of the OX, will be arriving very soon! Starting on the Monday, 26th of January in 2009, the celebrations usually lasts about 42 days, depending on the Chinese calender.

As for me, another year has gone by, and i personally feel that there has not been much changes going on for the past 1 year. As the new year comes, I will have to carry out the usual CNY routine of clearing my stuff and helping my mother to clean up the house. It is not impossible fpr me to spend a whole weekend just to put up the decorations and lay out the new year goodies for me to eat! I always look forward to the reunion dinner with my family as I get to see all my younger cousins (I'm the oldest in both my father's and mother's side of the family) and the have a sumptuous meal.

Based on the previous 16 years of my life, I doubt my family will change their sequence of visiting my relatives. First stop is at my grandmother's house all the way in Chua Chu Kang (I live in Tampines) and we have to be there in the morning (this means getting up early in the morning for me). It's worth it though as my grandparents are usually quite generous with the red packets they give. This is followed by some relatives on my mother's side whom I can never remember how I'm supposed to address them. Next would be the relatives on my father's side and some of his friends. The night is usually wasted away by me trying to ignore the noise from the "washing" of the mahjong tiles. And of course, once the celebrations are over, I think I will end up with sore throat due to all the barbeque pork, pineapple tarts and chocolates I'll be eating. Sometimes, temptation does have a price to pay. :X

In actual fact, all the CNY bustling actually takes place weeks before the day itself, where all families gear up in preparation for the time when their relatives come knocking on their doors. It will not be surprising to see the streets of Chinatown being flooded with people rushing to buy their New Year's goods in anticipation of their guests. Take a walk in Chinatown 1 week before the New Year. You will be overwhelmed with the different scents and sounds in the air, like the smell of roasting chestnuts, the smell of different fruits and dried pork and the shouts of the store keepers trying to reel in customers. An experience you won't forget.

Also during the CNY period, festivities take place all over the city. This include the spectacular Chingay Parade, consisting of stilt-walkers, lion dancers, samba dances and floats. Be bombarded by the wide variety of colourful and vibrant performances! Simply fabulous!

Besides Chingay, another activity that should not be missed will be the yearly Chinese New Year Celebration held at Chinatown. Light-up ceremony, countdown party, fireworks, firecrackers, how can you possibly miss all the fun in this action-packed festive celebration?

Cai Shen dao~

-THE GOD OF WEALTH-

has been and is still the main attraction during the Chinese New Year Festival!

" Take a candy from him and it is believe to be able to bring you luck for this Chinese New Year!"

All these festivities are a great opportunity for everyone on this island to have a huge gathering and totally indulge themselves in the jubilant atmosphere during this festive season!

So remember, during the CNY period, do join in the festive crowds!

Till Later,

TWK! (Travel with Knowledge)

Credits for images: By Tracee on Flickr & Yahoo Images

Our first post

2008-11-01T07:16:00.000-07:00

BLOG IS UNDER RENOVATION, THANKS FOR VIEWING, COME BACK SOON!

With so much loves:

Jerry, Maha, Derick, Cystal, Lya, Sophia

Ps: Jerry said he rocks, any votes?