[Review] TORUK – The First Flight by Cirque du Soleil

Hi everybody! It’s been a long while since we last updated our blog.  All these school work and other hobbies have taken over our life. 🙂  When we received the invite for TORUK – The First Flight by Cirque du Soleil, we knew it will be the perfect opportunity to reward the kids (and ourselves) with a visual delight after two semesters of hard work at school.  This sensory-loaded multimedia stage of artistic story-telling coupled with the signature acrobatic style of Cirque du Soleil is really hard to resist.

The breathtaking world of James Cameron’s AVATAR is brought onto stage with stunning live visuals and choreography in TORUK – The First Flight.  Through a riveting fusion of cutting-edge visuals, puppetry and stagecraft buoyed by a soaring cinematic score, the stage at Singapore Indoor Stadium was transformed into a giant screen where Pandoran landscapes materialize.  The mythical tale is set thousands of years before the events depicted in the film AVATAR, and before any humans ever set foot on Pandora.

I enjoyed the Pandora world tremendously but found myself lost during certain segments when I focused on the captivating acrobatic acts instead.  Except for the narration, all other conversations were communicated in Na’vi language.  Honestly, it was quite difficult to follow as the story developed.  I would suggest that you familiarize with the characters and story before attending the show.

Ralu, Entu and Tsyal are the three main protagonists of TORUK – The First Flight, which is narrated by a “Na’vi Storyteller”.  They are joined by the Shaman and the Chief of the Omatikaya clan as well as members of five Na’vi clans: Omatikaya, Tawkami, Anurai, Tipani, and Kekunan.

Ralu, 14, is a Na’vi of the Omaticaya clan. He is a natural born leader, a doer and a thinker with a heart of gold.

Entu, 15, is a Na’vi of the Omaticaya clan, who lived thousands of years prior to the humans’ arrival on Pandora. Spunky and intense, he knows to follow and trust his instincts.

Upon learning that Toruk can help them save the Tree of Souls, they set out, together with their newfound friend Tsyal, on a quest high up in the Floating Mountains to find the mighty red and orange predator that rules the Pandoran sky.

Tsyal, 15, is a Na’vi who lived thousands of years prior to the Humans’ arrival on Pandora. She is a sprightly girl with an indomitable spirit.

When a natural catastrophe threatens to destroy the sacred Tree of Souls, Ralu and Entu, two teenage Omatikaya boys, fearlessly decide to take matters into their own hands.

Tree of Souls

Prophecy is fulfilled when a pure soul rises among the clans to ride Toruk for the first time and save the Na’vi from a terrible fate.

Toruk (meaning “last shadow”) is a species of airborne predatory animals native to Pandora. This creature’s name in Na’vi translates roughly to “last shadow”, as its preferred method of attack is from above, with its shadow being the last thing its victim sees (and once they do it is already too late). The fierce beauty and nobility of the Toruk gave the species a central place in Na’vi lore and culture. It is celebrated in dance, song, and with elaborate totems that symbolize both the fear and respect given to the creature. Indeed, the Toruk is crucial to the Na’vi’s sense of destiny and interconnectedness.

The black-clad, shadow-like puppeteers personify the spirit of Eywa, the Na’vi’s guiding force and deity.

Thoughout different segments of the show, beautifully-choreographed acrobatic acts reflected the professionalism from Cirque du Soleil.  Every character was able to display powerful mid-air manipulation and balance.

Overall, the performance was entertaining and our travel into the Pandoran world well-spent.  Our mobile phones were buzzing away and interactively displayed lights in coordinated colours from the audience seats as if we were part of the show.

To participate in the immersive multimedia experience, remember to download TORUK – The First Flight app.
App Store: bit.ly/TORUKiOS | Google Play: bit.ly/TORUKplay

TORUK – The First Flight is suitable for families and children (aged 10 & above).  For a good view of the entire stage and magnificent backdrop that comes alive with falling boulders, waterfall, steep cliffs and ancient trees, seats at section 218 to 224 have a great view!

Thanks for joining us on SAys! Happy Mums.  If you liked what you read on our blog, please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.  We hope to see you back again soon.

~ SAys! Shirley

We are grateful for the opportunity to attend TORUK: The First Flight, for the purposes of this review. We were not remunerated monetarily for the review, all opinions and experiences remain our own alone. All photos unless otherwise mentioned are copyright of MediaCorp Vizpro and were provided for the purposes of this review. All other photos remain the copyright property of SAys! Happy Mums and may not be reproduced without prior notice or written permission given.

About TORUK: The First Flight

When : 24 May – 03 Jun 2018

Show timing

24 May (Thu): 8pm
25 May (Fri): 8pm
26 May (Sat): 4pm, 8pm
27 May (Sun): 1pm, 5pm
29 May (Tue): 4pm
30 May (Wed): 8pm
31 May (Thu): 8pm
1 Jun (Fri): 4pm, 8pm
2 Jun (Sat): 4pm, 8pm
3 Jun (Sun): 1pm, 5pm

Where : Singapore Indoor Stadium

Duration : Approximately 2hrs (including a 20min intermission)

Ticket Pricing :

Standard: $98, $1288, $158, $188 (excludes booking fee)

Tickets available through: https://www.vizpro.sg/en/event/dance/toruk—the-first-flight-by-cirque-du-soleil-9939586

To find out more about MediaCorp Vizpro, please visit www.vizpro.sg.

{Media Invite} The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey|A Night of Stunning Vocals

I was so looking forward to go to The Great Wall Musical at the Drama Centre Theatre with the hubby on Thursday night (especially since the kiddo was finally done with his Math Mini- Test).  Date night finally! Away from the crazy homework and mini-tests schedules!

Part of the excitement was also because it’s been such a long time since we’ve hit the theatres, and what a good one to start with. A brand new original musical based on a beautiful love story with a stellar cast! I was excited to get to see Nathan Hartono sing live on stage too! It was no wonder then that even on a week night, this musical was playing to an almost full house!

Set in the time of Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China, who wants to create a new history, a new One China united under his rule, the musical is based on the legend of Meng Jiang Nü (played by Na-Young Jeon) whose devotion and love for her husband Fan Qi Liang (Nathan Hartono), sends her on a long and arduous journey in search of him after he is captured by the Emperor’s guards to work at The Great Wall.

Behold the Great Emperor of China

The opening scene with Emperor Qin(played by George Chan) is grand and sets the tone of the times~ where fear of this great tyrant prevails throughout the new One China. The dramatic effect was perfect, with the Emperor perched up high against the dark backdrop.  We were transported immediately into those fearful tyrannical times where everyone’s existence is for the pleasure of one man- the Emperor.

The Emperor commands that all males be conscripted to build his Great Wall and all scholars be killed!

