How to Have the Best Weekend Ever in SingaporeÂ
When you talk about travelling in Asia, a lot of Filipinos would most likely mention Singapore as part of their list of must-visit countries. Ask them what sights and things they plan to do once there, top of mind answers will be shopping (for those who love designer brands – Louis Vuitton, Chanel and other couture labels), sampling the local cuisine and of course checking out the attractions (Hello, Universal Studios!) .
Granted, these are must-dos when visiting Singapore, but these are only tip of the iceberg because this country has so much to offer to its visitors from sun up til after dark. I got the opportunity to learn more about Singapore’s tourism at a recent media event held at 71 Gramercy.
 The program started off with a song performance from the acoustic duo, Jack Ho and Rai Sellakannu. This duo was very engaging.
They actually started off as solo acoustic musicians more than a decade ago before they came together in 2002. Jack and Rai were named ‘Musicians of the Year’ in 2009 by Elle Magazine, M: Idea Youth Choice’s ‘Band I Wanna Throw Myself At’ for two consecutive years (2010 and 2011). If you’re ever in Singapore and in the mood for music in an intimate setting, check out this duo along with other various local artists like Vandetta, Blues Machine and Goodfellas at live music bars like the Timbre @ The Substation and Wala Wala Cafe Bar in Holland Village. Jack and Rai perform at Timbre @ The Substation every Wednesday night and Wala Wala Cafe on Sunday nights.Â
Music fans and enthusiasts alike should know that Singapore has become a must-play destination for any international artist that has a world tour happening – from chart-topping superstars like Taylor Swift and Beyonce to up-and-coming indie bands and the coolest DJs like Calvin Harris – and they come to the country just to catch their favorite artist perform. This year, music lovers are definitely going to flock to Singapore again to see instrumental rock guitar music legend, Joe Satriani  – his only Asian sop at Joe Satriani’s 2014 World Tour Concert happening this November 13, 2014.Â
Is attending a music festival part of your bucket list? In Singapore, there’s the iconic music festival called Skechers Sundown Festival 2014 on November 22 which brings a diverse line of Asian arists and fans together in one place and there’s also the two-day ZoukOut Singapore: A Dance Music Festival set to happen on December 12 and 13, the world’s only sunrise beach festival where you can party from dusk till dawn. And speaking of Zoukout, one of Zouk;s freshest crop of offerings, DJ Elvin provided the music for the after party.
These awesome events are organized by LAMC Productions, who has produced many successful concerts and events in the past – from intimate private dinner shows to rock concerts that draws a crowd by the thousands – world-class entertainment provided by this production company in Singapore and beyond!
LA Comedy Live, on the other hand, is responsible for bringing the biggest stars and the loudest laughs in Singapore from UK, Canada, America and Asia from Rob Schneider (best known for his movies The Hot Chick and Deuce Bigalow) to Russell Peters, Chris Tucker (Rush Hour), Michael McIntryre (The UK’s Best Kept Secret) and John Cleese of Monty Python.
 Ms. Lauretta Alabons, Founder and Owner of LAMC Products and LA Comedy Live
Are you into performing and visual arts? Then don’t fret because Singapore also has exhibitions from both local and international artists abound in the numerous galleries around the city.Â
 Wendi Teoh, Head of the Development Office, Entertainment Department of Resorts World Sentosa talked about the fantastic line-up of hit shows and musicals that they have to offer for the whole family. Â
Â
If you’re planning to travel to Singapore this year, you can watch the Filipino-produced Priscilla: Queen of the Desert (October 16-26, 2014) or the classic Peter Pan, The Never Ending Story (November 27, 2014 – January 20, 2015) that has toured over 10 European cities and is now premiering in Asia for the first time ever! Â
And finally what’s a vacation without spending at least one night out partying and drinking? Head on over to 28 Hong Kong Street to catch Peter Chua, Jekyll & Hyde for Jeff Ho and Maison Ikkoku for Ethan Leslie Leong and sample creatively delightful cocktails crafted by these award-winning mixologists.
Ethan Leslie Leong crafts a sample cocktail concoctionÂ
Voila! The Torch of Singapore  – one of Ethan Leslie’s tasty cocktail creations which we all got to try
Â
The Executive Director of Maison Ikkoku actually also holds cocktail consultancy roles in other bars, restaurants, clubs and events cocktails catering service and even hosts a Master Mixology Class every month. His most recent achievements include designing and developing global drinks menu for Haagen-Dazs (July 2014) and conceptualization of Nuvo Restaurant and Bar’s entire cocktails list (January 2014). Â Â
 Ethan talks about the collaborations he’s done in the past. Look at that – he’s got a Chanel cocktail collaboration!Â
You can also visit exclusive speakeasies such as the password-protected, The Library (Now that’s exclusive!); the unassuming basement-level location of B28 and the hidden bar, The Secret Mermaid which serves unique American craft spirits. Or you can dance the night way hundreds of feet in the air at one of Singapore’s popular rooftop bars like Loof, Lantern or 1-Altitude which towers over the city at a full 282 meters (Definitely not for the faint of heart!).
Whatever kind of entertainment you’re looking for, name it and Singapore’s got it! With so many places to explore and experiences to remember, you’re sure to have a fun-filled vacation that’ll be worth sharing to your family and friends. So go book a ticket, pack your bags and get set for your best weekend ever in Singapore! Â
