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Sunday, April 24, 2016

Tulipmania Rediscovered : Ottoman Empire (The Origin of Tulips)

Tulipmania 2016 is back at the Flower Dome once again for the 4th year! This year, the tulips are set amidst an elegant Persian-style backdrop. Visitors get to learn about the origin of tulips, tracing their roots back to the ancient Ottoman Empire (present-day Turkey) where they were first cultivated.



When we think of Tulips, we will somehow relate it to Holland. However, do you know that tulips are native to Central Asia and Turkey. The name, tulip comes from 'tulipa' or turban. 

Way before the tulip was brought to the Netherlands where it sparked “Tulipmania” during the Dutch Golden Age, the first wild tulips were believed to have grown in the mountainous regions of Central Asia. So captivating was it to the Sultan and people of the 16th-century Ottoman Empire that it became the inspiration for many songs, poetry and paintings.


Tulipa - 'Flaming Agrass'

This year, more than 35,000 tulips laid out in colourful carpets of intricate patterns in the Flower Dome. Upon entering the Flower Dome, I was mesmerized and dazzled by the tulips showcased at the centerpiece.



Tulip is my favourite floral and I love the colourful bulbs which looks simple, graceful yet elegant. Unlike the previous editions where we have Miffy and it was set in the theme of fairytale, windmills and clogs, this year, I had my eyes solely on the tulips itself.


Tulipa - 'Smirnoff'

Tulipa - 'Pako'

Tulipa - 'Yellow Flight'

Tulipa - 'Canasta'



I'm pretty happy seeing the variety of tulips featured in the 4th edition of Tulipmania. The tulips are in full bloom during my visit and I got many beautiful shots of the floral with my mobile phone. More photos of the tulips on BPDGTravels Facebook album.

Tulipmania
Date: 8 April 2016 – 22 May 2016
Time: 9am – 9pm
Location: Flower Dome
*Admission charge to the conservatories applies

Tulipmania – 50% discount for Local Senior Citizens
Local senior citizens enjoy 50% off admission tickets to the Flower Dome! 
Offer starts Friday, 8 April and lasts till Sunday, 22 May 2016. Terms and conditions apply. 
Visit Gardens by the Bay website for more details.



Stand to win an exclusive tulip-inspired designer gift simply by taking a photo of Tulipmania display using the photo frame provided in the Flower Dome. Upload your photo on Instagram and add a caption why you love Tulipmania. Hashtag #gardensbythebay, #GBTulipmania, #KLM for a chance to win the prize! 2 winners will be selected each week on instagram and website. Contest period is from 8 April - 22 May 2016.

Saturday, April 23, 2016

TeamCap - Civil War Light & Fireworks Show @ Marina Bay Sands

Chris Evans (Captain America) together with his co-stars Sebastian Stan (Winter Soldier), Antony Mackie (Falcon) and film director Joe Russo are here in Singapore to promote the highly anticipated movie of the year - Marvel's Captain America : Civil War.

We missed the action at the blue carpet where the heros greeted the fans and media, hence we brought the children to check out the #TeamCap Lights & Fireworks Show at Marina Bay Sands.

Many people gathered at the Helix Bridge, theFloat@Marina Bay and ArtScience Museum to grab a good viewing spot by 7pm. It was a long wait and we decided to stand by the Helix Bridge to catch the fireworks.


Light beams shone through the cloudy sky and Marina Bay Sands was in a myriad shades of blue (#TeamCap colours)



Denver caught a glimpse of the heros on the Helix Bridge and the long-awaited Light & Fireworks show finally kicked off at 9pm. It's time to raise the shield! 

Check out the projection of superheros on the facade of ArtScience Museum.

Light & Fireworks Show @ Marina Bay Sands


The 6 minutes light & fireworks show was spectacular and it was done in a direct response to the challenge from Iron Man where Eiffel tower was lit up in red and gold (IronMan's suit colour). So which side are you on? #TeamCap or #TeamIronMan? #ChooseWisely

Marvel’s Captain America: Civil War opens in Singapore on 28 April 2016

Tuesday, April 19, 2016

PLAY! Exploration around Singapore with Canon

16 April 2016 - Last Saturday, we had an awesome play date together with a group of parents and children! Thanks to Canon Singapore and Claudia (TheLovingMum), we had a Fun Day out filled with laughter and action.

Special thanks to Canon Singapore, I had the opportunity to try out the Canon Powershot G9X, which is a pocketable compact camera that snuggles in my pockets and sling bag perfectly. I love its light weight and size which makes it so easy to carry around for this trip.


