It’s the Second Half of the Year!
Welcome to the second half of the year! If you haven’t done anything productive yet, don’t worry – there are 6 months left in 2015. Besides taking the time to kickstart your ‘new year’s resolutions’ again, this is the month to step out of your comfort zone. Don’t miss out on the latest events this month!
Things to Do In July 2015
1. Check Off This List of 50 Weird Things to Do in SG
Morning yoga at Xiao Guilin, a park in Bukit Batok
Bored? Spend the whole of July ticking things off this list of weird things you can do in Singapore. Whether you’re Singaporean or not, there will be things on this list that will surprise you! From visiting a turtle museum to Singapore’s strangest theme park, it’s un-un-un-un-unbelievable how many things there are to do on our little island.
2. Venture into Serangoon’s Cafes
Tiong Bahru, Duxton Hill and Everton Park are so yesterday. Instead, shift your cafe-hopping radar to Serangoon – I bet you didn’t know that there are a grand total of 17 cafes there! To all the heartlanders – unite!
3. Come Face to Face with Deep Sea Creatures
These creatures look more like extraterrestrial creatures than little goldfishes swimming in our fishtank. Besides wrapping your head around how strange they look, take some time to appreciate how they’ve evolved to survive in the deep sea. From a ‘vampire squid’ to the ‘invisible shrimp’, these creatures look like friends of the dinosaurs.
Happening at the ArtScience Museum, it’s probably the only chance we’ll get to see them on land. We dropped by and were deeply fascinated! Buy your tickets here.
Address: ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave, 018974
Exhibition Opening Hours: 10am – 7pm
4. #SupportLocal and Catch a Local Movie
To commemorate Cathay Organisation’s 80th anniversary, the romantic comedy Our Sister Mambo serves as a tribute and reinvention of two iconic Cathay films: Our Sister Hedy (1957) and The Greatest Civil War on Earth (1961).
Revolving around the Wongs, a middle class family where the father strives to be the bonding force, Mambo, the third daughter, tries to get her other 3 unmarried sisters hitched. Laugh along to Mambo’s accidental mishaps and hiccups as she embarks on her well-meaning endeavor! Our Sister Mambo opens 15 July.
5. Learn a New Language
To succeed in life, you need to learn 7 languages. Just kidding – but really, learning a new language does help when you’re travelling overseas. Having learnt Japanese for a while, I realised how useful it was when I could read the food labels in Japan!
We’ve compiled a list of the various institutes where you can learn a new language, from German and Tagalog to even Chinese (yes, you know you need it). If you’re a Star Trek fan, visit the Klingon Learning Institute to comprehend what Spock’s trying to tell you in your dreams.
6. Go Without Internet for One Day
If you think you’ve mastered Truth or Dare, how about this: I dare you to switch off your wifi and 4G for one day! I admit, even as I’m writing this, my phone is next to me – but don’t we feel the need to be disconnected sometimes? Simply take the plunge and live in the moment. We’ve tried it and survived – so can you!
7. Explore Singapore’s Dying Trades
For many of us 90’s kids, we remember the days before globalisation came around and smartphones invaded our island. But how many of us actually know about traditional trades like rattan-weaving and lantern painting? These trades are age-old and laden with history. Before they vanish forever, read our guide and make a trip down to get a glimpse of Singapore’s past!
8. Grab What You Want For FREE!
How many times have you heard your parents say “work hard, nothing is free in the world?” Prove them wrong by bringing something back from the Singapore Really, Really Free Market! The Really, Really Free Market (RRFM) movement is simply a temporary market set up by a collective of individuals. Nothing is for sale – everything is shared, and if you spot something you like, feel free to bring it home.
Date & Time: 19 July, 12 pm
Venue: Blk 15, Toa Payoh Lorong 7, S310015
9. Go For a Day of Luxury at g.Spa
Tired, unmotivated, and uninspired? Take a day off and spend it – no, not at home sleeping – but at g.Spa. A massive $3.5 million place which offers the ultimate spa experience, pamper yourself with the hot tub, steam room, and the array of massage and body scrub services available. Furthermore, once you’re in there, there’s unlimited food and movies to watch!
With the purchase of any package, you’ll get complete access to their facilities for 24 hours. A ‘staycation’ and spa rolled into one – we’d definitely say yes. Check out our experience here!
10. Celebrate SG50 By Eating 50 Dishes
In light of Singapore’s SG50 celebrations, Restaurant Association of Singapore (RAS) has teamed up with 50 restaurants, with each restaurant creating a new dish based on our local produce – fish, eggs, and vegetables. From Japanese and Chinese to Indian cuisine, this is the ultimate test of the chefs’ creativity. Available from 1 July to 10 August 2015, find out where to eat the 50 dishes – if you can – here!
Events in July 2015
11. The LKY Musical
The LKY Musical delves into Mr Lee’s younger days, from his college years all the way to racial unrest in the 50s and the struggle for Singapore’s independence. A story about a single man’s dream and determination for Singapore, it is as described by its producers, “a tale of high drama, intrigue, betrayal, love and loyalty.”
Starring Adrian Pang as the younger Mr Lee Kuan Yew and Sharon Au as Madam Kwa Geok Choo, this tribute to our founding father is directed by London director Steven Dexter, with the music by Dick Lee. In line with Singapore’s 50th year of independence, this musical is not to be missed.
