Fuel your wanderlust with a trip to Singapore

From top : Joo Chiat/Katong, Tiong Bahru, Kampong Gelam

Credit: Singapore Tourism Board

 

 

There is something for everyone in Singapore. Past the famous destinations like Orchard Road and Chinatown, Singapore’s different neighborhoods hold lucky finds to make your trip more worthwhile. See Singapore through the eyes of a local, whether you are old or young, trendy or obscure, a shopaholic, or searching for experiences. From heritage tours, retail therapy, gastronomic treats and eccentric discoveries, find the neighborhood that speaks to your lifestyle.  Immerse yourself with a vibrant multicultural experience and treat yourself with exciting offerings one can only get from the Lion City.

 

Get a richer, more unique experience out of your next Singapore trip with these colorful and historic neighborhoods:

Mural in Tiong Bahru

Credit: Singapore Tourism Board

 

 

TIONG BAHRU

Saunter down to the swanky lifestyle destination for the hip and trendy, Tiong Bahru! Filled with cafes, boutiques, murals, and interesting architecture, this neighborhood is a favorite for creatives as a source of inspiration. 

 

Tiong Bahru is the oldest housing estate in Singapore, where the old and new come together in an enchanting mix. Visit this quaint community for a window into the past, where the old residents have lived for decades and where the younger generations visit for the shops, food, and culture.

 

Some unique must-tries: Tiong Bahru Bakery, Creamier Handcrafted Ice Cream and Coffee, Monument Lifestyle Retail Cafe. Then, catch some dinner and drinks in a cool hole in the wall, like Bincho.

 Peranakan Shophouses in Joo Chiat/Katong

Credit: Singapore Tourism Board

 

JOO CHIAT/KATONG

For those seeking a more refined visit with retro aesthetics, the heritage area of Joo Chiat/Katong is waiting for you. The streets are lined with colorful shophouses showing off the Peranakan culture, where Singapore’s history is carefully maintained. Yet once you step past the historical facade, you’ll be surprised to find yourself in a modern Singapore home to suit all your contemporary needs.

 

This historical hub is also fused with the hottest hang-outs loved by both newer and older generations, such as Awfully Chocolate’s premium quality desserts and Chin Mee Confectionary’s traditional kaya and kopi, which has been perfected in the very same spot it has been since it opened 40 years ago. Pick up quirky and locally made goodies at Attaby Collective and Cat Socrates, both act as go-to spots for local artists and are perfect for one-of-a-kind garments, books, trinkets, and other finds. 

Murals in Kampong Gelam

Credit: Singapore Tourism Board

 

 

KAMPONG GELAM

Culture meets cool in Kampong Gelam. One of the oldest neighborhoods in Singapore and is as vibrant as it is historic. Filled with the coolest murals and decorated shops along its intimate streets, Kampong Gelam is a true feast for your eyes. Take a Vespa Tour and find out why this quaint hang-out spot is frequented by those with a penchant for the obscure. Filled with hidden gems for inimitable experiences such as the likes of Sifr Aromatics, where a custom scent will be made for you based on your mood, personality, and preferences. You may also appreciate The Vintage Camera Museum or the analog audio at Curated Records if you are looking to grow your vinyl collection.

 

Vespa Tour

Credit: Singapore Tourism Board

 

 

EXPLORING BEYOND TOURIST SPOTS

 

Explore the exciting possibilities in these emerging hotspots and reimagine Singapore’s neighborhoods. Whether you are the type to catch local trends or lean into the unknown, Singapore’s rich legacy and passion will guide you through its streets for your own personal adventure. Just take the leap!

 

Want to learn more about these hidden gems? Singapore Tourism Board has released the “VicTour Singapore”video series with comedian Victor Anastacio, where each episode explores a different Singaporean neighborhood. Rediscover famous destinations like Orchard Road and Chinatown and uncover more about neighborhoods above in the YouTube series. Watch out for the finale episode on August 29 and decide which neighborhood is for you.