I think it safe to say that every single person in the audience was moved by the singing of Na-Young Jeon. She was amazing. Her voice crystal clear and beautiful. Her singing lifted our spirits as she found love and fell sweetly and deeply in love to runaway scholar Fan Qi Liang. We felt her misery, her helplessness and desperation when her beloved was arrested and taken away by the Emperor’s Guards. We wanted to run with her and journey with her as she went in search of her husband to see him again. Na-Young Jeon made Meng Jiang Nü real… our sister in a desperate situation. (I hear Ethel Yap’s performance as Meng Jiang Nü is equally enthralling)

The beautiful lovebirds

I really enjoyed watching the two well matched lovebirds on stage. Nathan Hartono did not disappoint. Handsome as he sang away to melt our hearts (hahah) but a pity I felt he didn’t seem to have as many singing parts as I had hoped. In fact, I have a nasty suspicion that his air-time was far lesser than the Women in the Village!! But then again that could be just me? If only there was more of Nathan and Na-Young… the night would have been perfect! haha..

Even so, every song in this 2.5 hour long musical was delightful with stunningly good singing.

The Women in The Village / Mother / Women of China take up quite a fair bit of the musical, unfortunately.

The set and costume were simple yet beautifully designed and each scene was an artistic visual treat.

I especially remembered a scene of Meng Jiang Nü’s journey which required an amazing display of precision and teamwork, as the villagers laid out the wooden planks for Meng Jiang Nü, who walks and climbs on each plank. As her journey progresses, it is a stunning visual.  Perhaps, through this repetitive act of laying out the pathway for Meng Jiang Nü, the audience also experiences the difficulty and the long journey she took.

Truly a great display of No wall too tall. No Journey too long… Meng Jiang Nü’s arduous journey in search of her beloved.

The Great Wall Musical is a powerful love story of one woman’s undying love and determination to be with her beloved against all odds. But it is not just a love story, it is an amazing story of human strength and tenacity despite immense suffering … A story about bravery and courage to stand up for what you believe in, and remain unyielding in spite of ruthless tyranny.

The Great Wall Musical runs from 14 -30 July 2017 at the Drama Centre Theatre, so there’s only one more week before it ends, next Sunday. Do catch it even if it’s a week night show.

The hubby gave it a thumbs up and has been telling everyone (who has asked us) that it’s a must watch. I agree 🙂 This is truly a Must – Watch Musical for 2017. Take a well deserved break from the mundane and be transported into another time, another world, another love. Book quickly at SISTIC https://www.sistic.com/events/cwall0717 before tickets are totally sold out! Have a lovely time with The Great Wall Musical!

Thank you for joining us on SAys! Happy Mums.  If you liked what you read on our blog, please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.  We hope to see you back again soon.

SAys! Audrey  

We are grateful for the opportunity to attend Glowtape Production’s The Great Wall Musical for the purposes of this review. We were not remunerated for the review, all opinions and experiences remain our own alone. All photos unless otherwise mentioned are copyright of Crispi I Photography & Glowtape Productions and were provided for the purposes of this review. All other photos remain the copyright property of SAys! Happy Mums and may not be reproduced without prior notice or written permission given.

About The Great Wall: One Woman’s Journey

When  : 14 – 30 JULY 2017 | Tue – Sat 8pm |Sat & Sun 3pm

* Please note that the role of Meng Jiang Nü will be played by Ethel Yap for performances on 16 Jul 3pm, 19 Jul 8pm and 26 Jul 8pm.

Where: Drama Centre Theatre (Map)

Duration: Approximately 2 hours 30 minutes  (15 minutes interval)

Who : No admission for infants in arms and person below 8 years old.

Ticket Pricing :  Check SISTIC for discounts applicable.

14 & 15 JULY	$68 – $98
FRI 8PM, SAT 3PM & 8PM	$68 – $98, $128 (VIP)
TUE – THU 8PM, SUN 3PM	$58 – $88

(Ticket prices excludes $4 SISTIC Booking Fee)

Tickets available through: Get Your Tickets Now
SISTIC Website
SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348 5555
SISTIC Authorised Agents islandwide

Peach Blossoms | *MARvel* In Signature Favourites and New Delights with March Promotional Set Menu

It was a very beautiful morning when we went for the lunch invite at Peach Blossoms. The good news is that Peach Blossoms has launched their new set menu with some of their perennial favourites as well as new creations.  Promotional Set Menus are launched on a monthly basis with the focus on Barbequed Peking Duck (March) and Boston Lobster with 7 variations of cooking style (April).

I thought I was very early to reach before noon.  There were already two small tables of corporate diners before me.

Let’s take a look at the yummilicious creation we tried!

Imperial Four Dimsum Combination

The 4-item dimsum starter for this month’s Set Menu was pleasing to the palette and went very well with the Pu’er tea we had. Every piece was exquisitely handmade and distinctively special with it’s own flavour.

A cut above traditional dimsum mass-production restaurants where minced meat with the occasional prawn bits disguised with a different look for every other item, this is worth all the calories. 所谓点到心头上的快乐 ，就是这样由来 ♡

Imperial Four Dim Sum Combinations

From top, clockwise :
🍴Steamed Pork Dumpling with Black Garlic 黑蒜蒸烧卖
🍴Steamed Prawn Dumpling with Bamboo Shoot 笋尖鲜虾饺
🍴Deep-fried Yam Dumpling filled with BBQ Honey Pork 芋角叉烧酥
🍴Crispy Codfish Roll with Wild Mushroom 三椒野菌鳕鱼卷

Deep-fried Yam Dumpling filled with BBQ Honey Pork 芋角叉烧酥

Barbequed Peking Duck 北京片皮鸭

This crispy roasted duck with crepe, cucumber, scallion and thick, fragrant sweet sauce is on this month’s promotional menu as part of a set of 8 gastronomic delights.

Alternatively, the big fat Peking Duck can be ordered as an ala-carte item at ONLY $48++ for now. So good deal hor! Don’t say bo jio!

Barbequed Peking Duck 北京片皮鸭

Barbequed Peking Duck 北京片皮鸭

Double-boiled Kampung Chicken Soup with Chinese Herbs 党参黄氏炖三芭鸡汤

The individually-served bowl of clear soup smelled of heavenly aroma.  I’m a soup lover who spares no expenses over soup ingredients.  Brought up the Cantonese way under my mum’s influence, I appreciate a hot bowl of soup when it comes to dining.  However, the soup I make at home (although is very good too) can in no way compare to the standards at Peach Blossoms even though I slow-slow-boil over the stove for hours.  At Peach Blossoms, they double-boil it for even longer hours hence I believe that is the way to seal in all the best flavour.

Looking at the ingredients from my soup bowl during the tasting session, I could not help but wonder if there was any other secret ingredients not seen.

Double-boiled Kampung Chicken Soup with Chinese Herbs 党参黄氏炖三芭鸡汤

Stir-fried Boston Lobster with Golden Stripe and Oatmeal 金丝麦香波士顿龙虾

Generously laced with oatmeal and the distinct taste of fried egg white, the Boston Lobster will be the highlight in the coming month of April.