Date & Time: 21 July – 16 Aug 2015; 3pm & 7.30pm (Sat), 1.30pm & 6pm (Sun), 1.30pm (Sun 9 August)
Tickets: $58 – $150 from Sistic
Venue: Sands Theatre, MasterCard Theatres® at Marina Bay Sands
12. Breakfast at 8, Jungle at 9
Flowers and insects are often underappreciated, but in photographer Ernests Goh’s latest works, these are the very subjects of his art pieces. Using repetitive motifs from the natural environment – butterflies, flowers, birds etc – Ernest encourages the viewer to appreciate nature with an open mind.
Date & Time: Till July 19; 11am – 7pm (Tue – Fri), noon – 6pm (Sat), noon – 4pm (Sun)
Venue: 155 Middle Road
13. The Waiting Room
How good are we at observing? The Waiting Room, a new series of works by Luke Heng, focuses on the simple act of observing. As part of a series called Foursight, Luke surveys his materials, observing how they interact with each other, and capturing such ‘interactions’ in real time. A little abstract for my understanding, but undoubtedly will catch the attention of abstract art lovers.
Date & Time: 3 – 26 Jul; 11am – 7pm (Tue – Sat), 11am – 6pm (Sun)
Venue: FOST Gallery, Gillman Barracks
14. Vision 2015
I loved magic shows as a kid, and if you do, VISION 2015 promises to be the grandest one you’ve ever watched. Presented by illusionists Lawrence and Priscilla Khong, be wowed by the complex and visually impressive spectacle, with new illusions and a wider storyline. Given their sell-out debut performance in 2011 and successful China run last year, this event will redefine your experience of magic.
Date & Time: 3 – 12 July; 8pm (Thur – Fri), 2:30pm & 8pm (Sat), 2:30pm (Sun)
Tickets: $28 – $118 from Sistic
Venue: Esplanade Theatre
15. WWE “Live” Singapore 2015
These WWE superstars make arm-wrestling look puny. If you’re a fan of the WWE, catch your favourite superstars John Cena, Dolph Ziggler, Chris Jericho, Nikki Bella and more! Be sure to be kept on the edge of your seat as you watch the adrenaline-pumping spectacle in Singapore’s very own Indoor Stadium for one night only!
Date & Time 2 July, 7:30pm
Tickets: $88 – $148 from Singapore Sports Hub’s website
Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium
16. 2 CELLOS
Hailing all the way from Croatia, young cellists Luka Sulic and Stjepan Hauser are back after an astounding concert with an audience of 3,500 last year. The versatile duo are so versatile that they’re equally comfortable playing classical pieces, like Bach, and rock hits, like Iron Maiden.
They’ve even appeared on TV shows like The Ellen DeGeneres Show, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Glee, with their Michael Jackson song “Smooth Criminal” debuting at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 Digital Songs Chart!
Date & Time: 16 July, 8pm
Tickets: $68 – $148 from Sistic
Venue: Suntec Singapore Convention & Exhibition Centre Level 6, Hall 601 – 604
17. Johnny Marr Live in Singapore
Johnny Marr, iconic British guitarist and founding member of The Smiths, is launching his first ever concert in Singapore! Voted the fourth best guitarist of the last 30 years, and hailed as one who “continues to push boundaries and evolve throughout his career,” Johnny’s guitar skills are undisputed. Furthermore, Johnny Marr was invited to perform at the New York premiere of The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
Date & Time: 30 July, 8pm
Tickets: $88 – $148 from Sistic
Venue: University Cultural Centre Hall, NUS
18. BigBang 2015 World Tour [Made] in Singapore
Big Bang needs no further introduction. Kpop fans – here’s the event you’ve been waiting for! Making a comeback after a long hiatus, Big Bang will be performing brand new songs amidst a visual spectacle of lights and sound.
Date & Time: 18 & 19 July, 6pm
Tickets: $168 – $368 from Singapore Indoor Stadium’s website
Venue: Singapore Indoor Stadium
19. Singing In The Rain
Regarded one of the greatest musicals ever produced, Singin’ In the Rain has arrived in Singapore, straight from the London’s West End! A superb hit, it narrates the transition when movies went from silent to sound, eventually creating the first Hollywood musical and leaving silent movies behind.
A night of romance, comedy and glamour, be sure to keep your ears open for classic songs like Singin’ in the Rain and Make ‘em Laugh. Look out – if you’re sitting in the ‘wet zone’ (first 4 rows), be prepared to get wet!
Date & Time: 9 – 26 July; 8pm (Tues – Fri), 2pm & 8pm (Sat), 1pm & 6:30pm (Sun)
Tickets: $65 – $195 from Sistic
Venue: Grand Theatre, MasterCard Theatres at Marina Bay Sands
20. Frenemies
Frenemies, a dance duet by Navtej Johar and Lokesh Bharadwaj, is about the search for song and the struggle between love and hate within the physical confines of the human body. A work inspired by studying the context of classical Indian dance amidst temple dancers and courtesans, this production eventually aims to achieve a state of emptiness within one’s body.
Date & Time: 2 – 4 July; 8pm
Venue: $35 from Sistic
Venue: 72-13
Ready, Get Set, Go!
With so many events coming up, here’s to a fruitful second half of 2015!