 

Check out the “VicTour Singapore” and watch our series on YouTube to see what else Singapore has to offer: http://go.gov.sg/victoursingapore

 

For comprehensive updates on Singapore travel, entry, as well as departure guidelines and requirements, visitors can refer to https://www.visitsingapore.com/travel-guide-tips/travel-requirements/

 

Rediscover Singapore at visitsingapore.com. Like their Facebook page athttp://www.facebook.com/VisitSingaporePH

It’s Beyond the Box Brand Day!

Shout out to all Apple enthusiasts out there. This is your sign to buy those Apple devices and accessories on your list that you’ve been wanting for so long! No one should miss out on these exclusive mega deals that Beyond the Box has prepared for you.

The most-loved gadget store is celebrating their Brand Day on Shopee this June 15 to 17 and they have limited-time offers up to P12,000 off on select items! On top of that, Beyond the Box will be having their flash deals, and discount vouchers up to P500 during their 3-day Brand Day. You can also get a free Momax Paper Touch Screen Protector worth P990 for every purchase of Apple iPad Pro 11” 3rd Gen or Apple iPad Air 5th Gen.

On June 15 at 7:00 PM, they will be having a livestream on Shopee, in partnership with Isabelle Pozon (@sabpozon) https://tinyurl.com/BTBBrandDayLivestream .Newest gadgets with big discounts will be reviewed and exclusive vouchers will be given to the viewers so set your reminders as early as now!

 

🛒Apple iPhone 13 512GB

SRP: ₱ 71,990

Promo Price: ₱ 59,990

 

🛒Apple iPhone 12 128GB

SRP: ₱ 53,990

Promo Price: ₱ 42,490

 

🛒 Apple iPhone SE (3rd Gen,2022) 128GB

SRP: ₱ 32,990

Promo Price: ₱ 30,990

🛒 Apple iPad Air Wi-Fi + Cellular (5th Gen, 2022) 64GB

SRP: ₱ 46,990

Promo Price: ₱ 44,990

 

🛒 Ferrari Quilted Hard Case for iPhone 13

SRP: ₱ 1,990

Promo Price: ₱ 1,790

 

🛒 BMW Silicone Hard Case Metal Logo for iPhone 13

SRP: ₱ 1,990

Promo Price: ₱ 1,790

 

Visit us for more deals: https://tinyurl.com/BTBShopeeBrandDay

McDonald's opens new solar-powered restaurants

Quick service restaurant giant McDonald’s Philippines, majority owned and operated by its Master Franchise Holder, Chairman & Founder Dr. George T. Yang is poised to strengthen its Green & Good intiative, the company’s commitment to the environment, by scaling innovative and sustainable restaurant solutions in more of its new stores in the country.

 

Since 2020, McDonald’s has opened two Green & Good flagship stores in Manila and Mandaluyong to test and learn green solutions for sustainable restaurant practices. Previously, the company also conducted a pilot test in its Quezon Avenue, Quezon City and Malasiqui, Pangasinan stores to explore rooftop solar power systems. 

 

Today, McDonald’s is now set to roll out its first batch of new stores in Arayat, Pampanga and Ligao, Albay to be solar-powered. These stores are equipped with grid-tied/on-grid solar photovoltaic (PV) systems connected to the local utility grid and is a cost-effective option to supplement energy requirements. With potentially more than 70,000 KWH in estimated annual power generation, equivalent to approximately less 17,000 kg of CO2 emissions. With the solar rooftop being its significant source of electricity, McDonald’s will be able to power these stores with clean and renewable energy, enhancing its other sustainable solutions for its restaurants.

The newest solar-powered McDonald’s store in Arayat, Pampanga. These solar panels will become a significant source of electricity for the restaurant, providing employees and customers with clean and renewable energy.

 

 

“McDonald's Philippines is embarking on our journey towards becoming a better McDonald's for the environment. We recognize the role we play and the impact we can make by committing to learn and scale initiatives that reduce waste and emissions”, shared McDonald’s Philippines President & CEO Kenneth S. Yang. “Our goal is for our stores to become sustainable developments that feature sustainable restaurant solutions that enable waste reduction, energy conservation, upcycling, and inclusive dining solutions.” 