We loved that the meaty chunk of lobster meat gave a sweet, flavourful and firm bite. It was so well fried. What delighted us further was the personal demo from Manager showing us how he removed the shell from the pincer, exposing the entire pincer meat. We only needed to bite that chunk of meat off then lick our fingers after that ✌

Totally awesome! Totally unlike the typical zichar kind of oat and cereal prawn thingy. ♡  This is a league on it’s own.

Stir-fried Boston Lobster with Golden Stripe and Oatmeal 金丝麦香波士顿龙虾

Stir-fried Boston Lobster with Golden Stripe and Oatmeal 金丝麦香波士顿龙虾

Watching the skillful removal of pincer shell amazed us how easily removable the succulent meat in the pincer was.

Under the Boston Lobster Promotion (1st April – 30th April 2017), there will be a choice of seven (7) cooking styles to choose from.  I believe one would mull over the selection just by looking at the menu.  The seven cooking styles available are listed below :-

• Deep-fried with Crispy Golden Cereal 金丝麦片
• Baked with Salted Egg and Cheese 芝士流沙焗
• Baked with Black Truffle in Supreme Stock 上汤黑松露酱焗
• Deep-fried and coated with Mayo and Mixed Nuts 果香珊汁
• Baked in “Portuguese” Style 葡式焗
• Stir-fried with Chill Paste 辣椒
• Baked with Creamy Custard Pumpkin Sauce 奶皇焗

Boston Lobster will be sold at $11.80++ per 100g during the promotional period.

Steamed Silver Cod with Spicy Bean Sauce 酱蒸银鳕鱼

From far even before the dish could reach our table, I could tell that my favourite fish is coming up just from the design of the bowl.  This seems to be the signature bowl used for serving fish dishes at Peach Blossoms.  Hahah!

I still remember the vivid tangy and spicy assam flavour from our last visit when Peach Blossoms had the Abalone Set Menu promotion.  This time round, Chef upped one notch on the level of spiciness for the accompanying sauce.  As Audrey could not stomach the sharp spiciness of the Spicy Bean Sauce, I gobbled up two whole servings of the Silver Cod with no regrets.  It is really very, very hot and spicy with the savoury kind, not mala numbing kind.  So if you are infatuated with spicy flavour like I do, this one dish will awaken all your sensations without failing to leave you asking for more.

Steamed Silver Cod with Spicy Bean Sauce 酱蒸银鳕鱼

Steamed Silver Cod with Spicy Bean Sauce 酱蒸银鳕鱼

Steamed Bean Curd stuffed with Minced Pork in “Chao Shan” Style 潮汕家乡煎酿豆腐煲

This Yong Tau Fu  tasted very similar to what my mum makes at home, except that I could not taste the presence of salted fish or fish meat in the minced pork in a typical Hakka style.  The broth with was rich in flavour and I must admit that it is more superior to my mum’s simple soya bean + ikan bilis soup.

Chao Shan is located in the region around the Eastern Guangdong.   With Chao Zhou right below the Hakka-populated Meizhou Province in China, it is no wonder that both styles of cooking look and taste similar.  I wonder who copied who many decades ago. ;p

Steamed Bean Curd stuffed with Minced Pork in “Chao Shan” Style 潮汕家乡煎酿豆腐煲

Pan-fried Rice Vermicelli and Glass Noodles with Shredded Duck Meat 香煎鸭丝干炒鸳鸯米粉

The familiar “chaotah” bee hoon was given a touch of elegance with the abundance of shredded duck meat stir-fried to smokey fragrance.  With the use of a mixture of glass noodles and vermicelli, it is one final stomach-filling dish that should not be missed even after all the fulfilling dishes prior.

Pan-fried Rice Vermicelli and Glass Noodles with Shredded Duck Meat 香煎鸭丝干炒鸳鸯米粉

Pan-fried Rice Vermicelli and Glass Noodles with Shredded Duck Meat 香煎鸭丝干炒鸳鸯米粉

Duo Dessert Combinations 香芒椰子冻配流沙煎堆

To make the meal complete, this Duo Dessert Combi of Chilled Coconut Jelly with Mango Puree served with Coconut Ice Cream and Deep-fried Glutinous Rice Ball filled with Custard and Salted Egg Yolk is here to find their way into your tummy.

To conclude the meal with the most perfect ending, start from the right with a medley of sweetness and work your way all the way to the left for the finale burst of savoury salted egg yolk lava encased within the very sticky, very QQ glutinous rice ball.  This is by no means a hastily prepared dessert as can be seen that the efforts have been put into plating.

Duo Dessert Combinations 香芒椰子冻配流沙煎堆 * Chilled Coconut Jelly with Mango Puree served with Coconut Ice Cream * Deep-fried Glutinous Rice Ball filled with Custard and Salted Egg Yolk

Every dish was beautifully plated and served hot.  I went into food coma when the spoon was finally laid down.

Peach Blossoms
Level 5, Marina Mandarin Singapore
6 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039594 (Map)

Reservations :
Call (65) 6845 1118/1111 or email peachblossoms.marina@meritushotels.com.

Opening Hours :
Monday – Friday Lunch: 12.00pm – 3.00pm
Weekend Lunch (Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays): 11.00am – 3.00pm
Daily Dinner: 6.30pm – 10.30pm

We are grateful for the opportunity to be invited for a sumptious lunch at Peach Blossoms, for the purposes of this review. We were not remunerated monetarily for the review, all opinions and experiences remain our own alone. All photos unless otherwise mentioned are copyright of Peach Blossoms and were provided for the purposes of this review.  All other photos remain the copyright property of SAys! Happy Mums and may not be reproduced without prior notice or written permission given.

~ SAys! Shirley  

About Marina Mandarin Singapore, by Meritus

Marina Mandarin Singapore is a world-class, 5-star luxury hotel that offers breathtaking views of Marina Bay and the financial district.

Enjoying an excellent location in the heart of the city, the hotel has direct access to the Marina Square Shopping Mall, and is opposite the Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre and The Esplanade–Singapore’s premier performing arts centre. The hotel is also perfectly situated right on the trackside of the annual Singapore Grand Prix Formula One race.

Complemented by a host of comprehensive amenities, the hotel’s 575 well-appointed guest rooms and suites are specially tailored to meet the needs of discerning business and leisure travellers.

With a distinctively majestic atrium soaring through 21 levels of the hotel, Marina Mandarin Singapore is imbued with a philosophy of providing Asian grace, warmth and care in an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.

About Meritus Hotels & Resorts

Meritus Hotels & Resorts is a Singapore-based hotel management company under the Hospitality Division of OUE Limited (SGX-ST: “OUE”), a diversified real estate owner, developer and operator with a portfolio of iconic properties in prime locations in Asia and the United States.