1st Stop - Dove Playground at Dakota Crescent

It has been a year since our last visit but the children remembered the Block Party where they had their free haircut, amused by the "Tok Tok" man and helping to put up the photos for the exhibition.

This time, they get to play with a group of new found friends! Gladys received a lot of motivation and encouragement to slide down the bar. After thinking and hesitating for endless number of times, she finally took the plunge!


YES! SHE DID IT!

Our boy had an easier job - posing. :) He prefers to stay at the exercise area to chill.

Our next model to be?

Our family dressing colour scheme seems to blend in nicely with the Dove.  

2nd Stop - Wall Murals at Everton Road

I have heard so much about the Everton Road Murals and am extremely delighted to be here! The artworks by Mr Yip Yew Chong who has lived near Everton Road, has portray and brings the history of Singapore back to life beautifully on the walls.

Here we are with "Amah" & "Barber". Denver is getting some tips from Amah on how to hand wash the clothes.


Meanwhile, Gladys is counting how many chickens are roaming on the streets.

Care to have a hair cut? Bro, your hairstyle looks just like mine. :)

Looks like an interesting book you have there... Can I read?

What admires me most was the little details found on the mural art. You can spot things that was once so familiar.... "Good Morning" white towels, Milkmaid, 老夫子漫画, Scotts Emulsion, Ovaltine and the list goes on.

We missed out the "Provision Shop" mural which was just one block behind. Hopefully we will be back again.

3rd Stop - Tiong Bahru Park Adventure Playground

Time for another round of play! This time we are at Tiong Bahru Park where the little ones can explore the interiors of the tilting locomotive. The slanted grounds definitely add in more challenge for the younger ones to maneuver through the train.


However, I must say the main highlight of the playground was the 2 mega fun zip lines where the children made a dash for.  They had fun sliding between the two ends like a flying fox over and over and over again.


Gladys, instead of keeping herself occupied on the zip line, seems to enjoy giving her friends a friendly push to get them across to the other side.


How about a little spin on the old-school 'merry-go-round'.

Playground with sandy grounds always attract our daughter. She has a love for digging, and will not miss any opportunity getting herself buried within the sand.


Fun continues as we play old school games together - Zero Point and Limbo.

4th Stop - Wall Murals at Tiong Bahru

Our final stop before we head for lunch! More murals can be found around Tiong Bahru estate but you need to walk through the streets and hunt for them! The theme "Home" is located at Blk 74, Tiong Poh Road. I noticed the time on the wall clock has a similar time as the Barbar mural at Everton Road. In addition, the artist seems to have a preference for the date 12 Jan as it appears on the calendars on both sites, except one is in 1976 while the other is in 1979.

It is indeed a pleasure to admire the street art that depicts the olden days of Singapore. I felt as if I have walked down the memory lane once again.


Tiong Bahru Pasar and Fortune teller Mural - Blk 73 Eng Watt Street


"Uncle, one bowl of laksa please!"


The mural art is definitely something worth stopping by to admire. Great work of art from Mr Yip and I do hope to see more such murals around Singapore.

5th Stop - Lunch at Poteato

After a day of fun and excitement, we settled down for lunch at Poteato! Just looking at the delicacies on the table made us drool.....


My plate filled with assorted food!

Mac & Cheese - Denver's favourite pick! Awesomely cheesy and there's slices of mushroom at the bottom!

Assorted mini-burgers

Prawn with Longan Salsa - a refreshing combination and a great appetizer.

Smoked Salmon Canape - one of my favourite picks as I am a big fan of SALMON! :)

Mini - sandwiches

Avocado Chicken Crostini

 Grilled Salmon! Love the tender and juicy meat which melts in my mouth. 

Sweet Potato Fries - I don't usually fancy fries as it usually cause a sore in my throat...but this is an exception! The sweet potato fries are so sweet and addictive that I could not stop myself from refilling my plate for more!


Dessert - always ready for some sweet indulgence after a good meal.

A Big Thank You to Poteato for their warm hospitality and the wonderful spread they have prepared to fill our hungry tummies. We enjoyed the meal tremendously and look forward to be back again for more good food.


It was a fun day out exploring Singapore together with the other Singapore Parent Bloggers and Canon. Thank you Canon Singapore and Claudia once again. Hope to see you again!

Disclosure: All comments and opinions are personal and no monetary compensation was received. Canon G9X was temporary loan to me for photo-taking purposes during our day out.