 

Similar to its existing branches in U.N. Del Pilar Manila and Shaw Wack-Wack Mandaluyong, the new stores will also feature solar lamp posts, photo and motion sensors, and high-performance glass film as part of its utility efficiency solutions, as well as eco-friendly air conditioning for less energy consumption. Green building solutions such as light gauge steel frames, ecopavers/panels and concrete fiber are incorporated as well. Meanwhile, sustainable packaging, proper waste disposal, and active mobility continue to be part of Green & Good stores’ upcycling and inclusive dining experiences.

 

This year, the company projects to further expand its commitment to the environment by opening more new Green & Good flagship stores in the country and convert more of its existing stores to use solar power energy. 

SM Supermalls partners with MPL Philippines to mount the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup (MSC) 2022

 

SM Supermalls has partnered with MPL Philippines to mount the Mobile Legends: Bang Bang Southeast Asia Cup (MSC) 2022 Watch Party from 18-19 June 2022. Philippine flag bearers RSG PH and Smart Omega are this years' contenders to defend the country's glory as the title holder of last year's regional tournament. 

The retail giant will broadcast the playoffs and grand finals in SM City Sucat, Building B Level 2 Atrium and SM City Sta. Mesa Level 4 Hallway. Admission is free, and fans are encouraged to head to the venue to support their favourite teams. 

"MSC 2022 will see our new flag bearers representing us and showing that the Philippines is a force to be reckoned in the Southeast Asian region. With our watch parties, we hope our fans will have a great streaming experience together as they witness action-packed moments unfold," said Joaquin L. San Agustin, Senior Vice President for Marketing, SM Supermalls.

Apart from the watch parties, SM Supermalls will also be mounting MSC 2022 wall installations in SM City San Lazaro, SM City Manila, SM City Taytay, SM City East Ortigas, SM City Marikina, SM City Masinag, SM City Bicutan, SM City Las Piñas, SM City Paranaque, and SM City Muntinlupa.

 

Fans can visit these malls and shoot videos containing messages of their support for RSG PH or Smart Omega. Those participating will have a chance to win limited-edition battle emotes, epic skins, or take home a brand-new Secretlab TITAN Evo 2022 MSC Edition. Participants can have a first-hand experience of these Secretlab chairs at SM City Sucat and SM City Sta. Mesa.

To officially submit an entry, posts should contain the official hashtags #SupremaSEA #MSCheerforPH, #MSC2022, and #PinasLangMalakas. Entries can be in the form of songs, comics, videos, memes, and GIFs through various social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram. Participants can post their outputs until 25 June. The announcement of the winners will be on 30 June.

 

SM Supermalls is the Partner in Esports together with Maya and Secretlab. Meanwhile, Smart Communications, Inc. joins this year's MSC as the Official Telco Partner. Samsung also joins as the Official Sponsor, while TikTok is the Official Content Partner. 

 

Get to know more about the upcoming MSC 2022 by following MPL-PH's official social media pages:

l  Website: https://ph-mpl.com/

l  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mplph.official

l  Facebook community: https://www.facebook.com/groups/552408582749930

l  Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/MPLPhilippines

l  TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mplph_official?lang=en

 

 

Cebu Pacific ramps up flights to Singapore

The Philippines’ leading airline, Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), continues to boost its international network as it ramps up flights to Singapore from two of its largest hubs, Manila and Cebu. 

 

CEB doubles its daily frequency between Manila and Singapore on July 1 as it adds a morning schedule option for everyJuan. Flight 5J 813 is scheduled to depart Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 at 5:35AM, and is set to arrive at Changi Airport at 9:20AM. Its return flight, 5J 814, is scheduled to leave Singapore at 10:15AM, and arrive in Manila at 2:00PM.  

 

On July 15, CEB intends to restart its flights between Cebu and Singapore, beginning with a thrice weekly frequency (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday). Flight 5J 547 is scheduled to depart Mactan Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 at 11:05PM, and is set to arrive at Changi Airport by 3:00AM the following day. Its return flight, 5J 548, with flights every Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday, is scheduled to leave Singapore at 4:00AM, and arrive in Manila at 8:05AM.