As an award-winning hospitality brand, Meritus has been providing guests its signature Asian Grace, Warmth and Care for over 40 years. With hotels and resorts strategically located in key cities and idyllic sanctuaries in Singapore and Malaysia, Meritus is soon extending its footprint in more locations around the region, particularly in Southeast Asia and China.

Meritus Hotels & Resorts is three-time winner of Most Popular Heritage Brand at the Singapore Prestige Brand Award (SPBA), demonstrating its impact as a home-grown Singapore brand that has become an important benchmark for values and best practices that other local brand owners strive to attain. More recently, the Group was also conferred Global Winner – Luxury Hotel Chain at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2013.

For more information visit www.meritushotels.com.

Prosperous Pleasures & Abundance of Treasures at Aquamarine CNY Buffet

With Christmas behind us and the Year of the Rooster arriving fast and furious in 3 weeks, everyone is always doubly busy with spring cleaning, putting up decorations, banking, and not to forget, meal-planning for reunion dinner and CNY gatherings at this time of the year.

If you have not done any planning yet, now is the time to make your reservations at AquaMarine for a gathering this CNY.  Located at Level 4 of Marina Mandarin, the Halal buffet restaurant is easily a crowd-pleaser with their splendid spread of delectable cuisine from Asian and International countries.

With planning in advance and innovative twist to the usual fare, Executive Chef Tony Khoo and Chef Chan Tuck Wai have specially prepared a line up of festive dishes to celebrate the joyous festival.

Yu Sheng (Salmon) – DIY

At the Yu Sheng DIY station, grab for yourselves as much treasures as you can with AquaMarine’s Signature Yu Sheng with fresh Salmon Sashimi.  After all, the more one grabs, the more ‘huat’ one will be right?

Roasted Duck and Wok Fried Leek in Buckwheat Crepes

Presenting our top vote, these crepe-wrapped roasted duck and wok-fried leek was a champion both in aesthetics appeal and tastes.  Rather than sampling small portions of the same duck and leek from the boring-looking warmer, this pancake-style alternative using healthy buckwheat for a wrap gave us a very different gastro-perience (if there is such a word) right out of from the buffet table.  This is a MUST-TRY!

Whole abalone, Sea Cucumber and Lobster Dumpling with Crustacean Sauce

Served as the stunning highlight during CNY Reunion Dinner (27 Jan 2017) is fresh Whole Abalone, Sea Cucumber and Lobster Dumpling swimming in a pool of deeply-flavoured Crustacean Sauce with a tinge of spice.  Everybody’s well-loved abalone and sea cucumber are braised to perfection – soft to the bite yet there is a little bit of firmness to them.

Together with the large chunk of lobster in the big dumpling symbolising a large money sack, I wished I could have another serving to lick the plate clean!  Gimme MORE, pretty please!

Wagyu Beef Short Ribs Kong Bag Pau

This Wagyu Beef Short Ribs Kong Bag Pau with 8 Spices has been cooked slowly for 16 hours to obtain tender chunks of beef with deep, flavourful gravy to soak steamed and ever soft lotus bun with.

An unique twist to the pork belly that we are used to, the wagyu beef kong bah pau is flavoured exactly like how we love it – thick, savoury gravy and (fatty) beef.  The addition of soya bean sprouts and lettuce matches the sinful yet delish dish very much.

Steamed Seafood with Cordycep Blossom In Lotus Leaves

Think fresh, sweet and succlent seafood from this eye-catching steamed basket of seafood enhanced with the nutritious cordycep blossoms and the fragrance from lotus leaves.  Symbolising abundance of laughter and happiness for the coming new year, the flower crabs, large prawns and bountiful seafood catch is a treasure trove to look out for.

A word of advice – don’t miss the soup!

Stewed Mee Sua with Seafood

After sampling the wave of delicious dishes above and not forgetting other food from the rest of the usual buffet spread at AquaMarine, we’d recommend going for a serving of warm mee sua stewed with fresh seafood.  The significance of longevity in mee sua is what everyone needs in the new year ahead.  The mee sua soaked in all the invigorating sweetness from the seafood and it settled comfortably in our stomachs after a satisfying meal.

Mandarin Orange Cake

For the coming Year of the Rooster, AquaMarine’s Mandarin Orange Cake certainly looks all set to welcome a year of prosperity and abundance with a wealthy burst of citrusy sweetness and auspicious fruity taste in every bite.

CNY Aquamarine Reunion Buffet Dinner
27 Jan 2017 from 630pm to 10pm
$128++ per adult and $64++ per child 5-12yrs old

CNY Day 1 and 2 Aquamarine Buffet 
28 and 29 Jan 2017
Lunch $68++ per adult
Dinner $88++ per adult

CNY Aquamarine Festive Buffet
16 Jan to 17 Feb 2017 (except 27, 28 and 29 Jan 2017) from 630pm to 10pm
Sun – Thurs $70++ per adult and $35++ per child (5-12yrs old)
Fri and Sat $80++ per adult and $40++ per child (5-12yrs old)

Festive Takeaway Menu is available for download here.

Address

AquaMarine

6 Raffles Boulevard, Level 4, Marina Mandarin, Singapore 039594 (Map)

Reservations & Enquiries:
Call (65) 6845 1111, email aquamarine.marina@meritushotels.com or visit www.marinamandarin.com.sg/dining for more information.

We are grateful for the opportunity to be invited for a sumptious lunch at AquaMarine, for the purposes of this review. We were not remunerated monetarily for the review, all opinions and experiences remain our own alone. All photos unless otherwise mentioned are copyright of AquaMarine and were provided for the purposes of this review.  All other photos remain the copyright property of SAys! Happy Mums and may not be reproduced without prior notice or written permission given.

~ SAys! Shirley  

Mandarin Orchard X’Mas 2016

What comes to mind for you when it is Christmas season?  We visualise smokey-grilled steak, roasted turkey, honey-baked ham together with images of exquisitely-made confectionaries and sweet pastries.  And not to forget that ohhh-so-pretty yule log cakes too!

It’s the time of the year filled with joyous mood along Orchard Road where everyone tries to make the most fun out of the year end festive celebrations.  Let’s see what Mandarin Orchard has geared up for the yuletide season with their exciting line-up of festive dining promotions and Christmas goodies for everyone!

We were most privileged to attend the year-end Christmas party held at Mandarin Orchard and had the opportunity to sample first-hand some of the most gastronomically delightful Christmas Goodies at the party.

Filled with dizzying array of mouth-watering Christmas roasts and sweet pastries fit for the season, you can expect to feast into sweet and savoury culinary delights at the various restaurants at Mandarin Orchard and festive takeaway booth between 23 November to 31 December 2016.

