Author: Vera Leng

In an age where the AirPods are all the rage, I must confess that I, too, own a pair. But more than the flex, what I genuinely love the AirPods for go beyond skin-deep. This may be an ‘I love pineapples on pizza’ kind of moment, but my friends recoil in surprise when I tell them that I love the fit of the AirPods and how they sit nicely in my ear. Many beg to differ, and in fact, highlight that the fit of the AirPods are in fact, the very thing that they hate about it. But that’s the…

Joining Japan’s unorthodox Hedgehog and Owl cafes, the Capy Neko Cafe is the next one to watch.  As its name suggests, you’ll find cats and a capybara living in perfect harmony here. Thanks to their generally passive dispositions, the two make an unlikely yet cordial pair. Some resident cats you can find include Emma, Dan, Cream, Rust, and Silver—all of which are short-haired breeds, with the exception of Cream, who’s a Ginger Siberian. The star of the show, of course, is none other than Tawasi, the cafe’s adorable capybara whose daily routine is to “take naps on the sofa with…

When a friend first introduced me to the concept of a blind massage service, my interest was immediately piqued. More than anything, I wondered what it would be like to behave in a space that belongs to the other, and, for my fellow Chinese readers out there, to know what it’s like to be the minority in the room for once. When talking about the visually-impaired, most of the time, they live largely in our world. A world where the gift of sight is the norm, where street signs are erected in screaming colour, and where our smart devices visually…

Even amongst other network giants, Netflix has managed to carve a name for themselves where streaming and entertainment are concerned. They have since earned their rightful spot as a household name—to ‘Netflix’ is almost synonymous with the act of streaming films and shows online. As we kickstart February, here are 6 new shows for you to Netflix & Chill to. 1. A Fall From Grace An actor, producer and director rolled in one, Tyler Perry already has an impressive repertoire of films under his belt, and the latest to the party is Netflix’s A Fall From Grace. When asked what…

Hailing from Japan, the beloved Gashapon toys we’d collect in our childhood has come a long way since. I remember holding on tightly to my dad’s loose change when I was younger, keeping en eye out for any machines we’d pass along the way. In an effort to keep up with the times, these machines now come upgraded, with Japan’s first line of cashless Pipit Gashapon machines set to be released this summer. What started out as selling collectable figurines for children has branched out into many other trinkets you can purchase with a turn of the wheel. If it…

As Singaporeans, we seize every break we can get to jet off for a getaway—no matter how short. The usual contenders being Taiwan, Thailand, South Korea and Japan. If you’re thinking of visiting the beloved land of ramen, then you might want to catch Japan’s Sakuras in all their blooming action. Here’s when and where you can do so, according to the latest flowering forecast by the Japan Meteorological Agency, accurate as of 23 January 2020. Tokyo If you’re beginning your travels in the nation’s capital, then you’re in for a treat. The flowering is slated to begin on 18…

Though it is unclear exactly how many accidents and fatalities result from jaywalking each year, what we do know is that the elderly make up the bulk of this statistic with about one in two fatal accidents involving elderly pedestrians in 2018 due to jaywalking. Additionally, the fine for jaywalking has now been increased from $20 to $50, but 50 bucks and a small risk of dying is worth saving that 5 minutes for sleep, right? It’s interesting that we hold in higher regard our interactions with others in society, but our relationship with time, specifically, is one that we…

If anyone’s been to the Eastern part of Taiwan, chances are they’ve visited Hualien City while passing through the famous Taroko National Park. And while there’s a running stereotype that there’s nothing much to do in the quiet town, perhaps Hualien’s First Straw Art Festival might change your mind. Currently ongoing until the 31 March, the festival promises much to see with a fresh perspective on art. We’ve seen flowers, bushes and even trees turned into artworks, but their often-forgotten straw counterpart is something unorthodox and refreshing—and not to mention, it’s gotten me pretty curious. Launched by the Fuli…

With the infamous Monica Baey case just barely dying down, the National University of Singapore (NUS) has already seen the likes of Terence Siow joining Nicholas Lim on his one-way ticket to creep town. Over the last three years, there have been 25 cases of sexual offenders in NUS alone that were brought before the university’s Board of Discipline—half of which ended in no expulsion. It seems like the only reason why these rogues never learn is that we always let them get away with it—all on the premise of good grades, but maybe that’s just me. Allied by an…

Anytime’s a good time for chocolate, and Hershey’s is fully aware of that. That’s why they’ve dropped not just one, but two new collabs to treat us. Here’s a round-up of Hershey’s two new collaboration collections, and where to find them. Hershey’s x Etude House It was only a matter of time before a makeup collab like that came to fruition—the packaging and presentation makes it so seamless for the two brands to come together. Themed according to their Dark Chocolate and Cookies and Cream concepts, the line boasts two different eye shadow palettes, each suited for a different look.…

Starting 23 January 2020, Sentosa’s beach-goers will get to catch the Magical Shores at Siloso, an addition to the island’s already bustling landscape. It is Singapore’s first beach light attraction, where play and art meet in the middle. Spanning across 400 metres of the Siloso Beach, guests can experience vivid light, sound and mist effects, some of which are interactive. Adults and young ones alike can enjoy the ethereal experience that will happen every night from 7.30pm to 10.30pm, in 15 minute cycles. Mr Chee Hong Tat, Senior Minister for Trade and Industry and Education, officially opened the attraction on…

On 10 December 2019, Singaporean-born conductor Wong Kah Chun received the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany—an honour that may be awarded in all fields of endeavour and is the highest tribute the Federal Republic of Germany can pay to individuals for their service to the nation. He is the youngest Singaporean and also the first artist from Singapore to receive this award. Kah Chun is also well-known for his contributions to the Singaporean community with initiatives such as Project Infinitude, Red Bean Concert and Pachelbel.Vier.Null under his belt, all targeted to help the Youth and children…

With Valentine’s Day just around the corner, we’ll have no shortage of Valentine’s-exclusive merchandise. All you hopeless romantics be sure to mark your calendars because Starbucks Singapore’s latest Valentine’s Day Merchandise Collection is dropping on 20 Jan. Brace yourself for pops of pink and red that are already making our hearts flutter. As usual, there’ll be a special themed mug, adorned with Pop Art-esque hearts this time ’round. If you flip it over, you’ll notice the heart-shaped base that makes the mug oh-so-special. If that’s too much pink for you to deal with, then opt for this one instead that’s…

During the golden years of flying, it seemed like every girl’s dream to take to the skies, don the signature kebaya and undertake the mantle of an SIA girl. Of course, back in the day, they were often referred to as ‘Air Stewardesses’, but we have since come a long way where inclusivity and awareness are concerned. We now adopt the more gender-neutral and respectful term, ‘Flight Attendant’. But semantics aside, the culture of cabin crew still seems to have a long way to go towards a flatter hierarchy. I’ve long set my eyes on the aviation industry, but as…

Everyone seems to be scampering to look good for the Lunar New Year, but let’s not forget that smelling good’s on the table too. Bespoke perfume retailer Maison 21G will be releasing their exclusive Prosperity Scent Kit (S$150) in stores from 24 January to 7 February 2020, just in time for the festivities. The limited edition Chinese New Year collection features never-before-seen extraits de parfum in three sweet scents⁠—Mandarin Orange, Osmanthus, and Green Tea. I tried all three scents so you don’t have to, and am here to bring you my thoughts on each one. The crowd favourite was instantly the…