“We are delighted to continue ramping-up our international flight frequencies, not only in Manila, but also in Cebu. We know majority of the travelling public have been looking forward to travel internationally again, especially since a lot of countries have eased their restrictions. We continue to work towards the expansion of our international network while we maintain operating over 100% of our pre-pandemic domestic capacity,” said Xander Lao, CEB Chief Commercial Officer.

Fully vaccinated travelers flying to Singapore are no longer required to submit a pre-departure COVID 19 test. They must instead present their proof of full vaccination (VaxCertPH or BOQ Yellow Card), and fill out a Singapore Arrival card three (3) days before arrival. For more information, passengers may refer to CEB Travel reminders page for the latest updates and complete travel guidelines to their destination.

CEB continues to offer its guaranteed low fares to stimulate travel across its flight network. It continues to implement a multi-layered approach to safety, while it operates with a 100% fully vaccinated crew, 95% of whom have been boosted – all to ensure every Juan flies safely and conveniently on Cebu Pacific.

AXA Philippines celebrates the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) this year

As a company that values diversity and inclusion as a strong and integral part of its culture, AXA Philippines, one of the country’s leading insurance providers, held a panel discussion with its employees to celebrate the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT) this year with the theme, “Our Bodies, Our Rights, Our Lives.” This is in time for Pride Month and in line with AXA’s continued commitment to fight for the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community by standing up and speaking out against hate, discrimination, and violence.

On May 17, 1990, the World Health Organization declassified homosexuality as a mental disorder and recognized it as a natural variant of human sexuality. This milestone now marks an annual celebration of sexual and gender diversity, known as the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia (IDAHOBIT), which helps educate people and raise awareness for the work still needed to combat discrimination against the LGBTQIA+ community.

For the panel, AXA Philippines invited notable members of the LGBTQIA+ community, namely Beatrice Gomez, the first openly queer Miss Universe Philippines 2021, and Mela Habijan, the first Filipina to win Miss Trans Global in 2020, to share their incredible stories. This discussion aimed to inspire people to continue to rise above the current limits of society and to fight for equality and inclusion for people of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. Gomez and Habijan were also joined by AXA Philippines Director for Human Capital Development Peachy Felix and discussion moderator, Lynn Pinugu, founder of She Talks Asia, which provides a space for inspiration and support among women across multiple platforms.

“At AXA, we take pride in our commitment to fostering a culture that enables every employee to be their true selves in the workplace and ultimately, their best selves. This is one of the ways we can truly act for human progress by protecting what matters. As an LGBTQIA+ ally, I stand firm with this amazing community in the fight against discrimination and inequality. We urge everyone to join us in supporting and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community and embracing a diverse and inclusive culture in the workplace and beyond,” said AXA Philippines Chief Customer Officer Nandy Villar.

As part of its effort to establish a diverse and inclusive work culture, AXA Philippines has also long been supporting gender equality through its Parent Policy, which has been implemented since 2017. The policy offers 112-day leave for new parent employees and aims to provide the same rights and opportunities to parents of all genders and sexual orientations.

AXA Philippines also collaborates with different organizations such as UP Babaylan and LoveYourself, to help increase awareness about LGBTQIA+ issues, promote equality in the workplace, and advocate against bullying and harassment. In addition, AXA holds an annual Inclusion Conference focused on LGBTQIA+ inclusion. 

With all these initiatives, AXA strives to be an equal opportunity employer in the Philippines and around the world, creating a work environment where all employees are treated with dignity and respect.

For more updates and information, visit https://www.axa.com.ph.

The American Standard HygieneClean System offers powerful flushing and rimless technologies

LIXIL, the maker of pioneering water and housing products, continues to advocate for the need for hygiene vigilance. Through its American Standard products, one of LIXIL’s portfolio global brands, and its complete bathroom solution, the HygieneClean System, it is looking to remind consumers to practice good personal hygiene as part of continued all-round hygiene protection. 

 

With its new HygieneClean campaign launched for 2022 and the tagline “Protect What Matters Most, Start with HygieneClean”, it looks to provide consumers with a start point for protection in the bathroom where bacteria such as E. coli are known to propagate, and which requires regular cleaning. To help consumers with this, the HygieneClean™ System offers consumers powerful flushing and rimless technologies, innovative antibacterial technology, and an award-winning anti-stain technology to ensure ultimate hygiene protection.