Coffee & Crust (Level 5) and/or Festive Takeaway Booth (Level 1 Lobby)

New creations such as Baked Norwegian Salmon Fillet with Watercress Crust, Roasted London Duck with Chinese Herbs, and Red Velvet Yule Log; and signature comebacks such as Premium Honey-Glazed Gammon Ham, and Valrhona Delicious Dulcey Yule Log will be available for a party with friends at Coffee & Crust, Level 5 or takeaway from Festive Booth, Level 1 Lobby.

Credit Card discounts ranging from 15-20% off for EARLY BIRDS is valid for orders made/purchased from 23 Nov to 14 Dec 2016.  Thereafter, normal discounts apply with 10-15% off.  Look out for special offers for Citibank and DBS/POSB cardholders!

For the full Christmas Takeaway Goodies form, please download at: http://tinyurl.com/MandarinGoodies2016.

For order and enquiries: Tel: (65) 6831 6272/6320 or email: festivedesk.orchard@meritushotels.com.

Baked Norwegian Salmon Fillet with Watercress Crust (1.5kg, $135)

Roasted London Duck with Chinese Herbs (2.8kg, $85)

Red Velvet Yule Log (1kg, $80)

Valrhona Delicious Dulcey Yule Log (1kg, $80)

Triple Three

Happening yearly at Triple Three, their lavish Christmas and New Year buffet spreads aim for the utmost in gastronomical delight.  For quality meat cuts and exceptional dessert and pastries, we’re always satisfied after all the indulgence.  Triple Three has prepared their Signature Pineapple Honey Glazed Ham, Roasted Stuffed Turkey with Cranberry Sauce, Mentaiyaki Lobster, and luscious festive desserts such as log cakes, stollen and fruit cakes for this season’s celebrations.

Dates: 24 to 26 December 2016 and 31 December 2016 to 1 January 2017
Price: Lunch – From $98++ (Adult), $33++ (Child 6 to 12yrs) | Dinner – From $128++ (Adult), $48++ (Child 6 to 12yrs)
Discount: Ranging from 1-for-1 for lunch and 50% off every second diner (dinner) for early bird pre-paid bookings made before 16 December 2016 for Christmas and 28 December 2016 for New Year’s Buffet.  Please call to enquire.

For reservations and enquiries:
Online Reservation: www.meritushotels.com/diningorchard
Tel: (65) 6831 6288/6271 or email: dine.orchard@meritushotels.com

Mandarin Orchard’s Cherry & Hokkaido Cream Fairy Tale Log is a must-try this year!  Both visually appealing and yummilicious at the same time, this will be the perfect adornment for the party table this year.

Cherry & Hokkaido Cream Fairy Tale Log (Also available at Festive Takeaway Booth, 1kg, $80)

Christmas Stollen (Also available at Festive Takeaway Booth, 500g, $38)

Dusted with Matcha powder over a tiramisu log cake, this is another exceptional creation with complementing flavours to delight.

Green Tea Tiramisu Yule Log

Christmas Mini Mince Pie (Also available at Festive Takeaway Booth, 5 pcs, $16)

Gingerbread House (Also available at Festive Takeaway Booth, $38 each)

Surprisingly not tough to the bite, the roasted turkey was in fact juicy and succulent.  I went straight for the thigh meat.  Kids would love it the tender meat too!

Roasted USA Turkey (Also available at Festive Takeaway Booth, 6kg Medium $218 / 8kg Large $238)

Never made to disappoint, the roasted Black Angus Rib Eye has always been a delight to dig into.  Don’t miss this at the Triple Three buffet too!

Roasted US Black Angus Beef Rib Eye with Green Peppers (Also available at Festive Takeaway Booth, 3kg)

Another roasted dish that we love is the Beckshire Pork Rack with Yuzu-Himalayan Salt Crust.  A uniquely sweet and savoury mix of flavours from every bite, the pork rack is a sure crowd-pleaser. Don’t say we never jio!

Oven Roasted Beckshire Pork Rack with Yuzu-Himalayan Salt Crust (Also available at Festive Takeaway Booth, $3kg $230)

Gingerbread House (Also available at Festive Takeaway Booth, $38 each)

Thank you for joining us on SAys! Happy Mums.  If you liked what you read on our blog, please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.  We hope to see you back again soon.

~ SAys! Shirley 🙂 

We are grateful for the opportunity to attend Mandarin Orchard’s Christmas Party for the purposes of this review. We were not remunerated for the review, all opinions and experiences remain our own alone. All photos unless otherwise mentioned are copyright of Mandarin Orchard and were provided for the purposes of this review. All other photos remain the copyright property of SAys! Happy Mums and may not be reproduced without prior notice or written permission given.

Marina Mandarin Peach Blossoms | Simply Indulge in Abalone Set Menu

Peach Blossoms at Marina Mandarin launched a brand new menu this month, featuring the bests of seafood in their latest Simply Indulge in Abalone Set Menu.  With the best offering of shark’s fin soup or crocodile’s paw in supreme broth, six-headed whole abalone and codfish as part of a seven-course meal, the upscale Chinese restaurant is all set to win with its signature traditional cuisine cooked with clever twists.

Available from now to 30 November 2016, the ambience, location and price point is great for impressing that important person.  So let’s move on to share what’s the highlights during the media lunch we attended.

Peach Blossoms Trio Appetizer Combination
* Chilled Japanese Cucumber Rolls filled with Jellyfish
* Deep-fried Scallop and Banana wrapped with Mashed Taro
* Deep-fried Prawn coated with Mayo and Mixed Nuts
精选特色三拼 –> 蜂巢香蕉玉带,菓香鲜虾球,日本青瓜海蜇卷

I love mashy soft and sweet taro.  My mum uses taro in her cooking pretty often but has never ventured to wrap it over scallop and banana before.  The Deep-fried Scallop and Banana wrapped with Mashed Taro was a welcoming appetizer both from it’s inviting looks as well as the combination of taste and texture.

You have to agree with us how pretty the Deep-fried Scallop and Banana wrapped with Mashed Taro looked!

This Chilled Japanese Cucumber Roll filled with Jellyfish cold dish appetizer looked simply exquisite.  Both crunchy and soft at the same time, it started off well as a light and refreshing appetiser so that it wouldn’t kill off the taste buds for later.

Chilled Japanese Cucumber Roll filled with Jellyfish

My last bite from the appetiser trio was the creamy Deep-fried Prawn coated with Mayo and Mixed Nuts.  The crunchy prawn was well-fried without losing succulence.  Generously coated with mayo and dressed up with some mixed nuts, there was a good balance of texture and colour created to please the palate.  Appetizer started very well, I would say!

Deep-fried Prawn coated with Mayo and Mixed Nuts

Braised Shark’s Fin in Supreme Broth served in Stone Bowl 石锅黄烧牙拣翅

Audrey had the Braised Shark’s Fin Soup in Supreme Broth.  According to Chef Francis Chong, the broth has been simmered for hours in a large pot to extract the collagen for the unparallelled natural flavour.

