Author: Vera Leng

While VR is often used as a medium for gaming, as evinced by our recent experience at VR World, that’s not all virtual reality is good for. As of late, many videos of VR 360 walk-throughs and vlogs have surfaced, making it the perfect way for the viewer to immerse themselves into the on-screen activity while staying indoors and safe distancing. YouTubers from the channel Adventures Unlimited have put together a Green Corridor playlist, a series where they hike the forgotten paths of Singapore’s lush forests, taking the viewer into the experience with them. Here, watch them quite literally trek…

Looking like something straight out of a movie, this kindergarten in Tianshui, China boasts 483 pieces of coloured glass and resembles a giant, rotating kaleidoscope. This school, which really is more of a piece of art, was designed by SAKO Architects, an architecture firm by the renowned Japanese architect Keiichiro Sako, based in Beijing. The coloured glass not only peppers the windows but also the doors and handrails—which you will discover as you continue to traverse deeper into the building. With a touch of natural sunlight, the awe of this multi-coloured beauty is brought to life. The kindergarten boasts rows…

As my team and I step into the doors of VR World, we’re warmly greeted by co-founder and proverbial game master, Andy. VR World is a two-shophouse unit-wide space nestled within the hustle and bustle of Sago Street, its big, bold sign unmistakable. Andy tells us that the place has been reserved for just the HYPE&STUFF team today—generous news for the four of us who eagerly await the thrill of immersive gaming. Many will probably already be familiar with the realm of virtual reality (VR). Perhaps you’ve recently caught Ready Player One or have binged one too many episodes of…

It seems to me that IKEA is just about everyone’s favourite place to be. The Swedish furniture brand has done a great job at hooking us in, and an even better one at making us never want to leave. It’s hard to walk out of an IKEA store empty-handed—especially since you’ve made the trip all the way there, right? In celebration of the IKEA Catalogue’s 70th birthday, the team has launched its 2021 edition that’s already gotten us excited for next year’s arrival, as if 2020 being one of the worst years in recent history wasn’t reason enough. Lower prices…

Though we’ve had months to sort out and get used to the work from home life, misery has a funny way of catching up to us. During the month of August, many estates were plagued with the loud boom of fighter jets traversing our skies in preparation of National Day celebrations, reducing many home-based calls to a mere string of “sorry” and “could you please repeat that?” As if being cooped up with the rest of your family all day isn’t intimate enough, Otegaroom offers a makeshift room within your own room as a sweet respite from all the chaos…

I remember being heavily reliant on Innisfree products back when I was living in Seoul, Korea. You could always count on the brand for high-quality, pretty, and affordable products—a haven for the beauty-loving student like me. I’ve always kept my eye out for Innisfree’s adorable collaborations, like the ones with Wheniwasfour and BT21. This September, Innisfree is rolling out something more suitable for everyday wear—an all-new Vivid Cotton Stick Collection featuring 10 meutral (muted and neutral) shades that are easy to wear and pair with your day-to-day outfits. The Vivid Cotton Stick boasts a novel hybrid of a lip tint…

We get it, August has been an absolute bore. Aside from the National Day festivities, the rest of the month passed by like a drag. Lucky for you, September holds much promise with entertainment already looking up. As we get back into some form of normalcy in life, there are Netflix shows to accompany us every step of the way. It’s time for the highly-anticipated Away and Chef’s Table BBQ to finally premiere, while the well-loved Lucifer makes a comeback in a better-than-ever Season 5. Here are 6 exciting new Netflix shows guaranteed to kickstart your September with a bang.…

It starts with a warm greeting as I step through the doors of Yunomori Onsen & Spa—it’s like the feeling of coming home, even though it’s my first time here. Tucked away in Kallang Wave Mall, this Japanese-style spa offers massages and a signature 11 baths to choose from. I lock my shoes safely away before getting myself registered. A couple of minutes and a few forms later, I am whisked away to the changing room straight down the hall. Gearing up for the onsen You see, the thing about onsens is that you’ll find yourself in quite the Adam…

While many might not have the faintest clue of where Bras Basah Complex is, the worn, unassuming mall was actually a dear friend dating back to my University days. Back then, I, as many other Uni students did, frequented Popular, the printing shops, and bookstores, because it had just about everything a student needed. But that’s not why we’re gathered here today, no. Aside from the renowned Artfriend store—which is probably the reason why most flock to Bras Basah Complex in the first place—there’s more to the humble mall than art supplies. A framed portrait of Mao Zi Dong? A…

If you haven’t already caught our recent interview with one of Singapore’s most iconic faces of comedy, check it out to get to know SGAG’s Xiao Ming on a deeper level and find out what makes him tick. Whether you love him for his hilarious antics or his infectious sense of humour, there’s no denying that the iconic man in shades has brought us cheer and laughter in a time as dreary as ever. Catch him in all his comedic glory on SGAG’s YouTube channel, Nubbad TV, and watch as he laments inconsiderate boomers during CB, interviews the well-loved Baey…

With lengthy, flowy, and bleached tresses, I’m probably that person who desperately needs as much help with maintaining my hair as I can get. It’s not easy—trying to always have my tresses on point at all times especially in Singapore’s relentless heat. As if that isn’t enough of a struggle on its own, breaking the bank is also something that I worry terribly for. As we all know, hair care isn’t the cheapest thing in the world, and not to mention all the different treatments and services that we have to pay for. If you’re looking for a one-stop shop…

In case you missed out, again, on the highly coveted Women’s Air Jordan 1 Retro High OG ‘Tie-Dye’ when they dropped in Footlocker stores last week, you can still snag a pair at Singapore’s favourite online sneaker destination, Ox Street. In a never-before-seen dyeing process on a leather Jordan, Nike is bringing tie dye back and it’s refreshing through and through. It features swirls of varying blue tones contrasted against Nike’s signature Swoosh in a bold black. This is paired with a black leather collar, toe box, and Wings logo. It’s been sold out on Nike and Footlocker stores minutes…

Many of my peers grew up on the Avatar: The Last Airbender franchise, and are kept up to date with every character and episode in the Avatar universe. When Netflix first announced a live-action remake back in 2018,  some were hesitant, but most fans were waiting in anticipation for the promise that the show held. High hopes were dashed, however, when the show’s creators Michael Dante DiMartino and Bryan Konietzko announced that they have departed the live-action adaptation. This came as a blow to many long-standing Avatar fans, and many have since sworn off watching it, and even have intentions…

So, you’ve just snagged yourself a prize-winning watermelon from Don Don Donki big enough to feed your family of four for the week. As you’re packing your items at the bagging station, the horror soon creeps in—you’re going to have to lug all 11 kilograms of the sweet goodness precariously through one of the store’s thin yellow plastic bags. Well, if you’ve ever found yourself wishing for an invention to address this exact grievance, it’s a wonderful time to be alive. Japanese leatherworking brand, Tsuchiya Bag Co., has taken one for the team and designed a bag specifically for carrying…

Lauded for his breathtaking photography, Yik Keat, or better known as Yk, is a talented photographer born and bred in the sunny shores of Singapore. The signature moody, teal tones of his photographs are what makes his work so distinct and well-loved by many. Just last year, he toured with and photographed American pop singer, Lauv, and has had other collaboration opportunities with ULTRA Singapore, ULTRA Japan, Adidas, and more. This week, Yk tells us the five soundtracks of his life. Tell us your name, and how you’d describe yourself to someone whom you’re meeting for the first time.  My…