 

Satoshi Konagai, Leader, LIXIL Water Technology, Asia Pacific, highlighted, “We are committed to delivering pioneering products that will provide continuous protection for families as they spend more time at home in this new normal. The American Standard HygieneClean™ System ensures a safer and cleaner bathroom environment while also saving consumers time and resources when it comes to regular cleaning and maintenance. By placing hygiene and safety at the heart of our technological innovations, we hope to introduce this new standard of safety in the bathroom.”.

Innovation’s Role in Hygiene

 

Through material science and innovation, the American Standard brand has created product lines that have cleaner and safer toilets for consumers. An example of this is the innovative ComfortClean™ technology featured in the Acacia SupaSleek™ one-piece toilet. It comes with a ceramic glaze with zinc oxide that effectively inhibits the growth of E. coli bacteria inside the toilet bowl, as proven in tests conducted by the Industrial Microbiological Services Limited (IMSL). 

 

Design elements can also be used in tandem with other innovations to create solutions that reduce water usage without compromising hygiene needs. The one-piece toilets in the Acacia SupaSleek™ collection are also equipped with the powerful Double Vortex™ flushing system for maximum flushing performance with minimum water usage.

 

The one-piece toilets in the American Standard collection are also equipped with SiphonMax™ Flushing System to remove both heavy and light waste with minimum effort or Double Vortex™ Flushing System for maximum flushing performance with minimum water usage.

 

In addition to this, such innovations and designs also provide other benefits such as time savings from not having to clean as often, without having to worry about the implications on hygiene for consumers.

 

The Acacia SupaSleek™ one-piece toilet features the PowerRim™ technology – a rimless water channel design engineered for a powerful clean performance. The Acacia SupaSleek™ Collection toilets also feature thin and sleek lines to make cleaning even easier. And when it comes to tough stains, the award-winning Aqua Ceramic™ harnesses the power of water to penetrate between contaminants and the toilet surface, ensuring that waste is lifted off easily with every flush.

 

A Safer Bathroom Environment

 

Unfortunate incidents such as accidental burns and scalding can arise with the use of ordinary shower mixers.

 

With the EasySET™ 3-Way Exposed Auto Temperature Shower Mixer, the ThermoComfort™ feature allows users to shower at a constant and comfortable temperature even when cold water is used elsewhere in the house. With a safety feature like ThermoSafe™, there is no risk of hot water burns as it has a safety temperature control up to 49°C, with an auto shut-off function when cold water supply fails. With the Coolshield™ feature, the body of the faucet stays cool to the touch and further prevents scalding shocks from accidental contact with the shower faucet.

 

When sharing bathroom spaces, contact points become a hotbed for potential cross contamination. The EasyFLO™ faucet which comes with a simple push-button and turns on easily with just a push of a finger, minimizes the surface area of contact with dirty hands. Built to be lead free, the EasyFLO™ faucet’s ease of use allows consumers of various ages to easily use the faucets without any inconvenience.

 

Meeting All Your Personal Hygiene Needs 

 

To meet the growing needs for integrated shower toilets, the American Standard Aerozen G2™ integrated shower toilet elevates personal comfort and convenience without impacting hygiene. Packed with the latest innovations for personal cleansing and suitable for everyone in the family, the Aerozen G2™ integrated shower toilet features an auto-flush feature for a germ-free and hands-free experience. The built-in Air Deodorizer activates when the user is seated, ensuring a fresh-smelling bathroom at all times. Its SIAA-certified[1] seat features an antibacterial resin for added protection. 

The Aerozen G2™ integrated shower toilet also incorporates dual nozzles that are antibacterial and self-cleaning, so there is little worry about cross contamination among users. Nozzle tips are easily changeable and a nozzle shutter provides added hygienic protection against potential backsplash. ComfortClean™effectively eliminates E. coli and other harmful bacteria that may be lurking in the toilet bowl.