OR

Double-boiled Crocodile Palm Soup with Morel and Black Garlic 黑蒜羊肚菌炖鳄鱼掌汤

If you refrain from eating Shark’s Fin like I do, go ahead to order the Double-boiled Crocodile Palm Soup with Morel and Black Garlic.  I was surprised I wasn’t served the typical sharksfin-substitute somewhere along the line of Wintermelon or Fish Maw Soup so commonly found at other places.  Trust me, you will not regret this croco-soup or even feel “shortchanged”.  

The crocodile meat was so tender and fleshy that it almost tastes like chicken (with a crumply rough skin >.<).  None of the fishy crocodile smell lingered in the black clear soup containing chunky Fish Maw, Morel (a type of atas honeycomb-lookalike fungus that is super expensive and hard to cultivate/farm) and Black Garlic.  Seems like no expenses were spared measures in the preparation this croco-soup at all.

Braised Six-headed Whole Abalone in Superior Oyster Sauce 红烧六头鲍鱼

This six-headed whole abalone from Australia was larger than the tablespoon. At about 100g each, they hold a delicate taste while retaining it’s distinct succulent flavour from the sea. I love the mollusk’s firm texture and really enjoyed savouring the luxurious delicacy generously drizzled with the superior oyster sauce.

Oh man! I wish I can eat this everyday ♡

Steamed Silver Cod in ‘Penang’ Style 槟城式蒸银鳕鱼

This is one excellent assam fish in the 7-course Abalone Set Menu.  I LOVE ❤ that the thick assam sauce is a refreshing perk-me-up with just the right degree of tanginess to complement the sweet codfish.  Not only is the fish fresh, it also retained its succulence. Cod is also one of my favourite fish to cook at home. However, I can never achieve this kind of succulence no matter how i steamed, grilled or airfried it.

We got to find out that the Penang style sauce that many of us enjoyed was made with ginger, shallot, garlic, lemongrass, ginger flower, chilli and tamarind (assam).  All ingredients were blended and cooked at low flame for two hours, and by constantly stirring the sauce to provide a burst of delicious flavours to surprise.

“Dong Po” Pork Ribs with Honey Sauce 蜜汁东坡骨

The pork ribs were cooked “Dong Po”-style. They were first braised until the meat are ready-to-drop-off kind of tender, then grilled to perfection with honey sauce to achieve that caramelised taste with a little crisp on the skin.  The Honey sauce consists of honey, hoisin, oyster sauce, cinnamon, star anise and Chef Francis Chong’s secret spice.

The clever use of ribs instead of belly provided a healthier option for everyone. ❤  Coupled with asparagus that balanced the meaty serving, this was one of our favourite dish during yesterday’s media lunch.

Stewed Rice Vermicelli with Assorted Seafood 大澳米粉

The most plain-looking of all.  What??  $128++ set meal and Bee Hoon is part of the menu??  But we were so wrong.  The Stewed Rice Vermicelli with Assorted Seafood turned out to be a flavourful favourite even though we were all already pretty full.  Chef shared that the vermicelli was first wok fried for the “Wok Hei” then stewed in a flavourful chicken stock with dried sole and a dash of Chinese rice wine before serving.  No wonder – so yumz!!

Chilled Coconut Jelly with Mango Puree served with Coconut Ice cream 香芒椰子冻

No matter how full I am, I would always, never, ever, without fail, finish up the dessert especially if it’s got to do with all-time favourite coconut or mango.  As the name suggested, right at the bottom of the glass is a generous layer of coconut jelly which was topped by the thick and sweet mango puree.  On top of it all, a scoop of coconut icecream was added to make all the children in us very happy at the end of the meal.

Every dish hit the right spot in terms of presentation and flavour.  If there was any complain, it would be having too big a portion.  I went into food coma the moment I reached home, slept the afternoon away, skipped dinner and gotten myself fatter by maybe half kg  >.<  At this price point, I made a daring comparison and felt that it is so much more worthwhile to spend the same amount here than at a wedding lunch with half-cold food and rushed-rushed affair.

The seven-course Abalone Set Menu from Peach Blossoms is priced at $128++ per person.  Not valid with any other promotions, vouchers, privileges or membership/loyalty programs.  Available from now to 30 November 2016 only.

Peach Blossoms
Level 5, Marina Mandarin Singapore
6 Raffles Boulevard
Singapore 039594 (Map)

Reservations :
Call (65) 6845 1118 or email peachblossoms.marina@meritushotels.com

Opening Hours :
Monday – Friday Lunch: 12.00pm – 3.00pm
Weekend Lunch (Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays): 11.00am – 3.00pm
Daily Dinner: 6.30pm – 10.30pm

We are grateful for the opportunity to be invited for a sumptious lunch at Peach Blossoms, for the purposes of this review. We were not remunerated monetarily for the review, all opinions and experiences remain our own alone. All photos unless otherwise mentioned are copyright of Peach Blossoms and were provided for the purposes of this review.  All other photos remain the copyright property of SAys! Happy Mums and may not be reproduced without prior notice or written permission given.

~ SAys! Shirley and Audrey  

About Marina Mandarin Singapore, by Meritus

Marina Mandarin Singapore is a world-class, 5-star luxury hotel that offers breathtaking views of Marina Bay and the financial district.

Enjoying an excellent location in the heart of the city, the hotel has direct access to the Marina Square Shopping Mall, and is opposite the Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre and The Esplanade–Singapore’s premier performing arts centre. The hotel is also perfectly situated right on the trackside of the annual Singapore Grand Prix Formula One race.

Complemented by a host of comprehensive amenities, the hotel’s 575 well-appointed guest rooms and suites are specially tailored to meet the needs of discerning business and leisure travellers.

With a distinctively majestic atrium soaring through 21 levels of the hotel, Marina Mandarin Singapore is imbued with a philosophy of providing Asian grace, warmth and care in an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.

About Meritus Hotels & Resorts

Meritus Hotels & Resorts is a Singapore-based hotel management company under the Hospitality Division of OUE Limited (SGX-ST: “OUE”), a diversified real estate owner, developer and operator with a portfolio of iconic properties in prime locations in Asia and the United States.

As an award-winning hospitality brand, Meritus has been providing guests its signature Asian Grace, Warmth and Care for over 40 years. With hotels and resorts strategically located in key cities and idyllic sanctuaries in Singapore and Malaysia, Meritus is soon extending its footprint in more locations around the region, particularly in Southeast Asia and China.

Meritus Hotels & Resorts is three-time winner of Most Popular Heritage Brand at the Singapore Prestige Brand Award (SPBA), demonstrating its impact as a home-grown Singapore brand that has become an important benchmark for values and best practices that other local brand owners strive to attain. More recently, the Group was also conferred Global Winner – Luxury Hotel Chain at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2013.

For more information visit www.meritushotels.com.

 

The Best of Spice & South East Asian Delights @ AquaMarine

AquaMarine has launched their new menu this month.  Located at Marina Mandarin Singapore and specially available only til 27 Oct 2016, the Best of Spice & South East Asian Delights buffet menu features heartwarming authentic dishes from all over Asia.  There were a ridiculous array of various dishes from all over Asia, so much so that I was caught with surprise not knowing the existence of many of them.

A fully Halal-certified restaurant, Muslim friends at AquaMarine will find joy having their meal gathering with family and friends here.

We spotted what we are familiar with like the Javanese Kampung Nasi Goreng, Malaysian Hokkien Mee and Penang Assam Laksa, Balinese Bakar of Lamb Belly, Whole Ikan Kambung, Chicken, Charcoal Grilled Oxtail.  Don’t give the Balinese Bakar a miss.  They were really fragrant and exuded savoury meat juices with some well-grilled crispy skin there too.

Too bad you can’t smell them!

Penang Assam Laksa

 

Korean Bibim Naengmyun (or Chilled Sweet Potato Noodle with Shredded Cucumber, Beansprout, Scallion, Picked Radish and Assorted Kimchi), Hae Mul Pajeon (Korean Seafood Pancake), Tteokbokki and Samyetang.

Korean Tteokbokki

Japanese handmade sushi and freshly-sliced sashimi remains a crowd-pleaser here.  Two (2) types of sashimi from  a range of Salmon, Seabeam, Tuna, Swordfish, Octopus, Mackerel are being offered on a rotational basis.

We had Tuna and Salmon on the day we visited.

Over at the Indian Delight curry station, scores of diners attacked the Calcutta Fish Curry, Chicken Tika, Vegetable Korma, Biryani Rice and more.

The Indian Chicken Curry was superb with thick and flavourful curry and tender chicken.

For the noodle lovers, there is Sze Chuan Hand-pulled Noodles with Fresh Prawn, Scallop, Squid and Sliced Fish with Hot & Sour Broth, Taiwanese Wagyu Beef Noodle made with Wagyu Shortribs, Tendon and Beef Ball in a rich Beef Marrow Broth.  Shanghai Pan Fried Chicken Dumpling Sheng Jian Bao and Hong Kong Pineapple Bun Bo Lo Bao are our favourites too.

Expect lesser-known traditional favourites from other Asian countries such as Javanese Roast Whole Lamb Leg with Spicy Coconut and Peanut Sauce, Beef Adobo from the Philippines, Ca Kho To (a Vietnamese Braised Fish dish), Miang Kham from Thailand & Laos, Lechon Manok from Philippines and Amok Trey Cambodian Steam Curry Seafood.

Miang kham is a traditional snack from Thailand and Laos. The name “miang kham” loosely translates to “one bite wrap”, from miang and kham. ~ Extracted from Wikipedia

Vietnamese Fried Sliced Beef and French Bean

Night Market Favourites, available on Fridays and Saturdays at the Alfresco area at AquaMarine, satiate your appetite with charcoal-grilled Thai Barbeque giant Seabass with Mango Salad, chicken, squid, fish and prawns, or Chong Qing Mala Hot Pot with a selection of fresh seafood, poultry and meat.  And more!

I guess no buffet is complete without fresh & cold seafood, Western grill, bread and cheese, pizzas and pastas.

Satay Chicken Pizza

Seafood Pasta

The Smoked Duck with Orange Jus carries a refreshing tangy and a little sweet flavour to the smoked duck – a nice variant from the savoury original.

Desserts include Mango Sticky Rice with Coconut Sauce from Thailand, Surabaya Lapis from Indonesia, Mango Pudding with Coulis from Hong Kong, Vattalappam from Sri Lanka and more.

Assorted Nyonya Kuehs & Kueh Lapis

Old School Butter Cake and Pumpkin Custard

Don’t forget the Durian Mousse Cake as well as the Chendol Agar-Agar served in shot glasses.  These two were a hot favourite and were gone almost as quickly as they were replenished.

Durian Mousse Cake

Red Ruby, Mango Pudding, Chendol Agar-Agar. I really loved the Chendol Agar-Agar. They were excellently rich and fragrant. I found the Mango Pudding surprisingly tasteless though Audrey said they were good. We guessed I must have had eaten the durian mousse cake before this.

Putu Ayu and Dainty Green Tea Chestnut Cakes

The Yuzu Mango Cold Cheesecake looks really inviting here. The tangy yuzu might be too sour for some. I found it tantalising.

A habit that cannot be changed when I spot beautifully-crafted desserts at a buffet, I always take the most visually-appealing ones first before others get to them.  Here are my “collection” of the day even before I finished having the main dishes.  Always gotta save a stomach for sweets!  ;p

Amazing buffets hold a special place in all our hearts.  Who wouldn’t love to pay single flat amount and have all-you-can-eat?  AquaMarine is well-known being one of the better buffets in Singapore and it was certainly not our first time as diners there (I mean, who doesn’t know AquaMarine?) although it’s our first hosted invite by Marina Mandarin as bloggers.  Thanks!

AquaMarine’s Operating Hours

Breakfast: 6.30am – 10.30am

Lunch: 
Monday to Friday: 12.00pm – 2.30pm
Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday: 12.00pm – 3.00pm

S$60++ per adult, S$30++ per child (5-12 yrs)

For weekend lunch (Saturday, Sunday and Public Holiday), one child dines free with every paying adult.  Promotion applicable to child aged below 12 and advanced reservations are recommended and subjected to availability.  This benefit is applicable with credit card promotions, vouchers, membership/VIP card, and privileges and offers unless otherwise stated. General Terms and Conditions apply.

Dinner:
Sunday to Thursday: 6.30pm – 10.00pm

S$70++ per adult, S$35++ per child (5-12 yrs)

Friday, Saturday & Eve of Public Holiday: 6.30pm – 10.00pm

S$80++ per adult, S$40++ per child (5-12 yrs)

Reservations & Enquiries:
Call (65) 6845 1111, email aquamarine.marina@meritushotels.com or visit www.marinamandarin.com.sg/dining for more information.

We are grateful for the opportunity to be invited for a sumptious lunch at AquaMarine, for the purposes of this review. We were not remunerated monetarily for the review, all opinions and experiences remain our own alone. All photos unless otherwise mentioned are copyright of AquaMarine and were provided for the purposes of this review.  All other photos remain the copyright property of SAys! Happy Mums and may not be reproduced without prior notice or written permission given.

~ SAys! Shirley  

About Marina Mandarin Singapore, by Meritus

Marina Mandarin Singapore is a world-class, 5-star luxury hotel that offers breathtaking views of Marina Bay and the financial district.

Enjoying an excellent location in the heart of the city, the hotel has direct access to the Marina Square Shopping Mall, and is opposite the Suntec Convention & Exhibition Centre and The Esplanade–Singapore’s premier performing arts centre. The hotel is also perfectly situated right on the trackside of the annual Singapore Grand Prix Formula One race.