For over 140 years as a pioneer in the design and innovation sector, the highly dependable offerings of American Standard™ have been providing consumers with inviting bathrooms to relax in. Over the decades, innovative breakthroughs and technologies have further placed the brand at the forefront as it endeavors to raise the standard of living by delivering bathroom solutions that are beautiful, purposeful, and safe for everyone. 

For more information, kindly visit  https://www.americanstandard.ph/hygieneclean-24-7-with-you.

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HUAWEI has announced the arrival of the HUAWEI Band 7 and All-around High Quality FreeBuds

 

HUAWEI has announced the arrival of the HUAWEI Band 7, HUAWEI’s thinnest smart band to date packed with a large display and comprehensive health monitoring features. As the latest smart band is only 9.99mm in thickness and 16g in weight (with strap), users can barely feel the device when they are wearing it for sleep, work, or exercise. It is a dedicated companion, designed to create a 24/7 exercise and health improvement experience, to help users discover new ways to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

The new generation HUAWEI Band 7 features 1.47-inch FullView display with ultra-slim bezels, achieving the ultimate wearing experience and is equipped with AMOLED color display with a screen-to-body ratio of 64.88% and 194 x 368 resolution. The HUAWEI Band 7 features an ultra-narrow bezel for an extreme field of view, 2.5D high quality curved glass display, and a screen-to-body ratio of 64.88% which makes the whole screen look fuller, bringing a more impressive and high-definition visual experience. Users can also enjoy its full features with its 14-day battery life which ensures users can wear it all day long with continuous use, monitor various body indicators, even when sleeping.

 

The thinnest HUAWEI Band supports rich and comprehensive health monitoring features such as sleep, SpO2, stress, menstrual cycle, and heart health monitoring. For sleep monitoring, it supports HUAWEI’s sleep tracking technology, HUAWEI TruSleep^TM, which can assess sleep quality without disturbing the user's sleep, accurately identifying six types of typical sleep problems such as difficulty falling asleep, light sleep, waking up in the night, early to wake up, having vivid dreams, and irregular sleep schedule. It guides users to sleep in the healthiest way. Aside from the health monitoring and research, HUAWEI Band 7 also comes with the Healthy Living Shamrock, providing personalized health management by setting various daily goals.

 

 

Along with this, HUAWEI has also launched its latest True Wireless Stereo (TWS) Bluetooth earbuds, the HUAWEI FreeBuds SE. HUAWEI FreeBuds SE has excellent audio quality with smart experience, and also comes with a comfortable and ergonomic fit, to ensure a comfortable listening experience for long hours. The affordable and reasonable price of HUAWEI FreeBuds SE turns it into one of the suitable options for everyone, especially for fresh graduates or students to get started and enjoy the wireless melody whisper and comfort with its semi in-ear design which has been crafted to fit the contours of the outer ear, and reduce pressure on the ear canal, providing a breathable, lightweight fit. In addition, HUAWEI FreeBuds SE comes with silicone tips in three different sizes, which are as light as feathers, and the flexible material is more skin-friendly to bring a care-free experience.

 

HUAWEI FreeBuds SE adopts custom acoustic components, and a 10mm large dynamic driver is placed in its compact body. The bass is surging and powerful, and the wide sound field delivers wonderful audio quality. The newest addition to the HUAWEI audio wearable family also comes with a large and improved battery within its compact design and a new generation chipset to further enhance its battery life. Enjoy up to 24 hours of music playback with a fully charged charging case and a pair of fully charged earbuds could provide up to 6 hours of continuous music playback! Whether it is a long-distance trip or a full-day online course, users can keep it going without worrying about the battery level. For voice calls, HUAWEI FreeBuds SE could provide 16 hours of call with a fully charged charging box, and the earbuds can be used for 4 hours when fully charged, allowing users to listen and use as they please.

 

The HUAWEI Band 7 and HUAWEI Freebuds SE will be available to order on June 15, priced at PHP 2,599 and PHP 2,499 respectively:

●      HUAWEI Band 7: Huawei Online Store, Shopee, Lazada

●      HUAWEI Freebuds SE: Huawei Online Store, Shopee, Lazada