Complemented by a host of comprehensive amenities, the hotel’s 575 well-appointed guest rooms and suites are specially tailored to meet the needs of discerning business and leisure travellers.

With a distinctively majestic atrium soaring through 21 levels of the hotel, Marina Mandarin Singapore is imbued with a philosophy of providing Asian grace, warmth and care in an atmosphere of relaxed elegance.

About Meritus Hotels & Resorts

Meritus Hotels & Resorts is a Singapore-based hotel management company under the Hospitality Division of OUE Limited (SGX-ST: “OUE”), a diversified real estate owner, developer and operator with a portfolio of iconic properties in prime locations in Asia and the United States.

As an award-winning hospitality brand, Meritus has been providing guests its signature Asian Grace, Warmth and Care for over 40 years. With hotels and resorts strategically located in key cities and idyllic sanctuaries in Singapore and Malaysia, Meritus is soon extending its footprint in more locations around the region, particularly in Southeast Asia and China.

Meritus Hotels & Resorts is three-time winner of Most Popular Heritage Brand at the Singapore Prestige Brand Award (SPBA), demonstrating its impact as a home-grown Singapore brand that has become an important benchmark for values and best practices that other local brand owners strive to attain. More recently, the Group was also conferred Global Winner – Luxury Hotel Chain at the World Luxury Hotel Awards 2013.

For more information visit www.meritushotels.com.

{Review} Fee-fi-fo-fum FUN! It’s Jack and the Beanstalk!

Just when I thought that every last fairy tale had been made into a theatre production, I’m surprised yet again that there’s yet one more! Yep, Jack and the Beanstalk is a classic fairy tale which we’ve yet seen on stage until now.

Together with Lyngo Theatre, Act 3 International brings this Giant of a fairy tale to stage at the National Library Black Box Theatre from 6 -18 September 2016.

Everyone knows the classic story about Jack who sells his cow, Milky White, for 5 magic beans that grew and grew overnight to reach a land above the clouds where the Giants live. Now join LYNGO‘s fun storytelling and hilarious exploration of the land of Giants and expect lots of fun surprises and squeals of laughter!

Smiling happy faces at Act 3i and Lyngo Theatre’s Jack and the Beanstalk

We had so much fun at today’s stage performance. The kids were all riveted to what was happening onstage. The set was simple as with the storyline that remained unchanged from the familiar, and yet every bit captivating with the well timed lighting cues and music.

The wonderful acting and performance by just one very energetic engaging actor drew laughter from every corner of the theatre. That is the children’s theatre success of Lyngo ~ One man, all the laughter.

The Tiny house that Jack lives in…

The audience interaction was superb even without asking for anyone to come onstage or purposefully baiting the audience to participate. The atmosphere was so relaxed at the Black Box Theatre this afternoon that the children felt so at ease to shout out their thoughts right from where they sat at every possible moment. Watch for the really Enormous boot, tiny house, snow and showers of silver and gold and some squirts of ‘milk’ for the front seats! A really good show that wastes nothing!

Backstage Workshop Tour

If anything, don’t miss the Backstage Workshop Tour. There are limited spaces and tickets available for this and it’s really really worth doing!

Having fun at the Backstage Workshop Tour. Kids are encouraged to try it out and let their imagination flow

At the backstage workshop, you get the Meet and Greet to meet the man behind the amazing performance. But what’s most precious about this 30 minute workshop is that your kids get to explore theatre behind the scenes.

The children are encouraged to think how each scene is achieved, how and why a prop is made in that way, what lightings are used and why and what they noticed about the music used! I learnt that there were 45 different lighting cues for this short 50minute production! Wow!

Watch this mini-video of parts of the Backstage tour that we so enjoyed and loved!

As a parent interested in the Arts and wanting to cultivate the same love for Arts in my little one, I found this workshop really great creative fun. The kids were given every opportunity to interact with the actor, with the props and with what they had just watched, to explore and imagine.

I could see it really helped Wey put his creative thoughts in place as he thought through the play he just watched and how each scene was achieved.

Creating rain with air pressure!

The discussion was highly interactive as the kids were told and taught how things were done. Everyone even the adults had fun!

Making the audience believe that the boot was really SO HEAVY!! hahaa

So if you can help it, book this segment and stay the extra 30 minutes! No regrets whatsoever!

As the show ended, I couldn’t help but to ask the kiddos what they thought about Jack’s actions, was it right or wrong? Although the fairy tale doesn’t quite give a sense of Jack doing any wrong, and seems to celebrate the fact that he killed the Giant, my take home discussion for Wey was to check out his moral compass despite the fair tale’s presentation.

Presenting Lyngo Theatre and Wey! haha!

I was quite pleased that Wey’s immediate response was that Jack was not right to steal (not just once but actually thrice!) from the Giant. Wey said to me “Mama, being poor doesn’t mean he can steal from the Giant. And because he didn’t work hard for what he stole, he used it up so quickly and had to go back to steal again!” Wow!! Thank you, Wey! So we’re good in that department! hahah! Phew! So, there you have it, a great take home lesson and teaching opportunity for the kids too! 🙂

                                                                                                        .

Don’t miss this great fun opportunity to meet theatre in a fun innovative way with LYNGO, a UK based Children’s Theatre company. Their shows have delighted children for over 10 years, with their inventive use of beautifully designed and handmade ‘theatre toys’ with a genuine approach to playing and interacting with their audience. There is only one more weekend to catch this wonderful production. Book your tickets at SISTIC before the run ends on 18 September 2016!

                                                                                                            .

Thank you for joining us on SAys! Happy Mums.  If you liked what you read on our blog, please follow us on Facebook for the latest updates.  We hope to see you back again soon.

SAys! Audrey  

 

We are grateful for the opportunity to attend Jack and the Beanstalk and the Backstage Tour Workshop, for the purposes of this review. We were not remunerated monetarily for the review, all opinions and experiences remain our own alone. All photos unless otherwise mentioned are copyright of Act 3 International and were provided for the purposes of this review. All other photos remain the copyright property of SAys! Happy Mums and may not be reproduced without prior notice or written permission given.

About Jack and The Beanstalk

When : 6  to 18 Sep 2016 | Weekdays 10am | Weekends & PH : 10.30am & 2.30pm |

Where : Drama Centre Black Box, National Library

Who : 3 years and above and their families

Ticket Pricing : Weekdays S$28 (Excludes Booking Fee) | Weekends & PH Standard S$38 , Limited S$46( inclusive of 30min Backstage Tour) |

Do Check Sistic website for applicable ticket discounts

ALL PATRONS (including babies-in-arms) MUST PURCHASE A TICKET FOR ADMISSION.

Duration : 60 minutes with no interval

Tickets available through :
SISTIC Website
SISTIC Hotline (65) 6348 5555
SISTIC Authorised Agents islandwide